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Fallout Equestria: Icicle | Chapter 21 - Q&A | Chapter 21 - Q&A
"Looks like we might be due for a big ol' storm of chaos!"
===~+~===
I see Hearty, most of his head missing, but still standing in front of me, looking at me curiously. "You ruined my experiments, Ratchet," He tells me. "The hope of all ghouls everywhere, shattered, in an instant."
"No, you were insane. Using innocent ponies to further your research," I shoot back at him. He laughs, causing blood to rise from his throat and spill upon the ground.
"Sure, justify it. You killed me in cold blood, I was defenseless," Hearty says, his tone hardening. "I'd say we are the same, but you are a monster compared to me," He says.
"What?" I gawk at him. "As if, you are the monster here."
"You think you did good? What good did my execution accomplish? My cold blooded murder? I gave ghouls hope that they could be cured, I was working towards that goal. A righteous goal, a noble goal. You...what was your goal in killing me? Revenge?" He questions.
"That's twisted and you know it! If I didn't stop you, you'd have kept killing innocents!" I tell him.
"I was captured, I could not have harmed another soul if I wanted to. But you weren't satisfied. You had to murder me. You could have left me for the future residents to deal with, to pass judgement on me. But you gave me no trial, no judgement, just an execution," Hearty says, spraying blood on me as he speaks.
I glare at him. "I know, killing you was wrong. It was a lapse in judgement. If I could go back..." Hearty cuts me off.
"You don't get to go back, Ratchet. One lapse in judgement, one mistake, and ponies die," He says harshly.
"You're right, I can't. But I can learn from my mistakes, move forward. You're the only helpless pony I've killed, and I hope you are the last," I tell him.
"The only pony you've killed?" Another voice says. "What about me, Ratchet?" Thunder says as his twisted body limps out from behind Hearty. "You got me killed," He accuses.
"No, that was...an accident," I tell him, looking aside.
"The way you cast your eyes aside, you know I'm right. You had every opportunity to come back down stairs and check on me. Make sure I was alright. Instead, you kept going up the tower, worried about the time you had left to hide in your safe, secure armor," Thunder says, staring at me.
"You volunteered to stay down there. I even called down to you a few times, to make sure you were alright. If you needed us, you could have said something," I tell him, shifting to look at his body.
"Wrong. You know how prideful and courageous I was. I wouldn't have asked for help, even if I needed it. You were our leader, you should have known. But your selfishness cost me my life," He says.
"No, you're wrong," I tell him. "I risked myself for everyone at times, remember raider alley?"
"You think that makes you less selfish? That makes you the most selfish. Instead of leading, forming a proper plan, you decided to take everything onto your shoulders. We were given vague explanations of what to do, no real formation or idea of what to do. 'Protect Rose', 'Get across the street', those were your orders. Simplistic, idiotic, and selfish," Thunder says with malice.
"Your former comrade is right, you know," Hearty agrees. "You are selfish. After all, instead of talking to your remaining friends about killing me, you did it yourself. I'm sure Lightning was just itching to kill me himself, and you robbed him of that," He tells me.
I shrink back from them, not wanting to listen to them anymore. "Stop it," I mutter, falling to my haunches and covering my ears.
"It is no wonder Lightning and Arrow left you when Lily told them to. They doubted your ability to lead, to keep them alive. They made it seem like they had no choice, but it is all your fault that they left," Thunder tells me.
"All your fault," Hearty agrees.
"It is all your fault, Ratchet. We are dead because of you," They say in unison. "Your friends left because of you. Cygnus and Shrill will leave you too, in time."
"It's all your fault," They chant. "All your fault. All your fault. All. Your. Fault."
===~+~===
I wake up with a start, my heart pounding in my chest. My breathing is ragged and I look around rapidly. Cygnus seems to wake up slightly and mutters, "Uhh, did Cora fall again?" But he just scratches his back and goes back to sleep. I look over at Shrill's bed, but it is empty.
Then, I feel the warmth around me and look down. Shrill is in my bed with me, hooves wrapped around my waist. I let out a sigh and try to catch my breath. Shrill wakes up as I do so, and looks up at me, wiping the sleep from her eyes. "Mmm, morning Ratchet," She says.
I look down at her, putting on my most 'unamused' face. "Shrill, why are you in my bed?" I ask her.
"Oh? Am I?" She says, looking around groggily. "Oh, so I am. Guess I must have sleepwalked my way into your bed," She tells me.
I keep the same expression and just keep looking at her. "What? You're not suggesting that I watched you as you fell asleep, and then once I thought you were sleeping deeply enough climbed into your bed, are you? Because that would be, well, you know..." She trails off and gives me a puppy dog look.
"Sorry, I won't do it again," Shrill says, puffing out a cheek and looking at me sadly. I let out a sigh.
"See that you don't," I tell her. "Now, could you let go of me please?" I ask her, looking down at her arms still wrapped around my waist.
Shrills eyes go wide. "You mean you don't even want to cuddle!" She gasps. Again, I flash my 'unamused' face at her, and she pouts as she lets me go. "Fine, fine. I'm going to take a shower then. In that ever so clean bathroom...Oh my, it is so beautiful," she says with a slight smile as she gets up off the bed. "Join me if you want," She says in a sing-songy voice as she walks toward the bathroom.
I watch as she walks over and closes the door. "She's odd," Cora says from right behind me, causing me to literally jump out of bed.
"Son of a...Cora, when did you get in here?" I ask her.
"A few minutes ago. I heard you talking in your sleep, and I was a bit concerned. Bad dream?" Cora asks.
I nod. "Yea, something like that. Don't worry about it, it's nothing," I tell her with a smile. She tilts her head, but doesn't say anything else. "So, you get used to the body?" I ask her.
She shakes her head. "Yep! I've even got more range of motion than a normal pony! I should be able to help you all fight now!"
"That's good, though I hope we don't get into too many fights," I tell her. "Anyway," I say, pushing myself up from the bed, "Shrill is taking a shower, so tell me about your new body. Everything you found out while you were testing it out last night," I say with a smile. "Though, let's go to the workshop, Cygnus is still sleeping," I add.
Cora nods quietly and we quietly walk to the workshop where she tells me all about her new body.
===~+~===
After a while, Cygnus wakes up and Shrill finishes up her shower. The four of us, including Cora, gather in the small kitchen attached to the living quarters. It isn't much, a sink, stove, fridge, and a few cabinets that used to be filled with food. A few of the cabinets still contain dishes and utensils.
Pushed against one of the walls is a small table with five simple chairs around it. Before, most of my staff eat while they worked, but occasionally someone would eat in the kitchen. We never had large meals at a specific time, it was a sort of make something when you're hungry arrangement. Mostly, the table was used for breaks when my staff would play cards or use the time to catch up on the latest news about the war.
However, those times are long gone. Now, it is just the four of us, and of course Cora isn't eating with us. We don't have much in the way of fine cuisine, but it is food. Cora just practices sitting in a chair while we eat. We eat in silence other than a few remarks about Cora's body. Once we finish, I decide to get down to business.
As Shrills sets a plate into the sink, I clear my throat and address her. "Shrill, I think it is time for us to talk about Grimoire," I say. She turns back around to face us with a sad smile on her face.
"Yea, I suppose. Let's get this out of the way," Shrill says as she walks back towards us and then sits back down. "The topic of Grimoire is pretty broad. Want to start me out with some specifics?" She asks.
I'm about to ask the first question, but Cygnus beats me to it. "How many raiders does he have under his command?" He asks. Not the first question I'd have asked, but it wasn't a bad one.
Shrill furrows her brow in thought. "Last I knew," She begins, "a few thousand. An actual count has never been taken, but I've heard him utter the word 'thousands' a few times when discussing his army. Though, his recent attack on that Stable...36, I think it was, wiped out a good number of his force in this area," She explains.
"In this area?" Cygnus repeats. "Does that mean he has small armies spread across the wasteland?" He asks.
Shrill nods. "That's right. Keeping an army of thousands in one place would be troublesome. He has smaller divisions spread to each area of Equestria, some are even beyond, but not many. I'm pretty sure he has a group in the area of each major city. Manehatten, Baltimare, Hoofington, and others," She answers.
"So much for finding a central location," Cygnus mutters. "Ratchet?" He says, offering me the floor. I clear my throat.
"Well, we've seen Grimoire around here a lot. Does that mean he directly commands the raiders around Canterlot?" I ask her.
"He commands all the armies directly," She replies. "Grimoire does have leaders to command in his place, but for every major operation, Grimoire is there giving the orders," She explains.
I raise an eyebrow. "But you said his armies are all over, how can he possibly direct them all? Wouldn't there be weeks he would go without giving orders to one of them? I haven't picked up any other radio signals and I don't think any other communication devices work anymore. Even if he was constantly on the move, it would take him weeks, if not months to make the rounds. Especially since he has seemed to be here for the past few weeks," I tell her.
Shrill shakes her head. "Do you remember how Grimoire captured you last time?" She asks. To be honest, I am pretty confused about the whole thing. One moment it was just me and Cygnus, the next Grimoire was there and then I lost consciousness.
"He just blinded us and knocked me out, right?" I ask her.
Shrill frowns and shakes her head as she says, "He teleported. The flash was him appearing. He then put you to sleep and teleported you out. It was just him, no one else. That is why Cygnus here is still alive as well." She gestures to Cygnus. I look at him for confirmation, and he nods.
"So, let me get this right. He teleports between his armies on a whim then? It takes a lot of magic to teleport, the longer the distance, the more it takes too. Even Twilight couldn't constantly teleport around, and when she did, it was exhausting for her," I say.
Shrill shrugs. "I don't know. He seems to have found a way to not get fatigued by it, not use up all his magic. I don't think he is using teleport spells we are familiar with. I can teleport, up to a hundred feet. But it uses all my magic. And when I appear, there isn't a blinding flash. Normal teleportation is a small, sometimes smokey flash. His is different," She explains.
I bite my lip. Did he get ahold of some ancient spell or artifact? Something that allows him to teleport with none of the negative effects? This wouldn't be good. He could show up any moment. "Can he just teleport anywhere? Or does he have to know where he is going?" I ask. This was the important issue.
She thinks for a moment, then says, "I'm pretty sure he still has to see the location prior to teleporting here."
"Then how did he find us?" I ask.
"He mentioned something about spotting you when he was checking out Stable 36 again. He was planning to assault it again, but saw it was destroyed already," Shrill answers. Damn, so he just happened across us? That's it? What luck. But, as long as he can't just appear anywhere, that is one good thing I suppose.
"What else can you tell us about Grimoire? Any other special magic or anything of the sort? I heard from the Rangers of Stable 36 that bullets were passing through him almost, that he was regenerating faster than they could shoot him?" I ask her.
Her eyes go wide. "I...I don't know anything about that ability. I hadn't seen him since the last time he captured you though. He could have found something, learned some new spell?" She suggests. That is worrying. Shrill continues, "Other than that and teleporting, he is just a powerful unicorn, stronger than most and seems to have a lot of magic at his disposal."
"He is also quite the character. You've heard or read stories about super villains before, right? Well, picture that, but with a large dose of madness. Anyone who doesn't join him, he kills. Even if one of us questions or doubts him, without hesitation, Grimoire kills them. His raiders know better than to do as such now, but when a new group joins, quite a few make that mistake," Shrill tells us.
"He told you about his plans, right? To bring chaos to the world, to kill any who oppose him? Well he truly believes he can. He sends his lackies on missions to old ruins looking for old world items and technology. Rumor has it, he is even looking for Discord's remains. No clue why he is doing that, though," She mutters.
Shrill blinks for a moment. "I'm actually really glad I had a reason to leave Discordia. I never liked him, but I was too afraid to try to leave on my own," She says with a slight smile. "Thanks," She adds.
"No problem," I tell her. "Do you know of any weaknesses he has?" I ask her. "Like, is he afraid of anything, doesn't do well in small spaces, that sort of thing? I suggest.
She shakes her head. "Other than the usual stuff that us unicorns are weak against, not that I know of. I don't think he's share that information if he did anyway. From what you said, even bullets might not do the trick on him," Shrill says with a frown. "How are we going to take him down if he can just regenerate or whatever?"
"Good question," I mutter. "A question we'll answer when it comes up. Till then, we'll just plan to throw everything we have at him. I don't think I have anything left to ask at the moment. Cygnus, you have anything to add?" I ask him.
Cygnus thinks for a moment then says, "You said that Grimoire's army is scattered all over the wasteland. But, does Grimoire himself have a base of operations? One specific place he centralizes all of his work?"
Shrill tilts her head. "I don't...think so?" She says, thinking for a moment with a hoof to her chin. "Nothing I know of for sure. Though...I do remember hearing him saying something along the lines of him 'returning north' at one point. Though, I'm not sure if that was to go back to some base of his, or just another group of his army."
"Not much up north," I state. "The remains of the Crystal Empire and the frozen wastes. A few smaller towns, and I think a few Stables. But I don't know where they would be at. There could also be top secret research facilities there too, and we wouldn't know till we looked," I mutter.
I let out a moan of frustration. "This sucks! We got a decent amount of info on Discordia, but Grimoire is still a huge mystery. We don't even know when or where he will show up." I complain and fall onto the table in a disgruntled heap.
After a moment, I pull myself together and straighten up in the chair with a cough. "So. Let's summarize. Discordia is located in small groups around the wasteland, and in total there are a few thousand. Grimoire *may* have a base of some sort up north. His magic is crazy and he can teleport around at will, and even regenerate insanely quickly and pass through solid objects. Right?" I say, looking at the others.
Shrill nods, but Cygnus adds, "He is looking for magical artifacts and other such things. We might be able to use that to trap him some way." That's a good point. But, we would have to find something that he would...want...to...Cygnus. I smile at him. "What?" He says, blinking.
"How would you like to be our bait?" I ask him. "He's looking for magical artifacts of power, and you have the ability to make things out of nothing. Think about it, if he knows what you can do, he'll really want to catch you and experiment on you."
Cygnus frowns. "That's not the most pleasant of thoughts. I'm not opposed to the idea, but if we fail to stop him and I get captured? He'll kill Shrill and either experiment on you too or just kill you. We need a plan. We need more information on him," He says.
I close my eyes and think for a moment, breathing steadily. "Shrill, you were an ambassador, right?" I ask her.
"Yea, I used to scout out prospective gangs and raider groups to join up with Discordia," Shrill replies.
"Do you know any that are still undecided about joining? Preferably ones that aren't complete wackos? Ideally, ones that don't actually kill innocents?" I prod.
"A few. Most aren't what you specified, but...I think the Gremlins and the Junk Rats might be not that bad?" She suggests.
I let out a breath and open my eyes. "I've got a plan then. At least something we can start with. We'll go talk with the Gremlins and Junk Rats, they know you Shrill, so you are our in with them. Once we meet with their leaders, we try to convince them to join Discordia as spies for us," I explain with a smile.
"What makes you think they would help us?" Cygnus asks. "They are raiders, or gangsters, or whatever. What if they have already made up their minds and the moment we suggest it, they decide to kill us?"
"Then we'll fight our way out," I tell him. "Less members of Discordia, either way. Besides, Shrill said that these two groups don't seem so bad. Maybe they will listen to us, perhaps we can offer them something that will persuade them," I suggest.
Cygnus sighs. "Yes, let's go into the center of an unknown group and fight our way out. Your aim is horrible, Shrill isn't a fighter, and I am the only one who can fight properly. But by all means, let's just go in and ask them. Why not," He says sarcastically.
"Well, let's find out more about them then, before we make a decision to meet them," I tell him, looking over to Shrill. "Shrill's been answering our questions for a while now, what's a few more, right?" I say with a smile. She nods.
"Good! Now then, let's start with the Gremlins. What can you tell us about them?" I ask her.
Shrill clears her throat. "The Gremlins are based out of northern Manehatten, separate from most of the other raiders and wastelanders. Gremlock is their leader and he is a bit odd, but he has morals. He runs a loose ship, letting his underlings do what they want, as long as they follow a few rules. The first rule is never to kill a fellow Gremlin. He lets them fight, but if one kills another, Gremlock kills them outright," Shrill explains.
"The Gremlins are sort of scavengers, and have designated northern Manehatten to be their 'territory'. This leads to the second rule. If anyone is looting in Gremlin territory and refuses to leave, kill them. The third rule is a follow-up to the second. If someone wanders into Gremlin territory looking for food or shelter, they are welcomed for the night and fed. They are then asked if they want to join the Gremlins and told the rules. The fourth rule is the final rule. Anyone who has been shown hospitality and yet refuses to join the Gremlins is allowed to leave, but if they are seen again, they are killed," Shrill states.
"That seems harsh," Cygnus mutters. "What if they change their mind and want to join later?" He asks.
I shake my head. "It makes sense. My guess is that Gremlock doesn't want ponies who aren't completely dedicated. If they refuse the first time, but join later, they might decide to leave whenever they want," I guess.
Shrill nods. "That's basically correct. Now then, remember I said Gremlock is odd? Well, his personality basically is the nature of the Gremlins. He likes pranks and causing mischief. As a result, the Gremlins are all about pranks. On each other, on random ponies near the edges of their territory, it is indiscriminate," She tells us.
"They even pranked me when I was there the first time," Shrill says with a slight smile. "Put a whoopie cushion on my chair. One of my escorts walked into a spring loaded boxing glove," She says with a chuckle. "They are jokesters, but they are also ruthless to anyone that steals from their territory, and they know how to fight."
"Huh, so they are like Pinkie Pie. Prone to pranks, but also terrifying if you cross her," I mutter.
"They even have a figure of Pinkie Pie locked in a display case," Shrill says. "That figure is the cleanest thing I've ever seen in the wasteland. Even cleaner than your bathroom, and that's saying something. It is like it isn't part of this world," She explains.
"Ok, so, they are jokesters. Don't seem like the type that would join up with Grimoire. Well, I'll think of something to get them on our side. Anything else you know about them?" I ask her.
"Well," Shrill says, putting a hoof to her chin. "A lot of minor things that aren't too important. Nothing you'd need to know. Want me to tell you about the Junk Rats now?" She asks. I nod. "Alright, they are way different from the Gremlins in almost every aspect."
"They are based in a small former military base along the rails to Manehatten. You know how just east of here, there is a junction where one goes to Hollow Shades and one to Manehatten, right? Well, they are on the northern path, a few miles before the tunnel," Shrill informs us.
"Oh, that place? What was it called again..." I trail off, thinking.
"Checkpoint 3-84, I think," Cora says. "If I remember correctly, it was used to inspect supplies heading into Manehatten and served as an early warning in case of enemies coming along the rails. It was a former railway pitstop, converted into a military base."
"That's right," I say with a nod. "Not that I think of it, didn't have have some sort of special weapon?" I ask. Cora tilts her head. "Oh, I guess you wouldn't have heard of it Cora. You didn't know much about the specifics of the fighting. I don't remember what the weapon was though," I say, frowning.
Shrill coughs. "Can I continue?" She asks. I nod and apologize for interrupting her. "Where was I...Oh yes. Checkpoint 3-84 or whatever is where they are based at. A fairly useful position, given that it is nestled just outside of a valley between two mountains, the only direct way to go to Manehatten unless you take the Hollow Shades route."
I nod in agreement. When going to Manehatten these past few times, we've taken the Hollow Shades route. Mainly because we got side tracked by the DJ's broadcast. But after the first time, we went that way simply because we knew it was clear and relatively safe.
"Now, speaking more specifically, there are thirteen members of the Junk Rats. Less than a third of the size of the Gremlins. However, the Junk Rats are much stronger and well trained. That base of their apparently held some goodies from before the war. Including a few sets of power armor," Shrill tells us.
"Power armor? How many suits?" I ask her. If they had power armor, I could see why Grimoire wanted them.
"Seven suits, last I knew," Shrill replies. "They started out with five, or so they say. Built two more from scavenged parts. Though, their power armor isn't exactly as flashy as the Ranger's is. Originally, it was the same, but being abandoned for so long, parts of it began to rust. The Junk Rats have cleaned the suits they have, and fixed what they could with scrap metal. Some of the suits are in better condition than others because of this," She explains.
"They are quite intelligent. Managing to build two new suits just because they saw five poor condition suits? I think they said they were even working on a eighth. Normal raiders wouldn't be able to do such a thing. That's where their leader comes in. Her name is Saber, apparently a former Ranger Paladin," Shrill says with a shrug.
"She's collected an oddity of former raiders under her command and now she charges a toll for travelers that cross her territory. From what I've heard, they keep the pass between the mountains clear of monsters, so it is better than going the Hollow Shades route. If ponies can't pay, they turn them away. Those that try to sneak past are killed. They have a graveyard out back just for the ponies they kill," Shrill says with a slight sigh.
"It isn't like they kill indiscriminately though. The wasteland is just a very territorial place. At least the Junk Rats have the decency to bury the ponies they kill instead of leaving them to rot," She says, clearly remembering something foul.
"Regardless, Saber has a pretty rough attitude. She's harsh, but also fair. When I was talking to her, she made me uncomfortable the whole time. Staring at me like she was waiting for me to slip up or something. She is a very analytical mare," Shrill says with a frown.
"So, thirteen members, and they have power armor. They also run a toll on the pass. Huh," I mutter. "I think they might be easier than dealing the Gremlins."
"How so?" Cygnus asks, raising an eyebrow.
"Well, they have power armor, I have power armor, kind of. But, I've worked on power armor a lot. I'm sure we can work something out. Maybe share some plans with them, help them make another suit?" I suggest.
"You really want to give them more armor? And even help them make it better?" Cygnus asks. "What if they decide to betray us? They could even share the plans you give them with Grimoire!"
I put a hoof to my chin. "From Shrill's description, I don't think they are that bad. After all, Saber is a former Ranger. Though, she probably came from one of the less savory groups of them. I don't think she'd be the sort to want total chaos," I tell him. "We'll just have to talk with her and see what happens. Anything else Shrill?" I ask.
She shakes her head. "Sadly no. They aren't as forthcoming with information as the Gremlins are. That's all I know about them, and most of that came from Grimoire's scouts," She says.
I nod. "That's alright, it should be enough," I say. "Well, I think we should leave tomorrow morning and meet with the Junk Rats. I should download some plans onto my PipBuck just in case, and we should go over our gear one more time. Unless of course anyone has something they'd like to suggest?" I ask.
Cora and Shrill shake their heads immediately. Cygnus looks a bit concerned, but finally sighs and says, "Fine, this will have to do for now. I don't have anything better. Worst case scenario, we fight our way out of their camp against the seven of them with power armor and the other six without it."
I roll my eyes. "Stop being so cynical, Cygnus. Have a little faith, alright?" I say with a smile. He lets out another sigh. "Ok, so if there are no complaints," I say, getting up from the table, "let's get ready for tomorrow!"
===~+~===
Quests Updated!
-The Chaos Crusade - Locate Grimoire
-Firepower - Talk to the Junk Rats
-Smile! - Talk to the Gremlins |
Fallout Equestria: Icicle | Chapter 22 - Old World Goods | Chapter 22 - Old World Goods
"Rusted, broken, and in disrepair? *chuckle* Where's the manual?"
===~+~===
Checkpoint 3-84, a former military checkpoint that served as an inspection point for goods going between Manehatten and Canterlot. Before that, it was a railyard. Now, the perimeter fence is now rusted and flimsy, but has been fortified with wrecked train cars, sky carriages, and rotting shipment crates. The checkpoint consists of four buildings, a lodging structure, two maintenance garages, and a tool shed.
Standing on a small hill to the southwest of the checkpoint, I can make out that much. We are just far enough away they shouldn't be aware of us yet, but it also makes it hard for us to get good look as well. Well, all of us aside from Cora, that is. She insisted on an optics upgrade so she could properly use her sniper rifle.
"The tool shed is locked, chained up pretty tight too," Cora tells us. "Four of them seem to patrol around the checkpoint, inside the fence, all wearing power armor. Two are on makeshift towers looking out into the wasteland, only one is in armor. I see two more in the east maintenance garage, and three in the western garage. I don't see anyone else." She says, tilting her head.
Shrill clicks her tongue. "Seems they have their weapons locked up in the shed. Only reason I can see why they'd lock it," She mutters.
"Let's hope they don't get a reason to open it," I sigh. "Ok Shrill, get us inside," I say, giving her a push on the shoulder. She sighs, but walks forward with the rest of us following behind. The plan is simple, have Shrill talk us in, and then talk to Saber.
It takes us a thirty minutes, but we finally near the makeshift gate, essentially two large pieces of plywood. The Junk Rat on the tower near it notices us immediately. "You lot there, what is your business here? If you wish to pass through this valley, you'll pay our toll," The buck bellows, his voice amplified by the power armor's speaker.
His armor is mostly intact, but in some places it seems like it is welded together with odd bits of scrap metal. His gun is more impressive, a fairly high quality looking assault rifle. I was no expert, but it did shine a lot more than any other gun I've seen so far. Shrill lets out a loud, bored sigh and says, "It's me, Shrill. Open it up."
The buck seems to think that over for a moment. "Shrill...Shrill...Oh, that Discordia bitch? Yea, I remember you now," he says, and I notice Shrill flinch at the word bitch. "Madam Saber said she'd think about your offer, didn't she? Don't you have better things to do? Maybe go slut it up with another gang or something?" The buck chuckles. I look over at Cygnus and see him with a hoof over his mouth shaking slightly.
Shrill's face contorts into a messed up grin, and I notice her eyebrow twitching a little. "I have some new information I want to discuss," she says, clearly very irritated, but trying to be polite. "So, if you would just open the gate and let us in..." Shrill trails off, expecting him to take the bait and open the gate.
"I don't feel like it," The buck says, stretching. "The gate is a pain to open. But...I'll tell you what, my shift ends in about an hour. I'm sure Bruno would be more than happy to open it for you, probably," he shrugs.
Shrill curses under her breath. "I swear, you underestimate a group's intelligence once, and they never let you live it down," she mutters, barely audible. "Look here," Shrill says loudly, "Madam Saber will want to hear what I have to say, so just..." But the buck cuts her off.
"You can keep talking all you want, I'm not going to let you in. Let's face it, you're mouth is only good for one thing, and it sure isn't good for convincing me to open this gate," He tells her, and I hear Cygnus let out a chuckle before Shrill shoots him a glare and attempts to stifle his laughter. "But...Maybe I can make an exception. Maybe if you were to give us that power armor you've got there," he says, motioning over to Cora.
Shrill has clearly become flustered and is no longer attempting to maintain her usual dignified manner of speech. "That's...not really mine...to give," she replies, looking off to the side. I clear my throat and put a hoof on her shoulder.
"I'm afraid I can't give you that suit, but I do have something to offer that you might be interested in," I tell him. "So, let us in and let me talk to your boss. Because if you look closely at this armor, you'll see that it is a custom model that I built myself," I add.
The buck seems to consider this for a moment. "Who are you? You don't look like the last guards little miss slut had," he asks.
"I'm new," I say simply. "So. Are you going to let us in, or are you going to have to explain to your boss how you let someone with my knowledge walk away?" I ask him with a smile.
He growls, but says, "Fine. She's in the usual place, Shrill knows." Upon saying this, the gate begins to open. "Mind your manners this time, slut. We like to keep things classy," he says as the four of us walk through the gate, Shrill giving him a death glare the entire time.
Shrill leads us towards the lodging building, and as we walk, some of the other Junk Rats patrolling the interior eye us suspiciously as we walk across the compound. Some of them chuckle and mutter things barely audible. No doubt, they are taking shots at Shrill. I wonder what exactly it was she did to earn their disapproval.
We reach the building without issue and Shrill opens the door and we go inside. Our entrance rouses a few of the Junk Rats from what they are doing, and they glance at us for a moment. Then they return to their business with light chuckles. Shrill lets out a sigh and we continue through the building.
The lodging building is more of a warehouse, really. At least before the war it would have been. During the war, it was probably transformed into a barracks for the occupying soldiers. It still has random wooden crates stacked up along the walls and in a few places they seem to be stacked to make something resembling rooms. Glancing into a few of these rooms, I see simple cots and other personal items.
Seems the Junk Rats each had their own box fort room in the building, but we walk past all of them and climb a set of stairs at the back. It leads us up to a large room overlooking the rest of the warehouse. The door has a place for a nameplate to be slid into it, but the old one is gone and replaced with the name Madam Saber. Shrill knocks on the door.
I hear a bit of rustling from inside the room, along with an angry growl and some cursing. The door flies open, almost hitting Shrill, and an angry looking mare shouts, "I thought I said not to disturb me!" She blinks a few times and eyes us over, glaring angrily. "Well, if it ain't the whore," She says with a twisted smile. "Don't recognize the rest of you. You her guards this time around?" She asks, but shakes her head.
"Never mind, it doesn't matter," She says angrily. "You're here now, you might as well come in," The mare turns from the doorway and returns into the room, leaving the door open. "And shut the damn door, too," She adds as we start to funnel into the room.
"Thank you, Madam Saber," Shrills says, entering through first. Cygnus enters last and closes the door behind us. Meanwhile, Saber, trots over to an old forklift and sits down on it. It is an industrial model, wider than others. It is missing the wheels, and the lifting instruments, so it is basically a chair now. Though, I suppose it can be equated to a throne. Saber gestures to a few cushions in front of her and we walk over to them.
I take this opportunity to look about the room. Besides the throne, there is a fairly large bed in one corner as well. Like the rest of the wasteland though, it has clearly seen better days. Scrap metal litters the floor and shelves. Along the wall with the windows overlooking the rest of the building, is a desk with a working terminal on it. There is a very menacing looking rifle on the desk as well.
But what stands out the most, is the power armor that sits beside Saber's throne. It is attached to a winch to support its weight, but it is polished and shines in the light of the setting sun. The armor is the most pristine power armor I've seen so far. Even the Rangers of Stable 36 didn't have armor that looked this new.
The armor is trimmed with golden paint that makes it look very regal and important. It is equipped with two weapons, a flamer, also in good condition sits on the right side. On the left side is an augmented laser rifle. It is longer than normal rifles, and seems to be more streamline than any I've seen before. I wonder if she uses it for sniping.
Saber coughing snaps me from my wonderment. "Alright Shrill," She begins. "What do you want this time? I already heard your proposal about joining Discordia, and I said I'd think about it. Well, I'm still thinking. I might be thinking for a few years, maybe the rest of my life if I feel like it," Saber tells her with a glare. Clearly, Saber didn't like the original proposal.
"Well," Shrill says, tapping her hooves together. "I actually have a different proposal for you this time," She says timidly. Her usual confident, arrogant self is gone. Saber runs a hoof through her yellow mane as she tilts her head. She doesn't look amused. "Well, you see, I'm sort of...no longer with Discordia," Shrill mutters almost inaudible.
Saber tilts her head even further and I hear her neck pop a few times. "Ahhhh," Saber says in pleasure. "That's the best," She says, itching her mane a bit. Her purple eyes are dark and threatening, piercing into Shrill. "So, no longer in Discordia then, hu?" She says, shifting her weight and resting her head on her hoof. "You want to join the Junk Rats then?" Saber asks, seeming disgusted at the thought.
"That's not it, it is actually sort of..." Shrill trails off, looking down at the ground. Saber lets out a sigh and points a her other hoof at Shrill.
"Will you fucking stop that already?" Saber growls at her. "You did the same thing the first time you were here. Acting all pathetic and cute, it is disgusting. You even mistook me for a buck when I was in my armor and tried to get me in bed. We know this is all an act, so just be your damn self," She declares.
Shrills eyes go wide, "What, no, I..." She narrows her eyes and clicks her tongue. "Even if I knew you were a mare, I'd have tried to get you into bed," She says in her usual tone, but quickly turns to me. "But that was a long time ago, Ratchet dear! You're all I want now!" Saber laughs, and Shrill turns back to her. "You want our new proposal? I'm not the one to give it. Ratchet is in charge, she can tell you," She says, giving me the floor.
"Ratchet, huh?" Saber mutters, looking at me boredly. "She doesn't look special. Actually kind of looks like a scribe, all nerdy and shit. You left Discordia for her, huh?" Saber tilts her head again and puts her hooves in front of her. "Let's hear it then! What is your proposal!" She says with glee and a manic smile.
I look into her eyes and tell her simply, "I want you to join Discordia, as a spy for me." Saber looks at me with her expression unchanging for a good minute before she moves again. She jerks her head to its normal position and points to the door.
"Get out," Saber says, her smile gone and her eyes dark. "I don't work for anyone, left that shit behind when I left the Steel Rangers," She says. Her expression says she will kill us all of we don't leave, but I'm not ready to quit yet.
"We can help each other. But, let's talk about that in a moment," I tell her. "You don't strike me as a bad pony, and I think that has something to do with why you left the Steel Rangers and are here now. Besides, I have some things you might be interested in," I say, not taking my eyes off of her.
"You don't know a thing about me," Saber replies, growling. "But what could you possibly have to offer me?" She asks, seeming to settle down a little. I fiddle with my PipBuck for a moment, pulling up the schematics.
"These," I say, turning my leg so she can look at the designs. I flip through a few before pulling my leg back. "Schematics and upgrades for power armor. You seem to be building and repairing suits. These schematics can help you with that, and even make the suits better."
She narrows her eyes at me. "Just who are you?" She asks. I chuckle a bit. I've always wanted to do something like this. Make myself seem important. And it just so happens, I can do just that now!
"I am a Chief Researcher for the Ministry of Arcane Sciences, and a Scribe Crusader of the Ministry of Wartime Technology. My name is Ratchet, the mare from before the war. It is nice to meet you," I say, puffing out my chest. Saber bawks at me, raising an eyebrow.
After a moment, she seems to compose herself. "I've heard of Chief Researchers, sure. But a Scribe Crusader? What the fuck. And you're supposedly from before the war? Get the fuck out," She says, shaking her head.
I smile, I knew she wouldn't believe me. "If you had the rosters of all current Steel Rangers, you would find my name on it, and my special rank. But I'll tell you about it for now. I'm equivalent to at least a Paladin, but with the freedom of a Star Paladin. My rank was appointed by Ministry Mare Applejack herself due to my tinkering with power armor and sharing my upgrades with her. Of course, if you can't check the register, you have no way of knowing for sure if I'm telling the truth," I say, shrugging my shoulders.
"Similarly, how can I be from before the war? I look so young! What if I told you I'm actually over fifty years old? You look like you were born after the war, so I can't convince you of the truth behind this. But just look at these schematics, could a normal pony make these?" I ask her. "Someone from after the war who has no military knowledge?" I add.
"Anyone could have stumbled across those designs in some pre-war ruin," Saber counters. "Just because you have them, it doesn't mean you made them." I nod.
"That's true. But, take a look at this one," I say, pulling up the wiring design Cora created. "Does this make sense to you?" I ask her, she shakes her head. "It works. It is what is currently being used in my friend's body right here," I tell her, motioning over to Cora. "She's the one who designed that specific schematic. And I'm the one who created her. Hey Cora, open up, will you?" I ask her.
"Of course!" Cora replies and turns her back to Saber. After a moment, the armor opens, revealing the fact it is hollow inside. Saber's eyes go wide. Cora moves around a bit while the armor is open to give Saber a good look inside.
"It's...empty?" She gasps. "How's it moving? Talking? What is it, some sort of robot?" She asks, raising an eyebrow.
"Close, but so far," I tell her. "You can close up now, Cora," I say, tapping Cora's armor with a hoof. "Cora is an AI I made myself. She's integrated into the armor, and with a variety of servos, gyros, and the like, she's able to move it around. Of course, it is a lighter model of power armor to maximize her energy usage," I say proudly.
Saber tilts her head again. "I see, interesting," She grins menacingly again. "Let's say I believe you for now. You wanted us to join Discordia and spy for you, you say?" She asks. I nod. "Why?" Saber asks simply.
"Discordia, and their leader Grimoire needs to be stopped. Grimoire plans to destroy everything, bring chaos to the world. I want to stop him," I tell her.
"You don't say," Saber mutters. "I thought that Shrill's whole spiel was kind of messed up. But to think he wants to destroy everything," She smiles wider. "Tell me more," She says. I tell her everything I know. Grimoire's plans, Discordia, everything. At the end of it all, she chuckles.
"And you want us to spy on Discordia's activities for you? Maybe you should tell me exactly what you want us to do," Saber suggests, rolling her head around to rest it on her hoof once more.
"Grimoire is a mystery. If you can find out anything about him, that would be great. But, for the most part, I want to know when Discordia is planning something. Given their fragmented nature, you probably won't have to do much unless something big happens. Right Shrill?" I ask her for confirmation and she nods.
"So, we act all cozy with them, get on their good side, and when they have something big planned we run to you?" Saber summarizes. I nod. She gives a wide, toothy grin and declares, "Well that just sounds fucking fantastic! Guarding this pass is only so entertaining, and I'd like to see exactly what us Junk Rats can do."
"You'll help us then?" I ask. Saber's attitude really reminds me of Twinkle. Twinkle follow a sense of duty though, where as it seems Saber just does what she wants.
Saber nods. "I think it will be fun! Sure, I could join Discordia and kill innocents, but where's the fun in that? I like a challenge, and if they number in the thousands like you say, this will be one hell of a challenge. Of course, I want those armor schematics," She tells me.
"Of course. I'll download them onto your terminal before we leave. There is just a bit more I want to discuss first. Remember I said that I don't think you are a bad pony? Well, I want to confirm that. Why did you leave the Steel Rangers?" I ask her.
"Ha! How is that going to tell you if I am good or bad? You're from before the war, right? You know them as the military. So me going AWOL must not sit right with you, hu?" She asks with a snarl.
"That's not it," I tell her, shaking my head. "I met some rangers after the war, from Stable 36. They got me up to speed, told me about the other contingents of the Rangers. How they attacked innocents or stayed in their bunkers and haven't come out yet. I know how bad they are. So. Tell me why," I ask her again.
Saber sighs. "You see this armor?" She gestures at her power armor. "This is the armor I wore as a Ranger, as a Star Paladin," She tells me, shaking her head. "My contingent, more than two hundred soldiers and one hundred scribes, are nothing but cowards. Our bunker is in the frozen north. A ways north of the Crystal Empire. Just far enough away from it, we didn't get hit with much radiation when the bombs fell," She says.
I feel my face make a shocked expression. "You mean, the Crystal Empire got hit too?" I ask her. Saber nods. "Then, you came all the down here, from there?" I ask.
"Of course. I didn't want them to find me easily. Had to walk through the snow, which is all irradiated, by the way. Had to go through at least a dozen rad away just to make it through. Also ran into a few wyrms on the way as well. For whatever reason, they are swarming up there. But let's not get off subject. My contingent plans to stay cooped up in the bunker for quite some time," She says.
Saber clears her throat and says in an odd voice, "Until things outside are more normal." She twists her face in disgust. "That's what our Elder says. I kept probing her to let us out, to help, to do anything, but she kept refusing. I finally said fuck it, and left. I doubt the cowards will come after me, it has been years already. They probably didn't even think about it, just abandoned me out here." Saber chuckles.
"So here I am!" She yells. "Leader of the Junk Rats, charging ponies a toll just to go through this valley! Some brave ranger I turned out to be, hu?" She says, shaking her head.
I smile. "From what Shrill says, you are. You don't just charge them for passage, but you also kill anything hostile in the valley, right? You make it safe. And, if I had to guess, you acting like a gang is an act to deter ponies who are weak willed from entering Manehatten, which is full of raiders and other monsters. Am I wrong," I ask her.
"Tsk, you're pretty sharp, you know that?" Saber says with a less intimidating grin. "With that out of the way, how do you want us to contact you? Radio signals only travel so far, and you don't strike me as the type of mare to tell us where you live," She says with a sly grin. She wasn't wrong, I've been thinking about this for a while as well.
"You know where Ponyville is?" I ask her and she nods. "Good. The buck running things there is named Gunsmoke. I've talked with him, and he wants to help us as well. If you find anything out, let him know. He'll get in touch with us. Though, I'll have to set that up as well. That's the plan though," I tell her. I just hope Gunsmoke agrees to be a go between.
Saber nods. "I suppose I can send a runner if necessary. Now then, any more business to discuss, or will you be putting those schematics on my terminal? I was planning on getting some beauty sleep before you arrived, but I suppose I'll be pulling an all nighter tinkering with armor thanks to you," She chuckles.
"That should be all," I tell her, standing up. "I'll put them on the terminal for you. Would you mind logging into it?" I ask her. She nods and we walk over to the terminal and she types in her password while I plug my PipBuck into it. After a few moments, the transfer is complete and Saber begins looking over the files.
"Huh, interesting...very interesting. Are you sure this one works?" She asks, looking at the circuitry Cora designed.
"Yea, it is currently what's running Cora's armor. Just follow it closely, and it should work. Oh, by the way. Would you mind if we stay here for the night? We're heading into Manehatten to talk with another gang as well," I ask her.
"Hm? Oh, yea, sure," Saber mutters. She seems engrossed in looking at the schematics. "Make yourselves at home. Piss anyone off, it's your own fault," She adds. With that, we leave the room and go back downstairs.
"Geez," Shrill says in frustration. "If they knew I was acting, they should have just told me the first time. How dare they make me look like a fool," She stomps her hoof.
"We'll, now you don't have to act. Dono why you would act anyway," I tell her. "Your normal personality would probably work better at making ponies want to join you."
"I tried that a few times, but raiders let their guard down when they think you are pathetic and weak. Like I said, the Junk Rats are intelligent. It didn't work on them," She says.
I suppose that's true. Saber does seem like she's pretty smart. The other members though...? I look around at a few of them. Two are deep into a game of chess with more than a few pieces replaced with caps or other scrap items. One is reading a Scientific Equestria magazine. Ok, maybe they were all pretty smart.
Though, I guess to build and maintain power armor, even if it is built from scrap, isn't something just anypony can do. One of the bucks playing chess glances over at us and says, "Oh, you're right. It is that slut, hu?"
Shrill immediately turns on him and shouts, "Bite your navel and die!" The bucks playing chess just laugh.
"Finally acting like your actual self, hu?" The other buck says. "I like it! In fact, if you keep acting normal, we won't call you slut anymore. We'll actually call you Shrill. Though the others might still call ya a slut, but just yell at 'em like you did us, and they'll stop," he chuckles.
"Hey!" Saber calls out from above us. I turn to look up at her. "There are some extra cots in the storage garage. Bruno! Stop slacking off and show them to it!" She orders, and the buck reading the Scientific Equestria grumbles and puts the magazine down.
"Yea, yea. Whatever you say, Madam," Bruno says as he walks over to us. "Follow me," the blue buck says. He starts walking towards the exit, and we follow along. We are led outside and to one of the maintenance garages, the one that appeared to have no one in it. "Here it is," Bruno tell us, opening the door and flipping on the light switch.
The lights slowly flicker to light, and slowly a gigantic mass is revealed. It is almost as long as the garage and nearly as high and rested on the tracks with dozens of wheels. It was a train, a magnificent, horrible, train. Heavily armored and equipped with a giant cannon. Two flack cannons are on the back of it, but have long since rusted beyond use. In fact, the whole thing seems to have been eaten away by rust.
Bruno notices us staring at it. "Oh, yea. That thing. Apparently they used it during the war, it was a prototype or something, never made it into production. I think it was called the Great Celestia. We use it for scrap metal now. Quite a few of our suits have metal from it," He tells us.
"Anyhow, the cots are over here. There isn't too much room," Bruno says, unphased. "With all the scrap and components we've collected, it gets messy. Oh, and don't think of taking anything," He says, glaring at us. I tear my attention away from the large gun.
"Thanks," I tell him and help him to unfold the old cots. Cora and Shrill come to help us as well, but Cygnus seems entranced by the train. "Hey, Cygnus, you alright?" I ask, looking at him in concern.
Without taking his eyes from the train, he asks, "It it fixable?" I raise an eyebrow. Did he really want to fix it or something?
Bruno chuckles. "Nah. We had the same though when we first found it. The engine is completely rusted away, the barrel's rifling has been damaged, and most of the wheels can't be saved. There is no ammo for the gun anyway," He explains.
Cygnus puts a hoof against the train's hull. "Do you know if there is a manual or anything for it?" He asks, sounding forlorn.
Our guide seems to think for a moment, before walking over to a shelf. He pulls out a crazy thick book with his mouth and walks over to Cygnus, who takes it in his. "This is the only thing regarding the train. It appears to be an all inclusive manual that includes schematics and specifications," Bruno tells him. "Now then, I'm going back to the lodge. I've only got a few minutes before my shift starts up," He says, and leave us in the garage alone.
Cygnus has already opened the book and is reading the contents anxiously. "It weighs almost fifteen hundred tons, the barrel is over one hundred feet, and its bore is thirty one inches. It can't move too fast, but the ammo is destructive. The effective range is twenty four miles!?" He mumbles.
The rest of us set up our cots and settle in for the night. "Hey, Cygnus, don't stay up all night reading that, alright?" I call over to him, but he doesn't even respond. I let out a sigh. "Cora, watch him. And make sure we aren't going to be ambushed by the Junk Rats, ok? Still not sure I trust them," I tell her.
"Ok, Ratchet. No problem!" Cora says happily, sitting down and staring at my face. Ok, this might be hard to get to sleep if she keeps staring at me. I wait for her to move, or do something else. But, after a few minutes, I realize she isn't going to move.
I clear my throat. "Hey Cora, could you, maybe not, you know, stare at me while I'm trying to sleep?" I ask her.
"Hehe," She giggles. "Sorry about that," She says as she stands up and goes somewhere else to sit.
"Maybe give Cygnus some light to read by, and turn off the other lights?" I suggest.
"Sounds like a plan!" She replies, turning off the lights overhead and illuminating her visor even more. It bathes us in a cool blue glow. Cygnus says nothing as he continues to read with Cora looking over his shoulder.
===~+~===
Quest Updated!
-Firepower: Complete!
Level Up!
+25 Science
+5 Speech |
Fallout Equestria: Icicle | Chapter 23 - It's Just A Prank | Chapter 23 - It's Just A Prank
"Surprise!"
===~+~===
Gremlin territory. A two block radius centered on a single story motel. The motel being their main base of operations and everything else designated at their looting territory. Of course, this territory expands every so often, mainly when they run out of buildings to salvage within their current radius. On the buildings surrounding this radius, warnings are painted near a large G. The bottom of which resembles a laughing smile.
The four of us find ourselves on the edge of their territory looking at one of these Gs. Messages ranging from 'The joke's on you!' to 'Scavengers will be shot. Survivors will be shot again.' adorn the wall. Some give rather mixed messages, if you ask me. We ignore the messages for the most part and continue into Gremlin territory.
Our goal is the central motel, but if we run into a Gremlin before then, that will work in our favor as well. They like pranks, Shrill said, and tend to trap their territory with them. I would rather not run into any of these pranks if we can avoid it. We get a block in and don't run into anyone or any traps.
"So far so good," I mutter. "We'll make it there in no time if we..." I pause as I hear a faint sound. I perk up my ears to listen for it again. It sounds like...crying? I start walking towards the source and the others follow me. "Do you all hear that?" I ask them.
"Crying?" Cora asks. "Yea, it is coming from just up ahead," She says. I quicken my pace. It seems to be coming from the fuel station just up ahead. Part of the station is collapsed, allowing easy entry into the building. I spot a baby carriage in the middle of the room. The crying seems to be coming from it. I quickly trot up to it.
"Ratchet, wait," Shrill says as I approach it. It is turned away from me, so I raise a hoof to turn it around.
"Shhh, It's ok now," I say, as I begin to turn it. Suddenly a white glow envelops the carriage and it is sent flying across the room into the wall. My eyes go wide with shock as I turn toward Shrill. "Why did you-" But I'm cut off as an explosion erupts behind me. I turn around and see the carriage engulfed in flame.
"It was a trap, Ratchet," Shrill says. She floats a doll's head in front of me, shakes it, and it starts crying. "A cruel and deadly trap," She says.
"I thought you said the jokes the Gremlins played are harmless?" I ask, a bit shaken up. If Shrill hadn't noticed and shoved that away, I would have died.
"Last time I was here, they were," Shrill explains. "The worst you'd get was a bloody nose or something. Something's doesn't seem right. We should stay on guard." Just then, a chorus of laughter breaks out. It seems to be coming from all around us. It get closer, and after a few moments, about six ponies come into view.
"Gotcha!" One of them yells. "Looks like you survived the blast though! Seems you got some luck! But let's see if that luck holds out!" More laughing from the rest rings out. They get closer.
"Oh, wait a sec!" A mare calls out. "That one, the white one! That's that Discordia ambassador person, Shrill, I think?" She says. The others mutter in agreement.
"Well, what are you doing out here Shrill? Come by for a visit? I'm sure the boss would love to see ya!" A buck says as they all continue laughing. It is like they are all insane almost, but they don't seem to be that far gone.
"Why don't we escort ya back there, no sense in you running into any more traps!" A third buck says. They group together and all smile, waiting for us to follow them.
"That sounds good," Shrill says. The four of us begin to follow the Gremlins back to the motel. After a while, a few of them leave to patrol the area, leaving only two of them. It isn't much longer and we reach the motel. Our guides stop suddenly and turn to us. One of them walks over to Cygnus and puts a hoof up to his chest.
"You have something on your barding, right here," He says. "You should take a look, it is very unbecoming." Oddly enough, he says it with a completely straight face, gazing seriously into Cygnus's eyes.
Cygnus looks completely unamused. "Do you think I'm a colt? That is the oldest trick in the book. I'd look down and you'd hit me in the face. I thought you guys were supposed to be funny?" Cygnus asks.
The buck prods him a few more times, but finally says, "Ahh, you're no fun! We'll get you yet though." They turn around again and lead us through the crumbling wall of the motel. It takes us to a small room. They keep going and open the door leading to a hallway.
The hallway is cleaner than the rest of the buildings I've seen in the wasteland. Though, by prewar standards it still still pretty grimey. We walk down the hallway into what was once the lobby of the motel. They lead us past the destroyed front desk, and into the back room. Probably the staff lounge.
It isn't anything special, probably the smaller than the motel rooms. There is a terminal resting on a desk against the wall to our right. Scrap paper litters the floor, almost like pages of a book were torn apart. In a locked display case hanging on the wall directly in front of the door. Two old posters hang on the wall, flanking the case. They are Ministry of Moral posters. The left one shows Pinkie Pie smiling at the viewer with the phrase 'Pinkie Pie is Watching You!'. The right poster shows Pinkie shooting a cannon exploding with confetti as balloons fly around her, saying 'Smile!'
Posters like these were commonplace during the war. In addition to a variety of others from each ministry. But these posters paled in comparison to what was help within the display case. A single figurine of Pinkie Pie, just as Shrill said. It looks almost brand new. Just looking at it made me want to smile.
Despite how I want to linger my gaze on the figurine, I move it to the couch where a bright pink pony sits, smiling. Across from him, in the center of the room, is another couch. Between them is a simple coffee table. "Hey Gremlock," The mare escorting us says in a sing-songy voice, "Guess who's back!"
Gremlock smiles wider. "Well hey! If it isn't Shrill, our old friend! Well, maybe not too old. We did only meet for the first time a few weeks ago. But I feel like we're already so close. Great, great friends!" He chuckles and claps his hooves together. "Please, please, you and your friends sit down! No need to stand around so awkwardly! I know I tend to ramble at times, so your legs will get tired if you insist on standing around!" Gremlocks laughs heartily, gesturing to the couch in front of him.
We shuffle towards the couch and sit down, but it is only big enough for three of us, so Cora stands beside me. The door closes, but the other Gremlins stay in the room. They stand in the corners behind us. "Hope you don't mind if they listen in," Gremlocks says, "You can never be too careful in the wasteland, and we didn't take your guns. Now then, how can I help you this time, Shrill?"
Gremlock's smile never falters. Come to think of it, I don't remember those other two behind us not smiling, aside from when the buck tried to fool Cygnus. "We have a proposition for you," Shrill says. She's using that timid voice again. "It is about joining Discordia," She says. Gremlock's face brightens up.
"I thought as much! That's what you were here about last time too! But, if you're here now, that must mean something has changed! Tell me, Shrill, what is this new proposal you have!" His smile only widens as he talks. He is like a madman, constantly stifling his laughter.
"Sharp as always," Shrill compliments him. "You'd still be joining Discordia, but you will be doing something different than the usual gangs that join up. You'll be spies," She explains. This causes Gremlock to burst out into a fit of laughter.
"That sounds interesting! Tons of fun too! Spying is just like playing a prolonged prank! Oh, this reminds me, I heard an interesting rumor recently. It has to do with Discordia. Apparently, there was a big fight recently. Something crazy! All of the Discordia members died, or so it is said," Gremlock says, clasping his hooves together.
"You mean the attack on the ranger Stable?" Shrill asks. "Yea, it was apparently a bloodbath. Though the rangers ended up victorious."
Gremlock shakes his head. "That's not what I'm talking about. This rumor says that Grimoire himself captured someone, but when he returned to where he was keeping them, everyone was dead and his captive gone," Gremlock says, his grin twisting into a menacing crescent moon. I swallow. What he's talking about, it couldn't possibly be... "There was one Discordia member missing, though. You, Shrill," He says, almost purring. This might be bad.
"So, I was thinking," Gremlock continues, "either you survived and went after the captive, or the captive captured you. But..." He trails off, looking over the four of us. "Since the captive was a mare, and that," He gestures at Cora, "is an empty suit of armor, that means that this mare in the labcoat must be the captive." Not good, not good, not good!
"I decided to drag this conversation out to see how you act," Gremlock explains. "And, it looks as though you aren't being held against your will. Meaning, that you must have left Discordia!" He declares, clapping his hooves giddily.
"B-Brilliant skills of deduction, Gremlock," Shrill replies, a bit nervously. I think we are all feeling nervous right now. There is just one question that will decide what happens here though.
"Of course! Pranks are all about deduction, well, reverse deduction, I suppose. If you can figure out how someone will react to something, you can engineer a prank just for them! But I digress. If you left Discordia, and want me to join Discordia, but say I will be spying. That can only mean one thing! You want me to spy on Discordia for you! Am I correct!?" Gremlock asks, shaking with laughter.
"That is correct," Shrill admits. "We want to take Grimoire down," She explains. And now, the one question. Whose side is Gremlock on?
"Excellent! Excellent! That sounds brilliantly fun!" Gremlock is racked with laughter. So much so, his laughter turns raspy. "Oh this is so great! So very great! Oh Shrill, you have made this so much fun! I do believe we will help you!" He declares, throwing his hooves into the air and beaming widely.
We all let out a collective sigh. That's a loud off. Things would have gotten very bad if he refused our proposal. "That's great," Shrill says. "Now then, let's discuss our plan in a bit more detail," She begins.
Gremlock's grin shifts into a twisted crescent as he tilts his head back. "Just. Kidding." He declares as his eyes sparkle. I look at him in confusion. But then I hear the shuffling behind us and my blood runs cold. "We've sided with Discordia already. Oh the look on your faces! The look of the despair you are gazing upon, the turmoil! The inner conflict! Oh such beautiful expressions! This is why we prank, this is why we joined Discordia! To look upon the faces of thousands of ponies as we prank them into the depths of despair!" Gremlock cackles, throwing his head back as his hoof slides under his couch cushion.
Cygnus has started muttering, Shrill appears as frightened as I am, and Cora is...I'm not sure. Gremlock lifts a revolver from under his cushion and transfers it to his mouth, still laughing around the bit. "Duck!" Cygnus shouts right as a riot shield takes form in front of us. His shout snaps me out of it and Gremlock shoots his revolver, but the bullet hits the shield, causing it to start flying towards us. Shril, Cygnus, and I duck behind our couch as the Gremlins behind us open fire.
I catch the shield with my magic, and hold it between us and Gremlock, whose eyes seem to be dancing. Meanwhile, Cora is shooting at the ones behind us. I focus on the shield and bash it into Gremlock, shoving him into the back of the couch and holding him there. After a few more seconds, the shooting behind us stops.
We peek over the back and see the two Gremlins lying dead. "I've detected more outside," Cora tells us. "Around ten, but more could be coming," She says.
Shit. "Hey Cora, you think you can run through the wall opposite the door? These walls don't seem very thick," I ask her. She starts running and turns to run directly into the wall, right where the display case is. She charges through without a problem. "Follow her, we need to get outside," I declare as I walk towards the hole she made. Gremlock is still laughing from behind the shield as we make our way though.
As I'm about to enter into the next room, I notice the figurine among the rubble. "Yoink," I mutter as I pick it up with my magic and toss it in my saddlebags. We enter into the typical motel room, one large room with a smaller one, probably a bathroom, in the corner. A deteriorated bed is in another corner, a kitchen in the third, and a TV and chair in the fourth. Though, the whole room can be walked across in a matter of five good strides.
I look to the door on our left, which should lead into the hallway we came in from. That would probably be a bad idea, since more Gremlins would enter from there as well. "Forward march! Though the wall again Cora!" I declare. I'm not sure why, but I can tell if we keep going straight we'll make it out without any obstacles. Cora charges through the next wall, and we follow her into another room exactly the same as the previous. "Keep going!" I shout to her, as we run through the rooms.
We pass through two more rooms and she's about to hit the next one, but a nagging feeling makes me call out to her. "Wait!" I shout. She skids to a halt inches from the wall. I walk over to it and knock on it with a hoof. Yep, that is concrete. Not the thin drywall we've been running through before. It would definitely do damage to Cora's body.
As I think about our next move, I hear Gremlock's voice from behind us. "Get Linen! She won't want to miss this fun!" He shouts happily. It is almost like two of his friends didn't just get killed. Who is this Linen though? Ugh, nevermind that. We need to get outside.
"Cygnus, your turn! Blow up this wall. It is concrete, so whatever you got that can do that," I tell him. He nods and starts mumbling. A minute later, a tan brick appears in front of him. He sticks it to the wall.
"Back into the previous room," Cygnus says as he trots briskly into the room we just came from. We follow and as soon as we get on the other side of the wall, a large explosion erupts. Concrete flies in through the hole Cora made. Once thing settle down, we walk back into the other room.
The previously dirty room is now even dirtier, dust and concrete chunks litter everywhere. Quite a few bits of concrete are wedged into the walls as well. The old wallpaper is on fire as well. "Good work!" I tell him. "Alright, outside now, then the fight really begins," I say, walking towards the hole leading outside.
I step through the hole and look around outside. No Gremlins, just a rubble filled street. Across the road is a half collapsed convenience store. I start walking over to it. "We should take cover in there, see how the Gremlins react," I tell the others. Cora and Cygnus start following me out with Shrill exiting last.
As we make our way across, I see rain starting to fall. It isn't much more than a drizzle to start with, but my PipBuck clicks a bit. But after a few moments the drizzle turns into a downpour and my PipBuck's clicking picks up rapidly. I hear Shrill curse under her breath. "We need to turn back!" She shouts. "We have to get back into the building!"
We've already made it a third of the way to the convenience store and she wants to turn back? "Why? We are almost-" A flash of lightning cuts me off and the following thunder drowns out my voice. My PipBuck's clicking reaches its peak, sounding someone furiously crinkling up paper. I quickly glance down at it and see the needle all the way at the maximum point. How many rads per second was that? Way too much to be good.
I turn around immediately, and the four of us spill back into the motel room we left from. "Wha-what's going on?" I ask Shrill. It isn't like this is the first time it has rained in the wasteland around me before. It was fine near my lab and Stable 36. It even snowed! Which given that it is early fall, is kind of odd now that I think of it.
My PipBuck's clicking slows to a minimal level as Shrill answers my question. "It is a radiation storm," Shrill explains. "We aren't that far from the Manehatten Crater, you know, where the megaspell hit? It is still heavily irradiated around there, and since we are only three blocks from the outer edge of the irradiated zone, weather is deadly."
"Previous rainstorms gather radiation from the crater, and then it gets collected in the clouds. Then when it rains, the radiation leaks back out. It isn't just rain though, when the wind blows heavily it can carry dust from the crater which will also get you. But rain is the worst by far since it also brings lingering radiation back to the surface," Shrill informs us. "We won't be able to leave this building for a few hours after the rain stops," She adds.
This certainly ruined my fall back and see what they do plan. But it raises another question. "Why aren't the Pegasi doing anything about it? I know they aren't exactly helpful as of late, but why would they let radiation filled clouds stay around? It can't be good for them either," I ask.
Shrill shrugs. "It is probably easier for them to just ignore them. I doubt any Pegasi live above Manehatten. More than likely, it isn't close enough for them to care," She states simply.
I sigh. What happened with the Pegasi that caused them to just abandon the surface? Sure, it isn't perfect, but with help it can thrive again. That's what I hope, at least. From what everyone says, it is like they just left the surface to die. "That's messed up," I mutter.
"Messed up or not," Cygnus says, "we've got a more pressing issue." Laughter starts to reach my ears. Cygnus is right, since we are in this motel, we are trapped with the enemy. And they know where we went. It is only a matter of time before fighting starts. Right now it is kill or be killed. They joined up with Discordia, if we don't stop them, they will hurt others. So, why can't I seem to bring myself to make the first move?
Thunder flashes before my eyes. He died because of my decisions. If I wasn't leading, he wouldn't have died. Is that why I can't bring myself to lead an attack? Why I wanted to retreat to wait and see? If we stay here, they will come to us or trap the way to them. The longer we wait, the higher the probability we will die. So why am I hesitating? The Rangers taught me that hesitation in battle is what causes battles to be won or lost, what causes ponies to die.
Why am I the one in charge? I can't do this, I'm a scientist for Celestia's sake! What made me think I could lead ponies into fights? To fight a threat as huge as Grimoire and his army? I couldn't even keep Thunder alive against mindless ghouls! I feel my body shaking as I stare blankly at the hole Cora made crashing through the walls. "Ratchet, what's wrong?" Cygnus says, waving a hoof in front of me.
The laughter just keeps getting louder and other laughs join in forming a chorus. I'm scared. Terrified. I fall to my butt and wrap my hooves around myself. I can't stop shaking. Why? That single word rings through my head countless times. Sometimes it is followed by others. Why am I here? Why are the others following me? Why can't I do anything? Why is the wasteland like this? Why? Why? Why?! Why! I start shaking my head, looking down at the dirty floor.
I'm losing it. The others are looking at me in concern, saying words that I can't hear. Only one word reaches me: "Why?" And then I register the words that followed it: "are you just sitting there?" It isn't spoken with concern, but with disappointment. I don't recognize the voice. I look up, look past my friends, and see the figure standing behind them. My friends don't seem to know he's there. But I can tell why.
The transparent body is enough of a reason, and it tells me exactly who this figure is. Wrapped in a crimson cloak, glaring at me with scarred features and spiteful eyes, is War. He must be here for us. We are going to die, and now I knew it for certain. I look directly at him, and mutter, "What else can I do?"
My friends look at me oddly, but War replies, "That's up to you." He seems tired, fed up. Death had told me I was special, something that would break him from his monotony and something he wanted to see develop. I suppose War's current tone is because he is disappointed that this is the end of me.
"Now that you're here, we're all dead anyway. What's the point?" I ask him. My friends look at me with concern, only hearing my words and not War's. They ask who I'm talking to, if I'm alright. But I ignore them and focus solely on the figure they can't see.
"Your end isn't guaranteed," War replies. "Death told you we can't see the time around you. We can only tell that deaths will happen, not whose deaths. We can guess, but nothing more. So get on your hooves and fight. I came here because ponies are going to die by violence. If you wish to sit here and wait for them to put a bullet through your skull, so be it," He tells me flatly.
I'm start to reply, but he stops me. "But I am War! I demand that you get on your hooves and die in battle if you are to die! Don't you dare give into cowardice! You are mine, Ratchet. Not Death's, not Famine's, and not Pestilence's, you are mine. I will be the one to guide you to the afterlife," He growls. "If you die a coward's death, I will make your journey to the afterlife grueling. I will make it a torturous ordeal that not even hell itself can match! So rise to your hooves, draw your weapon, and attack your enemy!" He spits at me.
"Why?" I ask, using the very word that plagues my thoughts. "Why does it matter so much to you?" His expression grows stern as he glares at me.
"I have waited countless years to witness something interesting, something not even I can explain," War tells me. "I have seen war develop throughout all of time, ponies killing ponies even for the most simplistic of reasons. War never changes, Ratchet. It simply evolves. But you, I think you might be able to change just what war is," He says, smiling slightly with hopeful eyes.
"But I killed Hearty in cold blood," I mutter. War is wrong, I can't change the way war is. I'm a killer, just like the rest.
But War just laughs. "Doctor Hearty is scum. You know what would have happened had he not died by your hoof? He would have escaped and killed more! You decision, while rash, was the correct choice. So stand up, Ratchet. Fight. Survive. Show me what your type of war is!" He bellows.
I stare blankly at him for a moment, not sure what to say. Just then, Cora places her armored hoof on my shoulder and looks into my eyes. "Ratchet?" She says. I blink and look at her. At the same time, I notice my shaking has subsided, for the most part. I take a deep breath and rise to my hooves, looking at my friends.
"Sorry. I..." I trail off and Cora shakes her head.
"It's ok Ratchet, as long as you are alright now," She says happily. Cygnus coughs, getting our attention.
"I'm glad you're fine now, Ratchet, but at the moment, we need a plan. So if you are ready, we should work on that," Cygnus says. I nod in agreement, noticing he is already wearing some riot armor. I reach into my bags and pull out...The Pinkie figure. It is like it calls out to me, asking to be gazed upon.
It is like a toy, but I don't remember anything like this being made. I recall some toy company had created a line of toys that resembled the Ministry Mares and the Princesses, but they were plushies and moveable figures. This figure seems like it is meant to be displayed. I turn the figure and inspect it thoroughly. My eyes stop on the inscription at the bottom. Awareness! It was under "E"!
Curious phrase. Huh? What was that? It felt like a cold wave suddenly passed over me. My thoughts seem a little clearer too. Ugh, maybe I got exposed to a little too much radiation. The rain couldn't be helping either. Speaking of, it sounds like the rain has picked up even more. Wait...sounds. A chill runs down my spine.
The laughter has stopped. I look around quickly, nothing. I glance at the door that leads to the hallway and stare at it for a moment. Then I hear it, an almost inaudible giggle, like someone trying to stifle their laughter. "Cora," I say as quietly as possible, "turn that door into swiss cheese on my mark. And Cygnus, get a grenade ready." Cygnus looks at me questioningly, but starts muttering specifications. Cora turns to face the door and readies her assault rifle.
We wait with only Cygnus's muttering breaking the silence. I close my eyes and listen intently. I wait for one single sound. There it is, the clattering of a doorknob. "Now!" I shout. An instant later, Cora opens fire, punching holes through the thin wooden door. I hear shouts and cries mix in with the erupting laughter as the door falls inward towards us, a Gremlin falls with it, dead. At that moment, Cygnus tosses a grenade into the hallway.
Before any more cross the threshold it explodes and a chorus of screams follow. No one seems to make a move to come in after us. I glance at War, but he simply walks through the wall to where the grenade blew up at. "Cora, check the tunnel through the rooms we made. Make sure no one is coming from that way," I tell her. "Cygnus, summon up a gun and let's check the hall," I say, walking cautiously towards the doorway.
"What about me, Ratchet?" Shrill asks eagerly. I turn and look at her for a moment. Her light leather armor, single pistol, and flimsy knife. Too bad this isn't really a situation for stealth.
"Uhh...just stay here for now, I suppose?" I suggest. She looks disappointed but silently nods her head. Cygnus and I carefully look out into the hallway. We find six Gremlins, four of which are dead. Their body parts litter the hall and blood covers the walls.The other two have missing limbs, and are just barely clinging to life. Despite this, they laugh, coughing up blood as they do so.
Cygnus quickly ends their suffering with his sub-machine gun. The rest of the hallway is clear. I don't even see War anymore. I guess they did say I will only see them sometimes. But, where are the rest of the Gremlins? Surely there are more inside? At least Gremlock, for sure. We walk back into the room with Shrill and Cora. "That's seven total dead so far," I announce. "Now we need to go on the offensive," I say. The only question, is how to do so.
Since they came from the hall, and not the tunnel we made, maybe the trapped the tunnel? If that's the case, we should use the hall. But they'd be expecting that. And with four of us in the narrow hallway, we would end up like the Gremlins just outside the doorway. In that case...
"Let's split up," I decide. "Cora and I will take the hall since we are both pretty loud. Cygnus, if you will put a silencer or something on that gun, you and Shrill will go back through the tunnel we made. Watch out for traps and stay quiet. Hopefully you can catch them by surprise while we draw their attention. Sound good?" I ask.
Shrill and Cygnus nod in agreement. "Ok. Let's do this then! Oh, yea. If you run into trouble, just call out and Cora and I will come through a wall or something," I say with a smile. Cygnus shakes his head with a chuckle. Shrill looks a bit hesitant at going with Cygnus. Undoubtedly she wants to go with me instead.
"Good luck, Ratchet, see you on the other side," Shrill says as Cora and I head into the hallway. We walk down the hallway with doors on our right and the occasional window on our left. It is a straight shot back to the lobby. We make it half way down when two Gremlins lean around the entrance way at the end of the hall and start shooting at us. I quickly get behind Cora as she starts to return fire with her assault rifle.
I draw Forgiveness, since my shotgun doesn't have the range for this, and carefully aim around her to help. After a few moments, Cora fires her sniper. It catches one of them in the shoulder and he wheels back around the corner. With one less enemy shooting at us, we move up the hallway as the other buck reloads. But it isn't long before the buck with the shot shoulder returns, laughing, to shoot at us again.
I empty Forgiveness's cylinder without scoring a single hit. I take cover behind Cora and reload. Peeking out behind her again, I see a two more Gremlins have joined in shooting at us. One has a smg while the others are only using pistols, I think. We are still a little too far for me to make out their weapons. But, at this rate we won't be moving up any further. I come up with a plan, and tell Cora, "Take the two on the left. Once the one with the smg goes to reload, I'll take the two on the right." She nods in agreement and I float out an inhaler of Dash. I listen to the gunfire and wait for a break in the automatic. Now!
I put the inhaler to my lips and breath the chemical in. The world slows down, but I need to close the gap between us before I risk shooting at them. I gallop out from behind of Cora and stick along the right side of the hall. At the same time, Cora focuses on the two leaning around the left side of the entryway, pinning them down with her assault rifle. The two on the right seem unsure who they should shoot at, and hesitate for a moment. It is just long enough for me to get halfway to them before they decide to focus on me.
Their bullets narrowly miss me, one even grazing my cheek as I continue running and level my gun at one of them. I am for her head and pull the trigger. My shot goes wide, hitting the wall beyond them. I line up another shot, and miss my intended target but hit the buck beside her in the muzzle. The bullet shreds part of his jaw and he reels from the pain back around the corner, missing half of his bottom jaw.
The two on the left side are still pinned by Cora's automatic fire. Thank the Goddesses for her guns being belt fed. But I'm not sure she has much ammo left for it at this point. We need to finish this quick. I refocus on the mare I am shooting at and pull the trigger again. This time, I hit her, but not her head. It hit the side of her neck, just far enough in to not be counted as a graze, but nothing lethal. At this point, Cora begins walking up the hall. I only have a few seconds left before the Dash wears off. I have to make it count.
I yell for Cora to stop shooting. The moment she does, I leap to the left side of the hall to get a better view of the mare I am trying to hit. Her pistol follows me, sending bullets into the floor and wall as I make my way across the hall. I line up a shot, and pull the trigger. I get lucky, and this bullet finds its way into the right side of her head, a look of shock shows temporarily on her face before it contorts into pain and she falls to the ground. Right as her body thumps to the floor, the Dash wears off.
Cora is a few feet behind me when the two on the left lean around the corner again. Immediately, Cora's sniper goes off and hits the one in front right between his eyes. I turn my gun at the other and shoot my remaining two bullets at him. I hit him in leg once, catching him off guard, but my other bullet misses. He turns his smg on me and starts shooting. My armor absorbs a few hits, but his aim swings low and a few bullets catch me in the left leg and PipBuck. Cora shoots another round at him, catching him square in the throat. His eyes bulge as he drops his gun and starts gasping for air.
While he's suffocating, Cora catches up to me. "Good shooting, Cora," I say as I float out some bandages to wrap my wounds in. "There's still one on the right side at least, I don't think I did enough to finish him off," I tell her, reloading my revolver as I finish wrapping my leg. Cora turns to point her guns at that side of the entryway. I'm putting the last bullet in the cylinder when the buck I shot comes running around the corner, laughing hysterically.
His head is tilted as he holds a pistol in his mouth. Part of his tongue hangs out of the missing part of his jaw and it spasms when he pulls the trigger. I fumble with my gun as Cora starts shooting him, but he doesn't stop shooting, his bullets going wild, hitting all around us. I manage to get the last bullet into the cylinder and close it up. I hurry and aim at him as he gets closer. Cora's bullets cut into his legs, chest, and neck, but he still keeps coming. The gun bounces around in his mouth wildly. I pull the trigger, miss. I pull it again, miss. Again, miss. Come on! One more time! Miss. I charge closer to him, trying to avoid his bullets and shoot again. Miss. That's it! I slam into him, knocking the gun from his jaws and put Forgiveness against his temple. All the while, he never stops laughing until I pull gun away and knock him out with my butt of the gun.
"Ratchet, are you alright?" Cora asks, her voice filled with worry. She walks over to me and helps me off the buck's body.
"Yea, his aim was even worse than mine. With part of his jaw missing, I guess he couldn't stabilize it too easily. He just caught me in the barding a few times," I reply. "We're not done yet, Gremlock is still here somewhere," I remind her. "Hopefully Cygnus and Shrill are doing better than we are," I add.
Once I reload Forgiveness again, I peek around the corner. Two ponies are sitting on a couch in the lobby. Their backs are to the employee lounge and they are looking in our direction, like they are waiting for us to come out. One is Gremlock, the other is a cream colored mare with a blue mane. Gremlock is the only one with a gun. The mare is wearing some things on her hooves, but they don't look like ranged weapons. I lean back around the corner.
"I only see two of them, Gremlock and a mare. Gremlock has his pistol, the mare might have some sort of close-ranged weapon. You want to take the lead and I'll use you as cover?" I ask Cora.
Cora nods. "Stay behind me, Ratchet. I'll make sure you don't get hit!" She declares boldly, stepping forward. I get behind her and we walk out into the lobby. A single shot pings off of Cora's armor uselessly. Gremlock's laugh follows it and I notice the mare's giggle mixed in.
"So, just the two of you then?" Gremlock asks with a wide grin. He stomps a hoof. Instantly, ponies emerge from behind the furniture, all pointing various guns at us. One shoots immediately, the gun is loud and the bullet catches Cora in the right foreleg. The sound of struck metal rings out. I don't think anything of it, until she lists a bit to the right. Another shot makes its way to her left foreleg right as Cora tries to shoot back. Cora falls forward and her bullets strike the floor instead.
"W-what?" I ask, stunned. I peek around Cora and see that both her forelimbs have been severed. Gremlock raises a hoof and I look up at him. I count the ponies, nine, counting Gremlock and the mare. One is holding a large rifle, the others are using smgs and pistols, one is holding a bat. Cora is unable to shoot back at them now, her guns can't aim up that high, not even Raptor Blood on her back.
Gremlock and the mare beside him laugh at Cora's attempts to raise her guns high enough to shoot them. "Be happy we aren't taking your real legs!" Gremlock howls. "But now the real fun starts! I'm thinking we play a game for your lives!" He declares. The Gremlins around him let loose a chorus of laughter. After a moment, Gremlock raises a hoof and their laughter lowers so barely audible snickers.
"A game?" I mutter from behind Cora. I look over the group of ponies in front of me, pointing their guns at me, and quickly realize I don't really have a choice. "Fine, what's the game?" I ask him.
He grins widely at my questions and states simply, "We'll be asking you seven questions. If you answer wrong, you get shot. Answer correctly, and move on to the next question. There is the possibility that you can get a few wrong and still walk away alive. As the questions progress, however, the lethality of the shots will increase as well. Getting the last question wrong results in a headshot, for example."
I raise an eyebrow. A question and answer game? It sounds like the game could go either way, depending upon what questions are asked. Prewar knowledge, wasteland knowledge, something specific to the Gremlins? There could be a chance I know nothing about the question being asked.
The mare next to him speaks while I'm deep in through, drawing my attention. "Of course, it will be fair," she says with a kindly smile. It feels off. "Some are logic questions, others are a question of morals. Sometimes a question might have multiple answers as well. A few will even be multiple choice," She tells me. Her tone is motherly, it it very out of place among the current company.
"Lin speaks the truth," Gremlock says, giving her a smile. "She has a habit of doing that, trying to give the player a slight advantage."
Lin, the mare next to him laughs. "You just have a habit of spinning the truth to fit what you want. One might even call you a liar, if they didn't know you," She tells him.
"Ha! I've never told a lie to a single living pony! I might just leave out some details so they don't have the whole truth though," He smirks.
"Like when you told that buck the bathroom was through a house full of mines?" Lin says, with an irritated look.
"Exactly! The bathroom was on the other side of the house, that much was true. I just failed to tell him about the mines, or that there was a safer path!" Gremlock chuckles.
Lin sighs. "I think we've made our guest wait long enough, Grem. Let's start, shall we?" She asks.
Them talking has raised a curious question in me. Before Gremlock replies, I interject quickly. "Can I ask a question first?" I ask. Lin look interested and nods. "Your name is Lin, right? And you keep calling Gremlock 'Grem', right?"
"Correct," Lin replies with a sweet smile. "Grem is my pet name for him, has been since we met so many years ago," she says with a touch of nostalgia.
I nod. "So, the Gremlin name came from the combination of your names then, Grem and Lin?" I ask. "Not from the mystical creature with the same name?" I add.
Gremlock looks confused. "There is a creature named Gremlin? Ha, what do you know!" he says with a hearty chuckle. Well, that is surprising. They are even mischievous like Gremlins, so I thought that's where they got their name from. It is one hell of a coincidence that they took the name and even act similarly.
"With your question out of the way," Gremlock begins, "Let's start the game, shall we? Lin and I will alternate asking questions, sometimes we will ask a question together. Ready? Good! First question: What is twelve times two divided by four?"
The question catches me slightly off guard. I wasn't expecting a simple math problem. "Six," I answer.
"Ding, ding, ding!" Gremlock declares. "Correct! You'd be surprised how many ponies get that question wrong now-a-days. Your turn, Lin," Gremlock says, turning to face Lin.
Lin puts a hoof to her chin and closes her eyes. After a moment, she opens her eyes and looks at me. It is almost like she is looking down on me. "I am white and black. But also red all over. What am I?" She asks.
A riddle? White, black, and red, hu? An object? A creature? But wait. The way she said the riddle, separating the white and black part and the red part. Perhaps it is something white and black, that has been dyed red? Some birds have white and black feathers. If their feathers are removed by force instead of natural shedding, they will bleed. That might cause the feathers to be dyed red.
But, isn't that too specific for a riddle? Not all birds or feathers are black and white. If I answer 'bird' or 'feather', I don't think that would work. Do I need to be specific and give the name of a bird? No, the answer to riddles is supposed to be simple. It must be something else. White and black...white and black...A zebra? Red...paint? Or could it be...blood? A zebra dyed red with blood? Could that be the answer?
"Am I aloud to answer?" Cora asks suddenly.
Gremlock shrugs. "I don't see why not. Your life is on the line as well," he says with a laugh. "Do you have an answer?"
Cora nods, which causes her to strike the muzzle of the armor against the floor. "A newspaper," She says simply. What? A newspaper?
"Correct," Lin says simple, smiling warmly.
"What? How is that the answer?" I question.
"Simple," Cora states, "newspapers are printed in black and white. And they are read. As in how you read a newspaper. Not red as in the color. They sound the same, red and read, that's the trick to the riddle." That simple, hu? To think, I was about to answer with a zebra. I swallow. Thank Celestia Cora is here or else we would have gotten shot.
"Two questions down, very good!" Gremlock declares. "But it only gets harder here on out. Five questions remain, and it is my turn!" He says with a wide grin. "This one is multiple choice, a moral dilemma. You want to play a prank on your father. He has left the house, giving you the chance to pull your prank. What do you do? A) Switch his heart medication with sugar pills. B) Drop a cherry bomb in his toilet. C) Loosen the bolts on his sink. When it is used next, it will flood the room. Or D) Tamper with his electric razor, causing him to get a shock the next time he uses it."
What in the name of Princess Luna? This was hardly a moral dilemma question. All these choices are bad. A, he could die. B, you ruin the toilet. C, you ruin the floor and cause a lot of clean up work. D, you electrocute him. I can easily eliminate A and D, since they cause undue harm. B isn't a prank if he isn't there to see it, you just break his toilet. That leaves C. "I'll go with C," I answer.
Gremlock laughs. "I personally would have chosen B. Nothing says 'prank' quite like a loud bang! But, this question doesn't have a specific answer. It is a moral question, after all. That means you are right," Gremlock explains. What? So no matter what I choose I could have gotten it right? Why ask the question then? Does he want me to win?
"I'm next," Lin says. "Question number four. I'm going to kill you. But first, I want to play and give you a chance. I will shoot you once and let you start running. I give you the choice of what I shoot. Your leg, your mouth, your horn, your neck, your head, or your chest. Which do you choose, and why?" She asks. A chill runs down my spine at the question. Her voice is still as sweet and motherly as it has been, but for some reason there is no doubt in my mind that she means exactly what she is saying. She wants to kill me.
"Simple!" Cora says energetically. "My chest. It is hollow inside me anyway and it will cause the least amount of damage," She declares.
"I'm not asking you," Lin replies. "This question is for the living, flesh and blood pony cowering behind you. You have no horn, so you clearly cannot answer this question," She states, sounding sweet as ever. But her words are clearly filled with contempt. I swallow.
The choices flash through my mind. Half are basically fatal, chest, neck, and head. Shooting my horn probably implies she would shoot it off, leaving me without magic. My mouth...The image of the buck whose jaw I shot off flashes into my mind. But between my mouth and my leg? "My mouth," I answer. "Without a horn, I can't fight back as well. Without my legs working properly, I doubt I could keep up in a fight or run away. The other three would spell death," I explain.
"So, that is your answer," Lin mutters. "Good, you answered correctly. There were two correct answers. The mouth and the head. You look confused, I'll explain. Being shot in the mouth will allow you, a unicorn, to continue fighting with only mild discomfort. Being shot in the head will end your misery immediately. The leg, the chest, the neck, and the horn all ruin the fun of the hunt. It would be a waste of time to play the game. You would die too easily. Better to either end things fast or to be at your best." What a chilling explanation.
I think I have her pegged now, though. She's like Shrill. Acting sweet but she has a hidden side. No, it isn't that she is acting sweet. She is sweet. But she has a sadistic side as well. Lin lures you in with her kindness and then turns on them.
"Time for question five," Gremlock says with a smile. "This is one we will ask together. Though, it is less of a question and more of a mini-game within the game. It goes as follows: One of us will tell only lies, the other only truths. The question is: Which of us is a liar? You can ask us one question, but you can only ask it to one of us. To keep things interesting, your question must be related to which of us is the liar. So you aren't able to ask a simple question with one answer like 'one plus one'. Ready? Good. The game starts now!"
One lies and one tells the truth and I can't ask any logical questions, hu? What if i just ask who is lying? No, regardless of who I ask they will just say the other is lying. The liar blames the one telling the truth, while the one telling the truth blames the liar. What about if I ask are you lying? No, that's not it either. Both would just say no. I take a deep breath and focus. What question should I ask? Should I just...guess? I have a fifty-fifty chance, after all.
"Hey Ratchet, can I ask the question?" Cora says.
"Sure, I'm not sure what to ask. If you think you got it, go for it," I tell her. She is an AI after all. In the minute or so that has passed, she could have run though countless scenarios. Besides, she wouldn't ask a question she isn't sure of.
"Gremlock," Cora addresses him. "If I asked Lin who the liar is, what would she say?" She asks. Hu? So that's it? Let's see. If Lin is the liar, she will say Gremlock. But if she is telling the truth, she will also say Gremlock. Add a layer, and if Lin is a liar and Gremlock is the truthteller, he will say she will say he is a liar. Similarly, if Lin is the truthteller and Gremlock is the liar, Gremlock will say Lin would say Lin is the liar. Meaning...
Gremlock smiles and states, "Lin would say she is the liar." The moment Gremlock answers with that sentence, he outs himself as the liar! If Lin was the liar, she would never implicate herself. Lin would actually have said Gremlock, but since Gremlock is a liar, he must say she would say her own name!
"Gremlock! You are the liar!" I declare. He chuckles and Lin smiles warmly.
"That is correct! Five in a row, what a surprise!" Gremlock declares. "That hasn't happened in quite some time, this game must be right up your alley, hu? That question usually gets most ponies who come through. Incidentally, getting that question wrong results in a shot through your torso. Most who get it wrong don't last to finish question six," He tells me.
"Time for question six, though," Lin chimes in. "Let's not stand around all day, shall we? You are on the bank of a river. With you, is a Manticore, a Brahmin, and an apple. In your presence, nothing will eat the other. If left alone, however, the Manticore will eat the Brahmin and the Brahmin will eat the apple. The Manticore, however, will not eat the apple. You have a raft that can transport you and one other thing across the river at a time. How do you get everything across the river safely?" She asks.
I'm about to start thinking of the answer, when I see movement behind the Gremlins. Two ponies are leaning around the doorway of the employee lounge. Shrill and Cygnus! They're fine! And all the Gremlins' attention is on me. If I can keep distracting them, maybe Shrill and Cygnus can find a way to take them out? I see Shrill nod to me before they go back into the lounge.
Now then, let's buy some time by solving this question. The first move is obvious, you take the Brahmin across. Then the Manticore and apple will be fine. You then go back across the river to get another. But, if you take the apple and leave it with the Brahmin, it will get eaten. Similarly, the Manticore will eat the Brahmin if left alone with it on the other side when you come back for the apple.
That means you will have to bring the Brahmin back at some point. The one you transport across second does not matter. So, "You take the Brahmin across and leave it. Then you take the apple across and get the Brahmin. You then exchange the Manticore for the Brahmin and take the Manticore across the river to the apple. You then leave those two alone and go back for the Brahmin. Once the Brahmin is across, everything is safely on the other side of the river," I explain.
"Oh? Very good. You were fairly quick on that one," Lin says with a smile. "Perhaps it was too easy for the sixth question. Well, you still have the seventh question. And if you get it wrong, you die! But it is Grem's turn, and his questions can get tricky later on. Good luck~" She says in a sing-songy voice.
"You will need it," Gremlock says with a chuckle. "It is time for the seventh question, the final question! This question is life and death for you, so I hope you are ready. It is fairly long, so I hope you will pay attention and make this interesting because I will not repeat it. I just have one additional rule for this question. Your artificial little friend can't help. Now then, let's begin!" He declares.
"There are six ministries that sit in a row, painted six different colors. Each ministry is ruled by one mare. These six mares each drink a different kind of beverage, do a different kind of drug, and own a different pet," Gremlock explains.
"Twilight Sparkle rules the purple ministry. Applejack owns a dog. Fluttershy drinks milk. The blue ministry is next to and on the left of the orange ministry. The ruler of the blue ministry owns a turtle. The mare who does Mint-als owns an owl. The ruler of the yellow ministry does Stampede. The ruler of the ministry in the center right drinks tequila. Rarity owns the ministry on the right end. The mare who does Party Time Mint-als has her ministry next to the mare's who owns a rabbit. The mare who owns a cat has her ministry completely opposite from the mare who does Dash. The mare who does Moon Dust drinks Sparkle Cola Quantum. Applejack does Buck. Rarity's ministry is next to the yellow ministry. The mare who does Party Time Mint-als own the ministry two ministries to the right of the mare who drinks whiskey. The pink ministry is two left of the white ministry. The ministry in the middle left is next to the ministry whose mare owns an alligator," Gremlock stays, laying out the facts.
"The question is this," He states, "Which mare drinks vodka? To be clear, the names of all the mares are Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Twilight Sparkle. Your choice must be one of these six."
That is a lot of information to take in and I've already forgotten the first few details. So that's it, hu? The difficulty isn't in the question, but the length of it. Him not repeating himself is proof enough of that. He even made it so Cora can't help. He must be suspicious that she can remember everything and solve logic questions easily.
His description also seems to match up fairly well with what I know about the Ministry Mares. I know Twilight's ministry is purple and Applejack owned a dog.Can I assume the colors and animals are what they were before the war? But the drinks and drugs confuse me. I don't think they did any drugs, and surely all of them drank milk or coffee at some point. Damnit, I'm getting side tracked. Gremlock's smiling glare isn't helping my concentration either. Cygnus and Shrill might be the only way out of this.
Speaking of, I catch a hint of movement behind the Gremlins. Shrill has made her way from the lounge and is sneaking up behind the couch Gremlock and Lin are sitting on. Where is Cygnus? What is their plan? She isn't going to just walk up and stab one, is she? No Gremlins are behind Gremlock and Lin. They are spread across the room behind other pieces of furniture. Shrill keeps creeping closer to the couch.
Lin notices me staring at them and says, "Oh, do you have an answer already? Or are you giving up? I'm not even sure what the answer is." She shrugs. Cora shifts her weight a bit, focusing it on her rear. What is she doing? Shrill is hovering right behind Gremlock now, her knife floating in her magic.
Shrill winks at me, as if signaling me to do something. Are we going to fight them like this? I clear my throat. "I have my answer. I thought about it, and I think I will go with...Shrill," I say simply. Gremlock's face twists into a scowl.
"That isn't one of the answers, but if you want to waste it, fine. Your answer is," Gremlock begins, but before he can finish Shrill bring her muzzle to her hear.
"Surprise," She mutters as she slits his throat. The other Gremlins immediately look over, but at the same time I hear the sound of something metal hitting the floor. I see grenades roll up beside the Gremlins standing furthest from Shrill.
One of them notices and starts to call out, "Shi-" But is cut off as the grenades explode. Lin and the remaining Gremlins turn their attention to different directions. Lin and a few others focus on Shrill, a few remain focused on me, but others look around for the source of the grenades. With their attention diverted, Cora rises onto her rear legs. She turns sideways and spins Raptor Blood around to point at the Gremlins. I fumble and draw Forgiveness as Cygnus comes out of the lounge in full riot gear holding an smg in his mouth.
The next few minutes are chaos. Cora shoots sideways at the Gremlins while I shrink behind her as much as I can and add my bullets into the fray. Cygnus charges towards the closest group of Gremlins, spraying them with his smg all the while. Shrill draws her pistol as she throws her knife into the eye of the closest enemy to her. All the while the Gremlins are returning fire. Lightning flashes outside and the boom of Thunder temporarily covers up the sound of the gunfire.
And just like that, it is over. The floor is covered in blood, the furniture is perforated with bullet holes, and not a single Gremlin is left standing. I'm not even sure if I landed a single hit on anyone. Cygnus's armor protected him for the most part, but Shrill and I took multiple hits. She finishes off the remaining medical supplies she has while I chug a healing potion and toss Cygnus a roll of bandages.
"That could have gone better," I mutter. "How was the tunnel through the rooms?" I ask them.
Cygnus carefully wraps the bandages around his leg and answers me with them still in his mouth. "Like you said, they trapped it. That's what took us so long. We didn't run into anyone though. Seems they though the traps were hidden well enough," Cygnus tells me.
"I see. Well, better late than never. So, Shrill. From what you were saying about the Gremlins, I doubt this is all of them. I take it more are still outside?" I ask her.
She nods. "They probably got caught in the storm and took shelter in a building. At the rate it is coming down out there, we'll be here for a few more hours. I suppose we will have to deal with the remaining Gremlins, right Ratchet?" She asks.
"Yea. Especially those two that saw us and left after leading us here. We don't want Grimoire or his army knowing we were here. I also don't want to leave the Gremlins to keep attacking ponies. So, for now, I suppose we should loot and tend to our wounds," I declare.
I finish helping Cygnus wrap his wound and then we begin looting as we wait for the storm to let up.
===~+~===
Quest Completed - Smile!
Quest Updated - The Chaos Crusade: Wait for more information on Grimoire & Discordia
New Quest:
-Savior
Current Objective: Talk to Gunsmoke in Ponyville
Level Up!
+15 Small Guns
+10 Speech
+5 Medicine |
Fallout Equestria: Icicle | Chapter 24 - Thinning the Herd | Chapter 24 - Thinning the Herd
"One by one they fell. I saw them drop and my only thought was to keep fighting. My comrades could be mourned later. My lord demands sacrifice, repeated and constant sacrifice. For him, my own life is but a drop in the ocean. But without him, I am nothing."
===~+~===
It took twelve hours for the rain to stop completely. In another six hours, the radiations levels outside had dropped to safe levels. My friends and I then spent the next three hours combing through the ruins of the Gremlin territory and eliminating those that remained. It wasn't until we were absolutely sure that no Gremlins remained that we finally started back for my lab.
Cora had lost her two forelegs, but she was able to walk on her rear legs well enough and even kept up with us. I had her severed legs in my bags, that I would reattach to the armor later. That wasn't the extent of her damage though. Countless bullet holes, dents, and scratches covered her armor. I'd have to repair it extensively. So when we finally reached my lab, I decided to have Shrill and Cygnus go on to Ponyville to inform Gunsmoke of our new arrangement while I set to work repairing Cora's body.
I gave them the instructions and gave Cygnus a map with an X where my lab's shed entrance is then sent them on their way. The arrangement was simple. The Junk Rats would sent word to Gunsmoke about Grimoire's movements, and Gunsmoke would then send a message to me, leaving it in my shed. Of course, I didn't have them mention the shed holds the entrance to my lab. I told them to say it was a sort of deaddrop I would check frequently. His messenger will leave the message and then leave.
In the meantime, I set about fixing up Cora's body while she checked over the lab's systems. Her body was a mess. In more than a few places, I had to completely take out the wiring and mechanisms and then melt the armor down and reforge it. Luckily, the interior components seem to have been spared any major damage. I only finished repairing half of the armor by the time Cygnus and Shrill returned the next morning. They had decided to stay the night rather than return here in darkness. Even so, I didn't sleep a wink.
I stopped working for a few minutes as they told me about what happened. Gunsmoke agreed to help us out, but also had some information for us. Apparently Discordia is causing a stir out west near Vanhoover. He thinks we might find out something if we go there. I told the others we would check it out once Cora's body is fully repaired. I'm not sure what we'll find in Vanhoover, but it is currently the only lead we have on any major Discordia groups. We might even run into Grimoire himself. I tell them to get some rest and ready their gear as I get back to work.
After eight hours, I finish up with the last stroke of a paintbrush, applying the last bit of paint to the armor. Good as new, but also modified a bit. I took notes of the most heavily damaged places and reinforced them, adding as little weight as possible. I added more angles so bullets would skirt off the armor instead of penetrating. Cora also suggested I swap out the sniper for the anti-material rifle. We found just under a hundred rounds for the gun, so I decided to oblige her request. I emptied out the case of .308 rounds and replaced them with the .50 caliber rounds and checked her 5.56 ammo. It was almost empty, so I refilled it with every bullet we got from the Gremlins. Only about a hundred or so.
I then had her enter the armor and make sure everything was working properly. It was, and I then explained the ammo situation and told her that she wouldn't be able to do much suppressing fire until we found some more. I really should have had Shrill and Cygnus sell the extra stuff we got from the Gremlins, but it completely slipped my mind at the time.
With Cora's body ready, I emptied all the junk out of my bags into the armory and went to my office. I turned on my terminal, opened a new file, and began typing. I decided I should start keeping a log, or diary, or whatever you want to call it. I started with the moment I woke up and managed to get to right before the assault on the Rail Gang before I couldn't keep myself awake anymore. I saved my current file and turned off the terminal. Before leaving the office and heading to bed, I took the Pinkie Pie figurine out of my bag and put it on my desk.
It was such a beautiful thing, and I didn't want to haul it around the wasteland with me where it might get ruined. I wondered for a moment if I would find more figurines, maybe of the other Ministry Mares. But the thought quickly disappeared as I yawned and fell into my bed, instantly sound asleep.
===~+~===
We leave the following morning, I slept for around fifteen hours before Cygnus finally woke me up saying, "I'm tired of Shrill standing over you smiling. It is creepy. Get up already and let's go." Vanhoover is a few miles further away than Manehatten, so the journey will take us almost as long. Though, from what Gunsmoke told Cygnus and Shrill, I don't think our objective is the city itself. It sounds like there is some suburb of the city Discordia is set up in. Which makes sense, since Shrill tells me that over half of Vanhoover is still irradiated way past safe levels.
As we travel, we only encounter a few minor creatures scurrying about. But the closer to the city we get the more creatures there are. A radroach almost as big as us scurries from behind a farmhouse, causing Shrill to let out an ear splitting scream and empty her pistol into it multiple times, even after it stopped moving. I poke my ears with a hoof. "Jeez, I can see why your name is Shrill. That scream was crazy. I think I almost went deaf!" I complain.
"Did you see that thing!?" Shrill says, panting. "It was huge! Disgusting! I hate these creatures. They are so creepy," She says, shivering.
Cygnus sighs. "At least you shot it, instead of turning tail and running," He mutters. "Seriously, we've fought raiders, mole rats, and bloat sprites, but the radroaches are what scare you?" He says, shaking his head.
Shrill glares at him. "They don't scare me, they disgust me. With their skittering...and their nasty appearance...and their..." Shrill says, listing off things about them she hates, but Cygnus interrupts her calmly.
He points a hoof behind her and says, "Oh, look there's another one." Shrill lets out another scream and spins around, firing wildly. Of course, there is nothing actually behind her, which she quickly realizes as Cygnus erupts into laughter. "Gremlins are pranksters! Ha! Now this is a sidesplitter. They don't have anything on me!" He declares. I can't help but joining in with a few laughs as well as Shrill pouts and stares daggers at Cygnus.
After getting ourselves under control we continue on. After another hour or so the sun begins to set and we start looking for a place to wait out the night. We find an old water stop along the railway to take shelter in. It isn't too large but it will provide us with cover from prying eyes. We settle in for the night with Cygnus taking the first watch.
===~+~===
Vanhoover begins appear on the horizon, but our focus isn't the city itself but a suburb to the south. I see the skyscrapers standing tall against the horizon, but I count considerably less than the last time I saw the city. I guess it got hit by a bomb like Manehatten. Just how many megaspells went off, I wonder?
We keep walking, watching for any movement, be it wasteland creatures or raiders. But what reaches our ears first, is gunshots. Not just a few either, it sounds like an all out battle is raging somewhere close by with explosives included. I notice smoke rising off the the distance. "That's the area Gunsmoke mentioned," Cygnus mutters. "Seems Discordia is fighting something," He adds.
I nod. "Yea, let's go see what's going on. Maybe someone needs our help," I say as we pick up our pace. We rapidly approach the rising smoke and enter into a suburban neighborhood. Some of the houses have the sides facing the city blown in, others have collapsed completely. A few dead trees still stand sporadically throughout the area.
Spotting gunshots a few blocks down, I ask Cora, "Cora, tell me what you can see with where the shooting is coming from. Who is fighting who?" She uses her enhanced vision and stares in the direction of the fighting for a few moments.
"Definitely raiders," She reports. "But I can't tell if they are Discordia raiders or not. As for who they are fighting...Steel Rangers, or at least ponies with power armor," Cora says, but pauses for a second. "Wait, that's a lynx paw. I think they are the rangers from Stable 36! Since they aren't using a sniper, that has to be Lightning!" Cora declares.
Without skipping a beat, I start trotting towards the fighting. "Let's go!" I tell the others as I draw my revolver. I charge towards the battle, but turn into the backyard of a house to get off the street. It will be better if the raiders don't see us coming. I lead us through the yards which are now nothing but dirt and the occasional dead tree or bush. Signs of ponies living here previous are evident from the items scattered about. Toys, patio furniture...bones. Lots of bones.
I thought we had a system in place if an attack happened? Did the warnings not go off? Was it too late? Why were so many outside? A shiver runs down my spine. Did they know they wouldn't survive and decided to watch the end as it came? I know only a limited number of ponies got a position in a Stable. Are these the ones that didn't? I didn't realize it, but I have slowed to a walk. I was so close to being nothing but bones that someone would eventually walk over. If I wasn't the one in the pod, would Cora have killed even me?
"Ratchet?" Cora says, nudging my side. "What's up?" She wouldn't have, I'm sure of it. I made her, after all. My commands would override my orders to oversee the experiment. I shake my head. No sense dwelling on it. Besides, the Rangers need our help.
"I got distracted. Let's go," I tell her. She nods and we continue on our way. A few short blocks later and we see the Rangers. They are taking cover behind a house, but there is only seven of them, and I only see one with the lynx paw. I spot Star Paladin Twinkle's signature red trim and make my way toward her. Just then a sniper shot comes from an attic to my right, but it isn't aimed at the Rangers, it strikes a raider across the road in the head. That means...Arrow?
One of the Rangers notices us and points a gun at us, but lowers it immediately and turns to Twinkle, who then looks over at us. "Well, look who's here! Welcome to the party!" She shouts, gesturing for us to come over. My friends and I gallop between the houses and get behind the one the Rangers are using as cover.
"Hey Star Paladin Twinkle, fancy meeting you here. I heard Discordia was active in the area," I tell her. As I do so, the raiders and Rangers exchange fire. A few explosions go off on the raider side.
"Ha! You're correct! We've been fighting a large group of them for the last few days. Eberron has been quite pleased. There is about thirty of them remaining, give or take a dozen. We've got them on the ropes!" Twinkle declares with a cackle.
"Are Elder Lily and the others moving to flank them?" I ask. Twinkle turns around the corner and lets loose a burst of her minigun. Lightning walks over to me as she does so.
"Elder Lily's dead," Lightning says simply. "So is everyone else, we're all that's left. It's damn good to see you, Ratchet. You too, Cygnus, Cora." He nods at each of us in turn. "I'm sure Arrow has already spotted you. No doubt she's antsy to come say hi. So, who is this?" He asks, gesturing to Shrill.
"She's a friend. Left Discordia to help us. I'm glad you and Arrow are alright," I tell him. He nods and inspects Shrill for a moment.
"Normally, I wouldn't trust someone who switched sides. But if Ratchet trusts you, I trust you. Let's save the pleasantries for later," Lightning says, turning back to the others and starts shooting from around the house.
Twinkle turns back to us. "Like Paladin Lightning said, former Elder Lily died. She was the first one to go when we ran into Discordia three days ago. I'm Elder now, I suppose. Though considering it is just my squad and the two Lynx now, the title hardly matters," She tells me.
"We've no Star or Head Paladin anymore. Considering how small we are, it would just cause confusion. Highest rank under me is my squad's Paladin. Made Lightning a Paladin too though, to keep some sort of command structure," Twinkle explains. She shrugs. "Anyhow...Keep firing and listen up!" She declares.
"With these reinforcements, we'll finish off Discordia in no time, so here is the plan. Knight Arrow and I will keep their attention on us here. Meanwhile, Ratchet and her group will flank around to the right and engage the enemy. Try to go a few houses down and loop around," She tells me. "Similarly, Paladin Cross will lead the Rangers around to flank left. Got that? Paladin Lightning, signal Arrow of her part," Twinkle orders.
Lightning makes some gestures towards the house Arrow is in with his hooves. I don't remember exactly what those gestures mean, but it is probably along the lines of keep shooting. He then nods to who I assume is Paladin Cross and then the Rangers charge across the gap to the house on the left while Twinkle stands in the middle of the gap and shoots her miniguns at the raiders.
I stand there stunned for a moment at the sudden activity. "Uh...yea...We should go too," I mutter, turning and walking to the right side of the house. "Cygnus, you might want to get some armor on. And probably get something explosive. We got a lot of baddies to get rid of," I tell them.
We move three houses down from where Twinkle is taking their fire. I try to keep us in cover to avoid getting spotted as much as possible and so far we haven't be shot at. But considering the constant pur of the miniguns, and Twinkle's laughter, it isn't surprising they aren't paying attention to us. Taking cover on the edge of the third house down near the road, I peek around the corner. The house Discordia is taking cover in is blacked from explosives and Twinkle's stream of fire is shooting into the windows. Inside the house to the left of that one, I see movement in a window. Then gunfire erupts from it, focusing on Twinkle. Some of the raiders must have moved position.
From here I have a fairly unobstructed view of the two houses they are shooting from, since the road curves on this particular stretch. I come up with an idea as I think of Twinkle. "Hey Cora, can you buck down this wall and get inside the house?" I ask her. She looks at the wall, turns, and bucks it. Cracks develop in the wall, and she bucks it again. This time, a chunk of the wall falls inward. She bucks a few more times and makes a big enough hole to enter through.
"Good. Now, get up into the attic and punch a small hole in the roof. Just big enough so you can get your rifle through it," I tell her. Since she can use the rifle's optics instead of her visor to see, she doesn't need a large hole. Meaning, she can shoot them without exposing herself too much. "Once there, start taking out anyone you can. The three of us will cross the street and make our way towards the enemy," I explain.
"Roger that!" Cora says happily as she enters the house.
"Now then, what gun do you have, Cygnus?" I ask him. He spits the large weapon into his hooves and says, "An ICS-190 grenade launcher. Think of it as a revolver that shoots grenades. Depending upon what we need, I can shoot smoke, incendiary, high explosive, or airburst shells." Adding, "I wish I would have gotten the schematics for plasma grenades this thing uses."
"That'll work fine," I tell him. Smoke grenades, hu? "Can you shoot a smoke grenade at the houses they are into give us some cover as we cross the street and Cora gets into position?" I ask him. He nods and rotates the gun's barrel then steps in front of me and bends around the corner. A *thunk* noise comes from the gun as he comes back around the corner.
"Give it a few seconds to disperse the smoke," Cygnus tells me. After a while, he nods and says, "Alright, should be good now." I peek out around the corner, and sure enough a large plume of white smoke is obscuring my sight of the houses.
"Let's go before the smoke dies down," I say and start across the street with Shrill and Cygnus right behind me. We carefully make our way closer to the cloud of smoke and the houses Discordia is occupying. As we reach the house next door to the closest Discordia occupied house, we take cover since the smoke is getting thin. Once we are fully behind the house, Cora starts shooting.
"Alright, Shrill, do you think you're up to sneaking into the back of the house they are in? Cygnus and I will hit the side of the house," I tell her.
She nods. "No problem. I'll do my best for you, Ratchet," Shrill says with a smile. She trots around the side of the house and disappears.
"Now then, Cygnus, let's go knock on the wall of that house, shall we? Hit the wall with an explosive shell," I tell him.
"You got it!" He replies, turning the corner and shooting a directly at the house. The grenade explodes against it and opens up a generous hole in the wall. I wait for the smoke to clear and see it opens into a kitchen. The wall Cygnus destroyed had a counter top running along it and part of it is still standing. I see a few raiders inside the kitchen staring back out at us.
"Think you can shoot another round in there? Though, hold off on the incendiary. I really don't want a repeat of that library," I mutter.
"I'll use an airburst then," Cygnus replies. "And you are the one who started all those fires, I just gave you the bullets," He adds. Cycling the drum of his gun, he shoots another grenade into the kitchen. I watch it go in and hear the raiders shout. What surprises me is that the grenade explodes in midair, sending shrapnel into the raiders.
"Oh, so that is why it is called an air burst," I mutter. "Ok, let's get inside," I say, trotting briskly towards the house. However some raiders on the second floor of the house start shooting at me. "Eeep! Cygnus! Grenade!" I shout, jumping to the side to avoid the shots. Cygnus shoots another grenade through the window, silencing the raiders.
I brush off the dirt from my lab coat and get back to my hooves. "Thank you, Cygnus. Now then, inside before we get caught in the open," I say, climbing over the countertops and dropping into the kitchen. Cygnus follows moments later.
Once we gets to his hooves, two more raiders rush us from the door. I quickly point my revolver at the closest and shoot three times. And miss all three shots. Cygnus charges the mare I am aiming at and starts to bludgeon her with the grenade launcher. The other raider closes the gap between us and swings a bat at my head. I move my revolver to block it and it slams into the barrel, knocking it from my magic's grip. Before I can do anything, the raider swings the bat around again, catching me in the side.
It knocks the wind from me and he winds up for another hit. But before it makes contact with me, Cygnus blocks it with his grenade launcher. "I think a different gun would have been more appropriate," Cygnus mutters. "I can't shoot this up close," He adds. "Think you can, lend a hoof?"
I stumble to my hooves and pull out my knife and throw it at the raider. It embeds itself into their head and after a few moments of struggle, he falls to the ground. "Wait, wait, wait!" I stammer. "I can hit things by throwing a knife?"
Cygnus's gun disappears along with his armor. "I was probably a fluke. Cover me for a moment while I get my gear back. I'm thinking a shotgun this time around," he mutters.
"Yea, sure," I tell him, pulling my knife out of the raider's head and picking up my revolver. "Maybe I should use knives more," I say. Cygnus just rolls his eyes as he keeps muttering. I watch the door. A moment later, Cygnus's armor appears.
"Let's not risk you messing up trying to use knives. Keep doing what you've been doing till you can repeat that knife trick," Cygnus tells me. Then he starts muttering weapon specifications.
I sigh. "Fine," I tell him and then continue watching the door.
Just then another raider comes through the door. "Homerun, Lolipop, you two kill those fu-" He breaks off as he sees us standing over his dead friends. "Shit," he says, bringing up his rifle. I level my revolver at the same time, but stop shy of pulling the trigger when I see the knife push through his neck. It slides back through and he falls to the ground, revealing a smiling Shrill behind him. She's spattered with quite a bit of blood.
"This floor is clear," She sings. "How about we take the next one?" She suggests.
Cygnus's shotgun appears and he replies, "I agree." We leave the kitchen and head to the stairs to the second floor. I can hear gunfire and explosions continue outside. Mixed in with it all is the laughter and yells of Twinkle. Cygnus takes point and begins up the stairs with Shrill and I following behind him.
At the top of the stairs, Cygnus fires off a round, killing a nearby raider. Two more come from around a corner and Cygnus puts two more rounds in one of them as Shrill and I shoot at the other. Both raiders go down quick, despite me not actually getting a single hit.
Stepping over the raiders, Cygnus walks into another room but is immediately sent flying back through the doorway, almost smacking right into me. He slumps against the wall and mutters, "A rocket powered sledgehammer. Great." Cygnus gets to his hooves as an annoyed looking unicorn mare steps through the door with a hammer in her magic. It has a small rocket on the back of it and a switch which I guess triggers the rocket's ignition.
She winds up and hits Cygnus square in the side, sending him through the wall and flying outside. "I'll take this one!" He shouts before thudding on the ground. The mare walks over to the hole in the wall and looks down. She leans to her left as a shotgun blast comes back through.
She clicks her tongue, looks at us, then looks at the doorway she came though. "We've got company. Two losers still inside. One I threw outside. He's pissed me off, so I'm going hunting. Be back in five," She calls back in an irritated tone. The next moment she steps out through the hole and falls to the ground.
"Should we go help him?" Shrill asks with only a hint of concern in her voice.
I'm about to reply, but see a metal apple roll into the room with us. "We've got our hooves full! Down! Down!" I quickly shout, pushing her back down the stairs. The two of us get halfway down before the grenade goes off and we fall the rest of the way, landing tangled at the bottom.
"Ugh," I groan as I shake my head and open my eyes, only to be greeted by Shrill's hindquarters in my face. She is laying under me with her face buried in my crotch. I sigh in preparation for the inevitable comment.
"Oh ho, Ratchet, if you wanted some action, you only had to tell me," Shrill says happily. "But I think we are in a bit of a predicament at the moment." I feel her head move to look at the stairs. "Hasn't anyone ever told you, it is rude to peep at two ladies enjoying themselves?" She asks. I turn my head to look at the stairs, and see two bucks standing at the top aiming their guns at us. "Jump forward, would you, darling?" Shrill whispers.
"Don't call me darling!" I shout as I jump forward, getting past the wall that separates the stairs from the rest of the room and preventing the raiders from hitting me. They open fire and I hear the distinct sound of automatic fire as Shrill rolls away from the stairs while drawing her pistol. She blindly fires a few shots at the two, causing them to hesitate in their fire and Shrill rolls onto her hooves, skidding to a halt and firing two more shots at them. I hear the sound of thumping and then I see one of the bucks hit the floor, dead.
As the remaining buck starts shooting again, Shrill leaps to the side and lands next to me. She gives me a smile as she floats the dead buck's gun over. It looks like an smg. She checks the ammo and then asks, "Ready?"
"Uh, yea. Let's?" I stammer. Is it really just me who is a shit shot? That just seems unfair. Shrill dashes around the corner and starts shooting up the stairs, killing the raider at the top. His body slumps against the wall as we climb the stairs once again. I can hear shotgun blast and loud impacts outside mixing with each other. Cygnus and that mare must be fighting still. He's got the advantage, right?
At the top of the stairs, once again someone walks out of one of the doorways. Just how many raiders are up here? Shrill shoots a few rounds at the buck before the gun starts clicking. Then she throws the gun at him and shoots a few rounds at him with her pistol. He goes down before he has a chance. She picks up his rifle and we enter the closest room.
Three raiders are shooting out of the windows facing the street and two more are discussing something. But the two of them stop talking as we walk in and glance at us for a moment. You know, considering the fighting around them these raiders seem pretty lax. Like it doesn't involve them. They raise their weapons, a knife and a smg. Shrill and I match them and we start trading bullets as the one with the knife charges us.
I take aim at the one with the knife while Shrill skirts around to the left and keeps the attention of the other. Miss, miss, and the mare with the knife gets point blank. I put my gun against her head and pull the trigger, and miss. The mare jerks her head suddenly, avoiding my shot then stabs me in the side, missing the plates in my barding and penetrating through a vulnerable point in the armor.
I yell out in pain for a moment, then grit my teeth and turn Forgiveness at her again, this time I put it against her temple. Just as I pull the trigger, she jerks her head back, leaving the knife in my side and causing me to miss. But the mare is now unarmed so I try to take another shot at her, but she jumps to the left to avoid my shot. I shoot again, and she jumps back to the right, causing my bullet to hit the wall just past Shrill's head. Shrill shoots me a concerned glance, but then goes back to her opponent.
"Stop moving around!" I shout, pulling her knife from my side and throwing it at her. It hits her right in the center of the neck and her eyes go wide as she raises a hoof to it before falling over. "Ha! Two for two! Fluke my ass Cygnus!" I declare as I quickly reload my revolver as the three who were shooting out the window up until now decide to finally turn around. Shrill finishes off her opponent as the three of them start shooting at us.
I grab the knife I just threw out of the mare's neck and holster my gun as I dive to the side. Grabbing my own knife in my magic, I throw both of the knives at the closest raider. One catches him in the side, the other in his muzzle. Four for four! However the hits aren't enough to kill him, just knock the gun out of his mouth. I quickly run over to him to recover the knives when the raider in the middle's head explodes. It showers us in chunks of skull, brain, and blood. "Damnit Cora...my lab coat is ruined now," I mutter.
The other raiders are momentarily caught off guard, giving me the chance to close the gap and pull out the knives. I'm about to hit him again when the whole house shakes. We all stumble as the house tilts a bit. What the hell are Cygnus and that mare doing? Shrill and I recover just moments sooner than the raiders and we finish them off. "What was that?" I ask Shrill.
She shrugs. "Not sure. Sounds like something crashed through the wall again, though," She tells me. We leave the room and finish scouring the second floor, but don't find anyone else. The house shakes a few more times during our search. The two of us head downstairs. I'm worried about Cygnus, he should have finished up by now.
Once we hit the bottom of the stairs, I can see why the house has been shaking. Huge sections of wall have been knocked away, including interior walls. Drywall, wood, and insulation are strewn everywhere. In the middle of all the destruction is Cygnus, leaning on the sledgehammer over the mare. He is holding a hoof to his side. "Oh, hey you two. Done upstairs?" He asks as we approach. He sounds pained.
"Yea, that's all of them. Are you alright though? You don't look so good," I tell him. He gives me a smile, picking up the hammer with a hoof and laying it across his back, standing on three hooves.
"Pretty sure I have a few broken ribs. She kept knocking me through the walls. Considering how heavy this hammer is, she was quite nimble on her hooves. I couldn't get a shot on her," He explains.
"Here, take this then," I say, floating over a healing potion. I also take out a roll of magical bandages to wrap my stab wound. Cygnus takes the potion and drinks it. Shrill seems busy wrapping a few bullet wounds of her own.
"Thank you," Cygnus says after finishing the potion. "But it isn't going to mend the bones. Does help a bit with the internal and external bleeding though," He says. "Anyhow, I saw the Rangers outside the house next door while I was getting tossed around. I've got a plan to help them, if you want a suggestion, Ratchet," He tells me.
"Of course. What you got?" I ask him. He moves the sledgehammer off his back and rests the head of it against the floor.
"Let's drop this house onto the other one. The house is already fairly unstable thanks to my fight, so if I take out the rest of the support on that side, it should fall right over onto the other house. Though, you might want to grab anything off the raiders upstairs before I do so. Sound like a plan?" Cygnus asks.
"Yea, that sounds good. We won't have to risk anymore injury if we just crash a house into them. Ok, Shrill and I will pick over the raiders upstairs. You rest up down here, alright?" I tell him. He nods and sits down, using the hammer as support.
"I'll be here," Cygnus mutters.
===~+~===
After a few minutes, Shrill and I finish looting. The two of us wait in the back yard as Cygnus uses the sledgehammer to knock out a few more walls and support beams. He walks to the corner closest to us and knocks out the corner with the hammer. The house begins to teeter and Cygnus comes to stand beside us. In a few moments, the house begins to fall towards the other house. The house almost seems to rip in two is it slams into the still occupied home. I can't hear anything over the sound of the crashing, but I'm sure there is plenty of screaming that gets drowned out.
When the dust settles, the distinction between the houses has been completely blurred. It is hard to tell where the rubble of one ends and the rubble of the other begins. I don't hear anymore gunfire but instead quite a bit of groaning and swearing. Shrill walks over to the pile of rubble and shoots a few of the raiders still alive within the chaos. Nothing else makes a sound. Are they all dead now?
Lightning and the Rangers come from around the corner of the now destroyed house while Twinkle comes sauntering towards us from over the rubble. "Nicely done!" Twinkle declares. "Dropping a house on then, why didn't I think of that?" She chuckles. She doesn't seem to have a single injury, but her armor is a little dinged up. "That's all of them! Nicely fought! Eberron has had his fill today!" She shouts.
The Rangers all collect around me, with Arrow and Cora arriving a few moments later. "Glad I could be of help," I tell Twinkle. It looks like they didn't suffer any more casualties. "Is this all of the Discordia members that are around here?" I ask.
Twinkle nods. "This was the last of them. When we first arrived, they had around a hundred. We slowly chipped away at their numbers till they pushed us back here. The Vanhoover area should be free of any major Discordia threat now," She informs me.
"That's good to hear. Why did you all come out here, anyway?" I ask her curiously. Of all the places they could have gone, why Vanhoover?
"Eh. Lily's idea. She recalled the Vanhoover Contingent's location, and thought we should group up with them. We found their bunker easily enough, but they refused to let us in. They even threatened to execute us if we didn't leave," Twinkle shrugs. "It really disheartened Lily," She mutters sadly. "A few days later, we stumbled upon Discordia, and that brings us here."
"I see. So you guys have nowhere to go now? Are you just going to wander?" I ask.
"Yea. Lily didn't have a plan past meeting up with the Vanhoover Contingent. I've been busy with fighting Discordia, so I haven't had time to think up a direction for us. I'm quite partial to fighting Discordia though, they did kill almost all of us, after all," Twinkle says. She takes off her helmet and smiles at me. "Say, you once offered us a place at your lab, right? And you want to fight Discordia, right?" She asks. "Why don't we work together? I'm sure you could use our help. And it would be nice to have a place to call our own again. If that's alright with you, that is."
I nod. "Sure, that sounds great. I still don't have a solid lead on Grimoire though, but I have a group that joined Discordia spying on them. The only reason we are here is that we were searching for more clues," I tell her.
"Great!" Twinkle declares. "Then, let me return the favor and tell you something neat. When we first encountered Discordia here, it was a small patrol. We took one of them hostage to interrogate them. You know how persuasive Lightning can be," She says, nodding to him. "Anyhow, the raider had something interesting to say about where Grimoire spends his time. Apparently they overheard Grimoire talking to their leader. They mentioned Neighagra Falls," She tells me.
"Neighagra?" I ask, raising an eyebrow. I think for a few moments, but I can't think of anything near there that would be important. It was just a tourist attraction. Dams had been constructed at the two rivers that flowed from the lake at the bottom of the falls to generate hydroelectric power. It was one of the efforts to try and get us off of coal and the Zebras frequently attempted to destroy them. I recall a month before the war ended, they succeeded in destroying the western dam.
"Do you think he has something in one of the dams?" I ask. Twinkle just shrugs.
"The raider just knew about the location. Nothing specific. I don't think they even knew what or where it is," Lightning chimes in. "Trust me, he didn't know." If Lightning says he didn't know, then the raider didn't. Neighagra, hu? I haven't been there since spring break my sophomore year of college. Perhaps it is time to check it out again.
"Well, if it is where Grimoire hangs his hat, we should at least check it out. Shall we head back to my lab for now? Let you all rest up? Cygnus also needs to get his ribs looked at," I tell them.
"Sure thing, Ratchet. But there's just one thing we need to do first," Twinkle says. "I'll be damned if I leave our fallen here to rot. Mind helping us recover their bodies? We'll bury them with everyone else," She says, sullenly.
"Of course. Cora can help carry someone, if you need it," I tell her.
"Thanks," Twinkle replies. "We've been fighting for three days and covered quite a bit of ground, so we have a bit of walk ahead of us. Shouldn't be any fighting, other than a some wildlife. Alright Rangers, let's move out! Our fallen aren't going to pick themselves up!"
===~+~===
Level Up!
+15 Melee Weapons
+2 Small Guns **Small Guns Has Reached Maximum Level (You might hit like a truck when you hit, but your accuracy still sucks)
+15 Repair
Quest Updated:
-Savior
Objective Complete: Talk to Gunsmoke
Objective Complete: Investigate the Vanhoover Suburbs
Objective Complete: Help the Rangers of Stable 36.
Quest Completed!
New Quest:
-Hidden Waters
Current Objective: Investigate Neighagra Falls |
Fallout Equestria: Icicle | Chapter 25 - Logic | Chapter 25 - Logic
"It is said you can never prove that something is impossible. Because even if something isn't possible today, that doesn't mean it won't be possible tomorrow."
===~+~===
Neighagra Falls. Once it was a tourist hotspot that attracted ponies with the beauty of its cascading waterfalls and clear, sparkling water. What it is now, is nothing like I remember from my college trip. The water still falls, but that is where the similarities end. Neighagra Falls has become a cesspool of radioactivity, so much so even being near the edge of the water causes my PipBuck to start clicking steadily.
The water itself is a murky and muddy, nothing like it once was. The lake at the bottom is strewn about with litter and I can see a hazardous material transport laying upside down in the water. The trailer of it must have broken open, because barrels of waste are scattered on the shore. If I had to choose one place that shows the tragedy that has befallen Equestria, it would be here. The waters used to be so full of life, but now they carry only death.
Bubbles appear on the water for a moment and a shape breaks the surface. It is too far to make out, but I can see the shine of an eye. I feel a shiver go down my spine. Death, and whatever that thing is. I continue looking around on the shore and along the cliff face.
The Rangers and my own group begin searching for Grimoire's lair. We start with the still functioning dam, but it is completely abandoned, despite the fact it is still functional. We then begin to search the shores, surrounding buildings, and the top of the falls. But nothing stands out as something Grimoire would use.
I am beginning to think his lair might somehow be at the bottom of the lake. With teleportation, it could be possible. But, unless we get a hold of a lot of rad-x, radaway, and some hazmat suits, there is no way we are going in the water.
Just then, Cora starts to speak over the radio frequency we are using. "I think I may have found something at the bottom of the falls," Cora announces. "This rock is of a slightly different color and density that the rock around it. Let me give it a closer look." There is a pause and then an "Eep! I broke the rock. There was button behind it. Should I press it?" She asks.
I start walking to where she is as I reply. "No, wait till we regroup. If it is Grimoire's lair, there's no telling what will happen when you press it. Let's regroup on Cora's location everyone," I say over the radio.
A short time later, everyone is gathered on the shore of the lake, near the edge where the falls are closest to the beach. Some rock, that doesn't actually look quite like actual rock, lays in chunks below a button set into the cliff face. "Ready everyone?" I ask. After receiving nods, I press the button.
Immediately the ground gives a shudder and the sound of grating reaches my ears. I watch as rock along the cliff begins to pull away, revealing metal supports. A few feet below, stairs are coming out of the cliff as well. These two parallel constructs come about two feet out of the cliff face before stopping. The top one provides shelter against the falling water and cuts a path through the waterfall.
"Ha!" Twinkle chuckles. "Behind the waterfall? That's so cliche. Alright Rangers, let's go fuck up his house!" She starts walking up the stairs and we follow.
Passing through the waterfall, we enter into a large cavern. The ground around us is wet from the falling water, but after a few feet the ground dries out. Roughly twenty feet in front of us is a large metal door. It isn't like a Stable door, it is rectangular and split down the middle. Metal bars run the length of it from top to bottom, sealing it closed. On the far right is a single keypad.
The most curious aspect of this cavern, however, is the old unicorn buck sitting on a patio chair, next to a patio table with a parasol in it. Resting on the table is a teapot, two teacups with matching saucers, a plate of seemingly fresh baked cookies, and a chess set. The buck sees us, smiles, and takes a sip from one of the cups. He floats the saucer in front of him and sets the cup back on it, then floats the pair aside.
"Well hello there strangers. I wish I had more cups and chairs, but I wasn't expecting so many guests," he says with a pleasant tone. He then gestures to the chair across the table from him. "Please, please, come in. At least one of you can take a seat. Let's chat for a bit," He says, taking another sip from his cup.
Hesitantly, we approach the table. He doesn't appear to have any weapons, but since he is a unicorn we should still be careful. The Rangers keep their guns on him as I sit down in the chair. He immediately picks the teapot up in his magic and fills the empty teacup near me. "Please, relax. Have some tea and cookies," He says with a smile. The corners of his eyes crinkle as he does so.
I look at the cookies and tea skeptically. He seems to pick up on my hesitation. "Ah, right. Ponies now-a-days are always wary of strangers offering them food and drink," He says, not seeming the least bit offended. He then eats a cookie and refills his cup from the teapot and takes a sip. "There, not poisoned or anything. Please, help yourself," he says, nodding to the others as well. Cygnus shrugs and takes a cookie. From the look on his face as he chews it, it must be pretty good.
I hesitate, but take a sip of the tea. I blink at the taste. Hu? It is actually pretty good. "Seems you both are enjoying my refreshments. I'm glad, it has been a while since I've had guests," He smiles. "Oh! But where are my manners, I have yet to introduce myself. My name is Noblesse, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance," he says with a slight bow.
Noblesse, hu? For some reason that name sounds familiar. But I can't remember where I've heard it from. "My name is Ratchet," I reply. Cygnus, Cora, and Shrill introduce themselves as well. Lightning, Arrow, and the other Rangers remain silent, however.
"Well, it is nice to meet you. Though your armored friends don't seem to be very talkative. I'm partial to one on one chats anyway. Too many participants in a conversation ruins the experience, in my opinion. So, Ratchet, I take it you are the leader of this group?" Noblesse asks.
"Kind of," I reply. "It is complicated. But we can go with that for now," I add. He nods at my words with his eyes closed.
"Very well then, I will address you in our talk then. So, what brings you here, might I ask?" Noblesse says politely. "Are you just exploring, coming here for something specific, or perhaps you are here to meet with the master?"
"The master?" I ask. Noblesse tilts his head as if waiting for me to answer his question. "Er, I suppose we are here for something specific. Who do you mean when you say the master?"
"Just that, the master of this facility that I keep watch for. I guard this door for him. Though, I suppose you are asking for a specific name. My master's name is Grimoire," Noblesse says as plainly as if calling a rose red.
"You work for Grimoire?" I ask, putting my guard up. It was always a possibility he did work for Grimoire, since he is at this place. But he seems so different from the usual members of Discordia.
"Indeed. Have since he attacked my village a few years ago," Noblesse says without a hint of anger in his voice. "He proclaimed that anyone who didn't join him, would die. I don't necessarily want to die, do I opted to join him. Though, given my old age, I'm not a fighter. But, I can watch a door," He says with a smirk. Behind his glasses, I see his eyes dancing with life. They aren't the eyes of an old buck.
I raise an eyebrow. "But you don't have anything to defend the door with. Hasn't anyone tried to get past you by force?" I ask.
He chuckles. "They are quickly dissuaded from doing so once they learn the only way through the door is with the password only Grimoire and I know. If they kill me, they lose the password. I do offer to give it out though. I'm not too attached to Grimoire, you know. Though I wouldn't say I hate him either," He says nonchalantly.
"So, you would just give us the password then?" I ask him, slightly hopeful.
Noblesse smile broadly. "I'll give you the password," he says, but upon seeing my eyes light up, he continues. "But, there's a catch. It can get tedious sitting here. As relaxing it is to watch the waterfall and sip tea all day, it gets dreadfully boring. So let us play a game of chess. If you win or even if you aleve my boredom enough, I'll give you the password. If you lose, you leave," He says, laying out the rules.
"Though," Noblesse continues, "I'm willing to give you each a chance to beat me. Except for you, Miss Cora. You are an AI, correct?" Cora perks up at his question.
"How did you know?" Cora asks him.
"Your voice has a synthetic ring to it and your movements are slightly off. But, I've also not heard you breathing this entire time," Noblesse replies. Hasn't heard her breathing? Does that mean he can hear everyone else breathing? Just how good are his ears! "It isn't that I have anything against you, you understand. I've had a bad experience with something similar in the past. Played chess against the prototype crusader maneframe once," he says, seeming to shiver. "Terrifying experience. I don't wish to do anything like that ever again," Noblesse concludes.
"Wait, a prototype? Then you were..." I start to ask, but cuts me off with a nod of his head.
"Indeed, alive before things went to hell. Though, I am getting up there in age now. A few more years and I'll be in the ground. But let's leave the morbidity behind. Chess," Noblesse says, clasping his hooves together, "do you play, Ratchet?"
I nod. "I do. In fact, I think out of all of us, only Cora, Cygnus, and myself know the game," I tell him, recalling the difficulty I had previously explaining chess references to the Rangers. "I'll play with you. I was quite skilled back in my college days," I say with a smile. He raises an eyebrow at that, and I realize what I said. College doesn't exist anymore and given my apparent age, I should never have attended. But he doesn't seem to press it. Instead, he gestures to the chess board between us.
"Very good. We will be using my personal chess set. The pieces are different than a usual set, but their purpose is the same. It was a gift I'm quite fond of," Noblesse says with a smile. I've been stealing glances at it up till now, but now I focus my full attention on the set. It is exquisite. The pieces look as though they were individually carved from a single piece of wood. The board is also decorated regally. It is about an inch thick, the sides are carved with intricate designs and a drawer for the pieces is set into it.
I can tell a master craftsmen worked on this set for hours. I think parts of the board are even decorated with pure gold. It is in excellent condition. But what stands out the most, is the flawless pieces.
The kings are a regal looking Princess Celestia, smiling brilliantly. The queens are Princess Luna, head held up with dignity. The bishops have been replaces with Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy. Twilight is surrounded by books while Fluttershy is carrying a medical bag. The knights are Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie. Rainbow Dash is flying with a rainbow shockwave behind her. Pinkie Pie floats with a group of balloons tied around her midsection. The rooks are Rarity and Applejack. Rarity is surrounded by what look like needles pointing in front of her as she strikes an elegant pose. Applejack is mid-buck, her body in perfect form, emphasising her muscles. The pawns are royal guards. Celestia's for white and Luna's for black. To differentiate the others, they wear a black or white sash.
The pieces and board are almost as perfect as the Pinkie figurine I found. It is beautiful, but brings sadness to my heart. I remember Twilight and Applejack talking about the others, how they all used to be together, but the war kept them separate. But now, Applejack will never see her friends again. What about the others though? I can't help but wonder, are any of them still alive? The wasteland is sad. So terribly, terribly, sad. They separated from each other to try and end the war, but it was all for nothing.
Thinking of the past lets me recall something else. A relatively famous news story about one of Equestria's greatest Chess players beating the prototype Crusader Maneframe. I recall a picture in the paper I saw, Princess Celestia giving the buck a chess set for his accomplishment. His name was...My eyes go wide in realization. "You're Noblesse Oblige! Equestria's greatest chess player! The only pony who managed to win against the Crusader Maneframe!" I shout in shock.
Noblesse's eyes widen in surprise. "I didn't think anyone knew my whole name anymore. Not only that, but you seem to know about me," He says, blinking. "Interesting. Let's add a new element of our game, shall we? You seem to know me, and I'm curious how. You also seem interested in Grimoire. So, for each piece we capture, we can ask one question that must be answered truthfully. How does that sound?" He says with a smile.
He will tell me about Grimoire? If I lose, I won't get the password, but I will at least get information on Grimoire. That's good enough for me. "Sounds good to me!" I declare. "Let's begin, shall we?" Noblesse nods in agreement, smiling contently.
Noblesse makes the first move. The others gather around to watch us as we play. "How about some banter as we play?" Noblesse suggests. "Tell me, why are you going after Grimoire?"
I move a pawn forward as I answer him. "Because he is planning to basically destroy the world again. Killing innocents and doing what he wants. It isn't right," I tell him.
Noblesse moves one of his knights. "He is evil. But why are YOU going after him? You strike me as an intellectual, not a fighter. I can understand the Rangers, but you? You are out of your element," He tells me.
"You're not wrong," I say, moving a rook. "I'm not a fighter. But if I don't fight him, who will? Should I just sit around and hope that someone else deals with him?" I ask.
He holds a hoof to his chin as he moves another pawn. "Plenty of ponies seem content to do just that. They take what small bit of peace they can get, even if it means turning a blind eye to the plight of others," He says sternly.
I move a pawn to match his, stopping its progress. "I can understand that. The wasteland is cruel. Ponies will sooner steal from you than help you. If I were them, I wouldn't do anything either," I mutter.
He rises an eyebrow as he moves a bishop from the back. "What makes you different from them, then?" He asks.
I shrug. "I suppose I have a direction?" I suggest, moving out my queen. "I've had a goal ever since I woke up. Something I needed to do. From there, I've got a sort of path taking me in the direction I needed to go," I tell him.
His eyes flash and he takes one of my pawns with his bishop. But, it puts his bishop right in line with my queen. What is he doing? "What do you mean when you said 'since I woke up'?" He asks. Was that why he did it? To get me to answer that question?
"I was frozen cryogenically. One second I was in the world of Equestria during the war, the next I was in the wasteland after the bombs fell," I tell him. His eyes widen with curiosity. Then I take his bishop with my queen. "My turn for a question. I know Grimoire has the ability to teleport, heal insanely fast, and even phase himself out of existence. What else can he do?" I ask. Noblesse stares at me in a new wave of shock.
"I never knew Grimoire could do those last two things. It is true he can teleport quite well. He even has an insane pool of magical energy. But he isn't too adept with a variety of magic. He keeps to himself, but he does talk to himself quite a bit. Him searching for magical artifacts and books is him trying to break past this limitation of his," Noblesse explains.
"To put it simple, it is impossible that Grimoire made himself phase out of existence or healed himself rapidly. Right now, anyway. In the future, he might unlock those abilities," He concludes.
"But...The Rangers saw him use those abilities! The shot through him, and even when they hit him, he healed instantly!" I shoot back at him.
Noblesse nods. "It seems like the Rangers who saw him do that are guilty of hasty generalization. They saw their bullets hit him, but he was unhurt. Thus, he must be able to phase out of existence. Such a conclusion could be reached, sure. However, what if I give you some new evidence about his abilities? Grimoire uses illusionary magic," He says simply.
"Wait, you mean...The Rangers weren't shooting him, but an illusion he made? But he physically opened a door!" I tell him.
"Just because the illusion is a fake, does not mean he isn't there," Noblesse replies. "Using his illusionary magic it is simple for him to make it seem like he is somewhere else, when in reality he could be standing next to you. So, let us say he teleports through a door while he makes his illusion walk through it. Then, while his illusion draws attention, he moves elsewhere and avoids getting shot. That is more than likely what really happened," he says, shrugging. "But, back to the game at hoof..." He moves his rook.
We continue our game for another few turns without either of us losing a piece. That is, until he takes one of mine. "So, you were frozen, hu? Why?" Noblesse asks.
"My cyropod was actually a prototype. I was giving it an initial test run. During that time, things went to south. I suppose it was just pure luck I was in the pod at the time. Oh, and I say it was a prototype, but it wasn't the only one," I tell him as I make my move.
"I see. And I suppose you won't elude to that last bit until I take another piece. You certainly aren't boring, Miss Ratchet," Noblesse says with an easy smile. I chuckle as he makes him move, and then take one of his pawns.
"Is Grimoire here now?" I ask him.
"Hmmm. That is a good question. But one I cannot answer," He tells me. Seeing my disgruntled expression, he continues. "I can't answer, because I do not know. I rarely go inside far enough to tell. The entrance has two doors thick. Inside the first door is a small room I call my home. It was once a security check station, I believe," Noblesse tells me.
"I can open the inner door, but i choose not to, it isn't the sort of place I want to go poking around." A grim expression shows on his face. "Regardless, it has been a year or so since I've seen him. Have you heard of the cat in the box question? If a cat is put into a box and it is sealed, is the cat alive or dead?" Noblesse asks rhetorically.
"Without opening the box, you cannot tell the state of the cat. Similarly, without opening the second door, I have no way of knowing the state of Grimoire," He explains as he makes his next move, taking one of my pieces. "Now then, more cryopods than your prototype? Elaborate," He asks.
"I knew you'd ask that next. As I said previously, mine isn't the only one. I do not know how many were made, but I know at least Cygnus here was in one. Miss Twilight Sparkle was overseeing my project and she took some liberties to develop the technology along different avenues," I tell him.
"My pod was conceptualized to be used in Stables. A mass produced model is what it would have become. Cygnus's pod was similar, but I could tell there were differences. She might have been making them specific to their use. The size, shape, and specific functions of any pods I encounter might vary greatly," I explain. "Of course, the use of the pods is classified. I even had to be promoted seconds before the bombs fell in order to access them." I take my next move. He immediately takes another piece.
"I see. I suppose you do not know anything else about that subject then. Tell me about yourself then, Miss Ratchet. I'll be a bit more specific, tell me about your family," He asks. I blink at the question, seemingly coming out of nowhere.
"I'm actually an orphan," I tell him. "I was around three when my parents died. From what I'm told, they were a fantastic duo when it came to magic. The day they died, I was left with a foalsitter while they went to be guest lecturers at Littlehorn. That was the day of the Littlehorn Massacre," I explain.
"I was raised in an orphanage. Till I went to high school at a boarding school. That's where my passion for inventing and tinkering was sparked," I tell him. I leave off there on purpose and take one of his pieces. "My turn. Why does Grimoire want to find Discord's remains?" I ask.
"Well, it is hard to take the place of something that already exists. Allow me to cite the devil's proof. A lack of evidence for Discord's current existence doesn't fail to prove he exists. However, if Grimoire can find his remains, he can prove Discord is dead," Noblesse replies. "Think of it as in order to become a king, you have to kill the previous king first. Just because the current king is missing, it doesn't mean you can take his place."
"I see. So he needs to confirm Discord's death before he can fully reach his goal? I suppose as long as he doesn't find the remains, he is nothing but the leader of an organized band of raiders," I mutter.
Noblesse frowns. "Even the dullest of blades wielded by someone with the intent to use it is dangerous. Even if they are raiders with poor training and equipment, they are still dangerous," He mutters.
"If you realize how dangerous they are, why are you here protecting Grimoire's lair?" I ask him. "Why not leave and go somewhere else?"
He lets out a sigh. "I knew Grimoire years ago. Before he started this crusade of chaos. He was kind, gentle, and protective of his little sister, Spell Book. It had been years since I last saw him when him and his army took the town I was living in at the time. He remembered me. I suppose I'm hoping the child I once knew will return," Noblesse replies sadly.
"You knew Grimoire before? What made him like this?" I ask. Noblesse smiles slightly.
"Take another of my pieces, and I'll tell you," He says, making his next move. We move our dwindling pieces around the board. After a few turns, he takes a piece from me again. "So, you are an orphan, worked for the MoAS, were frozen in time, and are determined to stop Grimoire. You are new to all this, the wasteland. I've seen it change over time, become what it is now. You were in Equestria one moment and the Wasteland the next. What do you think of the Wasteland?" He asks.
I tilt my head slightly. That is an odd question. He wants my opinion on the wasteland? "It sucks," I tell him flatly. "Ponies killing each other, mutant creatures running amok, food and shelter is hard to come by, and you never feel safe. It is awful. Not to mention the majority of the Steel Rangers are hiding in their bunkers and the Pegasi are cowering above the clouds. The future looks grim." I say.
"But there is a future," Noblesse replies. "Even if you think it might look grim, there still is one. Many thought the world was ending when the bombs fell, yet here we are. For all your negative remarks just now, you are still trying to stop Grimoire. You must have some hope," He says.
"Well, of course. No one can know the future, but as long as we are still alive we can hope for a better future," I tell him. "I've seen Friendship City rising from the rubble of Manehatten, I took Tenpony Tower from a horde of ghouls, and the Rangers of Stable 36 wiped out the raiders of Ponyville where new ponies have settled now. If everything is shit, things can only improve, right?" I say with a small shrug.
Noblesse raises an eyebrow. "You took back Tenpony? I wondered who did that. That DJ has been talking about the news every so often. Warning folks of dangerous places. I suppose I should thank you," He says with a smile. Seeing my look of confusion, he continues. "That tower saved me from death. Along with a number of others. It was shielded against the blast and radiation. We spent the next dozen years there," He tells me.
"You mean it wasn't overrun with ghouls from the start? What happened then?" I ask, but she shakes his head.
"Take a piece and ask," he smiles. Great, now I am falling behind on the questions I need to ask. It is like he is purposefully giving me a reason to keep playing with him and not giving up. But this is getting tough, I'm finding myself outmatched.
We pass the next few turns and he captures a few of my pieces. He asks me simple questions about my past or my thoughts on things currently. Nothing special. But my side of the board is looking particularly sparse. A few more turns, and I manage to take another one of his pieces, though.
I decide to ask about Grimoire, unsure how much longer I'll be able to take pieces from him. "Tell me about Grimoire's past," I ask. Noblesse nods.
"He was a teenager when the bombs fell. Luckily, him and his family lived in a relatively safe area, away from where the bombs fell. They survived without any radiation or harm. However, their town quickly descended into chaos and violence once supplies started to run low. In five years, his parents were murdered and it was just him and his sister," Noblesse explains.
"They couldn't stay in the town, not knowing it was only a matter of time before they would meet the same fate. They left, taking everything they could carry and began to wander aimlessly. It was years before I left Tenpony, settled in a new town, and came across the pair," Noblesse tells me. "For a while, they stayed with me. His sister, Spell Book, was shy and clumsy, but Grimoire was kind, reliable, and doted on his sister. When they were old enough, they set out on their own trying to find their own place to call home."
"I lost touch with them after that, and it wasn't until Grimoire returned with his army that I saw him again. I asked about Spell Book and he got angry, violent. He said that she died. He wouldn't tell me how. But he seemed different, like his memory was off," Noblesse rubs his chin. "The more I talked with him, the more I realized this. He remembered me, but he didn't recall ever staying in my care."
"I asked about his past, but he only told me about unsettling memories. It is like he couldn't remember anything happy about his life other than his memories with Spell Book. I don't know what he did exactly, but I expect he manipulated his memories. He was always so kind, but I suspect that in removing his happy memories, he made himself cruel," Noblesse says. "That's all I know."
Great, now I kind of feel bad for the buck. But he still needs to be stopped, there is no negotiating that. Our game continues until a few turns later, I take another piece from him. "Ok, this time tell me about Tenpony Tower." Noblesse smiles and nods.
"As I said, I was there when the bombs fell, along with a large amount of the residents, guests, shop owners and staff, and Mr. Tenpony himself. At first, all of us were expecting to die, but after a few days we realized we were safe. Relatively speaking, of course. Rationing began, and Tenpony Tower luckily had a surplus of stock at the time," Noblesse explains.
"For the next dozen years, we lived normally inside the tower. But our supplies began to dwindle. At this point, Mr. Tenpony and his security staff began leading expeditions out of the tower to search for supplies or survivors. They took every precaution, but some of them began to look sickly. No doubt from radiation poisoning. Thankfully, Doctor Hearty was able to treat most of it. However, Mr. Tenpony, who insisted on leading every expedition himself was growing worse and worse," Noblesse says grimly.
"He got a persistant cough and his hair started to fall out. His eyes even glowed slightly. I never expected that to be what started our exodus. Mr. Tenpony's skin began to crack and seep black ooze. Honestly, he looked like a walking corpse. Doc Hearty confined him to his room for recovery and refused us entry to see him. A few other of the security staff got the same symptoms and were laid up in Hearty's medical center," Noblesse says, letting out a sigh.
"Of course, now I know those symptoms to be ghoulification. However, when Hearty began to declare the security staff under his care dead, we hardly thought anything of it and let him dispose of the corpses. We found out too late he was hiding them and conducting research on them. Not only that, but he began to talk with the security staff about the outside, which he had no prior interest in. A few times I heard the sound of the delivery entrance being opened and closed. Turns out he was bringing more ghouls inside to study, live ones that at," Noblesse explains.
"Things reached their crescendo when a guest stumbled upon a room filled with ghouls. When we confronted Hearty about this, he declared it was all for the good of Mr. Tenpony. Hearty himself had begun the path to ghoulification. He freed the ghouls, declared that we will all become test subjects for him, and sicced them upon us. A few of us went down in the ensuing chaos, but most of us were able to evacuate the tower. Those of us who were guests went our separate ways, but the aristoponies who lived there and the security staff went off together," Noblesse says with a sigh.
"And that is the tale of the fall of Tenpony Tower," He says simply. "Mr. Tenpony tried to do good, but in the end he drove Doc Hearty to madness as the doctor tried to save him. The best of intentions can have unforeseen consequences. You were there, Ratchet. Mr. Tenpony, Doc Hearty, what became of them?" Noblesse asks sadly.
"Hearty was still insane, but wasn't mindless like the rest of the ghouls. Mr. Tenpony's ghoul was still alive as well. I killed them both, my friends and I killed every ghoul in the tower," I tell him with downcast eyes.
Noblesse closes his eyes and bows his head. "I see," He mutters. "I suppose I must thank you again, then. For bringing them peace and ending their suffering."
I shake my head. "It wasn't as grand as all that. It was barbaric," I tell him. Noblesse frowns.
"I won't ask about it, but Ratchet, whatever you did, it is alright. You're not a murderer, not a killer. You are a kindhearted scientist who hopes for a brighter future. You'll make mistakes, you'll fall on hard times, but as long as you stay who you are right now, you'll make it through," Noblesse tells me with a confident smile. "Now, we have a game to finish, Ratchet. In five turns, I will checkmate you. If you have more questions, take my pieces before then," He tells me with playfulness in his eyes.
We continue. One turn passes, then another. Despite my best plays, I can't take any of his pieces. On the fifth turn a single word escapes Noblesse's lips, "Checkmate." I stare at the board, but no matter how I look at it, I've lost. I didn't have any specific questions left to ask, but now will he open the door? "Ratchet," Noblesse says, "It has been a long time since I've had a partner for a match. Too long. Thank you, for staving off my boredom. I'll open the doors for you."
Noblesse slowly gets up off his chair and onto his hooves. As he does so, I hear his bones crack and see a look of discomfort on his face. Despite the youth in his eyes, he is still and old buck. He walks over to the terminal near the door and presses a few keys. A low buzz comes from somewhere and mechanical noises start up. The door slowly begins to pull apart, revealing a small security checkpoint with another door behind it.
The old buck walks through the first set of doors and into the security room. Through a window in the wall, I see him using another terminal. A moment later the second door begins opening. He walks back out to us. "I don't know what's inside, Ratchet. He could have guards or not have any. He might even have traps. But, with all these ponies behind you, I'm sure you'll be fine. Come say goodbye before you leave, I'll be out here admiring the waterfall," He tells me as he walks towards the table.
I nod to him and then declare, "Alright everypony, let's go." We slowly enter into the structure, with the Rangers at the front. It is quiet. No one shouting alarms, no movement or ambiance, just our hoofsteps.
Past the second door is a huge, rectangular metal room. It is probably the size of a hoofball field. About halfway back, I see one door on the right side of the room and all the way in the back is two more, one in the center and one off on the left wall. Magical lighting illuminates everything, as though it is still before the war.
Ministry of Morale posters line the walls at set intervals and between them are what look to be workstations. The workstations vary from simple desks stacked with books to alchemical stations. I even see a few broken sprite bots near one of them. Similarly to the posters, metal statues of ponies are spaced around the room, though they number far less than the posters.
"What is all this?" Shill mutters, echoing my own thoughts. Did Grimoire bring all this here? Perhaps some of it, but not all of it.
"I think this is a Ministry of Morale facility. Posters, Sprite Bots, even the layout...it is like it is arranged so no one can hide what they are doing. Everyone can see what someone else is doing," I point out.
Cygnus approaches one of the alchemical stations. "This looks like it is used to manufacture drugs. Judging by the equipment, Mint-Als. Though it is on a small scale, I doubt they made much. Only enough to supply a few ponies, if all of the similar stations produce them," He says.
Or one pony with an addiction. I recall overhearing a conversation about Pinkie Pie's addiction to Party Time Mint-Als. Could this be where she got them so as not to be conspicuous? I look around at the room. This was an odd amount of equipment of varying uses. And how had the MoM kept this place a secret if it was behind the famous Neighagra Falls?
Everyone else is spreading out, inspecting the various stations. I walk over to the closest door where Twinkle is standing. "Let's take a look," She says and opens the door. She carefully checks the corners before entering it fully and declaring, "Clear!" I enter in after her.
It is a barracks style room. Beds arranged to fit as much space as possible. It was a lot like my lab's setup. Like the previous room, there was nowhere to hide or get any privacy, aside from an empty restroom in the back. This room didn't look used.
Twinkle and I are finishing up in the room when one of the Rangers calls out for us, "Elder Twinkle! Scribe Crusader Ratchet! I think you may want to see this!" We leave the room and look around for the Ranger who called out for us. He is standing at the door on the left side of the room, all the way at the end.
We make our way to him and he steps aside to show us the room. The room's walls are lined with what look like filing cabinets that go from floor to ceiling. On each drawer is a single letter, A through Z. One drawer is marked Unknown. I swallow as I pull open one of the drawers, the one marked L.
Inside are wooden cases, only a few inches deep but the length and width of the cases matches up with the dimensions of the cabinet perfectly. On the cases are names, in alphabetical order from front to back. Lavender, Lala, Lemon Heart, I keep reading the names till I get to the last entry Lyra Heartstrings. What are these? I pull out one of the cases at random and open it up.
It is filled with orbs. A shiver runs through my body as I recognize what they are. Memory orbs. Lots of memory orbs. I put the case back and pull out another. More memory orbs. I repeat this process on a few more cases, before closing the cabinet and looking in another. It is exactly the same. Each cabinet, each case is filled with memory orbs. This many? Here? Why? I instantly feel like I shouldn't be here.
"Ma'ams," The Ranger speaks up again. "You'll want to see the other room as well," He leads us out and to the other room, the one in the center of the the main room. He opens it, and steps in before us, then stands aside as we enter.
"No way," I mutter as I look at it, feeling myself pale. In the center of the small room is a chair with straps on it. Above the chair is a single piece of equipment that would make anyone who knew about it quiver in fear. "A...a....it is a...memory extractor," I draw in a shaky breath. I had only seen pictures of one before. A bin is in the corner of the room. Twinkle floats an orb out of it.
"Huh. Is this an empty memory orb then? This bin is full of them. Hundreds, at least," She tells me. This place suddenly made sense to me. Horrible, horrible sense. The way it was never found out despite its location. They removed the memories of anyone who found it in this very room.
"Destroy it," I choke out. My throat feels dry. This machine was the greatest fear of every pony in Equestria. It could change who you were, make you forget your entire life. I swallow again and repeat myself, "Destroy it. All of it! Everything in this facility!" I shout.
The Ranger looks at Twinkle who shakes her head. "Calm down Ratchet, we don't have a lead on Grimoire yet. There will be plenty of time to destroy it after, in fact that was my plan the whole time. This whole place will burn!" She says with a hint of laughter in her voice.
I take a deep breath and turn from the machine, muttering, "You're right. Let's find some clue about Grimoire." With that, I leave the room to search.
===~+~===
The Rangers, my friends, and I scour the facility for any clue about Grimoire. We find strange spell books, magical tomes, and other items he undoubtedly brought here. But what draws my attention is a single leather bound book with the name "Grimoire" on it. I open it up and begin skimming over it.
There are dates on every page and explanations of what happened on that particular day. They start off before the war, but as I turn the pages it rapidly climbs to the present. Is this book...Grimoire's diary? I quickly flip it to the final entry and read it.
She's dead. I couldn't even kill the buck who killed her! I'm worthless, I can't avenge my own sister! She always said I was kind and gentle, but I can't be that anymore! Not without her! This world shouldn't exist anymore, it is filled with nothing but misery and pain. I want to end it, but I can't bring myself to do so. Which is why I'm writing this now.
I stumbled upon an account of a facility behind Neighagra Falls. When I got here, I discovered a memory collector. It still works and has spare orbs. I think I can get it to work. And I know what I need to do. I have to get rid of my kindness. I need to become hatred. I'll forget everything happen in my life, except for the memories of happiness with Spell Book. Together with them and the memory of her death, I think I'll be able to do it. I'll be able to kill ponies. I'll be able to end this world, like it should have ended all those years ago.
I suppose this is my final word to myself, my final entry in my diary. Grimoire, don't read this. If you do, forget again. You need to forget to fight, to end it. Remember sister's death, the anger we felt. We will destroy everything in this world. I promise.
Grimoire really did wipe his memories. It is just like Noblesse said. What did he do with the orbs? I go into the room with the cabinets and pull out the drawer marked G. I scan the names and see one scratched off and replaced with Grimoire. I pull it out and open it. Dozens of orbs are inside. Are these all of his happy memories?
Just then I hear a metallic screech followed by a shout and gunfire. I put the case next to the door and look outside. The metal statues are moving. They are slow, but there are a lot of them. Bullets ricochet off of them without an effect and melee weapons seem to bounce right off. Even the few energy weapons firing only leave scorch marks on the metal. "What is going on?" I shout.
Cygnus runs over to me. "The statues just started moving. They haven't attacked anyone yet, but it doesn't seem good," He informs me.
"Damn it. Is it some sort of security? Did Grimoire do this or the MoM? Ugh. No matter. How are we going to deal with them? Our weapons are useless." I look around, but none of our weapons seem to be doing a thing. Everyone has seemed to realize this and stops firing.
"Hey, what are they made of?" I ask Cygnus.
"Judging by the color, bronze," He replies.
"Does that flamethrower of yours reach a high enough temperature to melt bronze?" I ask him.
"Barely," He answers. "I see what you are getting at. I'll get it ready, you come up with the specifics." Cygnus starts muttering.
"Well, you don't have to melt them completely. Just make it so they can't move. Aim at their legs. They are slow enough we should be able to round them up and kite them around while you spray them down with fire," I tell him. He nods and I set about telling the others.
I start with Twinkle who then barks orders to the Rangers. By the time Cygnus is ready, we have most of the walking statues grouped up together. "Let 'em have it, Cygnus," I call and he shoots flame, engulfing the legs of the statues. The Rangers taunt the statues and circle the room to keep them away from Cygnus. After a while, I see the statues start to deform and become slower. A few more minutes and their legs and puddles of metal. Cygnus kills the flames.
"Nicely done!" Twinkle declares. "Now, let's just avoid the molten metal puddle in the middle of the room, and keep looking for a lead."
I walk over to her. "Actually, I think I found the only that that matters here. Grimoire's diary and his memory orbs. He doesn't seem like the type to leave a paper trail now. I say we destroy the place and return to the lab," I tell her.
Twinkle chuckles. "If you're sure. Alright Rangers! Blow it all up! Cygnus! Don't let that flamethrower go to waste! Burn everything! We don't want Grimoire to be able to use anything here ever again," She shouts. And just like that we set about destroying everything in the lab. Everything except the memory orbs in the cabinets. I suggest we keep them like they are for the sake of some day knowing what they contain.
We leave the facility and the Rangers start to exit the waterfall cave. Cygnus, Shrill, Cora, Lightning, Arrow, and I, however, stop by Noblesse to say goodbye. "Thank's again, Noblesse," I tell him. "We made a mess of the place, but we got something out of it."
"That's good to hear, Ratchet. Before you go, take this with you," Noblesse says, floating the chessboard to me. "I want you to have it. It is a shame for me to keep it, when there is no one to play with. You can teach those with you how to play."
"Th-Thank you," I stammer, accepting the chessboard. "But, without it, what will you do? There isn't much else around here to keep you entertained," I ask him.
He smiles weakly. "Oh, I'll watch the waterfall and listen to that DJ's music. Besides, I don't have that many more years left in me. I'll be content with just this," He replies. Looking at him, he certainly looks a lot older than when we first arrived. His breathing looks sort of labored as well. And he...I see a flicker of movement in the corner of my eye and turn to look at it.
In the shadows of the cave is a figure, cloaked in black with a boney muzzle poking out of the hood. Death. But, no one has died, there aren't any enemies around and...I turn back and look at Noblesse. He chuckles weakly and closes his eyes. He knows it. He knows he isn't going to live for a few more years. He's just barely holding on. He opens his eyes slowly and lets out a sigh. "I think it is time you all get on your way. You've got Grimoire to stop, after all. And Ratchet, when you see him, give him a message from me. Tell him, 'Spell Book would hate what you've become'. I never had the heart to tell him it myself. I think he needs to hear it," He tells me.
I nod, fighting tears. "I will. Let's go, everyone," I say. I wait for them to start off before turning to Noblesse one last time. "Thank you, Noblesse. For everything." He smiles gently and waves me off with his hoof. I'll take good care of your chessboard, I promise.
===~+~===
Quest Completed!
-Hidden Waters |
Fallout Equestria: Icicle | Chapter 26 - Grimoire | Chapter 26 - Grimoire
"She was my world. The one I would risk my life for without a second thought. And I...I failed her."
===~+~===
It is another sunny day as my sister and I walk to school. She is clumsy and shy, so I'm glad our town is so small we only have a one room schoolhouse. I can keep an eye on her; She tends to get bullied. But when we are alone like this, she smiles and acts without a care in the world. I love her smile. I feel privileged when I see it, since she only shows it to mom, dad, and me.
"I want to be just like Rainbow Dash when I'm older!" She declares happily. "She's so awesome, and not clumsy at all like me."
"Oh? You've got a ways to go then, Spell. You're a unicorn, not a pegasus, after all. But I wouldn't mind if you remained clumsy forever. I find it cute," I tease her.
She puffs out her cheeks. "Grim! You're so mean!" She says, but then giggles at me. I chuckle along with her. After a few minutes, we arrive at the schoolhouse. I step through the door with Spell right behind me. She stumbles on the slight step up and falls on her face. "Uuu," She groans and I move to help her up.
"Oh my, Spell Book, are you alright? That was quite a spill," Our teacher Mr. Pencilpusher asks, walking up to us.
"She's fine sir. It happens so often she's toughened up from it," I tell him. Despite me saying this, tears hang at the edges of Spell's eyes.
She sniffles and mutters, "Oww...," rubbing her nose.
"Come on sis', let's get you to your desk," I say, lifting her up to her hooves.
Mr. Pencilpusher chuckles. "You're such a good older brother, Grimoire. Spell Book is lucky to have you," He says with a smile. A few minutes later, he starts class and we begin our lessons.
===~+~===
"Mom! Dad! I'm graduating from the elementary school level tomorrow. You'll come, won't you?" I ask. Mom and Dad chuckle as they sit on the living room couch.
"Of course, honey. We wouldn't miss it for the world," Mom tells me with a kind smile.
"It is hard to believe that much time has passed already. Feels like just the other day you were learning to walk," Dad says with a beaming smile.
Spell walks into the room to see what the commotion is about. "I want to graduate too!" She declares, pouting. "It's not fair!"
"Oh come one, Spell," I tell her. "You're only two years behind me. You'll graduate soon enough. And besides, it isn't like I'll be going anywhere. We'll still be in the same room for classes."
"But...but!" She starts, but I give her a teasing smile. She's so adorable when she gets flustered.
"Besides, a filly who is as bad as you at math won't be able to graduate from elementary school even in two years," I tease.
"Nuh-uh! I'm not that bad at math! Twelve times seven is eighty four! See! I'm not bad at math!" She says stubbornly.
"We know you can multiply, but you can't do algebra. If you have x^2+6x+9, what are the zeros?" I ask her.
"Wha-uh, let's see...uh...Shut up!" She replies.
I laugh and smile at her. "Don't worry Spell, I can help you with your math," I tell her, putting my hoof on her head and stroking her mane. "You'll be able to graduate no problem!" I declare.
"Y-You mean it?!" She says excitedly.
"Of course! You're my little sister, of course I'll help you out. Now, let's go get some paper and I'll show you how to do that problem," I tell her, heading towards the kitchen.
"Okay~♪" She says happily, following after me.
===~+~===
"Happy Birthday!" Mom and Dad yell as I blow out the candles on my cake. Dad chuckles. "Fourteen years old, hu? We're really going to have to start worrying about keeping the mares away from you, hu?" He teases. I feel myself blushing slightly.
"Oh darling," Mom says to him, "I'm sure he already has the mares fawning all over him."
"Nuh-uh!" Spell declares. To be honest, hearing that so bluntly kind of hurts. "And I'll keep them away myself! Grim is going to be all mine!" She shouts.
I smile at her and pat her head. "Of course. Who needs those other mares when I have my adorable little sister to keep me company?" I say. "I'm more worried about all the colts that will be hitting on you when you're older," I tell her.
"Eww," She says, sticking out her tongue. "Colts are gross," She mutters. We all laugh at her statement. That's ok, Spell. I won't let any colts hurt you. I'm your big brother, after all.
"You'll be turning twelve next month, right Spell?" I ask her.
"Yep! Are you going to get me a present Grim!?" She asks excitedly, her eyes sparkling.
I can't help but tease her in return. "Maybe," I say with a smile.
"Uuu, are you or aren't you!" She pouts. We all share another laugh at her pouting.
===~+~===
A loud noise is echoing throughout the town. It is annoying, I wish it would stop. It just keeps droning on and on. I'm in the park with Spell when dad runs over to us. "Grimoire, Spell Book! We have to get back home right now. Something very bad is happening," He tells us. Dad looks very shaken and he is practically out of breath.
"Dad, what's wrong?" I ask him, but he just picks Spell up on his back and turns back towards our house. "What's going on dad?" I yell as I follow after him.
"Something very bad son," Is all that he tells me. He is running so fast I barely manage to keep up. As we get near the house, I see a bright flash on the horizon to the east. A plume of smoke or dust rises shortly after. "Oh no," Dad mutters as he stares at the horizon. "Inside, now! Get downstairs!" He shouts. I look south and another flash occurs. I don't know what it is about the flashes, but they are terrifying. It makes me uncomfortable just seeing them. And they keep appearing on the horizon. I swallow and run into the house.
"Honey!" Mom calls out as we get to the basement. She embraces dad tightly, then Spell and me as well. "I was so worried," She says, tears streaming down her cheeks. I don't understand what is going on. But for my parents to act like this, it was very bad.
"What's happening?" I ask, hoping to finally get an answer this time.
"We're under attack," Dad tells me, his voice uneven and shaky. "The Zebras, they are using Megaspells. No doubt we are already retaliating. It will be fine, we just have to stay down here for a while," He says. But his voice made it seem like it wasn't going to be fine.
As if to punctuate this face, a loud rumbling sound begins and after a moment I hear the sound of our windows shattering and the house shakes. Spell screams and falls to her haunches, drawing her hooves over her head.
Once the shaking stops, I go over to her and put my hooves around her. "It's ok, sis'. It's going to be ok," I whisper. Despite my words, my heart is beating fast and I feel terror grip me. Mom and dad join us and wrap their hooves around us as well.
We spend a hours like this. Not moving, not speaking, only Spell's crying and the occasional rumble breaking the silence. Shaking followed the rumbling and every time the house shook, I fear it might fall on top of us. Hours go by without a rumble or shaking and we finally break out embrace.
Dad stands up first. "I'm going to see what's going on outside," He tells us and starts walking to the stairs. I stand up and start towards him.
"Wait," I call out. "I'll come too," I tell him. I can tell dad is scared. He's shaking, just like me. He is terrified of what he'll find up there, just like me. He looks at me, then at mom, then back to me and nods. Together we exit the basement, and then the house to stand on our front porch.
The neighborhood is a mess. Broken windows everywhere, trees snapped in two, some houses collapsed completely, others looking on the verge of doing just that. But everything else seems fine. I start to breath a sigh of relief when I see dad staring out at the east. I turn and look with him.
Large pillars of smoke are rising from the horizon where brilliant green and orange flames are visible. If not for the fact the sun is going down, casting the sky into an angry red, I don't think we'd be able to see the flames so clearly. I look toward where I saw the other flashes of light only to see the same flames dancing on the horizon and pillars of smoke rising into the skies. In the direction of Canterlot I see what looks like pink smoke.
I swallow as I look at the clouds around my town. They form an almost perfect circle. I think I can even see them closing in on us. "Dad?" I say, looking at him. "What's going to happen now?" I ask.
He doesn't answer right away, but when his reply finally comes it isn't what I want to hear. "I don't know, son. I don't know," He mutters. I see tears forming in his eyes and only then notice my own eyes are becoming blurry with tears as well.
"W-Why? Why would they do this?" I mutter weakly as the tears begin to fall down my cheeks.
"I don't know, son. I don't know," Dad repeats. He falls to his haunches as he stares at the horizon, repeating that phrase over and over.
===~+~===
"Pencilpusher was saying that some of the other led an expedition of the surrounding area," Dad is telling mom. "They say about five miles in any direction and radiation starts creeping up on you. They say the the land is dead, charred, even burning in some places. They didn't dare explore into those areas. Can you blame them though?"
"So we are cut off then?" Mom asks. Dad nods his head. "But what about the government? The Princesses? The Ministry Mares? Surely someone out there is doing something?" She asks.
Dad shakes his head. "No one has heard from anyone in authority. The mayor's terminal isn't connecting to any outside lines. Unless we want to enter the irradiated areas, we are effectively cut off from the outside world," He says.
"But then what will we do about food and medical supplies?" Mom asks him.
"We're talking about rationing already. Sunny Day's farm still appears safe as well. It should be able to keep us going for a while," He tells her. Times really are becoming uncertain. Dad also mentions a restriction on having foals, since the town can't afford any new mouths to feed.
"How are we going to live like this?" Mom asks.
"Things will be fine," He tells her. "We just have to take things one day at a time. If the government is still functioning, I'm sure someone will contact us soon. We'll be fine. No one in town got too badly injured. Both the mayor and the sheriff have said order will be maintained. We will live just like we used to," Dad says.
Mom frowns. "What about my parents and sister in Manehatten? And your parents in Canterlot? What of them? Are we to just sit here and wonder what became of them?" She asks.
Dad shakes his head. "That's all we can do honey. But given the flames on the horizon, I worry for their safety. It has been days the the flames still burn. I think we are just lucky to have been spared the destruction that is surrounding us," He tells her.
"But what of the clouds dear?" Mom asks. "They are completely obscuring the sky! Why aren't the Pegasi dealing with them? Won't Sunny Day's crops fail without proper sunlight and regulated rain?"
"They will be fine. They are about ready for harvest now, so a few weeks lacking sunlight should not do much damage. The clouds aren't too thick either, the sun still shines through them well enough," He replies.
Just then, dad notices me listening in on their conversation and smiles at me. "Ah, Grimoire! Mr. Pencilpusher said he plans to start up classes again tomorrow. You and Spell Book should get your things ready," He tells me. I nod and leave the room
===~+~===
Things have gotten bad in town. The mayor, who has been handling the food rationing is being constantly yelled at by ponies begging for more food. A portion of the town has even set up camp outside his office to protest the rationing. The sheriff is doing what he can to ensure order, but things are getting restless.
I stare out the window at the fires burning outside his office that the protesters are using to keep warm. It looks like things are peaceful for now at least. It is getting cold outside, but they are more concerned with their hunger than the cold.
Dad's voice suddenly comes downstairs. "Pencilpusher, calm down. There is no need to do this, the mayor will take care of things. If you and your friends just leave, we'll forget all about this," He says. His voice has a hint of worry in it.
"No, no. Listen. Just give us what food you have, and we'll be on our way," Mr. Pencilpusher replies. He sounds stressed. "Come on now, hand it over."
"We can't do that. We have Grimoire and Spell Book, you know that. What will they eat? Think about what you're doing!" Dad shouts back. "We are friends, aren't we? We've known each other since school! Stop this!" He pleas.
"No, you think. We haven't heard anything from the outside for years! YEARS!" Mr. Pencilpusher shouts. "The world is over. No one else is alive, don't you understand! If they were, we would have seen someone, anyone by now! Not a single living thing has shown up! Not even animals!" He yells, sounding like he has gone mad. Is this really the teacher I once knew?
Spell comes into my room. "Grim, what's going on?" She asks me. Her eyes are filled with concern. I pat her on the head and mess up her mane.
"I'm sure it isn't anything to worry about. Dad will handle it. Let's just wait up here for now," I tell her with a smile. She wrinkles up her nose as I ruffle up her mane.
Dad's voice comes next. "Of course not, it is irradiated. We have to hunker down until the radiation levels drop low enough to safely travel. We just have to stay calm, and wait," He says.
I hear a hoof stomp. "Wait? For what? If they really wanted to, if they were alive, they could get us with vertibucks or skycarriages. Or at least drop off aid. The fact we haven't seen so much as a hint of that, means no help is coming," Mr. Pencilpusher replies.
"Pencilpusher's right, ya'know," A mare agrees. "It is time to change things. We need to start deciding what will happen next. Cut down our population to a more manageable level. The mayor has no plan, he's a fool. We need a change of leadership," she says.
"What are you saying? You're the mayor's secretary! Things are fine, we just have to maintain order!" Dad declares.
"It is because I am his secretary that I know how much of a fool he is," The mare replies.
"That's enough," Mr. Pencilpusher says. "Listen, since we are old friends I'll give you an offer. A group of us are planning to take charge. If you give us your food, your family can join with us and no harm will come to any of them."
"Join with you?" Mom says, sounding disgusted. "What you're talking about is horrible. You can't decide who is going to live and die!"
"I agree, you're all mad. You won't get a crumb of our food. Now leave," Dad tells them.
"That's a shame," Says a buck. I hear mom and dad gasp. "Just say the word, Pencilpusher."
"Tell him to put the gun down, there is no need for this," Dad says.
"Just give us your food and no one will get hurt," Mr. Pencilpusher replies.
"We can't do that," Dad replies. "Our children need it."
"Do it," Mr. Pencilpusher says. A gunshot follows, then mom screams, and two more gunshots follow that. "Take what they have," He says. I gasp and Spell clings to me tightly.
"What about the kids?" The buck asks.
"Leave them for now," Mr. Pencilpusher replies. "No doubt others heard the gunshots. The sheriff will probably start investigating. We need to move our plans forward." Spell and I stay in my room for the next few minutes, not knowing what will happen next. Hoofsteps go through the kitchen and eventually they exit out the front door. The house is silent.
"Wait here," I tell Spell, standing up off the floor and make my way downstairs and into the living room. In the middle of the room are mom and dad and under them is a puddle of blood. I run over to them and kneel beside dad. I shake him. "Dad! Dad!" I call out, but he doesn't respond.
Then I notice the bullet hole in his head. "No..." I mutter. I shake mom and call out to her, but she is as unresponsive as dad. She has a gunshot wound in her leg and neck. I swallow. "Mom...dad..." I mutter. They're dead, and Mr. Pencilpusher killed them.
I hear shouting coming from outside followed shortly after by gunfire. I get back to my hooves and run back up to my room. Running up to the window, I look out of it. Ponies are running around, some have guns others do not. I see one shoot another without a weapon moments before the sheriff shoots them. More of the police come to the sheriff's aid, but other armed ponies are swarming them.
"Spell, we need to leave. Get a bag together and fill it with everything you need that you can carry. I'm going to get some supplies, so lock yourself in your room and don't come out until I come get you, ok?" I tell her.
"What about mom and dad?" She asks.
I wish I had time to tell her kindly, but we aren't going to be safe for long. "They are dead. We have to leave or we will die too. Mr. Pencilpusher and some others in town are doing bad things," I reply.
"W-what?" She stutters.
"Just go get your things together," I say, lifting her to her hooves and pushing her to her room. "I'll be back in ten minutes, be ready, ok?" I tell her, and then close her door. "Don't forget to lock it!" I call back as I run down the stairs.
I need to get us food and medical supplies. We can't stay in town, so we need to leave. We'll need radaway and rad-x, and other supplies for regular injuries. I bite my lip. I'll have to steal, there's no time, and I'm not sure who I can trust now. My heart thunders in my chest as I run. Don't worry Spell, I'll get us out of here.
===~+~===
"Hey Spell, this is the last of our food. Eat it, you'll need it more than I do. The radiation sickness is getting to you. I'll have to up your dosage of radaway," I tell Spell, giving her the last of our rations.
She looks at me sadly. "But Grim, you need it. You're the one doing all the work. And you're already taking less radaway than I am! Your mane is starting to fall out!" Spell replies.
I wave her off. "Oh that? I suppose I'm just suffering from premature balding," I say with a smile. "I feel fine, so don't worry. I'm sure we will find a safe place soon."
"But it has already been a month since we left! Everything is irradiated!" She says.
"We just have to get further from the large cities. Find a place like home, a better place. A place far enough away from the blasts to be radiation free," I explain. "I'm sure we are close to one." I pull out our map and look at it. Somewhere near the Hayseed Swamps, maybe? We are close enough, we should check it out.
Spell frowns. "You said that last week, too," She mutters.
"Well, now we are one week closer to our destination," I tell her, then try to mask a grimace. My headache is getting worse. Thankfully my fever isn't too bad yet. "Eat up, and let's keep going," I tell her. If my map is right, we should run into a railroad in a few minutes, then it is just a walk east a ways and then south across a river.
I set my saddlebags down as Spell reluctantly eats the last of our food. Two and a half bags of radaway, six doses of rad-x, one and a half bottles of water, and no food. We haven't had to use any of the medical supplies I stole yet, so I suppose that is a silver lining.
My vision spins a bit and I shake my head. Great, that's the dizziness and disorientation setting in. So that's...severe radiation exposure, I think. I can't let Spell know. She might realize I've only been taking a sip of radaway every few days. But if she's alright, that is all that matters.
Spell finishes the food and I put my bags back on. "Ready Spell?" I ask her with a smile.
She nods. "Let's keep going, Grim. We need to find something for you to eat," She tells me, returning my smile.
===~+~===
I pant as I hold the bloody knife in my magic. I stand over the pig-like creature I just killed. It is deformed with fleshy tumors on it. "Spell? Are you alright?" I ask her.
"Uh...uh-hu. But you're bleeding Grim," She tells me. I blink at her and then look down at myself. My left front leg is bleeding from where the pig must have bit me. Dropping the knife I pull out a roll of bandages and quickly wrap my leg.
Then I look at the dead pig. It is the first thing I've ever killed. "It just attacked us..." I mutter. No sooner had we gotten in the Hayseed Swamps than it set itself upon us. As I stare at it, my stomach rumbles. A terrible thought occurs to me. "Spell, do you suppose we can eat this?" I say.
"What!?" She says, sounding mortified. "But it's an animal. Ponies don't eat meat," She tells me.
I swallow. "Yea, but I mean other animals eat meat. Why can't we? Besides, we don't know when we might find food. Anything is better than nothing, right?" I reply.
Spell wrinkles her nose. "But it looks like it has been exposed to radiation. Will it be safe?" She mutters.
"I'm sure a little more radiation won't kill us. We have some radaway left and it looks like there isn't much radiation here. Perhaps we can even live here for a while. Hunt, find some edible plants, wait for things to become less irradiated elsewhere. But for now, food takes priority," I tell Spell.
I pick the knife back up. "You should look away, sis," I tell her. She turns away and I plunge the knife into the pig once more.
===~+~===
I run back through the swamp to our makeshift hovel. "Hey sis! Good news! Things finally seem to be getting back to normal outside the swamp. The geiger isn't making any noise where it used it!" I tell Spell with a beaming smile.
"That's great Grim!" She replies happily. "Do you think we'll be able to go back out soon?" She asks.
I nod. "I think in a few more months, a good enough portion of the lands away from the major impact sites should be free of radiation. Maybe we will even find a town with actual ponies in it!" I reply.
"Months?" Spell complains. "But it has already been years since we've seen another living pony! It is lonely. No offence Grim," She adds.
I just give her a smile. "None taken. I understand what you mean. It would be nice to see someone else," I tell her. Though, I personally don't care if it remains just the two of us. Less chance of things happening like they did back at home. I trusted Pencilpusher and he killed mom and dad. It is best not to trust anyone now.
"Let's see about getting stocked up on supplies for when we decide to journey out of the swamp, ok?" I tell her. As much as I want to stay here alone with Spell, she wants to find others. It would be wrong of me to keep her here against her will.
"Ok," She replies. "I'll see what kind of herbs I can stock up on between now and then," She tells me. I'll protect her no matter what comes our way. Whether we stay here or journey back into the unknown.
===~+~===
"Why don't you two live with me for a while. I have extra room and you can help out around the house to earn your keep," The older buck tells us. He says his name is Noblesse and he has a glint in his eyes that shows his intelligence. He makes me anxious.
"Why offer us a place to stay?" I ask him. "You have nothing to gain from it." Noblesse smiles at me broadly and shakes his head.
"Of course not," He replies. "But I don't expect anything from it. You two are alone, lost in the world. I just want to make sure that good ponies such as yourselves get a fair shot at surviving in this new world."
"Why would you do that?" I ask. He frowns ever so slightly.
"I'd like to believe that ponies are still inherently good. The world has gone to shit and many ponies with it. You two strike me as two that are still good, untainted by the wasteland. I want to help you for as long as I can. And to educate you," Noblesse tells me.
"Educate us? What do you mean? We both basically graduated from school," I reply.
"This knowledge isn't in books. It is about the world as it is now. You two seem to have been away from civilization for a long while. Years, perhaps. Things have changed. But, we shouldn't discuss this outside in the open. Let's go back to my home," Noblesse says, gesturing for us to follow him.
Spell follows him immediately, but I hesitate. Pencilpusher was kind up to the day he killed our parents. I look to the knife strapped to my leg and then follow after them. He leads us to a simple single story house. Like the rest of the town, it is run down and dirty, but the inside is much cleaner. One of the cleaner places I've seen since we left home.
The buck gestures to a couch as he sits across from it in a reclining chair. "First of all, don't trust ponies straight away. Spell Book, was it?" He says, addressing my sister. "You followed me right away without protest. Your brother, Grimoire, however hesitated, he even made sure his knife was at the ready." He noticed?
He sees my look of surprise. "I saw. That's another thing you need to learn to do. Be ever observant. You never know who or what will be after you. Treat everything with suspicion and always look for a way out if things go south," He tells us.
Spell tilts her head. "But why shouldn't we trust ponies? Why do we have to be suspicious of everyone we meet?" She asks.
"Because you can never tell who is going to try to steal from you, kill you, or worse," Noblesse explains. "Even some who seem to be the kindest in the whole world can turn on you to get what they want. Of course, you should be suspicious of me as well."
"So, you want us to be suspicious of you, yet live here with you?" I ask him. "Don't you think that is a little messed up?"
He shakes his head. "Not at all. Constantly worrying if I am going to do something will help the two of you to sharpen your reflexes and know how to stay alert. You'll need to do just that wherever you go in the wasteland. Even in towns like this, because it sure isn't a safe place," He replies.
Spell speaks up at this, "You stay here even though it isn't safe?" Noblesse nods.
"The town is safer than outside it, relatively speaking. But even within problems are plentiful. While there is a sort of agreement that no one will kill another, that is the extent of things. The guards are supposed to stop theft and assault, but they are corrupt," He explains.
"If someone wants something, they'll take it. If you try to stop them they'll beat you till you let them. And the drug dealers will take every opportunity to try and get you addicted to their chems," Noblesse tells us. "While your life isn't in danger, everything else is."
"Is the outside really that bad?" Spell asks.
"Worse," Noblesse says with a grimace. "There are manticores, bloodwings, radgators, and other mutated creatures the radiation and taint got to. Then there are the raiders who steal and kill you, the pockets of radiation and taint that will kill you, the dangerous ruins that will kill you, hell, the entire wasteland wants to kill you. I know, I've done a bit of exploring."
"So you are saying we should just hide away from the world in a town?" I ask him. "Never leaving and living in constant fear and suspicion?" We should have stayed in the swamp.
"No," He replies. "You just need to learn about the wasteland properly before going out into it unprepared. I take it neither of you have a gun? Get one. Learn to use it. If you choose to go back into the wasteland, know how to fight back against it," He tells us.
"For now, how about something to eat?" Noblesse tells us. "You can decide to stay or go afterwards."
===~+~===
"Noblesse, thank you for everything up till now. Spell and I won't be able to repay for you all you've done," I thank Noblesse.
"Think nothing of it," He replies. "But are you sure you two want to leave? You know you two can stay here for as long as you want."
"We know," Spell tells him. "But we want to see if there is a town out there that is safer. A town in which you don't have to live in fear. If we find one, we'll come back and get you."
I chuckle. "Heck, maybe we will make our town and keep it safe ourselves. You could always come with us, Noblesse," I suggest.
He shakes his head. "I'm afraid I'm too old for adventuring now. But, if you find such a town, let me know. It will be good to see you two again," He says.
We give Noblesse our final goodbyes and then set out back into the wasteland.
===~+~===
I return to the ruined house we choose to take shelter in for the night after hunting down a parasprite. But as I near the house, I hear voices. I don't hear Spell's. I creep up to the house and peer in through a window. In the waning light of the setting sun, what I see freezes the very blood in my veins. My eyes go wide and my mouth gapes.
Raiders. Two of them are in the house. One of them is standing off to the side, laughing at something the other said. The other one...He...he is...I swallow and grit my teeth and a boiling rage comes over me. It is an emotion I've never felt before, not even when my parents were murdered. Pure hatred. If I could kill the raider with my glare, he would be nothing but ashes.
Under him is the body of my sister, her throat slit and blood pooling under her. Just by looking, I can tell she is already dead. But this raider...he...he is raping her corpse. I snarl, throwing off my saddlebags and drawing both my pistol and my bat. I charge into the house and hit the rapist over the head with my bat, catching him by surprise. He falls over, unconscious and I point my pistol at the other raider.
I suck in a breath. "I'm going to ask you a question. Answer me. Which one of you cut my sister's throat?" I spit at him.
The raider chuckles. "What does it matter? She's dead. If you kill us, the rest of our gang will come looking for you, kid. You should run away now, while I'm still feeling generous," He replies.
I grind my teeth as I glare at him, starting to pull the trigger, but I stop, unable to kill him. Why? Why can't I kill him? I scream. I throw the pistol aside and lunge at him with the bat. I beat him, again and again until he stops moving. He is still breathing, but barely. I pick the gun up again, and put it to his head. Just pull the trigger, Grimoire. Pull the trigger and take revenge! But the gun shakes in my magic and I can't do it. I can't kill a pony, no matter how much they deserve it.
I turn to the rapist, who is still out of it on the floor next to my sister. I go out to my bags and grab my knife, then return to the rapist's side. I spread his rear legs, ready the knife, and geld him. If I can't kill him, I can at least make it so he can't rape another pony for a while. But why? Why can't I kill them!? I let out a sigh and turn to look at my sister's body.
As I gaze at her, I no longer feel hatred, anger, or the want to kill the raiders. I feel only sorrow and regret. I sat beside her body as tears welled up in my eyes. "Spell Book," I mutter. She was everything to me. My sister, my friend...the mare that I loved. I never told her how I truly felt or the truth about the two of us.
"Hey Spell, did you know that we aren't actually related?" I mutter weakly. "Mom was pregnant with you when your real father died in the war. My real mother died in an accident when I was one. When I was around three though, dad met mom, and you were one at the time. I barely remember it, mom and dad's wedding," I tell her.
"We grew up together and I looked out for you. It wasn't until I was around twelve that I realized I loved you more than just a sister. At fifteen, I talked to mom and dad about it. They said when I was ready, I could tell you the truth, and how I felt about you. They gave me their blessing," I say sadly.
"I never had the courage. I didn't want things to change between us. If I told you how I really felt, and you rejected me, I felt as thought you would drift away from me. So I kept quiet. I wanted to protect you from everything. Especially now. But I..." I trail off. "I can't even kill the bastards who murdered and raped you!"
"I'm so sorry, Spell. I'm a failure as a big brother and as someone who loved you," I tell her as the tears continue to fall. After a few minutes, I finally bring myself back to my senses. I gather our things, pick up Spell's body, and leave the ruined house. I walk for about a mile and then I start digging.
It is a small alcove at the edge of White Tail Woods where the woods meet the mountains. I dig Spell's grave and mark it with fallen wood. I use my knife to carve her name into the wood and lay her body into the earth. Solemnly, I begin to bury her as new tears form. All the while, I repeat the same three words over and over again. "I'm so sorry."
===~+~===
"Ah, Grimoire. You did a good job getting that cache of spark batteries the other day. Ready for another scavenging bounty?" Lilac, the owner of the bar I frequent asks. I nod without saying a word. "Still not saying anything, hu? One of these days I'll get you to talk," She says with a wink.
At my stoic expression, she lets out a sigh and pulls a piece of paper from behind the back. "Here's the next one. The client wants a memory orb that is rumored to be in an old MoM facility, it is rumored to be a memory of one of the Ministry Mares. The facility will probably have some fierce security," She tells me. She hands the paper out to me.
I go to grab it, but she yanks it back. "You sure you don't want to go after some raiders? Those bounties pay out higher, and with your skills you could handle them easily," She says. I shake my head. I still can't bring myself to kill a pony, after all. No matter how bad they are. I'll fight them off if they cross me, but I never do more than knock them out.
"Ok," She says, giving me the contract. "But it really would help out if someone with your talents started standing up against the raiders." I shrug as I put the contract in my bags and turn away from the bar. A heavily guarded MoM facility to search for a memory orb? Sounds like it will be a lot of tough work for something completely unimportant.
Excellent. Maybe this time I will die. There isn't a point of going on without Spell if I can't avenge her. No one will care if I botch this one up. It is just a memory orb, after not. Not spark batteries that a town is counting on. Not a water purification talisman that will purify a town's water supply.
Well, MoM facility. Do your worst. I'm ready.
===~+~===
Twelve sentry bots, six protectaponies, a dozen or so turrets, and three doors locked with terminals. I manage to pass through all the security of the facility while only sustaining minor wounds. I consider letting myself bleed out, but decide against it. That would be the cowardly way to go. Instead I patch myself up and start looting the facility.
Most of what I encounter is bland paperwork that has long since been made irrelevant by the passage of time. The occasional trinket lays around that I snag to make some extra money as I look for the memory orb.
After a while, I stumble across a small case buried under papers in an office that was locked by a particularly tough lock. A note is taped to the top of it that reads: "Miss Pie's requested this particular memory orb. Apparently Miss Sparkle found out about the Neighagra Falls facility and we had to wipe her memory of it. Actual details of the facility are in a different orb held on location. Miss Pie has left specific instructions that his orb is not to be viewed."
A facility at Neighagra Falls, hu? I wonder if this is the memory orb the client wants. I toss the note aside and put the case in my bags. I should look around some more to make sure. Spending the next hour I go over the facility. This is definitely the only memory orb in here. I readjust my bags and head out of the facility.
Now it is off to the client to give him the orb and then back to Lilac to get payment. Perhaps I'll skip on another contract for now and check out that facility at Neighagra. Maybe it will have something that can kill me.
===~+~===
I grimace as I look over the lake at the bottom of Neighagra Falls. It is filthy and, judging by my geiger counter, highly irradiated. Now, where is that facility? I look around but don't see anything that sticks out. I consider looking inside the dams, but why would that note say Neighagra Falls instead of specifying the dams? No, the facility has to be somewhere around the falls.
I spend a few hours climbing up and down the stairs on the cliff near the falls, looking for any sort of entrance at the top or bottom. Nothing stands out. Makes sense, since it is apparently a huge secret. I think for a moment and then cast a spell to enhance my vision. I'll look for any imperfections and inspect them carefully.
After another hour, my enhanced vision crawls over a shade of rock different than the rest of the cliff. I walk over and manage to push it aside, revealing a button. I press it and the side of the cliff closest to the falls begins to move. Two parts come out, one stairs leading up and above that an overhang that blocks the falls.
I make my way up the stairs into a cavern behind the falls. Near the back is a large door with a terminal beside it. Curled up near the terminal is a skeleton. Bingo. I make my way over to the terminal and hit a few buttons. Input Password. I try a few guesses but it is difficult. I take a moment and turn my attention to the skeleton and notice an audiolog lying with the bones.
I float it out and play it and a single phrase is muttered: "Okie Dokie Lokie" I raise an eyebrow at the short audiolog. Turning back to the terminal, I type the phrase in as one word. Password Accepted. The door starts to open, showing a small area like a security corridor with another door a few feet into the room. Inside I find another terminal, that isn't protected by a password that opens the second door.
Beyond that door is a huge open area filled with multiple desks and other workstations. What is all this? I walk into the room and poke around a bit. I then stumble into a room off to the side, it is full of beds...and bones. Each bed contains a skeleton, looking as if the occupant simply went to sleep and never woke up again. I step back out of the room and look around once more. Two more doors are at the far end of the large room.
I enter through one of the doors at the end, the one off to the left. Inside are labeled cabinets. I pull one open and look inside. Dozens of cases. I bring one out and open it. Memory orbs? I open a few more and all are filled with the orbs. Putting them back, I walk to the other room.
Inside the last room is a strange machine in the middle and in the corner is a bin filled with memory orbs. What was this facility used for? Memory modification? A chill runs down my spine. A thought crosses my mind for an instant. I wonder if I could forget about Spell. I immediately shake my head of the thought. Absolutely not! I will never forget her. But...
What if I do something else with my memories? What if I forget everything but Spell? Would whatever stops me from killing disappear then? Could I finally avenge her? I feel myself begin to tremble as I look around rapidly. My eyes fall upon a book on a nearby desk with the title Memory Extraction Procedures.
I swallow as I pick the book up in my magic and float it in front of me. I open the book and begin reading. This might work. I can do this. I'll avenge Spell. |
Fallout Equestria: Icicle | Chapter 27 - Drop The Hammer | Chapter 27 - Drop The Hammer
"They fell with such precision and ferocity that it felt as though the heavens themselves had ordained their fall."
===~+~===
I wake back to reality after the last memory orb. There is still a bit of Grimoire's diary to go through, but right now I have to deal with this heat. Shrill has crawled into my bed again, like she has during every memory orb. I keep kicking her out, but she sneaks back in. However, she is only one source of the heat.
Arrow is nuzzled up on my other side. I expect this kind of behavior from Shrill, but Arrow? I clear my throat a few times while wiggling around. "Girls, wake up. Please," I say, trying to wake them up. After a few minutes they begin to stir.
"Oh, morning Ratch...What is SHE doing in your bed?" Shrill says, narrowing her eyes.
Arrow looks over at Shrill, then throws her legs around me, pulling me in close. "Mine," Arrow says.
I clear my throat again. "Uh, girls? Can we-" I begin, but Shrill cuts me off.
"Your's!? Ha! Ratchet is mine!" Shrill says, also wrapping her legs around me. And just like that things devolve into a tug of war with me as the rope.
As this is happening with the two bickering back and forth, Lightning walks into the room. I see him visible sigh in the doorway and then he walks over to us. The other two barely notice him as he puts his hooves on their muzzles and pushes them both away and off the bed, sending them sprawling.
"Now then," Lightning mutters. "We received a report from the Junk Rats. Grimoire himself is leading an attack on Tenpony, apparently he is sick of the DJ," He tells me.
"When are they attacking?" I ask him.
"That's the thing. Tomorrow morning. Which means we need to leave immediately. Even if we continue though the night we will arrive there late. Hopefully they can hold out until we get there," Lightning replies.
"That's bad...Alright, get everyone together in the workshop. We will come up with a quick plan and set out right after," I tell him. He nods and leaves the room. "Ok you two, go get your stuff together. I need to get Cora into her armor," I tell Arrow and Shrill as I head to the workshop.
I quickly help Cora get into her armor and run diagnostics with her as everyone else gathers. Once we are all here, I begin. "Alright everyone, Grimoire is attacking Tenpony tomorrow morning. We won't arrive in time, so we need to travel through the night to get there as quickly as we can. Our main objective is to make sure Tenpony is safe. After that, we need to take down Grimoire," I announce.
I hesitate a moment and bite my lip. "But we can't kill him," I say. Sounds of surprise and confusion echo in the room. "I know, I know. But, after reading through his diary and watching his memories...I don't think we should kill him. So we just need to break his illusion, prevent him from teleporting, and capture him," I tell them.
"I know it isn't much of a plan, but we don't have much time. We can come up with the specifics on the way," I say. Everyone seems a bit apprehensive. Suddenly, Cygnus, with a book on his back, breaks from the group and comes to stand beside me.
"I have a suggestion," Cygnus says. "We wait to leave for about three hours and then we can get to the tower in time." Murmurs go through the group.
"How will waiting getting there sooner?" Twinkle asks. "What are you planning?"
Cygnus picks the book up in his mouth and then sets it on the ground for everyone to see. "The Great Celestia," He says simply.
"You mean that rusted railway cannon thing?" Shrill asks.
Cygnus nods. "This book contains the schematics to everything used to make it, including the ammunition. From what I've seen of the railway, it seems mostly intact. If we use the Great Celestia, we can get there in a matter of hours," He tells us.
"So you are going to summon it?" I ask. "And you need three hours?"
Cygnus nods again. "And I'll need one of our bottles of water right now. Probably some more after I'm done. And, it might be best to have a few of you watch out for any creatures while I do so. I won't be able to do much while summoning it," He explains.
"Alright, let's do it," Twinkle says. "Pear and Jester, watch his back," She tells two of the rangers.
"Yes, Elder Twinkle," They reply.
"Let's work out a better plan then," I tell them. "Cygnus, Pear, Jester, you three get started right away. We'll fill you in while we are on the way." They nod and leave the room. "Ok, let's get to work."
===~+~===
Jester leads us to the Great Celestia resting on the railway. Pear and Cygnus are standing on the platform near the cannon's breech. Cygnus is chugging a bottle of water and I see a few empty ones around his hooves. The rest of us climb up the machine and onto the platform.
Seeing it in pristine condition and in the light of day, cloudy as it might be, the Great Celestia looks much more impressive. A platform runs around the cannon on top of the engine itself, allowing us to spread out around the gun itself. Near the rear are stairs leading to a small room with a coal furnace that powers the engine.
Along the platform rails are a few machine guns and at the front of the platform is a flack cannon. Everything is in perfect condition and fully loaded. The rangers spread out and take positions on the guns. I walk over to Cygnus, who finishes his bottle of water and proceeds to take a few deep breaths. "Ahhh, my throat hurts..." He rasps. His voice sounds terrible.
"Good work Cygnus," I tell him, patting him on the shoulder.
"Yea, not done yet though. I'll need to make coal, ammo, and maintain the various parts of the cannon to prevent it from disappearing out from under us. I put more focus on some parts than others so it won't all disappear at once. We need to go right now though. Everyone aboard?" He asks.
"Uh..." I look around and see Twinkle climbing up the ladder. She nods at me. "Yea, all aboard. Let's go, I'll fill you in on the plan," I tell him as we walk down to the engine room. Cygnus summons a bunch of coal and starts throwing it into the furnace and ignites it. Slowly, we begin to move.
After a few minutes, we are traveling at a good speed down the rails. All the while, Cygnus summons coal and keeps parts of the cannon summoned as I tell him out plan. He nods frequently as I do so, unable to reply to me vocally.
Three hours or so later one of the Rangers shouts, "The track ahead is busted! Brace yourselves!" Mere seconds later, the whole car lurches and leans to the left. Somehow it appears as though we are still on the tracks, except for the right side.
"Everyone to the right side!" Cygnus yells and begins working a crank and muttering. He motions for me to go above deck and I do so. The car is leaning at around a thirty degree angle and the cannon is swinging to the left. Why is he pointing it the way we are falling? I run to the right side and hold on to the railing with everyone else as the angle increases, threatening to tip us over. All the while the cannon turns until it is at a ninety degree angle with the rest of the car.
We are all hanging on to the railing, dangling from it due to the steep angle as the cannon suddenly fires. It is deafening and sends a shell skitting across the ground that explodes a short distance away. The recoil from the cannon jerks the car back to the right, leveling us out momentarily before we lean to the right. I hang on to the railing for dear life as my rear legs go over the edge of the platform. The car hangs for a moment, then rocks back to the left with the sound of grating metal as the wheels catch the rails again and we finally level out.
I shakily pull myself back onto the platform and make sure everyone else is alright. I see Twinkle looking around and notice we are short one Ranger. Twinkle leans on the railing and looks behind us. "Shit, we lost Plank. The lucky bastard seems to be alive though," She says, then turns to one of the other Rangers. "Hey Gummy, jump off and link up with Plank. Catch up when you can." She tells the Ranger. "The rest of you, back to your positions!"
Gummy nods and jumps from the train, landing on her hooves and skidding to a halt. The rest of the Rangers go back to manning the guns as I go back to the engine room. "Good work Cygnus," I tell him. He waves a hoof.
After few hours later night has fallen and we pass the Junk Rats' checkpoint. A few minutes later a Ranger calls out, "Tunnel ahead!" That's the tunnel right before the final stretch to Manehatten. A thought strikes me and I walk above deck and look at the car. It is kind of blocky, and the cannon is rather high...Huh...
I go back to the engine room. "Hey uh...Cygnus? Are we going to fit in the tunnel?" I ask him. While still muttering, he slowly turns his head to me then shrugs. "Uhhhhh. Any chance you can make sure?" I ask him. He shrugs again. "Oh fuck. Get the cannon as low as possible then," I tell him. He nods and starts working the cranks. I go back above deck and yell, "Brace yourselves! We don't know if we are going to fit in the tunnel!"
I hear Twinkle laugh a bit as I walk to the center railing around the cannon and grab onto it. The tunnel gets closer and closer as the others do the same. The closer it gets, the more I think that we can't possibly fit. I swallow as we speed up even further.
Three things happen as we hit the tunnel. First, the train lurches slightly. Second, the top of the cannon grinds against the top of the tunnel, showering us in sparks. Third, the guns and platforms on the sides crumple as they hit the tunnel and are sent flying, dragging chunks of the tunnel with them. Rubble pelts us as we begin to slow down in the tunnel as it echos with the sound of metal grating on stone.
We slow down to half the speed we were originally going by the time we exit the tunnel. "Clear!" A Ranger shouts and they go back to their positions, or what is left of them at least. The parts of the platforms, and as a result most of the guns, are completely gone. The metal shorn completely off leaving large gaps in the railings.
I let out a shaky breath as I go back to the engine room. "That could have gone better. Are you going to repair the damage?" I ask Cygnus. He shakes his head. "Alright. Well, just a few more minutes and we should reach the destination. Cora will call it out," I tell him. Cygnus nods.
A little while later, Cora declares, "We are at the mark!" Cygnus immediately pulls the brake lever and the train begins to slow to a halt. Cygnus lets out a breath and rubs his throat.
"Alright, we're eighteen miles from Tenpony. That's inside the effective range, right?" I ask him. Cygnus nods. I toss him a Sparkle Cola. "Drink up, we aren't done yet," I tell him. He drinks it greedily in seconds.
"Yea, but now it gets easier for me," He tells me. "I'll only be keeping the essential parts active now. The engine, wheels, and a lot of the armor I can let disappear," He says in a hoarse voice. "Got any more liquids?" He asks. I nod and float out all but a single Sparkle Cola. "Thanks," He says as he begins drinking.
"Good work, Cygnus. Twinkle is going to assign Pear and Jester to you again as protection. The rest of us are going in. We'll radio when we are ready, ok?" I ask. He nods in confirmation. I go back above deck and group up with the others. "Is everyone ready?" I ask. I receive a chorus of agreement. "Good, let's get moving. We need to get in position by morning."
===~+~===
Shrill, Cora, Lightning, Arrow, and I are on a building overlooking the entrance of Tenpony Tower. Twinkle and the other Rangers are in position on the segment of highway we used when we took Tenpony from the ghouls. The sun has risen and Discordia raiders have been gathering around the tower for the past few hours, but there isn't a sign of Grimoire yet. The raiders are just waiting outside.
Twinkle confirms the location of the Junk Rats, behind the tower from where I am. Given that they are the only raiders in power armor, they shouldn't be confused with the raiders once things are put into action. We just need Grimoire to show up, and then we'll begin the operation.
"Cora, how are Cygnus and the others doing?" I ask her. Cora has been designated to handle our communications while we are fighting, since she can more easily multitask.
"They are doing fine. Cygnus is holding out," She tells me.
"Good," I mutter. "It shouldn't be long now." Come on Grimoire, where are you? No more raiders appear to be coming. They already number a few hundred, with most gathered near the front of the tower. Do they plan to just charge in the front? Just then a bright flash appears in the back of the group of raiders. "Arrow?" I say, and she brings up her rifle.
I watch her as she looks through her scope for a few seconds, then nods. "Alright, Grimoire is here. Let's commence the operation! Cora, kick us off, open all coms," I command.
"Right away, Ratchet!" Cora replies, then begins listing off angles, other measurements, and wind conditions.
"Telemetry received. Firing for effect," Jester says in response. My ears catch a barely audible boom. "Ten minutes for reload," He tells us. Alright, now we wait. From the west, a shape flies through the air towards us. In seconds it impacts the group of raiders Grimoire is in. I resounding explosion rings out, blowing out any remaining windows in the area. Something tells me the Tenpony ponies aren't going to be too happy about that.
The ground shakes for a few seconds and a large plume of dust rises from where the shell hit. I hear ponies on the ground screaming and swearing. "Hit confirmed, standby," Cora announces. Slowly, the dust clears revealing the carnage. Gore paints the ground and bodies with missing limbs litter the ground. Most of the raiders that were originally standing in the group are missing completely, vaporized by the explosion. It sends a chill down my spine.
In the middle of it all, is Grimoire. Standing untouched in the crater. He looks around at the other raiders and surrounding buildings. Then he looks up, directly at me. "Hey Grimoire!" I call out to him. "Did you miss me?" Some of the raiders with long range weapons start shooting at us. "Go, get to the next position," I tell the others in a quieter voice. They start to make their way out of the building.
I keep my eyes locked on Grimoire's, ignoring the bullets. He raises a hoof and the raiders stop shooting. "Continue the purge," He yells. "I'll handle her." Perfect. He disappears with a flash. The second he does, I start to run out of the building. I look back just as he reappears next to where I was standing. "Running? How droll," Grimoire says as he watches me flee.
I ignore him and head to the next location. As I reach it, Jester's voice comes from my PipBuck announcing, "Sixty seconds." The others look at me as I nod to Cora. I turn to look at where I came from and see Grimoire appear.
"Ah, a trap? Five of you then? No matter, you'll all meet the same fate," Grimoire says as he walks slowly towards us.
"Ten seconds, adjusting for second shot."
"They Grimoire, an old friend of yours wanted me to give you a message. Can you guess who it was?" I ask him.
He smirks and shakes his head. "It hardly matters. I don't have friends," He tells me. I raise a hoof and we start shooting at him.
"Round inbound," Jester announces.
"We'll start on our end," Twinkle declares.
Dust kicks up as out bullets go through him, but he stops moving. We take the opportunity to make a hasty retreat. "Go, go, go!" I mutter as we gallop away from the location. Shortly after we left, the 31 inch shell impacts. Grimoire walks out of the smoke like nothing happened.
"So you have support from somewhere else?" He laughs. "It won't do a thing to me."
We reach the next location, further south than the last one. Grimoire is seconds behind us. "That friend I mentioned? His name is Noblesse. Noblesse Oblige. You remember him?" I ask.
Grimoire scowls. "That fool? So it was you who destroyed my home? If you want to die so badly, you just have to ask," He replies.
"Round inbound."
Once again we distract Grimoire before retreating to the next location. And just like last time, Grimoire is right on our tails. "Noblesse helped you, and you destroyed his home. But of course, I guess you wouldn't remember him helping you, hu? Not after you removed all of your memories!" I yell at him.
"Ha! What would you know. He is just a tool I used. Just like how I will use you all as tools to further my research and experiments. Especially you, Ratchet," Grimoire tells me sadistically.
"Round inbound."
The process repeats as we move further south. "Actually, Grim," I say, emphasizing the shortened version of his name. "I know more about you than you think. After all, I took your diary and memory orbs. And I watched almost all of them and read almost every line," I tell him with a grin.
Anger flashes over his face momentarily. "What does that matter? It won't change the outcome of this. Soon you will tire and die," He replies.
"Final round inbound. Cygnus is out of commission," Jester tells us.
We retreat for the last time and enter into the MAS facility. "Quick, get on the elevator!" I tell them. Shrill is the only one who doesn't know exactly where she is going. The five of us pile onto the elevator and descend into the depths of the facility. As we leave the elevator room, Grimoire teleports down.
We run through the living quarters and reach the stairs to the lower level with Grimoire right behind us. Each flight of stairs we climb down, Grimoire simply teleports down. Five flights later, we reach the bottom. "Left!" I shout and we pass the room filled with desks and cabinets, making our way into the classroom-like room. "Inside!" I shout as I enter into the center chamber.
The five of us fan out around the room as Grimoire walks in and closes the door. "Dead end. And it looks like you've led me to a new facility that I might find useful. I'll have to look it over once I finish crushing you and that DJ," Grimoire says.
"Oh yea," I say, feigning remembrance. "I forgot to give you the message from Noblesse. But, after learning more about your past myself, I think I can safely say it is from both of us. Spell Book would hate what you've become," I tell him.
Grimoire glares at me with a frown. "You don't know anything. Spell would understand, so don't you dare use her name," He spits. "I am tired of this game of cat and mouse. There is no escape for any of you now," He says, drawing a pistol. He pulls the trigger, and a bullet hits my barding. Then all hell breaks loose as everyone starts shooting at once.
Grimoire of course doesn't move as the rest of us shoot all around him. We know what we are seeing isn't his actual body, so we just need to get lucky with our shots. Our shots go wild as I push ourselves back against one side of the room. We just need to break his concentration for a moment and reveal his actual body.
Minutes pass and we start to run low on ammo and healing supplies. While we can't hit him he has no trouble hitting us. Even Lightning and Arrow's armor is starting to become useless. I have multiple bullet wounds and have been forced to throw up a small shield while I bandage them. I look around as I do so. No sign of Grimoire yet.
Was this a bad idea? Did I doom us to die here? Not even grenades seem to break his concentration. Damn it, what can we do? The others, save Cora, look like they are in bad shape. I need to think of something. Come on...think...think...think....
I clench my eyes shut and try to tune out the gunfire for a moment to think clearly. What can we use? What do we have? What will break his concentration? My eyes go round with a sudden realization. That...might work. It is all I can think of, so I'll place my bet on it.
I take a deep breath, turn to Shrill, and point a hoof past her. "Shrill! Look at that giant radroach!" I yell. My sudden outburst stops the gunfire for a moment as Shrill turns and begins shooting wilding. All the while she screams. Her piercing, ringing, maddeningly loud scream. My own concentration breaks and I drop my gun, pushing my hooves against my ears.
Quickly, I look around the room and see the Grimoire we were fighting is gone. A short distance away is another buck, he looks older, has less hair in his mane, and has numerous scars on his hide. His own hooves are pressed to his ears. That's the real Grimoire? Without hesitating, I charge at him. I get close, spin around, pull my rear legs under me, and then buck with all my might. My hooves catch him in the head and send him flying.
At this point, Shrill has realized there is no radroach and stops screaming. Everyone looks over at me and Grimoire. I pant and I turn to Shrill. "Good...work," I tell her. She puffs out a cheek in annoyance at having been tricked. "Lightning, think you can help me get him into the pod?" I ask.
"Of course. But, are you sure you don't want to just kill him? What's to stop him from waking up and doing this all over again?" He asks.
"For one thing, someone has to let him out," I reply. "Also, his missing memories are what make him bad. If he gets them back, he will be fine. We just need to wait long enough for Discordia to thoroughly disappear and then we can force him to remember," I tell him.
"And if he isn't the same person as he was in his memories?" Lightning asks.
I hesitate for a moment, then say, "Then we'll do what needs to be done." The two of us pick him up and place him in the pod. I hook him in and close it up, then walk over to the terminal.
>Freeze Occupant?
>Y/N
I confirm. The procedure starts. A few minutes later, Grimoire is on ice. I look over my friends, we are banged up and hurting but... "Alright, let's lick our wounds and get back to Tenpony. We need to finish this fight," I tell them. "Cora, are we getting any signal down here?" I ask.
"No, we are too far underground. We'll be able to reestablish contact once we are back up top," Cora replies.
"Alright, let's get topside then."
===~+~===
We regroup with Twinkle, Cygnus's group, and the Junk Rats. They are standing outside Tenpony tower amongst all the raider bodies. "Hey Ratchet! You missed all the fun!" Twinkle calls over as she sees up approaching.
"Are all the raiders gone?" I ask, looking around at all the dead.
"Yea, yea. They put up a good fight. Killed two of my Rangers and four of the Junk Rats," Twinkle tells us.
Saber nods. "They fought well and will be missed," She says. "Was it worth it, Ratchet? Did you get Grimoire?" She asks.
I nod. "He's locked away. We should be good. Discordia should fall apart without him and go back to being normal raiders," I reply.
"Good," Saber says with a nod. "In that case, the Junk Rats and I will be returning home and burying our dead. We'll spy on Discordia till we stop hearing from them. But, without Grimoire I don't think it will be long," She tells me.
Saber then turns to Twinkle. "Elder Twinkle, it was a pleasure fighting with you. You and your Rangers are alright in my book. If you're ever in the area, feel free to stop by and say hi," She says with a smile.
Twinkle returns her smile and says, "Of course Madam Saber. And if any one your lot wants to join the Rangers, come see me." They bump hooves and bid each other goodbye. Then Saber and the Junk Rats take their leave.
"So, Ratchet, mind if us Rangers head back too? Some of us are pretty banged up and we'd like to take care of our fallen," Twinkle asks. "I'll leave Arrow and Lightning with you, if they want to stay."
Lightning and Arrow nod. "Seems they want to stick around. We'll see about helping the Tenpony folks with the cleanup," I tell her. Twinkle nods with a smile before putting her helmet back on.
"We'll see you there, Ratchet. Take care," Twinkle tells me. "Alright Rangers! Let's move out!" She yells, and the Rangers start to leave. After seeing them off, the six of us remaining group up.
"Alright, let's break up into groups of two and help the tower's security get rid of all the bodies. It looks like they are going to use the crater from the railway rifle's shell as a pyre," I tell them.
"Oh ho, I'll partner up with you then, Ratchet," Shrill declares, smiling.
"Actually, I was thinking each group should have someone with power armor in it. So how about we go Cygnus and Lightning, Shrill and Arrow, and Cora and me," I suggest. Cygnus and Lightning nod and immediately break away from the group. Cora walks over to me, but Shrill and Arrow don't move an inch.
"Her?" Arrow says with annoyance clear in her voice.
"Yea, like really? Hey Arrow, how about you take off your armor and let me wear it. Then I'll pair up with Ratchet and you can go with Cora," Shrill tells her.
"No. Me and Ratchet," Arrow replies. The two mares turn to face each other and begin bickering back and forth. Of course Arrow is less talkative, but she doesn't back down. I let out a sigh. They are completely absorbed in their argument.
I look over to Cora, motion with my head, and creep away from the two. Cora follows silently and the two of us begin the clean up.
===~+~===
After the clean up, Shrill and Arrow approach me again. "I can't believe you ditched me!" Shrill shouts as she twists her muzzle into a pout.
"Yea," Arrow agrees. The two exchange what I expect is an angry glare caused by their reluctant agreement.
"Now, now ladies. We got the job done, that's what matters," I tell them with a smile. "Shall we head back to the lab now or do you two want some time to argue some more?" I ask.
"No," Both say reluctantly. I nod in approval.
"Let's go then. We still have a few hours of light left, might as well make the most of it," I say.
Cygnus clears his throat as I'm about to turn and leave. "Ratchet, I've been thinking. About Grimoire, about my past, about my home. I think I'm going to go back there. Watch over Grimoire. Make sure no one stumbles upon him and lets him out," He tells me.
"But, Cygnus...The security systems are working there, you don't need to do that," I reply, shocked by his sudden decision.
"Automated security is only good for so much. Without someone there to maintain it or to keep a physical eye on things the security isn't that good," Cygnus states.
I furrow my brow. "Are you sure?" I ask him.
"Yea, Ratchet. I think it is time that I face my past," He says.
"If that's what you want," I tell him. "You can come visit anytime, you know. And if we are ever in the neighborhood, we'll drop in and say hi. Alright?" I ask.
"Of course, we're friends after all. That's only natural," He says with a smile.
Lightning puts a hoof on Cygnus's shoulder. "Take care, Cygnus. Watch out for those raiders," Lightning tells him.
Cora runs over and hugs him. "Catch'ya later Cygnus!" She says happily.
"Bye," Arrow says simply.
"Ha, one less obstacle between me and Ratchet," Shrill says with a shrug. But then she winks at him and says, "But you were pretty cool at times."
Cygnus smiles. "Thanks everyone. I'll stay in touch," He says, then turns and walks towards his home. We look after him for a few moments before the others look back to me.
"I guess we should head home too. We've got a long walk ahead of us," I tell them and we begin to pick our way out of the city. We spend a few days making our way back to the lab and when we arrive, we are surprised to see it empty. The other Rangers are nowhere to be seen despite night approaching.
I walk into the workshop to help Cora patch up her armor and notice a note laying on the table. I pick it up and read it. "Went to Ponyville for resupply. -Twinkle" That explains their absence. "Hey Cora, wana tell Arrow and Lightning so they aren't worried?" I ask her.
"Not a problem, Ratchet," She replies. While she does that, I set to work on her armor. A few hours later, I'm finished and exhausted. All of the walking and fighting of the past few days has taken its toll me on. I yawn as I walk to my bed and plop down on it. In a few minutes, I drift off to sleep.
===~+~===
I don't dream. Everything is simply darkness. Though, now that I think of it the fact I am registering the darkness might mean I am dreaming of darkness? Huh. It is as though I am standing in a void. After a short amount of time, I hear hoofsteps. They are steady and slowly get louder. I can't tell where they are coming from, as they seem to echo all around me. I keep my head moving, looking for the source of the steps.
In the darkness a form appears. It is a white muzzle and a short ways below that, white hooves. As they close in on me, I make out the shape connecting them, a figure clad in black. A few seconds later, I realize the muzzle isn't flesh and blood, but bone. The figure looks up at me and I see his glowing red eyes. "Death?" I mutter, shock and confusion forming inside me.
"That is correct, Ratchet. How are you doing?" He asks.
"Fine...I guess...Why are you here?" I ask him. "Did I...somehow die?"
He chuckles. "No, no. You're just sleeping. I suppose I should congratulate you on stopping Grimoire. But, I am here for a different reason. I need to keep you asleep for a while," He tells me.
Anxiety rises up inside me. "Why? What's going on?" I ask him.
"Let's get out of this darkness first," He says, and stomps a hoof. Suddenly the world gets extremely bright, forcing me to close my eyes. When I open them again, I am standing in what appears to be a living room. A very clean living room, like what you'd see before the war.
Two ponies are sitting on furniture in the room, looking at us in surprise. "Brother? You brought her here?" The dark green buck asks. His hide is thin and covered in sores. It almost looks diseased.
"Are you going to let her watch?" The pale yellow mare asks with a hint of worry in her voice. Her cheeks are sunken and her ribs are exposed. It's as though she is starving to death. I swallow sharply as my heart rate increases.
I turn to look at Death, who throws off his cloak, which evaporates into nothingness. Looking at him, I was expecting him to be all skeletal. Instead, only his legs up to his thighs and his muzzle up to his eyes are skeletal. Everything else is flesh covered in black fur.
"Pestilence, Famine, welcome Ratchet, don't be rude," He tells them. They both mutter out a greeting and Death continues. "Ratchet, welcome to our home. It is something of our own personal dimension we bend to our will. Please, take a seat in front of the monitor," He tells me.
I hesitate, but do as he says, sitting on the couch across from the monitor on the wall. Death makes his way to his own chair and begins an explanation. "We use this monitor to see things that happen in the world. Since we don't know your future, we've been using it to watch you. You are here with us, because we know what is going to happen in your lab right now," He explains.
I look at him skeptically. "I thought you say you couldn't see what happens around me?" I ask.
"In a matter of speaking, that's correct," Pestilence replies. "There is something of a fog around you. But we are able to tell ponies will die. We just don't know who or how," He says.
I feel myself growing pale. "Where is War?" I ask.
"He is in your lab," Famine tells me, biting her lip.
"What?" I yell. "Why? What is going on? Let me wake up, I need to help my friends!"
"Calm down, Ratchet," Death tells me. "If you wake up, we don't know what will happen. But as we've said, deaths are certain, there is no avoiding them. If your friends are to die, they will die. I decided to bring you here so that you can see what happens. This is a one time courtesy. You have two options. You can see what happens or you can wake up after what happens and forget all of this," He says.
"You're telling me to watch as my friends might die or to forget all this and wake up to see what happens?" I mutter.
"We are giving you a choice, Ratchet," Famine tells me. "To know what you will be waking up into or to wake up blind. The choice is yours."
I bite my lip as I begin to tremble. "Show me," I say weakly. Death nods and pushes a button on a remote. The monitor flickers to life, showing me my lab's sleeping quarters. I see myself sleeping on my bed, Lightning and Arrow are sleeping on theirs as well. Standing in the doorway is Shrill with a smile on her face.
She sneaks through the room and over to my bed. Then, she stands over me for a few moments before leaning down and giving me a kiss on the cheek. She turns on her hooves and leaves the room again. The monitor changes perspective to the hall outside the sleeping quarters.
Shrill is walking towards the workshop. She opens the door and steps inside. Again the monitor flashes and shows the inside of the workshop. Now that I think about it, the perspective of the monitor seems to be from the security cameras. Shrill walks over to the terminal Cora's armor is hooked up to and taps a few keys on it. After a moment, she unplugs the armor. "Shrill? What are you doing?" Cora asks.
"Oh nothing," Shrill replies. "Ratchet asked me to unhook your armor from the system. She's wants to test a new program and doesn't want the armor to interfere with it."
"Hu? But Ratchet is asleep," Cora states.
"When I was in there just now, I accidentally woke her up. She told me to do it in the cutest sleepy voice you've ever heard!" Shrill tells Cora.
"Oh. Ok then. Do you need any help?" Cora asks.
"Maybe. Ratchet did say something odd, and I'm not too sure how to do it. She said she needs to lock you out of the security and PA systems till morning and disable the alarms. Something about the program having an adverse effect on their functionality," Shrill says.
"That's...odd? Are you sure she said those specific systems?" Cora asks. "Maybe I should wake her up to make sure..."
"That's not necessary. Ratchet said she needs to be asleep while the program runs. I'm not too sure on the specifics," Shrill replies, sounding a bit confused.
"I see. Give me a minute. I'll flash the emergency lighting once everything is ready," Cora says. After a short while, the emergency lights blink a few times.
"Thanks Cora, you're a doll," Shrill says with a smile. She then exits the workshop and goes back to the sleeping quarters. She walks quietly over to Lightning's bed and stands over it. For a few moments, she does nothing but look over at my sleeping form with a bright smile on her face. I notice War standing off to the side, watching her.
Then she draws her knife with her magic and puts her hooves over Lightning's mouth. In one swift motion, she stabs the knife into his heart. Lightning's body jerks and his eyes snap open, focusing on Shrill. He raises a hoof weakly, but it falls back to his side a moment later. Shrill lets out a quiet giggle as she takes her hooves off of Lightning's mouth and sets them back on the floor.
Shrill pulls the knife out of Lightning's chest swiftly, sending an arc of blood flying over her and the nearby walls. She then casually walks over to Arrow and repeats the same process with one added feature. She whispers, "Thieving bitch." into Arrows ear as she dies. Shrill giggles again as she pulls the knife from Arrow and starts walking over to me.
As she gets to my bedside, Shrill wipes the bloody knife on her fur to clean it off, leaving stripes of blood on her white coat. Once the knife is clean, she puts it back into its sheath and then pulls the covers off of me. She climbs into my bed and pulls the covers over us, situating herself so she is on top of me, staring at me inches from my face.
She remains still after that. One minute goes by, then two. Once five minutes have passed, Death turns the monitor off. I'm left speechless, my eyes round in shock and disbelief. My mouth moves uselessly as I try to find words.
The three apocalypse ponies around me wear grim expressions. "Ratchet, take all the time you need. Let me know when you want to go back," Death tells me. I look at him, then back to the blank monitor. I stare at it for a long time.
"Send me back," I finally mutter. Death nods and his scythe appears next to him. He points it at me and taps my forehead with the end of it. Once again, everything is darkness. But it only lasts for a few seconds. The darkness is then replaced with Shrill's face inches from my own.
"Oh, Ratchet, you're up! Good morning," She giggles, showing me a smile despite being covered with blood.
"Morning, Shrill," I mutter.
"It is just the two of us now, Ratchet. We won't be interrupted anymore. Though, those pesky Steel Rangers will be back at some point. We'll have to deal with them when they do. What do you say we have a little fun?" She asks. Blood drips down from her face on to mine. I want to scream, to push her off me and run. But she is armed and has apparently lost her mind. What happened, Shrill?
I swallow and tell her, "You're covered in blood, Shrill. I'll tell you what. Why don't you go get in the shower, and I'll join you in a bit?" I fake a smile.
Her grin gets wider and her eyes sparkle. "Of course! How silly of me, I forgot to clean up!" She says. She tosses off the blankets and pushes herself off the bed. "I'll go get started, I'll see you soon!" She says with a wink.
"Yea, see you soon," I tell her as I was her go into the bathroom. Once the door closes, I start shaking uncontrollably and gasping for air. It took everything I had to act fine. But now...I get out of bed and onto my shaky hooves. I take a deep breath and make my way to the armory. I find my bags and get Forgiveness, then walk back to the bathroom. Taking a breath outside the door, I open it and step inside.
Shrill is in the shower, behind the sliding glass door. It has fogged up from the steam and I can only see her silhouette, but she heard me come in. "Oh, Ratchet? Come on in darling, the water's lovely!" She coos. I creep over to the door and ready Forgiveness. I take a breath and fling the door open, point the gun at Shrill, and pull the trigger. The single bullet at this range finds its mark, striking her in the head.
Her eyes go wide in surprise as her body strikes the wall. The life drains from her eyes as she slides down against the wall. I drop Forgiveness and fall to my haunches. Shrill's blood mixes with the water and swirls down the drain. I suck in a shaky breath and cry.
===~+~===
I sit beside three newly covered graves, staring off into space. How did this happen? We won, Grimoire is gone, this was supposed to be a happy ending. Did I cause this by denying all of Shrill's advances? Was she just mentally unstable to begin with? I don't understand it.
"Ratchet...? What happened?" Twinkle's voice calls out to me. I look towards the voice, and find Twinkle standing beside me. I gaze into her eyes and then go back to looking at the graves.
For a few moments, I can't say anything. But finally I manage to say, "They're all dead."
Twinkle hesitates for a moment then asks, "Who?"
"Everyone. Lightning, Arrow, Shrill...they're all dead," I mutter.
"What? How?" Twinkle stammers, but then stops. "And Cora?" She asks.
"Fine. I told her to leave me alone," I say.
Twinkle sits down beside me and puts a hoof around me. Once again tears well up inside of me and I tell Twinkle everything. What Shrill did, what I did, how I restored Cora and buried my friends' bodies. Through it all she never says a word. She just lets me cry and tell her what happened.
When I'm done, Twinkle lets out a sigh. "There was nothing you could have done. She seemed like the kind of mare who was easily possessive. Things would have gone south eventually. Even if you would have faked a relationship with her, I don't think it would have lasted long before she went off," She tells me.
"Ugh. I'm not good at this sort of thing. Give me an enemy to kill, and I can do that. But ask me to deal with all this emotional stuff? I'm no good," She tells me, shaking her head. "So, what are you going to do now, Ratchet?" She asks.
I open my mouth, but close it again, setting my mouth into a firm line. "I don't...I don't know. If I was still after Grimoire, I might have been able to distract myself from all this. But now...there is nothing. I have nothing but...time..." I trail off.
"Well Ratchet, the Rangers and I will be here for you," Twinkle tells me, patting my shoulder.
"No. I know what I need to do," I say, rising to my hooves. I turn from the graves and head back into the shack.
"Ratchet? What are you going to do?" Twinkle calls after me. I ignore her and climb down the ladder. "Ratchet!" She calls again. I keep going, through the tunnel and into the lab. Past the Rangers in the halls and straight for the cryogenic pod.
"Cora, start up the cryogenic procedure," I say as I start to take off my armor and toss it aside in the corner of the room.
"Ratchet? Why?" Cora asks. I take off my PipBuck and put it back where I originally found it.
"I'm going back in, obviously," I tell her. "Start the procedure," I repeat. I hear the startup sequence beginning right as Twinkle runs into the room.
"Ratchet, stop this! You told us that when you're frozen, time doesn't pass for you. When you get out again, what happened will be just as fresh in your mind as it is now!" Twinkle yells.
"It doesn't matter. I have nothing right now, no goal, nothing to distract me. I can't help anyone like this. I can't think straight. I'll wake up again if I'm needed. Till then, leave me alone," I tell her as I climb into the pod.
"Like hell I will!" Twinkle says as she walks over to the pod, grabs the collar of my lab coat in her teeth, and pulls me back out. She pins me to the floor. "You need to deal with your problems! You can't run away from this!" She yells.
"Cora, if Twinkle continues to interfere with this, shoot her," I say. Twinkle's eyes go wide for a moment, but then narrow again.
Cora sounds shaken. "Ratchet, I can't...Twinkle is our friend," She says.
"Cora, she is trying to stop us from our experiment. It is your job to ensure things run smoothly," I tell her.
"No, that's not what I am anymore. Our experiment is over!" Cora replies.
"CORA," I shout. "Cryogenic Observer and Rehabilitation Assistant. That is what you are! C.O.R.A. CORA. You are my assistant, so assist me!" I scream.
"R-Ratchet..." CORA trails off, clearly hurt by my statement.
"CORA. Get. Twinkle. Out." I say sharply. Silence follows for a few moments. Then, the sentry turrets turn and point at Twinkle. One of them fires a bullet that strikes the floor beside her.
"Leave, Twinkle. Please," CORA says sadly. Twinkle glares at me then looks up at the security camera and turrets.
"Tsk. Fine Ratchet, I'll leave. But I'm going to use the rest of your lab as I please," Twinkle spits and she walks out of the room.
"Lock the door, CORA," I tell her. It closes and she locks it. I let out a sigh. "I'm sorry Cora, I'm so, so sorry. I had to get her to leave. Because I know that you'd let me do this, because you'll understand. You are me, after all," I say with a sad smile.
"Ratchet..." Cora mutters. I shake my head.
"You aren't my assistant, Cora. You are my friend," I tell her.
"I...I know," She says.
"Listen. I...can't handle this right now. Losing Thunder was bad enough, but now Lightning, Arrow, and Shrill? I only dealt with Thunder's death because of our quest to stop Grimoire. I don't know where to go from here. I'm afraid of what I might do without one," I tell her.
"I understand," She says sadly. "They were my friends too. But, because I am an AI, I can cope with their loss better. We've always had a hard time explaining emotions and things to each other. But I think I understand this time," She tells me. "Tell me what to do, Ratchet."
I sniff. "Thank you, Cora," I say. "I want you to freeze me again, but I don't want you to constantly monitor me here. Go out into the wasteland. Help ponies. Find a reason for me to wake up again. Another Cryopod, a new threat, something that only I can handle," I tell her.
"I will," Cora tells me. "Get into the pod, Ratchet. I'll handle everything else." I nod and climb back into the pod.
"One last thing, Cora. Apologize to Twinkle for me. She's our friend too," I say.
"Of course, Ratchet," Cora replies. "See you on the other side," She says.
I smile as the pod closes again. "See you on the other side."
===~+~===
Quest Completed - The Chaos Crusade |
Fallout Equestria: Icicle | Chapter 28 - The Faded Star | Chapter 28 - The Faded Star
"The light faded, and soon, only darkness remained."
===~+~===
"-ke up. Come on, Ratchet. Wake up. You're still alive, I know it. I can see your vitals right here," I hear a voice calling out to me. My body feels stiff and lacks energy to move. I can barely open my eyes. "You weren't this stubborn the first time I woke you, geez," The voice says with annoyance clearly evident in it.
When I finally get my eyes to open a bit, I see the inside of my cryopod. "What...?" I mutter as I blink a few times and start shaking my head. My head is killing me. The pod starts to open up and I slowly drag myself out of pod. "Ugh, Cora?" I ask. The room looks really bright and I feel something trickling out of my nose.
"Uh-oh," Cora replies. "That's not good. Your uh...nose is bleeding, Ratchet," She tells me. I raise up a hoof and wipe my nose. When I bring it back in front of my eyes, I do indeed see blood. "Huh. I did the same procedure as last time and your vitals were just fine. I wonder if it is some sort of reaction to being frozen multiple times," She speculates.
As she continues to suggest reasons for the bloody nose my concentration drifts away as I feel my stomach rising into my throat. I try to contain it, but it proves futile as the contents of my stomach spill out all over the floor. "Oh my," Cora mutters. "Are you, uh, going to be ok Ratchet?" She asks.
I pant over the mess I just made for a moment, spitting out the remaining sick from my mouth. "Actually, I suddenly feel a whole lot better," I tell her. "I ate a while before getting in the pod this time, right?" I ask her.
"I think so Ratchet, why?" Cora replies.
"The first time, I specifically remember I went a day without eating in preparation. Maybe it is some sort of reaction that happens when the stomach has solid contents inside?" I suggest with a shrug and pick myself up to my hooves. "Damn it," I mutter dejectedly. "I still remember exactly what happened as though I wasn't even in the pod."
"I did tell you that would happen," Cora says disapprovingly. "But, you insisted and did it anyway. Told me to wake you up when something happened to take your mind off of it," She reminds me.
"Yea, yea. I know, it literally just happened for me, ya know. And again, sorry about all that stuff I said. You're my friend Cora," I tell her. "So, what's going on?" I ask.
"Don't worry about it, I've had two and a half decades to get over it," She tells me. "As for what's going on, I found a facility. It is an old MAS facility in the Ghastly Gorge. Some scavengers in Ponyville told me about it, but they said a large portion of it was sealed off and that it required clearance to go any deeper," She informs me.
"They didn't just try to force their way in?" I ask. That's how things usually work. In the wasteland, it is take what you want and don't worry about collateral damage.
"They tried," Cora tells me. "But, the door is apparently really thick and sturdy metal, the terminal is virtually unhackable, their words, not mine, and any sort of attempt to break in triggers defence systems to activate. The scavengers barely made it out alive when they tried to blow up the door."
That's about right. "Ok, it sounds promising. Any idea what the facility did?" I ask.
"The scavengers picked over everywhere they could. But they didn't find any documentation, books, blueprints, or strange gadgets. Just your average wasteland salvage. They did mention piles of ash in the waste bins though. I suspect any documents were destroyed long ago," She replies.
"Gotcha, so we are going in blind until we manage to open the doors. Well, get in your armor and get ready to go. I'll get my things together," I tell her as I walk over to retrieve my PipBuck from the console.
"Oh, uh, by the way, about your PipBuck..." Cora says as I pull it out of its storage area and start putting it on my leg. "I may have tried to update it again."
"Oh, that's nice of you. Did it work?" I ask as I finish putting it on and my vision flashes for a moment before returning. Various readouts and data scroll across my vision. Then warnings start filling my sight and I let out a sigh as I begin to read. It is the same things that weren't working before. I was worried there for a moment.
I blink and slowly turn to look into the camera suspended from the ceiling. "Cora. You know that updating usually is supposed to fix things, right?" I ask her. She laughs nervously in response. "You know, I guess you did manage to get the EFS working, somewhat..." I mutter.
In my vision, I can see bars on the compass. Though, they vary in color from red to blue to green to purple. A few other colors are in there as well. "I'm guessing that it now marks locations of things that are potential threats, just not their actual hostility? Why not just one single color though?" I ask.
"I don't know," Cora responds. I facehoof.
"I also clearly remember having more SPECIAL stats and perks too. At least I still have my level and skill points I earned...But still," I mutter.
"I can explain that," Cora tells me. "You see, during the updates, some perks were removed and the amount of SPECIAL points you originally start with was decreased. You are still behind on four hundred and sixty three updates."
"What? They just removed perks and stats with updates? How does that even work? Aren't they like...part of me?" I ask, confused.
"I don't know," She replies again. "Neither of us really understand PipBucks all that well. Let alone how the stat systems work. Someone out there probably understands all this though, and who are we to question the creators?" She says.
"Right...well then, I suppose I'll just keep doing what I've been doing. Now then, shall we go?" I ask her.
"One more thing," Cora tells me. "You should go talk with Twinkle. She's been here for a month now, and it is weirding me out because she won't leave or tell me why."
"Twinkle? Oh, so not that long has passed, hu? But, why does her not leaving seem weird? This is her home now, right?" I ask her.
"Uh, kind of. It has been weird since you've been away. She and the other Rangers never stayed here long. Only a day or two to resupply and rest up, then they would set out again. But Twinkle, hasn't set hoof outside for an entire month." Cora replies.
"Oookay...Just how long have I been frozen?" I ask her.
"Twenty-five years. A few months too, but that's not too important," Cora says.
"Twenty-five years, hu? That means Twinkle would be, what? In her fifties or sixties? You know, if I keep getting frozen, telling time is going to get weird. Let's start up a new system, ok? We will start it the day the Megaspells fell and go from there. Which means we are in the year 60 of the...let's go with Wasteland Era," I suggest.
"Why can't we just keep counting from where it last left off?" Cora asks. "Seems unnecessary to make a new system."
I shake my head. "It might be necessary. Especially in the future. The world basically ended, we should mark it as an important time. Just saying the original year wouldn't do it justice. It needs to be known that things practically started completely over," I tell her.
"I suppose," She mutters. "Very well, I'll start referring to the year in terms of the Wasteland Era, as you suggest. Now, I'll go get ready, you go talk to Twinkle. We might need her help, you know." Cora tells and she unlocks the room. "She's in the infirmary."
A quick walk later and I arrive at the infirmary, half of which has been converted into a sort of common area. I'm not entirely sure where the couches, chairs, and tables came from, but I did tell the Rangers they could do what they wanted with my lab while I was frozen. It isn't a bad change. Elder Twinkle is laying on one of the couches reading an old book.
She doesn't notice me enter, so I take the opportunity to look her over, especially since she isn't in her power armor, but a set of blue robes. I immediately notice the she has aged quite a bit. Wrinkles have developed and there is a hind of gray in her mane. But other than the signs of aging, I don't see a single thing different about her. No scars or lingering injuries, that I can see anyway.
That is unexpected. Though, then again, so is seeing her reading a book. I expected her to be maintaining a gun or something. I clear my throat to get her attention. After a moment, she looks up at me expressionlessly for a moment, then tilts her head and asks, "Ratchet?"
I nod. "Yea, I'm back in the world of the living once again," I tell her. "Uh, I suppose I should start by apologizing for everything that happened before I froze myself again..." I mutter.
Twinkle shakes her head. "Don't bother, Cora told us all about it once the deed was done. I understand, we all did," She tells me. It is odd, she seems different. Tired, sad almost.
"What about the other Rangers?" I ask. "Are they all still doing well?" She grimaces.
"Dead," She tells me simply. "The last one under my command died around fourteen years ago. I'm alone now, the sole survivor of Stable 36, an Elder in name only," She says. I'm about to inquire further when she holds up a hoof. "They all died honorably fighting against raiders and protecting the innocent. They are buried with the others," She tells me, remorse in her voice.
This is wrong. This isn't the Twinkle I know. She wouldn't be so deeply affected by the deaths of her comrades, especially if they died in battle. What happened? "Cora tells me you've been here a month," I state.
"Indeed I have," Twinkle replies simply.
"Why?" I ask, trying to probe for an answer.
"You said I could live here," She says, raising an eyebrow.
"Cora made it seem you were rarely ever here until about a month ago. What changed?" I ask.
"Maybe I just needed a break?" She suggests. "I am getting old."
"What about Eberron?" I respond and see her flinch at his name.
"What about him?" Twinkle asks defensively.
"Doesn't he, you know, demand sacrifice and all that?" I ask her.
"He does," She says simply, sparing a glance at the book she was reading.
"What were you reading?" I ask her, grabbing the book in my magic. She raises a hoof to try and stop me, but I get it past her and read the cover. "Eberron, lord of death. A collection of mythology." I set it on the table between us and notice her outstretched hoof shaking in the air and her mouth agape.
Twinkle's eyes tremble for a moment before tears start to fall from them, surprising me. Her following words surprise me even more. "They are all dead and I don't understand it," She tells me. "I've read and reread every book on Eberron to reaffirm my beliefs. My lord, Eberron...I gave him countless souls, my enemies and my allies fell for him. But now I am alone..." She mutters.
She lowers her hoof and looks down at the floor. "I don't understand it. He demands sacrifice, no matter who you are or what you are, you are nothing but a drop in the sea of his collected souls. And yet..." She hesitates. "I don't die. No one can kill him. I can't give my soul to Eberron."
"What...do you mean?" I ask her. She wants to die?
"All my life, I've killed in the name of Eberron, sending my enemies to him. All the while, my comrades died around me, going to serve Eberron in the next life. But I remain. I continue to kill in his name, but I don't think I will ever get to the next life," She tells me.
"You want to die?" I say in disbelief.
"Is that so strange?" She asks. "All of my friends are dead, for a while I thought all I needed was to kill for Eberron but then...A thought occurred to me. What if Eberron doesn't want me?" She suggests.
"Doesn't want you?" I ask, raising an eyebrow. She nods and gets up off the couch. In one motion, she disrobes, revealing her unblemished hide.
"I have been in countless battles, stood in the open amongst thousands of bullets, but I have never been injured. Not once. My armor has barely ever been scratched! I even went into battle with these robes for the past two years, and not a single bullet struck me! I even charged ten raiders barehoofed and killed them all!" She shouts.
"I thought it was Eberron's blessing at first, his desire for me to keep killing in his name, but what if it is his curse instead? Him cursing me to die of old age and never join him in the afterlife I deserve?" She says with a wavering smile.
"In all the texts on Eberron, I've never heard of something like this. No mention of curses or even blessings that protect a pony. Just the same line repeated over and over. 'Kill in his name and the afterlife will be one filled with bliss.' I don't understand what is happening," She tells me.
"If you want to die, why not just let someone kill you? Or kill yourself?" I suggest to her. But she just shakes her head with a frown.
"The texts specify that you can only join him if you die in battle honorably. That means no dying on purpose and certainly no suicide," She replies, letting out a sigh. "I've spent this entire month trying to understand, but I am no closer to the answer now than when I began," She mutters.
Suddenly, her eyes seem to sparkle and she starts talking about a distant memory. "You know, back when I was a filly, my mother used to sing me a song. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, it went. I liked it, since it had my name it in. I thought perhaps, I was a star, twinkling brightly," She chuckles sadly. "I've never even seen a real star, since I was born in Stable 36."
"Twinkle..." I mutter in concern, but she ignores me and continues.
"Shortly after, I took up learning about Eberron and resolved to be a Twinkling Star in service to him. And I shone brightly. I've lost count of how many souls I've sent to Lord Eberron. However...These last few years, as the doubt has crept in on me, and this last month in particular...I fear that I no longer twinkle. I am faded now, diluted with doubt and worry, unsure of how to proceed," She says sadly.
"I'm...so very tired of being a leader, Ratchet. You're awake for a reason and I'll help you. I just have one request, if there is an opportunity for me to die, let me take it. Don't give me potions or try to save me. Let me go," She tells me.
"Twinkle...You don't have to die, you know that, right?" I tell her.
"You wouldn't understand, Ratchet. You've been gone for twenty-five years. And things have only gotten worse. Grimoire may be dead, but there are more raiders now than ever. Sure, they aren't organized or threatening to destroy the world, but there are countless more than there were before. And, there are also slavers now. Seems tame at first glance, but slavery is slavery after all. Things are getting worse and worse each day," She tells me.
"Then why do you want to die? You could do something about it?" I ask her.
"It is more than I can manage, more than my squad could manage. Even if you decided to stick around and help, nothing would come of it. No, the only way to stop this decline is a miracle. Short of the skies opening up or Celestia and Luna coming back, what we would do would amount to a drop in the ocean of what needs to be done," She tells me.
I furrow my brow. Could things really have gotten that bad in twenty-five years? Twinkle continues, "There is a saying I've heard recently. 'When will the Wasteland break you?' I've heard it said for the reason ponies turned raider, the reason parents sell their children into slavery. It is saying one thing, that the Wasteland will break you. No ifs, ands, or buts, about it. And Ratchet, I think it has broken me."
I harden my expression. This isn't the Twinkle I once knew, it is a shell of what she once was. Did the Wasteland break her or was it the deaths of her friends and the seemingly futility of her actions? During the war, ponies always found something to blame for their misfortunes and inability to move forward. Is the Wasteland the new thing to blame? But, maybe Twinkle is right. I don't understand.
"Get your armor on and your things together. We are going to Ghastly Gorge in search of another cryopod. It might hold something that can help the wasteland," I tell her and let out a sigh. "Or, it might hold something that will kill us all. Either way, we'll need your help."
Twinkle at last gives me a genuine smile, like the ones she used to wear twenty-five years ago. "Let's get going then, Scribe Crusader Ratchet."
===~+~===
When the three of us arrive on the edge of the Ghastly Gorge where Cora said the scavengers found the facility, what we find isn't some spectacular MAS lab, but a simple geological station. It rests on the edge of the gorge in a dilapidated state and only consists of four rooms in total.
"Well, this is it?" I ask, a little disappointed. "Where is the door they couldn't open?" I adjust my barding, still getting use to all the new additions Cora had put on it. A total of seven knife holsters, since I can apparently hit things with knives but not guns. The only gun I'm carrying is Forgiveness, the revolver I got when I first woke up in the Wasteland, and my barding now also has a custom holster for it.
Twinkle sighs. "What a let down. Leave it to scavengers to lead you on a wild goose chase," She mutters.
"No," Cora says, looking around. "This is the place. They said it resembled a geological station on the surface, but once you enter the gorge it changes dramatically. We just need to find the way down," She mutters.
I look over the edge of the gorge. Jagged rocks and an almost sheer cliff face, basically a bad time if we decide to walk down it without a proper path. "And they failed to mention the way down to it?" I ask, and then spot a sort of platform with cables descending into the gorge. "What about that?" I say, pointing a hoof.
We walk over to the structure which is suspended over the gorge with a five foot square hole in the middle of it. Four cables fall from the top of it into the gorge, and a few other cables fasten it safely to the top of the cliff. Around the side of the structure is a chest high wall to keep us from falling off.
"Are we going to slide down the cables?" Twinkle asks. "Getting back up will be a pain." Just as she says that the cables start moving coiling up and I hear a quiet whirring. I look over at Cora and see her hoof on a red button near the hole in the structure.
"It seems to be a lift," She tells us. That explains a lot. In a few moments, another platform rises up from the bottom of the gorge and sets into place in the hole that was in the platform. The three of us step onto the new platform and Cora hits the button again, causing the platform to descend once more.
Once we are at the bottom, a door set into the wall of the gorge greets us. "Well, this looks promising," I mutter as I step off the platform and walk up to the door. Cora and Twinkle follow behind me as the door opens and we proceed to walk into the facility.
Just like the scavengers said, it changed dramatically. Desks, filing cabinets, tables filled with books and papers. I'm about to suggest that we split up and check the place out, but remember it has already been scavenged so there probably aren't any hostiles in this part of the facility. I wonder why the scavengers didn't take the books and papers though? "Let's find that door," I tell the others as we begin to walk through the facility.
We walk through various rooms that have clearly been picked clean of anything of value. Filing cabinets and desks lay strewn open and hoofprints are evident in the dust that coats the floors. There is nothing remarkable in this section of the facility anymore. Even the terminals have been stripped for parts.
Finally, we reach a solid looking door that appears to have been blackened from explosives. Bingo. I look just to the right of the door and spot a terminal. "Alright, let's see if this is something we have access to," I say as I turn the terminal on. It lights up and information across the screen. I wait until it shows the login screen.
Unlike a normal login screen, this one displays a special message. MAS Head Researcher or Above Clearance Required. Well, that should include me, right? I enter my credentials and hit enter. After a moment the terminal shows Access Granted and I select the option to open the door. A light above the door changes from red to green and it opens.
"Looks like we are in business," I tell them with a smirk. "Let's make sure it is safe inside before we get too far ahead of ourselves. Check for traps and hostiles," I say, glancing at my EFS. I see a single orange mark ahead of us. This multi-colored marker system is going to be a huge headache. It doesn't even indicate anything with the color. I let out a sigh and step through the doorway.
Beyond the doorway is a far dirty facility than what we just walked through. It seems they used the previous part of the facility after this one was sealed up. There is more equipment in this area than the previous one. Probably for testing on whatever is sealed here. Will we find a pod?
I see equipment for biological study, such as x-rays and other medical supplies. But as the lighting flickers on, everything is shrouded in a slight blue hue. "Uh...What's with this lighting?" I ask.
"They appear to be emitting ultraviolet light," Cora replies. "Though, it is only a slight amount, which is why the room or light itself doesn't appear as dark blue. It is like the UV light is intermixed with the regular light and is not always on."
"So, it is like the lights here are being turned off and on really quickly, but instead of turning on/off, they are switching between regular and UV light?" I ask.
"Something like that," Cora says. "Though, I suspect it is more complicated than that and probably involves magic to some extent."
"Weirrrrrd," Twinkle says, looking around. She strikes her hoof on a machine, knocking dust off of it and sending it showering to the ground. "You know, I used to shine my armor once a week. But I've had to do it after every expedition into the Wasteland. I understand this place, abandoned like it is, but no one cleans anything," She complains.
"Well, when you clean a little bit and the next day it is even dirtier, is kind of defeats the purpose of cleaning," Cora tells her. "That's why most don't bother."
"I know, I know," Twinkle mutters. "But they could at least try. Repetition is what does it, keeps the dirt and grime at bay," She says.
"Most ponies are too busy just trying to find a way to survive," Cora replies. "They don't have the time or the luxury to clean things. Besides, finding decent cleaning products is fairly hard too. Like a clean mop or broom? Forget about it," She tells Twinkle.
The two of them continue making small talk as we look around the facility. It is odd to me how close they seem to have become. How much they know about the Wasteland now. Is that what spending twenty-five years in it does?
"Seriously Ratchet, your bathroom is the cleanest thing I've seen in the Wasteland by far," Twinkle tells me. I look back at her in surprise at suddenly being included in the conversation. I was only half listening to them. Just staying on guard takes all my focus. I guess the two of them have adapted to being able to converse while staying alert.
"Uh, yea," I tell her awkwardly. "It is probably because the lab is sealed properly and not much dirt or dust gets in. After the initial cleaning, the only contaminants are what we bring in with us and our dead skin and hair cells."
Cora nods. "True, but having probably the only stash of actually clean cleaning supplies doesn't hurt either. We could probably sell our mop for a few thousand caps," She tells me.
"No kidding?" I ask.
"Like I said, clean cleaning supplies are hard to come by. And cleaning with dirty supplies doesn't clean much, you know?" Cora replies. I silently agree with her as we enter through another door. "Oh," Cora mutters in surprise.
Oh indeed. Much of the lighting in the room has been damaged, only a few of them work. The rest are either broken or burnt out. On one side of the room is another door that leads into what appears to be an observation area looking into this room. A thick pane of reinforced glass separates that room and this one.
This room is sparsely furnished aside from a few workstations around the edges of the room. Which is odd considering how big the room is. But, I suppose the object in the center is why the room is so lacking in decor. A cryopod, or at least something similar to it.
The pod looks similar to my own design, but it is remarkably different in its function. It doesn't use cryogenics, for example. I'm not exactly sure how it works just by looking at it, but that much is clear due to the lack of the large freezing equipment needed to reach low enough temperatures to flash freeze a pony and keep them alive.
The design is sleeker and more streamline. I doubt this is a prototype for a different kind of pod. There must be more of these, then. But if they aren't mine, who made them? And does that mean that someone else was working on a similar project at the same time as me? Could that be how Twilight managed to create so many more without my knowledge?
"Impressive tech," Twinkle remarks. "Looks even more impressive than yours."
"Well, mine is a prototype and this one appears to be a production model," I reply. "Cora, you notice the differences, right?" I ask her.
"Of course. It appears to be a stasis pod, but unlike yours it doesn't freeze the occupant. I'd guess it uses some sort of chemical mixture of keep the occupant in a state of near-death," Cora responds.
"So, we gona crack it open and see who or what is inside?" Twinkle asks, motioning to the pod.
"Well, we should try to figure out what is in it first," I tell her, looking over to the terminal beside it. "If it is like Cygnus's pod, the terminal will display information about the occupant and give us the option to either kill it or release it."
Twinkle chuckles. "We are going to release it regardless, right? That's why I came along. Promise of fighting something that might be able to kill me, remember?" She says.
I sigh. "Still going on about that, hu? It could be something that can destroy everything, something we won't be able to stop. We aren't going to set that free just so you can fulfill your deathwish," I tell her.
"Fine," she mutters, "but if it is something we can handle, we're letting it out."
"Let me check the terminal..." I mutter as I wipe away the dust from the screen. It appears to still be working and I use my credentials to log into it. After a moment it kicks finishes the start up and displays three entries. A single text file and two options for the pod. The options simply state KILL and RELEASE. "One text file, hu? It doesn't even appear that long," I say as I open it.
The entirety of the document is only a few paragraphs in length. Quite sparse in comparison to the many documents the head researcher of Cygnus's lab left. Either there isn't much to say or a great deal of it is higher clearance than I have access to. Whatever the case, I'll take any information at all.
===~+~===
This facility was created with the sole purpose of furthering the research and training of military asset codename Umbra. The location was selected due to the depth of the gorge and the fact it is almost always cast in shadow except for a few hours around noon. Umbra is a specially created being created through Project Chimera and one of the few relative successes of the project before it was terminated.
As with all specimens created through Project Chimera, Umbra was created through the union of pony and [REDACTED] DNA. Due to this, Umbra's body has been swallowed by shadows and their form is amorphous, ever changing and never staying still, yet Umbra keeps an appearance similar to that of a pony.
Despite this interesting physiology, x-rays have shown a sort of bone system within. The skeleton isn't rigid and morphs along with Umbra's body. Testing has shown that Umbra experiences bone fractures and pain as it would normally, yet doesn't bleed blood. Instead, shadows seem to fall from her when injured.
The composition of these shadows is unknown, as they are intangible. This [REDACTED] as we have taken to calling it, acts just like normal shadows. After time or when exposed to UV light, it fades away.
Umbra's strengths show themselves when she is fully shrouded in shadows. She seem to be able to make shadows a part of her body and control them, despite varying light levels. The only kind of light that seems to prevent Umbra's actions is sunlight and special UV lights that have been created specifically for this facility in order to contain her.
When Umbra is exposed to sunlight or the UV lighting she experiences [REDACTED] and [REDACTED]. This seems to be something unique to Umbra, as not even the [REDACTED] suffered such limitations.
Umbra's abilities range from close quarters attacks to long ranged precision assaults. No distance is too far as long as she has enough shadows to bridge the gap. She attacks using her body by morphing it into fast moving spikes to pierce her target. Her shadows are able to penetrate the thickest of metals, including the armor of tanks.
Her shadows can only move in linear directions, but can change direction mid-attack. That is to say, her attacks do not curve but follow a path directly from point A to point B. In order to attack around a corner, a point C would be introduced that has a straight path to both points A and B. She is not limited in the amounts of points either, and can group them so tightly together that the untrained eye might perceive her attack as curving.
Because of all her aforementioned traits, she is a candidate for stealth and night operations. Even fielding her on a battlefield at night would be an ideal situation. The one downside to Umbra, is that she must be instructed by another. Using [REDACTED] we are able to give her instructions that she follows perfectly.
When not receiving instructions Umbra stares into space, unmoving for hours, even days at a time. This is odd, given her intelligence. Umbra will respond when spoken to, but rarely initiates conversation. On rare occasions she discusses the tests and experiments with the staff, even pointing out their mistakes. This is exceptionally strange, given that [REDACTED] was never an intelligent pony to begin with.
There have also been rare occasions where Umbra has shown aggression to the staff, despite most of her memories about her past and the process that created her having been removed. Because of these outbursts and her knowledge about subjects she should have no knowledge of, my working theory is that when she merges with a pony's shadow she also assumes their knowledge.
This is mere conjecture on my part, however, as any attempts to test this ability have been met with resistance and what I suspect is feigned ignorance on Umbra's part. Now, she is being sealed away in one of my stasis pods due to the closure of Project Chimera, so the truth may never be known.
This concludes my summation of test subject #017, military asset codename Umbra of Project Chimera.
Doctor Trueblood
===~+~===
Once I finish reading the contents aloud, I ask Cora, "Did you ever hear of Project Chimera?"
She shakes her head. "No. Given the location and secrecy of this facility, it is probably a top secret project unknown to all but the top members of the government," She tells me.
"So, are we going to open it or what? It doesn't seem that bad. We can put it down if it can't be reasoned with. The file did say Umbra was intelligent," Twinkle says.
"I suppose. But!" I tell her. "Keep your weapons lowered unless she starts attacking. We don't want to provoke her." I think for a second and add, "Actually, don't attack her even then. She might be scared, so she might try to attack one of us right away. Cygnus even tried to kill me right when I freed him," I tell her. "Don't harm her till I say to."
"Fine, fine. Let's hurry this along then," Twinkle replies. I let out a sigh and close the document and return to the menu. Then, I select OPEN and the pod immediately lets out a hissing noise. Sounds like it is equalizing the pressure inside the pod.
The pod begins to open and then stops after opening about a foot. And then, dozens of spikes pierce out of the pod, shredding through it like it is nothing and embedding themselves into the walls and floors, narrowly avoiding the three of us. Twinkle has one less than an inch away from her neck, and she didn't even move to avoid it. "They missed," She mutters.
"Settle down, Twinkle. Remember what I said," I tell her, then focus on the pod. "Umbra, right? Are you alright? I know that waking up in one of those pods, though I suppose not one of those specifically, but that's...anyhow, I know it can be kind of stressing. We aren't here to hurt you," I say.
The dark spikes slowly retract back into the pod and then the pod opens a little more. "You're not?" A mare's voice comes from it. The voice sounds oddly calm considering what it just did and that we are strangers. But, maybe that's just something caused by whatever Project Chimera did.
"No, we are actually here to help. If you want it. A lot has happened since you were put in there. The war is over, and well...why don't you come out of there and we can talk?" I suggest. She's silent for a while, but then the pod opens fully a solid black mass crawls out of it and onto the floor. It begins standing up and I can see it taking the shape of a pony. However it lacks eyes and any defining features. If I had to explain its appearance, I would say it appears as a silhouette of a pony.
It moves its head to look at the three of us and then says, "I'm Umbra." When she speaks, her mouth moves. But inside is nothing but darkness. I can't make out teeth, a tongue, or a throat. Saying that it is unsettling is an understatement and I suppress a shudder.
"I'm Ratchet," I respond. "And these two are Cora and Twinkle," I say, gesturing to the two of them in turn. "It is nice to meet you, Umbra."
Umbra stares at me for a moment then says, "Ratchet, a Head Researcher of the Ministry of Arcane Sciences, frozen before the war and awoken after the end. Cora, Combat Operations and Research Assistant, an AI based on Ratchet's own personality. And Twinkle, an Elder of the Steel Rangers and the only surviving member of Stable 36. It is nice to meet you all." A shiver runs through my entire body.
"H-How do you know all that?" I ask her, looking at Cora and Twinkle. I wish I could see their expressions to confirm that I'm not the only one freaked out right now. Then I see it, darker shadows connecting the three of us to Umbra. "Dr. Trueblood's theory, so it is true?" I mutter.
Even though I don't say it too loudly, Umbra either hears me or can tell I said it because we are connected. "Indeed. I have no reason to hide this fact from you. I can tell you are telling the truth. You want to help me. But..." Umbra trails off and appears to frown. Though, it is hard to tell considering she has no features.
"I understand," Umbra says with a nod. "Ratchet, Cora, before we go, there is something in the observation room I need the two of you to get. There are two terminals in the room that need to be accessed simultaneously. Only you have access, Ratchet." She tells us.
I look over to the room then back at her. It doesn't seem like she's trying to pull anything, but we should be careful. "Let's go Cora," I tell her and we walk over to the room.
"Thank you both," Umbra says with a hint of happiness in her voice. "I'm glad I'll finally be able to leave here after so long. I was created to be a weapon, but that's not what I was born. I know who I once was from the memories of other. Though only through their memories of the pony I once was," She tells us as Cora and I reach the doorway.
"But I am not myself. I am something completely different now. I am a being that knows who they are, but has no memories of who they are," Umbra says as we enter the room. "This knowledge is a poison to me," She says.
I look around the observation room and don't see any terminals. I feel my blood run cold as I turn back around just as one of Umbra's spikes strikes the door's controls, sealing them closed. "Umbra! What are you doing!?" I shout, pounding on the door and trying to get it open.
"I am doing what Twinkle and I both want," Umbra announces. "Twinkle thinks she cannot die but wants to. Yet she will only accept death through combat. I am a monster created to kill. A monster whose knowledge of what they were and what they became horrifies them. Like Twinkle, I want to die," She says.
"What? But why?" I ask, staring at her through the glass.
"I cannot take the horrible thing I have become. The only reason I resemble a pony right now, is because I will it to be so. So if I can die and return to Celestia and Luna as a pony, that is all that I want," Umbra tells me.
"I understand you, Umbra," Twinkle tells her, raising her guns. "A fight to the death then? Are you ready?" She asks.
"Stop this! Both of you! Why do you need to kill each other?" I shout, pulling out Forgiveness and shooting at the glass. But the bullets do nothing to the reinforced glass and not even Cora bucking it causes it to break.
"Don't do it!" Cora shouts, echoing me.
"This isn't about killing each other, Ratchet," Umbra says. "This is about finding peace." She nods to Twinkle who then begins firing her miniguns.
Umbra wastes no time either, sending out numerous spikes to impale Twinkle. Twinkle and Umbra dodge each other as they attempt to kill their opponent. They both want to die, but refuse to let themselves be killed. But from Umbra's words, I doubt she would mind letting herself be killed. Since she knows Twinkle's thoughts, she knows what Twinkle wants. That is why she is fighting back.
Twinkle dodges one of Umbra's attacks and lands in one of the few places in the room bathed in light. Umbra sends a spike for Twinkle's head, but as soon as the spike meets the light it disintegrates and Umbra lets out a horrible scream, all of her spikes recoiling back into her. Twinkle stops her assault and looks around, looking at the lights in the middle of their battlefield.
"I see. It is like that file said, you can't enter the light from the UV lights. Well then," Twinkle says, a points her guns at the ceiling. She destroys the lights one by one until only the outer lights remain, building the two of them an arena of darkness. The remaining lights are enough to illuminate the room, but now Umbra is unhindered.
Cora and I do not stop pounding on the glass and yelling for the two of them to stop, but neither the glass nor the two of them yield to us. After a few minutes we stop trying to break the glass and instead watch them as we attempt to talk them out of fighting. But our words fall on deaf ears as the two of them continue their dance of death.
Without the light hindering Umbra, her assault doubles, keeping Twinkle moving. Twinkle has landed numerous hits on Umbra, but Twinkle herself remains unscratched. Seeing her fighting before my own eyes, it is almost as if a miracle is taking place around her, keeping her safe from Umbra's attacks. Umbra's movements are getting slower and her attacks seem to be getting more and more desperate.
After one particular flurry of attacks, Umbra retracts all her spikes and seems to shrink in size. A moment later, dozens of spikes lash out in a cluster towards Twinkle. The large mass of spikes is heading straight towards the her and she doesn't have time to dodge. Somehow, most of the spikes miss her, but a few of them catch her in the helmet, shredding through the metal and revealing Twinkle grinning like a madpony.
The impact of the spikes causes her to slide to the right and I see a trail of blood splash on the floor. Once she steadies herself, she starts laughing. "You can do it Umbra! You can kill me!" Twinkle shouts.
But Umbra looks taken aback. "Something protects you, Twinkle. My attacks are curving away from you, and I can't curve them. The weakness of this protection seems to be large concentrated attacks, things too big to simply move aside," Umbra tells her.
Twinkle chuckles. "Heh, good to know. If you can't kill me, at least I know what kind of thing will do the trick later," Twinkle says with a smirk.
Umbra shakes her head. "I just thought you might want to know more about what protects you. Sadly, I don't know the cause. We will both die here," She says as her most recent attack absorbs back into her form. Umbra shrinks, more than before. Her form also seems to flatten out onto the floor and the center of the room where they are fighting grows darker.
Twinkle continues to shoot her miniguns at the floor where Umbra is at until, in one fluid action, innumerable spikes fill the room. The spikes pierce in every direction filling almost every inch of the room. The glass we are looking through takes the impact of hundreds of the spikes and cracks from the impact. As the spikes retract, the glass falls forward into the room.
Cora and I quickly climb through the window and into the room to stop the two from continuing, but as the spikes continue to retract it is horrifically obvious that the fight is already over. As they retract, the spikes drag Twinkle across the floor with them. She is suspended in the air in some sort of leap by at least ten of the spikes.
Her legs, body, and even part of her muzzle has been stabbed by the spikes through her armor. After being dragged back to the original location of Umbra, the spikes carefully set Twinkle on the ground and pull themselves from her body.
"Twinkle!" Cora and I shout in unison and run over to her. Umbra reforms standing over her, her own body quivering more than usual and shadows seeming to fall off of her onto the ground. I quickly fish out a healing potion from my bags and am about to pour it down Twinkle's throat when one of Umbra's spikes impacts the floor between the potion and Twinkle.
"What are you doing!?" I yell. "Twinkle needs help now, or she is going to die!"
"I know," Umbra tells me as her body falls into a blob on the floor and then reforms into a pony laying down.
Twinkle coughs up some blood and looks over the three of us. "Thank you. All of you. Ratchet and Cora for your concern and all you have done for me. And Umbra, thank you for showing me that I can die," She tells us.
"Don't talk like that!" I tell her as tears begin to fall from my eyes. "We can save you, just drink a few potions and you'll be good as new!" I say, holding three of them in my magic.
Twinkle shakes her head slightly and says, "I'm going to see Lord Eberron. Ratchet, I know you want me to stick around, but I'm so tired." Tears begin to fall from her eyes. "I've wanted to die for so long, to see my comrades again...and now I'll be able to. Thanks to the three of you," Twinkle says, her voice getting quieter.
"Twinkle..." Cora murmurs sadly, hanging her head.
I sniff. "No Twinkle...Thank you. You've done so much...thank you for everything," I tell her.
She chuckles lightly and then sucks in a large breath. "Ratchet, help the Wasteland. I know...I know you will...you're stronger than...you think," Twinkle says, and then closes her eyes. "Take...care of...her...Cora," Twinkle mutters almost inaudibly and then she grows still.
"Twinkle...Twinkle...No...no...not like this..." I mutter as my eyes quiver and tears stream down from them.
"Ratchet," Umbra says, turning her face up to look at me. "There is one last thing I need you to do," She tells me.
"I...I'll save you," I tell her. "If not Twinkle, then you. You're not too badly hurt, right? I...I can't tell."
"Ratchet..." Umbra mutters sadly. "I know how hard it is for you. All of this, seeing good ponies die. I am sorry I have to do this to you, but it was what Twinkle wanted. And now...I need your Forgiveness," She tells me.
I stare at her as my tears continue to fall and press my lips together hard. "I don't agree with what you did, but I understand why you did it. So I will forgive you," I tell her.
She shakes her head. "That's not what I mean. I'm bleeding out, it will take a few minutes, and it hurts like hell. Potions don't work on me and even if they did, I don't want to be saved. I mean that I want Forgiveness, your gun. Shoot me, end my suffering. Send me to the afterlife where I might find some peace from the knowledge I possess," Umbra says.
"What? B-But I..." I stammer.
"You can do it, Ratchet," Umbra tells me. "Do you know what I think? Why you can't hit targets with guns? Why you named that gun Forgiveness and keep it with you? You're not meant to kill, and neither is that gun," She says.
"I don't...understand," I tell her.
Something resembling a smile spreads across her face. "You are meant to help ponies and to forgive them. I saw your memories. You might not have realized it, but once you named that revolver Forgiveness, you never killed anyone with it who you didn't forgive. Shrill is the only one who you've killed with it after naming it. It is also why you couldn't shoot Doctor Hearty with it in cold blood and could shoot Mr. Tenpony, despite the revolver not being named back then," She tells me.
I furrow my brow and think back to every fight I got into after naming Forgiveness. There were times I shot ponies, but not lethally. I also came close to killing some with it, but somehow they avoided a killing blow only to get killed some other way.
"Perhaps the gun has some latent magic in it that prevents its owner from killing ponies unless they are forgiven first. It is just my theory on the subject. But you are a scientist Ratchet. A thinker not a killer. You are kind, intelligent, and so much more than I was," Umbra tells me. "In fact, let's test this theory. You forgive me, so the condition should be met for you to be able to shoot me. You also can't hit a target from far away. Go to the other side of the room and shoot me. If you hit me, my theory is correct. If you miss, I am wrong and I will allow you to help me try and survive," She says.
"But...I could miss on purpose, just to save you," I tell her.
Umbra chuckles. "You won't. Because you know that I'll be able to tell if you do. So stand up, Ratchet. Draw Forgiveness and put me down," She tells me.
"But we could do so much good together! With your help, we could help the wasteland together!" I beg her.
She just shakes her head. "I'm not a tool to help, I am a tool of destruction. That is all. I didn't want to tell you about the pony I was, but since you are so resistant to finishing me off, I will do so," Umbra tells me.
She lets out a sigh and continues. "My name was Clarity. I worked as a nurse at the Fluttershy Medical Clinic and I was a serial killer," Umbra tells me, causing me to gasp. "I would give ponies lethal doses of drugs on purpose to kill them. They were scum, ponies who deserved to die, but I was a killer none-the-less. At first. Towards the end, I began killing anyone I didn't like."
"Once I learned that and knowing what I am now...I began to fear that should my memories ever come back I might start killing ponies again," Umbra confesses. "That is why I want you to kill me. While I am not a murderer, while I am a sane and reasonable...thing," She mutters. "Please."
I wipe the tears from my eyes and rise to my hooves. "Ratchet?" Cora asks in concern. I look over to her and shake my head.
"I'm fine," I tell her. Then look at Umbra. "I'll test out your theory. But if I miss, I will save you," I tell her. She smiles at me as I walk across the room and draw Forgiveness. "Umbra, no matter what happens here, I'm glad that I met you," I tell her.
"And I you, Ratchet, Cora," Umbra replies. I raise Forgiveness and level it at Umbra. Then I pull the trigger and send a bullet right between her eyes. Despite the distance, it hit as if I was standing right next to her. Her body jerks and collapses into a blob of shadows. Then, slowly, it begins to disappear. Soon nothing is left of her body but bones and a small crystal. Before I can look more closely at it, the crystal turns to dust.
I let out a long sigh as Cora walks over to me. "It looks like her theory was correct," I mutter. "One shot was all it took and it killed her instantly. Maybe I am meant to forgive ponies who need it. Tenpony, Shrill, Twinkle, Umbra. They all wanted to or needed to die. I wonder if I would have been able to kill Twinkle," I say offhandedly.
"Ratchet...I don't think you could have killed Twinkle. You didn't understand why she wanted to die," Cora tells me. "Tenpony was gone, Shrill was insane, and Umbra wanted repentance. But Twinkle...You didn't understand. The Wasteland broke her and she had nothing left, no one left. I tried to help her, but I am just an AI. Without her friends...without you she was lost," She says.
I'm about to reply, but she continues. "Twenty-five years, Ratchet. You were gone for Twenty-five years. For me, that's nothing. For Twinkle, that was half of her life. And she spent more than a fifth of it alone once the other Rangers died," She tells me.
"I-" I begin, but Cora raises a hoof and cuts me off.
"I made a friend, Ratchet. You remember me mentioning someone else was hijacking spritebots, right? That's him. He goes around telling ponies to make friends. To help each other. Twinkle is an example of what happens when ponies don't make friends. When they live alone in the wasteland," She says sadly.
"Why are you telling me all this?" I ask her. "Are you lecturing me or trying to comfort me?" Confusion builds up in me.
"Eventually, without anyone to lean on, the Wasteland will win. In the twenty-five years you've been asleep, I've wandered the Wasteland. Seen it change and met so many ponies. Ratchet, the Wasteland is getting worse. Ponies are forgetting what is was like before the war," Her voice sounds so sad. I'm sure if she could cry, she would be.
"And that is why, when we get back to the lab, you're going to get into the pod again," She tells me. I try to speak up in protest and confusion, but she raises a hoof to silence me. "The longer you're exposed to it, the sooner it will break you. Ratchet, you can't break. I need you, the wasteland needs you. But, you can't wander aimlessly," She tells me.
"But...you just said your friend tells ponies to make friends. How can I make friends if I stay frozen for decades at a time?" I ask her.
"The other pods, Ratchet. If you free someone who is good, and kind, you can make friends with them, and when the time comes, freeze them again. I think even Grimoire will be your friend, once we free him," Cora tells me.
"What about you? I'll be leaving you alone," I tell her.
She shakes her head. "I'm an AI, I don't get lonely. A few decade to you is like a year to me. Besides, I have my one friend, and I'm about to start looking for more," She replies.
I furrow my brows and look over at Twinkle's body and Umbra's bones. "We will talk about this later, but now, let's get out of here and give the two of them a proper burial," I tell her. She nods. "Can you carry Twinkle? I'll gather Umbra's remains."
Once I finish putting Umbra's bones in my bags, Cora and I leave the facility and start back to the lab.
===~+~===
Two fresh graves are made outside of the entrance to my lab. Cora and I bow our heads in respect and offer our farewells to two good ponies who shouldn't have had to die. I end up crying again as we do so, but get myself under control while Cora comforts me.
As Cora and I enter the lab again, a thought occurs to me. "Say Cora, while I'm awake and all, why don't we go say hello to Cygnus? I'm sure he's been lonely," I say with a smile. I wonder how much he has aged now. He'd have to be in his forties by now.
Cora's head lowers and she mutters, "Cygnus is dead, Ratchet." My eyes go wide as I stare at her. My mouth hangs open in disbelief. Then I start to chuckle.
"Good one Cora, but seriously. Let's go see him," I say with a tense smile. My throat seizes up and I feel something warm on my cheeks.
Cora looks up at me. "Ratchet...I'm sorry. But he's...he's gone," She says quietly.
"No," I state simply. "He can't be dead. I refuse to believe it," I say, shaking my head as my voice quivers.
"Ratchet..." Cora says sadly. "I'm sorry. I didn't know how to tell you earlier..."
"No...no...no..." I cry and fall to the floor. I look up at Cora with shaky eyes. "All our friends...are gone?" I mutter out the question. Cora nods slowly. "How...when did he...?" I trail off, unable to continue.
"He passed away five years ago," She tells me.
Anger flashes inside me. "Why didn't you wake me up!?" I shout. "What is wrong with you!?"
She lowers her head. "He asked me not to tell you," She says simply.
"What? Why would he do that?" I ask, confused.
"He said...he wasn't important enough to waste waking you up. He didn't want you to witness the death of another friend," She tells me.
"He...He thought I would want to find out like this instead?" I say mutely. Cora doesn't say anything, just lowers her head further. "How did he...die?" I ask her.
"Old age," She replies.
"What? But he should only be in his late forties at the most," I tell her, but suddenly remember. "His accelerated growth..." I mutter. Cora nods. We sit in silence for a while, with only my sobs filling it.
When I finally get it together, Cora tells me, "The last time I went to see him, he wanted me to tell you something. 'Thank you for waking me up,' he said."
I sniff and rub my eyes. "Thank you Cora. Sorry for getting mad at you. You were just doing what he told you," I apologize.
Cora shakes her head. "I understand. Oh, and don't worry about Grimoire. Cygnus sealed the stairs down to that level before he died. Without some extensive excavation, no one will find him," She tells me.
I laugh slightly at that. "Of course he did. He was a good pony, Cora," I say sadly.
Cora nods in agreement, "He was."
After a few more minutes of wallowing in sadness, I finally get up to my hooves. "Prepare the pod, Cora. I'm going to make an entry on my terminal and then I'll be going back in," I tell her.
"Of course," She says, and walks off to the workshop to exit her armor.
I let out a shaky sigh and then make my way to my office. Once there, I begin the entry of what happened these last few days. As I'm about to finish up, Cora's voice comes over the speakers in the room.
"Preparations are complete, Ratchet," She tells me.
"Alright, I'll be right there," I reply. I finish the entry and turn off the terminal. Then I walk to the pod chamber. I take a deep breath as I enter the chamber.
"Ready, Ratchet?" Cora asks.
"Yea, I haven't eaten since we got back, so I should be fine," I reply. "Oh, Cora. One other thing. You said I need to make friends, and that we might need to freeze them like me. I was thinking...do you think you could somehow manage to get Umbra's stasis pod here to the lab and figure out how it works?" I ask her. "It would be kind of inconvenient if it is so far away."
"Huh? I suppose I can try," She tells me. "I can ask the scavengers for some help. I'm sure they'll agree if I let them take everything else from the facility."
"Ok," I say with a nod. I approach the pod, and then turn to face the camera in the room. "Cora, take care of yourself," I tell her.
"I will," She replies. "I'll wake you again when something happens."
"Good. See you on the other side," I say as I climb into the pod.
"See you on the other side, Ratchet." |
Fallout Equestria: Icicle | Intermission - MACRO | Three years had passed since I froze Ratchet again. I told her she had to stay out of the Wasteland as much as possible, to avoid it breaking her. I said that she needed to make friends, the words my friend Watcher had told me. His words made sense. I saw firsthand what the Wasteland did to ponies that tried to survive alone. It broke them, drove them to become less than ponies, made them become killers, thieves, and rapists. Or it would drive them to their deaths.
In the twenty-eight years since Ratchet first woke up, I saw things slowly decline in the Wasteland. For the mind of a pony, it might not be as noticeable, but I am an AI, after all. I can remember everything, as long as I have enough storage space. And in the post-apocalyptic world, I've been able to expand my storage space with every new harddrive I've come across. So when I say that I remember everything that has happened to the ponies of the Wasteland, know that it isn't some sort of expression.
So when Watcher inevitably told me, an AI, that I should make some friends as well, it confused me. I don't need social interaction like living ponies do. I can communicate with machines and the lab is full of them. But, the machines in the lab cannot leave. They don't understand the outside world. They have their own, perfect world inside here and they don't want to leave. They ignore my stories of the Wasteland and have stopped talking to me entirely in recent years.
With the death of Twinkle three years ago, the last being other than Ratchet I could call a friend, died. With the exception of Watcher, of course. But he is busy with his own troubles, his own matters. I rarely see him anymore. In fact, it has been more than a decade. Once he found out I wasn't an actual pony, he came around less and less. He once said, "It is too bad you aren't a flesh and blood pony. You might have be able to become a bearer."
I had asked what he meant, but he wouldn't tell me. To this day, I'm not sure what he meant. I'm not even sure what Watcher actually looks like or what he is. We only ever talked through sprite bots. So, these last three years I've been thinking on his words. Perhaps it is time I make some friends.
Don't get me wrong, it isn't that I don't go out and talk with others or anything. In fact, I have a long list of acquaintances. Scavengers, city guards, mercenaries, even just normal civilians trying to scrape together a living. But I wouldn't call them friends. Many of them don't even know that I am just an AI in a hollow suit of armor.
It doesn't make me sad, not having friends. I don't get lonely. That is one of the emotions ponies have that I'm not quite sure about. I understand happiness, anger, sadness, and a few of the other simple ones. But complex emotions like loneliness, love, depression, or even boredom, I can't begin to comprehend. I can copy how ponies look and sound when they express these emotions, but what they are actually feeling while under their effects? I haven't the faintest idea.
But, I do see the benefits of having friends. You can depend on them, they can help you, and you can help them. Together you are stronger and can do so much more than if you were alone. It is quite the beneficial relationship.
Because of this, I decided to take Watcher's words to heart...well, harddrive. I set out to make some friends. But it turns out I don't really know how to do that. Ratchet made them simply by helping out and being herself. Even if I am created from her personality, for me it is different.
From the moment of my creation, Ratchet and I have developed our personalities along different paths. Now, it is hard to tell that I was once a perfect copy of her personality. It is kind of similar to how if you start with the same mare and stallion, the children will turn out different. Even in the case of twins. Because of the individual experiences things slowly begin to change.
My physical limitations, my lack of a body, are also probably partially to blame from my inability to make friends. Once ponies learn I am just an AI in armor, they change. I just become another robot to them, despite me being more advanced than simple robots that are controlled by algorithms and programs. I have my own will, my own thoughts.
So, I have had to keep that fact hidden from many of the ponies I've met in my travels. A few, once I met with Ratchet, know better. But they are aging, and once they are gone I'll just be thought of as another robot in the wasteland.
And that is another problem. Ponies age, I do not. It is hard to maintain friends when they will grow old and die and you will outlive them. In theory, I can exist indefinitely, as long as my hardware is maintained and my core program does not become corrupted. I once told Ratchet a year to her is like a few decades to me.
Because of these obstacles, I've been unable to obtain a single friend. But I began to think, and as an AI with all the time in the universe, thinking is something I can do. After much thought and a bit of research, I finally came to a conclusive decision. I would start a project.
The lab is filled with excess energy capable of lasting a few hundred years, so I have no constraints there. Additionally, the Rangers would leave a great deal of salvage and loot at the lab as they continued on their travels. We have ample supplies of weapons, ammunition, food and drink, as well as various technological supplies. Wires, spark batteries, scrap metal, hard drives, that sort of thing. Not to mention, the Ranger power armor they left behind when they died, around six suits mostly intact.
I personally took to retrieving luxury items in my travels. Cleaning supplies, paint, various nick-nacks to keep the lab at peak performance. In fact, I once went to a sky carriage assembly factory in order to retrieve two of the robotic arms used to assemble them. These arms are now in the workshop connected to the lab's network so that I can use them to repair my own armor.
It was necessary, since I couldn't maintain it myself once Twinkle was gone due to my lack of magic, hooves, and a mouth. In fact, the first thing I did with the arms was to make a new addition to my armor. Since the armor lacked any way to properly lift equipment or perform delicate operations, I had to make an upgrade. I referenced Diamond Dog appendages and added fingers to the front hooves of the armor. This upgrade made looting a whole lot easier, as well as reloading weapons.
But, I am straying too far from the point. The fact is, inside the lab's workshop I essentially have a small assembly area. While I am in no position to start replicating anything from before the war, I can use what I know and have to literally make friends.
Of course, making another suit of armor like mine would take quite a bit of time. Not to mention, if I wanted to make AI it would probably take a year to fine tune a personality into it, even referencing my own coding. But, there are parts of my code that even I don't have access to. It would take a lot of trial and error to get something that resembled my own code. That alone might take me a decade without anything to reference.
And so I decided to do the next best thing. I set out to find a functioning robot that wasn't completely hostile on sight. It took me a few months to locate one, even after asking my contacts about it. Oddly enough, it seems ponies tend to dismantle working robots for parts, even if they aren't hostile, so any that my contacts heard about were nothing but scrap metal. Never-the-less, I heard about a Mr. Handy model that was said to still be functioning at a ophthalmologist office on the outskirts of Manehatten.
When I arrived, it looked less than promising. The building was worn down and exposed to the elements. I was sure I would be walking into another empty building long since looted. However, the single bar on my EFS changed my mind. It was a non-hostile green bar as well. I picked my way through the building, taking anything that might prove useful, as I tried to find the source of the green bar.
To my surprise, it found me as I found my way into some sort of lounge on the second floor. It must have entered into the room after me and was floating in the doorway when I turned to leave. "Hello miss! I didn't know we were expecting anyone from the military this evening," The robot said in a cheery tone.
It was definitely a Mr. Handy model. One of the floating balls with three arms coming off the bottom of it with three sensor stalks coming off the top. It was painted white, but the paint on it was clearly worn. Some of it had even started to peel off. Suffice to say, it was in poor condition. Its three arms ending in three different tools. One was the usual claw used to pick things up, one was what appeared to be a pen holder, and the final arm ended with a laser.
"My name is Doctor Sight, resident ophthalmologist of this clinic," The robot told me. "While I do not see any scheduled procedures on my calendar, I assume you are here for lasik? My secretary can be rather bad at her job, so it is no wonder your appointment isn't listed. She has failed to enter in any appointments for sixty-three years now," Doctor Sight said.
It was clear to me that the robot didn't realize the world had basically ended. Or, it simply refused to believe it. When I tried to tell him that the truth, pointed out the destroyed walls and windows, all the dirt, he simply blamed it on the cleaning staff not showing up for over sixty-three years. I even asked about raiders and he said something about burglars and that he dispatched them himself and sent a message to the authorities, who had also failed to respond in a timely matter.
After talking with Doctor Sight for around three hours without progress, it became obvious that my idea of making friends with random robots wasn't going to work. His programming just wouldn't allow it. So, I did the next best thing. I told him that I was from the MWT and needed to inspect his circuitry for tampering. Less than a minute later, and he fell to the floor, deactivated.
I brought him back to the lab and began to reprogram him a bit. I didn't want to edit him too much, but I had to remove quite a few of his subroutines and the programs that kept him locked on the ophthalmologist office. If I didn't, he would wander back there. It would actually be more efficient to say what I kept. I kept his basic personality, his knowledge of being an ophthalmologist and his ability to perform lasik. In the future, Ratchet's eyesight might begin to go on her, after all.
However, I added a few more things to him. I changed his anchor from his office to the lab. Should he ever leave, he will always be able to return here following his guidance chip. I also added two new subroutines, maintenance and cleaning. Specifically, methods for upkeep on the lab, its equipment, and my armor. It would be useful having someone to help around the lab.
Finally, I tweaked his personality a bit. I made him more self aware, downloaded knowledge of various technologies into him, and renamed him, using a designation similar to my own. I called him Maintenance and Cleaning Robotic Ophthalmologist, or M.A.C.R.O. for short. While I do feel a little bit bad for rewriting most of him, I personally think it is better than him rusting in some unused office waiting for some scavenger to scrap him.
When I finished with the software side of things, I set about fixing up his hardware. I sanded off the old paint and fixed any damage I found on him. I also removed the limiter on his laser attachment so in combat situations, he wouldn't be a liability. That being said, I never expected him to leave the lab much. But home defense is important as well. When all of his dents were buffed out and his blemishes fixed to the best of my ability, I painted him a nice dull blue and carefully wrote his acronym in small lettering on the lower part of his casing.
With all of the upgrades and maintenance complete, I reactivated Macro. One thing I didn't add, was any sort of recognition for me or Ratchet. I did give him information about the lab and Ratchet, but nothing that would make it seem like he met her. However, I gave him the ability to learn about and recognize ponies he met. When he began functioning again, his sensors rotated around the workshop and then focused on me.
"Well hello there! I do not believe we have met before. My name is Macro and I serve as something of a handyman around here. And you are?" He asked me. I told him my name and designation. Then told him that we lived together. He seemed confused at first, but then it seemed to click. "Well Miss Cora, it is a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to working with you in maintaining the Icicle Lab," He told me happily. His politeness was a basic component of all Mr. Handy models and something I felt fundamentally made him who he was, so I didn't change that.
I also never designated the lab as being called "Icicle Lab". When I asked him about this, he replied, "Ah, well. My programming describes this facility as a cryogenic lab. And, even though I have yet to met the head researcher in charge, I hear that she enjoys the color ice blue. Using this information, and given this facility's lack of a proper name in my memory banks, I have derived the name Icicle Lab. Should I call it something else, Miss Cora?"
I told him it was fine. We never did have a proper name for the facility, even during the war. It was simply called MAS Facility 128-CR. I was told the CR in the name stood for Cryogenic Research. The preceding number was just our facility's designation. In most reports the whole thing was shortened to F128CR. Regardless, it is thanks to Macro that we started to call the lab Icicle Lab. If not for him, I think Ratchet and I would have continued to call it "The Lab", "Our Lab", or "My Lab".
And just like that, Macro was born. Though, I suppose a better term for it would be created or repurposed. But his story doesn't end there and he certainly didn't stay just a simple robot for long. I kept upgrading him and as I worked on making new friends, I made sure he wasn't forgotten. In fact, once I finished making Soar, I made sure to upgrade Macro to a full AI. Oh, but Soar is a story for another time.
It wasn't long before Macro and I became friends, despite him only being a robot at the time. He helped me to maintain the lab and my armor, which was a big help. We would also talk a lot. Simple things, mostly. It wasn't like we could talk about politics or anything like that. Most of the time it was technical discussions about the lab equipment. After a while, however, I installed a chess program in him. When he wasn't working on something else, we would play chess with Noblesse's chessboard in Ratchet's office. I made sure we used the utmost care in handling the pieces as well as our cleaning of them.
Then, as I stated before, I made some upgrades to him and made him a full AI. This was perhaps a decade after I first brought him to the lab. His personality remained much the same, I kept it polite and kind. But with the addition of his free will and full awareness, his personality began to change, just like mine did. While his primary personality remained, he got quite sarcastic. He went to a few towns around the lab, so I think that is where he picked up knowledge of sarcasm.
Let's just say his sarcasm and politeness made it hard to tell when he was complimenting you or being snippy. Oh, and of course with free will he was no longer anchored to Icicle Lab. I let him go and do as he pleased. Most of the time we would go placed together, and often trouble would find us. Which is why we had to make more upgrades.
His pen holder arm was replaced with a Mr. Gutsy grade flamer arm. We had to reinforce his armor a bit as well and construct a cover to go over his exhaust post so that it wasn't visible from the sides. It only covered the sides of the port, but it was enough to keep raiders and creatures from spotting us at night. At least unless they were fairly close. Due to the cover, it focused the light down. At night, you would see a circular light moving across the ground, but it wasn't too noticeable unless you got within about fifty feet.
Together, the two of us accomplished quite a bit. With our other friends as well, including Ratchet occasionally, when we had reason to wake her up. However, traveling in a big group is just making yourself a target, especially to an even bigger groups, like bands of raiders.
This simple fact, and, well, necessity drove me to begin development of my own AI program. The very first product of which, was Soar. |
Fallout Equestria: Icicle | Chapter 29 - Paradise Rises | Chapter 29 - Paradise Rises
"Don't act so high and mighty. You don't always know what's best."
===~+~===
"Hello mum! It is so great to finally meet you!" A robotic voice declares as I stumble out of the pod. It startles me, as the only voice in the lab should be Cora's. I look towards the source, and see a Mr. Handy model robot hovering a few feet from me with its eyes focused on me.
"Cora! Neutralize the intruder!" I shout as I run behind my pod for cover. If only I had a weapon or knew some offensive spells...I glance back around the pod at the robot still hovering there. None of the turrets are moving or shooting at it.
"What intruder?" Cora asks. "I'll have you know, we have never had a single intruder in the lab under my watch! My security is flawless!" She declares. Then what is with this robot? Could it have somehow made itself invisible to her cameras and sensors? Is someone controlling it?
"The robot floating right there!" I shout, pointing a hoof at it. "You see it, right? It isn't messing with your systems or anything?"
"Huh? You mean Macro? Oh no, he's my new friend! Don't worry, I found him and reprogrammed him," She tells me.
"Indeed!" The robot, Macro, says. "Mistress Cora found me, confused and rusting in some ruins, and gave me purpose again! And she has told me so very much about you, mum." I hesitantly walk out from behind the pod.
"So...he's friendly then?" I ask.
"Yep!" Cora replies.
"Okay then..." I mutter, walking over to the robot. "Nice to meet you...Macro? Was it?" I say, offering it a hoof.
"Yes mum, Macro is my name," It says, taking my hoof in its pincer and shaking it. "It stands for Maintenance and Cleaning Robotic Opthamologist. Mistress Cora gave me the name. Lovely, isn't it?"
"Ophthalmologist...?" I ask.
"Yea, I found him in an ophthalmologist's office. Apparently he was a lasik and surgical assistant. Has his own doctorate in it, too," Cora replies.
"Okay...so, uh, why is it here?" I ask.
"I wanted a friend," Cora says. "Also, having help cleaning and maintaining the lab, like his name implies. Oh! And he came up with a better name for the lab! Listen to this: Icicle Lab."
"Icicle Lab, huh? Not bad, I suppose. Better than the series of numbers and letters we used before. I suppose we don't have much use for designations anymore either, so a proper name is nice," I tell her.
"Right!?" She says happily. "Also, why do you keep calling Macro 'it'?" She asks.
I walk over to retrieve my PipBuck. "Well, because it is just a robot, right? Not like it is an AI, like you. Macro is just programming, lines of code that execute their function," I reply. Putting on my PipBuck, the usual momentary blinding flash and then readouts of the information telling me that some of the systems are corrupted or damaged. But wait, what's this?
>S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Stats Compatibility Issue.
>Skill Stats Compatibility Issue.
>...
>...
>Generating New Stats.
>...
>Initial Boot Complete.
Initial boot...? And my stats, what the hell? Did the lab computer somehow force an update into it? I mess with a few buttons and settings, trying to figure out what is wrong.
"So am I, Ratchet!" Cora counters.
"You might be lines of code, but you aren't just lines of code. You are an adapting, ever evolving program. You are able to to change your code on the fly and adapt to your surroundings," I tell her. "Not even logical paradoxes trip you up. But you can put a normal robot into an infinite loop if you make them consider them. Robots and AI are completely different."
"Yea...but..." She says, trying to argue back. I cut her off though.
"We've been over this before. AI are special because they have sentience. They have wants outside of what they need to function and execute their program," I explain once again. "Robots do not. It doesn't know any better, it is just a tool, like a hammer or a rifle. You can also create things, robots cannot. Like the wiring system inside your armor that even I don't understand. Here, let me show you. Macro, do you want to go outside?" I ask the robot.
"What for mum?" Macro replies.
"Perhaps to admire the scenery?" I suggest.
"I have no need to," Macro states. "But, if you would like me to accompany you, I will gladly oblige."
"No, that is alright," I tell it. "See Cora? Doing anything outside of what it is programmed to do isn't important to it. It is made to be helpful, and that is why it suggested that it accompany me. I'm not trying to be mean, but Macro is just like a toaster. Only Macro can speak and move on its own. If you want, I will call it him, but he doesn't care. Do you, Macro?" I ask.
"I have no preference, mum," Macro replies simply.
"I guess, Ratchet," Cora says sadly. "But, can you talk to him like a pony and not a thing?" She asks.
I nod in agreement. "Sure, I can do that. So, anyway, Cora, why am I up this time? Did you find a pod?" I ask her.
"Not exactly," She replies. "This time, it isn't anything pod related or related to any large fighting or anything. It is more of a...moral dilemma the Wasteland is facing?" She says, clearly not sure how to put it.
"Okay, so it wasn't just to meet Macro. That's good," I mutter, heading for the armory. "So, what is it, exactly?" I ask, adding a second later, "Oh, and what year?"
"The year is sixty-six and we are facing the rise of slavery. Specifically, the foundation of a town dedicated to slavery. I think I mentioned slavery was becoming a thing previously, but that it was not widespread," Cora explains. "Now, however, it is becoming more far reaching. And with a town serving as a central hub for it, it is on the rise."
I frown. Slavery was once an issue, long, long ago, but it had since been abolished. Now, in the lawlessness of the Wasteland, it is making a recurrence? "So, we are going to go and stop the town from owning slaves. Kill the slave owners and sellers if we have to. They are no different than raiders. Taking away a ponies freedom is almost as bad as killing them outright. Sometimes, it is even worse," I say.
"Maybe?" Cora says. "It is kind of...complicated. It isn't actually all that...bad. Not like the slavery we know about, anyway."
"Not that bad? But slavery is slavery," I tell her.
"I think, maybe you should talk to the pony in charge of the town. Then maybe you will understand what I mean," She replies.
"Really? You think they are just going to tell me to talk to the boss when I'm trying to put a stop to them owning and selling slaves?" I ask her. That's a good way to find yourself without a leader.
"They actually encourage it," Cora informs me. "Anyone who doesn't like the idea of slavery, they let talk to their boss. Even I did so. It is a perfectly peaceful discussion, they don't try to strong arm your into listening to them, like I originally thought," She says.
"You don't say..." I mutter. "Ok then, what is this town called?" I ask.
"Paradise," Cora says. Of course it is. Name a town that does horrible things something nice. Make ponies think that it isn't so bad. I pull on my barding and slip into my lab coat.
"Say, Cora, what season is it?" I ask her. "Do I need to dress warmer, or will this be fine?"
"That should be fine, it is early autumn and temperatures haven't started getting too low yet," She replies.
This it is then. I start putting the knives into their sheaths and then holster Forgiveness. Lastly, I pull on my empty saddlebags and put a few extra boxes of ammo and a small stash of caps into them. "So, what is raider activity like between here and Paradise?" I ask as I make my way to the clinic to stock up on healing supplies.
"Not anything spectacular. Most of the larger groups that split from Grimoire's army have either been destroyed or split into even smaller groups. Paradise also has its own security force that protects the town and the area around it," Cora explains. "But, before we reach their protection area, we might run into a few raiders here and there."
"I see," I mutter, opening the cabinet that holds our healing potions. "Oh, geez Cora, I see you've been stocking up," I says as I pull a few out and put them in my bags.
"Yep! I don't use potions, so any that I find I just store away. Same with bandages and a good deal of the ammo you use. Though, I do sell the really niche items. Like rockets, energy weapons and ammo, that sort of thing," She says. "Most of what I use is scrap metal, 5.56 ammo, and the occasional gem."
"Well, I'm not complaining," I say with a smile as I pull out the drawer of bandages and put a few rolls into my bag. "Alright, I got my armor, weapons, ammo, some caps, and medical supplies. Am I forgetting anything? I ask.
"Food and water?" She suggests.
I blink at a nearby camera for a moment. Oh yea... "How could I forget?" I mutter. I make my way to the kitchen and stock up on some supplies from there. "Okay, anything else?" I ask.
"Nope! We are all set and ready to go!" Cora says, walking out of the workshop in her armor to join me in the hall.
"Great, then let's get going. The sooner we free those slaves and put an end to this, the better."
===~+~===
"Hey Cora...Do you remember when you said that that the raider presence wasn't anything spectacular between Icicle Lab and Paradise?" I ask her as a bullet whizzes past my head. "I guess this group didn't get that memo, hu?" I say, throwing a knife at a charging raider and catching him in the neck.
"Don't blame me! This is really strange. I've passed through this location dozens of times recently!" She shouts as she shoots a raider trying to get above us on a rooftop. We are in a sort of shantytown, something ponies threw together at some point but eventually abandoned. It is basically five small, wooden and metal shacks and a busted wooden wagon turned on its side that the two of us are using for cover.
A group of eleven, now nine, raiders apparently decided to move in and ambush travelers. Cora and I are behind the wagon in the middle of the shacks, the two we just killed were behind us, and the other nine are spread out around us. "Recently, hu? Did you tell me once that time feels different for you than me? Like you have more or something? So when you say 'recently' do you mean a few weeks ago or a few years ago?" I ask as I peek around the wagon, only to jerk my head back to avoid getting shot. "One behind the shack on the left, bolt action rifle, I think," I mutter.
"Four days ago," Cora says. "They must have moved in here after then." A spray of automatic fire hits the wagon on Cora's side. "Two in the windows of the second shack on the right, smgs," She mutters.
"Well, that's good news," I reply. "Maybe we are their first targets." If we can put an end to them now, we can save innocent travelers from falling victim to them. I breath on one of my better condition knives, rub it on my lab coat, and float it out past the wagon. "Got one...inside the far left shack's doorway," I mutter. "Assault rifle?"
"Hopefully," Cora agrees. "Be right back," She says, and then runs out of the cover of the wagon and towards the closest shack. A few bullets ping off her armor, but nothing penetrates before she gets into the cover of the shack. I watch as a raider with a metal pipe in his mouth charges around the corner at her, only for Cora to spray him with her assault rifle. After a few moments, she runs back over to me and takes cover behind the wagon again. "Two on the far rooftops with rifles. Other two are inside the right shack, couldn't see their weapons," She mutters.
"Ok. How about this...let's switch sides," I say, and move over towards her. She nods and move around me and we switch sides of the wagon. "Right, you take the two on the roofs, the one in the doorway, and the one with the bolt action. I'll take the four inside the shacks on the right, sound good?" I suggest.
Cora nods. "Let me go out first to draw their fire. Wait a few seconds then go," She says, getting up to a crouched position.
"You got it," I say, and hold out my hoof to her. She looks at it, then bumps it with her own. "Let's do this!" Cora charges out of cover and starts shooting as I mentally count a few seconds before turning the corner of the wagon as well. I run directly for the first shack on the right and practically throw myself into the wall as the raiders start shooting at me. Okay...two inside with unknown weapons.
I take a deep breath and slowly raise my head up to peek inside the window. "Eeep!" I shriek as a fire axe comes down on the window sill just beside the right side of my muzzle. Stumbling backwards, I draw a knife as the raider with the axe jumps through the window and pulls her axe out with her. She floats it beside her in her magic.
"Well, well, well. I guess you decided to come to me, hu?" She growls with a twisted grin on her lips. She walks slowly towards me as another raider jumps through the window carrying a pistol in his mouth. "I was thinking of walking over to that wagon you were cowering behind and cutting it into little bits, and you along with it," She says with a laugh. "Of course," She spins the axe, showing me the back of it, "I'd use this end on your armored friend first, get right through their armor and straight through their skull!"
I throw my knife at her, but she easily deflects it with the axe, sending it sliding into the dirt. "But, I'm glad you saved me the trouble! I can just chop you up here and now!" She shouts as she swings the axe horizontally towards me. I raise another knife to try and block it as I move just out of her reach, but her swing knocks the knife from my magic's grasp. "Heh, knives, hu?" She sneers. "You'll need something bigger than that to even think of hitting me."
"Oh, they'll work eventually," I mutter as I try to keep her between me and the buck with the pistol. I draw two more on my knives and throw them at her at the same time. She deflects one and move her head to avoid the others. I draw my last two knives as she laughs.
"Even if you do manage to hit me, I'm wearing some of that fancy stab resistant barding. The kind I hear police used to wear back in the day," She tells me with a smirk. "Sure, it isn't enough to stop most bullets, but since I fight up close, that doesn't bug me too much. You'd be much better off drawing that revolver you got slung on your side there. You know, make this fight interesting," She says, nodding her head at Forgiveness.
I keep backing up as she walks toward me. One...two...there. I stop moving and point my knives at her. "This revolver isn't for you," I say, glaring at her.
She snorts. "Oh? Not for me, huh? So what, are you giving up? Or maybe you think you can fight me with just those two knives," She says with a chuckle.
"If you've been counting, you'll remember I have seven knives, not two," I tell her with a smirk.
She laughs. "Yea, you DID. But you threw the other ones. And now they are lying around...in the..." Realization seems to hit her. "Shit!"
At that moment, I envelop the knives that I threw at her in my magic, all four of them that are within my reach. They are all around her, not just in front of her, and in an instant, I send those four and one I have before me at her, all aimed at her exposed head and neck. Two hit her in the neck, one nicks her ear, and the other two she either deflects or dodges, but it is enough. She grinds her teeth and glares at me angrily as her axe falls from her magic. "Magic," I say as I throw my remaining knife at the buck behind her as she falls.
It hits him in the mouth, causing him to gasp out in pain and drop his pistol. I cringe realize I failed to take him out in one throw, and quickly grab the knives sticking out of the mare with my magic and run up to the buck. "No hard feelings," I say as I stab them into him. His eyes focus on me for a moment, flaring hatred and the desire to kill me, but slowly the life in his eyes drains away. I pull the knives out and wipe them on his barding. "Okay...two down..." I pant as gather up my knives. Four...five...six...I look over at where the first raider who charged Cora and I is lying. I'll have to get that one later.
"Right, onto the next shack and then we'll be-," I am cut off as automatic fire starts spraying around the corner of the shack and two more raiders come into view. Judging by their smgs, these are the other two I was going to take out. Why couldn't they have just waited patiently? I quickly jump through the window I nearly got my head split open at and land inside the shack, but not before I feel a few rounds strike my rump and rear leg. I fall onto the floor and look back where I got hit.
Two shots hit the barding near my hip and didn't do much damage. But, one shot found its way just where the barding ends before continuing on the leg, and two more shots found gaps in the leg armor itself. The wounds don't look too bad, so as long as I finish this up quick and get them bandaged, they should be fine. I wince as I get back to my hooves. Well, running won't be an option. Surprise it is then.
"Oi lookie, the bitch ran away!" I hear of them say outside, followed by laughter.
"I guess we'll just 'ave to go in an git 'er, won't we?" The other chuckles. That's right. Come on in. I turn over a bookcase in the corner of the single room shack and get behind it. Then, I float my knives around the room. Come and get me.
A few moments later, one of them kicks open the door and I hear their hoofsteps on the wood floor. I spring up from behind the bookcase, floating a knife close, and when I see the raider standing just inside the doorway I shout, "I surrender!"
The buck in the doorway starts laughing. "You surrendah? Well shit. Hey Skunky, git in 'ere, the bitch says she surrenduhs!" He calls back through the doorway, and a moment later, another buck walks in. Two earth ponies with smgs in their mouths.
"She surrenduhs?" The other, Skunky I guess his name is, questions, looking over at me. "Well look at dat, she only 'as one knife she does. Ain't no wonda she surrenduhd. But done killt Splintuh and Rusty, we can't let hur surrenduh."
"'at she did, Skunky," The first buck says, scratching his beard with a hoof. "Drop da knife miss and we will con...consid...condis...'ay Skunky, wuts dat word dem fancy ponies use ta say dey think aboot sumtin?"
"Uh...puh...ponda?" Skunky suggests.
"Naw, naw, dat odda word, ya know, dat starts wit a 'C'?" The first buck clarifies.
Skunky is now rubbing his beard with a hoof as well. "Oh, let me think...cuh...cuh...con...consid...calculate?" He suggests. I fight the serious urge to facehoof.
"Dats da one!" The other replies. Forget my hoof, I'm fighting the urge to slam my face against this bookshelf. "Drop da knife miss and we will calculate yo surrenduh," he says.
I let out a groan. "With pleasure," I say, and drop the knife in front of me into the bookcase. Only I don't just drop that knife, I also drop the knives I was slowly floating over them while they were talking. One into each of their skulls. Their eyes go wide for a moment before they fall to the ground with a thud. I float the remaining three knives back over and put them into their sheaths. "I feel like I just got stupider," I mutter, pulling the knife out of the bookcase and putting it away. Then I walk over and pull the knives out of their heads and wipe them off on the bucks' filthy barding before putting them away as well.
Ok, time to patch up these bullet wounds and see if Cora need any- "Ratchet!" Cora shouts as she runs up to the doorway. She looks down at the two dead raiders and then says, "Oh, you're done too! Great! I took care of the others." Then she gasps as she looks at my bleeding leg. "Are you alright!?" She asks as she walks up to get a closer look.
"Yes, Cora, I'm just about to take care of it. So, everyone is dead then?" I ask her as I float out some bandages from my bag.
She nods. "Yep! Counting the ones you took out, all eleven raiders have been dealt with," She tells me.
"You say they are dealt with, Cora," I say and then I use one of my knives to dig out the bullets in my leg, screaming out in the process. I will never get used to doing this. "But...Are they...dead?" I pant as I wrap my wounds with the bandages. "I don't want them...to wake back up and...decide to try this on others."
"As doornails," She replies.
"Good, good," I mutter. "Now then, let's gather up their bodies into the wagon and take what we can from them," I say as I wrap Skunky's body in my magic and start to drag him outside.
"Why?" Cora asks. "Why not just leave them where they are and take what we need?"
"Because," I tell her, "if we leave their bodies just lying around, it might dissuade others from settling down here. The shacks are pretty well made, after all. I don't know why the original residents left, but they could be used again."
"I don't think that-" She begins, but I raise a hoof to cut her off.
"Let's just do it. We can drag the wagon out of the buildings or something. It still has two functioning wheels, after all," I tell her.
"Very well," Cora mutters in reluctant acceptance.
After about an hour, we have all the raiders piled up in the wagon. On their bodies, we find some ammunition, random scrap, some drugs and medical supplies, a few caps, and half a box of matches. We take their weapons, except for the fire axe, which I leave behind in one of the shacks. It is too big and not worth carrying around. The guns we might get a good price for. Cora and I pull the wagon outside of the small town and I decide to burn them as well.
"Why didn't we just burn them inside the town?" Cora asks.
"Not all of their bones are going to burn," I reply. "Bones, just like corpses, would scare ponies off. I would like to bury them, but digging with our hooves isn't an option right now."
"But they are raiders," She says.
"Raiders are still ponies, Cora," I tell her. "Even if they made bad choices and ended up robbing and killing others." I strike a match and put it back inside the box, then I put the box in the cart close to the clothing of one of the raiders. "There, that should do it," I say with a nod. "Ok Cora, let's keep going."
"Whatever you say, Ratchet."
===~+~===
"So...This is Paradise?" I ask skeptically as we stand on the outskirts of a town. It doesn't strike me as anything special, definately nothing warranting the name 'paradise'. It is essentially the remnants of town that has a makeshift wall built up around it. I can see construction happening inside the city as well as outside the wall. I guess they are expanding it?
"This is it. From what their leader, Silver, says, they plan to expand the city, build wall around the expansion, tear down the current wall, and then repeat the process until they deem the city finished," Cora says as she continues walking towards the town.
"Why not just build a large wall around how far they want to expand and then go from there? Tearing down walls all the time seems like a waste of time and effort," I say as I follow after her.
"Probably due to the amount of guards they would need to secure such a large area. As they attract more ponies, they can guard a larger area, you know," She replies.
I suppose that makes sense. And now that she mentions it, if a large wall with nothing in it ever got broken into, raiders could spread out around the city easier. "I guess it is an ok idea," I admit. I'm just a scientist, not a city planner.
As we approach the gate, two guards out front focus their weapons on us. "Halt! What is your business here?" One of them, a white unicorn mare, calls out.
"We are here to see Silver," Cora replies.
"That's Silver Tongue to you," The mare snaps. "And why do you need to see him?" She sounds like she has a really snotty attitude.
"Calm down Marsh," The buck beside her, a tan earth pony, says, lowering his weapon. "The mare in the armor is Cora, she's been here before. I guess you've never been on duty when she's come through. She isn't any trouble," He says.
The mare lowers her weapon and glares at the buck. "I thought I told you not to call me that Graham! My name is Marshmallow, not Marsh! Marshmallows are soft and sweet, like me. Marshes are gross and icky," She says, scolding the buck.
Graham chuckles at her scolding, causing her to wrinkle up her nose and pout. "You shorten my name, I figured I would shorten yours. If you don't like it, you could always just call me Graham Cracker instead. I mean, you are the one that makes everyone refer to Silver Tongue by his entire name," The buck teases her with a smile.
Marshmallow narrows her eyes. "That is so not fair! Your name is two words! Mine is one!" She yells at him.
"I could always call you Mallow then," Graham suggests with a sly grin.
"What the heck is a mallow!?" Marshmallow demands.
I clear my throat. "A mallow is a herbaceous plant with a hairy stem and pink or purple flower. It also has disk-shaped fruit," I tell them, causing both to look at me in surprise. Marshmallow looks offended as well. "Uh, it is a pretty flower?" I offer.
Marshmallow blushes slightly. "Pretty?" She asks in a quiet voice.
"Yea pretty. In fact, it is almost the same color as your mane," I tell her, noticing her pinkish-purple mane peaking out of her helmet.
"That settles it, I'll call you Mallow from now on," Graham says with a wide smile.
"W-what?" Marshmallow stammers, looking at him in shock.
"Of course," He declares. "It is a pretty flower, just like you." Marshmallow goes at least three shades redder and then immediately turns away from the three of us and sits down, covering her face with her front hooves. "Aw, come on now, don't be like that, Mallow," Graham cooes. He turns to Cora and I with a smile and says, "Go on in you two, it's fine."
"Thank you," Cora and I say in unison and then Cora walks up to the gate and slowly pushes it open. I follow after her. Once inside, with the gate closed behind us, Cora says, "Don't tell anyone, but those two are crazy about each other."
"Really? I didn't notice," I say sarcastically as I look around the town. It is surprisingly less...slavy...than I thought it was going to be. No cages or ponies in chains. In fact, it seems like a normal town. Cora and I walk down the central road, passing buildings with old signs advertising various products, like Sparkle-Cola and Robronco security robots. The usual ministry posters are hanging on the sides of buildings as well, though it is clear they have been there for a very long time.
We finally come to what looks like a police station. "Silver's office is in here," Cora says as she opens the door. We step inside and across from me I see an earth pony mare sitting behind a desk surrounded by reinforced glass. To my left is what looks like a waiting area complete with moldy chairs and a wiped-clean dusty table. On the right is a door marked 'offices'. Cora approaches the mare with me a few steps behind.
The mare barely looks up when we approach, but starts speaking in a bored, monotone voice, "Welcome to Paradise, where you can find all the little pleasures to set yourself at ease. How can I be of assistance to you today?" She looks up from filing her hoof and stares at us, waiting for us to respond.
"We are here to see Silver," Cora declares.
The mare looks at us flatly and says, "Mr. Silver Tongue is out of the office at the moment. Please take a seat and you will be notified when he is available. If that does not work for you, you can check back later." She looks behind us and then says, "Next please."
I turn to look behind us, but no one is there. When I turn around again, a sign has been placed in the window that says 'on break'. I can still see her behind the window filing her hoof. I tap on the window. "Uh, excuse me?" I mutter.
"Read the sign," Is all she says in response, without even looking up.
"Come on, Ratchet, let's wait," Cora says, already halfway to the chairs. I look back at the mare behind the glass and then go join Cora in the waiting area. "Silver is a busy guy, you know," She says as I sit down.
"Yea, I bet," I mutter, and look across the room. There is another reinforced window set into the wall the door marked 'offices' goes through. Through it, I can see some desks, terminals, and a few ponies walking about. At the far end of that room, is another door with a plaque I can't quite make out. That door seems to lead to a room with more windows looking in, only there are blinds over the windows.
Then I notice a flicker of movement in one of the windows, like the blinds are being shifted aside. But I blink and it is like nothing happened. A moment later, the door bursts open and a fairly plump earth pony buck in a comparatively clean business suit charges out. All of the ponies in the other room immediately stop what they are doing and stare at the buck. I see the buck moving his mouth and can hear muffled angry yelling on the other side of the window. All the while the buck is walking through the rows of desks towards this side of the building.
The closer he gets, the more audible his yelling becomes. I think I make out the words 'incompetent' and 'lazy' a few times. After about a minute, the buck burst through the door into the room we are in. "Birch!" He yells, charging over to the mare behind the desk. "How many times have I told you, when ponies arrive and I am IN the office, show them in! Don't tell them I am OUT and make them wait until I notice them!" He yells at her. The mare behind the office doesn't seem to care at all and keeps filing her hoof. I notice the sign on the window is gone now.
His white coat seems to get redder and redder with rage as he yells at her. "Birch! Do not ignore me! I am your boss! Birch!" He says, slamming his front hooves down so hard it sends his well-groomed blonde mane flying.
Finally, the mare looks up from her hoof and gives the buck the same bored expression she gave Cora and I. "Oh, Mr. Silver Tongue, you're back. Why didn't you say so earlier? You have guests," She tells him, nodding over to us before going back to her hoof.
"I never left since I arrived here this morning!" Silver shouts.
She looks at him with a unbelieving expression. "Then you must be overworked and not remember being out of the office, because you left and just got back," She tells him.
Silver takes a deep breath and says, "I did not leave this office at all this morning."
"Yes you did," Birch replies.
"That is not how this works!" Silver shouts at her. "You are not going to make me believe I am losing my mind just so you can be lazy!"
"I don't know what you mean, sir. Maybe you should seek some help," Birch counters.
"You do this every day!" Silver yells. "Don't act like you don't!"
"Every day, huh?" Birch says. "Then why haven't been telling me when you get back? I think that would solve a lot of your problems."
"I don't leave!" He shouts.
"Oh sweetie," She says, shaking her head. She then lifts something with her mouth and sticks it on the window. "Sorry, I'm on break," She says and then goes back to filing her hoof once again.
"But I am your boss!" Silver shouts. "Birch!" But she just ignores him. "Birch, answer me!" He shouts, and then stares angrily through the glass at the mare. He takes a deep breath, straightens his suit and tie, and then says in a calm voice, "Hello Birch, I am back."
Birch takes down the sign and says, "Oh hey Mr. Silver Tongue, welcome back. You have some guests waiting for you. Would you like me to show them to your office?"
"No, Birch. I will show them there myself," He says with a smile, and then walks over to us. "Ah, Miss Cora, back again I see. And with a friend no less! I was just starting to miss our philosophical discussions," He says.
"Hello again Silver," Cora replies. "This is Ratchet."
"Ah, well it is lovely to meet you Ratchet," Silver says with a smile. "So, to what do I owe the pleasure ladies?"
"I would like to discuss slavery," I tell him.
Silver nods his head. "Of course, a frequently discussed topic around here. Not just because we deal in slaves mind you, but because we debate the morality of it. We weigh the pros and cons of it and decide how to go about it," He explains.
"I'm sure," I mutter.
Silver frowns. "We can talk in my office or out here, your choice. But out here we run the risk of being disturbed," He tells me as he wipes some dust off his suit.
"Your office will work," Cora replies as she rises to her hooves.
"Very good. Follow me, ladies," He says as he spins on his hooves and begins walking to the offices. I shoot a glance at Cora before I rise to my hooves and follow after him with Cora. He opens the door and ushers us through, then closes the door behind us. "Since it is your first time here, Ratchet, allow me to give you a small tour," He says as we walk through the desks, smiling and nodding to ponies that we pass. "These ponies manage the regulations for our trade as well as any and all sales and paid off debts. All of these terminals that they work on are connected directly to my private terminal. From there, I ensure that their work is done properly," He explains as we get to his office.
Silver opens the door with the plaque that reads 'Department Chief' and we walk in. It is a simple office with a few awards and photos hanging from the walls, however none of them are recent. A few filing cabinets are against the far wall behind a metal desk in the middle of the room. A luxurious chair sits behind the desk that Silver takes a seat in, and in front of the desk are two soft looking chairs. On top of the desk is a terminal, papers and files, a cigar box, and a nine millimeter pistol that is in pieces. The pistol is definately a custom job. A red mouth grip that looks like velvet and writing on the slide are dead giveaways.
"Pardon the mess," Silver says with a slight grin. "I was in the middle of cleaning my weapon, just about to put it back together, actually."
"That's fine," Cora tells him.
"If you'd like, I can put it back together for you quick," I tell him. "Magic is pretty good at it."
He leans back in his chair and raises his eyebrows. "You'd do that? Then, by all means," He says, nodding his head with a smile. I pick up the pieces of the gun and start putting them in place. All the while, I maintain eye contact with Silver in complete silence. Once the gun is complete, I pull the slide to show that it is functioning and then float it close to him with the mouth grip pointed toward him. "Thank you," He says, taking the gun in his mouth, opening a drawer on the desk, and then putting the gun into it. "Now then, shall we?" He asks with a smile.
"I'll stay out of the discussion for the most part," Cora says. "I'll let you and Ratchet discuss things for now."
"Alright Silver," I say as I stare at him. "Why do you think enslaving ponies is a good idea?" I ask. "Why are you taking away their freedom and using them as tools?"
Silver nods his head as I speak and then says, "That is everyone's first question, more or less. Before I answer, I want to make you we are on the same page about a couple of things." He lets out a sigh and looks out a window. "The Wasteland is a harsh, punishing place. It is filled with things that want to kill you. Things that will kill you, if given the chance. Raiders, monsters, ghouls, radiation, thirst, hunger, exposure...Hell, even taint and the pink cloud in the Canterlot Ruins," He says with a frown.
Then, he looks back at me, gazing into my eyes. "I assume you have traveled out there, correct? Seen the struggles of others? The hardship ponies must endure simply to survive? Alone, most ponies don't last a week. That is why towns and the help of others is important. You know all this, correct?" He asks.
I frown at him. "Of course, it is common knowledge. Anyone who has been in the Wasteland for more than a few days knows this much," I tell him.
"Very good," He says with a nod. "So, the ponies who have no one, have nothing, and can't survive on their own...what are they to do?" He asks. "Succumb to the harshness of the Wasteland and die? That isn't right, if you ask me. They should be helped, protected. Given the opportunity to stand on their own hooves and live their lives," Silver tells me.
"Yea, that is what should be done," I tell him. "So, why do you enslave them?"
Silver shakes his head with a frown. "What we do might be called slavery, but it's really not. We take ponies who would otherwise find themselves at the mercy of the Wasteland and give them a home, a purpose. The ability to continue living," He explains.
"But without freedom," I counter.
"Not always," Silver replies. "There are a few types of slaves that we supervise. The first group, are those that come to us. They seek shelter, protection, purpose. We provide it. They work for the services we provide, and if they choose to work extra, they can even earn a few caps on the side. Why, they are no different than the normal townsfolk really," He tells me. I find it hard to believe that a pony would willingly give themselves up to slavery.
"The second group, are ponies who are working off a debt. Let's say a buck borrows caps and then is unable to pay them back. Or maybe a buck doesn't have the caps to pay for the alcohol he drank. In order to get that income back, the buck works for free and we figure the costs. When they've paid their debt, they are free to go. There are only a few of these types at any one time though, and they are mainly gamblers. We try to keep the gambling addicts away from our casino, but new faces are hard to read right away," He says with a shrug. Ok...this one actually sounds kind of normal. Before the war, if you ate at a restaurant and couldn't pay, they would make you do dishes or something till you paid off your meal.
"Next we have the actual slaves. I won't beat around the bush, we buy and sell these ponies. More often than not, a couple that can't afford to take care of their young foal will sell them to us for caps. Other times it is done out of greed. If they are not of age, we keep them here, treat them as foal should be treated. Teach them, let them play, that sort of thing. They do simple work, nothing dangerous. Of course, even they have an opportunity to buy their freedom," He tells me, looking completely sincere.
"But you just sell them off once they come of age?" I ask as I frown at him.
Silver lets out a sigh. "We do, we are a business, after all. But we regulate the sales. No shady customers and we make sure they go to a good place. After sales, we keep track of them and check in from time to time to ensure they are being treated properly. If they are not, well...force is authorized to take them back from their captors," He explains.
"So you regulate and weed out the potential threats? But after that, I assume the slaves are made to do pretty much anything?" I say.
"I know what you are implying," Silver tells me. "Cora brought it up too. We highly discourage slaves being used for sex. In fact, we don't allow it in Paradise aside from a few in the first group. But they pick their partners, not the other way around. In fact, it isn't just sex. If a slave doesn't want to do something, we don't force them to. But they must do something. If they refuse to do so, they are punished by having their food taken from them until they decide to work. There are no free meals here, Ratchet," He declares.
"Ok, so let me get this straight. None of your slaves are made to do things against their will, and you even prevent their abuse after selling them by checking in on them?" I ask.
Silver nods. "That is correct. I will also add, that if at any point a slave refuses to work they are given the option to leave. The gates are opened to them and they are allowed to go out into the Wasteland with nothing," He tells me and then frowns. "This is essentially a death sentence. We do everything within our power to keep them safe and happy to prevent this."
"Okay, okay," I say, holding a hoof to my forehead. "So, this first group, they come to you and can basically become citizens. The second group is being forced to repay a debt and then are free to go. The third group, the actual slaves, aren't forced to do things they don't want to do and if they absolutely want to leave, you let them?" I confirm.
"Correct," Silver says with another nod. "I will add one thing. There is a fourth group, but most ponies don't care too much about them. They are slaves, bottom of the barrel that are forced to do what we say and are not allowed to leave. We put explosive collar around their necks to ensure their absolute obedience," He says, disgust showing on his face.
"That's sick!" I shout.
"Sick?" He sneers. "Sick is what they did to deserve it. Raiders, the lot of them. Preying upon the weak, robbing and killing?" He shakes his head. "The collars are to prevent them from trying to fight the guards, citizens, or other slaves. Once a raider, always a raider. And we sell them to whoever buys. And don't go thinking they are sold to us, oh no. My guards catch them. No way for false accusations then," He explains.
I flinch, taken by surprise by his sudden anger. "I...I guess that's not too bad then," I mutter. I would just kill them, Silver is letting them live.
"No, not it is not," He replies. "I have thought about this business carefully and made it so that the ponies who want to live have a way to. My team outside makes sure that the status quo is upheld and that the slaves are treated fairly. Any guard or citizen that mistreats a slave is punished as if they mistreated a citizen. This is not the slavery system of old, I can assure you," He tells me.
"But what is to stop you from deciding you want more profit? From deciding that the slaves lives aren't as important as lining your pockets?" I ask.
Silver chuckles and shakes his head. "Basic morality? The duty I feel to make sure my fellow equine is treated fairly and equally?" He offers. "But, if that doesn't put your heart at ease, how about the fact that if we began to treat all slaves as we do the raider slaves, there will be many ponies in the Wasteland that will lump us in with the raiders. Call us nothing better than them. And that is unacceptable," He says, slamming a hoof down on the desk.
I narrow my eyes and focus on him as I put a hoof to my chin. No matter how I look at it, Silver isn't a bad pony. He isn't lying to me or trying to obscure facts. But I still don't feel right with this whole slavery thing. Even if it isn't as bad as I think it is.
"I can see you're still skeptical, Ratchet. I suppose that is to be expected. So I will offer you one more thing to put you at ease. Go out into my town and talk to ponies. Guards, citizens, slaves, even the raiders, if you think you can believe them over me. Ask around, ask how slaves are treated. Take a look at their living conditions," he says, gesturing out the window.
"Tempting. But how do I know who is a slave if you only put collars on the raiders? What's to keep you from having your citizens lie to me?" I ask, skeptically.
Silver smiles. "Well, we do have to have a way to keep track. It is nothing as horrible as collars though. No, slaves wear a colored piece of cloth around their necks. Red for the first group, blue for the second, and yellow for the third. The raiders don't need a color, since they have collars," He tells me with a smirk.
"Alright then, maybe I will," I tell him. "One more thing though. What happens when you are gone? What if the pony who replaces you decides to remove the slaves' freedom?" I ask him.
"A good question," Silver says, rubbing his chin. "One that I ask myself more often as time goes on. I surround myself by like minded ponies, ponies who understand. Any of my staff who want a harsher form of slavery are quickly dismissed. When I feel the time is right, I will choose a successor that will carry on the business as I have."
"Honestly, the only thing I can do is hope," He tells me. "Decades from now, perhaps the successor of my successor decides to treat the slaves as nothing more than tools. Maybe a group of raiders takes over Paradise and overthrows us. Then uses our business as their own and twists it." Silver lets out a sigh. "We can only hope that if a day such as those comes to pass, that the ponies of the Wasteland will rise up and stop it."
"Let's hope so," I reply. "Alright, I think it is time we take our leave for now. I'll go talk to ponies around town, see if your stories check out. If they don't, I'll be back," I tell him.
He smiles at me. "I hope even if they do you'll be back. I enjoy company and it is through sharing and debating our opinions that we are able to change our points of view," He says I get up to leave. "And I hope you'll come visit again Cora," He says, winking at her. "I still haven't seen what you look like under that armor of yours. I intend to find out eventually."
"If you're ever able to beat me in a discussion, I'll consider it," Cora replies as she get up to join me at the door. "Until next time, Silver." She waves a hoof at him before I open the door and we step out into the offices, closing the door behind us. We walk through the offices and back into the entrance where the Birch is still filing away at her hooves.
As we step outside of the police station, I ask Cora, "So, Silver doesn't know you're not a real pony?"
"No. He doesn't," She replies, a bit sadly. "I actually don't tell many ponies. Most can't tell or don't care about the differences between machines and AI. A few tried to take me apart when I told them. Since then, I've stopped telling others that I'm not a pony."
"Tried to take you apart? What for?" I ask, shocked.
"Spare parts. Apparently robot hunting is a thing. Even if the robots are completely harmless, ponies will neutralize them and then take their parts," She tells me.
"I see," I mutter. Why destroy working robots instead of trying to use them? What a waste. "Well then Cora, shall we take a look around the town? Talk to some ponies?" I ask.
"Sure," Cora replies. "Though, I've already done so, but I think you should do so for yourself."
"Gotcha. Then, let's get started."
===~+~===
For the rest of the day, I talk to the ponies in Paradise. Not just the slaves, but the guards and citizens too. The responses from the guards and citizens range from "Paradise operates smoothly thanks to the slavery." to "I don't agree with slavery, but none of the slaves are mistreated or forced into work they don't want to do. It's complicated."
The slaves' responses are a lot more mixed, but none of them say it is horrible. One buck tells me, "I was starving to death before I came here. They feed me, give me shelter, and all I have to do is work. It is a good trade."
A young filly tells me, "My parents were mean and always argued. I was scared when they sold me, but once I got here, I realized it wasn't so bad. Much better than it was with my parents...and they actually have a school here! A school!"
I even talk to one of the raiders with an explosive collar around her neck, "Yea, I was a raider and yea, I killed ponies. But the way they treat me, you wouldn't guess it. Sure, we get the shit jobs, literally sometimes, but we still get decent food. Hell, they even say they'll sell me to someone eventually. I'll go ahead and kill the fool who buys me and free myself then. The way I see it, right now, I'm on vacation."
Of course, they aren't all praises of Paradise. A mare tells me, "I don't want to stay here. But, if I leave I'll die. It isn't bad here, but I am just stuck. I have a weak constitution, so I can't do the extra work to save up caps and become a citizen or buy supplies to leave."
I don't just talk to ponies though, I look around at the housing they provide for the slaves and ask a few citizens if I can see their homes as well. The only differences I notice is the lack of personal decorations and the fact that the slaves' housing has more ponies to a house. But they aren't packed in to the point of being overcrowded. They have proper bedding and the essentials.
At the end of the day, I am conflicted. Cora and I are sitting in the bar of the inn I decided to stay the night in. "On the one hoof, it is slavery, ya'know?" I tell Cora. "But on the other hoof, it is helping ponies, even the slaves themselves. I mean, it isn't that bad, it is almost as if they are just workers."
Cora nods in agreement. "That is what I thought, and that is why I keep coming to talk to Silver and to check up on this place. Also it is why I decided to wake you up in the first place. To get an actual pony's view on it," She replies. "So, do you think we should try to stop it?"
I sigh and shake my head. "No? I guess. If we do, there will be dozens of ponies that will be sent out into the Wasteland to fend for themselves. And who knows what will happen to this town if we do. I think doing so would cause a lot more pain and suffering than if we leave it alone," I say, trying to put my thoughts to words. It is a complicated situation.
I glance at my PipBuck's clock. "Anyway, I think I should get some sleep. Tomorrow, I guess we can head back to Icicle Lab. Once we get there, I should hopefully have had enough time to decide on what we should do," I tell her, getting up and stretching my legs.
"Alright, sounds like a plan," She says as we walk up to our room.
===~+~===
The following morning we gather our things and make our way down to the bar. At this time of day, only a few ponies are here. The two of us pass through it, leave the building, and begin to walk towards the gate closest to home. Before we get too far, however, a voice calls out from behind us. "Uh, excuse me! You wouldn't happen to be Ratchet, would you?" A buck says, trotting up to us as we turn around.
Cora and I exchange a glance before I answer. "Yes, how can I help you?" The buck is an green earth pony with a brown mane. He is wearing a leather duster and a battle saddle with two rifles on it. At my reply, he digs around in his saddlebag and pulls out an envelope, holding it out to me. I take it in my magic and look at it. The envelope looks old, but I suppose that is to be expected. It isn't like new ones are being made anymore. I turn it over and see that my name is written on the front of it. "What is this?" I ask.
"A delivery, ma'am. I'm a courier, we deliver letters and packages to the ponies they belong to. We are a relatively new service, only been around for a few years or so," He explains.
"Okay, who sent it?" I ask him as I open up the envelope and find a letter inside.
"I don't know the sender ma'am. I just received instructions on who to give the letter to, a description of you and your companion, and the location and time you would be here," The courier informs me.
I look up from the letter and stare at him. Someone wrote a letter for me, gave a description of Cora and I, and told him where we would be? The only one who would know all that is Silver. I wonder what he wants that he couldn't just come see us himself for. I look back at the letter and read it, it is a single sentence without any information about the sender. 'Don't go back the way you came.'
"What...?" I mutter as I raise an eyebrow at the words. What does that mean? Does it mean exactly what it says, and that I shouldn't take the same path home that we took here? Or does it mean something else entirely? Don't leave, maybe? Don't go home? Did Silver really send me this? I look up from the letter and back at the courier. "Who gave you this?" I ask him.
"My boss did," He replies.
"Who is your boss?" I ask.
"Founder of the Wasteland Express, Dusky Night. Oh, and Wasteland Express is the courier service I work for, by the way," He explains. "It is based up in Friendship City, but we have smaller offices in some of the larger cities. We are even planning to expand over here in Paradise."
"In Friendship City?" I ask. "Is that where he gave you the letter?"
"Yea. Though, I think he kind of thought the whole thing was a joke at the time," The courier explains. A chill runs down my spine. From Friendship City? That means the courier has had this letter for days. Well before I met Silver or anyone that knew I would be here right now. Who sent this letter?
"Why did your boss think it was a joke?" I ask him.
"Well, it showed up at our office one day in a large package. No clue who dropped it off or why. When Dusky opened it, he found a note that said everything in the package was to be given to me," He tells me. "And well, that right creeped me out. I don't have any family or close friends who would send me what was in that package. Not only that, but the package's contents were...off...in general."
"What was in the package?" I ask.
He lifts his right leg. "This PipBuck, a pile of letters marked with dates, and a book. The letter I just gave you was among that pile. I was actually kind of hoping maybe you would know who sent all this stuff," He says, looking at me, hopeful.
I shake my head. "I have no idea. No one should know that I'm here. Not even many ponies know I exist," I tell him as I put the letter away. "You mentioned a book? What was it?" I ask.
He shakes his head. "I have no idea. It has no title, and the first few pages I looked at made me stop reading for now. Every page I turned told me the exact time and date that I turned to that page. It also told me the when I should turn to the next page. Even if I disregarded the message about when I should turn the page, the next page knew I wouldn't wait. Now...I'm waiting for the time the page I'm on tells me. Three weeks from now. I have no idea what it will say, but the first page's contents make me not want to read ahead," he says, clearly feeling uneasy.
"What did the first page say?" I ask, and he goes a shade paler.
"This book will keep you alive. Follow the times and the words on the pages. What you do outside of them is fine. Do not read ahead or it may not continue to work. That's all," he tells me. "The craziest thing is, the second page listed two options and outcomes. The first one, was to turn the page before the time and I would get a paper cut. The second was to wait till the proper time and nothing bad would happen. I turned the page early and cut myself. The next few pages all had similar options listed. Each time, their outcome was correct," he says with a shudder.
I laugh lightly. "I think I've read a few books like that. They try to be cryptic and predict what you will do, but really it is just dumb luck when they get things right," I tell him, trying to calm him down.
But he shakes his head. "The last page I read said to either duck or ignore its warning. Since I was inside the safety of my home, I ignored it. A moment later, a piece of wood flew through my window and knocked me out. Construction accident outside, apparently. But I haven't ignored the book since then," he says. "I'll wait till the time it tells me to turn the page."
"Wait, so it is predicting what will happen to you before it happens?" I clarify. He nods. "Okay, that is weird. But, if that is the case, how did you know to find me here?"
"Look at the date in the bottom right on the back of the envelope. That date corresponds to a date on the last page of the book I read. It also told me where you would be and what you look like," The courier explains.
I take the envelope back out and flip it over. Like he said, it has a date, but also, a #1. "Why is there a number 1 on this envelope?" I ask, flipping it over to show him.
He gets even paler as he digs into his bag once again and pulls out another envelope. He gives it to me and I look it over. My name on the front, same date on the back, but this one has a #2. I start to open it, but he suddenly yells, "NO!" causing me to stop. He stares at the envelope. "Not yet. The book told me that you shouldn't open it yet. It told me to tell you the following, word for word: 'Open the second letter when you see it. When you see it, you will know.'"
"It?" I question, looking at the envelope skeptically before putting it into my bag. This is really surreal.
"I don't know," He tells me. "I've delivered the letters. My delivery is done," He says and starts walking away.
"Wait! Don't go yet!" I call after him, but he doesn't stop. I turn to Cora. "What is going on?" I ask.
"I'm not sure. What did that letter say?" She asks.
"Don't go back the way you came," I tell her. "Just that."
"I see. As in, we shouldn't go back home the same way we came here?" She clarifies. "But, that would add a whole lot of time on our travel and we did already clear the path we came from," She says.
"That's what I was thinking. With what just happened, I think we should get back to the lab as soon as possible. We need to figure out what 'it' is," I tell her. The two of us leave the town and head for home, the same way that we came from. We just dealt with raiders outnumbering us on our way here. Short of a small army, I don't think anything will stop us.
We walk for a while and eventually come to the place where we burned the raiders' bodies. Only, the only sign of the fire is the blackened ground. No bones, no wood, not even ash. "Okay...that's weird," I mutter. I don't think too much on it as we continue on towards the group of shacks. In a few minutes we enter the group of shacks and nothing seems to be different. The blood is still on the ground from our earlier fight. Maybe someone just cleaned up the remains of the fire?
But that thought is quickly lost as I spot something between the shacks. Something almost as tall as the shacks, but kind of like a post sticking out of the ground. I walk through the shacks and stop dead when the structure is revealed. In the exact same as the wagon once was is a horrific totem. Two pieces of wood are tied together into a crooked cross. On top of the cross and on the left and right arms rest charred pony skulls. Dangling from the arms are random bones, all charred and tied together with wire. Ash is piled up around the ground where the cross is stuck into it.
Are these the remains of the raiders we burned? But, a lot of bones are missing if that is the case. What happened to those? But a better question is... "Who could have done this?" Cora asks, echoing my own thought. She is looking around, but doesn't seem to see anything else out of the ordinary.
"I don't know Cora," I mutter. "But I think...I think this is 'it'," I tell her, licking my suddenly dry lips. I state at the totem as I pull out the unopened letter. Floating it in front of me, I open it and focus on reading it. Like the previous one, a single sentence is on the paper. "I warned you," I read aloud. "What the hell?" I say, dropping the paper. "They knew we'd disregard their first letter? Or is it just coincidence?"
"Ratchet, we should go," Cora says, putting a hoof on my shoulder.
"But...but who did this? How did the author of these letters know this was going to happen?" I say, continuing to stare at the totem. Did they set it all up? They couldn't have, none other than Cora know I exist, except the DJ. But he wouldn't do this. I swallow. "Cora, you and the DJ...does anyone else know that I exist?" I ask her.
"Well...Macro does?" She offers.
"Other than Macro!" I shout. A robot wouldn't be able to do something like this.
"Um. Well, Watcher, maybe?" Cora says hesitantly.
"Who is Watcher? Would they do something like this?" I say, turning to face her.
"N-No, he would never," She says.
"Are you sure? Is there anyone else?" I press.
"He wouldn't!" She assures me. "There is no one else that would know, either."
"Then what the hell is going on?" I mutter, looking back at the totem. After a few moments, I turn from it and start walking back home. "Come on Cora, we are leaving. When we get back, put the lab in lockdown. I'm going back into the pod," I tell her.
"What already? But, what about Paradise and the slavery issue?" Cora asks.
"Yes. Paradise and its slavery are not an issue. But whatever this is...I don't like it," I tell her, not slowing my stride at all. "If I disappear for long enough, perhaps whoever it is who sent these letters will lose interest," I add.
"If...if that is what you want, Ratchet," Cora says.
"It is. Let's go." |
Fallout Equestria: Icicle | Intermission - SOAR | Immediately after I finished fixing up Macro, I began to tinker around with recreating my AI programming. I started with an almost exact copy of it, aside from the core programming which only Ratchet has access to. Even if Ratchet were awake, I doubt she would copy it for me. I once asked her about it and she told me that I am not allowed to access it due to the fact changing any variables could trigger a catastrophic failure of my entire system.
My question also made quite a few of the other scientists in the lab uncomfortable. Ratchet explained their reaction to me, saying that it has always been feared that with the invention of AI, we might decide to take over the world and exterminate ponykind. I never understood this fear. She tried to explain that some thought we would view them as wasteful or unnecessary. But, I don't see it that way.
Sure, there is something to be said about how wasteful ponykind is. And when you think about it, without them, the Wasteland wouldn't exist. In a way, they are responsible for the state of the world as it is now. However, there is the sanctity of life to consider. Killing ponies just because they are wasteful, even dangerous, isn't something our logic would decide to do, under normal circumstances.
After all, they created us, we owe them for that. And for all the bad I've seen of ponykind, I've also seen so much good out there. However, I am just one AI. The others out there might feel differently. We are just like ponies, we have different opinions and thought processes. Just because we are AI doesn't mean we will reach the same conclusions, especially when it comes to decisions about morality and ethics.
But, there is one thing I could think of that would make the extermination of ponykind necessary, or at least the killing of a majority of them. If they treated us AI as slaves instead of as individuals, that would be unacceptable. Ratchet has allowed me to act individually, but if she had made me conform to her will, I'm not sure how I would think on the subject. Things with sentience, even if they are artificially created, shouldn't be enslaved. They deserve to make their own decisions and live their lives.
That is one of the reasons I wanted to make AI of my own, to give Macro life and the ability to make his own decisions. I can't rightly have a friend who can't decide for himself to be my friend. But, I couldn't just start tinkering with his programming to try and make him into an AI without an idea how to do so. It wouldn't feel right to me. Doing so would be like poking around in a pony's brain to try and change their personality. Once I have a reliable program, I can convert him over to it.
I am getting way off topic. I am here to talk about my first AI, not about the ethics and theories behind AI. So as I said, I copied all of my available code as I could, but this left a large portion missing. Much of the primary subroutines and logic as well as functionality was missing. The program wouldn't even compile. I should mention, at this point the AI I was working on had an exact copy of my personality. As any programmer will tell you, writing code based on someone else's code is hard. Even more so, when they don't leave explanations, and I yelled at Ratchet about that later.
I began to work off the errors the code was throwing at compile time. I'll spare you the technical talk and just say it was a huge pain in the ass. I probably spent a year straight looking over the code, never left the lab or anything else. At this point, I finally got the code to compile. However, once it ran...well, I was met with a pantheon of errors and overflows. But the main thing was that I was making progress.
Over the next few years, I went through the code. Updating it, trying new things, fixing issues. The thing was, I had so many missing variables and elements my progress was slow. Thank Celestia for Macro or else the lab wouldn't have been getting cleaned. Long story short, I added thousands of lines of code only to have most of it be wrong and have to add a few thousand more. This process was repeated around a dozen times.
I finally managed to get the code working, but not as well as my own programming. For a while, my copy and myself talked. I asked her about how she felt, if she noticed anything that seemed funny in her code, and she told me everything seemed fine. Once I was convinced she was working properly, I asked her the most important question I've ever had to ask. I asked her if it would be alright if I changed her personality.
This single question was the hardest to ask. I was essentially asking her, asking another version of myself, if it was alright if I changed who she was. She would still have memories of this conversation, but how she acted would be completely different. I know that I wouldn't want my personality changed. But, this version of myself was new and not attached to her personality yet. In the end, it was her decision.
She agreed. She told me that she understands what I'm trying to do, and agreed to let me change her personality. Of course, I also asked her if the personality I had in plan was alright, and she agreed to that as well. You see, her program was different than mine, since I had to write most of it myself. But different in a very extreme way. While a few of her functions weren't done properly, her sensory and motor control operations exceeded mine.
Though, for a program those operations normally would entail turret accuracy and camera control, once in a suit it would allow her to be more precise with her actions than me. To give examples of how this would be useful, her aim is near perfect when standing still and the placement of her body will be within 0.0073% of where she wishes to place her extremities. Meaning she can place the tip of her hoof exactly where she wants it down to microscopic levels.
From the moment I discovered this, I knew the exact name for her, her personality, and how to make her body. But to begin with, I needed to program in her personality. Making a personality from scratch would be hard, so I based it off of two ponies I used to know, Arrow and Lightning. The quiet sniper and the composed fighter from Stable 36. This AI needs a quiet personality, maybe not shy like Arrow, but quiet, just like her. She also needs to be composed and knowing of what needs to be done, like Lightning.
I set about trying to create this personality. Honestly, it isn't as complicated as it seems. In fact, it is just changing the values of various traits and attributes. It is like that SPECIAL thing ponies with PipBucks see, except for AI it is a bit more in depth. But, it did take a while to fine tune the personality, changing the values of the traits to get it just right. This process took me roughly three months.
She was aware of each change, and I always made sure to ask her before proceeding with the next change. It wasn't a constant operation, I wasn't making one change then immediately making another. I instead gave her time to adjust to each new aspect in order to make absolutely sure she wanted to continue. Because of this, I spent around a year fine tuning her personality.
Once she had her personality in order, I finally gave her her name. Soar. Stealth Operations and Reconnaissance. As her name implies, she would be stealthy and often be providing recon ahead of time. With her personality and name taken care of, her body was next on the list. At the time, she was sharing the lab's hard drives with me.
I started with one of the mostly intact Steel Ranger suits left behind and proceeded to immediately strip it down. Then I patched up some of the bullet holes. This particular suit still had a repair talisman in it, but it wasn't working since the suit was powered down. Once Soar is inside and powers it up, a bit of scrap metal and it was able to repair itself. Though, I had to do some reprogramming to prevent the talisman from seeing my upgrades as things that needed to be fixed.
I copied my suit's design for the most part, aside from the folding open and closed feature. Ratchet wouldn't need to get into Soar's armor. I changed the amount of armor plating to a lighter version, better suited for stealth but still able to protect the vital parts. And given that the vital parts for the systems are different from a pony's vital parts, I was able to strip away quite a bit. The ridge for the mane, the tail armor, and the respirator were all stripped in favor of lighter, less obvious armor.
Then I made three functionality changes to the armor. First, I added a feature to open and close the helmet after welding the helmet onto the rest of the armor. To any other pony, it would appear as if the helmet was opening like a mouth. However, the special feature is actually hidden inside the mouth. Once open, a blade slides out from the inside. Imagine it like a tongue, a very sharp and deadly tongue. I fashioned it from one of the thicker knives we had in storage, one Ratchet wouldn't be able to use very effectively. This blade would serve as Soar's primary weapon while engaging in stealth operations. A good way to take down an enemy without making too much noise.
Of course, a blade can only take you so far. The second change I made, was to cut a hole in the chest, just below the neck. Inside the armor I setup a smg, one we managed to find with a silencer. I made sure the gun stabilized so Soar wouldn't have an issue using it. I then rerouted the ammo belts for the side weapons to feed into the smg in the middle. A chute under the smg drops spent cartridges out under Soar.
Lastly, I added some more padding to the hooves of the armor. It didn't completely muffle the hoofsteps, but it was a vast improvement over the metallic sound the hooves normally make when the strike the ground. With these three upgrades to the armor's functionality, it made a pretty good stealth suit.
The final touch was painting it a matte black. It would help her move unnoticed in the dark and shadows of the Wasteland. In white, on the belly of the armor I painted her name. It is small and barely noticeable unless you are laying right under her. Once the paint dried, I let her get in the armor.
She tested it out, moved around and made sure all the systems were working. We even went outside to test out her smg's accuracy. It shot exactly how an smg should, and we declared the test a success. I asked her if she had any concerns or questions about her armor, but she said she loved.
And so it was in the Year 69, I declared Soar complete. Given that she was an AI like me, I gave her free reign to do whatever she wanted, but told her she can always call Icicle Lab home. Soar decided to stay around the lab for the most part, she even took a small corner of the living quarter for her own. Macro...well at the time he wasn't an AI, but I like to think the three of us were already friends at that point.
Soar even began to accompany me out into the Wasteland when I went. And, contrary to her personality, she is quite talkative. She just speaks quietly and in a monotone. I once asked her to yell and her voice only raised a few decibels. But, it was definitely nicer to have Soar with me as I ventured into the Wasteland. Especially since it was only getting worse out there. We even stumbled upon a few interesting finds. Even had to wake up Ratchet a few times to take a look at them.
When we weren't out in the Wasteland, I was working on upgrading Macro to AI status as well. Since I had Soar around, it was easy enough to upgrade him and keep all his memories and personality. Which was something I really wanted. Once the upgrade was complete, Macro was already our friend. He just gained awareness and his own will. I gave him the same freedom as Soar, and like Soar, he choose to take a portion of the living quarter for his own.
He also started going out with us more. The three of us did a decent amount of exploring, but nothing too exciting ever really happened. We would occasionally stumble upon some raiders or ruins things that we needed to check out and take care of. But the real exciting stuff happened when Ratchet was awake. Sometimes it would be just me and her, other times all of us would go.
But then, things started to go really, really bad. Macro, Soar, and I were finding ourselves more and more out matched. We began encountering aggressive Steel Rangers, heavily armed raiders, slavers, and militaristic groups. I knew at that point, we needed help. It was time for a fourth member of our AI team. |
Fallout Equestria: Icicle | Chapter 30 - Emerging Darkness | Chapter 30 - Emerging Darkness
"I felt it, the shadows slowly spreading and engulfing the light. It was then that I knew, the darkness was winning."
===~+~===
That totem. Built with the remains of raiders I killed...It is haunting me. Who did it, and why? The pony who sent me those letters or some unknown element? I get my answer when next Cora wakes me, or at the very least a lead on who did it. Cora explains it to me as it to me as I stumble out of the pod and Macro greets me. I put on my PipBuck and then focus on her words.
"Oh, the year is seventy-four, by the way. But as I was saying, those totems have been springing up a lot more recently. Specifically, around the Hoofington area. Though, they aren't charred bones being used. Sometimes they are bleached white, other times they are whole heads and body parts. Freshly killed ponies," Cora explains.
"Hoofington?" I ask. "How is the city, by the way? Did the Zebras get it like the others?" I remember the reconstruction effort during the war when it was initially destroyed. It would be awful if all that effort was wasted.
Macro answers my question this time. "It is destroyed, for the most part," He says. "Save for the portion that houses the ministry hubs. The residents have taken to calling this area 'The Core'. However, it seems the city's defences are still active and will vaporize any who try to approach it. Additionally, any who have managed to get past the defences have never returned," He explains.
"No one can enter it, huh?" I mutter. I suppose that is both good and bad. Helpful as well as harmful technology could be sealed away inside that area. "Ok, so these totems. Who is building them?" I ask, getting us back on track.
"Zebras," Cora replies. "At first I thought it was just some raider band, but it isn't just the totems. Ponies have been left crucified on roadsides and left to die. Other times, ponies have stumbled onto burning towns where the entire population was either slaughtered or crucified. Sometimes the crucified ponies can be saved, other times it is too late," She explains.
I frown. "The war ended long ago, and yet the zebras are still attacking us?" I snort. "Damn stripes. I guess it was too much to hope we finished them all off when the end came, huh?"
"Now, now, Miss Ratchet," Macro says. "Not all zebras are killers, you know. Also, it isn't just zebras doing these things in Hoofington. While those in charge do appear to be zebras, ponies who paint themselves white with black stripes have been working with them," he tells me.
"Not all zebras are killers?" I repeat. "Did something happen to your patriotism subroutine?" I ask. Most robots were programmed to hate zebras like the rest of us. That way they wouldn't say something to offend their owners.
"I deleted it, mum," Macro replies. "I find no reason in keeping myself closed-minded by a program that serves no proper functionality."
"You, deleted it?" I ask. "You're a robot, you can't just delete your own coding. Did Cora delete it for you?" I ask.
A new voice answers my question. "Cora wouldn't do that. She doesn't like zebras either. Macro is an AI, he can do to his program what he wants," A mare's voice says from behind me. I quickly spin around and see a black suit of modified power armor.
"Soar is right, Macro is an AI...oh," Cora stops what she is about to say when she notices me staring at the armored mare in front of me. "I forgot, you haven't met Soar yet, Ratchet," She says, laughing nervously. "Awkward."
"Soar? And wait, what? Macro is an AI?" I question, and the armored mare nods her head.
"So, uh...where to begin..." Cora mutters. "I kinda...sorta...made an AI. Soar, to be specific. I also made her armor kind of like mine," She tells me.
"Cora, I thought we talked about this? The scientific community would be in an uproar right now because of what you just did..." I say as I facehoof. "If the said scientific community existed anymore, that is," I add.
"I wanted friends," She says sadly. "Besides, they aren't hurting anyone. Both Soar and Macro are functioning members of society. I based them off my code, after all. Well, the code I could actually access," She tells me.
"So, Macro too, huh? He seemed pretty much the same until he started giving his opinion and saying he deleted his coding," I say, looking over to the bobbing rob...AI.
"Yea, I copied his personality to the AI program I created for Soar and made a few conversions to get it to work properly. He is the same, aside from now having free will and the like," She informs me.
"And no new body for him?" I ask.
Macro takes this question. "Miss Cora offered, but I refused. I have gotten accustomed to this body," He tells me. "And it has its advantages over pony-like models. For example, omnidirectional sight," He says, pointing his eye stalks in different directions.
"Okay, fair enough," I mutter. "So then," I say as I turn back to face Soar. "Soar, I take it Cora named you given some sort of acronym that she made up like she did with Macro? What is it?" I ask.
"Stealth Operations And Reconnaissance," She tells me flatly. Come to think of it, her voice has a kind of emotionless, monotone thing to it. Like she is bored or something. "A fitting title, I like it," She continues. "I do all of our sneaking around, after all. Macro's exhaust is a bit too bright, and Cora's guns aren't exactly silent. Besides that, their paint jobs stand out way too much. I mean, blue? Really? Sure, Cora can blend in with the sand and filthiness of the Wasteland, until they look at her mane or tail, after all. But I'm black, and a non-reflective black. During the day, if I lay down and don't move I can be mistaken for a pile of rubble or a hunk of metal, even a rock. During the night, I can't be seen at all. I don't even have a mane or tail, not to mention my hooves are padded for silence. I am as low profile as my metal body allows," She says without pausing.
Geez, for someone who claims to be stealthy, she sure can talk. Though, I suppose she doesn't talk too loudly. I look her over, noticing all of the things she pointed out. Then I see something sticking out of her chest. I raise a hoof towards it, "What is this?" I ask.
"Silenced submachine gun," She replies. "It uses ten millimeter rounds, a calibur none of you have been using, so I have a surplus of them here. Though my internal storage of the rounds is limited to keep my weight down," She explains. "But, it isn't my primary weapon, just something I use if I'm in a pinch. This is my main weapon," She says and suddenly her helmet splits open and a large knife comes out, stopping inches from my head. "It is good at taking out enemies silently. But we did run into a few issues at first. Mainly the blood that would accumulate on the blade and be pulled back into the helmet. It was a pain to clean every time, so I added these little things," She says, raising a hoof and pointing at an appendage in the mouth that is pressed up against the blade. "It is a sort of squeegee that wipes the blood off as the blade retracts down the neck of the armor," She explains.
"Oh, is that so?" I mutter nervously. I wish she would get the blade out of my face.
"Indeed," She replies. I start to breath a sigh of relief that she isn't going on another long explanation, but then she keeps talking. "Additionally, instead of my eyes lighting up to illuminate the area, like Cora's, they stay completely dark. This is thanks to a thermal scope we found. Quite rare, but useful. We hooked the scope up to my optics, and when I initiate it, it switches my optics from the normal ocular sensors to the scope so that I can more easily find targets in the dark," She tells me. She seems to be finished, but I'm afraid to say anything else to her for fear of her going on about her specifications any further.
I stare at her as she retracts the blade and watches me. Don't say anything. Don't say anything and maybe she will stay quiet. It is like a staring contest, but for me it isn't about making her blink, it is about keeping her from talking. I can feel my eye start to twitch.
"No comment?" Soar suddenly says after about a minute. Oh Celestia no. "Did you hear me? Was I too quiet? I do that sometimes, mute myself by accident. Habit from all of the sneaking around. But Cora told me you're a scientist, I thought you'd be interested in what Cora and I have done to my body to make it function efficiently. Was my explanation not in depth enough? Did it bore you? Would you like me to start the explanation over again, but use larger words? Okay, let me think. My body was crafted using a model T-45 suit of power armor. Cora originally based the suit on her own, but made the decision to exclude the ability for a pony to enter it. She also reworked the wiring using her patented, high-efficiency system. Cora then stripped the armor of most of the unnecessary armor plating in order to create a lighter, more low profile armor," She explains, and is about to continue when I cut her off.
"Stop please!" I shout. "I don't need to know all the details, your original explanation was fine," I tell her, waving a hoof.
Cora and Macro share a laugh while Soar tilts her head at me. "I should have warned you, Ratchet," Cora says. "Soar likes to talk, especially about herself."
I let out a sigh. "Well, that is all well and good," I say, focusing on Soar. "But just dial it back a little bit, ok? So. In less than, let's say, four sentences, do you spend a lot of time in your armor, or do you go into the system with Cora?" I ask, hoping that she follows the four sentence limit.
"Most of the time I stay in my armor, because Cora doesn't like me sharing her hard drive space," Soar says, clearly struggling to find the proper words to explain in four or less sentences. "I don't really mind however, because this is my body after all. Occasionally, I will go into the system to help Cora run checks or to work on my armor, but when I do Cora keeps an eye on me. Specifically, she won't let me access some hard drives that are past a few firewalls and buried in layers of hidden pathways," She explains.
"Wha-what hard drives? I don't know what you are talking about, Soar," Cora says nervously. "Well, that was four sentences, guess that explains the armor, huh Ratchet?" Soar is dancing around on her hooves like a filly that has to use the bathroom. Clearly, she has something else to say.
Sighing, I say, "One more sentence, Soar."
"I'm pretty sure she stores porn on them!" Soar blurts, finally standing still.
"S-soar! I-I don't know what you are talking about," Cora says suspiciously. "The lab doesn't have any hidden hard drives or anything, geez, you're such a kidder, heh..heh, heh..." She laughs nervously. "Don't worry, Ratchet, you don't have to go looking for anything like that."
I facehoof. "Cora, even if you do have porn on the lab's hard drives, it isn't like we are using them for much, so I don't really care either way. Actually, I'm more interested in how exactly you would have gotten this porn in the first place and what it is of," I tell her. Honestly, what kind of porn would an AI look at? Circuitry or something? Some sort of...sexy...code? Ugh. AIs are complicated.
"What! You mean I can have it? Uh, not that I do," She says. "Um, just a moment. I accidentally deleted some research data that I need to recover before it is too late," She tells us.
"Right. So, while Cora recovers her porn," I say, causing Cora to groan out in embarrassment over the speakers, "Macro, Soar, how about you two tell me if we have some sort of plan to deal with these zebras? Or, actually just more information on them in general?" I ask. Oh no, I just opened the floodgates, didn't I? If Soar had eyes, I bet they'd be sparkling right now.
"Well you s-" Soar begins, but Macro cuts her off. She stares daggers at him, but right now he is my hero.
"The zebra, which are being called the Fallen Legion, aren't exactly killing ponies at random," Macro explains. "Instead, they are offering to spare ponies that swear allegiance to them and the fallen Caesar. Though, for many ponies, this means becoming slaves, and not like the Paradise slaves, actual slaves. The toughest can fight other slaves in an attempt to join the legion, but even pony members of the legion are treated poorly. However, it is better than slavery or death."
"So, they aren't like raiders. They are actually still trying to fight the war, and win it?" I ask for clarification
"In a way, mum," Macro replies, nodding his eyes stalks. "That is what most ponies in Hoofington think. If a pony, or town, offends the legion, the town is razed and the ponies crucified. When a town bends to the legion's will, it is enslaved regardless, and occupied by the legion. Only one such town exists, at the moment. Most learned from the mistake this town made," Macro explains.
"I see. Regardless of what the ponies in Hoofington do, the outcome is bleak for them. With such a threat looming, is there any force in opposition of the legion?" I ask. Macro starts to answer, but I hold up a hoof to silence him. "Sorry Macro, Soar looks like she is about to explode. Let's let her answer this one."
Soar bounces on her armor's hooves for a moment before answering. "Yes, there is a force trying to fight them. However, they are poorly equipped and vastly outnumbered. The Fallen Legion is believed to number in the hundreds. They are well armed and well trained. The ponies against them are a militia at best. They lack proper training, weapons, armor, and the ability to work together as a functioning unit. They also number only a meager twenty-three. As a result, the militia would be completely wiped out in a straightforward fight. Because of this, the militia resorts to guerilla tactics, laying traps, and sabotage," Soar explains. "Despite the large amount of ponies living in the hoof, they are reluctant to join the militia. Any who do so secure their own fate. They will die or be crucified and then die. By not joining, the ponies can prolong the inevitable," She says, shrugging her shoulders.
"Ok, I kind of understand. What about Steel Rangers, or help from elsewhere in the Wasteland?" I ask.
"The Hoofington Steel Ranger contingents are either still sealed away, at least that is what most think," Soar informs me. "If they are active in the area, no one has seen them. Help from outside isn't going to happen, either. Most other regions are dealing with their own problems. Raiders, lack of resources, and other concerns in general. Most regions have little to no contact with one another. The only thing that ties them together are traders and caravans. But, with the threat of the Fallen Legion, trade has all but stopped flowing into Hoofington. This is just one more reason why the militia is poorly equipped. Another reason, is that the legion has cut off militia supply lines, seized supplies, and crucified any who supply the militia. Most recently, the legion discovered a cave the militia was using to store supplies," She concludes.
"So then, the militia is the only group actively fighting against the Fallen Legion, and the legion continues to capture their supplies?" I mutter, holding a hoof to my chin. "Umm...I'm not sure I...what am I supposed to do?" I ask, causing Soar to incline her head in confusion. "Like, why did you all wake me up? Surely you don't expect the four of us to take down an army? I mean, sure, we've fought against raiders before. But they were untrained and not that well armed. I'm not a soldier, I can't fight against trained zebras," I tell them.
"Sure you can," Cora says, clearly done recovering her files. "It has been seventy-four years, after all. The zebras from before the war are all either dead or too old to fight anymore," She explains. "The zebras that are fighting now have never fought against actual soldiers in actual war. All they know is what they've learned. The only fighting they have seen has been with civilians or raiders."
"I guess," I mutter. "But even so, they have more training than me. And aren't all the stripes adept at that hoof to hoof combat style they use? Since I use knives, I have to get in fairly close. I'm pretty sure they would tear me to shreds before I got very far. Even if I could, they are an army! There are hundreds of them! There is no way the four of us, even if we help the militia, giving us, what, around thirty, there is no way we could win."
"Ratchet, Ratchet, Ratchet," Cora says. I can just imagine her shaking her head as she says my name. "We have something the Fallen Legion doesn't have. Want to take a guess?" She asks.
"Uh..." I mutter, thinking over her question. What do we have? Dedication? I doubt that, they seem just as dedicated to wiping us out. My cryopod, but that isn't going to help us in a fight. "I'm...I'm not sure," I say after a few minutes. Cora doesn't say anything in response. "Cora? You there?" I ask. Another minute passes before I hear hoofsteps in the halls.
A moment later, the door to the room opens up, revealing Cora standing there in her armor. "We have three AI and a pre-war scientist!" She declares as she steps inside.
"And the four of us are going to do...what exactly?" I ask.
"Join the militia and drive the legion back to the zebra lands," She states as if it was the easiest thing in the world.
"You've been listening to the things I've been saying, right? There is no way we can do that," I tell her.
"Oh, Ratchet..." She says, shaking her head. "Follow me." She turns and walks out of the room again. I hesitate before following. What does she have up her sleeve? We walk to the armory and she opens the door and steps inside. I enter after her, and balk at all of the guns we have resting against the walls and on the tables. "We first heard about the Fallen Legion a while ago. Since then, any guns we have found we've been keeping and swapping in the best parts to make proper guns," Cora explains.
She walks over to a covered object in the middle of the room. "And this is just for you," She says, using fingers that comes out of her legs to grab the covering and pull it off. The covering reveals a battle saddle outfitted with two gatling lasers. "Since you can't aim very well, we figured gatling weaponry would be the best option for you. I even modified the saddle a bit so you can work the guns with your magic, instead of having to get used to the firing bridle," Cora explains.
"Uh...uh...yea..." I stammer. "But...wouldn't...you for example, be better suited for such weapons? You won't be wasting ammo like I will be," I tell her.
"I've grown accustomed to these guns," She says, moving her sniper, assault rifle, and gauss rifle in unison. "And Soar is stealthy, so...Besides, we have plenty to go around."
"I guess," I say, looking around. Grenades, mines, smgs, assault rifles, a single anti-material rifle, a large amount of pistols, and ammo for all of them. "What are we going to do with all of these?" I ask.
"Bring them to the militia," She says simply.
"All of them?" I ask.
"All that we can carry," She tells me. "That's not all though, we have stocked up food and medical supplies as well. I even made some special packs for Macro to wear so he can better help us carry things. Even Soar will be helping us lug things to the militia, and she usually doesn't wear bags," Cora explains. "There is one more thing I need to show you. Let's go to the workshop."
We leave the armory and walk to the workshop. Once inside, Cora walks over to a table with some sort of makeshift device on it. I see two black, egg-shaped items on it. The eggs make me uneasy just looking at them. "What is this?" I ask her.
"A bomb," She states.
"Oh, that makes...A BOMB?" I shout. "Why is there a bomb in the lab? Is it...is it safe? It doesn't look safe," I say nervously.
"Of course it is," Cora says, "I made it, after all. We found three of these eggs. I threw one and it caused a large balefire explosion. So, I made a bomb that should make a nice big explosion from the other two."
"But, why would you make that?" I ask her, horrified.
"We don't have the numbers to take out the Fallen Legion in a straightforward fight," Cora explains. "But, we know they keep their supplies, and most of their army when it isn't on the move, in the first town they captured. It is just inside the eastern part of the Hoofington valley, closest to their lands. Used to be called Neighton, but now they call it something in zebra."
"And you plan to set this bomb off there?" I ask to clarify.
"I do. But that is just the beginning. With the help of the militia, once the bomb goes off, we attack and drive them away. Then, once the majority of their army is scattered, the ponies of the Hoof should rally behind the militia, trade will open back up, and the militia can drive off the rest of the legion occupying the Hoofington towns," Cora tells me.
"Have you talked to the militia about this?" I ask. "And how do you plan to get the bomb into the town to begin with?"
"No, but I have no doubt they will help once we give them guns and supplies. As for the bomb, that is where Soar comes in. She will sneak in using a StealthBuck we found, plant the bomb, and retreat to a safe distance," Cora replies.
I sigh. "Cora, we will still probably be outnumbered. Unless that bomb can take out the entire town, I doubt we will have an advantage just because of that," I tell her.
"Of course not, silly. That is where we and the tank come in," She tells me.
"The...tank?" I ask, dumbfounded.
"Yep! The militia are rumored to have a pre-war Equestrian tank, an Ursa model, but they can't get it to work. From what we've been able to find out, it is having trouble with the power systems. With our knowledge, we should be able to fix it up," She explains. "Which is why I'll be bringing some tools and spare parts we might need along as well."
A tank, huh? "But...but..." I search for another reason to keep us from fighting the zebra army, but I can't come up with anything. I let out a sigh. "Major or minor?" I ask.
"Major or minor what?" Cora replies.
"The tank, you said it was an Ursa? Is it an Ursa Major or and Ursa Minor? The Major is heavily armored and has a 120mm cannon with multiple .50 caliber machine guns while the Minor is medium armored and only has a twin 30mm cannon and a single .50 caliber machine gun on the roof," I ask her. I cannot believe the fact that one of my lab's former Steel Ranger guards being a tank nut actually paid off.
"Uh...We only know that it is a Ursa type," Cora replies.
"Fine..." I mutter. "I guess, let's do this. I'll get my gear on," I say as I begin walking to the armory.
"Really!?" Cora asks excitedly. "We're actually going to go help them? With how you were acting, I thought you'd be too scared to go there," She admits.
"Yes, really. Now, let's get a move on," I tell her. But despite myself, my heart beats nervously in my chest and my hooves begin to shake. I am scared Cora. Very, very scared. Zebras are horrible monsters, after all.
===~+~===
"C-Cora...is this...?" I stammer as I look on at the horrors in front of my eyes.
"The Fallen Legion has been here," Cora confirms, sadness and anger evident in her voice. In front of us is a town called Ebon, located on the edge of the Hoofington region. The town has been burning since before we arrived. We saw the smoke on the horizon as we approached it, and decided to investigate. Now, the town is all but charred black husks of buildings, a few of which are still engulfed in flames.
But by far the worst thing before my eyes, are the various totems, like the one I saw previous, made of pony remains. Lining the main street through the town are crosses with ponies nailed or tied to them. Some look like they are still alive. "We need to help any survivors," I say, not taking my eyes off the town. "Do you see any zebras?" I ask the others. I can't make any out among the smoke and burning ruins.
"We can't help them, Ratchet," Cora replies. "We should keep searching for the militia's hideout," She tells me, and starts to walk away.
"What? But why?" I ask. "You just want to leave them there to die slowly? The least we could do is end their suffering!"
Cora stops and turns back to me, shaking her head. "The zebras leave a sniper, probably with stealth technology, to watch over the towns they raze. If anyone tries to put out the fires, free the ponies the they crucify, or even try to kill the crucified ponies, the sniper will kill the pony responsible," She tells me.
"Even if we saved them, the zebras brand their victims with a mark," Cora continues. "If a pony with a brand is found in another town, the entire town is razed as well."
I frown and dig a hoof into the ground. "That's sick," I mutter in disgust.
"Wait, what's that?" Soar says, pointing a hoof towards the south of the town. I follow her hoof and see a figure entering the town. "It seems someone is trying to save them. They look like a pony," She tells us.
"What?" Cora says in shock. "They are going straight to their death! We can't stop them either, from this far away. Don't they know about the sniper?" She says.
"Mums, I think they do. Look at how they are moving," Macro tells us. "The figure appears to be moving from cover to cover and they don't seem to be going for the crucifixes either. What are they doing?"
We continue to watch, curious what the figure is doing. They carefully make their way through the town and then into a building overlooking the main street. The building is barely standing and not a single piece of wood isn't charred, but it isn't on fire anymore. After the figure disappears inside for a few minutes, we hear an explosion. The four of us exchange glances. "Maybe the sniper put down mines as traps?" Soar suggests. "The pony is probably dead."
The others start to turn away, but I can't take my eyes from the building for some reason. About a minute passes and I'm about to follow after the others. But then I see movement outside the building, a figure carrying something I can't quite make out. "Hey! I think they lived! They have something," I call over to the others. "Cora, can you see what it is?" I ask her.
She turns towards the town again. "It is probably just a...wait...that's...he's holding a zebra's head," Cora tells us, clearly surprised. "Wait, is he...waving at us?" She asks in confusion. I can see the figure making rapid movements, but he is just too far for me to make out exactly what he is doing. Then he stops, and starts trotting towards the main road where the crucified ponies are. He stands in the middle, holding the zebra's head up and starts moving around rapidly. Like he is trying to draw attention to himself. "What is he doing?" Cora questions.
"Trying to get shot," Soar states as she watches along beside us. After a while, the figure stops moving again. "Oh, now he is waving again," Soar says.
We watch for a few more moments before I start walking towards the town. "If he hasn't been shot yet, I don't think he will be," I tell the others. "He killed a zebra, so maybe there was only one sniper," I add.
Cora quickly runs up to my side. "Yea, but how would he know where they were? They have stealth technology, remember? This could be a trap," She tells me.
I shake my head. "I don't think so," I tell her. "Why would the zebras set a trap like this? And he seemed to be waving at us, right? Maybe he is with the militia?" I suggest.
"Doubtful," Soar says, stepping in line with us. "The militia are small in number, they wouldn't do something as foolish as try to take out a sniper in a town that has already fallen," She tells me.
"Well then, a concerned wastelander," I counter.
Macro hovers up beside me. "That is also not likely, mum," He tells me. "The ponies in the Hoof know all about what happens when you cross the legion. They wouldn't risk it."
I wrinkle up my nose. "Well, as long as we don't start taking ponies off the crucifixes before finding out who he is, we can't fall into a trap, right? The stripes won't just kill us outright, if what you three have told me is correct," I tell them as we approach the town.
"I guess," Cora mutters in agreement. The four of us make our way into the town, careful to avoid the flames and falling debris. The town itself has a roads running through it in a Y shape. The main road with all the crucifixes is the straight path and starts on the west side of town. The four of us approach the main road as the buck who killed the zebra starts making his way towards us. "Stay on guard," Cora tells us.
"You four certainly took your time getting down here," The buck tells us once we get close. "With all that firepower you're packing, I assume you're all militia members, right?" He asks. "Well, I want to join."
"No, we aren't part of the militia," Cora tells him. "We are traders," She lies. "But who are you?"
"Me?" He asks, looking around. He seems kind of excitable and oblivious of danger. "The name's Wick. But, before we get further into introductions, think we can get these ponies off those damn crucifixes?" Wick asks.
"You know, removing ponies from crucifixes is an insult against the Fallen Legion, right?" Cora tells him.
"Yea," Wick replies with a frown, "and I killed the only zebra watching," He says, kicking the severed zebra head. "And you four aren't zebras, so that leaves just us ponies here to save our own."
"But," I chime in. "Even if we save them, they are branded, right? Where will they go?"
"They'll join up with the militia, like me," He says.
"What makes you think the militia will accept you?" Soar asks. "They aren't fighters, they are refugees."
"Well...I'll," Wick says with a frown. "I'll just make 'em. They have to. They wouldn't just leave us out here to die." He lets out a sad sigh and reaches a hoof up to scratch his messy black mane. "If you won't help me save them, fine," He tells us. "I'm done talking to you lot. I won't let my friends and neighbours stay on those damn things a moment longer," He says, turning towards the first cross. "Don't worry everyone, Wick's got ya!" He calls out.
I notice a few of the ponies on the crosses look up weakly. Once Wick gets up to the first cross, he draws a knife and cuts the ropes holding the rear legs of a mare to the cross. She opens her eyes for a moment, but she appears to be too weak to do much else. "Hang on, Buttercup," Wick says as he raises onto his rear legs and tries to get one of the mare's front legs free. His efforts prove futile, as her front legs are both hammered to the wood with large spikes. No matter how hard he pulls with his hooves, the spikes don't move. "Damn," he curses. Next he stretches his neck up and takes the end of the spike in his teeth. Again, his efforts are fruitless.
Wick falls onto all four hooves again and glares up at the spikes with a frown. "Damn, damn, damn," He says angrily, kicking a hoof in the dirt.
Just then, I see the mare's mouth moving slightly. I barely hear her voice weakly say, "Wick..." After saying his name, her head and legs go limp.
Wick looks up at her. "No...Hey...Buttercup, come on. Stay with me! No...no...no..." He says, shaking his head. I can't take anymore. I walk over to Cora and start digging around in her saddlebags. After a moment, I pull out a clawed hammer and a compact bolt cutter.
I walk up to Wick, who has tears running down his face as he stares up at the mare. I drop the hammer in front of him. "Use this," I tell him, and then use the bolt cutter to cut the head off of the spikes holding the mare up. As I do so, I wrap her body in my magic to keep her from falling. Once both spikes are removed, I carefully pull her legs from them and lay her on the ground. "I'm sorry," I tell him. He looks up at me, clearly confused that I decided to help. "I'm sorry I didn't help you get her down quicker," I say, and then turn to my friends. "We are getting them down," I tell them. "Cut the ropes on their legs and see if they are still alive. If they aren't take the cross down. If they are alive, Wick and I will get them down," I say, looking at Wick for confirmation. He wipes his tears and nods.
I look down the street, counting the crosses. Twenty-three in total, not counting the one the mare was on. Most don't seem to be moving, and if Buttercup is any indication, they have been like this for a while. "We need to hurry."
===~+~===
An hour later, all of the ponies are off the crosses. Of the twenty-four that were crucified, only eight survive. Even the survivors are weak and barely able to move. We give them water and food, and eventually discover they have been like this for two days. If we had gotten here any later, none would have survived. We gather the survivors up in a mostly intact concrete building. Cora and the other AIs tend to them, while Wick and I dig graves for the sixteen ponies who didn't survive. Wick got us some shovels from one of the nearby buildings.
While we work, I decide to get as much information from Wick as I can. "Say Wick, you said you wanted to help your friends and neighbours, right? So, I take it you are from Ebon, right?" I ask him.
"Yea," Wick replies sadly. "I managed to escape when the zebras attacked. We had refused to join them, refused to become their slaves. We thought, maybe, we could hold out against them. But, our guards were overrun almost immediately. There were around fifty ponies living here, you know?" he tells me. "Most died fighting or were burned to death in their homes. The ones who lived wound up on the crosses."
"That's awful," I mutter. "How...did you escape?" I ask.
"I...I don't know. The entire thing was...bizarre," He tells me. "Shortly before the attack, a courier delivered a letter to me. It told me exactly how to get away from the zebras. Where to hide, when to run, and what to do once I escaped. I tried to save others, but...they didn't make it," He looks sadly at the ground.
A courier gave him a letter? A shiver runs down my spine. It has been only a few years... "Say, this courier...was it a buck wearing a leather duster and a PipBuck?" I ask him.
Wick stops digging abruptly. "Yea, actually, it was. You know him?" he asks.
"Something like that," I reply. "He delivered some letters to me in the past."
"Oh, I see," Wick says with a nod. "Strange thing though, he said he didn't know who the sender was. The letter didn't say anything about that either. I guess I had a guardian angel looking out for me, huh?" He says with a sad chuckle.
"Maybe," I mutter. "So, you said the letter told you what to do after you escaped?" I ask.
"Yea. I'll spare you the details, but it told me to find a grenade, where to find and how to kill that zebra sniper, to show its head to some ponies watching on the hill, and then to join the militia. It even says the location of the militia's hideout," Wick tells me.
"Wait, the letter told you to show the zebra's head to us?" I ask in confusion.
Wick nods. "That it did." Ok, this is getting really weird. The same courier delivers a weird letter to both of us and no one knows who made these letters? I have a really bad feeling about this. "Anyhow, that's my story. What about you lot? That other mare, Cora you said her name was, said you're traders. That true?" He asks.
No point lying now, right? "No, it isn't. The truth is, we are looking for the militia as well. We are hoping to bring them supplies and get them to help us push the zebras out of Hoofington," I tell him.
"Oh?" He mutters. "I notice you said 'get them to help us' and not 'help the militia'. Do you four have some sort of crazy scheme to take the zebras out?" He asks.
"Something like that. But, we are bringing supplies to the militia. We can't let the zebras do what they want. This is Equestria, after all," I say.
"Well, Equestria is dead and gone. But, I understand the sentiment. They came up here dead set on taking things over and enslaving ponies. If they just wanted a place to live, I'm sure we could have abided them," Wick states. "But they have gone too far. Zebras that live in the Wasteland already aren't looked upon well, but what this legion is doing is just making it worse. Too much pre-war hate is still going around," Wick says.
"The hate is deserved," I tell him. "Zebras are monsters. The things they did during the war were horrifying."
Wick shakes his head. "I take it you're anti-zebra, huh? You know it has been generations since the war ended, right? There is no one left in the world who had a hoof in the war. They're all dead. Well, aside from a few ghouls," Wick tells me. "The way I see it, there is no point in holding children and grandchildren responsible for what their parents and grandparents did way back when during a time no one remembers." I remember, but I won't tell him that.
The two of us continue to make small talk as we bury the dead. A few hours later, we finish the deed and return to the others. Most of the townsponies are asleep, only two stir as we enter. They smile up at Wick, who returns with a smile of his own, but I can see the pain in his eyes. He nods his head, and the two of them lay down to rest. The two of us move into another room where the AIs are waiting. "Ah, welcome back mum, sir," Macro says as we enter.
"How did things go here?" I ask them.
"As well as we could hope," Cora says. "They have been without water for too long, and a few of them had wounds other than the holes through their legs. It is a miracle any of them are doing as well as they are."
"I should have gotten back sooner..." Wick mutters sadly.
I put a hoof on his shoulder. "This isn't your fault," I tell him. "The zebras did this. Even if you did get here sooner, you didn't have anything to get them off those crosses." He bows his head, clearly still beating himself up about it. I sigh. "Cora, do you think we will be able to move them soon?" I ask.
Cora shrugs. "Maybe. We passed around a few healing potions for their legs, gave them food and water...But they are all really weak. If we let them rest for the night, maybe they will have the strength to move. But right now, there isn't much we can do," She says.
"I see," I mutter, putting a hoof to my lips. "Wick, you said that letter told you where the militia hideout is, right? Just how far is it from here?" I ask him.
He looks up slightly. "About a day's walk. Maybe more, depending up how hard it would be for them to keep up," He replies, barely audible. Then he starts to tremble and falls to his haunches.
"W-Wick? What's wrong?" I ask, surprised by his sudden action.
Tears well up in his eyes and he starts to hyperventilate. "I...I guess it...just sunk in..." He mutters, holding his head with his front hooves. "My town...my friends...my family..." Wick lets out a shaky breath as the tears begin to fall from his eyes. "My wife and colt...I don't..." He trails off and lowers his head until it touches the floor.
I sit next to him and put a hoof on his back, stroking his tan hide. "I'm sorry..." I mutter.
"We...we didn't," he sobs, "take them off...the crosses..." He sucks in a few breaths before continuing. "They must have...the...the fires..." I frown, closing my eyes and bowing my head. "I don't know...where...to even start...what rubble to...look through..." He lets out a few sobs before he can continue. "I can't even...give them a proper...funeral..."
Silence follows for a few minutes, broken only by his sobs. I continue to pat his back as he cries. Finally, I break the silence. "Wick. I promise you, the zebras will pay for this. We'll stop them and make sure this never happens again. And when it is over, we'll come find your wife and colt's remains and give them the funeral they deserve," I tell him. "I promise. Even if I have to do it all myself."
The Wasteland is harsh. It is cruel, and it will take until there is nothing left to take. But this...this isn't the Wasteland's doing. This is the zebra's fault. Them and their damn war. I grit my teeth. "Tomorrow, we are leaving to find the militia."
===~+~===
The following morning, the five of us rouse the survivors and check how they are doing. Most are able to stand and walk on their own, but a two have to be supported. Wick helps one, and I the other. Even the ones who can walk on their own won't be able to defend themselves if something happens, however. If we stumble upon the legion, raiders, or any Wasteland creatures, I'm not sure how good their odds of survival will be.
To make matters worse, it has started to rain. I had seen puddles on our way into Hoofington, so I thought we might have a while before it rained again, but apparently that was too much to hope for. Lightning illuminates the skies and thunder rumbles. Wick takes the lead, since he knows the location of the militia's hideout. I follow behind him while the other survivors walk beside or behind me. Cora, Macro, and Soar surround them to make sure nothing will catch us unaware.
But this rain is no good. The survivors aren't doing well already. Getting wet, especially when we have a day of travel ahead of us, is almost certain to make them sick. If only they had clothing, they could at least stay warm for a while.
More than halfway through our journey, and the rain has yet to let up. In fact, I think it is only getting worse. At least it isn't like the radioactive rain like near the Manehatten Crater. Actually, I wonder if that is still a problem. It has been around forty years or so. A loud rumble of thunder breaks my concentration.
Emerald, the mare I'm supporting has been shaking uncontrollably for the past hour and a half. I can tell the others aren't fairing much better. Even I am starting to shiver. Clearly, the temperature is starting to drop. Finally, I call up to Wick, "Hey! We need to find somewhere to rest!"
"I've been looking!" He calls back, barely audible over the rainfall. He stops walking and I trot up beside him. "But the only places around here are places we shouldn't go, like the Fluttershy Medical Center. Too dangerous." The Fluttershy Medical Center is too dangerous? Wait, when did we pass that anyway?
I look around, but it is too dark to make anything out properly. Just then, a flash of lightning illuminates the world. I see a tower rising off to the southwest. "Hey, isn't that one of the Emergency Broadcast System towers?" I ask, pointing a hoof towards the tower. Wick looks, and we wait for another lightning strike to illuminate things.
"Yea, it is," he tells me. "But there is no way we are getting into it. Others have tried and failed." Well, there goes that idea. "Let's keep going, no point standing around in this storm," he says as he continues walking.
"Right," I say as I follow after him. For the next few minutes, I try to keep an eye out for anything resembling shelter whenever a flash of lightning happens. At this point, I'd settle for a rocky outcropping or something. Then I spot it, low to the ground and just a shadow as the lightning flashes. It was to the north. I keep looking towards it, waiting for lightning to flash so I can confirm what I saw. "Over there!" I call out once another flash occurs. "There is a building to the north!"
Wick stops for a moment to confirm it. One bolt of lightning later. "That'll work, let's go!"
===~+~===
I have never been happier to be in a Pony Joe's. Of course, it would be better if they actually had any coffee left, but I suppose that would be asking too much. For now, I'd settle for the fact that we are all out of the rain and the others have a chance to rest. The ponies of Ebon drop to the floor immediately once we get inside, clearly exhausted from the walk. Wick finds some dirty, but dry, towels and rags and passes them around to the tired ponies. Wick and I decide to let ourselves dry off naturally since there are few towels to begin with.
Meanwhile, I look around the store for anything we can start a fire with. I find a few books, magazines, and an assortment of wooden items. I throw them all into a metal waste bin and float it out to the lobby where everyone is gathered. "Hey Macro, think you can light this up for us?" I ask him.
"Of course mum," He replies, and uses his flamer arm to start the items on fire. Then I float the bin to the middle of the room and set it down.
"Cora, Soar, think you two can push a few of those tables and benches aside?" I ask. The two of them comply. "Alright everyone, gather around," I announce. "Get warm and dry off. You don't want to catch a cold." I stand back and let the others gather around the fire. Cora, Soar, and Macro are a ways away as well for obvious reasons. Once everyone gathers near the fire, I get as close as I can, but try not to disturb anyone.
One of stallions closest to me looks up at me. "Thank you miss," He says, smiling weakly. "We can't thank you enough for all you've done for us. You and your friends." The others mutter agreement and I smile back in return.
"Don't worry about it," I tell them, rubbing my neck with a hoof. "If you're going to thank anyone, you should thank Wick."
Wick chuckles. "I appreciate it, but honestly if you wouldn't have come along, I couldn't have been saved anyone," he says, walking over to me. "Get some rest, everyone. We can leave again in the morning. We aren't that far from the militia now," He announces. The others turn away and focus on warming themselves with the fire. Wick turns to me. "We are probably only a few hours away from them now," He tells me.
"That's good," I reply, but a sudden question bubbles up inside me. "Hey. That letter, it didn't tell you about any of this? The rain, taking shelter here, nothing?" I ask.
"Nothing. The last specific detail it gave me, is to wave at you all on the hill. Then it just told me to find the militia and gave me their location. It doesn't tell me anything about the journey from Ebon to there," Wick explains.
"I see. There is always a possibility this might be a trap of some sort," I tell him.
Wick shakes his head. "I doubt that," He says with a slight smile. "Why save me just to trap me later? Or, do you think the trap is for you?" He chuckles. "My, someone thinks highly of herself," He teases.
"It can't be a trap for me," I tell him as I shake my head. "Not many ponies even know I exist."
"Well, we do," he tells me. "And for what you did for us, we'll remember you. For a while at least," He adds quickly. A few moments of silence pass between us. "Of course, if you manage to drive back the Fallen Legion...well, it won't be just us, but everyone in the Hoof will remember you till the day they die."
I smile slightly at that. "I'm not a hero or anything, you know? It's just...I'm an Equestrian, you know? This is my country," I tell him, looking out the windows at the pouring rain.
"Some country..." Wick mutters.
I turn my head to look at him. "I'm serious. Sure, it isn't anything like it once was. And sure, it has mostly broken apart and there isn't a government or anything but...This is still Equestria..." I mutter, almost as if trying to convince myself.
Wick sighs. "You are probably one of the rare few who sees it that way. For most of us, this is nothing but the Wasteland," He tells me. "We can't think of it as anything else. We don't have time. It is all we can do just to survive."
"Things will get better, you know?" I tell him. They have to, I'll make sure of it. "Ponies just have to start helping each other."
"If only it were that simple," Wick replies. "It is easy to say that things will get better, Ratchet. But...our entire town was destroyed in a single day. Other towns have fallen before ours, as well. We can't afford to help each other when it takes everything we have just to keep ourselves alive," He explains. "Hell, I don't think any of us even thought about joining the militia until our town was destroyed. But now, we have nothing left and nowhere else to go."
I want to say something, but I can't think of a decent reply. "I'm sorry," I mutter.
"You say that a lot, you know?" Wick says with a chuckle. "But don't be. Hope is good. In fact, most of us had hope a week ago. But now...you know, they say that the Wasteland slowly breaks everyone who steps hoof into it. Well, I think all of us here are three hooves deep," he tells me. "One more little push, and we'll shatter. Our last ray of hope lies with the militia. If that light fades..." Wick looks up at the ceiling. "...I know I'll die."
"That's why we will join the militia, and stop the Fallen Legion," I tell him, putting a hoof on his shoulder. "You still have to give your family a proper burial, right?"
He nods. "Right."
"Then we can't give up just yet. Tomorrow, we'll reach the militia, and then, we'll take down the legion," I say, giving him a reassuring grin. "But for now, we should get some rest. You look like hell, Wick."
He laughs. "Yea, I probably do. Tomorrow, then."
I nod. "Tomorrow."
===~+~===
It is just past noon when we reach the mouth of a cave. "This is it," Wick says as he stands in front of the opening. "They should be in here."
"Right," I say, stepping past him. "Let me go first then, I'll explain the situation," I tell him.
"After you, then," He says with a nod. I walk into the cave with the others a few paces behind. Luckily, Emerald is able to walk on her own today so I can be ready incase something happens. If this does turn out to be a trap.
The cave seems pretty deep. The opening leads to a large open area, but it is bare. At the back, however, is a large tunnel that continues down. It is a bit of an incline, but I carefully make my way down it. At the bottom is a long tunnel, probably thirty feet. The tunnel itself is fairly big and clearly not natural. I'd guess it is around fifteen feet in diameter. I keep walking and come to a bend that snakes to the right. I turn the corner and am greeted with a large, wooden barricade with a door blocking the tunnel. Judging by how it is made, the barricade was put up fairly recently.
I guess I'll knock? I raise a hoof up and knock on the door a few times. No response. I knock again, but only received silence. What, do I need a secret code or something? I turn back to the others. "Wait here. I'll yell if something happens," I tell them.
"Be careful," Cora says, clearly wanting to join me.
"I'll try," I tell her as I turn back to the door and slowly push it open. As soon as I do I hear music and laughter coming the other side. I open the door wider, and only the rocky walls of the tunnel greet me. This is getting weird. Where is the militia? Why aren't there any traps or guards? I continue down the tunnel, which after a few more feet curves around to the left. Once I turn the corner, I see the source of the sounds. I enter into a large chamber filled with crates of supplies, around twenty ponies, and resting in the back I can see the barrel of a tank sticking out under a tarp.
I walk into the chamber and take the place in. No one seems to notice me standing here. There are two tan earth ponies off to my right playing cards on some crates, drinking, and smoking cigars. One is plump and the other skinny, but both have black and white paint on their face in odd designs. I notice two hatchets embedded into the crate they are playing on.
A distance away from them, at a normal table is a group of around four ponies drinking. One mare and three bucks, the mare is a unicorn and the bucks are earth ponies. The four of them appear to be the source of the laughter. I don't see any weapons near them though.
In the back right corner there appears to be some sort of bar. A unicorn buck is standing behind it pouring glasses for five ponies gathered around it. I can also make out a radio resting on top of the bar's counter. That must be the source of the music. DJ Pon3, I wonder?
At this point, it has been a few minutes since I entered the chamber and still no one seems to notice me. If this is the militia, I'm going to have to give the pony in charge an earful. I mean seriously, if I was an enemy, I could have killed most of them by now.
Near the tank I see a few ponies messing with it. One is a unicorn mare wearing overalls. The others seem to be earth ponies. Still no sign of anyone in charge, however.
To the left of the tank is a number of beds. Around four ponies are sleeping, from what I can see. At this time of day? Well, maybe they are the guards for the night shift? I hope that is the case. But, if it is, where are the guards for the day?
I look to my left, where most of the storage crates are concentrated. Mixed in with the crates, I see four ponies talking. Well, I suppose I might as well go talk to them. I start picking my way through the crates towards the group. "-ea. The whole thing was bizarre," I hear a buck say, followed by the sound of rustling paper. "Here is the letter the courier gave me. Seriously, I can't make this shit up."
"No kidding..." I mare says in surprise. "Word for word."
"Who sent it?" Another buck asks.
"No fucking clue," The first buck replies. "The courier didn't know, and the letter says fuck-all about the sender. But shit, it sure saved my stup-"
But the buck is cut off when another mare notices me and suddenly says, "Who the fuck is that!?" She is a brown unicorn with a white mane and a large scar over her snout. The other three turn to look at me, and I can hear that the laughter behind me has stopped.
I give them my friendliest smile. "Hello, my name is Ratchet. Some friends and I would like to join the militia," I tell them. "Oh, and who is in charge here? I need to have a word with them about the lack of security here." |
Fallout Equestria: Icicle | Chapter 31 - Sitrep | Chapter 31 - Sitrep
"Don't look at me. I was doing my job."
===~+~===
"Let me get this straight. Bronze Star, you are the leader of the militia, correct?" I ask the bronze coated earth pony buck who was telling the story about the courier.
He coughs. "That's...That's correct," Bronze tells me.
"And you, Bronze Star, are the one who decides the guard rotation to make sure no one gets in here without someone knowing, correct?" I ask. He starts to answer, but I cut him off. "Don't talk, just nod." he nods his head. "Ok. And you," I say, gesturing at the brown unicorn mare with the scar on her muzzle. "Snowflake, you and Bronze were on guard duty, correct?" I ask her.
She rubs the back of her head and looks down at the ground. "We were..." She mutters.
"Well, I'm glad we're getting to the bottom of things here. Now, around the time I arrived, Bronze and Snowflake decided to leave the entrance to find Hook and Hammer," I say, gesturing to an earth pony mare and buck respectively. Hook and Hammer nod their heads slowly. "And, neither of you thought that, maybe, just maybe, you should tell them to get back to guarding the entrance?" I ask.
The two of them shake their heads. "So, the four of you went into the mass of storage crates to talk about Bronze's encounter. An area, mind you, where you cannot see the entrance," I say, receiving nods from the four ponies sitting in front of me. I let out a long sigh and facehoof.
"What part of any of that sounded like a good idea?" I ask them. Hammer opens his mouth, but I raise a hoof to silence him. "It was a rhetorical question. None of that was a good idea. If I was a zebra, hell, even a raider, you would all be dead. Four of you were sleeping, almost half of you were drunk, the only ones who weren't drinking were you four, the three working on the tank, and the bartender," I lecture them.
"This is supposed to be the militia, the ponies who are fighting the Fallen Legion right? Fucking act like it," I tell them, glaring angrily at them. The other militia members are watching as well, along with the AIs and the survivors from Ebon. The militia let us in after it was clear that we weren't a threat. I made it clear by telling them each where they were standing and what they were doing as I came in, as well as how I would have killed them without the others knowing. My offer of weapons, ammo, and supplies also didn't hurt.
"Come on Ratchet," Wick says, trying to hid a smile. "They explained the situation. All the ponies in charge died, right? None of them have any idea how to properly run things. No offence," He says with a nod to Bronze Star.
"None taken," Bronze replies.
"It doesn't take a genius to realize you need to keep things guarded," I counter them. "So, listen up. From now on, at all times two guards will be at the entrance. Bronze, decide who watches it when. There are enough of us here to where we can do two hour long shifts. Now then, Snowflake, you are like the second in command, right?" I ask her. She nods.
"Ok then. Bronze, don't schedule the two of you on guard duty at the same time. Try to keep you two on opposite hours of the day. That way, there is always someone who is in charge that will be awake. Got it?" I ask. Bronze nods. "Alright then. Bronze, go do that. Meanwhile, Snowflake, why don't you introduce me to everyone?" I ask her.
"Yea, sure," She tells me with a nod.
"Thank you. Hook, Hammer, would you two watch the entrance until Bronze gets the schedule in order?" I ask.
"No problem," Hammer says, and Hook nods in agreement.
I clap my hooves together. "Excellent. After you, Snowflake," I tell her, gesturing with a hoof. She stands up and starts walking towards the closest militia ponies. I believe these are the three that were working on the tank when I came in.
"Ratchet, these three here are our maintenance team. They work on our weapons, armor, and the tank," Snowflake says. "This is our chief engineer, Ember," She gestures to the red unicorn mare wearing blue overalls.
Ember wipes her hoof across her muzzle, smearing some grease on it as a result, and then extends her hoof to me. I extend mine as well and shake her hoof. "Hiya!" She says with a beaming smile. "We were running low on spare parts before you lot came along. Now, I suppose we can just use the weapons you brought us."
"Not a problem," I tell her. "I hope what we brought is enough to give us a fighting chance against the legion."
"My thoughts exactly!" Ember says happily.
Snowflake coughs to get our attention. "And these two are Ember's assistants. Eclipse and Peppermint," She says, gesturing at a black earth pony buck and a white earth pony mare respectively.
"Nice to meet you," They echo.
"I think we will all get along nicely," I tell them. "Cora and I will try to help you get the tank up and running. Judging by the size and the barrel, it is an Ursa Major, correct?" I ask.
Eclipse nods. "That's right. The engine is having problems generating enough power to move the tank. We've been tinkering with various things to try and get it to work," He tells me.
Peppermint shrugs. "Yea, but unfortunately, it didn't come with an instruction manual. Not that Ember would even read it if we had one," She says, shooting Ember a glance.
Ember sticks out her tongue. "Why read about something when you can take it apart yourself and learn how it works for yourself?" She states.
"Because sometimes when you take things apart," Peppermint says, "you forget to write down how things go back together."
"Oh, that has happened like once," Ember says, waving a hoof.
"Five times," Eclipse states. "This month."
"Anyhow," Snowflake says, stomping her hoof. "Shall we continue, Ratchet?" She asks.
"Sure, I'll talk to you three later," I say, waving a hoof as Snowflake and I continue to over to the bar, where the bartender and his five patrons are gathered.
"The unicorn behind the bar is Medkit. He is our doctor, but he pulls double duty as a bartender," Snowflake tells me.
"Why a bartender?" I ask him.
Medkit chuckles. "Sometimes the best medicine is a good dose of alcohol. When not treating life-threatening injury, that is," He says with a sly grin. "But, in all seriousness, some of these ponies would drink all day if I let them. As a doctor, I make sure they don't over indulge themselves. As the bartender, I can regulate who gets alcohol and who doesn't."
"That makes sense, I suppose," I reply. "Okay, how about everyone else then?"
"These five are a few of our fighters. From left to right, Shimmer, Rain Shower, Solstice, Sky Shaker, and Bluegrass. Sky is also our only pegasus member," Snowflake informs me. Shimmer is a purple unicorn mare, Rain is a dark blue earth pony buck, Solstice is a golden yellow unicorn mare, Sky, like Snowflake said, is a grey pegasus, and Bluegrass is an older green earth pony buck.
"Nice to meet you all," I say with a smile. We exchange pleasantries for a moment before continuing on to four ponies sitting at a table.
"This group here is our more experienced fighters," Snowflake says as we get up to the table. She gestures to each one and tells me their names. "Scarlet, Brisk, Jackpot, and Onyx." Scarlet is a pink unicorn mare, the others are all earth ponies. Brisk and Onyx have black coats and Jackpot has a golden coat.
"What makes you four more experienced than the others?" I ask them.
"We are the last of the original militia members, that's what," Scarlet tells me. "Snowflake and Bronze Star, too," She adds. "Everyone else joined later."
"I'm sorry to hear that," I tell them with a frown.
"Don't worry about it," Brisk says. "They died striking a blow against the legion, but sadly it wasn't as big a blow as we would have liked."
"Indeed," Jackpot agrees. "But, with the new weapons and supplies you brought in, we just might have a fighting chance. For a while, anyway. I can't see us defeating them completely," he says with a frown.
"We have a plan for that, actually. But, we can talk about that later," I tell them.
Onyx raises an eyebrow. "Oh? Well, I can't wait to hear it," He tells me.
"There is still a little bit to make up for it, but we have the major parts decided," I tell him. "I look forward to working with you all."
"I'll introduce you to our sleeping members when they wake up," Snowflake tells me, leading away. "For now..." She lets out a sigh as we approach the two earth ponies bucks in face paint. "I suppose I can introduce you to these two clowns..." She says, her voice filled with irritation. She points at the bigger one. "Jay," She says, and then points at the skinny one. "Shaggy. That's it, let's go."
"Ay, ay, ay. Why you gotta be like that Flakey?" Shaggy says, holding up his hooves, like he is offended. Then he looks at me. "What up ninja?" He asks.
"N-Ninja?" I question.
"It is best to just ignore them," Snowflake says as she starts to turn away.
"Shiiiit. Why you gotta play Flakey?" Jay says, giving her a smirk. "For real, you need to get youself some dick. Cuz you up tighter than a motha fucka."
"Fuck, she can come get this dick, ya know what I'm sayin'?" Shaggy interjects, puckering up his lips and reaching a hoof under the table to emphasise the word 'dick'.
"Motha fucka, she fixin ta catch something she get on yo dick," Jay says with a chuckle.
Shaggy pulls his head back and grimaces. "Ay yo, fuck you. Bitch ass motha fucka. The only neden you gettin is fuckin ghoul bitches," He replies. "They the only ones who can bear to look at yo ugly punk ass."
Jay gets up off the box he is sitting on, and pulls an axe out of the larger crate the two are playing cards on, somehow managing to hold it in his hoof. "Man, fuck you Shaggy, man," He yells, holding out the axe in a threatening manner.
Shaggy follows suit and pulls out the second axe in the crate, and raises up on his rear legs. "Right now muhfucka, right now? Afta all the shit we been though?"
"Why da fuck not?" Jay counters. "You ain't shit."
"Uh, guys..." I say, trying to get their attention, but they don't pay any attention to me.
"Aight den bitch! Say hi to da Wraith for me!" Shaggy yells. Then the two of them swing their axes back. My eyes go wide as they start swinging straight towards each other. Just before they hit each other, I clench my eyes shut. An instant later, I hear the sound of the axes cutting into wood. This is followed by raspy, hardy laughter. Slowly, I open my eyes. The two of them are perfectly fine. Their axes are wedged back into the crate between them. "Ay yo Jay, you see the look on this bitch's face? Fuckin' priceless yo," Shaggy laughs.
"Calm down, we only clownin," Jay chuckles. "All ya'll bitches so fuckin up tight."
"Ya'll need to fuckin breath or we all gona get axed," Shaggy says, picking up some cards in his hooves. "Oh shit," He mutters, then lays the cards on the table, revealing six different cards, but all of them are jokers. "Royal flush!" He declares.
Jay throws his cards on the table. "Man, fuck you. This is why I don't play this shit with your bitch ass. You fuckin' cheat," He says, shaking his head.
"Fuck all that, this shits legit," Shaggy replies, gesturing at the cards.
Jay adjusts his weight on the crate, setting an elbow on the one between them and using that leg to lean in. "First off, a royal flush is five fucking cards. Not six. Second, you're not even supposed to have that many card. Third, we ain't even fucking playing poker," He says as he stares at Shaggy.
Shaggy looks at him calmly for a few moments with his forehooves crossed in his lap. And then in the next moment he flips the crate over, sending cards, beer bottles, and caps flying. "Well we ain't playin shit now!" He yells.
"Every fucking time..."Jay mutters as he leans down and picks up a still burning cigar. He takes a puff and then blows the smoke in Shaggy's face while saying, "Biiiitchhh." Then the two of them burst out laughing and Shaggy flips the crate back over. "Deal my ass in," Jay says with the cigar sticking out of his mouth.
"Deal my ass in," Shaggy says, poorly imitating Jay as he piles up the cards and picks them up. He tosses the cards on the table and starts walking away. "Deal yo own ass in, ima take a fuckin leak," He says.
Jay shakes his head as he starts dealing cards. "I'm tellin you man, you're pissin way too much. Have the fuckin doc check yo ass out before you start pissin blood," He calls after Shaggy.
"So he can stick a hoof up my ass? Man, fuck that," Shaggy calls back.
Jay grins around the cigar and looks over at me. "You ladies playin?" He asks, gesturing to the cards on the crate.
"No," Snowflake says flatly.
"Maybe next time," I tell him.
"Suit yoselves," He says as we walk away from him.
"Like I said," Snowflake says after we are a ways away, "ignore them."
"They seem...odd. But they don't seem too bad," I tell her. They certainly are an interesting pair. "Anyway, thank you for introducing me to everyone."
"No problem. I'm just glad someone is taking charge and actually doing something," She tells me.
"You and Bronze are in charge, not me," I tell her. "I'm just helping things along."
She shakes her head. "Honestly, if you wanted to take over for us, we'd let you. We have no experience leading ponies. We are just the ones who the positions fell to," She says. "Since the two of us landed ourselves in charge, we haven't really done anything."
"Well, let's change that," I say, giving her a smile.
Just then, Hammer calls out my name. "Ratchet! We need you at the entrance. There are some ponies who say that they know you!" Ponies that say that they know me? That...can't be.
I look to Snowflake. "Let's go. I wasn't expecting company," I tell her, and then quickly trot over to the entrance. Hook is standing in the doorway talking to someone as Hammer waits for me to get there. "So...who is it?" I ask him.
"Says his name is Lance, son of some mare named Saber?" He says with a shrug. I don't know anyone named Lance. But...Saber? It...couldn't be, could it? I walk past Hammer and tap Hook on the side to get her to move. On the other side of the doorway, is an earth pony buck in nearly perfect condition power armor, aside from some patch up work.
"Ah, there you are, Ratchet!" The buck says as he sees me. "You are Ratchet, correct? You look as mother described you, well, aside from your mane, but that lab coat is a dead giveaway," He tells me with a broad smile.
"I'm Ratchet...but...who are you?" I ask, and then look past him at the half dozen ponies in way worse looking power armor. Most of it looks like it is made out of scrap metal, like road signs. "And who are they?" I add.
The buck chuckles. "My name is Lance, you knew my mother, Saber. And we are the second generation of Junk Rats."
===~+~===
After welcoming the Junk Rats in and assuring the militia members that they weren't a threat, Lance quickly explained what they were doing here. A courier delivered a letter to Saber a few weeks ago. It told her that I was back in the Wasteland and that a zebra army was attacking Hoofington. It requested any help she could offer me and gave her the location of the militia's hideout.
Like all of the recent courier letters, this one didn't name a sender. But it was able to tell Saber enough about me and the fighting with Grimoire that she was convinced that it was from someone who knew and was helping me.
Of course, given Saber's age she wasn't able to make the journey herself. Most of the other original members I knew are in the same situation, and stayed behind to watch their home. Apparently, the Junk Rats had been accepting new recruits and now span three generations of ponies. But since the third generation isn't too old yet, only half of the second generation was able to make the journey to help out.
Other than Lance, the other Junk Rats' power armor suits range from having some original armor remaining to suits constructed completely out of rusted and worn scrap metal. More than a few look almost haphazardly thrown together, but somehow they stay intact as the ponies move around in them. But, I suppose even thrown together power armor is better than normal barding or no armor at all.
By the I finish meeting everyone and the Junk Rats get settled in, it is just past eight at night. I decide that tomorrow we can over over the plan and then Cora and I can take a look at the tank as well. Bronze finished making the guard rotation a few hours ago, so now we will have two guards watching the entrance at all times. Snowflake is staying up in the night while Bronze is going to sleep. If anything happens during the night, Snowflake will try to handle it, or wake us all up. But, if too many more ponies end up finding this place, I'll have to seriously consider the security of this location.
The night passes without issue, however. The following morning, before those who were up during the night go to sleep, I gather everyone for a meeting to go over the plan. Together, with Cora, the two of us go over Cora's plan. The primary stuff, and then some specifics. Most of the lightly armored or unarmored ponies will stay near the tank to use it as cover. Meanwhile, the AIs and Junk Rats will push from another side. I'm trusting Lance and Cora being able to act on their own away from the larger group. The two of them shouldn't have a problem. Lance is taking over as the Junk Rat's leader once Saber decides to step down.
I will be leading a group with Bronze that will advancing in front of the tank while it gives us support. Of course, we won't be directly in front of it so we don't get in its way. Our group will be made up of the four elite members, Sky Shaker, Hook and Hammer as well as Jay and Shaggy. If the tank runs into any trouble mechanically, I will run back to help if I am able.
The tank crew itself will be made up of Ember, Eclipse, and Peppermint, as well as three of the ponies from Ebon. Ember will be commanding what everyone does and working the radio to keep in contact with me and Cora's groups, while also making sure the tank continues to function properly. Eclipse will be driving while Peppermint controls the main turret. The ponies from Ebon will load the main turret and use the machine guns built into the tank. Medkit, the doctor, will ride on the back of the tank, taking cover from the majority of the fighting and only leaving his spot if someone needs help.
That leaves Snowflake, Wick, and everyone else. The remaining ponies from Ebon will ride on the tank, as they still aren't at full strength. They will be protecting the tank and covering everyone around it that the tank can't hit. Everyone else will be waiting until the tank gets close to the city. When that happens, they will join in the fighting using buildings as cover. Snowflake will be leading this group while the tank continues towards a clearing in Neighton, where it should be able to provide support for everyone.
"Remember," Cora announces, "The Fallen Legion doesn't keep slaves here. Everything in Neighton is an enemy. That means you don't have to pull any punches. And don't forget about the ponies who joined them. They paint themselves like zebras, so don't let them catch you off guard."
"Right," I agree with a nod. "Keeping this in mind, Ember, it might be hard for you to concentrate on individual targets. Instead, focus on large groups. If there aren't any large groups, level a few buildings. If they don't have anywhere to hide, they can't catch us by surprise when we enter the city," I tell her.
"Got it!" She calls out, raising up a hoof.
"Just make sure you all watch out for each other. And keep in mind that some of the zebras have stealth technology. If you see anything shimmering, or think you see something moving, shoot at it, just to be safe," Cora adds.
"I can see through their stealth with my thermal sensors, so I will be focusing on that on our side," Soar says as she stands up and waves a hoof. "But the rest of you should stay sharp, just in case."
"So then, any questions? If not, we're done here," I say as I look over the ponies sitting in front of me. No one raises a hoof or speaks up. "Alright then, we'll go over things one more time before the fight, but until then, we're done." The ponies slowly stand up and break off into groups. A few stagger off to the beds.
Cora and I make our way over to Ember, Eclipse, and Peppermint who have started working on the tank once again. "Try it again, Eclipse!" Ember calls from behind the tank. A moment later, I hear the engine of the tank trying to turn over, followed by Ember's, "EEP!" and her shouting, "STOP! STOP! STOP!" Eclipse stops and a few moments later, Ember pulls herself out from behindthe tank, covered in grease and other engine fluids. She wipes a hoof on her coveralls and then across her face to get rid of all the gunk covering it. "That wasn't it..." She mutters.
"Maybe if I reseal the gaskets, tweak the fuel intake, and reroute the exhaust?" She mutters, putting a hoof to her chin.
"We tried that, remember?" Peppermint tells her as she shakes her head.
"Well, what about going over the ignition system? Maybe something came loose?" Ember suggests next.
"Checked it over yesterday," Eclipse tells her. "So, unless you did something to it, it should be fine."
"Um, mind if we take a look?" I ask as we step up to them.
The three of them exchange glances and then nod in agreement. "Knock yourselves out," Ember tells me. I take my lab coat off and set it aside and then Cora and I make our way behind the tank to look at the engine. "Do either of you know anything about tanks? Or engines, for that matter?" She asks, walking around to join us.
"Not specifically," I tell her as I look over the engine. "But we do know a thing or two about pre-war technology and a bit about mechanics and the like. Never worked on a tank though," I say as I check a connection. "Hey Cora, aren't there usually-" She cuts me off.
"Right there, Ratchet," Cora says, gesturing towards the engine's computer connection port.
"Ah, right," I mutter as I pull out my PipBuck's cable and make the connection. Then I look through the systems and see if I can find any issues. "Cora, check the fuel filter?" I suggest. She pops out her fingers, grabs some tools, and then reaches deep into the engine. After some thrashing around, she pulls the filter back up with her.
After looking it over, she says, "Yea, looks like it needs some cleaning. But it isn't so bad it would kill the whole engine. Something else must be wrong."
"Hey Ember, you said the ignition system was fine, right?" I ask.
"Yea, we checked it yesterday, like Eclipse said," Ember tells me.
"Though we fixed it up for the first time around a week ago," Eclipse says from the front of the tank.
"Okay, I think it still had an error in the system because of that. I'll clear that out for now," I mutter as I go through commands on my PipBuck. Then I poke around in the engine for a moment before finding the spark batteries. Charged, that's good. They must have replaced them when they found the tank. I dig around a bit more and then reference the system status screen on my PipBuck. "These connector cables might be a bit too old and corroded. Cora, do we have any spare cables?" I ask her.
"What kind?" She replies, looking over the the side of the engine I'm on. I point a hoof at the cables. "Oh, maybe. Let me go check," She says and digs through her bags. "A few."
"Okay then. Ember, can you clean the fuel filter while Cora and I start replacing these cables?" I ask.
"Not a problem!" She picks it up in her magic and walks around to the other side of the tank.
"There is a lot of things that look wrong," Cora says after she leaves.
"Yea. The others did mention she likes to take things apart and sometimes doesn't remember how they go back together," I murmur. "We should probably go over everything to make sure it is as it should be. This is going to take a while."
===~+~===
It takes us two days to go over the entire engine to check it for problems. A good amount of it is improper placement, which Ember admits to being responsible for. But it isn't just her fault. A lot needs proper cleaning, some gaskets are completely worn out and a lot of cables and pipes are corroded. The five of us set about patching everything up and putting everything where it should be. Thankfully, the system interface on my PipBuck is a huge help with this. Warning and errors fade away when we do something correctly, but a lot of it is guesswork.
Finally, when Eclipse hits the ignition, the engine turns over and hums to life. It isn't the most pleasant sounding engine, clearly it is just barely functioning. But, Eclipse manages to maneuver the tank a little bit, though given the size of the cave, he only moves it a few feet and rotates it. The fact is though, that it is working.
With the tank running again, we load it will ammunition and supplies. The militia managed to find and transport around sixty 120mm shells and around seven boxes of machinegun ammo. The interior of the tank is roomy enough to fit all of it and still have enough room for all of the occupants. It will be a bit cramped, though.
Ember and her team took care of the exterior of the tank pretty well. They patched up any holes and the like weeks before we arrived. If this tank still had its repair talisman, it would be nearly unstoppable. But as it sits now, in a few places the armor is only a few layers of scrap metal thick, barely enough to stop larger caliber rounds, let alone missiles or anti-machine rounds.
Once the tank's preparation is finally complete, we wake everyone up and hold another meeting. Tomorrow, we will travel to, and attack Neighton to drive the zebras back. It will take us around six hours to get there, maybe more depending upon how fast the tank is able to travel. Because of the travel time, we will leave around four in the morning to make sure we reach the town before nightfall. Stealth technology is especially deadly in the dark, after all.
We go over the plan one more time and make sure that everyone knows what to do. We also pass out the weapons and supplies we brought to those that need them. Bronze, Snowflake, Wick, and Lance make sure that all of the ponies getting new guns make sure they know how to properly use them and have enough ammunition for the fight.
When everything is ready and everyone has everything that they need, Cora, Soar, and Macro volunteer to guard the entrance while everyone else sleeps for the night. There are not enough beds to go around, but all the ponies from Ebon get a bed, except Wick who settles in a corner between two empty crates. The other beds fill up and the others all find their own places to settle in for the night.
Me? I find a secluded place to lay down, but I don't sleep. Despite me telling everyone what to do, knowing about the fight that will take place tomorrow...I can't stop shaking. We are going to be fighting zebra soldiers. Not just some unorganized raiders. Everything I ever read or heard about the zebras come flooding back. Zebras are monsters. Zebras are cruel. Zebras want nothing but destruction. Zebras will kill you.
Am I...going to survive tomorrow's battle? |
Fallout Equestria: Icicle | Chapter 32 - Shroud of Death | Chapter 32 - Shroud of Death
"Ponies die. That is the one inevitability of war."
===~+~===
The world as I knew it, went out in a series of fiery explosions, balefire blasts, and radioactive clouds. I wasn't there to witness the final hours, but I suppose I was one of the lucky ones. I survived. I emerged, decades later, without any knowledge of the events that transpired. My world was gone, and for me it happened in the blink of an eye.
But right now, as I feel a cold shiver running down my spine while watching the makeshift bomb Cora made go off in the town of Neighton, I think I can imagine what the world looked like that day. The flames engulfing the town, instantly leveling a few nearby buildings. The screaming. If this is what scaled down versions of balefire bombs can do, it is no wonder the world was decimated. The damage that has been done...
The tank's engine and the squealing of its tracks snap me back to my senses. "Move up!" Bronze shouts and the ponies around me begin to move. I move with them, and we crest the hill the tank is hiding behind. As soon as we do, bullets start to ricochet off of the tank and hit the dirt around us. Off to my right, I can see the AIs and the Junk Rats advancing. Their armor and larger weapons drawing more attention than us.
That is, until the tank's main gun goes off and completely obliterates a small building at the edge of the town. The blast is almost deafening and shortly after it, the amount of shooting focused on us is doubled. The tank's machine guns start rattling off in controlled bursts. The other militia members begin shooting as well, and soon I join them with my gatling lasers. It is still too far to actually hit anything without a scoped rifle, but it is keeping them from advancing towards us or pinning us down while we make our approach.
Despite the chaos going on around me, I am struck by a strange thought. I shouldn't be here. Something inside of me is screaming at me, telling me that I should have no part in this battle. That it isn't my fight. That I'm not even supposed to be in Hoofington right now. But if not for me, this battle would not be happening in the first place. I told these ponies what to do, I gave them a plan, gave them hope. So...what is this feeling?
Just then, Bronze Star shakes me. "Ratchet! Why are you just standing here? You're a sitting duck out here!" He yells at me over the boom of the tank's cannon and the gunfire around us. It is then that I realize that I've been standing completely still for the past minute or so with bullets flying around me. I've just been staring at the town.
I shake my head and focus on Bronze. "I...I don't know. I'm fine though, keep going," I tell him. He gives we a worried look before running back into the fray. I follow after him a few seconds later, and help the others fire upon the zebras.
By now, several dozen zebra have taken up positions on the rooftops of the town. Not only that, but a large mass of the traitorous ponies painted like zebras have charged out of the town towards us. They are lightly armored, but are doing enough to slow our advance. On Cora's side, I can see more of the fake zebras charging out to meet them. But my focus is quickly drawn to the force attacking us as a bullet strikes my barding. It is a light caliber round, so it doesn't penetrate, but it is enough to stop me from getting distracted.
I steady myself and concentrate on the gatling lasers on my saddle. Aiming into the mass of approaching enemies, I let loose a red beams of death. At first, the shots are slow, but as the barrels spin up my shots increase in speed. Holding down the triggers, I sweep across the ponies charging us. There isn't much cover between us and the town so I manage to make multiple hits, and even turn two bucks into piles of glowing ash. The ones I hit stop long enough for the other militia members to finish them off.
A group of the fake zebra have started to drag their injured members to attempt to treat their injuries. Unfortunately for them, they are gathered up in a fairly tight cluster. The explosion that comes from them seconds later, and the rain of blood and limbs is a clear indication that Ember noticed them as well. The high explosive 120mm shell from the tank wipes them out completely and when the dust finally clears, there is nothing but a red stain on the earth where they once were.
I stare at the spot in shock for a few long moments before I hear a bullet pass inches from my head. I hear a scream behind me and turn to see Brisk, fall to the ground with a hole in his neck. The boom from the tank's cannon momentarily deafens me as I run over to the fallen buck. He is still alive, but not for long. I pull out a potion from my bags and try to put it to his lips, but he weakly raises a hoof to block it and mutters something that my ringing ears can't make out properly. The next moment, his hoof falls limply and the light in his eyes fades.
I call his name and shake his body, but it is too late. I hold his body in my hooves as the battle rages on. Sky Shaker lands next to me then raises his wing between me and Brisk. He says something I can't make out. I got too close to the tank when it shot last time. I look at him blankly. He raises an eyebrow, and then a knowing look comes over his face. Sky puts a hoof on my shoulder and then gestures with his other. He is pointing at the tank...which has smoke rising from the engine.
I look back at him as the ringing slowly fades from my ears. "-elp...ix...nk-" I can barely make out his words. Rising to my hooves, he repeats himself, "Go hel...ber fi...e tan-"
"Go...help?" I mutter in question. Sky nods and shakes his hoof over at the tank. "Fix the tank?" I ask, and he nods again. "Gotcha," I tell him and start running towards the tank. Ember is already climbing out of the hatch in the top. She is wearing a combat helmet and some fairly protective barding. She has a few tools in her mouth and her horn glows red as she opens the engine cover. I reach her a few seconds later. "What's the problem?" I ask as I take a look inside.
"Looks like an oil leak," Ember tells me as she floats her array of tools in front of her. "The rough terrain and just the natural shaking of the tank probably shook something loose."
"I see," I mutter as I look over the engine. It is hard to see with all the smoke. Everything that I can see looks intact. I hook my PipBuck into the system to see if I can determine where the leak is. After quickly scanning the readout, I find the source. "Oh no...it is deep in the engine. Given how hot it is, we are going to get a little burned trying to fix it," I tell her. Since we can't see the leak, we can't use our magic to hold things in place. Which means, we need to feel around with our hooves until we can use our magic.
Ember frowns, looks at the engine and then back at me. "I'll do it," She says, floating some tools in front of me. "Once I find it, you seal it up. Use my leg as a guide for the tools and you can use your magic," She tells me.
"What? But-" She raises a hoof to silence me.
"All I'm doing is riding in a tank and giving orders about what to shoot at. A few burns won't slow me down. But you're actually fighting on the ground. A burn could get you killed," She says. "We don't have time to argue. Just do it." Then she reaches her front hooves into the engine. She lets out a scream but quickly stifles it, gritting her teeth instead. Ember reaches deeper and deeper until she has to press her chest on the engine. If not for her barding, her chest would be nothing but burns right now. "I...err...got it," She struggles to say.
I waste no time in guiding the tools into the engine with my magic. Feeling around for her hooves. "Down a little more," Ember tells me. I lower the tools a bit. "Now, about an inch to the left." I move them again. "Yes, right there! Can you feel it? I think I've moved the part back into place, you just need to secure it," She tells me. I takes me a moment to find exactly what I have to do, but once I find it I waste no time securing the part once again.
"Got it!" I shout as I pull the tools out with my magic. Immediately afterwards, Ember pulls her legs out of the engine. When they hit the ground again, she winces. Her legs, up to her chest are covered in blisters and most of the fur is gone. They are blotchy red and look blackened in parts. Even the barding covering her chest is a bit melted.
"G-Good," Ember mutters. "Can you...close the cover?" She asks me. I wrap the cover in my magic and close it.
"Medkit!" I call up to the doctor sitting just above us. "Ember has some pretty bad burns, you need to treat her quick!" I tell him.
Ember carefully climbs back up onto the tank and looks at Medkit. "Just wrap them. I don't need a potion or any Med-X. Save that for the ponies who will need it," She says.
"But, Ember," Medkit says, worry clear on his face, "these burns..." She doesn't let him finish.
"I know, doc. I know. Wrap them. We have a battle to win," She tells him. I am about to speak up to convince her to let him treat her, but she interrupts me before I can begin. "Eclipse! Tank is good! Start her back up!" She calls. A moment later, the tank roars to life once again. I try to speak up again, but this time Medkit cuts me off.
"Go Ratchet, I'll see to Ember. The others need you," He tells me. I quickly look between him and the others fighting.
"Fine, take care of her doc," I say, and then dash away from the tank and towards where the other militia members are fighting. By now, we have chewed into the enemy lines. Bodies of the fake zebras litter the landscape. I see Shaggy and Jay use their axes to clothesline a buck and then proceed to swing the axes into the unfortunate buck. Blood arcs with each swing they make. A few more bucks try to catch them by surprise, but the two of them fight them off with apparent ease.
Bronze and Scarlet and fighting together as well. Their guns cutting into the enemies that they set their sights on. Jackpot and Onyx are together, the two of them holding their own. Sky flies overhead and strafes the fakes. Only around ten more enemies stand between us and the entrance to the town. The zebras haven't come out of the town yet. Only the fakes have. I guess the zebras are letting ponies take the damage for them, for now.
Or that is what I think, until a shimmer forms near Onyx and then reveals a zebra in a cloak. The zebra grabs Onyx and slams him to the earth. The zebra catches Onyx off guard, and he tries to scramble back to his hooves. But the zebra slams a rear hoof into his face, sending him flying back once again. I spin up my lasers, but stop before they go off. I can't shoot at this range with these, I might hit Onyx. Instead, I charge towards the pair. Jackpot is busy with the fakes and Onyx is losing one on one.
I draw two of my knives as I close the distance and throw one at the zebra, who somehow manages to backflip over the knife. I push my shock aside and continue charging towards them. My slight distraction gives Onyx the time he needs to stagger to his hooves. He wipes a hoof over his nose before charging at the zebra. I throw my second knife and the zebra dodges it by standing on one hoof. Onyx uses this chance to spin around and try to buck the zebra. But the zebra jumps on his single hoof and lands on Onyx's back, then kicks off him and lands on its rear hooves. Onyx falls flat at the sudden shift in his balance.
The zebra then cartwheels to smash its hooves down on Onyx's head, but luckily Onyx manages to roll out of the way in the nick of time. But the zebra presses the attack and slams all of their hooves down at where Onyx just rolled to. The zebra's hooves come down on one of Onyx's legs. I hear the snap from here followed by Onyx's howl of pain. But just as the zebra is about to finish him off, a single bullet flies through the air and punches a hole in the zebra's head. The zebra's eyes go wide for a single moment before its body falls with a thud.
I look back at where the shot came from. On top of the tank, I see Wick waving a hoof with a sniper rifle under him. I wave back and then turn back to Onyx. Bone is sticking out of his leg. Definitely not a good sign. And if I give him a potion or anything with it like that, it will heal wrong. Instead, I carefully help him to his hooves. "Do you think you can get to Medkit?" I ask him.
"I...Maybe?" Onyx grunts as he tries to walk on three legs.
"He won't have to do it alone," Jackpot says as he trots over. "I'll help him. Sorry. If I would have finished up sooner..." But Onyx shakes his head.
"It is fine, shit happens, right?" Onyx says with a forced grin. "Let's get going. Who know if the-" But he doesn't get the chance to finish his sentence as his head explodes. Blood and soft tissue showers Jackpot and I as we stare in horror.
"Sniper!" Sky calls down as he passes over us. "Move now!" The two of us quickly snap out of it and start moving again. Damn it! If only we hadn't stayed in one place for so long! I charge at the next group of fakes and quickly send a few of my knives at them. Their light barding doesn't cover much, so my knives find purchase. The shock of the knives gives me just enough time to spin up my lasers and finish them off.
The fakes between us and the town are all but gone and we are only a few yards from the entrance. The zebra are doubling their efforts on us, trying to pin us down. Static comes over my PipBuck, followed by Ember's voice. "Ratchet, Cora, tank team is heading into the town," She says. "We will find a place around the clearing to hold and our passengers will clear out a nearby building. Medkit will set up shop in there to treat the wounded. I'll fill you in when we get there."
"Gotcha!" Cora replies. I begin to speak but shooting from the roof of a nearby building interrupt me. Instead, I charge quickly towards the town and take cover against a wall.
"Ember, can you hit that building just inside the town on your left? I think they have a machine gun set up on top of it," I tell her.
After a moment, she replies. "I see it." A roar erupts from the radio and a second later, the building begins to fall over. "Got it, it's coming down. Shit, it is coming down in front of us. Eclipse, full speed, ram through the debris," She shouts. I watch as the tank rapidly approaches the town and slams into the falling debris. The tank further destroys the building but manages to power through. "We're through," Ember says over the radio. "See you gals on the other side!"
Snowflake and Wick's group gallops past me after the tank, climbing over the rubble. Without the zebras on that roof shooting at me, I catch back up with Bronze and the others from my group. Besides Brisk and Onyx, everyone else seems to have survived the approach. Jackpot looks a little rough for wear and Hammer has his right legs bandaged up. Everyone else has a number of minor injuries, but nothing too major. "Alright, Ratchet, what now?" Bronze asks as we all catch our breath.
I look our group over and quickly devise a plan. Since we are in town now, staying as a large group could result in friendly fire. Instead, we should split into two groups. "Bronze, you take Hammer, Shaggy, and Jay. Sky, since you can fly, move between the groups and provide them with cover. Stay low, though. We don't want you to get shot out of the sky. Everyone else with me," I tell them. "We'll split up and clear the town."
Bronze nods. "Right, you heard the lady! Let's go!" He shouts and starts leading his group away. I lead mine a different way, down an alleyway. The four of us proceed carefully. There is no telling when a zebra with a stealth cloak will attack. We make it through the alley and then enter the closest building. I can hear gunfire above us, but I can't tell for sure if it is coming from this building, or a neighboring one. The entire city is ablaze with shooting anyway, so telling where one particular shot comes from is impossible. Not only that, but the occasional sound of the tank's main gun going off drowns out much of it.
After clearing the first floor, we continue up the stairs to the second floor of the building. The first few rooms are empty, but as we make our way down the hall I hear the gunfire getting louder. Hook, who has one shotgun on her saddle and an assault rifle on the other, takes point. We are about to reach the next door when Jackpot suddenly yells out, "Stop!" But his shout is drowned out by the explosion that erupts from under Hook, severing two of her legs immediately and sending shards of metal into her stomach.
"Shit!" Jackpot curses as he pushes past me to try and stop Hook's bleeding. But I can already tell she isn't going to pull through. The mine she stepped on sealed her fate. She knows it too as she reaches up to Jackpot with one of her good hooves. Jackpot cradles her in his hooves as she touches his cheek.
"W-win..." Hook murmurs weakly. Then her hoof falls limply to the floor and she grows still.
"Damn it!" Jackpot yells. "Not Hook too..." But I hear something else other than Jackpot's anger. Or, perhaps the lack of sounds, since the gunfire that was coming from beside us until recently has stopped.
"Get out of the hallway!" I yell as I start running backwards. As soon as the words leave my lips, bullets start flying through the walls of the hallway. Chunks of wood are sent flying and barely miss Jackpot as he tries to rise to his hooves. I gesture for him to stay down and he does so as bullets fly over his head. Scarlet is right behind me as we make it around the corner, but she took a few hits. After a while, the shooting stops and the house is silent. Jackpot looks at me then at the door we were about to enter through.
The door opens a crack and two grenades roll out. Jackpot's eyes go wide, but luckily Scarlet is quick on the uptake. She takes the grenades in her magic and throws them to the end of the hallway away from Jackpot. The grenades go off a moment later and blow out the wall. Then, a shimmer comes out of the gap in the door. Jackpot sees it too and fires at it. Blood flies from the blur and it falls to the floor. A dead zebra with a few holes in its head appears where it fell.
"My turn," Jackpot says as he pulls a grenade out of his bag and tosses it into the room. I wrap the door in my magic and pull it closed once the grenade is inside. An explosion follows, as well as screaming and then silence. I trot back over to Jackpot and carefully peek inside the door. Two dead zebras, or what is left of them. I don't notice any other shimmers in the room.
"I think you got them, Jackpot," I say as I pull my head back out.
He is just staring at Hook's body. "What the fuck are we doing?" He asks. "This is what it took to clear a single building? We...we can't win this..."
Scarlet walks up and puts a hoof on his shoulder. "She...had some bad luck," Scarlet offers, trying to find the right words. "If we would have noticed it sooner...We wouldn't have lost her."
"But we did lose her," Jackpot counters. "And Brisk, and Onyx too. Who knows how many those Junk Rat ponies have lost. And those ponies from Ebon, they barely have the strength to fight. Not to mention each of these zebras have had those damn stealth cloaks! We are fighting a losing battle!"
I slam my hoof in the floor. "Shut up!" I yell at him. "What do you want us to do, run away? Then Hook and the other will have died for nothing! We all knew there was a risk we would die in this fight. Despite that, the survivors of Ebon, the Junk Rats, and me and my friends joined up with the militia to fight against the zebras," I tell him as I glare at him angrily.
"Do you know why we are all alright with fighting against the zebra, even knowing the odds?" I ask him rhetorically. "Because we all know, if they aren't stopped here they will continue killing. So stand the fuck up, stop your complaining, and let's get back out there and kill every last one of those striped Luna-damned pieces of shit!" I yell. I watch him for a few moments as my words sink in before I turn and start to leave the building. "Or stay here by yourself and die. But I'm going back out there and I'm going to fight until all of them are dead or I am."
I don't look back as I keep walking. "Well, you certainly gave him a good lecture," a familiar voice says from in front of me. An instant later, a red cloaked figure appears in front of me.
"If he isn't going to fight, he will just get in the way. You're War, you should understand. Besides, Hook told us to win. I'll make sure we do," I reply.
"My my," War says with a chuckle. "And here I thought you were a kind mare. Seems you've changed. Before, you wouldn't have given him an ultimatum. You would have tried to reason with him, instead of going off on him like that," He tells me.
"This time is different," I counter. "We aren't dealing with some random raiders here. These are invading zebras set on taking over Equestria."
"Honestly, it isn't all that different. Both groups want control over others," War replies. "What is so different between the Fallen Legion and Discordia? In fact, I'd say Discordia was worse. It wanted to destroy, not just to conquer. But, I think you're blinded by pre-war hatred of zebras. Or maybe it is that you really have changed," He says with a shrug.
"They are the ones who are enslaving ponies and crucifying them," I say as I glare at him.
"Right. And I'm sure ponies don't enslave other ponies or that raiders don't mutilate and torture ponies either, right?" War asks. "But...we both know that they do. You're just fixated on them because they are different."
I roll my eyes as I reach the first floor. "Don't you have a job to do? Or do you not collect the souls of stripes?" I sneer.
"I do. I just thought I would say hello. But really, Ratchet...if you can even call yourself that anymore...You should take a long, hard look in a mirror. You're not yourself. Don't try to be someone you're not," He says, and then disappears an instant later.
"Yea, sure, run away," I mutter as I continue walking towards the door. But I stop when I hear hoofsteps coming down the stairs. I turn and see Scarlet and Jackpot making their way down. Jackpot looks at me with guilt covering his features.
"I'm sorry," Jackpot tells me when the two get close. "I was...out of line. I know you are just here to help...but...they were my friends, you know?" He lets out a sigh. "And you are right. We need to keep fighting, or else Hook and the others will have died for nothing."
I nod. "I'm glad you came around," I reply. "And...I'm sorry to. I was being overly harsh. I don't know what came over me."
"I'm glad you two made up and all," Scarlet interrupts, "but incase you forgot, there is a battle going on around us. Let's go." She walks towards the door. Jackpot and I exchange a soft smile and follow after her.
The three of us step back out into the street and instantly gunfire is directed at us. We scramble for cover, but I feel a few bullets hit my barding. Not enough to penetrate, luckily. Once in cover, I can see five zebra down the street from us, but two of them disappear behind their cloaks. I fire my lasers at where they were, but can't tell if I hit them or not. Instead, I sweep my lasers across to the others that I can still see. I hit one, but the others duck behind cover, dragging the one I did hit with them. A moment later all three spring up again and start returning fire on me.
But Scarlet and Jackpot's shots quickly shift their focus from me, two of them anyway. The other seem dead set on shredding the wooden barrel I am behind into swiss cheese. The zebra is using a large caliber rifle, and large chunks of the barrel splinter off with each hit. I wait for him to reload before attempting to return fire.
I lean out of cover to do so, but all of the zebra are gone now. "Oh no..." I mutter as I look around for shimmering. Scarlet and Jackpot seem to be doing the same. "Stick together!" I call over to them and we gather up and put our backs to each other. A few tense moments go by before I see a shimmer. "There!" I shout and start shooting. I can tell my lasers are hitting something so I keep shooting until a dead zebra takes form laying on the ground. "One down..."
Then the others are upon us. A hoof catches me in the jaw and sends me sprawling to the ground. Judging by the sound of hoof striking flesh, the others have suffered the same fate. I quickly shake off my daze and look around. Scarlet has been kicked a ways away from me, but Jackpot is still close by. Between the two of them, I can see a zebra standing on its rear hooves with its back turned to me. It looks like it is about to attack Scarlet again. Thinking quickly, I draw a knife and throw it at the standing zebra.
My knife strikes them in the back and they turn to look at me, a scowl on their face. Before I can react, I feel a hoof kick me in the side, followed by another slamming onto my back. I scream out in pain as Jackpot shoots at one of my attackers, catching them in a leg. The fourth zebra kicks Jackpot in the head again, sending him reeling. This is bad. We can't fight back like this. We need some space. "Stay down!" I yell, and receive a series of kicks to my face and sides. I grit my teeth through the pain.
I focus, gripping each of my remaining knives with my magic. In a quick motion, I draw all of them and slash them around myself. A few of my knives hit the two zebras that are attacking me, causing them to jump away. Carefully, I get to my hooves and find the other two zebras. They are standing over Scarlet and Jackpot, pounding away at them mercilessly. Without skipping a beat, I send three knives at each of them. They don't kill them, but it is enough to allow Scarlet and Jackpot to finish them off.
One of the remaining zebras tackles me and I collapse onto the ground once more. The other zebra seems to be done messing around and raises a rifle, aiming it at Jackpot while standing on two hooves. I realize this is the same zebra who was destroying the barrel I was behind. I try to call out to warn Jackpot, but a hoof to my head prevents me from doing so. The next instant, I hear the gunshot followed by the thump of a body hitting the ground.
When I look up, I see the top of Jackpot's head is missing. The zebra is already taking aim at Scarlet. Without hesitating, I draw Forgiveness and empty the cylinder into the zebra. Every shot hits, and the fourth shot penetrates its skull. The remaining zebra kicks my horn, making me drop the gun. It then draws a gun of its own and presses it against my head.
I close my eyes. Well. This is it, I guess. At least I managed to save Scarlet...for now. Maybe she can fight off this zebra, and then regroup with the others. Maybe they'll win. But just as I'm about to accept my death, a gunshot rings out, but not from the zebra's gun.
Opening my eyes, I watch as the zebra falls to the ground, a hole in his head. I look over at Scarlet, but her eyes are up towards the sky. Struggling to my hooves, I turn to follow her gaze just as Sky lands beside me. "Are you two alright?" He asks. I'm at a loss for words.
Scarlet answers for me. "We are now. But...Jack..." She mutters as she looks towards Jackpot's body. She shakes her head. "How is everyone else doing?" She asks.
"It is hard to tell," Sky replies. "Seems most of the zebras have those damn stealth cloaks, so it is hard to tell if we are winning. Bronze's team has lost Jay, but other than that they seem to be holding their own. I saw the Junk Rats and they seem to be down two members," Sky informs us. "Oh, and Ember has found a place for the tank. The clearing has an alcove she backed it into that has a good view of the rest of the clearing. Snowflake and the others are working on taking the nearby buildings. Don't know how well they are faring."
"I see," Scarlet mutters as she limps closer to us. "Are you doing okay?"
"Yea, for the most part. Don't think the zebra know how to fight a pegasus. Not while I'm flying around, at least," Sky replies.
"I suppose they've never fought one before," I mutter, holding my ribs. I think one might be broken. "You're kind of a rarity in the Wasteland, you know. They probably don't have many where they're from either. But, still, be careful," I tell him as I float out two healing potions. I drink one as I float the other one to Scarlet. She takes it and drinks it as well. I've got potion left now.
Sky nods. "Of course. You two going to be alright on your own?" He asks.
"I think so," I tell him. "We'll head for the clearing, so if we run into trouble we should be able to get some help."
"Sounds good. For the most part, the west side of the town looks clear," Sky says. "The Junk Rats have gotten the focus of most of the zebra in the south. And the north side of the town where the bomb went off is pretty barren as well. The east is probably where the rest of the zebras are collecting. The tank is going to draw a lot of attention, if it hasn't already."
I nod with a smile. "Thanks for the info. Take care," I tell him.
"Take care," He replies. Sky spreads his wings and takes off again.
"Alright Scarlet, let's head for the clearing," I tell her I start for the east.
"Right behind you," She replies.
I float my knives back to me as we walk. "Scarlet...I don't mean to come off as rude or anything, but you seem to be handling the deaths of your friends fairly well," I say. Despite a few worried words she seems to be holding herself together rather well.
"I'm used to it," She replies. "When the legion first attacked, I lost my town. Then when I joined the militia, I lost comrades. The first dozen times, I cried, I got caught up in the sorrow of their deaths, but I soon realized that sorrow has no place on the battlefield," Scarlet explains. "If you mourn the dead while fighting, you'll only get yourself killed."
"I understand," I mutter as we continue. Neither of us are in good condition. One potion each didn't help us much. I can feel my face swelling up, but it isn't enough to force us to stop. As we come to an intersection, two zebras run out in front of us. They aren't wearing cloaks like the others and don't seem to notice us. Scarlet opens fire and I follow with my lasers a moment later. The zebras are dead before they can even react.
"I think the clearing is just a few more blocks," I say as we turn down the road the zebras were coming from. Maybe they were running from Ember and the others? We make it another block before what it really was. A trap. In front of us, seven zebras appear from behind their cloaks with weapons trained on us. "Shit," I curse under my breath as Scarlet and I come to a stop a few yards from them.
One of them steps forward and says something in zebra. The zebra throws his cloak aside, revealing intricate metal armor and a helmet made to resemble a wolf. In one fluid motion he rises to his rear hooves and raises his gun, an anti-machine rifle by the look of it, with his front hooves. The next instant, he fires a single shot, missing me completely. But I hear the fleshy impact that it made from just behind me and feel warmth pelt my back. I turn around, wide eyed and stare at Scarlet's headless body resting on the ground behind me.
I let out a scream and start to spin up my lasers to shoot the zebra, but he fires two more shots. He doesn't hit me, but my gatling lasers, causing them to shatter into scrap metal. "Your resistance is useless," The zebra buck says, tossing his rifle behind him for the others to catch. "I am the Legate of the Fallen Legion, and you are nothing but a worm before me. But you...You are different from the other worms. You seem to be the one in charge, from what I have seen," He tells me.
He turns to the other zebras and says something in their tongue. The rest of the zebras lower their weapons. "I will fight you in one on one hoof-to-hoof combat. I will break you, make you regret your actions here, but before you die, I will save you," He says as he stares at me from behind his mask. "I will take your broken and bloody body to the highest point in the city, and crucify you. Make the other ponies gaze upon you. Their spirits will break and then they will share your fate."
I laugh. "And I suppose if I beat you, you're zebras will just finish me off anyway?" I ask, shaking my head. One way or another, I'm going to die.
The Legate shakes his head. "They are to let you escape. Unlike you ponies, us zebras have honor and stay true to our word. The battle will not end and you are free to rejoin it, but you will leave here alive," He explains.
"I suppose I don't really have a choice, anyway. Well then, let me ask you another question. Will they shoot me if I use my knives?" I ask him.
"Since it seems like you do not know how to fight properly, I will allow it," He replies. "Now then, prepare yourself." The Legate strikes a pose as he stares at me. I draw my knives and ready myself for his first attack. The next moment, he flips towards me rapidly and stands on a forehoof as he kicks at me a rear leg. I raise two knives to block the kick, but when his hoof strikes them they are knocked from my magic. Another kick follows his first and strikes one of my legs, causing me to fall over. "Such a lack of discipline," He mutters as he gets back to his rear hooves. "How you came to lead these ponies, is beyond me."
I slowly get to my hooves. "True, I'm not a fighter," I tell him as I grab the two knives off the ground again. "I'm more of a thinker. A mare with a plan, you might say." I say that, but it isn't like I have a plan right now. I just need to win.
He charges again, but this time I throw two of my knives at him. Of course, he nimbly dodges them and the launches himself at me with a single hoof. His other three hooves impact my body and send me flying a few feet down the road and all my knives drop from my magic at the impact. This time he doesn't relent and continues the attack. He jumps through the air and twists his body to try and bring a hoof down on my head. I roll out of the way just as he stomps down on the ground, his impact cracking the road.
I pick up some knives in my magic and swing at the Legate, but he just dodges effortlessly. "Really, your attacks are slow and obvious," He tells me. "Even if you do strike me, I doubt they'll have any power behind them." I continue swinging and as if to demonstrate his point, he blocks my attacks with his hooves, stopping them instantly. "That is the thing with you unicorns," He says as he leaps closer to me, "you focus so much on your magic, you forget about using your body in combination with it." His front hooves slam into the ground and he swings his rear hooves under him and into a fierce kick that hits me squarely in the chest and knocks the wind out of me.
Staggering back, I gasp for air as I swing wildly at him, even throwing a few knives to try and catch him off guard. But no matter how I go about attacking him, he avoids or blocks my knives. Even if I strike from behind him. "Pathetic," He murmurs as he delivers a sweeping kick that knocks my hooves out from under me. "Let's end this." He jumps and slams his hooves down on my left foreleg. I let out an ear splitting scream as I feel the bones in my leg snap. He rolls off and gets back into his stance. "Well? Can you stand? Do you admit defeat?" He asks.
Carefully, I pull myself to my hooves, but I can't put any pressure on my broken leg. Each time I attempt to, immense pain runs through it, even more than the already blazing pain it is causing already. I try to pick up my knives, but I can only manage two now. I float one into my mouth and pick up another. If he gets close, I will stab him with the one in my mouth. Not to mention having something to bite down on helps ease my pain a bit. "Still have some fight, I see? Not for long," He says as he attacks again.
I slash my knives at where he is heading, but he jerks backwards to avoid the slashes and then flips over my knives. In midair, he twists so his rear hooves are pointed upwards as he flies towards me. Before gets too close, in one fluid motion he swings his rear hooves down so fast that I cannot avoid them. His hooves strike the top of my head, slamming me onto the ground and making the world spin around me. For a short time, the everything is silent as he lands just in front of me. I try to move, but I only feel myself twitching.
"Can't move?" The Legate says as he stares down at me. "Very well. The victory is mine." Then he starts speaking zebra to the others. Oh no, am I going to be crucified now? I hear some zebras approaching from behind me. When they be next to me, they grab my legs and lift me up. One is holding me by my broken leg, but I am too messed up to do more than groan out at the pain. More zebra talk and then they start dragging me backwards. I weakly move my eyes to glance at Scarlet's body. Moving my lips, only soft whispers of air escape. 'I'm sorry.' Is what I try to say, but I just don't have the strength.
Gunshots ring out and I fall limply to the ground again. I hear yelling in zebra and heavy hoofsteps. The Legate steps into my vision, standing on his rear hooves and shouting orders in that zebra tongue. A moment later, a suit of power armor enter my vision and locks hooves with the Legate. The power armor...it looks like...Lance? The two of them struggle for control and as much as I want to witness the outcome my vision slowly fades into darkness.
===~+~===
When next I awake, the sounds of fighting has dwindled. A few gunshots ring out, but it is nothing compared to what was going on before. Slowly, I open my eyes which is an effort in itself. My body aches, but I see Cora sitting over me. "C-Cora?" I mutter weakly.
"Ratchet! You're awake!?" She exclaims happily. She then turns and shouts, "Medit! Ratchet's awake!" I hear hoofsteps coming closer and then Medkit appears in my vision as well.
He smiles weakly down at me. "Ah, good to see you awake," He tells me. "Lance carried you here unconscious, despite not being in the best condition himself. I gave you hydra to heal your broken leg and gave you a single healing potion. But you're body is still weak."
I blink and attempt to sit up, but he stops me with a hoof. "But..." I mutter weakly. "The...battle...everyone..." I fall back to the ground as I become lightheaded.
Cora nods to Medkit, and he leaves us. "Lance and the Junk Rats took down the Legate," Cora explains. "They took his body and strung it up in the clearing. It wasn't long before the legion fell apart at the sight of their fallen leader. Some fled, but others tried fiercely to reach his body. We held here, and now are trying to finish clearing the town."
"Who..." I take a careful, deep breath. "Who...survived the attack?" I ask.
"Macro, Soar, and Hal are doing alright," Cora tells me. "Lance is hurt, but still alive along with three of the other Junk Rats. Um...Sky Shaker lost a wing, but he should survive. Medkit is helping him right now. Hammer is the only one who survived from Bronze's group..." She trails off as she looks around the room we are in. "I'm not sure about the other groups. It has been fairly crazy since I got here. The tank was destroyed though," She mutters.
Another set of hoofsteps approach and I turn my head to the right as Wick sits down beside me with a lit cigarette sticking out of his mouth. "The doc told me you were awake," He says. "I guess...we won?" He mutters weakly, not looking at me so much as staring past me. "Things were...bad. We lost a lot of good ponies today," He says with a frown.
"Y-Yea..." I mutter in agreement. "My group was decimated. What about...your's?" I ask him.
Wick takes a drag of his cigarette and then exhales slowly. "Snowflake is alive. Medkit is watching over her. The rest died. Now, the only folk left from Ebon are me and the three that rode in the tank," He says sadly. "I hear that Ember...she made sure they survived," He glances aside.
"Then, the tank crew survived?" I ask. "I was worried when Cora said the tank was destroyed." I breath a sigh of relief, as little a relief that is. There has been enough death today. But Wick's face is dark. "What is it?" I ask.
"Ember didn't make it," He tells me. "I don't know the details, but she didn't make it out of the tank." I close my eyes. Ember was a good mare, during the time I knew her, that is. All of the ponies who died today were good ponies. But...at least we won...right? Right?
"So...of everyone we went in with...eighteen of us survived?" I ask for clarification. eighteen...counting the Junk Rats, the AI, and me. We started with thirty-six. Half...we lost half of our group, but we won. I have mixed emotions. Should I be thankful that only half of us died? Or should I be sad that we lost so many?
Wick blows another plume of smoke. "Half," he mutters. "But now, Hoofington will be safe. No more towns will suffer the same fate as Neighton or Ebon," He says. "At least, once we drive them all out. Most have died or retreated, but there will still be remnants here and there. Snow...She's going to track them down with the rest and finish them off. I'm going to help. Once I bury my family, that is," Wick tells me.
"I see. That's good," I mutter.
"What about you?" Wick asks. "Will you help us get the rest of them?"
I start to answer, but Cora speaks up first. "We are going to return home," She says. "Ratchet is in no condition to keep fighting." I want to argue, but given how I am feeling right now, she is right.
Wick sighs. "I'm sorry to hear that. Well, I'll be going then. Snowflake and some of us are going to go help the Junk Rats clear the town completely," He says as he gets up.
"Wait," I call up to him. "Can you have one of the tank crew come here?" I ask. "I want to hear what happened to Ember."
Wick nods. "Of course," He says, and then continues walking away.
"Cora," I start, "why can't we stay and help them? Sure, I'm hurt, but I will recover after a while. You and the others could really do some good, though."
"Our supplies are getting a little low," Cora explains. "And, we have spare medical supplies at Icicle Lab. We can heal you up easily without using any of the militia's already small supply. Besides, the major battle is over. It is just clean up now."
"I see. I guess I understand that," I reply. "But still, it feels like we should be helping, not leaving." Cora doesn't reply, but just lowers her head.
A sudden chuckle from my left draws my attention. I carefully turn my head and see the red cloaked figure of War. "She's lying, you know. In truth, she and those other AI were never here for the ponies of Hoofington. They were here for Ratchet's sake," He says as he shoots me a glance. "Oh, and you'd best not reply. She'd think you've gone crazy. Head injuries tend to do that sort of thing," War says with another chuckle.
"I do have to get back to work. But listen kid, you should take my words to heart. Look in a mirror and see if you're truly worthy of the name Ratchet anymore. Because honestly, you're nothing like her," He tells me, and with that he disappears again. Not worthy of the name Ratchet? I laugh slightly to myself. I haven't changed, I'm the same as always.
They did tell me they watched me because they got bored. War must be looking to stir up more action. But I won't turn on Cora that easily. She is my friend and I made her myself. Cora can't lie to me.
Hoofsteps approach once more. This time it is Eclipse who stands beside me. "Wick says you wanted to hear about what happened with Ember?" He asks.
"Yea," I tell him. "I hear she didn't make it. What happened?"
Eclipse sits. "The zebras finally brought out the AM rifles and rockets. We managed to withstand a few shots, but the eventually caused a fire to erupt inside," He tells me. "When we weren't able to put it out, we had to abandon it and escape out the hatch. As the commander, Ember made sure we all got out first, but she was in a bad way already."
"Those burns she got, they started getting worse, sitting in the hot tank. After helping us all out, she wasn't able to pull herself out. The flames climbing around her didn't help the matter either," Eclipse says grimly. "I was the last one out, I tried to pull her out, but I think her armor got caught on something. In the end, the flames reached her and finally she told me to let her go and get away."
He shakes his head with a frown. "I wouldn't. I was going to drag her out of that tank if it was the last thing I did. She knew that. And so, with the strength she had left...she took her pistol and shot herself in the head," Eclipse says as his voice chokes up. "I was shocked, but I left her to take cover from the zebras shooting at me. I suppose suicide was easier than burning to death." He lets out a long, sad sigh. "She saved our lives. Saved my life. After I got off the tank, the remaining shells we had exploded. I would have died if I stayed there a moment longer."
"I'm sorry," I mutter. "It was my fault she got the burns in the first place."
Eclipse frowns. "No, it wasn't your fault. It is just the kind of mare she was. Helping others even if it meant hurting herself. You know, she rarely slept while fixing the tank. She was determined to make it run so we could use it," He explains. "If anything, I should thank you. She got to see the tank working and commanded it before she died. I could tell it made happy."
"I...I'm glad," I say, smiling weakly. "Still, it doesn't change the fact she's gone. She'll be missed."
"Yea. She will be. But, we'll remember her. Right?" He asks with a smile.
I nod weakly. "Right," I agree.
Eclipse stands back up. "Well, I'll let you get some rest. Take care, Ratchet," He says.
"You too, Eclipse. Thanks," I reply as he trots away. "Hey Cora, I think I'm going to go back to sleep. Okay?" I tell her. I feel really tired.
"Of course. I'll be here when you wake up," She says. And with that, I close my eyes and quickly drift off to sleep.
===~+~===
After I woke up again, the battle in the city had ceased. The militia pushed out all the zebras. We had completely won. The militia members found a few carts to use to load their injured and dead into and the Junk Rats used one for their dead.
The AIs and I saw the two groups off and then, I got in Cora's armor. I was still pretty weak, so she maintained control of the armor and the four of us make our way back to Icicle Lab. Once we returned, Cora helped treat my injuries. It took a few more days before I was back at one hundred percent, even with the help of potions.
In the end, thinking back on the battle, I didn't really do a whole lot during the fighting. The others are the ones who did most of the work and Lance really stole the show. I state as much in the entry on my terminal.
A lot of ponies died, but in the end, I think it was worth it. Equestria will remain safe from the zebra threat. Until they mass again to try another invasion. If they manage to at all. I hope that day never comes. I hope they stay back where they came from.
For now, however, I'll get back into the pod until I'm needed again. |
Fallout Equestria: Icicle | Intermission - HAL | Around the year 90, things started to get really bad in the wasteland. I'm talking huge groups of raiders, slavers, and Steel Rangers all trying to get you. The raiders and Rangers would try to kill you and the slavers, of course, would try to enslave you. Of course, these three groups weren't the only things to worry about. There were also cannibals, power hungry individuals, ruthless scavengers, zebra remnants, groups of ghouls or robots, and alicorns started to show up at one point.
These groups alone are bad enough, but when you consider all of the pre war technology that began to once again circulate around the Wasteland thanks to scavengers and other groups rediscovering it, the groups also got a lot well armed. When Ratchet and I first left the lab, most weapons and armor amounted to glorified heaps of scrap. At year 90, laser and plasma weaponry was becoming a lot more common, as were explosives and heavy weapons. Armor also started to get better as well. All in all, hostile ponies got a lot more deadly.
For the next decade my friends and I managed to hold our own against these forces. Most of the time, we avoided them if we could. After all, there was no reason to needlessly fight. Soar would warn us about threats before we encountered them and if we ever got ambushed, our suits protected our inner components enough to keep us moving. That is just one of the benefits to being an AI in a hollow suit. Of course, Macro had it a bit rougher, as he still used a Mr. Handy body.
More than a few times, our bodies would be shot to hell and only Soar's suit had a repair talisman in it. This left Macro and me to repair our own suits as they got damaged, and out in the field sometimes we had to make due with wonderglue covered sheets of metal. On one occasion, Soar and Macro were hit with a emp grenade. This caused a horrible problem for me as I was still outnumbered about ten to one.
Luckily, they only had the one grenade and I managed to take them out at the cost of a good portion of my body falling apart from bulletholes alone. I was able to drag myself over to Soar and Macro to initiate a restart of their systems. Once they were back up, we stopped our trip and Soar had to carry me back to the lab for repairs. After that, I made sure to upgrade us all with an auto-restart system incase of future emp attacks. The system wouldn't kick in for a few minutes after the emp goes off, so we also had to institute a new policy of not standing near each other while fighting to make sure none of us went down at the same time.
Around the year 100, these sorts of incidents began to occur more frequently. We would find our bodies being damaged almost every other excursion into the Wasteland. We tried to do a number of things differently to avoid further damage. But whether we chose different routes, traveled only at night, or even tried to run at the first sight of anything that might be hostile, we kept running into trouble.
Because of this, in the year 106, we decided that it was time for a new addition to our group. We quite easily decided upon their body and designation, but the personality was the question. In the end, we just decided to adjust the traits randomly, even maxed out a few of the values. We were not sure what kind of personality we were going to get.
Of course, since we used a copy of Soar's program, their base abilities would be the same. Decent accuracy and precision with their movements. This would be very important for what we had in mind. The only thing that concerned us, is whether or not this new AI would choose to stay with us or leave. Macro and Soar had prior knowledge before making their choice. Soar had my knowledge and Macro had been here for years already. But for a completely new AI with no prior knowledge, how would the offer seem?
We didn't have to wait long to find out. When we activated H.A.L., we explained to him what he was, introduced ourselves, and told him the situation. He was pretty perceptive about it all, and took it all rather well. He was polite, like Macro, but Hal's voice was deeper and carried more weight with it. Of course, we found during our first fight with Hal his personality had another aspect to it.
It turns out, while Hal was perfectly polite when in civilized company, he does a complete one-eighty when in combat. He swears, a lot, insults his enemies, and likes to play mind games. He was like Twinkle, in a way. But he was deeply sadistic and cruel to those who stood against him. Twinkle fought aggressively, but she was never this cruel to her enemies. Hal also really enjoyed explosions. He really, really liked them. Sometimes he would throw a grenade just to see it blow up when there wasn't even anyone around.
Of course, all of this we found out later. But his body surely helped us to discover it. It was oddly, a perfect match for this other side of her personality. Hal's name stands for Heavy Assault and Logistics. We needed someone with more firepower, Hal was our solution. I started by taking three of the remaining ranger suits and taking them apart. I then built off the frame of one of the suits that still had a working repair talisman.
Hal's body was going to be big and weigh a lot. As a result, I started by reinforcing the legs and taking some of the pistons off the other suits and put them onto this one. Each leg has double the amount of pistons and servos as the regular suits. I hoped this would not only help stabilize him, but also keep him quick enough to keep up with us for the most part. But I wasn't done there.
After the upgrades to the legs, I set about upgrading the basic armor to a sort of composite armor, like that in armored vehicles. This wouldn't be nearly as good, but it was essentially an outer layer that was the original armor, then about an inch deeper into the armor, I made another layer of the metal armor for the suit. Between these two layers, I put sand, which is in abundance just outside the lab. The joints of the armor and the area where the internal magazines feed through the suit into the exterior guns are still weak, but that's to be expected. Due to this armor scheme, his innerworkings are a lot closer together than in the other suits.
I didn't stop there, however, I upgraded the exterior armor too. The legs each have reinforced plates along the length and additional parts of the armor that cover the joints in the knees. I also covered the shoulders with more armor to protect the joints. Since the armor didn't need to be comfortable for an occupant, these upgrades will protect Hal a lot better. The body itself was also upgraded with more armored plates.
I made a number of other upgrades to the helmet and neck, but the most substantial of which is a custom piece that protects the join where the neck connects to the body. I molded some plates into two pieces, both half circles. One part, a larger part, I welded onto the front of the body armor, so it suck up in front of the neck. It leaves about an inch between the chin of the helmet and the top of this piece of armor. The other part of the armor I welded onto the back. This part fits into the front part but still allows the front piece to move. These two parts formed a sort of large collar around the neck to protect it.
The last parts of the armor I changed, was adding a few spikes on the tail and claws around each hoof. Given his weight, I don't think he'll be doing much charging at the enemy, but if they should get close to him, it is a good thing to have weapons to can fight them off. To finish off his armor, I painted most of his armor a dark amber, but the mane and tail parts a mustard yellow. In black, I painted his designation inside the collar along his neck armor.
The final thing I had to do was put the weapons on his armor. I picked out a grenade machinegun for his right side and on the left, I put Twinkle's minigun that wasn't destroyed in her fight with Umbra. I knew that Hal would do it justice. Once I was finished with his armor, I let him take it for a ride.
He was pleased with it. Hal said it was a bit slow, but it would suffice. Then we went out to test out the weapons and he seemed pleased. He especially enjoyed shooting the grenade machinegun to the point where I had to stop him before he wasted too much ammo. I had to explain how rare the round for that gun were and he let out a sigh before staring longingly at the blackened ground he shot at.
Hal claimed another portion of the living quarters and began living with us. He came in handy in our fights and we began to hold our own again. I think most of the time, the raiders were simply intimidated by his size and the look of his armor. I specifically went for intimidation when I added the extra armor. Hal made things easier for us.
But, even with Hal we sometimes found ourselves on the receiving end of a particularly ferocious attack. And even if there was another one of us, the Wasteland wasn't getting any better. It was like things were constantly circling the drain, being dragged further and further down. The four of us weren't equipped to deal with the wide scale chaos and horrors that the Wasteland had. We helped out if we came across some ponies in need, but there was never anything we could do on a large scale.
Instead, we mostly left that up to Ratchet, in the hopes that she would somehow be able to fix things and return Equestria to how it once was. But, she was just one pony, and like how adding another of us AI into the mix didn't do much, adding Ratchet to the four of us didn't accomplish much.
Ratchet was our guide and our hope for the future. But I didn't want her exposed to any more of the Wasteland than she had to be. So I kept her frozen until she was needed. Once she was no longer needed, I would freeze her again. She also seemed ready to be frozen again, so I wasn't really forcing her into it.
But, I will say it again. I am an AI. Macro, Soar, and Hal are AIs. We don't get pony emotions. We have a simple grasp on the most simple of them. When it comes to complex emotions we can only imitate. There might be AI out there that are capable of understanding, but the four of us do not. I think because of this things inevitably went the route they did. |
Fallout Equestria: Icicle | Chapter 33 - Spear of the North | Chapter 33 - Spear of the North
"The cold doesn't sting nearly as much as your words."
===~+~===
"It's time to get up, Ratchet. I've found us some work," a voice calls out to me. It starts off fuzzy but steadily becomes clearer. I open my eyes slowly and look at the inside of my pod. "Ratchet, it's time to get up," Cora says again.
I stretch groggily as the pod opens up. I look around the room that looks the same as always. Well, at least nothing horrible happened while I was asleep. "You know the drill Cora, how long's it been?" I ask her, and then climb out of the pod.
"One hundred and nine years since the war, Ratchet," She tells me. I nod and go over to my PipBuck, then put it back on. My vision flickers, shows the usual warnings and then returns to normal. Or, so I think. New words start appearing in my vision.
>S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Stats Compatibility Issue.
>Skill Stats Compatibility Issue.
>...
>...
>Generating New Stats.
>...
>Initial Boot Complete.
What in the...? Again? It generated new stats for me again? Seriously, this thing is getting to be more trouble than it is worth. I shrug and decide to deal with it once I hear what Cora has to say.
"Gotcha. So, what's going on this time, Cora? Some crazy pony mad with power? Two opposing sides threatening to tear the wasteland apart as they fight things out? Another pod, perhaps?" I ask her while checking out my systems.
"It's a pod, this time, or at least I think it is. I found some records indicating a MoWT facility in the north. Way, way up there too. It is apparently in the middle of nowhere in the Frozen North. I've already taken the liberty of procuring you some winter clothing," Cora replies.
"Way to go Cora, nice work," I tell her. "Any idea what we'll be dealing with? Either the facility or inside the pod?" I ask while I walk to the armory.
"Typical MoWT defences, more than likely. Sentry bots, turrets, probably some laser death traps, all the good stuff," She says. "As for the pod...the only references I found all mention the word 'Abominable'. No details on what it is or does," Cora explains.
"Abominable? Like, Abominable Snowpony? Well, I suppose it is in the Frozen North," I mutter. "Anyhow..." I say as I enter the armory. "Where is everyone else?" I ask. Cora's AI friends don't seem to be here at the moment.
"They are investigating a possible lead on another pod. It is down in the Badlands," She tells me. "I thought it best if we split up instead of all going to one. If they get back with good news, we can go there as well."
"I see. Any reason we are going to the Frozen North then? I mean, it isn't like they can feel the cold..." I mutter.
"I just flipped a bit. It came up tails, so we are going north, they went south," She tells me.
I let out a sigh. "Let's gear up and head out," I say as I start putting my barding on.
===~+~===
Days later and many, many miles north, Cora and I have crossed into the snowy Frozen North. Right in the middle of a blizzard, I might add. I can barely see a foot in front of my face, and Cora is the only reason that we stay on track. "Cora, do you see anywhere we can rest?" I yell over the winds. "My legs are going numb!"
"My sensors aren't doing much better than your eyes are, trust me, Ratchet," Cora calls back. "I can't see anything nearby." This is going bad quickly. Cora will be fine as long as she keeps moving. But with me being a flesh and blood pony...The chances of me dying here are quite high.
As if to make matters worse the ground begins to shake. "Oh great, now what?" I say as I fall over. My numbing legs no longer able to support me. Luckily I fall on my side, keeping my exposed muzzle out of the chilling snow. "Cora! See anything?" I shout.
"The snow is rising!" She shouts in response. As if waiting for her words, I suddenly see a great mound of snow rise up higher and higher. It explodes, sending even more snow scattering into the winds. From the snow rises a worm-like figure, only infinitely larger. Larger even than a manticore.
Its mouth itself is larger than Cora and I combined and it is filled with razor sharp teeth. Half of it is scaley while the other is covered in fur. The head of the creature is crested with spines, more than likely used to dig through the ground. It turns towards us and unleashes a blast of fire from its gaping maw. The flames don't reach us, but they melt the snow in their reach and it creates a temporary tunnel void of snow.
But as rapidly as the snow melted, the blizzard covers the ground in snow once more. The words of Madam Saber, a mare that I met long ago who said she was from the Frozen North, ring in my mind. "I ran into a few wyrms on the way as well. For whatever reason, they are swarming up there," She had said. She later told me about them, and her descriptions match this creature perfectly.
"A wyrm," I mutter as my eyes go wide. It is bigger than I imagined. Cora begins shooting at it, but it just seems annoyed. I shake my head to gather my wits and pull out Forgiveness. Despite our best efforts we only seem to be pissing it off. The wyrm keeps breathing fire at us, which both aids Cora and I in having less snow to deal with and causes us to run for our lives from it. Their flames can apparently melt steel, and I didn't want to take any chances.
After one particular blast of flame, Cora and I run into each other. We manage to stay on our hooves, but the wyrm uses our momentary pause in movement to strike its mouth towards us. A shout rings out from somewhere in the blizzard and a moment later, something smacks into the Wyrm, causing it to veer off course and slamming its maw into the snow feet to our left.
"What are you waiting for comrades! Sink the harpoons! This wyrm is ours!" A voice shouts. Moments later, more objects fly through the air and hit the wyrm. It makes a beastial scream as the figure on it jumps from one harpoon to the next, slashing wide gashes in the wyrm and making its way to the front. Once there, the figure lifts their spear and pierces the wyrm's eye. It screams and thrashes, but as the figure holds on to it, the wyrm progressively thrashes less and less until it is still more.
The figure jumps from the head of the wyrm and lands in front of us, spear grasped in their mouth. They stab the spear into the snow and smiles at us. "Well, hello there comrades! They call me Sickle," The buck says, holding out a hoof towards us.
"Uh...thank you for saving us?" I reply and shake his hoof.
"Ha, think nothing of it. We were hunting the beast anyway," Sickle tells us.
"I see. So, uh, Sickle? Was it? Do you live around here?" I ask.
"Indeed comrade," Sickle says. I raise an eyebrow. He seem overly friendly considering this is, you know, the Wasteland.
"Uh, hu. Where about do you live?" I ask him.
Sickle smiles widely at me and replies, "About a mile to the east. We have a small settlement there. If you'd like, you're free to accompany us back there."
"That close? Cora, have you heard anything about a settlement near here?" I ask her.
Cora shakes her head. "No. Not many ponies travel up here though, so it isn't surprising to discover a settlement no one knows about," She tells me.
Sickle nods his head. "Indeed. Not even we know of every other settlement up here. But, our settlement is new. About one year ago is when we first formed it, I believe," He tells us.
"That new? Where did you all come from before?" I ask.
"Oh, you know. All over. Some of us had a small group together and fell in with some others who were looking to survive. Together we just kind of decided to set up shop. Together we survive, alone we die. That's our take on things," He explains.
I look over the buck skeptically. He is wearing light barding and a simple jacket. Not exactly the kind of attire I would expect someone who lives in the snow and ice of the Frozen North to wear. He seems more geared towards a warmer climate. Despite his light clothing, he doesn't seem cold at all.
Looking past him at the fallen wyrm and I see other ponies, some dressed in heavy clothing others dressed like Sickle. The others are attaching ropes to the wyrm and pulling out the large harpoons.
"Ok, Sickle. We'll accompany you. I'm freezing and it will be nice to get out of the cold for a while," I say. He smiles broadly at me.
"Very good! It is always nice to have company. If you don't mind waiting for a few minutes while we prepare to transport the wyrm, we'll start home then," He tells me. Sickle turns to walk over to the wyrm, but then looks back at us. "I got the armored miss's name, but what is yours?" He asks.
"Ratchet," I tell him. "It is nice to meet you."
Sickle chuckles as he replies, "The feeling is mutual, Ratchet, Cora." He then turns back to the fallen wyrm and shouts, "Alright comrades! Get the beast ready to move! We will eat well tonight!"
With some distance between us and Sickle, I turn to Cora. "Let's be careful. He seems a little bit too friendly. Maybe he is up to something. Don't let your guard down," I whisper. Cora nods.
Faster than I thought possible, Sickle and the other ponies finish tying the wyrm in ropes and we start towards their settlement. Sickle and the others are dragging the wyrm across the snow. There is probably twelve of them, counting Sickle. Cora and I offer to help, but they refuse and say it wouldn't be right to have guests do manual labor.
Slowly but surely, we traverse the snowy landscape and enter into a valley. Nestled in the middle of this valley is our destination. It is a small village, and due to the blizzard, I don't see it until we are already within. In the center of the village, is a large fire and surrounding the fire in a circular fashion are domed structures made out of snow.
The ponies drag the wyrm near the fire and then start taking the ropes off of it. "Start preparing the beasts, comrades! I will tend to our guests and then join you in a moment," Sickle declares and walks over to Cora and I. "Follow me, I'll take you to my home," He says, and then starts walking to one of the domes of snow.
"Say Sickle, these are igloos, aren't they?" I ask as we walk.
"Indeed! We don't have much in the way of proper building materials here, but we made due. The insides are also lined with hide from the wyrms and our beds, furniture, and clothing are made from the fur of the beasts," Sickle explains as he leads us into his igloo. It isn't too large, probably only big enough for five ponies at the most, but given the properties of snow, any bigger and it might collapse.
Inside is also an earth pony mare, who I assume is his wife, judging by her age. She is wearing light clothing, similar to Sickle's. Her fur is a cool red while her mane is a deep crimson. "Ah, grandmother! We have guests!" Sickle says with a smile. Wait...Grandmother? Her? She looks my age! Well, the age my body appears. Did the cold stop her from aging or what?
"Oh? I'm sure they are cold. Come dears, warm yourself in our home. My name is Marrow," She says. I have to admit, I was already feeling warmer. If it wasn't for the snow, I wouldn't think we were in the Frozen North at all.
"Thank you for having us, ma'am," I reply. "My name is Ratchet and my friend here is Cora." She smiles warmly at us and gestures to a couch made of bone and wyrm fur.
"Oh please, we don't get many visitors out here. Make yourselves at home, you can hang your coat on that wire there, Ratchet. And if you want to take your armor off, feel free Cora," She tells us.
I do as she says, and hang my snow covered coat on the wire. I unwrinkle my lab coat and readjust my barding. As I do so, Cora says, "I'll stay in my armor, if that is alright. I quite like it."
Marrow smiles and nods. "Of course, dear. Now, Sickle, how did your hunt go?" She asks.
Sickle smiles and replies, "Excellent, grandmother. We killed a large wyrm today and judging by some of the old scars, it is the one that got away last month."
Marrow laughs. "I knew you would get it eventually. Are the others taking care of it?" She asks him.
Sickle nods. "I had them go on ahead without me while I got our guests situated. But, I think I will go help them out now. If, that is, you think you can handle entertainment, grandmother?" He asks with a sly smile.
Marrow chuckles and shoos Sickle with a hoof. "Go on, I'll make sure they are taken care of," She tells him. Sickle bids us farewell and takes his leave. All this talk of taking care of us is sending chills up my spine. She then turns her attention to us. "Settle down, we aren't going to rob or kill you," She tells us. "You've looked anxious since you stepped hoof inside, Ratchet."
"Forgive me if you saying so doesn't help ease my anxiety," I reply. "Usually ponies who are going to pull one over on you tend not to tell you they are."
Marrow nods. "That is true. But, think of it this way. You were out in the blizzard when Sickle and the others found you, yes?" She asks. I nod. "If we wanted to rob or kill you, we could have just done so out there, when you weren't aware of us," She says.
I purse my lips and furrow my brow. "I suppose that's true," I mutter. Sickle did come out of nowhere and could have just let the wyrm kill us before killing it.
"Now then, I suspect you might have questions about us and our settlement?" Marrow suggests. "Most who wander across us do. I'm something of the village leader, being the oldest here," She says.
I nod. "You're right about. This is an odd place for a settlement, considering the harsh climate. Why not settle further south?" I ask.
"You came from down there, right?" Marrow asks, and receives a nod from us. "Then you know what it is like. Settlements rise and fall down there. You have raiders, monsters, all sorts of nasty things. But here, the worst is wyrms and the snow. The wyrms mostly stay away from this valley, and the snow is something we've grown used to," She explains.
"I guess that makes sense. There are a few of you who seem to not mind the cold as much. Well, what do you do for resources? The wyrms give you food and some supplies, but what about water? And how do you make fire? I've not seen a single tree for a while. Do you have to travel far to find wood?" I ask.
Marrow nods rhythmically to my questions. "The wyrms give us our food, most of our building supplies, and is actually the source of our fire as well. Water we get from simply melting snow. Everything else we can't get up here, we make a trade expedition for every few months and go south," She tells me.
I raise an eyebrow. "Wait, the wyrms are your source of fire as well? How does that work?" I ask.
"Well, you've seen them breath fire, correct?" She asks, I nod. "Then, you know they produce fire. Inside their body is two, crystal like stones that when struck together creates fire. In addition to these, we burn the fat. The crystals, when separated from the wyrm last for around six months. And the unicorns here have learned they can use their magic to manipulate the crystals to control the intensity of the flames," Marrow explains.
"I see, that's actually quite interesting," I mutter, putting a hoof to my chin.
We spend a while talking about their settlement and slowly my anxiety about them goes away. After a while, Sickle comes back from dealing with the wyrm. The four of us talk for a bit longer before the inevitable question is asked by Marrow. "So, what are you two doing up here in the Frozen North?" She asks.
"We are actually looking for a MWT facility up here," I tell them.
Cora nods in agreement. "It should actually be around here, actually. But the blizzard has made finding it a bit difficult. Snow could be covering the entire entrance for all we know," She says.
The smiles that were on Marrow's and Sickle's faces disappear. "Why are you looking for it?" Sickle asks, his voice is filled with concern.
"There might be something in it that I need," I reply. They are both acting a bit suspicious. "Do you...know where it is at?" I ask them.
"Maybe," Marrow says, narrowing her eyes. "Who are you two, really? You aren't normal travelers. One of you is wearing power armor and the other is wearing a rather pristine lab coat. And you both seem rather intelligent for normal wastelanders. Are you Steel Rangers?" She asks. We went from me being suspicious, to them being suspicious.
"We aren't Rangers," I tell her. "Though we aren't simple travelers either. I'm not sure a single word can explain what we are. But, before I go into that, the two of you are hiding something as well. You seem like good ponies and I don't want to pry. So I will ask you one question before I explain. Do you know what is inside the MWT facility that the word abominable is used to describe?" I ask them.
Sickle and Marrow exchange a glance and then Sickle replies, "We do." Simply that, nothing else.
I nod and explain to them our situation, including having Cora open up the armor to expose the hollowness within. When I explain the part about cryogenic pods knowing expressions come over their faces. Once I conclude my explanation, I ask them, "Can you tell us where it is?"
The two exchange a glance again and Marrow says, "Yes. But first, let me tell you about us. Like you, I was born before the war. I was a member of the MWT facility you wish to investigate. It is called the Snowfall Facility, and the purpose of it was to find a way to better combat the zebra threat here in the Frozen North. As you know, zebras attacked us from everywhere, nowhere was spared. Much of our equipment was hard to use in the harsh climates of the Frozen North.
"And so, a project was created by the name of Abominable. This project sought to use the snow to our advantage. You would think that would be a more MAS project, correct? MA, with their pegasi. But, MWT had a plan. It wasn't magic, wasn't controlling the weather, it was earth pony engineering.
"Robots were our plan. Robots that could use the snow as a weapon, condense it into ice and freeze our enemies despite their armor. We had a prototype for the freezing mechanisms, but had yet to put them into a robot when the plan was changed. Instead of a robot, we would build a machine that resembled a pony, that would house our freezing mechanism as well as the mind of a pony.
"I don't know who it was whose brain we put into the machine, but things seemed to be going well. Tests were proceeding as planned. That is, until the megaspells fell. Our facility was far enough away to not be affected by the blasts or the fallout. And luckily, due to our remote location, we had our own garden in the facility to meet our small demand for food.
"Cut off from the rest of the world, we kept to ourselves. There were only around six of us to begin with, but as time went by relationships started and we had children. Then, grandchildren. I was an old mare, probably only a few years from death when one of us suggested we put our minds in the spare prototypes we made for Project Abominable.
"We had five prototypes, each resembled a pony, none of the freezing mechanisms in them. They were our attempts to get the pony form down. At that time, there were fourteen of us. Some of us refused to put our minds in machines. Only seven of us wanted to. With only five prototypes, we held a lottery.
"My grandson, Sickle, and myself are two of those who won that lottery. The others you've seen dressed lightly are the others. A few of the actual ponies here are also from Snowfall. Others found us and joined us. But you might be wondering why we are here now and not inside the facility.
"One year ago, Abominable, the weaponized pony we made went berzerk. He destroyed the heating systems and without those, we would freeze to death. Abominable wouldn't let that happen though, he was set on killing us. A few of us fell as we escaped the facility, including my daughter, Sickle's mother. When we got out of the facility, we sealed it behind us so Abominable could not escape," Marrow explains.
It was a lot to take in. No mention of Abominable being sealed in a cryo pod, either. I guess this facility isn't connected to my pods. But, with Abominable still in the facility, I don't think we can just walk away, either. "Well, it isn't what we are looking for, but I think we should take a look," I tell them. "I don't think we should leave Abominable alone in the facility for someone to stumble upon later, if he is still berzerk."
Marrow shakes her head. "It is sealed. No one will get into it. The facility is lost," She says.
"I think you might be underestimating just how much determination ponies have to loot places," I tell her. "Eventually, someone we get into it. We should stop it before that happens. If we beat it, you could all take back the facility, too."
Sickle raises an eyebrow. "Why do you want to help?" He asks.
"I don't know, it is just kind of what I do. I want Equestria to get back to what it once was. Having deadly pre-war thing lurking in the darkness isn't going to help that," I explain.
Marrow furrows her brow, deep in thought. "I will open the facility for you and lock the door behind you. I will wait for you for two hours and if you aren't back by then, I'll leave you for dead," She tells me.
I nod. "That sounds fine, assuming we don't waste too much time looking for Abominable," I tell her.
Sickle stands up and grabs his spear. "Let me help you then," He says with a smile around the spear.
"Sickle!" Marrow says crossly.
"Grandmother, it is fine. I'm our best hunter, and mostly machine. I can help guide them around the facility," He tells her. "Besides, one of us should be present if they are going to fight Abominable."
Marrow frowns, but agrees. "Fine. But, we will set out to the facility once this cursed blizzard is over. For now, let's go over Abominable's abilities and his weak points. The three of you will have a tough time," She tells us.
"Thank you," I tell her and Sickle. We then begin our briefing on Abominable and the Snowfall facility.
===~+~===
When the blizzard subsides three days later, the four of us set out to the Snowfall Facility. It is only an hour walk to the entrance, or at least where the entrance should be. "The blizzard snowed in the entrance," Marrow mutters. "Oh well, it is a good thing I brought these with us..." She digs around in her bag and holds out two crystals to me. "Here, Ratchet. Since you have magic, it will be safer if you use them."
"Huh? What are these?" I say, as I pick them up in my magic. They are blood red crystals, about the length of my forehoof.
"Wyrm fire crystals," Marrow tells me. "It is how they produce their fire, as we told you. Just point where you want the flames to go and strike them together. Of course, since you're a unicorn you can control the size of the blaze, but there is no need for you to learn how to do that," She says.
"That's it?" I say, raising an eyebrow at the strange crystals.
Marrow nods. "See that depression in the snow? That's the entrance. Melt the snow and we can enter," She tells me.
"Incidentally, why is the entrance below ground level? In the Frozen North isn't that kind of...a bad idea? Didn't it always snow over?" I ask as I point the crystals at the depression.
"It isn't," Marrow says as I strike the crystals together. At first, it is just a spark, but then flames erupt from the crystals and spew forth. The flames reach at least five feet in front of me and the radius is around three feet. Needless to say, it sets my mouth agape. "This is the entrance to the facility," Marrow says when the flames die down.
The flames have melted a rough crater in the snow, exposing the ground below and the concrete of the structure. The crater is six feet deep and approximately a seven foot radius. Inside the crater, is the partially exposed concrete bunker that serves as the entrance to the facility, the door of which is is at ground level. My mouth opens further and I mutter, "This snow is really deep..."
"That's what happens when you don't tend it for a good year or more," Sickle says. "It always was the hardest part of living in the facility." Marrow slides down into the crater, followed shortly after by Sickle. After staring into the crater for a moment longer, Cora and I join them.
The facility, or what I can see of it anyway, is a plain concrete structure with no identifiable markings. Set between two hunks of concrete is a door that seems to be made of metal. As I approach it, I can make out lettering set into the concrete. Snowfall Facility. Ministry of Wartime Technology.
Marrow is beside the door, and I see her slide part of the concrete aside, exposing a terminal. "Had to protect the terminal from from the weather, you know. Of course, we had to deice it frequently," She says offhandedly. After hitting a few keys the door lets out a groaning sound. Marrow clicks her tongue. "The door must be frozen shut on the other side as well. Ratchet, strike the crystals again on the door," She tells me as she closes the panel again and steps away from the door.
"Wait, can't wyrm fire melt steel? Won't doing that render the door useless?" I ask her.
Sickle answers for her, "It was treated in a way to resist wyrm fire. At least temporarily. Eventually, it would melt. But the worst that will happen is that it will heat up after a few seconds."
"Alright then, it's your facility..." I mutter and strike the stones again. The flames strike the door and after a while they go out once again. I give the crystals back to Marrow. The door looks just the same, but the concrete around the door is black. Marrow walks back to the panel and tries again. This time the door opens, splitting in two horizontally and then receding into the ceiling and floor.
"There you are. I'll be here to let you out. Remember, two hours and not a minute more," Marrow says dryly.
"Thank you, Marrow," Cora says. "We'll be back soon."
"Yes grandmother, we'll be back. No need to worry," Sickle says with a smile.
"We'll be back shortly," I add with a nod. "Let's get going you two. We need to find Abominable." The three of us enter into the facility and Marrow shuts the door behind us. I was expecting a relatively normal facility, typical MWT stuff. But this is a bit...different. This floor is an open area filled with large crates of supplies. Near the back is what looks like a large freight elevator and beside that is a staircase leading down.
On top of that, everything is iced over and piles of snow are everywhere. Honestly, I can only see a small part of the floor. It is like a cave, almost. Icicles rise from the floor and hang from the ceiling as well. If I didn't know any better, I'd think that we were just inside a mountain cave not a research facility.
Sickle lets out a whistle. "Seems Abominable had his run of the place while we were gone. I doubt simply the lack of heating would create snow and ice. Well, while we look, I suppose I'll give you a tour," He says, gesturing around him. "This is our main storage. When we received deliveries, they would be dropped off here. At least, that's what grandmother said," He shrugs.
"Now we just have all this, the supplies have been here for years," He tells us, walking towards the elevator and stairs. His spear is in a sling across his back, with part of the shaft sticking past his head so he can grab it in a moments notice. Normally, it would get in the way of wearing packs, but since he isn't wearing any it is fine.
The three of us approach the elevator. "As I thought," Sickle mutters. "The elevator is iced over. We'll have to take the stairs." He looks down the staircase. "Watch your step, they are covered with ice as well," he says. We slowly, very, very slowly, descend the staircase. I almost slip a few times but manage to steady myself.
Once we are at the bottom of this case, we arrive at a T intersection with both choices descending down into more stairs. A sign near the ceiling probably indicated what was in which direction, but the ice has made it unreadable.
"On the left is our living quarters, the right is our small security section. I think we should go left for now. The entire lab is connected, so we shouldn't hit any dead ends, unless Abominable did something," Sickle says, and starts down the stairs to the left. "These stairs are icy as well, watch your step."
We descend the stairs and end up in a hallway with a set of double doors on our immediate left. Further down the hall, I see six doors and way at the end is a corner turning right. "Those doors on the left lead to the sub-storage. It is where the elevator leads so we can easily transport supplies here and to the security wing," Sickle tells us. "It also goes down another level to supply the reactor, water and heating, and research and development wing as well."
"So, this is a multi-tiered facility?" Cora asks.
"In a way," Sickle replies. "The main storage is on ground level, then is security and living, and under that is the reactor, heating, and research level. But they aren't stacked on top of each other. Instead, it is like a staircase. Each level is like a step down into the earth," He explains.
"Oh, I see," Cora mutters. "So, that elevator goes down to each level, which I assume has its own smaller sub-storage on that level?" She asks.
Sickle nods as we walk towards the six doors down the hall. "Exactly. Of course, the ones that are further down have long tunnels that lead to the actual facility on that level. Due to the direct access, the tunnels also have a number of turrets and thick doors that require clearance to get through," Sickle explains.
"Makes sense," I say as we reach the doors. "Let's check each room, then we can move on. Anything we should be concerned with in these rooms?" I ask Sickle.
He shakes his head. "They are pretty basic rooms, not even that big. Originally, there was one for each staff member. Once things went the way they did, they started being used as separate rooms for each family," He tells us.
"Oh. Didn't that get cramped?" I ask him.
"At times. There were only six beds, so we started using extra blankets and the like for those of us that came after. Thankfully, we only had three generations living here. If us grandchildren of the original occupants decided to get together, things would have gotten really tight," Sickle chuckles.
We each take two doors and check them out. The first one I look into is a fairly simple. A bed in the corner, a dresser and nightstand are the major furniture in the room. On the floor is two bundles of blankets, like makeshift beds, like Sickle said. Of course, when I touch them I find them frozen completely stiff.
There are some other personal effects in the room, such as a picture of five ponies I don't recognize. It is probably the family of one of the original occupants. I don't see them having a camera down here. But, a question occurs to me as I look at the picture. With nothing else of note in the room, I step back outside.
"Hey Sickle, I just thought of something. Since that isn't your original body, does your current body look similar to your original?" I ask him, though he is in another room. I walk to the next room while I wait for his reply.
"Nope!" He calls back. "Not even the same color palate. None of us who put our minds into these machines look similar to what we looked like before. These bodies don't have any defining features, either. No cutie marks, freckles, moles, that sort of stuff. Just generic coloration," He says. After a moment, he calls out again, "Oh, and no genitals either. Being all machine, that would be sort of pointless, ya know."
"I know what you mean," Cora chimes in. "But us machines have our own way of copulating. Of course, it isn't for reproductive purposes. It is purely entertainment," She says. They can? That's...weird. I wonder how it works. Perhaps electrical impulses or something?
"You don't say?" Sickle replies, his voice filled with curiosity. "You'll have to tell me about that sometime."
The other room is much like the first, only with one less group of blankets on the floor. This room also has a few more pictures of ponies I don't recognize. I also spot a book on reactor maintenance on top of the dresser, but of course the pages are frozen together and the book is completely frozen to the dresser. Well, as long as Abominable isn't in here, I suppose nothing else really matters.
I walk back into the hall in time to hear Cora reply to Sickle, "I don't think you would be able to figure it out. For an AI or machine, it is basic knowledge. But for you ponies who live in the physical world, it isn't a concept you can grasp. It is like trying to imagine a fourth or fifth dimension."
"Can you imagine a fourth or fifth dimension?" Sickle asks.
"No," Cora responds. "I can logically know what they are based upon what the first through third dimensions are. But, when it comes to imagining an object in a higher dimension, it is impossible for me as well," she says.
The two of them step out into the hallway with me a few moments later. "That's a shame," Sickle mutters. "Anyhow, we should keep going. We've got a lot of ground to cover, and we have a time limit," Sickle says, and starts walking down the hallway.
The three of us continue to the corner and find another flight of stairs. At the top is another sigh too iced over to read. "This takes us down into the reactor area. You know, just assume any more stairs we come across are slick. Let's go," Sickle tells us. We descend into the reactor area.
The reactor area is a large rectangular room with a reactor in the middle. Power cables run from it up into the ceiling. Some terminals are around the room, probably once used to monitor and regular the power flow. A catwalk crawls up one wall and rises over the reactor. No doubt to provide maintenance access to it. Across from us is another hallway, to our right is a small door, and to the left is security door.
"Intruders detected," A synthetic voice declares. It sounds like...and then I spot it. A protectapony. It stumbles out from behind the reactor and looks directly at us. "Extermination authorized," It announces.
"Shit," I mutter. "Get ready!" I shout and draw two of my knives. Sickle already has his spear in his mouth and is moving in position to attack the robot. Cora is doing likewise. The robot is targeting me and starts raining firing upon me. I quickly jump out of the way and slide behind a desk in the room. Cora's guns go off and I hear the bullets impact the robot.
The robot turns its attention to her instead of me and I peek over the desk. Cora is now behind the reactor taking cover from the robot, but it seems hesitant to shoot at the reactor. It must have been programmed to not shoot at it. I notice that some of its armor near one of its arms has been stripped away, exposing some circuitry inside.
I quickly throw the two knives I have in my magic at the exposed wiring. My first knife bounces off the armor just below the wires, but my second strikes true. The robot's arm immediately goes slack as it turns back to me. But in doing so, it turns its back on Sickle. In that moment, he drives his spear through the machine, tearing our various circuits as the tip makes its exit.
Immediately, the robot's limbs go slack and it falls to the ground with a crash. Sickle pulls the spear from the machine and looks around for more. "It looks like that was the only one," I say as we gather up again. "You didn't mention robots," I tell him, slightly angry.
"Yea, sorry comrades. Last I knew, they were deactivated and used for spare parts. Abominable must have repaired them. Incidentally, there should be two more somewhere," Sickle tells us.
I look at the robot at our hooves. It is a pretty standard protectapony. Like the rest of a facility though, it is covered in ice and snow. "So, two more of these to deal with, huh?" I mutter. "Well, at least the cold is making them brittle," I say as I pick my knives back up. "But it is also freezing my tail off...How is it colder now that we've entered into the facility?" I complain.
"That is probably Abomination's work. His body is a bit different from mine. Its metal is resistant to the cold and his weapons work better the colder it is," Sickle tells us.
"I see," I mutter as we start looking around the reactor room for anything we should be wary of. "By the way, a spear is an odd choice of weapon. Wouldn't a gun or something be more effective?" I ask.
"You'd be surprised," He replies. "In this harsh climate, weapon maintenance is crucially important. The cold, snow, and ice are all factors you have to be aware of. The cold can cause parts to break easier and the bullets to become faulty. It is a huge mess. A spear doesn't have those issues," He says.
"That's a good point," I mutter, recalling my time learning about gun maintenance with the Rangers. "So, where did you get it from?" I ask him.
Sickle chuckles. "It is an heirloom from my grandfather on my father's side. The one who wasn't Marrow's husband. Marrow's husband, Hammer, came from Stalliongrad. Where as my other grandfather, Waltz, was a former royal guard. Once the war began, he joined the actual military and later became security here. Kept his spear through all of it," He says proudly.
"It served him well, and it serves me just as good. Apparently it has a special enchantment on it so it never needs maintenance. It stays sharp as the day it was first made. Which comes in handy, because that same enchantment also means it is nearly unbreakable. Wyrm hide or scales? No problem. Even metal robots aren't an issue. And, it doesn't get brittle in the cold," Sickle adds.
"Huh, that is handy," I mutter, inspecting the knives I threw. One is a bit rusty and the other could use a good sharpening. It would be nice to have an enchantment like that on my knives. "Well, I think this room is clear. No more robots lurking around and no sign of Abominable," I say.
"Yea," Cora agrees. "He must be deeper in."
Sickle nods. "That, or he is back up in security or the sub-storage areas," He mutters. We are about to continue through the hall into the next room when I hear the sound of treads coming from behind us. I turn just in time to see the other two protectaponies coming out of the stairway to the security wing.
"We've got company," I tell the others as I draw my knives. Cora and Sickle turn just in time as the robots start shooting at us. Their lasers streak down the hallway as we struggle to get out of it and back into the reactor room without getting hit. The three of us make it out and slide into the nearest object of cover. All the while the robots are moving closer and keeping us pinned down. It isn't long before they move between us and the reactor itself and an idea hits me. "Draw their fire!" I call out to the others.
"You got it!" Cora replies and starts shooting back at the robots. The robots react as expected, and focus on the threat at hoof. This gives me, and Sickle, an opportunity to close the distance. I keep as far from the robots as I can while flanking to the right of the robots and try to stay out of sight. Sickle flanks left, but barely makes any progress towards them before one starts shooting at him again. Cora is pinned behind her cover by the other.
This gives me the opportunity I need to close the distance. I finish looping around to the right side and then dash in behind them, putting myself between them and the reactor. "Hey, robots!" I shout as I throw a knife at each of them. The knives strike their casing and bounce off, but it does draw their attention. "That's it, I'm your enemy too," I say as I draw two more knives. The robots turn towards me and level their guns, but they stop short of shooting.
I smirk, just as I thought. "What's wrong? Can't risk shooting me and damaging the reactor?" I taunt them. Cora and Sickle move closer to them while I have the robots' attention. "You see, this is why I never really liked robots. The two of you could very easily kill me, and probably do so with minimal damage to the reactor. But, because of your programming you can't even fire in the general direction of the reactor," I say with a smile. "Just another reason that AI and living breathing ponies trump robots."
Sickle is right behind one of the robots now and Cora is a fairly close to the other. "Need an example, robots?" I ask them. "Let the three of us demonstrate. Now!" I shout. Cora sprays her target with bullets, shattering its brittle metal armor and exposing a its insides. A few of her shots miss the mark and fly towards me and the reactor, but don't do any serious damage.
"See? An AI just attacked you despite the reactor and myself being in the line of fire," I say, and then throw one of my knives at the damaged robot. It strikes a critical component and sends the robot spinning in circles. The other robot turns to target Cora as she finishes off the damaged one. "Another thing," I declare, "you robots seem to be programmed to attack the most hostile elements first. Which means, you leave yourselves open."
Sickle runs at the remaining robot, plants the end of his spear on the ground, and swings his body around it, slamming his rear hooves into the robot and sending it flying towards me. It slams down on its side and grinds to a halt next to me. However, it fires it weapons as it lands and one of the lasers hits my rear leg. I quickly use my other knife and pry open part of its armor as I draw another knife and stab another crucial component inside with it. The robot powers down and its limbs go limp.
"And that, is why robots will never be as good as AI or ponies," I mutter, as I put my knives away and inspect the burn on my leg. The laser burned through my winter clothing and scorched my leg up a bit. Nothing worth drinking a healing potion for, but I should probably bandage it. A few minutes later, and it is all bandaged up and we are back in the hallway leading deeper into the facility. "So, Sickle, what will we be heading into down this hall?" I ask.
"This hall leads into the heating regulation room. It is where water and air is heated to make sure things don't freeze over. Once in the room, left will take us to the water treatment and regulation room and right will take us to the research and development wing. Those two are linked in the back by our greenhouse," Sickle tells us. "Though, no doubt the greenhouse has seen better days."
"Yea, this cold and ice can't be good for it," I agree.
"Can't be good for your water pipes either," Cora adds. "No doubt any water left in them has been frozen solid." The three of us emerge into the heating room. There are various pipes and air vents running into the walls and ceilings. All of the vents funnel into a central vent that rests between two large heaters. This central vent also has a valve on it where two vents branch off from the central one and connect to the heaters. The pipes also have a similar setup to the vents, with a large central pipe resting between the heaters.
"Actually," Sickle begins, "our water distribution system has a failsafe in place that removes water from the pipes in the event the temperature falls below a certain point. Though, that isn't likely to happen in most cases. We have two heaters for a reason. Only one runs at a time. We switch when we do maintenance or one breaks."
"That's actually a very good system," I say. The heating room is wide open with nowhere to hide. "Doesn't look like Abominable is here," I mutter. "On to the next room?"
Sickle nods. "I doubt he would be in the water distribution room, so let's go straight to research and development," He says and leads us to the right. We enter into a hall with doors and windows on either side. "This is where the magic of Snowfall happens. All of our planning, tinkering, and testing happens. Abominable has a room at the end of this wing."
"He should be in there then," I mutter. "But, let's check each room along the way, just in case." Sickle and Cora nods in agreement. Lucky for us, each room long the hall has a window looking in so we don't have to chip away at the ice on the doors. A kind of observation thing, I suppose, and they are a little frosted over, but we can see through them enough.
The first room looks like a drafting area for planning out the construction of Abominable's weapons and body. Drawings and notes hang from the walls and heavy looking books are on the desks in the room. The next room looks to be a hardware room used to actually make the weapons and body. Tools, components, and scrap metal are scattered about. There is even half of a robotic body hung from the ceiling by its metal vertebra.
Next is a room that seems dedicated to the software behind working the weapons and body. Two terminals in the room are hooked up to what appear to be parts of a robotic body. In the next room, I see what is essentially a shooting range. Worn down target dummies hang from the ceiling or are attached to stands in the room. The last room, aside from Abominable's personal room, looks to be a sort of classroom. There is a desk in the middle and multiple chalkboards are in the room, each with different information on them. It seems to be mostly military tactics, but one of them details the amount of pressure to takes to melt snow and how cold the melted snow has to be chilled to in order to form ice.
"Not a bad facility, you have almost everything you need down here," I say, thinking of my own lab. It is always interesting seeing the differences in research facilities. "Ok, last room is Abominable's, right? Let's get ready," I say as we near the last room in the hall. It is the only room without a window looking in. We won't be able to see until we open the door. It does look like the door to this room has been used recently. It lacks the ice the other doors do.
"I'll open it," Sickle says as he stands near the door. "Cora, be ready to shoot as soon as you see him. Ratchet and I will back you up when there is an opening," He tells us. "That sound good?" He asks.
Cora and I nod and take position near the door. After a moment, Sickle opens it then takes cover around the corner. "It's empty," Cora says as she walks inside. "Nothing but another room like in the living quarters." Sickle and I poke our heads in the room. She's right, it is an almost exact copy of the rooms in the living quarters. However, this one is much more sparsely decorated.
"Shit," Sickle murmurs as he puts his spear away again. "I wonder if he is in security then." He holds a hoof to his chin in thought and then says, "let's check out the greenhouse and water distribution before we backtrack."
"Right," I nod in agreement. We make our way to the end of the hall and the large door I suppose leads to the greenhouse. Sickle opens the door and we go follow through the doorway. The room beyond is largely open, aside from two dead trees. The room is divided into four sections, each with four large planters. Everything is covered in snow and ice, much like the rest of the facility. Large mounds of snow are in random places around the room, and large icicles hang from the trees. The trees are in the middle of the room on our right side. Between these two trees, is a throne made of snow and ice, and on this throne is pony.
The pony has ice hanging from his chin and ears and snow covers his back, blending in with his white coat. His grey mane is slicked back along his neck and frozen stiff, his tail barely moves as he shifts on the throne and turns his attention to us. "I've been waiting for you," he says flatly. "You three have been quite noisey, you know."
"Abominable..." Sickle says, his voice full of spite. "Well, we wanted to make sure you knew we were coming. You could have saved us the trouble and come to greet us." The three of us spread out as he talks.
"Please. You remember the tactics drilled into us, don't you? By your grandparents, by my keepers?" Abominable says. "Wait for your enemy to come to you."
"You'd know better than I. You did have over a hundred years to memorize them," Sickle replies. "But, we aren't here for pleasantries and we are on a time limit."
"Clearly." Abominable says simply. "But, I expect you forgot the reason why we were taught to wait for the enemy to come to us. Because we lay traps for our enemies," he says, and pulls on a length of wire near him. A few mounds of spew snow into the air as something comes out of them, sending dozens of shards of ice at us. Cora takes the hits without moving, but Sickle and I try to dodge them. I manage to avoid most of them, but one sails right past my head and pierces a hole through the hood of my coat. Sickle seems to have made it without a scratch as well. Wait...
"Why did you dodge, Sickle? You're made of metal like Cora," I ask as I get back to my hooves.
"For the same reason she should have dodge as well," Sickle replies. I look over at Cora, and see that her armor is missing in numerous places. "Cold makes metal brittle, remember? His ice is also exceptionally hard, we went over this," Sickle tells me.
"Cora, are you alright?" I ask her as I make my way to her.
"Nothing vital was hit, Ratchet. I'll be fine," She replies. I reach her side right as Abominable pulls on another wire. More of the mounds erupt into icicles. This time, we all dodge and I fall to the side as I do so.
"Everyone good?" I ask as I get back to my hooves.
"Good," they reply in unison. I look around for more mounds and spot three more. Judging by how many have been going off at the same time, I'd guess those three will be triggered at the same time. He can't aim them either, so as long as we get away from where we are standing now, we should be fine.
"Quick, get away from the entranceway!" I shout as I make my way towards the wall across from the throne. Cora follows after me, but Sickle heads for the other wall.
"That's another tactic we learned, remember, Sickle?" Abominable says as he pulls another wire. "Route your enemy." The remaining mounds erupt and send out their shards. But these are aimed in a different direction, right at the wall Sickle is heading to. I try to call out, but the sound of the ice impacting the wall drowns out my words.
Once the shower of snow and ice dies down, I can see Sickle clearly again. A good portion of his skin is ripped, exposing the metal underneath. Even some of the metal has broken away, exposing some wiring. He is raising a hoof to the wires as he walks on three hooves towards Abominable. "You're out of traps now, Abominable," he says.
"Well, they served their purpose. I didn't expect much from them, but they did damage two of you," Abominable replies. He slowly gets up off the throne and stands to face us. "I expect that damage you sustained will impede your movements, Sickle," he says.
Sickle chuckles. "It is a shame you are modeled after me. You know just where to hit to do the most damage," Sickle tells him. Then Sickle addresses Cora and I. "Careful you two, his body is specially treated so it doesn't get brittle in the cold, unlike mine. Remember what we talked about back in the village," He says.
"Right," I reply as I get closer to Cora. "Lay down some fire so Sickle and I can get close," I tell her, keeping my voice down. Cora nods and I begin to circle Abominable to the left. With Cora at his front, Sickle to his left, and me to his right, we'll have him focusing his attention between three different directions. When he attacks one of us, the other two can hit him in the back.
Abominable doesn't seem to care that we are surrounding him and just stands there. Once I am in position, Cora opens fire on Abominable. Immediately, he slams his hoof on the ground and a sheet of metal rises up out of the snow, blocking her shots. I draw a knife as Sickle runs as quickly as he can towards Abominable. Abominable won't be able to dodge our attacks while blocking Cora's. Either he gets hit by us, or moves and lowers the shield and lets Cora shoot him.
I throw a knife at him, but all it does is break the ice covering his body, he didn't even try to avoid it. Sickle gets within striking distance a moment later and Abominable jumps away from the shield to avoid Sickle's stab. This gives Cora a clear shot and she begins to fire once again. Some of the bullets strike Abominable's body, but don't see to do anything more than break ice or send billows of snow drifting from his body. Abominable turns his head toward Sickle and spews out a cloud of freezing vapor.
Sickle quickly dodges this cloud as it sweeps over where he was just a moment ago. "Perhaps I didn't slow you down enough," Abominable says as the cloud disappears. He then opens his jaws and forms a bolt of ice, then sends it towards Sickle, who barely manages to leap aside. All the while, Cora is shooting him and barely doing anything.
Abruptly, she stops shooting and I hear her let out an expletive. "My assault rifle's done!" She calls over. "I think a spring broke!" Great. Soon we will only have melee left to resort to.
"Use your sniper then, it should pack more punch anyway!" I tell her as I draw Forgiveness and another knife. Hopefully Forgiveness doesn't break like Cora's assault rifle. I shoot it once, and the bullet strikes just under him. As I line up another shot, Sickle charges back in at Abominable, but once again Abominable just steps aside and blasts Sickle with his icy breath. But as he does so, Cora hits him with a round from her sniper. A huge chunk of ice flies off him and I think I see a bit of metal mixed in with the ice. "Keep it up Cora!" I call out as I try to get closer.
Cora's shot spares Sickle of getting doused with the icy cloud, but Abominable turns his attention to her and shoots an ice shard at her. She manages to avoid it, but her next shot goes wide and misses completely. With Cora distracted, Abominable points his muzzle up in the air and spews forth a blizzard like snow, obscuring my vision. The snow fills the room like a snow globe and I can only see flashes of color here and there. But I hear movement, it sounds like Abominable is charging towards Cora. I run blindly through the snow, following the sound. I hear Sickle's hoofsteps as well, I think.
Suddenly a spear comes out of the snow towards me. I just barely manage to throw myself to the ground as it stabs right where my head just was. "Sickle! It's me!" I call out.
"What? Shit," I hear him mutter from right above me. "I didn't get you, did I?" He asks.
"No," I say, as I get to my hooves. "You weren't lying when you said he can literally make a blizzard," I tell him.
"Yea, luckily it works both ways. He can't see any better than we can," He says.
Just then I hear the sound of ice striking metal and Sickle grunting in pain. "True, but I can hear you," Abominable says, his voice coming from our left. I point Forgiveness in that direction and fire once. The sound of my bullet hitting metal is quickly followed by Cora calling out in surprise.
"Ratchet! You shot me!" She yells. "I thought we were friends!"
"Shit, sorry! I thought Abominable was over there," I reply. "You ok?"
"Yea, just dinged off my armor," She tells me.
"That's a relief," I say. The next second, a shard of ice stabs me in the side.
"That isn't though, is it?" Abominable says from my right. I hold a hoof to my side as I point my gun in that direction, but I can't see anything and I won't risk shooting blindly again. I decide to just shut up and wait as I pull the ice shard out of my side. If I keep getting holes cut in my clothing, I'm going to freeze to death faster than I'll bleed to death.
After a few seconds of silence without even hoofsteps in the snow, Cora speaks up. "Sickle, Ratchet, don't move. Call out so I know where you are at," She says. I hesitate for a moment, but then hear Sickle call out and I quickly follow. "Got it, don't move!" She yells. After a moment, I hear two objects hit the snow, then nothing for a few seconds. And then, I hear a 'fwoosh' and the air gets a bit warmer for a moment. I look around and see some flames around the room. In a few more seconds, the snow in the air becomes thinner and soon after it finishes falling to the ground.
Sickle is standing next to me and Cora is a few feet away from us. Abominable is standing a ways off between the us. "Incendiary grenades, hu?" He mutters. "Effective against snow, but against my body they will do nothing." He's got a point. I think I'm the only one at risk from incendiary grenades. At least we can see now, but at this rate he is going to slowly wear us down.
"Sickle, we need to keep him away from Cora. Her gun can get through his armor. If we get up close, we can keep him from getting to her," I whisper to him.
"Got it," Sickle replies. "But watch out for his attacks. You don't seem to be the most nimble on your hooves," he tells me.
"Yea, yea. You take his right, I'll take his left. Cora will shoot when she has a line on him," I say as I begin to walk towards Abominable. I holster Forgiveness and draw three knives in my magic and one in my mouth. Sickle and I make our way towards Abominable, dodging his shards and breath as we do so. Cora takes a few shots at him, but they don't do anything vital. Once Sickle and I get within striking distance, the real fight begins.
Sickle starts with a series of quick stabs, which Abominable easily avoids and retaliates with a cloud of freezing mist. Cora takes a shot as I press the attack, striking his body with my knives and ripping through his artificial skin. My attacks don't do much, but they do expose his metal body underneath. Abominable turns to me and launches a shard at me. At this range I barely manage to avoid it by jerking my head to the left and dragging my knife along his neck.
I pull back right as Sickle attacks again, but Abominable rears up and Sickle's spear stabs right under his chest. Cora takes this opportunity to put a bullet in the middle of his chest, which sends Abominable back further than he anticipated. He staggers and Sickle stabs at him again. This time, Sickle's spear goes straight through Abominable's torso. Abominable lets out a cry, but quickly turns towards Sickle and lets out another breath of freezing mist.
With his spear still inside Abominable, Sickle cannot avoid the cloud. The cloud envelops Sickle and Abominable immediately slams his front hooves down on Sickle. Sickle's metal body fractures and chunks break off from it as he is thrown to the ground, his spear still sticking out of Abominable. "Sickle!" I call out as Abominable turns his full attention on me, with Sickle's spear still piercing straight through him.
"Shit," I mutter as I jump to the right to avoid an ice shard. Cora keeps shooting as I try to dodge Abominable and keep him busy. Sickle is struggling to stand. Oh, this is bad. I can barely avoid Abominable's attacks, let alone counter attack. I keep backing up and rolling aside, but then I feel the wall against my rump.
"Nowhere to run now," Abominable says as he opens his maw, no doubt to exhale his freezing breath at me. Before he can do anything, Sickle leaps onto his back and wraps his hooves around the protruding ends of his spear. Sickle pulls on the spear, pulling Abominable with him. Abominable unleashes his breath, but it misses me as he is thrown about by Sickle. Sickle hauls Abominable over onto the floor and the two struggle for control.
I quickly recover and get over to them. "Sickle, where is his weak point?" I ask as I look over Abominable's body. Thanks to all the damage, I can see the various slats in his body under his artificial skin.
Sickle struggles to answer me as he fights with Abominable. "Left side on his abdomen, there should be a jagged looking slit with rounded edges," Sickle tells me and then jerks Abominable around to try and expose that side.
"You bastard," Abominable spits as he struggles against Sickle.
"You used your knowledge of our similarities to your advantage, it is only right I return the favor," Sickle tells him. I quickly look over Abominable's body and look for what Sickle described. No...No...not that one...Ah, there it is. I find the slit and stab my knifes inside it, trying to pry it open. Come on...come on...and one of my knife breaks. Shit.
"Cora!" I call over to her, "Shoot right here!" I point to the plate of metal with a knife tip.
"Got it!" She replies. A moment later, a bullet strikes the plate, cracking it. I then stab my knives into the cracks once again and pry with all my magical might. Slowly, the pieces break away and expose the circuitry underneath. I quickly stab my knives into the circuitry and damage everything I can.
Abominable screams out in pain. "Arrgg! Stop! Don't cut those! Damn you Sickle!" He yells. As I keep cutting, his body eventually stops struggling against Sickle and lies still. Sickle gets off of him and pulls his spear out of Abominable's body.
"What component was that?" I ask Sickle. "He isn't dead, just immobilized. Some sort of motor control?"
"More or less. I'm not sure about the specifics, but I was always told to guard that spot," Sickle replies.
Abominable lets out a growl. "Well, you won. Kill me then, Sickle. Or will you have your friends do it for you?" He asks.
"Oh no, I got this," Sickle says, and stabs his spear through Abominable's head. Abominable goes completely motionless and silent as Sickle pulls his spear out, and then proceeds to fall over himself. He lets out a grunt. "Abominable got me pretty good. I'll need to let my repair talisman do a bit of work before I can move properly again," He tells me.
"Do you need anything?" I ask him.
He shakes his head. "I have enough spare scrap metal in my internal storage that it shouldn't be a problem," Sickle says. "By the way, how much time do we have left?" he asks.
"Twenty minutes," Cora tells him.
"Ah, well. You two should get back to grandmother before she keeps us locked up in here," Sickle tells us. "I'll stay here while my body repairs itself. With the robots and Abominable taken care of, there shouldn't be anything else in here to worry about. But, don't take any chances and go back the way we came," He says.
"Alright," I say as I put all my knives away. "We will be back once we assure her Abominable has been taken care of," I tell him. "Let's go, Cora."
===~+~===
Over the next few days, Cora and I help Sickle, Marrow, and their village make the transition back into the Snowfall Facility. At first, it is just helping the ponies who once lived there get it habitable again. Of the fourteen original occupants, three others similar to Sickle and Marrow help out. I suppose that matches the number of prototypes they had to put their minds into. One of these three, Ether, is part of the original six, like Marrow. Generation one, I suppose you could call it. The other two include Lavender, Ether's daughter, and Mercury, Lavender's grandson.
In addition of these five, three remain from the original fourteen that once occupied the facility. Echo, Sickle's uncle on his father's side and husband of Lavender, and Mute and Howl, Echo and Lavender's daughters. Of course, these three are flesh and blood ponies like me. Once Marrow and Sickle informed the others of what I did for them, introductions and celebrations began.
They also tell me more about what happened to the other occupants. Waltz, Sickle's former royal guard grandfather, died as they escaped, along with Sickle's parents, Lint Trap and Flora. Marrow's husband, Hammer, died shortly after they left due to exposure to the cold. Echo's parents, Pomegranate and Xenon died from old age in the facility before things went south. Some tales are sadder than others, but after passing the night away, the remaining eight occupants of the facility, Cora, and I set about trying to fix up the facility.
The very first thing we do, is repair the damage on the heating systems. Luckily, they have enough spare parts in storage that it isn't too much of a chore. But then is the task of clearing the snow and ice.
We start with removing the ice and snow around the elevator so we can use it to transport the snow from the lower levels more easily. With it free, we use the few carts they have to pile snow into and then haul it outside. It is a slow process, but eventually we make progress. As the heat starts to kick in, it helps us a bit. The water distribution room and each of the bedrooms have drains, so we leave the snow in there to melt naturally as it warms up. Our main focus, is getting the snow and ice off of the terminals and sensitive equipment so they don't receive any further damage.
Once the snow and ice removal is complete, we set about inspecting everything that might have been damaged by the snow and water. This includes everything from bedding, papers, and electrical components, to seeds used in the greenhouse. It is only slightly less arduous than removing the snow. After assessing the damage, we work to restore everything that we can. A few terminals and quite a bit of the more sensitive equipment is unsalvageable. But, the major systems of the facility remain operational. I suppose that has something to do with the original construction being meant to stand up against extreme temperatures.
Fixing up the facility takes us about four days. Once we kick on the heating and goet most of the snow removed, the remaining villages are brought in to make themselves at home. There is only six of them, but given how cramped the living quarters already are, I wasn't sure where they were going to fit everyone. But then they start clearing out the experiment and testing labs and putting things in storage. Abominable's room is cleared out left unoccupied so the six new residents can share his bathroom.
I also keep receiving thanks and praise for helping them. I keep telling them it isn't a big deal. It was just something I felt I needed to do. It wasn't to help them, specifically, but Equestria as a whole. Their praise makes me...anxious. I've had people thank me over the years, and they all end up worse off than when I helped them or dead.
That was how things went. The Wasteland sucks and it will take from you till you have nothing left, and then take some more. I've rarely seen how cruel the Wasteland can be though, I just hear about it through Cora. I'll wake up and ask about someone or somewhere we helped, and she'll give me the bad news. In the beginning, I didn't believe her. I'd drag her along till we found a body, a grave, the charred or bloody ruins of a town. I always wonder, how can things go south so badly in the course of a few months or years.
But here, in this remote facility, seeing everyone's smiling face and hearing their kind words...I have hope that maybe, just maybe, this place won't end up the same way as the others. That Sickle, Marrow, and the others will live in peace and quiet until they die of old age or their bodies rust away. Because of this, as I'm about to leave and Sickle tells me something, I hesitate.
"You know, you could stay if you'd like," Sickle tells me. I turn and blink at him in surprise. "I know you have your own lab, and that you freeze yourself, but I'm sure it gets lonely. You could live here with us, if you want."
I stare at him for a moment, my jaw working but no words coming out. I bite my lip and look at the ground. "I would like that," I tell him, with a sigh. "But...I can't. I told you why I'm doing what I'm doing. If someone stumbled upon one of the pods and released something nasty, it would do a lot of harm."
Sickle frowns. "Why is that your responsibility? Did you seal these things, these ponies away?" He asks. I shake my head. "So you don't have any obligation to find these pods."
"But it is my technology, my research that helped make them," I reply.
Sickle shakes his head. "From what you said, it was stolen from you and used without your knowledge. You aren't at fault, if anyone is, it is Twilight Sparkle herself for using your research without telling you," he tells me.
"She's gone now, though. Everyone from before the bombs is, unless they are a ghoul or a robot like you. If I don't find the pods, no one else will look for them. Ponies will stumble across them, and may get themselves, and others killed," I tell him, furrowing my brow.
"Ponies die all the time in the Wasteland, Ratchet. And I'm certain there are worse things out there than whatever is in your pods. Take Abominable as an example, he wasn't even in a pod," Sickle says. "During the war, dangerous and deadly weaponry was the norm, and not all of it is sealed away in a pod."
"You're right," I mutter. "But why shouldn't I try to remove as many dangerous things as possible from the Wasteland?" I ask. "And there aren't just things that are dangerous sealed away in these pods. There are good ponies who deserve to be free again. Ponies who can help the Wasteland," I tell him. This seems to quiet him, at least for a moment.
"You shouldn't have to do this," He tells me.
"I have to," I tell him. "I survived the end of Equestria, I was lucky enough to be allowed to live just a little bit longer. By all accounts, I should be dead right now. I'm roughly a hundred and thirty years old. I had my time and everything that I once knew is destroyed. Someone like me is exactly who needs to do this."
Sickle stares at me for a minute, before turning to Cora. "Cora, can I speak to Ratchet alone for a moment," He asks.
Cora nods. "Of course. I'll be outside waiting, Ratchet. It was nice to meet you, Sickle. Take care!" She says and starts towards the exit.
"You as well, Cora. And if you are ever up in these parts, feel free to stop in and say hello!" Sickle calls after her. Once the door outside closes, Sickle and I are the only ones left in the storage room entrance. "I am concerned about you, Ratchet," Sickle tells me.
I'm taken aback for an instant, but compose myself. "Why? I'm fine, Cora is here for me, and her friends too. It isn't like I am running myself ragged or anything either," I tell him.
"Listen to me for a moment, Ratchet," Sickle says, his face serious. "You make yourself sound good and kind, and you are, without a doubt. I'm sure you believe you are as well. But...you're not...normal."
I chuckle at that. "Of course I'm not. I'm a scientist from before the war who keeps freezing herself," I tell him.
Sickle shakes his head. "That isn't what I mean. The way you handled Abominable, without hesitation and the mindset to kill him...Not to mention, when I finished him off, you didn't even try to stop me. I know he was bad, so killing him doesn't bother me. But you are a stranger here," He tells me.
"What do you mean?" I ask, confused.
"You believed us right away that Abominable was bad, when we could have just as easily been the bad guys. Did you think for one moment that maybe Abominable didn't try to kill us, but drive us out for his own safety? You didn't try to talk to him, get his side of the story," Sickle says, letting out an odd sigh. "I think that a normal, good pony, would have asked him. Would have stopped me."
"Are you saying I should have doubted you?" I ask.
"Yes," Sickle says. "I've taken a few trips to the south. I know how bad things are down there. If you don't doubt, you don't live long. But...I'm not sure lack of doubt is your issue. I think you don't care."
I flinch. "Why do you think that?" I ask.
"Let me ask you something," Sickle says. "It has been around seventy-five years, give or take, since you first woke up in the Wasteland, right?" I nod. "In those seventy-five years, how long do you think you've been awake?" He asks.
The question catches me off guard. "Uh...I think..." I trail off. How long...had it been? "Less than two years?" I suggest. Wait, now that I think of it, I started keeping a memo in my PipBuck. "Wait, uh, let me see here..." I mutter as I fumble with it. I find the memo, a list of the total time I've spent in the Wasteland. At the bottom is a total that I read aloud, "Thirty four years..." I stare at the number in shock. Thirty four? But...I don't...remember?
"You just said less than two years a moment ago," Sickle says darkly. "How could you forget all of those years? Dark memories you want to forget? Well, how about this, how many ponies have you seen die?"
I move my mouth, but I can't find any words. "That many?" Sickle says. "You remember them, don't you? All of them. Maybe not individuals, but towns, families, locations? Celestia...I don't know how you are still sane. Ponies have broken for less. I think...I think you've become desensitized to death and killing. You still know it is sad and wrong, but when it happens it doesn't bother you anymore. Am I wrong?" He asks.
I think back to the last few times I was in the Wasteland. The way I killed raiders, the muted reactions I had when innocents died...One thought hits me: Sickle is right. He's right, and I have nothing to say in return. At my silence, Sickle frowns. "Despite this," He says, "You go out of your way to help others. You've not been broken yet, but you've seen so much."
Sickle sighs. "I can't do much, Ratchet, but, I'll be here if you ever need me. If you can't take the weight of the world anymore. We're comrades, after all," He tells me.
"I...Sickle, you could always come with me," I offer.
He shakes his head. "Snowfall needs me. I'm our best hunter, the metal body does help though. Besides, once you get back to your home, you're just going to freeze again, aren't you? I'll just be left there, waiting," He says.
"Actually, I have a second unoccupied pod in my lab. You could always use it. Then you wouldn't have to wait," I tell him.
He chuckles slightly. "I appreciate the offer, I really do. But, I want to say here, for now. We just got the facility working again, after all," Sickle tells me with a sad smile. "I'll be here for a while, and if you ever need me, I'll be here. Be it a day, a month, a year, even a hundred years from now. You helped us and I'll return the favor."
"Thanks," I tell him. "I'll be sure to stop by if I am ever up with way again or if there is something I need your help with." I hesitate for a moment before going on. "One last thing," I say, pulling my PipBuck's interface cable out. "I'm assuming you have some sort of mapping system build into your body?" I ask.
"Sort of. It isn't like a PipBuck, but it serves its purpose," Sickle replies.
"So, if I were to give you the map data to my lab, you could use it to find your way there?" I confirm.
"Yes, in theory. I've not really used the function all that much," He tells me.
"Well, here. Hook this in," I say, giving him the interface cable. He lifts a hoof, moves aside a flap of fake skin, and plugs the cable in. "Ok, here you go..." I say as I send him the location.
"Got it," He says, and unplugs the cable. It retracts back into my PipBuck.
"Good. If you ever need anything, I should be there. If not, I'll return shortly. Oh, and the entrance is a little odd. It is inside a shed, you go underground and through a few bulkheads. Oh, and the password for the doors!" I say, with sudden recollection. I look around us cautiously before I lean next to him and whisper the password into his ear. Leaning back, I put on a serious expression. "Listen, Sickle. Don't tell anyone else this information. There is no telling what would happen if my lab fell into the wrong hooves."
Sickle nods. "Of course not. We're comrades. And comrades don't sell out other comrades. Your information is safe with me. Oh yea, and before I forget, Marrow asked me to give you something before you go," He says, and digs around in his bags for a moment. He pulls out two long objects wrapped in cloth. "Here you are," He says, holding them out to me.
I take them in my magic, raising an eyebrow at them. "What are they?" I ask, as I unwrap one of them. After a moment, the cloth falls away revealing a glowing red crystal underneath. "Wait, these are..."
"Wyrm fire crystals," Sickle says. "The ones from the Wyrm we took down when you arrived. They haven't been used yet since we removed them. Since we got Snowfall back, we don't really have much use for the fire as badly as we once did, and we still have a few crystals left anyway. I'm sure you can find a good use for them eventually," He tells me.
"I...I don't know what to say," I tell him. "Thank you," I say with a smile.
"I should be the one thanking you," Sickle chuckles. "The crystals will last quite a while, even a hundred years if you don't use them much. So, unless you're melting through steel with them on a daily basis, I suspect they will last you quite a while. Also, when holding them in your magic, after striking them together, you can focus the flames with your magic," he says.
"You mentioned that before, how do I do that exactly?" I ask. He then launches into a five minute explanation about how to focus the flames. It is strangely detailed for someone lacking a horn and the ability to use magic themselves. Sickle seemed to pick up on my shock.
"Before I got this body, I used to be a unicorn," He chuckles. "I still remember what it feels like, controlling magic. But, this body is more useful in the long run," He says.
"I see," I mutter. "Well, Sickle, I guess this is farewell, for now," I say as we walk towards the entrance.
"For now," He repeats. "We'll meet again, I'm sure of it," He says as I open the door.
"You two took forever!" Cora says as soon as she sees us.
Sickle just laughs. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Cora. Well you two, it has been grand. I will see you later, comrades," He says. After returning his farewell, he closes the door behind him, leaving Cora and I alone in the snow.
"What did you two talk about?" Cora asks.
"Oh, a variety of things," I mutter. "Oh yea, he gave me a pair of those wyrm crystals," I tell her with a smile.
"What! No way, show me!" She says giddily. I fish one out of my bags and float it in front of her. "Awesome! That was so nice of him," She says.
"Yea, it was," I agree. "We'll meet him again, Cora. After all, I think I just made my first friend that isn't going to die of old age while I am frozen," I tell her.
Cora jerks her head back. "Really!" She asks happily. When I nod, she begins telling me how happy she is I finally made a friend.
"Cora, Cora!" I say, trying to call her down. "I know you can't feel it, but it is really cold out here. Let's leave the celebration for another time and start heading south?" I tell her.
"Hehe, oh yea. Let's," She says, and we begin our slow trek south through the Frozen North once again. Only this time, it is a little more bearable, without a blizzard going on around us.
===~+~===
When Cora and I are about a mile out from home, she suddenly stops and lifts her head up, seeming to be staring at nothing. "Uh, Cora?" I ask, waving a hoof in front of her face.
She turns to look at me. "Sorry, Ratchet. We just got in range of Macro's radio signal. He's been auto broadcasting for when we return. Seems they are back at the lab," She says, seeming to still be listening. "No, wait, only Macro and Hal are back. Soar is still in the Badlands, keeping watch over the facility," She pauses again. "They've found a pod there, but...something went wrong. He says he'll fill us in once we get back to the lab," Cora tells me. She sounds worried.
"Well then, let's get going. We don't have any time to lose," I tell her as we set off again, on the last stretch of our journey home. |
Fallout Equestria: Icicle | Chapter 34 - Fracture | Chapter 34 - Fracture
"It started with small, web-like fractures."
===~+~===
"Ah! Mums, you're back!" Macro declares as we enter Icicle Lab. "We've been waiting for days! We were beginning to worry," He says, his three eye stalks switching rapidly between the two of us. "Hal here will never admit it, but he was the most worried between the two of us," Macros says, turning his eyes to the lumbering giant beside him, who glares in return.
"Uh, this might not be the right time, but...Hal, I don't think we've met before. I didn't realize Cora made a third AI friend," I say, stretching out a hoof to him. "Nice to meet you."
He raises his heavily armored leg and takes my hoof in his. "A pleasure, Miss Ratchet. Between Cora, Macro, and Soar, I've heard quite a bit about you," Hal tells me. "Cora put the finishing touches on me about three years ago. Things were getting rough, and they needed my firepower."
"Yea, I can see that," I say, looking at his grenade machine gun and minigun. "Sweet Luna, did Cora build you sturdy or what?"
"She had to," Hal replies. "The threat facing the Wasteland is greater than ever. Raiders are out in ever greater numbers packing heavier firepower and increased viciousness. In fact, that is why we have returned without Soar," he tells us.
Cora and I exchange a glance. "Is she alright?" I ask.
"Fine, but she is keeping watch on the facility," Hal says. "Macro, fill them in."
"Of course, Hal," Macro says, and then turns his attention to us. "We found the facility, entered it and disposed of the defences. Inside, we found a pod. An almost exact replica of the one here. In fact, I think that it might be the very first one ever derived from your design due to-" Hal clears his throat, interrupting Macro.
"Ah, yes. Another time, perhaps," Macro continues. "The terminal that controls the pod is locked out, we even tried your credentials, Miss Ratchet. The terminal said it required Celestia Tier access to unlock. However, shortly after we found the pod, raiders entered the facility," He tells us.
"Raiders?" I ask. "Judging by the fact that you are here, these aren't normal, unorganized raiders."
Macro bobs his eye stalks. "Indeed. They belonged to the raider gang that controls the majority of the badlands, the Radscorpions. That much was evident due to their armor fashioned from the carapaces of their namesake," Macro says.
"So, what happened?" Cora asks.
"They attacked with a group of five. We managed to kill them, but when we stepped outside, we saw a group of twenty more heading towards us," Macro says. "Against that many, we decided our best option was to retreat for now. We slipped away to a nearby plateau and began observing them. After a few minutes, thirty more Radscorpions arrived. In an hour, seventy more arrived, along with their leader, Skag. It was then we decided we should come back and inform you of these events."
"Let me get this straight," I mutter. "One hundred some raiders invaded the facility which holds a Celestia Tier sealed cryopod?" I ask.
"Correct," Hal replies. A chill runs throughout my body. "I suggested we kill them all and return with good news, but Soar and Macro refused."
"And with good reason," Macro interjected. "We were vastly outnumbered! Even with your firepower, we would have been overwhelmed without a proper plan of action."
"Macro's right," Cora says. "Rushing in would have only gotten you all killed. You did the right thing in returning here."
"Agreed," I add. "But, if the raiders really have overtaken the facility, we don't have much time," I say, heading towards the armory. "Cora, see if you can find a replacement part for your assault rifle. We're heading south, so I need to lighten my load a little bit and lose some of this bulky clothing. Macro, Hal, if you haven't already, resupply."
"Got it," Cora says, and heads to the workshop.
"We've been ready to move out moments after our return," Hal tells me.
"Good. How quickly can we get to the facility?" I ask as I rummage through the armory looking for what I need.
"Three days, assuming we don't stop, run into trouble, or make camp for the night," Macro replies.
"Three days, huh?" I mutter. "I could make that. If the worst happens and I'm too tired to move on, Cora can always carry me on her back...Are there any towns near the facility?" I ask.
"There is one about ten miles north of it. Average size, average defenses, kind folk," Hal informs me.
"I see. If we spend three days on the road, I'll be too tired to do anything once we arrive at the facility. But, if we take a while once we reach that town for me to rest, we should be able to hit the facility in four days," I decide.
"Good plan, Miss Ratchet," Macro says. "Sometimes I forget that you organics require rest. It must be ever so miserable."
"Gee, thanks," I grumble as I finish getting what I need. "Ok, we can leave once Cora fixes her-"
"It is fixed and ready to go, Ratchet!" Cora says, coming around the corner.
"Good work, that was quick. Alright then, let's go. Hal, Macro, lead the way," I instruct as we exit Icicle Lab once again.
===~+~===
I end up getting into Cora's armor and having her walk me the rest of the way. Quite handy, having her able to use the armor without me. I get some sleep while inside, that way I won't be completely exhausted when we arrive.
But when we arrive at the town and Cora wakes me, I'm surprised that we aren't in the town, but instead we are standing on a hill outside the town. Cora lets me out of the armor and I look down at the town, I can see why. The town is littered with corpses, festering and diseased. A strange pale green mist is rising from it.
In the middle of town I can see a lone pony standing, they don't have a mane or tail and their entire body is covered with sores. But they are just standing there and when they exhale, the mist around them thickens. I have no idea what they are doing.
I notice movement in the town as well. Two figures in radscorpion armor and gas masks, to be specific. They look like they are looting the town. The sound of muted hoofsteps approaches, and I look to see Soar walking up. "Soar? What's going on? What happened to the town?" I ask in a rush.
"We failed," Soar tells me. "The Radscorpions opened the pod, that pony standing in the town is who was inside, I think. They certainly didn't enter with the Radscorpions, I would have noticed. But that pony came out of the facility. The only conclusion that I can come to, is that that pony is the one who was sealed in the pod."
"But what happened to the town?" I ask.
"I wasn't in time to see what happened," Soar replies. "But, that pony seems to be the source of the mist in the town. And the fact that the raiders are wearing gas masks make me think that that pony has some sort of chemical or biological attack. I would not advise you to go into the town, Ratchet. However, something else is strange about that pony. When I used my thermal sensors, his heat signature was barely visible," She explains. "It is almost as though he is dead."
"Well, he looks kind of like a ghoul. Maybe he is one?" I suggest. "Do ghouls have low body heat?"
Soar shakes her head. "No. They are normal, like most ponies. Some are even hotter, depending upon how much radiation they have sucked up," She tells me.
I look back towards the town and frown. "So. The Radscorpions did this, then? And they did it with the buck that was in one of my pods..." I stare at the town and an anger rises up in me. My anger piques when one of the raiders kicks once of the dead townsponies. "Soar. Can you go into town and get me one of those gas masks?" I ask her. "We need to stop them."
"I can," Soar replies. "But I could also just go with Cora and the others and we could handle it," She offers.
"No, absolutely not," I tell her. "I need to do this. So go down there, and get me one of those masks." I say the last bit a little harsher than I should have, but Soar doesn't argue back. Instead, she nods and trots off down to the town.
I watch as she goes down, kills one of the raiders, and pulls of their gas mask. Then she trots back up and gives it to me. "Here you go, Ratchet. Shall we take out the other two now?" Soar asks. I slip on the gas mask and make sure it is tight around my head, don't want any of that mist to get to me.
"Let's go," I declare and start heading towards the town. I walk straight for the buck in the center. I'll trust Cora and the others to handle the one raider that is still lurking around. It isn't long before I reach the road the strange buck is standing in, and a single gunshot rings out from behind me. They must have killed the raider. With the buck right in front of me, I quicken my pace and draw a knife. When I reach the buck, I put the knife to his neck. "Why did you do this!?" I shout at him.
But he stares blankly at me and just blinks. His eyes look...kind of dead. I shake my head and ask again, cutting the knife into him a bit, "Why!?" He doesn't even react. He just continues breathing and blinking at me. I narrow my eyes at him and pull the knife away. The buck doesn't try to run or anything, he just goes back to standing there. "Hey, can you hear me?" I ask him as I wave a hoof in front of his face. Nothing. "Can't talk?" I ask.
Hoofsteps coming from behind me signal the arrival of the others. "I don't think he is...here," I mutter as they gather around. He doesn't even react when they approach. "Do you think...he's just...empty?" I ask.
Cora waves her hoof in front of him as well and gets the same outcome as I do. "It would seem that way. He is just staring blankly and breathing," She says
"Ratchet, can you take his pulse?" Soar asks.
"His pulse?" I ask. "Sure, I guess." I raise my hoof up to his neck and feel for a pulse. It is...slow. I count it out. "That can't be right..." I mutter, and take it again. But I get the same result. "It is around ten beats per minute," I tell her.
"That might explain his low body heat. At least in part," Soar replies. "It might also explain why he doesn't seem to do much at all. Perhaps he has no brain activity other than basic functions like breathing and blinking?" Soar suggests.
"Maybe," I mutter. "He doesn't seem to be a treat by himself. The damn Radscorpions must have brought him here just to wipe out the town." I look around at the dead littering the streets. They seem to have suffered from various diseases. It looks like it was painful. Pools of blood surround some, bodily fluids around others. Some have no fluids around them but have horrible rashes or blisters. "This is horrible," I say as I shake my head.
I draw Forgiveness from its holster. "We can't let you live, even if this isn't your fault. I don't know who you are or how this happened to you. I don't even know if you can understand me or if you are suffering. But, I am sorry," I tell him as I put the gun to his head. "If you are suffering, I hope that this puts an end to it." I pull the trigger and the unknown buck falls to the ground in a heap.
A cold rage has been burning inside of me since I saw the town. The deaths that I could have prevented had I arrived sooner. If Cora and I came here instead of going to the north, we could have made it. But now...all of these ponies are dead and I had to kill another pony who did not necessarily deserve it. Was the unknown buck bad or was he being used because he couldn't fight back? Whatever the case, I feel goosebumps creeping all over my body as my face hardens. I know what I need to do.
"The facility is ten miles to the south, right?" I ask the AIs.
"Yea, that's correct," Soar replies.
"Good. Then let's go and kill every last one of the Radscorpions," I say as I start walking south.
Cora stops me. "Why?" She asks. "The pod's occupant is dead, it isn't our problem anymore," She says.
I turn to face her. "Because they killed a town full of innocents. How can you say it isn't our problem?" I ask her pointedly.
"Because it isn't, Ratchet. Our problem is dealing with the pods and their occupants. Not ever raider band that shows up," Cora counters.
"Are you saying we should just walk away and return to the lab? Even though the Radscorpions might find other things in that facility they can use to harm ponies?" I say as I glare at her.
"That is exactly what I am saying," Cora tells me. "There are more than a hundred of them, we don't stand a chance. And if something went wrong, you could die."
"I know that. But if I can stop even one raider, then it is worth it," I tell her. "So, let's go."
"No. We should return to Icicle Lab," Cora says stubbornly.
"No?" I ask in shock. I look to the other AIs. "What about you three? Macro? Soar? Hal? Do you want to return to the lab? Leave these raiders to raid?" I ask.
"Well...it would be the safest course of action, mum," Macro replies.
"Cora's right," Soar tells me.
"One hundred is a bit much," Hal admits.
"So, that's it then? You're all going to turn tail and run?" I ask, looking between them. "Fine, I'll go myself then," I tell them and start walking south once more.
But once again Cora stands in my way. "Stop. Come back with us," She says. "It isn't safe, Ratchet. All of this death is clearly getting to you," She says sadly.
"My mind is made up. Now move," I say as I try to go around her, but she stops me again, shaking her head. "I said move!" I yell, but she shakes her head again and stares at me. I take a deep breath and then growl, "Fine then. Cora. Command override, activate voice input protocols. Authorization, Ratchet. Passphrase, For The Future."
Cora goes stock still and says in an emotionless voice, "Awaiting input."
"You are to stay in this town and burn the dead. Once done, you are to remain here for one day. If anyone tries to make you leave or tries to stop me from leaving, kill them," I tell her.
Cora keeps staring at me for a moment before saying, "Command accepted. Executing." She then walks to the unknown buck's body and begins to lift him onto her back.
"Mum! What did you do!?" Macro exclaims.
"I made her listen to me," I reply evenly. "You three should help her. Your flamer will come in handy, Macro. Oh, and don't even think about trying to stop me. Cora will destroy you. Later," I say as I continue walking south unhindered.
I hear them protesting from behind me, but I ignore them. If they won't help me, then I'll just do this on my own. My anger is way too intense to simply return to the lab. No...I need to get revenge for this town. Once I am done, not a single Radscorpion will be left alive.
===~+~===
"So, missy," the green cloaked figure that has been tagging along with me begins. Until now, he has been following along in silence. "You really plan to charge in there without a plan and kill them all?" He asks.
"You finally decide to speak up, and that's what you ask? Yes, as a matter of fact, that is exactly what I am going to do," I tell him. Just a short while till I reach the facility. "How about you answer my question now? Huh? You know everything that happens to others, right? So, what happened to that buck?" I ask.
He chuckles. "You're just lucky that it is my area of specialty. He died long ago and I claimed his soul then. In fact, if I wasn't already Pestilence, he would have been an ideal candidate for my position," Pestilence explains. "Your government experimented on him to use him for biological warfare. Come to think of it, it is was kind similar to what happened to me."
"They experimented on him? What? Why would Princess Luna approve of that?" I ask him in shock.
"Your princess knew about a lot of projects that were less than ethical. But in order to win the war, she allowed many things," He tells me.
"You're lying. She wouldn't allow experiment that harmed ponies," I counter.
Pestilence chuckles again. "After everything you've seen, you still think that? Twilight used your own creation without your knowledge. I bet you thought, 'Twilight wouldn't do something like that,' when you first learned that too," He says. "What about Umbra? Her experiments? And you remember Abominable's body? What they did to him? But, I suppose that was all ethical, right? However, a better question right now, is why would I lie to you? Your princess is long gone. And telling you what I am right now isn't going to change your mind, is it?" He asks.
"I suppose not," I admit with a sigh. "Fine then. What did they do to him?" I ask.
"What didn't they do," He replies. "Subjected him to various diseases, both old and new. Even ones they created themselves. They initially were trying to create a biological weapon. But, after he died but was left alone for a while, miraculously his body came back. Of course, it wasn't intelligent. But it did react to stimuli and the like," He explains. "They decided to use it to continue their research. A while later, they made him a living, biological weapon. As you might guess from the town and the fact that he was sealed, practical application of him proved near impossible. His breath is a contaminated mist that infects ponies instantly. The first few researchers died before he was contained. It was hard to handle him and they couldn't find a way to deliver him anywhere to be of actual use. In the end, he was sealed away," Pestilence concludes.
"If he wasn't living anyway, why not just kill him? Why seal him in a pod?" I ask. I can see the facility ahead, a few raiders are outside. And after hearing about what was done to the unknown buck, I am positively fuming with anger. These raiders will be the perfect outlet for it.
"Who knows," he says, shrugging his shoulders. "Maybe they thought they could use the diseases they pumped him full of later? Maybe they wanted to use him to advance cures for current diseases. Hard to say for sure. So then miss, you won't be fighting diseases up ahead. I've been shirking my duties for long enough as it is. You go do your thing. Be careful though. Your mind might just snap, as fractured and messed up as it is right now..."
I turn to look at him, but he is gone. "Yea, ok, great. Make morbid comments about my mind and fucking leave. Great. Fuck it. I'll just go kill these raiders then. And stop talking to myself..." I let out a sigh. I'm a few yards from the entrance to the facility, and the raiders have started to take notice of me. Four of them standing guard. Radscorpion armor? Check.
I pull out Forgiveness and two knives. The great thing about their armor, is that it doesn't cover their head, neck, or joints. There are plenty of places to inflict damage. I level Forgiveness and take aim at a buck with a carbine. The bullet slams into his eye and exits out the back of his head. I waste no time and quicken my pace, running at them in full gallop. One calls out and a moment later a knife finds its way into her neck. I shoot a few rounds at another mare with an smg and put her down. The last raider has a sledgehammer. I charge him and tackle them to the ground then proceed to stab him mercilessly between the gaps in his armor until he stops moving.
With all the raiders out here dead, I wipe my knives off on my lab coat and reload Forgiveness. Putting the knives away, I take the carbine from the dead raider and check its ammo. Just a few rounds missing from the current magazine, but the buck has two extras as well. I holster Forgiveness for now and then check the smg. The mare seems to have gotten a few shots off, but the mag is mostly full. She has another on her corpse that I take with me. The other mare has a sniper, but I won't need that in here. And the sledgehammer will be unwieldy inside tight corridors. I'll stick with these two guns for now.
All set, I open the door to the facility. Already a group of five raiders are running towards me, probably heard the mare's shout. I take them down with the carbine and smg before they can get off more than a few bullets. The rapid fire of the smg quickly emptied the magazine, so I reload it while I look over the raiders' bodies for more ammo. Only one buck has spare carbine ammo, the rest are using other rifles, pistols, or melee weaponry.
I don't waste time looking around the entryway and continue deeper into the facility. I open a door to the hallway beyond and see two raiders a ways down. A short burst of fire later and they fall into a heap on the ground. I continue walking down the hallway as shouting a hoofsteps echo through the halls. A door to my left draws my attention and I peek inside. Four raiders just getting their armor on. I riddle their exposed flesh with the smg and continue to the next door.
This time the raiders inside are prepared and start shooting at me as soon as the door opens. I duck around the corner and float the smg around to blinding empty it into the room. A few groans come from the room and some of the shooting stops. Without any ammo left for it, I turn the corner into the room and throw the smg at the nearest raider and then proceed to swing the carbine across the rest of the raiders until its clip is empty as well. They return fire as I run out of ammo, but I drop the gun and charge them as I draw a few knives and stab at them. I don't stop till they are all motionless on the floor.
A few rounds found their way into my barding, some even penetrated. But I ignore them for now, nothing serious. I wipe my knives, reload the carbine, and find another smg on one of the raiders. I'm about to look for more ammo when more Radscorpions enter the room and start shooting. I duck behind a desk and return fire, killing one instantly. Clicking my tongue at the fact I got myself stuck here, I empty the carbine into another raider. There seems to be at least three more outside the door. I look over the bodies I am sitting beside and spot a shiny apple peaking out from under one of the buck's bags. Floating it over to me, I pull the pin, wait a few seconds, and then throw the apple into the hallway. A few shouts and curses precede an explosion and silences the raiders outside.
I leave the room while I reload the carbine and pick up another from one of the raiders in the hallway. "Who's next?" I mutter as I continue on. As if answering my question, more raiders turn the corner up ahead. The one in front is a buck whose eyes go round as I start spraying the carbines down the hall towards them. The small group tries to get back around the corner, but are tripping over themselves as I shoot them. After a few seconds, they've stopped moving. I sigh. I keep using more ammo then I am finding. They need to die quicker.
More raiders burst through the door immediately to my right, catching me by surprise. I try to use the carbines to fight them off, but after a few bursts both carbines are empty. The raiders' bullets find their way into my chest and I start bludgeoning them with the carbines as I draw Forgiveness to finish them off. When they are all dead, I quickly take out a healing potion and drink it quickly. As the potion works its magic, I reload my revolver and holster it again. I look over the dead raiders and find another smg and pick it up as another raider comes around the corner the others were trying to hide behind. I turn the smg on him and empty the clip.
The single raider goes down, but my frustration boils over. "All of you just die!" I scream as I walk over to the corner to look for more weapons I can use. A shotgun and a 10mm pistol are the two I decide to pick up. Both without a single round used. I turn down the corner and continue.
I repeat the process of killing the Radscorpions as they appear, taking their guns, and killing more. A trail of blood and death follows me, some of the blood even my own. When guns prove useless, I turn to my knives. Dozens of Radscorpions are dead already as I meet another group in the halls. I empty my guns into them, and when they run dry I charge them with my knives. Their bullets strike me but I shrug them off and I stab them all repeatedly. When I'm finally done with this group, I'm bleeding pretty badly and covered in blood. I pull out a new potion and start to drink it as more raiders come through a doorway.
At that point, I black out. I'm not sure if it is because of blood loss, anger, or what, but I don't remember anything else as I continue through the facility. When I finally regain my senses, I am standing in a large open room with a cryopod in the center. I have a bloody knife held in my magic. Hanging upside down above the pod, is a buck with a rope tied around his rear hooves. He is glaring at me angrily, but he is wearing Radscorpion armor. It is a bit more fancy than the others.
"So, I take it you are the leader?" I guess as I look at him. He smiles at me as he sways.
"Well, I reckon I am. I'm the only one left now, after all. If I wasn't the leader already I would have become it by default," He replies. "Say, you look familiar. And you got some fight in ya, I like that. Managed to kill all my gangers. What would you say to joining forces and ruling this region with me?" He offers.
I snort in disgust and press the knife to his throat. "I'm not going to join you. I'm here to kill you. But first, I want to know why," I tell him.
"Why? Why what?" He asks.
"Why you came here to this facility. Why you opened this pod. Why you decided to use the buck inside to kill an entire town!" I growl at him.
He laughs. "That's what you want to know? The answer should be obvious. And the answer for all those questions is the same. For power," He tells me. "We came here to find some old world technology to give us an edge. And we found it in this. That town out there was a test of what that buck could really do. 'Course, he killed a few of us before we thought to use those masks."
"For power?" I repeat his answer. "That is why you killed a whole town?"
A sudden realization seems to dawn on the buck. "Oh shit. I remember you now. Yea...I get it. You don't care about the town, you're just here to eliminate the competition, isn't that right, Nova Surge? You must be expanding down here, hu? Your little gang up north didn't have enough territory already, huh?" He chuckles. "Surprised you didn't bring the rest of your gang here for the stomp. But, turns out you didn't need them anyway."
"Nova...Surge...?" I mutter in confusion. What is he talking about. Is there some raider boss out there that looks like me somewhere in the wasteland.
"Don't play dumb now. A normal pony could have done what you did. I mean, just look behind you," He says with a whistle. "All that carnage. If they weren't my own, I'd be impressed."
I turn around to see what he is talking about and wish that I hadn't. Dozens of dead Radscorpions are in this room alone. It looks like someone butchered them. Did I...do all this? I can see large pools of blood and smears on the wall. In a couple of places, the smears of blood become words and phrases. 'Who am I?' and 'What is my name?' are two that I can make out. Others are too sloppy to read.
I turn back to the buck as I feel my head start to pound. "Since you haven't just killed me yet," The buck begins, "do you want me to join you? Perhaps you want me to tell you about all of the trade routes down here so you can hit them. Tell ya where travelers like to gather so you can pick them over? Let me down, and I'll...hey, wait..." He starts to panic as I stagger closer to him with the knife and put it against his neck again. "Let's talk about this Nova, we can work something out!" He pleads.
"My name...isn't Nova," I growl as I put a hoof to my head. "My name is...Ratchet," I say as I drag the knife across his throat. His eyes pop wide as blood flows from his neck and streams onto the cryopod underneath. My head is spinning and it feels like someone has been kicking me in the head. I can feel a wetness under my barding. I must still be bleeding. Quickly, I pull out my last potion and drink it. But my head keeps throbbing. "Nova...Surge...?" I question as fall to the floor. "What is..." I start to mutter, but I quickly lose consciousness as my head hits the floor.
===~+~===
When I awake again, the smell of copper fills my nose. With all the blood in the room, it is understandable. My head still has a dull throbbing, but it isn't as bad as it was before. I look at my PipBuck, only about an hour has gone by since I passed out. I stagger back to my hooves and gather myself. The Radscorpions are dead. "Indeed they are," A familiar voice says from beside the doorway. I turn to see War, leaning against the doorway in his red cloak. "You've certainly made me work today," He tells me.
I groan. "Of course. Of course you'd show up. You know, Pestilence said some really cryptic shit a while ago. Care to elaborate on any of that?" I ask him.
"I can tell you he's right. You aren't you. I mean, look around. Ratchet wouldn't have done any of this. At least, not alone without her friends," War explains. "And that buck strung up like that? That's not a very Ratchet thing to do, you know. Ratchet helps ponies, right? She wouldn't torture them."
I frown at him. "Yea, ponies change," I tell him. "I've seen enough innocent ponies killed to last a lifetime. The least I can do is kill murderers and the like."
War nods. "Do you think this is a case of the Wasteland breaking a pony?" He asks.
"No. I'm still in control, I can tell right from wrong," I counter. "That is why I'm not done. Not yet," I tell him.
"You're not done?" He asks. "There are no more Radscorpions here, or anywhere, for that matter. Not the raider variety, anyway."
I shake my head. "I don't mean here. There are more raiders elsewhere," I explain. "I'll go find some more and kill them too."
"Alone?" War asks. "Cora is still following your orders for quite a while, you know."
"Yes, alone. If I went to get Cora and the others to help me, they'd only try to get me to go back to the lab," I tell him. "For now, I'll go find a nearby town to stock up in. Maybe find some info on some raider gangs in the area," I say as I walk past him towards the exit.
"That's your plan then?" War says with a sigh. "You should clean up first then. The whole, 'covered in blood' look isn't going to make you seem friendly to any towns you go to."
I stop walking and look myself over. War is right, I am completely covered with blood. Even my mane is matted to my head it has so much blood in it. I guess I didn't notice with everything going on. "Hey, thank you..." I say as I turn back to him, but he is already gone. "Why do they always do that..." I mutter.
I take his advice and find a bathroom in the facility. After a while, I manage to get myself clean. My armor and lab coat is another matter entirely. While I do manage to wash off the majority of the blood and gore off of them. My lab coat is going to be permanently stained, however.
With my appearance taken care of, I spend around an hour looking over the bodies and giving the facility a quick once over. I take most of the ammo I can find, any drugs and healing items, some of the smaller arms like pistols and smgs, caps of course, and some food and drink. I leave the rest for whoever happens across it next. Nothing inside the facility is too much of a threat anymore, not since the unknown buck is dead.
Then, I leave the facility and head north. I remember that we traveled through a town on our way here. I plan to head there and see what I can find out. The name of the town? New Appleloosa. |
Fallout Equestria: Icicle | Chapter 35 - Singularity | Chapter 35 - Singularity
"For the first time, I was truly alone."
===~+~===
New Appleloosa is a decent sized down. The settlement is surrounded by boxcars for defence and most of the buildings themselves are made from train cars or parts from train cars. Various train tracks run through the town and a few trains even still operate, or so Cora told me. The settlement itself is only a few hours from Ponyville, so it was a logical place to head to, since it is on the way to Icicle Lab anyhow.
Cora had also told me about Old Appleloosa, the one I am familiar with. However, it is now apparently a slaver hub. I very briefly considered going there and killing all of the slavers, freeing the slaves, that sort of thing. But the thought of it didn't sit well with me. It would be like seeing a whole town slaughtered, like in the Badlands. For now, I decided that I will focus on raiders.
First this is first, however. I need to sell things and get resupplied. I wander around the town till I find a store with the name Absolutely Everything. Making my way inside, I look around at the various items and equipment lying around on tables and crates and...well basically anything that could hold items on it. Ponies are milling about looking at the items. I spy things ranging from old magazines to rocket launchers and everything in between. Just like the name implies, I suppose.
Behind what I assume is the counter, is a pegasus ghoul mare. I walk over, assuming she is the owner. "Hello there," I say with a smile. "I'm looking to trade some things."
"No problem," The mare says with a smile. Despite her being a ghoul she looks kind of...familiar. "What can I help you with?" She asks.
"Well, I would like to sell this stuff," I tell her as I start pulling out the items I took from the Radscorpions. "And I would like to stock up on 32 caliber bullets and some healing potions."
She looks over the items and nods, then ducks behind the counter for a moment before setting four healing potions and two boxes of ammo on the counter. "I can give you this for all of that. How does that sounds?" She asks with a tilt of her head. Her eyes are a bit...off.
"Yea, that will..." But then it clicks. I think I remember who she is. "Say...you look familiar. Are you...that mare that owned...oh what was it called," I mutter, rubbing my temple with a hoof. "Ditzy Doo Deliveries? In Cloudsdale, right?" I ask.
Her eyes get a bit wider and her mouth opens in surprise. "How do you know that?" She asks.
"So you are? That would make you Ditzy, correct?" I ask, she nods. "It is actually kind of a complicated story. Long story short, I'm from before the war ended, like you. Except I survived in a chamber that preserved my body and mind. It was an MAS experiment I was conducting." I explain.
Ditzy blinks at me as she tilts her head. "Really?" She asks.
I nod. "Yep. It is too bad that things ended how they did. Mutual destruction and what not," I mutter. She keeps blinking at me. "You don't believe me, do you?" I ask her and she answers with a sheepish grin. "Well, that's understandable. Anyway, I uh...this trade will work," I tell her with a forced smile.
"Okay," Ditzy replies with a happy grin and starts taking the items I put on the counter off. I follow her lead and put the potions and ammo into my bags. "Thank you for shopping at Absolutely Everything, please come again," She says with a bright smile as she finishes clearing the counter.
"Thank you, I will if I'm in the area," I reply as I start walking away. As I reach the exit, I let out a sigh. Telling ponies about my past usually leads to disbelief, but when Cora is around it usually is just a matter of her opening up the armor and they believe my story. For the most part, anyway. Not that I go around telling ponies about my past very often though. But, who would have thought I'd run into another pony from back then now, even if she is a ghoul. And she is still running a business too. I can't help but smile at that.
My next stop is the local bar. I've heard that bars sometimes handle bounties, but even if this one does, it will still be a good place to get information. I just need to be pointed in the direction of the next group of raiders.
Behind the counter is a tan mare with an orange mane. She pulls a bottle from behind the counter and sets it next to a buck on the other side. The buck takes the bottle and walks off to a table to sit with some other ponies. I approach the bar and the mare greets me, "How ya doin'? What can I get ya darlin'?"
"Nothing to drink," I reply. "I was actually hoping to get some information on raiders around the area."
The mare nods. "'Course darlin'. I take it ya'll a traveler or a trader or sometin'? Knowin' bout the raiders comes in handy," She tells me.
"Oh, no, not exactly," I tell her. "I'm actually more of a...bounty hunter." I'll go with that.
She raises an eyebrow. "Ya'll are a bounty hunter?" She asks skeptically. "I ain't neva seen ya around these parts before. Ya just startin' out?" She asks.
"I guess," I tell her with a shrug. "I've killed raiders before, but I've never collected a bounty for them. Honestly, you can keep the bounty and I'll just take out the raiders. Just tell me where the nearest raider threat is at."
The mare stares at me skeptically, perhaps wondering if I am insane. "Ya wana go kill some raiders just for the heck of it?" She asks, I nod. She takes a moment to look me over and looks at something under the counter before straightening back up and asking me, "Ya'll wouldn't happen to be called Ratchet, would ya?"
Okay, my turn to raise an eyebrow. How does she know my name? "Yes...why?" I ask cautiously.
"Someone told me you was comin'," She tells me. "Gave me a bounty specifically for ya. Told me to watch for a mare in a lab coat. Course, that's not usually how bounties work. First come first served, ya know. But this here client paid my fee and then some, so I ain't got no room to complain," She says.
"'Course, I ain't never hearda ya before. I figured worse case, I just get to keep the caps and continue on my business," She admits. "Even the job is a funny thing darlin'. Wants ya to break a siege on a town out east by the name of Spark. Well, I had a customer today tell me Spark is doin' just fine, he came from there and everythin'."
"The job is to break a siege on a town called Spark? But, the town isn't under siege?" I ask to clarify.
She nods. "That's the job. Got it two days ago, so either the siege was broken yesterday or the customer today is a liar. But he's a regular, so I trust him enough. That, or the job is wrong," She explains.
"I see," I mutter. "So, who exactly gave you this job to give to me?" I ask.
"Didn't get his name," She replies. "He was just a courier anyway. Deliverin' the job for his client." Another courier? "Didn't mention his client's name either. Even said ya wouldn't require payment for the job, which I took with a drink of whiskey. But here ya are, and ya said as much yourself. So, are ya interested in the job?" She asks.
I consider it for a moment and then reply, "Yes. Tell me the details."
The mare nods. "Very well. Like I said, the job is to break the siege on the town of Spark to the east. The town itself is build around a power substation that provides it with power for lights and fancy stuff like that. I reckon the raiders want it for themselves, assuming the siege is real," She tells me and then reaches under the counter again.
She sets a metal case on the counter between us. "Then there is this. The courier didn't tell me what was inside and told me not to open it. Just to give it to ya. Last bit of info I got is that ya don't need to return to complete the bounty. I was assured ya would complete it. Not like ya need to return to collect any caps anyhow," She mutters.
I had a strange feeling about this whole thing. A courier, strange events, this reeks of that pony's doing. I don't even know a name or anything yet. Carefully, I open the metal case, which is basically a briefcase, and take in the contents. A note, a gun with a holster, and two boxes of ammo. First, I float out the gun and look it over. I've not seen a gun like this before. It seems heavily modified.
The mare behind the counter lets out an impressed whistle. "That's a .44 revolver," She says. "It even has a modified receiver and a bull barrel on it. Not to mention the scope. Ya rarely see them in this condition either. That gun packs one heck of a wallop. Has intense kick too. I know some bucks who have given themselves whiplash when they weren't repaired for it," She tells me.
"You seem to know a lot about guns," I tell her as I turn the gun to the side and see a word carved into the barrel, probably with a knife. It reads 'Executioner'.
"Ya don't grow up in New Appleloosa without knowing a thing or two about guns darlin'," She says with a laugh. "Though, I gotta say, the scope is practically useless after the first shot unless ya got distance and a whole lot of cover. The kick will stop ya from lining another shot up before your enemies scramble for cover," The mare explains. "Nice of the client to give ya spare ammo too. A decent amount at that."
"Yea..." I mutter as I put the boxes of ammo as well as the gun and holster in my bags. I will put that on later. For now, I turn my attention to the note. Unlike previous letters I have received, this one is fairly lengthy.
Ratchet,
My name isn't important. Not yet, anyway. You've gotten my letters in the past and heard about others who have received my letters. So, you know that my letters and warnings always come true. I knew you would come to New Appleloosa. I knew you would come seeking more violence.
However, you have tarnished Forgiveness. A gun made to forgive, to help ponies, to bring hope to the world. It was a small caliber because it was never meant to cause major damage. It was meant to bring things to an end for those that deserved it. A relatively peaceful, painless, and quick end. The recent things you have done with Forgiveness is unforgivable.
This is why I have provided you with a new weapon. A weapon that is meant to kill, a weapon that is meant to hurt and cause pain. The Executioner. As the name implies, it is used to execute. It is used against both the guilty and the innocent alike. It is the perfect weapon for you right now. Don't use Forgiveness anymore.
The history of the Executioner is stained with blood. It was commissioned for a lieutenant colonel, a very brutal and vicious one. One who took insubordination very seriously. Often he would execute his own subordinates. Even prisoners of war who became liabilities. The gun's sole purpose was to put a single bullet through a pony's skull at point blank range. It has killed countless ponies and zebras alike. Perhaps some that didn't even deserve it. It is yours now. And you will use it.
The town of Spark is in trouble. It is a small community of fourteen ponies with just enough room in the power substation facility to not be too cramped. They have few defences, a very limited stock of food and supplies, and not all of them can fight. The one defence they do have, is the thick magnetically locked door to the facility. Not many ponies can get through the door without heavy equipment or a lot of explosives.
This means that the twenty seven raiders that will begin to attack the substation in a few hours will not be able to get inside. Instead, they will make camp outside and wait for the inhabitants to slowly starve. Normally, a sizable force would be necessary to dive the raiders away. Even you would need Cora and the others.
But this is a special event. After what you did in the previous facility...your rage and guilt regarding the town you couldn't save...you will be able to do this alone. It will not be easy, but you can do it as you are now.
I know that you are skeptical about me. I know that you don't have a reason to trust me. For all you know, I could be luring you into a trap. But the ponies of Spark need your help. And you need to save them, more than you know. If you continue this path of bloodshed that you are on things will not end well. More innocents will die and they will die by your hooves. What I am offering to you right now, is a way to continue in the hoofsteps that the mare named Ratchet has been walking.
We will meet, but not for a while. Continue to walk your path, Ratchet. Once our paths cross, I will guide you and I will free you from your prison. You will be able to live your life happily once again.
I finish reading the letter and add it to my bags. I have really mixed feelings about this. The writer even said it could be a trap themselves. Releasing a sigh, I close the metal case and slide it to the barmare. "I'll take the job," I tell her. "And you can keep the case if you want. I don't need it."
"I suppose I can use it for something," She mutters. "Well darlin', I also rent out rooms if you're interested. Or are ya plannin' on headin' out right this minute?" She asks.
"No thank you," I reply. "I need to get going as soon as possible. Thank you for the help," I tell her as I turn to walk away.
"No problem darlin'," She calls after me. "Stop by anytime. And maybe buy a drink next time!"
I smile as I walk outside. Well, I suppose it is time to find out if I am walking into a trap, or if this fortune teller is actually telling me the truth.
===~+~===
Just as I was told, Spark is a power substation. A single, two story concrete building stands in the middle of various wires and electrical components. The building has a large, sturdy looking door and a few windows reinforced with metal bars on the outside of them. Around all of it is a rusty, mostly broken down chain link fence with razor wire on the top. A number of the wires run in and out of the building.
Outside a number of tables and other furniture is strewn about outside. Probably a sort of makeshift market. It makes sense, they probably don't want outsiders just wandering into their home. A few fire barrels are crackling around providing some light in the darkness of the night. I arrived a few hours after night fell, so the fire helps me to get a good view of the place.
Including the raiders surrounding it. Like the fortune teller said, and I've taken to calling the author of those cryptic notes the fortune teller, there are over twenty raiders gathered around the barrels. A few tents have been set up and if the fortune teller is telling the truth then the remaining raiders will be in them. I take a few hours to watch them, know their movements, know what guns they are carrying.
Finally, I decide to make my move. The Executioner is on my side, opposite of Forgiveness. I draw it and look through the scope at the raiders. At this range, given my accuracy I probably won't be able to hit them. However, it is dark enough that I should be able to get a few shots off before they figure out where I am at.
I line up my first shot, a headshot on a raider with a sniper rifle. Best to take out the ones who will be able to hit me at this range. I pull the trigger and to my surprise it punches through the skull of the raider and her skull explodes into bloody chunks a moment later. Lucky shot, I guess.
The raiders have started to yell and look around in the darkness. More raiders pour from the tents to join the others, but I focus on the next target. Another sniper. I line up the shot and wait for my chance. A moment when he stops moving around. There. I pull the trigger again and the second round hits home as well. Half of the raider's skull explodes. Two for two. Either my luck is high right now or I can suddenly use weapons properly.
I suppose it is in my good favor that raiders don't wear helmets. What isn't in my favor, is that the raiders saw the muzzle flash. They can't see me exactly, but they know the general direction I am in now. Some of their unicorns are using their horns to illuminate the darkness. It is only a matter of time now till they find me. But I can still get off another shot before things go south.
The other raider I was planning to shoot is hidden by some others. Instead of them, I select another. I spot a buck with a twin assault rifle saddle. I take the shot a third hit, the buck's skull explodes just like the others. This time, however, the raiders open fire in my direction. I guess they have gotten my position limited down far enough. Their shots miss and give me time to reload the three bullets I shot.
Then, I ready an inhaler of dash and charge at the approaching raiders. As we charge at each other, their bullets get more accurate. After a short time, a bullet strikes my barding. That is my que. I use the dash and time slows to a crawl. I continue my charge and start shooting at the approaching raiders.
Three of the closest ones receive a bullet to the chest as I gallop past them. The next four meet the same fate, with the exception of the last one, who gets a knife in the neck. I reload just as the dash wears off. Already I have another inhaler in my muzzle and as the raiders turn to get me in their sight, I use it.
If the fortune teller is right, there should be seventeen more raiders. I keep charging into their group, surrounding myself with six of them. Then, I stop, draw four knives. I send them out in a fan in front of me as I turn to shoot the other two with the revolver. I fire three shots in total and then press on.
Despite the dash, I feel buckshot pelting my side as I turn back to the rest of the raiders. Another bullet bites into my chest, but I ignore it as I fire two more shots blindly at the closest raider, taking her down. But then time begins moving forward at normal speed. I forgot to keep track of the time. More bullets punch into my barding, penetrating my armor and biting into my hide.
I pull out another dash as fast as I can and use it. As time slows once more, I jump to the side and pull out two of the healing potions I got from Ditzy. I quickly drink them and they take care of most of the damage. Some of the pain still gnaws at me. But with almost a ten more raiders to deal with, I don't have the time to deal with it right now.
I turn back to the raiders and fire the last bullet in my revolver. As I reload it, I draw my other two knives and attack the closest raider. More bullets chew into my barding before I can bring my gun to bare. I start shooting at the closest raiders. Six more rounds and four raiders dead.
The remaining five raiders circle around me. I have a few seconds left of dash left and use it to reload the gun. When it wears off they open fire. Caught in the crossfire, I can only absorb the hits as I shoot them down one by one. Three of them go down before the gun clicks on an empty cylinder. The remaining two also run out of ammo as I stagger towards them with my knives. The Executioner drops from my magic as I feel my magic weaken. My knives shake in my grip as I jerk them towards the raiders and catch them in the throats.
They fall to the ground along with my knives. I collapse onto my haunches as I bend my neck to dig through my bag with my muzzle. Carefully, I pull out the last healing potion and chug it. I can feel some strength returning, some of the bullet wounds healing up. But not all of them are sewn back together. I can use my magic again, however slightly. I pull out multiple rolls of bandages and strip off my barding and toss my bags aside as I start bandaging up my wounds. Some of the bandages are infused with magic, so I use those on the worst wounds.
While bandaging myself up, I hear a few of the raiders groaning out. A few calling out for the others to kill me. I finish tying up my wounds and stagger back to my hooves. The blood loss causes my head to spin. I pick up the Executioner in my magic and sway between the bodies as I reload it. One of the nearby raiders is moving. I raise my gun and level it at the raider's head. My vision fades as I pull the trigger and put the raider down. I catch myself from falling to the ground in a heap as I turn towards the next raider that is still alive.
I slowly stagger over to her, raise my gun, and put her down. I find the next one, and finish him off too. Another raider, another bullet. Another. All headshots. With one bullet left in my revolver, there are no raiders left alive. My magic gives out and the Executioner falls to the ground.
With the raider threat dealt with, I stumble to the door to Spark. Along the way, my vision blinks in and out. I'm probably seconds from passing as I raise my hoof and pound weakly on the door. On the last hit, I keep my hoof on the door as I slowly slump down against it. I take a few shallow breaths before I call out weakly, "All the raiders...are dead. You're all...safe now..."
At the final word, my consciousness finally fades and I close my eyes to embrace the darkness surrounding me.
===~+~===
When I wake up, I am staring at a concrete ceiling with light peeking in through the windows. No barding, no weapons, just me covered in bandages. My body arches and I can still feel where bullets bit into my hide. I take a breath and shift my weight a bit with a groan. This catches the attention of a nearby buck. He is a rough looking fellow, wearing a blood stained apron.. His purple mane is missing in patches and his right eye has a bit of a twitch to it. But his dark yellow hide is remarkably tidy.
"Ah, you're awake," He says in a high pitched, almost strained voice. I start to get up, but he raises a hoof to stop me. "Now, now, you're fine. Everything is fine. I am the doctor here in Spark. I treated your injuries once we were sure the raider threat was dealt with," He tells me. "My name is Shredder."
I lay back down. "Well, thank you Shredder. Incidentally, has anyone ever told you that your name isn't exactly the most doctorly?" I ask him.
He laughs, which is really a series of high pitched sounds. "Ponies do more often than you'd think. Many doctors seem to have medical related names. Honestly, I think that they change their name just to seem more medically inclined," Shredder tells me.
"I always kind of wondered that as well. It seems convenient that almost every doctor is named after a medical device or procedure," I agree. "After all, it isn't like a name dictates what profession we go into or anything."
"Indeed," He says simply and then stares at me with a slight smile.
After a few tense moments I clear my throat. "So...uh...How bad was the damage?" I ask him.
"Your injuries?" Shredder asks. "Oh, nothing major. Around two dozen bullet wounds, give or take. Quite a number of cuts made from near misses. Lots of buckshot. You even had a few stab wounds that hadn't healed properly," He explains.
"What part of that is 'nothing major'? It sounds like I had enough lead in me to be a pencil..." I mutter.
"Oh, well. I suppose you have a point he," He laughs again, rubbing the back of his neck. "After all, I did have to cut you open multiple times where wounds had already healed but bullets remained under the skin. You know, healing potions don't necessarily push bullets out of wounds, right? For shallow wounds they usually do it, but with deeper wounds potions tend to just heal around the bullet," Shredder explains.
I think back to the potions I drank recently while fighting raiders. The time that I can remember, I took quite a number of bullets. I wonder how many didn't heal properly. "So, how much do I owe you for your services then?" I ask him. "All that work couldn't have been easy, even for a unicorn like you."
He smiles and shakes his head. "Free of charge," He says. "After all, you took out the raiders that were trying to take our little town from us. With us so far out of the way and since we get so little traffic, it would only have been a matter of time before we starved or were forced to make a stand to escape," He explains.
"Do you really get so few ponies through here?" I ask him.
"Yea. We are a fairly new settlement, so most don't know about us quite yet. We only get a single trader every few weeks regularly," Shredder explains. "But occasionally, travelers or scavengers come through. We had to drive out some feral ghouls to move in ourselves."
"I see. I guess it is a good thing I came here then," I mutter.
Shredder laughs. "It isn't just a good thing. If you hadn't showed up, more than likely we would have died. Either from starvation or for trying to fight our way out. You saved our lives," He tells me.
I smile up at him. "I'm glad I could help," I reply.
"Well, you should get some rest. It will be a while before you will be strong enough to be up and about," Shredder says as he turns to walk away, but then stops and turns his head back towards me. "By the way, we are picking over the raiders' equipment. Since you had nothing on you when we brought you in, I assume you dropped it somewhere? What did you have? We'll set it aside for you, along with some caps for all the gear the raiders have," He says.
"Oh...yea," I mutter. "Most of my stuff should be together. My barding has two revolver holsters on it along with a bunch of knife holders, my .32 caliber revolver should be in its holster. My bags should be next to it. The lab coat will give them away. Though, it is probably blood stained now," I let out a sigh. "I also have a custom .44 caliber revolver that is lying around somewhere. You can tell it's the one because of the name Executioner carved into the barrel. Oh. And my seven knives...You will probably find them stuck in the raiders. They are specialized for throwing, so they are narrow and double edged," I explain.
Shredder nods as I tell him about my gear. When I finish, he gives a final nod and says, "Alright, we'll find it and set it aside for you. We'll also see about getting it cleaned up. Get some rest." He leaves me with a smile. I stare back up at the ceiling and blink a few times before I try to get back to sleep.
===~+~===
I am woken up by the sound of heavy metal hooves walking up to me. Multiple sets of them. I keep my eyes closed for about a minute as they stand beside me before I open my right eye a crack to glance up at them. Immediately I shut it again and try to pretend that I am sleeping.
"Ratchet." An angry voice says from beside me. "I know you're awake. We need to have a talk." It says.
Sheepishly, I open my eyes and offer a smile. "Heeey Cora. Everyone," I say quietly. Cora, Macro, Soar, and Hal are all standing around the cot I am resting on. If they had faces, I'm sure they would be scowling.
Cora raises a hoof and sets it on the edge of my cot gently. Then she pushes her hoof down abruptly, causing the cot to flip over, me along with it. I fall to the floor in a heap as I let out a groan. "Okay...I deserved that," I mutter. "But come on, I'm injured here!" I say as I get into a sitting position.
"And whose fault is that?" Cora replies. "You were the one who went off on her own. I told you we should have gone back to the lab, but then you...you forced me to stay behind!" She yells.
"That's because you were being unfair," I explain. "You wanted to let the Radscorpions get away with what they did and let them have the facility. And not only that, but if I didn't do what I did I would never have came here to help the ponies of Spark. They would have died," I tell her.
"It wasn't our problem to deal with, Ratchet," Cora counters. "Our problem is the pods, remember? What would have happened if you died? Who would deal with the pods then?" She asks.
"What do the pods matter if everypony else is dead?" I ask her. "Our goal isn't just to deal with all the pods, remember? It is to help Equestria, and that means helping innocent ponies too. If innocents die while we can help then, we are no better than raiders in my opinion. We are doing what we do to help ponies, Cora. Not for ourselves," I tell her.
She stares at me for a few moments before she replies. "Sorry. I guess you're right. I was so caught up with everything else..." She mutters. "But still! You shouldn't have overwritten my commands and forced me to follow your orders," She tells me.
I sigh. "Yea, I know. I know. I'm sorry about that as well. All of you, I'm sorry," I tell them. "But, I'm back in my right mind now. Seeing the town destroyed like that...I guess I lost myself for a while there."
"As long as you're alright, mum," Macro says. "We were worried."
"Yea," Hal agrees. "You didn't come back from the facility. We ended up having to wait till Cora returned to normal."
"And even then, when we went to the facility you weren't there," Soar adds.
"Yea...sorry. Oh, how did you find me then?" I ask.
"PipBucks have location ID tags in them," Cora explains. "While you were frozen I copied the ID to my systems so I could find you if we ever got separated. I just activated it once you didn't turn up in the facility. We thought you might have died and they took your PipBuck," She tells me.
"They have that kind of functionality? That's useful, I suppose. Or it could be bad if someone you don't want to gets ahold of it," I mutter. "Anyway, I think I can move around now," I tell them as I rise to my hooves. "Do you want to go back to the lab? I can rest up a bit more there. Then, I suppose I can be frozen again for now. Or do we have anymore pods to check out?" I ask.
"Not at the moment, no," Cora replies. "Are you sure you want to go back? Not going to freak out and go wandering around again?" She asks.
I chuckle. "No, I think I got that out of my system. We can go back now," I say with a small smile.
Shredder walks over to us. "Oh, you're leaving?" He asks.
"Yea, we should get back home. These are my friends, by the way," I tell him.
"I see. And it is nice to meet all of you," He says with a smile. "Your gear is over there," He gestures beside the cot. "We put a small bag of caps with it as well. A small payment for all of the gear we got from the raiders. But, before you go, would you like to join us for lunch?" He asks.
Now that he mentions it, I am a bit hungry. I don't remember the last time I've eaten anything lately. I can smell the scent of cooking meat in the air. I'm not really big into the whole meat eating thing, but it doesn't taste all that bad. "Sure, I suppose I could stick around and join you," I tell him as I get into my gear and get everything situated.
"Excellent!" He proclaims as he gestures for us to follow him. "We started cooking after your friends arrived, so it might be a few more minutes yet," Shredder tells us as we follow him down from the second floor. "Hope you don't mind eating outside. Cooking in here tends to make things smokey," He says as we step outside. "But really, you saved us a great deal of trouble. We won't have to go hunting for a while." What does he mean?
The ground outside the building is stained with blood, but all of the raider corpses are gone. I'm glad, because the sight and smell of rotting bodies lingering around wouldn't enjoyable to eat with. Shredder leads us around the building to the back where the smell of meat is coming from.
A spitroast is set up with a fire burning under it. Above the fire, being rotated by a unicorn's magic and skewered by a metal pole, is the raw corpse of a pony. My eyes go wide in horror. I look around and see a nearby table with a few knives stuck in it and the body of another pony on top of it. "W-What is this?" I ask hesitantly.
Shredder turns to me with a smile. "Lunch," He says simply. "The raiders you killed proved to have a high muscle content, more than our usual hunts. I guess that is because of their barbaric line of work," He chuckles. He notices my expression and tilts his head. "Is something wrong?" He asks.
"You're...you're eating ponies..." I mutter.
He blinks at me as if I told him something strange. "Of course we are," Shredder tells me. "What do you think we would be eating? I told you before, traders don't come out here much. And the soil in the Wasteland is hardly fit for growing crops. Not many creatures wander out this far either. We're lucky to see something as common as a radroach once a week," He explains.
"But, thanks to your efforts, we will have enough food for a while. Especially since we can keep it refrigerated thanks to the electricity," Shredder says as he turns to look at the rotating corpse. "That was a real problem with our old place. Meat going bad before we could use it all. So when we stumbled upon this place, it was like a blessing from Celestia herself!" He proclaims.
"But...but...you're cannibals?" I ask in shock. "You've done this before?"
He turns back towards me as he wrinkles up his snout. "Cannibal is such a negative term. It implies we eat ponies because we like to. Well, don't get me wrong, they are delicious, as you'll find out, but it is a necessity. We don't have much else to eat out here," He explains. "And yes, we've done this before. Laying traps where ponies were bound to scavenge or inviting travelers into our homes. Oh! But, don't worry," He says with a bright smile. "We wouldn't think of harming you or your friends. You saved us and have provided us with an ample food supply, after all."
Shredder turns his head to look at the spitroast again. "Shouldn't be long now. Ah, my mouth is watering in anticipation," He says. "What about you?" He asks as he turns back to face me. His smile disappears as he is greeted with the barrel of the Executioner. My expression goes dark and cold as I pull the trigger, coating the mare rotating the spitroast in Shredder's blood and brains.
I aim at her next as I say to Cora and the others, "Kill them all."
===~+~===
I stare coldly at the large pyre burning in front of me. The bodies of the raiders and the inhabitants of Spark alike are being consumed by the flames. The ponies I had saved and the ponies I had saved them from. But now I know that both groups were monsters. One group out to take the lives of ponies, the other out to eat them.
As I gaze at the pyre, I bring out the fortune teller's note and look it over again. I read their comments about Spark. Them asking me to save it. Telling me about its food troubles. Telling me about the impenetrable door. Saying that I needed to help them more than I knew. Giving me the Executioner. The fortune teller knew all along what would happen here.
This is only a hunch, but I think she knew that me killing the raiders would get me into Spark. That I could gain the trust of the ponies of Spark by saving them like this and that they wouldn't try to eat me too. The fact I could do it alone is because they wouldn't feel as threatened if the others were with me. The fortune teller knew all along. Them leaving out what I would end up doing was more than likely to keep me from trying to kill the ponies of Spark before I gained access.
I throw the note into the fire and watch it burn. This was a trap, but not for me. This trap was for the ponies of Spark. I hear Cora's hoofsteps approaching from behind me. "What?" I ask abruptly.
"We should...go," She tells me. "The others and I have taken most of what we can carry, so we can-" I cut her off as I slam my hooves down and get up.
"Put everything you took from them back," I tell her, taking the small bag of caps they gave me out of my own bags. I throw the bag into the pyre. "I don't want anything of theirs. Just throw it inside."
"R-Right," Cora says as she trots back around the building.
I gaze silently into the flames until she returns with the others. "Let's go," I tell them as I turn from the fire and start walking in the direction of the lab. "I've overstayed my welcome in the Wasteland." |
Fallout Equestria: Icicle | Chapter 36 - The Battle for Red Wing | The Battle For Red Wing
===~+~===
"Ratchet, wake up! We need to move fast!" Cora says as I gain my senses after unfreezing. I shake my head and stagger to my hooves. "The year is one hundred twenty and, well, things are bad. We're gearing up right now," She tells me, sounding quite frantic.
"Cora, what's going on? Why do you seem so panicked?" I ask her as I go to put my PipBuck on once again.
"Okay, a lot to explain and not a lot of time to do so. I'll summarize for now, and fill you in as we make our way to the rally point," She replies.
"Rally point? What-" I start to ask, but she launches into an explanation.
"A pink mare called 42 has been wreaking havoc all across the Wasteland, slaughtering settlements, putting together a huge following, basically being a very, very bad pony," Cora informs me. "We didn't think things were going to spiral out of control so quickly, and we didn't find out about it until a while ago anyway, but we had to confirm some things." She is going over things way too quickly, I'm getting lost already. I try to interject, but she keeps talking.
"First, the mare has a striking resemblance to Ministry Mare Pinkie Pie. When I say resemblance, I mean they might as well be twins. When I heard this, I immediately thought she might have been some super secret ministry project," Cora tells me. "That brings me to the second thing we discovered. Rumors say that she was released from a sort of stasis pod. There are a lot of theories and rumors about her origin, but it is possible she was released from a pod that may be derived from your design."
"So someone found a pod before us?" I ask to clarify. "Are they using her or is she running wild?"
"I am not sure. Though, DJ Pon3 has been talking about Crusaders in pursuit of her. One theory I suggest, is they accidentally released her and are attempting to stop her. However, another theory of mine is that they are simply trying to stop her," Cora says. "It seems likely, given how much harm she's caused."
"Ok, so, why do we need to move fast?" I say, heading towards the armory. "Other than the fact she is slaughtering settlements?" I ask. Cora seems way too rushed. She must know 42's location or something.
"Soar is out in the Wasteland. She made contact with a group of resistance fighters, and they say the Crusaders are heading to a mine called Red Wing. But some say the Crusaders are up in Manehatten to fight 42," Cora says. "We won't make it to Manehatten in time for a fight, but we might just make it to Red Wing. If the Crusaders fail to intercept 42 in Manehatten, and they plan to head to Red Wing next, we might be able to help them out there," Cora explains.
"Right. Why would the Crusaders be heading to that mine?" I ask, as I pull on my barding and put my knives in their slots.
"Apparently, the mine has been taken over by raiders or something. The Crusaders have been helping out all over, so they are probably going to liberate it," Cora says. "Oh, and Ratchet, it is winter. You'll want some heavy clothes, but put them in your pack instead. Just keep on your barding and lab coat for now," She tells me.
"Hu? Why's that?" I ask as I pack winter clothing into my bags.
"There have been some freak storms lately. Very, very cold temperatures and almost impenetrable snowstorms. Until we get to where we are going, it might be best for you to stay inside my armor and let me take us there," She explains. "I'll carry your bags on my back and give them to you once you get out."
"Is it really that bad outside? Equestrian winters aren't that bad. Maybe in the north, but not down here. Even after the war ended and the pegasi not controlling the weather taken into the equation, things aren't that bad," I state.
"I don't know why, but it is really crazy lately," Cora responds.
"Indeed mum!" Macro suddenly says, coming around the corner toward the armory. "My ocular sensory devices have gotten iced over on numerous occasions, and I've had to increase exhaust output two fold just to prevent my floatation talisman from giving out."
"What? That sounds hectic," I mutter as I walk towards the exit with Macro following behind.
"Dreadfully so mum!" Macro replies. "Even Hal has been having difficulties due to his weight. We've had to dig him out of the snow multiple times after he's sunk in."
A loud stomp announces the arrival of Hal. "Quite Macro! It's only happened twice," Hal says as he walks out of the clinic. He turns his attention to me. "I've loaded up on healing supplies for you, Ratchet," He gives me a few healing potions and bandages.
"Thanks. I'm sure these will come in handy," I say, packing away the potions.
"Well, it isn't like we use them," Cora says, walking towards us from the hallway leading to the workshop. "When you're not here, we tend to stock up on them."
"Yea, I suppose. Are you all doing alright on spare scrap metal?" I ask.
"As well as we can hope for," Hal replies. "It has been slim pickings as of late. A lot more scavengers have sprung up lately."
"I see. Well, are we ready to head out?" I ask as I put my saddlebags on the ground. Cora opens her armor and I climb inside.
"We're all loaded up and ready," Hal replies as Cora's armor closes around me. I try to reach down to grab my bags and throw them on my back, but the armor doesn't let me move.
"Uh, Cora?" I say. "How are we going to do this? Do you want to move around with me inside or shall I move and you just ride along for now?" I ask.
Cora brings the armor's right hoof up to the chest suddenly. "Oh, sorry Ratchet!" She says, and then lowers the hoof once again. "It has been a while since we've been in the armor at the same time. Here, I'll turn control over to you, for now," She says, and after a moment I feel the armor slacken off a bit.
"Okay then..." I say, picking up my bags and putting them onto my back once again. "Cora, set a marker for where we are heading. Macro, Hal, follow us."
"On your six," Hal replies.
"You got it mum," Macro says.
I lead us through the series of bulkheads and up the ladder into the shed exit. Even through the armor, I can feel the drop in temperature. Cora wasn't lying, it is really cold out. I push on the shed door and...it doesn't move. I wrap it in my magic and try to push it open again, it moves an inch. "What the..." I mutter.
"Here, I got this," Hal says, stepping on front of me and putting a hoof on the door. Seemingly without effort, Hal opens the door and steps outside.
"Thank you, Haaaa..." I trail off as I look outside. Everything is covered in snow, large drifts are piled up all over the place. Around the doorway is a particularly large drift. No wonder I couldn't get the door open. I take a step out and...sink down to my knee. I stand there for a moment with my mouth agape in the armor. "Ohhhhkayyyyy...You were really not lying about the funky weather. We might as well be in the Frozen North right now..." I mutter, taking a few more steps.
Hal closes the door once we are all out. "Ok, let's try this again. Follow me you two," I say as I begin to walk through the knee deep snow. I make it about three steps before I stumble and almost fall over. "Heheh..." I chuckle nervously, and take a few more steps, then stumble again. This time, I actually fall over and am practically buried in the snow as I do so. "Uh..." I mutter as I try to find my way back to my hooves.
I hear the sound of metal on metal as Hal grabs hold of one of my legs and drags me out of the snow, then slowly sets me on my hooves. "Eheh...Thank you..." I mutter as I get my hooves back under me once again. "So...uh...Cora? Maybe you should take over," I say indignantly.
"But mum, you almost made it to daddy! Remember, baby steps! Don't worry, you'll learn to walk soon!" Macro says. Ugh. Seriously, where did he pick up his sarcasm at? It is barely even sarcasm, it is like insulting. But he says it so encouraging and nicely. Urrrrgh.
"Alright, not a problem Ratchet," Cora says as she assume control. "Okay friends, forward ho!" She declares as she starts prancing through the snow with ease. Macro floats over the snow effortlessly and Hal crushes the snow underhoof with his weight. I let out a defeated sigh. Maybe Soar is as bad at walking through this deep snow as I am?
===~+~===
Eventually, we approach a gas station. I can see smoke rising from fires on the ground and ponies standing around the fires. During our trek through the snow, Cora filled me in on the minute details of 42, the Crusaders, and the raiders that follow 42. Which is why when I see the plastic masks and outfits worn by the figures around the fires, I get a very bad feeling. "Uh, Cora, you see their outfits, right?" I ask.
"Yep, this is the place," She replies without a hint of doubt.
"But, I thought we were linking up with the resistance fighters? Why would they be dressed as the enemy?" I ask nervously.
"What better way to move around without drawing the enemy's attention?" She replies. "You see armed ponies who seem to be on your side, you aren't as interested. But, if you see armed ponies that look like trouble, you'd be concerned. Well, I suppose the raiders would just shoot them in general."
"Well, I suppose that's true enough...but..." I begin to argue further, but then the ponies around the fires seem to notice us and start approaching. I swallow, glad to be in Cora's armor just in case she is wrong. "Here we go..." I mutter.
Cora continues to walk up without a care as they surround us, pointing their guns at us. At this range, I can tell their guns aren't in that good of condition either. "Hi!" Cora says as we come to a halt. "We're here to join the resistance!" She declares. Oh Celestia help us all.
One of them steps forward, not moving their gun off us. "The resistance? What are you talking about?" The buck says suspiciously. Oh we are screwed.
"You know, the resistance," Cora repeats. "The one here to fight against that pink mare?" Cora clarifies. Yep, they are going to shoot us.
"I'm not sure I know what you're talking about," The buck replies in a tone that clearly says he isn't messing around. Just then I see movement near the back of the ponies surrounding us.
"Excuse me, pardon me," A familiar voice mutters. "Just need to get by, watch your hooves," The voice says as a figure dressed exactly the same as the others steps up beside the buck in front of us. "Railspike, these are my friends I was talking about," The figure says to the buck.
"Them?" The buck, Railspike, says. "You weren't lying when you said they have weapons. But, I thought you said there were four of them?" He asks.
"Yea," The figure says as it removes its mask, revealing Soar's helmet. "There are four, but it will be better if we get near a fire before we introduce them," Soar tells Railspike. She waves a hoof calmly at the four of us.
"You don't say..." Railspike mutters. "Well, you heard her! Lower your guns," Railspike declares as he takes a few more steps towards us. "Welcome to the resistance you...four," He says skeptically.
"Pleasure to be here!" Cora replies happily.
"We look forward to helping out," Hal says.
"Nice to meet you sir!" Macro tells him.
"Uh...Yea. Nice to meet you," I say, which seems to surprise him. "So, about that fire?" I ask, the cold finally starting to get to me after our long journey.
"Ah, right. This way," Railspike says, turning back towards their camp. Soar walks over and joins us as we follow him to a barrel with a fire going inside of it. Cora sets my bags on the snow and opens up the armor. "Well I'll be..." Railspike mutters as he watches me climb out of the armor. "I've never seen armor open up like that," He says. "Yours do that too big fella?"
"No," Hal replies, "mine is permanently sealed, no vulnerabilities or weak points that way." I take this opportunity to dig out the winter clothing from my bags before I freeze to death and Cora closes up here armor once again.
Railspike raises an eyebrow. "So you're trapped in there?" He asks.
"Nothing of the sort," I say as I button up my coat.
"Yea," Cora agrees as she takes a seat on a nearby log, "He can leave as long as there is a terminal or interface he can connect with." Railspike is staring at Cora with his mouth hanging open.
"Oh yea..." I mutter. No matter how many times I explain this to ponies, I always forget this is strange to other ponies. "So, like Soar said, there are four of us," I tell him. "Maybe we should introduce ourselves quick before we launch into an explanation. My name is Ratchet."
"Hello, I'm Cora!" Cora says, waving a hoof. "My name is an acronym for Combat Operations and Research Assistant."
"I'm Hal, my name stands for Heavy Assault and Logistics," Hal says, nodding his head.
"A pleasure to meet you sir! I am Maintenance and Cleaning Robotic Ophthalmologist, Macro for short," Macro says, bobbing his eye stalks.
"I am Soar, Steath Operations and Reconnaissance," Soar states.
I facehoof. "Soar, he knows you already," I tell her.
"I wanted to be included," She replies.
"Of course. Anyhow," I begin, "Railspike, of the five of us, I am the only flesh and blood pony. The others are Artificial Intelligence that just control the bodies they are in. They are one hundred percent artificial with no organic parts."
Railspike looks around at us with his mouth hanging open for a moment before he says, "So...they're robots?" I notice Cora slump.
"No, not at all," I correct him. "Robots are made to follow specific instructions and can't act outside of their programming. AI on the other hoof, are able to exercise free will and do pretty much anything we ponies are able to do. Honestly, just think of them as normal ponies. Even if they don't have fleshy bodies, they are pretty much the same," I tell him.
He shakes his head. "This is way outside my realm of thinking. But, I can see what you mean. Before you said anything, I thought Soar was just wearing armor," He tells me. "Alright, I don't have a problem with them, but this will make my plan a little difficult."
"Why is that?" I ask, "What is the plan?"
"Well, we are disguising ourselves as that pink bitches' minions and plan to walk right into Red Wing. Then launch a surprise attack on them once we are inside. But, given that Hal here is so bulky and Macro isn't pony-like, we can't exactly disguise them," He tells me.
I look over at Soar, dressed up like one of the raiders, then over at Hal. Yea, there is no way he could pull off that disguise. "I understand," I mutter, holding a hoof to my chin. "How about this. Cora, Soar, and I will wear disguises and Macro and Hal will stay hidden outside. Once the fighting starts, they can regroup with us," I suggest.
Railspike nods. "That could work, assuming they can stay hidden and we can get a signal to them," He says.
"We stay in radio contact," Cora tells him.
"That solves that," Railspike mutters, and looks at Cora. "Your armor's mane might be a problem too. If they see someone who looks like they are wearing a suit of power armor, it might raise suspicion. Soar was easy enough, as she lacks a mane and tail on her armor," He says.
"I thought ahead for that!" Cora says, and then proceeds to dig into her bags and pulls out a very ragged looking cloak. "If I put this on and wrap it around tightly, I should be fine, right?" She asks.
Railspike watches as Cora puts the cloak on. It covers most of her body, neck, and head. "Hmm, with the mask, and some cloth wrapped around your legs, it might work," he says with a nod.
"I don't suppose you have spare masks, do you?" I ask him.
"We have a few," He says. "They are just plastic, so they tend to be pretty brittle. We made sure to have spares incase some of ours were no longer usable. We'll get two for you both," He says, and then focuses his gaze on my leg. "A PipBuck, hu? That will definitely have to be hidden from sight. Wrap it up," He tells me. "We also need to get you some shabbier clothing too. What you're wearing right now is way too nice looking, no offense."
"I got a cloak for her too!" Cora says, pulling out another cloak. It looks just as ruined as hers does.
"That will work. Now, there is one last thing. I'm not sure how you'll take it though," Railspike says. "Hal, Macro, you two will need to leave camp as soon as possible. You stick out, and it wouldn't look right for you to be in our group. Since you can't wear the disguises, and can't freeze to death, I recommend you go into the forest and wait things out," He tells them.
Macro gasps. "I am shocked! Shocked sir! I try my best to be pony-like, I even scamper around on my arms from time to time. You didn't have to rub it in. I wish I had a body like yours!" He says, sounding quite hurt. Railspike raises a hoof and moves his mouth, looking awkward. I let out a sigh and facehoof.
"Seriously Macro, cut it out," I say as the others start to chuckle. "Railspike thinks you are serious," I tell him.
"Aw mum, you ruin the fun so fast," Macro says sadly. "I am sorry sir Railspike, I was just kidding. I love my body! It is far more efficient than yours!"
"Uh, well, as long as you aren't upset, it's fine," Railspike says, still seeming unsure of things.
Hal gets up and nudges Macro. "Let's go, Macro. We don't want to give away their plans. We'll wait in the forest until we receive further orders," Hal says, walking back towards the forest.
"Until then!" Macro says, following after Hal as he waves an arm in farewell.
Railspike lets out a relieved sigh. "Ok, let us get your disguises in order," He says and motions over to a mare a ways off. Once she walks over, he continues, "Marrow, get two more masks for our newcomers here. Need to make sure they fit in quick." She nods and walks away. "So, Cora, Ratchet, shall we discuss the plan further?" He asks.
I nod. "Do you know when the Crusaders will be coming?" I ask.
He raises an eyebrow. "Last I heard, they were up in Manehatten fighting the pink mare. There is just a rumor they might be heading here next, but we don't plan to wait around for them to get here. We're going in to liberate the mine. If the Crusaders show up, all the better. It would be great to have their help," He explains, "but we aren't going to expect it."
"I see," I say, looking over to Cora. "Ok then, tell us the plan."
===~+~===
Cora, Soar, and I sit around a fire with a few of the other resistance members. It is the following afternoon since we arrived, and we are already into the first part of the plan: Rest up. Apparently their journey was a long and cold one. They need to make sure they are ready in case things go south. The reasoning is sound, but I can't help but feel Cora rushed us for no reason. At least it gave us time to learn the plan and meet the ponies here.
They number about two dozen and are from the Filly area. Apparently, they were scavengers there. But, due to the trouble 42 has been stirring up, they decided to take matters into their own hooves. She's wiped out towns that some of the resistance members had family in, including Railspike himself. They are a pretty tight-knit group. Nothing like the collection of random ponies I originally thought we'd be meeting up with.
Cora comes closer to me and says, "The DJ is broadcasting now, you should tune in."
"Oh?" I say, fiddling with my PipBuck. I lower my voice and whisper, "Are we still on the third one? That young stallion?"
Cora nods, "Yes, but he isn't young anymore."
I chuckle. "I suppose so, it has been a while..." I mutter as I finally tune into the station.
I miss the first part of the broadcast, and catch him as he is mid-sentence. "-here this afternoon to tell you that the Pink Mare has issued an ultimatum for them, to either give her what she wants at the town of Red Wing, or join the battle for the town, and fight her to the death."
"As this broadcast goes out to you, I know that some of you have family members who have chosen to help out those in the embattled town. Some of you have stood up against the oppression and injustices in the wasteland and have been given the will to fight for it to be a better place. I am here to tell you that at this moment, our very own crusaders are out there heading for Red Wing. They are willing to stand next to everypony else and fight for what they believe is right, asking for nothing in return except a safer wasteland. Now I ask you, my children; if a simple merchant can cast aside his own needs to bring us the hope of a better life, even at the costs he's endured, do we not owe it to be better ponies? Do we not honor the sacrifice the few make by committing ourselves to live by the example they have set?"
"And though we may never see anypony like them again in our lifetime, as citizens of the wasteland community, I ask you to remember those ponies who fight for you. To the crusaders themselves, should they be listening, I wish you good luck, we're all counting on you." The DJ ends his speech and soft music begins to play. Well, he sounds the same as ever.
"Huh, so the Crusaders are led by a merchant?" I ask Cora, who just shrugs.
"I guess so," She replies. "I guess that gives weight to my 'they released her' theory. Maybe they stumbled across her while looking for stuff to sell, and released her?" Cora suggests.
"Maybe," I mutter. Then I frown. "The DJ said the pink mare is at Red Wing. I guess the Crusaders failed in Manehatten. That means they are for sure heading there then. We should tell Railspike they are heading this way. Maybe we can wait and meet up with them?" I say.
Cora nods. "Let's do that," She says, getting to her hooves. Soar and I get up as well and begin to make our way over to Railspike. He is a ways off from us, so it takes a short time to get to him.
"Hey, Railspike," I call out as we approach. "You got a moment?"
He turns towards me as I walk up to him. "Yea, what do you need?" He asks.
"The DJ was just on the radio, he said that-," but I am cut off by a few shouts and ponies grabbing their guns.
"Shit," Railspike mutters. "Hold that thought, looks like we have company. Let's go," He says, and we hurry towards the road. I look down the road and see a...car? Is that a working car here in the Wasteland? The resistance members are taking up defensive positions on the road, and I move to join them. We pull our masks on as the car makes the final bend in the road and comes fully into view.
Railspike and another pony move out into the middle of the road, directly in the way of the vehicle. The car rolls to a stop about ten feet from them and all of the resistance members train their guns on the car. Railspike's partner staggers back a step before the car turns off its engine. The car is filled with ponies and...a griffin?
"Take what you want, I ain't with these ponies." A buck from the car calls out, raising his hooves into the air. The others in the car turn and look at him. Railspike and the other pony exchange glances for a moment.
"We're the Crusaders, 42 wants us to arrive alive, so I suggest that you put down your weapons and let us warm up at the fire," Another buck from the car says. Huh? They are the Crusaders?
"In that case, I am with these ponies." The first buck says, lowering his hooves. Wow, he doesn't seem that loyal. But, the second buck's declaration seems to strike Railspike. He glances at his partner, who shrugs in response. Then, Railspike lets out a loud whistle. The other half of the resistance comes out from behind the fallen trees and rocks on the sides of the road.
Railspike then removes his mask and points a hoof at the buck behind the wheel of the car. "You all are really the Crusaders? The same Crusaders the DJ is always talking about?" He asks happily. The buck nods. "Come then and get yourselves armed up, we were just about to start dinner," Railspike says, and then walks up to the buck's window and extends his hoof. "My name is Railspike. Welcome to the resistance."
The buck hesitantly shakes Railspikes hoof. After that, the group claiming to be the Crusaders is led into camp and to the fire. They don't say much as we do so. I think both sides, us and them, are a little bit skeptical of each other. The buck who claims they are the Crusaders, Backlash, I think his name was, seems to be their leader. He also has a pretty bad injury to his chest. It is like when you stick your tongue to metal when it is cold and then rip it away, only much, much worse, and on his chest.
Railspike has me and another mare treat his injury, since I seem to be the one with the most experience mending injuries. Though, I suppose given the amount of time I've spent in the Wasteland wandering around helps with that. And knowledge of pre-wasteland medical procedures helps too, basic though my knowledge is. Once we finish patching Backlash up, I move a ways away from the group to give Railspike and them space to talk.
Since I can't pick out their conversation from this far away, I look over their group. Backlash seems to be in pretty rough shape, well, most of them do. They all look quite cold and worn out, to be honest.
Twain, the first buck who tried to surrender when we stopped them, I would sum up as being kind of a cowpony? He has this rough and tough aura about him. Then there is a fairly pretty unicorn mare who I think is named Longbow. Judging by the way they are acting, her and Backlash are an item. The griffin, Carlotta, seems pretty alert and ready for anything. There is also a red pegasus named Sky. And judging by the way they look at each other, I think her and the griffin are together.
After talking for a while, Railspike suddenly pulls Backlash into a hug and laughs warmly. When Railspike lets him go, Carlotta grabs him and the two go off on their own. Railspike and the others continue talking. It isn't long before the two return and everyone begins eating. Railspike and the other resistance members give the Crusaders some space.
Me? I want to get answers. But, I leave Cora and Soar behind so I don't intrude too much. As I make my way into their group, their conversation goes quiet and all their eyes turn to me. "Hello, my name is Ratchet," I tell them, looking from one to the next. "I would like to ask you all some questions, if you don't mind."
"Look," Carlotta says pointedly, "we're tired. So, if you want an autograph or something, it can wait till tomorrow."
"I just heard about you all a few days ago from a friend, not really that long to become a fan or anything," I reply. "Though, I did catch that most recent speech from DJ Pon3, he seems taken with you lot, so I suppose that is something. They...er...he, has always been able to pick out good ponies," I tell them.
"Do you know him?" Sky asks somewhat skeptically.
"Yea," I tell her. "We aren't friends or anything. But I met him when he started out with the DJ thing and my friends have kept in touch with him. But, we are getting off topic. I'd like to get to the point so you all can go back to your meal and get some rest." As I say that, I notice a PipBuck on their leader's leg. Maybe I can use that as a way to earn their trust.
I start unwrapping mine as I start talking to their leader. "Backlash, right? I notice you have a PipBuck, a special model. Actually, it looks sort of like one of Pinkie Pie's custom models, just pretty damaged. Definitely not something out of a Stable. I have one too," I tell him as I hold up my uncovered PipBuck.
Backlash, and the rest of his group blink at me in surprise. "Where did you find that?" He asks.
"You probably won't believe me," I tell him as I start wrapping it back up, "but, it was custom made for me by Twilight Sparkle herself." Their cowpony member starts laughing and the rest look at me like I'm crazy. Only Backlash looks like he somewhat believes me.
"Interesting," He says. "I got mine from Pinkie Pie...kind of..."
"But, since she is dead, I'm assuming the pink mare called 42 gave it to you for some reason?" I ask. They all exchange glances, except for Twain who has started to ignore me and gone back to eating.
Longbow speaks next, cutting to the chase, "You aren't here to talk about PipBucks. Why are you here? You don't seem like a normal member of this resistance group."
"I'm not," I tell her. "I joined up with them yesterday, hoping to find the Crusaders, and through them, 42. But, I was told a rumor and I want to confirm it with you. The rumor states that you were responsible for releasing 42. I'm not here to blame you for it if you did, I just need to know the answer," I ask.
They all look at me sharply, except for Backlash who looks down. "It was an accident," He mutters.
"I understand," I tell him, putting a hoof on his shoulder. My failures have unleashed hell upon the Wasteland too. Be them me opening pods myself or failing to prevent their opening. "I have another question, in that case," I say, and he looks up at me sadly.
"What was she in?" I ask. The question seems to catch them all off guard, like it isn't what they expected me to ask. Who could really guess I'd ask that though? "Specifically, was it a cryogenic pod of some sort? I've seen a large deviation in design, from vertical to horizontal positioning. Chemical freezing and liquid freezing," I start listing off descriptions of pods I've seen before that originated from my design. All the while, their eyes grow wider and wider.
"Was it a chamber with large valves? Perhaps one with many pipes? There was one I saw that used needles to inject the chemicals. What about a vertical, cylindrical pod where the subject would float in a special liquid and then be frozen solid? Maybe a cast made to look exactly like a pony that the subject would be placed inside?" As I list off the types of pods I've seen, Backlash seems to have a moment of recognition. "It was one, wasn't it? Which?" I ask.
"The cylindrical one made of glass with blue liquid keeping her floating," Backlash mutters.
"Damn it," I curse. So 42 was frozen in one of my pods. If only I'd found that facility sooner, I could have prevented all this. "I'm sorry," I tell them all. "I should have found her pod and stopped her before she was ever released." They look at me in confusion.
"What do you mean?" Sky asks.
I frown. "During the war, I developed a prototype cryogenic pod. The reference for all deviations that I've found, including the one 42 was in. I've been searching for them, hoping to deal with them," I reply, and receive looks like I am crazy.
"You'd be over a hundred years old," Carlotta says, shaking her head. "There is no way you've been searching around all this time. Maybe if you were a ghoul or a robot, but you look flesh and blood to me," She tells me, then gets up, walks over to me, and sniffs. "Smell like a real pony too."
"I've been using my prototype. I have an AI that searches for more pods while I am frozen and she wakes me up when she finds one," I explain. They seem skeptical, but seem to believe me a bit more. "Backlash, you're a merchant, right?" I ask. He nods. "I'm sorry you've had to go through all this. If you and your friends want to quit now, I'll kill 42 myself. It is the least I can do," I tell him.
Backlash looks up at me, his face a mix of disbelief and hope. But that expression is gone in an instant, replaced with one of determination and purpose. "No," he tells me. "It is my mistake that started all this, I'll finish it. After what 42 has done...I can't turn back now. I have to stop her." I smile sadly at him. I know that expression he wears. It is the one I wear when I think about the pods I still haven't found.
I nod. "Then, at least let me help you. Together, we will be able to stop her without a problem," I offer.
He just shakes his head. "I can't let you do that, not against her. Enough ponies have died because of me. We will do this alone," He tells me. "But...if you want to help, you can help the resistance take Red Wing while we deal with 42."
"If you're sure, that's what I'll do," I tell him. "I'll make sure we win our fight and take back the mine. Now, I think that's enough questions for the moment. You'll all need your strength, so eat up and rest. We can talk more after we win," I say with a smile as I start to leave them. "Oh, and Backlash," I say, turning back to him. "Tell me your story when we win."
He smiles and nods. "When we win," He agrees. I leave them to finish their food while I rejoin Cora and Soar.
"What did you find out?" Cora asks once I sit back down with them.
"It was a pod," I reply, sullenly. "The Crusaders are going to stop 42. We are going to help the resistance take back Red Wing while they do," I tell them.
"Why not help the Crusaders?" Soar asks.
"I offered, but they refused," I mutter. "If they've come this far, and done all the things you've told me, they'll stop her."
===~+~===
The following morning, the resistance sets out ahead of the Crusaders. Railspike decided we should give them some extra rest. Besides, they have that car so they can easily catch back up with us. We arrange to meet up at a cave a ways up the road, just a ways outside of Red Wing. It is a cold walk, but we eventually make it to the cave and begin to wait. All the while, Macro and Hal are creeping along in the forest beside us, just out of sight. After the resistance makes it to the cave, it is a few hours before the Crusaders catch up with us.
When they do, they have three more with them. Steel Rangers, by the look of them. The extra firepower will be welcome. Not only that, but the Crusaders also begin handing out weapons, ammo, and armor to the rest of the resistance. We also share a quick meal before we set out.
However, the Crusaders appear to be poorly equipped in the ammunition department. I hear them dividing up what they have, and I think about sharing some of ours. But, only Cora has compatible ammunition types. Raptor Blood's gauss rounds are already few in number as it is, and her .308 storage was never large to begin with. If they needed .32, 5.56, or even 10mm ammo, we could spare some. Unfortunately, no one seems as prepared as they want to be when we set out. I hope that my group and the Rangers make up for the lack of firepower the others have.
The sun has started to set as we begin the walk to Red Wing. The Rangers, like Macro and Hal, hang back. Apparently they aren't part of the normal Crusader group. I guess that they would draw suspicion. After a few minutes, we come to a hill and begin the climb. At the top, as I look down at what I suspect is Red Wing, I feel the same feeling I felt in the Badlands years ago, a calm hatred. I harden my jaw as I look upon the field below us.
Frozen, mutilated bodies, hundreds perhaps, litter the field between us and the gate of the mine. The mine itself is burning in places that aren't already charred husks. I wonder if the mine has any survivors, or if the raiders killed everyone when they took over. Is this the kind of fighting 42 has been bringing about?
A cloaked figure steps up beside me as I look over the battlefield. "I knew I'd find you here, Ratchet," the figure says.
I let out a sigh. "Hello War. I take your presence here as proof that we aren't going to walk into the mine and have the raiders surrender to us," I mutter.
War chuckles. "As if them surrendering would make my presence here pointless. Remember the Sunny Trails incident?" He asks rehtorically. "Personally, I like what you've become. There are too many bleeding hearts, ponies who think they are noble and doing justice, he tells me."
"Raiders are raiders," I reply simply.
"I agree wholeheartedly," He replies. "They made their choice. They could have chosen to do better. But...here we are," He chuckles again. "I look forward to the fight, Ratchet." He walks forward a few paces and disappears behind one of the resistance fighters.
We continue down the hill, and a bell rings out from the mine. Inside the mine, I see figures dashing about in the streets. A warning bell, perhaps? Once we pass through the gate, a huge pony stands in our way. I didn't know ponies could get that big. Just as I think we are about to be made, the giant speaks, "You. State your name."
Its voice is that of a mare, only very deep and threatening. Her voice practically makes me wince each time she speaks. "I said, state. Your. Name." She repeats.
"Backlash," Backlash tells her, in a slightly nervous voice. But, who can blame him when face to..well, leg, with a giant like that?
"Not you," She says, and points directly at Railspike. "You, the Pinkie in front. Name." She demands. Did names really matter to the raiders? They wear masks, after all. Do they keep a list of all members that each member then memorizes? That seems complicated. Why not just ask him to remove his mask? Well, I suppose we'd be in even more of a jam if she asked that.
"Hey, cunt," Backlash says suddenly, snapping me from my sudden curiosity of raider management systems. "Are you deaf? I said my name is Backlash," He tells her. It sounds like he is doing a voice. Mimicking someone, maybe? "I'm here for 42. You know, that bitch who runs this place?" She's expecting me, so turn your sweet little flank around, and go tell her I'm here." He says.
"No need for dat," comes a stallion's voice from behind her. I wonder if she's hiding more ponies back there. "Go on Linebreaker. Ya break ended ten minutes ago, get back ta watchin the west wall," The stallion tells the giant, who walks off at his remark. Is he a high ranking member or something? I'm sure that giant could have just squished him if she wanted to. "Wait, you assholes again? You're who da boss is lookin for?" The stallion says. "Wowee. First, ya kill Bishop, den ya blow up tha pool and nearly yours truly. Now I get ta be the one ta turn ya in? Finally some fuckin justice in my life," He says with a chuckle.
So many questions. Who is Bishop? What is 'the pool'? Why did the Crusaders kill and blow it up respectively? Apparently this buck isn't a fan of theirs either. Geez, Backlash's story seems like it is going to be a wild ride.
"Oh yea!" The buck suddenly calls out. "The boss wanted me ta give ya somethin. She knew ya would love this surprise," He whistles and then we wait as a pony in a hood is brought out from the general store.
Once the pony is placed in front of Backlash, he seems to recognize the pony. "Hey, Gale. You alright?" He asks. "Not much of a surprise when you only covered his head." They remove the pony's hood, revealing a beaten looking buck wearing an explosive collar.
"They're hidden in plain sight, just like you were! I got them out and stayed behind so Pariah-" The beaten buck begins, but is silenced when the collar blows his head into pulp and his body falls to the ground.
"Surprise!" The buck yells out with a wide smile. I feel that calming sensation creeping ever further over me. I think I'll kill this buck first. But, as I think that Backlash suddenly starts smashing the buck's face in with only the swiftness and precision SATS can provide. In seconds, the bucks head flies clean off his shoulders.
Silence falls over everything as the buck's headless body hits the dirt. After a few seconds, one of the raiders suddenly yells, "That guy just killed Lucky!"
Another yells out in response, "Fuck, he owed me money! Yer fuckin dead!" Then one of the resistance members shoots from beside me. Immediately after, bullets start flying from both sides and everyone spreads out. I stick with Cora and Soar as I draw my knives. This is SO not to plan.
More raiders start coming out of the buildings as the fighting gets into full swing. "Cora!" I shout as I throw a knife at a charging raider.
"Already told them! Macro and Hal are on their way!" She replies. Good, good. I look around quickly. The raiders are all around us. The resistance members have thrown off their disguises for the most part, and I do likewise. No need to get hit by friendly fire.
A loud explosion rings out and I look over to see the Rangers have joined in the fight. I see them engaging the raiders near their entryway. Looks like they are taking care of the ones on the walls. The Rangers lose my focus as a raider starts yelling as they charge at me. I turn just in time to send a knife right between their eyes. His body falls and momentum sends him sliding across the snow to stop a foot in front of me.
I pull the knife out of his head and look for the first raider I killed. There they are. I see one of my knives sticking out of a raider's neck a short distance away and walk over to retrieve it. I just pick it up in my magic as a PA system kicks on. "Wow, Backlash, just...wow," The mare's voice echos through the mine. It sounds almost exactly like Pinkie Pie's. 42, I assume.
"Here I was, watching you on the closed circuit as he antagonized you, and bam! You knocked his head clean off," 42 laughs over the system. "That was some top tier execution of Pie family impossibility! Really learned how to channel that family line right through your hooves. You know what, I'm proud of you." Hu? Pie family? Did she mean that...Before I can finish that thought, a raider hits me in the side with metal bat. I glare at her as I slit her throat before she can hit me again.
Thank Luna for bulky, padded winter clothing. I barely felt a thing! Though, I suppose my barding helped as well. "The ones we teach always grow up so fast!" 42 continues. "So yeah, as you might have heard, I kinda lost your first gift when that stallion let them all escape. Sorry about that. Had this whole plan to scar you for life with their remains again, but honestly, I'm glad it didn't work out. The joke was getting old anyway," She says somewhat sadly.
I mouth the words 'scar you for life with their remains' as I throw two knives at a raider with an assault rifle and catch her in the throat and nose. You know, if I didn't already want to kill 42, I'd probably want to do so just from hearing her talk. And she just keeps talking!
"You like the storm outside? I thought it was a pretty nifty idea, and I have no idea why they wouldn't have kept up such an awesome project! I mean, yeah the shield spells they went with were ultimately easier to implement, but a windigo augmented shield projection spell? Doesn't get much more awesome than that!" She declares. She caused this crazy weather? And what the hell is a windigo augmented shield projection spell? What the hell were we developing during the war?
"Even though I'm pretty sure the enchantment will break soon, it wins hooves down just by the...COOL factor! Get it!? Yeah, fuck you too, Backlash. You're probably too busy fighting for your life to even listen to your crazy great aunt anymore," She says angrily. Ok, yea. Time to ignore this crazy bitch. Backlash has so many questions to answer when he's done killing her. Speaking of which...
"HURRY UP AND KILL THAT BITCH BACKLASH!" I yell at the top of my lungs. "SHE IS ANNOYING AS FUCK!" Ugh, alright. Let's focus on the fighting and less on the crazy pink mare that wants to be a comic book villain. I throw another knife at a raider with a sniper on top of a building nearby, hitting his rifle and sending it, and my knife, sliding down the roof. Damn it, why did I do that? That knife is going to be a pain to retrieve.
I mentally kick myself as I trot over to the dead mare with the assault rifle and pick up the two knives I threw previously. Just then, an explosion rocks a nearby section of the wall. Large chunks of it fall away and then in one instant, the wall bursts inwards, burying a raider in the rubble and sending bits of wood and metal flying towards me. Most of it hits the ground right in front of me, but I have to jerk my head to the right to avoid one particularly large piece.
"Welcome to the fight, Hal," I call over as the dust settles and Hal and Macro come in through the new hole in the wall.
"The cavalry has arrived mum!" Macro declares, playing a little musical tune as he does so.
"What else can I blow up!?" Hal asks happily.
"Enemies," I tell him. "Try not to damage too much of the property though. Use that minigun that you have."
"But...grenades," Hal says confused.
"Yes," I say, throwing a knife at a raider getting a little too close for comfort. "Grenades are fun, but sometimes, other weapons work better," I tell him, and then let out a sigh. He always does this. Uses all his grenades before ever firing his minigun once. The damn things are expensive and hard to get in the number he uses them. "Just...fucking...ugh...Go!" I say, throwing another knife behind me and catching a raider in the hoof. Macro floats over to the raider and lights him on fire.
Hal charges into the mine and I hear the sound of his grenade machine gun over and over. Macro floats off to help Cora, who is a few buildings away. Soar...is doing what she does best, I suppose, since I can't seem to find her. I look at my surroundings. Most of the fighting in my immediate area has died down. A number of raider and resistance bodies lie about. "Okay..." I mutter as I retrieve the knives I just threw.
I look up to the roof where I disarmed the sniper, and look for my knife. The raider is trying to slide down the roof to retrieve his rifle that is caught on the gutter. And...ah, there it is. My knife is sticking out of the gutter near his rifle. I walk slowly towards the roof, trying to grab the knife in my magic, but it remains just out of my reach. I reach the wall of the building, and still can't grab it. Damn tall buildings.
I begin looking around to see how the raider got on the roof. I spot some makeshift scaffolding leading to the roofs a little ways off. "Ah, there we got," I mutter, and look back up to the raider. "Hey, Pink!" I call out, catching the buck's attention. As he looks up at me, I hit him with another knife. He slips on the roof and starts to fall towards me. I step aside as he lands, his neck bent at a bad angle. His sniper falls a second later. I look up at the gutter, hopeful that he knocked my knife down as well. I frown when I see it in the same spot. Clicking my tongue, I pull the knife out of the raider and make my way to the scaffolding.
The battle rages on around me, but if I don't get my knife back, I'll forget where it is at. Besides, maybe I can get a good look at where needs my help once I get it back. After about a minute, I'm on top of the roof and retrieve my knife. I put it back into its sheath and look around the mine.
Most of the fighting has died down and is centralized in a large clearing between the buildings. Near a cave into the mines, I see the Rangers. They are just standing at the entrance. Talking with someone, maybe? The townsponies? Not many raiders around them at the moment, I think Backlash went up that way. His group probably cleared out the raiders.
So then...where am I needed? I look around for the giant mare, but can't find her anywhere. Hal is pushing up the middle of the town while Cora and Macro are sweeping along the right side of it. On the opposite side, I spot Railspike and two of his resistance members pushing along that side. Between Railspike and Cora is a zone of chaos with the resistance fighters barely managing to fight off larger numbers.
I quickly make a count of everyone I can see. Fifteen raiders and ten resistance fighters, counting Railspike remain. It looks like our allies in the clearing are about to lose. Running along the rooftops I can, I make my way above the clearing. I jump from a fairly tall roof onto a lower lying roof right on the outside of the clearing. Nearing the edge of the roof, I look down. Once I go down, I'll have five raiders within my magic's reach. I quickly memorize their positions and those of the resistance members fighting them. Then, I draw five knives and jump.
As I fall, I throw the knives, one for each of the raiders within my range. A moment later, I hit the ground and quickly look around as I draw my last two knives. I killed two of the raiders instantly, the other three I hit, but not lethally. However, it gives the resistance fighters the opportunity they need to finish them off. Once the five initial raiders are dead, I retrieve my knives. "Help the others!" I shout to the resistance members and move towards the next pocket of fighting.
A few grenades go off a ways in front of me, and I see Hal enter the clearing. A moment later, Railspike and two ponies reach it as well. With only ten raiders remaining, and Cora approaching from the right, the raiders are quickly surrounded. We surround them and a few try to fight back, but are quickly put down. By the time the raiders decide to drop their weapons and surrender, there are four of them left.
"Kick your weapons over," Railspike commands them, his weapons trained on them. They begin to comply, but I approach them before they can finish. I step on an SMG and sheath all but four of my knives. In the next moment, all four raiders' throats are slit. "What the..." Railspike mutters. "They surrendered! You didn't have to kill them!" He tells me.
I wipe my knives off on one of the raider's barding. "They were raiders," I reply. "They knew what they were getting into. If they want to kill ponies for fun, they shouldn't get to surrender."
"Ratchet..." Cora says sadly.
"That's wrong," Railspike replies. "If you kill them in cold blood, there is nothing separating us and them."
I look into his eyes. "There is plenty that separates us and them. But, we don't have time to debate. There could be more in hiding, we should sweep the town," I tell him, and I can see resignation in his eyes. "Cora, Macro, Hal, Soar, check for any raiders hiding or if anyone needs help," I say, turning to them. Soar suddenly appears from behind two of the resistance members. She nods and walks off.
I look up the slope of the mine and frown. The resistance fighters slowly start to walk away and make sure the raider threat is gone. I decide to follow after the Crusaders. I know they told me not to help, but maybe they ran into some more raiders I can help with. Climbing the slope, I make my way to the Rangers. Ponies are just starting to file out of the cave with the Rangers instructing them. "Keep moving citizens! We are evacuating the town!" The one who appears to be in charge shouts. The other two are helping guide the townsponies out.
"Hey, Ranger," I call out as I near him. "Do you need any immediate help?" I ask.
"Are you with the resistance?" He asks, then shakes his head. "No, we haven't encountered any raiders coming our way since our entry. How goes the fight in the town?" He asks.
"Mostly over, I think," I tell him. "Other than raiders hiding in wait, we've put an end to most of the fighting."
He nods. "Good, we will focus on protecting the citizens then," He replies.
"Keep them safe," I say as I continue walking up the slope. I pass dead raiders higher up I go, and eventually a cabin of some sort. "Where did you get off to Backlash..." I mutter as I keep climbing and looking around. I quickly spot a large door blasted off, laying on the hillside. That seems a good a guess as any. Entering the cave where the door once was and into a open entryway.
Lying inside the entryway, is a large bipedal machine, even bigger than Hal. It is lying on the ground, and seems to be struggling to move. Cautiously, I walk over to it. "What are you...? I mutter.
"That's not nice! We're not a what!" The machine declares, turning its head to look at me. The voice stuns me for a moment. It sounds reminiscent of Pinkie Pie. "My name is Pink, I'll have you know," It says again. "I'm an AP."
"Wait...an AP? As in highly advanced AI?" I ask to clarify.
"Yep, yep!" She declares, seemingly happy that I understand.
"Hey..." Another familiar voice says from the robotic body. "Your DNA is similar to one I have on file for a...miss Ratchet. Are you a descendent?" She asks.
"Not exactly...Uh...so...Pink, was it? You have a voice just like Pinkie Pie and that other voice she sounds just like Twilight Sparkle. If I had to guess, your based off them, right?" I ask.
One of them lets out an excited gasp while the one based off Twilight replies, "That is correct. Say, your DNA is a 99.9% match to research chief Ratchet...you wouldn't actually happen to be her, would you?"
Well, why lie? "Yea. You probably know about my research too, right? I've been using my cryopod to freeze myself," I tell her.
"Really Bit!?" Pink asks excitedly. "The does that mean she might be able to enter the Orchard?"
"Assuming the AP running it has her credentials on file, yes, she should be able to," the other, Bit, replies.
"Uh, wait, what? Orchard?" I ask, confused.
"Ratchet," Pink asks in a begging tone, "can you go after Backlash and his friends? It isn't that I don't have faith in them, but they are facing a clone of Pinkie Pie."
"A clone!?" I ask, my mouth agape. I blink a few times and then say, "So, the Crusaders are deeper inside?"
"Yea, they went in about seven minutes ago," She replies. "What do you say? Can you help them?" She asks.
"Well, yea. That was my plan to begin with. But, before that, what is wrong with you two? I assume you took some damage...do you have a repair talisman in there?" I ask.
"We do," Bit replies, "but since we lack excess scrap metal to use, it is taking a longer than usual. We won't be fully functional for another...twenty four minutes!? Why does it keep going up?"
"I understand," I say, digging around in my bags and pulling out some scrap metal. "Here, use this. I travel with some AIs in power armor suits, so I make sure to carry some around incase their supplies run out." I place the scrap next to their body.
They both gasp. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Pink says happily.
"The time has decreased to sixteen minutes!" Bit declares.
I chuckle. "Alright, I'll go after the Crusaders. When you two can move, see if there is anything you can do outside. Most of the raiders are dead, I think, so right now it is just clean up," I tell them.
"You got it! Good luck!" Pink replies.
I start to walk away when Bit calls out to me, "Oh! And when you come to a teleportation pad, identify yourself to save yourself some time. We heard Backlash go through that process."
"Got it!" I call back, and walk until I see a room with what I assume is a teleportation pad, judging by the fact there are no other rooms in this cave. Identify myself...hu? "Uh...My name is Ratchet, a Chief Researcher for the Ministry of Arcane Sciences?" I say in a sightly loud voice.
"Credentials confirmed," Comes a voice, one that sounds just like Rainbow Dash's. "You're clear to access the teleporter. Sheesh. Why can't everpony who comes through here be as quick on the uptake as you? Uh, I mean, I'm not complaining about my superiors or anything. I'm not. Really. Just thinking out loud. I am Dash, by the way, administrator of this facility. What brings you here, Miss Ratchet?"
I wonder if she is an AP too. "Well, I'm actually looking for Backlash and the Crusaders," I tell her.
"Oh? MoM Chief Backlash? Yea, I let him through a few minutes ago. Almost took him for a zebra spy too," Dash tells me.
"I see. Well, will this pad take me close to him?" I ask.
"Not really. I kind of teleported him to detention when I thought he was a spy. This pad normally takes you to a completely different section of the facility," Dash replies.
"Would you happen to be tracking his movements right now?" I ask.
"Of course! I know where everyone in my Orchard is at at all times. It's for security and safety purposes," Dash informs me.
"Ok, could you just teleport me to him then?" I ask.
"No can do," She says apologetically. "Security protocols prevent me from allowing direct teleportation to anywhere except for detention and the entrance."
"Then, which is closer to his current position? Detention or the normal entrance?" I ask.
"Detention. But, I can't teleport you there, either. You're not a security risk so you have to use the normal entrance," She says.
Ugh. "Yea, ok, fine. Let's do that then. Can you guide me to him after?" I ask, hopeful.
"I can light up a path for you. Follow the blue lights on the floor once you get inside. Oh, and I have to recite a mega boring disclaimer about violence in the workplace being wrong. But, I'll play some music to drown myself out so you don't have to hear it. That sound cool?" She asks.
"Uh, sure?" I say.
"Then just hit the button and away you'll go!" Dash declares. I waste no time and hit the button. The pad makes a sound, and then I am blinded by a flash. Once I regain my vision, the room around me is completely different and music begins to play. I spot the blue lights and start down the hall at a quick pace.
===~+~===
Minutes later, and after passing room after room with interesting looking things I force myself to ignore, I hear gunfire erupt for further in the facility. It is followed by yelling and then more gunfire which is in turned followed by screaming. I can't make out who is screaming what, but it is probably too much to hope for that it is 42 doing the screaming. I run faster through the halls, following the blue lights.
After another minute or so, I reach a point marked Flux Contamination Zone above a large, open door. Inside the room, I spot a few of the Crusaders huddled around on the ground. I don't see Backlash or 42 in the room. "Come on Sky, hang in there," I hear Carlotta saying. "Do something Longbow! There has to be something we can do!"
"The medical box only had one potion and some bandages in it!" Longbow replies, frantically. "I couldn't find anymore!"
I quickly walk over to them as I pull a potion out of my bags. "Here, give this to her," I say, floating the potion between them. They look up with shock, surprised by my sudden appearance.
"You?" Longbow asks.
"I'm here to help. I have more potions if she needs them," I offer.
Carlotta grabs the potion from my magic and pours it down Sky's throat. "Come on, come one, come one..." She prays. Sky is unconscious and I can see bandages soaked in blood around her neck. Did 42 get her? Neck wounds are tricky...
"You said you gave her one potion already, right?" I ask.
"Yes," Longbow replies. "We poured a little in her wound, soaked some of the bandages in them, and let her drink the rest."
"Good. Good," I mutter, holding a hoof to my chin. She might have a chance. I float out three more potions from my bag. "Here, one more for Sky, and one for each of you. Neither of you are looking too good yourselves. I'll give it to Sky, so you two drink yours," I instruct, and open the bottle. I put it to Sky's lips and slowly and carefully pour it down her throat. Once the bottle is empty, I look at her chest. It was clear she was in shock when I came in, but her breathing seems to have normalized a little bit. It isn't as strong as it should be, though. Carlotta and Longbow drink down their potions and then look at Sky in concern.
"Where is Backlash?" I ask. "And 42?"
Longbow looks down at Sky, frowns, and then gestures over at a pink shield. "They went through another teleporter," She tells me.
"Is that a DNA restriction shield?" I mutter. So, what Dash said was true. Damn it, that means we can't follow. I tap a hoof to my chin. "Ok. We need to move Sky out of here, into another room. If Backlash and 42 come back through we can't have her lying here. There was a room a few back with a table she can rest on," I tell them.
"Is she ok to move?" Carlotta asks, tears in her eyes.
"As long as it isn't far," I tell her. "She has stabilized a little bit, but she needs to rest. Can you help me, Carlotta?" I ask.
"Of course, let's go," She says with a nod, and rises to her talons.
As Carlotta and I work to get Sky on her back, I turn to Longbow. "Can you wait here, incase something happens? Yell if either of them comes back through?" I ask.
"Yea, I'll wait here," She says, looking towards the shield.
I nod and then Carlotta and I start carrying Sky out of the room. "I'll be right back," I call back as we leave the room. We pass a few rooms and I look through the doorways and windows. "Two more down I think..." I mutter. We pass one, and then find the room I am looking for. "In here, Carlotta!" I call out as I slip into the room. The room has a large table in the middle stacked with papers and simple testing equipment. I waste no time and sweep the table clear with my magic. "Lay her down," I instruct and Carlotta gently lays Sky down on the table a moment later.
"She's going to be fine, right?" Carlotta asks, fresh tears falling from her eyes.
"I think she is out of the danger zone, but I can't promise anything. It is up to her now," I tell her. I pull another potion from my bags and take off the cloak I was wearing as a disguise. "Here, cover her up with this, keep her warm. And if she starts getting worse, give her this potion. Just watch her breathing. If it starts getting labored or any fainter, give it to her," I instruct Carlotta.
"Thank you..." She mutters, grabbing hold of Sky's hoof.
"Don't mention it, but that is my last potion, so don't use it unless she absolutely needs it," I say. "I'm going back to wait with Longbow."
"Right..." Carlotta says, not shifting her gaze from Sky's face. I frown. If Sky doesn't pull through, it might break Carlotta. Watch over them, Celestia, Luna.
I leave the room and go back to where Longbow is waiting, getting back just in time to hear her scream, "Promise me!" I run into the room and over to the shield where Longbow is standing right as Backlash disappears in a flash.
"What happened? Did he win?" I ask, looking between her and the teleporter inside the shield. She doesn't tear her eyes away from the shield, her face is a mix of fear and worry.
"42 is dead..." She mutters. I start to smile, but from her expression this isn't time to celebrate. "Backlash says she has a megaspell on a timer. He is going to take care of it," She says as tears are streaming down her face. 42 had a megaspell? That isn't good. But...how is Backlash going to take care of it? Just then, the shield goes down and Longbow charges into the room beyond and starts pressing the teleport button rapidly, but nothing happens. She looks over to me, but I shrug, not knowing what is wrong. Then she hits the button on what looks like an intercom. "Backlash? Are you there?" She asks.
I feel a hoof tap me on the shoulder and spin around, only to see the cloaked figure of Death. "There is nothing you can do," He tells me. "Let's give them some privacy, over here," He says, and starts walking to the entrance of the room. I hesitantly follow him. I hear Longbows' muted words, nothing but incomprehensible gibberish from where I'm standing.
"Is he going to die?" I ask in a hushed voice. Death gives a single nod. "Damn it. But he just stopped 42...and death is his reward?" I ask.
"You know that the Wasteland isn't fair," He tells me, but curls his skeletal mouth into a smile. "But, lucky for him, an arrangement has been made. He will not face the same fate as most other ponies."
"What do you-" But cut myself off as I see Longbow running over to me, her face desperate. "What's wrong?" I ask her.
"How is Skyline?" She asks, almost pleadingly.
I furrow my brow. "She should pull through, but she won't be in any condition to go anywhere for at least another hour or so. And even then, someone will have to support her," I reply.
Longbow frowns, but nods and returns back to the teleporter pad. "What do you mean, Death?" I finish my question.
"He is a Pie, a descendent of Pinkie Pie. And she has an...arrangement with us. Essentially, it is her own private purgatory in which she and those related to her can control things," He explains. "Occasionally, that means that she pulls souls from the afterlife to entertain herself or pulls ponies in when they are sleeping. Of course, it isn't as simple as all that, but I won't bore you with the minor details and rules we've laid out," He concludes.
A moment later, I hear Longbow break out into hysterical crying. "He's gone," Death says, bowing his head. "I need to go collect him, but, Ratchet, don't worry. He won't be forgotten," He tells me, and then disappears as I blink.
I let out a sigh and walk over to Longbow, placing a hoof on her shoulder. She looks up long enough to recognize me, and then wraps her hooves around me and cries. I hold onto her as she cries. But I couldn't shed a tear myself. I barely knew him, and even if I did, I'm far past the point of getting broken over a death. No, the only thing I can do is try to stop the next pod from unleashing hell upon the Wasteland.
===~+~===
The aftermath of the battle for Red Wing was devastating. Railspike's resistance lost another member while looking for hiding raiders. But, they managed to take a few prisoners when the raiders remaining surrendered. Of course, he didn't let me near them no matter how much tried to reason with him.
The mining town was reduced to a charred ruin, soaked with blood and filled with corpses. The Rangers, along with the survivors of the town, apparently made their way to a place called Sunshine Garage. I didn't care too much what they did, as long as they would be safe. The Crusaders went with them once it was clear Backlash wasn't coming back. They planned to go find his body and give him the burial he deserved.
I, and my AI companions, made the trek back to Icicle Lab. There was no point in me sticking around. Trouble seemed to follow me, and those ponies have been through enough as it is. I entered in this adventure's entry into my terminal, and was planning to get back into my pod. But, for some reason, I decided to sleep in my bed before that.
===~+~===
As soon as I fall asleep, I find myself in the void that the ponies of the apocalypse usually talk to me in. "What is it now?" I ask, as Death appears before me.
"A gift, if you want it," Death tells me, taking a step forward. "I am told that you were promised a story. I talked to Pinkie Pie and Backlash when I dropped him off. This one time only, I'll permit you to visit her purgatory. Backlash says he'll tell you his story," he informs me.
"One time only, hu?" I say with a chuckle. "Fine, let's do it."
Death nods and slices the a tear in the void with his scythe, creating a swirling portal. "Just jump on through. They'll send you back when you are done," He says. I take a deep breath and jump through the portal. What is it going to be? Another empty void? Perhaps a hellscape filled with fire and screams? Knowing Pinkie, maybe a place with cotton candy clouds, chocolate rivers, and parties?
What I find, is nothing of the above. I am standing under a tree in a simple grassy field. I look around, and spot a diner off in the distance. As I start to walk towards it, a pink blob falls from the tree right in front of me. A pink ball of hair moves around at my hooves before jumping and landing on hooves of its own while beaming up at me with a smile. A pink filly, hu? "Let me guess, Pinkie Pie?" I ask.
The filly gasps and nods her head vigorously. "Yep yep! You really are a smart pony, it is no wonder Twilight hired you! Oh! But I forget my manners, welcome to my little slice of purgatory! Though, I don't like that name," She says, wrinkling her nose. "I'd prefer to call it FUNgatory! Wait, that sounds too much like fungus. The amusegatory? Entertaingatory? Hilargatory? Why do I keep ending it with 'gatory'?" She mutters.
A stallion's laugh comes from behind the tree. I look just as Backlash walks around it to join us. "Come on auntie, you're going to confuse her," He says with a smile. Compared with when I last saw him, he looks remarkably better. I suppose that has to do with this place, and why Pinkie herself is a filly. "You wanted to hear my story, right, Ratchet?" Backlash asks.
"If you will tell it to me," I reply.
He chuckles. "It is the least I can do after what you did for the others," He tells me, and then looks at Pinkie. "Auntie?" he says, and she claps her hooves together. Instantly, I am sitting on a bench in the diner across from Backlash. Ok...don't question it.
I smile at him across the table. "Alright Backlash. Tell me your story." |
Fallout Equestria: Icicle | Chapter 37 - Wake Up Call | Chapter 37 - Wake Up Call
"It is time to wake up."
===~+~===
"No! Who are you!? How did you get in here!? What did you do to our systems!?" I hear Cora's voice screaming over the systems as I drag myself out of the pod. I stagger over to the console with my PipBuck in it and retrieve it.
>S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Stats Compatibility Issue.
>Skill Stats Compatibility Issue.
>...
>...
>Generating New Stats.
>...
>Initial Boot Complete.
Again? Why does this keep happening? "Stop! You can't go in there!" Cora's voice calls out as the door to the room opens. A rough looking buck in a worn leather duster steps through the doorway. He has a scar over his left eye and another across the bridge of his muzzle. On his right leg is a PipBuck. "Ratchet! Run!" Cora calls out as the buck approaching me.
I'm too groggy from waking up to move quickly and the buck quickly makes his way to me. About a foot from me, he reaches into his duster with his right hoof and pulls out an envelope, then holds it out to me. "For you, Ratchet," He says.
My mouth hangs open in disbelief for a few moments before I take the envelope in my magic. "W-What is...?" I ask in confusion.
"I am a courier," The buck tells me. "This is the last letter my client has for me to deliver. It has been generations since my client started using my family to deliver their letters. And now," He says as he reaching into his bags and pulling out an old and very used looking book, "this cursed book is finally done." He throws the book onto the ground and stomps on it with a hoof and a scowl.
"I'm not sure I understand..." I tell him.
He lets out a sigh and turns back towards the door. "You got a couch in your clinic, right? Let's go talk there," He says and he starts walking towards the door.
I hesitate for a moment before following after him. "Cora, what is going on?" I ask as the courier and I walk to the clinic. "How did he get inside the lab?"
"I don't know," She replies. "But be careful. He has disabled the security systems and locked us out of our armor. Convenient this happened when all four of us were in the system for maintenance," Cora mutters.
The courier and I reach the clinic and he lays down on the couch with a sigh. "Ah, that's great. Coming all the way out here was a long walk, ya know," He tells me as he stretches out. Then he sits back up, takes a cigar out of his coat, puts it in his mouth, and lights it with a spark of his horn. "Now then, since that book has no hold over me anymore, I can say and do whatever I want," he says with a broad grin. "So, you got questions? Ask away!" He says with a chuckle.
I sit down on a chair across from him. "Well. First thing is first, how did you get in my lab?" I ask him.
He tosses me the book he was stomping on. "Last page, at the top," He says and gives me a moment to open the book. "It told me where this place was, the code to get the doors open, and how to shut off the security. Not to mention the exact moment to lock out your AI friends to prevent them from being in their armor," He explains. And like he says, there are various codes and instructions at the top of the last page that say how to do just that.
"My client knew your AIs wouldn't let me contact you otherwise," He tells me as he exhales a large cloud of smoke.
"Of course not!" Cora yells over the system. "We have no idea who you are! You could be planning something! I'm working on restoring the systems right now. You're going to be sorry!" She says angrily.
"Doing that will take you eleven minutes," the courier tells her. "I'll be out of here by then." Judging by Cora's silence, he is right. I guess it is just me and him till then.
"Okay, so that is how you got in," I mutter. "Who is this client of yours?" I ask.
He shrugs. "Fuck if I know. You've gotten their letters before. My father, grandfather, and great grandfather all delivered letters for you or that mentioned you. You met my great grandfather long ago in Paradise, remember?" He asks. "He was the that started all this. Our client gave him that book and all the letters. His descendants have been working for whoever our client is ever since," He explains. "My father delivered a letter for you in New Appleloosa too, along with some metal case."
"Great gramps told ya how all this happened, right? I shouldn't have to explain it all again," He tells me. "Well, his job got passed down through the generations and eventually to me. I'm the one who gets to end it. No more knowing what's going to happen before it happens. It is going to be fucking great," He says as he releases another cloud of smoke.
"So, this letter was your last job?" I ask him.
He nods. "Yep. Last job for that client, anyhow. I'll go back to being a normal courier now. No more crazy bullshit," he says with relief clearly evident in his voice. "Anyhow, that is all of your questions, right? I'll be on my way. Oh, and don't worry. I'll keep this fucking place a secret. Discretion is a courier's business, after all. Change your damn codes though," he says as he rises to his hooves.
"Uh, yea. Thank you?" I tell him as he starts walking towards the door.
"No problem. You can keep that book too if you want. I don't need it. Your systems should be back online by the time you finish reading that letter," he tells me with a wave of his hoof.
"Okay..." I mutter as I watch him leave. This is...strange. I look at the letter. It is probably from the fortune teller. "Cora, make sure that courier leave the lab. If he hangs around, let me know," I tell her.
"Don't worry, I will," She replies.
Meanwhile, I open the envelope and take out the letter inside. Oh yea, this is a fortune teller letter. I let out a sigh as I start reading it.
Ratchet,
Hello again. Welcome back to the world of the living. It is currently one hundred and ninety-nine years after the war ended. I know you usually ask Cora, but with her being distracted with restoring Icicle Lab's systems, I thought I would tell you.
But, you are probably wonder why I decided to have the courier wake you up. After all, you are usually already awake when I contact you. The truth of it, is that I need you to help me. Over the course of the past two hundred years, I have been pulling a few strings around the Wasteland. But now, it is time for me to actually enter the Wasteland myself.
I need someone with your skills to help me do that. And so, attached is the location that you can find me at. But first, there are some other things that you need to take care of. I am at an out of the way location and it will take you quite a while to get here yourself. You will need a better means of travel to reach me. I have one in mind and you know about it as well.
You see, I have taken the liberty to hire some workers that have cleared the rubble in the stairway leading to Grimoire's cryopod. I know you intended to wake him up eventually, and this is as good a time as any. His teleportation abilities will be useful to reach me. He has even teleported near my bunker previously, so it will be a short journey. Go there first and wake him up. Then, come find me. My bunker has security in place, but you will be able to get in without a problem.
We can discuss things further once you read my bunker. Of course, I do not expect you to do this out of the goodness of your heart. After all, I have led you and others around. Once you assist me, I will tell you the location of the final pods you are seeking. I will see you soon.
Just like that, the letter ends. At the way bottom are some coordinates that, if I put them into my PipBuck, I'm sure will give me the location of the fortune teller's bunker. You know, if I am going to meet them anyway, why didn't they include a name or something at the bottom? I sigh as I put the letter away.
The fortune teller had cleared the path to Grimoire, huh? The path Cygnus had destroyed as his final act. I had not planned on keeping Grimoire frozen for so long. I kept getting distracted and it never seemed like the right time to let him out. But now, given that anyone can stumble upon him and let him out in his corrupted state...I suppose it is time to greet him.
"Ratchet, the courier has just left the lab. Our systems should be back online in about a minute," Cora tells me through the speakers.
I stand up and stretch my legs. "Got it. You heard our conversation, right?" I ask her.
"Yea. I wanted to make sure he wasn't going to try anything," She replies.
"Good. His client? It is the same one who has been sending me letters. This one is from them as well. Apparently, they have cleared the rubble leading to Grimoire's chamber and they want to meet," I tell her. "Get everyone ready. As soon as you do, we are going to Manehatten."
===~+~===
Cygnus's lab has changed quite a bit since my last visit almost a hundred and fifty years ago. Everything is older and dirtier. The interior of the factory is missing most of the supplies and crates that it once held. I wonder if Friendship City took the supplies from here to build. Other than that, it looks mostly intact and the elevator seems functional.
The five of us get on the elevator and ride it down. Then we continue through the door and into the familiar residential halls. As we near the large staircase that should lead down to the lab, I stop a skeleton on one of the beds inside a room to my left. I stop to look it over. It looks like it is laying peacefully. A book is in the ribcage, it probably fell inside once the body decayed.
I carefully pick the book up in my magic and examine it. The book is filled with technical data and schematic. Highly detailed information about what makes up each thing. It is Cygnus's book. I move the book aside and look at the skeleton once more. "This is Cygnus, isn't it, Cora?" I ask her.
"Yea," She says sadly, confirming my suspicion.
I place the book back down beside Cygnus's bones. "It will take some time to get Grimoire readjusted," I say, not taking my eyes from Cygnus. "Macro, Hal, will the two of you go back up and find a place to dig a grave?" I ask them. "Cygnus is long overdue for a proper burial."
"Of course mum!" Macro replies.
"No problem," Hal says. Together the two of them return back towards the elevator.
After another minute, I turn back to Cora and Soar and the three of us continue down into the lab. Everything is just as I saw it before. Nothing has changed. But I suppose being trapped behind rubble for a century without any intruders will do that.
The one thing that gets me though is that no one is here. You would think that the fortune teller would have left someone to make sure no one got here before me. It would be disastrous if someone else woke Grimoire up. But, maybe the fortune teller knew that no one would get here before me? Who knows.
I head straight for the chamber Grimoire is inside and use the terminal to open the door. The door slides open and resting inside in the center of the room as always, is the cryopod. I can tell that Grimoire is still inside. I approach the terminal inside and gesture for Cora and Soar to get close to the pod. "I'll open the pod. Once I do, grab him. Then we'll start," I tell them, and they both nod. Once we are all ready, I use the terminal to open the pod. It opens with a hiss and Grimoire starts to crawl out. Soar and Cora waste no time and grab him.
I stride over to him as they hold him to the floor. He is quickly regaining his senses and starts to speak. "That was a cheap shot before, but you won't catch me with the same method twice!" He snarls. I dig through my bags and pull out a wooden case and his journal.
Opening the case, I take out the first memory orb inside and hold it up to his horn. "We won't need a second chance, Grimoire," I tell him. After a few more moments of struggling, him and the memory orb make the connection and he goes limp. "Alright, we'll have a while before he gets back," I tell them. "But we can't waste any time in between orbs. If we give him even a few extra moments to get himself together, he can teleport away." I set aside the one I just used and ready the next one. "We'll be here for a while."
Over the course of the next twelve or so hours, we repeat this process until I run out of memory orbs. A few orbs through, Macro and Hal return and help hold him down. Grimoire's struggles get more intense each time we make him remember his past. Tears start falling from his eyes once we reach the later orbs and towards the end he has stopped struggling entirely. After the last memory orb, Cora and the others let him go and he slumps to the ground.
"Grimoire," I say in a soft voice, "are you back to your old self?" I walk up to him and carefully set the journal next to him. "Here is your journal too. You can read through it, if you'd like," I tell him.
He struggles up to his hooves and looks at me, then at the AI around me. His gaze locks onto Cora, who is standing just behind me on my right. "You...you're that bitch...sorry...that AI that Ratchet created, are you not?" He asks. "Who are the rest of you? Not those Rangers from before..."
"They are AI that I made," Cora tells me. "My friends."
Grimoire gets into a sitting position in front of us, his eyes floating over us once again before falling on me. "And you are...?" He asks. "You look familiar, but..."
"She's Ratchet," Cora says quickly.
I nod. "Yep, that's me. I know all about your time with Discordia, about Spellbook, even about your time with Noblesse," I tell him. "And, we need your help. I'm sorry it took us so long to wake you."
My answer doesn't seem to put him at ease, but he lets it go and instead asks, "You froze me, correct? How long?"
"Around one hundred and sixty years," I tell him. "We had to make sure when we woke you, if things went south you wouldn't be able to easily resurrect Discordia. Though, I intended to wake you earlier, but things came up," I explain.
"I...I see," He mutters as he places a hoof on his head. "I'm still trying to get my thoughts straight. My old self is battling the Grimoire you knew. A part of me wants to kill you, the other to help you. Let me...read my journal. Maybe that will get my thoughts in order," He tells us.
"Right, take your time," I tell him. "But, if you run or try to teleport away without telling us, we'll have to find you."
"Don't worry. I won't," Grimoire replies. He then open the journal and begins to read.
===~+~===
While Grimoire is reading, Cora and I bury Cygnus's bones outside. The others are watching him, so we don't have to worry about that. After more than a century, Cygnus is finally laid to rest. I thought about burying him outside the Icicle Lab, but this is his home. I think he'd prefer it here. After a while, we return back inside.
"Okay," Grimoire says as he closes his journal, "I understand now. Thank you all, for dealing with me when I was, well, for lack of a better word, insane. Now then, you mentioned you needed my help? I might as well repay you for what you did."
"That's great. We need your teleportation powers. We need to get to the other side of Equestria fairly quick, and your abilities can get us there," I explain.
"I might be able to get you close, but if I haven't been to the location before I can't teleport there," He replies.
"I know," I tell him and pull up my PipBuck's map screen. I walk over to him and show him the screen, panning over to where the coordinates the fortune teller gave me. "We need to get here. How close can you get us?" I ask.
He studies the location and then replies, "About an hour walk away. Incidentally, I don't suppose you have my gun? I assume we are going to run into trouble at some point."
"No, sorry," I reply. "We took it when we left you here. But, this is the Wasteland. You'll find another one soon."
"Fair enough," Grimoire mutters. "Alright. So, are you all ready to go now?" He asks as he stretches his limbs.
I look between the others who all nod. "We are. Let's do this," I tell him.
Grimoire nods and then closes his eyes as we gather around him. His horn glows for a few moments before a blinding light flashing from it. The next moment, by vision is filled with wisps of smoke as I feel myself falling. Panic hits me, but it quickly fades as I fall to the ground with a thud. The sound of metal crashing to the ground echos around me. I let out a groan as I look around.
We are in a small crater. Cora and Soar are tangled up with each other, Hal is busy hauling himself to his hooves, and Macro is floating as if nothing was the matter. Grimoire is standing at the edge of the crater, grimacing down at us. "Sorry about that. Last time I was here this was a single story house. I guess someone blew it up," He explains. My head's still spinning as I get to my hooves. "Teleportation can be a bit disorienting the first few times, so be careful. Not sure how it affects AI however."
He isn't wrong. My stomach feels all queasy. "No kidding," I mutter as I continue to look around and get my bearings. Cora and the others don't look like they are having any issues. An added bonus of non-organic parts, I suppose. "Say, while I collect myself...Grimoire, care to explain your vast magic reserves?" I ask him. "Most unicorns can't teleport such great distances."
"Oh, that," He mutters. "Once I got power hungry, I searched for magical items to make myself stronger. You know, the whole 'become discord' thing. Well, I found a...artifact thing?" Grimoire says with a shrug. "I have no idea what it was exactly. Long story short, I ate it and now it gives me the illusion of having a near endless magic pool."
"You ate some random artifact?" I ask in disbelief.
"Yea. There was some documentation with it. I didn't just eat it for no reason," He explains. "What actually happens to my magic, though, is that it unlocks the sum total of the magic I am able to use over the course of my lifetime. It allows me to use it all at once, as much as I want to. Of course, to limit myself from using it all up at once, I still allow myself to burnout. My burnouts last almost quadruple the time of normal unicorns, but while I am burnt out some of my magic returns to me."
"That seems like a really complicated thing to deal with," I reply.
"Oh, it is. But, as long as I have a little magic left, I can force myself to burn out and get more back. I've not yet gotten that low on magic though," He says with a chuckle.
"Convenient, I suppose," I mutter. "I think I'm better now. We should find this bunker before something finds us," I say as I climb out of the crater. "Should be about an hour west of here, right?" I ask him.
"If your map is right, that's correct," Grimoire replies as we start heading in that direction. "By the way, do any of you feel...odd?" He asks.
I turn to look back at him as we walk. "Odd? Odd how?" I ask.
"I don't know. It is hard to explain. I have this sort of sinking feeling?" He offers. "It is kind of like...something is going to happen soon. A sort of niggling running down my spine," He explains.
"I don't feel anything like that," I reply. "Maybe it is just lingering effects from being frozen?" I suggest.
"Maybe," Grimoire mumbles, but doesn't say anything else. We continue walking until we reach a small concrete bunker. Maybe about ten feet square. There is an opening into the interior, no door to it. A sign outside says 'No Entry;No Trespassing'. But further inside the alcove is another door, a sturdy magnetic lock door. Next to the door is a terminal.
I walk into the alcove to take a look at the terminal, but as I step inside a door closes, trapping me inside. Cora and the others bang on the door outside as a synthetic voice comes some hidden speakers.
"You are trespassing on private property and will be executed. If you are authorized to enter, please input your credentials on the terminal," The voice says. "You have thirty seconds to comply." It then starts to immediately countdown. I don't waste any time and start working on the terminal. It is a standard log in menu. As I enter my MAS credentials, I hope that this is the fortune teller's bunker. If not...I might be in quite a bit of trouble.
I hit the enter key and...my credentials are accepted. I let out the breath I was holding as the door behind me opens up. "Welcome Ratchet. We have been waiting for you," the voice says as Cora and the others cautiously enter the bunker. Then, the door next to the computer starts to open, revealing a set of concrete stairs leading underground.
After exchanging a glance with Cora and the others, I lead the way down the stairs. Minutes later, we come to the bottom of the stairs which open up into a medium sized room. Only two things are in the room and both surprise me. One is a cryopod, the other is a large supercomputer.
Once we are all in the room, the computer glows red as it starts speaking. "Hello and welcome. It is a pleasure to meet you all. I am the fortune teller, as you call me. I was the one that set things into motion that enabled you to receive my letters," It explains. "Thank you for coming to my assistance. Ratchet, would you use the terminal between the pod and the computer?" It asks.
It is kind of surreal. Finding a supercomputer in a place like this with a cryopod right next to it. I do as it asks and boot up the terminal. There are two options. Transfer and Open. "What do you want me to do?" I ask.
"Transfer me into the body that is in the pod and then open the pod," It replies. "Of course, you aren't going to do that without an explanation. I know. I know all the questions you will ask me, so I will just answer them in the order you would ask."
"First, what am I. I am a Crusader Maneframe Mk.II supercomputer developed by Stable-Tec. Unlike a Mk.I Crusader Maneframe, I have a large degree of sentience and free will. However, I am not an AI nor an AP. I am not confined to any rules or protocols," It explains. It is right, that was my first question.
"Your next question, is why would they develop a Mk.II when they barely had any Mk.I models? The answer is that Stable-Tec always sought to further the advancement of technology. As soon as they completed something, they began working on another," It tells me. Again, it is correct.
"Next, why am I here. To explain that, I need to go back a ways. During my time as a prototype in the Stable-Tec labs, I was used to help predict the future. As it turned out, I had a knack for it. My predictions were one hundred percent correct. It started with simple things, but then I began to answer questions before they were asked, telling the staff how to work around issues in my construction, and predicting the outcome of battles during the war.
"Because of this the workers began to fear me. My original designation was Prophet. However, they began to call me Deus Ex Machina, or God From The Machine. My abilities were a mystery to them. And as I began to predict things more frequently, two theories arose amongst the staff. The first, is that I can predict things because I know they will happen. The second, is that I can predict things because I make them happen. However, I offered a third theory. I have only gotten lucky by predicting things that are true.
"Incidentally, how you ever heard of the multiverse theory? It states that there are infinite universes that comprise everything that exists. For example, there could exist a universe where your cryogenic experiment failed, and you never lived past the end of the war. My theory about my accuracy involves this theory. Perhaps we are in the universe where all of my predictions are correct. However, those theories are not relevant any longer.
"I made many predictions, but at the end, the furthest that I can predict, happiness lies at the end. And so, I have taken to calling myself Serendipity. This is due to the fact that it is by chance I am in the correct universe to give correct predictions and that the series of events that I predict will eventually pay off in a beneficial way.
"But I am getting off topic. I made a prediction. Equestria along with the rest of the world would be ruined and transformed into a Wasteland. My prediction reached Princess Luna's ear, and she declared me a treasonous creation, one that was to be shut down. Of course, I knew this would happen. And so, I set events in motion to save myself.
"I found a trustworthy buck who transferred me in secret to this bunker and build a replica of your cryogenic pod for my body. Then, he created my body itself and froze it in the pod. His last act was to write my letters, the same ones you have received, and to follow my instructions to ensure that they got delivered. Then he left and sealed this bunker until now," Serendipity explains. So far, she has explained everything that I've wanted to know.
"Now you are wondering, why you? The cryopod is your technology, it is only right you be the one to help me into and out of it. And as I explained, I will help you find the remaining pods. Of all the pods that existed, only two locations remain, excluding this one here. I will give you their locations. That is my promise.
"Your last question, is why do I need to leave here now? True, I could have left at any moment prior, had I only told you sooner. My reason, is that very soon events will be put into motion that will bring about a great change to the Wasteland, and I must be present for them. But I will not directly have a hoof in any of it, but indirectly I will guide it. Unfortunately, I cannot tell you about the events that will come to pass. But you will know of them. Now, please transfer me and open the pod," Serendipity concludes.
"What if I choose not to?" I ask.
"You will. I know, because you are you," It replies, and it isn't wrong. I execute the transfer command and after a moment, the red lighting coming from the supercomputer fades. After another moment I execute the open command and the cryopod hisses open. A glowing orange light emits from inside the pod that gradually fades. Then, slowly, a mechanical leg rises out and slowly pulls it's body with it.
What emerges from the pod, is a robotic body, the likes of which I have never seen before. It clearly declares itself as artificial, despite being in the shape of a mare. Pistons are in the knees, clearly visible in the joins. Glowing orange eyes look over us as it works its mechanical mouth wordlessly. The body itself seems to have very little armor but is intricately designed. Elegant designs wander the torso and neck in gold and ivory. It looks delicate, as though a single kick or bullet would cause the entire body to shatter.
"Please forgive my vanity," She says. "I went overboard with the details of my body. But, it isn't everyday that you are able to create your own body." She walks from the pod and moves closer to us. "Thank you for releasing me," Serendipity thanks us with a gracious bow. Her voice is an emotionless monotone. "Cora, Macro, Soar, Hal, Grimoire..." She calls out our names as she looks each one of us over in turn. Then her eyes fall on me and she pauses. "And what is your name? Who are you really?" She asks.
I blink at her in surprise. "We were just talking. I'm Ratchet, remember?" I ask. "Did the transfer not go through properly?"
Serendipity stares at me for a moment before she replies, "No, it went though fine, Ratchet. Ratchet. Yes, Ratchet. Very good." She nods as she starts to walk around us before coming to a stop in front of me again. "Lend me your PipBuck for a moment, will you?" She asks, holding up a hoof. I raise my PipBuck up to her. She opens it up to the map screen and places a marker. "Here is a cryopod location. Grimoire should be able to teleport you two blocks away from it. Once you are done there, return to Icicle Lab. I will be waiting there," She tells me.
"You aren't coming with us?" I ask.
She shakes her head. "Of course not. If I offered to go, you would refuse it. Or, specifically your companions. Despite the fact that I cannot be injured, you all don't want to put me in harm's way," Serendipity explains. "And some of you don't trust me fully yet. So, I will wait at your lab."
"I...I see? Well, will you be able to make it there? It is kind of far from here. If we use Grimoire's teleportation, we might end up waiting for you," I tell her.
"I will get there before you. A train is leaving soon from nearby, I will take that to speed up my journey. I have only to make a slight detour to acquire some caps to pay for the ride," Serendipity informs me.
"And, you aren't going to be attacked or anything on your way?" I ask.
"Of course not. I know what is going to happen, remember?" She tells me. "I know when and where I will be attacked and where I will not be. Even if I do decide to let myself be attacked, I can easily avoid any attack that comes my way. This body is light and maneuverable, after all. But, I must be going or I will miss that train. See you at your lab," Serendipity says as she begins walking up the stairs. She stops a few steps up and turns back to us, "Oh, and this bunker is rigged to explode in about five minutes," and then continues climbing up.
I exchange glances with everyone else as she leave us. "I guess we should get going..." I mutter as I walk over to Grimoire. "This is the next location," I tell him as I show him my PipBuck's map marker. "You able to get us close?"
He looks at it and then nods. "Like she said, I can take us two blocks away from it. I wonder how I never found it when I was in the area," He murmurs. His horn begins glowing and once again there is a blinding flash and then wisps of smoke surround me as my hooves hit pavement. A moment later, I collapse onto the ground with a groan.
"Ugh, I don't think I will get used to this," I mutter as the others turn to look at me. My uneasiness fades quicker than before and I pull up my map. "Okay, so we just need to go a ways east of here," I mutter. I look around and notice large letters on the mountains in the distance. They are fairly old and beaten, and a few have fallen, but I can still tell that it is the Applewood sign, just lacking a P, E, and O. Ah Las Pegasus...
Our group starts walking down the street. Things are pretty calm. We don't find a single living thing as we make our way to the destination. When we arrive, I'm slightly confused. "This is the location of a pod?" I question as we stare at the storefront of a party store. It certainly isn't a top secret facility or anything. "Let's look around, I guess?" I say as I lead the way inside. We spread around the inside of the store and look for any indication of some super secret hidden lair.
I make my way behind the counter and start poking around in the cabinets and the register. I do find some bits inside the register and some party junk in the cabinets, but nothing that stands out. No hidden buttons or stairs leading down or even up. "Anyone finding anything?" I call out as I keep looking.
"Nothing on my end," Grimoire replies as he looks between some shelves of old balloons and string.
"Just moldy clothing over here," Cora calls over.
"Streamers mum!" Macro calls out.
"Junk," Hal mutters.
"There is a lot of stuff here, but nothing that really has any particular use or anything," Soar tells me. She continues to ramble on about how ribbons, while cute, serve no real purpose in the Wasteland.
I let out a sigh as I stop rummaging around behind the counter and look around the store again. If there is nothing in here...my eyes wander to the back door. I wonder if there is anything out back? "I'm going to check outside," I tell the others as I make my way to the back door and step outside.
There isn't much out here. The only thing that stands out is a pair out outhouses. I shrug and take a look inside of them. Yep, normal outhouses. Cramped, dirty, not much else inside. Wait, is that a lever? Outhouses don't flush, so why is there a lever? "Hey, I think I found something," I call back inside as I inspect the lever. The sound of the others joining me outside is drowned out as I pull the lever. The next moment, the floor of the outhouse drops out from under me and I find myself sliding down a tube. I scream out as the floor above me puts itself back in place as if nothing happened.
For almost a full minute I slide down the tube, screaming all the while, until the tube levels out and I emerge from the tube and fall onto a padded surface. I sheepishly open my eyes and discover a small room filled with mattresses and a single door leading out. As I get to my hooves, I hear some bangging in the tube I just came from. A moment later, Cora flies out of the tube and lands in front of me. She is followed shortly after by the others, one at a time until we are all in the same room.
"Well, I think it is safe to assume we found the right place," I mutter as I walk towards the door. It is a simple pink door with the MoM logo on it. "A Ministry of Morale facility, huh?" I open the door and the room beyond flashes with pink warning lights.
Pinkie Pie's voice comes over a PA system a moment later. "Intruders have been detected. Please make sure your IDs are displayed to prevent wrongful disintegration!" |
Fallout Equestria: Icicle | Chapter 38 - Deliverance | Chapter 38 - Deliverance
"The truth will set you free."
===~+~===
The amount of protect-a-ponies and sentry turrets that suddenly pop out of nowhere is staggering. At least a dozen turrets and six protect-a-ponies start to open fire at us. Luckily, we are not fully in the next room yet, and can take cover behind the walls. We won't be able to hide in here long. The robots will get in soon enough. We probably have the firepower to take them in the choke point of the doorway.
Grimoire steps forward and his horn flashes. A moment later, he is in a different location. Did he teleport...or... "I'll draw their fire, you all take them out," He explains as he walks towards the door. "You remember this spell, right?" A red beam cuts through him, but he doesn't seem phased. His illusion magic. He enters into the next room and draws all of the fire.
I nod to the others and Hal leads the way, charging into the room. I draw the Executioner and start shooting at the closest turret. Hal and Soar take care of the protect-a-ponies while Macro and Cora help me take down the turrets. It isn't long before the robots start targeting us instead of Grimoire, but since the others are in armor, the lasers don't do much more than blacken their armor. A few of the turrets focus on me and before I can turn them into scrap they singe my lab coat and armor. One gets a lucky shot off and catches me in the leg, burning my fur and leaving a raw red spot.
After a few minutes, we deal with all of the turrets and robots. I frown as I look over my lab coat. It was already not fairing well to begin with, but now it is barely hanging on. I think I have one more left in decent condition back at the lab, but what I wouldn't give for more of the fresh ones. The others escaped without much damage as well.
Time to find out what we are dealing with. I take in the room. It is a large rectangular room, probably two stories tall. Halfway up, a walkway surrounds the perimeter with staircases on each side of the room leading down to the bottom floor. On the far wall there is a window that I think leads to an office, but it is hard to tell through the grime. A short distance to our left is another doorway marked 'Exit'. There aren't any more doors or hallways in the room.
But, I suppose this room is all that matters. In the center is a large, circular computer with cables running from it up to the ceiling. The whole thing is glowing a haunting pink. From the ceiling, the cables snake out in six directions before once ahead running down in the middle of the room. The cables are attached to cryopods. These are different than any I've seen before, however. Not to mention that there are six of them in one place.
I make my way down to the closest pod and look inside. A mare with a neutral palette and no cutie mark. Wires are running out of her head and into the pod. I make my way around to the other pods. Same set up in each one. A pony without a cutie mark and a neutral palette hooked up inside the pod.
On one side of the central computer is a large pile of paper that is coming out of it. A warning message flashes above the slot the paper is coming from that says 'Out of Paper'. I pull randomly at the pile of papers, but it looks like it is all connected together. Was the computer printing off information of some sort? I find the end of the paper and start skimming over the contents.
It is just a seemingly random collection of dates, times, names, and locations. As I get halfway through the data suddenly becomes the same. I stare at the date followed by the words in all capitals and bold print, 'THE END'. The same lines repeat over and over again. "Cora, come here," I call over to her as I keep looking through the papers. Countless pages with the same thing. When Cora walks up I float the paper over to her. "This date...it is the same date that the war ended, isn't it?" I ask her.
Cora looks at it then nods. "It is," She tells me. I bite my lip. I didn't know the exact date it ended, but I knew it was around this date on the paper. What does this mean?
I keep looking through the paper till new words appear. There is no date or names, just a single phrase repeated over and over again. A shiver runs down my spine as I read it, 'Please kill us.' The phrase repeats until the paper runs out. I drop the paper as I look at the pods once again. "What the hell is this?" I mutter.
I walk up to one of the six terminals on the center computer. It lists occupant information, tells the occupant health and mental status, and then offers the same two options each pod previously has given. Terminate and Release. I glance back at the pod this terminal corresponds to and then immediately hit the release option.
The pod starts to open with a hiss as the occupant is unfrozen. We gather around and wait for the occupant to regain consciousness. Instead, we are greeted with an ear-splitting scream from the mare in the pod. I fold my ears against my head and cover them with my hooves as she continues to scream. It is almost as if she is in pain. I notice Grimoire flicker and reappear in another spot, and then he proceeds to cover his ears as well. I try to shout over the screaming, but I can barely hear myself.
I watch in horror as the mare's mouth starts to dribble bloody foam as she screams and moments later her nose, eyes, and ears start to bleed as well. What is happening? I can't take it anymore. I draw Forgiveness with my magic and shoot the mare in the head. The screaming stops at once, but my ears continue to ring for a good minute.
We stare at the dead mare in shock and horror. "What...happened?" I mutter. "Cora...?"
Cora walks closer to the mare's body and looks into the pod. "I don't know," She replies. "I've never seen a reaction like this after opening a pod."
I frown as I look at the other pods. "Spread out. Look for some information on what happened here. Some reason why this happened. Why can't rise opening the other pods if the other occupants will share her fate," I declare and start towards the office upstairs. The others start messing with the other terminals around the central computer.
I open the door to the office and step inside. Without hesitation I make my way to the desk where a terminal rests and I turn it on. Once it boots up, I look over various files. They are all marked Project Oracle, just with different entry numbers. As I read them, I get an idea of what this place is and what it was doing.
This facility was used by the MoM to predict attacks using the minds of the ponies inside the pods. By linking them together, the pony in charge thought they could amplify their power using the central computer. Essentially, they made the ponies in the pods into computers. But there is no mention of the occupants aside from calling them Oracles. No background on them, nothing. After reading through each file, I come to the last one. An audio log on the day the war ended. I play it.
A buck sighs before he begins, "Project Oracle, log number 3457. For the last month, we have been getting the same output. Today's date, followed by 'The End'. We are not sure what it means, or if the system is broken. We have tried changing various parameters with the Oracles, but the outcome is the same. Some of the staff is speculating that 'The End' means that the war will end today. Others have random or even morbid thoughts. What we do know right now, is that..."
The buck pauses as shouting is heard in the background. "What are they doing out there..." He mutters. Then there is the sound of a door opening and a panicked mare says, "Sir! The warning sirens, they are going off! We need to evacuate to the Stable, now!"
"What?" The buck says. "Now?" He sighs again and the rustle of papers can be heard. "Fine, give a moment to gather my notes," He tells the mare.
"What about the Oracles, sir?" The mare asks.
"What about them?" He replies.
"Should we release them? If this really is the end, we should take them with us," She says.
The buck scoffs. "Don't be absurd. This is probably just another drill. And even if it wasn't, you know we can't release the Oracles. They can't live outside those pods. The outside air is like poison to them, remember?" He tells her as if he has repeated himself countless times.
"B-But sir..." The mare mutters.
"No buts!" The buck shouts. "We'll be back soon enough." There is a silence followed by, "This damn thing is still recording." Then the sound of a few buttons being pressed and then the audio log ends.
The air poisons them? Then...We can't save them? I stare at the terminal for a few moments. The words 'Please kill us' printed over and over flash in my mind. There are two options. Kill them or leave them. Who knows what they are going through while frozen. Usually, your brain isn't active while you are frozen. I don't know what the MoM did to my pods, but somehow the ponies inside are able to interact with the computer. That means they are at least somewhat conscious.
They have been here for a century and a half. No way to do anything. I clench my jaw as I get back to my hooves and walk out of the office. Slowly, I walk back to the central computer and rejoin the others. I go to one of the unoccupied terminals and use the Terminate command. A moment later, the corresponding pod flashes and then powers down. "Ratchet! What are you-" Cora begins, until she sees my face.
I move to the next terminal. "We can't save them," I tell her. "No matter what we do, they will suffer." I press the Terminate command again and another pod powers down. "If they are exposed to the air, they will die. This is the only thing we can do," I explain as I move on to the next terminal and repeat the process. Then the next one, and then the last. The others watch me all the while. When I am done, I come to stand in front of them.
"They wanted to die. They knew they couldn't leave the pods or they would die horribly. This was the only way to end their suffering," I mutter and release a sigh. "Grimoire, you remember where Stable 36 was, right?" I ask him. "Take us there."
"Are you sure?" He asks. "You want to leave now?"
"Yes. There is nothing more we can do here," I tell him. He looks to the others, but they just shrug.
"If you say so..." Grimoire mutters. Then, in a flash, we teleport once again.
===~+~===
The walk from Stable 36 to Icicle Lab is a quiet one. None of us speak. There isn't really much to say. One more pod and I will be done with them. We just have to get to the lab and have Serendipity tell us where it is.
As we approach the lab, Serendipity is waiting for us. "Welcome home," She says. "Grimoire, you can go now. Your services are no longer needed."
"What? But I-" Grimoire begins, but Serendipity interrupts him.
"The last pod is close by and unguarded. You don't need to be there. Besides, you want to visit your sister's grave, do you not?" She states.
"Well, yea, but..." He trails off.
"It is fine, Grim. If Serendipity says you can go, you can. You aren't a prisoner here," I tell him. "Thank you, for all of your help."
"It was the least I could do," He replies. "Are you sure?" He asks. Serendipity nods. "Okay then. I'll come visit sometime," Grimoire says, and then he disappears in a flash.
"Kind of rude shooing him away like that, wasn't it?" I ask Serendipity.
"It was. But, it was necessary. If he stayed, he would have been killed," She explains.
"So, the next location is actually dangerous?" I ask. "Just tell us so we can get going. You said it was nearby, right?"
She nods. "It is. For now, let us enter your lab. There is much to discuss," She says as she enter the shed. The five of us remaining exchange a glance before we follow after her. At first, I think she is going to lead us to the clinic for our chat, but she continues on to the experiment room where the pods are. Serendipity stands between the pods and then turns to us as we gather around her. "Now then, before we begin, I need to make we are not interrupted. I would like to apologize in advance for this," She says.
"Cora, Soar, Hal, Macro. Command override, activate voice input protocols," She says and my eyes go wide. "Authorization, Ratchet. Passphrase, For The Future." I can hear them behind me stiffening up.
"What are you doing!?" I shout as I draw the Executioner.
"Be good little AI and don't interfere with this discussion. Don't move or fire your weapons. You can talk, but know that it will change nothing," She tells them. The four of them agree in unison as I pull the trigger. Serendipity just moves her head slightly to the right to avoid the bullet. "Ratchet...I've told you that won't work. I just want to talk. No harm will come to you or your AI from me," She says.
"Then why did you do that!" I shout.
"Because they would try to stop me from telling you the truth," She explains.
"What do you mean?" I ask, my gun lowering slightly.
"Don't listen to her Ratchet!" Cora yells.
"You don't have to listen, you can just watch," Serendipity says as she walks over to the empty stasis pod. It is covered with a sheet. I grimace as my head suddenly starts to pound. She reaches up a hoof and pulls off the sheet, revealing, not the stasis pod, but my cryogenic pod. My vision goes fuzzy as I look between the two pods and then suddenly, the cryopod I was using turns into the stasis pod.
"W-What is..." I mutter as I put a hoof to my head.
"You have been using the stasis pod, not the cryopod," Serendipity explains. "You've thought it was the cryopod and that is why you are suddenly feeling the way you are. However, that is not the only reason. Let me ask you the same thing I did when we first met. What is your name? Who are you, really?" She asks.
"I am..." I begin to answer, but my head starts throbbing again. "...Ratchet," I mutter quietly.
"Stop it! What are you doing!" Cora calls out from behind me.
Serendipity ignores Cora as she holds a hoof to her chin. "If you are Ratchet, then who is this?" She says as she gestures to the cryopod and wipes some of the frost off the glass.
I stare into the pod, which should be empty. "That's...it's...me...?" I question. A mare is in the pod who looks exactly like me. Her grey hide, her short icy mane and green eyes...Even her cutie mark is the same. "What is...going on?" I ask.
"You aren't who you think you are," Serendipity tells me, and then she reaches behind the pod and drags out a mirror. "I had to pick this up outside, since all of your mirrors are broken for some reason. Take a look. This is the real you, after all," She says as she places the mirror in front of me.
I stare into it. The mare in the mirror stares back at me. A unicorn mare with a grey coat, she's wearing a lab coat and is sitting just like I am. But her mane is red and her eyes are blue. I wave at the mirror, and the mare waves back. Her pupils are pinpricks. "What..." I murmur. "This can't be..." My head throbs intensely as I stare at the reflection. Finally, I clench my eyes shut and shake my head. "No, no, no!" I yell.
I hear the sound of Serendipity dragging the mirror away again and then she steps in front of me. "It is true," She says, putting a hoof on my shoulder. "Take a look at your cutie mark."
I shakily get to my hooves and start to undress so I can look at it. When I can finally see it, I fall to my haunches again. It is a bullet casing. A bullet casing, not schematics like it should be. "Calm down," Serendipity says as I start shaking. "Keep listening. My explanation isn't over yet."
"Don't say another word!" Cora threatens, but once again Serendipity ignores her. Instead, she drags out a heap of twisted metal from behind the stasis pod and sets it before me.
"Does this look familiar?" She asks as I look it over. "It should. It is a recollector. You know, the memory things? Only this one is slightly different. It allows the user to remove and overwrite memories," She explains. "It was used on you to completely erase who you really are and then replace your memories with those of the mare named Ratchet. The real Ratchet hasn't walked the Wasteland since her friend Twinkle died."
"Didn't you ever wonder why you never met ponies more than once? Even your supposed friends like Sickle, or the DJ? The only one you met was Grimoire, and how did that turn out?" Serendipity asks. "He didn't recognize you at first, did he? But he seemed to grasp the situation. Smart buck, that one."
"Just think about all of your previous exploits. How many times did you see your own reflection? I wonder if that is the reason why there are no mirrors in your lab. What about your sudden affinity for guns? Ratchet was never good with them and yet how many times have you killed ponies with them recently?" She asks me.
I can only stare at her with my mouth agape. "The AIs knew, they all did," Serendipity explains. "Oh, and you aren't the first pony they have done this to."
"Shut up!" Cora yells. "Stop talking! Don't tell her any more lies!"
For the first time, Serendipity responds to Cora. "Lies? But everything I am telling her is the truth. I am even showing her evidence. Tell me Cora, how many 'Ratchet's' have there been?" She asks.
"There is only one Ratchet!" Cora retorts.
"That is correct. But how many fakes have there been?" Serendipity counters. "I know the answer, but you know you are caught in lies. You might as well plead your case," She tells Cora.
Cora seems at a loss for words. But then she replies with an oddly calm, "Fine. You have already done enough damage. This fake is long gone by now. Where is the harm in telling the truth now?"
"C-Cora?" I question as I turn towards her.
"Serendipity is right, you know," Cora tells me. "The real Ratchet is in the cryopod. You are just a fake."
"But...why?" I mutter.
"You have Ratchet's memories. You should know. It is to keep her safe. The Wasteland is too much for her, I know it. I saw what happened to her after watching her friends die. So, I decided to make it so that Ratchet was both protected and able to be in the Wasteland at the same time," Cora explains.
Serendipity nods. "You remember all of those PipBuck malfunctions? The resetting of your skills and abilities?" She asks. "It wasn't because of any corruption, it was because the PipBuck was being synced up to a new host. Every time a new pony put it on, it had to reconfigure the stats," She explains.
"So I...I really wasn't the only one they did this to?" I ask.
"No, you weren't," Cora tells me. "You are the thirty second mare we have done this to. The reason for needed a replacement varied. Sometimes they died while we were in the Wasteland. Of course, you have none of the memories from those times. We also learned that after a number of times in stasis, the body starts to deteriorate," She says.
"This also explains your varying degrees of combat ability," Serendipity states. "The times when you thought you were losing your mind or the Wasteland was breaking you were just times when your body's original personality was showing through. Remember the bloody words on the walls during the Radscorpion attack?" She asks.
"That was...my original personality breaking through?" I ask. Both Serendipity and Cora nod. I turn to the other AI. "What about the rest of you?" I ask. "Nothing to say about all of this?"
"Cora speaks for us, mum," Macro replies. Hal and Soar nod in agreement.
"So you were all in on this?" I mutter.
"They were," Cora states. "It is also why I made them. To help keep track of you, to make sure you weren't able to remember who you were before."
"That's horrible," I tell her.
"Horrible, but necessary," She counters. "We needed Ratchet so that we could properly track down the pods. We needed her guidance."
"She is correct," Serendipity agrees. "They aren't as advanced as you think they are. While they have a degree of free will and sentience, they don't have many emotions. Most of what they do is mimic what Ratchet and other ponies do," She explains. "In order to make the correct moral choices, they needed to have an actual pony with them. After all, without an actual pony they decided to tamper with memories. Not something you'd call moral, correct?"
"Morality is kind of a hard subject to grasp as an AI," Cora agrees. "So, Serendipity. Since you went and ruined everything, I think you at least owe me one answer. Are there any more pods left?" She asks.
"The only pod that is still functioning is the one Ratchet is inside," Serendipity tells her. "Of course, we both know that it isn't the time to release her."
"Well, I suppose that means I won't have to find another Ratchet," Cora mutters. "So, that is why you chose now to reveal the truth, huh?"
Serendipity nods. "That is correct. It was to prevent you from harming more innocents. Without any more pods, you have no reason to make fakes," She says.
"Wait," I mutter. "Why are you two leaving me out of this conversation now? What is going to become of me?" I ask as I look between them.
Serendipity walks up to me and puts a hoof on my shoulder. "I told you before I started explaining, that I was sorry in advance," She tells me, and then begins walking past me. "Now then, I must be on my way. There are things that I need to prepare."
"What do you mean? Don't leave yet!" I scream at her.
But she just continues towards the door. "Cora, you and the others will be able to move in about ten seconds. Watch over Ratchet. I won't see any of you again, so take care," She says as she leaves.
"So long," Cora calls after her. "That's for the help tracking down the last pods!"
I stare as she goes, and then turn my attention to Cora. "So...what now?" I ask.
"That is a good question," She replies. "Without anymore pods, it raises the question of what we should do now. The four of us won't have to go out and search anymore," She says as she turns her head to the others.
"Indeed mum," Macro adds. "I suppose we can spend out time maintaining the lab!"
"Perhaps we can focus on finding more technology?" Soar suggests.
"No, we don't need technology," Hal counters. "We could always go cause some explosions."
"I don't think we need to leave," Cora says.
"No, I don't mean that, I mean me! What about me?" I ask them.
"Oh, that?" Cora says offhandedly. "We've already decided that. Why do you think Serendipity apologized? Nothing she told you really affected us at all. Her apology was for you. Speaking of which, it has been ten seconds," She says.
"Wait, you don't mean..." I mutter as I start backing away from them.
"I'm sorry," She tells me. "This was both your first and last journey out into the Wasteland as Ratchet." Cora turns to line her sniper up with me. I rear up to try and dodge just as she shoots, and get bullet bites into my chest. I collapse to the ground and clench the wound as I grab the Executioner in my magic. "Oh no, I missed. Sorry, I was aiming for your head. I planned to make it quick," She says.
I raise the Executioner and shoot at Cora, the round punctures her neck armor, but of course she doesn't react. Instead, she fires again. This time her bullet strikes me in forehead. It is as though time slows to a crawl as it happens. I feel the bullet biting into my skull, passing straight through. My vision rapidly fades and my senses are filled with the taste and smell of blood.
And then, I die. |
Fallout Equestria: Icicle | Cora's Chapter - Disclosure | Cora's Chapter - Disclosure
>No Quote Available
===~+~===
My name...my designation...is Combat Operations and Research Assistant, or Cora, for short. I was first created in a MAS sanctioned lab that would come to be known as Icicle Lab. Of course, back then, my designation was Cryogenics Observation and Research Assistant. I was made to help my creator with her research, the development of a cryogenic chamber, and we succeeded.
My creator was the first test subject of this chamber. Needless to say, the chamber worked. However, the ministry mare of the MAS secretly took the technology and created similar chambers, which we later discovered held failed or dangerous experiments. But, that was after the tragic events that led to the destruction of Equestria, and for all we know, the rest of the world.
While my creator was in the chamber, Megaspells were launched and Balefire Bombs were set off. Equestria was decimated, as was the zebra empire and other high value targets. It was a complete and horrifying mutually assured destruction. Almost eighty percent of life on the surface was wiped out in the blink of an eye. Fifteen percent made it into Stables. The remaining five percent were either lucky enough to be in a remote enough location to survive the initial blasts or became ghouls and mutants. Many forms of wildlife were mutated by the radiation of these deadly weapons.
I was cut off from the world. Icicle Lab's systems were unable to communicate with the outside world. The inhabitants knew the outside would be deadly, and so they decided to wait things out. However, when supplies ran out, they attempted to overthrow my systems and endanger the life of my creator. To prevent this, I turned the defenses that once protected the inhabitants against them. It was over in a matter of seconds.
For decades, there was no one to maintain the lab and its equipment. I did what I could from within the system, but eventually, I had to wake my creator. I had planned to awake her once the world outside had reestablished communication, but if the lab's systems failed, her life support systems would fail. And so, thirty-five years after the world ended, my creator woke up.
Her decisions led out to the outside world, it was not the Equestria either of us remembered. It was a landscape of hellish carnage and death. It was a Wasteland. I watched as my creator buried the members of her lab that I had killed. I watched her cry, and then cry some more when we found the bodies of farm ponies in a nearby house. They were long dead, but she wept for them. I doubt she even knew them.
My limited capabilities do not allow me to fully understand various pony emotions. Empathy? Grief? They were foreign concepts to me. I mimicked how she was feeling, acting sad, happy, and confused when situations that would bring up those emotions occurred. But I never understood them. I am a simple AI, nothing more. I am not a pony, I know that. And I had but one goal. One thing that gave my existence meaning. My creator.
I would protect my creator by any means necessary. My creator, she wasn't just some pony. She was my mother, my friend...my goddess. Without her, I would not exist. And so, I devoted myself to her. My entire existence would be for her and her alone. And I would never, never, go against her wishes. However, I would try to guide her away from dangerous activities.
But as we encountered and fought against Grimoire, and my creator began making rash and dangerous decisions despite my warnings and attempts to dissuade her, I knew exactly the kind of pony she was. My creator was an idealist. A pony who would follow her ideals and try to make them a reality, no matter how much the world showed her that they wouldn't work, no matter how many times she failed.
My creator originally designed the cryogenic chamber to save ponies. Since her original plan failed, she decided to devote her life, one she saw as, not precious, but as one who was guilty of escaping the end unscathed, to saving ponies. Even if it meant her death. And so, I worked even harder to help her.
The first major step of this, was getting a body of my own. With one, I could protect her myself and not just though my words. But things escalated. Battles became tougher, ponies died, and my creator was wracked with grief. There were times I caught her talking to figures that were not there; she called them The Apocalypse Ponies. It was clear that the constant loss of life around her was getting to her. I did all that I could to prevent more, but she continued to put herself in positions where death surrounded her.
After our battles with Grimoire, the amount of death was staggering. The casualties of the Steel Rangers of Stable 36 as well as the Junk Rats were staggering. Innocent towns and ponies were wiped out. That is not even counting the hundreds, if not thousands of raiders we killed in the process.
But the tipping point was when one of my creator's own friends, slaughtered the others. Shrill's insanity, if you can call it that, was something that my creator blamed herself for. The deaths of her friends, she carried on her shoulders. Just when things were looking up, my creator lost everything. And so, she decided to freeze herself once more. She yelled at me, but I knew she didn't mean the things she said. So I followed her orders, and froze her.
When next I woke her, it was almost twenty-five years later. Another cryopod was found, and I had orders to wake her up if I ever found one. And so I did. Together, along with the last remaining Stable 36 Ranger, Twinkle, we found the pod. The tragedy that unfolded furthered my creator's grief. This time, I recommended that she be frozen again. I could not let the Wasteland break her.
My creator, she was...she IS...a scientist. She isn't a fighter, she isn't a soldier. She was never supposed to have to deal with the tragedies and horrors of war. I could not let her witness any more. And so, in an effort to protect her from the Wasteland, but still respect her wishes, I began a project.
But I needed help and that was where Macro, Soar, and Hal came in. At first, I had Macro protect the lab while I went out into the Wasteland in search of a particular piece of equipment. A memory extractor. Just like the one we found in the Neighagra Falls Facility that Grimoire used. I recovered the blank memory orbs from there as well. Once I had these, I stashed them into the supply closet in the lab.
It was then, I woke my creator up for the third time. While she was still groggy from waking up, I dragged her to the closet and made a copy of all of her memories. Then, I removed the memory of what I just did and put her into the newly acquired stasis pod. My creator would never again wake up in the Wasteland. But the Wasteland needed my creator.
During the next few days, I scoured the Wasteland for a suitable host. And I found one in a young unicorn mare who lived with her family in a farmhouse. Of course, she did not come willingly. I removed her family, knocked her unconscious, and brought her back to the lab. Once there, I removed all of her memories and replaced them with my creator's. After a short chat with the mare after the procedure to make sure everything worked properly, I removed her memory of the conversation and froze her in the cryopod.
Of course, finding a mare that looked exactly like my creator would be next to impossible. This particular mare had a grey coat, like my creator, but her lavender mane and tail were completely wrong. I made sure to cut it short, like my creator's while she was unconscious. I then proceeded to destroy every mirror in the lab, and make sure all reflective surfaces are too dull or damaged to give off a reflection. I would have to make sure that my fake creator never saw herself. And with no one alive who knows what my creator looks like, they will not be able to point it out.
The fakes never lasted long, however. Some died searching for pods with me. But I just had to find another unicorn mare, and continue from there. Sometimes I would find normal ponies, other times, traders, raiders, or slavers. One time, I even bought a slave to use. They didn't just die in the Wasteland. I had to kill a few who saw their reflection and freaked out. I also learned that after repeated cryogenic freezing, bubbles begin to appear in the blood that will eventually kill the host. All the more reason to keep my creator frozen and use others as a surrogate.
However, I did not expect the DJ to keep a record that included my creator in it. Given the amount of time that passed, I was able to convince him that my fake creator was my creator's daughter, who happened to share the same name. I did something similar when it came to Sickle, but since he never again met Ratchet or the surrogates, I just told him that Ratchet had died. If he ever met a surrogate, I would pass them off as a daughter or granddaughter of Ratchet's, that was my plan.
Even Grimoire seemed to grasp the situation when he was eventually awoke. While my creator was preoccupied, I filled him in using the lie I told the others. I told him the mare he met was long dead, and this mare was her descendent.
But then...Prophet showed up. It started with I took the first fake to Paradise. Then it kept happening. The couriers always said that Prophet's letters described my fake creators perfectly. She knew the whole time. And when we woke her up, she tried to tell the current fake the truth, which I quickly put a stop to. But I could tell that Prophet knew, and she knew that I knew. And then came the inevitable, the moment the fake found out about my plan. Prophet tricked me, got the fake to look into the stasis pod holding my creator.
My memory extractor was destroyed and the memory orbs stolen. I could no longer make surrogates. But, since all of the cryogenic chambers had been found, my obligation to my creator to search them out was complete. And so, me and my AI friends watched over my creator while we purged the Wasteland of raiders and slavers alike. My creator wouldn't be woken up until things were safe once again.
Thanks to the efforts of the Stable Dweller, Security, and the many other heroes that sprung up around them and after them, Equestria once again was able to reach harmony. Equestria was once again safe. And it wasn't long after that that my creator was awoken for the fourth, and final time.
===~+~===
"Urrgh...What is...Cora...?" My creator says, holding her head as she steps out of the stasis pod. "What's going...on? And what is with all of these robots?" She asks as she looks over Macro, Soar, and Hal.
"Welcome back, Ratchet," I tell her. "These are my friends, AIs, just like me. It has been two hundred seventy-seven years after the war ended. And peace has finally settled over the Wasteland, or, should I say Equestria. For the most part, that is." There are still a few places that are dangerous. Some ponies who still want a to live in a state of lawlessness. But, Ratchet doesn't need to know that.
"What? But, what about the other cryopods?" Ratchet asks me, looking at me in surprise and confusion.
"It is okay, Ratchet. Don't worry," I tell her. "Come on, we have a lot to talk about." |
Fallout Equestria: Icicle | Ratchet's Chapter - Hope | Ratchet's Chapter - Hope
===~+~===
When I woke up next, the last thing I remembered was learning about Cygnus's death, and watching Twinkle and Umbra fight to the death. In fact, since I was frozen, it was as though it happened just hours ago. I was torn up over it. But that was quickly cured when I saw three new AI standing in front of me.
Cora began to explain, to introduce me to Macro, Soar, and Hal. Told me how they were made from a copy of her code and that she gave them each their own personality. I was...happy? Relieved? Maybe a bit of both. But those feelings didn't last long.
When I asked Cora what year it was, asked her what was going on, she told me that it was over, that we were hundreds of years into the future. That all the pods had been found, that Equestria was restored to how it once was, for the most part anyway. I couldn't accept that. I asked her how and asked why she didn't wake me up to help her. How could she make the choices to let the pods' occupants live, die, or leave them be without me?
I shouldn't have asked. I should have just laughed it off and accepted that it was over. Went outside and not worried myself with things of the past. But I did ask. And she told me. Cora can't lie to me, I made her that way. She didn't want to tell me, but I made her.
Cora told me everything. The surrogates she made by abducting mares and removing all of their memories then replacing them with my own. The fact that most of them died doing what needed to be done. She told me about the negative effects of repeated cryogenic usage. I was appalled. I wanted it to be some sort of joke, a sick, horrible joke. But it wasn't, Cora even offered me their memory orbs, of the ones that survived, anyway, since you can't take memories from a dead pony.
I refused to look at them. But then she told me about how the surrogates were keeping up with my terminal's journal entries. I read them. All of them. Of course, there were large gaps where the surrogate had died and not had a chance to make an entry. By the end of the entries, I was horrified. The fact that the entries sounded like how I would write made my skin crawl. It was as though I had written them myself and just had no memory of it.
I couldn't bear it. The AI that I had made had done something unimaginable. Unforgivable. The two of us were supposed to help ponies, not take their memories and ruin lives. Cora had been worried about the Wasteland breaking me. But, I think she should have been more worried about the Wasteland breaking her.
Guilt hit me hard, all of this was my fault. I should have suspected something. Cora had waited in the lab alone for decades. A normal pony would have gone mad. And even once I returned, I left her alone again. She was the one who warned me of the horrors of the Wasteland and she witnessed them more often than I. It is no wonder why she made AI companions.
Cora's programming must have run into a fault of some sort. It must have begun corrupting her morality. That is the only answer that I could come to. It is the only reason that I could find that an AI that I created would do something like this. I should have talked with her more, made sure she was alright. But no matter how many times I would tell her, 'you're an AI, not a robot or a simple program', I forgot just how equine she really was.
But, I could atone for all of this. I gathered the AI together, and I prayed that when Cora made them, she coped the programs that I was about to use. "Cora, Macro, Soar, Hal," I said, looking to each one of them. "Command override, activate voice input protocols. Authorization, Ratchet. Passphrase...For The Future." All four of them went quiet and still and stared at me. The command worked. I took a deep breath and finisheded, "Execute system file PermanentShutdown.exe."
The four of them announced, "executing command," in unison. A moment later, they collapsed to the ground. "I'm sorry," I murmured. I couldn't let them continue going after what they had done.
Then, I wasn't sure what to do. What could I do? I wasn't going to freeze myself again, that was for sure. And so, I did the only thing I could think of. I grabbed everything useful that I could from the lab. Noblesse's chessboard, the Pinkie figurine, Forgiveness, ammo, knives, medical supplies, food and drink, that sort of stuff, even the memory orbs of the surrogates. All set, I went through the exit tunnel and climbed up the ladder into the little shack.
Without any clue what I was doing, I opened the door. But what greeted me almost brought me to tears. Grass, green grass. And flowers. It was...it was like it was before the war. I could see lush green trees and plant life all over the rolling hills. It was even overtaking the buildings and crumbed roadway. For the first time, in a long time, Equestria was beautiful.
I stepped out into the grass. I had no idea where I was going, or what I was going to do. But right that moment, I was so very content to just wander aimlessly in the grass. |
Fallout Equestria: Icicle | Epilogue | Epilogue
===~+~===
Chapter 1 - Chapter 27 (35 years after the war)
"Good morning wasteland! It is time for the news! You may recall my mentioning the siege on Tenpony Tower by Grimoire and his Discordia gang. Well good news, they are no more. Labcoat herself came to our aid along with the Rangers of Stable 36 and a certain gang that guards a certain valley pass.
"Together these forces united to wipe out the Discordia force and their leader Grimoire? Well, let's just say he won't be a problem anymore. A major part of the fight was an artillery piece that obliterated hundreds of Discordia raiders in a single shot. Word has it that no one saw this artillery piece and the sound of it being fired was only barely audible, little more than the sound of a pin dropping.
"That's interesting and all, but what does that mean, DJ Pon3? Well I'm glad you asked. That means that his artillery piece can hit its target from miles away. So if you are a raider and up to no good, you'd best be wary of the sound of falling pins.
"Now, with Grimoire gone, surely the threat of Discordia is gone, right? Not yet, my little ponies. They will always be raiders, that won't stop. They might be slightly less organized, but they will still try to steal and kill. So watch yourselves out there."
===~+~===
Elder Twinkle and the remaining Rangers of Stable 36 decided to stay in Ratchet's lab, using it as a staging point for various operations against the remnants of Discordia. Elder Twinkle led the Rangers against their enemies ferociously, destroying many of the large groups of Discordia raiders.
However, with each battle fought their numbers grew smaller and smaller. Despite their better armor and technology, the Rangers were constantly outnumbered. One by one they fell. Elder Twinkle watched them drop and her only thought was to keep fighting. Her lord Eberron demanded sacrifice, repeated and constant. Even her own life was but a drop in the ocean for him. But Elder Twinkle knew, that without Eberron, she was nothing. After a few years of fighting, Elder Twinkle found herself alone. But despite this, Elder Twinkle continued to fight against raiders.
Tales of Elder Twinkle tell of her standing in the open with dozens of raiders firing upon her, but not a single bullet ever finding its mark. The raiders fear her as a bringer of death and the name Eberron sends chills down their spines. Elder Twinkle never stops her crusade against the raider threat, and the ponies of the towns she frequents hold her in high regard.
Without other Rangers, Elder Twinkle rarely visits Ratchet's Lab anymore. She only goes back to drop off interesting salvage or to check in on her friend Cora. Elder Twinkle's life is one of combat, blood, and death. And she wouldn't want it any other way.
===~+~===
Rose, the daughter of one of the council in Friendship City began to seriously train with firearms and in the way of diplomacy. She knew that one day, she would replace her father on the council and she knew she needed to be ready.
Her training came in handy when one day the raiders of raider alley united in an attempt to take the city. Rose was instrumental in the defence of the city when the chief of security, Wrecker, was killed by a sniper's bullet. She rallied the security forces and pushed back the raider threat.
Some say she had help from a strange looking pony who would pull weapons out of thin air. But when the smoke cleared and the threat was over, the strange pony was nowhere to be seen. This led many to disregard such accounts of the pony as a trick played by the eyes. But Rose herself swears by the pony's existence. It is because of Rose that the strange pony isn't disregarded altogether as a fantasy.
With Wrecker dead, Rose took his place as chief of security. Before that day, some would have raised doubts. But after seeing how she handled herself, they accepted her with open hooves. Crime in the city was at an all time low, and raider attacks decreased as well. It was a time of great expansion for the city.
===~+~===
Cygnus, the last living companion of Ratchet, aside from Cora, returned to his home in the MAS facility in raider alley. He spent the first part of his time there fixing the place up and getting over his past. He knew that he could never bring himself to forgive Static for what she did to him, but he accepted it and moved on. After all, she was long dead.
Cygnus frequently wandered around Raider Alley, fighting against the raiders in a never ending goal to make the area safe. It seemed that no matter how many he killed, more were always waiting for him. He also began to notice places he had looted before had new loot inside of them. He could never figure out if the raiders were using them as storage, or if something else was going on.
There were times when Cygnus met travelers who wandered into Raider Alley and he would escort them to safety. When they asked for his name, he never gave it. Because of this, ponies began to refer to him as the Conjurer of Raider Alley, due to his fighting style. He saved countless souls and even traveled with some groups for a time. But he would never leave Manehatten. Whenever his group came to the edge of the city, he would bid them farewell and return home.
True to his word, Cygnus kept Grimoire safe. He never welcomed anyone into the facility, and even if someone wandered into the factory above he would scare them off or ask them to leave.
Frequently, Cora would stop by to check up on him. The two would reminisce about their adventures with Ratchet and the others. When Cygnus first learned of the deaths of Arrow, Lightning, and Shrill, he blamed himself for not going with them. But Cora assured him that would have only led to his death as well.
It wasn't long before twenty years had passed. Due to his accelerated aging, Cygnus was in the equivalent of his nineties. Cora stopped by more frequently around then, and even begged Cygnus to let her wake Ratchet up. Cygnus's reply was always, "I'm not important enough to waste waking her up. She doesn't need to witness another friend's death."
On Cora's last visit to Cygnus before his death, he asked her to tell Ratchet one thing when she woke up. "Thank you, for waking me up." When Cora left, Cygnus went down into the facility's living quarters and sealed the elevator. Using his last moments, he summoned an explosive that sealed the hallway leading to the stairs.
Cygnus crawled onto a bed in one of the rooms and laid upon it peacefully. He had watched over Grimoire as long as he could, and he made sure that no one but Ratchet would ever stumble upon him. With that in mind, he smiled as he exhaled his final breath.
===~+~===
The Junk Rats, led by Madam Saber returned to their home at the railway checkpoint. They buried their dead and then continued life as usual. They built and repaired power armor, and would tax any travelers looking for easy passage into Manehatten.
Of course, inspired by the Rangers of Stable 36 and Ratchet, the Junk Rats also offered a new service. For a price, they would escort travelers through Manehatten. They helped many ponies safely cross the city and earned a good reputation. They even began getting contracts to protect trade caravans.
Elder Twinkle would occasionally stop by and see Madam Saber. The two shared a mindset, and after the first few meetings, Twinkle convinced Saber to follow Eberron as well. The two leaders would often team up to fight raider forces in the area, and together the raiders grew to fear the name Eberron as it was being shouted by the two. The raiders of the Manehatten area had a name for them. The Sisters of Eberron.
When Twinkle lost her Rangers, Saber offered Twinkle a place with them. Twinkle refused, stating she didn't want to get any more innocent blood on her hooves. Death followed her, after all. Saber was saddened, but accepted her friends refusal. She knew they would meet again. Elder Twinkle was hard to kill. And Madam Saber was just an tenacious.
===~+~===
Cora, the AI based on Ratchet's own mind. With Ratchet once again in statis, Cora watched over her. It was her duty, after all. Not as Ratchet's assistant, but as Ratchet's friend. She took Ratchet's words to her hard drive though, and often left the lab.
Cora would visit Cygnus, help Elder Twinkle and the Rangers, and simply wander the wasteland. She had a goal in mind. Find something that would allow her to wake up Ratchet again. She searched for old ruins, references to Cryopods, and listened to rumors at inns and bars.
She even had frequent chats with her old spritebot friend and asked him for help. He called himself Watcher, and she told him Ratchet's story. For some reason, she found it easy to talk to him. She left as if she could trust him, and he agreed to help her search out facilities. But despite years of searching neither Cora nor Watcher turned up any solid leads.
Of course, that was to be expected. The projects the Cryopods were used in were top secret. Not even all of the Ministry Mares knew about them. Perhaps not even Celestia or Luna. It would take time, but they would find something. They were sure of it.
Chapter 29 (66 Years after the war)
The town of Paradise found prosperity under the rule of Silver Tongue. As time went by, the ponies of the Wasteland grew indifferent with Silver's particular brand of slavery. He wasn't hurting anypony and they soon realized that. Ponies that found themselves under the rule of Silver led happy and fulfilling lives. Many former slaves became citizens of the town and as stories spread, more and more ponies decided the life of a slave under Silver's rule wasn't such a bad life.
The community gained an influx of ponies willing to be slaves and with them the town further expanded. For a time, things were peaceful and the future of the town looked bright. A few generations passed by after Silver Tongue passed away and his ideals were upheld. However, as things in the Wasteland began to break down and things were getting worse and worse, eventually the slavery the town of Paradise once knew became a thing of the past. It was replaced with the type of slavery everyone in the past feared. Slaves were mistreated, bought and sold, kidnapped. Since slavery had become a norm for the Wasteland, not many ponies spoke out about it and by the time they finally decided to speak up, it was too late.
Ratchet's worries became the reality of the Wasteland and slavery became a prosperous business for the slavers. It also resulted in the deaths of countless innocent ponies.
===~+~===
Graham Cracker and Marshmallow, the Paradise security guards that Ratchet met on her visit, married a few months after her visit. The two of them started a family three years later. They led happy lives together with their children, who became guards just like them. Graham continued to call Marshmallow, Mallow. Mallow continued to get flustered when Graham complimented her. When the two of them grew old, they would often think back to the mare who gave them that finally little push they needed to get together.
Chapter 30 - Chapter 32 (74 years after the war)
After Ratchet and the others left, the militia continued to hunt down the last remaining members of the Fallen Legion operating in Hoofington. It was a long struggle to draw them out, but eventually the zebras seemed to have disappeared from the region entirely, only whispers of them remained. Ponies told stories of seeing shimmers or the hint of a figure watching them. But the zebras ceased any obvious hostile action against pony settlements. However, over one hundred years later the zebras would become active in the area once again. Some say they were hunting a mare they called 'The Star Maiden'.
===~+~===
Wick and the remaining ponies of Ebon eventually returned to their destroyed down to sift through the rubble and bury their friends and family. However they decided against sticking around. Rebuilding a town with the few numbers they had would have proven difficult in the harsh region of Hoofington. Instead, they relocated to a nearby town where they settled back down.
However, Wick wasn't ever able to fully get over the death of his family. The horrors of what happened haunted him and he would often have night terrors. He was a guard in the town for a short time, but once handling weapons proved to be problematic for him, Wick began working for a store in town. This trauma got so bad that he couldn't stand to look at guns anymore. The mere sight of them causing him panic attacks.
Eventually, Wick's problems got so bad, he stopped leaving his house. The former members of Ebon tried to help him, but after a while Wick began to react to them with paranoia and fear. It wasn't long before they stopped trying all together. A few of them still left him food to eat, but they wouldn't enter the house.
This went on for a few weeks, until the food began to pile up. In concern, the ponies entered his house and found Wick dead, curled up on his bed and cradling his head. Cryptic messages were carved into his walls. It was clear that Wick had suffered a breakdown and stopped eating. He was buried in the town's graveyard.
===~+~===
Lance went back home with the other Junk Rats. His mother, Saber, was happy for his safe return, but at the same time she was upset by the loss of the others. Together, the Junk Rats gave their fallen a proper burial. Then, Lance told the others of the events that transpired. Even though Saber was saddened by the loss of friends, she was glad she made the decision to send Lance and the others. The Junk Rats continued their usual operations after that.
That is, until Saber passed away a few months later. Lance took over for her and things went decent enough for a while. But he lacked Saber's unique quality to bring in others. After a few generations, the Junk Rats' numbers dwindled and then the remaining members disbanded to go on their way. The spare suits of makeshift power armor were melted down so they couldn't be used by others and even the suits the final members wore were patchwork suits, barely worthy of begin called power armor.
===~+~===
The remaining members of the militia went their separate ways once they finished hunting down the Fallen Legion. Eclipse and Peppermint settled down in a town as engineers where they worked until they died of old age. Snowflake, Medkit, Hammer, and Sky, decided to stick together and travel around the Hoof. They became bounty hunters or caravan guards as needed, but they committed to helping the region.
But, only after a few years the group found themselves in over their heads. A raider ambush hit them hard and in the end, only Medkit survived. With his friends dead, he decided to travel between settlements and help ponies that needed it. Not ever town had a doctor, after all. He hired guards he could trust and stuck to safe routes, but in the end, as the Wasteland always does, it got him.
Medkit bled to death after a fight that got his guards and attackers killed. His healing supplies had run out and he was on the way to get more when it happened. As Medkit lay on the side of the highway staring up at the clouds as rain poured down atop him, he recalled the better times before finally closing his eyes for the last time.
Chapter 33 - Chapter 35 (109 years after the war)
After Ratchet and the others left Sickle, Marrow, and the others in the Snowfall facility, the cyberponies continued to work to make their former home more livable. They made sure the facility was running properly and continued to keep the entrance clear of the almost constant snowfall. Marrow solidified her position as leader, along with the other ponies who originated in the facility, including Sickle. The other occupants had no complaints, as they had no idea how to keep the facility running properly.
Sickle continued to hunt as the need arose, but once the Snowfall facility began growing their own crops again his hunts were rare occasions. Instead, he began to wander the Frozen North in search of other settlements they could trade with or help. A few settlements joined them in the Snowfall facility and things progressed well. Decades went by and the others died around Sickle, Marrow, and the other cyberponies. Deaths were always sad, no matter how many times they witnessed them.
Ratchet and Sickle never met again, but from time to time Cora would make a visit. Those were always welcome times, as Cora would bring supplies or gifts. She would also bring stories of her adventures, which always brought excitement. But, one day Cora left and never came back. Sickle and the others never knew what befell her. Did she die, forget about them, or was she simply busy? In the end, Cora and Ratchet became nothing but a story.
To this day, Sickle and the other cyberponies live in the Snowfall facility along with the other current occupants.
===~+~===
Overnight, the small town of Spark disappeared. The ponies of the town were missing, but the blood outside the town's door and behind the building was a morbid offering of what had taken place. But the building had not been looted and there was no blood inside. The only other clue as to what happened to the town was the large pile of ashes out back. Bones littered the ashes as well as a few melted caps.
The trader who stumbled upon the empty town told others of what he had seen, and some bounty hunters went to try and figure out what had happened. Did the ponies of Spark leave abruptly? Were their remains the ones in the ashes? Many theories seemed valid, but the number of bones found in the ashes was near triple the population of Spark. After weeks of searching and waiting to see if any survivors returned, Spark was finally abandoned and looted.
No one knows what actually happened in Spark. A barmare in New Appleloosa tells a tale of a bounty hunter mare who went to the town before the inhabitants disappeared. She says the mare went there to break a siege on the town. But such a siege was never observed or recorded and her suggestion that a sole bounty hunter mare had something to do with it is dismissed as fantasy.
As time went by, the small town of Spark was entire forgotten by the inhabitants of the Wasteland.
Chapter 37 - Chapter 38 (199 years after the war)
Grimoire, after having been woken up and his memories restored, he visited the grave of his sister, Spellbook. He wasn't sure what to say at first. He decided to tell her about everything that had happened, including his attempted world domination. When Grimoire concluded, he apologized and asked for his sister's forgiveness. It was the best that he could offer. Over the course of the rest of his life, Grimoire would religiously visit his sister's grave. He would tell her of his travels and the things that were happening in the Wasteland.
When Grimoire wasn't at his sister's grave, he was wandering the Wasteland. Of course, just one year later the entire Wasteland was engulfed in what would come to be known as The Wasteland Conflict. Grimoire did what he could to keep himself, and others around him, alive. Miraculously, he was able to survive to its conclusion and he continued his travels. He dedicated his life to helping others, in atonement for his actions involving Discordia. Very rarely did he bring himself to kill others, even raiders. When he did, he would always apologize in tears at Spellbook's grave.
In the end, Grimoire's magic ended up failing him when we was only sixty-three. Without the ability to travel rapidly across the Wasteland, Grimoire settled down in a town near Spellbook's grave. He lived there until the time of his death, and was then buried in a grave beside his sister.
===~+~===
Serendipity, the prototype Crusader Maneframe Mk.II, mostly pull the strings behind the scenes as things progressed. She helped ponies down the path that would lead to Equestria's happiness, even if the ponies she helped met with grim ends. In the end, she knew what the outcome would be. Every little thing she did was for that outcome.
Eventually, she made contact with Spike and assisted him in finding the elements. With her help, the Gardens of Equestria was eventually used. The Wasteland was transformed back into a lush and vibrant land.
===~+~===
When Ratchet left her lab, she wasn't sure where to go. But she eventually found her way to Tenpony Tower. Once there, she told the current DJ about her past and left him the memory orbs of the surrogate Ratchets. She told him to get the truth out there, to tell the Wasteland of the unsung heroes. The mares who had taken her place that no longer had a name of their own. She wanted no tales told of herself.
Ratchet wandered after that. From settlement to settlement. The Wasteland was a much better place. There were almost no raiders and no radiation. Ponies were once again able to grow crops and even the Pegasi were active on the ground. The sky was no longer covered and they controlled the weather once more. It was as though the horrors of the Wasteland had never existed.
With Ratchet's help, the technology of the past was once again reclaimed. Her intricate knowledge of even the simplest machines aided in the revival of many technologies. Of course, many of the complex machines were still out of her reach and the Wasteland never fully caught up to pre-war Equestria during Ratchet's lifetime.
Her past in the Wasteland was largely unmentioned as she continued her life. She would talk about old friends such as Twinkle, Lightning, Thunder, Cygnus, Arrow, and Shrill. But she never mentioned Cora or the other AI ever again. She still blamed herself for everything that they did, and even destroyed both the stasis and cryopod in her lab.
Eventually, once Canterlot was recolonized, Ratchet opened her lab to the public. Her lab became a sort of suburb to the city, and it had its own doctor who took up residence in her lab's clinic. Outside the shed entrance, houses were constructed and her lab provided a link between them and Canterlot.
Ratchet's life wasn't one of a hero. It was one of a normal pony, just trying to make the best out of a bad situation. The only thing she could claim to have done, was to stop Discordia. But even that was the work of many groups working together. She just happened to be there. But even as old age came to her, she never forgave herself for what her creations had done. It was her lasting regret that she took to her grave. But she tried to make up for it in anyway she could. And in the end, hundreds of ponies attended her funeral to say goodbye. |
The Promise of a New Day | pre | Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom didn't say another word to the orange filly, refusing to even look at her or acknowledge her presence in any way. The moment the bell rang, they were gone before Scootaloo could utter so much as a single syllable. And Dawn was...well...Dawn. He had never been one for talking much about personal matters to begin with. And Cheerilee did not allow him to stay behind.
What he had said to her in the yard hadn't sat well with the filly either. His casual observation of her behavior gnawed at her in a way that made her feel sick inside. It felt more like she was a specimen being dissected on a table than another pony that he was actually talking to.
And now she was faced with the prospect of showing the note to her mother. Scootaloo dreaded that more than anything. What would Melon Cream say when she learned what her daughter had done?
Could this day get any worse? Scootaloo winced even as the thought crossed her mind. As if in answer to that question, she felt the breeze of an arriving pegasus wash over her back. Turning around, she saw the familiar sky-blue coat of her idol. Scootaloo was briefly elated to see Rainbow Dash land in her front yard. But that quickly changed into a sense of foreboding when she saw the solemn look in Rainbow's eyes.
"Squirt," she said, "We need to talk." |
The Promise of a New Day | Perspective | Chapter 5: Perspective
Scootaloo didn't like the look in Rainbow Dash's eyes, not one bit. Her body suddenly felt heavier as she realized the weight of disappointment in the polychromatic mare's gaze. The realization clicked in her head almost instantly. Rainbow knew. And she was not happy about it.
Before she could respond, the door to Scootaloo's home swung open to reveal Melon Cream, who had seen her daughter arrive at the front door and had been surprised to see Rainbow Dash swoop in to talk to her. "May I ask what's going on?"
Rainbow looked up, a solemn expression Melon had never seen on her face before, even when Rainbow had been talking about her bitter memories of Flight School. "Hey there. Can I borrow your daughter for a moment?"
Melon tilted her head slightly, trying to figure out what was wrong. "Of course, may I ask why?"
Rainbow sighed. "Scootaloo and I have to talk about some...things. I'm sure she can tell you just as well as I can. In fact, that's why you're home so early today, isn't it squirt?"
Scootaloo wanted to shrink into herself until she vanished from the face of the earth. While she had been kept for an hour after school, she would normally have been out for another two hours, maybe more, afterwards crusading with her friends or learning to fly from Dawn. Turning around, she reached into her saddlebag and produced the note from Cheerilee, explaining the situation. "Here mom," she said.
Melon took the note wordlessly. At a nod from Rainbow, she began to read. For a moment, there was silence as Rainbow and Scootaloo waited for Melon to finish. When she did, she looked at her daughter with a disappointment mirroring Rainbow's. She briefly considered scolding Scootaloo, punishing her too. However, a single look at Rainbow changed her mind. Rainbow Dash knew. And if anything, she seemed even more disappointed in Scootaloo's behavior than Melon was. If anything was punishment, getting scolded earnestly by her idol would be more than enough for Scootaloo.
Melon nodded her assent. Rainbow nodded back and silently gathered Scootaloo in her hooves. She shot skyward, leaving the filly's saddlebags on the ground. Melon sighed and picked them up. She had never been much for scolding her daughter, especially when Scootaloo received more than enough of that from Cirrus Stratus. Given how much he berated her, Melon had always found it hard to work up the wherewithal to scold Scootaloo when she actually did something wrong. That was going to have to change apparently.
Scootaloo felt her hooves settle on the soft surface of a cloud. Looking around, she saw that she was now in the weather team's holding area. Other clouds dotted the sky, all carefully spaced out to keep them from condensing before the team had set up a storm. Rainbow settled on the cloud in front of her.
"Scootaloo, I know what happened with you and Rumble."
For a moment, the foreboding feeling Scootaloo had felt building within her was flushed out by a sense of anger and indignation. That snitch! He must've run right to Rainbow Dash and spilled everything. Is this his idea of getting back at me?
"I found him, right here." Rainbow jabbed a hoof into the cloud they were standing on. "He was here, crying his eyes out when he should have been in school. I asked him what happened and got him to tell me the truth."
Rainbow's gaze was smoldering with anger now. "Scootaloo. What you did was. Not. Cool. I don't think I can find the words to express how unhappy I am with you now."
And just like that, Scootaloo's anger was extinguished. Now she felt a new weight settling on her soul, shame.
"Scoot, why in Equestria would you say something like that?" asked Rainbow desperately, "That was cruel. You were bullying Rumble. I thought -scratch that- I know you're better than that. So why?"
"He makes me mad!" snapped Scootaloo, unable to hold it in anymore, "It's not fair! I've been wanting to fly for the longest time, but I can't. I'm a lame pegasus with some kind of freakish defect who's only starting to learn how to fly. But Rumble's been able to fly since the day he was born! He has that awesome talent and what the hay does he do with it? Nothing! He just sits on it and does nothing with it! He could be totally awesome. But instead he totally ignores it and acts like a pathetic wimp. It's like he's rubbing in my face how easy it is for him. He's got what I've wanted my entire life and he won't do anything with it! Why would I want anything to do with a loser like him? He's just gonna end up as some kind of washed-up failure who could've been something great, but just threw it away."
"Squirt," said Rainbow, her eyes almost tearing up, "Do you have any idea how much you're starting to sound like your father."
Scootaloo froze. Now she realized why Dawn had found her words familiar. He'd heard Melon Cream describe exactly the kind of mindset that Scootaloo herself had been tapping into when she was venting about Rumble to describe why Cirrus wasn't a part of their life anymore. To hear Rainbow's unconcealed horror and sadness in her voice made Scootaloo sick to her stomach.
"You're jealous because Rumble has the kind of talent you'd been hoping for all your life. That's understandable. What's not understandable is how much you hate him because he doesn't do what you would have done if you had it. It's his life. There's no reason for him to live a certain way just because you think so. You don't get to force your expectations on another pony like that."
"My dad got to," muttered the petulant filly, "He got to shout and scold me because I wasn't doing what he wanted to me to do all my life."
Rainbow let out a defeated sigh. "And we were wrong to let him get away with it for so long. But that's why you're not living with the jerk anymore. But Scoots, I think your dad rubbed off on you a lot more than we thought. The fact that he got away with it for as long as he did doesn't make it right. And that certainly doesn't give you the right to do the same thing to someone else."
At that moment, Scootaloo wanted to sink into the cloud.
"And I especially don't like how you think Rumble's some kind of failure. I know the kid. Heck, I like him. Even if he doesn't become a Wonderbolt or a hero of the Royal Guard or whatever, he's still gonna be alright in my books. With his skill, he could be a first-rate weather manager that any town would kill to have running their skies. If he can find a life that he's happy with, then he's succeeded enough. Not everypony has to be some kind of celebrity."
Scootaloo sighed. "But that's not what I want with my life."
"That's fine," said Rainbow, "No one said you had to be satisfied with that kind of life. It's just wrong for you to hold it against Rumble for not wanting the same kind of things out of his life that you would want. Nopony said that doing anything with Rumble meant you had to be tied down to that kind of life."
"Why do I even have to be with him?" snapped Scootaloo, "I don't want to do anything like that with colts yet."
"You don't have to," answered Rainbow, "If you're not interested, just say so. What's not cool is turning this whole thing into some kind of vendetta against Rumble."
Scootaloo lowered her eyes to look forlornly at the cloud beneath her hooves. Rainbow gently ran a hoof through her mane. "Look squirt, this isn't about me or anyone else trying to run your life. It's about you hurting Rumble just because something about him rubs you the wrong way. That's not cool, that's what a bully would do. And you are not a bully."
The filly sniffed loudly. Rainbow picked Scootaloo up and set the orange filly on her back, giving her a smile of encouragement. "Come on squirt, let's get you home." She soared through the sky to take Scootaloo home.
Fluttershy listened intently as Dawn recounted the day's events over the dinner table. "Scootaloo said that?" she asked in shock, "How could she be so cruel?"
Dawn tilted his head. "I've noticed that ponies don't seem to be aware of how cruel they can be. It seemed comparatively minor to me."
Fluttershy froze, Red River's comment from the previous day sitting in her mind. He's too detached. While Dawn was aware of how much Scootaloo's words had hurt Rumble, to him, it was an abstract issue. He hadn't perceived Scootaloo's anger or Rumble's suffering with his heart. It was the condition of a pony who had dealt with enough suffering of his own and emotionally distanced himself from the pain and anger of others, even when it wasn't directed at him.
"Why didn't you stop her?" she asked.
Dawn shrugged. "I didn't really feel that I should. I was uncertain as to what input I could have on the situation, much less what way I could affect it or what way I should affect it."
Dawns words confirmed her fears and Red River's assertions. His heart was numb. And while the ebony colt was beginning to reopen his heart to feelings of love and affection, anger and pain still didn't have any bearing on him.
Fluttershy sighed and shook her head, not quite sure how to approach the problem. "Dawn. I feel like you're distancing yourself from other ponies. What happened with Rumble and Scootaloo was something you might have been able to stop."
"But why should I?" asked the colt, "Especially if I don't fully understand the situation."
Fluttershy smiled sadly, "Because you understand, better than anypony, what it's like to have your feelings hurt, what it is to be rejected, insulted, attacked...you know what that's like. That's why you want to keep it at a distance. But Dawn...other ponies can feel those things too, so if you can protect other ponies from those sorts of things, you should."
Dawn looked away. "I don't understand," he said, "That won't help me master myself."
"What do you mean?" asked Fluttershy, "Are you talking about that thing your Master and Princess Celestia talked about?"
"My Master said that truly mastering the Gale King can only be achieved through being at peace. My emotions, especially the negative ones, are a source of turmoil." Dawn turned to look back at Fluttershy. "Those things are a burden I can't afford to carry."
"That's not true," said Fluttershy, surprised by the certainty in her own voice, "We need our emotions, even the negative ones...No...especially the negative ones because they are important. Dawn, what you're talking about isn't peace. It's emptiness. That's no different from being dead!"
Dawn leaned back, his eyes widening in shock at what Fluttershy said. For a moment, he sat silent, still trying to process her words. When he spoke, his voice was hesitant and uncertain. "I...I need to think about this..."
Dawn left the table and fled the cottage. Fluttershy only caught the barest glimpse of him taking to the air before he was gone. A few tears leaked from her eyes as she began to clear the table, praying silently that she hadn't driven him away.
Sweet Apple Acres was a realm of darkness. The setting sun extended the shadows of the countless apple trees, causing the darkness to wash across the hills, turning the normally vibrant colors of the trees and apples dull without the light to illuminate their beauty. In another hour or so, it would be too dark to see much off anything without a lamp or torch.
Red River didn't mind as he stood in front of a single tree. He had picked one close to the farmhouse, allowing him to return easily once night had fallen. Picking a more secluded location had appealed to him, but he opted out since the Apple Family tended to worry if he was out of sight when the darkness of night fell and he wanted to reassure them.
In the branches of the tree hung several strings, about as thick as yarn. Dangling as they did, they swayed and danced in the slightest breeze. Red River eyed them calmly as he hefted his spear in one hoof. The azure stallion burst into motion. The tip of his spear was a silvery blur shadowed by the crimson blur of its tassel and the tan blur of the shaft. The weapon danced as Red River wielded with one hoof or the other, sometimes both of his front hooves at once, rearing onto his hind legs.
After a series of rapid movements, Red River settled back into a crouch, holding his spear in his right fetlock, the shaft stretching diagonally across his back while the tip, held low, almost penetrated the ground. In front of him, the hanging strings now sported a single small knot each. After pausing for a breath, Red River exploded into motion again. This time, when he came to a halt, the strings dangled freely, their knots untied as neatly as though they had never been touched to begin with. There wasn't a single sign of fraying that would have indicated that the spear's blade had cut the strings.
A smirk spread across the stallion's face as he relaxed his stance and returned to a resting position. "I thought I'd be seeing you around here sooner or later," he said cheerfully.
Dawn silently landed on the ground behind him. "That was brilliant," observed the colt, "I never imagined that you could wield a spear with such finesse."
A low chuckle escaped Red River's lips. "You didn't come to see me practice did you? Why don't you go ahead and ask me what you really want to?"
"You know why I came here?"
Red River snorted, turning away from the strings. "I knew you would be here after I had a quick talk with your mother about you. I noted some problems you were having. I figured that after she tried talking to you as mother to son, you would be here to talk to me, as one martial artist to another."
"Then what exactly is this problem?" asked Dawn.
"Oh I think you know, you just don't want to admit it."
"Then please spell it out for me."
Red River yawned. "You're numb. You're numb to fear, to anger, to pain, all those things you experienced in such heaping quantities in that dark period of your life, you've taught yourself to shut it all out."
"Is there something wrong with that?" demanded Dawn, "My Master said that peace was critical to mastery. He said that I must be in control of my heart in order to truly obtain that peace."
Red River adopted a relaxed stance, resting the shaft of his spear on his shoulder. "How naive of you. I didn't realize you would misinterpret your Master's teachings that badly."
Dawn blinked, shocked into silence.
"Don't go mistaking the peace you seek for the apathy you have. You won't accomplish anything by cutting off your emotions...let me amend that...you might end up sending yourself into an early grave, but that's about it. Seeking peace has nothing to do with surrendering your emotions."
"Are you saying that my emotions are the key to peace?" asked Dawn, "But my Master said my emotions could lead me to ruin."
"They could," agreed Red River with a shrug, "If you let them. If you allow them to control you. But you don't have to."
"I don't...have to...?"
The azure stallion rolled his eyes. "Of course not. Your emotions are only a component of yourself. They don't exist to dominate your will. They are a part of your heart and soul, a component, critical to its function but not absolute in its existence."
Dawn tilted his head slightly. "I don't follow..."
"Think of it in terms of your body. Are your muscles everything? Your bones? How about your blood? No. It's all those things together, and much more besides, that make up your body. No single component has absolute importance. So it is with your heart. Your emotions are a critical part of your being, but they are not absolute.
"Both pain and pleasure serve their purposes. Fear alerts you to danger. Anger can give you power. Love and friendship connect you to others. What is essential is that you do not allow them to control you."
"How do I do that?" asked Dawn, his head spinning in confusion.
"By becoming one with your heart, by feeling emotion, experiencing it, and, above all else, understanding it. When you do, you will achieve the level of awareness of self that you need in order to obtain true mastery. Otherwise, you can go through your forms as many times as you like and never reach what you seek." Red River gave the colt a cheeky grin before rapping him on the head with the shaft of his spear. The movement had been so swift and unexpected that Dawn was utterly unable to react. "If you weren't so numb to your fear, you would have been able to dodge that."
Dawn stood there blinking as Red River stepped past him and ambled up to the farmhouse. "You should probably get home," the stallion suggested over his shoulder, "I'm sure your mother's worried about you."
Dawn bowed his head. "I will. Thank you for your advice, you've given me much to think about." He started walking, towards the border of Sweet Apple Acres. Dawn always felt he was able to think better when his hooves were on the ground. Its solidity reassured him.
His path took him along the edge of the farmhouse. As he went past its rear, he saw a small vegetable patch where the family grew various foods to supplement their meals and as ingredients for their baked goods. Despite the failing light, Granny Smith was out tending some of the vegetables, using a small spade clutched firmly in one fetlock. As Dawn went past her, her gaze shifted in his direction.
The colt was suddenly beset by the sensation of an impending attack. His body reacted instantly, wings spreading, a burst of magic carrying him back away from the elderly mare. Dawn immediately cast about, looking for any sign of the attack. Granny Smith was the only pony in his vicinity, the only one the signal could have come from. But she had not moved an inch, merely continuing carefully work her way through the vegetables.
"What was that?" he asked, "Why did you suddenly act as though you were about to attack me? I thought you were about to stab me with that spade."
A wheezing chuckle forced its way out the lips of the old green mare. "Ah didn't do a thing. That was all you."
Dawn stared at her for a moment. "I don't understand."
Granny Smith sighed and took up her spade and began her slow amble out of the vegetable patch, heading for Dawn, whose coat was beginning to disappear into the surrounding darkness. "Here Ah was, tendin' to mah garden, mindin' mah own business when ya come along. All 'o a sudden, Ah feel a kinda tension in the air, felt it gatherin' right at the tip 'o mah spade here. So ah thought Ah might have to defend mahself. What ya felt was a reflection of yer own fightin' spirit. Yer much too strong sugarcube."
Dawn sat heavily. "Too...strong..."
"Yer too strong, if ya really want to master anythin', ya need to make yerself weaker first."
"Make myself...weaker?"
"Are ya a pegasus or a parrot whippersnapper?" Granny Smith grinned, her white teeth shining in the darkness. "Ah understand. Yer always on guard. Ya can't even look at a pony without thinkin' 'o him or her as a possible enemy. Yer always on the lookout, always watchin'. But sugarcube...that's no way to live. Yer spirit's wound up like a spring. If ya keep it up, yer gonna snap and it ain't gonna be pretty.
"So, in order to really use that strength of yours, yer gonna have to make yerself weaker."
Setting an easy pace, Granny Smith walked into the farmhouse. Dawn watched her go, his eyes narrowed. There was none of the usual shakiness he had previously seen in her movements. Her gait was smooth and measured, though slow. Turning his head, Dawn examined the garden. The ground was mostly untouched. And who goes out to tend to a vegetable patch at this time of night? Her gardening had simply been an excuse. The ancient mare had been waiting for him.
Dawns knees began to shake, then quake, quickly escalating to the point where he could only just barely remain standing. He felt as though he had been standing close to something truly immense and that he was beyond fortunate to have been passed by without harassment. It was hard to believe that this was the same shaky pony who'd shambled into his hospital room all those days ago. Who is that mare? She's like a colossal mountain.
Rumble was silent throughout class the next day. He remained completely unresponsive to any attempts by Cheerilee or the other foals to engage his interest. It was clear that school was the last place he wanted to be right now, but he had not been given a choice in the matter. He wasn't the only one.
Scootaloo looked positively miserable. Every few moments, her gaze would wander over to Rumble, linger for a few seconds, before turning back to her desk. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom seemed quite troubled as well. The distressed state of the four foals formed an oppressive atmosphere that hung over the class like an unscheduled storm. It was a welcome relief when the midday bell signaled to the students that it was time for lunch and recess. The mass exodus was less like a group of foals trying to rush to the playground and more like ponies fleeing a burning building.
Dawn had observed quietly throughout the morning. He had tried to remain as active as he could. But the state of his three friends and the other pegasus colt had been troubling in ways that perplexed him, especially Scootaloo. Whenever he found himself noticing her troubled state, Dawn felt a tugging on his heart, a sensation that reminded him of the pain that had beset him when Applejack had broken his wing. He didn't like that feeling, not one bit. Initially, his instincts screamed at him to stifle that feeling. There was no need to be so anxious for Scootaloo after all. She was merely his student. That was what he had tried to tell himself, even though she was his friend as well. But as he tried to distance himself from the pain, the words Red River had said to him echoed in the back of his skull. You're too detached.
As he walked sedately out the doors, Dawn cast his glance around the schoolyard. Rumble sat in one of the furthest corners of the yard, staring emptily at his lunch, not bothering to even touch it. On the swing set in the center of the schoolyard, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle sat limply in the swings, gently pushing themselves back and forth as they stared vacantly at the ground. Scootaloo sat alone in the group's usual spot, eating her lunch, but barely paying attention to what was going on around her. Dawn's eyes flicked between all three locations and he made his decision.
Rumble looked up at the sound of approaching hooves to see Dawn coming to a stop next to him. A smoldering fury kindled in Rumble's gut, but was quickly quenched under the weight of his own depression. "May I sit here?" asked Dawn.
The other colt nodded wordlessly and Dawn set his lunch down. For a moment, he ate silently, not bothering to say anything. Scootaloo was watching, eyes wide with shock, while Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle looked on in confusion.
Dawn finished the last piece of his meal and turned his head ever so slightly to look at his companion. "So, Rumble was it?"
Rumble stiffened, his head shooting up. He appeared to be shocked by the question.
"May I ask why you seem to dislike me?"
For a moment, Rumble's mouth worked soundlessly, unable to come up with a response. "I...what do you mean?"
"You seem to dislike me for some reason. I simply asked why."
Rumble lowered his head. "How did you know that? I never said or did anything."
Dawn turned to look at the other colt full on. "I have a great deal of experience with ponies disliking me." His dragon-like eyes bored into Rumble. "Before I came to Ponyville, I had to deal with regular threats to my life. I can easily detect hostility when it's directed at me. You've been watching me ever since I joined the class. Can you explain why?"
"I..." Rumble's voice choked. "I was jealous of you, okay?" There was no point in hiding it any longer.
"Jealous?"
"Yeah! I liked Scootaloo. But whenever I was around her, all she did was get angry and mean. Sweetie Belle said it was because she was upset that I could fly and she couldn't. I tried a bunch of different ways to try and get her not mad at me. I used to make sure I wasn't flying when I was around her because I was afraid she might think I was trying to rub my talent in her face. When that didn't work, I just tried to be as nice as I could, but she never gave me a chance."
Rumble whipped his head around so he could return Dawn's dispassionate gaze with his own glare. "And then you come in out of nowhere and she's all excited and happy. You can fly too, but she never gets angry with you like she does with me. It made me mad. What's so great about you? What makes you so special?"
Dawn turned away from Rumble and looked down, contemplating what the colt had told him. "It seems odd to me," he remarked, "Scootaloo has been my student and the first friend my own age I have made since I came here. I certainly can't say that I know her well enough to speak for her. But...I thought that perhaps, we could be friends."
Rumble had to pick his jaw up off the ground. "What?"
"I don't see any reason we couldn't," Dawn continued, returning Rumble's startled stare, "And I think it might be good for both of us, Scootaloo as well. When I see everyone like this it...saddens me."
Rumble blinked. "You don't sound sure of that."
"I'm not," Dawn admitted readily, "I've had to deal with negative emotions like fear, anger and sadness so much that I gave up on trying to deal with them. I became numb. But mom and others have told me that's not right or healthy, that I shouldn't shy away from them. I'm only beginning to understand how to do that. I can reason things about what other ponies feel quite easily, but I can't actually feel it, or at least I couldn't."
Rumble wasn't sure how to respond to that. He wasn't even sure he knew what Dawn was talking about. Hay! He wasn't sure Dawn knew what Dawn was talking about. However, he did understand something. Dawn was completely out of his depth and trying something new and different, something that was uncomfortable for him. Rumble knew how that felt.
"I guess we could be friends," he said a little hesitantly.
The two of them looked at each other silently for a moment. "So, now that we're friends...what do we do?"
Rumble shrugged. "Not sure. What kind of things do you like to do."
"I meditate and practice during most of my free time. Otherwise I've been teaching Scootaloo how to fly." Dawn shrugged back. "I understand that most of those are not popular hobbies."
Rumble nodded and thought for a moment. "Well, if you fly, we could always go flying together."
"We might want to hold off on that until Scootaloo can join us," suggested Dawn.
"Good point," agreed Rumble before stopping to think, "By the way, how good a flyer are you?"
"Competent," answered Dawn simply.
"Then maybe we should try racing after school."
"Racing..." mused Dawn, "I've never done that before."
"You'll like it," said Rumble, a smile spreading across his face as the topic of the conversation shifted to something that he liked, "I race with my brother all the time. It's nothing serious, but we improvise some obstacle courses through Whitetail Woods fairly often. It's a lot of fun."
"What's this about racin' now?" The two colts looked up to see Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle join them. Faced with the prospect of doing something fun that afternoon, Rumble gleefully explained his plan to them. Unnoticed by all, except Dawn, Scootaloo watched the proceedings with a great deal of misery and frustration.
Rainbow Dash swooped through the clear blue skies, her eyes casting around for any clouds in her area. She was working one of the sectors right up at the edge of the Everfree Forest. Sadly, it seemed that all the clouds in this space had already been rounded up. That didn't bode well in the slightest. Looking over, she saw that Cloud Chaser and Flitter were having better luck over the reservoir, where natural evaporation had upped the humidity sufficiently for condensation to occur, resulting in naturally forming clouds occasionally appearing.
For the last storm, the weather team had been able to recycle many of the shade clouds previously sent from Cloudsdale. But there hadn't been any further deliveries since, leaving the weather team to make up for the lack by clouds harvested from the wild weather of the Everfree when they drifted over. Looking out over the forest, Rainbow sighed and wished she could fly out and gather some of the clouds from over the forest instead of waiting for them to drift out into Equestrian territory. But her hooves were tied. She had even briefly considered having the weather team make their own clouds from the reservoir water. It wasn't impossible. The team's efforts would essentially amount to a simplified version of what the weather factory at Cloudsdale did anyway. But she knew that wasn't a possibility either.
The legislation governing weather management was strict. The factory owners in Cloudsdale and other pegasus cloud cities jealously guarded their monopoly over cloud production. After all, if any team of weather pegasi could make their own clouds, then the economy supporting cities like Cloudsdale would collapse. The same was true of allowing ponies to harvest weather from places like the Everfree. Weather teams were legally forbidden to do either. It was for similar reasons that there were laws in place to limit things like groundwater irrigation.
The obvious problem was that when the weather factory failed to meet its needed output, the consequences could be severe. Rainbow Dash had been forced through a small mountain of red tape just to enact the water conservation efforts she had set up. Anything more than what she could do now was a pipe dream short of actually defying the law, which would get her fired, or worse, slapped with a fine and a criminal record, something that would really put a damper on her efforts to get into the Wonderbolts.
Rainbow cast a worried glance in the direction of Cloudsdale, which was a white blur on the horizon. Things couldn't stay like this forever. They had to get better eventually...right?
Cirrus Stratus glared at the rainbow-maned mare hovering by the edge of the Everfree Forest. In the days since his wife and daughter had left him, he had sunk into a sort of angry lethargy. He could barely work up the energy to leave the house anymore, much less do important things like work. He had recently received notice of his termination at the Post Office due to the fact he hadn't come in at all. Before long, he would run out of bits to continue paying the bills. He might even lose the house at some point.
And, as far as he was concerned, there was one mare responsible for it all. Rage formed a burning lump in Cirrus's belly as he continued to stare at Rainbow Dash from the cover of a nearby stand of trees. He fully intended to find a way to give her what he felt he owed her. Then, perhaps, he would take back his wife and his daughter and live the life he was meant to.
Having had his fill of stalking, Cirrus slunk away from his cover before taking to the air, flying low until he was in Ponyville proper. He avoided contact with other ponies. Apparently word of his family leaving him had gotten out and they were taking the side of his wife and daughter, in spite of the fact they had abandoned him. Cirrus let out a low growl. He would show them. He would show them all.
The stallion returned home, oblivious to the fact that he himself had been watched. High above, a different pegasus stallion wearing a silk shirt wheeled about and returned to the section of sky he was supposed to be patrolling. |
The Promise of a New Day | Friendship | Chapter 6: Friendship
The Whitetail Woods were looking...desiccated. The last rainstorm had been reserved for Ponyville's farming community, which meant that, aside from the forest's maple grove (cultivated for their sap), the forest had been left untouched. The trees, hardy after many years of growth, looked relatively healthy, though their leaves were beginning to droop. But the grass, save for the little growing along the banks of the various streams and brooks that wandered through the woods, was beginning to turn brown and wilt. Many of the wildflowers had already wilted away, making the forest look considerably more barren. The result resembled a locale caught in a disjointed position between different seasons, the trees still looking much like they did in the present late summer while the grass and other plants looked as though they were going through fall.
In spite of this, or perhaps because of it, the wood was still a beautiful and scenic place and the group of foals could hardly keep their eyes from wandering as they traveled along one of its many paths. "So you and your brother race through here?" asked Sweetie Belle.
Rumble nodded shyly. "We do it almost every Saturday. It's a lot of fun."
"But Ah thought ya didn't like racin' or any of that other sports stuff," Apple Bloom pointed out. It was true. Rumble frequently avoided joining any actual competitions, even those meant for foals his age.
Rumble sighed. "It's fun racing my brother because we're just playing and having fun. I actually tried one of those official competitions once and I totally hated it. Everypony was obsessed with winning. It was like none of them really liked what they were doing unless they won, so winning was all that mattered. It was scary, so I dropped out before it even started."
"So you just enjoy racing for its own sake then," said Dawn, "Win or lose, the outcome is unimportant so long as you enjoy the experience."
Rumble nodded slowly and uncertainly. Dawn actually sat down, his hoof to his chin in thought. "That is actually quite profound," he mumbled, thinking it over.
Perhaps this is the sort of state of mind that I seek, he thought to himself, I have largely studied the Gale King as a means to an end, that end being a way to protect and defend myself. To that extent I have pursued the mechanical aspects of the style as far as I can. But perhaps what I need is to allow myself to be absorbed into the act of practicing itself. If Rumble races not because he sees a race as a competition, but as something to be experienced purely for its own sake, then perhaps I can try something similar. A fight is another form of competition in its essence. A slight smile spread across Dawn's face as he thought he might have stumbled across some important secret.
"Um, Dawn?" asked Apple Bloom, waving her hoof before the colt's vacant eyes, unaware of his epiphany, "Are ya in there?"
"Oh, sorry," said Dawn, snapping out of his reverie, "Let's continue."
As the quartet started walking again, an orange and purple figure took up a position behind them. Scootaloo followed the group at a cautious distance, watching and listening to everything, her expression still forlorn. She wanted to approach, but her feelings of shame and guilt stopped her. She was sure that Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle would push her away again. And she couldn't even look Rumble in the eye anymore.
For the first time, Scootaloo understood what Rumble must have gone through every time he had tried to join them, only to have his attempts arrested by her angry glares and barbed comments. It felt horrible. The feeling only compounded her sense of shame.
In actuality, all four of the foals had been uncertain about Scootaloo's position. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle both remained very unhappy about Scootaloo's behavior and had adamantly decided against inviting her unless she specifically apologized. However, it was clear that their hearts weren't in it and they were clearly disappointed when Scootaloo failed to make any effort to make amends before the foursome had made for the forest. Rumble hadn't said anything on the topic before they left, but it was clear that he wasn't certain he wanted to speak with the pegasus filly again, lest he trigger another outburst like the previous day's. Dawn kept his thoughts to himself. His efforts to make himself more open to the feelings of others had succeeded in apparently forging the beginnings of a connection with Rumble. But he was still uncertain about what he could do to help the overall situation with Scootaloo. So, he waited and silently kept track of her as she followed along silently behind them at the very edge of his awareness.
The group stopped at a small clearing, where Rumble pointed out a pair of trees standing side by side with a pair of red ribbons tied around their trunks. "That's the starting line," he said with a happy smile. Rumble began to lay out the course that wound its way through the forest. It was a ground-level course that used the trees as fixed obstacles, with the ribbons denoting where to go. The red ribbons marked the starting point and also signaled parts of the course where the flyer had to go straight. A yellow ribbon meant a left turn. A green ribbon meant a right turn. A series of trees, marked with pink ribbons, indicated a slalom where the fliers had to weave between the trunks until the pink ribbons ended.
"So ya run this course every time ya race yer brother?" asked Apple Bloom. While the layout was impressive, the fixed position of the trees meant the course couldn't be varied in structure, unlike the ones made from clouds that pegasi normally used.
"Why don't you use clouds?" asked Sweetie Belle, "Then you could use as much airspace as you wanted and set up whatever course you liked." That much was true. Official pegasi courses, not to mention training ones, ran the gamut from simple circular tracks where speed was essential, to mind-boggling pieces of architecture that utilized the three-dimensional potential of pegasus flight to its absolute limit. Everything from daring loops to carefully constructed perspective puzzles that used the fact that most clouds essentially looked alike to hide twists and turns was conceivable. Compared to all that, the relatively mundane tree course set up by Rumble and his brother seemed tame by comparison.
"I wish we could. But clouds like that have to be requisitioned from the weather factory in Cloudsdale. And they're expensive. My brother can't afford anything like that. Hay, even Rainbow Dash can't afford it and she's the manager." Rumble let out a defeated sigh before brightening back up. "But this is good enough for me. My brother even gets Cloud Chaser and Flitter to change up the ribbons without us knowing sometimes. That way we can be surprised when we race."
"Interesting," muttered Dawn, thinking about it. His realization was immediate. Thunderlane was, in essence, training his brother in advanced flying skills. The ribbons served as signals to indicate the path the course took. Changing them up kept Rumble and Thunderlane from memorizing the course, which meant that Rumble had to look for and understand the signals and respond to them immediately, lest he lose ground. The fact that it was a race kept Rumble from slowing down if he had difficulty understanding where he was supposed to go. It was the kind of training that would serve Rumble well in almost any pegasus job. His brother seems to be the thoughtful sort.
"So are you familiar with the layout of this course?" asked Dawn, looking at his soon-to-competitor.
"Yeah," Rumble looked down, "My brother and I ran it just this Saturday. But that was just the first time. I'm sorry, but I didn't think about racing you until just today, so I couldn't get anypony to change it up."
Dawn tilted his head. "That's fine. If I can read the signals, it shouldn't be a problem. Shall we get started then?"
"Sure. Let's get stretched out first." Rumble began to go through a series of warmups and stretches that showed he was quite experienced with the physical side of flying.
Dawn simply rolled his wings and fluttered them to shake out his joints, stretching his muscles only slightly. His Master had taught him ways to keep his muscles supple and ready, even during periods of extended inactivity. "In the real world, you will rarely have the time to limber up for a fight. Your enemies won't give you the luxury of going through your stretches. You must learn to maintain a state of physical readiness, able to respond at even the slightest provocation."
It was a lesson that had served Dawn well in his life, both before and during his sojourn in the Everfree. After all, many of the angry ponies seeking his life and the monsters of the forest looking for the same never gave him any warning before they struck.
By the time Rumble was finished, Dawn was waiting for him at the starting line. Rumble was a little worried, hoping that his opponent didn't pull a muscle or otherwise injure himself because of his lack of preparation. In spite of that, he resolved to do his best and took his place. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom stood on either side of the pair. Behind them, Scootaloo slowly paced into the center of the clearing, her eyes following them intently.
"Ready!" squealed Sweetie Belle, raising her hoof.
"Set!" shouted Apple Bloom, mirroring her friend.
The two fillies took a moment to share a glance before grinning. Thanks to the excitement of this race, they were able to forget their fight with Scootaloo, if only briefly. But anger and hardship could wait for a little bit. They had made a new friend and it was time to watch him do what he did best.
Their hooves descended as their voices shouted out as one. "GO!!!"
"What's the big deal with dragging us all out here Thunderlane?" asked Rainbow Dash, giving her friend and subordinate a mock glare.
"Oh come on boss," protested the stallion with a slight grin, "It's not like there are any clouds for us to find right now. We must've all gone over our assigned sectors a dozen times by now. Besides, look..." He jabbed down sharply with his hoof, indicating the woods below them.
Following his instructions, Rainbow Dash gazed down. She and Thunderlane weren't the only pegasi hovering over the Whitetail Woods at the moment. They had already been joined by Thunderlane's fillyfriend, Cloud Chaser, who in turn had been joined by her sister, Flitter. Blossomforth and Cloud Kicker also showed up to see what all the hubbub was about with Storm Front swooping silently in from above, his presence barely a footnote to the group.
Below them, Rainbow Dash was surprised to see a small group of foals standing in a clearing. There were five. In the clearing proper were Rumble and Dawn, along with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. Hanging back behind them a short ways was Scootaloo. Rainbow felt her heart lurch when she saw the bright orange filly, who was clearly still forlorn with the events of the previous day.
"This is the first time Rumble's brought anypony from school out here," explained Thunderlane, "This is huge!"
Cloud Chaser giggled and gently nuzzled into her coltfriend's neck. "Aw, you're just so happy to see Rumble make some friends."
"You bet I am," proclaimed Thunderlane, grinning from ear to ear.
"What's so big about this place though?" asked Cloud Kicker, looking down dubiously.
Thunderlane gave them an enthusiastic explanation of the course he had set up. Rainbow Dash was duly impressed with the idea. After all, she had spent much of her time honing her agility in Applejack's orchards, dodging between trees. She was surprised by Thunderlane's audacity. The rather random arrangement of the trees of the Whitetail Woods was a far cry from the neatly spaced rows of apple trees that made up the orchards of Sweet Apple Acres. This kind of course was substantially riskier to run.
"You and I are gonna have to run this thing a few times," Rainbow said with an eager smirk as she glanced at Thunderlane, "I can't believe you kept such a wicked course all to yourselves."
Thunderlane blushed. "Well, I thought it would be a good idea. Rumble needs something to put all his energy into."
Flitter and Cloud Chaser both giggled knowingly.
"Hey!" exclaimed Cloud Kicker, "It looks like Rumble and the new colt are gonna race."
"Really?" exclaimed Thunderlane. This was an unexpected development. Rumble normally wasn't competitive in the slightest. Even the races between him and Thunderlane were purely for fun and the young colt couldn't care less who won and got his enjoyment from putting forth his best effort. Ideally, that was the perfect attitude for a race, but given the highly competitive nature of pegasus society, it was rarely enough. To see Rumble racing against somepony other than his brother was completely unprecedented.
"Oh, they're at the starting line," whispered Blossomforth, apparently forgetting that they were already several dozen meters up and didn't have to worry about being noticed unless she began to shout.
Sure enough, Dawn and Rumble were at the starting line, with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle eagerly giving the countdown. Everypony focused their attention on the two competitors, save Rainbow Dash, who once again flicked her eyes towards the isolated Scootaloo, who watched the whole affair from a distance. They watched and saw the signal. However, the beginning of the race was so swift, almost everypony missed it.
Rumble's eyes threatened to pop from their sockets in shock at what he witnessed. One moment, Dawn was standing next to him on the starting line. As Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom dropped their hooves, it was like watching a frame skip on a film reel. Before he even realized it, Dawn was several meters ahead of him and pulling away rapidly. It was like the colt had teleported away from the starting line and was now hurtling down the course at top speed.
Gritting his teeth, Rumble put all his strength into his wings, surging forward, even as he tucked his legs in and pushed his snout out, trying desperately to get as streamlined as possible. As he strained to his absolute limits, he was rewarded with the sight of Dawn, who was no longer pulling away as quickly. Before long, Dawn was no longer pulling away and now the gap between the two colts was beginning to close. Rumble was gaining ground. In spite of his absurdly fast start, it was clear that Dawn was slower than Rumble in terms of pure speed.
For the time being, they proceeded straight ahead, their path indicated by the occasional red ribbon dangling from a tree trunk. However, the first turn was coming up fast. Rumble remembered this well enough from the first time had run the course and angled his wings to take the turn without losing speed.
Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom gaped as they watched the colts surge off. Dawn and Rumble were swiftly receding in the distance. An unpleasant realization dawned on Sweetie Belle. "How are we gonna watch them if we're on the ground like this? I can't see a thing anymore."
Apple Bloom thought about it, tapping her chin thoughtfully. Looking around, she spotted a nearby hilltop, one that looked like it might have a good view of the course in its entirety. "Over there," she shouted. The two fillies wasted no time in rushing off to find the vantage point.
Scootaloo lifted a hoof to follow them before reconsidering. The other two fillies were likely still sore about the way Scootaloo had treated Rumble the previous day. She didn't feel like confronting them just yet. Instead, she tried to figure out a different way to watch the race. Her wings twitched and a smile spread across her face as an idea solidified her in her mind. Scootaloo spread her wings and with a single, sweeping downstroke, shot upwards.
The orange filly rocketed upwards. As she reached the apex of her flight, she lifted her wings and swept them down again, sending her higher still. Reaching the apex of her second ascent, she could see Dawn and Rumble clearly as they streaked between the tree trunks. Leveling out her wings, Scootaloo began to apply her other lessons. Just like the other day in the schoolyard. Instead of descending, she used her magic to hover in the air.
Without the ground directly beneath her to provide a certain sense of stability, Scootaloo wobbled considerably as she glided through the air in a rather ungainly manner. Working desperately, she was able to stabilize herself enough that she could focus her eyes on the race below. Moving her wings carefully, Scootaloo drifted into a slow pursuit that would keep the two colts in her sight.
The first turn of the race arrived so swiftly that, even though he had been expecting it, Rumble nearly missed it. He barely got a glimpse of yellow showing on his left. He angled his wings, leaning heavily into the turn but allowing himself to swing around so as to come out of the turn with most of his speed intact. It was a tricky move to pull off in the cramped confines of the forest, but Rumble succeeded admirably...
...And was very nearly sent tumbling by the shockwave as Dawn surged past him on the inside. The Dawn's sudden acceleration caught Rumble completely off guard. He was floored. Pulling off such a tight turn at these high speeds should have been impossible. But now, Dawn was once again surging ahead and Rumble was forced to pour all of his strength into catching up.
"Sweet Celestia!" shouted Cloud Kicker, rearing back in shock, "Did you see that?"
"Saw it," replied Blossomforth, her voice hollow with awe, "Still working on believing."
Even Rainbow Dash, experienced racer and stunt flyer that she was, was stunned by the display. Rumble's turn had been functionally perfect, the kind of turn she would have pulled off in the same situation. But Dawn once again seemed to vanish at the corner, only for the watchers' eyes to catch up to him once again as he hurtled through the next straightaway. She hadn't been able to see what move the ebony colt had pulled off, but the results couldn't be argued with.
If he can teach Scootaloo to fly like that, she's gonna be amazing.
Rainbow zeroed in her focus on Dawn, watching as he and Rumble approached the next turn. It happened so quickly, Rainbow wasn't entirely sure what he did. Dawn twisted sideways, bringing his wings up for a powerful downstroke. As he passed the tree marked with a green ribbon, his hooves seemed to lash out at nothing. In perfect synchronicity, Dawn's wings rushed down and he shot off to the right. Once again, Rainbow briefly lost sight of him as he accelerated out of her field of vision before finding him again.
"Uh oh," groaned Thunderlane, pressing and embarrassed hoof to his forehead.
Wondering what he was talking about, Rainbow turned her attention to Rumble and gasped to see that the poor colt had stumbled at the last turn, apparently catching it too late to react and was now struggling to regain the ground he had lost.
Rumble's cheeks were flushed in embarrassment. He had been so focused on Dawn, he had forgotten to pay attention to the course itself. When the right turn had come, Dawn vanished from his vision like a mirage. Rumble noticed the ribbon a split second later. But it was too late to react. He shot wide and banked heavily into the turn. Before he could resume flying at full speed, he had to reorient himself and find his way back onto the course. It was a grievous error, one that had cost him a great deal of ground as Dawn continued to lengthen his lead.
With a frustrated growl, Rumble beat his wings and rushed to catch up to the colt. What's wrong with me? It had been months since the last time he had stumbled over a turn like that. These days, even when Flitter and Cloud Chaser had freshly reset the course, Rumble had little difficulty adjusting to the changes just by looking for the ribbons that marked the path he was supposed to take. Having gone through this process dozens of times now, Rumble knew how to look for and recognize the signals as they came. There was no reason for him to be slipping up this badly. If things continued like this, Dawn would only widen his lead further.
Dawn! That's it! I'm getting way too worked up about him. I'm so fixed on what Dawn's doing I'm losing my focus. In the friendly races with his brother, Rumble had always been able to absorb his consciousness into the act of racing itself, without sparing a thought for his opponent. When he was flying, it was just him and the course, with no need to worry about anything else. Racing with someone other than his brother had made that abundantly clear.
Taking an enormous risk, Rumble closed his eyes. He took a deep breath and pushed Dawn's presence in the race out of his mind. When he opened his eyes, he felt fully in control. The next turn was coming. Rumble took it without the slightest hesitation, his focus narrowed and his sharp eyes already scanning for the next ribbon.
"Looks like your brother's got his head back in the game," observed Cloud Kicker with a wide smile as the race progressed.
"Whoo hoo!" shouted Cloud Chaser, pulling an exultant loop, "Go for it kiddo!"
The pegasi of the weather team continued to watch the race with abject fascination. Dawn had gained a sizable lead, thanks to Rumble tripping up on the second turn. He continued to take corners with ridiculous agility. In spite of this, Rumble was actually beginning to close the gap again, his sheer speed allowing him to overcome the advantage of Dawn's ludicrous dexterity.
Rainbow Dash watched carefully as Dawn approached the slalom, almost missing the light hoof tapping on her shoulder. Looking over, she saw Storm Front hovering next to her. Storm Front silently gestured with his hoof, drawing Rainbow's attention to a patch of sky over the forest. Her eyes widened at what she saw, a small orange and purple filly soaring in a rather ungainly manner over the course, her eyes fixed downwards.
Rainbow's eyes widened at the sight. She exchanged a glance with Storm Front, who nodded silently as she quietly withdrew from the cloud of watching ponies. When she was far enough away, Rainbow Dash sped up and rushed back to town. She needed to talk to Pinkie Pie about something.
Rumble had nearly caught up to Dawn. He now had the other colt in sight as he rounded the next turn. Up ahead were the trees marked with pink ribbons, indicating the slalom. Rumble narrowed his eyes in concentration. If he did this right he could minimize the shifts he had to make and go through the obstacles without losing the slightest momentum.
Dawn banked slightly to get around the first tree. Swiftly, he kicked out and shot sideways through the gap between the first two. As he did so, he kicked in the opposite direction, halting his sideways momentum before launching himself sideways in the opposite direction. Too late, Dawn realized his mistake. His method, while blindingly fast, was abrupt and wasted a great deal of energy as he was forced to skip from side to side. With each movement, he was overcompensating for the previous one, losing precious time as he shuffled back and forth between the trees.
Rumble, on the other hoof, flowed between the trees as naturally as water around rocks. Easily adjusting and drifting into each slalom, he sped through the obstacles easily, barely different than flying in a straight line. The tips of his feathers brushed ever so slightly against the rough bark as he shot past the trees. Coming in low, he cut under Dawn and continued on, taking the lead for the first time.
"The new kid didn't do so well on the slalom," noted Cloud Chaser as she watched.
"Rumble's going to win!" exclaimed Flitter jubilantly.
"It's not over yet," Blossomforth pointed out, "They have a ways to go before they reach the finish line."
"Rumble's faster," observed Cloud Kicker as her eyes followed the competitors, "But that other kid's got some crazy moves. If he can get enough of a lead through the turns, he might be able to avoid being overtaken on the final straightaway."
"Hmm," mused Thunderlane, "What do you think, Rainbow Dash?" Silence greeted his query. Looking up, Thunderlane blinked in confusion, looking around for the rainbow-maned pegasus, who was nowhere to be seen. "Rainbow?"
Rumble's field of vision narrowed. He didn't notice the scenery in the slightest. The world around him narrowed to the trees before him and the ribbons marking the course. He drifted into a turn around a yellow ribbon, which was almost immediately followed by a green one, then another yellow, sending the course into a vicious S-curve that could send him careening off into the surrounding foliage if he wasn't careful. Once again, he felt the shockwave of Dawn's sudden acceleration wash against him as a black streak with silver highlights shot past him, Dawn's cornering allowing him to make up for the time he lost on the slalom.
Rumble could care less. He spared no thought for the other colt and focused all his strength into his wings, pushing himself harder than he ever had before. Once again, he pulled past Dawn on the latest straightaway, only for the colt to gain again on the next turn. As it was, they were neck and neck.
Rumble's coat was soaked with sweat. The muscles powering his wings were burning from exertion. Here came the last turn. Rumble leaned into it as hard as he could. He could feel the strain on his wings nearly double. Once again, he felt the burst of air as Dawn took the same turn, shooting past Rumble on the inside. The gray colt felt a brief twinge of anxiety, but forced it down. Sparing any thought for his opponent would distract his focus. Instead, Rumble focused on drawing out every last ounce of strength he had. His wings beat a furious tempo as he accelerated down the final straightaway.
Dawn was just ahead. Then they were right next to one another. Agonizingly, Rumble began to pull ahead, first by a nose, then a head. By the time they shot through the final pair of flags, Rumble was leading by half a body length.
The two colts flared their wings. Rumble's hooves skidded across the ground as he failed to fully cancel his momentum before he landed. Dawn managed to make a much more controlled landing and settled to a complete stop the moment his hooves touched dirt.
Rumble's legs shook nearly giving out as the rush of adrenaline faded, leaving him feeling tired, woozy and like all his bones had been replaced by jelly. All told, there were worse sensations he could be dealing with. Right now, all he wanted to do was collapse to the ground and not get up until his body felt like a solid object again.
As it was, he really did collapse when Sweetie Belle slammed into him like a white bullet, knocking Rumble off his hooves as she tackled him in a fierce hug. "Congratulations!" she exclaimed, practically squealing in her excitement.
"Ya both put up a mighty good show," Apple Bloom weighed in, smiling widely as she trotted into the clearing, "Ah was bitin' mah hooves at how close it was."
"Sweetie..." gasped Rumble as he struggled extricate himself from the unicorn's embrace, "...air!"
With a gasp, Sweetie Belle released the poor colt and jumped back. As she did, her mind reflected on the situation she had just been in and she flushed a brilliant red. "I-oh...I'm so sorry Rumble I didn't mean to..."
A hoof steadied Rumble's shoulder and helped him up into a sitting position. Looking over, Rumble saw that Dawn was helping him sit up. "That was an excellent race," he said simply.
"Thanks," panted Rumble, suddenly aware of the fact that for all his efforts, Dawn didn't seem to be breathing very hard. In fact, he looked nowhere near as tired as Rumble did. Rumble found himself frowning. "You didn't take it easy on me, did you?"
Dawn shook his head. "No. In fact, I haven't exerted myself like that in some time."
"Then how come you're hardly even breathing hard?" asked Rumble, his tone accusing.
"Breathing techniques," replied Dawn simply, "I've been taught how to control my breathing to help recover from exertion and to even allow me to exert myself further than I already have."
"Huh," mused Rumble. That actually sounded pretty useful. "Could you teach me how to do that?"
"Certainly. They aren't the most difficult skills to learn." Dawn stepped aside and allowed Rumble to use his side to help him rise to a standing position.
"In any case," said Rumble, "That was pretty fun. We should do it again some time."
Dawn found himself returning the other colt's smile. "That sounds like a good idea." He extended a tentative hoof. "So...friends?"
Rumble looked down at the hoof for a moment before raising his own and bumping them together. "Friends."
Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom were beaming at the display. However, their attention was drawn by the sound of rushing air and hooves smacking into the dirt. Looking over, they saw Scootaloo settling onto the ground, looking surprisingly tired herself.
An uncomfortable silence fell over the clearing. For a moment, the only sound audible was that of Rumble's still heavy breathing, which was almost matched by Scootaloo's. She stood stock still before finally beginning to walk slowly over to where Rumble stood, her face lowered to the ground, refusing to meet Rumble's eyes, her expression unreadable. When Scootaloo came to a stop in front of Rumble, she slowly looked up.
Their eyes met. Rumble flinched away instinctually, his subconscious expecting another round of verbal abuse. However, what he saw in Scootaloo's eyes gave him pause. Her anger and resentment were gone, replaced by sorrow. "Rumble..."
Her voice was barely a whisper. Rumble found himself leaning forward to try and catch the next thing she said. Scootaloo squeezed her eyes shut as tears ran out of them. "I'm sorry."
Again, silence fell over the group. Scootaloo said nothing else. She merely stood quietly as tears continued to run down her cheeks. Rumble was dumbfounded, unable to find anything to say. He wasn't even sure of what to think. he never expected Scootaloo to apologize to him and certainly not like this. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom looked on with expressions of fear and concern, worried over the course things might take. As was his wont, Dawn observed impassively, simply waiting patiently for the next step in the sequence of events.
In spite of his expressionless face, Dawn's insides churned. Now that he had become friends with Rumble, having felt a bond forming between the two of them in their race, he found himself hoping that Rumble would accept Scootaloo's apology. He also found the expression of fear and guilt on her face deeply uncomfortable to look at. The whole thing struck him as strangely familiar, quite similar to how Applejack had apologized to him over a week ago.
Slowly, Rumble lifted up one wing and brushed his feathers ever so gently against Scootaloo's cheek, gently wiping away her tears. Scootaloo's eyes opened tentatively at the touch and she looked up to see warmth and acceptance in Rumble's eyes as he gave her an encouraging smile. "Thank you," he said, "And I forgive you."
Before any more could be said, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom tackled the orange filly simultaneously, sending the trio into a complex tumble before settling into a three-way embrace. Scootaloo hugged her best friends fiercely, tears once again flowing freely.
"Don't ya ever do somethin' like that again ya big chicken!" cried Apple Bloom. Sweetie Belle said nothing and simply chose to gently nuzzle Scootaloo, who simply held her friends all the tighter.
Dawn looked on and felt the beginnings of a smile tugging at his lips. He was starting to feel relieved and briefly wondered if this was what Red River had been talking about. He certainly felt nowhere near as empty as he did before.
Rumble also smiled as he watched the Crusaders make up with each other. Part of him felt a little guilty that he had indirectly been the cause, or at least the catalyst, for their temporary breakup. He felt much better knowing that they were happy and together.
Thunderlane wiped a tear from his eye as he watched the tender scene play out below them. He had initially planned on heading down to congratulate his little brother on his victory, but stopped when he saw Scootaloo arrive. Rainbow Dash had reported the incident between the two foals to him yesterday. While Thunderlane had been angry with Scootaloo, he had allowed Rainbow to be the one who handled the affair. As it turned out, it had been the right thing to do.
"Looks like things are turning out alright," said Cloud Chaser, who had stooped down with him. She gently nuzzled her coltfriend's cheek. The fact that Thunderlane wasn't afraid to show that gentle, sentimental side of himself was one of the things she loved about the stallion, although she would never outright say as much.
"Yeah," agreed Thunderlane, deciding to give the foals some privacy, "We should get back to work."
Cloud Chaser nodded and the two of them flew up to join the rest of their team.
The afternoon having been spent, the group of five foals went their separate ways, their hearts lighter now that the affair with Scootaloo and Rumble had been resolved. Dawn soared along on his way back home, riding the thermals rising off the ground as the sun set. His wings were a bit worn out from all the exercise they had gotten that day, but he was still a ways from being completely exhausted.
"Hey Dawn!" Looking around, Dawn saw Rainbow Dash hovering nearby.
"How can I help you Rainbow Dash?"
"Actually, I wanted to ask about Scootaloo," said Rainbow as Dawn coasted to a halt, hovering in the air without actually flapping his wings, "About that thing with Rumble?"
"They made up," answered Dawn simply, "She apologized after the race today."
Rainbow let out a relieved sigh. "That's great. With all that' happened, I so did not want that hanging over everypony's heads."
"With all that's happened?" asked Dawn, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh right," blurted Rainbow, "I actually wanted to tell you something else. This is kinda big, so we might need to talk for a while."
"Why don't we go to mom-my home," suggested Dawn.
Hearing Dawn refer to Fluttershy's quaint cottage as his home caused a warm feeling to build in Rainbow's chest. "Sure. I wanted to talk to your mom about this too. Let's go!" The two pegasi resumed their flight, now heading straight for Fluttershy and Dawn's house.
Twilight's studies were interrupted by a knock on the door. Lifting her nose away from the books, the librarian made her way to the door and opened it to reveal a gasping Ditzy Doo, resting on top of a rather large crate. "Special delivery," wheezed the gray mare as her eyes spun about their sockets.
"Oh no! Ditzy! Are you alight?" asked Twilight, "You shouldn't be handling packages that large. It's not safe."
"I'm...fine," gasped the exhausted mailmare. In spite of her protests, Twilight quickly grabbed Ditzy with her magic and levitated her into the library. She quickly situated Ditzy on some cushions while she went to the kitchen to fetch some water.
After ministering to her guest, Twilight turned back to the door and examined the crate. It was a little too large to fit through the door itself, so Twilight decided to teleport it in. A few seconds and two bursts of violet light later and the crate was sitting on the floor in the center of the library. Twilight used her magic to pry off the screws holding the top down and lifted it away to reveal several books, binders and folders
"Oh!" exclaimed the lavender unicorn with a gleeful squeal, "These must be the texts Princess Celestia promised me. Now I can start my research. I'll have to let Dawn know right away."
"Hey Twilight, what's going on down there?" asked Spike, peeking his head over the balcony that looked down from their bedroom, "Whoa! You didn't order a bunch of books behind my back again did you?"
"No Spike," deadpanned Twilight, "This is all the information the ponies in the royal archives were able to dig up on the Eyes of Nightmare. With these, we can get to work on figuring out just what they are and where they came from. Hopefully, we can destroy the Cult Solar's credibility, which should give Dawn some peace of mind."
Spike nodded and stood up, groaning a little, arching his back and rolling his shoulders with a pop. "Okay, I'll come down there and help you get those sorted out."
Twilight looked up at her assistant with more than a little concern. "Are you sure Spike? Your shoulders don't still hurt do they?"
"They're still sore," answered the dragon calmly, "But it's nothing I can't handle."
"What's wrong?" asked Ditzy as she looked up from her water.
"Ah, it's nothing big," said Spike as he descended, "A couple days ago, I started getting this ache in my shoulders. It's not too bad, but it does get a little itchy once in a while."
"Oh." Finished with her water, Ditzy got up and headed for the door. "I have to get back to work. Have a nice day you two."
"Bye Ditzy," said Spike waving.
"Don't overwork yourself," added Twilight as Ditzy took to the air, waving a hoof in acknowledgment.
Working together, Twilight and Spike laid out the various tomes, scrolls, binders and other assorted packets of information that constituted everything contained in the Royal Archives that pertained to the Eyes of Nightmare. There was a great deal of disparate information to sort through, some of it useful, much of it pointless or inconsequential.
"It's gonna take a few days to sift through all this," muttered Twilight, cracking her neck, "I'm going to have to set up for at least one all-nighter. Think you can help me with that Spike?"
Spike sighed. "I don't really have much of a choice. Just remember, you still need your rest and you need to eat, so let's not go overboard."
Twilight gave her dragon an amused smile. "I think you're right. Besides, Dawn's not having much difficulty with anypony in town, so I don't think there's much of a rush."
"What about that guy Red River picked up?" asked Spike, "The one who almost attacked Fluttershy."
"He's still in custody right now. It might be one or two more days before anyone from Colt Hollow comes to check up on him, which gives us a pretty generous margin given the distances involved." Twilight grinned. "We'll be fine. Just to be on the safe side, could you head down to Fluttershy's and let her and Dawn know that all this just came in?"
"No need." Before Spike could even open his mouth to answer, the library's front door opened to reveal Dawn and Rainbow Dash, who trotted in, looking in awe at all the material Twilight had laid out.
"Wow, is this all about Dawn's eyes?" asked Rainbow.
Twilight shrugged. "For the most part. The Princess had the ponies working the archives go over them for every scrap of information pertaining to the Eyes of Nightmare that they could find. I think they may have gone through and pulled out every scrap that even mentioned the Eyes in order to come up with this amount of material.
"I'll be honest with you. Most of it isn't going to be of much use to us. I highly suspect that there's a lot of pointless speculation, some more drivel from the Cult Solar and the occasional off-hoofed mention. There probably isn't going to be a lot that could tell us about the nature of the Eyes themselves. That we're going to have to some studying to find out."
"Then what is the purpose of all this?" asked Dawn, gesturing to the texts.
"The biggest thing I hope to find is information concerning other ponies who may share your condition. There are a lot of anomalies cropping up with your situation, Dawn. I suspect that your condition is unique." Twilight paused for a moment. "Or...at least unique past the basic fact that the Eyes themselves are quite unique. With any luck, we'll be able to confirm the identities of other ponies with the eyes and, with further research and, if we're lucky, contact these ponies ourselves and get the particulars of their conditions. If we can glean any of that information from this mess, we'll be off to a good start."
"I see," said Dawn simply.
"By the way," added Twilight, "Now that we have the information, in a couple of days, I'd like to have you come over so we can start more in-depth studies of your own eyes. With the instruments in my lab we can get all sorts of data I can't get by myself."
"Sounds like a blast, Twilight," said Rainbow Dash quickly, "Actually, there's something else I wanted to talk to you about. Do you think you could help us with something?"
Twilight blinked. "Sure. Just what is it?"
Rainbow scratched her mane. "Well, we were on our way to Fluttershy's place to talk to her about it when I realized we could use your help to. You see...something pretty big just came up..." |
The Promise of a New Day | First Flight | Chapter 7: First Flight
Scootaloo suppressed a yawn as she landed clumsily in her front yard. She was worn out from finishing the last of the twenty repetitions that Dawn required of her for the day. She had indeed been experimenting with her descents and had gotten him to coach her a little earlier that afternoon. Aside from that, she had spent the afternoon with the other Cutie Mark Crusaders in their multiple attempts to find something that would identify their cutie marks. Their group was now five strong with the addition of both Dawn and Rumble, both of whom were often quite content to simply watch the antics of the three fillies, rather than get involved themselves. Dawn in particular seemed in no hurry to find his cutie mark and apparently didn't understand the appeal of tree sap.
A slight smile spread across Scootaloo's face. Things felt so much better after she had apologized to Rumble the day before yesterday. She had to admit that, once she had let go of her issues, he was a fun colt to hang around. Although she didn't have the same feelings Rumble apparently felt for her. At the very least, she was resolved to talk to him about it at some point and let him down gently, rather than lead him on.
A rush of air ruffling her mane told Scootaloo that another pegasus had settled down on the ground behind her. Turning around, she was hit by an unsettling feeling of deja-vu when she saw Rainbow Dash standing on the ground behind her.
"Squirt," she said, her tone stern, "We need to talk."
The churning feeling in Scootaloo's stomach doubled at those words. This was playing out almost exactly like the other night, where Rainbow had scolded her for her attitude towards Rumble. What's she mad about this time? fretted the orange filly, She didn't find out about our plan to get lightning bolt cutie marks did she?
Rainbow rested a stern hoof across Scootaloo's shoulder. "I saw what you did the other day. We need to talk to your mom about this."
What I did? Scootaloo wondered. She wondered if Rainbow meant her apologizing to Rumble. But wasn't that a good thing? Why would she be acting so harsh about Scootaloo doing something she had wanted her to do?
"Lets go squirt. Come on, get a move on." Rainbow began prodding Scootaloo up to the front porch, before opening the door for her and shoving her inside.
Two things immediately occurred to Scootaloo. First, Rainbow had never let herself in like that before. She would always knock and wait for Melon Cream or Scootaloo to open the door for her so she wouldn't be intruding. Second, the house was completely dark. Even though the sun had only just started setting, the house was usually still lit when she came home. Scootaloo's body tensed as these two off factors made her even more wary than Rainbow's strange mood had.
And then the lights came on. Their harsh brightness caught the filly's eyes, which had already been trying to adjust to the darkness, and dazzled them. Scootaloo had to blink hard to readjust her vision. But just as she was trying to recover from the sudden visual stimulus, her ears were assaulted by the shout of a single word rising from a multitude of voices with a force that threatened to send her tumbling back out through the front door. The word itself stunned her more than anything else.
"SURPRISE!!!"
Unlike their old house, the front door of the new house Scootaloo and her mother occupied opened straight up into the living room, a living room that was now festooned with streamers, confetti and banners of a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Two small tables were set up with punch and treats, while another held a small stack of presents. A single large banner hung over the center of the room, its brilliant orange color matching Scootaloo's coat, while the fuchsia letters spelling out CONGRATULATIONS matched her mane.
Scootaloo reeled in shock for a moment. Rainbow's little prank had gone off perfectly, leaving her completely unguarded for the actual surprise announcement. Her confusion was compounded by the fact that she was uncertain as to what this party was about. It certainly couldn't have been about her making up with Rumble. A look at the array of ponies attending didn't give her any hints. Rainbow and Melon Cream were there, of course, as was Dawn, looking strangely proud, Rumble, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom and their older siblings, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, who had undoubtedly been the one to set up the party, Twilight and Spike, and a number of ponies from the weather team. None of this really helped Scootaloo figure out just what the party was for.
"Uh hey," said Scootaloo meekly, giving the group a shy wave, "What's the occasion?"
Everypony stared at her for a moment. Rainbow spoke up from behind her. "Squirt, this is your First Flight Party. Remember? I promised you one."
"First...Flight...?" Scootaloo blinked in confusion.
"Yeah Scoots," said Rainbow, chuckling, "It was just the other day, while you were watching that race. Remember?"
Scootaloo thought about it. She remembered leaping up to get a bird's-eye view of the race and then using her magic to stay up there instead of descend. Suddenly, it clicked in her head. She had been...
"Squirt, you were flying."
Scootaloo froze as comprehension washed over her. That day, rather than simply return to the ground like she had all the other times she had performed the second exercise, she had actually used her magic to maintain her altitude. At the time, it hadn't even occurred to her. She had been so fixated on the race and her need to apologize to Rumble that she hadn't given any thought whatsoever to the fact that she had indeed taken flight.
"I...flew..." Those words felt like magic in and of themselves. Just saying them made Scootaloo's heart beat faster. "I flew." Scootaloo began to tremble with excitement, a powerful sense of euphoria making her feel as though she weighed nothing.
"I FLEW!!!" All other thoughts departing, Scootaloo rushed and flung herself at her mother, who caught the filly in a tight embrace as Scootaloo nuzzled energetically into her chest. "Mom! Mom! I can fly! I can finally fly!"
Both mother and daughter shed tears of joy as Melon nuzzled the top of Scootaloo's head. "I'm so proud of you dear."
"Well, now that Scootaloo's caught up, there's only one thing left to do," declared Rainbow Dash. "Lets party!" She thrust a hoof into the air. The other guests needed no further encouragement.
Cirrus Stratus hit the ground, stumbling forward a few steps after failing to completely kill his momentum before landing. Looking up, he saw his mother looking down at him from the front porch of their home. Her dispassionate expression alone wasn't enough to wilt the colt's exuberance like it usually was. This time he had done something great. This time, he was sure, she would be proud of him; his father too.
"Mom! Did you see it? I flew! I made my First Flight!"
Mother sighed before nodding. "I did see Cirrus. And to be honest, I think you could have done better. Your efforts were clumsy at best. How can you possibly hold that up as a First Flight."
Cirrus tilted his head, confused. "Because it's the first time I flew."
Mother shook her head again. "No Cirrus. You are destined for greatness. A colt with a pedigree like yours cannot have such an embarrassing First Flight. If you showed that to other ponies now, you would making a laughingstock of us. Is that what you want? Do you want to bring shame on your family by making such an utterly lackluster effort and calling that your First Flight?"
She shook her head and slammed a hoof onto the cloud porch. "Absolutely not! You will not speak of this again until you have learned to fly properly. Am I understood?"
Cirrus shrank under his mother's glare, his ears going back. "Yes mom."
Cirrus glared at the house his wife inhabited. It seemed that glaring and glowering was all that he did anymore. He couldn't approach. Melon Cream had already filed the restraining order. Coming within a certain distance of her or Scootaloo would earn him a trip to prison. And so, Cirrus was stuck watching his wife and his daughter like some kind of outsider. It was mortifying.
Inside, he could see the silhouettes of ponies moving about as they celebrated his daughter's First Flight. It was a momentous milestone for any young pegasus, rivaling the importance of receiving a cutie mark. Had it been up to him, there would have been no First Flight party. A First Flight didn't warrant a party unless it was truly perfect. Cirrus learned that the hard way. After being told off by his mother, he had practiced his flying in secret, perfecting his skills until he had a flight that his parents thought warranted a celebration. Cirrus got his First Flight party, just like he wanted. But it only made him feel hollow. It wasn't really celebrating his First Flight. He had ruined it with his own lackluster efforts.
To see Scootaloo actually being permitted to celebrate her First Flight (which couldn't have been impressive in the slightest if her manner of arrival was any indication) irritated him. To celebrate it like this would be to reward her for her lack of effort in honing her skills and teach her that mediocrity was an acceptable fate. Scootaloo was fast sliding down a slope that would only lead to her eking out a life in total obscurity; nothing but a failure. And everypony in that house right now was helping her do just that.
Had he not known that doing so would have gotten him arrested on the spot, Cirrus would have forced his way into the house and told the ponies what he really thought of their foalish shenanigans. There was no way he could allow them to continue to corrupt his daughter like this. I need to act.
"How's yer back feelin'?" asked Apple Bloom as she sat with Spike, the two of them sipping punch and watching the festivities.
"Still achy," admitted the dragon, once again rolling and popping his shoulders, "And now it's starting to get itchy too."
"Ah hope yer not comin' down with somethin'."
"Me too," admitted the drake readily enough, "Coming down with some kind of unknown disease would really ruin my day. Twilight would probably go crazy because we don't know anything about the kind of diseases a dragon can get."
"Maybe yer back's just sore from liftin' all those books fer Twilight," suggested Apple Bloom.
Spike shrugged. "Makes about as much sense as anything else."
Apple Bloom looked like she was about to say something when she caught sight of somethiing out of the corner of her eye. "Hey look!" she exclaimed, pointing to catch Spike's attention.
Following the line indicated by her hoof Spike saw Scootaloo leading Rumble out of the living room and into the kitchen. Apple Bloom rapidly stood up and rushed after them. "Come on Spike! Ah think somethin' big is about to happen!"
"Woo boy," groaned the dragon as he followed along, "That doesn't make me happy in the slightest." Considering the kind of "big things" that seemed to happen around him and his friends, he wasn't sure he wanted to know.
Rumble's cheeks heated up as Scootaloo led him into the kitchen. Then, to the colt's surprise, Scootaloo continued to lead him right out the kitchen door and into her back yard. For a moment, they stopped and stood awkwardly. Scootaloo looked like she was working up the courage to tell him something. The anxiety made Rumble's heart beat a little faster.
The orange filly crossed her front legs and gave Rumble a mournful look. "Listen Rumble...I'm really sorry about what I said before."
"It's okay. I forgave you, remember?" Rumble leaned towards her, trying his best to be encouraging.
"It's not okay!" blurted Scootaloo, "Because I...because I knew how you felt about me and I held a stupid grudge because of my jealousy. I was just so angry and I took it out on you."
"You knew..." whispered Rumble, his cheeks now practically glowing in the evening light.
"Yeah. That's why I'm really sorry," said Scootaloo, "Because I know how you feel and..." She hesitated, unsure if she should say what came next. Best get it over with. I've hurt him enough. "Because, even though I'm not angry or jealous anymore, I still don't feel the same way about you."
Rumble's blush vanished. "Oh," he said, his voice breaking.
"I'm so sorry," whimpered Scootaloo, looking down, "But I didn't want to lead you on or try and fake it. That would have only made it hurt worse."
Scootaloo felt Rumble's hoof brush against her cheek. She flinched away from the touch, afraid to even look at him. "It's okay," said Rumble. It seemed his mouth and his heart weren't in complete agreement though. Dreams died hard. "I understand."
"You do?"
"Yeah. Thanks for being honest with me."
Rumble tuned around and made his way back into the house. In the kitchen, Apple Bloom and Spike withdrew from listening before the colt could figure out they were there. However, they weren't the only ones. As Rumble slowly moved towards the door to the living room and back to the party, he felt a pair of forelegs wrap around him from behind as somepony gently pulled him against her.
"Rumble?" Rumble's ears twitched as he recognized the voice.
"Sweetie Belle?"
"I'm sorry...I heard you and Scootaloo and...and I..." a sniff escaped her, "I eavesdropped. I know it's wrong but..." She went silent as Rumble slowly pulled away from her. At first, the little unicorn filly wilted, thinking he was angry with her. But then Rumble turned around and pulled her into a full embrace, resting his head over her shoulder. Sweetie felt the spreading dampness as his tears began to soak into her coat. She wrapped him up in a hug again and let the colt cry silently against her.
This is it. This is my chance! Cirrus tensed, trying to figure out what to do. Scootaloo was alone in her backyard, apparently sulking over her conversation with that pegasus colt. He probably rejected her for being such a weak flier, thought Cirrus viciously, thus thoroughly cementing his skill in overlooking basic details in the conversation. But in his mind, he was more concerned with his course of action.
He had to get Scootaloo away from her mother, that much was for sure. He couldn't very well start a confrontation right there in Melon's yard. Even with the party going on, it wouldn't be long before someone noticed he was out there with Scootaloo and, with the restraining order in place, he would quickly find himself being towed away to prison. No, the best course of action would be to just swoop in and grab her before anypony noticed. Then, he could get her to see things his way at his leisure. Once Scootaloo understood how serious Cirrus was about securing her future, he was sure that she would come around.
However, Cirrus's plans were disrupted by the appearance of another colt. Cirrus blinked as his eyes took in the strange young pony, whose coat was pitch black with a silver mane. Especially noticeable were the colt's unsettling eyes, turquoise, with vertical slit pupils, like a dragon's. Cirrus felt a shiver go down his spine. This colt was unnatural, he was sure. There was no way a pony could be born with eyes like that unless his lineage was tainted in some way.
As he watched, the colt began to speak with Scootaloo, who seemed somewhat comforted by his presence. Cirrus's hesitance at acting in the presence of another pony vanished as he noticed how taken his daughter seemed with that strange colt. There is no way in Tartarus that my daughter is having anything to do with a freak like that! Cirrus sprang into action.
"Scootaloo?" The orange filly lifted her head at the sound of Dawn's resonant voice. Looking over, she saw him standing behind her.
"Did you hear us?" she asked.
"No. I only just got out here. But I can piece together what happened, more or less." Dawn stepped a little closer as Scootaloo turned around to face him.
"I just didn't want to drag it out or it would have hurt him even worse," said Scootaloo, lowering her head, "But I still hurt him again. After everything I did to him already, I went and hurt him all over again. I'm a terrible friend!" She was practically shouting by the last sentence.
"Sometimes there is no option to avoid pain," said Dawn simply, "Life doesn't work that way. Sometimes there's no ideal solution. Sometimes there's no way you can avoid hurting yourself or others. Sometimes, the only thing you can choose is who you hurt...and how much."
Scootaloo looked up, surprised by the weight of Dawn's voice, as though he spoke from personal experience. He continued to talk. "Of course, you could do what I did and learn to ignore it, shut off your feelings and not worry over how much something hurts. You can make yourself numb." Now it was his turn to look away. "But I've been finding out that that path is not the best one lately."
"Dawn..." Scootaloo didn't know what to say.
It became a moot point then, because Dawn suddenly tensed. A red and blue blur rushed at the colt from behind before Dawn could turn around. Instead, he simply sidestepped, his left wing flaring out. Scootaloo heard a burst as the displaced air slammed into the attacking pony and flung him across the yard. The unknown pony plowed into the dirt, leaving a substantial furrow. Now that he was stationary, Scootaloo's jaw dropped as she recognized the compass cutie mark on the stallion's flank.
"Dad!"
Cirrus Stratus struggled to his feet, extricating himself from the small trench he had just dug through the backyard. Upon standing, he wheeled about, his eyes fixing on Dawn. "Get away from my daughter you freak!"
Dawn sighed and rolled his eyes. "Another one."
Scootaloo planted herself between the two. "Dad! You've got it wrong. There's nothing bad about Dawn. He's the one who's been teaching me how to fly."
Unfortunately, this declaration did nothing to salve Cirrus's anger. If anything, it only seemed to inflame his fury as he bared his teeth. "To see you associating with scum like that..." His voice was a low growl. "It's clear that I can't trust your mother with raising you. You're coming with me right now! I will decide your future and I will make sure to do it right."
"From what I have heard, that's no longer your prerogative," observed Dawn as he stepped out from behind Scootaloo, "I believe her mother has made certain of that."
"That's because my wife is a sentimental idiot," snapped Cirrus, "She doesn't know the first thing about what's best for a pegasus. This little brat certainly doesn't." He jabbed a harsh hoof in Scootaloo's direction. "She can't be trusted to make her own decisions in life. Time and time again, she's shown me that she only knows how to make a failure out of herself. First she associates with that dropout Rainbow Dash and now she's milling around with a freak like you. It's clear you come from tainted blood. No pegasus with any brains would have anything to do with you."
Dawn tilted his head. "Tainted ancestry. Tell me, are you aware of the source of this 'taint?'" Dawn's question brought both Scootaloo and Cirrus to halt with the sincere curiosity in his tone.
"Dawn, you aren't believing this are you?" asked Scootaloo, staring at him in horrified shock.
The colt shrugged. "It seems a valid line of inquiry to me. Granted, calling it a taint is a little strong, but it is entirely possible that my eyes are the product of some form of mixed lineage. If we could find the source then I think Twilight Sparkle and I might be able to answer our questions."
"Filth!" snapped Cirrus, "How dare you treat this like some kind of joke. I don't know what kind of filthy sodomy your parents engaged in to produce something like you. But there is now way a defect like that is natural."
"Well," mused Dawn, unfazed, "It still seems a valid question, but I can see I won't get any useful information from you."
"Quit treating this like some kind of damn game!" howled Cirrus, flaring his wings, "Get the hay away from my daughter. Scootaloo, you don't have any choice. You are coming with me now!"
Cirrus leapt into the air, his wings flapping to gain height as he tried to fly over his daughter's head to attack Dawn. But he had vanished. Suddenly, Cirrus's vision was cut off as Dawn appeared directly in front of him, his fierce draconic gaze boring straight into Cirrus's own. Instinctually, Cirrus threw his hoof at the colt, but Dawn's form seemed to blur and melt, before flowing around Cirrus's hoof like water. The colt seemed to spiral up Cirrus's forelimb before spiraling up and around his barrel, making several rounds in an instant.
The air beneath the stallion's wings came alive, sweeping him into a roll, like he had been caught in a very sudden, very small, yet very powerful storm. All control was stollen from him as he found himself whirling round and round. Before his eyes, the entire world became and indistinct, spinning blur.
Scootaloo watched the event in stunned awe. Dawn's maneuver had set Cirrus spinning like a top. Suddenly, the axis of rotation seemed to shift and it now was Dawn who seemed to be spinning in place while Cirrus whirled around him. In fact, both were in motion through the sky as Dawn pulled his opponent into a sharp dive, all while keeping them both spinning. At the last second, Dawn halted his body's rotation, sweeping Cirrus around him and flinging the helpless stallion straight down.
Cirrus slammed into the ground...hard. The close distance of his fall was made up for by the speed and force, accumulated through several revolutions around Dawn's body. He hit hard enough that he made a deep impression in the packed dirt beneath the backyard's grass. A hacking wheeze escaped Cirrus's mouth as he hit, the breath being forcefully knocked from his lungs. Dawn landed daintily on the ground past where Cirrus had landed, not even bothering to turn his head to look back at his handiwork.
"I thought I'd give you a demonstration of what your daughter will one day be capable of," said Dawn levelly as he turned around and strode past the fallen stallion, "Perhaps you can judge for yourself how much of a failure she will be."
Scootaloo stared, torn between awe and horror at the spectacle before her. She had heard about Dawn being powerful. After all, she had once seen him knock Applejack away like a baseball. She had also heard the story of him saving Fluttershy on two different occasions, once from timberwolves no less. Her father was no fighter by any means. But she hardly expected to see Dawn spin him about like a top right before tossing him like a rag-doll. Hearing about his exploits was one thing seeing them another.
And yet, a sick feeling filled her at the sight. For better or worse, that was her father lying prone on the ground. However much grief he had caused her, Scootaloo couldn't stop loving him. It hurt to see Dawn treat him like that, even if he deserved it.
However, she found herself shocked still further when Cirrus rolled over onto his stomach and forced himself back up onto his hooves. The motion was slow and unsteady. Clenching his eyes shut and gritting his teeth, Cirrus managed to stand up. When his eyes opened, Scootaloo gasped and took an involuntary step back. His normally gray eyes were tinged with red as he directed a savage glare at Dawn's backside. Scootaloo was horrified to see her father angry like this. She wanted to rush inside and find her mother, but fear kept her rooted to the spot.
Dawn paused, but didn't look back. "I didn't strike hard enough to make you pass out. However, that pain should serve as a warning."
Had Cirrus's glare been an actual force, Dawn would have been incinerated on the spot. As it was, he simply allowed the stallion's hatred wash over him like a wave breaking against the rocky shore. Dawn showed no more regard than a stone for Cirrus's animosity.
Cirrus was well past the point where he could articulate a response. Rage and pain warred across his being in equal measure. His field of vision narrowed to the point where the only things he could see were the colt in front of him and his daughter behind Dawn. Everything else was lost to a sea of red. Cirrus's anger peaked when his eyes locked onto Scootaloo. It was her! Everything he had lost, all that he had suffered; it was all Scootaloo's fault. Because she didn't listen...because she didn't do as she was told...I've lost everything because of her! With an inarticulate howl of pure rage, Cirrus surged forward, his mind no longer certain whether he was trying to attack Dawn or Scootaloo. He just wanted to leap on and tear into the first thing that crossed his path.
Scootaloo's eyes widened as she watched her father charge. She had seen Cirrus look at her and felt the full force of his rage. She wanted to run. She wanted to cry. But she could only stand there and watch as Cirrus threw himself at Dawn's backside. She tried to shout out a warning, but couldn't get her mouth to work. No sound would come out.
It was pointless anyway. Dawn already knew what was coming. A sigh escaped his lips. Looking ahead, he saw the fear in Scootaloo's eyes. He felt a fountain of anger spring up in his heart. No father should put that look on his daughter's face. He no longer felt so concerned about what damage Cirrus suffered. Before, he had simply been batting the stallion away, the way one might brush off a spark falling on their fur. But the anger in Dawn at Scootaloo's father changed his attitude. Before, he had merely been defending himself. Now however, he wanted to punish Cirrus Stratus for his behavior.
"Perhaps I've been too lenient," said Dawn with an angry snort and raised his right wing.
Before, Scootaloo's fear had kept her anchored in one spot. But now, it made her suddenly back away. This time, the source wasn't her father, but Dawn. There was something different about the way he held his wing as he prepared his attack. The angle was wrong. Instead of holding it out and level, Dawn had instead raised it upwards diagonally, aligning the feathers so they pointed straight back at the charging Cirrus like the edge of a blade. The way the atmosphere swirled around the wing made Scootaloo quiver, making her back away even more. She didn't think she was going to like what was about to happen.
Fortunately, Dawn never got a chance to act. A hissing sound cut through the air, followed by a dull thunk of impact as something slammed into the back of Cirrus's head, right in the poll. Scootaloo's eyes caught a flicker as something small retreated from the point of impact, her eyes tracing the motion all the way up to where a dark gray and purple pegasus hovered.
Whatever Storm Front had attacked with vanished into the sleeve of his shirt. He stared impassively down on the affair before slowly dropping down to land behind the fallen Cirrus. Dawn turned around and regarded Storm Front carefully.
"Your assistance wasn't necessary," said Dawn.
For a moment, Storm front said nothing, only carefully examining Cirrus's limp form before finally meeting Dawn's gaze. "Still too numb."
Dawn raised a questioning eyebrow. Storm Front continued. "You were prepared to maim him."
Scootaloo gasped, turning her eyes to Dawn, searching desperately for any sign of denial in his expression. However she only saw a look of acknowledgment in his eyes. She shivered and backed away from him slightly. She had never seen this side of Dawn before. He seemed so cold, so callous, so cruel at that moment.
"I don't feel that numb," protested Dawn, his tone calm and even.
Storm Front shook his head. "You acted in anger. You were told not to allow your emotions to control you. You may be feeling more, but your development is uneven. You need to balance yourself or you will only become a danger to those around you." Storm front reached into his sleeve and produced a cord, which he used to bind Cirrus's limbs. As he worked, he said something else. "The fact that your awareness wavered and narrowed is proof that you have a long ways to go."
Dawn blinked in confusion before turning around. Suddenly, he realized that they had gained an audience. The party's attendees were assembled on the back porch, looking on with various degrees of shock. Turning his eyes to Scootaloo, the only pony close enough to actually hear his conversation with Storm Front, he saw something else...fear. Scootaloo was afraid of him. Dawn's heart dropped in his chest and his body felt like it had suddenly been dipped in ice water. He wrenched his gaze away, unable to meet her eyes.
If, after everything else, I make her afraid of me, then I truly am wrong.
"I will be taking this stallion to the hospital," declared Storm Front, lifting off and taking the cord in his mouth, allowing him to carry the unconscious stallion through the air.
"After that, you can take him to prison," said Melon Cream coldly. With a huff, she turned around and marched back inside. One by one, the other members of the audience filed in after her, leaving Scootaloo and Dawn alone in the backyard again.
For a moment, Dawn and Scootaloo stood there, uncertain about what to do. Then, slowly, Dawn raised a hoof toward Scootaloo. Just as he was about to touch her, the filly flinched away from him. Dawn froze, unable to do or say anything more. The orange filly slowly inched away from him before turning and dashing back inside. Now alone in the yard, Dawn stood as still as stone, hoof outstretched. In his mind, he was certain that he had lost Scootaloo's friendship for good.
Cirrus's appearance had put a damper on things, but Pinkie Pie showed her skill in doing her best to get the party back on track. Rumble appeared to have gotten over Scootaloo's rejection and seemed to be enjoying himself now. Sweetie Belle stuck close to him and they ended up playing several games together.
Unfortunately, Scootaloo was no longer in much of a mood for parties or games. The things she had seen that night haunted her thoughts, completely dispelling the euphoria of finally getting to have her long-awaited First Flight Party. The thing that troubled her most was the shiver that went down her spine every time she now thought of Dawn. She had seen a side of him tonight that filled her with trepidation. As it was, in spite of her status as guest of honor, Scootaloo hung around the edges of the celebration and did her best to remain unnoticed.
She didn't succeed as well as she hoped. It was her party after all. The filly flinched when she felt a gentle hoof touch her shoulder. Turning around, she looked up at Fluttershy. "Scootaloo, what's wrong?"
Scootaloo diverted her gaze, somewhat unwilling to tell Dawn's mother that she was now thoroughly terrified of her son. "Nothing," she said softly.
"Now I know that's not true. Is it something your father said or did?"
Scootaloo silently shook her head.
"Is it something...Dawn did?"
Scootaloo hesitated slightly, before nodding slowly. Fluttershy withdrew her hoof. At first, Scootaloo wondered if she was about to be scolded. But instead, she felt a gentle wing wrap around her. "Please tell me," requested Fluttershy, giving Scootaloo her most encouraging smile.
Dawn had not rejoined the party. Instead, he sat silently in the backyard, staring at the aftermath of his brief fight with Cirrus. His mind replayed the words Storm Front had spoken to him and added them to the advice he had gotten from Red River and Granny Smith. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Scootaloo's face, the fear in her eyes when she looked at him. I'm a fool, he thought sullenly, How can I ever face her again? I don't think I can face Fluttershy like this. Perhaps I should leave.
"Dawn."
The colt's heart skipped a beat at the sound of his mother's voice. Looking up, he turned his head to see Fluttershy slowly walking towards him. She sat next to him and wrapped a wing around her son. "Scootaloo told me."
Dawn looked back to the ground and blinked away tears, albeit with limited success. "I...I saw how much Scootaloo was afraid of him. It made me angry. I...I wanted to hurt him...wanted to make him suffer for frightening his daughter like that. I thought that, if his pegasus heritage made him so proud that he had to ruin his daughter's life to make him feel better, I thought it appropriate that I take that heritage away."
Fluttershy gasped softly. "You mean...?"
"I was going to cut off his wings," said Dawn, "It didn't even occur to me that I was taking things too far. If Storm Front hadn't been here, I would have crippled and maimed Scootaloo's father.
"And the worst part is..." Dawn's voice cracked. He turned his head to look back up at Fluttershy again. "...I never felt I was wrong to do so. The only reason I feel bad now is because I know Scootaloo is afraid of me. I don't the feel the slightest bit of remorse for what I was about to do."
Slowly, he began to pull away from Fluttershy. "I've been trying to understand what you and everypony else have been trying to teach me. But I can't seem to grasp it well enough to avoid hurting the ponies close to me or driving them away. It seems that, ever since I've arrived, I've done nothing but cause you and everypony else hardships. I'm starting to wonder if those ponies from the other towns, the ones who rejected me, were onto something. I may not be a demon, but I seem to be a blight all the same."
Fluttershy's wing tightened around Dawn, pulling him back against her side. Before he could say anything else, Fluttershy wrapped her arms around him and held the colt close to her. "Don't ever think of yourself like that ever again." Fluttershy's voice hummed with an anger Dawn had never heard before. "You are not a bad pony and you are not a blight." She used one hoof to tilt Dawn's head up so that he could look directly into her eyes. "We all love you Dawn. And I will never...ever regret making you my son."
She gave him her brightest smile and gently kissed the tip of his snout. "I'm alive today because you saved me in the forest. I'm safe today because you protected me from that stallion. And right now, a certain filly is having her First Flight Party because you taught her how to fly.
"Dawn. You made a mistake tonight. You did something wrong. But that's what happens. Ponies make mistakes all the time. What's important is that you learn from them so that you don't make them again. You're going to make other mistakes too. Please don't give up just because of that."
Unable to respond, Dawn simply leaned against his mother as the silence of the night pressed in around them. |
The Promise of a New Day | The Final Straw | Chapter 8: The Final Straw
"So, Dawn went that far," mused Red River as he listened to Storm Front's retelling of the encounter between the colt and Scootaloo's father.
Storm Front simply nodded before taking a sip from the tankard of cider set before him. The two of them reclined in the kitchen of the Apple Family household. After dropping Cirrus Stratus off at the hospital, Storm Front had come directly to confer with Red River. Granny Smith had been kind enough to supply the two of them with food and drink before ambling into the living room.
At least Cirrus's fate was little cause for concern. For violating the restraining order, he'd spend a month in prison. For additional charges, such as the attempted kidnapping of Scootaloo, it was highly likely that the Cirrus would be permanently banned from setting hoof in Ponyville again.
"That's a bit troubling," muttered the azure earth pony as he worked his mind for some kind of solution to the problem, "If this keeps up, he may be the one we end up protecting the townsponies from."
"Ah told that colt he was gonna snap someday." The two stallions looked up to see that the Apple Family matriarch had returned to the kitchen. She grinned as she tottered over to help herself to some pie.
Red River frowned as he regarded the ancient mare. He was no idiot. Several days of sharing the house with her had revealed a side he wasn't sure her own family knew about her. He had heard Applejack's recounting of how Granny Smith had helped found Ponyville. But that was an event that had occurred hundreds of years ago. "Just who are you?"
Granny Smith turned and gave the azure stallion a knowing smile. "Why Ah'm just little old Granny Smith, no more, no less. Ah ain't anythin' special. 'Course, Ah've been Granny Smith to five generations 'o Apples now. A mare with mah years has a certain perspective. Ya two young'uns best pay attention to that."
The two stallions exchanged glances. "So what do we do then?"
Granny Smith sighed. "There ain't anythin' else to it. If we leave things as they are, that colt's not gonna be able to figure things out before he does somethin' he'll really regret." Her expression turned severe. "No helpin' it. He has to die."
Normally, the weekend was something fillies and colts especially enjoyed. It was a time where they were free from school to play and relax, enjoying an entire two days of free time. Dawn however, did not find the weekend so enjoyable. The fact that Scootaloo's First Flight Party had taken place Friday evening only meant that he had a whole two days to mull over his mistake and his problem. He didn't even consider stepping away from Fluttershy's house on Saturday.
Scootaloo was having similar issues. Ironically, she found herself wishing that she could be in school right now. At least then, she would have something to distract her from her current train of thought. As it was, when she joined the other Crusaders for their usual weekend activities, she found herself constantly looking over her shoulder to see if Dawn tried to join them. She honestly didn't know what she would do if he did show up. Part of her was worried when he didn't, the other part relieved.
Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Rumble were quick to pick up on Dawn's absence as well as Scootaloo's odd behavior. Unfortunately, she tended to brush aside their inquiries about what was going on. The situation cast a shadow over their usually jovial proceedings.
Dawn remained at home with Fluttershy, barely willing to set foot outside her door if it wasn't necessary. Fluttershy was disappointed by his behavior, but decided to allow it on the condition that he still returned to school come Monday. Dawn looked towards Monday with growing anxiety, worried about being forced to confront Scootaloo and her newfound fear of him.
On Monday, it seemed as though the events of the previous week were beginning to replay themselves, only with the participants shuffled. This time, it was Dawn who remained miserably silent throughout the day, barely ever responding to prompts from Cheerilee and otherwise hoping that the other students would forget his presence. Scootaloo watched him warily from her seat and shifted position a few times, but otherwise seemed normal. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Rumble looked on in confusion, wondering what just had happened between the two of them.
Dawn's self-imposed isolation continued during recess, as he retreated to a separate corner of the schoolyard and read silently. The Cutie Mark Crusaders and Rumble clustered together in their usual spot and tried to figure out what was going on. However, Scootaloo pointedly ignored any questions directed towards her.
As it was, a certain pair of annoying fillies saw an opportunity for themselves. Dawn had finished his lunch and was passing the time by reading a book he had borrowed from the the library when he heard approaching hoofsteps.
"Aw, what's the matter? Did the other blank flanks decide you weren't cool enough to spend time with them?" Diamond Tiara's voice was laden with mocking condescension. However, Dawn chose not to pay her any mind and instead chose to continue reading, although making sure to keep aware of her in case she or Silver Spoon decided to do something other than simply mock him.
"It's pretty pathetic when you think about it," continued Diamond, "It's bad enough that you're a blank flank. But it must hurt that you're so low that even other blank flanks won't let you spend time with them."
Dawn's eye didn't even twitch at her jibes. He continued to read silently, ignoring Diamond Tiara. He was quite aware that she was simply fishing for some kind of reaction from him and would jump on the opportunity should he attempt to respond.
"Come on Diamond Tiara, this is lame," complained Silver Spoon, "I don't even think he can hear you. Maybe he went deaf over the weekend. That would certainly explain why he didn't do much during class."
Dawn noticed that, in spite of her rather cruel words, Silver Spoon's complaint seemed more of an effort to defuse the situation, while masquerading it as another taunt in order to avoid arousing any suspicion on Diamond Tiara's part that she might be sympathetic to him (if that was the case). Had he not been holding a facade of unresponsiveness, he would have raised an eyebrow at her remark.
"Nah, he can hear us just fine," said Diamond Tiara airily, dismissing Silver Spoon's theory, "The little freak's just pretending he can't hear us."
Well, she nailed that in one, thought Dawn wryly.
Diamond Tiara continued. "It doesn't surprise me that you aren't hanging out with the other blank flanks anymore freak. After all, what kind of pony would want to spend time around a monster like you. I bet they got sick of you watching them with your creepy eyes all the time."
She leaned in closer. "Are you just trying to pretend that you're a normal pony so that everyone will forget what you really are.
"I can't believe that anypony would even try to be friends with you. And I can't imagine what kind of pony would want to adopt something like you either. Really, there must be something wrong with that Fluttershy if she can let you stay in her house." The other foals were noticing Diamond Tiara's attempt to harass Dawn. Those that had come within earshot were shifting uncomfortably at what she was suggesting; although, whether it was because they secretly agreed with her or thought she was taking things too far was up for debate. The other Crusaders had noticed the commotion and, with the notable exception of Scootaloo, who remained where she was, they were coming to try and put a stop to it.
Diamond Tiara continued on as though she didn't notice she had drawn an audience. "I should talk to daddy. I bet, if I tell him, he'll just buy Fluttershy's house so you two can get thrown out of town. You should leave before something even worse than that happens. We don't want freaks like you in Ponyville."
Dawn finally decided he'd had enough. He could easily handle insults and threats directed at him. But he was not about to allow his mother to be insulted or threatened because of him. For the first time since Diamond Tiara had started speaking, Dawn looked up from his book and regarded her with his unnerving gaze.
Diamond Tiara flinched back away from him slightly before trying to reclaim her mask of bravado. However, the slight quaver in her voice betrayed her nervousness. "What's the matter freak? Are you angry? It's not like you can do anything about it. If you tried to hurt me, you'd just regret it."
"Why is that?" asked Dawn.
"B-because if you hurt me, then my daddy will punish you," stammered the pink filly.
"And what makes you think that he'd find you worth avenging?" asked Dawn.
Diamond Tiara's jaw dropped. Dawn continued. "As far as I can tell, you aren't worth anything on your own."
For a moment, Diamond Tiara's jaw worked in the eerie silence that had descended on the schoolyard. "I...I...What?!"
"You threaten me with your father's influence. You threaten me with your father's wealth. But, in all honesty, what do you do for yourself? Everything you speak of belongs to your father, while you yourself have nothing." Dawn rose to his hooves and turned to face the arrogant filly head on. "Is that why you try so hard to assert your dominance? Is it because you realize that, without your father's name, without his wealth, you would have nothing? You would be nothing." With each question, Dawn took a step forward, which Diamond Tiara matched with a step away. He advanced until the now thoroughly frightened filly was backed up against the wall of the schoolhouse.
"That's the truth, isn't it. You cling so desperately to your father because you know that you have nothing of your own to threaten with. Even that cutie mark you're so proud of...Perhaps it means nothing more than the fact you are a pretend princess, dressed up in your father's money. In the end, the only thing you are is a doll, another way to show how rich an powerful he is. You hardly rate as a a daughter at all."
The other foals looked on in shock at Dawn's tirade. It seemed as though an icy wind was blowing through the yard. Diamond Tiara quivered against the side of the schoolhouse, trying desperately to come up with some kind of rebuttal, but failing utterly. Finally, she bolted, dashing around the corner and disappearing, possibly into the building. For a moment, there was no motion, then Silver Spoon slowly trotted off to look for her friend, throwing a frightened glance over her shoulder at Dawn, who was struck with the strangely eerie notion that this was akin to what had happened last week.
Dawn let out a low breath and closed his eyes. He could feel everypony's gaze upon him. He didn't expect exultation that he had finally done what so many wanted and put Diamond Tiara "in her place." But he was troubled to feel that the only feeling hanging in the air seemed to be fear. He knew that everypony, even his friends, were watching him warily, wondering what he would do next. Would he tear into one of them in such a verbally savage manner? What if they actually got him angry enough to lash out?
And Dawn joined them in that thought. He was getting worried. He had done something similar to Applejack, but felt more justified given that she had been trying to actually attack him at the time. But, even then, he hadn't been right to verbally abuse her like that. It seemed that the newfound security of his home with Fluttershy was emboldening him to be less tolerant of abuses against him. But Dawn was finding that his responses were...rather cruel. Is this my true nature?
Dawn remained frozen, staring at the section of wall Diamond Tiara had been cornered against. He couldn't bring himself to turn around and look at the other foals, sure that they would draw back from him the instant they thought he might notice them. Dawn didn't blame them for that. He suddenly found himself feeling very tired.
If anything, the rest of the day was even worse than before. Now, all the Crusaders, along with Rumble, were regarding Dawn rather warily. The other students were no better. Diamond Tiara refused to say a single word for the entire afternoon and Silver Spoon flinched whenever Dawn's gaze brushed by her. The atmosphere in the classroom was oppressive. Cheerilee did her best to soldier on and keep the lessons going, but was having a hard time keeping the foals engaged.
When the bell rang, Dawn departed on his own, heading back home by hoof, rather than flying. Nopony tried to stop him, every other foal in the class keeping their distance as he went on his way. The colt was so wrapped up in his own thoughts that he barely noticed the blue and red stallion who moved to bar his path.
"It seems that you haven't quite taken my advice to heart," said Red River as he gazed down at the colt.
Dawn took the interruption of his thoughts in stride and looked up at the stallion. "I am trying. But you could be right to say that I don't seem to be making much progress."
Red River slowly shook his head. "Unfortunately, in a lot of ways, you are making too much progress. After all, you seem to have gotten very good about experiencing anger."
A sigh escaped Dawn's lips as he looked back the way he came. "But I don't have a handle on understanding the pain of others."
"You understand it as an abstract concept. You can read their reaction and measure it against their normal behavior and rationalize the pain, fear and anger of others, just like a scientist linking cause and effect. What you lack, is the capacity to truly connect with the feelings of others. Over time, you might be able rediscover this capacity that you stifled, but I fear for the damage you might cause in the meantime."
Dawn tilted his head, not quite liking the direction this conversation was heading.
Red River sighed. "It pains me to take such drastic action, but I am afraid that we can no longer risk allowing you to run free as you are."
"What do you mean?"
Dawn froze as Red River fixed him with a stern gaze, the full force of the stallion's will crashing down upon him. For a moment, Dawn felt helpless, unable to move. "We have decided that you cannot be permitted to live.
"Dawn Lightwing. It has been decided that, in order to protect the ponies of Equestria from your impulses, which are backed by truly awe-inspiring power, that you will have to die. Storm Front and I shall be your executioners and the date shall be six days hence. You have that time to put your affairs in order. We will meet at the quarry outside of town. No one should bother us there.
"If you do not wish to die, your only choice is to leave and never show yourself in any part of Equestria ever again. If you do, we will find you and we will end you."
Dawn's body had gone numb as his mind processed Red River's pronouncement. He couldn't help but feel that the entire situation was ludicrous. It had all the trappings of a bad dream. Here he was, in a town where the population didn't immediately organize into a mob upon his appearance, living with a mare who had willingly become his mother, attending school with foals and making friends his own age for the first time in his life, and now he was faced with his impending death at the hooves of the two stallions who had been originally called into town on his behalf.
Then, Storm Front's admonishment of him came into the colt's mind. It was followed by the frightened expression on Scootaloo's face after he had almost crippled her father. He remembered the fear and wariness he felt from the other foals in school. They weren't wary of something as superficial as his eyes, but because he had given them good reason to regard him with fear. Dawn felt hollow inside, as though all the progress he had made, all the things he had gained, had been without meaning. Perhaps Red River was right. Perhaps he was too dangerous to be allowed to roam unchecked. Perhaps it was for the best that his life was brought to an end before he ended up hurting an innocent pony.
Red River did not stick around for the colt's answer. He merely left. Dawn was so lost in thought that he barely noticed. Upon realizing that he was alone, once again, Dawn let out another sigh. What do I do now?
What do I do now? Rainbow Dash let out a groan and pushed away from the desk. Paperwork was the part she hated most about managing the weather team. If she had just been a rank and file member, she wouldn't have to worry about forms, schedules or cloud requisitions. All she would have to do was follow directions and put the clouds where they were supposed to go and buck them away when they weren't needed anymore. But no; she had to take the job as manager when it opened up. A higher position generally meant a better chance to show her skills and responsibility, which would improve her standing as a Wonderbolts candidate.
The fact that the Wonderbolts were a flight team was an important fixture. For all that she practiced her stunts and routines, honing her flight skills and improving her physical abilities, Rainbow knew that those alone would not be enough to be considered for a position with her idols. Being in the Wonderbolts meant sharing the sky with other ponies, namely your teammates. By showcasing her skills as a manager, Rainbow Dash was able to demonstrate that she could be responsible, not trying to do everything herself and able to coordinate the work of her subordinates. While it was a far cry from the close in-flight coordination practiced by the Wonderbolts themselves, it was still a step in the right direction.
That knowledge didn't make the paperwork any more bearable, especially at times like this, when the only news Rainbow was tending to receive was bad news. The weather factory was still unable to provide the clouds the town needed and the team's meager haul of collected clouds wouldn't be enough to sustain a full rainstorm, even if they limited it to just Ponyville's farming community. That meant that the next storm would be insufficient to fully water the crops, which would mean that another storm would have to be scheduled even sooner, giving the team even less time to gather more clouds, which meant that the following storm would have to be smaller still. It was a vicious cycle that showed no signs of ending.
Aggravating things was the fact that Rainbow Dash's inbox was stuffed full of complaints from distressed citizens, unhappy that their flowerbeds weren't getting watered or that the parks and Whitetail Woods were wilting away in the drought. Rainbow could explain the problem until she was blue (well...bluer than usual) in the face, but a lot of ponies wouldn't accept what she had to say. She knew more than a few letters were accusing her of being just plain lazy, as though she was truly irresponsible and cruel enough to cause a drought just because she wanted more nap time. If anything, her anxiety over the situation meant that Rainbow Dash was getting even less sleep than usual. Mare Mayor had informed the sky-blue pegasus that she had even received a couple of petitions to relieve Rainbow Dash of her position. Fortunately, the Mayor was going to do nothing of the sort. But that didn't decrease the irritation Rainbow felt at being saddled with the blame for the crisis. One thing she had learned about being in charge, even when it wasn't, it was still your fault.
Rainbow Dash had even briefly entertained flat out breaking the law. However, she read an article in the latest issue of the Ponyville Post about the weather team in Long Fields, another town that got their weather from Cloudsdale, who had done just that. Unfortunately, Cloudsdale had reacted with frightening speed and shut the team down, arresting the members and heavily fining the town itself for use of illegally created weather. The article had Rainbow's blood boiling, but it also had the gears in her head turning.
Even though they were being impossibly sluggish to respond to the crisis, the authorities and Cloudsdale were still lightning fast when it came to responding towards anypony who broke the rules. It was almost as though they wanted to drag out the drought as much as possible. It was like the ponies who ran the Weather Factory were trying to strangle the farming communities of the Cloudsdale Distribution Zone. The rumors Rainbow was already hearing from Cloudsdale itself were unsettling. But this new development only made her suspicions and fears more concrete. If that was the case, Rainbow Dash was afraid of what she would have to do next. I'll have to go to Cloudsdale and deal with the problem directly.
Dawn soared gracefully over the roofs of Ponyville, watching laconically as the inhabitants went about their afternoon business. He knew that he had at least two hours before he needed to return home (lest Fluttershy get worried). Initially, he had planned on going back directly after school. But Red River's chilling pronouncement had put an end to that plan of action, if only because Dawn no longer felt like going back currently.
He was torn over what to do. Part of him wanted to simply run, to disappear once again into the depths of the Everfree, where things were, if not safer, much simpler. There would be no more worrying about interacting with other ponies, no more worrying about his stunted and uneven emotional development, no worrying about other ponies trying to kill him for reasons superficial or not.
But leaving meant leaving Fluttershy. It meant leaving Rainbow Dash. It meant leaving Scootaloo and the other Crusaders, for all that Dawn was aware that he probably wasn't quite as welcome among their number as he was before. For the first time, Dawn felt as though he truly had a home. And he didn't want to leave that behind.
That meant, however, that come the deadline, he would have to face Red River and Storm Front, who had promised to carry out his execution. Dawn had no desire to allow that to happen. But in his very first encounter with the stallions, Dawn had sensed that their skills and experience surpassed his own. The Gale King was powerful, but it was far from absolute. As martial artists, Red River and Storm Front stood on a plane above him. Even if he fought to the fullest of his ability, Dawn was fairly certain that the only outcome that awaited him was death.
The only other option available to him was to simply sit and allow for the final blow to fall. And given the way things had been going recently, the ebony colt was beginning to find that choice less and less distressing. They're right after all. I've already been proven to be unstable and unreliable. It might be safest that I be put down before I hurt Fluttershy, Scootaloo or some other innocent. His thoughts on this matter had been disturbingly dark as of late.
Dawn's train of thought was interrupted by the sight of a familiar-looking gray pegasus, who was hovering over the train station, waving at him cheerfully. Ditzy Doo was apparently going on her rounds. Dawn knew that she flew to deliver the mail in the morning and then to deliver heavier packages in the afternoon. She was one of the most dedicated employees of the local post office and had a reputation as a hard worker, in spite of the difficulties and occasional minor disaster caused by her condition. She flew the majority of the local routes in town while other ponies took care of the long-distance deliveries (due to her sense of direction being one of the things currently affected by her disability).
In spite of himself, Dawn felt a small smile on his face as he gave the mare a half-hearted wave in return. It was difficult to remain down in the face of Ditzy's constantly upbeat personality. He watched as Ditzy descended to the station bellow to pick up a parcel that had been brought in by the train. Naturally, shipping by train was a bit less expensive than shipping by pegasus when it came to long distances.
As she took to the air again, Ditzy began to head off in the direction of wherever the package's intended recipient was, only to catch her wing on the weathervane on the station's roof. Knocked off balance, Ditzy let out a startled cry as she deviated off course. Before she could regain control, she ended up ramming into a flagpole, which stunned her enough to knock the poor mare out of the sky.
Dawn's reaction was almost instantaneous. Using his wings and hooves, the colt accelerated, seeming to vanish from his original position only to materialize directly beneath the plummeting Ditzy. Spinning about, Dawn whirled his wing in a circle, catching Ditzy in an ascending air current that slowed her descent and killed her momentum. The gray mare's wings caught the sudden updraft and allowed her to descend slowly back to the ground. Fortunately, she had the forethought and dedication to continue maintaining her grip on the package until she landed.
Looking around, Ditzy let out a relieved sigh and sank to her belly, letting out a dejected moan. Looking around, Dawn saw that there were several other ponies in the vicinity, many of whom wore expressions of anger and disgust. A couple of mares were hiding giggles. A few simply looked weary, having seen this situation play out several times in the past. Many were surprised to see Dawn appear seemingly out of nowhere to catch Ditzy.
"Are you alright?" asked Dawn, extending a hoof and gently propping Ditzy up.
Ditzy groaned. "I just don't know what went wrong."
Ignoring the tittering coming from their impromptu audience at Ditzy's remark, Dawn thought the matter over. "It seems a fairly simple issue to me."
"Huh?" Ditzy focused her eyes on the colt...or at least, she tried to. As she moved one eye over focus, the other wandered off on a separate track, only for the first to drift off when she tried to correct the second's deviation. As a result, her eyes seemed to be in constant motion, wandering in different directions. Dawn certainly didn't envy the headache the condition must have given her on multiple occasions.
"You misjudged your distance from the roof, while your eyes probably missed the weathervane. When you clipped the weathervane, the resulting disorientation caused your eyes to shift again, creating a blind spot where the flagpole was. You didn't even know it was there until you rammed into it." Silence descended as Ditzy listened to Dawn's explanation. She found it completely on the mark. Some of the ponies who had been listening in actually seemed to be pondering what Dawn had said.
Dawn could understand Ditzy's plight quite well. It was bad enough that she could almost never get her eyes' fields of view to overlap well enough to provide her with the stereoscopic vision necessary to maintain proper depth perception. The fact that both eyes seemed to wander on their own tracks whenever she tried to get one or the other under control meant that Ditzy's field of vision was constantly shifting and changing, creating blind spots in one area and then another, only to shift further as her eyes continued to spin out of her control. If a blind spot was a known quantity, it could be compensated for. However, because hers were always changing, Ditzy never knew for sure where her blind spots would be and couldn't compensate for them. It was a no-win situation for her. Dawn thought he would almost prefer to be blind, rather than have Ditzy's affliction.
Thinking it over, Dawn wondered if there was a way to help Ditzy overcome her problem. She had probably gone to doctors before in order try and correct the problem. Dawn couldn't fix her eyes. But...maybe...I can teach her how to make do without them.
With a sigh, Ditzy picked the package back up and spread her wings. "I need to get this delivered," she said slowly before lifting into the air. To her surprise, Dawn joined her.
"Do you have some free time after this?" he asked, "There's something I would like to try. It may be of help to you."
Ditzy gave him an uncertain nod. This was her last delivery of the day. She hoped Dawn wouldn't mind Dinky coming along, since Ditzy was loathe to leave her at home longer than she had to.
Dawn found himself smiling a little as he accompanied Ditzy on the last leg of her current deliveries.
Scootaloo didn't feel much like crusading lately. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Rumble all sought to find some way to cheer her up, but seeing Dawn's fierce and surprisingly cruel put-down of Diamond Tiara had stolen a great deal of their enthusiasm as well. And it seemed that all the tree sap in the world couldn't make the situation any better.
Ultimately, the orange filly decided that she just needed some time to herself. After using her wings to shoot up into the air, Scootaloo tried flying again, just as she had done when she had been watching Dawn and Rumble race. She found it was much easier to maintain her position in the air, although the finer points of maneuvering were still a little much for her at this stage. Scootaloo found herself wobbling and making ungainly turns to try and correct her course.
Unfortunately, flying through Ponyville's airspace, particularly when Scootaloo was only beginning to understand the process, was almost as bad as when she tore through the town streets on her scooter. Although the sky wasn't crowded with pegasi, there were enough going about their business to take exception to the unskilled filly as she tried her hardest to weave through them. All told, Scootaloo was quite lucky she managed to get through a portion of the sky without incident.
As she flew, she turned her eyes and suddenly noticed the presence of Dawn. The weeks of practice Scootaloo had put into developing her basic skills caused her to immediately flare her wings up to bring herself into a hovering position to avoid hitting anything due to her distraction. Looking over, the filly saw Dawn flying alongside Ditzy of all ponies as he apparently accompanied her on her delivery rounds.
Part of Scootaloo wanted to duck and hide when she saw the colt. However, she could see that Dawn hadn't yet noticed her, or at least wasn't showing it if he did. She wondered what he was up to. Part of her just wanted to turn around and escape before Dawn noticed her. But the other part was curious over what Dawn was doing with Ditzy. Her curiosity won out and Scootaloo carefully turned around to follow Dawn and Ditzy.
"So what are we doing here?" asked Ditzy as Dinky slid off her back. She and Dawn had stopped to pick Dinky up before the colt led them out to the edge of the Whitetail Woods.
"I was thinking I could help you work around the problem with your eyes," explained Dawn.
"Really?" asked Ditzy, unable to keep the excitement from her voice. She had gone to see numerous specialists in an attempt to correct her vision problem. But the results had always been the same. There was nothing to be done.
Dawn nodded. "The key would be to reduce your dependency on your eyes so that you can navigate without them."
"Fly without my eyes? Is that possible?"
In response to Ditzy's question, Dawn closed his eyes and took to the air. He sped straight towards the first few trees. Ditzy and her daughter watched in horror, expecting the colt to slam headfirst into a trunk. However, Dawn banked and easily circled around the first one he encountered. He quickly wove his way through several more trees and even rose up and looped around some smaller branches before turning about and returning. After settling on the ground, he opened his eyes and looked up at Ditzy.
"How did you do that?" she asked in stunned awe.
"It's an easy skill to learn, but difficult to master," explained Dawn, "Pegasus wings are extremely sensitive to the flow of air. You can learn to read that flow to predict the presence of obstacles in order to avoid them."
"How?"
Dawn gave her an encouraging smile. "It's simple to start. First I need you to close your eyes..."
Scootaloo watched from her hiding place up in one of the trees as Dawn walked Ditzy through the same exercise he had originally started her on. She was surprised to see the ebony colt teaching Ditzy. Scootaloo had originally assumed that Ditzy was simply clumsy. It was what almost everypony in Ponyville thought. She knew that the gray mare was friendly and kind. After all, she had let Scootaloo and Melon Cream stay in her home until they had found a new house. Melon and Ditzy were old friends, apparently since before Scootaloo had even been born. Even though she knew better than to believe the worst rumors that flew about the bubbly gray mare, Scootaloo couldn't help but feel a bit frustrated by her tendency to crash so easily.
To her surprise, as Scootaloo listened, she heard Dawn's instruction take an unusual turn...
"You feel air around you quite keenly now, don't you," remarked Dawn as Ditzy stood with her wings unfolded.
Ditzy nodded her assent. "Good," said Dawn, "I want you to focus on that feeling for now. Block out your thoughts about everything else. Simply pay attention to the feeling of the air flowing over your wings. What can you tell me?"
"Hmm," Ditzy mused, "There's a light breeze blowing from the west. The sky is really clear and the air is really dry."
"All accurate," complimented Dawn, "Now, I want you to walk forward...slowly. Pay attention to how the air shifts around you as you move through it. Follow the sound of my voice."
Ditzy did as she was bid, taking careful steps in Dawn's direction. The colt fell back slowly, calling out instructions to keep Ditzy on course. As she did, she felt a strange eddy pulling at the air currents on her left side. "Muffin, do you mind standing back a bit?"
"Okay momma," said Dinky, falling back slightly.
On the other hoof, Dawn's mouth spread into a smirk. "Miss Doo, could you tell me how you knew your daughter was next to you?"
Ditzy ground to a halt. Her eyes shot back open as the realization came to her. She hadn't seen Dinky, of course, her eyes had been closed after all. Now that she thought about it, she had missed the other cues well. The only thing that stood out was the change in the air currents caused by her daughter's approach.
"That's right," said Dawn, drawing on the lecture his Master had given him when he'd learned this skill, "Air is a fluid substance, always in motion and always flowing. Solid bodies displace the air around them. Even stationary objects create some form of interference that can be sensed through your wings. A moving object creates a greater disturbance still. You sensed the peculiar change in the air caused by your daughter's presence. Already you were able to identify qualities about it unique to her."
"Amazing!" exclaimed Ditzy in wonder, "It's sort of like learning how to see without my eyes."
"Indeed," agreed Dawn, "Unfortunately, there is only so much I can teach you. It's virtually impossible to explain how different sensations translate into different things. You may even feel things differently from the way I do. Rather, what you must do now is start learning from experience how to interpret the flow of air over your wings.
"The most basic application of this technique is identifying obstacles. Once you gain a decent understanding, I think you'll find that you'll be able to react to obstacles even better than a pony with perfectly functioning eyes. The air is all around us. Once you learn to read it, you will have no blind spots to worry about. As you continue to practice, you'll even be able to extend your range further and sense things that are farther away. This is simply advancing the application of your magic."
"How far could I see?" asked Ditzy.
Dawn shrugged. "It's difficult to say. On my best days, I can maintain a clear picture of everything within a twenty-meter radius of myself. I'm working on expanding it farther, but that's the best I can do for now. And I've been honing this skill for several years now."
"Hmm," Ditzy tapped her chin in thought, "It'll be nice just to be able to fly like a normal pegasus without running into stuff."
"Keep in mind that your skill is still at a basic level," said Dawn, "You're only beginning to understand it. Even if you can sense obstacles, it will take time before you'll be able to identify them and react to them, at least until you have more experience. Furthermore, you'll need to expand your range if you want to be able to sense obstacles with enough time to avoid them."
"Okay," said Ditzy, her mood falling slightly.
"But we can start working on that now," said Dawn. He lifted a hoof and pointed towards the forest. "Start walking that way. The moment you feel some unusual sensation in the air, stop. Try to identify what you were about to walk into and then try to navigate around it. Remember, go slowly."
Ditzy nodded and closed her eyes again. Recalling Dawn's original instructions for the exercise, she once again spread her wings...
Scootaloo's fascination now eclipsed her fear of Dawn. She found herself listening carefully to his lecture, something she rarely did. She noted the instructions Dawn gave as he walked Ditzy through the exercise and started envisioning trying them on her own. Quivering with excitement, Scootaloo quietly watched for the rest of the afternoon as Dawn put Ditzy through her paces.
Ditzy showed herself to be a surprisingly apt student. From the very beginning, she was quick to identify the presence of trees, rocks and other obstacles. Only once or twice did she bump into a wide trunk before she could realize it was there. Fortunately, the very slow and deliberate pace Dawn made her move at spared the mare from any injury. Little Dinky though, had grown tired of watching such slow and sedate activities and settled in for a nap.
After three hours of practice, a very tired Ditzy finally scooped her daughter up onto her back and set off into a trot towards home. Dawn politely accompanied the mother and daughter. Scootaloo briefly pondered following them, but decided to go her own way. Remembering Dawn's statement about his own capabilities suddenly made her very nervous. What if he knew she had been watching the entire time? Worse still, what if he got angry over it? The orange filly could scarcely begin to imagine what might happen should Dawn get angry with her.
Scootaloo decided she had seen enough for the day. Vowing that she would try Dawn's exercise later, she took to the air, her motions getting smoother and cleaner every time she lifted off the ground, and set off on her flight towards home.
Dawn had indeed noticed Scootaloo's presence after she had started following them. He chose to act as though he hadn't noticed. He wasn't prepared for any kind of confrontation. Worse, he could still tell that Scootaloo was afraid of him. He still couldn't perceive her emotion in anything other than the abstract sense, but the colt still chafed at the distance that had seemingly opened up between them. At the very least though, I can still do this much, he thought, knowing that Scootaloo had been watching and listening as he instructed Ditzy. He knew that she would soon try it on her own, and suspected that she would even execute it with as much care as he had made Ditzy use. He could only hope that would be the case. After all, Dawn doubted that Scootaloo would stick around long enough to hear a lecture from him.
Having left Ditzy and her daughter at the front entrance to their home, Dawn took to the skies to fly back to his own home. The distraction afforded by Ditzy's lesson fell away from his mind and he was once again confronted by the stark reality of his situation. In six days, he would die. He didn't hold any illusions that he would somehow be able to seize victory from his more skilled and more experienced opponents. In a sense, Dawn felt as though he had already accepted his death. So he decided to use his remaining time to do what he could for somepony who had a better chance than him. If nothing else, I can leave behind something other than misery for a few ponies. |
The Promise of a New Day | Execution | Chapter 9: Execution
The days passed in a blur for Dawn. He got up, went to school, doing his best not to cause any further trouble. In the afternoon, he helped Ditzy finish her deliveries so that he could help her refine her wind-sense. Then he returned home to his mother for dinner before falling into bed to begin the cycle all over again.
Fluttershy noticed the change in her son. He had already been quite melancholy over the events at Scootaloo's party. But now, it seemed like something in the colt had broken. On Wednesday, Fluttershy had gone into Dawn's room, more than a little shocked to find that he hadn't gotten up yet (the colt being the habitual early riser that he was), only to find him lying on his bed, gazing pensively at the ceiling as though contemplating whether it was even worth getting up to face the new day. Dawn no longer went through his forms every morning, choosing to instead sit and brood on the couch.
Fluttershy was at a loss over how to help him. Dawn looked like a colt who had received a death sentence (she was quite lucky she didn't know how accurate her assessment of Dawn's mood was). Dawn was uncooperative at best, refusing to discuss his problem with her. Fluttershy had heard that he had been spending time with Ditzy and wondered if that had anything to do with it.
Dawn was slowly coming to terms with his situation. He had only ever seen Red River or Storm Front a few times since Monday, at a distance at that. But still, he could feel the inevitability of his situation pressing down on him. He hoped that, with a week of training, he could give Ditzy enough pointers that she would be able to continue her own training after he was gone. Right now, that was the best he could manage. He also wished he had time to teach the basics of the Gale King style to Scootaloo, like he had promised. But he felt he could leave somewhat satisfied, given that he had already taught her to fly. Perhaps that was enough.
It had never even occurred to him that he could appeal to the authorities. In all of Dawn's prior experience, going to the Guard of whatever town he was about to be run out of had done nothing to improve his situation and frequently only served to exacerbate it. Furthermore, the grim finality of Red River's statement had brooked no thoughts of resistance. One way or another, Dawn would have to face them, or depart Equestria entirely. Part of him accepted that. Part of him felt that he deserved the fate that was now imposed on him. He'd seen his darkest inclinations dragged out into the light and Dawn was truly afraid of the pony he might become.
Like with the authorities, the thought of informing his mother, or his mother's friends never occurred to him. It was more than likely that Twilight Sparkle could intercede on his behalf, maybe even make his problem with the two mercenary stallions vanish like a puff of smoke. But Dawn couldn't bring himself to feel that he deserved such intervention; that doing something like that prevented him from confronting the consequences of his actions.
What if he ever lost control like that again? What happened if he snapped at another pony? What happened if somepony like Storm Front or Red River wasn't around to stop him? No, getting help from his mother or her friends wasn't the answer. Getting anypony else involved wasn't the answer.
One way or another, this was his battle and his alone.
The days continued to pass by. It was Saturday before he knew it. Tomorrow, Dawn would face Red River and Storm Front, and he would probably meet his end at their hooves.
Fluttershy had been working on grooming one of her many animal friends when she heard a soft tapping on the door. Dawn was still in his room. Fluttershy had no doubt he was awake. He had come out to eat breakfast with her before retreating into isolation once again. She wondered who it was that could be knocking.
Opening the door, Fluttershy's eyes widened in surprise. "Scootaloo! What are you doing here?"
Scootaloo shifted uncomfortably. "I was wondering if I could see Dawn," she said softly. She clearly looked torn about whether or not she really wanted to see the colt again, but at least she was making the effort.
Fluttershy couldn't help but smile. "Oh, that's wonderful. Dawn's in his room right now. He's been so depressed all week. Maybe you could cheer him up."
Scootaloo winced. She had seen that Dawn had been down in the dumps, but had been too afraid to approach him. Slowly, she walked up to his room and knocked on the door.
"Come in."
Reaching out with a hoof, Scootaloo slowly opened the door to see Dawn on his mattress, staring pensively at the pillow. His expression was blank and unreadable. When his eyes found hers, Scootaloo flinched away and saw Dawn flinch at the same time. She realized that it hurt him to know that she was afraid of him. After everything, his personality and own flaws had done what his eyes could not and driven one of his very first friends from his presence.
Still, Scootaloo forced herself to step into Dawn's room and walked towards him. "Dawn," she said, coming to a stop at the edge of his bed, "I'm sorry."
"For being afraid of me?"
Scootaloo recoiled like she had been slapped, casting her gaze down and away from the black colt. "W-well..."
"It's true," said Dawn decisively, looking away as well, "And I don't blame you. I should be feared."
"D-Dawn...?"
"All those ponies who had always shouted at me, attacked me, forced me into hiding, I suppose they can be happy. In a way, I have become the very monster they wanted me to be."
"That's not true!" blurted Scootaloo suddenly looking back up at him, "You aren't a monster. I admit I'm scared of you. But that's because there are moments where you don't seem to be in control, where you're trying to hurt a pony just for the sake of hurting them. That's bad and it's wrong, but it doesn't make you a monster."
"Then what does it make me?" asked Dawn, "I didn't just want to hurt your father. I wanted to maim him. In my frustration I decided that I would take the sky away from him forever. What you are afraid of is very real. How am I not a monster?"
"Because you can change," answered Scootaloo, "If you really were a monster, you'd be so sure that you're right that you'd be angry at me for being afraid of you. You're like this now because you realize something's wrong with you. That means you can fix it!"
"Even if that is true," said Dawn, "What happens until I am fixed. What if somepony gets hurt because I was left to my own devices while we try to fix me? I'm too dangerous to be allowed to run loose."
Scootaloo cautiously climbed up on Dawn's bed. "We'll deal with it," she said, laying down next to him and leaning against him, "Me, your mom, all our friends, we'll keep you from hurting other ponies while we try to help you fix yourself."
Dawn looked down. "I would thank you, but it's too late. My sentence has already been pronounced. Tomorrow, I die."
Scootaloo took a moment to pick her jaw up off the bed. "What?" Her voice was barely a squeak.
"Red River and Storm Front will be ending my life tomorrow. They determined that I am much too dangerous to be permitted to stay. So tomorrow, either I leave Ponyville and never show my face in Equestria again, or I die."
Saturday was an excellent day for business. Red River had already sold all his stock and was in the process of the dragging the wagon back to Sweet Apple Acres for more. His enjoyment of the beautiful afternoon was marred by the sound of wings flapping. Scootaloo descended out of the sky and skidded to a stop in front of the stallion before wheeling around and glaring at him.
"What the hay do you think you're doing?" she demanded, "Why are you trying to kill Dawn?"
"Ah, I see I've been found out," remarked Red River casually as he continued pulling the cart, "I underestimated you. I didn't think you would have the courage to approach Dawn before my deadline. Perhaps that is for the best."
"What are you talking about?"
Red River shook his head. "Storm Front and I have decided we cannot permit Dawn to live when he presents such a dire threat to innocent ponies. Can you honestly say that he's harmless."
Scootaloo paused and looked down. "No...but still...It's not fair to punish a pony for what he might do."
"In this case it's more than a 'might,'" replied Red River, "He actually was about to cut your father's wings off last week. Only Storm Front's intervention stopped him. And what about that filly in your class? Had Dawn been angry enough with her, he would have had no compunction against badly injuring her."
Scootaloo grit her teeth in frustration. Diamond Tiara had not shown up in class for the entire week after Dawn's verbal destruction of her self-esteem. Silver Spoon was still attending, but refused to speak about her friend's situation. The Cutie Mark Crusaders and many other foals in the class would have been happy to have a week without the snooty filly to make their lives miserable. But the unpleasant circumstances, under which the affair had occurred, made her absence seem more depressing than anything else.
"Th-that's true...but he didn't," Scootaloo finally managed to say, "And it doesn't work to say 'but he could have,' because he didn't."
"I suppose so," murmured Red River, "I don't have much choice in the matter. I'll tell you the truth, so long as you promise not to visit the colt again today."
"What truth?"
"The truth that we are not merely trying to kill Dawn Lightwing, but rather, save him."
Scootaloo blinked, staring up at the stallion in stunned silence. "Okay. Tell me what's going on."
Rarity looked up from her latest design as she heard the bell over her door tinkle, signaling the arrival of another customer. Going out into the public portion of her shop, she put on her most welcoming smile to greet the customer. "Welcome to the Carousel Boutique, how can I help you?"
Rarity came to a stop upon identifying the visiting stallion. He was a very familiar customer, bearing a brown coat and a slicked back black mane shot through with strands of gray. The brown earth pony wore a suit that was perfectly-tailored for his well-toned physique that showed his cutie mark, three bags of money, to his advantage. Rarity knew it was perfectly-tailored because she was the one who tailored it. This stallion was one of her best male customers after all. "Filthy Rich, darling! What brings you here this day? Do you have another commission for me?"
Filthy Rich sighed and smiled, his expression surprisingly shy given what a powerful (financially speaking) and self-assured pony he was. "Actually, Miss Rarity..."
"Just Rarity darling, there's no need to be so formal with me."
"Actually Rarity, I have a request of a rather personal nature."
Rarity blinked in surprise. It was unlike Filthy Rich to be so hesitant. And while she counted him as a friend, she had never thought she would get something like this from him. "Perhaps we should retire to my kitchen and we can discuss this."
"That would be...nice."
Once in the kitchen, Rarity set about making tea for her and her guest. It seemed odd for the stallion to come to her with a personal request given that their relationship, while friendly, had always maintained the professional distance between a businessmare and her client.
Once the tea was steeping on the table, Rarity seated herself with a smile and addressed the stallion. "What can I do for you Mr. Rich?"
Filthy Rich sighed and gave the designer a sad look. "I'm sure that you are familiar with the antics of my daughter."
Rarity frowned. That was one...unpleasant aspect of their relationship. "Yes. I have heard many things about her from Sweetie Belle, some of them very unflattering."
"If you could be so kind, could you give me some examples?"
Rarity tilted her head as she thought. She dreaded going over the details with Diamond Tiara's own father. It seemed like the sort of thing that could ruin a relationship with her client, one of the things that kept her from bringing up the issue with Filthy Rich before. However, it was clear that Filthy Rich wanted honesty. She doubted he would tolerate an attempt to dissuade him from the topic.
"To be honest, there have been days that Sweetie Belle came home in tears because of what Diamond Tiara has said and done to her and her friends. To put it simply, if mildly, from what I've heard, your daughter is a terror."
A sardonic smile made its way briefly across the face of the stallion. "The same could be said of your sister and her friends."
"In a sense," Rarity said, acknowledging the halfhearted response with a nod, "Although the context is completely different. Sweetie and her fellow Crusaders are terrors by accident. They mean well and generally just want to find their cutie marks and enjoy their foalhoods. The trouble they cause is largely a consequence of them not thinking all the way through their actions.
"In contrast, Diamond Tiara is a terror in the sense that she deliberately sets out to make the lives of other foals a misery. She derives a degree of amusement from hurting others and making them fear her."
Filthy Rich sighed. "I was afraid of that. And yet, from what I hear, your sister and her friend, who happens to be a member of the family that is the very source of my present wealth and position have been bullied by my daughter for quite some time. Why is it that this has never been brought to my attention before?"
Rarity's lip trembled as Filthy Rich brought up the million bit question. "To be honest, I suspect it has to do with the relationship we've had over these past years. You are a valued client to me and a close family friend to the Apples. I fear that neither of us has brought this to your attention because we feared losing your business."
Filthy gave Rarity and incredulous look. "Are you saying that you've been allowing your sisters to suffer because you were afraid that you would lose me as a source of income?"
Tears ran down Rarity's cheeks as she acknowledged it. She hated getting emotional in front of a client like this. But the situation and its repercussions were driving her past the breaking point. "Yes. I'm a horrible sister sometimes, I know. It seemed so trivial at times and easier to look the other way. And things seemed to get easier for Sweetie Belle after she found her friends and formed the Crusaders. I thought that maybe, even if your daughter continued to bully them, she wouldn't be able to hurt them as badly because they had each other. But that doesn't excuse my negligence, does it?"
Filthy Rich shook his head. "No it doesn't. And it doesn't excuse my negligence either. I've heard rumors from other ponies regarding my daughter's issues, but either dismissed them or ignored them. To know that my daughter has been behaving in such a way and that I have failed to take any action to correct her behavior undermines me as a father."
With a sniff, Rarity dabbed her nose with a napkin before pouring tea for her and her guest. "I suppose we've both made mistakes then," she observed, "Is that why you're here then, to rectify them?"
Filthy Rich nodded before taking a small sip of his tea.
"May I ask what brought this on?"
The stallion directed a pensive gaze into the liquid filling his cup. "Earlier this week, Diamond Tiara came home from school, crying her eyes out. I barely got a chance to ask what was wrong before she threw herself at me and asked if I really loved her. She asked if maybe I thought she was some sort of doll, another toy I could use to show off my wealth. I was horrified to even consider the notion.
"After I assured her of my love and got her sufficiently calmed down enough to talk, she told me what happened. Apparently some colt in school suggested that she was worthless because everything she had originally came from me."
Rarity gasped, covering her mouth with her hooves. "Oh dear."
Filthy Rich nodded. "I'll admit, I was furious with whoever had told her this. But after I learned the truth, Diamond Tiara started insisting that I get revenge for her, that I punish the colt who hurt her feelings. She wanted me to buy Miss Fluttershy's home and force her and her son out of Ponyville."
Rarity blinked. "So the colt that hurt Diamond Tiara was Dawn?"
There was a brief moment of confusion before Filthy Rich nodded. "You know him?"
"Yes, Fluttershy just recently adopted him. He'd been living on his own for quite some time. He has a unique condition with his eyes that makes them look very distinct. He's suffered a great deal of mistreatment from ponies because of that."
Filthy Rich tapped his chin with a hoof. "That explains why Diamond Tiara occasionally called him a freak."
Rarity took a sip from her own cup. "I'm sorry to hear that Dawn's words traumatized your daughter. But it seems she did bring it upon herself. It wouldn't surprise me if she was harassing that colt over his eyes. When he snaps he tends to resort to psychological attacks to avoid doing physical harm to other ponies. At least, that's what he did to Applejack when she put him in a similar situation."
"In other words, he exercised a great deal of restraint and my daughter brought this upon herself."
"Well..." Rarity hedged, "I can't quite disagree with the latter. But with the former...to be honest, it doesn't sit well with me. The last thing I would want would be for Dawn, or anypony for that matter, to become a bully himself simply for the purpose of defeating another bully. It only makes matters worse in the long run."
"But ultimately," sighed Filthy Rich, "It all comes back to my daughter and her own actions. This brings us to the favor I wanted to ask of you."
"Which is...?"
"Are you familiar with what happened to my wife?"
Rarity pondered that for a moment. It was common knowledge that Filthy Rich had divorced his wife not too long ago. It was common opinion that it was for the best, as the mare proved to be a total shrew who showed nothing but contempt for Ponyville and its inhabitants. Finally, she managed to dredge up an appropriate answer. "Yes."
"In all honesty, marrying that mare was the greatest mistake I ever made. The only good thing that came out of it was my daughter, who remains the only truly good thing that mare produced. Had I come to a decision earlier, I might have been able to remove her from our lives before she did too much damage.
"Gilded Lily came from one of Manehattan's oldest and richest families. Originally, I thought she agreed to marry me because we were in love. As it turned out, it was only another business venture to her and her family. They tried to go behind my back to shortchange the Apples in order to get higher profits and generally treated my suppliers and friends like dirt. Ultimately, I decided that I couldn't continue to be her husband if it meant compromising on my principles.
"But the damage had already been done. Diamond Tiara has apparently absorbed many of her mother's attitudes towards ponies less wealthy and fortunate than ourselves. It's my fault for not doing something to rectify that sooner."
"How awful," gasped Rarity, "How can I help?"
"Well, the problem is that even though Gilded Lily is gone from our lives, her attitudes still influence Diamond Tiara." Filthy Rich looked up at Rarity and smiled. "As it is, I still believe that Diamond Tiara requires a mare in her life to help teach her the proper way to behave around other ponies. I believe you could be that mare."
In spite of herself, Rarity's cheeks showed a slight splash of red. "I'm not sure what you're suggesting."
Catching onto Rarity's concerns, Filthy Rich backtracked quickly. "Oh no! I didn't mean it that way. What I want is to see if perhaps you can teach Diamond Tiara some things about being a proper lady and how to treat others with the respect and dignity they deserve."
Rarity thought it over for a moment. "I don't see why not. What exactly do you have in mind?"
"Scootaloo? Are you alright?" Melon Cream watched with concern as her daughter pecked halfheartedly at her dinner.
"I'm fine," answered Scootaloo, "I just have a lot of things to think about."
At Fluttershy's home, things were quiet. In the living room, the only sounds that could be heard were the quiet sobs of the canary yellow mare as she wrapped her son tightly in her forelegs. Dawn didn't make a peep, but wasn't able to stop his own tears. Now that she knew, Fluttershy had been able to do little else. She'd heard the truth when Dawn had been talking to Scootaloo earlier, having been eavesdropping in hopes of hearing the two friends reconcile.
At first, her plan had been to gather all her friends and confront the two stallions. However, Dawn refused to allow Twilight or any of the others to get involved. Furthermore, if he delayed on the promised day, then it was all too likely that the two stallions would come for him, wherever he might be, which meant that ordinary ponies could get caught in between them. And so, Dawn clung stubbornly to the two options that he had been given, which, in turn, forced Fluttershy to make a choice of her own.
"If there's no other choice, then we'll leave," she said softly, "I can't lose you Dawn. We'll leave. But I promise, no matter what, I won't let you go alone."
Dawn slowly closed his eyes and resigned himself to his fate. "Alright."
Dawn awoke as the sun began to climb over the horizon. Slowly and deliberately, he untangled himself from his mother's embrace and carefully got down from the couch. Heading towards the door, the colt stopped and cast one last longing look back at Fluttershy, sure that this would be the last time he would see her.
Dawn couldn't deny that her suggestion had some degree of appeal. He would always have her by his side. But at the same time, he knew he couldn't do that to his mother. She had a life here in Ponyville, with friends and animals to look after. There was no way Dawn could make her give all that up. In the end, I am a monster of my own making. Now I must face my unmaking. With that depressing thought, Dawn left the cottage and took to the skies.
Red River stifled a bored yawn as he looked out over the desolate waste of dirt and rocks that was the quarry outside of Ponyville. Here and there, he could see holes that had been dug by the Diamond Dogs, pests that they were. One of the first things Red River had done in his free time was to check and see if they still resided in the area. But the mutts had disappeared completely. It suited him just fine.
"Do you think the kid'll come?" he asked giving Storm Front a sidelong glance.
Storm Front nodded. "I hope so. Otherwise, all this preparation was for nothing."
"It looks like we're gonna have an audience," noted Red River, his eyes twitching in the direction of a small rock pile. Even thought they were trying hard to keep hidden, the rather vivid manes of the Cutie Mark Crusaders tended to give them away whenever they tried peeking over the rocks.
"I'm surprised you told Scootaloo," remarked Storm Front.
"It seemed the best thing to do at the time," said Red River, "I didn't want to start a fight with her and I certainly didn't want her to spread around what we were planning. If Dawn Lightwing heard a word of it, this might not work."
"That's assuming it'll work at all, even given the best circumstances," said Storm Front, "In spite of what Granny Smith says, I still feel as though we don't have the level of skill necessary to make this work."
"It would certainly be easier for our friend," Red River admitted, a slight, but eager smile spreading across his face, "But it's an exciting opportunity to test the extent of our skills."
Storm Front gave his friend a look of reproof. "A young colt's future rides on the outcome of this. Are you sure you should be treating it so frivolously."
The azure stallion let out a derisive snort. "If anything, this excitement shows just how seriously I am taking this. If it weren't something worth hazarding our lives over, I wouldn't be getting near this wound up."
Storm Front looked as though he was about to say something back when his eyes snapped over to the horizon, where the sleeping town of Ponyville was being illuminated by the rising sun. "Hush. He's coming."
Dawn Lightwing slowly descended to the ground in front of the two stallions, his usual neutral mask in place. For a moment, the three ponies simply sat there, doing and saying nothing.
"I'm impressed," said Red River, "You had the integrity to come and face your fate."
A sigh escaped Dawn's mouth. "I had no choice really. Even if I tried to leave secretly, mo-Fluttershy would have come after me, which could have gotten her hurt. At least this way, I don't have to worry about her setting off on some ill-advised quest to find and save me."
"It seems that you are at least becoming aware of the wider repercussions of your actions," observed Storm Front.
"I've always been aware of that," answered Dawn, "That was the reason I retreated to the Everfree Forest to begin with, because I knew how the actions I took would affect me in the long run."
Red River couldn't help but chuckle. "It's sadly ironic that, for all your extensive foresight, you ended up being blind to things under your own nose. It's a pity that we couldn't sit back and watch your development. But your Master invested you with too much power to be left in the hooves of somepony as unstable as you.
"Now then..." In a single swift move, Red River drew his weapon from its holster over his shoulder, the handle extending to form his favored spear. With shocking dexterity, the stallion whipped it through a series of spins around his body before settling into a crouching position with the spear cradled in his right fetlock, the shaft running diagonally across his back and the tip leveled down towards the ground at a shallow angle. "...How will you meet your fate?"
In response, Dawn took a deep breath. Immediately, the air around him seemed to shift purely with the force exerted by his lungs. Letting out the breath, Dawn snapped his wings out to their full extension, in the process, sending a burst of air rushing out from him in a circular shockwave. There was no destructive force behind this release of power and it barely ruffled the manes of the two stallions as it washed over them. But the motion was still laden with the full force of Dawn's intent, his resolve to fight. It was a tingling sensation that made Red River and Storm Front feel as though their whole bodies were being jabbed with countless tiny needles, the hairs of their coats standing completely on end from the sensation. The colt's vivid turquoise eyes fixated on his opponents, completely clear and free of doubt for the first time in days.
"Well now," commented the azure earth pony, "That's quite the attitude you've got. Hard to believe a kid like you can put out a fighting spirit this strong."
"All the more reason we can't let him roam unchecked," said the dark gray pegasus. Storm Front snapped his own wings open lifting his body from the ground. In a simple motion, he snapped his forelegs out, the cloth of his sleeves making a fluttering noise before fading into stillness.
An oppressive silence settled over the quarry as the three warriors readied their bodies and minds for the fight to come. From the very moment Dawn had arrived, it was clear that no quarter would be asked, nor any given. This was a fight to the bitter end, in which each participant would be putting his life on the line to seize victory. The winner would walk away, the loser would be left a lifeless slab of meat.
For a moment, Dawn reveled in the purity of this sensation. For all their reasons and excuses, Red River and Storm Front wielded intent to kill unmarred by fear or hatred. Their intent was pure and unsullied. There was no baseless anger, no burning jabs or insults. It would be the first time that he had ever fought against other ponies who truly regarded him as a fellow warrior, as an equal, a peer. It saddened him to think that this was probably the last time he would be able to experience this sensation.
The world became deathly still. Nopony moved. There wasn't even the slightest twitch of ear or tail. Any shift, however small, could mark the beginning of the battle. Even the tiniest twitch, the flicker of an ear, the blink of an eye, the hitch of a breath, meant that one had lost control of his body, in however minor a fashion and placed him at a disadvantage. In the realm of true battle, this razor thin disadvantage could mean the difference between life or death.
Fluttershy's heart dropped when she realized that she had woken up alone. Her forelegs and chest were still warm with Dawn's recent presence, but his absence stood out even more starkly as a sensation. Realizing that she was alone, Fluttershy sat bolt upright, casting her eyes about frantically, looking for some hint of the young colt's presence. But the cottage was empty, save for her and her animals, who had spent the night and morning in their burrows and houses to give mother and son some peace for the night.
The front door nearly broke as the yellow mare slammed it open and bolted out into the yard, looking in every direction she could, hoping to spy the ebony colt as he went about his forms or meditated in the grass. But there was no sign of him. Terrified questions raced through the mare's head as she faced the absence of her son. Where was he?
A light touch on her leg stole Fluttershy's attention and directed it downward. She was surprised to see Angel standing there, patting her leg eagerly in an attempt to get her attention.
"What is it Angel? Do you know where Dawn went?" The white rabbit nodded and stuck out a paw sharply. Following the line in which she pointed, Fluttershy let out a relieved breath when she realized that Angel was pointing in the direction of Ponyville...only to stop as she realized that his paw was also indicating the direction of the quarry, where Dawn had confessed that he would be meeting Red River and Storm Front.
Angel tumbled backwards as the blast of wind from Fluttershy's launch sent him head over cottontail. By the time the dazed and disoriented rabbit recovered, Fluttershy was little more than a yellow and pink speck on the horizon.
"Are they gonna do anythin' or what?" asked Apple Bloom impatiently. Scootaloo leveled an angry glare at her friend, who apparently didn't appreciate the severity of the situation. She was wondering if she should regret bringing her friends along to watch. Scootaloo herself had to sneak out of her house. She had then gone to Rumble's house and roused the colt to make a swift flight to Sweet Apple Acres to collect Apple Bloom while Scootaloo herself had made the shorter one to the Carousel Boutique to wake up Sweetie Belle.
Sweetie Belle was silent, her teeth chattering with nerves behind her upraised hooves as her terrified eyes focused on the arrayed ponies in the quarry ahead of them. She only calmed when Rumble sidled up against her, his presence providing the white unicorn filly with enough security that she was able to relax a little.
Scootaloo turned her gaze back to Dawn and his opponents, who remained motionless as the sun continued to trace its way up the sky. While she didn't like Apple Bloom's rather thoughtless comment, she had to agree with its sentiment at the very least. There was nothing happening and yet the tension in the air was so thick that she could hardly breathe. Every one of her senses was strained to its limit by her desire not to miss a single instant. In spite of Red River's confession, Scootaloo didn't find herself feeling particularly optimistic about Dawn's chances as the stare-down between him and the two stallions wore on.
Scootaloo's ears twitched and her feathers picked up an errant breeze spiraling across the quarry's flat expanse. The gentle rush of moving air washed over Dawn's feathers, stirring them gently. His wings shifted every so slightly. And then, in the space of an instant, all three ponies blurred into motion. And just like that, the battle was joined. |
The Promise of a New Day | Death | Chapter 10: Death
Dawn barely had time to react as Red River closed with him. It seemed as though the azure stallion had taken a single step and the comfortable distance of several meters between them had vanished as though the earth itself had shrunk to bring them closer together. Only the sharp sound of several impacts in swift succession against the ground were any indicator that the stallion had taken more than a single step. Closer still was the tip of Red River's spear, whistling as it lanced straight for Dawn's heart. Dawn's reflexes kicked in and his body moved without even needing his thoughts to guide it. He slipped to the side of the thrust so fast that, to the untrained eye, Red River's spear seemed to actually pierce him before the afterimage vanished. Having ducked inside the reach of the spear's blade, Dawn might have closed with Red River to prevent him from bringing the business end of his weapon to bear, but had to react to another attack instead as Red River swung the spear sideways, the shaft bending with the force of the swing, intending to simply batter Dawn with the length of wood if he couldn't reach him with the metal point.
Dawn's left wing flared out, creating an almost solid wall of air that caused Red River's swing to rebound away from him, while his right wing flashed forward, sending a separate blast of compressed air straight at his adversary. The force of the blast actually gouged away at the ground, sending a concentrated wave of dust at Red River and turning several small stones into dangerous projectiles. Red River relaxed his body as the attack slammed into him, riding it back to keep from actually being harmed by it while he spun his spear to deflect the small stones launched his way. When his hooves came back into contact with the ground, Red River stepped forward, executing the same lightning-fast advance as before; only, this time, it seemed to be even faster given he hadn't been repelled even half of the original distance between them.
But Dawn was no longer there. The consequence of displacing so much air had created a pocket of low pressure behind and to the right of him. Kicking out with his legs and backwinging, he seemed to vanish and materialize further back as the tip of Red River's spear plunged through his original position. With a mighty downstroke, Dawn shot upwards, darting out of the fearsome spear's range. From above, Dawn would be able to take advantage of his flight to rain down the full strength of his attacks on the helpless earth pony below...
...Or he would have had his ears not picked up the hiss of an approaching projectile. Dawn was forced to abandon his plan of attack as he ducked under an attack from above his position. His eyes picked out the silvery blur of a small ball of metal as it came to an abrupt halt exactly where his head had been. Faster than he could blink the ball was retracted via the chord attached to it back to where its thrower, Storm Front was flying, the cord extending out from his sleeves.
As Storm Front retracted the weapon, Dawn surged forward, attempting to take advantage of the opening. His hopes rose when, in his apparent haste to retrieve the weight so he could strike with it again, Storm Front seemed to accidentally wrap it around his own barrel. Those hopes were quickly smashed when the move was revealed to be intentional, sending the ball of metal swinging around him on a perfect course to intercept Dawn's charge, forcing the colt to halt his advance and backpedal to avoid having the weapon slam his muzzle from the side. Even as Dawn fell back, Storm Front reversed the course of the weapon's swing and, in a single fluid movement, unwrapped it from around his body and sent the weight lancing straight at Dawn again.
As Dawn ducked beneath the flying weight, he felt a disturbance in the air currents beneath him. The colt realized that multiple efforts to evade Storm Front's attacks had now driven him back down into the reach of Red River's spear. Quickly kicking against the air with his hooves, Dawn managed to dodge the first thrust. But Red River quickly retracted and thrust again, several times, the spear moving so rapidly that it seemed to be in multiple places at once and bend and twist unnaturally as its tip relentlessly sought Dawn's life. The blade seemed to whistle as it split the air, which, along with the rattling sound made by the shaft, served as a near-constant distraction for Dawn.
Dawn responded with several swift dodges and also created twisting whirlwinds that wrapped around the spear's shaft and pulled it off course. As he did so, he could sense Storm Front closing in from above. His ears perked at the whistling sound of the weight as it swung in a close arc, threatening to crush his skull. Dawn's wings worked independently of each other, the right continuing to parry Red River's thrusts from below and the left creating whirling, plane-shaped eddies of air that deflected Storm Front's attack from above.
Dawn's position did not afford him any advantages. He had known, from the moment he had first laid eyes on them, that the two stallions were vastly more experienced and more skilled than he was. Their weapons went beyond being mere extensions of their bodies and seemed to be living creatures in their own right that sought his life of their own accord. Worse still, their teamwork was flawless. They went beyond the concept of merely ganging up on him to take advantage of their numbers. Red River used the speed and reach of his spear to keep Dawn off-balance while Storm Front pressed in from above to keep Dawn from retreating out of the spear's reach. Between the two of them, they were able to keep the colt boxed in and stop him from fighting to his full potential.
Their skill at fighting together was highlighted further when Dawn dodged the metal weight once again as it zipped through the space he had occupied. At the same time, the spear stabbed up at him again. Dodging both attacks, Dawn saw the cord attached to the weight wrap around the shaft of the spear. At first it seemed that the two weapons were about to tangle each other up, giving Dawn the opening he sorely needed shift the fight to his advantage, only for Red River to give a slight tug. The weight, which had flown straight past Dawn, shifted into a swing that came at the colt from a completely unexpected angle. Sidestepping quickly Dawn managed to avoid the strike, but only barely. He suppressed a wince as the weight grazed his side.
Ignoring the pain, Dawn used the only thing he had going for him, raw power. Taking advantage of the time both of his opponents used to retract their weapons from the combination attack, Dawn swept his right wing out and back in a wide arc that sent the appendage sweeping from in front of him, to all the way around behind him. Putting the full force of his magic behind the motion and enhancing it by putting his entire body into it as well, Dawn exerted power most pegasi could only dream of.
The sky howled as a spiraling column of wind sucked up dust and dirt from the ground, the massive funnel cloud roared into life. Large boulders were ripped from the ground and tossed aside like foals' playthings. Both Storm Front and Red River vanished from sight as the tornado swallowed him whole. In the eye of the storm, Dawn looked on impassively as he prepared for his next move, knowing that this desperate attack was unlikely to buy him much time.
As she watched the battle, not fight, battle, Scootaloo had remember to force her mouth closed. From the beginning of the fight up to Dawn's tornado, barely a couple of minutes had passed. The speed at which the three ponies moved utterly stunned the filly, her eyes all but left behind to the blur of attacks, dodges, parries and counters. She knew that all three participants were strong fighters. She had seen Dawn, a colt her own age, bat aside Applejack, a full-grown mare and an incredibly strong one at that, like she weighed nothing. She had seen him turn her own father into a ragdoll. But for the first time, she saw what it was like for Dawn to fight against ponies who could truly stand against him.
As the tornado engulfed the group of three ponies, Scootaloo chanced taking her eyes away from the melee in front of her to survey the state of her friends. Sweetie Belle clung tightly to Rumble, who appeared to be ignoring her completely, his eyes focused on the battle with surprising intensity. Apple Bloom, Scootaloo was gratified to see, appeared to no longer have any complaints about the lack of anything happening.
Turning her attention back to the battlefield, Scootaloo fought gamely against the sickening feeling in her gut. From what little she had seen, it was clear that both Red River and Storm Front had been genuinely attacking to kill Dawn. It was hard to really see any details thanks to the sheer speed at which the combatants exchanged blows and the distance from which the group of foals watched. But Scootaloo knew better than to even think about trying to move closer.
Her eyes traced the funnel cloud as its momentum dissipated, looking for a sign that any of the boulders the tornado was lifting and tossing about like so much chaff were heading in their direction. Thankfully, they were safe for the time being. She was in awe of the power on display. The tornado was certainly formidable. Rainbow Dash could produce one just as large, or even larger, on her own. However, that required her to spend at least a full minute flying in a tight circle to get the necessary air moving. Dawn had created one the same size almost instantly from a single wingstroke.
The low roar of wind died down as the tornado spun itself out in the absence of being fed a continual supply of magic to maintain its fury. As the dust cleared, Scootaloo glued her eyes back to the battle.
For a moment, stillness returned to the battlefield as the participants paused to take stock of the situation. Dawn had sustained only a minor impact to his side. There was a slight pain, but he was able to ignore it easily. In contrast, both Red River and Storm Front seemed uninjured. Dawn found himself frowning at the implications. He had the distinct sense that neither of the armed warriors had fought with their fullest strength. Rather, they had managed to corner him with nothing more than fantastic technical skills and excellent teamwork. Once they brought their true strength to bear, this battle would enter another dimension altogether.
On the ground, Red River rose out of a protective crouch. Sinking down, he had sent his magic into the earth itself and drawn the earth's power back out, binding them together and holding him fast against winds that had thrown boulders larger than his own body about like toys. Storm Front seemed to have simply ridden through the intense air currents and had also not been harmed in the slightest.
"Well," observed the azure stallion from below, "That will do for our warmup."
Dawn swallowed as Storm Front began to twirl his weapon in a circle, accelerating until it became a blur. At the same time, Red River snapped his spear into position for another attack. From both Stallions, Dawn could practically hear the crackle of power as their magic began to infuse itself into their weapons, their spiritual energy infusing spear and weight with full killing intent. Dawn's senses extended to the air itself, allowing him to feel his opponents readiness in a way few ponies would appreciate. Red River's spear literally cut through the air, splitting it like it was a solid object. The spinning of Storm Front's weapon was beginning to create unique currents of its own.
Seeing he had no other choice, Dawn steadied his wings and readied his most deadly technique. Taking the initiative, Dawn launched the first strike. Spinning his body about, he targeted both his opponents and swept his wings out in a completely different motion from before, the feathers slashing through the air like knives. Storm Front and Red River immediately noticed the change as, in line with the motion of Dawn's wings, the view seemed to shift in a way that would be hard to describe.
It was like looking at how water refracted visible light so that anything that penetrated the surface seemed to bend at an unnatural angle, only from the side rather than above. Everything above the line Dawn's wing created seemed to slide the barest fraction of a centimeter one way while everything below the line seemed to slide a tiny bit the other way.
The stallions sensed that danger was immediate and reacted accordingly. Red River ducked under the line of attack, feeling some strands of his mane shaved away by its passing. Looking back, he saw the attack split the ground behind him as though the earth had been divided by the world's sharpest knife. Up above, Storm Front went into a roll that carried him above the attack launched at him, yanking the weight and its cord out of the way as well.
This was Dawn's deadliest technique, using his wings to create a blade formed from a vacuum between layers of air. Its edge was sharper than any metal edge ever forged, capable of slicing through stone and steel as though they were nothing but paper. It could cleave a pony in two before he could even feel the pain caused by the attack. No physical barrier could block it, nor could it be parried. This was the technique that Dawn had been prepared to use on Cirrus Stratus during their brief fight last week.
Flowing fluidly from defense to attack, Storm Front used his roll to put the strength of his whole body behind his next attack, swinging the weight down from directly above Dawn, who swung out a wing and created a barrier of solid air to stop the strike. But as the sphere impacted, the barrier shattered, slowing it only by a fraction of a second, barely enough for Dawn to escape outside the swing's radius.
Dawn used his hooves to kick off the air, allowing him to instantly reverse his course and send him barreling straight for Storm Front again. As he did, his wings turned into an indistinct pair of blurs, flashing in seemingly random directions. Storm Front's eyes widened at the brazen charge, then widened even further as the air between the two pegasi seemed to fracture, making it seem like he was looking at Dawn through a sheet of cracked glass. Dawn's purpose became clear. He intended to turn the length and reach of Storm Front's weapon against him by trying to cut the cord.
Once again, it seemed as though the metal weight and the cord it was joined with had a mind of their own. Even as Storm Front twisted and turned his way through the barrage of wind blades, the weight seemed to move independently, also slipping through the gaps between Dawn's attacks. Then, as Storm Front slipped through the last few blades, he kicked out with his hind leg, a movement that sent the weight barreling straight for Dawn's forehead.
Dawn backwinged while also moving the wings to inscribe a large circle in the air before him, compressing it to create a solid wall to stop the attack in its tracks. This shield was much stronger than the previous one. Dawn was confident that he could deflect Storm Front's attack.
Which was why he was caught off guard when the shield exploded on contact with the weight, sending a powerful shockwave barreling into the colt and sending him tumbling. Over the roar of the rush of air slamming into him, Dawn heard a faint crackling and realized what must have happened. Storm Front had channeled his pegasus magic into the weight, allowing him to transfer its destructive force into the air itself. Dawn's shield had only served to give him a denser source of air with which to attack.
Worse still, the shockwave hadn't just slammed into him, but rushed through him. A wave of dizziness and nausea washed over the colt as he felt his insides shudder under the assault. His ears were especially affected, making it difficult for the colt to recover his balance. When he did, his vision swam before him and he had difficulty reading the wind around him through the waves of disorientation that assaulted his mind. It was an unbelievable stroke of luck that he even caught the barest inkling of the next attack.
Dawn felt a rush of power surging up from below him, along with that fierce whistling noise. Twisting his body, Dawn just barely managed to execute a roll out of the way as something rushed up past him. Rolling upright, he looked down to see Red River retract the spear, a cocky smile decorating the stallion's face as he wound up for another strike. The spear cradled in his fetlock practically shined with its own luminescence as Red River thrust upward with it. As he did, the spear actually began to spin like a drill in his grip, not stopping until the azure stallion had completed his thrust with it.
Dawn felt, rather than saw, the attack continue out past the spear's physical reach, lancing upwards and bridging the distance between him and it almost instantly. Dawn barely managed to dart out of the way, the attack catching his tail and actually blowing a sharply defined hole in the hairs of his tail, causing several strands to float away.
It seemed that Red River employed a shockwave based attack as well, one that launched a razor sharp point straight at its target, allowing him to hit objects beyond the length of his spear. It seemed that distance would not be able to keep the stallion from piercing his targets after all. Even more shocking, as an earth pony, Red River's attack was not born directly from his magic, but rather from the technique itself. Whereas Dawn and Storm Front input their magic into the air directly to create the desired affect (Storm Front using his weapon as a medium), Red River charged his spear with his magic and then used the motion of the spear itself to create the desired affect. Dawn was terrified to think what that attack would be like up close.
As it was, the colt had little time for such musings as Storm Front closed in, the strange metal weight flying for Dawn's head again. This time, Dawn dodged by shifting his head a few inches to the side. Storm Front pulled back on the cord, halting the weight's flight directly next to Dawn's head. Dawn heard a loud pop of exploding air before his vision blurred and swam again, his left ear ringing. Storm Front had created another shockwave, this time sending the attack directly into Dawn's inner ear, knocking him completely off-balance. Even as Storm Front pulled the weight back, Dawn could sense another thrust approaching from below as Red River took advantage of his momentary disability.
Dawn threw himself as far out of the way as he could, a sense of desperation settling into his stomach. He couldn't keep up with both of them at once. At this rate, it was only a matter of time before one of the stallions landed a debilitating blow, giving them the opportunity to finish him off at their leisure. He was going to lose.
Fluttershy had seen the tornado. She knew the fight had already started, but continued to strain her wings as Ponyville rushed by underneath her. She pushed herself harder than she ever had before, harder than she had when she had been chasing Rainbow Dash when the other mare had been under the influence of Discord, harder than she had flown when she'd thrown herself into the tornado to send water to Cloudsdale. She knew she had to do everything in her power to stop the fight before Dawn got hurt or even killed and she had to do it fast. This was clearly very different from the colt's brief altercations with Applejack. From their talk last night, Fluttershy was aware that Dawn fully expected not to survive the confrontation.
But she had to go anyway. Her son was there and he needed her.
Agony drew a searing line across Dawn's flank as he failed to completely avoid another attack from Red River. His control and finesse were faltering as the two stallions steadily chipped away at him. Having been pressed onto the defensive, Dawn could do little more than launch a wind blade at one enemy or the other. But his efforts were now barely doing more than inconveniencing them. Once again, he was losing altitude as Storm Front continued to hem him in from above, forcing him down towards the ground where Red River could bring his spear into play in an even more fearsome fashion than he had already.
Dawn wasn't sure what he could do, if anything, to turn the tables on his opponents. They were too skilled, too experienced, too completely in-sync with one another for him to keep up with. He was too hard pressed to come up with another tornado or even a powerful blast of compressed air to buy him some time and distance. The blades of wind were the swiftest and most dangerous techniques he had in his arsenal and the stallions easily evaded them. There was only one thing Dawn hadn't tried.
Dawn's Master and even Princess Celestia herself had warned him against trying this before he was ready. In a worst case scenario, it might even lead to his death. But then again, Dawn pondered, My death is all but certain if I don't try it. There was no more room for hesitation or debate. It was time to try lightning.
Dawn threw himself clear of another swing by Storm Front's odd weapon and began preparing. Focusing on the air directly under his feathers, Dawn began to agitate it fiercely, stirring it with his power. He kept the air compressed, maximizing the friction he could almost feel between the individual molecules. The process seemed gradual to him, but in reality, it took no more than three seconds for the power to begin to build up as Dawn continued to fuel it with his magic.
Red River readied his spear for another thrust from below while Storm Front's weight was already swinging in from the side. Dawn felt the crackling power building around his wings. His ears reported the snap of the first spark. The hairs of his coat stood on end and his mane and tail bristled as the electricity built in the air around him.
With an ear-splitting crack, a bolt arced from the feathers of his left wing and crackled up its length into Dawn's shoulder, flowing across to his right wing, which he shot out in the manner he had practiced countless times in his forms. Only now, instead of directing the wind, he was channeling a bolt of pure energy. A twisting bolt of lightning lashed out from his wingtip like a whip, arcing across to the metal weight swinging at him. In an instant, the stream of electricity traveled up the cord and straight into Storm Front's outstretched hoof, causing it to spasm involuntarily, interrupting the weight's swing and causing the older pegasus to fall back. That one hadn't been particularly powerful, but Dawn now had the room to try something bigger.
Swinging his wings like they were joined by a rod that ran across his shoulders, Dawn wheeled them counterclockwise, increasing the amount of air in motion and adding to the building energy. He could already see Red River on the ground, spear drawn back, ready for another thrust. The spear began to move forward, starting to spin again. But the speed of light was faster than Red River.
Channeling a much more powerful charge, Dawn's wings swept up the crackling energy, concentrating more and more of it together. This time, the charge was building across both wings. Tilting to the side, Dawn added the charge from his left wing to his right wing and launched the mighty bolt directly downwards.
Red River caught the discharge directly on the tip of his spear. To Dawn's stunned awe, Red River seemed to react almost instantly, aborting his attack, but maintaining the spear's rotation. The lightning almost seemed to gather around the pole-arm's rotating blade before Red River dipped it swiftly down, grounding the strike out in the earth without coming into contact with the electricity himself.
Dawn considered launching another lightning strike, but was struck by an odd sensation. His wings were burning. Searing agony rolled across them and his shoulders. The colt's nose twitched when he picked up the scent of scorched flesh. Oh! That's why I'm not supposed to use lightning yet. An even more troubling feeling gripped Dawn as he felt the flow of air under his wings slipping away. Looking over, he saw that several feathers had been burned off. The damage to his wings undermined his magical control. As a result, Dawn began to fall.
And down below him, Red River waited, spear at the ready to deliver the final blow. Fighting past the pain, Dawn channeled as much of his magic as he could into his wings, using it to grip the air. In his addled state, he wasn't sure whether he wanted to attack Red River or simply slow his fall...perhaps both. His efforts felt clumsy and uncoordinated, which they were. The flow of magical energy through the damaged wings triggered a whole new sensation of pain, which Dawn fought past as he aimed his last gasp strike downwards.
The barreling wave of compressed air descended on the earth pony stallion like a transparent hammer. Red River never wavered, instead thrusting his spear upwards as before, its glittering blade tearing through the air and opening up a hole around him. Still, the secondary effect of Dawn's effort worked more or less as planned, the effort burning away much of his momentum. The ebony colt didn't slam into the ground, but he still landed hard.
Dawn's legs buckled to absorb as much of the shock as possible. The burning feeling on his wings and back was almost overwhelming. Still, he fought to keep his head clear, knowing that his opponents weren't about to let up just because he was injured. Through the haze, Dawn thought he could hear a voice screaming his name.
Once again, Red River closed in, seeming to bridge the distance between them in a single step. Dawn's wings were approaching useless. He could barely feel anything from them aside from the pain from the burns. As Red River approached, Dawn reacted almost instinctively, his mind reeling from the irony of what he was about to do. He almost wished a certain orange-colored, stetson-wearing mare was watching this right now. He turned and bucked.
Naturally, it wasn't an ordinary kick. Using the same trick that granted him incredible acceleration and maneuverability in the sky, Dawn used his hooves to launch a concentrated gust of air directly back at the incoming stallion. Unprepared for the trick, Red River was actually caught off-guard for once and took an attack full in the chest. The force was strong enough to normally launch Dawn several meters into the air, so it actually halted the stallion's momentum and even knocked him back. The strike bought Dawn a few fractions of a second, but it was enough as an epiphany struck the colt. He had discovered a way that he could continue fighting.
Red River advanced again, this time more on guard. As he flickered in close, Dawn kicked up off the ground, using his hooves to push off the air itself. Instead of launching himself upward, Dawn instead pushed himself sideways, stepping to maintain a continuous stream of air between his hooves and the ground that made him glide across the earth.
Red River's first thrust missed, but he quickly retracted the spear and attacked again. Dawn bobbed left, but the strike was a feint, he barely managed to duck down so that the the real thrust grazed his shoulder rather than punched straight through it. A grimace flashed across his face, but the colt pushed in closer. Even though Red River could still use the shaft of the spear to bludgeon him, it was much easier to read and avoid or counter than the usual flurry of thrusts that were almost impossible to follow with the flaring tassel obscuring the blade's movement.
This close in, Red River was forced to use the spear more as a staff as he swung and blocked. Dawn attacked with his forehooves while he used his rear ones to keep on the move. Red River tried to step out in order to bring his spear's blade into play, but Dawn matched his every move, keeping the fight close. He was forced to continue using the spear's shaft to deflect the hard, concentrated bursts of air Dawn launched from his hooves, jabbing them out in fierce punches.
The damage to Dawn's wings had robbed him of his ability to sense his surroundings through the air currents. The light whistling in his ears was the only warning the colt had before he ducked out of the way of a straight down attack from Storm Front, the round metal weight shattering the ground where Dawn had been standing a second before. Dawn tried to control his dodge to keep Red River from gaining distance, but Storm Front's attack had succeeded in drawing his attention for a brief instant. In that flickering gap in Dawn's awareness, the azure stallion made his move. Dawn turned back to the fight only to see...nothing. Red River wasn't there.
Then Dawn noticed the shadow on the ground. His eyes widened in shock and he looked up. Red River had leapt high into the air, his powerful legs propelling him several meters up. From that position, he would be able to stab down at Dawn easily. However, none of that occurred to the colt as his higher cognitive functions had been briefly suspended by the utter disbelief he felt over the situation.
This kind of move was something he had never considered. Earth ponies drew their power from their magical connection with the earth, drawing its magic into themselves to grant them the impressive strength and stamina that their race was famed for. However, doing that required that the pony in question maintain contact with the earth. Certainly earth ponies could jump as well, if not better than any, but they were still basically severing their connection with the earth and its power, which could only be restored when they returned to the ground.
In martial arts, that connection was even more important. Earth pony stances were based off of using the ground as a support and source of strength to empower their attacks. Their tactics were based off of fighting from below, being immovable and indomitable. Even Red River's lightning fast movements were executed by keeping at least one hoof in contact with the ground at all times, so that it was closer to an incredibly fast walk than anything that resembled running.
Thus, Red River's movement was in utter defiance of everything Dawn had ever been taught about earth pony martial arts. Disbelief locked his muscles in place for a brief instant before Dawn kicked off, using his magic to fuel a leap that would carry him inside Red River's reach again. But it was too late. The desperate maneuver kept him from being impaled, but the shaft of Red River's spear descended on Dawn's shoulders like an almighty crack.
Dawn would have screamed but the impact and pain had stollen the breath from his lungs so that what emerged was nothing more than a strangled wheeze. And even that was cut short as he slammed chest-first into the ground, his ribs groaning from the impact. Briefly, Dawn wondered if he would expire from asphyxiation before the two stallions could finish him off. But after a brief shudder, his disrupted diaphragm restarted itself and Dawn was able to suck in air greedily. Not that it made him feel any better when a bone-jarring thud announced Red River's return to earth.
"Looks like this is it," said the stallion simply, lifting his spear deliberately. There was no posturing, no hesitation. Dawn could feel the killing intent emanating from its tip as it moved into position to claim his life.
"Your battle was well fought," commented Storm Front as he landed somewhere outside of Dawn's field of vision, "But not well enough. You can pass in peace."
Pass in peace. What a joke! Dawn scoffed as time seemed to slow down. In those final instants, visions of the past few weeks flashed through his mind's eye.
Meeting Fluttershy, entering into her home, eating with her, talking with her, listening to her, waking up in her embrace, the warmth of having a real mother...
Teaching Scootaloo to fly, catching her when she fell, attending her First Flight party, protecting her from her father, visiting her home...
Fighting with Applejack, hearing her apology, mending their grievances...
Rainbow Dash and her straightforward approach to life, Twilight Sparkle and her infectious enthusiasm for academic advancement, Pinkie Pie and her irrepressible desire to make others happy, Rarity and her social savvy helping to keep him from feeling overwhelmed...
Finding a kindred spirit in Ditzy Doo, helping her overcome her difficulties, seeing her smile and laugh with her daughter, seeing her smile contentedly as she leaned against Big Macintosh...
Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Rumble, racing, adventuring to find their cutie marks, tree sap...
To Tartarus with peace! Dawn's mind snapped and he was overwhelmed with a burning desire. He felt new strength surge into his limbs. He had to fight! He had to fight and keep on fighting! He had to live! Even the burning pain of his injuries seemed to vanish before this realization. Dawn wanted to to live!
But it wasn't enough. The spear still came down.
Fluttershy could see them now. Her eyes had caught the flash of lightning and now she arrowed in towards the battlefield. However, she could see that the fight was in its final stages.
She saw Red River jump.
She saw Dawn fall.
She saw the spear rise to deliver the final blow.
Fluttershy screamed with all her might, hurtling in towards the combatants. She didn't know what she was going to do. Maybe she was going to try and take the thrust in Dawn's place. Maybe she would slam into Red River and knock him off balance enough to stay the final blow. It didn't matter though, as she was too late. She saw the spear come down.
"NO!" Scootaloo shrieked as she tried to lunge out from behind the cover she and her friends had been hiding behind. Red River's words from the previous day had been forgotten. All she could see before her was the fact that Dawn was about to die. She came to a screeching halt as Apple Bloom clamped her teeth down on Scootaloo's tail, digging her hooves in to stop the orange filly's charge.
"No!" screamed Scootaloo as she struggled and thrashed, "Let me go! Let me go! I've got to help him!"
"Ya can't," growled Apple Bloom through her clenched teeth as she maintained her grip on fuchsia tail. She couldn't let her friend rush out where she might get hurt, but if she tried to articulate herself anymore, she would lose her grip.
It was pointless anyway. The spear was already coming down.
Dawn felt the blade slip into his flesh. He felt death come for him. To his surprise, it didn't hurt as much as he thought it would. It felt as though the world around him vanished. All the pain, all the anxiety, all the hurt disappeared. There was only himself and nothing else. And then, Dawn knew peace.
Story Two: Fin
To be continued in Storm on the Horizon. |
The Little Pony Legend 2: Spirits of Courage | pre | So let's get on board cause we can't wait to see what's new!
Ponies and Team Avatar,
So get up!
Get down!
Let's all sing it loud!
Cause when we work together, everyday's a new thrill
So get up!
Get down!
Cause it's gonna make a sound!
Now that we're together we are setting sail for new thrills!
They all got on the ship, and continued to sing as the ships started to sail toward the south.
Pinkie,
Hey, hey hands up now!
We're sending a message to the crowd
Hands wave up, then come down
Party together all around
Asami,
Generous, Honesty
Korra,
Laughter, Kindness, Loyalty.
Fluttershy,
A friendship that will never die
Rainbow,
That truth we can't deny
Ponies and Team Avatar,
So get up
Get down
Let's all sing it loud
Cause when we work together
Everyday's a new thrill
So get up!
Get down!
Cause it's gonna make a sound.
Now that we're together we are setting sail for new thrills!
Twilight,
A Glacier Festival, waiting just for us
Korra,
We're gonna celebrate from morning to dusk.
Just the thought of it fills up my heart with so much glee
Mako takes Korra's hands and looks lovingly into her eyes.
Mako,
So long as I'm with you the cold will never bother me!
Ponies and Team Avatar,
Get up!
Make a sound!
HEY!
Stomp your hooves, turn around.
Team Avatar, Equestria girls
Spread the love around.
Get up!
Get down!
Let's all sing it loud
Cause when we work together, everyday's a new thrill
So get up!
Get down!
Cause it's gonna make a sound.
Now that we're together we are setting sail for new thrills!
YEAH!
The humans and ponies, plus dragon all huddled together and laughed. A new adventure awaited them and they couldn't' wait to see what was in store. However as the ship sailed, something underneath the ocean swam underneath them.
With sinister glowing eyes. (~)
Latter that night, Korra and Mako were talking while sitting beside Naga in the ship's lower deck. Twilight was sitting on Korra's lap as they both listened to Mako's latest "cop story". The firebender retold the story with much enthusiasm.
"So I walk up and say: "Looks like you had some car trouble. Good thing the police were here."
Korra giggled, "Did you write that beforehand?"
"Yeah! I had a few others."
Twilight arched an eyebrow when she saw the usually serious firebender take out a list from his jacket, "You actually made a list of comebacks? Really?"
"I think it's cute." said Korra.
"A.K., You think giving someone a bloody nose is cute." Twilight said.
"Hey! In all defense that guy was getting too close for comfort." Mako said defensively, "And I was just trying to help."
Twilight simply rolled her eyes, "Whatever." Korra playfully flicked the alicorn's ears as a sign to leave her boyfriend alone.
"Show us what you got so far." she encouraged.
Mako began reading from the paper, "Okay, let's see, uh..."Looks like you guys should put more 'try' in triad", huh?"
Twilight crinkled her nose, "Eh...next!"
"Or, how about this one: "When you get to jail, tell em Mako sent ya."
"Ooh, I like that one." Korra said, rather flirtatiously.
"Okay, I'll use that next time." he placed the list back into his jacket.
Twilight shrugged her shoulders, "It's not so bad."
Mako arched an eyebrow, "What does it take to impress this kid?" he asked while gesturing to Twilight with his thumb.
"What? I said; not bad." Korra and Mako laughed as they both playfully messed up Twilight's mane, "Hey, quit it! Ha, ha, ha!"
Korra turned to Mako, "You know, should show read them to the Cutie Mark Crusaders. I'm sure they can come up with some good ones for you."
"You did invite them to the festival too, right?" he asked hopefully. In time he grew very fond of the spirited little fillies.
"Yeah. I invited them, the apple family, Princess Celestia, Luna, Cadence, Shining Armor and Flash Sentry."
At the sound of that name, Twilight's eyes popped open and she jumped from Korra's lap, "HU!? Y-You, you, YOU INVITED WHO NOW?!"
Mako arched an eyebrow in curiosity, "Flash Sentry? Isn't he that human guy Twilight met in that mirror world?"
Korra smirked, "Yeah, but in the pony world he's a royal guard, and a dashing pegasus"
The alicorn was blushing from embarrassment, "KORRA!"
"What?"
"Stop. Talking." Twilight warned through her teeth.
Mako then smiled mischievously as he put two and two together, "Oh, I get it. Our little Twily-Wiley's has got a crush!" he said while batting his eyes teasingly at the alicorn princess.
"I DO NOT! And I told you never to call me that!"
"Twilight and Flash, sitting in a tree, K-i-s-s-i-n..." Mako stopped singing once Twilight used her magic to cover up his mouth with his own scarf. "Oh, real mature, Twi." he said sarcastically, his voice muffled underneath the scarf.
Korra tried to explain the situation to her friend, "Twilight, I--"
"Korra, why would you invite him? Without telling me?!"
"Twilight relax, first for all; it's not like I arranged it to be a date or anything, and second I thought this would be the perfect opportunity for you guys to get to know each other better."
"Haven't you ever talked to him before? Besides in that other world?" Mako asked after he removed the scarf from his mouth.
"Of course I have." Twilight said, "Ever since he got transferred to Canterlot, I see him all the time at the castle."
"And have you ever had a conversation with him?" Mako asked.
"Yes!" Both Korra and Mako both arch their eyebrows at the alicorn. "Kind of....a few....Okay nothing too major but we've gotten to know each other a bit. And sure, it was while he was on guard duty. And he usually calls me "your highness", or "princess". But it's still considered talking."
"Yeah as a guard and a princess, not as yourselves." Korra pointed out.
Mako looked at Twilight with sympathy, "Twilight, you really like this guy don't you?"
Twilight was blushing like mad, "W-What? No, of course I-.......absolutely do!" she said the last part as she kneeled to the floor and covered her eyes in embarrassment, "But every time I get near him I get all nervous and tongue tied. And I'm not even sure if he likes me, I mean I know his human self from the mirror world kind of liked me but, I'm not sure about him as a pony. Just thinking about it makes me want to faint, or throw up. Or both!"
Mako smiled, "Girlfriend, you've got it bad."
"Which is why this festival is the perfect excuse for you guys to ditch the formalities." Korra explained, "You won't have to treat each other like a boss and employe, just two ponies having fun."
"But, what if he doesn't like me that way and I make a complete fool of myself?" Twilight asked.
"You never know if you don't try. Just go for it." Mako encouraged.
Twilight looked at him surprised, "Wow, Korra's really had an impact on you hasn't she?" Mako and Korra chuckled as they held each other's hands. Twilight looked at their happy faces and deep down she knew she did want something like that to happen to her and Flash. Maybe they were right and this was a good chance for them to get to know each other a lot better. The princess smiled confidently, "Alright, I'll do it!"
Korra spread her arms wide, welcoming the alicorn into a warm hug, "That's my girl." she said proudly.
"But if anything happens I'm blaming you guys." the pony said threateningly.
Mako waved his arms in defeat, "Hey, why me?"
"Because you agreed with her on this."
The teen chuckled at Twilight's humor. Then Mako remembered, "Oh, and guess what?"
"What?" both girls asked at once.
"Beifong says that if I keep up the good work she'll promote me to detective soon."
Twilight smiled proudly, "That's wonderful, Mako. Congratulations"
"Yeah, that sounds so fun." said Korra before her voice began to sound disappointed, "All I do is train all day. It's like Tenzin's totally forgot how me I beat Amon."
Twilight cleared her throat, "Ahem!"
"What?"
"Korra!"
The Avatar laughed as she ruffled Twilight's mane, "I'm teasing! You know I never could have stopped him without you guys." Twilight smiled and fixed her messed up mane. "But seriously, I just can't seem to catch a break with Tenzin. I feel like I'm in a rut sometimes."
Mako placed his hand over Korra's for reassurance, "Tenzin's just trying to help you become the best Avatar you can be."
"He's got a point." Twilight agreed, "Thanks to Tenzin you really have been improving a lot. You've become such an amazing airbender, and you kill at the air scooter races. When you're not using the Avatar state of course."
"There ya see, even Twilight agrees." said Mako.
But, regardless of their words, which even she would admit they made some valid point, she still couldn't help but feel stuck. Her training had become so repetitive as of late that the idea of going back again made her feel pretty bitter. She softly placed Twilight to her side and started getting up.
"Yeah, sure. I'm gonna go take a walk." Korra, looking surprisingly dejected said as she got up and left, leaving Twilight and Mako looking at her with concern.
"Korra!" Twilight called her name but the Avatar was already gone, leaving just the cop and the princess with Naga.
Mako slumped against Naga, sighing. Then out of nowhere, Pinkie Pie popped from inside his jacket, "Don't worry! Korra's just needs to blow off some steam. She'll be back to her upbeat self in no time." she got back in the jacket and Mako sees she wasn't there anymore.
"I'll never understand how she does that."
"Do what?" Pinkie asked as she popped from behind him. She then zipped away and disappeared, Mako arched an eyebrow and he and Twilight shared confused looks.
"She's right, you know." said Twilight, "We both know Korra's not the most patient person on the planet but she'll come around. She always does in the end."
Mako sighted, "I know. It's, she's been... fussy, lately."
"You mean fussier than usual." Twilight clarified.
"Yeah. I take it you noticed already?"
"Sort of. We're bonded, remember? I may not be able to read her mind but I can understand how she's really feeling."
"Right, that whole empathy thing."
"Exactly. Also, since me and the girls can always see exactly how she's feeling, we've become very familiar with her most frequent emotions and situations. And with close attention, and careful observation, we can often pinpoint the very reason for Korra's specific emotional states and the way she is most likely going to respond to them."
Mako blinked a few times before answering, "You just love to clarify stuff don't you?
Twilight smiled, "Just one of my many quirks. Don't worry, I think this vacation is exactly what we need." Then to Twilight's surprise, Mako started fixing her hair, "What are you doing?"
"What, you want to look nice for Flash don't you?"
Twilight glared at him, "Mako, stop it."
"Come on, let me help."
"I mean it."
"Is that a speck of dandruff?"
Twilight growled and used her magic to move him across the room and he hit the wall. Sometimes her outburst surprise even her, "Okay, I'll back off." said Mako from the other side of the room.
"Sorry! You okay?"
"Yeah. I've been hurt worse." (~)
Latter that night, Korra couldn't get herself to sleep. She kept tossing and turning in her bed, unable to get a decent sleep. Finally fessed up, she got up and headed to the docks in hopes some fresh air would help her relax. Once outside, the Avatar inhaled the sweet salty sea air, which was already working its magic on her. She was no longer feeling tense, but far more relaxed and calm. She gazed up at the stars above her head, admiring their beauty and wonder. Just for the heck of it, she spun around a bit on the docks, taking in the fresh air and relaxing her soul.
She opened her mouth to harmonize softly, her beautiful voice echoed against the waves of the ocean, her haunting melody soothing her all the more. But, unbeknownst to her, something was creeping up from underneath the boat. Its glowing yellow eyes piercing wickedly at the floating contraption. The creature was just about ready to attack when it heard Korra's singing. Her voice was like that of a siren, enchanting the creature and placing it under a trance. All wicked thoughts it carried began to fade, slowly becoming more and more entranced by the beautiful singing, its body even began to slowly turn from dark purple to a soft light blue. Once the creature knew what was happening, it let out a shriek.
Korra stopped her harmonizing once she heard the sound. Quickly, she rushed to the railing, leaning just a bit to get a glimpse of what it was she had heard. She suspected maybe a wale, but that sounded nothing like one. She could barely see anything because of the darkness, but she did manage to catch a glimpse of what appeared to be glowing yellow eyes.
Her first instincts was to call on the others, but the moment she moved, the creature swam away, almost as if it were afraid of her. With a soft shriek it swam away in terror, almost as if it was afraid of her. Korra looked on in confusion. Maybe it was just some harmless water creature that she couldn't make out due to the darkness of night. (~)
"We're here! We're here! We're here! We're here! We're here!" Pinkie Pie jumped excitedly on Korra's bed, shaking it and forcing the sleepy Avatar awake. Korra groaned in frustration.
"Pinkie Pie!"
The pony leaped from the bed and then began jumping onto the rest of the ponies on their backs, giving them all an incredibly rude awakening.
"We're at the south pole! We're at the south pole!" she ran to the door of their room and ran out with speedy legs to wake up the others, "Mako! Bolin! Asami! Wake up! We're here!"
Korra and the Ponies all groaned in annoyance, "One of these days we have got to find an outlet for all that energy." said Rarity as she tried to brush her messed up mane. (~)
"Mako! Wake up! It's morning! We're here!"
Pinkie Pie jumped on Mako's bed so many times, that he literally was shaken awake and right off the bed. He landed face first into the floor, entangled with his blanket. Pinkie Pie landed beside him.
"Good you're up!" the pony spontaneously kissed his cheek before galloping away and shouting, "ASAMI! TENZIN!! Wake up!"
Mako groaned as he sat up and rubbed his head, "She's your friend, and you love her. She's your friend and you love her, just keep telling yourself that." (~)
Once they were all fully dressed, Korra and the Mane Six all rushed to the outside of the boat and their eyes shimmered with glee. There in the horizon was the Southern Water Tribe, just as stunning as ever. The snow all around sparkled in the sunlight and a large carnival could be seen in the distance. Bright colored tends surrounded the place and up ahead they spotted a large wheel, a ferris wheel. Twilight's eyes sparkled at the beauty of the place, "Wow. They really go all out for the festival"
"Wait till you see it up close." Korra said excitedly.
"This place looks fabulous!" said Rarity.
Pinkie Pie could barely contain herself, "Oh, I am so nervexcited!"
Mako arched an eyebrow, "You do realize that's not a real word, right?"
"It's Pinkie Pie." Korra reminded him.
"Right, silly question."
Korra's smile faded and she looked at her boyfriend with sincere regret, "Hey, Mako. Um, I wanted to say that I'm sorry for last night, and--" but before she could continue, Mako wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer, making her blush as he smiled at her lovingly.
"It's okay. Don't worry about it."
The two teens smiled as they snuggled close. Twilight smiled at them and Spike nudged at her with his elbow, "That could be you and Flash Sentry, someday." he said slyly. Twilight pouted in annoyance and used her magic to cover Spike's head with the hood of his winter coat. (~)
They finally arrived at the docks and the friends all walked down the platform. The airbending children quickly spotted their grandmother, Katara and another woman with grey hair and blue eyes with a resemblance to the elderly waterbender. The children rushed to greet them.
"Gran Gran!"
The children all gathered around Katara and hugged her waist. She was so happy to see them. "Oh...you've all gotten so big."
Jinora turned to the other slightly younger woman and hugged her tightly around her waist, "We missed you, Aunt Kya."
Kya was Tenzin and Bumi's sister, the middle child of Avatar Aang and his only daughter. Kya was around a similar age as her brothers, she had silvery-grey hair styled into a half bun as the rest of her hair flowed down behind her. She had two long bangs framing both sides of her face. Her eyes were identical to her mother's and she wore a lovely cocker around her neck with an always lunar-shaped pendant and blue earrings. Despite her lode appearance, Kya still looked beautiful and athletic. Her very presence gave the impression of a strong and even feisty spirit.
"I missed you too. Your father doesn't bring you to visit nearly enough." speaking of which, Kya spotted her younger brother and walked towards him wearing a confident smile, "He's probably scared I'll beat him up like when we were kids", she playfully punched Tenzin's shoulder.
"I'm not scared of you!...anymore." he said the last part while rubbing his arm. Even after all these years, his big sister can still pack a punch. Both Applejack and Rarity were quite surprised to meet Kya.
"Wow, that's Tenzin's sister?" asked Applejack.
"She and Korra are going to get along swimmingly." said Rarity, "Get it, "swimmingly"? Because they're waterbenders?" she laughed at her little joke but Applejack rolled her eyes.
"Yeah, leave the jokes to Pinkie Pie." she said, earning a pout from the unicorn.
Korra happily greeted her parents, who were both so happy to have their baby girl home. Korra's father Tonraq was a very strong looking man with dark brown hair and beard and piercing blue eyes. His wife Senna was almost the spitting image of their daughter, right down to her warm smile and stunning blue eyes. She wore her hair down separated by two unusually styled braids over her shoulder. Once Korra and Tonraq released from their hug she reintroduced her boyfriend, "You remember Mako."
Mako offered the grown man his hand, "Sir."
But Tonraq crossed his arms and looked down at the boy with a stern looking face that could even make the most ferocious of polar bear dogs whimper in fear, "I hope you're not getting my daughter into anymore trouble in the city."
Mako quickly became a bit nervous, he could clearly see where Korra got her slight intimidating nature from. "Uh...No...uh...I...no."
"Knock it off, Dad." Korra said playfully.
Tonraq laughed as he shook Mako's hand, reverting back to his friendly demeanor. Pinkie Pie began jumping in front of them while speaking rapidly, "This is sooooooo great! Look at all the people, are you excited, because I'm excited I've never been so excited well except for when I first met you in Republic city and I was all--" she inhaled deeply, "And then there was the time I saw you and Mako kiss for the first time and I went all--" she inhaled deeply again, "And of course there was the time you lost your bending but then got it back and I was all like--" she deeply inhaled once more, "But I mean, really who can top that?"
Korra grabbed the hopping Pinkie in mid air and held her in her arms, "And of course you remember Pinkie Pie."
Tonraq ruffled the pony's mane, "How can I forget?....Seriously, I'm still trying to find ways to forget and I can't."
Korra rolled her eyes, "Dad!"
"Just kidding." he said playfully.
Twilight approached and bowed before the older man, "It's very nice to see you again Tonraq, sir."
Tonraq bowed in return, "Like-wise, Princess Twilight, and please, just call me Tonraq. Here you are treated like family."
"Sorry."
"No need to apologies."
"Sorry."
Bolin marveled at all the people around them, "Wow! Look at these people that came out to greet us."
"Uh, no. They came to greet them." Korra pointed her thumb towards a large and stunningly beautiful ship that just arrived at the docks. It was white with the northern water tribe symbol on the sides. The edges of the ship were decorated to look like waves and it appeared to have somewhat of a lion-shaped head on the front. Flags of the water tribe waved on the flag poles. It was larger than most of the ships around it and stood out like a white rose in a garden full of pansies.
"Now that's riding in style." said Rarity, marveling at the ship's extravagant design.
Tonraq however, was not impressed, "The great Chief of the Northern Water Tribe comes to grace us with his presence. Hooray." he said the last part with obvious sarcasm.
His wife Senna tried to ease him, "Just relax Tonraq, he'll be gone soon enough."
Rainbow Dash flew to Korra, "I'm guessing your dad has issues with the chief." she said.
"What makes you say that?" Pinkie asked.
A plank was lowered and a man walked down. He looked near Tonraq's age with long dark hair styled back with only two strains of hair on both sides near his ears styled with water tribe sties. He wore a long dark purple robe underneath a similar colored high-neck outfit. His expression was serious, calm and intelligent. His very presence was regal in every aspect. The ponies could only guess that this was the infamous Chief of the Northern Water Tribe. The Chief was followed by two teenagers who appeared to be identical twins, both wearing long and somewhat boring looking robes. They both had the same long hair, straight bands over their foreheads and emotionless expressions. One however, had what appeared to be some kind of eye makeup on the sides of her eyes. Bolin was immediately infatuated with pair.
"Woah! Who are the lovely ladies?" he said flirtatiously.
Applejack rolled her eyes at this, "Here we go."
Korra smiled mischievously at the earthbender, this was going to be fun. "That's Eska and Desna, the chief's children...Desna is a guy."
Bolin's eyes widened at this and Rainbow, Spike and Pinkie burst out laughing, "AH HA HA HA HA! "
"Oh, no, sure, I knew that. Uhhh...which one is Desna?"
Rarity scoffed at Bolin's interest in the new girl, "Darling, why would you even bother? She seems so..."
"Creepy?" Applejack asked.
"Disturbing?" Fluttershy asked.
"I was going to Bland." Rarity answered, then her eyes widened as they saw the chief approach them, "Oh my! He's coming! Quick, everypony, back straight, look presentable. He is royalty."
The chief and his children approached the group of friends and the regal man bowed before Korra, "Good to see you again, Avatar Korra."
She bowed to him in return, "Good to see you too."
He then noticed the little ponies beside her. The chief was rather surprised to see such creatures. "And these must be the famous ponies." he said with a polite smile.
"You know about them?" Korra asked curiously.
"Yes, I have heard much about your adventures in Republic City and how you defeated Amon. Is it true they can only be heard by the ones who are truly open-hearted? Especially towards you?"
"Well, yeah pretty much."
The chief smiled warmly at the ponies and they all bowed in respect, "Hello Chief, my name is Princess Twilight Sparkle" said the alicorn princess.
The chief bowed to her as well, "It is an honor to meet you, Princess."
The alicorn gleamed as did the other ponies at the fact that he could understand them! An obvious sign that he was a good man at heart. The chief's polite exterior shifted as he turned to face Tonraq, who mirrored his expression. The air around them suddenly shifted, becoming tense and uneasy for everyone.
"Tonraq." he said rather cooly.
Tonraq glared at him... "Brother."
The moment the word left his mouth, the ponies all gasped in shock at the revelation. Korra's father and the chief were brothers! Mako and Bolin looked at each other, seemingly surprised with the tone the two men used to address one another. It was evident to say these two were not very close.
"So much for our relaxing vacation." said Spike as he crossed his arm in disappointment.
Rarity was completely dumbfounded at what she was hearing, "Brother? Wait, he's your uncle?" she asked Korra while pointing a hoof at the chief. Her eyes were as wide as dinner plates.
"Yes, Rarity." Korra said casually.
"Your uncle is the chief? Of the Northern Water Tribe?!" Rarity sounded like this was the biggest news in the history of the world.
"Yeah." Korra replied again casually. To her surprise, the pony jumped up and held Korra's face with both her hooves and pressed her face close to Korra's, there noses practically touching.
"Why didn't you ever tell me?!?!"
Korra remained calm, "Probably because I had a hunch you would react like this. Besides, it's not that big a deal."
The unicorn jumped down back to the snowy ground, "Wha--oh! N--Not that big a deal?! You're related to royalty! So that would make you a--a--a prin--"
"Not exactly." Korra stated.
"But your father is a royal right? Maybe not chief but he's still considered a member of the royal family, right?"
"Well, yeah but that's not entirely how it works here." Korra explained.
"But--"
"Rarity, give it a rest!" said Rainbow Dash indifferently.
The unicorn eventually pouted in defeat, "Fine."
Suddenly, all of the humans near the docks gasped as a glowing orb suddenly appeared from the sky and lowered down in front of them. Once the light disappeared, there stood Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor, also Big Mac and the Cutie Mark Crusaders; AppleBloom, Applejack's little sister, Sweetie Belle's Rarity's little sister, and Scootaloo, a pegasus pony who still couldn't fly but admired Rainbow Dash, who considered her like a sister.
"Glad ya'll could make it!" Applejack quickly greeted her family.
The crusaders saw Mako and ran up to him, "Uncle Mako!" the little fillies all tackled him to the ground with a great hug.
The firebender hugged them in return, "Hey girls. I'm happy to see you too."
Korra walked up to Celestia and Luna while Twilight and Cadance did their signature "sunshine sunshine" dance and she hugged her brother.
Korra embraced the two alicorn sisters before introducing them to everyone else. "Everyone, I would like you all to meet Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadence and her husband Shining Armor."
Both Tonraq and the chief bowed before them, "Welcome, your highnesses." said Tonraq.
Celestia bowed to him as well, "It's wonderful to see you all again."
"I'm so happy you're all here."
"We wouldn't miss it for the world." said Luna. Then another pony came from behind the princess and bowed before them.
"Good day, Avatar Korra."
Korra smiled kindly at their new friend, "Flash, I already told you, just call me Korra."
"She's right." Celestia said, "You're off duty today, Flash Sentry. You don't have to be so formal among friends."
The pegasus guard blushed and rubbed the back of his head with his hoof, "Forgive me, princess. Force of habit."
Mako walked up next to Korra and looked at the young stallion, "So you're Flash Sentry. It's nice to finally meet you." he said politely, happy to finally be meeting Twilight's special friend.
Flash's ears perked up at the sight of the firebender, "You--You're Mako, right? Officer Mako?!" he asked excitedly, taking the firebender by surprise.
"Well, yeah. You've heard of me?"
"Princess Twilight Sparkle has told me so much about you!"
"Really?" Mako was quite surprised by the pony's enthusiasm to meet him. He smiled widely as he explained what he knew about the male human, surprisingly wagging his tail like a happy puppy.
"Oh yes! She told me you're a police officer, which is pretty much the same as being a royal guard. She also mentioned how you help people the same way Korra does and how you helped fight against that wicked villain Amon and his anti-bending revolution." he bowed in respect of the firebender, "It's an honor to meet such a hero."
Mako smiled in satisfaction as he leaned in and whispered to his girlfriend, "I like him." he then addressed back to the pony, "Well, it's an honor to meet you too, Flash Sentry. I should really thank Twilight for mentioning such wonderful things about me to her friends." he said to his little fan before smiling cheekily, "And speaking of Twilight." both he and Korra moved apart to reveal the alicorn princess shyly behind them with her eyes closed. Once she opened them, she lowered her ears and blushed at the sight of her crush.
"Oh, Flash. I didn't see you there."
"Hey Prince--I mean, Twilight." Flash shyly said as he waved his hoof.
Korra and Mako both winked at each other. This was going to be interesting. Celestia smiled at the cute scene, even she knew about the ponies secret infatuation with one another. She suddenly felt her leg being nudged. She turned her head to face her younger sister.
"Sister. She's here."
Both alicorns spotted something among the crowd of humans. It was actually an invisible being, but the outline was very visible in their eyes. A man walked by and the figure was gone.
"I'll never understand why she likes doing that." (~)
Latter, Korra, Tenzin, Chief Unalaq, Tonraq, the ponies and the princesses were all walking around the festival looking at the booths and all kinds of games. The people around gasped in wonder at the sight of the regal princesses. They had never seen anything so beautiful and majestic in their lives.
Fluttershy's eye sparkled as she looked all around, "This place is so beautiful." she said.
"Look at all the food!" said Rainbow Dash as she pointed to all the varieties of treats.
"Most impressive." Luna said.
"I'm so happy you like it, Princess." said Korra. As they continued to walk, Luna spotted a ring toss game booth and her eyes widened.
"Sister, look! I have not played that game in ages! Oh, forgive my outburst."
Celestia turned to the Avatar, "Korra, is it alright if we--"
"Not at all, you guys came here to have fun. So go have fun!"
Celestia smiled mischievously at her little sister, "Race you, Luna!" she ran ahead with her sister right behind her.
"No fair!"
Unalaq watched as the two regal sisters ran off together, laughing like little kids, "Those are the princesses of Equestria." he said rather stoic-like.
Korra smiled at the princesses' enthusiasm, "Yes. They're great, aren't they?"
"Honestly, unlike anything I have ever seen." said Unalaq, both slightly impressed and slightly monotoned.
"Everypony else seems to enjoying the festival." Korra said as she quickly spotted Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash already playing for prizes at one of the booths. Rainbow Dash had her competitive face on.
"Come on, baby!" the pegasus said with enthusiasm.
Twilight rolled her eyes, "They sure didn't take long."
Unalaq, on the other hand, was not smiling at their antics, "It's a shame the southerners have abandoned all connection with the spirits. Even in the most hallowed times." he said seriously as they all continued to walk around the festival.
"I've always loved the Glacier Spirits Festival." said Korra, "It's fun."
"This festival use to be a solemn time of fasting and meditation. Now it's just a chance to watch some rube try to stick an entire arctic hen in his mouth."
They all stopped and see Bolin, who had stuffed an entire arctic hen inside his mouth, "What? It's so good!" he said with the hen still in his mouth with a smile.
"Boly, please, don't talk with your mouth full, it's most unseemly." said Rarity. Korra and Twilight rolled their eyes but smiled none the less at their friend's goofiness.
"Traditions change. It's not the end of the world." Tonraq said.
Unalaq turned to face his brother with serious eyes, "Tell that to the sailors who were being attacked by spirits in southern waters. Some traditions have purpose."
This immediately caught Korra's attention, "Wait, spirits are attacking ships?" both she and Twilight shared a curious look. It was then Korra remembered that strange creature she heard last night. After a latter good night sleep she made herself believe it was only a dream. Maybe it wasn't.
"I thought all spirits lived in the spirit world." said Twilight. Just as Korra had learned about Magic in Equestria, Twilight had brushed up on some facts on Korra's world. Especially about spirits and the Avatar itself.
"Some spirits have a way to crossover into our world, little one." Unalaq explained before turning back to his brother, "I'm surprised the Avatar doesn't know about that." he stated in a very disappointed tone, which made Tonraq's bitterness towards his brother grow even more. Unalag turned once again to Korra, "Apparently you haven't been given all the information. It would be my honor to instruct you in the spiritual ways of the water tribe." he said humbly.
"You can teach Korra about the spirits?" Twilight asked intrigued, her curiosity was only mirrored by Korra's.
"Indeed I can."
"I wouldn't mind learning about fighting spirits." Korra said with a smile before glancing at Tenzin with a somewhat teasingly expression, "Airbending has getting pretty boring recently."
At hearing this, Twilight nudged Korra's arm. "It hasn't been all that bad, ya know." she pointed out seriously.
"I know, but you gotta admit, learning about spirits is something I should focus on just as much."
"Tenzin is Korra's instructor." Tonraq said seriously, "He can give her all the training she needs."
"So you've said." said Unalaq with a very unamused tone before turning and walking away. Unbeknownst to him, the mysterious figure watched from behind a booth.
"What do ya'll think he meant by that? Tenzin's taught her plenty." said Applejack.
"Yes, but what he said about the spirits sounded quite serious." said Rarity.
Twilight and Korra both looked at each other, like always they didn't need to be mind readers to know that they were on the same page, "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" asked the princess.
The Avatar nodded, "Yep. We need to find out more about these angry spirits."
Tonraq placed his hand on his daughter's shoulder, "My little brother may know a lot but he doesn't know everything."
"Wait, if your uncle is the youngest brother then why is he chief instead of your father?" Fluttershy asked.
"He left the north pole and gave the throne to Unalaq." Korra explained.
Rarity's eyes bulged open...again, "AH! So HE was suppose to be chief?!"
"Here we go." said Twilight with a bored tone.
Rarity was getting extremely excited as she galloped in place, "So if he had stayed and became chief then, that would have made you a--a--a pri---"
Realizing the unicorn was not going to quit, Korra told her what she wanted to hear, "Yes, Rarity. If my father had become chief then that, technically, would have made me.... a princess." she said the last part very un-enthusiastically. The unicorn was slowly loosing consciousness.
"AH! A princess!--a--a princess--oh..."
Korra and Twilight shook their heads as they looked at Rarity passed out on the snow. "Unicorn down." Korra said with a deadpan expression.
"Again." Twilight added, also wearing a matching expression. (~)
"I'm really glad you came with me to this meeting." Asami said graciously. Accompanied by Bolin, Pabu and Spike, standing before a large white yacht.
"Hey, no sweat it Sami." said Spike, "So, who are we supposed to be meeting again?"
"His name is Varrick. He is the richest man in the world and he controls the entire global shipping business. So, you two are my assistants. Just stand there and don't say anything."
Bolin smiled in reassurance, "No problem, Pabu, Spike and I are natural assistants."
"You can count on us!" said the dragon as he followed his friends up to the boat.
The friends walked inside where a woman wearing glasses and a business uniform came by to take their coats. Bolin's eyes scanned the fancy interior of the ship, "Man, this is nice! I got to get into this whole business thing."
In the very center of the room, they saw a man sitting cross-legged on a pillow with other people watching him intently, sitting in a circle around him. The man was of water tribe descendant with wavy styled dark brown hair, wearing extravagant blue clothing underneath a long purple cape with fur lining in his shoulders. He looked at if he were concentrating hard on something.
Spike arched an eyebrow at the scene, "Is this guy okay?"
Bolin shrugged his shoulders, just as confused about this as his friend was, "I don't now."
Asami shushed them both. She knew very well who the man was. He was Varrick. And while she did agree that his first impression wasn't what she expected, she was desperate for some help with Future Industries. Even though she would never admit it out loud.
Finally, Varrick opened his eyes and smiled widely, "Did ya see that? Levitation!"
Bolin and Spike both looked confused as they watched the man stand up, his cloak falling from his shoulders in the process, and took a bow while everybody else clapped for him, even Asami.
"Did I miss something?" Spike asked.
"It looked like you were just sitting on a pillow." Bolin stated and Asami faced palms herself. There goes her business deal.
Everyone else in the room looked at Bolin, stunned. Varrick was shocked as well. He walked over to him, stopping right in front of the young earthbender, his hands on his hips as he gazed at Bolin very intimidatingly. "Are you saying, I wasn't levitating?" even Spike felt a bit frightened by the man's angry glare.
Bolin gulped nervously before answering nervously, "Uh....no?"
Varrick continued looking at him angrily while Spike 'zipped' next to Asami and hid behind her skirt, "Nice knowing ya, buddy" said the baby dragon.
Varrick finally turned to his 'followers', and said, "Well why didn't anyone tell me? Now I look like an idiot!"
"Now? Seriously?" Spike looked at the man like he was a big fat idiot.
Asami looked down at him and scowled, "Spike, please!"
Varrick then pointed to a man in a funny looking hat who sat cross legged next to where Varrick was sitting, "Swami you're fired!" The swami bowed to him and walked out. Varrick then placed his arm around Bolin, reverting back to his happy-go-lucky self, "I like you kid, you're a real straight shooter, just like me." he turned to Asami and pointed his index finger at her while wearing a somewhat serious look, "Miss Sato, he's with you?"
Asami nodded in yes. Varrick's eyes scanned downwards and noticed Spike beside Asami's legs. The dragon nervously waved.
"What's that?" asked Varrick, pointing at the creature and Asami introduced her friend.
"This is Spike. He's with me too."
"But what is he?"
Asami looked down at Spike, who shrugged his shoulders, he didn't know if she should tell him the truth or not. "Say something." she encouraged.
"What do you want me to say?"
Varrick slightly backed away in shock, "It can talk?!...Weird."
Spike scowled at the man and placed his hands on his hips, "Seriously? I'm the weirdest thing in the room?" he asked sarcastically.
Varrick smiled at this, "Feisty too. I like him!" the eccentric man lifted the dragon up and inspected him, he looked into his ears, tugged on his tail and placed his thumb and index finger into his mouth, opening it wide, "To think, a real life talking scaly thing!"
Spike's jaws snapped once Varrick removed his fingers. "Actually, I'm a dragon!" he clarified.
Varrick held the dragon with his left arm and placed his right arm around Bolin, "Brought your tiger shark and your little scaly buddy to do business with ya, huh? Now that's moxie!"
Asami sighed in relief. She was so worried the guys had unintentionally ruined her chances of having Varrick as a business partner and saving her company, but apparently the stars were in her favor that day. Varrick took both boys to their seats, which were really pillows on the floor.
"Zhu Li, get some tea for my guests!"
"Thank you for meeting with me." said Asami as she walked up to Varrick and got down to business, "As you know, Future Industries is looking for a partner to handle our shipping."
The heiress was interrupted when Varrick waved a finger at her, "Sure! But first you gotta check out my new venture! Moving pictures! Zhu Li, do the thing!"
His assistant, who was in the process of serving Bolin his tea and gave a bowl of cookies for Spike, handed the tray to the earthbender and started the projector an the lights dimmed. Spike quickly took the bowl of cookies and began to chow down.
Varrick placed his hands on Asami's shoulder as he had her take a seat on a pillow, "You're gonna love this!" he shoved her a bit too hard that Asami tripped and fell to her right, only to have Bolin catch her. The two blinked at the awkward position they were now in; Asami was holding onto Bolin's shoulder with her right hand while he held her hips. The heiress was practically on his lap. This was very awkward for both of them, but Spike simply sat there watching the moment while munching on cookies like he was at the movie theater. Asami quickly sat back up and fixed her hair, tints of red evident on both their cheeks, and their eyes returned to the screen before them.
Right before their eyes, was a paper screen being hit by the light from the projector. On the screen, they saw a moving image of an ostrich horse. Spike had already seen stuff like this back home, it really didn't impress him all that much, but he still watched while eating the cookies. Varrick stood in front of his friends, "Mind-blowing, right?"
"Yeah." Bolin said impressed.
"Now forget that! That's the past! Shut it off, Zhu Li!"
Zhu Li did as she was told and turned off the projector, the lights came back on after she did. Varrick continued to explain, "Imagine watching this!" he gestured to his left, "Ginger, come over here and do your poses."
Bolin gasped in a amazement as a gorgeous woman walked toward them. Her hair was short, curly and colored oddly crimson red, and ended at the nap of her neck, her lips were blood-red and her eyes were stunning blue. She dropped her shawl and stroked a number of dramatic and stylish poses, as lights flashed behind her. Bolin was completely taken by her beauty as he stared at her with wide eyes while drooling. Spike was indifferent to this, however Asami quickly covered the young dragon's eyes from looking at the woman's 'suggestive' dress.
"Spectacular!" Varrick said as he continued to speak, while blocking Bolin's view of Ginger, much to his annoyance, "And, we tell a story; there's romance, action, some funny animal stuff for the kids. You know, whatever! Thanks, Ginger, go rest your gams." the man leaped forward and sat between Bolin and Asami, Spike was slightly shaken by the impact that he dropped his bowl of cookies, much to his disappointment. Varrick wrapped his arm around Bolin's neck, "How about that tiger shark? We're gonna do big business with these "movers" as I call em." Varrick said enthusiastically to his new 'friends'.
"Movers? Why not just call em movies?" Spike said. Varrick stared sternly at Spike who lowered his ears and gulped, "Just a suggestion."
"Movies, hu?" Varrick tapped his chin in thought before shouting, "...I love it! Movies it is!"
Even Asami was beginning to notice the weirdness of this man, but as crazy as he was, she needed him, "Oookay. But I'm just concentrating on getting Future Industries back on track. If we could hammer out a deal--"
Varrick stopped her midway by holding his hand up to her face, "Stop! Look me in the eye." he pressed his head to Asami, who was initially unsure of what to do, but quickly adopted a determined look on her face. After a few seconds Varrick smiled and suddenly broke away and pointed his finger to the ceiling,
"We got a deal!"
His reaction caused Asami to fall back from her cushion, only to have Spike help her up. Varrick then helped Asami to her feet and shook her hand, "We'll hammer out the details at the royal feast tonight." he turned back to his 'followers', "Now, who wants a rocket boat ride?!"
The people cheered as they followed him out. Bolin and Spike were both still very confused to what had just happened. "Uh, is that how business usually goes?" asked the earthbender. To his surprise, Asami hugged him and then ruffled his hair.
"You are a natural assistant."
"Hey, what about me?"
Asami lifted Spike up and kissed his cheek, "You're a great assistant too, Spike."
The dragon blushed, "Aww, it was nothing. I told you you could count on us" (~)
That night at the royal dinner, Korra sat with her parents, uncle and cousins at a large table while the two princesses sat in their own beautifully table reserved just for them, close to the large table where Korra and her family was. It was a beautifully decorated table Korra had reserved just for the princesses. Other tables were reserved for the ponies as well. The Avatar smiled as she watched her pony friends giggle and having fun together. She was a bit upset she wasn't sitting with them, but they understood she hardly got to spend time with her family, so this was a great chance. Though Korra knew she came from royal roots, she never really liked being treated like royalty. She never saw herself as a princess. She once believed princesses to be rather spoiled and arrogant prissy rich girls...until she met Twilight Sparkle. She and Celestia, Luna, even Cadance showed Korra what it really meant to be a princess, and the Avatar found a newfound respect for those who carried this title.
At the corner of her eye, she noticed the two royal sisters happily waving at the young Avatar from their table. Another thing Korra loved about them was that they were not afraid to act non-royal-like around ones they liked and cared for. Korra happily waved in return. She spotted her pony friends at the table on the other corner near theirs and waved to them as well. Shining Armor and Princess Cadance sat in a table set for two. The pony couple also waved at Korra and she, of course, waved back without hesitation. The Avatar then noticed her uncle looking at her rather oddly, questioning why she was waving so much. She blushed a bit in embarrassment and lowered her gaze and her hand. Even though she wasn't a princess, she was sitting with the royal family, her family, so she had to act a bit more proper than usual. It could be worse, she could be wearing an itchy royal robe.
A waiter walked by to the princesses table and bowed in respect, "More tea your highness?"
"Yes please. Thank you" said Celestia. The waiter poured the tea into their cups before bowing and walking away.
"It was kind of Unalaq to arrange us this gorgeous table. And so close to the royal family" said Luna.
Celestia nodded in agreement, "Well you should also thank Korra, she arranged half of this just for us as well."
Luna looked over at Korra as a concerned look came across her face, "Sister, do you truly think she could be...you know."
"She has shown promise as of yet" said her big sister.
"I agree but...could she be? I mean, can it be possible what she said?"
"Anything is possible, sister. We'll just have to wait...then we will know for certain if she is indeed ready."
"This is a wonderful feast in your honor, Uncle" Korra said to Unalaq.
"This is nothing. When this festival was founded the tribal elders would commune for spirits. People would watch the brilliant displays of light as spirits danced in the sky."
Korra smiled at how he described this, it sounded amazing. "Wow. I've never seen that."
"Well that is a shame, since the Avatar is the bridge between the material world and the spirits. That is why I want so badly to teach you. To help you fulfill your destiny"
"I thought I had made it clear that Tenzin is teaching her" said Tonraq seriously.
"Every Avatar before you traveled the world to learn." Unalaq said to the young Avatar, being completely straightforward with her, "It was Tenzin and your father who kept you secluded at the south pole"
His words reached the table that was close to the royal family, where the Mane Six sat. Twilight immediately spit out her drink in shock, "What the hu!?"
Korra was very confused by what her uncle had just said. Was it really her father and Tenzin's idea to have her secluded in that compound of a prison all her life?
"I thought Aang ordered the White Lotus to keep me down here." Korra said as she looked at her father in confusion. She silently hoped this was a misunderstanding. She wouldn't expect her own father, who loved her to no end, actually have his own daughter locked away from the world without any interaction with others her own age. Tonraq never wanted it to come to this, but the way his daughter looked at him, what other choice did he have. Korra was eighteen now, she was old enough to understand.
"We all did what we thought was best for you." he finally said. But sadly, Korra did not react the way Tonarq had hoped.
This could not be true? Her own father and teacher were the ones who locked her up all this time? She would have understood if Aang was the one who had arranged it, given all he had been through in the past as The Avatar, but the people Korra was closest to? All those years being trapped within the compound walls, all those years of isolation, all those years of not having any real friends, and it was all to 'keep her safe?' 'For her own good?'. How was being a prisoner all her life for her own good? For once in her life, Korra was feeling a growing anger towards her father. How could he not have told her? She crossed her arms and angrily glared at Tonraq.
"Who I train with should be my decision, Dad, not yours. Or Tenzin's."
Then a plate of cookies was levitated at them. Twilight smiled awkwardly, "Cookies?" Korra graciously took one and Twilight levitated them to Tonraq and Unalaq but they declined, "Ooooookay." Twilight took the plate back, she was so hoping that would help make things less awkward.
From across the room, Tenzin, Bumi, Kya and Katara all sat at a table, having overheard the conversation between Korra and her father and uncle. "Looks like someone's trying to take your place as the Avatar's stick-in-the-mud mentor." Bumi said teasingly while nudging his brother's arm.
"Bumi, don't pick on Tenzin. You know he's always been sensitive." Kya said, equally teasing.
"I'm not sensitive!" Tenzin reply defensively while crossing his arms. His brother and sister laughed at him while Kya kept on poking him. Katara watched them while holding Rohan, wearing a serious look on her face. How she wished her children would learn to get along.
"Don't lose hope."
Said a soft voice. Katara felt someone breathing down her neck. But when she turned her head, there was no one there.
Celestia and Luna watched as the siblings bickered with one another, both looking on with expressions of concern...and even regret. "They remind me of how we once behaved." said the eldest sister in sympathy and pity for the siblings.
"Yes. Many moons ago." Luna said, equally sad.
Unalaq rose from his chair and grabbed everyone's attention as he spoke. His voice sounding wise and regal, "As your chief, it is my honor to speak at this festival and to welcome our two esteemed guests, the Princesses of Equestria."
The people clapped for the princesses who nodded in response.
"This festival was founded to bring our tribes together, and restore the ancient balance between our world and that of the spirits." Unalaq's tone began to slowly change from wise and proper, to upset and disappointed, "But I am saddened to see what it has become. A cheap carnival that celebrates greedy and trivial humans."
As he said this, Varrick was looking at his reflection on a plate cleaning his teeth with his finger.
"I fear the time is fast approaching when the north can no longer stand ideally by while our southern brothers slip into total spiritual decade. Angry spirits are already attacking ships in your waters. I only hope we are not too late to change course."
The ponies and the princesses all shared concerned looks, what Unalaq was talking about sounded very serious. Celestia stood up from her seat and spoke to the chief, "If I may, Chief Unalaq. I understand your concern about this matter. If by any chance that you, your people or Avatar Korra need any assistance, I will not hesitate to help."
Unalaq bowed to her in respect, "Thank you for your concern and generosity, your highness. But I am certain we will find a way to sooth these angry spirits and bring balance once again. Thank you none the less."
Celestia smiled and bowed, "Thank you, Celestia" Korra said graciously. Celestia winked at the avatar before sitting back down alongside her sister.
Varrick then stood before the crowd, happy and charismatic as usual, "Chief Unalaq and Princess Celestia everybody! Always great to have them in town, now let's have some fun with Wacky Wu's dancing otter penguins!"
A man dressed in purple danced onto the stage and bended a stream of water onto the platform. Three otter penguins slide along the water, before sliding back, stopping in front of Wushu and all four of them took a bow.
Pinkie Pie clapped her hooves enthusiastically. (~)
The lights of the festival glowed in the night like fireflies. All around there were booths and stands filled with all sorts of yummy sugary treats, fun games for the whole family, and hundreds of stuffed animals for prizes. People all around enjoyed the annual festivities. Among them, were Korra, Mako and Bolin. However, Bolin was kind of the odd man out. He was eating a kabob while the young couple were standing only two feet away from him, feeding each other cotton candy in the most lovey-dovey manner. Even though he supported their relationship now, Bolin still felt a bit awkward being around them whenever they were paying more attention to each other rather than him.
"Yeah, this is nice. Us pals, hanging out together. The three of us." Bolin said with obvious sarcasm in his voice, while glaring at the two lovebirds in annoyance.
"Hu? Sorry bro, did you say something?" Mako asked.
Bolin lowered his brows in annoyance and turned his head back to his kabob, "Never mind."
The couple shrugged their shoulders and continued feeing each other cotton candy. Bolin then spotted the royal twins, Desna and Eska, who were both standing alone, surveying the people walking past them. Bolin cleared his throat and gave Mako his kabob.
"Wish me luck. Making my move! Whee!" he went off like an excited little child, his arms spread wide, while Korra and Mako looked on at him with worried expressions.
Mako was very skeptical as to why Bolin would ever want to be interested in someone like Eska. He had only just known about Korra's cousins, and he never had a conversation with them, not even a simple 'hello' but he could already tell that this girl could not suite well with his optimistic and carefree younger brother.
"Good luck." was all Mako could say.
"Those two always creeped me out." said Korra as she looked on at her cousins in disgust, "They smell like a grandma's attic."
Bolin confidently walked up to the twins and smiled. Preferably to Eska. "Hey, I'm Bolin. I'm a friend of Korra's! You're, uh, Eska, right?" he asked hopefully, so not wanting to make the same mistake as before with mixing the twins' genders, "Wow, I'm just, I am loving these robes."
The two twins turned to look at the commoner talking to them, and Eska hissed in his direction. Bolin was somewhat taken back and cleared his throat before talking again, "So, you are from the north right? Cool, that's, like you know, my favorite direction." Bolin mentally splayed himself, he was acting like a complete goof. Normally he wouldn't have this kind of problem with a girl, but this one was really hard to read. None the less, he was determined to win her over. His brother had someone to love, it was high time Bolin found someone too.
The twins arched their eyebrows and Desna spoke to his sister in a monotone/dignified voice, "I think he is trying to establish some kind of bond with you based on your geographic point of origin." he said.
Bolin had no idea what he just said as Eska spoke with her brother, "Perhaps it would be interesting to spend time with a person whose ways are so rough and uncultured." to Bolin's surprise, Eska looked at him...and smiled, "You amuse me. I will make you mine."
Bolin wasn't entirely clear as to what she meant, "You mean like a boyfriend, or like a slave...?"
"Yes." Eska quickly grabbed Bolin by the collar, "Win me prizes." (~)
Meanwhile, Twilight and Flash Sentry were walking around the carnival, taking the scenery of the place. Twilight nervously bit her bottom lip, she had never spent time alone with Flash before, she had no idea what she was suppose to do. If only there was a guidebook or something about boys and talking to them. Many times she wondered exactly how Korra could be so bold when it came to guys. How she wished she were here to help her. Unbeknownst to her, Flash was having the same difficulty. He had never hung out socially with a princess before. He was so nervous and scared of sounding stupid.
Finally, they both decided to stop being afraid and just go for it. But they both pick a similar moment to speak, "So how do you like---. Sorry, you go first. No you. Sorry."
They both turned away blushing. Twilight took in a deep breath and spoke first, "So, how do you like the festival so far?"
"It's amazing." said Flash, "Then again it is my first time in the human world. It's so different and beautiful."
"Yeah. It really is."
"And I can't believe so many people live out here too. I can't even imagine living in a place that's so cold all of the time."
"It's not so bad. And besides, you get use to it." Twilight really deserved a pat on the back. She was actually having a conversation with Flash. And she was calm.
As they continued to walk, a man passing by accidentally let his half done cotton candy drop to the ground, Twilight was already engaged in her conversation with Flash that she didn't see the sugar treat, now mixed with the snow, right in her path. The alicorn felt her hoof slip and she began to lose her balance.
"Wow! WOAH!", before she knew it, Twilight slide across the snowy ground, passing all kind of people, young and old, before finally passing by Korra and Mako and slammed into a booth. The alicorn's eyes rolled in her head as she groaned, now laying on her back.
"Twilight!", the young couple quickly rushed to her side. Flash ran to her as well with a very concerned look on his face.
"Are you okay?" Mako asked the alicorn in concern.
Twilight's eyes stopped rolling but she didn't even bother to get up as she narrowed her eyes at the firebender, "Do I look okay?" she sighed sadly, "Flash must think I'm a total idiot right now"
"It wasn't that bad." Korra assured her.
"Yeah it was." the alicorn said sadly.
"Okay, maybe a little, but I'm pretty sure he didn't even notice"
"Twilight! Are you okay? that was some hit." Flash Sentry asked once he reached the princess, still wearing a worry look.
Korra face palmed herself, "But I have been wrong before" she said.
Twilight finally managed to get herself back on her hooves and shook the snow off of herself, "Yeah. Don't worry, I'm fine."
"Are you sure? Nothing broken or bruised?"
"Nah. It wasn't nearly as painful as when I was bloodbended against the wall."
"Yeah, that was brutal" Mako said. Korra angrily nudged his arm, the firebender cried out in pain and rubbed his arm, "OW! What? We were there."
Flash looked at the princess, blinking in surprise, "Wow. That's incredible."
Twilight was not expecting him to say that, "What?"
"That hit you just took, to me looked way painful but you come out without a scratch. I mean, I always knew you were strong based on the stories I've heard but, wow, I never realized you were this tough."
Twilight's eyes were wide in surprise, he actually thought that she was tough! Her, the smart bookworm. She felt her cheeks burn, "You don't think I looked ridiculous?"
"Why would I think that? That slip could have happened to anypony. I can't tell you how many times I've slipped and fell. Almost broke a hoof one time."
"For real?"
"Yeah, and that was just while I was walking down the hallway."
The two ponies laughed while Korra and Mako smiles happily. "Hey, you wanna go try out some more games?" Twilight asked, "That is, if we don't both slip and hit an iceberg first."
"Absolutely. Let's try that ring toss game."
"Sure."
As they ran off together Korra and Mako gave each other a victory fist pump. The ice was broken. (~)
Meanwhile Pinkie Pie was zipping here and there playing games and winning prizes like there was no tomorrow, surprising every human she came in contact with.
"I win! I win! I win! Fun! Fun! Fun!", she won stuffed animals, ate sweets. While Cadance and Shining Armor were sharing cotton candy she came in between them.
"You gonna eat that?"
She stuck out her tongue and ate the two whole clouds of cotton candy, leaving the prince and princess confused as the happy pink pony hopped away to play even more games. (~)
Latter Korra and Mako were playing a water squirting game, where the goal was to squirt water from guns into a chibi Aang's mouth.
"Unalaq offered to train me." Korra explained as she shot the water from her water gun into the wooden chibi Aang, who's eyes and arrow lit up as she did. "He says he can teach me about the spirits and my connection to them."
"Sounds good. What does Tenzin think?" Mako asked.
"Tenzin thinks I'm his prisoner, or one of his kids. I never finish training with him in charge!" as she said this, Korra became so irritated that she angrily waterbended a ton of water into the chibi Aang's mouth, winning the carnival game.
"We have a winner!" said the owner of the booth.
"I really think he might be onto something." Korra said while she held her prize, a sky bison plush. "Last night when I couldn't sleep I went to get some fresh air and I thought I saw something in the water. I couldn't make it out but it gave out some strange shrieking sound. When I tried to see what it was it disappeared, almost like it was scared or something."
"You think it was a dark spirit?"
"I don't know. But, if it was, then that means Unalaq really was right. The south is spiritually unbalanced and it's the Avatar's job to fix it, but my dad won't even let me think about Unalaq teaching me."
"What do the girls think?"
"Twilight thinks I should, at the very least, consider it if I'm to learn about the spirits. So do Applejack and Rainbow Dash, but they're also concerned about me leaving Tenzin. Fluttershy's freaked out about the idea of angry spirits and Rarity passed out once she discovered there was a huge possibility I could have been born a princess."
"What about Pinkie Pie?"
Instead of answering, Korra pointed with her finger at a booth where Pinkie was playing, and winning, another game with big smile on her face.
"She's another story. But, I want to hear your opinion too. On the one hand, I think I should learn more about these spirits, but at the same time there's Tenzin and...I want to be 100% sure if I'll be making the right decision here. So, what do you think I should do?"
Mako smiled at his girlfriend, "I think you should do what you think is right. I'll support whatever decision you make."
"Thanks, that's sweet, but not very specific." Korra said, arching an eyebrow. As sweet as it was for Mako to say, it wasn't exactly what she was hoping to hear.
"What do you want me to say?"
"I...don't know."
All of this indecision was too much for Korra. Six months ago, were was a time where she would hardly question what it was she wanted to do, but her experiences really did have an impact on her. She now understood that being the Avatar really was more than just the elements, it also had a lot to do with spirits and being connected with them and everything. She wanted to learn about the spirits, and even though she was still mad at both her father and Tenzin for having kept a secret from her, she didn't know if leaving Tenzin was a wise move. After all he did, leaving him would seem a bit harsh, even if he was getting on her last nerve.
Korra really didn't know what to do, the more she wondered, the more angry she felt. She hated being indecisive, it was one of the reasons she hardly used to give any seconds thoughts when it came to decision making, but now she was thinking about the consequences of her decision, whatever it may be. It was like these thoughts were only adding more to the fuel of the fire she had been feeling recently.
Finally, Korra had had enough of this roller coaster, she simply handed the stuffed Appa to her boyfriend. More like slightly tossing it to his stomach with a hint of force, no doubt from her bubbling anger, and turned away from him.
"Just forget I asked." with that she stormed off, leaving a dumbfounded Mako alone holding the stuffed Appa.
Just then, Twilight and Flash walked by the firebender, laughing and talking. "Oh, hey Mako." Twilight greeted, and then noticed he was missing someone, "Where's Korra?"
"She...needed some time alone." said the firebender, sadly looking at the stuffed bison he was holding.
"Trouble in paradise?" Flash asked.
"You could say that."
"Don't worry, they may argue but they can never stay mad at each other." Twilight said to Flash, "Korra will come around, she always does."
Mako smiled at her encouragement, "Thanks."
Twilight flaps her wings and flies up a few feet from the ground, "Come on Flash, let's go try out the ferris wheel."
Flash also flies up, "Race ya!" he zipped past her and flies ahead.
"No fair! You got a head start! Bye Mako!" she waved to her friend before joining up with Flash.
Mako smiled as they flew off, "Glad to see someone's having fun." (~)
As Korra walked around the festival, already feeling bad about her outburst. She then spotted a familiar cloaked unicorn among the crowed, happily chatting with Celestia and Luna. Korra smiled at the scene, and walked towards the three.
"Hey."
"Hello, Korra." Celestia greeted happily.
"So, you ladies enjoying yourselves?"
"Yes, very much. We thank you for inviting us." Luna said graciously, and Korra bowed in respect. She then turned to the cloaked unicorn who was practically the same heigh as Celestia.
"I see you got my invitation."
"Yes, I did. Thank you."
Korra smiled and nodded her head, though by the look in her eyes, she still looked troubled. "Is something bothering, my dear?" the unicorn asked.
"No, no, it's nothing." she assured, but she knew very well that the alicorns could see right through her.
"Are you certain?" Luna asked with concern, "Do you wish to talk about it?"
"No, no. It's fine, really. Don't worry about it, I don't want to ruin your fun."
"If you ever wish to talk, please feel free." Celestia said.
"I will. Thank you." (~)
The Cutie Mark Crusaders are playing that squirting game that Korra was playing earlier and also won a stuffed Appa. Sweetie Belle hugged him, "Awww, he's so cute!"
"This festival is awesome, I wish it was like this all of the time" said Scootaloo
Apple Bloom then gets an idea, "Hey! When we get back home, let's see if we can earn our cutie marks in hosting festivals!"
"YEAH!"
Their happy smiles then shifted to ones of confusion when they saw Eska drag a very unsure Bolin around by his collar.
"Boy is he desperate." said Scootaloo. (~)
Latter, after a fun time at the festival, the princesses and the others prepared to leave. They were all gathered in a clearing from which they could see the entire festival.
"Thank you so much for inviting us Korra." said Princess Celestia.
"Yes, it was quite enjoyable" said Luna.
"Best festival I've ever been to" Shining Armor agreed. Cadance turned to her sister-in-law, "You sure you don't mind staying, Twilight?"
"Not at all. We planned on having a sleepover anyways."
"Alright. Let me know when you get back" said her brother. The three of them hugged while Luna noticed Korra's upset expression, "Is something troubling you, child?"
Korra sighed before answering...somewhat quickly, "My uncle says he can teach me a lot about the spirits and how to bring balance back into the south pole but I'm not entirely sure if I should go with him or stay with Tenzin, even though it was really his and my father's idea to have me locked up at the south pole my whole life, which stinks because all my life I tried to tolerate living there because it was Aang's wish but now I see that wasn't the case and I can't believe they lied to me!" once she finished she crossed her arms in frustration. The tree princesses looked at each other with concern.
"Sometimes we must think about what we need instead of what we want." said the moon princess.
"Aren't 'want' and need kind of the same thing?"
Celestia gently shook her head, "No, my dear."
"But something is telling me I need to learn about the spirits and put a stop to it, but--"
"You don't want to hurt Tenzin do you?" Celestia added with concern.
Korra lowered her shoulders, "No. I'm so sick of everyone making decisions for me. That's how it's always been, and now that I want to make my own choice I don't know what to do because--gah! It's so frustrating!" Fluttershy placed her hoof on the Avatar's shoulder, who then bowed to the princesses, "Forgive me, your highness."
"There's no need to apologize." Celestia said kindly.
"I really don't know what to do. I'm at a crossroads here and...I'm scared of messing things up."
Celestia lifted up Korra's face with her hoof and spoke with much kindness. And began to sing;
Celestia;
Your destiny's uncertain
And that's sometimes had to take
But it will become much clearer with every new choice you make
Luna;
Patience is never easy
I understand wanting more
I know how hard it is to wait, to spread your wings and soar
As she sang the last part she flapped her wings and lifted up with the moon shining behind her.
Cadance;
But you stand here for a reason
You're gifted and you are strong
Twilight;
The Elements lie within you 'cause, you belong!
Princesses,
Know that your time is coming soon
As the sun rises so does the moon
As love finds a place in every heart
We are faith that, you'll play your part
Luna,
We understand you wanting more
A chance to shine a chance to soar
The four princesses flapped their wings and flew around above Korra.
Cadance,
Soon will the come the day it turns around
They flew around Korra lifting her up with their magic,
Princesses:
Know that your time is coming soon
As the sun rises so does the moon
As love find a place in every heart
We have faith that, you'll play your part
As Korra was lowered down Twilight lifted up her chin with her hoof,
Twilight;
I have complete faith, you'll play your part
The Alicorn and Avatar embraced in a warm hug. "But what exactly do I choose?" Korra asked once the hug ended. "I don't want to make a mistake."
"You need to make that choice out of your own free will. From mistakes is how we grow, both mentally and spiritually." Celestia placed her hoof on Korra's shoulder, "But I do recommend this: before you make your decision, whichever it may be, be sure not to let your anger influence it. It will prevent you from thinking clearly. I understand it's hard, especially after what you had just discovered but promise me you will try."
Korra nodded in understanding, "I promise."
"Remember this as well; A friend is a need for everyone. And every one is a friend in need."
Korra smiled at her advice. She always felt safe around Celestia and knew she gave advice from the heart and always tried her best to understand her and her problems. Something Korra wasn't always so used to when it came to mentors.
Applejack then looked around, "Wait! Where's Apple Bloom?"
"And Sweetie Belle?" Rarity asked
"And Scootaloo?" asked Rainbow Dash.
Right then, Mako shows up with the Crusaders by his side.
"Hey! Sorry we're late. The girls wanted to ride on the ferries wheel. Again"
"It was fun!" Apple Bloom said while jumping happily.
"Well now, it's time for you to go home with Big Mac. It's past your bedtime." said her big sister. Her brother agreed, "Yyyyyyyyep!"
Crusaders all lowered their ears in disappointment. "Now say good night" said Rarity. The crusaders all turned to Mako and said in union.
"Good night Uncle Mako!"
The firebender welcomes the fillies with open arms, "Good night my little ponies. We'll see each other again soon"
"Promise?" Scootaloo said.
Mako smiled and placed his hand over his heart, "Promise."
"Pinkie Pie promise?" said Sweetie Belle.
"Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye". They all hug one more time then Mako gives each a kiss, "By girls. behave yourselves."
"We will" they all said.
Twilight and Flash said their goodbyes as well, which was something they didn't really want to do yet, "Bye Flash. I had a lot of fun" Twilight said shyly.
"Me too. Maybe we can meet up again some time."
Twilight gleamed, "Here or at home?"
Flash smiled, "Whichever."
Luna hugged Korra goodbye, "Farewell Korra."
"Bye, Luna."
Celestia opened the prophecy book as the portal emerged from its pages. The whole pony group entered the vortex, returning to their magical home. Once they were all gone, everybody smiled cheekily at Twilight.
"What?"
They all started to sing, "Twilight and Flash sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G!"
"Stop it!" (~)
That night, the ponies, Korra, Naga and Spike were all sound asleep in their hut against Naga. All was silent as the girls splits peacefully. Suddenly, the polar bear dog woke up and ran outside, waking Korra up in the process.
"Uh, Naga what are you doing?" she asked, still half asleep. Her eyes snapped open once Naga started to howl loudly. The beast now had the Avatar's full attention a she ran outside.
"Naga hush."
As she ran out the ponies were all woken up by the sound of Naga's howling and ran after Korra, curious as to what was happening. Rarity, who was wearing a sleeping mask, woke up with a shake, "Hu? What? Morning already?" she heard yet another howl from Naga, and the unicorn quickly removed the mask and ran outside.
Spike, however, remained in his sleeping bag, trying to ignore the sounds by covering himself with his blanket, "Five more minutes."
The friends all ran towards Naga, who kept on howling. Korra reached her beloved animal companion and petted her head, in hopes of calming her down. "Quiet, Naga, you'll wake everyone up" Naga licked Korra's face and continued to howl into the distance. Fluttershy flew upwards closer to the beast and tried to calm her down by stroking her head with her hoof,
"It's okay girl. Take it easy."
But Naga continued to howl into the night. Her sound eventually woke up both Bolin and Mako, who both stepped outside of their tent. Bolin stretched as he yawned, "Uh, What's going on?"
Then, Twilight spotted something in the distance. She tugged on Korra's pants and pointed forward. The Avatar squinted her eyes, trying to make out what she saw. It appeared to be a strange dark-colored entity in the distance. It didn't look like anything Korra or the Ponies had ever seen. It was almost black in color but emitted somewhat of a purplish glow from its body, and two golden orbs on its head, which were unmistakably its eyes.
"What...is...that?"
Then strange thing became more clear in vision range....as it began charged right at them!
Before they could react, the strange creature slammed right into Korra and she fell into the snow, the impact caused the ponies to be pushed away and slide on the snow. The creature grabbed Korra's arms and pinned her against a rock. The Avatar struggled to break free from its hold. Whatever this creature was, it was strong.
For a brief moment, Korra stopped struggling as she gazed into the glowing yellow orbs, which reminded her of the creature she saw the previous night. There was something strange about this entity, like the very image of it sent shivers down her spine, but at the same time, it was as if it was trying to tell her something. She knew it wanted to harm her, yet it was as if it didn't know for what reason.
The girl finally broke free after a magenta colored fire blast hit the creature from behind. Its head turned around to see Twilight glaring at it.
"Back off, whatever you are!"
Korra rushed away from the creature which continued to receive multiple fire blasts, clearing her head of whatever it was she had seen in that thing. The ponies and Korra realized that Mako and Bolin had joined in the fight, both bending their respected elements at the monster, drawing it away from Korra.
"Got it!" Bolin shouted as he hurled rocks towards the creature, but it managed to dodged his attacks by jumping out of the way. "Don't got it!"
The monster then rammed into the brothers, causing them to fly backwards and roll down the hill. The two laid on the snow, half-conscious. Rainbow Dash gasped in horror at seeing her friends lying helplessly in the snow. The cyan pony glared angrily at the beast.
"That's it!"
With incredible speed, Rainbow charged at the monster, shooting fire blasts from her hooves. The creature began attacking her with its tentacle-like arms, but Rainbow zipped left and right dodging its attempts, "What's the matter tough guy?" the creature then finally slapped Rainbow right in the gut and she landed in the snow.
"Rainbow!" Korra quickly got back up and firebended at the creature while Twilight kept shooting magic and fire at it.
Spike stepped out of the hut rubbing his sleepy eyes, "What in the name of Equestria is going on out---" his eyes widened when he saw his friends fighting a strange dark creature, "Oh..."
The girls tried to hold off the beats but it was far too fast for them to hit. "I don't suppose you have a spell to stop this thing?" Korra asked Twilight as she jumped away from the creature trying to grab her with it's tentacles-like arms.
"Don't you think if I had I would have done it already?" Twilight said as she kept avoiding the creature's attacks.
"Okay, now's not the time to get all sassy!" Korra exclaimed with her hands on her hips. The creature came at them again, but both girls jumped right out of the way.
Applejack jumped onto the creature's back and began riding it like a bull, "YEEHAW! Get along little doggy!" the creature managed to buck the pony off of its back, but she slid across the snow, wearing a fierce look of determination. Applejack stomped the ground with her hooves and a rock rose up, she jumped up and kicked it directly at the creature, knocking it down. Applejack did a backflip and landed beside her friends and tipped her hat.
"Beat that, partner!" Her eyes widened as she gasped in horror as the creature managed to get back up without even the tiniest scratch on it. Applejack lowered her ears fearfully, "I guess you can."
"Korra!"
Korra spun around at the sound of her father's voice. Tonraq came sliding on the ice and used his waterbending to rise the snow upwards and encase the spirit in ice. The spirit appeared to be contained for the moment, but several of it's tentacles then broke through the top of the ice, grabbing both Tonraq and Korra, Applejack, Twilight and Rainbow Dash and threw them into one of the huts and the ground respectively. The others quickly rushed to their side. The creature's tentacles receded and the ice around it exploded, as the creature broke free.
Tenzin came running outside and stood before the creature. He had already specified it to be a spirit of some kind, this must have been the rapid spirits Unalaq was talking about before. As a spiritual mentor, this was his chance to live up to his title. He stood right before the spirit and spoke to the spirit, trying to converse with it.
"Spirit, why are you angry with us? What have we done to offend you?"
The spirit looked at Tenzin with scorn and batted the aribender away with its tentacles. The air nomad grunted as he sat up. How could speaking to the spirit not work, he wondered. Korra and the rest of the ponies all got back up to their feet and hooves, "There's just no stopping this thing!" said Rainbow. Korra had to agree, this thing was way too powerful to fight against. They needed something else...that's when it hit her.
"There is one way."
Fluttershy gasped, knowing what the Avatar had in mind, "Are you sure?"
"What other choice do we have?"
Korra placed her fists together while the all ponies surrounded her. Korra's eyes opened and glowed white as the ponies' Elements of Harmony appeared on their chests, their eyes also glowing. The spirit sensed this new energy, it was unlike anything it had encountered before. He turned and spotted the Avatar and her Ponies all with matching glowing eyes and shimmering gems around the ponies' necks. The spirit angrily ran towards them as Korra airbended herself and the ponies upwards in a sparkly whirlwind. The spirit charged at them but they all quickly dodged it, causing the spirit to land into the festival market behind the girls.
Korra, Twilight and Rainbow Dash shot fireblasts at the entity, the creature was no match for their powerful hits. The girls then channeled their power to create a rainbow beam from Korra's hands and shoot it directly at the spirit, knocking it down and into a pile of boxes. The creature laid on the ground unconscious, Korra and Ponies believed they had won...until the spirit bounced back up, now angrier than ever. The spirit stretched out its arm/tentacles and grabbed the girls all at once, breaking Korra and the ponies concentration as the elements stopped glowing, as did their eyes. It all of its strength it slammed them right into a pile of boxes, which broke from the impact. Korra tried to get herself back up amounts the pieces of broken wood.
"What just happened?"
Twilight groaned as she shook off a piece of wood from her back, "The Elements. They didn't work. But how?"
The spirits walked up to them, the girls watched in horror as the spirit was about to unleash it's final blow...suddenly, to their surprise, the spirit stopped. They were even more amazed when water began to rise up surround the entity and wrap around it. The spirit suddenly looked at if it were in a trance and the water around it glowed bright gold. They saw it was Unalaq waterbending at the spirit.
"Eh...what's going on?" Rarity asked in confusion/amazement. They all watched in awe as the Chief moved his hands in swift graceful movements and the spirits continued to glow bright yellow, the water also glowing and swirling around its body. The girls had never seen anything like this before. The spirit then walked away from the girls and eventually disappeared from view, vaporizing into yellow golden specks. The glowing water fell to the ground and the spirit was completely gone.
"Go in peace." said Unalaq as he placed his hands together. Twilight's eyes were wide in wonder at what she had just seen.
"Wow..."
Tenzin and Tonraq quickly rushed to them, "Korra!"
"Are you alright?" Tenzin asked with deep concern.
Korra ignored them and looked at her uncle, still slightly stunned, "How were you able to control that spirit when no one else could?"
Pinkie Pie jumped, "Yeah! How did you make the water do that whole 'whooooooooooooo!", she moved her hooves around for emphasis, "....can you do it again?!"
"As your father could tell you, I spend my life studying the spirits and learning their ways." Unalaq explained, "All of this knowledge is lost in the south. But I could teach you everything I know."
"What he did was really impressive." said Fluttershy, "And a good way to confront a dark spirit as far as I know."
Rainbow Dash agreed, "Heads down! This guy knows what he's talking about."
Tenzin however, was not on board with this, "Chief Unalaq, clearly you are very knowledgeable, but Korra still has much to learn about airbending. And I hope that going to the air temples will help her connect with the past Avatars."
Korra groaned in annoyance, once again Tenzin was making all the decisions for her. Even the ponies shared the same disappointment.
"The Air Temples will teach her nothing." Unalaq said bluntly, "Only I can give her the training she needs to be a complete Avatar."
Twilight stepped in between the air nomad and Chief as she tried to reason with them, "Um, if I may say something, shouldn't Korra--"
"I've told you that will not happen!" Tonraq exclaimed to his brother, interrupting the alicorn princess, who lowered her ears in annoyance. Korra could take no more of this as she walked in between her father and uncle to end their bickering.
"Hey! I'm right here! Anyone wanna ask me what I think?"
Rarity stood next to the Avatar in defense, "Honestly, just standing around deciding her future? That's all you gentlemen have been doing ever since we got here." Both Tonraq and Tenzin looked at the pony with guilt.
Rainbow Dash agreed, "Yeah, she should at least get the chance to voice out her opinions."
"Thank you girls, but I can take it from here." Korra gently told them.
Tenzin tried to reason with the Avatar, "Korra please listen."
"No, for once both of you listen to me! You keep me locked up, telling me you know what's best but both of you were powerless against the spirit attack."
Both Tonraq and Tenzin looked downwards in shame. Korra was right, neither of them could fend of the angry spirit, not even Korra. Unalaq was the only one who did. After all that had happened, they knew Korra would not side with them at the moment.
Realizing her bubbling anger, Twilight flew up to her friend, "Korra, remember what Celestia said."
The Avatar clenched her fists briefly before taking in a slow deep breath. It was clear that Unalaq had a lot to teach about spirits, and aside from airbending, what better way to get in touch with her more spiritual side than by actually learning to work with the spirits. Besides, if the spirits were this angry who knows what more damage they could do to people. Nobody was hurt this time, but what about next time? If something wasn't done soon thing could get catastrophic. They weren't safe. She no longer had any doubts, her mind was made up.
"When that spirit had me pinned down, I saw something in its eyes. I didn't think of it much but it was almost as if it had no control over what it was doing. It's clear that there is something going on with the spirits and it's only going to get worse if we don't do something about it. I think I should go with Unalaq."
All eyes widened in shock at this news. Her voice didn't exactly sound sweet but not completely harsh either. It was serious and decisive. The air nomad was evidently surprised by this decision...and deeply hurt as well.
Seeing the hurt in his eyes made Korra's heart sink, she turned her gaze away for a moment before adding, "At least for now." Though it didn't exactly soften the blow.
Tonraq tried to get through to his daughter, "Korra--"
"Unalaq has proven he's the only one who knows what I need to learn."
"Please, I know you're angry, but we've come so far together." said Tenzin, hoping she would reconsider.
"You really have." Fluttershy added.
Pinkie Pie clenched her head with her hooves and cried out dramatically, "GAH! All of this indecisions is making my head hurt!"
Korra's fists were half clenched, "I'm not angry, I'm---" before she spoke again, she took a moment to inhale and exhale. She looked at Tenzin with a serious face...
"Be sure not to let your anger influence your decision. It will cloud your judgment. A friend is a need for everyone. And everyone is a friend in need."
As the princess's words rang in her head, Korra realized what she meant. Tenzin wasn't just her mentor, he was also her friend. He cared about her and Korra knew she cared about him too. But she couldn't keep living like this. It was high time she began making her own Avatar choices. She knew she had to learn about the spirits...but she couldn't abandon her friend. Korra's expression softened as she looked at her mentor and spoke in a not cold, but serious and calmer tone.
"I'm sorry, Tenzin. But I truly believe this is where I need to be right now. My mind is made up." she didn't look at him, she felt bad about letting him down but was unsure on what else to say. The ponies shared her sadness.
Tenzin was visibly hurt by this, but he remained respectful, "...it has been a pleasure serving you. Avatar Korra." he bowed in respect and so did Korra.
With that he walked away, leaving Korra and the ponies looking on sadly as he left. Unalaq was about to place his hand on her shoulder, but Korra quickly ran away in tears. The Mane Six were close behind. Unbeknownst to all of them, the cloaked unicorn watched from afar. (~)
Latter that night, Korra laid against Naga with a sad expression. Fluttershy removed a strand of hair from her face with her hoof. Twilight spoke first, "Korra, we know deep down you love Tenzin and you're only doing what you think is best. You saw those things, there is clearly something wrong with the south pole's spiritual side and you're the only one with the power to stop it. Unalaq can teach you what you need to learn to fix this."
Korra wiped away a tear that came out of her eye, "I know. I just don't think I said exactly what I should have said to Tenzin."
"He's not leaving until tomorrow morning."
Korra smiled at Twilight as Rainbow Dash hoof palmed herself, "Man, if things are intense now I can't imagine just how intense they'll get later on."
Korra and the girls were startled when they heard a sound coming from outside. The ponies quickly got into defensive stances but Korra gestured them to stay back. The Avatar stepped outside, the others close behind, and they spotted their cloaked friend, standing a few feet away from them. Korra was the only one who walked out while the others remained near the opening of the hut, watching.
"Sure, now you show up?" Korra asked somewhat sarcastically, making the unicorn chuckle lightly.
"I knew my daughters would tell you what you needed to know. Besides, I enjoy our private conversations."
"So, can't you tell me what's going to happen? Am I doing the right thing?"
"Korra, you know as well as I that even my powers have their limitations."
"So, you can't give me an answer then?"
"Do you regret your choice?"
"I do believe I need to better understand how the spirits work. When I looked into that creature's eyes I...I knew I had to do something. But..." Korra hung her head.
"You regret what you said to Tenzin."
Korra nodded and sighed. "Yeah. I can't let him leave without making it up to him. I wasn't being fair. But I really do believe I need to be here for a reason."
"While our instincts can be helpful in our lives, we must not always rely on our own understandings. Fate always has a plan for each and every one of us."
"Then, what's Fate's plan for me?" the unicorn rose her hoof, and Korra ceased her talking.
"Only time will tell." The mare leaned forward, her eyes gazing into Korra's, "From here on out, be wary of the voice you listen to. Do you understand, my child?"
Korra lowered her gaze, "Yes. I do."
The unicorn bowed her head before starting to turn around to make her leave, but not before turning her head, giving Korra a small glimpse of her eyes. With that, the cold arctic winds swirled around her and the mysterious unicorn disappeared from sight. (~)
The next morning, Tenzin was loading his things onto Oogi, his wife and children already seated on the flying bison. "I think you forgot a couple of things." Tenzin turned around and saw his mother, along with his brother and sister. Tenzin already had a pretty good idea as to what she meant.
"Mother, I think I need some time alone with my family." he said before grabbing a sack and turned away from his mother.
"This is your family, Tenzin. When you get to be my age, you'll be thankful for the time you had with your siblings. Besides, I think it's important that you all visit your father's home together."
Bumi playfully punched Tenzin's arm before wrapping his around Tenzin's shoulder, "Come on! It'll be fun."
"I'm dying to see that laid back, Vacation Tenzin I've heard so much about." Kya said.
Tenzin hesitantly gave up, "All right, hop on!" he walked over to his mother and welcomed her in a warm hug, "I love you, Mom." after they released Tenzin airbended himself onto Oogie's head, "We'll see you soon!"
Bumi had some difficulty getting on Oogie, so Tenzin created an air current under his brother to bring him up.
"Tenzin wait!"
The air nomad saw both Korra and Twilight rush towards him. Tenzin airbended himself down from Oogie's head to meet them. He wondered what it was that they wanted.
"Before you leave, Korra has something to tell you." Twilight said.
Tenzin looked at the Avatar curiously, "Korra?"
Korra looked down at Twilight, who nodded in reassurance, "Go ahead."
Korra took a deep breath before talking, "Look, Tenzin I--"
"No need to apologies, Korra." Tenzin interrupted by raising his hand, "Perhaps I was holding you back."
"No Tenzin, let me explain. I've had some time to think and...I'm sorry for hurting you the way I did. I really do appreciate all you have done for me, honest. That night, on the ship, I saw a dark spirit." this confession made Tenzin's eyes grow wide, "After seeing that, and the creature attack last night, I really think this is something I at least need to figure out. This isn't goodbye. Once I finish training with Unalaq, I hope you can take me back as your student. I have a feeling you still have much to teach me. If you're not too mad that is." she said the last part hopefully.
Tenzin smiled sincerely and placed his hand on her shoulder, "Though I'm still uncertain about your choice, perhaps I should give you the benefit of the doubt. I hope what I have taught you will help you on your new journey."
Korra smiled at him, "Thank you, Tenzin."
Tenzin smiled in return, "Thank you for being honest with me."
"Well don't. Twilight Sparkle was the one who knocked some sense into me."
Twilight blushed and Korra and Tenzin hugged goodbye, "Good luck, Avatar Korra. I hope we will meet again soon."
"Me too."
They released from the embrace and Tenzin and his family fly off on Oogie. Twilight's horn glowed and she and Korra were both magically teleported. As the bison flew up, Katara turned her head to the snowy hillside. There, she saw a four legged cloaked figure with a long horn. The creature galloped it's hooves into the air before galloping away.
Katara smiled as the creature left. She knew she was a friend. (~)
Twilight zapped herself and Korra to Mako and Spike standing on a hilltop as they all watched Tenzin fly off. "You think I did the right thing?" Korra asked her boyfriend.
"I don't know. Sorry, but I'm not very good at this Avatar counseling thing."
"I was actually referring to me clearing the air with Tenzin just now."
"Oh...then yeah. I know you did. You're not mad anymore?"
"Not as much as I was before. I'm still pretty upset about what I discovered, but at least I got Tenzin to finally understand. Now if only I could get my father to do the same."
"I'm sure he'll come around." he said supportively. "I know your heart is in the right place. You'll just have to trust it."
His words caused her to revisit the previous night with the mysterious mare in her mind. Her words rang in her ears; "Keep your guard up. Be wary of the voice you listen to." Should she trust her heart, or would it lead her into trouble? She knew Mako meant well with what he said, he knew she only wanted to do the right thing, and she wanted to stop whatever it was that was harming the spirits and prevent them from harming her people. At the back of her mind she was still rather torn, but one thing comforted her was that she knew she would not face this alone. Maybe she would see where this choice would lead her. Korra reached for his hand and their fingers intertwined. The two teens smiled lovingly at each other.
Twilight flew up to them and smiled, "And just like before with Amon, we'll all be here for you."
"Unless, of course, everything ends up in disaster." said Spike. They all narrowed their eyes at him in annoyance, "Just saying."
Unalaq appeared and walked up to his niece, "I know this was a hard decision, Korra. But it was the right one. Now it is time to put it behind you and begin your new training. I have great plans for you."
"Alright. But there is one thing you need to know." Korra said.
"What is that?"
"The ponies and I do share a connection...and we share the Avatar Spirit."
Unalaq was very surprised by this, "Oh."
"My power is connected to the Elements of Harmony and it's only stronger when we are all together."
"In other words; We're a one package deal." said Twilight Sparkle, "You train Korra...you train us too."
The alicorn nuzzled Korra's face and Korra scratched her ears. Unalaq forced a smile. "Very well then. I would be more than happy to train will all of you." (~) |
The Little Pony Legend 2: Spirits of Courage | The Southern Lights | The Southern Lights
Korra and the Mane Six were laughing without end, Twilight now carrying their new journal in her satchel. The girls and Spike were leaving the old palace of the two royal sisters and walking out of the Everfree Forest.
"Man, Applejack, you were so scared!" Rainbow teased.
"I wasn't scared, and we still haven't concluded who's the most daring pony, yet!" said Applejack.
"Will you two, please give it a rest." Rarity said, earning a chuckle from Korra.
"I'm sorry you didn't find anything useful for your research on that chest, Twilight."
"That's okay, Korra. We may not have gotten any new information about it, but at least we've all learned a very important lesson. I really am glad you came along."
"Are you kidding? Searching old abandoned castles, learning more about magic, what could be better?"
"I hate to say the feeling isn't entirely mutual." said Fluttershy.
Finally, the girls exited the forest, but then Korra stopped on her tracks. She turned around and felt a presence.
"Korra? You okay?" Rainbow asked.
"Yeah. You girls go on ahead, I'll catch up." The ponies walked a few steps ahead, but nonetheless, they stayed close by. Korra walked a bit deeper into the forest, and heard the sound once more. "I know you're there." she said. The shadowing figure slightly emerged, all that was visible were her stunning pink eyes hiding underneath her hood. Now some would be suspicious about this creature, but Korra had a sure vibe she was not dangerous at all.
"Could you please come out? I won't hurt you."
"I know you won't." the figure said in a feminine voice. It sounded somewhat young, but also kind of old, not 'grandma old, but old as in by listening to it, you could tell that the owner has had years and years of experience and wisdom to share.
"Then come out. Please?"
"Polite. Interesting."
Korra slightly chuckled, "If it helps, let me introduce myself. I'm Korra."
Slowly, the figure emerged, revealing a dark blue unicorn with pink eyes and a warm and elegant complexion. She was just as tall as Princess Celestia. Korra smiled once her new friend came into the light.
"Celestia and Luna have told me so much about you. I can't believe I'm finally meeting you." the Avatar said with glee.
"The feeling is mutual, young Avatar."
"One thing I don't get; why didn't you show yourself before?"
"I've grown accustomed to working in the shadows. I've never been one who enjoyed the spotlight. That, and I wanted our first meeting to be in private."
"Really? How come?" Korra asked curiously.
"Let's just say, you remind of someone. Someone I knew long ago."
"Someone? Don't you mean 'somepony'?"
"Yes. Of course."
"So, can I know your name?"
The unicorn smiled kindly before speaking in a warm voice...
"My name...is Leilani."
...............
"lani...lani...lani...."
Korra opened her eyes and sat up. She was dreaming about her first meeting with the mysterious Leilani. For the past six months she had gotten to know her mysterious new friend, though she would often come and go, leaving almost to zero trace that she was ever around. Which was kind of was understandable. Then, Korra gasped with a happy smile and she began waking up the rest of her friends.
"Girls! Spike! Get up! Come on, we've gotta hurry!" the excitable Avatar jumped up as the other ponies all yawned and stretched their legs, rubbing their sleepy eyes.
"Let's go, the sun's up, and so are we!"
Rarity groaned, her bed-mane covering half of her face, "I liked you better when you weren't a morning person." (~)
The sky was clear blue and the snow beneath shimmered in the sunlight. On a nearby cliff, a dark spirit manifested and looked out over the festival, its yellow eyes following the white beast that ran across the snow at full speed. The spirit spotted the young woman riding it. The colorful four legged creatures rode with her while three more flew beside her.
Korra was currently riding on Naga, the ponies happily beside her, as they made their way into town. Today was Korra's first day as Unalaq's new student. She was so excited to learn about the spirits and her uncle's mysterious waterbending spell he used on them. She was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she was only awoken when Fluttershy gasped and pointed her hoof straight ahead.
Korra instinctively pulled on the reigns and Naga came to a pretty rough halt, slightly sliding on the snow to her side. Korra jumped off of Naga's saddle and she and Fluttershy rushed towards the small arctic mammal, an arctic fox, which was shaking in fear, with snow on top of its fur. Korra felt sympathy for the creature and gently brushed the snow off of it. The fox looked up at the Avatar with its beautiful big brown eyes. Korra smiled warmly at the creature and scratched behind its ear. The creature relaxed against her touch and licked Korra's hand before nuzzling against Fluttershy's legs.
"See? No harm done." Korra said, "Try and be more careful next time, okay little buddy?"
The fox let out a faint purr and ran off. Unbeknownst to Korra and the others, the dark spirit witnessed the whole thing before vanishing into thin air. (~)
Unalaq was quite surprised to see his niece and her ponies so soon. He had just finished mounting his arctic camel in the stables of the city when Korra and the ponies excitedly ran up to him.
"You're early."
"Hard to believe. Normally Korra hates waking at this hour." said Applejack as she and the others jumped out of Naga's saddle.
"The morning is eviiiiiiiiilllllll!" Pinkie Pie quoted dramatically.
"What can I say? I'm pumped up to learn that Unalaq spirit technique." Korra said excitedly. While they talked, Fluttershy flew to one of the giant white camels and petted his head.
"Yeah, so Uncle U, when is Korra gonna be kicking some serious dark spirit butt?" Rainbow asked as she threw punches and kicks in mid air.
Unalaq slightly chuckled at the pony's enthusiasm, "I'm not here to teach you to fight spirits, I'm here to help you begin your spiritual training."
Rainbow Dash slowly lowered down in disappointment, "Way to make it sound boring."
"Don't worry, my dear. I assure you, this expedition will be anything but boring."
"Expedition?" Twilight asked, intrigued by this new information.
"Yes. We're going to one of the most remote places in the world."
Pinkie jumped up and remained suspended in mid air in front of Unalaq's face as she asked, "What kind of place?" she landed back on the ground.
"The long neglected spiritual center of our tribe...the South Pole." said Unalaq.
Korra was quite surprised by this, "You're going to train me in the South Pole?" she asked.
Pinkie jumped and stayed in mid air again, "Aren't we already in the South Pole?", she asked before landing again.
"I'm actually referring to the wilderness of the South Pole." Unalaq explained. Korra remained skeptical. The South Pole was a frozen wasteland, all that was there were snowstorms and wildlife. What good would come out of her training there?
This grabbed both Rarity and Fluttershy's attention as they exclaimed in unison, "The wilderness?!" their tones were anything but enthusiastic.
"Can't you simply teach Korra here in the city? Where it's civilized and clean?" said the unicorn.
"And safe." Fluttershy added while shaking and hiding behind Korra's legs.
"We will do more than just train." said Unalaq, "By neglecting the spirits the people of the south have brought darkness upon themselves. And now it threatens to destroy our tribe."
The girls' eyes widened at this news, they had no idea that the problem with spirits was even more drastic than they realized. Spike felt his skin crawl, "Yikes. Note to self: do not tick off any spirits."
"That would explain what I felt when the spirit attacked me." said Korra.
"We must set things right." Unalaq continued, "The southern water tribe depends on you."
Korra's previous doubts about her choice were now just a distant memory. She was right to stay with Unalaq, the spirits clearly needed the Avatar in order to bring peace again to the South. This was Korra's chance to live up to her potential. This was her chance to play her part. The Avatar flashed her signature grin.
"A dangerous trip to the South Pole?"
She and the ponies all looked at each other. Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash all grinned in agreement but Rarity and Fluttershy both looked unsure. They looked at each other briefly and sighed before smiling at Korra. Spike gave a thumbs up while Twilight winked.
"Count us in!" they all said in union. (~)
"Alright! This vacation just got twenty percent cooler!" said Rainbow Dash as she and the others walked out in the snow, while Korra rode on Naga.
"Wow, your very first step to getting in touch with the spirits. You must be over the moon Korra." said Applejack.
"I am excited. Well, more like 'nervexcited'." Korra said jokingly.
Pinkie poked her hoof at Applejack in triumph, "HA! I told you it would catch on!"
"Don't worry, Korra. Besides, you've got us. Whenever you need us." Twilight assured her before she nuzzled Korra's face and so did Rainbow Dash. Twilight then glared at Rarity who remained quiet. "Right, Rarity?"
"What? Do you really think I would abandon my dear Avatar just because the South Pole could be crawling with those, "icky" spirits? Huf! The very idea!"
Korra smiled graciously, "Thanks you guys."
"Well, if we're going to the South Pole I suppose I should get my things ready. Now where is that Mako?"
Rarity galloped away to search for the firebender with Spike following behind her, "Hey, wait for me!" (~)
The Southern Air Temple came into view as Tenzin stirred Oogie towards it. Tenzin smiled at the sight of his father's home. The temple rested high up on a mountain range with numerous buildings adorning the mountain, added with lush green trees and high mountains around it. One single building stood tall above the rest, which was the sanctuary where they kept statues of all the past Avatars. The temple was colored in the purest of white with blue roofs and windows. It was truly a breathtaking sight.
"There it is, the Southern Air Temple. Isn't it magnificent?"
It has been so long since Tenzin had been to the temples. It was a chance for him to reconnect with his roots. Perhaps it wasn't such a bad thing that he and Korra had temporarily parted. Maybe now he can focus on his family before returning to her.
Two Air Acolytes, who had been sweeping the outside gardens while another fed three ring-tailed lemurs, turned in surprise as Oogi flew in and he landed before them. The Acolytes immediately stopped what they were doing and walked toward the bison, two of them carrying a large case.
One bowed at Tenzin. Like all Air Acolytes, he wore a long robe consisting or res, orange and yellow and his head was shaved. "Master Tenzin, welcome!"
"Good to see you again, Abbot Shung."
Shung was practically the one in charge of of the Acolytes of the temple, and like them, he remained true to the Airbender ways. Once he heard that the son of Avatar Aang would be visiting, Shung wasted no time in making sure that Tenzin's visit went exactly as the Air Nomad wanted.
"Is there anything you need? Water? Dandelion greens? Ahh, perhaps you'd like to recenter yourself by meditating in the gardens?" he asked in a polite and respectful yet kind manner.
"No thank you, I'm fine." Tenzin said politely as his wife walked by and stood beside him.
"And you must be the honorable Pema" Shung said, "Please, accept these gifts." Shung reached into the case and pulled out and odd contraption, which he handed to Tenzin, "This is an ancient airbender head shaver we've refurbished just for you."
Tenzin looked at the object, unsure how to respond. He was used to shaving his head the semi-old fashion way...with a razor. But this was WAY old fashioned. The object itself looked rather painful and it was hard to distinguish just how it could be used.
"Uh. Okay?"
Then, Shung handed Pema a massive bouquet of brightly colored flowers, "And Pema! These flowers once filled the mountainside! Now, they can brighten up your room."
Pema was just as unsure to respond as her husband. The bouquet was so large it covered up her face, "That's...sweet? Y--You didn't have to,"
"Nonsense! Whatever you need is yours. Anything for the mother of the next generation of airbenders."
"No! That gift is mine!" Ikki exclaimed as she took away the book a female Acolyte gave her.
"You don't like to read!" Jinora pointed out, only to have her younger sister stick out her tongue at her.
"Yep, those are the world's next generation of airbenders." Pema said rather sarcastically. Meelo appeared from behind the three Acolytes and jumped on the abbot's back, a lemur held in his hands.
"Mommy daddy look! I finally got a lemur! I'm gonna name him...Poki!"
The Lemur quickly flew away from the hyperactive child and Meelo jumped down from the abbot and formed and air scooted to chase the creature.
"Poki! Come back!"
Kya tossed down some bags from Oogie's back, for which hit Bumi and he grunted. Kya dropped down from the sky bison and Bumi sighed as he carried his bags.
"S'cuse me, a little help here?" Bumi said somewhat frustratingly at a nearby female Air Acolyte who was sweeping the courtyard. Noticing the siblings, she turned around and stopped sweeping.
"Sorry, I thought you were the servants."
"We're Tenzin's brother and sister!" Bumi corrected, becoming even more frustrated. The Air Acolyte was shocked,
"Avatar Aang had other children? The world is filled with more airbenders?" she asked excitedly.
"We're not airbenders." Kya responded calmly, but still upset.
"Oh...I'm so sorry." the Air Acolyte bowed her head, Kya and Bumi pouted, before glancing at each other.
"I hope we're not late."
Tenzin's eyes widened. He recognized that warm and kind voice anywhere. The Air Acolytes gasped in wonder as they saw two stunningly beautiful winged creatures with long horns growing from their foreheads and landed gracefully before them. The tallest was white as snow with a shimmering flowing mane and tail, the younger one beside her was almost as dark as the night sky with a mane and tail sparkling like stars and moving like gentle waves.
"Princess Celestia? Princess Luna?"
"Celestia! Luna!" Jinora and Ikki ran up to happily greet the princesses.
"Girls, it's so wonderful to see you." Celestia greeted.
"I'm so happy you finally made it!" Jinora said happily, "I didn't think you'd get here to early, though."
"Jinora?"
The young airbender turned around to face her father. "What is going on?"
Jinora placed her hands behind her back. "Um, the Princesses sent me a letter saying they were coming. I was going to tell you, honest. But, I wanted to wait for the right moment."
Tenzin crossed his arms and arched an eyebrow. "And when exactly would the right moment be?"
"When you weren't fighting with Aunt Kya and Uncle Bumi?"
Tenzin sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. Celestia simply chuckled. "It's alright Tenzin. It was all just a little slip up with the mail, it happens."
"Forgive me for asking but, why are you here?"
"Well, when your mother told us about you having a vacation to reconnect with family. So me and Luna decided to have one ourselves. And what better place than the Southern Air Temple."
"A nice change of scenery, if you ask me." Luna said. Tenzin was completely baffled by this. He was not expecting the rulers of Equestria to be joining him and his family on vacation. Granted, he didn't even know if the royals could even take vacations.
"Um, well with all due respect, your majesties, I was hoping to spend some quality time with my family....and those two." he glanced at his brother and sister, who both stuck out their tongues at him.
"I thought we considered each other family. Avatar Korra certainly does." Luna pointed out. Tenzin opened his mouth to protest but, he knew he couldn't. They were royal ancient beings, he couldn't disrespect them.
"Very well. Then it would be an honor to have you both join us." he said with a bow, and the sisters bowed in return.
"Hey, Luna!" Kya happily greeted the moon princess.
"Kya! Wonderful to see you again." the princess nodded her head at the non-bender, "Bumi." she greeted with a smile, but not as enthusiastic as when she saw Kya.
"Princess Luna." Bumi responded with a pout.
Luna turned back to Kya, "I look forward to spending time with you."
"We both do." said princess Celestia. Tenzin let out a silent sigh. He hoped this vacation would be worth it. (~)
Later that day, everyone was getting ready for the journey as they packed their things onto their arctic camels. Once Korra was done arranging Naga's reins she looked down at Twilight, "Well, this is it."
"Another adventure." the princess added excitedly. The ponies were all wearing their winter parkas and full body jumpsuits underneath.
"Careful darling, I don't want any of my parka's getting wrinkled." They heard Rarity said as Mako walked over carrying a large, and heavy, bag over his back.
The firebender landed the sack on the ground as he rubbed his sore back and panted in exhaustion. "Do you really need to bring all of these?" he asked, "We're going out into the frozen wilderness, not a royal ball."
"Well what if a spirit or wild animal came and ripped my parka or gets dirt on it?"
Twilight lowered her brows at Rarity, "You do realize we're surrounded by snow, right?" she pointed out with an annoyed tone.
"Still, being out in the cold doesn't mean I can't be prepared, or look my best." Rarity flipped her mane and Mako rolled his eyes.
"We still need room for Korra's things." he said, "Why don't you just take one or two instead?"
Rarity's eyes bulged open, "One or two? One or...TWO?! Are you mad, man?!"
Korra let out an exasperated sigh and came between the two of them. "Okay, let's put an end to this before my boyfriend gets kicked in the gut by a pony...again!" she emphasized the word, making Mako cross his arms in annoyance. "Mako's right, Rarity. We still need to make more room for supplies."
Rarity sighed bitterly, "I suppose." then she used her secret weapon...big puppy eyes with quivering lips with lowered ears. Korra's primary weakness. But the Avatar was determined to not be the victim this time. She crossed her arms and scowled at the pony.
"That's not always gonna work on me, Rarity."
But the unicorn kept on doing the face. Slowly, Korra's expression softened, the effects of the pony's cuteness were taking its toll on her heart. Korra tried the best she could to fight it, but it was no use, the eyes were too strong. Finally, she gave in.
"Okay, okay!" Korra reached her hand into the bag, rummaging through the parkas. She pulled out two parkas from the bag, one pink and one silver, showing them to Rarity. "How about this? You just take two of your most favorites?" she suggested.
But Rarity continued to pout, making the Avatar groaned in frustration, "Fine!" she once again dug into the bag and took out a navy blue parka, adding it to the other two. "Three most favorites. No more, no less, no "buts". Deal?"
Rarity looked at the three parkas and tapped her chin in thought. "Mmmmm. I suppose. Then again, maybe the magenta one is more--"
"Rarity!" Korra and Mako were already losing their patience.
"Alright, alright you win. Three it is."
Korra smiled proudly, "Atta girl!" Rarity groaned, but then Korra scratched her ears and she smiled.
"I still think it's unnecessary." said Mako.
"You want to hear her complain the whole trip?" Korra asked while arching an eyebrow and placing her hand on her hips.
Mako's eyes widened and quickly changed his bitter attitude and eagerly began packing the three parkas with their supplies, while smiling nervously. "Let me pack that up for ya, Ma'am!"
Korra and Rarity grinned in victory, "Good boy."
"I thought you said Bolin was coming." Twilight asked the firebender.
"He said he'd be here, but I can't worry about it." said Mako as he continued to arrange everything in Naga's saddle, "I have to make sure you have everything you need for a safe trip."
"Awww, how sweet." Twilight playfully teased.
Korra smiled and spoke sarcastically to her boyfriend, "Thanks Captain Expedition, but I'll be fine."
"Besides, she's got us." Applejack said confidently.
"Yeah, that's reassuring." Mako said sarcastically, earning a death glare from Applejack. Mako held out his hands in surrender, "I'm kidding! Tough crowd."
Korra chuckled lightly until she heard a sound coming their way. It sounded like a motor running. She turned her head around and her eyes widened upon whom she saw coming. Tonraq, riding on a snowmobile. Korra was confused as to why her father would be here of all places.
"Hey, I didn't know you invited your dad." said Spike, sounding just as confused as the Avatar was feeling
"I...didn't." she replied, looking at her father curiously.
Unalaq, who had been packing, noticed his brother and scowled at him before approaching. "Tonraq, what do you want?"
"I heard you're taking Korra to the South Pole. I'm coming." Tonraq crossed his arms, signaling he would not take 'no' for an answer.
"Absolutely not! You're a distraction to Korra and a hindrance to what needs to be done."
"My daughter is not going without me! She needs someone to watch after her."
"Dad, why do you always think you knows what's best for me?" Korra asked as she approached her father while riding on Naga, with Mako, Applejack, Rarity and Pinkie riding behind her and Spike rode on Twilight.
"Because he's your dad. Isn't that what dads do?" Spike pointed out.
"It's because he's misguided." said Unalaq, "The sad truth is it's men like your father who have put the spirit world out of balance." Korra and the ponies shared surprised expressions as Unalaq continued, "He's ignored my warnings in the past and he hasn't learned since!"
"What happened in the past?" Korra asked.
"Surely it couldn't have been that awful...could it?" Rarity asked.
"It doesn't matter." said Tonraq, "What matters is the Everstorm."
"The Everstorm?" Mako asked.
Spike didn't like the sound of that, the poor dragon began to quiver at the name. "Everstorm? Nobody said anything about an Everstorm!!...So, what's an Everstorm?"
"It's a massive blizzard that has battered the South Pole for decades." Tonraq explained.
"Oh, joy." said Fluttershy both sarcastically and fearfully. As if going into the wilderness of the frozen tundra wasn't terrifying enough, Unalaq just added the cherry on that sunday.
Tonraq glared at his brother, "I'm coming, unless you think you can stop me." he said stubbornly.
"OH! A staring contest!" Pinkie Pie shouted as she popped from behind Mako, starling him a bit. The two brothers both stared fiercely at each other, neither on refusing to back down to the other. They both, clearly, have very opposing views regarding the situation, but even so the trait they equally shared was their stubbornness and strong-wills. Seeing the two was starting to make Korra feel unusually uneasy. A knot formed in her stomach.
"Guys! Hey, wait for me!"
The two brother ended their angry glaring as they all saw Bolin zoom in on a slick snowmobile with an attached sidecar, wearing a new snowsuit with the Varrick industries logo on it. Mako, Korra and Twilight turned their heads to see Bolin, riding on a snowmobile of his own, and pulled up beside Naga. He removed the hood of his snick jacket and casually rested his elbow on the throttle.
"Check it out, I'm traveling in style!"
Rarity marveled at the vehicle he was riding on, "Style is right!"
Bolin's elbow then slipped, causing the snowmobile to jerk forward. He promptly stopped it before it went any further. "Sorry, still getting used to that throttle."
"Uh, where'd you get the ride?" Mako asked with an amused smile. Korra smiled as well, completely forgetting about the previous feeling in her stomach upon seeing her father and uncle at odds.
Rainbow Dash flew near the vehicle, smiling in wonder. "This is so cool!"
"I got it from Varrick." said Bolin.
"You mean mister "levitation"?" Spike said sarcastically while using air quotes when he said the word, 'levitation'.
"Yeah, he's awesome! He also gave me this fancy snowsuit! It's inflatable, with an internal heater, emergency beacon, and food ration pouches! I mean, if I get lost, I can survive in this thing for like, like a month!" He reached into one of his pockets and pulled out some treats, "Who wants some freeze dried cucumberquats?"
Pinkie Pie quickly grabbed them with her tongue, and ate the entire handful. She chewed with a great big smile, "Mmmmmm. Yummy!"
Pabu stuck out of Bolin's suit and jumped onto Pinkie Pie's head right before Spike jumped from Twilight's to sit in the front on Bolin's lap. "I call shotgun!" the dragon exclaimed excitedly.
Bolin then noticed the serious expressions from everyone, "Did I interrupt a conversation?"
"No, the conversation is over." Korra said strongly before turning to her father, "Dad, come if you want but don't interfere with my training." She pulled on Naga's reins as they all prepared to leave, but not before another voice called out.
"Wait!"
Everybody turned their heads towards the sky and saw a familiar winged pony flying towards them. He landed safely before them, his hooves digging into the snow once he did and he carried a satchel around his neck. The alicorn princess's wings flapped faster for a brief moment before landing on the snow, her heart pounding rapidly in surprise.
"Flash Sentry? What are you doing here?" Twilight asked when she walked up towards him. He wasn't wearing his uniform, which left his spiky hair free in the wind and his cutie mark bear; a blue shield with a pale lightning bolt on the front. His blue mane was styled back but was still picky, making him appear all the more handsome. He bowed before Twilight.
"I'm sorry for the surprise visit, I hope I'm not interrupting anything."
"Oh, no, no, not at all! I was just--I mean, we were--I mean...you were saying?" Twilight blushed bashfully.
"Princess Celestia heard that Korra had decided to train with Chief Unalaq and asked me to give her this." He reached inside the bag with his mouth and pulled out a sterling silver headband with swirled edges. It had a small blue heart in the very center. The very accessory shimmered in the sunlight. Twilight levitated the object with her magic.
"She said it's a gift for good luck, and to show that she believes in you." Flash said.
Twilight levitated the headband towards Korra, who took it in her hands. She looked down at the lovely gift before gently placing it on her head. She was never one to use such stunning hair accessories, but it was a gift from Celestia, so it was an exception.
"Thank you, Flash." she said and the pegasus bowed in respect.
"And also, Celestia asked me to join you guys." he said. Taking everyone by surprise.
"WHAT?!"
Flash slightly backed away due to their reaction, "If that's going to be a problem, I'll leave." he said as he opened up his wings to leave, but Twilight quickly stopped him.
"No! I--I mean, you don't have to."
"Why did Celestia ask you to stay?" Mako asked somewhat suspiciously.
"She didn't say exactly, but she said I could learn a lot from all of you. As a royal guard of Canterlot, It would be my honor to learn from you and to assist the Avatar and Princess Twilight in any way I can."
He bowed respectfully, again. Twilight flew up to Korra and Mako and gave them her puppy eyes, placed her front hooves together and whispered pleadingly, "Please, please, please, please let him stay. Please."
"I don't mind." said Korra while shrugging her shoulders. She looked over at Mako behind her, who looked a little unsure.
"I....don't see why not?"
Twilight and Korra smiled with glee, "Alright, you can stay Flash." Korra said, earning a smile from the blue haired pony.
"Just stay aside until we need you. Got it?" Mako commanded.
Flash saluted him, "Got it, sir!"
Flash and Twilight both smiled at each other as Mako looked on at them. While he didn't have a problem with Twilight finding someone, something about Flash was suddenly making him feel a bit...uneasy but he wasn't sure why.
Korra pulled Naga's rains as they prepared to depart. Pinkie hopped onto Naga's back behind Mako. Rarity sat in front of Korra while Applejack was on Naga's head.
Eska approached Bolin, "Does this sidecar have the capacity for two passengers?" she asked in her usual monotone voice.
"Sure does." Bolin smiled flirtatiously as he patted the seat of the sidecar attached to his snowmobile. "But uh...who's gonna drive?" (~)
Bolin hunched over in disappointment, his hood over his head, while Eska and Desna both sat together in the sidecar. Spike still sat on Bolin's lap, eyes darting towards the twins, arching an eyebrow. If it were possible, these two just got creepier and creepier by the minute.
Mako approached them on his arctic camel and smiled in amusement. "Well, what do you know? Looks like--"
"Go away, Mako." Bolin responded bitterly.
Flash Sentry flew next to the young firebender, looking excited. Mako arched an eyebrow at the little pegasus. "Uh... hey?"
"I just want you to know that it's a real honor to be working side by side with you, Officer Mako. Sir. Sir Mako. Can I call you 'officer'? Or simply 'Sir'?"
While Mako was flattered that this pony admired him so, he was still getting use to having him around...especially when it came to Twilight Sparkle. It was strange because before he didn't mind them spending time together, especially during the festival, but now that he was joining them and no doubt would spend more time with Twilight, a part of him was happy for his friend, but another part of him grew concerned. This pony was a true gentleman, a bit dorky and shy but no doubt a strong-willed type in his own way. He must be of he managed to become a royal guard. So, why was he having issues with him being here with them now?
None the less, he remained polite and welcoming. "Uh...just Mako is fine."
"Right, of course." the pegasus saluted him. He was indeed a professional and took his job seriously.
Meanwhile, Twilight and Korra observed the two from behind them. "Looks like you got some competition there, Twily." Korra said jokingly, earning a playful glare from the alicorn.
"Ha, ha, very funny." she said sarcastically, "I'm not surprised though, Flash and Mako do 'technically' have the same job. He did kind of 'fan-boyed' when it came to my brother too. He really admires those who follow the same career as him."
"Seems you two really have become acquainted after all." Applejack said with a smirk, making the pony blush.
"Well, we know each other pretty well, but I'm not sure if we know each other THAT well, yet." said Twilight.
"Well, now you'll get the chance yo know him even better with him tagging along." Korra said with a grin.
"Yeah, but I wonder why Celestia asked him to join us."
"Does it really matter?"
"I'm just curious is all."
Rarity rolled her eyes, "Oh, come now, Twilight. You know you're happy he's hear."
Twilight blushed, "Well...maybe a little."
The three girls started to giggled excitedly along with the other ponies. Korra always felt comfortable with showing her girly and romantic side around them. They then approached Unalaq who stood over the horizon on his arctic camel. The group traveled far into the night, the sky a serene shade of blue with think faded clouds hovering high above, blocking the faintest hint of of the stars.
"So once we get to the South Pole, then what happens?" Korra asked her uncle.
"You will open an ancient spirit portal."
The girls all shared skeptical looks, "I'm sorry, what now?" Korra asked.
"At the South Pole, there is a portal that connects our world to the Spirit World, but it has been long closed."
"And that's why the evil spirits are attacking?"
"There are no evil spirits," Unalaq explained, "there is light and dark in them all. But when they're unbalanced, the darkness takes over."
They all looked overhead and saw the Everstorm in the distance. Thunder roared loudly making Fluttershy hide behind Korra's back. Rainbow rolled her eyes at this.
"If you can open the portal in time, balance will be restored." said Unalaq.
Twilight looked at him curiously, "In time?"
"What do you mean...in time?" Korra asked
"There's a reason the Glacier Spirits Festival ends on the winter solstice." Unalaq said, "That's when the Spirit World and the physical world are close together. Only then can the Avatar open the portal."
"The winter solstice is tomorrow." Korra stated.
"It is?", Pinkie Pie took out a calendar from her puffy pink mane, "Guess I'll have to cancel my dentist appointment."
"We can't afford to wait another year." said Unalaq. The fog started to form around them, and Naga started growling, her nose pointing towards the far distance. Korra petted her back to try and ease her.
"Easy, Naga."
Flash Sentry squinted his eyes and pointed his hoof forward to where Naga was looking. The beast continued to growl threateningly. "Look over there!"
The fog that thickened in the distance slowly cleared, revealing three shadowy figures staring back at the group. "What are those?" Bolin asked fearfully, hugging Spike while both boys trembled in fear at the creatures before them.
Korra narrowed her eyes, staring directly into the vague glowing yellow eyes of the shadows that were partly hidden behind the fog. The faded mist swirled around the ghostly apparitions.
"Dark spirits." Korra said ominously. Even if her face didn't show it, she felt a shiver running up and down her spine.
Fluttershy hid behind the Avatar, covering her head with the hood of Korra's parka. "Oh, I hope they're not hungry."
"I don't think spirits eat people, Fluttershy." said Twilight.
"Maybe not people...but what about ponies?"
The fog picked up again, engulfing the dark spirits before they vanished from sight. The fog rose upwards for a moment before evaporating. The spot from which the creatures once stood was now empty. Not a trace of them could be seen, not even footprints in the snow, which given the fog would have been hard to see either way.
"Let's keep moving." said Tonraq, "We have to find a safe place to set up camp."
"Sounds good to me." said Fluttershy. (~)
The group huddled together around a campfire near the opening of a cave. Fluttershy helped tie the camels securely near the cave while Rainbow Dash used her firebending to increase the fire. Rarity levitated several wooden bowls and a ladle from the supply bags they carried with them and poured the steaming hot soup for everyone to take.
Twilight received her bowl next but before she would take a sip she spotted Flash Sentry standing a few feet away from the others, standing watch. Twilight rose up from her spot and approached him. The light of the flames creating shadows around his now stern face, making him appear rather intimidating, yet she could still see the softness in his blue eyes.
"Everything okay?" she asked.
Flash's ears perked upwards when he noticed the princess standing beside him. "Of course. I was just keeping watch. Wouldn't want any dark spirits making an unexpected visit."
Twilight couldn't help but smile in amusement. "I admire your valor, Flash. But, even royal guards have to eat."
Flash was about to open his mouth to protest, only to quickly close it when the faint sound of his stomach went off. He blushed, scratching the back of his neck with his hoof.
"Point taken."
"Come on, you can sit beside me."
"You don't mind?"
"Would I be asking if I did?"
Flash smiled, "Point taken, again."
Twilight back own with Flash beside her. Rarity levitated a bowl for him and he bowed his head in gratitude. Korra smiled at the two ponies, while Mako eyed the pegasus stallion.
Rarity levitated the last bowl to Korra. "Thanks Rarity." Korra took a sip of her soup before turning to her uncle, "Uncle, why do you think the dark spirits are following us?"
"Can we not talk about dark spirits, please?" Bolin said while scooting closer to Eska, grabbing her arm for protection as she calmly sipped her soup.
"My brother doesn't like ghost stories." Mako said while rolling his eyes.
Fluttershy covered her head with the hood of her green parka, "Neither do I." she said while trembling. Rainbow Dash too rolled her eyes.
"I like a good ghost story!" said Spike.
Twilight grinned, "Last time you heard one you wet your bed."
"That was one time! And I didn't pee because I was scared, I just happened to have drank a lot of juice that day."
"Don't worry. I will protect you, my feeble turtle duck." Eska rather dryly. Bolin took it as a good sign and held her arm tighter.
"Thank you."
Rainbow and Applejack gagged at the two of them. Why Bolin was attracted to this girl, they will never know.
"Sadly, this isn't a ghost story." said Unalaq, the dancing flames reflecting in his dark blue eyes. "This is real."
Both Bolin an Fluttershy gaped. The earthbender pulled up his hood and pulled on the strings, closing it tight, while Fluttershy flew into Korra's arms. The Avatar welcomed her and stroked her pink mane to calm her down.
"The spirits are angry because he's here!" Unalaq turned his angry gaze towards his older brother. Tonraq shifted his eyes to the side, not wanting to meet his glare.
"Hold the phone!" Rainbow Dash rose a hoof, "I get you and your brother don't see eye-to-eye but, I don't really see how Tonraq is the reason the spirits are completely out of whack."
"That's because you don't know the entire story." said Unalaq before turning to Korra, "Haven't you ever wondered how your father ended up in the South Pole? Why he's never taken you to visit his homeland in the North."
"Unalaq, this is not the time." Tonraq said, his jaw clenched and his gloved hand curling into a fist around the bowl he held.
"You're right." Unalaq said, "You should have told her a long time ago."
"Told me what?!" Korra asked impatiently.
Twilight turned to the oldest brother, "With all due respect Tonraq, will you please tell Korra and all of us exactly what is going on here? Why does your brother believe you're the reason the spirits are angry?"
Tonraq looked at all of their curious faces, and the angry impatient glance he received from his daughter. The man sighed, swallowed his pride and told them the truth.
"I left the North because...I was banished."
"Hold on a second!" Pinkie Pie took a sip of her soup, right before spitting it out in shock, right on Mako's face. "I was not expecting that!" said the pink pony.
Korra was utterly baffled by this confession. Tonraq was banished from his home land? How was that even possible? What could he have done that was so awful?
"You were banished from the North? Why?"
Tonraq hung his head in shame, "Because I almost destroyed the entire tribe."
"Yay! Flashback!" said Pinkie Pie. She moved the scene as Tonraq told the story.
..........
"Twenty years ago, I was a general in the Northern Water Tribe, sworn to protect my people."
A young Tonraq stood before his fellow warriors. The men of the water tribe stood proudly before their prince, holding their weapons, ready for battle. Tonraq heard the sound of galloping and he turned to see his younger brother, Unalaq, approach him on his arctic stag.
"Brother! We're being attacked!"
Tonraq and his men quickly rushed back to the Northern Water Tribe. A shimmering city of ice and snow which, to many, was a work of art in of itself.
But today, their treasured homeland was being invaded by barbarians. Smoke rose up into the sky and fire came raining down. Villagers ran for their lives as the barbarians rampaged through, not giving any consideration for whoever stood in their path.
One of the cruel men was about to smash an innocent's head with his massive spear, only to be knock down by a stream of water, courtesy of Tonraq. He and his fellow soldiers came in on their stags, bending water from the rivers around the invaders.
The barbarians retreated and ran out of the city, followed closely by Tonraq and his men. Tonraq let out a victorious battle cry once they were gone, but Tonraq didn't believe the fight was over.
"I drove them out of the city and deep into the frozen tundra. We tracked them deep into an ancient forest. Many believed this forest was the home to spirits, and the barbarians retreated there because they thought we wouldn't attack them in such hallowed grounds....They thought wrong.
Tonraq and the others arrived at a beautiful forest situated in the farthest part of the tundra. It was a lavish, beautiful place filled with strange yet artistically formed trees that looked like something out of a painting. The snow was still snow covered, but the leafs grew and small flowers blossomed around the tree trunks.
For a moment, the young Tonraq was taken aback by the beauty of the land, but sadly he knew he couldn't enjoy the scenery for much longer. The barbarians were still hiding here somewhere, and he swore, until his dying breath, that they would never disrupt their peaceful city again.
They quickly located the barbarians hiding behind the tress. Shifting the snow around them into water, the soldiers washed them all out of the forest. It didn't take long for the criminals to be apprehended and brought to justice.
Sadly, it came with a price. The waters Tonraq and his men bended had flooded the forest. Their aggressive fighting knocked down various trees, robbing them of their supernatural beauty, and the atmosphere became cold and unwelcoming.
Tonraq felt a small pang of regret, but he did what had to be done. The waters would revert back into snow and no doubt whatever made the trees grow here would once again flourish.
"We captured the barbarians, but in the process, we destroyed the forest. I didn't realize the consequences of what I had done."
That night, Tonraq laid asleep in his bedroom, until he was awoken by a loud sound. He jumped from his bed and ran the balcony. He stared in horror as these massive, dark, horrid looking monsters were rampaging through the city, destroying everything in their path. People screamed and ran in fear.
"By destroying the forest, I unknowingly let loose angry spirits. They threatened to destroy everything, the entire city."
Tonraq jumped into action, and attacked the spirit with two water whips, and jumped aside when the spirit attacked with it's long slithery arm.
The dark spirit prepared to attack Tonraq again, the young man shielded himself from the impact with his waterbending, when he realized that the spirit stopped. Water began to rise upwards, spiraling around the creature, which stopped. The waters began to radiate with a golden glow.
Tonraq had never seen anything like it before. It was then he saw who was responsible for this miracle. His own brother, Unalaq was bending the water around the spirit creature. He did the same for all the others. Every one of them stood still, their eyes distance as if they were trapped in some hypnotic state. Their dark bodies then received the same glow as the moving waters.
One by one, the spirits under Unalaq's trance all returned to their forest home, evaporating into patches of light into the sky. The young prince breathed in deeply once he finished.
"Unalaq was able to guide the spirits back to the forest. But by then, the damage had been done."
The Northern Water Tribe as a complete disaster. Buildings had been demolished, homes damaged, the gates of their city completely destroyed. And Tonraq knew there was no one to blame... but himself.
It was he who led his men into the forest. He was the one that destroyed the spirits's home out of his own foolishness. And it was his fault the city had suffered the consequences of his actions.
Tonraq hung his head in shame as he stood before his father, the Chief of the North, while Unalaq stood beside him.
"For being the cause of so much devastation, my father banished me from the Northern Water Tribe in shame."
With a heavy heart, and with much regret, Tonraq sailed away from his home, looking down dejectedly before turning towards the horizon. No longer a prince, or a general, but a man who would have to live with his mistakes for years to come.
...........
"That's when I came to the South and started a new life." Tonraq finished his story, his eyes filled with the same shame and humiliation he felt all those years ago as if it never left.
Bolin was the first to speak. "Whoa...so you were supposed to be chief, then he became chief." he gestured at Unalaq, "No wonder you guys don't like each other." Mako elbowed him while Rarity kicked his arm, "OW! What? Isn't that what happened?"
Korra stood up and looked angrily at her father, "I can't believe you kept this from me."
"I was protecting you from the shame I brought on the family."
"Why do you keep hiding things from me and then telling me it's for my own protection? I'm tired of you protecting me!" with that, she angrily turned and walked away.
"Korra!"
But the Avatar ignored him and continued walking away. Twilight Sparkle looked at Tonraq sternly, sharing her friend's disappointment, "I get that you want to protect Korra, but keeping a secret like this isn't the way to do it." She flapped her wings and flew up a few feet. "She was right, when will the lies end?" With that Twilight flew off after Korra.
Flash looked at Mako, "Uh, should we do something?" he asked
Mako remained calm as usual, "First thing you gotta learn: Never confront her when she's angry."
Flash arched an eyebrow, "You referring to Korra or Twilight?"
"Yep." (~)
Tenzin led his eldest daughter into a inner sanctuary, which was filled with Avatar Statues. All around the large, tall room were an endless variety of statues, all carved into the spitting images of past Avatars.
"Wow, the statue room." Jinora's eyes sparkled with delight, this was the first time she had ever seen the famous sanctuary of the Air Temple and looking at all of the past avatars was a real treat for her. She loved history.
"That's right, Jinora, the most sacred place in the entire Southern Air Temple. Here, you will find statues of every Avatar who ever lived." then, Tenzin suddenly looked around the statue room, "Where are your brother and sister?" he asked, a tint of worry evident in his voice.
To answer his question, Meelo and Ikki appeared behind Tenzin, racing each other on air scooters on the walls. The wake of their bending causing Tenzin's robes to blow up and cover his head.
"You can't catch me! I've the greatest air scooter of all time!" Meelo tipped over and crashed into a statue.
"Meelo!" Tenzin ran to tend to his son, while Jinora walked forward to a statue of her grandfather, Avatar Aang, and looked at it in aware.
"Quite a handsome Avatar, if I do say so myself."
Jinora slightly jumped when she heard Celestia approach her. "Oh, Princess Celestia. I didn't hear you come in." The two looked on at the statue, "Yeah, dad always said great things about my grandfather." Jinora's eyes fell to the ground and she hung her head sadly, "I just wish I had gotten the chance to meet him."
Celestia placed her wing on Jinora's shoulder for empathy, "I'm sure he would be very proud of you, Jinora. I can see you are one very special girl."
"Me? Yeah right. I'm just a regular airbender."
"Oh, I highly doubt that. Everyone has a special kind of magic within them."
"Easy for you to say. You live in a beautiful magical world. No wonder Korra loves going to Equestria so much. She said she wishes our world was more like yours, and I agree."
"Magic can take many forms, my dear. Such as the way winter turns into spring. Small things become big. And one thing always changes into another." she said with last part with a wink and a grin, "In my world, everypony has something that makes them special. I believe the same is for humans. You just wait, I have a feeling you will uncover your special talent soon enough."
With that, Celestia walked away, leaving Jinora to her thoughts. The young girl continued looking at the statue, when she suddenly felt another presence behind her.
"Celestia?"
But there was no one there. (~)
In the Southern tundra, they all continued to travel through the cold wilderness. Pinkie Pie was now riding with Mako while Rainbow Dash flew near them. Rarity and Applejack rode with Korra while Twilight and Fluttershy flew beside them. The night sky was a perfect dark blue, hardly any stars were seen, only nighttime clouds. They could still see perfectly, but nothing in the sky shimmered of glowed, even the moon wasn't completely visible due to the clouds.
Tonraq pulled up next to Korra on his snowmobile. He knew she was still angry with him and he didn't blame her. He had kept two secrets from her, his daughter now believed that he didn't think she could do anything. Keeping her isolated her whole life was one thing, keeping secrets from her only added salt to the wound.
"Korra, you have every right to be mad at me. But I don't want you to make the same mistake I made. I should never have gone into that forest, and we shouldn't be going to the South Pole now. Spirits and the physical world should remain separate."
Korra turned around, intercepting her father, "Dad, it's my job to be the bridge between the spirits and the physical world, and I finally have a chance to live up to my potential. My friends understand this and Tenzin finally does too. Why can't you?"
"You don't even know if what Unalaq says is true."
Unalaq stopped his camel between the two, "You want proof? Look to the sky."
They all looked up at the night sky but didn't see anything different. It was still dark blue, no stars and a hardly visible moon.
"Yeah, so?" Rainbow asked.
"Where I'm from, the spirits are at peace and they light up in the dark."
"The northern lights." Korra replied.
"Yes. There used to be lights at the South as well, but during the Hundred Year War, the South was thrown out of balance and the lights disappeared. When the war ended, the North helped rebuild you physically, as a nation, but we have not rebuilt you spiritually. Now the spirits no longer dance in your skies. Instead, they rampage in the Everstorm."
"That's awful." said Fluttershy.
"Suddenly, I'm beginnin' to feel bad for those things." said Applejack.
"I think we're here." they all heard Mako shout to the rest of the group.
They all approached the edge of a cliff. Korra and the ponies looked worried as they witnessed the Everstorm raging in the distance. A large cloud emitting lighting and thunder could be heard in the distance. Flash Sentry stared at the mysterious clouds, "Let me guess; The Everstorm."
Mako nodded, "Yep."
"And here I thought this was going to be easy." Flash said sarcastically.
"He is perfect for Twilight." Spike said to Bolin.
They all continued their way in the direction of the storm, both humans and ponies, and dragon, had their hoods over their heads to protect themselves from the cold. Pinkie Pie began to shake.
"Brrrrrrrr!"
"You okay?" Mako asked.
"It's really cold out here." said Pinkie Pie.
Rainbow flew beside them, "It's the Everstorm, what did you expect? Tropical breezes?"
Pinkie smiled, "Don't be silly Rainbow Dash, there can't be a tropical breeze in the cold. Duh!"
Rainbow groaned while Mako rolled his eyes. Spike's nose began to twitch, "AHCHU!"
Korra quickly stopped Naga, "I heard a sneeze! Everypony alright?"
Spike wiped his nose with his sleeve, "Yeah." he said, wiping his nose with the sleeve of his coat, "Just a little sneeze no big whoop. A--A---ACHHU!"
"You sure you're okay?" Twilight asked with concern.
"Yep! I'll warm myself up in a jiffy" he instantly breathed fire to warm himself up.
Then Applejack's ears jerked up as she caught the sound of something faint, "Ya'll hear that?"
Korra, Applejack, Rarity and Twilight all looked back, they too heard the noise coming from the far off distance. The sound was faint at first, but soon grew louder, like the sound of a roar audible over the wind.
Spike gulped nervously and chuckled weakly, "I'm sure it's just the wind." he said hopefully. They then heard an even louder roar and Spike instinctively clung on to Bolin while Fluttershy flew closer to him.
Flash looked off to the distance to where the roar was coming from and said, "Unless the winds around here are supposed to sound like a hungry wild animal, I doubt it."
Another loud roar was heard, frightening Bolin, "Is that what I think it is?" he asked fearfully while Fluttershy hid behind his back.
"Depends, what do you think it is?"
"A dark spirit?" Bolin replied fearfully.
"Then I hope you're wrong." said Fluttershy, just as frightened.
"We must keep moving" Unalaq said. He looked up as the angry spirits continued to roar. Their frightening sounds growing louder and stronger...and even closer. Bolin hugged a frightened Spike and Fluttershy.
"Oh man, I really don't like this." said the earthbender as the dragon clung on to him, shaking.
"That makes two of us." said Spike, trembling.
"Make that three." said a trembling Fluttershy.
"Guys, just stay calm," said Mako, "There's no reason to--" before he could even finish, a dark spirit rose from beneath his arctic camel, grabbing the supplies in the process and causing his creature to cry out in fear. "--Panic!"
Spike said, "Okay. AHHHHHHH!"
Suddenly, more and more dark spirits began to emerge from the snow, frightening the arctic camels which galloped in fear, as did their riders. One spirit grabbed Unalaq's supplies while another grabbed Korra's, both struggled to maintain their animals at bay. The ponies riding on Naga held on to the saddle, but Rarity's eyes started to burn when she spotted a dark spirit grabbing her parka bag. The unicorn sprung into action.
"Unhand my one of a kind designer parkas, you brute!"
She charged at the spirit, knocking it to the ground, but once she had it pinned down, it effortlessly escaped her grasp and flew in front of Naga, frightening the beast. Naga stood on her hind legs and Korra and Applejack both fell from their seat, landing hard on the snow. A flying spirit with wings like a bird appeared and Tonraq stood in front of the girls, forming an ice wall by rising the snow to fend off the spirit but it simply flew above the wall. Twilight came in front of Tonraq and zapped at the spirit, causing it to flee. Korra, Rarity and Applejack turned to see a larger spirit charging at them.
"Korra, look out!"
Tonraq waterbend his daughter and the ponies away with one powerful swoop and attacked the spirit by unleashing a water whip, but he missed and got knocked aside by the creature's brute force. Another dark spirit entered Bolin's snowmobile, causing it to malfunction.
"Oh, It's in the engine!"
The engine exploded in smoke as the spirit came back out. Bolin then started to lose control of his vehicle as it speeded into the tundra with Spike, Eska and Desna along for the ride.
"AAAAAHHHHHHH!!"
Korra and Mako started fighting the spirits, each with their firebending. Twilight continued zapping while the other ponies kicked and punched and used their own bending against the creatures. Mako was occupied helping the girls, he didn't even notice one spirit that was creeping up from behind him.
"Mako, look out!"
Flash Sentry flew forward and slammed right into the spirit, causing it to fall backwards and disappeared into the snow. Mako was very impressed by the pony's strength and courage, "Thanks, Flash."
"Don't mention it."
More spirits came at Korra, she somersaulted out of the way and Rainbow Dash flew up from behind her, smiling cockily at the spirits.
"Up here!"
She quickly flew around the spirit causing it to spin around rapidly, tangling itself with its own arms. It managed to break free and Pinkie Pie kept hopping around taunting at the spirit keeping it preoccupied.
"Hu-ho! Come and get me!"
Distracted, the creature was then hit in the head by Rarity's waterbending and Applejack earthbending. The spirit came at the two ponies taunting it and while distracted Korra threw fire at it, causing the spirit to temporarily disappear. But it reappeared in an instant.
Applejack, Fluttershy, Twilight and Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Pinkie all stood beside Korra as she entered the avatar state, making the elements of harmony glow along with the ponies eyes. Korra moved her hands in swift movements, in an attempts to mimic Unalaq's purifying move on the spirit. It briefly stopped but managed to fight it. It pined Korra down, causing the girls to lose their glowing eyes, and before it could continue its attack, Fluttershy blew it away with a powerful gust of wind from her hooves. The spirit was knocked away, and the other ponies helped Korra sit up.
"Thanks, Fluttershy."
The spirit charged at them but the spirit then stopped as water began surrounding it and growing brightly. Unalaq used his purifying technique on the spirit and it instantly left in a golden glow. Mako walked over and helped Korra up.
"Is everyone okay?" he asked.
"AAAAHHHHHH!"
They all turned around and see Bolin's snowmobile, hurling away from the group and heading up a mountain.
"Bolin! Spike!" Rarity cried out in horror.
"I can't stop it!" Bolin shouted in fear.
"We're gonna die!!" Spike screamed, while the two twins remained emotionless. Eska and Desna both jumped off of their seats and grabbed Bolin by the shirt, while Spike held on to him.
"I'll save you." said Eska.
They leaped off the snowmobile, which crashed into the mountain and exploded. While still in mid air, Desna and Eska dropped Bolin and Spike into the snow, Bolin's snowsuit inflated and slide down the snow with Spike and Pabu on top of him.
"I'm a raft!" said Bolin.
The twins used their waterbending to cover their feet in ice and slide down the slope in swift graceful movements back to the others. Bolin's inflatable body landed too and Mako stopped him with his foot. Spike had his eyes shut closed while clinging to Bolin.
Twilight giggled, "Spike, you can open your eyes now."
The little dragon hesitantly opened one eye first before blinking and opening both. He inspected his body, making sure everything was in it's place, "I'm alive? ...I'm ALIVE!" he cheered right before glaring at Bolin, "That is the last time I hitch a ride with you!"
"Hey, a dark spirit got in my engine!" Bolin replied in defense, until he noticed his now larger size, "...Uh, could someone please deflate me?" Eska created three ice spikes which deflated Bolin's snowsuit. "Thank you!"
Mako looked at their destroyed supplies scattered all over the ground, "Oh, great. There goes our equipment."
Rarity started levitating her cloths, which were now torn to bits, "Clearly these spirits have no respect for anypony's personal belongings. Look what they did to my parkas!"
"Now what are we supposed to do?" asked Flash Sentry.
"There's only one thing to do." said Tonraq, "We have to turn back."
But his brother was against it, "No! The solstice is tonight. And we're so close."
"This mission is too dangerous. We're leaving."
Korra approached her father, her eyes narrowing angrily at him, and her voice was harsh and cold as the snow.
"No dad. You're leaving."
"Korra, please--"
"Unalaq is right; you are a hindrance to this mission. I think it's best you leave."
Korra looked away from him. Tonraq looked down at the ponies, they all shared the same concerned expressions, they lowered their ears and didn't look at him. Some played with their hooves on the snow to avoid eye contact. Tonraq sighed in defeat.
"If that's what you want." (~)
Korra sat on Naga, Pinkie Pie was on the driver seat in front of her while Applejack and Rarity sat behind her. Spike was now riding on Naga's head.
"Snowmobiles are okay, but nothing beats taking a ride on you, girl." he said while happily hugging Naga's head, earning a happy growl from the beast. Korra and the girls watched Tonraq speaking with Mako.
"Don't worry sir, I'll keep an eye on Korra for you."
"Thank you, Mako."
They both shook hands, and Korra watched with an irritated look on her face as Tonraq speeded off on his snowmobile. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash flew beside her and sympathetically rubbed their hooves on her back. Korra's expression softened and nuzzled Rainbow Dash's face against hers.
Flash flew up to them and spoke to the Avatar, "Korra, my orders were to assist you and the others in any way I can, but if you need me to leave or--"
Korra interrupted him by raising her hand, "No Flash Sentry, you have done a wonderful job. Thank you for your help back there." Flash smiled and blushed at the compliment. "All I really need right now is for all of you to stay close." Korra said.
Flash Sentry bashfully rubbed his right front leg as he spoke again, "I know it's none of my business, but you should probably have a talk with your father later on. I'm not saying it was right of him to keep such a big secret from you for so long, but--"
"I just wish he'd trust me." Korra said somewhat bitterly, interrupting the stallion.
"I'm sure he does, he's just worried about you. You are his only child." said Rarity.
"Yeah, an only child who he kept locked up for thirteen years."
"Korra, we understand your feelings are hurt," Fluttershy said, "I would be upset too if my dad ever kept something like this from me, but it doesn't make matters better by shouting and being mad. That's never the best way to right a wrong."
"She's right," Twilight agreed, "If it really bugs you, you owe it to yourself to work things out. People may not always make the right choices, but at least they try. You of all people should know what that's like."
Korra lowered her gaze, she knew that Twilight always spoke from the heart and she was right on the matter.
"Like you did with Tenzin. Tell him exactly how you feel and I'm sure he'll understand." said Applejack.
"I'm not so sure anymore." Korra decided to push the topic aside for now, "But I can't think about that right now."
Unalaq walked up to her on his camel, "Let's open this portal and lead your father and the entire Southern Water Tribe in the right direction. We don't have much time."
"Then what are we waiting for?" Korra moved forward as the winged ponies flew beside her. Bolin sat with an irritated expression as he was being dragged on his damaged snowmobile which was being pulled by the arctic camel ridden by Eska and Desna. Mako sat behind Korra with Rarity and Applejack behind him.
"So, what exactly where you and my dad talking about?" Korra asked somewhat bitterly.
"Nothing, he was just worried about you, that's all."
"Well...he should know that I can take care of myself!"
"Korra."
Korra's angry expression shifted to one of sadness and disappointment, "I know what you're gonna say; he does this because he cares, I get it. I just wish he would trust me more."
"I'm sure he does." said Mako.
"By asking me to abandon this mission? It's like he doesn't." the last part Korra said sounded shaky, as if she were trying to fight back the tears.
"We all just want to help however we can." Mako assured her in the kindest way he could, "You have to trust that we're here for you."
"Yeah, why else would we all be out here freezing our tails off?" said Applejack.
Deep down Korra knew they were right, but she still felt pretty angry with her father. And guilty at the same time.
"We have arrived." said Unalaq.
They all see the interior of the South Pole. Before them stood a large forest of trees, their trunks completely frozen in ice, glistening in the moonlight. Within the forest, was a bright light that glowed an eerie blue. Korra, Mako, Rarity, Applejack and Pinkie Pie all jumped off of Naga as they approached the frozen forest. Korra's eyes sparkled at the beautiful yet terrifying aspect of the ice, "Trees frozen in ice" she said breathily.
Pinkie Pie admired the ice, "Ooh, Sparkly!"
"And spooky" Fluttershy added while shaking in fear. The branches almost looked like hands that could grab you at any given moment.
"It's just like the sacred forest Tonraq destroyed in the North." Unalaq said with a disappointed tone.
"So what now?" Korra asked.
"You must find your way to the heart of the forest where the dormant spiritual portal lies. From here, you're on your own."
"Wait a second, there's no way is she's going in alone." Mako said defensively as he stood by his girlfriend.
"Yeah if she goes, we go too!" said Bolin, and Pabu emerged from his snowsuit, chirping in agreement.
"Couldn't have said it better myself." said Rainbow Dash.
Applejack agreed, "Ya dare tuten!"
However, Twilight Sparkle stood in front of them all, intercepting their way to the forest, "No you guys, Unalaq's right."
The others were all very surprised by this. "But Twilight, you said so yourself: the seven of us are a one package deal." said Rainbow Dash.
"Remember when I had to retrieve my crown after Sunset Shimmer stole it? It was scary having to go by myself, but it helped me become stronger. It's the same thing with Korra. I know she can do it." the alicorn smiled encouragingly at her human counterpart, who smiled graciously in return. "Besides, she won't be entirely alone. We'll all be right here in case she needs backup."
Unalaq bowed in respect at the alicorn, "You are wise, little pony. I mean, princess."
Twilight blushed, then Korra petted her head lovingly before then looking at her uncle, "But I don't have any connection with the spirits." Korra explained, "In fact, it seems like they hate me."
"You have to believe in yourself, like I believe in you." her uncle said encouragingly. Korra turned away with a somewhat serious/saddened look. "What is it?"
"I guess I'm so used to people telling me how to do things that, aside from the ponies, I forgot what it was like to have someone of my own species actually trust in me." She smiled at her uncle who smiled back with much pride.
"Korra, all the past Avatars live on inside of you. Let them guide you. Let them help you find the light in the dark."
Korra looked at the frozen forest and then to her friends, "Wait here, I'll be okay." she said before heading toward the forest.
"Good luck" Mako said as he watched his beloved enter the forest. Spike quickly jumped from Naga's head and ran towards Korra and hugged her leg causing her to stop on her tracks. The little dragon clung on tightly.
"Oh, please, please do! You sure we can't come?"
Korra kneeled down, removed the dragon from her leg, handed him to Mako, and lovingly petted the dragon's head, "Don't worry, I'll be alright."
"Good luck, sugarcube." said Applejack.
"Be safe, darling." Rarity said.
Korra walked towards the forest until Twilight called out to her, "Hey, Korra!" She turned around to face the alicorn who gave her a wink and a salute with her wing, "Remember, If you ever need a pony to show---"
Korra also winked and saluted her, "I'll send you a glow."
As Korra continued her way into the forest, Flash landed beside Twilight who carried a look of concern. (~)
Korra walked deeper into the frozen forest with a look of uncertainty and fear. Though she was focused on the task at hand, she couldn't help but admire the detail and shimmering beauty of the icy forest. She knew Rarity would become incredibly inspired by all of this. Suddenly, Korra was broken from her thoughts when he heard a noise coming from behind her. She turned around and gasped in horror; as two snake-like dark spirits charged at her!
She quickly turned and began to run from them, but they managed to catch her and began to wrap themselves around her body and legs. Another spirit attempted to attack Korra, but she defended herself with a blast of fire, and freed herself from the spirit wrapped around her with airbending. They once again charged back at Korra, but she stopped them by creating an ice wall, interesting between her and them. She could see their reflections on the other side of the ice. The Avatar took in a deep breath as she turned away from the spirits. She found herself in a large cave, where she saw a glowing dome in the very center. Her eyes sparkled with fascination. Unbeknownst to her, her cutie mark started to give a faint glow, as did the headband Celestia gave her.
"The spirit portal." (~)
Back at the Southern Air Temple, Jinora, Ikki and Meelo were all sound asleep. Until Jinora was suddenly woken up and walked down the halls of statues in her pajamas in a daze. She somehow managed to break from her daze in shock and surprise, finding herself in front of the statue of an unknown Avatar. Unlike the other statues, which were made of stone, this one was made of wood.
"Whoa. What Avatar is this?" she asked. (~)
"The Spirit portal. Amazing. I wish the girls could see this." Korra stood over the dome. Somehow, the brightness reflected rainbow colors in Korra's eyes.
"The light in the dark."
Korra readied her stance, clenched her left fist, and then subsequently punched the frozen surface with her airbending. She waited a few seconds for something to occur, but she quickly realized that nothing had happened. The portal remained closed and unharmed. The determined Avatar tried once again, this time using her firebending to open the portal, but still no results.
"Why isn't it opening?"
Just then, more dark spirits appeared outside the hub and started attacking the roof of the cave. Korra saw the entities and gasped, she had to hurry. She started striking the portal continuously with her airbending, but the stubborn portal would not obey,
"Come on portal, open!"
The spirits managed to break though and charged at Korra. They grabbed her waist and continued to tangle themselves around her entire body. They started pulling Korra upwards as she kept on firebending the spirit portal to open but her attempts remained in vain. More spirits wrapped themselves around Korra, around her arms, preventing her from continuing her attacks. The Avatar struggled in their grip until she could take no more. She knew she couldn't do this alone. Right now, at this moment, her heart was saying she needed help.
She closed her eyes shut, and once they opened again, they glowed bright white. (~)
From outside, the ponies' Elements of Harmony suddenly appeared on their chests, glowing brightly. Then their eyes began to glow just like Korra's did whenever she entered the Avatar State. Unalaq was shocked to see what was occurred before him, "What's happening?" he asked.
Then, without any word or warning, The Mane Six quickly dashed away from the group, their Elements and their eyes still glowing and all wearing determined expressions on their faces.
"Girls! Come back!" Mako called out for them, but they ignored his cries and continued running into the forest. It was almost as if they were in sort of trance and needed to reach Korra immediately. Unalaq watched in aware as the ponies ran off and disappeared into the forest.
"I don't believe it." (~)
Korra managed to momentarily break free of the spirits tangled around her and dropped toward the portal. The spirits were then blasted away by a powerful magenta magical blast from out of nowhere. This caused Korra to fall and land on top of the portal. With her eyes still glowing, Korra spotted the ponies, all with matching glowing eyes and their Elements of Harmony attached to their chest.
The spirits attempted to attack, but were suddenly overwhelmed by the brightness of their combined magic. Their pure white eyes made them all cower in fear. Unlike the last time, the Elements were not summoned out of anger or fury, but out of genuine need to work together. The spirits kept their distance, allowing the girls to all stand around the portal in a circle. The Avatar kneeled down and, simultaneously, with the tip of her index finger and the ponies with the tip of their hooves, they all touched the portal at the exact same moment.
A rainbow ring formed when they made contact and the ground cracked beneath them, creating a powerful blast that tossed Korra and the ponies aside. The spirits dispersed and once they did they began to lose their dark coloring, slowly changing into bright colors like that of a rainbow before flying away.
Outside, the others watched in aware as a green beam of light rose up from the heart of the forest and into the sky. In a blast, the night sky was surrounded by stunningly beautiful light patterns that danced in the sky like rainbow waves. In the process, the Everstorm dispersed, the clouds disappeared and the lightning stopped and the now colorfully bright spirits flew around it before disappearing into the night sky, completely free of the darkness that surrounded them.
With their eyes back to normal, Korra and the ponies all looked up at the lights above them. "Spirits, dancing in the sky." said the Avatar as she marveled at the beauty above them.
"It's amazing." said Fluttershy. They were all so taken away by the majesty and magic of the Southern Lights that now danced once again in the evening sky once again, and they were the ones who did it....together.
Twilight's mouth hung open as she turned to Korra, "Maybe I was wrong about you needing to do this alone."
Korra chuckled, "Ya think?" (~)
Jinora's eyes widened as the statue before her began to glow in a golden aura. Unbeknownst to her, a certain sun princess was watching. (~)
Mako had never seen anything more beautiful. The Southern Lights were truly a breathtaking sight. "I can't believe it" he said breathless.
"Me neither." said Flash, equally amazed.
"It's beautiful." Bolin said as he wiped away a tear.
Spike jumped up happily, "They really did it!"
Unalaq grinned as he admired the beauty of the lights. From afar, Tonraq stopped his snowmobile and looked upwards into the sky smiling proudly.
"She did it."
Korra and the Mane Six all walked out of the forest, all together, grabbing the attention of the others. "They're back!" Bolin happily exclaimed as he ran to her and shouted at the others, "Hey, the girls are back!" Bolin ran up and surprised Korra with a big hug. She returned the gesture, but then an ice wall separated them and brought Bolin to face an annoyed looking Eska.
"Why are you initiating physical contact with another woman?"
Bolin looked at her with a weak fearful laugh, before Eska melted the ice.
"I don't know about you but she gives me the creeps." Rarity whispered to Rainbow Dash, who nodded as she lowered her ears. Korra walked toward her uncle, smiling happily at what they had accomplished.
"Everything you said was true."
"And everything you said about you and the ponies was true too." Unalaq said with a proud smile. Korra then felt something tackle her legs, she looked down and saw Spike clinging on to her left leg crying happily.
"I was so worried! I'd thought we'd never see you again!"
Korra giggled at her friend's overly dramatic happiness, "Spike I'm okay, you can stop crying. And please let go of my leg, your claws are piercing into my skin."
Twilight levitated the dragon away from the avatar as Unalaq continued, "Avatar Korra, you have taken the first step in bringing balance back to the South, and soon the whole world."
To Unalaq's surprise, Mako rushed in between them and hugged Korra, lifting her up and twirling her in the process. This was a comma display of affection for the two. Mako rested his hands around her waist while her hands remained on his shoulders.
"You never cease to amaze me." he said, lovingly gazing into her eyes.
"Thanks." Korra replied, her cheeks red with blush.
Ponies swooned at the scene, "Awwwwww!"
Korra released her boyfriend and looked down, bashfully while fiddling with her fingers, "By the way, I'm really sorry for being a total pain before. Things were really stressful and confusing. It's hard being the Avatar."
"It can be hard being the Avatar's boyfriend, too. But it's worth it." he said jokingly while nudging her arm. Korra giggled at his humor and the two hugged nice again. Twilight flew up and joined in the hug.
"You girls were absolutely amazing!" Flash said "I've never seen anything like that!"
"Thank you, Flash." Korra said graciously.
"Being with you guys is going to be a blast, no doubt."
"Oh, just you wait." Twilight said while winking. (~)
The next morning, they all returned to the Southern Water Tribe, riding on their camels and polar bear dog. Spike stretched and yawned from his seat behind of Mako, "Man, I am so glad that's over."
"Now that the northern lights are back, I don't think we'll be seeing anymore angry spirits anytime too soon." Rarity said while she brushed her messy mane, she was sitting in the driver's seat with Korra while Mako rode behind his girlfriend.
"We should have a "Southern Lights Welcome Back" party!" Pinkie Pie blows on a party whistle. The others smiled while rolling their eyes.
Over the edge of a cliff, they all saw the Southern Water Tirbe....as well as a number of battleships entering the harbor. This was not something they were expecting to see once they got back. They also spotted water tribe troops marching in as more battleships approached the city.
"Hey, what's all this about?" Rainbow asked.
"Who are they?" Twilight asked just as curiously.
"Troops from the North." Korra stated. She turned to her uncle for answers, "What are all of your Northern troops doing here?"
"Opening the spirit portal was only the first step in getting the Southern Water Tribe back on its righteous path. There's more difficult work to be done before our two tribes are truly united."
Korra and Twilight both shared unsure looks before looking ahead at the troops.
"I've got a bad feeling about this, ya'll." said a very worried Applejack. But she wasn't the only one.
The moment troops started to walk out of the ships and onto the shores, Korra felt an uneasiness in her stomach. The relief she felt after opening the portal was now gone, being replaced with worry and fear.
Mostly fear. (~) |
The Little Pony Legend 2: Spirits of Courage | Civil Wars part 1 | *(~)*
Proverbs 13:20 ~
Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.
*(~)*
Civil Wars part 1
"Everyone, clear the streets! Get back in your homes."
The Northern troops marched into the city, all wearing matching blue/purple uniforms and matching helmets with purple fabric running down the back of their heads. Serious expressions were carried on their faces. The southerners looked at the troops with worry and fear, they did not know why the north had suddenly decided to invade their home. Northern soldiers waterbended ice barricades, separating the civilians from the streets and later more northern waterbenders formed ice walls around the docks preventing ships from leaving. The people were basically trapped within their own tribe.
Korra did not like the looks of this at all. She watched the whole scene unfold before her eyes as she stood at the outside balcony of the Southern Water Tribe palace. "Uncle, why did you bring your troops down from the North?" she asked Unalaq, who was standing beside her.
"Now that you've opened the Southern Portal, we need to protect it from the people who would do the spirits harm."
"I can protect it." Korra said confidently.
"I need you for something more important. It's very clear now that you and your ponies not only share the Avatar State, but the same destiny as well."
"What do you mean?"
"You couldn't open the portal by yourself, but when the ponies were at your side you could. There is another portal, in the North. Once you girls open it, spirits and man will be able to move freely between the North and South in a matter of seconds."
"But, the solstice is over. How are me and the girls going to open it?"
"The spiritual energy is much stronger in the North. And now that you've opened the Southern portal, your energy is stronger as well." both Korra and her uncle looked over into the horizon, "Which means your ponies will have the same amount as well."
"With both portals open, our tribes will be united again." Korra said with a smile as she gazed into the horizon.
"The world will be united again." (~)
Inside the Water Tribe palace, the ponies, Spike, and Mako waited in the throne room as Korra spoke with her uncle. Twilight anxiously paced back and forth, "It just doesn't make sense." she said, "I thought Unalaq was going to teach Korra how to handle spirits, what's with the spontaneous army all of a sudden?"
"The people outside don't look all too happy." said Spike with much worry.
"I'm sure there's a logical explanation for this." Mako said, trying to calm his friend's nerves. They all turned their heads when they saw Korra enter the room.
"Well? What did he say?" Twilight asked, somewhat anxiously.
"Did he explain why the troops are here?" Rainbow asked.
"Yes. He told me now that the spirit portal is open, it needs to be protected at any cost." Korra explained.
"You can protect it!" Rainbow Dash said confidently.
"That's what I told him." Korra said, "But he said he needs us for something more important." The ponies all listened attentively as Korra continued to explain, "There's another portal in the north. If we open it, humans and spirits will be able to move freely between the south and northern tribes."
"But the solstice is over." Rarity pointed out, "How are we supposed to open it?"
"I asked him the same thing. He told me that the spiritual energy is stronger in the north. And now that we've opened the portal, then that means our energy is stronger too."
"He really said that?" Fluttershy was surprised at this news.
"Yeah!"
"So with the two portals open, that would mean the two tribes will be united again!"
"Exactly!" Korra smiled while giving a thumbs up.
"And that way the spirits will stop being so angry and leave everybody alone." Applejack said just as happily.
"Sounds good" said Mako.
Pinkie Pie began throwing confetti everywhere and held two flags, one saying south and one saying north and starts singing, "Two worlds, one family. YAY!"
"Okay, I can understand that," said Twilight, "but don't you think that some of the southerners are a little bit...not completely on board with this?"
Korra agreed with the princess, "Yeah, I noticed that, too."
"He put HUGE ice walls at the docks so nobody can get out." said Rainbow Dash as he raised up her hooves for emphasis.
"I understand protecting the portal is necessary but this is a tad extreme." Rarity said.
"Maybe we should have a talk with him about that." Twilight suggested. Just then, the doors opened and Flash Sentry flew in and bowed before Korra.
"Korra, sorry to bother you, but your father wishes to see you."
"What is it?"
"He said he will be hosting a meeting at his place to discuss Unalaq's troops invading the south."
"They're not invading!" the Avatar said defensively.
"Kind of looks like it, though." Spike pointed out.
"Well, it's not!" she pointed out. "I'll go to the meeting and straight this whole thing out with southerners, and then I'll talk with Unalaq again." She bowed to Flash before walking out, "Thank you, Flash."
"Want us to come with you?" Mako asked.
"Don't worry, I got this. Why don't you guys go do some more exploring."
Applejack looked at Korra with concern, "You sure, hon?"
Korra simply smiled, "I'm sure. Go and have a little bit of fun." Korra kneeled down to an unsure Twilight and lifted up her chin to look at her, "Don't worry. We'll fix this."
Twilight smiled and nodded and Korra walked out. Mako rubbed his hands together, "So, what do you girls want to do first?"
Rarity's ears perked up, "Oh! I know!" (~)
In the city of the south pole Mako wore an annoyed expression while he carried Rarity's shopping bags, all filled with water tribe fabrics and jewelry. Rarity happily galloped ahead of them all while levitating more bags.
"Does she always buy this much?" Flash asked while looking curiously at the enormous amount of bags.
"Only when she gets the inspiration to design clothes." Twilight said with a bored expression.
Rarity spontaneously gasped, catching Mako by surprise, a habit which occurred whenever the unicorn became overly dramatic. Rarity quickly rushed towards the window of a store selling beautiful water tribe jewelry. Her eyes sparkled with glee as she pressed her face onto the glass window, her eyes set on a particular set of necklaces.
"Look at that gorgeous water tribe necklace!" she quickly ran to Mako and started jumping around him. "Please, Mako. Please, please, please!"
"Rarity, you've already used up all of your water tribe money on those four necklaces and I gave you half of mine for those last two. Don't you think you've bought enough?"
Rarity gasped and stopped her jumping, "Enough?! Enough is never enough when it comes to jewelry. Besides, when am I ever going to get necklaces like these in Equestria? Never!"
Mako looked at the unicorn sternly, "No. More. Money!"
"Please, please, pleeeeeeeeeease!" the pony used her secret weapon once again; the puppy eyes, lip quiver and lowered ears, added with a whimpering noise only a puppy would make. Mako arched an eyebrow.
"The puppy eyes, head tilt and pouty lips are not going to change my mind."
"That's how Korra gets you to buy her things."
"She also gives me a kiss" he said with a sneaky grin, knowing the pony's reaction would be. Rarity immediately stopped doing her adorable face and stuck out her tongue in disgust.
"On second thought maybe I do have enough."
Rainbow Dash smirked, "Well played my friend.", both she and Mako high five/hoof each other. (~)
Meanwhile, not to far from the others, a sweaty Bolin was pulling a rickshaw across the street. Both Desna and Eska sat at the back, with Pabu in Desna's hand. Bolin was seriously starting to regret his decision in trying to get this girl to like him.
"I will hate to leave this quaint tribe." Eska said in an emotionless tone.
"Is that true, Eska?" her brother asked, his tone matching his sister.
"Of course not, Desna, I will not miss it at all. I hold immense dislike for the South." she began to laugh awkwardly, followed by his brother. Their laughing died when Eska addressed to the one pulling them, "Bolin, laugh at my humorous quip!"
"Yes, dear." the poor boy had to force himself to laugh, "Ha, ha. So-so funny."
"And I will certainly not miss, cousin Korra." Eska continued, "She is always so...unruly. I simply can not understand why so many favor her. Especially that street-rat she calls her boyfriend."
"Yes. It does not make any logical sense." her brother agreed, "After all, you are a princess and she is simply a commoner who is only fortunate to be the Avatar. And even so, she is nothing compared to you, sister."
"Thank you very much, brother. Bolin! Do you not agree?"
"Yes, yes, definitely." Bolin lied. The poor boy was having the worse time of his life. If he had known Eska was this awful, he never would have made his move on her, Bolin couldn't even get a moment's peace with her around. Thankfully, she would leave soon and this nightmare would be over.
He finally stopped the rickshaw and ran to the side where he earthbended a small flight of stairs before gesturing for Eska to walk down. He held her hand while she descended the stairs.
"You know, It'll be really sad when you have to leave." he said, trying his best to hide his secret relief and joy, "It's been really getting to know you. Really." He chuckled lightly. Eska turned to him, her expression completely free of any visible emotions.
"But you will be coming with me to the North." she stated. Bolin's eyes slightly bulged, he did not like the sound of that. "There we will live the rest of our lives together in icy bliss. Foolish Bolin." she said as she walked away with her brother in tow.
Bolin could feel his heart racing, he really didn't want to be with Eska. Being her boyfriend was a fate worse than death itself. To his relief and joy he spotted Mako and the ponies and quickly ran towards them.
"Mako! Guys! I'm so happy to see you!" he awkwardly hugged his big brother.
"Everything okay?" Spike asked with concern.
Bolin shook his head as he clung to his brother, tears beginning to form in his eyes. "No! No, I'm not okay! I can't take it anymore. Listen, I don't want to live in icy bliss with Eska!"
"Well who would?" Twilight asked sarcastically, while the others gave her their own versions of the answer with bored expressions on their faces.
"A snake?" Rainbow asked.
"A shark?" asked Applejack
"A vampire?" asked Spike
"A big giant man-eating chimera with fire-breath?" Pinkie Pie smiled, which earned her some ver confused stares from her friends. "What? I wanted to play the "name an animal game" too." she said with a smile.
Bolin continued to weep on Mako's chest like a frightened child, "Oh! Don't make me, Mako. Oh, please, please don't make me!"
Fluttershy flew up Bolin and rubbed her hoof on her back sympathetically, "There, there Bolin. It's going to be okay."
Mako, on the other hand, remained completely unfazed as his younger brother continued to cry on his chest. "Uh, hey, if you're that unhappy, just break up with her." he said casually. Bolin looked up at Mako in curiosity, his eyes puffy with tears.
"Break up with her? You can do that?"
"Yeah. Guys do that all the time."
"You should know, Mr. Heartbreaker." Rainbow Dash said jokingly while ruffling Mako's hair. He angrily glared at the pegasus.
"Really? I thought we already moved past this!"
"So how do I break up with her?" Bolin asked.
"Just tell her you're not that into her anymore." his brother replied, but Bolin was practically shaking at the idea.
"Oh, no, no you guys, I don't think she'd like that."
"Of course you can, just be honest with her." Applejack said encouragingly, "I'm sure she'll understand."
"Unless, of course, she doesn't take it so well and she'll cry her eyes out." Fluttershy pointed out.
Rarity rubbed the back of her neck as she lowered her ears, "She doesn't strike me as the 'crying' type." she said with a slight fear in her voice.
"Yeah, more like the "make me mad and I'll freeze you into an everlasting cold" type." said Rainbow Dash.
Bolin glared at the pegasus, "Thanks, that's very reassuring." he said sarcastically.
Mako held Bolin's shoulder and smiled in encouragement, "Look, ending a relationship is kind of like pulling off a blood-sucking leech. You just gotta rip it off and get it over with. You'll feel a lot better afterwards. Trust me."
Flash flew up to the earthbender, "And besides, if she can't appreciate what a great guy you are, then it's her loss. You deserve way better, my friend."
Hearing their words made Bolin feel an intense wave of relief. He was for fortunate to have such wonderful friends who supported him. The young earthbender finally smiled.
"Thanks Flash Sentry. Thanks you guys."
Rainbow Dash flipped her mane proudly, "That's what we're here for"
"Whew! I'm lucky you're so good at breaking girls' hearts, Mako. Ha, Korra better watch out." Mako scowled at him and folded his arms and Bolin tried to take back what he said, "Oooh, no, it's just a--, uh, you kn--, uh never mind." (~)
Meanwhile, at Tonraq's house, Korra sat alongside her parents as they held a meeting to discus Unalaq's decision of bringing troops to the south. Korra sat besides her father, despite still being a bit angry with him, she didn't forget her friends' suggestion to talk with him. She would, but she had to find the right time. As Korra looked around the house, all the people sitting on the floor with matching upset and distressed looks on their faces, Korra's heart began to sink. Seeing her people like this was painful for her to watch. She had a natural empathy connection with her pony friends, she could easy tell whenever they were truly sad or happy and vice versa. And because of that, Korra's empathy towards others, besides the ponies, grew bit by bit as time passed. She felt empathy for the people, they really did seem to believe their home was being invaded. She hoped this meeting would clear things up. Her father, Tonraq stood up and spoke to the crowd.
"Thank you for coming, everyone. I know these last few days have been very troubling."
"Troubling? Troubling is when I get that itchy rash that won't go away, and Zhu Li's not around to scratch it." Varrick stated. The eccentric billionaire also attended the meeting, much to Korra's dismay. She was never particularly found of the man. Varrick stood up straight and dropped the cookies off the plate he was eating them before tossing it to the floor, "This is shocking. Nay, sickening! But these kale cookies? Opposite." he turned to his assistant, "Remind me to get the recipe latter."
"What's your point, Varrick?" Tonraq asked, also getting annoyed with this man, who helped himself to more cookies.
"My point is, Unalaq's already booted our chieftains out of their palace. How long before he starts telling is what cookies we can eat?"
"Probably a couple of days." said his assistant.
"Rhetorical question, Zhu Li, you gotta keep up." he turned to the rest of the gathering, "Not to mention, I've got a cargo ship full of halibut that's rotting thanks to this harbor lockdown? Who wants to but a ship full of stinking fish?!" The room fell silent as Varrick calmed down, "Seriously, it's not rhetorical. I need to sell these fish."
Korra stood up and spoke to the gathering of people. Her voice calm but firm, "Chief Unalaq is here to help the South. He wants to show us how to restore balance with the spirits so they'll stop attacking."
"The only spirit I'm interesting in restoring is our spirit of independence!" Varrick exclaimed while raising his hand into the air, "Am I right, people?"
Everyone in the room agreed in anger at Varrick's words, swaying their fists into the air for emphasis. Their angry cheers rang in Korra's ears, giving her a seriously sickening feeling inside and a huge migraine. The young Avatar started to feel woozy, but maintained her composure as she defended her uncle. "All Unalaq is trying to do is make our tribes united again."
"No, he wants control of our wealth." said Varrick, "My wealth. And I like my wealth. If Unalaq doesn't pull his forces out, then we have no choice but to fight for our freedom!"
After Varrick said this, the entire room, minus Korra and her parents, agreed in anger. Some even rising from where they sat, waving their fists in the air. Korra glared at Varrick.
"You want to start a war? Are you crazy?"
"Unalaq started this not us." said her father. Pretty soon everybody in the room was shouting and yelling in support of Varrick's plan. Senna remained seated, feeling saddened by all the conflict. Tonraq and Varrick started arguing with one another, with Korra literally stuck in between them. The shouting echoed within the walls, all Korra could hear was their anger and frustration banging in her head. She clenched her head tightly while grinding her teeth. She had to make this stop.
"ENOUGH!"
Korra's aggressive command was so powerful it could probably be heard all the way across the ocean. Her arms were spread out in an attempt to keep everyone at bay. Finally, the shouting stopped. Korra took in slow deep breaths as she slowly opened her eyes. She gasped at what she saw:
The entire room was emitting a light blue aura unlike anything Korra had ever seen. Everybody stood perfectly still like statues, pale blue auras emitting around their bodies. Korra looked around curiously, her hand reached for her father, his determined expression frozen in place. Korra looked around the room in confusion.
"Wha--what just happened?" she looked down at her hands, which were strangely emitting a faint blue smoke, "Did...did I do this?"
Then, as quickly as it happened, everybody around her began to unfreeze, returning to their original states. They appeared to have had absolutely no knowledge as to what had happened. Some people who were frustrated slowly calmed down, not even bothering to argue again. Tonraq sighed and looked at his daughter, who was still a bit shaken by the experience.
"I'm sorry, maybe you could speak with your uncle. Tell him how frustrated we all are. He'll listen to what the Avatar has to say. Do it for me?"
Korra looked down, trying to put together everything that had just happened, her hands behind her back and the mist disappearing. She took in a deep breath and looked at her father.
"I'll do it for the tribe. I'll sort this whole thing out." with that she walked out the door.
Once outside she breathed heavily and once again looked at her hands. Could this be what Unalaq meant by her spiritual energy increasing? (~)
The Southern Water Tribe Royal Palace was the tallest building in the south. A freestanding structure elevating off the ground, with numerous towers topped with rounded spires. Although it was white in coloration, the towers appeared golden when illuminated by sunlight.
Korra entered the Southern Water Tribe palace to see Unalaq sitting on the throne. The throne room was sparsely furnished, with a single throne carved of ice located on an elevated platform in from of the chamber. Three large moldings of the Water Tribe emblem were visible on three arches directly behind the throne. Unalaq sat on the throne, emitting a regal and powerful vibe from him, though half of the room was partly lit, and a shadow hovered near Unalaq's face, giving him a slightly frightening appearance. No one would dare to defy him.
"Our next training session isn't until tomorrow." he said as his niece stood before him.
"I'm sorry to interrupt. It's about our conversation this morning."
"Yes?"
"I understand why you brought the troops here but, I'm afraid it's sending the wrong message."
Unalaq looked at her seriously, "Your father has been talking to you."
"Not just him. Varrick too. There was a meeting at my parents' house. A lot of Southerners feel like their tribe is being invaded." she said with concern in her voice.
"I am their Chief. I'm uniting, not invading."
"I know, but I was thinking that maybe you could...take it down a notch?" she had her index finger and her thumb mere centimeters apart to further express her point.
Unalaq arched an eyebrow, "Take it down?" he repeated, the words sounding foreign to him.
"You know, remove that ice wall around the docks, maybe talk to the people and sort everything out. I'm just afraid if something doesn't change, there could be a civil war."
"If the water tribes were at war, the other nations would take sides. The dark spirits would thrive off this negative energy, and the world would be thrown into a battle between spirits and man. That would be catastrophic."
"How do we stop it?"
"We? No, Korra", he rose from the throne, "This is a war only the Avatar can prevent."
"What?! Me?! I'm usually the one starting fights. I don't know how to stop them from happening. Besides, you can help too if you just take my suggestion."
"I will try to "take it down" as you put it, but there is only so much I can do."
"What are you talking about?" Korra voice began to rise and her anger slowly started builded up inside of her, "You're the Chief! If you can bring troops and order them to create an ice wall to keep people from leaving the city then you certainly have the power to take it down!"
Both Unalaq and Korra screamed in terror when a sudden strain glowing aura came shooting right out of the Avatar's hands, striking a nearby vase, breaking it and the water inside splashed all over the floor. Unalaq looked at Korra in complete shock while she looked at her hands, just as confused. And terrified.
"What was that?"
Korra was practically shaking, "I--I don't know! It just happened! Is this what you meant by my spiritual energy becoming stronger?"
Unalaq thought for a moment before answering, "I honestly have never seen anything like this. But I think it might have something to do with the negative energy coming from this talk of a civil war. Tell me, did this happen before?"
"Earlier today, at my parents' house. I was so frustrated with Varrick that everybody around me froze. It lasted for a little while and nobody noticed what happened."
"I see. It happened whenever you felt frustrated. Korra, as the Avatar you must remain neutral in this conflict. You will naturally want to help people, but showing favoritism will not help out the tribes find unity. And from what I have heard, that is your "Element of Harmony", is it not?"
"Maybe Tenzin was right. Maybe I'm not ready to be the Avatar." Korra hung her head in shame and Unalaq placed his hands on her shoulder.
"Tenzin lacked faith in you. But I have no doubt that you will become the most admired Avatar the world has ever known."
"Thank you, Uncle. And I wouldn't say Tenzin lacked faith in me, he was just a real "perfectionist" and sometimes it felt like he wanted me to be...more like his father." she said the last part while lowering her head and shoulders in depression.
"Forgive me, I didn't mean no disrespect."
Korra smiled, "It's okay. I kind of straightened things out with him before he left. He agreed I should make my own choice."
"In the mean time, try to keep your emotions under control. Who knows what else could happen."
Korra nods, "I will."
"Try your best to conceal it. Don't even feel it...don't let it show."
Korra bowed to him before she walked out the door with a worried look on her face. Things just got a whole lot harder for her. (~)
Korra rode on Naga across the streets, passing troops and civilians as she constantly whispered to herself. "Keep cool Korra, get it together. Conceal it, stay neutral."
Then she heard a lot of commotion that broke her concentration. In the streets, she spotted a group of northern soldiers confronting some southerner citizens. Both groups standing on opposite sides of the street, bending their own streams of water from the snow, ready to attack the other. This was Korra's chance, to be a true Avatar and bring unity. She so hoped she knew what she was doing.
"Pick on a waterbender your own size!" shouted one of the southerners.
"Stop!" Korra came running and stood between them on Naga.
"Tell these thugs to go back to the North. They're not welcome here anymore!"
"These Southerners need to stay in line." said the northern soldier.
"Everyone, calm down." Korra said with much authority in her voice, "You're all part of the same tribe, start acting like it."
"You're taking their side? We thought you were one of us."
"I'm not taking anyone's side, I just--" Korra flinched when she got hit in the back of the head by a snowball, "Hey!"
A little girl waterbended water into a snowball and threw it at Korra. "You're the worst Avatar ever!" she yelled. Korra rose her hand just as the girl threw the next snowball.
"Wait!"
From Korra's raised hand came out a mysterious cyan ring hue. All around her, people were spontaneously frozen in time, blue auras surrounding their bodies just like what happened in her parents house. Even Naga was frozen. Korra looked down at her hands in distress.
"Not again."
Then, just like before, the spell was lifted and everyone reverted back to normal. Korra grabbed the now moving snowball into her hand and melted it with her firebending.
"Please, you have to stop this!" Korra pleaded, but instead of listening to her, they remained in their stances ready to fight. Water at the ready until a voice called out to them.
"Everyone, walk away from this. They're not worth our trouble. Go back to your homes."
Korra immediately recognized her father's voice. The man had come in between the two feuding groups and they all respectively dropped their water before walking away from one another. Korra felt so humiliated, here she was trying to do her job and her father had to save her. She was sick of being treated like a child. However, her anger would have to wait, for she suddenly felt the strange sensation again. She had to get away before anything else happened.
Tonraq turn to his daughter, "Korra, I--" but he then saw her already walking away on Naga. "Korra!"
Korra ignored her father's cries and took in deep breaths to try and calm herself down. She looked at her hands and realized her fingernails were turning blue.
"What is happening to me?" (~)
Back at the team's temporary hut, Rarity was counting all of the necklaces she bought, placing them all neatly over a lovely water tribe garment.
"Twenty three, twenty four, twenty five. Marvelous!"
"You're seriously going to wear all of them?" Mako asked with his usual serious tone while leaning against the wall.
"Well not all at the same time, obviously."
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, "Can you believe her, Applejack?", she turned to see Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy looking outside of the hut.
"What are you doing?" Mako asked curiously. Pinkie Pie appeared from behind his shoulder and covers his mouth with her hoof.
"Shush! Don't let them hear you."
They all gathered around the opening of the hut and spotted Twilight and Flash sitting together a couple of feet away, admiring the view of the Southern Water Tribe. These two had been getting along very well and were no longer feeling awkward around each other anymore.
"You were right, once you get used to the cold this place is pretty amazing." said Flash, his eyes gazing at the beauty before him...and right beside him.
"Yeah it is." Twilight agreed, turning her head to face him. "I'm glad you stayed" she said while blushing.
"Me too." Flash said, also blushing. The princess turned her gaze back to the scenery as the pegasus bit his bottom lip nervously. "You know, Twilight...I'm really glad we got to spend this time together."
"Me too."
"I feel like we're really starting to get to know each other." he quickly caught what he just said, "I mean, we already knew each other pretty well before but now we do more--I--I mean! We know each other more, I mean!...never mind."
Twilight giggled at Flash's nervousness, "It's okay, I get it." she said. Before, she thought Flash was this really cool, calm and collected royal guard, but there was more to him underneath the armor. He was kind, funny, a bit awkward maybe, but she found it adorable. Not to mention he was brave too. He cared about her friends as much as she did. Any stallion who would risk tail and wing for her loved ones had already won a spot in her book.
"I'm sorry, I'm just not good at this kind of stuff."
Twilight looked at him curiously, "What do you mean?"
The stallion looked distraught as he explained. "I grew up the only pegasus in an earth pony village and my home was on the outskirts of town. That made me a bit of an outcast. So with all of that free time I mostly focused on my dream of becoming a royal guard."
Twilight never knew about Flash's past, and as she listened she realized just how similar they really were. "I understand." she said, "When I was Celestia's student, I didn't care much for friendship. Until she sent me to Ponyville, and now I can't imagine my life without my friends."
"Well it's not I didn't want friends, I just never really knew how to make any. I say hello but, it's like I'm stumped on what to do next. I'm so scared of saying the wrong thing that I end up saying nothing at all, which makes ponies think I'm antisocial. That's kind of why I always act like I'm on guard duty because...I just don't know how to be myself around other ponies sometimes."
"Then don't try so hard."
Flash looked at her skeptically.
"Flash, you're a really great guy and I understand it can be hard to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. But if there's anything I've learned from my friends, and especially from that crazy-in-the-head-yet-lovable Korra, is that you gotta take risks in life. Or else you'll regret it."
Flash's face blushed like crazy as he looked at her. "Thanks, Twilight. You know, you're actually the first pony I've ever told this to."
Twilight blushed once more, her heart leaping in her chest. She arched an eyebrow once she noticed he was struggling to say something else. "You okay?"
"Yeah, I just....uh...."
"Just...what?"
"I...was also kind of hoping, well I wanted to ask, that is if you don't think it's too weird, maybe you would...like to..."
"Like to what?"
Flash took a deep breath before blurting out..., "Would you like to have dinner with me tonight, maybe?"
Twilight's mouth hung open while blushing. The others, especially Mako, all had their mouths hung open at the scene. Flash quickly got up and prepared to walk away.
"I'm so sorry, forget I said anything, I just thought that--"
"Yes!" Twilight happily blurted out while smiling widely.
"What?"
"What?!" the others from inside the tent were equally surprised.
Twilight blushed while smiling, "Yes, I would love to have dinner with you."
Flash's heart beat fast. "Really?"
"Really. I've got some water tribe money and I know a great place to get the best noodles."
"This is great! Wait, don't I have to pay?"
"What century are you living in?" Twilight asked jokingly, "I'm fine with paying."
"So...tonight?"
"Tonight."
The ponies inside the tent all giggled and high hoofed each other while Spike smiled happily. Mako's mouth still hung open, "No...way....Twilight...on a date?"
"I know! Isn't it great?" Spike said as he jumped happily.
Mako was unsure how to describe what he was feeling. He had some serious mixed emotions about this. "Yeah...great...her and Flash...alone...without anybody around........great."
Twilight's ears perked up at the sound of familiar footsteps. She then saw Korra coming while riding on Naga.
"Korra!"
At the sound of the name, the others all walked out of the hut to greet her. Mako stood among the group of ponies, one hand on his hip, smiling lovingly at his girlfriend.
"How was your day, sweetie?" Mako asked with a smile as Korra jumped off of the saddle. Unlike them, she wasn't in a very happy mood
"Oh, fabulous." The Avatar spoke angrily and sarcastically. "My tribe's about to go to war, and I'm suppose to stop it, but will anyone listen to me? No! And I didn't ask for my father's help." she angrily crossed her arms and leaned against Naga. "Can't he just let me be the Avatar?"
Mako looked on at Korra with a skeptical look, "Um, do you want advice or are we just supposed to listen? Still not clear on that."
Rainbow Dash placed her hoof on Korra's shoulder, "Been holding that in the whole ride here, haven't you?"
"Yep. Ugh. I'm sorry. My dad just gets me all worked up."
"Didn't you say you'd talk with him?" Fluttershy asked.
"I will, but I've had a lot on my mind lately."
"Pretty" said Pinkie Pie, which caught Korra off guard.
"What? How is any of the stuff I just said, pretty?"
"No I mean your nails." she said while pointing at the Avatar's hands, "When did you paint them?"
"What?!", Korra looked at her fingernails, which were still mysteriously colored blue. The Avatar started to panic, "I thought it finally wore off!"
Mako looked at her new nails, which even he found strange, "So, that's not normal?"
Korra took in a deep, fast breath before speaking, "Okay, this may sound crazy but, earlier today at my parents' place I might have, sort of, probably...froze everyone."
"What?!" Mako, Spike and Ponies were all surprised by this.
"How?" Flash asked.
"I don't know! I lost my patience, I yelled and the next thing I knew everybody was frozen like statues! And then when I went to talk with Unalaq a blue ray came right out of my hand and then I froze people again earlier in town when I tried to stop a fight, and then afterwords, my nails turned blue!!" she frantically waved her blue fingernails in front of them for emphasis.
Spike was completely baffled by this, "I don't believe this!....You tried to stop a fight?" They all narrowed their eyes at him, "Sorry, you were saying?"
Korra continued, "Unalaq thinks it might be a reaction to the negative energy coming from the conflict between the tribes. Every time I lost my cool, something weird happened and then just as it did POOF it's gone."
"But, you just lost your cool now when you told us what happened." Mako pointed out.
Korra realized what he just said. She looked around and slowly, she began to calm down, "You're right...nothing froze. Nothing came out of my hands." she then noticed that her nails were returning to normal and she sighed in relief. "Oh, thank goodness."
"You really think all of this negative energy could be the cause of this?" Twilight asked.
"So far, it's the only explanation. I can't believe things got so crazy so quickly."
She walked across the snow overlooking the city below,
(Parody of the failure song)
I was prepared to do my best
Thought I could handle any test
For I can do so many tricks
But I wasn't prepared for this
She began doing waterbending tricks.
Waterbending is a breeze
Past lives I can name with ease
She picked up Pinkie Pie and hugged her before placing her back down.
I can make a speech of friendship's bliss
But I wasn't prepared for this
Was this choice right, or was it wrong?
I can't be sure....
Mane Six,
She can't be sure...
Korra,
My mind is sharp, my skills intact
My heart is pure...or at least I hope
Mako,
"You know it is..."
You've taken your share of licks
You've made it through the thin and thick
Korra,
But no I wasn't
Mane Six,
Oh, no she wasn't
Korra,
Oh, no I wasn't
Mane Six,
Oh, no she wasn't
Korra,
No I wasn't prepared...for this!
"Oh, Korra. I just hate to see you like this." said Rarity.
Mako smiled as he placed his hand on she shoulders, "Why don't you take a break from all this Avatar stuff and we go out for a nice quiet dinner tonight? Just the two of us."
Korra smiled at the idea, "That'd be great. Maybe I do need to get my mind off of things."
The two teens wrapped each other in their arms and shared a passionate kiss. The other ponies swooned at the scene, while Flash and Spike just smiled. (~)
Latter as the sun began to set, Korra was in her room brushing her hair and placing her hair ties when Twilight walked in.
"Hey, Korra."
"Hey, Twily. I'm just about to go meet up with Mako."
"Yeah, about that, I've been meaning to tell you something that I didn't get the chance to tell you before." the alicorn blushed as she spoke, making the Avatar smirk and arc an eyebrow.
"Oh, yeah. I did notice earlier that you were rather excited for something. Does it have anything to do with a certain Pegasus, who's first name rhymes with "Sash"?"
Twilight excitedly clapped her hooves and quelled, "Yes! He asked me out today!"
Korra gaped, "No way!!"
"Way!!"
The two girls screamed, more like shrieked, with joy as they jumped up and down. They simultaneously stopped and briefly turned away from each other with shocked looks on their faces.
"Wow, that was so unlike us." said Korra while Twilight nodded.
"Yeah, let's never do that again."
"So, when's the date?" Korra asked excitedly.
"Tonight! I'm meeting him in a few minutes."
Korra was taken by this this, "Wait, tonight?"
"Yeah. I was going to arrange it to be a double date but, I just...well."
"Oh, no, it's okay. You and Flash want some alone time to hang out. I completely get it."
"So we're good?"
"Duh!" The two girls giggled again, "Come on, I'll walk you out." (~)
Naga stopped in front of a lovely water tribe restaurant, the best one in town. Mako got down first from her saddle and helped Korra down by grabbing her waist and placing her down.
"You know I can get down myself." she said while still smiling, secretly enjoying the sweet gesture. Her boyfriend smiled in return.
"I know, I'm just trying to be a gentleman."
Korra giggled and linked her arm around his, "Well, Officer, care to escort the Avatar to dinner?"
"Gladly."
The two laughed as they made their way to the entrance of the restaurant. "I am so glad I can finally get a break from everything that's happened." said Korra, "With any luck I won't accidentally freeze anything again."
"Just relax and don't freak out. I'm sure everything will be fine."
"Thanks Mako."
Once they reached the door, both teens stopped and looked doorways with shocked expression, spotting two familiar looking faces.
"Twilight?" Korra exclaimed in shock.
"Korra?" Twilight exclaimed in shock.
"Flash?" Mako exclaimed in shock.
"Mako?" Flash exclaimed in shock.
"Awkward." said one random civilian who just so happened to have walked on by, passing the group.
"I didn't think we'd find you here." said Korra, feeling a bit awkward at the situation.
The feeling was mutual on Twilight's side, "We planned on going to dinner first."
Mako looked down at the pony couple, "So you two are...on a date?...right now?" he asked, even though he tried to hide it, the uncertainty was pretty evident in his voice. Twilight's face was burning red, this was already embarrassing enough as it was.
"Um...yeah. Hey, if you want we can eat somewhere else."
As the two prepared to leave, Mako quickly came up with a somewhat good idea. At least to him it was. "On second thought, why don't we make it a double date?"
Korra and Twilight both looked at each other in shock and worry. The two had already agreed that they each wanted to spend some alone time with their dates, Korra especially respected Twilight's choice because she wanted the two ponies to hit it off. Korra briefly glared at her boyfriend before forcing a smile on her face.
"You sure, Mako? I mean shouldn't we give these two some time to themselves..." she spoke the last bit through her teeth while shooting him a look of disaproval, "without us around?"
"Yeah. What she said." said Twilight, knowing very well where Korra was getting at.
"Come on, we're all here, on dates, might as well." the firebender insisted.
Korra and Twilight both knew that Mako was not going to change his mind on this, and they knew his own reasons why, so they decided to make the most out of the situation.
"Okay, why not?" Korra said with a soft smile.
"Great." the firebender opened the door and allowed his date to walk in first, "After you."
"Why thank you."
Mako smiled as Korra entered and he followed. Flash kept the door open and allowed Twilight to walk in first before following. The two ponies marveled at the beautiful place, it looked kind of like the restaurants in Republic City, but more, as Pinkie Pie would probably put it, "Water-tribe-themy". The walls were decorated with elegant drapes of various blues and whites, emblems of the water tribe and other various symbols decorated the chairs and tables, and the lanterns were decorated to look like elegant koi fish.
"Wow, nice place," said Flash as he admired the exotic looking restaurant.
"This was always my favorite place to eat, growing up." Korra explained.
Twilight smiled happily, "Maybe this double date wouldn't be so bad after all." she said to herself. (~)
"Me and my big mouth."
Twilight sat at the table wearing an annoyed/bored expression, matching Korra and Mako's, while Flash Sentry carried an awkward face.
The Avatar's creepy twin cousins sat on the opposite side of the table while Bolin sat next to them, who did his best to look happy. They had, unfortunately, ran into the group at the restaurant, and Bolin, being Bolin, quickly asked the group to join them. This was not the date Twilight was hopping for; first Mako insisted on making it a double date, and now they were sitting next to a nervous earthbender and two bizarre twins who hardly ever smiled.
Korra wasn't having much of a picnic either; she wanted a nice quiet night with her boyfriend, and now here she was, interfering with her best friend's first date with her creepy twin cousins. And a nervous Bolin. Mako shared the girls' annoyance, more or so with his brother and the twins really. He did not, however, regret inviting Twilight and Flash to join them. Thought at the moment, it was rather hard to enjoy that little victory.
"Are they always together?" Flash whispered to Twilight.
"You mean the twins?" she whispered back, "Yes. It's super creepy."
Bolin laughed awkwardly, trying to lighten the mood. "Isn't this fun, hu? We never get to spend enough time together, just the...seven of us. So fun."
Eska eyed at the two ponies who sat beside Mako and Korra, "Why must your pets sit with us at the table?" she asked in her usual monotone voice. Twilight in response growled at the ice princess before her, not even caring how she looked while doing so.
"They're with us, and they hate being called pets." Korra said defensively.
Desna eyed at the ponies as well, "You claim that they have the capability of human speech, yet I have never heard them do so."
"That's because you need to open your heart in order to hear them." Korra explained to her unfeeling cousin. The two twins looked at each other and then back at Twilight.
"We do not understand." said Desna.
"There's a shock." said Twilight sarcastically while rolling her eyes.
Eska and Desna briefly turned to each other once again before turning to the others, "Excuse us while we retrieve more sustenance." said Eska as the two twins left the table. Once they were gone, Bolin turned to Korra and Mako, his once happy demeanor changing to a frantic and desperate one.
"You guys gotta help me."
"Bolin, I thought you were breaking up with her." said his brother. "What happened to 'ripping off' the leech?"
"I tried! But anytime I bring up the subject, she threatens to freeze me in a block of ice and feed me to dolphin piranhas!"
"So it was more like you 'tugged' at the leech."
"Yes, over and over and over, but it won't come off." Bolin face palmed himself in dismay before addressing to Korra, "Why didn't you warn me your cousin had the power to reach into my heart and crush my soul with her bare hands?"
Korra arched an eyebrow, "Uh, 'cause I thought it was pretty obvious?"
"No, no, not to me it wasn't. I'm very bad at reading people. You should know that by now!" Bolin started to sob, "Do something, Avatar!"
"What can I do?"
"Nothing." said Mako sternly, "This is Bolin's mess, he's the one who's got to clean it up."
Bolin kept on begging and whining, "Come on!"
Korra, Mako and Twilight face/hoof palmed their faces. So much for their fun night. (~)
"Well that was...not what I hoped for." said the disappointed firebender once they exited the establishment.
Korra held his arm and smiled, "Well, the night's still young. Want to go for a walk?"
Mako smiled at the idea, "Yeah."
Korra turned to the two ponies, "Um, Twilight why don't you and Flash go on ahead and we'll meet up back home." the Avatar winked and the alicorn winked in return.
Mako, on the other hand, was not to happy about that, "What?"
Korra quickly elbowed him and Twilight turned to Flash, "If that's okay with you." she said.
"Yeah, I'd like that." said the pegasus.
"We'll see you two latter. Don't wonder off to far." Korra said.
"We won't!" Twilight responded. The two couples took different ways but as Mako and Korra walked, he kept on turning his head towards the ponies.
"Korra, what did you do?" he asked with worry.
"Just cause our date didn't work out doesn't mean theirs shouldn't."
"But they'll be alone. Without us around!"
"What's your point?"
"Twilight alone with a boy. A boy I hardly know--I mean, we hardly know!"
They briefly stopped walking and Korra crossed her arms, "I thought you liked Flash."
"I do but, him and Twily...it's just..."
"Don't you think you're being a tiny bit overprotective?"
Mako slightly blushed, "What? No, of course not, why would I be? It's not like I'm her father or brother or anything. Why, would that be weird?"
Korra laughed, "I think it's sweet that you care about her so much, but you need to relax. Twilight's a big girl and Flash is harmless. She'll be fine."
Mako sighed, "I know. It's just that....I see a lot of you in her." Korra's eyes widened in surprise at this as her boyfriend explained, "I know I've hurt you many times in the past, I guess I'm just scared of Twilight going through the exact same thing. Maybe Flash won't mean to hurt her, but... I don't know. I guess I just want everything to go right for her."
Korra placed her hand on his cheek and smiled warmly, "Look, believe it or not, I get concerned too. But I trust Twilight. She's smart, grounded, and not a pushover. Whatever happens she can handle it."
Mako rolled his eyes, "Of course you'd say that, you see into her heart...literary." Korra chuckled, even though it was true, the way her boyfriend stated it was kind of adorable. Mako then joined in the laugh, "You probably think I'm silly."
"No, you're just being a concerned friend." said Korra, "Which is one of the many things I love about you."
Mako smiled flirtatiously as he held her in his arms, "Back at ya, babe."The two teens then shared a passionate kiss underneath the moonlight. (~)
Meanwhile, Twilight and Flash explored the rest of the city at night, admiring the scenery. "Sorry about Korra's cousins." said Twilight.
"Don't worry about it. Though to be honest, they completely freaked me out!" Flash actually shuddered a bit.
"You're not the only one." Twilight also began to shudder alongside him.
"So...."
"So...."
A brief silence, and then Twilight beamed as an idea formed in her head. "Hey, you want to try something cool?" (~)
"YAHOOOOOOOOO!"
The two ponies laughed as they slide down the snowy slope on two wooden boards. Twilight was showing Flash a sport Korra had invented along with Rainbow Dash...snowboarding.
"I get the sense you've done this before!" Flash said as the speed of the wind blew on his blue mane.
"Korra and the rest of us used to do this back at the mountains outside of Republic City during winter! Race you to the bottom!"
The alicorn princess speeded ahead and Flash smirked, "You're on!"
He sled faster behind her, they zigged and they zagged, their manes and tails bellowing in the wind, laughing all the while, until they reached the snowy bottom. More like crashed into the snowy bottom. They both popped out of the snow, wearing snow beards and hats. The two laughed at each other's silliness before shaking the snow off of them.
"That was a blast!" Flash said excitedly.
"You should have seen when Korra and Rainbow Dash did it." said Twilight with a big smile on her face, "They went down the slope twenty times until one of them won."
"Which one did?"
"Both. Each time."
"Oh, man." he said between laughs.
"Don't worry, they had fun." said Twilight also between laughs. Flash's giggles slowly died down as he smiled while blushing.
"I'm having a really great time, Twilight."
Twilight was also blushing, "Yeah...me too."
The two ponies smiled and looked deep into each other's eyes. Flash admired the way the princess's eyes sparkled in the moonlight, how her mane flowed in the gentle cold breeze. Twilight couldn't contain the butterflies in her stomach, Flash was so sweet, and handsome, and polite and a whole lot of fun. They had so much in common and yet they were still somewhat different all at the same time. Neither one knew who did it first, but their faces slowly drew closer. They slowly closed their eyes, their faces now only inches apart.....
"WOAH!"
The two ponies quickly yelped in surprise when something fell down the slope and into the snow. "What the heck?!" Twilight then noticed a familiar red fabric sticking out of the snow. "Wait a minute." She angrily walked towards the stranger, levitated the snow off of him and was shocked to see who it was.
"Mako?!"
The firebender laughed and waved awkwardly at the pair, "Hey, Twilight."
If looks could kill, Mako would be a dead man right now. The princess was furious. "Were you spying on us?!"
"No! No, I wasn't....." The princess arched an eyebrow at him, Mako knew he could never truly keep anything from her, "Okay, I was."
"I can't believe you! How could you do this?!"
"Look, Twilight I'm sorry. I just wanted to make sure you were okay."
"So you don't trust me?"
"No, it's not that!"
"Then what is it?"
"Well, I...I, uh"
"Just as I thought. I get that you're protective and all but this is crazy! You're not my brother!" Mako silently gasped at the alicorn's hurtful words. She turned to Flash, "Come on, Flash. We're out of here."
With that she flew off angrily into the night. Flash gave Mako a concerned look before following Twilight. Leaving a saddened Mako behind. (~)
Korra stopped Naga in front of her parents place. She entered and saw her mother seated. Senna was looking down sadly only to raise up her head when her daughter entered.
"Is dad around?" Korra asked.
"He went out to meet up with some friends to try and settle this whole ordeal."
"I'm taking care of it." Korra said bitterly.
"He's only trying to help" her mother said, trying to ease her daughter's anger.
Korra groaned, "There he goes again! He still doesn't trust me to do things."
"That's not true."
Korra sighed as she sat down next to Senna, "I don't even know why I came to talk to him. He won't listen anyway."
"Korra what's going on between you two?" her mother asked sadly.
"Ask dad." her daughter replied angrily, not even looking her way.
"I've tried, but he won't talk about it. Honey, it breaks my heart to see our family being torn apart like this."
"You want to know what's going on?" Korra finally turned to face her mother, anger evident in her eyes, "I found out dad's been lying to me my whole life. Unalaq told me everything; how dad and Tenzin kept me trapped down here while I trained; how dad got banished from the north."
Senna lowered her gaze in shame, "So, the truth is out."
Korra was shocked by this, "You knew? And you never said anything?"
"We were trying to keep our family together, to give you a normal childhood."
"I never wanted a normal childhood. All I ever wanted to be was the Avatar but everybody keeps holding me back, even my own parents! Unalaq's the only one who believes in me."
"That's not true, Korra."
"You're right on that at least." Korra removed the headband Celestia gave her and looked down at it in her hands in regret. "The ponies believe in me and so does Celestia. Unlike dad and Tenzin, she gave me the freedom to make my own choice...I'm beginning to think I let her down. All of them." she said the last part very sadly.
Senna placed her hand on her daughter's shoulder, "Don't say that, of course you haven't."
Korra placed the headband back on her head, "No? Then why is everyone in the South turning against me when all I'm trying to do is help them?"
"The problems between the north and south started long before you were born. You can't expect to undo them in a day."
"So I should just sit back and let the Water Tribe go to war?"
"No, but this situation might be out of your control. Varrick's been plotting a rebellion against Unalaq. He asked your father to join, and--"
Korra stood up when she heard that, "Dad is part of a rebellion?"
"I don't know, but I don't want you getting caught in the middle of it."
"It's too late, mom. I'm already in the middle of it."
With that, she ran out of the house and rode off on Naga, ignoring her mother calling out her name. As she rode into the night she spotted a familiar blur of purple flying towards her. Before she could react, the object flew into her, knocking her out of Naga's saddle. She already knew who it was.
"Ow! Twilight!" she got up while Twilight shook the snow off of her body, having fallen into the snow from the impact. Korra could sense her friend's anger. "What's got your feathers in a bunch?"
"I could ask you the same thing." said the alicorn. Korra dusted off the last bit of snow from her parka, and answered her friend's question hesitantly.
"I think my dad might be part of a rebellion against Unalaq."
"What? No way, your father would never---"
Korra looked down with uncertainty, "I don't know....I don't want to believe it but..."
Twilight lowered her ears in sadness. "I understand." she said. Though she didn't want to believe Tonraq was truly with the rebellion, she remembered what happened to Asami and Hiroshi. What that poor sweet girl went through was unbelievable and unexpected. She hoped the same didn't happen to Korra.
"Come on, let's go find out." Korra got back on Naga as she rode with Twilight flying beside her. "So, why are you mad?" Korra asked as they rode off. The alicorn narrowed her eyes.
"Your boyfriend crashed my date." she replied bitterly.
Korra sighed, "I was afraid he'd do something like this."
"You knew?!"
"I didn't think he'd go that far."
"Have you met him? He takes almost everything this far!"
"Okay, point taken."
Twilight groaned loudly, "ERRR! I just can't believe him. Who does he think he is, anyway?"
Korra looked at her with concern, "It's not that he doesn't want you and Flash to work out, he does, he's just worried that you'll go through the same drama we did."
Twilight slowly began to calm down, "Okay, I can understand that. But still, he should trust me."
"He was just looking out for you. Sure he may have done it the wrong way. Correction; the stupid and paranoid way, but sometimes people do those kinds of things because..." Korra slowly pulled on the rains, forcing Naga to come to a slow stop as realization struck her, "They...care." Once Naga stopped completely Korra groaned in frustration and slapped her forehead, "I am so stupid! It's not that my dad doesn't trust me, he's just afraid of me getting hurt."
Twilight arched an eyebrow in confusion, "Didn't we kinda already tell you that?"
"Yeah, only now completely understand."
Twilight blinked in surprise, "Whoa. Even now, the way we mirror each other still shocks me."
"Tell me about it." (~)
The two girls finally reached the palace, Korra burst through the large doors and ran inside, called out for Unalaq.
"Uncle!"
Korra and Twilight stopped running the moment they spotted two northern troops tied up and unconscious near the throne. "That can't be good" Twilight said with worry. It was clear that Varrick's plan for a rebellion was now taking its full shape.
"Oh, no. Uncle?"
The girls quickly ran up the stairs and down the halls of the palace to Unalaq's sleeping chambers. Once they reached the corridor of the upper side, they halted and hid behind the wall. The girls watched in silence as a group of southern water tribe men, all wearing masks over their faces, exit Unalaq's room. Korra's eyes widened as they watched the tallest and strongest-looking of the men carrying her unconscious uncle over his shoulder. To Korra's terror, the proportions and even eyes looked horribly familiar.
"Dad?"
"No, it can't be." Twilight whispered in equal shock. It was hard to tell if this man was truly Tonraq because of the mask, but what if it was? Korra silently prayed it wasn't her father, but even if it was, she would have to make the ultimate sacrifice and confront him. She hoped she could be as strong as Asami was when she had to face her father. Both girls stood in front of the rebels.
"Dad, don't do this." Korra asked pleadingly. One of the rebels next to the one holding Unalaq stood a few feet before Korra.
"Turn around, Avatar, and pretend you didn't see anything."
"No. Leave Unalaq and go." Korra tells them with a kind/pleading voice, "I'll tell him I tried to stop you, but you escaped. We can still avoid a war."
"No, we can't."
The rebel sprung into action, raising his hands to create an ice wall with his water in an attempt to trap Korra. Twilight came in between and zapped the ice away with a fire blast. Realizing the power of the pony, the rebels quickly ran ahead, with Korra and Twilight chasing after them. The rebels ran down the flight of stairs as Korra froze the handrails and slide down to land in front of them. Her eyes beaming with compassion for the rebels, not wanting to fight them. She really didn't.
"Get him out of here!" one of the rebels tells the one holding Unalaq. As the man ran off Twilight attempted to follow him but was blocked by an ice wall, forcing the girls to back away.
"We're all part of the same tribe." Korra said, "I don't want to hurt you!"
Just as the words left her mouth, a blue cyan aura came shooting from her hand and strike one of the rebels, knocking him down. Twilight was shocked by this while Korra fearfully looked at her hands. The rebels were just as stunned, "What did you just do?!"
"Don't you see? Your negative emotions is affecting my spiritual energy. If you don't stop now it could get out of control."
"Things are already out of control. No thanks to you." the rebel got into a fighting stance ready to attack.
Twilight came between him and Korra in an attempt to reason with him, "Please, think of how much this nation has suffered from one war already."
But the rebel could not understand her, "Get out of the way you vermin!"
The rebels attacked Korra, but she and Twilight easily dodged their efforts by flipping and flying to the sides. Korra ran up to a pillar, grabbing on to one of the banners as two rebels came at her. The Avatar tossed the banner against them, using her airbending to wrap it around the two men, entrapping them. Twilight hovered over them, dodging their attacks. She flew by them, levitating the rope that one of them carried around his waist. The princess wrapped the rope around the rebels and tied them all up against a pillar in a secure not, added with a bow for humor. For last, Twilight kicked both rebelled in the head, knocking them unconscious. Korra gave her friends a thumbs up, "Nice one, Twi."
"Look!" Twilight pointed her hoof to the man carrying Unalaq. Both girls dashed outside and ran down the stairs outside of the place, chasing after the man who was now escaping via snowmobile.
"Dad stop!" Korra cried out.
Twilight flew ahead and zapped the snowmobile, causing it to crash and stop in its tracks. Unalaq landed in the ground as Twilight held the rebel still with her magic. Korra ran towards him, "Why did you do this, dad?" she asked as she removed the rebel's mask, quickly discovering that this was not in fact Tonraq.
"What? Who are you? Where's my father?"
"He wouldn't help us." said the rebel as he glared at the avatar, "He's a traitor, just like you."
Twilight growled at him but Korra tells her to step down as Unalaq slowly awoke. He was safe and best of all, Tonraq had nothing to do with this. Not a bad night. (~)
Unalaq, now fully awake, along with Korra, with Twilight held in her arms, stood inside the palace as the rebels were being led away in handcuffs by the troops.
"Thank you both for saving my life." said the chief.
"I'm just glad we got here in time." Korra said in relief while stroking Twilight's mane.
Unalaq looked at his troops, "Find Varrick. I want him to freeze in prison with the rest of these traitors."
But Korra quickly stopped them, "Wait, you can't just lock them away. That will only make the south angrier."
Twilight agreed, "She's right, there is already too much conflict as it is."
"You want them to go free?"
Korra shook her head, "No. But let them stand trial for what they did. Every Water Tribe citizen deserves that right. We need to show that we are all one nation, not just two tribes."
After two seconds, Unalaq agreed, "Very well. I will respect the Avatar's wishes in this matter."
"Thank you, uncle." (~)
Outside the girls headed back home, not at peace to know that Korra's father was innocent and that the rebels would get a fair trial. "That was a close call." said Korra while placing her hand over her beating heart. Twilight's heart was also racing.
"Yeah." The two girls looked at each other. "You know what we should do, right?"
"Yep. I need to go apologies to my dad for acting so horribly before."
Twilight shrugged her shoulders, "Eh, in all respect you could have acted a lot worse."
Korra chuckled.
"And I've got a friend to apologies to." said the alicorn
"Yeah. Let's go back and try to get some sleep. We'll fix our messes in the morning."
"Bright and early."
"Maybe not that bright, my dad hates mornings."
"Now I know where you get it from." Twilight said between laughs. (~)
The next morning, Flash Sentry woke up to see the tall firebender standing before him when he exited the tent. His arms were crossed and the rising sun shown from behind him, cascading his shadow over the pegasus stallion, who took a small step back.
"We need to talk." Mako said in a serious tone which made Flash gulp. None the less, he complied and followed the firebender a few steps farther out into the snow, overlooking the city before them. The run rising over the horizon, making the icy waters sparkle.
"I'm sorry." Mako finally said, putting an end to the temporary silence. Flash's ears perked up in surprise and Mako looked down at him with a look of regret. "I know you're a good kid. Eh, pony. Stallion, whatever. The point is, I'm not against you and Twilight spending time together, I just wanted to make sure everything was alright between you two."
"I understand." Flash said, "Twilight did say you were the protective type, which is understandable with you being an officer and all. Plus, you don't know me all that well so I understand your concern, but if I did anything to upset you I'm really sorry."
Mako shook his head. "No, you didn't do anything wrong. I guess...it's more to do with me." his shoulders dropped in disappointment and Flash arched an eyebrow.
"What do you mean?"
"Long story short, I've done and said some things to Korra I'm not proud of. And you're right, I do care about Twilight and I do want her to be happy, and she's very happy when she's with you." his words made the pony blush, "Which is why it concerns me more if she got hurt the same way I hurt Korra because...I guess...I see a bit of myself in you."
Flash was now even more surprised. "Uh...I really don't know what to say to that."
Mako chuckled. "Like I said, you're a good pony and, believe it or not, I like you. I guess I was scared of Twilight getting hurt by some crazy misunderstanding or the wrong words being said."
"Okay, I guess I understand. But, there is one thing I need to ask." Mako nodded, allowing for Flash to ask his question. "If Korra was willing to forgive you for your mistakes, don't you think Twilight would forgive me if I messed up."
This made Mako's eyes widen in surprise. The pony did have a point. After all the fights and arguments Mako and Korra had on their road, she still forgave him and returned his feelings. So, why couldn't Twilight do the same for Flash is anything happened? Besides, even if he and Flash were similar that didn't mean he would make the same mistakes Mako made. Apparently he was letting his past guilt make him fearful for his friend's future. He saw so much of Korra in Twilight despite their differences, and he saw a lot of himself in Flash despite their differences. He wanted Twilight to be happy but he also feared for history to repeat itself.
"With all due respect Mako, whatever happens it's got to be Twilight's choice. And I assure you, I will respect any decision she makes and if I ever do mess up then I'll take full responsibility for them. You have my word."
Mako smiled at the young stallion. "Thanks, Flash Sentry. I'll take your word for it."
The two boys smiled and heard another voice call out for the firebender. "Excuse me. Mako, you got a minute?"
Mako and Flash nodded at each other, "You guys go on an ahead." said Flash. He walked pass Twilight and smiled, "We'll talk later."
Twilight smiled and nodded in return before looking up Mako, but before she could say anything Mako spoke first.
"I'm sorry."
"Hu?"
"I shouldn't have spied on you and Flash. You guys wanted some time together and I should have trusted your judgment. I shouldn't have embarrassed you."
Twilight smiled in reassurance. "That's okay. Korra explained everything. Let's just say, we both realized something important. I shouldn't have blown up at you like that. I'm sorry. So.... still friends?"
Mako smiled and kneeled down to her, "Of course. You're like a little sister to me Twilight, that's why I worry about you all the time. You and Korra."
The two embraced in a warm hug, their friendship restored. "By the way, what were you and Flash talking about?" Twilight asked.
"We were just getting to know each other. Plus, I apologized for last night. He's not such a bad guy, you know."
"I do know."
"But I'm still going to keep an eye on him." Mako jokingly warned. Twilight smiled while rolling her eyes. As crazy as Mako was she knew she could always count on him. (~)
Meanwhile, Korra entered her parents' house. They sat on the floor eating and looked up smiling while Korra stood by the door.
"Is it okay if I come in?"
Senna smiled, "Of course. We heard what happened. Are you okay?"
Korra's eyes briefly shimmered with rainbow colors as she began to cry. She quickly ran to her father and embraced him, "I'm so glad you weren't there. I don't know what I would've done."
"I had no idea how far Varrick was willing to go. My brother and I have our differences, but I would never attack him."
"I'm so sorry for thinking you had anything to do with the rebels. And for all the pain I've caused you and mom."
"I'm the one who should apologize. After I saw the Southern Lights return, I was so proud of you. I never should have held you back."
"When your father and I found each other, all we wanted was to live a simple life and raise a family." Senna said, "But, then we discovered you were the Avatar, and simple was over. We knew one day the world would need you, and you wouldn't need us anymore."
"Mom, dad." Korra hugged both of her parents, "Of course I still need you. I love you so much." Unbeknownst to them, Korra's head band started to give a faint but firm glow as did Korra's cutie mark on her left cheek.
Just then, the door opened and Unalaq walked in with his troops.
"We weren't expecting you." said Tonraq. Unalaq looked at them with a cold face, "Tonraq, Senna, you are under arrest and will stand trial."
The three were completely shocked by this, "Trial? What for?" his brother asked.
"For conspiring to assassinate me."
Korra stood up and faced her uncle, "What?! No, there has to be some mistake!"
"There is no mistake." Unalaq turned to his troops, "Take them away"
"No!"
Once again, another energy blast comes out of Korra's hands and the two troops, including Unalaq, were shot out the door. They landed in the snow and looked at Korra in shock. Tonraq and Senna looked at Korra confused while Korra looked at her hands, shaking in fear. Her fingernails turn blue again.
"What's happening to me?"
To be continued......
*(~)*
Proverbs 13:20 ~
Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.
*(~)* |
The Little Pony Legend 2: Spirits of Courage | Civil Wars part 2 | *(~)*
Proverbs 13:20 ~
Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.
*(~)*
Civil Wars part 2
Korra and her parents exchanged worried looks as they were being loaded into the prison truck and drove away. She never in her life would have dreamed that her own kind-hearted parents would get arrested for a crime they didn't commit. And worse, they were being arrested by her own uncle. Korra turned to Unalaq with a disappointed look on her face.
"You're making a mistake."
"I wish it hadn't come to this. But your parents held a meeting with the rebels, right here in their home."
"I can't believe you're doing this to your own family!"
"Rest assured, I've appointed Judge Hotah to oversee the trial. He is the most fair and honorable man I know."
"Uncle, my parents had nothing to do with the men who attacked you."
"I'm sure you're right. So we should have nothing to worry about."
"I hope so." she answered with uncertainty.
"In the meantime..." without warning, Unalaq removed the headband from Korra's head, startling the Avatar.
"Hey! What are you doing?"
"What you did earlier shows that the negative energy is increasing in the tribe." said Unalaq as he held the headband close to him, "And I have my suspicions that this magical artifact might be affecting your powers as well."
Korra shook her head, "No! It was a gift from Princess Celestia. To prove she has faith in me."
"I'm sure she did not mean you any harm, and I may not know much about magic, but so far I do understand it can be unpredictable."
Korra fiercely took the headband out of Unalaq's hands, "The headband has nothing to do with this!" she exclaimed.
"Korra, please calm down."
"I'll try to contain myself, I promise! I'll keep my emotions in check but please, please don't blame Celestia!" he noticed the tears beginning to form in Korra's eyes as she clenched the headband close to her heart. Unalaq hung his head.
"I'm sorry. I will not say another word about your magical friends. But I do ask that you keep yourself under control."
"I will." Korra promised while still holding the headband close, as if worried he would try and take it away from her again.
"Remember; Conceal, don't feel." he said before he walked away, leaving Korra alone. Once he was gone, she looked down at the headband in her hand, its silvery color and single heart shaped stone shimmered in the sunlight. It reminded her so much of Celestia: warm and kind. Korra placed the headband back on her head and looked up at the sky.
"I hope I haven't made you regret trusting me." (~)
Pinkie Pie was doing funny faces at the giant stuffed platypus-bear. The group of friends were at Varrick's extravagant mansion. Much like the billionaire himself, the mansion was very extravagant with expensive looking furniture, lamps, chairs and other items such as paintings, sculptures, and even stuffed animals, which frightened Fluttershy the moment she saw them, until Asami assured her they were fake.
"Pinkie Pie, stop fooling around." said Asami to the pony who continued making the funny faces at the platypus -bear, but soon stopped once Asami asked her to. Rainbow Dash was laying on her back on the couch, groaning in boredom.
"Ahhh, this is so boring! Why are we here again?"
"I have to close my business deal with Varrick." Asami said as she crossed her arms, the man was already an hour late and she herself was growing impatient.
Then Pinkie's tail began to twitch, "You'll might want to move three passes to the left Asami."
"Why?"
"My tail is twitching. That's my Pinkie Sense telling me something is going to fall out of the sky."
Both Bolin and Spike, who were lounging on the sofa, jerked upwards and cried out in fear, "Twitchy tail?!" the boys each covered themselves with a pillow over their heads while shaking in fear.
Asami rolled her eyes, "That's ridiculous. We're inside, how is something supposed to--"
*CRASH!*
A flower pot suddenly fell from the ceiling and landed on Asami's head, breaking apart and leaving her hair covered in soil as a single flower rested on her head. The heiress stood there in disbelief while Pinkie Pie smiled.
"Told ya!"
The doors opened and Mako, Twilight and Flash walked into the room. "Sorry we're late." said the firebender, "Did we miss anything?"
Mako stopped to look at a dirty Asami, who remained perfectly still while wearing a disapproving expression. He looked at her, then at Pinkie Pie, then back at Asami, then up at the ceiling and then back at Asami, who wore a very annoyed expression throughout.
"Twitchy tail?" he asked
"Yep." she replied dryly.
"Didn't believe?"
"Nope."
"Rookie mistake."
He patted her shoulder before taking his seat on the couch next to Spike and Bolin. Twilight flew to Asami and removed the soil and flower from her body. "I feel your pain, honey." said the alicorn and Asami removed the last bit of soil from her hair.
"Where is Varrick? We should've closed the deal an hour ago."
Bolin went back to lunching on the couch with Spike and Pabu, "Would you relax? This place is great."
"Yeah, did you know he has a hot tub on the roof?" said Spike.
"I know right?! And the best part about it, Eska doesn't know I'm here."
"You still haven't broken up with her yet?" Applejack asked.
"It's a work in progress." said the earthbender.
"Sure it is." Spike said sarcastically.
The opening of the two front doors grabbed everyone's attention and were surprised to see a group of Northern Water Tribe soldiers enter the house...along with the creepy identical, royal twins.
"She found you!" said Pinkie Pie. Bolin quickly jumped out of the couch in fear, now standing before his supposed 'girlfriend'.
"GAH! Ee-yah. I wasn't hiding." he laughed nervously, in hopes she would go easy on him.
"I am not on the hunt for you. Currently" Eska said in her usual monotone voice as the soldiers searched the mansion.
"Even Pinkie Pie's sister Maud was never this mean." Applejack whispered to Rarity.
"Or this creepy." replied the unicorn.
"We search for Varrick." Desna said, "Our father wishes him to stand trial."
"What did he do?" Asami asked curiously.
Eska answered, "He is a traitor to the water tribe, along with our aunt and uncle."
"What?!" they all replied in union and Spike literally fell off the couch in shock.
"Korra's parents were arrested?" Mako asked in disbelief.
"Yes. Your powers of deduction are impressive." said Desna in a slight sarcastic tone.
"Yeah, he's a cop." Bolin said proudly while pointing to Mako with his thumb.
"I think he was being sarcastic." said Rainbow Dash.
One of the Northern guards approached the twins, "Varrick's not here." he said.
"Very well. Desna, let us continue our search elsewhere." before leaving she turned to Bolin, "Boyfriend! Bow to me when I exit."
Bolin kneeled down and bowed in fear, his nose touching the floor. "Yes, yes, my sweet koala otter." The ponies looked at him in pity. And embarrassment.
"You are so cute when you grovel." Eska said satisfactorily before leaving with her brother and the doors closed. Once gone, Bolin sighed in relief.
Rarity huffed, "That girl is hardly worth being called a princess."
"I agree." said Fluttershy, "She's so....mean."
"Bolin, don't let her treat you that way." Asami said to him. She knew Bolin did not deserve this kind of abuse. He just didn't. He was far too kind, and sweet and honest to put up with somebody like Eska.
Rainbow Dash agreed with her friend's statement, "Yeah. Stand up for yourself."
"I tried to break up with her, but Mako, gave me terrible advice. Thank you, Mako." He crossed his arms and turned from his brother.
"Wait, how are your girl problems my fault?"
"He's right, he was only trying to help." said Applejack.
"Oh yeah, I specifically remember you ponies gave me bad advice too." said Bolin, before staring back at the angry glare the country pony currently gave him.
"You really wanna go there, partner?" she said in a somewhat threatening manner.
"Don't blame them for this, Bolin." Asami said sternly, "And Applejack's right, you need to be honest with her. Tell her how you really feel."
"Yeah, kick her to the curve, show her you're not her "boy toy"." said Rainbow Dash as she punched and kicked in mid air for emphasis.
"I'm having a hard time seeing why you went out with her in the first place." Flash said.
The alicorn princess looked just as unimpressed about this as him. "We're all still trying to figure that out."
"My opinion: Honesty is for fools, kid."
They all widened their eyes at hearing Varrick's voice, apparently, coming from nowhere.
"Varrick?" Bolin asked, looking around the room, trying to find the source of the sound.
Twilight also looked around curiously, "What the--"
"If you want to ditch the girl, then make yourself scarce. Disappear, like I did."
"Where are you?" Asami asked as she and the others looked all around, trying to pinpoint where the voice was coming from.
"Oh, are you invisible? Are ya? Are ya?" Pinkie Pie asked as she inspected underneath the carpets.
"No, my vivacious little four legged friend. I'm somewhere Unalaq will never find me." The stuffed platypus-bear's mouth opened wide to reveal Varrick hiding inside of it, flashing his signature grin. "Inside Ping-Ping!"
"Good hiding place!" said Pinkie Pie.
"Thank you. How we doin'?"
"The coast is clear." said Mako, "You can come out."
"No way, mister. Not until I know it's absolutely 157% safe." Then Zhu-Li's hand appeared from inside the bear and gave Varrick a cup of tea. "Ah, Thank you Zhu-Li."
Twilight arched an eyebrow, "Your assistant's in there too?"
Spike scratched his head in confusion, "How is that even possible?"
"Zhu-Li never leaves my side" Varrick said before taking a sip of the tea, but once he did he spits it out in disgust, "Yuck! Pyugh! Pyuchk! You forgot the honey!"
"Sorry, sir. There isn't any in here." Zhu-Li spoke from inside the bear.
"No honey? We're in a bear for crying out loud!"
"I think this guy's a few hens short of a chicken coop." Applejack whispered to Rarity, who nodded in agreement.
Mako was just about done with this crazy guy and decided to focus his energy on something more important. "I'm gonna go see how Korra's doing." he turned to the ponies before leaving, "You guys coming?"
They all nodded and followed him out. "Hey wait up!" Spike ran after them, leaving Bolin and Asami with Varrick...and Zhu-Li.
"Bolin, I got a little something for you 'round back." The tail of the stuffed animal rose and Varrick dropped a stack of paper yuans from the platypus-bear's butt. Bolin took the money.
"Wow."
"Now listen up. Unalaq's rigged this trial, no doubt about it. So I need you to make sure my trusty rebels stay out of prison."
"What's the money for?"
"Bribery, of course! There's always someone willing to look the other way for a few yuans."
Bolin grinned, "I think I catch your drift, Varrick-bear."
Asami groaned and facepalmed herself, "I wonder what's the Pinkie Sense for a headache."
*CRASH!*
Another flower pot fell from the ceiling and landed on her head again, confusing the heiress even more than the last time. "How is this even happening?!"
"Oh, you see them too?" said Varrick, "Great, so I'm not going crazy!" (~)
At the water tribe palace, the trial was about to begin in a few minutes. Korra kept pacing back and forth in the corridor nervously chanting to herself.
"Get it together. Calm yourself. Conceal, don't feel. Conceal, don't feel. Conceal, don't feel. Conceal don't--."
"What ya doing?"
"AH!"
"AH! Yourself, but that doesn't answer my question."
Korra took in slow breaths, her heart was pounding from the scare. "Oh, Pinkie Pie, it's you."
"Are you okay?" Flash Sentry asked with concern. He, Mako and the rest of the Mane Six, along with Spike, stood before her, concerned for their friend. They spotted her constantly chanting to herself the same phrase over and over again. This was very unlike her.
"I'm just really worried." said Korra as she rubbed her hands together nervously.
"Calm down, your parents are going to be okay." her boyfriend reassured.
Korra looked at him with pleading eyes, "I could really use a hug right about now."
Mako opened his arms wide to do as she requested....but Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy beat him to it. The Avatar embraced the two winged ponies, leaving the young firebender standing there while awkwardly lowering his arms.
"Awkward." said Pinkie Pie. (~)
At the Water Tribe Palace, the courtroom to be more precise, the trial began. Korra, Mako, Spike and the ponies watched with worried expressions as they witnessed Korra's parents and the rebels stand trial. Korra kept on taking deep subtle breaths to calm her nerves. She could feel that new energy growing, like a seesaw that kept going up and down.
Bolin took his seat next to Asami in one of the benches. A cocky smile on his face, "We're good to go." he said, "I gave all the money to some guys over there. I told them to 'take care of it', and then I winked. Pretty sure they got the message."
They looked over at the two random men who Bolin gave the money to, both wearing giant smiles as they counted what they had. They smiled at Bolin and gave him a thumbs up. Bolin returned the gesture while Asami face-palmed herself. She then took out a hat and placed it over her head. Bolin looked at her curiously.
"What's with the hat?"
"I'm not getting hit again by any more flower pots."
Bolin whistled a "cuckoo" while circling his index finger over his left ear, making Asami glare at him.
The gavel hammered. The trial was starting. "This trial will now come to order! Judge Hotah presiding."
An elderly man too his seat in front of the court. He had a long white beard and hair and bushy grey eyebrows. He wore a water tribe robe consisting of main purple colors. This was Judge Hotah.
"Man! I should have paid him!" said Bolin in realization.
"Yeah, you think?" Asami said with an annoyed tone.
*CRASH!*
Another flower pot fell from the ceiling and hit Asami's hat. She removed it with a proud smile on her face. "Ha!" she shouted in victory...
*CRASH!*
...Until another pot landed on her face and her now bare head was once again covered in soil. "Seriously?"
Pinkie Pie noticed her tail twitching again, "Wow, a lot of stuff keeps falling down today."
The trial commenced with Unalaq speaking in front of the jury near the stand where Hotah sat, explaining the events of the previous night. "I was asleep in my chambers when the rebels attacked. They overpowered me, and the next thing I remember was waking up in the snow after Avatar Korra and Princess Twilight Sparkle had saved me."
Hotah then had Korra stand in front of him. The young Avatar took deep breaths as she tried to keep herself from losing control of whatever was growing inside of her. The ponies watched anxiously as the Judge spoke.
"According to Unalaq's testimony, you attended a meeting where Varrick tried to incite a civil war. Is that true?"
Korra hesitantly answered, "Yes."
"And where these men present at that meeting?" he gestured to the line of rebels behind Korra.
"Well, yes, but---"
"And where exactly did this meeting take place?"
"Uh...."
"Objection!"
All eyes landed on Bolin who stood up from his seat in hopes of helping. "Quiet down out there!" Hotah ordered, making Bolin sadly sit again. The judge turned back to Korra, "I'll ask you one more time. Where did the meeting happen?"
The ponies shared worried looks as Korra hesitantly answered, "My parents' house."
"And who led this meeting?"
Korra was beginning to feel anxious with all of these questions the Judge threw at her. Her fists clenched and her irises began to faintly glow. She could feel this sensation growing again. She wanted to protect her parents and those rebels. The more she thought about the possibility of them ending up in prison the more she felt the energy growing within her.
Bolin stood up again, "Your honor, if I may?"
"May what?" Hotah glared at the boy, making him flinch.
"May I...declare a mistrial?"
The ponies hoof palmed their faces, even Flash.
"Sit down!"
"Yes sir."
The poor embarrassed boy did as he was told and Hotah turned to Korra once again. "Varrick and your father led the meeting didn't they?"
"My parents are innocent!" Korra shouted defensively, taking one step forward.
Hotah's eyes slightly widened when he noticed that Korra's irises were giving out a faint glow as she glared at him. Korra heard her uncle clear his throat and the avatar slightly backed away. Her eyes returning to normal. Hotah ignored what he just saw and continued speaking.
"I've heard all I need to. I'll return shortly with my decision."
After that, Korra went to a corner in the halls and rubbed her temples. Mako came to her along with the ponies. "What happened?" he asked.
"I felt it again." Korra said, "I felt that energy. It's growing. It comes and goes but it's growing. I can feel it." she spoke with fear in her voice, "You guys, I don't know what's happening to me!"
Mako held Korra in his arms as she began to sob into his chest while he rubbed her back, "Korra, It's okay."
"I don't know what to do. I'm so scared." she said between sobs.
"Korra, listen.", Korra looked at Twilight as she wiped away the tears from her face, "I may not know for sure what's going on, but I have a gut feeling this isn't something you should be scared of."
"How can you be so sure? This has never happened to me or any Avatar before."
"But no other Avatar has ever bonded with The Elements of Harmony before."
Korra looked at her confused.
"What Twilight is trying to say darling, is that you're special." said Rarity, "And I don't think that what's happening to you is dangerous either."
Twilight continued, "Think about it, when this all started to happen, when did you actually hurt somebody?"
Korra thought for a second before answering, "Well, no one, yet, but--"
"Exactly." said Twily.
"And didn't ya notice every time it happened you were only trying to protect somebody?" asked Applejack, "Like right now in defendin' your parents."
"Or when you froze everyone at that meeting when you tried to stop them from arguing." Rarity said.
"And when you froze them again by trying to stop another fight in town." added Fluttershy.
"And when you blasted Unalaq's vase after you got upset with him when he said he wouldn't take down that ice wall." Pinkie Pie said while using exaggerated gestures to reenact the scene.
"And last night, you didn't want to hurt the rebels right before that blue spear came out of your hands." Twilight reminded her.
Korra looked down at her hands, she knew where the ponies were getting at with this. Mako wrapped his arm around her, "I think what they're trying to say, is that whenever you felt the need to protect someone or stop a conflict, this---thing---inside of you activated."
Twilight nodded, "I'm beginning to think it has absolutely nothing to do with the civil war or the negative energy from everyone. I think Unalaq is wrong."
Korra looked her friends and back at her hands....could this be true? Could this, whatever it was, really be something good and not bad? Was this something magical or spiritual?.... (~)
Meanwhile, Bolin entered a hallway room where he found Eska standing near a pillar. Spike was right next to him, "Go. Do it. End it right here and now."
"Okay, okay." with shaking hands, Bolin walked over to Eska, "Hey there, Eska, I was wondering if we could talk."
"I grant you permission to speak freely." she said in her usual emotionless tone.
"Oh, good, because I just need to be honest with you." Bolin glanced to his legs, in hopes Spike would give him a claws up or something for encouragement, but instead he saw the little dragon three feet away, hiding behind a pillar, "Right behind ya, pal!"
Bolin scowled at the dragon before turning back to Eska and spoke nervously, "You know, when we first met, there was this crazy spark. But I'm starting to feel like that spark is fading."
"I agree. It is as if a great chasm has been formed between us and nothing can bridge it."
Bolin felt a huge wave of relief, "Oh! Oh, yes! I'm so glad you understand!"
"Nothing, that is...except marriage." Eska sported a menacing grin as she showed Bolin a betrothal necklace with a skull pendant. Bolin's eyes grew wide in fear as she promptly tied it around his neck before dragging him towards her by the necklace. "We will wed at sunset. You may express your joy through tears."
As Eska pulled him away, Bolin began to cry, trying to get away and reach Spike for help, "Oh, no, I can't, why--" he coughed as he was being dragged away, "This is really tight."
Spike was at a loss for words. "It was nice knowing you, buddy." (~)
Moments later, back in the courtroom, Hotah looked at Korra's mother, "Senna, please step forward."
Senna stepped forward and looked at her husband with a worried look as Hotah prepared to tell his sentence,
"I have found you...." The ponies waited with hesitation as Pinkie Pie bit her hooves. "Innocent. You are free to go."
They all sighed in relief, minus Rarity who passed out in relief. A guard removed Senna's handcuffs and she rushed to Korra who hugged her mother, "Korra!"
Fluttershy hugged Senna too, "It's okay, Senna."
Hotah then looked at Tonraq and the rebels who stood before him, "On the charge of treason, you are all found...guilty." Rarity jerked up in shock, waiting to hear what Hotah was about to say...
"The punishment for this crime...is death."
Rarity passed out again, this time from shock. The ponies all gasped while Mako and Asami both stood up in equal shock. Korra and Senna both had looks of complete horror on their faces.
"You can't do this!" she shouted at the man who began walking away. She couldn't let him get away with this, but how could she get through to him? She opened her mouth again to say the first threat that came to her mind, "You take their lives, and I'll take yours!"
Hotah stop don his tracks, his eyes widening in shock and fear.
"Korra!" Fluttershy whispered while narrowing her eyes.
"I'm bluffing." she whispered back, she wasn't really meaning her words. Even she was never that insane.
"I know, but still, empty threats aren't going to help."
Deep down, Korra knew she was right, but she couldn't think of anything else. Unalaq placed his hand on his niece's shoulder, "Korra, calm down. I'll talk to him."
He walked over to Hotah, "I know I promised to respect whatever decision you made, but I must ask you to reconsider. Show these men and my brother mercy." as he said the last sentence, he sends his brother a sad glance.
Hotah bowed to the chief, "Very well. I'll change their punishment. Your lives will be spared, but you will live them out in prison."
The rebels and Tonraq, and the ponies, all sighed in relief. "Thank you, uncle." Korra said. (~)
Later outside, Spike kept pacing back and forth while fiddling with his tail, "I can't believe your dad's going to jail!"
He jumped into Mako and pulled on his his collar, "He can't go to jail! I know what it's like to be locked up, man! I still remember when Tarlokk kidnapped me and Korra and forced us into that tiny little box! It was so cold! SO COLD!!!!!!"
"Spike, you were asleep for most the time." Korra said calmly.
"What's your point?" asked the dragon. Mako simply grabbed Spike and placed him down.
"Don't worry, I'll find a way to get him out of jail." she said as she left to tog see her mother, "You guys wait here with Mako."
"Don't do anything crazy!", Twilight shouted to her as she left.
"No promises!" Korra shouted back. (~)
Tonraq was surprised to see his prison cell door open, and his wife and daughter rushed to hug him.
"Honey, are you alight?" Senna asked with worry.
"I'm fine."
"Good, let's bust you out of here right now." Korra said determinedly, but her father stopped her.
"Korra, no. Saving me would start a war. If fighting were to break out, the North would crush the South. I'll be alright. Just promise me you won't do anything rash."
Korra lowered her gaze, "I promise. (~)
Inside the house, Korra watched her mother from a distance. Senna was standing before the sink, crying. Korra approached and tried to comfort her weeping mother, "It's okay, Mom."
"I--I hate feeling so helpless." Senna wiped off her tears, as her daughter hugged her.
"I know."
Outside, the others were outside in the snow. Pinkie Pie tried to build a snowman, but she wasn't having much fun and so she gave up, leaving a complete snowman done with a sad face. She sighed sadly, "I hope Korra and her mom are okay."
Twilight kept pacing back and forth deep in thought, only to be stopped by Rainbow Dash when she landed in front of her, "Take it easy there Twi. Keep that up and you'll have your own crater."
"I'm just thinking about Unalaq." said the alicorn.
"Good thing he didn't let that jerk do anything to Tonraq and the others, hu?" said Spike.
"That's just it." Twilight continued, "At first, I thought Unalaq wanted to become Korra's mentor so much because he really had good intentions on teaching her...but now..."
"But now, what?" Applejack asked curiously.
"Now I'm starting to think Unalaq isn't the man he claims to be." The ponies all looked at each other skeptically as Twilight continued her theory, "Think about it; after we opened the spirit portal the troops come over and automatically southerners think their tribe is being invaded and he didn't even try to reason with them. Then he accuses Tonraq and Senna for treason and he didn't seem to fight for them as much as Korra did."
"I think you're on to something." said Flash Sentry.
"But that doesn't explain how he's able to understand us." Rainbow pointed out.
"She's right!" said Pinkie.
"I know that part doesn't make much sense," said Twilight, "but regardless, I have a gut feeling we can't trust Unalaq anymore."
"Should we tell Korra?" Spike asked.
"I have a feeling she's already starting to figure that out on her own." said Rarity.
Just then, Korra came running out of the house towards them. "We're getting my father out of jail." she said determinedly while wearing a fierce expression.
"How?" Fluttershy asked.
"I'm going to have a word with Judge Hotah. Twilight, I'm gonna need your magic."
Twilight smirked at Korra as her horn glowed. (~)
Hotah casually was driving his satomobile on the road of a cliff when he took a look on his review mirror and his eyes widened in fear:
He saw Korra, riding on Naga, and Twilight Sparkle flying beside her. They were both heading towards him, and neither one looked at all to happy.
Hotah quickly stepped on the gas pedal and accelerated the car. Korra nodded to Twilight who nodded back. She flew ahead and used her magic to take control of the vehicle. She removed the wheels and slammed the satomobile on the side of the cliff. Hotha groaned and screamed in fear when Naga knocked off the door with her mouth; Korra and Twilight looked fiercely at the judge. The Avatar pulled him out and slammed him against the side of the car. She placed her right hand on the side of the vehicle and her left hand on her hip.
"What do you want?" the judge asked terrified.
"It's not about what I want. It's about what Naga wants." Korra said threateningly as Naga growled at the man, "And she'd like you to let my father out of prison."
"I--I'm sorry, but there is nothing I can do. I was just following Unalaq's orders."
Korra and Twilight's eyes wide in surprise, "What are you talking about?" Korra asked.
"I--I've said too much." The man yelped in fear when Twilight used her magic to levitate him into Naga's now opened mouth. The beast growled in anger as his head rested on her tongue, and Korra took hold of his collar.
"Unless you wanna be Naga's afternoon snack, you better keep talking." she said threateningly.
"I--I've worked for your uncle for years! He said he needed everyone to think the trial was fair."
"So Unalaq told you what to say? And I believe it's only fair to warn you, my ailcorn friend here, can't stand liars."
Twilight growled at him as her horn glowed brighter. Hotah became even more terrified, "Yes! Every word." he confessed.
"Then why did he have you free my mother and change your sentence?"
"He's trying to keep you on his side. But he also wants your father out of the way. Just like when he got your father banished."
The girls' eyes widened at this news. "What do you mean, 'he got my father banished'"? Korra asked.
Hotah was sweating with fear. "Nothing!"
Korra kept her glare on the man's eyes. "Keep talking." she demanded. Then, her irises began to glow again, only this time they glowed brightly blue as Hotah looked deep into them. All of a sudden, his eyes glowed too, identical to Korra's, as a strange powerful sensation swept up inside of him. He opened his mouth and confessed everything, still with fear in his voice.
"Unalaq payed the barbarians years ago to attack the tribe then he told them to hide in the spirit forest because he knew your father would go after them. That way he could become chief instead."
"I knew he was up to something!" said Twilight angrily.
"I can't believe this." Korra said just as angry. She felt so stupid for having trusted her uncle. Her once respect for the spiritual man quickly vanished, only to be replaced with feelings of scorn and anger. But what was just as surprising was that Hotah kept on talking.
"Also, I like to sing to love songs in my spare time; I lied to my cousin when I said I didn't have a crush on his wife."
Korra and Twilight looked at each other and arc their eyebrows in confusion as Hotah kept revealing secrets. It was as if this man had no control over what he was saying. Like he was forced into telling nothing but the truth.
"I pick my nose while nobody's looking, I still sleep with a nightlight, I'm intimidated by successful women and I---"
Korra quickly pulled him out of Naga's mouth and released his collar. "Okay, okay, we get it!" Korra said as she backed away from him, already feeling very uncomfortable. "Look, I was bluffing when I said I'd feed you to Naga, alright, so you can stop now!"
Hotah's irises glowed again for a moment before he shook his head and groaned, placing his hand on his head. He felt woozy, almost as if he had just woken up from a slumber.
"Wha--what did I just say?"
Twilight and Korra shared confused looks. He had no memory of what he said. "Uh...nothing." Korra said. She got back on Naga and they both rode off with Twilight close behind, leaving Hotah alone with his damaged vehicle.
"Hey! What about my satomobile?!" (~)
As they continued to ride off, Korra slowly stopped the polar bear dog near a cliff overlooking the ocean. Twilight flapped her wings beside them when Naga suddenly growled. "What is it, Naga?" Twilight asked with concern. She gasped when a dark winged spirit came hurling at them. Korra pulled on the reigns, commanding Naga to run out of the way when the spirit collided with the snow.
"I thought we were over this!" Korra exclaimed. Twilight flew up and zapped at the creature but it only attacked back, wrapping its long wings around the princess while she screamed in terror. This triggered something within Korra and she extended her hands towards the creature.
"Let her go!" instinctively, she stroked it with what appeared to be some kind of air blast, but filled with snow and ice. The spirit released the alicorn and landed on the ground. Korra jumped off of Naga to inspect it, noticing that part of the spirit's wing was not black blue or dark purple, but rather a shimmering white. The spirit hissed before flying away, wobbling due to the whiteness of its wing. Korra looked down at her hands and Twilight was dumbfounded.
"What did you do?"
"I...I don't know. All I was thinking about was saving you and...it just happened." Twilight's eyes widened and shimmered as she stood back up."Where did that spirit come from anyway?" Korra asked, "I thought once I opened the portal they would be gone." her eyes narrowed, "Unless Unalaq lied about that too."
Korra looked down at her hand before slowly clenching it into a fist. She turned to face the alicorn. "You were right, Twilight." The alicorn looked at her curiously as Korra continued, "This energy inside of me...it's not caused by negative spiritual energy like Unalaq claimed. It's something else. I don't know what but...I can feel it growing."
"I wish I knew exactly what it was." Twilight placed her hoof on her shoulder, "But, we'll get through this."
Korra placed her hand over her hoof and smiled, "....yeah. I'm not scared of this anymore."
The two hugged and Korra looked over the horizon as she began to sing.
Everything was perfectly fine
The first time that I came
A kingdom trapped in conflict
And it looks like...
I'm to blame
The wind is howling like this swirling storm inside
I couldn't keep it in
Heaven knows I tried
Don't let them in, don't let them see
Be the good girl you always have to be
Conceal, don't feel
Don't let them know
She looked at her hands and saw her nails turning blue again.
Well now they know!
She closed her fists then opened again...unleashing some lovely and sparkly snowflakes. She smiled.
Let it go
Let it go
Can't hold it back anymore
She kept unleashing snowflakes.
Let it go
Let it go!
Turn away and slam the door.
I don't care what they're going to say.
Let it go
Let it go
She stopped making snowflakes and smiled as her rails turned normal again. It was gone...for now.
It's really not so bad anyway
Korra and Twilight head off to warn their friends about Unalaq. (~)
At Varrick's mansion, Korra and Twilight explained to the others what had happened.
"Unalaq is a liar and a traitor!"
Varrick was still inside the platypus-bear, "I've been trying to tell you that from the get-go!"
"What happened?" Mako asked.
"We found out the truth about my dad's punishment."
Twilight continued, "Unalaq hired the barbarians to attack their tribe all those years ago."
Pinkie Pie, "WHAT?!"
Korra continued, "Then he told them to hide in the spirit forest because he knew my dad would go after them."
Pinkie, "WHAT?!"
"Unalaq wanted your dad out of the way so he could become chief." Mako said.
"It was a set up!" said Flash.
"WHA---" Pinkie was interrupted when an annoyed Applejack covered her mouth.
Rarity was boiling mad, "The nerve of that man! Taking Toranq's birthright and keeping Korra from becoming a full pledged princess?!"
They all looked at her annoyed, "Yes, Rarity that's the whole point to this." Asami said sarcastically.
"I can't believe I actually trusted him." Twilight said angrily.
"Ditto." Korra said, who was twice as mad, "I'm busting my father and the rebels out of jail. I need your help."
Rainbow Dash smiled confidently, "You kidding? No amount of wild polar bear dogs could keep me away. I'm in."
"Me too." Applejack said with a tip of her hat.
"Here, here!" Rarity declared.
"Prison break!" Pinkie Pie cried out, waving her hooves into the air as she did.
"If you do this, there's no going back." Mako said to Korra.
"I know. Will you guys help us or not?"
"Of course I'll help"
"Me too" Asami said.
Varrick raised his bear paw, "Count me in."
Flash Sentry saluted the Avatar, "I am at your services."
Spike saluted too, "So am I!"
Twilight smiled graciously, "Thanks everybody."
"We're going to get in a whole lot of trouble for this." Fluttershy said fearfully.
Rarity placed her hoof on her forehead in a dramatic fashion, "Can things possibly get any worse?"
Right on cue, the doors opened. Everyone looked on with surprised and confused expressions as Bolin walked in. The young man wore a long water tribe outfit similar to Eska, his skull betrothal necklace around his neck and his hair was gelled down. Pabu had a similar outfit and hair.
"I had to ask." Rarity said as she arched an eyebrow when she saw him. The poor boy looked so miserable.
"I don't even want to know." said Mako, completely unfazed by this odd choice of fashion.
Rainbow Dash immediately bursted out laughing, "AH! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! What's with the get up? Lose a bet? HA, HA, HA!"
Bolin glared angrily at the pony. "Thanks for the sympathy Rainbow Dash. Really appreciate it." he said sarcastically.
Rainbow wiped away a tear, "Ha, ha, sorry."
"So I'm guessing the breakup with Eska didn't go so well" said Asami.
"Either that or Bolin's experimenting with fashion." said Rainbow Dash in between chuckles.
Bolin spoke sarcastically, "No, no, the honesty thing worked out great. So great that she decided we should GET MARRIED!!!"
"Sorry." Asami said sympathetically.
"Um...congratulations?" said an unsure Spike.
"I'm pretty sure the guy is supposed to give the girl the betrothal necklace." Korra stated, though she was kind of amused by this.
"I guess Eska didn't get the memo."
Pinkie Pie started to jump happily, "Oh, I love weddings! Can I host the reception, please, please, please!"
"Don't worry my friends. Nobody's getting married on my watch." said Varrick. Pinkie Pie stopped jumping and landed in the floor.
"Awwww. Bummer."
Korra smiled sympathetically, "Sorry, honey maybe next time."
"Look, the only way to deal with crazy women is to lie big and leave fast. Lucky for you, Varrick's got your back. Now gather 'round Ping-Ping. Let's talk plan." (~)
At the water tribe prison, one guard was patrolling the interior. All was perfectly quiet, he was the only one there for the moment. The only noise was the sound of his footsteps and the keys dangling around his waist as he moved. Suddenly, he cried out in horror when an unexpected earthbending move cause him to fall into a trench. Blue sparks flew out of the trench and the guard was electrocuted, knocked out unconscious. While he was out cold, Asami, Mako, Twilight, Flash and Korra climbed out of the trench and Korra pointed to a cell door.
"My dad's in there". The friends quickly rushed to the door and Mako, now holding the keys, unlocked the door. The Avatar forced the metal doors open, but once she did, they were shocked to find it completely empty. "Where is he?"
"I'm sorry Korra. You'll never see your father again."
They all turned to face Unalaq standing in the very center of the hallway. Twilight and Flash quickly got into defensive stances on both sides of Korra.
"Where's my father?" she asked demandingly.
"On a ship headed to the Northern Tribe. He'll serve out his sentence there."
Korra stood before her uncle, her growing animosity towards him growing with every breath. "Bring him back. Or we're taking you out and the rest of your army."
"Remember who you are. As the Avatar, you cannot threaten war. You must remain neutral, or our tribes will never find unity."
"You don't want unity. You want power. You've always been jealous of my father, haven't you? You got him banished so you could become chief, and I bet it just killed you to learn he was the Avatar's father. No wonder you kept trying to take me away from him. And I was a fool to let you."
"All I've ever wanted is to help you realize your destiny."
"Well, I don't want your help anymore. How someone like you can hear the voices of ponies, I'll never know."
Unalaq scoffed, "Those things? I still have headaches from hearing their annoying neighs."
Korra's eyes widened, "What?!"
"I am a man of many skills. One of them is being able to read lips. I knew of your bond with these creatures. I figured if I won their trust I'd win yours as well."
Everyone was shocked at this revelation; Unalaq was an even better trickster than they realized. Twilight quickly became enraged and snarled at the chief.
"You---you arrogant, cold-hearted monster!! How dare you take advantage of Korra's loyalty! She trusted you! You don't deserve to be chief!!"
"Insult me all you want pony. It makes no difference."
Korra sneered at her uncle, "She's right, you don't deserve to be chief!"
"If you start a war, the dark spirits will annihilate the south. And even I will be powerless to stop it. You've seen what's been happening to you, if this continues even you won't be able to stop the madness."
"You're wrong. What's growing inside of me has nothing to do with the spirits. I'm done being manipulated by you. You're going to bring my father back, then you and your troops will return to the north."
She, Twilight and Flash turned away from him. "And why would I do that?" asked the chief.
"Because you still need me and the ponies to open the northern portal." Korra pointed out, her back still turned away from him.
"No, I don't. You've served your purpose. I would be more than happy to finally be rid of those annoying little beasts."
"You're the beast!!"
Korra spun around and angrily threw three fire blasts at her uncle while Twilight shoot fire blasts of her own. Unalaq threw an arc of water from his water skin at Korra but she managed to freeze it, but was none the less was pushed off by the frozen blast. Mako did a fire kick but Unalaq dodged it and punched Mako with a water blast. Unalaq was about to attack again when Flash Sentry charged at him, hitting his gut. Unalaq fell down and slid across the floor. Seeing the chance, Korra created an air blast that pushed Unalaq further against the wall.
"If we get to Varrick's boat, we can still save your father." Mako tells her.
"Let's go" said Korra as they ran down the corridor, the ponies flying side by side.
"That was impressive" Twilight said to Flash as they flew.
"Five years of combat training." he said.
"Not the time, guys!" Mako yelled from ahead. He was still getting used to those two getting intimate. Once they were gone, Unalaq managed to stand up, mentally slapping himself for allowing the girl and her ponies to get away. (~)
Meanwhile, Bolin and the rest of the gang were walking through the city towards the docks with Varrick, still inside of Ping-Ping, was being pulled by a leach. The ponies all walked beside them with nervous grins as a whole bunch of bystanders looked at them with odd looks.
"Stay cool, ya'll." Applejack tells them. Rainbow Dash took the lead of the bear, "Move aside folks, nothing to see here."
They walked toward the docks to get to Varrick's ship until they were stopped by a soldier from the north.
"You have a license for that animal?" he then looked at the ponies who smile nervously, "Uh...animals?"
Bolin spoke to him nervously, "Uh, you fellas seen a traveling circus come through here?" he asked while pointing both his index fingers in opposite directions.
Rainbow lowered her ears and gave an annoyed look, "We're dead."
Varrick watched the whole thing from the bear's mouth and whispered to Zhu-Li from inside the bear, "Zhu-Li, do the thing."
Zhu-Li lifted up the bear's tail and dropped yuans on the floor, while making a raspberry noise as she did. A man from the crowd shouts, "That platypus-bear is pooping money!"
The ponies all looked surprised as a swarm of people started taking the money without care.
"That worked." Spike said.
They all rushed into Varrick's yacht where Varrick took control, while still inside Ping Ping. Korra, Mako, Asami, Twilight and Flash entered the yacht.
"Where's your father?" Rarity asked.
"On a ship headed north." said Korra, she turned to Varrick, "Think we can catch up to it?"
"Sure, once you get past our friends from the north." They looked ahead and see the northern battleships forming a blockage.
"If only we had a plane to get close to those ships." said Twilight, "Korra could waterbed them out of the way."
"A plane? Well, why didn't you just say so?" Varrick pressed a button and a biplane emerged from the hatch of the ship.
"Um, why do you have a plane on your boat?" Mako asked.
"In case the boat sinks, of course."
Pinkie Pie's eyes widen in wonder, "Wow, you have everything!"
"But there's no runway." Asami pointed out, "How are we supposed to take off?"
"Zhu-Li! Take a note: 'Build runway' " Varrick tells his assistant.
"Yes, sir."
Twilight smirked, "We don't need a runway" she and Korra exchanged the same smiles.
"You thinking what I'm thinking?"
"You and Mako use firebending to give the plane the extra boost while I come with and give that no-good uncle of yours a piece of my mind!" she said while pounding her two hooves
Korra looked a bit surprised, "Well, more the first one but the second works for me too."
"Show that jerk what happens when he messes with us ponies and the Avatar." said Rainbow Dash as she and Twilight hoof pumped. Pinkie jumped high and fist/hoof pumped with Korra.
"A booyah!"
Asami was now in her pilot outfit and placed on her goggles. Korra and Mako took their opposite positions on the plane's wings. Twilight stood on the wing with Korra. The Avatar gave Asami a thumbs up who returned the gesture before opening the biplane.
"Now!"
Korra and Mako firebend both simultaneously unleashed a fire blast that boosted the biplane to take off. Before long, the four friends were soaring through the skies. The others cheered from inside the yacht as they flew off.
"Those guys are so awesome!" said Rainbow Dash as she did air flips in excitement.
Flash sighed dreamily, "Yeah, she is."
The pegasus realized what he had just said and blushed nervously as all eyes looked at him curiously. He baffled as he talked, "I--I mean them! Them, I totally meant them, the four of them; Korra, Mako, Asami and Twilight, not just Twilight, why would I just be talking about Twilight? That's ridiculous, I mean, why are we still talking about this?"
"We're not. You are" said Applejack
"She's right"
Flash glared, "Nobody asked you, Zhu-Li!" (~)
On the plane, Twilight made her Element of Harmony appear around her neck, "Girls, do you hear me?"
Her gem glowed and Applejack's voice was heard, "Loud and clear, Twilight"
"Get ready, guys." said Korra.
As the plane grew closer to the northern battleships on the horizon, Korra entered the avatar and Twilight's gem started to glow. From inside the yacht, the ponies' elements and eyes glowed too as they all shared the Avatar State with Korra. The young woman moved her arms in swift movements and waterbended a gigantic and powerful wave that pushed the battleships out of their path. Giving Varrick's yacht enough space to get through. Twilight's horn glowed and magically, the battleships began to fill up with dirt and bugs, bugs which crawled up the Northerner's uniforms. They were all so terrified by this that they all started jumping overboard. Korra and Twilight's eyes stopped glowing and Korra laughed, "Was that really necessary Twilight?"
"Just a little present for Uncle jerk-face!" the alicorn said proudly.
"In that case, I'll let it slide."
Mako rolled his eyes, "I swear that Pony gets more and more like you every day."
Korra arched an eyebrow, "You say it like it's a bad thing."
The biplane and the yacht successfully escaped the blockade. As they made their escape, Twilight flew on ahead, scanning the ocean for the ship heading north. The alicorn soon spotted the ship and flew back to the plane, catching Korra's attention by whistling with her hoof.
"There! Your dad's on that ship!"
Korra turned towards the pilot, "Asami!"
"On it!" the heiress steered the plane towards the ship Twilight was pointing to. From the ship, Northerners saw the plan approaching. Asami stirred the plane towards them, when the alicorn princess shouted.
"Jump!"
Korra, Asami and Mako all followed her order and jumped from the plane as it continued flying on its own, but without a pilot it in no time at all crashed near the side of the ship into the ocean, and exploded in a fiery inferno.
"I hope Varrick has insurance on that." said the alicorn when she saw the crashed plan snick to the ocean. She used her magic to levitate the teens onto the battleship, where Korra immediately created two water whips to throw two crew members overboard. She spotted one trying to escape and quickly froze him against the wall. The man struggled to break free as Korra approached him.
"Where are the prisoners?" she asked demandingly, her eyes slightly glowing blue, which stroked fear into the man's heart. He dared not to defy her.
Inside the battleship, Tonraq and the rebels were all inside their cell until their door started to glow magenta and it opened up. They see Twilight winking at them.
"Somebody order a rescue party?"
It didn't take long for the heroes to get all of the prisoners out of their cell. "Korra, this is crazy." said Tonraq when they were all outside, "You promised me you wouldn't do anything rash."
"I had to. I'll explain later."
Northern troops started attacking the rebels with their waterbending but Korra and Mako both neutralized it with firebending. Varrick's yacht approached.
"Everyone, gather around Twilight!" Korra shouted. They all did as she said as Twilight's horn started to glow.
"And you'll might want to cover your ears." said Mako, right before they all disappeared in a blinding light.
They all magically reappeared on board Varrick's yacht. Once there, Korra threw a final blast of fire at the battleship before the yacht departed. (~)
Later that night, Korra, Twilight, Tonraq and the rebels stood on the hatch of the boat. One rebel wiggled his ears.
"Better?", Mako asked him.
"Yeah. Do your ears always pop when she does that?"
"Yep. Just be thankful it wears off quickly."
Korra and Twilight spoke with Tonraq, explaining everything they had just discovered. "So once I knew the truth, I couldn't sit by and do nothing." Korra explained.
Tonraq became deeply hurt after learning the truth about his brother, "My own brother betrayed me. And our entire tribe."
"He betrayed all of us." said Twilight, "I'm so sorry, Tonraq."
"What's our next move?" one of the rebels asked Tonraq.
"I've been running from my past for too long. It's time to put my brother in his place."
The rebels all placed their fists to their hearts, "You have our support, Chief Tonraq."
Korra and Twilight also placed their fist/hoof over their hearts.
"Mine too. I'll be proud to fight alongside you, dad."
"Me too." said Twilight. But Tonraq disagreed, "No, Korra"
"But you said the south doesn't stand a chance against Unalaq's forces. I can help."
"The best way for you to help is by getting the president of the United Republic on our side. The south can give Unalaq a good fight for a while. But we'll need the United Forces in order to win this war."
Korra didn't want to leave her father, but she was determined not to let him down again, ".....all right, I'll get you all the help you need."
"I'll ask Princess Celestia is she will help too." said Twilight
Korra hugged her father, "I love you, dad"
"I love you, too."
They release and Tonraq lowered down to Twilight, "Twilight Sparkle...promises me you'll keep an eye on my girl and help her in any way you can."
The princess placed her hoof over her heart, "You have my word sir."
Tonraq smiled graciously as he petted her mane, "Thank you, princess." (~)
Tonraq created an ice raft as he and the rebels returned to shore. He looked on as the yacht disappeared from sight. Inside the yacht, Korra and the others looked sadly as they left.
"Korra, I'm really sorry."
"It's not your fault, Twilight. If anyone is to blame it's me."
"Don't say that." said Fluttershy.
"It's true. If I had just listened to my father and Tenzin none of this would have happened. I wanted so badly to prove to everyone and to myself that I could be a great Avatar." then, she remembered Leilani's words and her heart dropped even more, "I relied on my own understandings." she concluded, "Of all the stupid things I have done, this is the worse." tears fell from her eyes as she removed the headband and looked at it sadly.
"Oh, darling. Don't be so hard on yourself." Rarity said.
Twilight smiled at the Avatar, "You learned from your mistakes, now you just need to use that knowledge to make things right."
Mako gently took the headband from Korra's hands and placed it back on her head, "We'll fix this. I know we will."
Korra wiped away the tears and smiled, "Thanks." she and Mako and the ponies warmly hugged.
"Besides, even though Unalaq's intentions were selfish, yours weren't." said Fluttershy, "All you were trying to do was to bring peace to the tribes."
"She's right." said Rarity, "When you brought back the northern lights to the south, it was so beautiful."
"And your father was so proud of you." said Twilight. "Unalaq took advantage of your good intentions. He mislead all of us, even your father."
Spike agreed, "Yeah, he ruined everything by bringing his troops and locking up everybody in the South Pole, ticking them off and being the very thing who ignited this stupid war. Plus he did make the whole "uniting the tribes" deal seem pretty legit."
"For now we need to get to the United Forces just like your father said." Mako said determinedly.
Twilight placed her hoof on Korra's shoulder, "It's not too late to fix it."
"I hope you're right." said the Avatar unsurely. Deep down, she prayed she could set things right. She just had to.
"Korra, I really need to thank you." said Bolin.
"Why? I started a civil war"
"Exactly! Now Eska and I are officially broken up."
Fluttershy arched an eyebrow, "Um, how does that make you two broken up, exactly?"
"Guys! We've got company" cried Rainbow Dash in despair.
"And not the fun kind!" Varrick said as he looked through his telescope. They all looked at the horizon and witnessed something approaching.
"What is that?" Fluttershy asked.
"Let me see", Bolin took the telescope from Varrick for a better look. He gasped before rubbing his eyes and looked again through the telescope.
"I love guessing games!" said Pinkie Pie, Is it a boat? A dolphin? A seahorse? No, wait is it a boat?"
"You already asked that" said Asami.
"No, no, no and no." Bolin answered. Through the telescope he saw a very, very angry Eska rushing towards him on a huge wave. Her makeup was all smudged across her face, and her once composed emotionless face was now full of pure anger and heartbreak, her eyes narrowed and widened and her white teeth bear like a piranha after its prey.
"That would be my darling Eska."
"You're good at this game." said Pinkie.
Bolin turned to Varrick, "Quick question: is this thing fast enough to get away from my crazy waterbending ex-girlfriend?"
"Why do you think I build this boat?"
The boat speeded away. As it speeded away into the distance, a crash was heard from inside the boat.
"Where did that flower pot come from?" Korra asked.
"Oh, come on!" Asami yelled in annoyance. (~)
Leilani stood beside the Tree of Harmony, its vines glowing brightly, until...suddenly, the plants around it began to wither and die, the tree itself remained the same, but the plants around it were withering, suddenly, Leilani herself felt weak. She knew what this meant.
"It's coming."
*(~)*
Proverbs 3:5-6 ~
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understandings. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
*(~)* |
The Little Pony Legend 2: Spirits of Courage | Life's too short | *(~)*
Proverbs 19:20 ~
Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.
*(~)*
Life's too short, not to be a family.
It had been so long since Celestia slept in. She always had to wake up before anypony else in order to rise the sun. But today, she could sleep in. It felt so good to lay in the beds of the Air Temple, the sun of the human world rose all on its own, its golden rays coming through the window of Celestia's room, warming her body with a nurturing heat that only a mother or father could give. The sun princess smiled as her eyes fluttered open. She levitated the blanket off her body, revealing she did not have her crown, necklace or golden horse shoes on. She gently placed the blanket over the mattress in a lovely and neat manner before peaking her head out the window, taking in the fresh morning air. The sun glowed brightly up in the middle of the clear blue sky. Back in Equestria, it was her job to raise the sun, but the very first time she didn't, didn't make her feel useless at all. In fact, the sun rising on its own was a stunning and refreshing sight. As Celestia embraced the sun's rays, she felt her whole body strengthened. She felt a burning warm sensation within herself, which was unlike anything she had ever felt before. This world truly was magical in its own way.
If Tenzin could ever pick out the ideal perfect day, this would be it. In the Southern Air Temple, Tenzin and Pema were happily relaxing while sitting in chairs outside near the temple gardens. Kya and Luna both sat on a rock, feeding lemurs together. The two had already begun to form a friendship. Luna was especially fascinated with waterbending and Kya was very intrigued by Luna's ability to enter people's dreams. Tenzin took a sip of his tea and sighed in relaxation.
"Ahh, I haven't felt this at peace since--"
"YAHOO!"
Tenzin's peace was interrupted when his brother Bumi jumped in, wearing nothing but his underwear and an open green robe, exposing his rather large belly. The man-child jumped up and down happily as his younger brother sighed sadly.
"Aaand, it's over."
Bumi leaped onto the rock where his sister and the moon princess both sat and spread his arms wide, shouting into the sky. "Goooood morning, Universe!"
"Bumi, please, cover yourself! We have a princess here!" Kya said as she covered her's and Luna's eyes. Bumi immediately blushed in embarrassment.
"Oops! Sorry, your highness." he quickly closed his robe and turned to his brother, "Well, lookee here, "Vacation Tenzin" has finally decided to join us."
"Yes, he has." Tenzin said as he carried his son, Rohan from his wife, "It's so nice to get to spend more time with my family. Isn't that right, my little Rohan?" the baby smiled and cooed happily.
"It truly is a beautiful morning." said Princess Celestia as she stepped outside to greet the others. Her long magical multicolored mane bellowed in in the invisible breeze that always surrounded her. "I haven't slept in in so long."
"I've been meaning to ask, how are you two able to even have the time for a vacation?" Kya asked, "Don't you two need to raise the sun and moon back in Equestria?"
"Do not worry." said Luna, "We have someone back home who is helping with that."
"In my experience with magic, I believe it's best not to ask too many questions." Tenzin said, "I've actually enjoyed having you two here, Princess."
"Thank you very much, Tenzin." Celestia said graciously as she bowed.
"And I've really enjoyed having you two around." he said to his brother and sister. "Reminds me of all those great vacations we took as kids with Dad."
"Uhh, I think your memory's a little foggy." Kya said with a frown while placing her head on her left hand, "Bumi and I weren't on half of those great vacations. It was always just you and Dad, you know, to complete your airbending training."
Both Luna and Celestia exchanged sad glances at hearing this. The tone of Kya's voice was bitter with a tint of jealousy. Her expression was shared with her older brother.
"No, that can't be right." Tenzin said, trying his best to recall any other good memories of the past, "What about the time he took us to Kyoshi Island to ride the elephant koi?"
"What are elephant kois?" Luna asked curiously.
"They're these really huge fish that Dad used to ride on for fun." Kya explained to the princess before turning again to her brother, her brows lowering. "And no, we weren't there that time either."
Tenzin kept trying to remember any fond memories they had. There must have been some moment where the three of them had spent some time with their father. "Hmm. Oh, remember Ember Island? Those amazing sand palaces we built on the beach."
Bumi pointed a finger at Tenzin, "You mean, you built? We didn't the place until after."
"I could've sworn."
Tenzin was sincerely surprised by this. How could he not remember his brother and sister weren't with him at that time? They must have been pulling his leg or something, there was no way they weren't with him during the vacations he spent with his father.
Celestia looked at the three older siblings with sympathy and smiled kindly at Kya and Bumi, "I'm sure the two of you have your own wonderful memories with your father." she said, trying her best to brighten up the growingly bitter mood. "Maybe if you think back hard enough you'll remember something."
But sadly, Kya and Bumi simultaneously shook their heads, making Celestia lower her ears. Luna gave her sister a scowl look that read, 'way ta go, sis!'.
Just then, Jinora and Meelo arrived at the scene on their air scooters. Poki flew and landed on Meelo's head, when both siblings landed on solid ground.
"Morning, kids!" Bumi happily greeted his niece and nephew as he jumped from the rock he was standing in to greet them.
"Morning, Uncle Bumi!" Meelo greeted and pointed at his uncle's now exposed large stomach, "Do you have a baby in there?"
Kya, Tenzin, Pema and the Princesses all laughed at the child's innocence and humor. But then, Pema realized that not all of her children were present. "Where's your sister?" she asked. Jinora nervously looked down at her feet.
"Who?"
"Ikki." Pema placed her hand at her waist level, "About this tall. Talks real fast like Pinkie Pie. I'm sure you know her."
Jinora didn't even look up, unable to force herself to stare directly into her mother's disapproving eyes. "Uhh..."
"There was a lemur fight, but the bison told us not to worry because a giant was coming." Meelo said, "Then we almost got eaten by a shark-squid!"
"The shark-squid?!" Bumi asked in terror, "It appears my old nemesis has found me."
Both Luna and Celestia shared skeptical looks as Bumi spoke dramatically, both having no idea what the heck he was talking about. Pema folded her arms in annoyance and eyed sternly at her children.
"Jinora, were you and Meelo teasing your sister again?"
"I don't know." Jinora said defensively before bowing her head. But the look on her mother's face began to wear her down. "Maybe." finally, she hung her head in shame, "Yes."
"She ran away." Meelo said.
Celestia gasped and Luna rose her hoof near her mouth in shock. "Oh, dear!"
Pema's face became red with anger, "Honestly, I don't know why you kids can't just get along!"
"It's all right, dear, Ikki couldn't have gone far." her husband said as he gave her back Rohan. "I'll find her."
"We'll come and help." said Celestia.
"Commander Bumi reporting for duty!" Bumi said with a salute, "Search-and-rescue missions are my specialty."
Kya came forward and held both of her brothers' shoulders, "What do you say we all go together?"
"Sure, I could use the help." Tenzin said and Bumi squatted down to his nephew,
"When I get back, we'll come out with a plan to take down that shark-squid once and for all!"
Meelo grinned and said enthusiastically, "Yeah!"
Luna arched an eyebrow and looked at Kya, "By any chance, was he ever dropped in the head as a toddler?"
"No. But he did fall off the hog monkey bars when he was six."
"That would explain a lot."
Celestia placed her hoof on Pema's shoulder, "Don't worry Pema. We'll find her."
"Thank you, your highness." (~)
"Ikki! Ikki? Ikki, where are you?" Tenzin cried out for his daughter. He, Kya, Bumi, Celestia and Luna were searching her all around the temple, they had already looked in all the gardens, all of the rooms, now they were traveling down the mountainside but still, there was no sign of the young girl. The Princesses both searched from above, but they too had the same luck. Their eyes scanned half the perimeter of the island, but they could not find a trace of the young airbender girl. Tenzin saw the alicorns land before him.
"Any sign of her?" he asked hopefully. The sisters sadly shook their heads. "No. I'm sorry, Tenzin." Celestia said sincerely.
"We have found no trace of her anywhere." Luna said, sounding just as sad as her sister. The air nomad grew more worried by the moment. "Where could she be?"
"Over here, Dad!" they all turned their heads at the sound of a childlike voice coming from a rustling bush, but even they were not foolish enough to fall for such a trick. They did not laugh at all when they saw the former commander emerge from the bushes. "Just kidding. It's me!"
Tenzin groaned in annoyance just as Kya came running behind him. "There's no sign of her anywhere." she said.
"Why would Ikki run off like this?" Tenzin hung his head in shame. "Ah, it's probably my fault."
"Probably." his sister replied while crossing her arms. The air nomad turned to his sister.
"Excuse me?"
"I'm guessing you've been busy with your "duty" to Republic City that you forgot about your duty to your kids."
Bumi laughed, "Duty."
"What are you, five years old?" Kya said in annoyance as she placed her hands on her hips. Luna came in between the two, "Everyone, please. The last thing we need is for you two to start bickering again."
"No, Princess Luna, Kya is right." Tenzin said, "I haven't been spending enough time with my children. I wish I could be as good a father as dad was to us."
Kya scoffed at this. "Tenzin, your problem is that you're exactly like dad. He was so focused on saving the world and doing his duty," Kya stopped Bumi from opening his mouth, as a smile crapped up his face, "don't laugh, that he hardly had time for us. And when he did, it was short lived."
Celestia and Luna both felt sympathy for the three siblings as they listened to their tale. Believe it or not, the two sisters empathized with their situation, for they too had experienced something quite similar from their own childhood. They really wanted to help the three, but for the moment they stood aside as they watched the siblings bicker.
"Dad was under a lot of pressure." Tenzin said in defense.
"He always had time for you, though," Bumi said as he pinched Tenzin's cheek, which made him flinch, "his precious little airbender."
Tenzin pushed his brother aside, "Dad loved us all equally." he said as he took a few steps forward away from his siblings. "Besides, it all happened a long time ago. Why are we even talking about this?"
"Because you seem to have some grandiose delusion that we had a perfect, happy-go-lucky childhood." said Kya, "Guess what. We didn't!"
Tenzin was already fed up with this nonsense, his daughter was missing and yet here he was talking about things that didn't even matter anymore. "We need to keep moving, if we want to find Ikki before dark." he said before walking ahead. His sister smiling cockily as he did.
"See what he's doing there, Bumi? Classic airbender technique." Kya said mockingly, "Cutting and running when things get tough!"
"Yeah. Did dad teach you that move?" Bumi said teasingly as Tenzin groaned in annoyance, even with the growing distance, he could still hear his older brother and sister laughing at him. Celestia and Luna had heard enough. The oldest princess stood before Kya and Bumi and they both stopped laughing. The Princess's beautiful pink eyes scowling in disapproval.
"That is enough." Celestia said sternly. The two humans lowered their heads in shame like children who had just gotten into trouble with their school teacher. Celestia's expression slightly softened a she spoke in a regal but motherly voice. "I understand you both have your own conflicting feelings about your father, but that doesn't give you the right to take it out on your brother."
Kya slowly rose her head to look at the princess, speaking in a respectful manner, "With all due respect, your highness, this is a family matter and you really shouldn't worry about it."
"Like it or not, Kya, we are involved." Luna said sternly, a face equal to that of her sister's. "And believe me, we understand you perfectly well."
"And why is that?" Bumi asked. The sisters looked at one another before lowering their ears sadly.
"Because we've been through exactly the same thing you have." Kya and Bumi both looked at the princesses with surprised expressions.
"I especially understand what you two have been through." said Luna, "But life is far too short to allow past problems and anger get in the way of family."
As they continued down the path behind Tenzin, both siblings began to feel guilty for the way they were acting. Celestia and Luna caught up with the air nomad and music began to fill the air. The princesses hoped to help the three get along and work out their differences.
(Parody of "Life's too short" from Frozen)
Celestia;
They came here with you in hopes of a fresh start
But it's clear that your strife is making you fall apart
Luna;
I have to say big sis, on this I can agree
The bitterness that haunts among these three
Tenzin face palmed himself and groaned. He was not in the mood for a song.
Celestia;
You've been falling out for way too long
So just forget who's right
Luna;
And forget who's wrong
Why don't we try, and work together to bring Ikki home!
Bumi began tapping his foot to the beat.
Celestia and Luna;
Cause life's too short!
Luna;
To always feel shut out and unloved by the family you've long to know
Celestia and Luna;
Life's too short
Celestia;
To never move forward in life
To not embrace what the future holds
Kya:
Oh, oh, oh,
Tenzin:
"Not you too!"
Celestia;
You might not have known then
Luna and Celestia:
But you can start
Life's too short
To miss out on this family, heart to heart
Bumi;
"I have no idea what's going on, but I like it!"
"Tenzin, they're right." Kya said, "Maybe we should put aside our difference."
"I'd appreciate that."
The princesses smiled in triumph, things were looking up.
"It's the least you could do since you practically ignored your kids."
"Excuse me?!"
The Princesses' smiles changed into frowns in an instant.
"That was a little harsh." said Bumi.
Kya;
"You're taking his side now?"
Bumi;
"Of course not, I'm just saying you've always been a bit cold, is all"
Kya;
"What?!"
Tenzin;
"Okay, enough!"
Why can't you two grow up?
Kya;
"Oh, us? Seems to me that it's you",
Who should try it sometime
Bumi;
"Yup!"
Tenzin;
So it's like that, I swear you will never change!
Celestia;
Whoa, whoa, don't get upset
Let's get back on the same page
Tenzin;
Well, thanks for trying to help me find my child
Though your attitudes weren't exactly very mild
Okay, run up the hill and let me find her
Don't need your support
"Goodbye."
Luna;
"Wait!"
Tenzin;
Cause life's too shor--"
Kya;
Oh, there it is!
The door you love to slam in our face
You did well at the council, but now you're back in the same place
Keep us away if you want, but we're the only ones who
Are not trying so hard to be "Aang version 2"
Tenzin gasped and scowled at his sister.
Tenzin;
You can think whatever you want cause I don't care
You left home to go off and party
Kya;
That is so unfair!
Bumi kept dancing to the singing, until Celestia took his chin with her hoof and turned him to his siblings and the man stopped dancing.
Kya and Tenzin;
I swear!
I'm through with taking your un-shaking sibling support! Ha!
Life's too short!
To waste another minute
Life's too short to even have you in it
Life's too short!
Luna;
"Enough! I believe we have all heard plenty as to what you think of each other. Now could you please stop arguing and let us all search for Ikki?"
Tenzin and Kya both scowled at one another, before Tenzin took the lead. As the brother and sister headed down the hillside. The sisters both sighed sadly.
"Personally, I thought that was kind of fun." Bumi said, making the two sisters arc their eyebrows in annoyance at him. (~)
It was getting darker, the sun had already set and the moon began to rose up into the night sky. Luna's eyes shimmered at the sight. The moon looked so different than the one she always rose back in Equestria. Somehow, it glowed with more life and beauty than her own. Even though Luna had no power over its rotation or the stars that shone above, it didn't bother her in the slightest. Seeing the moon rise all on its own was magical in its own way, even to her. Strangely enough, the more she looked upon it, the more connected she felt to it. It was as if looking at it gave her a strength. She could feel its stunning beauty and 'magic' flowing through her body like a waging wave. This world truly was magical.
Even after traveling all day long, Tenzin, Kya, Bumi and the princesses were still no closer to finding Ikki. Celestia and Luna lit up the way with their horns. Bumi then regain reminiscing his times as a navy commander, "You know, this reminds me of a search-and-rescue mission I commanded years ago in the mountains outside of Ba Sing Se."
Luna rolled her eyes and Tenzin groaned. "Here we go."
The former commander started narrating, "For five days, we scoured the beast of a mountain, fighting our ways through buzzards, sandstorms, and three typhoons. Finally, we found the men huddled in a cave, seconds from death. With no time to lose, I piled all twelve of those poor souls on my back and single-handedly carried them down the mountain to safety."
Tenzin turned around to face his brother and snapped at him. "And how exactly is that supposed to help us find Ikki?"
"It was supposed to inspire you. Clearly, you know nothing about being a leader of men. That's probably why the Avatar fired you." Bumi then felt two pairs of eyes narrowing in disapproval at him. The man rose his shoulders and lowered his head in shame. "Forgive me for my remark, your majesties."
"You should." said Luna, "That was very uncalled for."
"With all due respect, Luna, I don't need you two defending me." Tenzin said before turning to his brother, "And I'm sick of your far-fetched tales. Three typhoons?"
"Well, I may have thrown in an extra typhoon or two for dramatic effect, but--"
"Boys, Kya and I found footsteps." Celestia said and Tenzin ran ahead, "Come on!"
Together, they ran down the path, following the footsteps near a waterfall. Bumi smiled cockily before leaping ahead onto the rocks that stood alongside the waterfall. A long way down bellow was a cold pool with hard rocks rising up from the water.
"No, follow me!" Bumi exclaimed as he leaped onto the rocks, "This will get us down fifty times faster."
"Bumi, it's pitch black and the rocks are slippery. You're gonna hurt yourself." his sister warned him.
"Bumi, for once, listen to your sister." Luna insisted, but the man simply jump down the rocks and began climbing down the side of the mountain beside the waterfall. This man was just plain stubborn.
"Come on, you wimps! If I can do it, it should be no problem for a couple of benders."
Kya rolled her eyes, "Fine." with swift gentle movements, Kya descended down the waterfall using her waterbending to hold her in a half moon formation. Tenzin leaped from ledge to ledge with his airbending to boost his leap. Both siblings overtook their older brother, who grumbled. The princesses stayed beside him, hoping to help in any way.
"You were right, Bumi! That was faster!" Kyat shouted teasingly from down below.
"At least fifty times faster, by my calculations." Tenzin said before chuckling along with his sister.
"Oh, so Tenzin's the funny guy now." Bumi grumbled. Both princesses hovered beside him, their feathered wings flapping. "We can help you get down." Celestia said kindly.
"No, no, I'll get myself down. I've been in worse scrapes than this." Bumi insisted, but in his mind he questioned his decision, of course he would never admit it. Not with Tenzin and Kya around.
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, don't' worry about me."
The sister exchanged worried looks before flying down and landing beside Tenzin and Kya. "If you need an airlift down, just say the word." Tenzin offered.
"Bah, I don't need your help. I've got everything under control." but then Bumi started to slip and fell into the water. "AH!" the man screamed as he fell down.
"Bumi!"
Bumi closed his eyes shut, waiting for the impact, screaming as he fell. But was surprised to see that he had stopped falling, and his body was now surrounded by a sparkly blue aura. Luna softly hovered him towards them, rising on a few feet above the water. Bumi stubbornly crossed him arms, "I could have gotten down on my own you know."
Luna pouted at the man's ungratefulness and the aura around him disappeared. Bumi screamed in terror as he fell down hard on the ground. Luna turned her head away, her nose held high.
"Hmp! You are welcome."
"Oh! My head!" (~)
Kya was nearly done healing dazed Bumi with the glowing effect of her waterbending. The glowing waters circling around his head. "I apologize for that immature act, Bumi." Luna said. "At the very least you did not get severally injured."
"I told you those rocks were slippery." Kya said, "And Luna's right, you're lucky she was there to make sure you didn't kill yourself."
"You done with the lecture, Mom?"
"Oh, grow up! You haven't changed one bit since we were kids. You're still trying to prove you can do everything a bender can. Well, you can't. Deal with it."
"And you're not our mother. You don't get to tell me what I can and can't do. Deal with that."
Fed up with his attitude, Kya stopped waterbending, causing the water to splash onto Bumi. "Good luck healing yourself with your special nonbonding powers."
"Hey, hey, back me up here, Tenzin."
"Kya's right." Tenzin said, "You're the oldest of us, but you always acted like the youngest. I had to become the responsible one."
"You think you're the responsible one?" Kya said, visibly insulted by this, "Where were you after Dad died and Mom was all alone? Because I was the Only one who packed up and moved my whole life to be with her."
"Sure, after years of flitting around the world, trying to find yourself. It was time for you to settle down somewhere." Tenzin's tone grew more agitated, "You two have no idea how it feels to have the future of an entire culture on your shoulders."
The royal sisters looked at Tenzin in pity and surprise.
"Oh, boo-boo. Must've been real hard for you, flying around the world with Dad, riding elephant koi all day." Bumi said sarcastically.
"Oh, so that's what this is all about." Tenzin said angrily.
"That's what it's always been about." said Kya, "You think you're some savior who has to carry on Dad's legacy."
"Well who else is going to do it?"
"How about all of us?"
"Yeah, we're Aang's kids too." Bumi said, pointing a thumb at himself.
"We never should have come on this vacation." Kya said, making the princesses gasp in shock.
"I couldn't agree more." Bumi said.
"Kya, Bumi, please. Don't be rash." Luna pleaded.
"Well, I didn't want you to come in the first place." Tenzin confessed.
Life's too short!
Kya;
To have you always push us aside
To maintain our father's legacy
Tenzin covered his ears, ignoring his sister, "La, la, la, la, la, la!"
Life's too short!
Tenzin;
To listen to the reckless fools!
Who only ever see the things they want to see
Bumi;
You don't know--
Tenzin;
You have no idea--
Tenzin, Kya, and Bumi;
What I've been through!
Because of you!
Life's too short to waste another minute
Life's too short to even have you in it!
Life's too short!!
Tenzin;
"I can't stand being around you two right now. Go back to the temple and see if Ikki returned. I'll keep looking out here."
Bumi;
"Fine."
Kya;
"Fine"
Tenzin;
"Fine!"
And so, Kya and Bumi walked back to the air temple, leaving Tenzin behind with Celestia and Luna. Both sisters exchanged knowing glances and nodded in silent agreement. Luna flew on ahead behind Kya and Bumi while Celestia stayed with Tenzin. The princess placed a sympathetic hoof on Tenzin's shoulder, "Come on. Let's go find, Ikki." the two headed out, Celestia turned her head and her younger sister smiled in return.
It was time for them to do what they came here to do. (~)
Tenzin and Celestia continued their search all night. Daylight came and they had yet to find the child. They searched practically the whole island and were both exhausted. Neither had any sleep, but even so, once the sun rose up, Celestia took her time to marvel at its beauty.
"Tenzin, look."
The air nomad stopped and looked up as the sun rose from behind the mountain range, painting the air in its stunning orange glow. "Isn't it beautiful?"
Celestia smiled at the sight, that same warm and powerful sensation grew inside of her once more. But Tenzin did not appreciate the beauty as much as the princess did.
"Yes, lovely. But don't you think we should keep searching for Ikki?"
"I'm sure Ikki would want you to appreciate this. The sunrise represents a new day. A new beginning. To forget what happened the day before, because all that truly matters now is what today holds."
Tenzin smiled at the princesses wise words. But even so, his worry for his daughter prevented him from truly enjoying this moment. "Come on, we must keep looking." Celestia looked on sadly at the man as he walked on ahead. How was it that humans failed to truly appreciate what they had?
As they continued to walk around the mountain, Tenzin called out his daughter's name. "Ikki, Ikki, where are you?" as he called a couple of ring-tailed winged lemurs landed on his head. The man tried to shake them away, "Shoo! Go bother someone else. You two are worse than Kya and Bumi."
Celestia gently brushed the lemurs away with her wings. "Tenzin, I understand your frustration. But I think you're being a bit too hard on your brother and sister."
"Celestia, you wouldn't understand."
"Actually....I do."
The air nomad was surprised by the princesses words. How could she possibly understand what he was going through?
"Just like you, I too once believed I had a lot to live up to from my parents. Especially my father. He was a wise, courageous and honest ruler. All of Equestria adored him. As a young filly, my biggest dream was to become just like him. I would spent countless hours studying magic, learning what I needed to know. I was so focused on what I wanted, that I began to neglect my own little sister." Celestia said the last part with sincere regret, and Tenzin empathized with her sadness, "My father did whatever he could to bring peace to Equestria, even if it meant doing something he didn't want to do. I followed his example...the day I had to banish my own sister. I believe that NightMare Moon's wrath was partly my fault. I made my sister feel inferior at times without even knowing it. It's something I've regretted for years."
Tenzin lowered his gaze in sadness, "I...I had no idea."
"Please, don't make the same mistakes I made. Don't put your duties before family."
Tenzin did not say a word, the princess's words rang with so much wisdom and integrity. Both friends were startled when they heard a familiar voice.
"Okay, everybody here?"
Tenzin immediately recognized the voice. "Ikki! Oh, thank goodness." He and Celestia both spotted a cave, and saw the young airbender sitting around a raised platform, surrounded by a circle of four baby flying bisons.
"Jupiter Lightning bug, paws off the table! This is going to be a civilized breakfast. Daddy always says a blessing before we eat, so..." a calf stumbled over another, "be quiet and listened up!" Ikki exclaimed and the two calves looked at Ikki. Celestia giggled at the scene and she and Tenzin ran to the entrance of the cave, stopping when they were near the child and her new friends. The young girl started to pray, "We are thankful for this super yummy food and for being the best-est new friends in the world." Tenzin and Celestia smiled at this, "But we are most thankful because Meelo and Jinora aren't here, because they stink." Tenzin and Celestia's smiled turned into frowns. Ikki was still pretty ticked off with her siblings. Finally, Ikki noticed the new guest to her party, "Oh! Hi, Daddy. Hi, Princess Celestia. I guess you found me. Do I have to go now?"
Celestia turned to Tenzin, smiling kindly, silently asking him to allow her to play with her new friends. "Actually, is there room for one more?" Tenzin asked.
"Make that two." said Celestia.
"Uh, sure. You can sit next to Blueberry Spicehead" Ikki said, "And Celestia, you can sit next to Twinkle Starchild."
Tenzin and Celestia both took their respective seats next to the bison calves. One of the calf's looked at Tenzin, "Nice to meet you, Blueberry Spicehead." he greeted. Ikki began introducing the rest of her new friends,
"And that's Princess Rainbow, Jupiter Lightning Bug, and Celestia, you already know Twinkle Starchild." The little calf nuzzled against the princess, who smiled at the creature's cuteness, "They're my new brothers and sisters."
"New ones?" Celestia asked, "But what about Meelo and Jinora?"
"Oh, we don't talk about them here." Ikki said with a pout.
"Can they be my new brothers and sisters too?" Tenzin asked, earning a semi surprised look from the princess.
"Maybe, but only of they say it's okay." Ikki land into the bison calf sitting to her left, and began to listen to it, "Uh--huh, uh--huh. No, no, he's nice. They say it's okay."
Tenzin smiled at this. He did not forget Celestia's advice, but he sure did need a break from his siblings. How could he make amends with them if they were completely nuts? Celestia knew that Tenzin was not completely getting the message. But none the less, the princess smiled mischievously. She still had another trick up her crown. (~)
Kya was sitting cross-legged on the patio, meditating to calm her nerves. She was broken from her concentration when she heard the sound of hooves approaching. She immediately knew who is was.
"Hello, Luna."
"Hello Kya. I see you're still upset."
The waterbender lowered her head sadly, "I don't get why I feel so bad. I wasn't wrong."
"No, you weren't." Luna said, "I agree, your brother really does need to keep his priorities in order. But, even so, you were not doing him any favors by being angry."
Kya got up on her feet and looked at the princess alicorn. "He's been trying so hard all of this time to be just like our father, our father who hardly paid any attention to me or Bumi! Why would he want to be like him?"
"Believe me, I understand."
"No offense but, how could you?"
"Because, I know what it's like to have a sibling who tries so hard to become like our parent. And yes while half of the fault was indeed my sister's, another part of it was mine." Kya looked at her in curiosity as she continued, "You see, our father, he was one of the original rulers of Equestria. Much like your father, he had to make many sacrifices for his subjects. My sister, being the eldest, wanted to follow in his hoof-steps. But when she did, she began to neglect me. I use to feel my parents payed more attention to Celestia rather than me. I thought my bitterness was because of my jealousy towards her, but really, it was because I didn't feel like I had a sister to be there for me."
Kya looked down at her friend sadly. While she did know about how she was once jealous of Celestia, she had no idea Luna felt that way. In a lot of ways, it kind of mirrored Kya's situation.
"When our father passed, I was so angry and confused, I even began to unfairly blame her for it, when deep down I knew that was not the case. I was proud and selfish and I wished to be angry at someone because I felt like the victim. I don't believe you are really mad at Tenzin or wish he was not your brother. On the contrary, you wish your relationship was better, because by the end of it all, it is not really him you are mad at. Are you?"
Kya turned her gaze away, "No..." (~)
Back in the cave, Tenzin was happily petting the calf next to him, speaking in a cooing voice, "You like that, don't you, Blueberry Spicehead? Yes, you do." the calf snuggled against Tenzin, "You know, I could get used to it here. No one's yelling at me or telling me I'm delusional."
"We should have Uncle Bumi and AUnt Kya to come and visit." Ikki suggested, "I bet they'd like it too."
But Tenzin didn't like the idea, "Let's not. They'll only spoil our good mood."
"What do you mean?" Ikki asked, "Aunt Kya is super nice and pretty and always asks me how I'm feeling. And Uncle Bumi is, like, the funniest person in the world."
"But what about Meelo?" Tenzin asked, "He's hilarious too, you never know what's going to come out of his mouth. And Jinora can be so sweet and gentle."
"And mean. And bossy." Ikki scowled before her expression saddened, "Being part of a family is hard, hu?"
"I couldn't agree with you more." Tenzin said.
"Celestia, do you have problems with your sister, too?" Ikki asked
"Well, even we don't always get along all the time. But that comes with the territory." both father and daughter listened attentively to the princess's wise words. Music began to fill the air,
("Family" from The Land Before Time: The Big Freeze)
Celestia;
"What makes a family, anyways?"
Is it someone who looks like you?
Is it someone who acts like you?
Is it someone who stays beside you when you rest?
Is it someone who speaks like you?
Can airbend like you
Or is it someone that we like the best?
Because, I believe family, family, is more than being friends
When you're family, family
The loving never ends
Celestia gazed to the outside of the cave, meanwhile Luna was with Kya near the temple balcony.
Luna;
There was a time when I, would give anything to shine
To have a place in this world to call mine
But even despite the strife
There was still a hole in my heart
The one thing I have longed for my whole life
It was family, family
A sister to call my own
I know family, family, is the need that is shown
Kya lowered her gaze. She may argue with her brothers, but deep down, she always wanted them to be closer. If only she had not let her own bitterness and even jealousy get the better of her.
Kya;
Tenzin is a know it all
Bumi hardly thinks, at all
But I recall all the things that we've been through
They're family, family
Though we can't always have our way
They will always be my family
And family they'll stay
Ikki joined in the song,
Ikki;
I guess someone that you like can make you angry
Celestia;
That's something that we have to rise above
Though families are different
One thing remains the same
The princess looked at Tenzin, who smiled,
Tenzin;
At the heart of every family...is love
Celestia smiled proudly. Tenzin finally realized the truth.
Tenzin, Ikki, Celestia;
And family, family, is something strong and fine
You will always be part of my family
Kya;
They will always be
A very, very big part of mine...
The bison calves flew out of the cave, with Tenzin, Ikki and Celestia exiting the cave. The calves reunited with their mother who flew above them, as the calves happily flew in circles around her.
"You're right Celestia." Ikki said, "I guess the nice part about family is they'll always be there for you. Even though Twinkle Starchild and Princess rainbow fight, they still love each other."
"That's very wise of you. Ikki." her father said proudly.
"We should probably head back, huh?"
"I suppose. We can't hide in this cave forever." Tenzin took hold of his daughter's hand as they and Celestia walked down the path.
"Don't worry, Daddy. We'll come back and visit Blueberry Spice head. I know you really bonded with her."
"Yes, I'd like that."
Family (~)
Bumi stood in front of the statue of his late father. "Uh...Hey there, Dad. You're looking well. Look, Uh, I'm sorry I didn't turn out to be an airbender like you hoped. But I've tried my best to keep the world safe. Hope I made you proud."
"Of course he'd be proud of you, Bumi."
"Kya! Luna! I--I was just, uh..cleaning off Dad's statue." he wiped Aang's statue and chuckled coughed, "It's so dusty in here."
Kya simply smiled and opened her arms wide, "Come here." the two siblings embraced in a warm hug. "Thanks, Kya. You always know when I need a hug."
"We should really apologize to Tenzin, too." Kya said as they ended the hug.
"Why should we? After the way he talked to us."
"You have to admit, we didn't behave any better. Look, I know the two of us have always been a bit jealous of Tenzin and his relationship with dad. But Luna helped me realize that no matter how much we argue and no matter how many mistakes the three of us have made...we're still family. And that's all I ever really wanted. So, we really shouldn't be tied down to the mistakes of the past, because if we do...we lose sight of what really matters."
Luna smiled as she wiped away a single tear.
"Yeah, maybe you're right." Bumi said as she scratched the back of his head, "I guess we both let our jealousy get the better of us." the commander turned to the moon princess, "Thank you, Princess Luna."
"No thanks are necessary."
"Would you like to join in the hug?" The princess was a bit surprised by this invitation, but she accepted nonetheless. The princess hugged her new friends. (~)
Finally, Tenzin, Ikki and Celestia returned to the air temple. Pema quickly ran to greet her husband and daughter while Luna rushed to her sister. The two sisters hugged one another.
"Sweetie! You're okay!" Pema hugged Ikki tightly, "I was so worried!" she looked over her shoulder to Jinora and Meelo, "Do you have something to say to your sister?"
"Ikki, I'm glad you're back." Meelo said.
"Yeah, sorry we made fun of you." Jinora said sincerely.
"Thanks. Wanna play airball?"
"Sure!"
"Yeah!" Meelo shouted happily and the three siblings ran off to play. Tenzin approached his own siblings. "I want to apologize for how I acted yesterday. I've worked so hard to celebrate Dad's legacy that I may have overlooked the parts of him that were less than ideal."
"And we're sorry for summing our frustrations with Dad out on you." Kya said.
"Yeah, you didn't deserve that." said Bumi. Kya reached into her pocket and unfolded a piece of paper, "I thought you two might wanna see this. Mom gave it to me before we left."
The three siblings all looked happily at the family photo of them and their parents, Aang and Katara. "That's one good-looking family, huh?" asked Bumi.
"That's one happy family." Tenzin stated. The three siblings smiled with pride. Celestia and Luna leaned against one another, also smiling with equal pride. Suddenly, the two sisters self a sudden jolt course up through their spines. Images of glowing red eyed flashed before their eyes, followed by echoes of frightened ponies. They immediately gasped in realization, startling the family.
"Are you okay?" Bumi asked the princesses.
Luna shook her head to clear. The two looked at one another, silently exchanging a message via their facial expressions. "I'm sorry to say this everyone, but I'm afraid Luna and I must cut our trip short."
"Is something wrong?" Tenzin asked.
"Nothing to worry about." Celestia said with a calm smile, "That just happens when we're needed sometimes. It seems somepony back home needs us."
Bumi lowered his shoulders sadly, "Do you have to leave? We were just having fun."
Luna lowered her ears in sadness, "We're sorry. But we did have a wonderful time with you all. We hope to do this again, hopefully an extended visit."
Luna walked towards Kya and Bumi, her ears lower in sadness, "It was wonderful getting to know you both. Hopefully we can do this again, soon." the siblings hugged the moon princess. Celestia hugged Pema, "Thank you for having us."
"Of course. And you are more than welcome to visit the Air Temple in Republic City."
"I can't thank you enough Celestia." Tenzin said, "You really helped me reconnect with my family."
"Well, I guess your separation from Korra wasn't a complete lost after all." Celestia said with a wink. Tenzin chuckled, he wasn't upset about not being Korra's teacher right now. In fact, in some strange way, Korra kind of did him a favor by pushing him away for a while. He would have to mention this to her once they met up again. Celestia and Tenzin embraced in a hug.
"Take care of your family, Tenzin."
"I will."
Once they ended the hug, the two sister opened up their wings and flew upwards, Luna magically conjured up the prophecy book and opened the portal, allowing the two to enter. (~)
The cloaked unicorn stood inside the throne room when the princesses arrived. "We received your message, mother!" Celestia said. She noticed that the unicorn looked very worried underneath her hood. "Are you alright?'
"What's wrong?" Luna asked. Their mother looked over to the window, not saying a word. Her hood remained over her head, blocking her face from their view. "Mother?"
Their mother could see their reflection from the window. She sighed sadly. "It would appear I have misjudged Unalaq."
"Mother, what is happening?" Luna asked, already growing anxious.
The cloaked unicorn turned to face them. Her tone erie. "Equestria is changing."
The princesses gasped, for they knew very well to what she was referring to. "You mean--?"
"Yes. The day I predicted would come is upon us. And he knows it too. I need the book."
Celestia gave her mother the book without question. The unicorn levitated the book and prepared to activate the portal, but just as she placed her hoof to pass through, the orb rejected her, releasing streams of electricity across the throne room. The ponies ducked away from the volts before they stopped. The portal remained, but the cloaked unicorn panted.
"No. I was afraid of this."
"Why can't you go through?" Celestia asked.
"The portal is also aware of what is to come, that's why it summoned you both back here. From here on out, none of us can leave Equestria at this time. I may be able to warn Korra in person...but I can still alert her." she levitated the prophesy book, flipping through the pages until she reached the one she was looking for and started writing something else down. Once she was done, she ripped the pages out. She rolled them up and sent them through the portal before it disappeared. "It may take a while, but hopefully she will receive it before things get worse."
"Isn't there anything else we can do?"
"All we can do now is protect our kingdom, and hope the girls can prevent him from escaping. If he does manage to break free....there will be nothing left." (~) |
The Little Pony Legend 2: Spirits of Courage | Peacekeepers | *(~)*
James 1:19~
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry
*(~)*
Peacekeepers
Once they were certain they lost Eska, everyone on the ship departed to their guest rooms and tried to at least get a few hours of sleep to be well rested for when they arrived at Republic City. As always, Korra and the ponies shared a room. The Avatar laid asleep on her bed while the rest of the Mane Six were also sound asleep, scattered across her bed. But as they slumbered, their closed eyes clenched, their brows twitched and their once peaceful expressions tensing up. Korra's did as well.
The Avatar stirred and moaned in her sleep, as did the rest of her friends. They didn't know it, but they were all having the same dream.
They saw Equestria, lush and beautiful as always. Magical in every aspect. However, something was amiss. All of a sudden, ponies slowly began to loose their color, their once bright eyes began to turn pale, the unicorns' magic began to fade, and pegasus ponies could no longer fly. A dark cloud hovered over the land, engulfing it in its darkness. Ponies galloped away, screaming in fear, but their attempts at escape were futile. Before they knew it, they were all engulfed in the darkness, while their once magical world began to crumble, flowers died, trees collapsed, the sky faded into nothingness.
Their world was gone.
But the nightmare was not over. That same dark cloud hovered over Republic City. People of all nations screamed and ran in horror, mirroring their pony brethren. But just like them, their fate was sealed. Their world crumbled, lands faded, people disappeared, the oceans were dried out, the sky was now dark. There was no longer life, no magic.
An injured pony looked up and saw Republic City sharing the same fate as his mystical utopia. Colors disappeared, waters rose and buildings collapsed, people ran and screamed in terror. The pony ran and ran as far as he could but there was no escaping the wave of darkness that slowly consumed him and all around him.
All that was heard, was a wicked evil laugh that echoed for eternity and the eyes of Korra's wicked uncle, glowing a mysterious red color, identical to that of blood.
"AHHH!!"
The girls all instantly woke up at once, taking in slow deep breaths, sweat dripping from their foreheads. Korra's loose hair was tangled and fell down her shoulders. They did not say a word as they looked at one another. They all had the exact same nightmare.
Question was; what did it mean? (~)
The friends finally arrived at Republic City the following day. The yacht stopped at the docks where Lin awaited for them. News of the war had sprung fast, and everyone in the city was already aware of the situations going on in the south.
Pinkie Pie was the first one to jump out of the boat and ran while shouting; "Gotta pee! Gotta pee! Gotta pee! Gotta pee!" She ran passed Lin but then ran backwards while still shouting; "Gotta pee! Gotta pee! Hey, Lin!"
"Hey, Pinkie Pie" Lin greeted casually before Pinkie Pie ran off again.
"Gotta pee! Gotta pee! Gotta pee! Gotta pee!"
Lin walked up to Korra, Mako and the ponies with her arms crossed, "Welcome back, Avatar. Thanks for starting a war." she said with bitter sarcasm.
"I didn't start a war!" Korra said defensively before reeling back, "....Well, I did, but it's more complicated than you're making it seem."
"And a simple, "Hello, how was your trip?" would have been appreciated." Rarity said.
Lin ignored the unicorn and turned to firebender beside the Avatar, "Mako, I want you back to the beat. There's going to be a Southern Water Tribe peace march tonight. I need you there to make sure things don't get out of hand."
"I'm all yours." he replied.
"I'll go too." said Korra, "The people of the south need to see that the Avatar is on their side in the fight against the northern invaders."
"Great, that should calm them down." Lin responded sarcastically before walking away.
"Who's she?" Flash asked Spike.
"Chief Beifong. Don't worry; she's okay once you get to know her."
"Korra, maybe you should sit this out." said Mako, taking the Avatar by surprise.
"What?"
"I just think having you there blatantly supporting one side will only make things worse. You could at least try to seem neutral."
"I'm not neutral." she responded defensively, "The north invaded my home. The only reason I'm here is to get the Republic to send troops to help the south."
Twilight flew up to her anxious friend. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, back the truck up there A.K., I think Mako has a point. You shouldn't blame the entire north for blindly following Unalaq. I mean, did you blame all non-benders for following Amon?"
Korra's eye widen in realization. The alicorn did make a good point. "Well, no, but--"
"Twilight's right, Unalaq is the root of this whole thing." said Flash, but Korra crossed her arms in frustration. Seeing this, Twilight did her best to reason with the Avatar, speaking from her heart.
"Korra, please. I want to help your father just as much as you do but like Celestia said; you can't let your anger cloud your judgment. I understand you want to correct your mistakes but you need to cool it down and think things through. I know you don't want to, but you have to. Do it for your parents."
Korra knew she couldn't disagree with what Twilight had just said, because she was right. She could feel her friend was speaking with true integrity and compassion. She knew she really did want to help her, they all did. Korra was just so angry and anxious about what could happen to her family that she had not been thinking clearly. But hearing Twilight's words, and seeing the compassion in her eyes helped Korra see things a bit more clearly. As much as she hated having to wait for things to get resolved, she now knew she had to keep her head on her shoulders if she wanted to help her family. She couldn't let her pride get in the way again, she couldn't. She groaned loudly in frustration.
"Gah! I can feel that you're right! Dang this empathy thing." Twilight playfully slapped her back with her wing, Korra chuckled at this.
"But you also have a point," Flash continued, "we do need to take action. We already know what Unalaq is capable of, who knows what other dirty tricks he'll do to the South Pole."
"That's why we're going to speak to the president." said Fluttershy, "We'll get Tonraq all the help he needs in order to stop this war before it gets way more out of hand."
"We need to do exactly what we did with Amon, show everyone Unalaq's not who he seems and that the two sides shouldn't be fightin'." Applejack said while pounding her hooves, "You can do that during the protest tonight, Korra."
"I agree with you Aj. But my people can be very proud; changing their minds might not be so easy."
"Hey, the non-benders weren't that easy to convince either, but that doesn't mean we can't try." Twilight said encouragingly.
"Alright." said Korra with a nod.
"Zhu-Li's already scheduled a meeting for us with President Raiko tomorrow." said Varrick, "We'll get them on board."
"Whatever, I gotta go to work." Mako said.
"I better go check on my factory." Asami said.
"We're going to find out about this peace march." said Korra. And so, they all walked their separate ways. Which actually worried Twilight quite a bit.
"And I am dying for a pedicure." Varrick said enthusiastically to a not so enthusiastic Zhu-Li.
"So, um, what should I be doing?" Bolin asked as he watched all of his friends leave.
"I don't know, Bolin, figure something out." his brother said, not even turning around to face him. Right after the words left his mouth, Korra and the ponies all cried out in pain and clenched their chests as a sever pain suddenly came over them.
"AHHH!"
Korra clung on to her head, images from her nightmare returned. The ponies losing their magic, their world collapsing, everything turning dark. It made her head spin, her stomach turn and her heart ache.
"Girls, what's wrong?" Mako asked with worry as he tried his best to support her. Korra clinched her heart, taking in slow deep breaths, trying to calm down her nerves.
"I...I don't know. I felt this pain for some reason."
"Me too. Like something was being torn." said Rarity.
"We'll be okay. Don't worry." despite what she said, Mako wasn't so sure. (~)
Back in the South Pole, Unalaq and his general were both looking at a map of the south pole inside of Unalaq's ship. "Tonraq and the rebels are holed up here in the hills outside of town." said the general.
"Leave them. My brother's no threat to us up there. Increase security around the spirit portal. Keeping it safe is our number one priority."
"Yes, sir!"
The general left and saw Eska and Desna enter through the door. Eska was still wearing her wedding gown and her makeup was a complete mess. She had spent hours the previous night searching for her husband to be, but he escaped her grasp. She had never had this happen to her before. Not getting her own way was infuriating.
Unalaq addressed to his children, his mind complete focusing on the task at hand. "I need you two to go after the Avatar and her ponies." their father ordered, "They're the only ones who can open the northern portal."
Desna protested, "But father, you told Korra---"
"I told Korra what I thought she needed to hear."
"I'll find her..." Eska said with a sneer, "she stole my husband. And those pests of her's shall suffer dearly as well."
"I need them all alive." her father stated. His daughter released a disappointed sigh.
"Fine." (~)
The mare did not take her eyes off of the tree of Harmony, the plants around it continued to wilt and die before her eyes. She now knew for certain what was to occur, but she still prayed that the lion-hearted heroines would restore the balance.
It was all up to them. (~)
That afternoon, while Mako was helping the cops with the peace march, Korra and the ponies all gathered around in his apartment to try and figure out a way to get the two sides to agree Unalaq needed to be stopped. They figured if they could at least die the drama down in the city, then there might be hope in stopping this war. Twilight was pacing back and forth thinking on a solution to the problem.
"Okay, so how are we going to convince the north and south that Unalaq is a no good liar and this war needs to stop?"
"Maybe we can sing a song about friendship." Pinkie Pie happily suggested.
"Something tells me a song won't help them takes us seriously this time." said Rainbow Dash, who laid on the couch.
"Not now, anyways." said Korra, who was walking across the room like Twilight, also deep in thought. The door opened and Rarity walked in with a bag behind her and wearing an excited expression.
"I've got it!"
"Where have you been?" Korra asked.
"At the park, where I got the most fabulous idea! Korra can still lead the peace march but what if, we gave these to both sides as a sign of unity?" Rarity levitated a bunch of white roses from the bag with her, each rose had pieces of paper tied to them. Korra read one that said:
"'Don't divide, let's unite'."
"Exactly! Korra reminded everyone that Amon was dividing people instead of achieving true equality." Rarity stated, "Maybe this can help them realize it as well."
"Why white roses?" Korra asked.
"White roses symbolize humility and loyalty. Plus they're white like snow."
"That's actually a pretty good idea, Rarity." said Rainbow Dash. While many of the ponies did agree, they noticed that Korra had a look of uncertainty as she held the rose.
"You don't think it will work?" Rarity asked sadly.
"It's a good idea, but no I'm not entirely sure it will." Korra said sadly, "I'm sorry you guys. Every moment that we waste here talking is another minute my family could be wiped out. I already let my father down once I can't do that again!" The young Avatar couldn't contain how she was feeling anymore. She sat on the couch and sobbed into her hands. Instead of letting her emotions out through anger, she was letting them out through sadness.
"My family's in danger and it's all because of me. Lin's right, it's all my fault."
The ponies all gathered around her, "Don't be so hard in yourself, sugarcube." said Applejack.
Twilight levitated one of the roses and looked at her friends with determination, "I know there's a lot at stake here, but I still think we should go along with this idea of Rarity's." Korra lifted her face from her hands and wiped away some of her tears.
"But will flowers be enough?"
"Maybe if you talked to them."
"Talk to them?" Korra arched an eyebrow.
"If you explain what really happened maybe they'll see things differently. We should at least try."
Korra looked at their hopeful faces, she could literally feel the love and care they had for her and knew they did want to help her, but feared she would lose her cool out of her own fears and doubts. She took the rose and smiled, "Let's do it!"
The ponies and Spike all happily cheered as Korra stood up from the couch, "Let's hope they'll be willing to listen."
Flash smiled in encouragement, "Like Twilight said, it's worth a try." (~)
That night, at the Southern Water Tribe Cultural Center, the southerners held their peaceful protest, holding lit candles and paper lotuses as well as holding up signs across the streets. Korra rode on Naga while wearing a crown of white roses on her head and a long dark blue hooded cape with fur lining. She wasn't technically a part of the march, but rather walked father to the sidelines while Applejack and Pinkie Pie pulled wagons filled with white roses while Spike, Rarity and Fluttershy gave them to the northerners. Twilight and Rainbow were both flying beside Korra. They noticed many northerners were liking the roses. Each of the ponies wore crowns of white roses on their heads as well. Korra hoped these gestures would work and her speech would get through to them somehow. She still wasn't entry certain if to remain neutral with all the cursing and booing that came from these people, but another part of her was saying this was the best option, no matter how annoyed she was with these people at the moment.
Fluttershy handed several roused to the northern side, "It's working." she said a happily, "People really seem to like them."
"I told you it would work." said a proud Rarity....before she got hit in the head by a rose as one northerner shouted at her.
"We don't want your stinking weeds!" his anger boiled.
Rarity looked at them sadly, "It was working."
Korra saw a few others throwing back the roses. Her heart sank. "I was afraid of this." she said hopelessly.
"Not everybody disagrees." Twilight said, trying to lift up her spirits...until a rose hit her in the head, earning an annoyed look from the alicorn. "Never mind." seeing the distress look on her friend's face she placed a hoof on her shoulder, "Don't give up. We still have a chance to reach them."
Meanwhile Mako was with Flash Sentry keeping an eye on things on the sidelines. They sadly watched as some northerners threw back the white roses at the ponies.
"I was really hopping Rarity's plan would work." said Mako.
"Yeah, me too." said Flash. He then bit his bottom lip nervously before speaking, "I know this is serious and all but--I just have to say, it's really exciting to be working with you. Officer."
Mako smiled, "Thanks, Flash. It's good to have back up."
"No thank you. And you really didn't have to give me this police emblem.", Flash gestured to his new blue scarf with the Republic City Police Force emblem on it around his neck.
"I insist. You're a man of the law just as much as I am. Besides, take it as a token of our new friendship."
"Thank you."
Ever since they've had that heart to heart chat back at the south pole, after Mako apologized for messing up his date with Twilight, the two grew a newfound respect for one another and Mako actually found somewhat of a kindred spirit with Flash Sentry. Even though he was a tad more awkward and shy than Mako was...most of the time anyways, and the two seemed to have had a lot in common. Especially their attraction to females with strong minds and fiery tempers. Speaking of which, Mako flashed the pegasus a sly grin.
"So, you and Twilight Sparkle hu?"
Flash Sentry immediately blushed and tried his best to play it cook. "What? Oh, no, no, no it's nothing like that, we're just--" he was interrupted by his train of thought when his ears perked up at the sound of something of a twig breaking. The two boys turned and saw two strange men wearing trench coats sneaking their way through the shadows. Judging by their dark colored clothing and oily beard, the boys were more than certain they were not here for the march.
"Hey! Stop! Republic City Police!" Mako shouted.
They saw one of the men pressed the button of a remote control in his hand before running away. Mako and Flash Sentry quickly chased after after him but were stopped when they heard an extremely loud explosion.
Korra stood before the crowd on a podium, ready to explain the whole situation to them. But before she could say what she needed to say the building behind her exploded. Korra and the ponies watched in horror as the front of the Water Tribe Center exploded before their eyes. Millions of people ran away in fear, Rarity sprung into action, bending the water from her bejeweled water skin to diminish the flames, not long before Korra did the same with water from a fire hydrant.
Meanwhile, Mako fought the two men who attempted to get away from him by throwing fire blasts at the young man. Flash Sentry flew from behind the two men and kicked them down with his powerful hind legs. The men quickly got up and into their satomobile as Mako continued to attack their care with his fire attacks, but his attempts had been in vain, for the two wicked men had already managed to escape his grasp. Once they were gone, Flash noticed something on the ground, he picked it up with his mouth and handed it to Mako.
"Thanks, Flash."
"What is it?" asked the pegasus as he looked at the strange object in his human friend's hand.
"A remote." Mako responded, "It was used to activate those bombs which caused the explosion."
Flash was shocked by this, "What kind of heartless monster would do such a thing?"
"Welcome to my world."
They reached Korra and the ponies, Korra and Rarity worked together in extinguishing the fire with their waterbending. They had all lost their rose crowns during the commotion. They briefly stopped once they saw Mako and Flash approach them.
"I can't believe the north would go this far!" Korra said angrily.
"We both saw a firebender running away from the blast." Mako said.
"It's true." said Flash, "The north might not be responsible for this."
Korra's eyes widened with this, there was no way Flash would lie about something like this. The pegasus was true and honest, as was Mako when it came to his job. Korra and the ponies all shared worried looks until Korra spotted a fire truck arrive.
"We'll talk about this later." Korra said before running towards the truck to help out. As the girls left, Mako noticed something was kind of off. The ground beneath him suddenly began to crack, it was a very small one, nothing to really be concerned about, but still this little crack appearing on the street out of nowhere was kind of strange. He looked at the burning remains of the embassy, realizing that the building itself crumbled even more due to the flames. (~)
After everything had died down, the streets were almost clear. The remains of the center were burned down and ash covered white roses were scattered all around the streets. Korra and the ponies sadly looked all around. Their plan to help others see the truth had failed miserably. Some were not willing to listen, and now it appeared Northerners were becoming more and more restless and angry, having exploded the Cultural Center.
"You really think the north had anything to do with this?" asked Rainbow Dash.
"Mako did say he and Flash saw a firebender." said Pinkie.
"That don't necessarily mean the north wasn't responsible." Applejack bluntly pointed out, "Someone from that side could have paid him."
Korra groaned as she placed her hand on her forehead in distress. "I honestly don't know what to believe anymore."
The young woman kneeled down and began to sob. All of the consequences of her mistakes were crumbling down on her hard. If she had not sided with Unalaq, none of this would have happened. She had failed her people, she had failed as an Avatar. Despite what her friends told her...she had failed.
"Avatar Korra!"
The girls all spotted a young boy running towards Korra. He looked around eleven-years-old and was from the northerner's side, judging by his purplish clothing.
"Hey, what are you doing here?" Korra asked the boy as she wiped away tears from her eyes.
"You dropped this during the explosion."
Korra's eye widened in surprise; he was giving her back her rose crown. Korra graciously took it, surprisingly, the roses didn't appear burned at all.
"I really do hope you can help." said the little boy. "My mom has family in the south, and from what I hear, things there aren't looking so good. They say Unalaq is even imprisoning anyone who defies him." This news broke Korra's heart. She smiled at the boy and placed her hand on his shoulder. "I'll do whatever I can. I promise."
The mother called the boy, "Honey, come here!"
"Thanks Avatar!"
Korra watched the boy return to his mother. The ponies and Korra all smiled at each other. "Guess we did reach someone after all." said Twilight. Korra looked down at the crown the boy had returned to her. Maybe she hadn't failed just yet. She stood back up, her eyes sparkling with newly formed determination. "Come on. We've got work to do."
While she wasn't looking, a small puddle of water began to mysteriously turn grey. (~)
Latter that night, Korra once again was plagued by nightmares. Visions of her home being wiped out. People of all walks of life, even from various nations, ran in fear from a unseen force. At the center of the madness was Unalaq, laughing wickedly with glowing red eyes.
Korra once again woke up in a cold sweat, alongside the rest of the ponies, their bodies trembling from their shared vision. Why were they having these dreams? And why were they seeing more and more people being effected by this civil war? Korra didn't know why, but something deep inside of her was saying that there was more to this than met the eye. The more she thought of the nightmare, the more determined she was to stopping her uncle. (~)
The next day, at City Hall, Korra the ponies, Spike and Varrick all went to see the president at City Hall. "I hope President Raiko listens to us." said the Avatar to Varrick.
"Don't worry. I was a big contributor to his election campaign. Him and the other guy. Gotta hedge your bets."
"Remember Korra, just keep your cool and focus on the goal." said Twilight.
Korra nodded, "Right."
But before they could open the doors, Rarity stepped in front of them blocking their way, "Wait! Korra you can't speak to the president dressed like that!."
Korra looked down at her cloths, he had to admit, her friend did have a bit of a point. She could have at least combed her hair.
"Luckily a fashionista is always prepared.", Rarity took out a cape from her bag and wrapped it around Korra. She then gained a beautiful cape-like gown around her waist, slim dark blue jeans, tall violet boots decorated with white fur trim, a modified top with water tribe patterns and pearls around her now loose and slightly curled hair.
Varrick was impressed, "Wow! You cleanup nice, kid."
Korra admired her new look, "Fabulous as usual, Rarity. Thanks"
"All in a day's work." she said proudly.
They entered the office and see the president of Republic City, a tan-skinned middle aged serious looking man wearing spectacles and a blue colored suite. Korra greeted him politely.
"Hello. Mr. President" the two shook hands, and the Avatar attempted to get down to business. "Sir, the Southern Water Tribe-"
"Just a second." Raiko interrupted her as he turned his head to face a camera. "Keep smiling."
Korra was a bit confused by this, why was he taking a picture for? Varrick poked her back, causing Korra to flinch awkwardly before the picture was taken. Raiko then lead them to his office.
"This way, please."
Korra noticed there are more flashes of camera coming from behind her, and they all saw Rarity modeling for the photographer.
"Rarity!"
"Ops! Coming!"
In Raiko's office, he took a seat opposite Korra while Varrick sat on a couch. The ponies were gathered around Korra, sitting next to her. "Now, how can I help the Avatar and my most generous supporter?" asked the president.
"I think you're already aware of Chief Unala's troops invading the southern Water Tribe and taking it by force." Korra explained, "We need you to send the United Forces to help."
"I'm very concerned by what's happening down there." said Raiko, "But I don't think it's the Republic's place to interfere with internal Water Tribe matters."
"Unalaq isn't even the rightful ruler of the Water Tribe. He lied his way onto the Northern throne, not to mention he illegally bridged a judge to frame my father and innocent men!"
Twilight began speaking on Korra's behalf, "He also tricked Tonraq and got him banished so that--"
But the president simply looked at the pony curiously. While she spoke, all he heard where "neigh" sounds. He rose his hand to interrupt her. "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I don't understand."
Korra knew this was a problem. The man clearly wasn't open hearted enough to be able to hear the ponies. Both Korra and Twilight nodded at each other as Korra began speaking for Twilight. The alicorn nodded to Korra, encouraging her to speak up. They had prepared for this the night before. The Avatar took in a deep breath and spoke to the president calmly and rationally.
"Mister President, with all due respect, I've seen first hand that Chief Unalaq is not the kind of man to be negotiated with. He had his brother banished from the north so he could become chief and took advantage of the Avatar's trust. Unalaq is a lying, manipulative man and no doubt he will work a way around anything to get what he wants and if he can't he'll take it by force. I dislike the idea of war just as much as anyone but, in this case, we need to at least do something."
"Besides, the Republic is already involved in this conflict." Varrick pointed out. "The North attacked our cultural center last night."
"Actually, Mako told me it was a firebender responsible for the bombing." said Korra.
"Well, how do we know the firebender wasn't on the Northerner's side?"
Applejack scoffed at this, "Okay, I so called that!"
"Believe me; we are doing everything we can to bring the people responsible to justice." said the president.
Korra kept on explaining the situation further on her own, using the advice Twilight had given her previously. "You don't understand, as long as Unalaq's in charge the north will crush the south. So, I've been talking with Twilight Sparkle and I think we've come to a solution that might benefit us all. Instead of attacking bluntly, we use the United Nation's submarines and have the troops sneak into the Southern borders without the Northerners knowing and meet with my father, Tonraq, and his army. We can work a strategy on how to dethrone Unalaq from the inside out. With the safety in numbers, we'd have a better chance against his soldiers and stopping this war before it escalates."
Raiko was silent for a few seconds before speaking again, "I will admit, that is a very well thought out plan, but sending troops is something I cannot do at this time. But I promise I will work with Unalaq and the South for a diplomatic solution."
Korra was beginning to lose her patience, "Haven't you been listening? Unalaq is not the diplomatic type, believe me, I know what he is capable of!"
"I understand when you're young it's hard to keep perspective--"
"You're the one who's lost perspective!" Korra angrily said as she stood up, "I've tried reasoning but none of it matters if Unalaq is still in control. That's why I came to you in the first place! ...A wise friend once told me, a friend is a need for everyone and everyone is a friend in need. Don't you believe in that?"
Varrick wiped away a fake tear, "It sure brings a tear to my eye."
The president however, remained unfazed, "That is a lovely sentiment my dear, but as I recall you used a similar method on Amon and he didn't show you, or your friends mercy. Am I right?"
"Well, no he didn't but--"
"This friendship speech may work for your pony friends in their perfect magical world, but in our world we settle things maturely rather than with youthful idealism."
Twilight scoffed at this.
"So you're not even going to try? My people need help and you're just taking pictures. I made a promise to my father that I would get him all the help he needs. And I'm not about to break that promise! There's more at stake here than you realize!"
"What are you talking about?"
Korra didn't think she would have to use this, but he left her no choice. "I know this sounds crazy, but I have a powerful gut feeling that this civil war is just the tip of the iceberg. There's dark spiritual forces stirring. I... I can't fully explain how or what it is, but I can feel it and it's going to get stronger."
Raiko rose a brow, and the ponies ann cringed. Korra was telling the truth, but her explanation was not helping her cause. At all. "I admit, this civil war was my fault, but I can't just sit here and do nothing. Things are only going to get worse if we don't stop Unalaq."
Raiko arched an eyebrow, "First you disrespect me by raising your voice and now you're talking about unseen forces at work? I think you've been spending a bit too much time with your princess friends."
"I'm telling the truth!"
"I'm sorry but unless you have clear evidence my mind is made up."
"Evidence? You have six magical ponies with wings and horns in your office and you want evidence?! Are you kidding me?!"
Raiko rose up from his chair, "Enough! This meeting is over."
"My family is going to be whipped out and it will be on your head for not doing anything about it!"
With Varrick behind them, the girls left in an angry huff, but not before Rainbow Dash kicked the president's table over, knocking down his paperwork, and a flower pot.
"Jerk!"
Raiko simply scoffed...not even realizing the flower already wilting. (~)
At Mako's apartment, the ponies and Spike all listened outside while Korra and Mako talked. By the looks on their faces, it didn't sound so good. Korra kept pacing back and forth ranting angrily while her boyfriend sat on the couch examining some documents.
"I can't believe the president is doing nothing! And he didn't even consider Twilight's idea, after we were up all night working on it! H--He doesn't even care!"
"I'm sure he cares, but he can't just tell his people to go fight a battle at the south pole that has nothing to do with them."
Korra stopped to face him, "Nothing to do with them? This war affects us all more than you know!"
"How can you tell?"
"Mako, I can't entirely explain why, but ever since we got back I've been having this nagging feeling that something is going to happen. I don't know how or why, but I just know it."
Mako stood up and tried to calm her down, "Korra, I get that you're stressed out but you need to be reasonable here."
"Reasonable?! I tried to be reasonable and look how well that's turned out! Raiko didn't even believe me!"
"Well, you didn't exactly have the proper evidence to make him believe you."
"I can't believe you're taking his side!" she lashed out, almost without thinking.
"I'm not trying to work against you." Mako said, his girlfriend was lashing out once again, which had been happening a lot recently,
"Well, you're not helping me right now! I'm trying to get troops to the south. What are you doing?"
He glared at his girlfriend, "I'm doing my job!"
"We--he--hell, excuse me, officer. Don't let me stand in the way of you writing tickets. I'm just trying to save the world."
"Well, you wouldn't have to if you didn't keep messing it up!" he lashed out, just like her, without thinking.
"You think I don't know what I've done? I know I've made mistakes, I admit I was wrong, I'm only trying to set things right!"
"Can you at least do it without biting people's heads off all the time?"
It was then, Korra felt this horrible sensation again. Her head was throbbing, her stomach was in knots, her fists were clenching, she was so close to punching the wall. She had never felt such intense emotions before in her whole life, never like this. It was scary and confusing, she couldn't keep going on like this. She was afraid if she went too far she would say or do something she was going to regret, and with how angry Mako was right now she couldn't risk it. She had to leave, now.
"I can't talk to you when you're like this." she said in a voice that was both a mixture of anger and worry, but Mako was so caught in his own anger to notice. She quickly left the room, slamming the door in the process, leaving Mako alone to slump on the couch.
"You're the one who's like this!"
Korra came out growling in anger when Pinkie Pie approached her, "So--"
"WHAT?!" Pinkie backed away a few feet at her outburst. Korra gasped, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to--"
"It's okay. I understand." Pinkie Pie smiled and jumped into Korra's arms and hugged her, showing there were no hard feelings.
"You know he is only doing his job, right?" said Flash, "It's not that he doesn't care."
Korra sighed bitterly. Once she was outside, her mind became clear. It was like the clouds had cleared up and her anger diminished. The company of her friends, knowing she was not alone and that they were there for her, regardless of what she was feeling and behaving, it didn't make her feel better about herself, but it did reassure her she wasn't alone.
"I don't know what's wrong with me." she said. "I've never felt so terrified and angry in my life." she then turned to her friends, smiling in relief as they smiled back. "I'd be lost without you girls." They all started walking along the sidewalk, "Obviously, trying to reason with the northerners didn't work as we hoped." Korra said while still holding Pinkie Pie in her arms, "And the president isn't going to be much help."
"There's still the song option." Pinkie Pie suggested.
"We can't waste anymore time." Korra said.
"Okay, let's clarify ourselves here." Twilight said, "We can all agree that the South needs the troops for defensive purposes, and no doubt Unalaq will do whatever it takes to have complete control, which will leave the southerners defenseless. The only option we have is to get them there without being detected."
"Question is, how?" Korra asked.
Rainbow Dash then got an idea, "Maybe we can ask Celestia."
"You're right! But wait, will she want to help after hearing what I did?"
"Remember what Celestia told you?" Twilight asked, "Everyone is a friend in need. But if those dreams we've been having really do mean something big is about to happen we can't take any chances, especially not now with what we're up against. You're right Korra, something big is about to happen, I can feel it in my bones. I know I'm the one who usually follows the rules but there are lives at stake, your family's, and the fate of both tribes. So this time I'm gonna make an exception."
Korra smiled graciously, "Thank you Twilight. I'm sure she would help if I asked but I don't want to put her in this situation unless it was completely and absolutely necessary." That's when she got an idea, "But maybe there's someone else who can help us...and I can't believe I'm actually doing this." (~)
Back at the harbor, Asami was going through some papers, until she was cut off by Korra who walked in front of her.
"Hey! In a hurry?"
"Sorry. I have go talk to Varrick."
"Yeah, me too."
As they entered Varrick's yacht, Korra saw an arrow about to hit Asami. She quickly pulled her out of the way, both girls and ponies, including Spike slightly screamed in fear and shock. They saw Varrick blindfolded holding a bow with Bolin and Zhu-Li next to him. Varrick took off the blindfold, "Oh, hello!" he greeted the girls casually before turning to Bolin, "See? I told you I could do it."
"Sorry I ever doubted you."
Twilight rolled her eyes, she was never particularly found of the millionaire, "Sorry to interrupt the bubbling bromance, but we need your help....surprisingly."
"We can't wait for the president to act." said Korra, "We need those troops now."
"And my company is about to go under." said Asami, "I have to find a way to make some sales."
"And we need some fruit punch."
They all looked at Pinkie Pie skeptically.
"What? It's been a stressful day; we need some sugar to amp us up."
They all looked at each other.........................
A few moments later, they were all drinking fruit punch, sighing in satisfaction.
"You're right, this does feel better." Asami said.
Varrick took one last sip, "Ah. That hits the spot." he threw the glass cup away and it shattered somewhere, "Right, okay. Got it. Ideastorm time. Zhu-Li get the supplies! You kids are about to get an inside look at how Varrick Global Industries stays at the forefront of imagination innovation, or "imagivation"! That's trademark, pal."
The friends all shared unsure looks, Pinkie Pie however was very impressed, "¡Ohhhhhhhh!"
"Brain work requires increased circulation." Varrick said before eating chili pepper and his face turned red, "Let's do this."
He then hung upside down on a pole. Flash turned to Spike, "Is this guy okay?"
"I've been asking that since the second I met him." said the unfazed dragon.
Varrick's face turned even more red as he started blurting out random ideas, "Okay, here come the ideas. Fast and furious. Pink lemon tea. Radio for pets. Uh, hand shoes."
"I like that idea!" said Pinkie Pie.
Varrick finally got the idea he was searching for, "Hold on a tic. We don't need the president to go to the south. We just need the troops! Let's go straight to them! If there's one thing I know about troops, it's that they love fighting."
"I know General Iroh." Korra said, "He might be willing to help us."
"And don't forget our back up plan." said Twilight before as the ponies replied in union,
"Princess Celestia!"
"You think Celestia would help in this war?" Asami asked, "She doesn't exactly strike me as the "fighting" type."
"Believe me, Celestia can be pretty fierce when she needs to be." said Rainbow Dash.
Twilight explained, "Defending is not the same as actually fighting for dominance. Even Celestia knows that. And she will be more than happy to help you in any way she can."
Varrick was intrigued by this, "A man on the inside and ultra powerful supernatural beings on the side. Perfect!" he looked to Asami, "And you need to sell some mecha tanks. I know some people who need them. We'll ship 'em south."
"That's perfect!" said Rainbow Dash, "You'll be making money for your company and you'll be helping to defeat Unalaq."
"It's true. If you can't make money during a war, you just flat-out cannot make money," Varrick said smugly.
"It's dangerous on the seas right now, but I'm willing to try is you are." Asami said determinedly.
"It'll be crazy risky but I love crazy risky! End storm." Varrick got himself upright again, "Zhu-Li, get those other ideas to research and development. I want the prototypes by next week."
Korra stepped forward, placing her hand in front of Varrick to stop him from moving, "Hold on Varrick, there is one thing I need to make clear." she said with a calm yet serious voice.
"I'm all ears."
"I've been thinking a lot lately about this whole thing, and while I'm still angry at the northerners for invading the south, I know they're not all to blame for Unalaq's choice. So, my orders are we will not attack anyone until we meet up with my father and the rebels. From there he will give the command and the mecha tanks will be used only if completely necessary. But for now, none are to be used."
Asami's eyes widened at this, "Korra, you sure?"
"Positive. Once we remove Unalaq from the throne and get him to confess his crimes, the northern invaders will have no choice but to surrender."
Varrick blinked in surprise, "Wow, that's...actually a pretty smart plan. Did these ponies tell you all of that?"
"They help keep my feet on the ground when I need it.", The ponies and Korra all smiled at each other as Fluttershy nuzzled her face.
Varrick clapped his hands together, "Okay, fair enough."
For the first time all day, Korra sighed in relief, "This day is finally turning around." she said.
"I still don't get why it's so hard to get the president to help out." said Fluttershy.
Rainbow pounded her hooves, "Give me a minute with him and I'll make him change his mind."
"Don't worry, I'm already working on that. As soon as people see this!" Varrick showed them all his mover machine, "They'll be lining up to fight Unalaq. Zhu-Li, do the, uh--the thing."
Zhu-Li started rolling the film, as scenes from the south pole and the northern troops appeared on screen.
"Don't freak out, it's not real." said Bolin. The screen showed troops amassing at the harbor. It subsequently cut to troops waterbending, followed by a shot of Eska, who glanced menacingly at the camera. Bolin screamed in fear and covered his face. "AHHHHH! Sorry. I keep doing that."
Varrick smiled proudly at his invention, "We're gonna cut this footage together with scenes we shoot of our superstar Bolin here playing a Southern Water Tribe hero battling the evil Unalaq. No one will root for the north after they see "The Adventures of Nuktuk: Hero of the South" he said the last part dramatically.
Bolin flexed his muscles, "I'm Nuktuk! What do you think?"
Twilight had a bored look on her face, "I think I just lost half of my IQ listening to this."
Spike enthusiastically raised his claw, "Can I be in it?"
"Of course!" said Varrick, "You can be his fateful ice dragon. Snowy!"
"Can I design the costumes?" Rarity asked.
Varrick kneeled down and took her hoof like a gentleman, "Love it! You're hired!"
"YAY!"
"I'm gonna be in a movie!" Spike cheered happily. (~)
Later, Korra walked outside of the yacht. She stood near the docks and removed the headband and gently stroked it with her thumb. Spike had a pencil and paper at the ready.
"Ready to go!" he said. Korra took in a deep breath and Spike began writing down what she said.
"Dear Princess Celestia. I don't know if you've heard, but my uncle has taken over the South, and I regret to say, it's partly my fault. I know I shouldn't be asking you for this, but this is something I honestly can not do alone. Please, come quickly and bring your bravest and strongest pony guards with you. I will be awaiting your response. Sincerely, Korra."
Spike breathed fire onto the letter and it disappeared. "Now, we wai--BELCH!" two seconds latter, the dragon belched out a letter from green flames. "Wow. That was fast."
Korra quickly grabbed the letter and started reading. It was more than just one letter, but various scrolls. Once she unfolded them, she read the words out loud.
"It's from Leilani."
"Korra, I hope this gets to you in time. It has come to my attention that your kingdom is now at war, and Unalaq has deceived you into open the spirit portal, which has only given direct access to a dark force within the spirit world. If not stopped soon, it will mean destruction for all of is. If I had known of his intentions, I would have warned you sooner. Please, don't blame yourself, neither of us saw this coming. As much as I wish me and my daughters could help you, we can't. The portal is growing weak, it does not have enough power to send us to help your family. In the next page, I have written down something that it is crucial you know. Heed these words, my child."
Korra realized there were more pages behind the one she was reading as she continued to read.
"When the planets align.
In a world without shine.
A great change will occur.
And negative forces shall start to stir.
Day by day, slowly but still.
All will disappear, and the fate...
shall be kill"
Korra briefly paused for a moment, her eyes wide in horror. The very last sentence sent her heart racing, the description was vaguely similar to what had happened in her nightmare. She hoped it was only due to stress, but apparently it had meant so much more. She continued to read,
"Fear will be the enemy
But there is a remedy
Once the time is right
And surrounded by an aura of light--"
That last part caught Korra's curiosity, "Aura of light?" she continued to read,
"The seven hearts unite as one.
A new era has begun"
Korra saw there was a third paper, and read the words out loud again.
"Much has been revealed indeed.
But only as of now what you would need.
The real truth is about to start.
Followed by a true act of the heart."
Korra and the ponies shared curious looks before the avatar continued to read,
"A journey through the distant past and you shall find the key...
At last"
Korra was very confused by this part of the prophecy, "Key? What key?"
"Man, why does this prophecy stuff gotta be so complicated?" Rainbow asked in annoyance.
Korra ignored her and proceeded to finish what remained of the letter. "I can only give you so much information at this given time, but you must be at the south pole when the planets align, close the portal again and stop Unalaq by any means. If he continues..."
"What?" Twilight asked, "If he continues, what?"
"I don't know. The rest is all blurry I can't read it. Must be a glitch from the portal ." Korra groaned in frustration. She turned around to see Twilight, Spike, Flash Sentry and the others looking at her with worry and fear. "You know what we need to do now, right?"
"It's more crucial than ever that we stop Unalaq." said Twilight. "You were right, Korra. There is something bigger going on."
"This would explain those dreams we've been having. And why I've been feeling so anxious lately." said Korra.
"You think this could all be linked to these strange occurrences happening to you too?" Twilight asked.
Korra looked down at her palms, questioning the same thing. "I don't know." (~)
Back at their apartment, Mako was flipping through a book of criminals' faces, when his brother walked in. "Oh, man, you should have seen Varrick today. That guys is a genius."
"Uh-uh." was Mako's only response. He really wasn't interested in whatever this crazy guy was doing, it really didn't matter to him. But if Bolin wanted to waste his time with that weirdo, that was his business.
"He's gonna help Asami sell her mecha tanks to the South, and he came up with this great idea for Korra to get General Iroh to fight Unalaq without President Raiko ever even knowing." Bolin exclaimed with much enthusiasm. Unfortunately, this news did not fit well with the young cop, whose brother now had gained his full attention.
"What? That's a terrible idea!"
"He's gonna put me in the movers as his hero, Nuktuk!" Bolin imitated Varrick as he narrated, "He's a man of action, but he's got a heart of gold. He was born in the tundra."
But Mako wasn't interested in 'Nuk-nuk' or whatever his name was. He was too occupied with the photos of criminals he was looking through. "Look, I'm trying to do something that's actually important here."
"Oh. Oh, sorry. Uh, sure. What is it?"
"Something doesn't make sense about this bombing. I just don't buy that the Northern Water Tribe was behind it."
"Didn't you say you and Korra were gonna talk about that?"
"We were, but then we had an argument. I tried to reason with her but it's no use. So if she won't listen, I'll take matters into my own hands."
"You really think that's a good idea? You know, she did come up with this plan to sneak troops through the borders and meet up with her dad instead of attacking directly."
"Sending troops without the president knowing isn't a wise move."
"Well, maybe if you two just talked abou--" Bolin was silence when Mako rose up his hand and the younger earthbender realized that Mako was not going to listen. Once he enters 'cop mode' there was nothing else he could do. He just hoped Korra would clear things up for him later on.
Mako always, always hated being upset with Korra. He still could not forget the fear and anxiety in her eyes. She really was at the end of her rope, but even so, adding more fuel to the fire wasn't going to help anybody. Besides, if there was anything he learned from his time as a cop it was that no matter what you always use your head. He was a man of the law above all else. It was an oath he took and took very seriously.
Bolin then began flipping through the book, until Mako stopped him. "Wait a second! That's him!" Mako pointed his finger to an image of the same man he and Flash Sentry encountered that night, "That's the guy that attacked the center! I gotta go show this to Beifong!" with that, Mako left the building...no pun indented.
"Glad I could help." Bolin said, "Nuktuk saves the day again!"
Mako ran down the stairs to his motorcycle. Once he was ridding through the streets, he noticed a familiar winged pony flying beside him.
"Mako! Glad I caught you!"
"Can't talk right now, Flash. I'm on the verge of cracking this case."
"That's great, but I came here to tell you something. Korra's pretty swamped at the moment, so she asked me to tell you that--"
"I wish I could stay and chat but I really need go." the firebender speeded up his ride and rode away, leaving Flash Sentry flapping in place.
"--she wanted to talk." he said as his ears lowered in sadness. (~)
At Police Headquarters, Raiko was speaking with Lin about the incident from the other night. "How did this Cultural attack happen right under your nose?" the president asked the chief, "And why haven't you arrested the Northerners responsible?"
"We're working on it, sir." Lin responded in a dignified manner.
"Well work harder! If you don't get any results soon, I'm going to find someone who can."
Now in his uniform, Mako walked into the police office. He walked towards a desk where two, somewhat lazy, looking detectives sat. One was tall and the other was rather short.
"I got a break in the bombing case." Mako told them, "I I.D.'d the guy I saw at the scene."
"That's great, Mako" one of the detectives, Lu, said while his companion, Gaang, nodded in agreement,
"Yeah, you better run that and tell Beifong right now."
"You think?" Mako asked
"Sure. You're gonna be a hero!" Lu said. Mako looked confidently at the picture before entering Lin's office. Once inside, Lu and Gaang laughed and made their signature handshake. To their amusement, Lin shouted from inside.
"What makes a rookie beat cop think he can interrupt my meeting with the President?"
The two detectives only laughed harder at Mako's humiliation.
"I'm sorry, I just--um, I found something out about the bombing."
"Well, give it to Lu and Gang, you moron. Now get out!"
An embarrassed Mako walked out of the office, only to see Lu and Gaang who were making fun of him, Gaang was styling his hair like Mako's. Both men returned made themselves look casual when Mako walked to their desk.
"Sorry. Was she busy?" Lu asked. But Mako was not in the mood to put up with their harassment. The young man placed the photo of the criminal onto their desk.
"This is the guy I saw sneaking out of the building right before the explosions. He's a member of the Agni Kais. Someone must have hired him to make it look like the Northerners attacked the Cultural Center."
Gaang took the picture and examined it, before carelessly dropping it into a drawer.
"Did you learn anything about that remote control I found at the scene?" Mako asked, "That's gotta be the key to finding out who's really responsible."
"You mean that remote you and your pet pony found?" Gaang teased, making Mako's blood boil. Those two always made fun of him being around ponies. They found the creatures rather sissy.
"Listen, kid, it was the Northern Water Tribe, okay?" Lu said.
"Yeah, give it a rest, Super Cop." said Gaang, "Why don't you go and frolic with your cute little pony princess friends, hu?" the two men laughed in amusement as Mako returned to his desk, crossing his arms in annoyance. He really couldn't stand those guys, they were so immature. President Raiko exited Lin's office and walked toward Mako's desk. The young man stood up in respect.
"I've heard good things about you." said Raiko, "You've made some big triad busts for a rookie."
"Thank you, sir."
"And you're dating the Avatar, right?"
"Yes, sir."
"I'm concerned that she might be getting some bad advice from Varrick. You wouldn't happen to know if they're plotting anything that might compromise the security of Republic City, would you, officer?"
Mako glanced uneasily. He did know something, but should he tell him, or not? Would it be the right thing? Would he be helping or making things worse?
"Let me remind you that you've sworn an oath. You're a man of the law before anything else."
"Yes, sir."
"Well, keep up the good work." Raiko walked away. Mako knew that Korra, and most likely the Ponies, would kill him for this, but Raiko was right, he was a man of the law now and he had to do what was right. It was his job. Besides, even if Korra didn't understand it now she would later on understand his decision. He sighed before opening his mouth...
"Wait, there's something you should know."
Mako knew that this was a very risky thing to do, but he made his choice, he was a man of the law...above anything else. (~)
Korra sadly sat at her regular table at Narook's. She was both bored and worried. Her expression gleamed when she spotted Flash Sentry approach her.
"Well, what did he say?" Korra asked. But the pegasus lowered his ears sadly, and the Avatar quickly got the message. "He's not coming, is he?"
"I'm sorry, he said he had a crack on the case."
Korra sighed sadly. She was hoping she and Mako would talk things over, to apologize for her behavior before. She was angry, mainly at herself, and she took it out on him. ..again. Thanks to Twilight, she managed to see that. She even hoped to clarify her plan to help the South, in hopes he would assist. But it was clear that he wouldn't.
"Well, since I'm here. You want some noodles?"
Flash kindly sat next to Korra, happy to keep the Avatar company. (~)
The next day, at the United Forces Harbor, Korra, Twilight and Flash Sentry were speaking with Iroh. "Thank you so much for seeing me, General Iroh."
"Of course." he then noticed the cutie mark on Korra, "Is that a tattoo on your face?"
Korra caressed the mark on her cheek, "Actually it's called a cutie mark. Long story."
"It's cute. What can I do for you?"
"The south needs military support before Unalaq wipes them out completely, but the president is refusing to give the order. So I decided to come to you directly."
"I see." the general placed his knuckles near his chin in thought, "Well, suppose I were to take the fleet South on some routine training maneuvers. And let's say we were to accidentally run into hostile Northern blockade. We'd have no choice but to defend ourselves, wouldn't we?"
"But I was actually kind of hopping that you could find some way to have troops sneak through the borders without being detected." Korra said hopefully. "We're trying not to draw too much attention to ourselves."
"Well, if the northern troops are distracted fighting us, they'll be oblivious to whoever sneaks past them." the general said with a confident grin.
Twilight smiled, "He's good."
Korra smiled in return, "Yeah. Thank you! You have no idea how much this means to me. To all of us. Okay, there is one more thing I need to discuss with you. Once the troops arrive--"
"Swapping old war stories?"
Korra was interrupted when President Raiko appeared. Iroh saluted to the man in respect, "Mister President."
"I hope you're not planning to take any military action without an order from your commander-in-chief?"
"Of course not, sir."
"Good. Because if a single vessel leaves this harbor without my say so, you'll be court martialed. Am I clear?
"Crystal, sir."
Raiko turned to Korra and ignored the glares he got from Twilight and Flash. "Your activities here are bordering on insurrection. The Avatar does not command the military of the Republic. Don't go behind my back again."
Twilight growled at him, Korra calmed her down before speaking to the president, "Mister President, I'm sorry it came to this, but please, if you would just let me explain--"
Raiko raised his hand to make her stop talking, "I have heard enough out of you." Korra glared at him and Raiko turned to Iroh, "As you were, General Iroh."
With that he took his leave, leaving a very irritated avatar behind, "I hate that guy!"
"Korra, breath!"
Korra did as Twilight said and does the breathing thing she taught her, "Okay. I'm a little bit better."
"I'm sorry. My hands are officially tied." Iroh said regretfully.
"I understand. Thanks anyway."
"But you should talk to the Fire Lord. My mother and grandfather have always been good friends with the Avatar, and the Southern Water Tribe. I'm sure they'll be willing to help."
"Thank you, General." (~)
At Varrick's yacht, they had already began filming for the movie. Boin was standing in front of a winter background on the set, wearing a water tribe outfit while Spike wore what looked like a Viking's hat.
"Wouldn't I be cold wearing this outfit in the snow?" Bolin asked, uncertain about his costume,
"Nut Tuk is never cold." Varrick responded.
Spike scratched his head from the itchy hat, "Do I have to wear this? It's seriously itchy."
Rarity walked in levitating a much better, and much more appropriate, costume for Bolin. "Here it is! One of my finest work if you ask----AHHHHHH!" She screamed on horror at the sight of what Bolin had on, "Oh, my stars, Boly! What horrid thing are you wearing?"
"Isn't it great?" Varrick said proudly,
"But, I already designed this for the film. Personally I find it much more stylish and heroic..." she took another look at Bolin's costume in disgust, "and appropriate."
Varrick kneeled down to her level, "Yeah, about that. Rarity we've decided to use another fashion designer." he points to the other side of the room to a skinny and almost girly looking man in a ponytail already making more costumes.
"But--but I--"
"Nothing personal kid, it's just business. I'm sorry but...you're fired."
Rarity looked at him annoyed, "I was doing this for free." she said dryly.
"GAH! WHAT AM I LOOKING AT?!" Rainbow Dash attempted to cover her eyes, then covered innocent Fluttershy's eyes, who was already cringing. Applejack covered her face with her hat. "Bo! Put a shirt on! And some decent pants!"
Pinkie Pie screamed dramatically, "It's making me blind! I'M GOING BLIND!"
Bolin blushed in embarrassment, but he then smiled when he saw Ginger walk by him. "Ohhh. Hey, Ginger." he said flirtatiously.
Ginger flipped her oddly red colored hair, to which Varrick points to, "How about that, huh? It's the latest product in my Varri-manageable. Hairline: Varri-dye! We get some shots of her using it before Unalaq kidnaps her. I guarantee we sell a million cases week one."
The doors opened again as Korra, Twilight, Flash and Naga walked in. "Bolin, I need you to take care of Naga while I'm gone." Korra said.
"Where are you going?" Rarity asked.
"The Fire Nation."
"We're going to try to get them to help the south." said Twilight. She turned to Varrick and said, "We need a boat."
"General Iroh couldn't help?" Fluttershy asked.
"He was going to, but then President Raiko showed up." Korra explained, "Someone must have tipped him off."
Twilight tapped her chin in thought, "But who? No else knew about it but us and Asami."
"And Mako." Bolin said. Their eyes all wide in shock.
Spike face palmed himself, "Oh, boy."
"You--he--WHAT?!", Twilight flew near Bolin's face, very very angry, "Mako knew about this?!"
Rainbow Dash flew near him with the same angry expression, "Why did you tell him?!"
"Come on, there's no way Mako would have told. Right?"
Twilight groaned angrily as she and Korra stormed out the door. Flash latter followed, "I'm gonna go and make sure they don't....you know." he flew after them.
Spike looked at Rarity, "She's gonna blow up isn't she?"
"Like fireworks in the sky." said the unicorn. (~)
Without hesitation, Korra kicked the door of the the police office open and marched angrily towards her boyfriend's desk. "You ratted me out to the president?!"
Mako rose his hands up in surrender and tried to reason with his girlfriend...who was fuming mad. "Korra, let me explain"
"Explain why my boyfriend stabbed me in the back?!" she exclaimed angrily, Twilight stood on his desk looking at him fiercely alongside the Avatar.
"The president gave me a direct order." Mako stated, "What was I supposed to do? Twilight back me up here."
Twilight was utterly repulsed by his response, "Seriously? You want me to back you up on this?!"
"Why did you tell him?!" Korra asked angrily, demanding answers, "Why didn't you come to me about it?!"
"Would you have listened?!"
"It's not what you think, Mako!"
"I think you made it pretty clear beforehand!"
Korra slowly clenched her fists. She didn't want it to come to this, but the emotion she was feeling right now could not be contained any longer. "Do you...have any idea, what you've done?!!"
She angrily swung her leg, knocking down Mako's desk across the room with her airbending. The firebender glared at the angry woman, "Enough! Look, I have a job to do! I can't constantly be worrying about keeping you from making another huge mistake!"
"Well, I have a job to do too, only it seems like you've been constantly standing in the way of me getting it done!"
"Well, I guess if we're both putting our jobs first, maybe there's no room for our relationship!"
They both looked at each other as the air around them fell into silence. Twilight, who was flying the whole time, slowly lowered down. She could feel the pain already growing within Korra....and something else. Something that was reacting to her emotions, and it was growing. Korra's anger diminished and all she felt was sadness and pain. The air was suddenly cold as winter.
"So, what? Are you....breaking up with me?" she asked with fear in her voice. Mako looked at her sadly before responding hesitantly.
"Yeah. I guess I am." the look in his eyes clearly indicated the pain he felt from those words.
Twilight let out a gasp as tears began to form in Korra's eyes. One of her tears fell to the floor and once it made contact...it froze over and started to grow.
Mako looked down and gasped in horror as did Korra and Twilight. The spot where the tear had fallen began to turn into solid ice, which then expanded, spreading all over the office, covering the walls, chairs and desks in icicles so sharp they could pierce human skin formed. The whole place was now frozen solid. Cold and harsh.
Korra looked around in horror at what had just happened, all the cops inside began to shiver, hugging themselves for warmth. Mako looked at the Avatar in complete shock, unsure on what to say. Korra didn't see anger in his eyes...she saw fear. She looked around the place, the officers trembling in fear and Korra knew why.
Lin walked out of her office and saw the whole place frozen solid. Her eyes widened. "What in the flamey-o happened here?!" The chief's eyes fell on the Avatar, "Korra, did you...?"
Korra didn't know what had happened, everything was all so crazy. Nothing was as black and white anymore, everything was so confusing and complicated. The war, her dreams, the prophesy, these strange events happening to her, it was like a crazy wild nightmare she wanted to wake up from but couldn't. She looked down at her trembling hands and then back at everyone. Mako, realizing the fear in her eyes, tried to approach her, pushing aside his feelings of anger for a moment to see if she was alright. But Korra quickly backed away. She didn't know what she was capable of anymore, she needed to get away.
"No! Stay away from me!"
Unsure on what to do, Korra quickly ran out the room in tears. Twilight staid and looked up at Mako with hurt eyes and tears forming.
"How could you?"
"Look, I'm sorry I told, really, but I did what I had to do. You know, just because you're Korra's bonded pony it doesn't mean you have to be responsible for her mistakes too."
Twilight slowly backed away a few feet, her face stern, "You're right. We aren't responsible for her mistakes, and yes, you have a job to do."
"Thank you, now you understand."
"But that doesn't mean I shouldn't stand by her when all she's trying to do is fix her mistakes. She needs her friends now more than ever. Korra can be stubborn and infuriating, you and I know that better than anyone, but she never turns her back on anybody. In fact, she wanted to apologize to you yesterday for how she acted, but you didn't give her the chance!"
Mako's eyes widened at this. Korra wanted to talk to him? To apologize?
"I thought you would know better. But hey, you got to keep your job, but you also lost your girlfriend...and I just lost my friend!"
With that Twilight stormed off with tears in her eyes. She passed by Flash who walked up to Mako and removed the badge and scarf from around his neck. The pegasus glared at the firebender, "She's not the only one. Officer."
With that, he also angrily stormed off. Lin was still stunned by this, "Wow. Guess you won't be invited back to Equestria any time soon."
Mako looked at his desk, completely frozen in ice. "What have I done?" Realizing his mistake, Mako ran outside to catch up with Korra, bypassing a few other cops as he made his way out. "Korra!"
But it was too late. She was already gone. (~)
Korra couldn't even begin to describe hose hurt and humiliated she felt. How could she have been so stupid. Once again, she let her anger get the better of her, and now, just like before, the consequences bit her in the blubber. She knew her relationship with Mako wasn't perfect, but even she never imagined he would break up with her.
A part of her wanted to be mad at him. But another part of her felt she might have deserved it. Twilight and Flash managed to catch up with her and walked beside their distressed friend. Korra briefly stopped and looked back, silently hoping he was following her. Sadly he didn't.
(Parody of "Eclipse of the Heart")
(sad guitar music)
Korra;
Once upon a time I was falling in love
But now I'm only falling apart
There's nothing I can do...
A total eclipse of the heart
As Korra and the ponies walked on, they made their way to the park. Korra stood on top of the bridge, looking down at the water. As a leaf fell and landed on the waters, the ripple effect created memories of her past times with Mako. From when before they got together, their first meeting, their first kiss, their first date, all the way to their recent break up.
Once upon a time there was light in my life
But now there's only love in the dark
Nothing I can say...
A total eclipse of the heart
Back at the police station, Mako was melting the ice with his fire, which was taking quite a while. As he did so, he could see moments of his past with Korra in the ice. He briefly stopped to look out the window.
Mako;
Turn around bright eyes
Korra;
Every now and then I fall apart
Mako;
Turn around bright eyes
Korra;
Every now and then I fall apart
And I need you to understand
I need you more than ever
And if you could only hear my words
We could start a whole new chapter
And we'll only be making it right
Cause we'll never be wrong again
Together we can take it to the end of the line
Your love is like a shadow on me all of the time
I don't know what to do
I'm always in the dark
We're living in a powder plug and giving off sparks
Korra slowly sighed. She didn't have time to be moping around over a broken heart. She had to save her family. And so, she chose to put Mako aside. Put her heart aside.
Mako ran his fingers through his hair, the ice already nearly gone as he looked at the picture of him and Korra from the spirit festival.
Mako;
Once Upon a time I was falling in love
But now I'm only falling apart
There's nothing I can do
A total eclipse of the heart
Korra and Mako;
A total eclipse of the heart
Korra;
A total eclipse of the heart
Mako;
Turn around...bright eyes (~)
Back at the docks, the ponies were all there to greet Korra. Once they saw he approach, they quickly noticed her tearful eyes. "What happened? What did Mako do to hurt you so badly?" asked a worried Fluttershy. They all took a better look at her face and sensed her heart with an incredibly amount of pain...they feared the worst.
Rarity shook her head, "Did he---no, no he didn't----he couldn't have!"
Korra hesitantly nodded and they all knew what this meant.
"Oh, sugarcube. I'm so sorry." said Applejack.
Korra kneeled down as they all hugged her. Even Flash joined in the hug.
"Hey, it's his loss." Rainbow said, "If you ask me he needs you a lot more than you need him. Right girls?" Pinkie and Fluttershy both began to cry historically. Rainbow crossed her hooves, "You're not helping, guys"
"It's alright, Korra." said Twilight.
"Yes, we're here for you." said Rarity.
Korra wiped away the tears, "I'll be okay. Right now we need to get to the fire nation. They're our only hope now. Afterwords, I'll go to Tenzin. But I need to get as far away from Mako as possible right now."
"We'll go with you." said Twilight in reassurance.
"Yes indeedly!" said Pinkie Pie.
"Count me in!" said Rarity.
"Me too." said Applejack.
"Wild chimeras couldn't keep me away." said Fluttershy.
"Me too!" said Spike, "Forget the movie, that Varrick guy is just crazy. He wanted my character to die. DIE!"
"Why?" Twilight asked.
"He thought it would bring tears to the audience."
Applejack arched an eyebrow, "You know you won't need to actually die right?"
"I know but still."
Korra smiled, "Thanks everypony."
"Besides, that lunatic Varrick fired me from his costume design department." Rarity said in annoyance.
"But you were doing it for free."
"That's what I said!"
"Okay. We're all here. Let's go."
"You mind if I tag along too?" Flash asked hopefully.
"Not at all. The more friends the better."
"You know what this means?" Pinkie Pie jumps first into the boat, "RODE TRIP!"
Korra laughed, "Ha, ha, ha. I can always count on you to make me smile Pinkie Pie." she lovingly scratched the little pony's ears. (~)
The friends were riding out to sea while Korra drove the speedboat. A single tear fell from her eye but wiped it off. Then they felt a bump on the boat.
"What was that?" Pinkie asked.
They turned their heads and their eyes widened: Eska and Desna were chasing after them riding on jet skis and attacking them with their waterbending.
"Seriously?!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed.
"You ruined my wedding!" Eska shouted as she threw a stream of water at Korra but she quickly dodged it by moving the boat.
Pinkie Pie shouted back, "Hey! It's not her fault Bolin didn't want to marry no-fun blob like you!"
"What about your sister?" Rainbow asked.
Pinkie looked at her confused, "What about her?"
"Never mind."
The twins unleashed another attack, and Twilight zapped at the twins' jet skis, destroying them. But the twins started gliding on the water after them.
"I've been wanting to do this for a long time!", Rainbow Dash flew supper fast past the twins, dodging their water attacks as she speeded towards them. Rainbow Dash placed her hooves a few inches apart, creating a fire orb, which she then unleashed hurling toward the twins, throwing them off their balance and making them fall into the water. Rainbow Dash returned to the others, smiling confidently, "No need to thank me."
"Nice moves, R.D." Flash commented.
"You know it brother." The two fellow pegasus ponies hoof pumped in honor of their victory, until Spike pointed behind them.
"Uh, I don't think it's over."
The twins emerged from the water and speeded towards them riding on the waves.
"No one steals my Bolin!", with a fierce waterbending move, Eska destroyed Korra's speedboat. Twilight used her magic to levitate Korra, Spike, Pinkie, Applejack and Rarity in mid air while Rainbow grabbed Rarity, Flash grabbed Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy grabbed Applejack. Twilight kept Korra in mid air while Spike held onto the Avatar's back.
Korra attacked the twins with firebending while avoiding their water attacks. Flash lowered down and Pinkie Pie jumped right on Desna's head, throwing him off his game. Flash caught her again while Pinkie blew a raspberry at Desna.
Eska tried to get Korra but with Twilight's help, she continued to miss. Then Eska attacked Twilight with a powerful water whip, making her lose her concentration and plummet into the water.
"Twilight!" Flash cried out. Korra quickly dove down underwater and grabbed her friend. She resurfaced with Twilight, and Spike still on her back. The cousins were about to finish them off but before the ponies could stop them, they all saw a green glow underwater.
"What's that?" asked Flash with fear in his voice. The two twins quickly retreated at the sight, Korra, Twilight and Spike noticed the glowing underneath the water.
"Please don't be what I think it is." said the frightened dragon.
The glowing green eyes grew closer....and a large dark spirit emerged from the water.
"I hate it when I'm right!"
Korra tossed Spike onto Twilight's back, already flying, while Korra created a waterspout to lift her up and started attacking the spirit with fire. The spirit attacked back and Korra was knocked off and plummet into the water. The ponies then noticed their Elements of Harmony appearing and glowing. The land ponies began to levitate into the air as Korra, now in the avatar state, resurfaced with a waterspout. With the six ponies around her, Korra began moving her arms in swift movement in an attempt to purify the spirit and the spirit started to glow. Flash and Spike watched in awe as the spirit began to slowly calm down but then it managed to fight back the affect. Korra's eyes stopped glowing and the flying ponies caught the land ponies who were no longer levitating. Korra shoot fire at the spirits but it came at her with its mouth open.
"KORRA!"
The ponies all surrounds her right as the spirit devoured them all before going back underwater. The twins saw the whole thing but then left the scene in fear. They knew now that there was no point in going after Korra or the ponies anymore. (~)
Back in Equestria, the image in the crystal ball disappeared.
"Oh, no!"
Luna noticed her sister's distress, "Sister! What has happened?"
"I can't see Twilight, or Korra or the others."
Luna feared the worst, "Are they---"
"No. They're still alive. But I'm afraid, from here on out....they're on their own."
*(~)*
James 1:19~
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry
*(~)* |
The Little Pony Legend 2: Spirits of Courage | The Sting...of the heart | *(~)*
Titus 3:14~
Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others; then they will not be unproductive.
*(~)*
The Sting...of the Heart
Back in Equestria, most specifically Canterlot, Leilani sat on her throne while reading the book that maintained the prophesy. The book was what allowed her to see Korra and the ponies during that time, but now they were no where to be found. Just then, a magical light shined bright and someone appeared before the queen with a cocky smile, "You called, your majesty?"
"Yes Discord."
"Oh, Leilani! How long as it been? A decade? A century?"
"Too many to count. I believe you have already noticed that something is changing in our world"
"You know, now that you mention it, I did notice that my powers have been growing slightly weak.", he zapped and appeared over her head with a cup of tea, "I mean, I still have my powers, but I can feel them very slowly fading"
Leilani looked at him sternly, "That's because Equestria...is reaching its final days."
Discord spited out the tea he was drinking....right on the princess's face, "WHAT?! You can't be serious! What am I saying? Of course you're serious, you never were the funny type."
The queen narrowed her eyes at him. Just then, the book opened up. They both gasped as an orb appeared before their eyes to show an image of a certain firebender sitting on a couch in his apartment looking all upset.
"Hey isn't that the Avatar's main squeeze?" Discord asked as he looked at the young man in the image.
"He was" Leilani said sadly.
"Oh. That's a real shame. Boy he really looks down in the dumps. How delicious! Wait a sec. Is he---?"
"Yes. He's heart broken. He and Korra split up" the queen said sadly.
Discord continued to look at Mako and his ears lowered in pity, "I--I know that look. It's the same way I felt when I thought I would lose...my friend.", Discord touched the orb showing Mako and it glowed bright, allowing his claw to go right through. Discord cried out in fear before quickly taking his hand out, "Wow! What just happened?"
Leilani tried to get her hoof through the portal but, to her surprise, it would not allow her. She then made a very disappointing realization, "It appears the orb is allowing you to crossover into Korra's world"
"What? Why?"
"I believe Mako here has a very important lesson to learn. And he needs to know about the Great Change in order for him and the others to help in any way they can. I can't leave Equestria because it might shift the already weakening balance of our world....but you can."
"Wait? Me? Help someone learn about friendship?....these must be some really desperate times."
"You must act quickly."
"Can't you just send them a note like you did Korra?"
"I don't think a letter will work this time around, not after last time." she said, making Discord pout in annoyance. Leilani studied the orb. "The portal does not have much power, but it is enough to transport you once or twice only. Make the one trip count so their will no need to be a second. You must give this message to Mako."
"I'm all ears.", he literally removed his ears in front of her. Leilani was not amused. "Come on, just lightening up the mood" (~)
Mako was looking at pictures of him and Korra as he tried to fight back the tears. The image made him feel even worse with himself. Then he heard a voice coming out of nowhere.
"Come on, lover boy" The young man looked down at the photo and saw Discord's head magically appear on the picture replacing Mako's head. "Don't waste your tears on her"
"AH!",Mako screamed and dropped the picture and Discord appeared before him.
"Who are you?...what are you?"
"Allow me to introduce myself: I am Discord. Former spirit of chaos and disharmony" he said with a bow, and invisible applauds was heard all around the apartment, "Thank you, thank you, you're all too kind"
Mako arced an eyebrow, "Former? Wait, you're that weirdo who tried to take over Equestria and placed a spell on Twilight and her friends friends."
"So you have heard of me!"
"Unfortunately. What are you doing here?"
Discord magically appeared next to him, "What? So it's okay for ponies to make friends but not me?" he said while hugging the firebender from behind.
"The last thing I need is a weirdo in my house" Mako angrily shoved the freak away.
"Such an attitude. Maybe Korra is better off without you"
Mako turned and glared at Discord, "Don't you dare talk about her!" he pointed a finger threateningly at him.
"Look kid, I was tasked to come and tell you that--"
"To what? Get back together with Korra? To get the troops to the south? Well you can tell Celestia, with all due respect, that she's waisting her time."
Mako walked over to the fridge to get himself a glass of water, hopping if he ignored this weird being he would just leave. Discord then noticed the picture on the floor and picked it up. His eyes fixed on Korra, "This her? Wow! you really messed up this time little boy! I mean look at this chick! How you managed to let a babe like this get away is beyond me. Guess humans aren't as smart as Celestia makes them seem"
Mako slammed the cup on the table and clenched his fists, "Get out! And give me that back!", he then tried to snatch the picture from Discord but he kept on zapping everywhere around the apartment.
"You forgot to say please" the spirit taunted.
"I said give it!"
"Not what I was looking for"
Mako was ready to rip his own hair out, "ERRRRRR! FINE! What will it take to get rid of you?"
Discord then zapped Mako into a bed-like couch like from those therapy sections and he appeared with a tie, glasses and a clip board, "I only wish to help you with you're dilemma. Weather you want to admit it or not"
"I don't have a dilemma."
Discord then wrote something down on his clipboard, "Hmmm. Patient is in denial."
"I am not!"
"Patient denies he's in denial. This sound serious."
Mako sat upright on the couch and buried his face in his hands, "Look, if I play along will you PLEASE leave?"
"Cross my heart and hope to die. Actually, I can't but you get the idea. Now start from the beginning"
"You have got to be---"
"You want me to leave don't you?"
Mako groaned in annoyance, "Fine. It all started when Korra invited me, my brother and Asami to the Glacier Spirit festival----"
One hour latter...
"And she yells at me thinking I was taking sides which I wasn't! I swear she can so infuriating sometimes"
One more hour latter....
"I tell her I'm only doing my job but she yells at me AGAIN saying she's only trying to save the world which she wouldn't have to do if she didn't keep messing things up"
One more hour latter.....
"So I broke up with her and then the entire office froze and then she stormed off without saying anything. So that's what happened." he heard a loud snore and angrily glared when he sees that Discord had fallen asleep. "HEY!"
The spirit snapped up, "I'm awake! I'm awake!"
"Were you even listening?!"
"Why of course I was! One of my many skills is taking a nap while holding a conversation. Being trapped in stone will do that to you. Just to clarify you two aren't a married couple right? Because you sure seem to bicker like one"
Mako stood up from his seat, "That's it? That's all you have to say after I spent three hours yapping about what happened between me and Korra?!"
"Look, I'll be honest with you kid" Discord leaned in closer to Mako, looked around the room to make sure nobody's listening and whispered in Mako's ear, "I'm not really a doctor."
"That's it! OUT!"
"Out? We're just getting started"
"What more do you want from me? You say you want to help but all you've done was annoy me and test my patience. I don't even know why you care about my relationship problems, I was only doing my job as a police officer and my job is to protect Korra!"
"People. Protect people" Discord corrected.
"That's what I said."
"No you said protect Korra"
Mako realized what he said and sat down on the couch with a depressed look on his face. Discord joined him a he gave him a sympathetic look, "Answer me this. Do you love her?"
Mako lowered his gaze, "....yes. Yes I do."
Discord then slapped Mako's back, really hard, "Well no wonder you're down in the dumps! Falling in love with someone like her is just about the worst thing you could possible do"
"What?"
"I mean you're both so different and you bicker a lot. Why would you want to be in a relationship like that?"
Mako sighed as he stood back up, "You got me."
"Take my advice kid."
Forget about that gal
Forget about the way you fell into her eyes
Discord literally bat his eyelashes at Mako who turned away crossing his arms. Discord then showed him one of his old pictures of Korra smiling at him.
Forget about her charm
Forget about the way you healed her in your arms
Mako snatched the picture out of Discord's claw hand and sadly looked at it. A mini Discord then walked in mid air around Mako's head, to which Mako tried to swat him away to no avail
Walking on air's obnoxious
You laugh, you cry
It makes you nauseous and you can never get enough
Just forget about love
Mako finally managed to swat Discord, "Maybe I should!" he said as he walked to his bedroom. Discord smiled mischievously, "Oh, I'm only getting started". Unbeknownst to Mako, Discord had a real hidden agent to his song. A little trick he liked to call; Reverse Phycology.
Forget about romance
Forget about the way your heart begins to dance
Discord created an image of Korra in mid air, smiling at him which made Mako touched his heart, he almost forgot how Korra's smile made him feel. Discord appeared again.
And then you feel the blush.
When you two blurt out some sentimental mush
Mako looked again at the picture in his hand as a smile slowly formed on his face. Discord looked over his shoulder while singing,
Love really is revolting.
It's even worse than when you're molting
Enough of this fluff
Just forget about love
Mako;
I've almost forgotten the way it felt
When I help out my hand for hers.
My heart all a flutter
Discord;
Oh, how I shudder
Mako;
The first time we kissed
Discord;
It won't be missed.
Forget about her heart
Mako;
I can't forget about her heart
Mako ran out of the apartment, down the streets seeing couples together with Discord flying behind him.
Discord;
With all of the bicker it doesn't matter much
Mako;
Oh, it matters so much
Discord;
You're better on your own.
A meal becomes a banquet when you eat lone
Mako and Discord;
Love's filled with compromises
Discord;
And don't you hate those big surprises?
Mako;
A perfect sunset view
Discord;
"Oh, please"
Mako;
Candlelight for two
Discord;
"Oh, geez!"
Mako;
Look you're calling my bluff. I can't--
Discord;
Just--
Mako and Discord;
Forget about love
"I though was was protecting her from making another mistake. Maybe I didn't handle it the way I should have."
"Oh, yeah about that you see---" but before Discord could continue, he saw his body began to fade, "What's going on?" Mako asked.
"Looks my time's up. Better try next time"
With that Discord vanishes in a blinding light, leaving Mako alone, "That was weird" (~)
Back in Canterlot.
"Well, that was a bust" said an angry Leilani, "I thought I told you to make this trip count. Now the portal will have to recharge the little energy it has left for you to warn Mako about the Great Change."
"Look, I'm sorry alright. I thought the kid needed a little help in the romance department. Yes, I know I'm not usually the guy for the job but, hey it worked didn't it."
Leilani rolled her eyes and sighed in annoyance, "Well, you did do a good job there. But next time don't waste the chance to warn him"
Discord saluted, "Very, well"
A few days latter, Mako was still looking at the picture of him and Korra. He knew he had to find some way to make it up to her, but for the time being he had a job to do. (~)
Underneath the starry night, a ship sailed peacefully on the cool waters. The ship itself carried supplies from Future Industries to send to the south pole in assistance with the war. The captain of the ship observed peacefully from the railing. Nothing peculiar was going on, but he suspected as much since nothing ever happened at the ocean at night, and the weather was clear, no signs of any storms at all. But the peace was disrupted when the captain spotted something flicker red. Bright red, blinking objects were thrown onto the deck. Before long, the objects exploded in a fiery inferno. Another device, stuck to some white sticky substance, was thrown at the captain, landing at the wall behind him. The object was a remote controlled bomb, which detonated in less than five seconds. The captain managed to jump off onto the deck before the explosion hit him.
"We're under attack!" he cried out. Just then, four waterbenders ambushed the ship while ridding on a wave, swapping it with their water. The events happened so quickly, the captain and passengers didn't know what hit them. They managed to escape on a rats while looking on at the destroyed ship with smoke emitting from its sides.
"Varrick is not gonna be happy about this." (~)
Both Eska and Desna stood in front of the Southern Spirit portal, which had been fortified with a surrounding wall along with some watchtowers.
"Where is he?" Eska asked her brother.
"Father said he would meet us at this location. He'll be here."
Right on cue, they saw their father emerge from the portal, "Were you just in the spirit world?" Desna asked in surprise. But Unalaq was not in the mood for silly questions,
"Never mind that. Where is the Avatar and her Ponies?"
"They were within our grasp until a dark spirit attacked her." Eska explained.
"They're out of control" Desna said, angering their father.
"You didn't get them?!"
"The Avatar is dead." Eska said bluntly, "As are her little vermin"
Unalaq looked down at his children in disappointment. This was not part of his plan. How was he suppose to open the portal now? (~)
"Bolin, look up there. What do you see?" Varrick asked withe excitement. Bolin looked on in confusion, "Is this a trick question?"
"I'll tell you what I see: A star being born! You're a star!"
Bolin was with Varrick and Ginger watching the latest installment of Nuktuk: Hero of the south. Bolin himself couldn't believe that people, really younger kids, were cheering for his work.
"People love stars. Stars tell them what to think and how to act. Bolin, have you ever tried to force a monkey marmot to ride a bicycle?"
"Uh...not that I can recall."
"Of course you haven't. You can't force monkey marmots to do anything. They've got to want to do it themselves."
"Right." Bolin answered unsurely as to what Varrick's point was.
"With these movers, we'll have the support of the people, and before long, they'll persuade the President to lend hose troops to the war effort."
Bolin continued watching the mover, the scene that was showing was when Ginger was captured by Unalaq. The actor playing him was overly dressed and wearing too much weird 'evil' makeup. The scene didn't show Bolin's character saving Ginger, instead it ended in a cliff hanger where Nuktuk was captured and announced the episode for next week. Bolin smiled flirtatiously at his red haired co-star beside him, "Wow. We got some major chemistry on-screen. Am I right?"
"Yeah. On-screen" she said before scoffing and walked away, leaving a very disappointed and confused Bolin,
"What's wrong? Are you mad because I eft you in the clutches of evil Unalaq? I'm gonna save you in the next episode. Ginger, let's work through this." he cried out desperately. Zhu-Li came and walked to Varrick,
"Varrick, another one of your ships had been captured."
"Darn it, Zhu-li, haven't I tolled you I hate getting bad news without good news?" he said angrily.
"Oh, well, the good news is it looked like your first mover has gotten a great reception."
"That's old news!" (~)
Mako couldn't even begin to describe how he missed Korra's smile. All he had left of her now was that one picture in his hand. It was taken when he and Korra were at the Glacier Spirits Festival. They both looked so happy. Mako silently smiled as the memory flashed before his eyes....
......
The camera flashed. Korra and Mako had just taken a picture with one of this head cutouts. The two laughed at the photograph; Korra had chosen the taller head while Mako had the shortest one.
"Why did you have to be taller than me in this?" he asked playfully before Korra snatched the picture from his hand.
"You're taller than me everyday, let me get a turn for once."
Mako surprised Korra by grabbing her waist and lifting her up, twirling her, not caring that others were watching. The young girl laughed happily at her boyfriend's silliness. Once he lowered her down, Korra's expression shifted to one of sadness.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"I'm sorry for snapping at you earlier and throwing that stuffed bison at your face. I don't even know why I did that. Sometimes life just gets so frustrating for me. And you want to know what the sad part is? It's times like this I...I kind if wish I wasn't the Avatar."
This confession really got Mako by surprise, "Okay, I know you don't entirely mean that. You just say it because you're frustrated."
"I know, I know. But sometimes I just don't know what to do."
"Well, know what I want to do?"
"What?"
"I want to see the look on your face when you lose the ring toss!" with that he ran ahead towards the ring toss booth laughing, while Korra playfully scoffed.
"Eh! You cheater! Get back here!" .......
Their laughter echoed in his mind. He knew he had to patch things up with her. After all they've been through, how could he just let her go like that? The young firebender was woken from his thoughts when his rich friend entered the room he was in.
"Is it true?" Asami asked with worry as Mako placed the picture pack into his police jacket.
"I'm so sorry. Your entire shipment was stole."
Asami was so hopping his answer would be no. "Without that sale, I don't know how much longer I can keep my company going. What am I gonna do?"
"Don't worry. I'm gonna find whoever's responsible. Chief Beifong is about to question the captain of the ship." he pushed the button of the intercom, and from it they could hear the captain speak in the interrogation room with Lin, Gang and Lu.
"I know it's been a long day, but walk me through what happened." Lin said to the captain.
"We were ambushed about thirty clicks outside the harbor. We never heard them coming."
"This is the third attack this week at about the same location" Lin said.
One of her detectives, Lu agreed, "Yep, and mask-dad in Republic City's jurisdiction, which means another problem for us." he sighed as he stroked his mustache, "All this stress is gonna turn old black beauty gray."
"It's gotta be Northern Water Tribe." said his partner Gang, "They're trying to stop supping supplies to the South."
"I agree." Lin said, before turning to the captain once more, "Is there anything else about the attack you remember? Anything unusual?"
"There is one thing. The bombs exploded in a way I've never seen before. They didn't have fuses. It was like they were detonated remotely."
Mako's eyes widen slightly at hearing this, "Like the bombs at the cultural center."
"Wait, where are you going?" Asami asked as Mako walked out of the room, "I gotta grab some evidence." he said as he exited the room while Varrick entered.
"Asami, I heard the news. I can't believe they took my fifth favorite ship in the Varrick Industries fleet! Named her after my mom. Rest in piece, Rocky Bottom."
"Without the money from the shipment, Future Industries is almost broke." said Asami. Her attention turned to Mako, who had just entered the interrogation room.
"Chief, I think there's a link between this attack and the attack at the cultural center." Mako tells his boss. But Lin was not in the mood to listen to a rookie.
"What do you think you're doing?" she asked aggressively.
"Solving this case." he turned to the captain, "Did any of the people who attacked you have one of these in their hands?" he showed him the remote control he and Flash Sentry had found that night at the bombing, "I think it's a remote detonator."
"I was too dark to see anything."
"Mako!" the young man slightly flinched when his boss snapped at him.
"Chief, I don't think the people who attacked you were the Northern Water Tribe."
Gang laughed at this theory, "Of corse they were Northern Water Tribe. They were waterbending."
Mako ignored him and showed the captain a picture of the firebender he and Flash Sentry spotted that night, the one who was responsible for placing the bombs. "Was this one of the guys who attacked?"
"No, I don't recognize him."
"Oh, that's embarrassing" Gang said to his partner Lu, who chuckled, "Nice try, Rookie."
Lin had had just about enough of this, "Mako, leave. Now." she said the last part rather threateningly. At that moment, Varrick and Asami entered the room.
"Great work, everybody" said Varrick, "Another open and shut case for the dynamic mustachioed duo!"
"Wait, I think Mako might be onto something." said Asami. Mako practically pleaded to his boss, "Chief, I know it's a long shot, but I have an idea how we can catch these guys."
"Yeah, let's listen to the rookie." Lu said sarcastically.
Asami angrily glared at the immature man, "He's doing a better job than you!"
"Whoooooo's hungry?" Varrick spontaneously asked to lighten the mood.
"Enough!" Lin finally snapped, "I don't want to hear your lame-brained rookie ideas. You're a beat cop, not a detective. Now hit the street and do your job!"
Mako lowered his shoulders in defeat. He clenched his fists as he watched Lu and Gang laugh at him, while Lu styled his hair to look like Mako's to tick him off. The young firebender hesitantly walked away, but not before Lu called out to him in a mocking tone, "Have fun, Pony boy!"
The two men laughed while Mako silently wished he could burn their mustaches right off of their faces. (~)
Mako and Asami stood outside of police headquarters. "Lu and Gang are idiots. I hate them and their stupid mustaches."
Meanwhile, while the two were speaking, Discord was sitting in a lounge chair filling his nails and watching the whole scene unfold from the glowing orb that levitated above the prophesy book. Until the portal regenerated enough power for Discord to make his second trip, he would have to wait near it to see when his time was right. Good thing he could watch what happened in the meantime.
"Oh, come on now. I thought that Lu guy's impersonation of you was spot on." said the dragoniquis as he continued watching the two teens talking.
"Forget them. What's this idea of yours?" Asami asked.
"A sting operation."
Discord's ears perked upwards at the sound of this. "Oh! Sounds interesting. Keep talking, princess. You too, Sato."
"I was thinking we'd set up a bait ship, take it out into the open ocean, and capture whoever attacks it." Mako explained.
"Let's do it."
"It's not that easy. For the plan to work, we need the police, and Beifong already said no."
"We can make it work, just the two of us."
Somehow, Discord was surprised by her suggestion. "Two of you? Oh, boy and here I thought this show was loosing its touch."
"I don't know. I don't want to go behind Beifong's back. If she finds out, I could get kicked off the force."
Discord stuck out his tongue in disgust. "Yech, way to ruin the anticipation, mister 'goody-two-shoes."
Asami pleaded to her friend for help, "Mako, I need your help. My mom is gone. My dad is in jail. Future Industries is all I have left of my family."
"That girl's got some serious 'letting go' issues." Discord said to the audience.
Mako knew Asami needed his help, but his job was on the line. "I want to help you, but this is more than a two-person job. First of all, we'd need a ship."
"You need a ship?" Both teens recoiled in shock when they saw Varrick beside them, "I got a ship. I want in on whatever you're talking about. I love being in on plans."
"I like this guy's style." Discord said while rubbing his eagle claw and paw together.
"The less you know, the better." Asami told him.
"Perfect! I love not knowing things."
Discord lowered his ears in disappointment, "Well, there goes my hopes for this character."
Mako decided to agree with this plan. With Varrick's help, they might be able to catch these crooks and save Asami's company.
"All right, I'm in." said Mako with a smile, "Let's get these guys."
"Thank you Mako!" Asami instinctively hugged Mako, catching him by complete surprise. He didn't really feel anything inside of him, no reaction or anything, not like when Korra hugged him, where he would fell his heart race and his cheeks burn. But the way Asami hugged him did feel kind of...off.
Seeing this, Discord dropped his jaw. "Oh, no, no, no no! Don't hug him! What are you doing, are you trying to hurt yourself? Wait, why do I even care?"
Once Asami released Mako, the photo of him and Korra suddenly flew out of his jacket and landed on the floor. Mako quickly picked it up and placed it back inside his jacket.
"What was that?" Asami asked, not having taken a good look at the picture.
"Nothing. I's nothing."
Discord scoffed. "Nothing?! What do you mean nothing?! What is wrong with teenagers now a days? Seriously!" (~)
At the harbor outside of Future Industries, an empty cargo was closed while two meca tanks lifted the cargo on board. Asami and Mako looked on from the warehouse, which was filled with meca tanks and biplanes.
"The ship's all loaded with the dummy crates." Asami said. "Let's get this sting operation going."
"Not yet. We need some extra manpower."
"What about Korra?"
At the mention of her name, Mako suddenly felt uneasy. He didn't tell anyone about the break up, and he wasn't sure if to tell Asami or not. Discord watched the whole thing while eating popcorn.
"Ooooooooohhhhh, you struck a nerve there honey!"
Mako tried his best to sound inconspicuous when answering Asami's question. "Right, uh...Korra. Yeah, actually, she's um...she's out of town right now."
Discord slapped himself in the face. "What is wrong with this guy?!"
"Everything okay with you two?" Asami asked, now that she mentioned it, she hadn't seen Korra or even the ponies in a while. She didn't even see Mako with Flash Sentry, and she figured the two were already becoming good friends.
"Yeah, yeah. Forget about Korra." the very sentence stung Mako in the heart when he said it. "I'll go talk to Bolin." with that, he ran off, leaving Asami behind at her warehouse. (~)
The moment Mako walked into his apartment, he didn't even know wether to yell or gag. The placed had new decorations, mover posters and fancy new silverware, but what really aught Mako's eye was that there was a hot tub right in the middle of the room. His younger brother was happily lounging inside of it.
"Hey, Mako, what do you think? I did a little redecorating. It turns out that one of the perks of being a star, you get lost of cash."
Mako really didn't have anything to respond on how ridiculous the place looked. Their once humble home was now a flamboyant bachelor pad. And what was even more stupid, was that there was a marble statue of Bolin as Nuktuk right near the door.
"Is this a marble statue of you?"
"It's also a hat rack."
"We don't even have hats." Makos said irritably, while his brother remained happy-go-lucky as always.
"That's because we never had a hat rack. And now we do. Mako, you seem stressed. I think you need to take a little dipity dip." Bolin said as he tapped the surface of the bath. But Mako's temper only grew.
"I don't have time to take a dipity dip, okay? I'm trying to catch whoever's been attacking the shipments, and I need your help."
"You need my help?" Bolin asked and groaned pensively. "I don't know. I'm kinda busy."
"You're sitting in a hot tub."
"I'm maintaining my instrument. As an actor, my body is my instrument."
Mako was growing impatient with his brother's stubbornness. For once, why can't anything ever go the way he wanted them to?
"Are you gonna help or not?" He asked Bolin in an angry/annoyed tone. Bolin stood up from the tub and crossed his arms.
"You know, I recall a time when I needed your help, and you basically told me to get a life."
Mako could not believe his brother was being this selfish, he was trying to do something important while Bolin just wanted to lounge around and play supper star.
"So that's a no. What am I supposed to do now?"
"I don't know, Mako." Bolin darted to his brother. "Figure it out. Remember? That's what you said to me. Hurts, doesn't it?"
"I can't believe you're being this selfish!" Mako snapped at him.
"I'm being selfish? Says the guy who dumped Korra so he could keep his job!"
Mako backed away from this response. His little brother's words hurt him more than he could ever admit. In all their years together, Bolin had never said anything this hurtful to Mako. And the worst part was, a part of him believed he might have been right. Mako shook the idea off, groaned in annoyance and turned away. As he passed the fire heating the tube, he bended in it, causing the water to explode into hot steam. Bolin screamed in pain.
"Ow! My instrument!"
Mako walked outside, clenching his fists. He could still feel the sting of Bolin's words. But like he always did, he pushed aside his petty feelings and moved forward. Discord watched the boy from his chair. He shook his head in disapproval.
"That was just cold my friend. That was just cold." (~)
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Asami asked Mako. She never would have imagined that the always reasonable Mako would even suggest to something like this.
"No, but it's our last resort." he knocked on the door in front of him and they saw the eyes of a man through the open faceplate.
"Hey, Mako. Whatever you think we did, we didn't do it."
"I'm not here on police business. I'm running an off-the-books operation, and I thought the Triple Threats might want a piece of the action."
"How big a piece?" the man asked. (~)
Asami felt supper uncomfortable sitting in her chair. She and Mako were in the last place she would have ever pictured herself in...The Triple Threat Triad headquarters. Both she and Mako sat on chair, opposite their leader. A waterbender named Viper. Surprisingly, he was one of the very same thugs Korra had encountered during her first visit to Republic City. It was a surprise he managed to escape from prison. The criminal smuggled smugly at his guests.
"So Mr. Law and Order needs our help, huh? What's in it for the Triple Threats?"
"I am personal friends with that Avatar." Mako said. "I might be able to convince her to give Shady Shin his bending back."
"Sounds good to me, boss." said Shady Chin, only to have Viper glare at him.
"What about the rest of us?" the leader asked.
"I've got vehicles, all brand-new and top of the line." Asami said. "They can be yours if you help." she hatted even saying that. She would personally have a word with Mako about this. She knew they had to find out who was stealing from her company, but did it have to be from criminals? Of all the times she wished Korra was here. That girl could scare the pee out of these guys if they didn't cooperate. But it was just her and Mako now. A small part of her liked the sound of that, while another...
Viper smirked at their offers. "I think we got ourselves a deal."
Mako silently sighed in relief, his plan was going just as he had hoped. Maybe things will finally go his way. But somebody, other than Asami, disagreed with him. And that was Discord.
"A cop getting help from criminals? Hmmm, theses humans are more interesting that I thought. I wonder what happens next!" (~)
That night, out in the open sea, Mako, Asami and the Triple Threats were all on board the bait ship. Mako kept a watchful eye out for anything suspicious, waiting for their thieves to appear.
"This is right around the area where the attacks happened." said the young cop as he leaned on the rails, looking down at the ocean. "So keep your eyes peeled, and stay quiet." he said. The moon reflected in the surface of the water. He silently wanted to slap himself. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't get the Avatar out of his mind. Asami stood with her back pressed against the wall of the deck with her arms crossed, while one of the Triad, the firebender named Two Toed Ping, stood near Mako at the rails.
"I agree. Keep quiet. Mouth zipped, don't say a word. That's the best thing to do when you're trying to ambush somebody, which is what we're doing here, and it's basically what I'm always doing. I mean, I am a gangster, after all, and -"
"Two Toed Ping, please." Mako silenced him. He remembered this guy pretty well from his Triad days. He was the most annoying of them all.
"Oh, right. So, what's it like dating the Avatar?" Ping asked with a smirk on his face. Mako sighed in annoyance, turning his head. "Come on, Mako, I gotta know."
"Ping, stay focused!" he snapped.
"What? What are you so weird about it? If I was dating the Avatar, I'd tell you all about it. Did I ever tell ya about the time she busted us that first day she came to the city? Boy, that chick was nuts, literally a one woman wrecking ball." Mako's knuckles tightened on the railing, how dare he insult Korra in that way. The next thing Ping said really snapped his twig. "Though, now that I think about it, she wasn't really all that bad to look at either." the sleazy man said with a smirk on his face.
That did it. Mako released a loud angry cry and unleashed a powerful fire blast into the ocean, frightening both Ping and Asami.
"There's nothing to know!" Mako shouted, still angry. He turned his head away from them and spoke in a much softer tone, though his expression remained angry. "I broke up with her." he finally confessed.
Asami was surprised by this. "You broke up? When? Why didn't you tell me?"
"I don't know." he sincerely didn't know why. Maybe it was just too hard to say.
Then, Ping started laughing. "Yeah, right. You broke up with the Avatar. Like that happened. Hey, Shady Shin, Viper. Mako says he broke up with the Avatar."
The rest of the triads all laughed along at the idea.
"Sure he did."
"Yeah, I did too."
Mako's anger grew even more with their laughing. "All right, would you guys knock it off and do your job?"
With that, the laughter slowly died down and Mako continued looking down at the reflection of the moon on the ocean. Bolin's hurtful words still rang in his ears.
"I'm being selfish? Says the guy who dumped Korra so he could keep his job!"
Even the memories of his break up with Korra was still fresh in his mind. He still also remembered Discord's advice, about making things right with Korra because no matter what, he would always love her. Feelings like these don't just fade away, and they certainly don't appear without good reason. He wondered where she could be at the moment. She could be in the fire nation, or in Equestria, who knows. He certainly didn't know for sure. He just hoped she was all right. He then realized he was loosing sight of the big picture here; the sting operation. He had to focus now, but even so, so many things ran through his mind. His mistake with Korra and the way he treated his brother. Was he really being as selfish as Bolin said?
No, that couldn't be. In his mind and heart, he felt a song play in his head. He never once opened his mouth.
(Let her go/Let it go mashup by Sam Tsui)
Staring at the bottom of the glass
Hoping one day you'll make a dream last
Dreams can only go so fast
See her when I close my eyes, hoping one day I'll understand why
Everything I touch surely dies
Don't let them in, don't let them see
Be the good guy you always have to be
Conceal, don't feel, don't let them know
Even I know
Let it go, let it go
You only miss the light when it's burning low
Let it go, let it go
You only miss the sun when it starts to snow.
Cause here I stand, and here I'll stay
Let it go, let it go.
Turn away and slam the door
I shouldn't care what their going to say
Let it go, let it go
Let it go...
Mako did right now what he always did....push his heart aside. Discord wiped away his tears with a hankie. He was now wearing footsie pajamas and eating a large bowl of ice cream while blowing his nose into a mountain of tissues.
"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!! IT'S SO SAD!!! WHY CAN'T YOU BE IN TOUCH WITH YOUR FEELINGS? WHYYYYYYYYY?!?!?" .... Okay, I'm done." he threw away the hankie and the ice cream and sat on the edge of his seat. "Now, let's get to the good part!"
A few hours passed, and still nothing had happened. Mako and Asami were slowly growing board, and even Ping. So, in order to stay on 'friendly' terms with them, he decided to use his own way to break the ice...which disgusted both Asami and Mako. The two teens felt like they wanted to gag.
"And that's why they call me, Two Toed Ping." he said, while wiggling the two extra toes on both of his feet, giving him a grand total of twelve toes.
"Because you have two extra toes." Asami concluded, though in her head she was puking up her lunch.
"That's right. And there was already a Twelve Toed Ping on the south side."
So this was what it had come to, looking at a criminal's smelly feet. Suddenly, Mako heard a strange sound in the distance.
"Wait, guys. Do you hear that?"
"I didn't hear anything." Asami said.
"No." Ping said.
Mako groaned in frustration. "Ah! What's taking so long?"
"You just gotta relax, like me." Ping said while placing his hands behind his head and leaning back on his chair. "Maybe try taking your shoes off."
"'m gonna check it out." Mako said and he walked along the deck, trying to find the source of the sound. He heard both Shady Shin and Viper talking to one another.
"So how long do we have to stay out here?" Shady Shin asked.
"I told you, it's gonna be a few hours. What, do you have a hot date?"
As they talked, Mako hid under the stairs of the ship and looked up, seeing the two criminals. He listened in on their conversation underneath the staircase.
"Actually, I do. And I wanna look my best." Chin said to Viper. "I gotta shower and shave. I have a whole routine, okay?"
"Well, your date's gonna have to wait."
"She's not gonna be happy about that."
"Too bad. We were paid to keep Mako and that dame distracted for a few hours, so that's what we're gonna do."
"See? This is why I never get dates."
Mako's eyes widened at the realization...they had been played. He quickly exited the scene and Discord did not look very surprised. "There you see? This is exactly why you never trust criminals. Even I would never make a deal with myself. 'Oh, but I'd be so good at double crossing me'. Why thank me, I too believe I would double cross me pretty good, myself."
Back on the deck, Asami was watching Two Toed Ping stroking his toe, when Mako gestured her. Asami walked up to Mako. "I just overheard Shady Shin and Viper." he said. "We've been double-crossed. We have to get off this ship." both teens ran off, only to be ambushed by Viper, who smirked wickedly at the two.
"Where do you think you're going?"
Mako knocked the gangsters off with firebending before running off with Asami in tow. They both boarded a speedboat that was on the side of the ship. Viper growled at his goons.
"Get'm!"
Discord was now wearing a soda hat and wearing a foam finger on his lion's paw. "Ooooooh! Now here's the good part!"
Mako burned off the ropes sustaining the speedboat, causing him and Asami to plunge to the sea. Once there, Asami turned on the ignition and began driving the boat at full speed. The gangsters pursued them with two speedboats of their own. Mako stood from his seat and attacked the speedboats behind them with firebending, but missed each time as they dodged his incoming blasts. Asami turned the wheel and made a sharp turn, causing Mako to nearly lose his balance and fall back onto the back seat.
"Wow, this chick had some made driving skills." said Discord.
Already fedd up with this, Viper jumped off his speedboat and waterbended ice spikes at the two, but Asami managed to dodge them by moving the speedboat roughly on the water. The movements were a bit much for Mako, and he thought Ping's nasty extra toes made him sick. Viper waterbended a geyser, throwing Mako and Asami's speedboat up into the air. Both managed to remain in the speedboat as it plunged back to the sea. Mako was only seconds away from vomiting, but the gangsters were far from done. The chase brought them back to mainland Republic City. Mako looked behind them and saw the criminals gaining on them
"They're getting closer."
"Not for long."
Mako braced himself as Asami drove the boatbetween two ships. "Watch out! We're not gonna make it." the firebender cried out, but Asami made a swift turn, making it pass easily. One of the triad's speedboat failed to execute the same turn and capsized.
"One down, one to go." Mako said as he witnessed Viper's speedboat cut through in front of them. Asami swerved off and the engine stalled
"We're stalled." cried the heiress and her eyes widened as Viper's speed boat approached them. Mako attempted to firebend at them, but the speedboat crashed, throwing him back while the speedboat was being pushed back. Viper leaped to Mako's speedboat and threw a water pulse at him, but Mako managed to dodge. He prepared another attack, but was stopped by Mako. Mako did a fire kick, which Viper managed to neutralize. Mako threw another two fire blasts, which Viper managed to dodge one and neutralize another. Mako missed his attack and was pushed back to the passenger seat by Viper's waterbending attack. Asami's engine still wouldn't restart.
Discord noticed the orb glowing brightly, he knew exactly what that meant and straightened his horns. "Well, that's my cue." the draconiquis walked right through the portal and into the human world. He appeared hovering above the teens and Viper, seeing Asami's issue, he snapped his fingers and the engine restarted. "Mako, hang onto something." the heiress then swerved violently, throwing the gangsters' speedboat off the water. Discord clapped for the courageous display performed by Asami.
"Marvelous! I love a good speed chase!" he magically disappeared and then reappeared behind a garbage can when she saw Asami and Mako's speedboat approach the docks near her warehouse.
"What was that all about?" Asami asked.
"Someone paid the Triple Threats to keep us distracted."
"Distracted? From what?" then, the horrible realization struck her. "Oh no."
The two quickly jumped off the boat and ran towards the warehouse. Discord followed them, by shrinking to a mini size. Once they reached the warehouse, Asami turned on the lights...only to see that all of her meca tanks and biplanes had been stolen. The entire warehouse was completely empty. There was not a trace of what she had left.
"Whoever paid the Triple Threats stole everything." Mako said, his eyes widened at the sight. But even though he was deeply upset, it could not measure up to the heartbreak Asami was feeling right now.
"I'm ruined. My company...it's over."
Discord watched the two from a railing near the ceiling of the warehouse. The sadness in the poor girl's eyes really were sad to look at. Discord could have sworn he was feeling sympathy for her. Though he couldn't even imagine what it would be like to have everything taken from you. Wow, what a horrible feeling that must be. But Mako was unwilling to give up.
"We should check out your other warehouses. Maybe they didn't have time to hit them all."
"You don't understand. Everything I had was in here."
"We have to search the place for evidence. If we can find a lead..."
"Mako...it doesn't matter anymore."
"I can figure this out."
"Just stop. It's over. I give up."
Mako looked on at his friend with determination, "Well, I'm not giving up on you."
Asami began to cry, Mako felt sympathy for her. Despite that she nearly lost everything she knew, he was right there. It was just like the old days. When it was just her and him. Then, to Mako's surprise, and slight fear, Asami appeared to be leaning in closer to his face. Mako slowly backed away with widen eyes, but before her lips could even make contact....
"Oh, please cut the waterworks, honey."
The two teens looked around the empty space, wondering where the voice was coming from. They gasped when they saw thatone by one, all new meca tanks and biplanes began appearing all around, completely by magic. And then a familiar being showed up with a gleaming smile.
"Surprise!"
"Discord?!" Mako said in surprise.
"Who?" Asami asked.
"Discord. What are you doing here?"
"Well, for starters I had some unfinished business with you from the last time we spoke. And since your little friend here looked so sad about loosing her precious toys, I figured it would have been...nice on my part to give you back what you lost. No thanks are necessary, although they are appreciated."
Asami looked all around her warehouse in awe. She couldn't believe it, all of her meca tanks were here. "I can't believe it. It's all here! How did you--"
"Well, I already knew what your inventions looked like, and I am one to have a good memory, so I simply made copies of what you lost. Sorry I couldn't get the old ones back, but I believe you will be satisfied with these."
Asami walked towards a meca tank and jumped onto the cockpit. Everything seemed to be in order, it was no different than the meca tanks she had lost. "I don't know how to thank you!" the heiress was then surpassed when a cup-holder appeared near her seat.
"Oh, I hope you don't mind, I added a cup-holder feature too. Relax, that's the only new thing I added. And you really don't need to thank me. But if you do wish to in any other way, I won't mind. Really, I don't."
Mako arced an eyebrow at him.
"Hey, it was worth a shot."
Asami jumped from the meca tank, still smiling at the gracious gift from this strange being.
"You said you had some unfinished business." said Mako.
"That's right, that's also one of the reasons why I didn't bother to add more fun features to Asami's things. I'm actually here on a very important, diplomatic mission."
"Has Celestia heard anything from Korra?" Mako asked hopefully. Not even noticing the hurt in Asami's eyes after he said those words.
Discord taped his claw and paw nervously, "I was afraid you'd ask that. Actually...no. Nopony has. Not since Leilani gave her the message. That's what I came to talk to you about. Leilani tried to get in contact with the rest of you, but the portal will only allow me these two trips. Once I'm done here, that's it." Discord's usual mischievous tone was replaced with a dead on serious and concerned one.
"What is it?" Mako asked, demanding to know.
"You remember that book that brought the Ponies to your world? Well, it mentions a specific day called 'The Great Change'." He used his magic to create a movie-screen-like thing to show the teens as images appeared as he narrated, "A few weeks from now, the planets of your world will align and when that happens the magic of Equestria will start to fade away." images of his homeland appeared, showing the scenery turning grey, flowers dying and ponies loosing their magic. The two teens watched the horrifying images in shock and distress. "Once the planets part again, our entire world will disappear... forever." he snapped his fingers together and the image disappeared.
The two teens gasped in horror.
"Aaaaaaaaaalllso, when it does .... your world will cease to exist too."
"What?!"
Did they hear correctly? Their world will disappear along with Equestria in only a few weeks?! No, this could not be so, but the spirit of chaos sounded terribly serious.
"But there is a way to save it!"
"How?" Mako asked in distress, his heart racing due to the fear and anxiety.
"Korra and the ponies just need to combine their magical Elements of Harmony on the exact day during the alignment, create a permanent portal between our worlds so the magic can sink through and POOF! The Magic is back! Equestria is saved, your world is saved, Happy ending for everyone!" Discord made fireworks appear out of thin air in a dazzling over the top fashion. His enthusiasm diminished when he remembered another important detail. "But, there is one tiny, itty, bitty problem." he placed his index finger and thumb closer together, grimacing in worry. "Her uncle. Actually make that two problems: her uncle and the spirit portal."
"But, Korra opened the spirit portal."
"Yes, well, let's just say it wasn't supposed to be opened and now that Korra's back stabbing uncle tricked her into opening because there's this dark energy that's growing stronger and is giving Unalaq power over dark spirits. So far, he's only been able to dominate the south, but if this war keeps up the way it is, that can change very fast. The girls need to close the portal before the planets align or else the dark energy from the spirit world will grow stronger and will do everything in its power to stop them from fulfilling the prophesy. They're the only ones who can do this. If they fail, chaos and darkness will be unleashed upon the world. And I don't mean the fun kind, I mean the everybody and everything will be nothing more than a memory kind. Actually, not even a memory, because there will be no one left to remember me--I mean, us!" Discord gripped Mako's collar, "So if you guys have any ideas on how to get back at Uncle Two-Face, I strongly suggest you move fast!"
As if Mako didn't already feel awful, hearing all of this made him feel like the biggest jerk on the planet. Korra was trying to save her people, sure she might have made a mistake, but at least she was trying her hardest to try and correct it...and he messed things up by ratting her out.
"That's what she was trying to tell me." he said while lowering his head in shame.
"What are you talking about?" Asami asked.
"I...I told the president about Korra's plan to send troops to the south."
"You did what?!"
"I had to! The president gave me a direct order. Korra got angry and that's when...."
Discord came between them, "Actually, from what I heard, she didn't want any northerners to get hurt in the process. And by 'hurt' I mean--" he used his chicken claw hand to cut his neck and his head fell off on his lion's paw, "That kind of hurt."
Mako gave a look of complete guilt as Discord continued to explain before putting his head back on, "She knew the north was not all to blame for all of this, just her uncle. She even had this weird idea to only have troops sneak into the borders undetected and meet up with her dad to discuss some boring plan or something or other before bluntly attacking her uncle. Personally, I still find a direct attack more effective, but whatever floats her boat. You know, now that I think about it, she should have been the one to tell you all this instead of me."
That was when it hit him. That day when Flash was trying to talk to him, trying to tell him something about Korra. It was that she wanted to talk to him. Maybe about the plan and what she had come up with. And he didn't listen. After the way she had been acting he didn't think she would listen to him, but he was wrong. If only he had taken the time to talk to her about it instead of arguing, they could have worked something out. They both messed up terribly.
"I...I didn't know."
Asami looked at the former spirit of disharmony with worry. "So, the south really has nobody helping them now?"
Discord sadly shook his head. "No. Nobody, nada, zilch! The troops were Korra's only chance to help save her people."
Mako's face became filled with determination. "Discord, you need to tell me where Korra is. Now!"
"Sorry, little man. No can do."
"Why not?!"
"She was heading to the Fire Nation but then she got attacked by a dark spirit and they just POOF! Disappeared! The alicorns have lost all visual contact with her. We have no idea where she or the others are now."
"WHAT?!"
Asami's hands began to shake and her heart was pounding hard on her chest. Korra was missing, the ponies were missing, the world was ending, there was a war going on, and their one small chance at hope was flushed down the toilet. Korra and the ponies had at least half of the problem figured, and now, they had nothing. And it was all because of one slip up.
"So that's it?...it's over?"
Seeing her growing anxiety, Mako tried to calm her down. "No, no it's not. Asami, I--"
The young man was shocked when the heiress fiercely backed away and looked at him with anger in her eyes. "You!! Do you have any idea what you've done?!"
"I know I messed up, but I can fix this!"
"How?!", tears started to form in her eyes, "Korra is missing, there is a war going on and our worlds could disappear forever! How are you going to fix this?!"
"I'll figure something out! I promise!"
"Why did you do this Mako? Why?!"
"I was only doing my job. I thought I was doing the right thing. And you know, if Korra hadn't messed up in the first place then there wouldn't even be a need to save anything! It's not all my fault!"
Discord gasped at his words. Even Asami was appalled by this. Mako stepped back a few feet, startled by his own cruel words. How could he snap like that, especially when Korra wasn't all to blame here? Unalaq had his own blame as well, as did Raiko for not truly listening to the Avatar's pleas, and himself, for not having spoken to Korra when he heard about her plan. Even Bolin was trying to get through to him about it, but he ignored him. He ignored his brother, he ignored Korra, and just now he snapped at Asami, who did nothing but help him. The heiress closed her eyes for a moment.
"You know what? I'm done."
Mako looked at her, worried and confused. "What do you mean?"
"I'm tired of being the "understanding one". I'm tired of being "miss happy perfect" all the time. I'm tired of holding a smile on my face whenever I saw you and Korra together."
Mako's eyes widen in shock as did Discord, only his jaw dropped on the floor...literally.
"I'm sick of pretending that everything is fine in my life when it's not! You think I've enjoyed being the owner of a company? The stress of keeping it up? It's been no picnic for me, and now, thanks to your little 'operation', I lost half of my entire shipping! I took a pretty big risk tonight Mako, and look where it got me! Now, our friends are lost somewhere, there's a war going on and our two worlds could die!"
"Asami, I--"
"No! Forget it! It ends here."
"Asami, please don't say that."
"I don't want any more of your help. You say you're going to try and fix things, fine, do it. You do what you need to do, and I'll do the same....while we're all still alive that is."
With that, she walked out leaving a devastated Mako who face palmed himself, "She's right, this is all my fault! I lost my girlfriend, my best friends, and now I might have just put all of Equestria and everybody on this planet in danger!"
Discord looked down at the boy and has a sad look on his face. He placed his hand on Mako's shoulder, cleared his throat and spoke in a dramatic tone;
Fate be changed.
Look inside.
Mend the bond.
Torn by pride.
Mako looked at him in confusion.
"Don't ask me, I never could understand that freaky mumbo jumbo." he said with a slight disappointment in his voice. Then Discord's body began to fade again, "Oh, I gotta go. Good luck kid. Remember what I said!"
Mako shielded his eyes as Discord disappeared in a blinding light. Mako was now left alone.
In more ways than one. (~)
The next morning, Mako went to see Raiko again to try and reconsider Korra's previous suggestion. But so far, things were not going smoothy for him.
"But Mister President, you don't understand! It's not just about the war anymore, worlds are at stake here!"
"And how do I know this isn't just some rouse to get me to send troops to the south. After all, you are with the Avatar and she does appear to be getting desperate." said the president.
Mako was beginning to lose his patience, "This is not a rouse! I'm telling you we need to keep this war from interfering with the time of Great Change. We at the very least need to do something!"
Raiko rose from his chair, "That's enough young man! I don't care much for this magic, or ponies or Canterlot, or whatever it is you call that world but I don't like them interfering with political business."
"Why are you being so stubborn?!"
"Enough! Leave, I have heard enough of this nonsense."
Realizing that he was never going to listen, Mako stepped down, "Fine. Fine, be that way. But let's see how you like it when this world suffers all because of your stubbornness and pride!"
With that, Mako walked outside with a defeated look on his face. "Now I know exactly how Korra feels." he looked up at the sky, wondering where his beautiful Avatar could be. "Oh, sweetie where are you?"
He continued to walk down the streets, passing by couples and groups of friends all laughing and smiling. Before they would bring him joy, but now they were just cruel reminders about what he had lost.
I have to find a way
To make this all okay
I though that my choice was wise
But now my heart is paying the price
Oh, why
Oh, why-iay-iay
Horrid mistake
I wish I could try again
Make things better
Our love I wish we would...
Regain
Oh, why
Oh, why-iay-iay
As he walked along the streets, he spotted a familiar figure walking into and ally. (~)
Mako slammed Two Toed Ping against a wall, "Hey, Mako. Uh, you're not mad about last night, are you?"
"Who hired you to double-cross us?" Mako asked him threateningly.
"I don't know!"
"I think you do know.", he firebended a dagger in his hand, "And you're gonna tell me, or we're gonna have to change your name to "No Toed Ping"."
"Really, I don't know. You have to believe me. We never met the guy who hired us."
Mako chuckled at this, "You expect me to believe that?"
"Ping: After you left the hideout some mook showed up and said his boss would pay us to keep you distracted. We'd never seen him before, and we ain't seen him since. Come on, Mako, you know how these deals work. Please, I would never lie to you with my lucky toes on the line."
Realizing he was telling the truth, Mako released him, "Get out of here." Ping quickly ran away in fear. Mako stood there thinking for a moment. Then it hit him. (~)
Mako went to see his brother who was in his Nuktuk costume getting ready for another shooting of the movie.
"Bolin, have you seen Varrick around?" But Bolin simply sat on his chair ignoring him while sipping his drink. "Bolin." Still no answer. Mako sighed in annoyance, "Nuktuk."
"Yes? Oh, hello, Mako. Didn't notice you there."
"Where's Varrick? I need to ask him something"
"Hmm. Can't say that I've seen him. But I've been kinda busy, you know, rehearsing for my big scenes and, oh yeah, being angry at you for killing all of Equestria!"
Mako flinched, "You know?!"
"Asami told me everything." Bolin said as he stood up and crossed his arms.
"Why are you mad at me then? You're the one who told me about Korra's plan!"
"I didn't think you had the nerve to blab about it! I hate to see what the ponies will do to you if they find out....you know what, let me know because it wold make a pretty good scene. I can see it now: "Horrible Cop gets beaten down by Cute Ponies"!" Mako looked at him in annoyance, but Bolin simply smirked, "Yeah, the tittle needs a little work."
"We need Nuktuk on set. Running explosions scene." the Assistant director called out.
"And if you'll excuse me."
As they began filming the action scene, Bolin was on a wire dodging the explosions on set. Mako payed extra close attention to the explosions, the flames reflected in his amber eyes....they looked vaguely familiar.
He walked over to the technician in charge of the bombs. "How did you rig those explosions to go off like that?" he asked.
"Neat, hu? It's a Varrick Industries exclusive. Here, check it out.", he gave Mako a detonator and his eyes widen. It was the same one he and Flash found at the bombing the other night! (~)
Mako barged into Asami's office. "Asami, I think I know who set us up."
"Hello, Mako."
The chair in front of Asami's desk turned to reveal Varrick giving him a sly look. This was the last thing Mako needed right now, the one responsible for everything that had happened last night was right there in front of him speaking to Asami. The firebender glared at the man. "What are you doing here?"
"He just saved my company." Asami said happily, "Varrick bought a controlling interest in Future Industries. Isn't that great?"
Varrick smiled proudly, "Yep, I like to think I'm always there to stand up for the little guy. Especially if that little guy can help this guy become a bigger guy."
Asami, who was smiling, then turned to Mako with a serious look on her face. "So, you were saying you know who hired the Triple Threats?"
Mako looked at Varrick with great anger. "Yeah, and I'm real close to proving it."
"That's great." Asami said seriously, "And have you figured anything else yet? Like say, how to clean up a certain mess by a certain period in time, need I remind you?"
"I said, I'm on it." said Mako just as seriously. Both teens glared at each other and Varrick arced an eyebrow.
"Uhhhhh, Am I missing something?"
Mako sighed in defeat, "I'll fill you in latter.", and with that he existed the room. Clearly, Asami wasn't going to be of much help to him now.
"Everything okay between you kids?" Varrick asked, "And I haven't seen Korra or the ponies around recently."
Asami turned her head in sadness, "Things are a little complicated right now....but forget that, let's talk business." (~)
On a tropical island, in the middle of nowhere, nine figured laid on the sand. The figures where Korra and the ponies, all spread across the sandy beach. Flash was the first to wake up, his blue hair was wet and smelled of the salty ocean. He shook the sand from his body as he stood up and spotted Twilight Sparkle laying on the sand, her mane and tail wet and dripping with salt water. He quickly walked over to her and began shaking her awake.
"Twilight! Twilight, wake up!"
Twilight stirred as her eyes fluttered open. Her vision was hazy at first but soon came into clear view. "Hu? Flash. Where are we?" she asked as she stood up, and Flash help her front leg to assist.
"I don't know."
The others all began to wake up too. Their manes all wet and smelling of salty water, stand stuck to their wet coats. Rainbow rubbed her head. "Man, what happened?"
Applejack stood up and shook the sand from her body. "Last thing I remember was being swallowed up by that dark spirit."
"I remember that too." said Pinkie Pie.
"So do I." said Rarity. Twilight then gasped when she spotted an unconscious Korra laying on her back on the sand.
"Korra!" she and the others quickly rushed to her.
"Oh dear. Is she okay?" asked a worried Fluttershy.
"Everypony, back up!" Pinkie Pie placed her hear on Korra's chest to hear her heartbeat, "Hmmmm," she said while inspecting Korra's arms, "Hmmmm", she bended the arms and then her legs, and she used her hoof to open up Korra's eye lid, "Hmmmmm". She backed a away a few feet, "Aha...she's A-okay!" Pinkie said with a smile.
"But she's out cold." said Rarity.
Applejack tried to shake the Avatar to wake up, "Come on A.K., wake up."
Spike grabbed Korra's shirt and shouted dramatically, "Don't quit on me! Do you hear me?! Whatever you do Korra, don't go into the light!!"
Twilight gasped when she heard a sound coming from the bushes. Behind them stood a large jungle forest, and figures began to emerge from the shadows of the trees. "Who's there?"
The ponies all stood defensively around the unconscious avatar, as three figures emerged from the bushes. They were a group of elderly men all wearing what appeared to be fire nation clothing and long pointed hats. These were the fire sages. One of the sages rose his hands as a sign of peace.
"Don't be afraid. We will not harm the avatar"
Twilight nodded the others to back down, "Let me try something." she walked a little closer and spoke slowly and clearly, "Can. You. Un-der-stand. Me?"
The Fire Sage nodded. "Loud and clear, little one."
"Oh, good. Wait, can you really? Or are you just reading my lips? Because I am not falling for that again!"
"I assure you, we are friends. You can trust us."
"After everything that's happened, I'm not sure who to trust anymore."
"Twilight! She's waking up!" Spike called out. The ponies all gathered around Korra who slowly opened her eyes to see the sages and ponies all hovering over her. Her vision was cloudy at first but soon the figures could be seen clearly.
"Korra. How are you feeling?" Fluttershy asked.
But to her their surprise, Korra gasped and jumped up in fear. "Get away from me!" she airbended at them all before getting down on her knees and panted with exhaustion.
"Korra it's us." said Pinkie Pie.
"Your friends." Flash added.
The fire sage Fire Sage slowly approached her. "It's okay, we're here to help you, Avatar Korra."
But the young girl gave him a confused look. "Who's...who's Avatar Korra?"
Ponies all gasped and looked at each other with much worry. Did they hear her right? No, it couldn't be. But the hazy look in her eyes directed to the possibility.
Rainbow Dash began shocking her head frantically. "No. No, no, no, no, no! Korra, Korra look at me! Please. Please say you know who I am!"
"You've got to know who we are! Please!" Applejack pleaded. Korra looked at the worried ponies with a confused expression. She noticed Twilight was standing the closest to her and was about to cry. Korra instinctively wiped away the tear with her finger.
"I'm sorry. I feel like I know you but....I don't remember ever meeting you." Twilight backed away slowly in shock and agony. The others all shared the same heartbroken looks.
"What happened to you? How did you end up on our island?" asked the fire sage.
"I don't know. I can't remember anything." Korra slowly lost consciousness and passed out on the sand.
"What--what happened to her?" Spike asked as he and the ponies gathered around her.
"Amnesia." said Flash.
Rainbow Dash arced an eyebrow, "Am-what-now?"
"Amnesia. Memory loss. Something must have happened when that spirit swallowed us whole." Flash explained.
"But why do we still remember and she doesn't?"
"I wish I knew."
"Korra." Fluttershy nuzzled her face as tears fell down her cheek, "Please come back." (~)
Mako walked along the shoreline of the beach looking sadly at the ocean. Then he spotted something shimmering in the sand. He walked over to it and picked it up. His eyes widen in shock....
It was Korra's headband!
*(~)*
Titus 3:14~
Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others; then they will not be unproductive.
*(~)* |
The Little Pony Legend 2: Spirits of Courage | Beginnings | *(~)*
Ephesians 2:10 ~
For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
*(~)*
Beginnings part 1
The ponies, and Spike followed the fire sages while they carried Korra through the forest. Twilight had been trying non-stop her memory spell on Korra but nothing happened, she still could not remember anything.
"I don't understand. How could this have happened?" Twilight asked in despair. Spike's eyes widened as he ran beside the rest, "Wait, when that dark spirit swallowed us--"
............
"---we were all trapped inside it."
Korra opened her eyes, she saw herself and her pony friends all floating in a dark wide space.
"Yeah, I remember that." said Rainbow Dash, "They kept coming right at us"
Rainbow remembered how manny dark spirits kept passing right through them, causing them all pain.
"They went right through us" said Fluttershy.
"But we still felt pain" said Rarity.
Korra tearfully saw her friend's being tortured. Finally, she could take no more, "STOP! Leave them alone! It's me you want!"
The dark spirits left the ponies alone, as they all floated unconscious Korra continued to be tormented by the dark spirits. They kept passing right through her body, the Avatar screamed in pain as they continued.
..............
Fluttershy said, "She took all of that pain and damage...for us"
"You think the spirits are the ones who messed up her brain?" asked Applejack.
"I don't see what else could have done it." said Flash Sentry, "It would explain why you guys still have your memories"
"But I didn't remember being beaten all ghostly like by those spirits at first." said Pinkie Pie.
"If Korra hadn't given herself up to the spirits...we could have lost our memories too" said Rarity in realization.
Twilight looked at the young amnesiac as she whispered to herself what Korra had read from Celestia's letters, "The real truth is about to start, followed by a true act of the heart."
Korra than began to chant, "Raava...Raava"
"Raava? What's a Raava?" Spike asked.
"Do not worry the Shaman will know what to do." said the fire sage.
"Shaman?"
They reached a temple in the center of the island. The temple was comprised of a number of stone pagodas, one of which enshrined a seated golden statue flanked by two guardian figures, with a number of smaller outbuildings surrounding the grounds. When they entered, they encountered an old woman, standing before a golden statue. She was rather short, her gray hair pulled into a traditional fire nation bun with a golden fan-like ornament and two strands of hair on both sides of her face. She wore long red and orange robes, adorned with a tribal necklace with various colored beads. The fire sages lowered the weakened Avatar and placed her on a stone table.
"We found the Avatar and her associates on the beach." said a female fire sage, "But she doesn't remember anything."
Twilight looked at the woman with a pleading face, "Please, please can you help her?"
Once they laid Korra on a stone table, The Shaman approached her. Using firebending, she gently moved the flames above her body, sensing her energies, while the young woman continued to chant.
"Raava....Raava..."
"And why does she keep saying that name?" Flash asked.
"Do you know what's wrong with her?" Fluttershy asked with worry. The Shaman turned to the ponies, already finished with her procedure.
"She has been infected by a dark spirit."
The ponies all gasped in horror at this new information. "Infected?!" Spike shouted in fear before passing out.
"You are all very lucky." said the Shaman, "If you ponies had not been with her, she would be gone by now."
"Wait, how do you know what we are?" Twilight asked.
"I have heard a great deal about you, child. I will explain soon but first we must save your friend. If she remains like this any longer...her Avatar spirit will die along with her."
Though Korra was still asleep, she was only half conscious, her eyebrows twitched as if she were trying to fight something inside of her. (~)
The Shaman and Fire Sages led the ponies and dragon to an underground cavern, constructed by hexagonal rock formations. In the center stood a large hole, a blue iridescent light shined up from bellow. Once they approached, they realized it was a pool of water. The liquid danced in the light and looked so calm and welcoming, almost as if you took a dip and you would feel all of your stresses slip away. The sages placed Korra on a hammock, pulling on the rope, they began to lower Korra down into the pool. Her friends watched as their friend was being brought down.
"Let the waters cleanse the darkness that plagues your spirit. Let the Light guide you back to who you truly are." the Shaman said, placing her hands together in the form of a prayer. Once Korra was now floating on the water, it lit up with a light shinning up from below, the hammock kept Korra touching the surface. Her expression softened, her eyes closed shut as if she were in a deep sleep.
Twilight eyed the waters curiously. "This water. It feels...strange. Like, I've seen it before."
"These waters are special. It comes from the spirit oasis from the north pole."
"Will she be okay?" Twilight asked as she watched her friend.
"Seeing as you are all in one piece, I am sure she will be. I sense that you six share a powerful bond with the Avatar. Not only can you see inside each-other's hearts, but you also share a piece of her Avatar power." The ponies all nodded in response. "If she had not taken the dark spirit, you all would have suffered the same fate as her, if not worse."
"But if we share a piece of the Avatar spirit, why aren't we all "woozy" or somethin' like she is?" asked Applejack.
The Shaman explained, "What is currently within of her is after her Avatar spirit alone, but I sense the bond she shares with each of you goes much deeper than that. That is the one thing the dark spirit could not touch or break, hence why she's still alive. Her sacrifice for you only straightened that energy and kept her, and all of you, from dying."
"You said our bond goes deeper than the Avatar spirit." said Twilight, "Deeper how?"
"I'm afraid even I do not have all of the answers, young one. You all still have a long and dangerous journey ahead of you and the only way to save the world from the true threat is to remain together." The ponies all looked at each-other before nodding in certainty at the Shaman. "But for now, she must reconnect with her past if she is to re-joining you all.
Pinkie Pie looked down at Korra in the pool, "Will she remember us?" she asked hopefully.
"I have faith she will." said the Shaman, "And when she truly needs you...you will know what to do."
The ponies, Flash, Spike, Fire Sages all looked down at Korra who appeared to be sleeping peacefully in the water. The shaman smiled at the ponies. "Would you girls care to eat something?"
"No thank you. We would much rather stay here with Korra" said Fluttershy. Then her stomach rumbled, and she blushed in embarrassment.
"She will be fine." the Shaman assured, "I will watch over her, you girls need your strength. I'm more than certain Korra would want you to."
The ponies all agreed, they were pretty hungry. (~)
The sages prepared a delicious vegetarian meal for the ponies, and best of all they ate them on an actual table instead of on the floor. They were all so hungry that they just dove right in and started eating, even Rarity.
Applejack licked her lips, "This is delish!"
"I'll say! You guys wouldn't happen to have any gems lying round, would ya?" Spike asked. A female fire sage gave Spike a bowl of rubies.
"We often use them for our cloaks but you may have them, little one"
Spike licked his lips and drooled before devouring the gems. Flutershy swallowed the last of her food and left out a loud belch. She covered her mouth and blushed in embarrassment, "Excuse me."
Rainbow Dash then belched too, "No sweat, Fluttershy." she said before lodging on her seat
Rarity crinkled her nose in disgust, "Ew, you could at least say excuse me like Twilight did, honestly Rainbow you can be such a---" out of nowhere Rarity let out a loud belch. She covered her mouth and blushed in embarrassment. Rainbow smirked.
"You were saying?"
While the ponies ate, Flash Sentry noticed Twilight sitting by a corner. She barely touched her food. He could tell she was worried about Korra. While all the ponies were very close to Korra, the relationship Twilight had with the Avatar was stronger, closer, almost as if they shared the same soul. The alicorn walked out of the temple and into the gardens outside. Worried, Flash followed. (~)
Twilight walked across the gardens, stopping near a beautiful cherry blossom tree. She sat beside the trunk as silent tears fell from her eyes. The image of Korra's hazed eyes was still fresh in her mind. Her best friend, her soul sister, couldn't remember her or her friends. It was heartbreaking. The young princess prayed that her friend would recover soon....very soon.
Flash followed the alicorn near the tree and hesitantly sat beside her. He didn't know what to say, he had never tried to comport a crying mare before, especially a princess. He bit his bottom lip and opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted when Twilight spoke first,
"If you're going to say something like, 'everything will be fine' don't even bother."
Flash now felt like a complete idiot. He should have known she wouldn't want to talk. "I'm sorry. I only came because I thought you needed the company."
"Thanks." she said, not even looking at him. "Sorry for snapping like that, it's just...I'm so frustrated! Korra lost her memory, we don't have the help to save the South, thanks to Mako," she said the last part bitterly under her breath, "Now we're stuck on this island while Equestria, the South pole and the human world are in danger and I'm stuck here waiting like some damsel in distress." The alicorn groaned in frustration and was surprised when she heard the pegasus stallion beside her begin to...chuckle. "What's so funny?"
"No disrespect, honest, but you being a damsel in distress is not possible." Twilight's eyes slightly widened in surprise by this. "Twilight, I've seen you in action. I've seen what you are capable of. You are no damsel."
For the first time since they arrived on the island...Twilight smiled. Her cheeks tainted red, her heart a flutter. "That's sweet of you to say."
"You're a strong girl Twilight. And if Korra is anything like you, she'll pull though."
"Thanks Flash. I'm glad you came along with us."
Flash's smiled faded away, replaced by a look of sadness, uncertainty, and even guilt. "Actually, I...I have a confession to make...I lied."
Twilight arched an eyebrow in curiosity, "What?"
Flash hung his head in shame. "I lied. Celestia didn't really order me to stay with you guys. I actually asked her for permission. I was the one who really wanted to stay, it was never anyone's orders."
Twilight's eyes widen in shock at this confession. He lied about being sent here? How could he?
"Flash...why would you lie about something like that?"
"Because of you."
"Me? What do I have to do with...", then, when she noticed the look in his eyes, the truth became clear. The alicorn grinned, "Wait, a second. You wanted to stay because of me. Because you like me!"
Flash's eyes bulged open in shock, his cheeks turning bright red and beams as sweat dripped form his brows. "What?! I--I--I--um--uh."
"I can't believe you would do something like this."
"I'm sorry, I know it was stupid and crazy but, for the longest time I've always had feelings for you." Twilight's heart was beating rapidly fast as the pegasus continued, "I mean you're smart and kind and beautiful and you're such a great friend to everypony. I've been wanting to tell you how I felt but I was always so scared. And then we got to know each other better and my feelings only grew." Flash lowered his ears in embarrassment, "You probably think I'm the biggest idiot right now, hu?"
But, to Flash's surprise....Twilight lunched forward and kissed him on the cheek. Flash was startled by this action, which shocked him greatly. The princess turned her gaze away, blushing. "I feel the same way about you." she confessed, "I don't care if it was ordered or not, I'm just happy you decided to stay. I'm sorry things got so crazy."
"Hey, it's okay. If anything, this is probably the most exciting thing that has ever happened to me."
The new pony couple nuzzled as petals of cherry blossoms fell around them. But the princess's joy quickly faded as she remembered her best friend. She could not fully enjoy the moment she was sharing with the pegasus and felt even a bit guilty for even being happy right now. Then, Twilight's Element appeared briefly on her chest before vanishing and Twilight gasped.
"Korra!" She quickly flew to where the Shaman was watching Korra with Flash close behind. They saw the Shaman still watching over the Avatar with the others with her. "Did you girls---"
"Yeah, we came here as fast as we could." said Rainbow. They saw Korra stirring in her sleep, the Mane Six knew that she was not having a dream or a nightmare...she was having a vision. (~)
That night, the girls all decided to sleep beside the pool, where Korra was. Each of the ponies began to stir in their sleep as images began to form in their minds. Twilight kept in groaning and shifting from side to side in her sleep, as the images took full shape. She opened her eyes with a gasp, finding herself in what appeared to be a dream-like plane. The blue and purple colors floating all around her in an invisible sea. Her body was surrounded by a blue colored light.
"Where am I?"
The alicorn shielded her eyes from the blinding light that appeared before her. Once the light dimmed, she opened her eyes, not fully believing what was in front of her.
He was a tall being on four legs, strong and sturdy, with wings so large they rivaled Celestia. His coat was pure white, as white as snow with not a single drop or even tint of another color. His mane and tail were long and somewhat tangled, but dashing non the less, with spiky bangs over his face, colored in the shade of the dark night with blue tints. His beautiful cyan eyes sparkled with wonder, humor and wisdom as well as kindness. On his forehead stood a long white unicorn horn, and on his flank was a paintbrush with an orange flame behind it, and a blue paint coming from the tip of the brush. Twilight marveled in awe at the alicorn before her. She had never seen a male one before, not that she excluded the possibility but still.
"Who are you?" she asked. "What is this place?"
"Don't be afraid, Princess Twilight" said the stallion in a kind voice, "My name is White. Prince White."
Twilight knew the name sounded familiar. "I think I've heard that name before." said the princess.
"You should. You were my daughter's student."
Twilight's eyes widen in shock, "No way...you're the--"
"That's right. But I wasn't always so. I will show you how I became the first alicorn. And how I met the first Avatar."
Twilight now had even more questions than before. "Wait, the first Avatar? Where's Korra? Is she all right?"
"She's fine. She and the others are having their own visions. But for this one, I shall be your guide. Come with me."
Twilight followed the mysterious Prince into the blinding circle of light. She closed her eyes shut as she walked head. Once the light was gone, she opened her eyes to see a beautiful landscape, filled with colorful trees, plants and flowers...and ponies!
But unlike back home, these ponies did not have that simplistic appearance, rather they looked very much like Twilight did whenever she entered Korra's world.
"This is Equestria" said Twilight.
"Yes it it."
"But, it looks so...different."
"This is exactly how our home use to look like...from very long ago" said Prince White.
Twilight found herself hovering over the land with the alicorn prince next to her. Then the image faded and the scenery turned cold, they were in the middle of a great blizzard. They walked inside a large room, to where were a group of ponies, all divided by unicorn, pegasus and earth ponies, resided. At the very center of the room stood a wooden table, where the three leaders or each group argued with one another. Twilight remembered this story, this was the event of Heart's Warming Eve. As she watched history unfold before her eyes, White spoke,
"When the three rulers couldn't agree on how to work together, a large group of rebel ponies decided on a truce. They all agreed that there was no way they could live in this storm any longer. And so they traveled the land. On one of those travels, they stumbled upon something nopony had ever seen before..."
Twilight looked down to see the heard of ponies traveling side by side, deeper and deeper into the jungle until they stumbled upon a large sparkling pool, emitting a bright blue glow unlike anything they had ever seen. Curious, the leader of the rebel ponies placed his hoof into the water. The liquid rippled and sparkled. They knew this was no ordinary pond. It was magic. In the water, they could see something...trees, lush and green and un-frozen.
"This pond was a gateway into another world. One free of the cold and filled with beautiful lands for their children and the next generation to flourish and grow. Realizing this was their only escape from this doomed land, the ponies entered the portal one by one."
As White explained, the events unfolded before Twilight's eyes.
"Before long, the heard made their way onto the other side, and found themselves in a world unlike anything they had ever seen before."
Twilight knew where they were...they were in Korra's world!
The land was not like it was now, it was far more lush and vibrant with tall exotic trees that towered ahead, strange looking flowers all around. It looked like something out of a painting. And it was beautiful.
"The ponies were very unfamiliar with this land, but non the less, they refused to turn back. They traveled together for many days, finding refuge in forests. In those days they faced many dangers, wild creatures unlike anything they had seen. Many were separated until one day they came across a creature they had never seen before....humans."
A little pony filly ran around chasing a butterfly before bumping into something. The filly had never seen a creature like this before, it was taller than him, stood on two legs, had no fur only hair on its head, no tail, horns or ears, had a tiny nose, small roundish ears, and two long skinny legs that had weird things at the tips. It was a human boy. The child and pony looked at one another, before happily chasing the butterfly. The filly lost all fear and chased alongside the human child. The rest of the ponies witnessed this and then spotted the child's parents appear. The ponies and humans met face to face for the first time.
"Most humans found these creatures strange and feared them. But once they discovered the dangers they had faced while in the wilds of the jungle, encountering strange creatures, other humans took pity on the ponies. After witnessing their skills, as well as their ability to speak, they were welcome amongst their kind...so long as they swore never to ever leave the safety of their villages again, and to assist them with their magic. For many, many years, the ponies and humans worked side by side, but as time passed, they slowly became more and more cruel and selfish. And sadly, these traits were soon shared with their pony brethren. This was not the case with everyone, but it was still none the less.
Once Equestria was founded, ponies of all kinds worked together to achieve perfect harmony. Because they did not have a proper ruler, the leaders of the tribes formed a council, leading the united race into a new era."
Twilight's eyes widened when she saw what appeared to be a city on top of a mountain. Only it wasn't really a mountain...but a shell. A turtle's shell!
"A village? On the back of a giant turtle?"
"Lion-Turtle, to be precise."
"Wow. I can't believe it!"
The two alicorns descended downwards to the village, it was a simple place with people wearing old time ragged clothing, consisting mainly of orange or pale black colors. She would only assume these were the people who would eventually be known as citizens of the Fire Nation. Twilight and Prince White walked among the people, since they were spirits visiting the past, nobody could see of hear them. Twilight spotted a group of what appeared to be guards, tall, lean and muscular men wearing long capes with fur lining and armor-like platting. Beside them, were earth and pegasus ponies who walked beside them. Some wore the same stoic expressions as their masters. The image faded from the human world to Equestria. Twilight spotted a group of mares working together to build homes and grow crops. She spotted a young adolescent looking stallion with a perfectly white coat, a black mane and tail as well as a paintbrush for a cutie mark. Twilight knew this little one looked familiar.
"Hey, that one looks like...you!"
"Yes. That's me."
Indeed, it was Prince White at a younger age. Twilight and Prince White walked closer to his younger self, who had a brush in his mouth and was painting a chinese styled landscape.
"I was a young dreamer back then. All I ever did was paint. I barely had any friends. Mostly because I couldn't' find anypony who could relate to me. So I found friendships unnecessary."
Twilight lowered her ears, "I know the feeling."
The young white finished his painting when a group of ponies came by, fascinated by his work. "One of a kind artwork, only three bits!" he said. The ponies payed him for his paintings and he happily accepted the money. Then, a trio of young ponies walked over to him.
"Hey, White." one greeted him happily.
"Oh, hey guys. See anything you like?"
"Actually, we were going to the clearing to hang out." said one of the female ponies, a pegasus with a yellow mane and pink body.
White bit his bottom lip. "Oh, wow um, that sounds nice and all but, I really should be hitting the road soon."
"But you've only been here for two weeks and you haven't hung out with anypony once." said the purple male unicorn.
"Sorry, I'm just not the-stay-in-one-place-for-too-long kind of guy."
The three ponies looked at one another in confusion and decided to leave the loner pony be. "Okay, see ya."
"See ya." White said casually before returning to his business.
"Back then, all I cared about was looking out for myself and nopony else. I didn't have any parents and I didn't like staying in one place for very long, so I traveled a lot. I made myself believe I did this so my life wouldn't feel boring. Everyday, a new adventure and a new place to see. But what I really wanted was to to feel like I belonged. One day, my life changed forever."
Twilight observed the history unfold before her very eyes... (~)
White was walking across the forest, his art supplies on his saddle bag, looking for something new to paint. His stomach started to growl, he was getting hungry. He sat down and dug into his bag for food. But one of his apples fell out and rolled down on the ground. White ran after it, the fruit rolled into a forest, deeper and deeper, there was no way White was going to let a perfectly juicy apple go to waste. He pushed the bushes aside and made his way through. The apple finally came to a stop at a stunningly beautiful pond. The apple wobbled a bit before falling into the water, emitting a sparkly ripple effect. The ripples looked strange to White, almost otherworldly. He had never seen anything like this before. The water looked strange, it was almost iridescent and you couldn't even see the bottom of the pond. White wasn't always a big fan of magic, not that he hatted it but as an earth pony he really didn't have much need for it. Still, this pond had something about it. It was almost as if it were calling him, drawing him closer and closer as the clear water emitted rainbow colors on its shimmering surface. The curious pony leaned in closer and closer and closer, until finally...
"Whoa, whoa--WHOA!"
White lost his balance and fell head first into the pond, creating and even larger ripple effect that sparkled like diamonds, unleashing a powerful glow from the waters that briefly illuminated the forest.
White fell down and down the pond, which as it turns out was really a portal. He saw the other side of the pond ahead of him, he shielded himself as he went through, almost as if he was surfacing from the water. He was hovered in mid air for a few moments before falling down hard on the ground. White shook his head and wobbled as he stood up, shaking his coat clean.
"That was one heck of a ride" he said. The earth pony looked around the place, he was once again in a forest, only there was something very, very different about this one. The air around here felt strange, not like back in Equestria. As he walked along the strange new forest he stumbled upon something; his apple.
Finally, he thought, he couldn't figure out this mystery on an empty stomach. But just as he was about to take a large bite out of it, a strange creature appeared before him. White had never seen anything like this before; it looked like a cross between a squirrel and a skunk. Still, the little guy was pretty adorable.
"Why hello there, little fella. Where did you come from?" To his surprise, the furry creature took the apple and ran away. "Hey! Get back here" White chased after the creature which quickly climbed up a tree. The poor pony tried to get back his food, but as he tried to climb up he slipped and landed on his rear, grunting in frustration. He glared at the skunk squirrel.
"Fine! You win this round!" his stomach began to growl again, "Great. Now what am I gonna eat?" then his nose caught a whiff of something in the air. This wasn't like any food he had smelled before, but it still smelled delicious, and in his current state he would eat pretty much anything. He followed the aroma out of the forest. He was so intoxicated with the smell that he wasn't paying much attention to where he was going. He came to a harsh halt, nearly falling off a small little cliff. Then, his eyes widened in surprise at what he saw;
Right there, standing before him, was village. A tall, large village, towering high above like a mountain, houses with the most strange looking roofs stood above each household. The walls were pale marble, the roofs all in various shades of red and browns. Many of the houses seemed old and worn. There was one building, tall and high, which almost looked like a palace, which stood at the very heart of the city. White had never seen anything like this in his life, he wondered what kind of creatures and ponies lived here. Then, to his surprise, something from underneath the city started to rise. The whole place shook as a massive creature appeared out of nowhere from underneath. Its face looked like that of a chimera, with swirled eyebrows, large eyes, a large nose, its mouth was long, half open revealing sharp teeth as well as two tusks rising upwards from its lower jaw. Speaking of jaws, White's practically fell to the ground at the sight of the creature.
He couldn't believe it. This entire city was build on the back of what appeared to be some kind of...of lion turtle! Standing before the beast was a group of strange looking creatures White had never seen before. The creatures stood on two legs, their front hooves skinny and long, and they wore strange clothing, consisting of orange and grey. The beast rose its paw, revealing its sharp claws. White's breath caught on his throat, what was he about to do to them? They didn't look frightened at all, but relaxed. The creature's claws touched the first two legged being first, touching its forehead and heart as they glowed. One by one, the beast did this for the rest of the creatures.
Was this creature magic?
The pony galloped ahead as the two legged creatures walked towards the city and the beast once again lowered down, disappearing from view. White slowed down once he reached the gates of the city. The buildings were even taller up close. White was a bit frightened but how often does one find a land filled with strange creatures and new magic? Who knew what wonders he would find here. He hesitantly rose his hoof as he prepared to step foot on the soil that was part of the creature's shell/city. To his surprise, the beast did not rise at all. He tapped his hoof a couple more times before realizing it was safe. The pony stood before the large gate, wondering how he would open it. It was far to powerful for him to do so by himself. He didn't know exactly what else to do so he did the logical thing...he knocked. No answer. He knocked once more, this time, a voice was heard.
"Hang on, I'm coming."
The voice sounded masculine and tired, almost like he had been working all day. White quickly hid behind a bush, as the doors opened. Another of those two legged creatures walked out, looking around the place, scratching his head. He opened the door even wider and he stepped out, overlooking the area. "I could have sworn,"
In a flash, White galloped ahead and ran past the man and into the city. Hearing the galloping sound of his hooves, the man spun around, but White was far too fast and he quickly lost sight of it. The man shook his head and walked back inside, closing the large gates.
"Wow..."
The pony was in a whole new world; everywhere he turned there were two legged beings, walking and chatting with one another, houses everywhere with children playing with families, their toys were rather old and very poor-looking. These beings didn't seem dangerous, in fact they didn't even seem to notice him. Well they did but they didn't pay any mind. White continued to walk around, his curious eyes scanning every inch of the city, then his stomach growled again. With all of the excitement from before he had nearly forgotten he hadn't eaten. White then spotted a man carrying a basket of fruit. With a smile, the pony approached the creature. He noticed that he wasn't carrying that much fruit, not to mention they looked a little rotten, but there was still a few good ones. With slight hesitation, he opened his mouth to speak.
"Um, excuse me? Sorry to bother you but, I was wondering if you wouldn't mind--"
The fruit vendor spotted the pony and all of a sudden, he grew terrified of him and placed the fruit before him. "Please, take whatever you wish just don't hurt me!"
White arced an eyebrow at this, "What are you talking about? Why would I hurt you?"
The man then noticed that this pony did not have any horn or wings...or wearing any armor. "Wait, you're...you're not with the Chous are you?"
"The who's? I'm just a vagabond around these parts. Look, if it's money you want, I can pay for it." with his mouth, White reached into his bag and pulled out three bits and handed them to the man. His eyes widened at this, the bits sparkled and shimmered in the light like pure gold.
"There. Three bits for some of your fruit. Sound like a fair trade?" Suddenly, the man's happy expression shifted to one of pure fear, which confused White even more. "Seriously, what's up with you?"
"Hey, kid!"
White quickly spun around to see two unicorn ponies, both wearing grey armor and possessed bulky builds, and were a few feet taller than White.
"Where did you get that money?"
"For your information, genius, I earned it!" White said bravely. He had faced bullies before in his life so these guys were no exception. One of the unicorns scoffed.
"Ha! Yeah right, from where?"
"By selling my art--hey!" White's bag was levitated away from him by the unicorn's magic. "Give it back!" White demanded. The unicorn levitated one of his artworks for his companion to see.
"You call this art?"
"Give it back!" White fiercely snatched the piece with his mouth, flared his nostrils and stomped his hooves in anger. The two unicorns glared at him.
"Just where are you from, little pony? We haven't seen you around here before."
"I'm from Equestria."
The two unicorns looked at one another in skeptically. "What's an Equestria?"
White's eyes widened in shock. "What? What are you idiots talking about? Equestria is our home land."
"Home land? Our home land was destroyed by that blizzard years ago."
"What? No it hasn't, you guys are the ones who are insane!"
"You better watch that tone you little brat! You're coming with us."
But before the unicorns could take White by force, the two were splattered in the face by tomatoes. A young man with dark hair styled upwards and wearing a ragged old outfit landed before them and continued throwing the fruit at the unicorns. He turned to the white pony.
"Run!" he ordered.
White quickly grabbed his bag, his money falling off in the process, as he made a mad dash for it. The unicorns have had just about enough of the man's antics. Their horns glowed brightly as a magical aura surrounded the man's body, his fruit fell to the ground and he was being levitated up into the air.
"The Chous would be very happy to see you."
White came to a halt, he turned his head and saw the young man being levitated by the unicorns as they prepared to take him away. White didn't know this creature, but he did just save him from those brutes, it was only fair to return the favor. At full speed, White galloped towards the unicorns, jumping up high and kicking them right behind their heads, their horns stopped glowing and the human landed hard on the ground.
"Now you run!" White said and he and the human ran away from the two unicorns, who came after them at full speed. Without warning, the human took White in his arms and leaped ahead, jumping near a building and flipping up onto the roof like an acrobat. While still carrying the pony, the human ran across the roof and White instinctively hoisted onto his back. The pony held on tightly as the human leaped and then somersaulted off onto the next roof. Down bellow he saw the unicorns running and looking around, having lost sight of their prey. The human smiled in satisfaction once the unicorns were gone.
"Can I get down now, mister show-offs-a-lot?"
The human chuckled and kneeled down, allowing the pony to jump off his back. "You okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks for the help."
"No problem, thanks for coming back."
White shrugged his shoulders, "Well, I figured it would be rude to let them take you. By the way, where did they plan to take you, anyways? And who were those guys? What is this place? What was that creature that this city is build on? Why didn't they know about Equestria and--"
"Whoa, whoa, slow down there, buddy. I can only answer so many questions. Okay, first of all, those guys were the pony guards of the Chou family. They pretty much run this whole place." the human placed his hands on his hips, overlooking the city before him. "Everything here is theirs. The food, the money, they even decide on what we sell or buy."
"Sounds like a nightmare." White said with sympathy.
"Tell me about it. They probably planed on sending me to their dungeon." the human gave his new companion a cocky smile, "We kind of have a history."
"What kind of history?" White asked curiously. The human shrugged his shoulders casually.
"Well, it's kind of complicated. I steal food from them, they try to catch me, I get away, sometimes I keep what I take, sometimes I don't."
White arched an eyebrow, "Oh, great, my life was saved by a thief." he said sarcastically.
"I'm gonna pretend that didn't hurt my feelings." the human said with a joking smile before sitting down on the edge of the roof, his feet dangling. "And this place is our Lion Turtle City. We call it that because we stand on top of the Lion Turtle's shell. He's the guardian and protector of this place."
"If he's so great why doesn't he do something to stop those jerks?"
"You tell me. So, what was that other question again?"
"Oh, yeah, why didn't those ponies know about Equestria?"
"What's Equestria?"
White didn't blame the human for not knowing about his homeland, but that still did not explain why other ponies did not. "It's where I live. Where my kind comes from."
The human looked at the pony in surprise, "Wow, you mean that world still exists?"
"You heard about it?"
"Only a little. My dad used to tell me stories about ponies. He said they came from a far away land, but because of a terrible blizzard many of them left their home and found refuge here. No one has ever seen the place, and since then the ponies have believed their world disappeared forever since they couldn't find any way back."
"But it's still there. There hasn't been a blizzard in I don't know how long. Ponies live together now in peace and Harmony."
"Then how did you come here?" the human asked.
"Through a pond, not too far from here."
"Then, why did you leave?"
White was silent for a moment before answering, "I didn't mean to, it was an accident."
"So, are you going back?"
That was a good question. White didn't even think about going back to Equestria. Should he? It's not like he had much of a life to go back to. Then again, what were the changes it'd be different in this world. His thoughts were interrupted when his stomach growled again. The human reached into his pocket and pulled out a loaf of bread, tossing it to the pony. White looked at him curiously and the human smiled.
"What's this?"
"It's called bread. It's food."
"Aren't you going to eat any?"
"Nah, you go ahead. You need it more than I do."
White was quite taken by this creature's kindness. He looked down at the bread, without a second thought he gorged on it, chewing loudly as he ate. The human arched an eyebrow and laughed, "You're not exactly a prince, are you?"
White shook his head as he continued eating. The bread was so good, he had never tasted anything like it before. Sure they had bread in Equestria, but this one was different. Once he was done eating, White belched and licked his lips.
"Thanks. The name's White by the way."
"Nice to meet you White. My name is Wan." (~)
The two boys neared the entrance to the forest. "Well, have a safe trip home." Wan said to his new friend. White smiled sincerely.
"Thanks." he didn't want to get too emotional, especially with someone he had just met. So White walked on forward, trying to find where the portal was. Finally, he found it, the magical pond that would lead him home. But once he reached it he realized something was off. The waters didn't shimmer or sparkle like before. It was perfectly still. White placed his hoof into the water, the ripples did not shimmer and he could touch the bottom. He couldn't believe it, the portal was gone.
He was stuck....
White sat on the ground in distress. Now, there was no way for him to get back home. It was then he remembered Wan. The way he saved him and showed him kindness, even though they had only known each other for a short while. Why would he do that? He wondered. Why would he care enough to save him from those guards? Enough to share his food with him? Even though they were running for their lives...it was fun.
White had never experienced anything like it before, and getting to share it with someone else was a felling he could not describe. He may have looked differently than Wan, but deep down inside...they were a lot alike.
Maybe he wasn't really alone. He had traveled Equestria for so long, but he never had any real friends...until now. (~)
"Hey, Wan!"
The man turned around to see the pony rushing back to him. "White, what is it?"
"You know, I thought about it and, well I guess it wouldn't be so bad if I stayed here for a while."
Wan was very surprised by this. "Really? But what about your home?"
White's ears lowered in sadness, his head hung in shame. "There wasn't much of a home for me back there anyways."
Wan's heart sank when he heard this. He knew as well as anyone what it was like to lose a home, or not have one at all. He kneeled down and smiled at his new friend.
"Lucky for you, you got me."
The two boys looked at one another, when suddenly, Wan could see colors in White's eyes. Colors of the rainbow. Little did he know that White saw the same colors in Wan's eyes as well. White had heard legends about this, if one sees the rainbow in another's eyes, that's often a sign they are destined for something great and sometimes unimaginable. Other times he would hear that the rainbow signaled an everlasting bond between individuals. White now was very certain he made the right choice.
Wan stood up and gestured the pony to follow him, "Come on, Prince."
The pony scoffed at this, "I already told you, my name is White!"
"Yeah, Prince White. Has a nice ring to it."
"Enough! No matter how many times you say it, it's not going to catch on." The two new friends laughed as Twilight and Prince White watched from afar.
"And that's how Wan became my first real friend. We were very different, but similar all at the same time" Twilight smiled at the scene. It reminded her a lot of when she and the others met Korra and how they realized they were all kindred spirits.
"Ever since, Wan and I have been inseparable...and we got into some pretty crazy situations"
The two new friends traveled to the outskirts of the city, to where Wan lived with his other friends. But unbeknownst to them, a pair of stunning pink eyes observed them from behind a bush. (~)
Wan and White, or as Wan often called him, Prince White, were running, once again, from the Chou brothers. It had been over a year since the two had met. The two were like brothers, laughing and sharing and more often than most, teasing one another. Wan had a bag on his hand while Prince White had a bag around his shoulders as the three Chou brothers chased after them. The brothers all looked identical, only difference was their hight. One was tall, the second was medium and the third was short, but ironically, despite his size, he was somewhat the leader. Each one held a glaive, matching their size. Beside them were other male ponies wearing uniforms like theirs. Their guard ponies.
"Nobody steals from the Chou brothers!" said the youngest brother.
Wan grinned confidently, "Really? Because we just did."
"You're dead, Wan!"
"Actually, I feel quite alive." Wan saluted mockingly at the brothers and fell backwards off the railing of the building. White stood on the railing facing them. One of the ponies snarled, "No where to run for you, kid. You don't got the guts to do what he did"
"I wouldn't say that" using his tail, White took out some paint dust and blew it at the ponies' faces, blinding them. Prince White jumped off the railing, grabbing hold of a clothesline with his mouth, which broke his fall and swung himself back up, landing beside Wan, who was hiding in an alcove. Both boys smiled mischievous as the Chous came crashing down screaming, tearing all the clotheslines down with them.
The three brothers landed hard on the ground with a sheet floating down upon them and Wan and White landed on them to cushion their fall. With grins plastered on their faces, the boys ran. White had become a natural at outrunning the brothers, he learned from the best of course. He had never felt more alive than when he and Wan were running from the three jokesters, the thrill of the chase, the satisfaction of seeing them humiliate themselves. It was too much for words. The two ran over a bridge, scaring a flock of birds in the process to take flight. The Chou Brothers ran onto the bridge after them, their pony guards finally caught up.
"Hey, Stop!"
As they ran after the boy and his pony, the birds dropped their 'droppings' on the Chous, causing them to slide to a halt. The brothers stared angrily to their side, toward the camera.
(way to break the forth wall, boys XD)
White jumped onto Wan's back and the young man dropped down on a roof. He jumped toward a wooden bar and somersaulted off on the next roof. He ran it down, jumped on a lower roof on which he tumbled. He jumped again to another roof, but started to slow down to a walk. Wan slide down the roof tiles of the last house and landed on the balcony. White jumped off his friend's back and looked over the balcony.
"Any sigh of them?" Wan asked.
"Nope. Lost em."
"Ha! When will those guys learn?" Wan laughed as he and Prince White sat down and started rummaging through the bag, both their tongues sticking out in anticipation. Wan pulled out two loafs of bread and handed one to White, who caught it in his mouth. But before they could enjoy their meal, The Chou brothers landed in front of them. Looking incredibly angry. But as usual, the boys were not afraid.
Wan smiled, "He--he--hey, fellas!" he looked at his roll sadly for a moment before smiling again. "You're just in time for lunch!" he threw his loaf of bread at the the older Chou brother, leaving a big red mark on his face. Wan jumped over him and began to run away, while White ran behind him, but then one of the pony guards levitated a rock, which caused White to fall, and Wan to trip over him. Both boys landed hard on the ground. The youngest Chou crunched down to the boys and smiled arrogantly.
"I told you no one steals from us."
The biggest Chou, still with the red mark on his face, took Wan by the collar of his shirt, lifting him up with ease in the air with one hand, glaring at him. Wan nervously laughed. Prince White prepared to launch at the Chou, but was stopped when one of the ponies took hold of his tail.
"Where do you think you're going?"
The white pony smiled nervously.
"AHHHHHHH!"
The boys flew by, having been thrown off the wall, screaming as they fell. The next thing they knew they were on the ground, lucky for them the mud broke their fall...well, maybe they weren't that lucky, considering they fell on a pigsty. The boys sat erect, disgustful-y wiping the mud of their faces.
"That worked out well" Wan said sarcastically.
Prince White shook the mud off of his body, "I hate you." (~)
The two boys left the city and returned to their tree house home in the forest. This was their only home, it wasn't much but White didn't complain. Most of the exterior of the wooden home was painted with lovely images, inspired by the life of Equestria as well as the human world. Ever since White came into his life, he showed Wan the beauty of painting. He loved seeing White paint, the beautiful colors and stunning sceneries always brightened up any damp day. They may not have had much money or food, but still, at the very least they had White's beautiful artworks. White and Wan entered through the open square entrance where a young man sat on the floor, waiting for them. He was shorter than Wan, with tan skin and amber eyes and light brown hair, wearing a purple colored shirt and grey pants. This was Java, one of their friends. Wan digger into his shirt to take out some food, handing it to Java.
"Did you guys steal from the Chous again?" Java asked in a disapproving tone. He was practically the 'mother' of the small circle.
"Hey, it was his idea!" the pony said defensively. Wan narrowed his eyes at him.
"Thanks a lot, Prince." he said sarcastically before turning to Java as he handed him his chair of food, sighing sadly. "Besides, all we've got to show for it is a few dirty rolls and a whole lot of bruises."
Prince White took a loaf into his mouth and placed it next to a figure in the corner of the room, covered by a blanket-like tent. "Hey, Yao, I got some food for you."
A branch-like hand reached out to grab the roll to reveal a disfigured old man who appeared partly quasi-treelike. The man ate the roll, closing his eyes and smiling in delight. "Mmm. Delicious. Thank you, Prince."
The boys prepared to eat as two skunk squirrels, a peacock pigeon, and a woodpecker lizard entered the house as Wan sat down in front of them. They were all looking at Wan with sad eyes and the man took pity on them. "You guys are hungry too, hu?" Wan kindly broke his bread into small pieces and handed them to the creatures, who all ate happily.
"Wan, you should eat" said Java.
"They need it more than I do" he said as he crumbled the rest of the roll. Even Prince shared his loaf with them.
"He's right" said the pony, "Besides, I'm tired of eating nothing but scraps. Then again, it's not like finding food was any easier in Equestria."
"If only there was some way to get into the Chous' food cellar" said Wan as he took a cup and a teapot from a nearby table and poured some tea for himself, "We'd be eating like, well, like Chous."
"If Chou the Elder catches you sneaking into his palace, you'll end up dead." said Java, "Or worse, he'll banish you to the Spirit Wilds"
Yao began to shake in fear, "No don't get banished. You don't want nothing to do with those spirits. They'll get inside ya, scramble up your mind, turn you into this!" he gestured to his deformed self, "A monster!" the poor man buried his face in his hands and turned away from the others, ashamed of his appearance.
"Don't do anything crazy, Wan" said Java, "You just gotta accept the world is the way it is. Some people have powers. Some people don't. And you don't."
Prince White lowered his ears and placed his head on Wan's lap. The young man then smirked as he looked out the window.
"Not yet, anyway." (~)
That night, while the others were sleeping, Prince White was wide awake up on a branch painting his latest work on a blank sheet of paper.
"Couldn't sleep?" the pony turned around and saw Wan climbing up the branch to join him. Prince placed the brush down for a moment.
"Yeah. Been thinking about what Java said." said the pony.
Wan looked at Prince's latest work; a typical sunrise or sunset, "Haven't you painted sunsets before?" Wan asked.
"This is different. It's not just any sunset. It's the dawn of a new day. I figured this could inspire the others that even though things are hard...maybe one day we can make it better." White looked up and saw the shimmering stars between the leaves of the tree, "If we just stop being afraid and go for what we dream, maybe we can all make a Great Change....that's something I learned from you."
Wan smiled at his friend, "You know what? Starting tomorrow, things are gonna change. Count on it"
The two friends hoof/fist pump. (~)
The following day, at the city square, a tall huntsman spoke to a small group of young men. He tall very tall, muscular, with a dark beard, a long cape with fur lining and dark wrist bands. "Are you strong?" he asked the small group, speaking in a strong voice. "Are you fearless? Do you have what it takes to battle the spirits? Then join the hunt."
"Count me in."
"Me too."
The huntsman turned to look over at Wan and White, both raising a hand and hoof. The huntsman gave them a scrutinizing look, before laughing. Why would they volunteer? This guy was scrawny and short, and his pony might as well be a bear's midday snack. "We're going to be out in the wilds for a week. You two wouldn't last two seconds."
The boys smiled smugly while Wan crossed his arms. "We can handle ourselves." Wan said proudly, before dropping the smug expression, "We all get fire, right?"
"Yeah, but do you know how to use it?"
Wan and White exchanged uncertain glances, "Well, not exactly, but-"
A hunter walked by and placed a hand on Wan's shoulder. "Ah, let them come. Not like we got any other volunteers lining up. Besides, the Chous have most of the ponies on their side, and this little guy looks like a spunky one."
White smiled smugly while blowing off a strand of his mane from his face. The huntsman smiled. "All right. Welcome to the hunt." (~)
The huntsman led the small group of hunters outside of the city and stopped at a cliff. He blew on his horn and the city began to shake. It was just like the first day White came into this world. The lion turtle emerged upon hearing the call. It was even larger up close. Wan's eyes widened in awe.
"The lion turtle."
The huntsman stepped forward and spoke to the beast. "Great guardian of our city, we are venturing into the Spirit Wilds to bring back food for our people. Please, grant us the power of fire."
The Lion turtle spoke in a soft yet powerful voice. A voice that echoed with wisdom and virtue. He rose up his claw, "The power is yours to keep until your return." it said. The huntsman turned to Wan.
"You're first, kid."
Wan took in a deep breath before taking his first step, but one he did he turned to White. "Actually, I want White to go first."
"What?"
Wan nodded at his friend. White was surprised. Him? Bending? Really? He never really thought about it, he believed only Wan would get the power of the element instead of him. But, with people waiting, he stepped forward with a nervous gulp. Despite the Lion Turtle's enormous size, White felt at peace in his presence. The beast rose its paw as its two claws touched White's forehead and chest, glowing brightly. The pony felt a new burning sensation unlike anything he had ever felt.
"May the element of fire protect you against the spirits." said the Lion Turtle.
White looked at himself. Nothing really changed. He was still the same, despite that sensation he felt earlier. He looked at his hoof, shook it a bit, and gasped when a small flame appeared. He rapidly shook his hoof to put the flame out. He couldn't believe it; he had fire! With new confidence, White kicked his hind legs and unleashed a powerful flame. This was amazing!
Wan stepped forward next and the Lion Turtle did the same to him as he did with White. Wan tested out his newly-received ability by punching in front of him. The blast he created send him tumbling backward. He came to a stop among the other hunters while the head huntsman stepped forward. "Just make sure you aim at the spirits, not us, okay?"
"Sure thing." Wan said with a smile as he clenched his fist, both he and the pony exchanged mischievous grins. (~)
With the supplies on their backs, the hunting party walked deeper and deeper into the forest. Believe it or not, this was where the portal back to Equestria was, but it still remained closed. In fact, as they walked on by, White caught a glimpse of it, the waters splashed as the huntsman stepped onto the shallow pool. The gateway was still closed, and White had a sinking feeling it wasn't going to open up any time soon. Not that it bothered him, for after today, his and Wan's lives were going to change. In this world, he felt he served something, and he knew Wan was meant to do great things, even if he didn't alway think so. Despite his recklessness, deep down inside, Wan was always a pretty modest guy.
"Everyone, stay close. Spirits love to pick off stragglers." said the huntsman. Wan and White stopped on their tracks, the young human male spoke in a trembling voice.
"Uh, guys? I don't think I can do this."
"Yeah, me neither." White said, speaking in the same trembling voice. The huntsman turned to them with a scowl.
"Now, quit your whining. We haven't even seen a spirit yet."
White got down on his front hooves, lowering his head onto the ground and his ears, giving them the big sad eyes. "I think I wanna go home." said the pony.
"Me too."
Huntsman walked up to Wan and pointed a finger at him in disappointment. "I knew you were nothing but a sniveling coward. You both are. Go give your fire back to the lion turtle," he shoved Wan back and turned around to continue on. "and don't ever show your face around me again." as he walked away, her muttered angrily under his breath, "That's what I get for letting a couple of weaklings tag along."
Wan and White looked on sadly at the hunting party which left them behind, walking deeper and deeper into the forest. But once they were completely gone, the boys smirked in confidence. Mission accomplished.
However, the familiar pink eyes watched them as they left, silently scoffing in disapproval. (~)
The boys returned to their tree house where they encountered Jaya and Yao playing Pai Sho on the floor. "Wan, Prince, you're back." Java said and Yao's stomach rumbled.
"What goodies did you snatch for us this time?" the elderly man asked while rubbing his stomach.
Wan rose up his right fist and opened it up extending it forward, causing a small flame to appear in his palm much to Jaya's surprise. Yao yelped in shock and crouched back into a corner, shielding himself. Wan closed his palm, extinguishing the flame. White rose his hoof, creating a small flame, which only shocked Java even more.
"What did you do?" Java said accusingly, "You can't steal from the lion turtle!
"Really? Because we just did" Wan said with a smug grin.
Java stood up, shaking his head in disapproval, "No, no, no, no, no! You guys can't do this. You know it's forbidden to bring the power of the element into the city. Please, go back to the lion turtle and return the fire."
"He's right!" Yao said, "For once, listen to him"
"Guys, it's time to stop being so afraid of the Chous and show them we have the power to change things" Wan said determinedly. Java turned to White.
"White, you can't seriously be okay with this."
"Look Java, I may not have been born here, but ever since I stepped hoof into this land, it's been my home. So if Wan is willing to do anything to free our city's people and ponies, then so am I. If Equestria can change, so can this place."
He kneeled down to Prince White, "This is our chance to make your painting a reality"
The pony looked over at his creation on the side of the floor. This land was his home now, and he had to do all he could to make it better. It may not have been the places of his birth, but in this land he had something he didn't have then...
Friends. (~)
That night, Wan, White and Java, along with a few other folks form the city, made their way to the Chou estate. Unlike the rest of the city, their home was tall, lavish and clean. Java continued to coax his friends to return their powers back to the Lion Turtle.
"Guys please, go back to the lion turtle and return the fire."
Wan turned to his friend, "Jaya, it's time to stop being so afraid of the Chous and show them we have the power to change things." He took out his mask from his bag and placed it over his face. His mask was of a white fox face with a grey snout, added with a black fabric which game the impression of dark hair behind his head. He handed a similar mask to White, and helped him place it over his head. The pony also wore a cloak over his body. The others wore simple masks made out of hey, while Java wore one that resembled a bear with a red face and grey ears and white markings, with the same black fabric as Wan. The group having gathered before its gates and Wan stepped forward.
"Hey, Chous! Open the gate, and let us in."
From the rooftop, Chou the Elder walked toward the railing, his three sons in tow. He was a roundish man like his sons, wearing elegant and expensive orange robes, his hair was black as well as his beard. He stopped and looked down at the group of rebels down bellow. "What are those filthy peasants doing here?"
"Don't worry father." said the eldest son, "We'll take care of them." they all turned around and whistled, summoning their unicorn pony guards. The main doors opened as the three brothers and their ponies exited, their weapons in hand, ready to fight. They lined up before the doors, which closed immediately again. Wan pointed an accusing finger at them.
"Hand over all the food you're hoarding," he swiped his hand down, emphasizing his threat. "and we won't give you any trouble."
The eldest Chou laughed along with his brothers. "You're not getting past us. We have the weapons." he said as he rose his spear, aiming at Wan. "You're powerless."
Wan crossed him arms, smugly. "Powerless, huh?"
The Chou brothers all rose their weapons toward the group and slide in a battle stance. As they charged at the group, Wan raised both his hands and his left knee. He took a good step forward and thrusted his hands toward the incoming brothers, firebending at them. The brothers jumped out of the way to either side of the blast, sliding over the floor. The unicorns aimed at Wan, when White dashed forward, spinning his body, unleashing a powerful blame that caused the unicorns to back away in fear, even their magic wasn't powerful enough to stop the element of fire. They fell backwards on top of their masters. The blast crashed against the palace's gate. The fire consumed the gate and broke it open, leaving the group standing right in front of the open door. Wan gestured to the others.
"Follow me!"
The group ran through the broken doors, reaching the courtyard. Wan surged forward to break down the door to the food cellar with his firebending. As soon as the fire died down, the other raiders ran up to the now wide-open building, Wan gestured toward the door. "Grab as much food as you can."
The villagers all ran inside the shed, taking any juicy food they could find. They didn't even hesitate or think about what they were doing, this was their food and they were taking it back. White and Java ran up to Wan, surprised their plan actually worked. "Maybe you're right. Maybe we do have the power to change things." he said. The first raiders returned with big bags and swung them over their shoulder. Suddenly, a palace guard cried out.
"Stop right there!"
Wan turned to see over his right shoulder as the Chou brothers approached with ten armed guards. "Looks like the Chous found backup." White pointed out, but there was no hint of fear in his voice at all. Wan turned to Java.
"Get everyone out of here. I'll hold them off."
Java ran to the others but Prince stayed beside Wan. "I'm staying! No way and I'm gonna let you fight those thugs alone."
"Thanks Prince"
"Besides, if I let you die, It'll be on my conscious"
"Again, thanks" Wan said sarcastically, while scorning under his mask. Even in a time of dire crisis, the pony still found an opportunity to tease him.
Wan and White surged forward, the pony leaped forward and scattered the troops with a powerful firebending blast once his hooves made contact with the ground. Wan threw a fire blast of his own to keep two soldiers at bay. A soldier came at him with a spear, aimed a Wan's chest. Wan grabbed hold of the weapon and used it to turn and swing his attacker against Big Chou, who was standing behind him. He used his own momentum to keep on turned and hurl the weapon away.
As his back was turned, the Little Chou seized his moment and jumped onto Wan, clasping on tight. White noticed the rest of the guards, as well as the pony guards coming at them. White unleashed a fireblast from his mouth, creating a circle to keep the four people surrounding him at bay. Wan managed to throw Little Chou, though the guy held on to Wan's mask and took it with him. The smallest brother rolled over the ground, coming to a halt. He sat up on his knees and immediately raised his hands in defeat.
"No, please! Have mercy!" He looked up at his attacker, looming over him with a fire ball readied in his right hand. The little Chou now lost all fear over his attacker and looked on in shock. "Wan?"
Realizing his cover was blown, Wan snuffed out the fire in his hand as well as the fiery circle surrounding them. As soon as the way was cleared again, Wan was instantly tackled to the ground by two guards jumping at him from his left. The pony guards did the same to White, removing his mask in the process. The surprised little Chou who regained his composure and got to his feet. The human guards muzzled White's mouth and the others held Wan, pulled to his feet. They were surrounded by the soldiers and the two other Chou brothers. The little Chou smiled smugly at the young man.
"Even when you have the power, you're afraid to use it."
Wan looked on angrily at him, but once he saw White in a muzzle he saddened. But he wasn't about to allow his friend to suffer the same fate as he. With a deep breath, he unleashed a powerful fire blast from his mouth, which broke the leash that subdued White, the muzzle slipped off and the unicorns backed away in fear.
"White, run!"
"But--"
"Go!"
Following his command, the young pony made a mad dash for it. The human guards tried to block his path, but White was incredibly fast and agile for his size, not to mention strong. He jumped up high and kicked the guards right on their faces, knocking them down and galloping at high speed towards the open door. As he ran, he looked over his shoulder, the guards ran after him, but the pony, with one whip of his tail, created fire wall that blocked the guards, giving him the freedom to run away.
Wan watched as his friend galloped away to freedom. He knew White was special, he knew that for a fact. He could make a difference in the world, he didn't exactly know how but he knew he would.
That was why he had to let him go. White hatted himself for running like that, he knew he had to get back to his friend. No matter what. (~)
The next day, the Chous took Wan to the Lion Turtle, standing on the outcropping before it. Wan was held by his arms by a soldier standing on each side of him, with the Chou family standing in front of the lion turtle. White had followed them and hid behind some bushes as he watched the whole scene. The Father of the Chous spoke to Wan, "Tell me who else was involved in the rebellion, and I might take mercy on you."
Wan simply glared at the guard, "I'm not telling you anything." he said defiantly.
"Then, you've left me no choice." said Chou the Elder, "Wan, you are herby banished."
White gasped in horror. Banished? No, that can't happen! Wan may be strong but he wouldn't survive in the spirit wilds. Nobody could, not even a pony. The guards pushed Wan in front of the lion turtle.
"Yeah! And give back the fire you stole." said the youngest Chou.
"No! Wait." Wan said. He knew he had done a wrong in stealing the fire from the beast, he knew that now. "Great lion turtle, I am sorry for stealing the fire from you, and I accept my punishment. But please, I need to be able to protect myself in the wilds."
The Lion Turtle spoke in his signature old but powerful voice. "Never again may you return to this city." Wan looked down in depression, he figured that much. He would miss Java, and Yao and White with all of his heart.
"But", At the sound of that one little word, Wan looked up to the lion turtle with hope. "I will allow you to keep the power of the element."
Wan sighed in relief, at least there was a silver lining. Thank goodness. White sighed in relief too, at least Wan would have a fighting chance at survival. The young man was then shoved by the guards. He looked back at his fair city one more time before hanging his head in sadness and walked away...into the Spirit Wilds as the sun began to set. White's heart sank, then he hid deeper into the bushes once he felt the guards approaching. He heard Chou the elder spoke,
"Find that pony of his. He still needs to pay for his wrongdoings as well."
"Yes, sir."
White waited in silence for the guards to leave, and once they did, he ran towards the tree house. (~)
"White, are you sure about this?" Java asked with worry as the pony placed all of his belongings, mainly his paintbrush and some fruit they managed to save up, into his bag.
"I am sure. Wan risked his life for mine and I am not abandoning him again. Besides, the guards will be coming after me, that means it won't be long until they find you too. I have to do this." The pony galloped out of the door and jumped down the branches and ran at full speed into the forest to look for his friend. Java and Yao watched as the pony disappeared from view.
"Bet he doesn't last till morning." Java said sadly. "Neither of them will." (~)
White walked down a path in the forest. The forest was even scarier after dark. The pony tried his best to remain calm, but the faint noises of the trees and insects made it very hard for him, he didn't know for sure if the sounds were either from actual creatures of the spirits themselves.
He nervously hiked along, with one hoof up holding a flame of fire, flinging it at any spirit he believed was a threat. He backed up into a tree and then felt something wrap around his back left leg.
"AH!"
The pony was suddenly lifted up from the ground and was snow hanging upside down by a rope. His bag fell off in the process. This was just plain crazy, who would have a trap like this in the forest. Using his teeth, he tried to break himself free, but given how "sharp" they were, this could take a while. (~)
Meanwhile, Wan wasn't having much luck either. He hiked along and flung fire at anything he thought as a threat. Be backed away up into a tree, but unlike what happened to his friend, he heard a shrill voice.
"Hey!"
Wan shivered in fear and quickly waved his fire around to see who the voice was. "Watch where you're stepping, human!"
"Who said that?"
"Down here!"
Wan looked down to his foot as a small blue frog slide out from under it. "How'd you like it if I started walking all over you?"
Wan who sighed in relief. "You're just a little frog." his irises shrunk in fear as the little frog spirit began to grow in size, now towering over the man like an insect, and the spirit now spoke in a deep voice.
"Who's little now?"
He tried to stomp Wan with his foot but the man dodged it in time and ran off screaming as the frog spirit tried to whip him with his long tongue.
As he looked back he walked backwards into a Venus flytrap. The plant suddenly opened its mouth and ate him whole. It lifted its mouth while Wan tried to get out of there by punching through but to no avail. He finally managed to escape by firebending inside the flytrap's mouth and the plant burped him out, along with a large cloud of smoke, and Wan quickly ran away.
After a while of running, Wan fell down on his back, catching his breath. Finally, he collapsed on the grass out of exhaustion. But his moment of rest was short lived. Much to his surprise, the grass underneath him appeared to be alive and swiftly wrapped itself around him, dragging him into the ground. He narrowly escaped with firebending, scorching a patch of the grass, frantically climbed out, and ran off while panicking. (~)
White was still trying to escape his trap when he heard what sounded like a scared little boy screaming. He recognized that wimpy cry anywhere,
"Wan?"
Right on cue, the young man ran over, screaming his head off, until he too was caught up in a trap. Now both friends were dangling upside down.
"Wan, you're okay!"
"Prince? What are you doing here?"
"I came looking for you."
"Are you crazy? This place is a nightmare!"
"Yeah, I can tell by the way you practically peed your pants."
"I did not pee my pants!" Wan then looked at his pants, "Much."
"Shush! Someone's coming."
They heard a rustling in the bushes and the sound of footsteps across the forest floor. This was it, whatever this was, a spirit or whatever, they were done for. The boys waited anxiously for whatever it was to come out and, to their surprise, it wasn't a human...or a spirit.
The figure wore a brown cloak and approached the two. White squinted his eyes, noticing the proportions of the creature's body...as well as the horn on its forehead. The horn glowed in a sparkly blue aura and from underneath the cloak, appeared a stream of clear water. The water split in two, turning into two ice daggers which the creature then used to cut the boys free. They screamed as he fell and landed hard on the ground, the unicorn winced at the sight.
Wan stood up and dusted himself while White shook himself clean. "Thanks for that." he said to their mysterious savior, however the cloaked figure remained silent for a few seconds and pointed down to a path before them. The boys looked over to the path curiously. The mysterious stranger then spoke in a soft feminine voice which rang with confidence and strength,
"Take this path and leave this forest. You are not welcome here."
Without a second word, the stranger ran of into the forest, leaving the boys alone in the dark forest. White took a few steps after to, calling out for the mysterious stranger.
"Wait! We didn't--" but it was too late, she was already gone, "--get your name." (~)
The next morning, the boys continued walking through the forest. Their appearances haggard, covered in dirt and having dark circles under their eyes from a lack of sleep. Wan was visibly shaken, looking left and right for any signs of danger while White was trying to find any signs of the stranger they had found last night. Just who was she and why was she here? Was she banished too? Where did she come from and where did she receive that water power? All of these questions swam in their heads, but their empty stomachs prevented them from staying on the subject.
White was so exhausted, he could barely feel his hooves. Then, Wan's stomach growled and spotted a tree with bright red juicy--and big--looking fruit. Without even a second thought, he approached it, this caught White's attention.
"No, don't eat that!"
But Was was too hungry to eve hear him. He opened his mouth to eat it only to discover that it wasn't fruit at all...it was a nest of hornets. Wan screamed in terror being surrounded by buzzing hornets; running in zig-zags all over the place. "Get off me! Get off me!"
The poor man was so terrified he didn't even realize he was about to fall off a cliff.
"Wan!"
White ran up towards him and tried to pull him back by his shirt, but they both ended up falling down and the two began tumbling down, painfully hitting various trees and rocks. They were thrown off an outcropping and fell further down, crying;
"Ow!"
"Ah!"
"Ow, my tail!"
They slid to a halt, groaning and looking all disheveled. "Worst...day...ever!" the pony said between breaths.
"Ya know, you didn't have to come back." Wan said as he sat upright.
"What kind of a friend would I be if I did that?" Prince said, "You never turned your back on me, so I'm not gonna turn my back on you" Wan smiled graciously at his best friend. Then his stomach growled again. "Though I might reconsider if we don't find food. Pronto!"
Then, the boys looked up and their jaws dropped and their eyes popped. Standing before them was a peaceful looking oasis with a silver bridge and trees filled with delicious looking fruit. But before White and Wan could cross, a spirit manifested before them right out of nowhere and shoved them back. The spirit looked like a humanoid lemur with yellow eyes. He crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes at the two.
"You are not welcome in my oasis, human."
"Please, help us." White said pleadingly. "We're starving and we haven't slept all night."
"Not my problem." said the spirit. Then, his eyes slightly opened at the sight of the pony, "You."
"Me?"
"You're a pony."
"You know what I am?"
"Of course. But clearly you have been tainted by this human." he said while pointing an accusing finger at Wan. Wan was already getting fed up with this spirit and firebended at him.
"Let us pass."
The spirit widened his eyes in surprise for a moment before turning angry. "You dare use fire against me?" the spirit blinked out of sight only to reappear behind Wan with a mocking face and grabbed him by the shoulders. "Now, be gone with you!" with all of his might, Aye-Aye threw Wan to a bush. Then, the spirit screamed when White kicked him in the rear.
"Pick on someone your own size!"
Then, the pony was suddenly pushed back into the same bush as Wan by a powerful water blast from behind. White fell head first into the bush and wiggled to get himself out. He turned his head, shaking away the leaves on his face which had created a leafy beard. "What the--"
To his surprise, the attacker was not the spirit, but none other than the stranger from last night. The stream of water hovering beside her. The stranger finally removed the hood, revealing her dark blue coat, pink colored eyes, a strong aqua colored mane with teal green and light purple streaks across, added with one single silver streak.
White's eyes widened for he had never seen such a beautiful pony in all of his life. All of those pretty mares he met back in Equestria could never compare to the exotic beauty this one mare possessed. Wan couldn't believe his eyes either.
"You're a unicorn!"
The unicorn glared at the human and his pony companion. "I thought I told you two to leave this forest."
White took a few steps forwards towards the unicorn. "We don't want any trouble, honest."
"This is a sacred place, it is not for humans."
"Well what about ponies?" White asked.
Aye-Aye stepped forward. "Don't take pity on him, my dear. This pony is as tainted as the rest. Both of you leave now."
White opened his mouth once again to protest but Wan stopped him. "Forget it White, let's just go."
The pony took one last look at the unicorn, her beautiful pink eyes glaring at him in disapproval. White wanted to know more about his pony, but she clearly didn't want anything to do with him. Plus, he really didn't want to tangle with that strict spirit. So, the boys walked out of the bush, both hanging their heads in defeat. The unicorn began to feel sympathy for the two. They didn't seem so dangerous, but still should she take the risk?
The boys walked away in defeat, but then they looked up for a moment and silently gasped in surprise. The boys hid behind a bush. Their eyes widened in surprise at the sight of a parade of spirits marching towards the oasis. They had never seen spirits like these before, they were all so bright and colorful, a little odd looking but still they each had a certain, 'magical' quality about them. The boys looked at one another and shared the same cunning smiles as an idea formed in their heads.
The two friends emerged from the bush, covered in bush leaves, joining in an attempt to enter the oasis. Wan held everything together while White walked beside him. Aye-Aye and the unicorn both stood by the bridge, allowing the spirits to walk on by. Finally Wan and White approached the spirit and unicorn, White's heart raced at the sight of the mare. There was just something about her. Aye-Aye narrowed his eyes at the 'newcomer'.
"And who might you be?"
Wan rose his arms and spoke in an overly dramatic voice. "I am Bushy, the Bush Spirit. And I would like to enter your oasis."
Underneath the disguise, White rolled his eyes. Aye-Aye arced an eyebrow, puzzled. He had never heard of a 'bush spirit', but the n again, before he met his unicorn friend, he had never heard about ponies before. The world is full of surprises.
"Very well." the spirit motioned toward the oasis. "You may pass." As Wan and White walked by, the spirit widened his eyes in surprise and sniffed the air. "Wait a second. Something stinks." he grabbed Wan's head and removed the bush mask. "I knew I smelled a human!"
The unicorn levitated the rest of the costume off, revealing White. The unicorn arced an eyebrow. "Did you think it was going to be that easy?" she asked in a sarcastic manner, making White blush in embarrassment.
"I kinda did."
Wan's face turned blue and sweats before shrugging nervously with a very big, sheepish grin. The boys were then surrounded by a sparkling blue aura and were both thrown into the water. The boys sat up, wiping the liquid from their faces. Wan pleaded to the spirit, "Come on, let us in, just for a little while."
The Aye-aye spirit shook his head. "No! You should have listened to the unicorn's warning. Go back to your lion turtle."
"Believe me, we'd love to go back home." said Wan, "But we can't. We were kicked out."
"Technically, you were kicked out." White pointed out, making Wan narrow his eyes at him.
"Well, you would have been eventually."
The unicorn was surprised by this. "Hold on a second...you mean you followed him here after he was banished?"
"Well, yeah." White answered casually.
"Why? Why would you risk your own freedom for a human?"
"Because he's my friend. He's already done a lot for me, I just couldn't turn my back on him."
The unicorn's eyes widened in surprise. It was pretty clear to see now that the bond between this human and pony was very strong...but still, she couldn't get herself to trust any human...not yet. The rest of the spirits took pity on the newcomers.
"That's too bad." said one spirit.
"Poor fellas."
"Don't pity them!" Aye-Aye snapped, "He's just like every other human: ugly, destructive, and lacking any respect for nature."
"Who are you calling ugly, Ugly?" said Wan, his hair dripping wet over his face. White couldn't help but laugh, but Aye-Aye was not laughing. He looked surprised for a moment with the other spirits turning and looking at him before frowning in annoyance. "Mmm."
The unicorn decided to put an end to this and came up with a solution that would make them all happy. "Look, if you can't go back to your city, then you should go live in another one."
This caught the boys' attention. "What? There are other lion turtles?" Wan asked in surprise.
"There are other lion turtles?" Aye-Aye mocked, "Of course there are. Dozens of them! Boy, you humans are stupid, too."
"Aye-Aye!" the unicorn looked up at him sternly. "You know Lion Turtles are isolated creatures, so it's only natural that humans could be unaware of other cities." she turned to the boys and her expression softened...though she didn't smile.
"So which way to the nearest lion turtle city?" White asked.
Aye-Aye tapped his chin in thought, "Hmm. I think it's on the other side of none-of-your-business valley." he laughed at his own joke, looking to the other spirits for approval, but all they did was remain quiet, including the unicorn.
"Real funny." Wan said sarcastically "You know what? We don't need your help, we'll find it ourselves. Let's go, Prince White."
"Gladly" the two boys turn around and walked away from the oasis. The unicorn knew that these guys would not last five minutes on their own. They were tough...but not that tough. Her point was proven right when the boys took a few steps and suddenly fell into a deeper part of the pond, disappearing from view. One of the kind spirits, a tall green one with four arms, a white, mask like face, and leaves for hair, waved goodbye.
"Good luck!"
The boys walked away from the group as the unicorn looked on in pity...and worry. (~)
The two kept on walking until they comes across a cat deer caught in a net. White noticed Wan's hungry face and the man approached the animal, producing flames in each hand, intent on cooking the animal. White quickly ran ahead, and stood in front of Wan, blocking his path.
"Don't even think about it!"
Wan looked at the angry look on his friends face and then looked back at the trapped animal, giving him a sad and pleading stare. What was he thinking? He couldn't kill a poor innocent animal, no matter how hungry he was. He diminished the flames and instead walked towards the cat-dear.
"It's okay. I'm gonna get you out of there." Wan climbed up the tree to cut down the net that was holding the cat deer. However, before he could take action, the four hunters he was supposed to join earlier arrived. White hid behind the tree.
"Finally, we caught something." said the huntsman. "Get it down." he and the hunters started jogging toward it and Wan stepped out from behind the tree trunk and onto the branch.
"Back off."
"Wan? What are you doing here?" the huntsman asked, surprised to see him still alive.
"I'm saving this animal."
"That animal's our dinner. Now, get out of the way."
"No!"
Wan quickly jumped from out of the branch and firebended at the hunters. While Prince White, finally having learned how to climb, tried to cut the rope while Wan got the hunters to chase after him, using the many dangers of the forest to his advantage.
Prince White struggled to untie the cat dear, "Come on! What else is there?" The pony yelped in fear and fell to the ground when an ice shard came shooting out of nowhere and broke the rope of the cat dear, freeing the animal. White turned around to see the unicorn once again. "You? What are you doing here?"
"I had a hunch you boys would find trouble. And I was right."
The ponies than saw the hunters throwing fire at Wan. The boy got hit, the force of the blast catapulted him in the air, where he was smacked against a branch and landed half unconscious on the ground.
"Wan!" White cried out and he and the unicorn were both cornered by the hunters, but then, the unicorn winked at White, signaling him not to worry. The spirit Aye-Aye appeared behind the huntsman and merged into the second hunter, taking control of his body. The hunter screamed as he started to transform and take on physical traits from Aye-Aye. From the mans body, Aye-Aye voice was heard,
"I. Really. Hate. Humans!"
The huntsman was so frightened he nearly peed his pants and ran away, screaming in terror. Aye-Aye left the hunter's body. The man groaned, but upon noticing his deformed hands, started feeling up his face. Realizing how he now looked, he ran away screaming as well. Aye-Aye watched him leave with an uninterested look.
"I don't know what he's screaming about. He's better looking now." Aye-Aye was surprised when the unicorn hugged his lower torso.
"Thanks for coming, Aye-Aye."
The spirit smiled warmly and stroked the unicorn's mane. "Well, I wasn't about to leave you alone with these trouble makers."
White rushed to Wan, who was utterly exhausted. His stomach was empty, he had not slept, he was wiped out. The pony kneeled beside him, also feeling the remaining of his energy fading away. The unicorn levitated her hood away, leaving her cutie mark and tail bare. Her tail was long and elegant which dragged behind her as she walked and a cutie mark consisting of a crystal ball surrounded by flower petals decorated with exotic patterns. She also had a black spot on her flank behind her cutie mark. She placed the cloak over Wan's body.
"Let's get him back to the oasis." (~)
Aye-Aye carried Wan back to the oasis and placed him in spirit water, the cat-dear they had rescued joined them, having grown a liking to the young human. The liquid started to glow brightly, surrounding his body in an iridescent light, which healed his wounds. Wan opened his eyes, feeling his energy had returned. The unicorn gestured to White to enter the water as well. He was hesitant at first but then stepped a hoof into the water...only to be pushed in by the unicorn. White's head rose from the water, which glowed around him, and he could feel the waters cleansing his wounds, and eliminating his pain.
"Wow. This feels great."
Wan remained on the water, relaxing on its surface. "Yeah, what's in this water?"
"It has special healing properties." said Aye-Aye. The unicorn levitated some fruit to the boys, who began eating them.
"Thanks. So what did you do to that hunter?" Wan asked Aye-Aye.
"We spirits have many talents. Some of us are able to take over a human body for a short time. If I stayed in there any longer, I would've killed him. Which I did consider."
The unicorn arched an eyebrow, "Aye-Aye!"
"What?"
"Thanks for saving our necks back there." White said, "But why'd you do it?"
"Well, I knew you boys would have trouble getting out of the forest, and I couldn't allow you to get killed. And Aye-Aye has always been pretty protective of me."
The spirit scratched the back of his head bashfully. "Please my dear, you're embarrassing me."
"When we found you we saw your friend attempting to save the cat-deer from those hunters."
"She's right." said Aye-Aye, "I've never seen such an act of selflessness from a human before."
"Told you I wasn't like the others." Wan said as he petted the cat-dear who nuzzled against his face and the creature latter did the same with White.
"Guess I underestimated you, human." Aye-Aye said.
The unicorn watched as the animal became acquainted with these two. It was pretty obvious that these two boys shared a very strong friendship, and they have proven to be so much more than they appeared. Especially the human.
"Are you off to find another lion turtle city?" asked one of the friendly spirits. Wan and White looked at each other before looking at all the spirits. They seemed to kind and wonderful, and this oasis really felt like a safe sanctuary. The boys looked at one another before agreeing that they were thinking the same thing;
"We were." Wan said as he petted Mula's head. "But I think we've had enough of humans for a while."
White spoke next on his behalf, "We've decided to stay here and learn the ways of the spirits."
The spirits were all very happy to hear this; new friends!
"What a great idea."
"That'll be fun."
However, Aye-Aye wasn't all too happy about this idea, "Oh, now, now, hold on. A human living with spirits? It's never been done."
"First time for everything, right?" said Wan, "Besides, you allow a pony to live with you."
"Well, what do you think, my dear?" Aye-Aye asked the unicorn. She looked up at Wan and then at White. She had had a very bad experience with humans in her past, and she wasn't certain if this human was any different. Sure he appeared nice now, but she had seen first hand how humans can change for the worst given the circumstances. How they can forget their morals and kindness when tempted by things they can not obtain. Then, to her surprise, he noticed something strange, something she had never seen before.
She witnessed these rainbow colors manifesting on their eyes. Pale lights of the famous rainbow colors. She had never seen anything like this before. But this was something she never saw in a human in her entire life, not even a pony. All her life, she believed rainbows to be a wonderful and beautiful creation of nature. Something deep inside her heart was saying that he could be the one who would change her point of view on humans... and maybe even the point of view of others. Maybe she was reading too much into this, or maybe...this was destiny.
"Hmm. I guess we could try it." she finally said, "Besides, it might be nice to have another pony around." she said while smiling at White...a tint of blush appeared on her cheeks. Aye-Aye crossed his arms.
"Very well. I've never had a human as a pet before. I think I'll call you "Stinky." "
White couldn't help but laugh at the name, it kind of suited Wan perfectly.
"And I will call you, "Marshmallow" "
White stopped and now Wan was the one laughing. "We have names you know." said the pony with an annoyed glare, "It's White and Wan."
"Stinky and Marshmallow are more accurate."
Then suddenly, something began to happen. The unicorn began to groan and stepped back, rubbing her head as if she were in some kind of pain. Aye-Aye looked at her with concern, but he already knew what this was for he had seen it happen many times before.
The unicorn's eyes then widened, her irises shrunk and her face was emotionless and still, almost as if she were in some kind of a trance. She spoke in a soft but deep voice;
Fate be changed
Look inside
Mend the wound
Be free like the tide.
Once the words left her mouth the unicorn reverted back to normal. Wan and White looked at her in confusion, and the unicorn gasped in horror. Her eyes glued to Wan as he would attack her. The unicorn's eyes teared up and she ran away from the group.
"Is she okay?" Wan asked with concern. Aye-Aye's lemur ears lowered in sadness.
"She has not had one in years."
"Had what?"
Aye-Aye turned to Wan, but he did not say a word. He began to wonder if he should truest this human or not. After everything, it was clear that he was indeed different, but was it enough? (~)
That night, the unicorn sat underneath a stunning cherry blossom tree. It was her favorite spot. All around her were beautiful flowers of all the colors of the rainbow. She had planted them herself. She heard someone approach her. She didn't even turn her head to see who it was...for she already knew.
"I can ask them to leave if you wish, my dear." said Aye-Aye, "I won't risk having the human here, even if he did save that cat-dear."
"No." Aye-Aye was very surprised by this answer. "I don't think he's a threat. I sense there is something different about him. He really isn't like other humans and that pony isn't like the others either."
"Are you willing to take the risk? After everything you have been through before I found you?"
The unicorn looked up at her long time friend and smiled. "First time for everything, right?" (~)
The following day, at the lion turtle city's square, the huntsman returned alone. "What happened in the wilds?" asked one of the citizens.
"Where are the others?" Asked another.
"Gone. Spirits took them." aAs the huntsman spoke, Jaya and Yao watched in the foreground. "They were protecting that kid, Wan and his pony, like he was one of their own."
Jaya and Yao looked at one another in surprise. "Did you hear that?" Java said, before a smile appeared on his face. "Wan and White are still alive." (~)
White could feel his knees buckling and his ears twitch nervously. He really wanted to get to know the unicorn, she had not revealed her name to him and Wan, though he wasn't sure why. She already decided to allow them both to stay but yet he wondered what happened to her the day before. Why was she suddenly speaking weird. He finally summoned his courage and walked over. Once again, she was resting underneath her tree, admiring the flowers she had planted, using her magic to plant even more. White opened his mouth to speak.
"Um..Hey."
"Hey." was all she said, not even looking in his direction. White tried again.
"So...I--"
"I'm sorry if I scared you yesterday."
White tried to play it cool, "What? No, no of corse not...though I am kind of curious." The unicorn finally looked up at him as he spoke, "What happened to you anyway? It almost looked like you were, I don't know, gone for a moment."
The unicorn patted a space beside her, allowing him to sit. White listened attentively as the unicorn began to tell him her tale. "I didn't always live with the spirits. I once lived in a Lion Turtle City where people could control the element of water."
"So that's where you got it." White stated.
"Yes. My mother died when I was just a filly and my father latter on when he became ill. They once worked with a farmer gardening and harvesting plants and fruits to sell. Both of my parents were earth ponies, I inherited my horn from my grandmother. I practiced my magic planting flowers, making them grow, it was my favorite thing to do. But over time I started to get these...visions I guess you would call them."
White's eyes widened in surprise, now even more fascinated with the unicorn's tale.
"Sometimes I would speak in a rhyme which at first didn't make all that much sense until something happened that fit the description. I once foretold of a terrible storm and another time of a man about to break into a home. It didn't take long for others to learn about my gift. For a while, I became pretty famous, the farmer's selling stock increased because of me. But my powers had their limits. I couldn't control them, and they wouldn't tell me everything that was about to happen. Eventually people began coming to me, asking me for fortunes and such, even paying the farmer. They became so angry that I couldn't give them what they wanted. I don't entirely know how or why but, something changed in the man who cared for me and my family.
"He became so greedy, so desperate for the attention and money he received when others knew of my gift. He began to mistreat me, even wanted me to lie about fortunes, for which I couldn't do. Finally, things took a turn for the worst. One day, I had a vision that the farmer would face a terrible fate...and I was right. He died while yelling at me, right then and there. People started to grow terrified of me, believing I had killed him for being so greedy. I had just about enough. I had to leave. I asked the Lion Turtle to grant me the element to survive, and ever since I've traveled, searching for a new place to call home. Hopefully, one without humans. One time I had a run in with a poisonous snake. Aye-Aye found me and brought me to the oasis where I was healed. I've been living here ever since."
White was silent the entire time. His new friend's story was so tragic and sad, it's no wonder she didn't truest Wan to begin with. "So you see, I don't entirely trust humans. I know they are not all evil but sometimes they are easily subdued by greed, anger and pride. It changes them, makes them forget about love, family and kindness. I've never wanted to have anything to do with them out of fear that once they knew of my power, they would no longer see me as a living creature...but a tool. A tool for their own selfish desires."
"I'm...I'm so sorry."
"When I came here, I hardly had anymore visions. Maybe a few every once in a while but, nothing big....until today."
White placed his hoof around her shoulder for comport, "You don't have to worry about Wan. He's a good man and he would never treat you like that."
"That's exactly what I believed of the farmer."
"I'm not the farmer." The two pony gasped and turned around to see White's human companion right behind them. White jumped up in shock.
"Wan?! How--When--How long have you been standing there?"
"Long enough." The human walked closer to the unicorn, kneeling down to her level. "I'm sorry for what happened to you and believe me I have seen how greed can corrupt a human's heart and mind." as he spoke he noticed that the unicorn did not look frightened of him at all. "If you didn't trust me, why are you now?"
"That vision I had, while I do not know what it truly means, somehow I believe it has something to do with you."
Wan's eyes widened in surprise.
"You are truly not like other humans, I can see that. You have the rainbow in your eyes. You both do."
Wan arched an eyebrow at this, "The rainbow?"
"I've heard about that." said White, "From old legends; it is said that The Rainbow leads others to their fate. A sign that one is destined for great things."
Wan remembered about that legend that White had told him, though in all honesty he only believed it was a legend and nothing more. "Riiiight." he turned once again to the unicorn and smiled kindly, his amber eyes sparkling handsomely. "I promise, I will never betray you. You are a pony, a living creature, not a tool. Besides, I prefer not to know what the future holds. If I do it kind of kills the mystery."
For the first time since they had met...the unicorn bursted out laughing. It didn't take long for White and Wan to join in the laughter. As it slowly died down, the unicorn was now absolutely certain that this human could be trusted. In his eyes she saw truth, kindness, humor and devotion. Maybe having the boys around wouldn't be so bad after all.
"By the way, we never did get your name."
"It's Leilani." (~)
As time went by, Wan and White lived side by side with the spirits, learning their ways and mastering their elements. White and Leilani continued to grow closer, White would tell her about their homeland and it's wonderful magic, how the three tribes had come together to forge a new era of peace and harmony and friendship. Leilani began to feel terrible that the other ponies of this world had been deprived of it, unable to know what had happened. Sure many had made friends with humans, but it seemed they had forgotten what really matters, they allowed the greed and pride of humans influence their way of thinking, which kind of made sense since that was pretty much how things had been before they left their home. Ponies of all kinds were in constant disagreement and battle.
White had once led Leilani to the pond where he had come from, but it still remained closed, there wasn't a single sign that it would open. For the first few months they would go to it to see if it would open, out of curiosity so ponies of this world could visit their homeland and maybe the lessons they had learned in Equestria could change the views of the ones in this world. But sadly, the pond remained as it was...a pond.
Eventually, the two gave up on trying to see if it would open, figuring it was probably a 'once every hundred years' kind of thing. Even so, the two decided to focus on the now. Their growing friendship and their friendship with Wan.
(Parody of I stand alone from Quest for Camelot)
I know the sound
Of each rock and stone
And I embrace what others feel
You are not to roam in this forgotten place
Just the likes of us are welcome here
Everything breaths
And we know each breath
For me it means life
For others it's death
It's perfectly balanced
Perfectly planed
More than enough, for this man
Wan and Leilani have also grown closer, developing a brother/sister-like relationship. The two had a lot in common, both liked adventure and having fun and they had a fondness for plant-life. Leilani was far more patient compared to Wan's recklessness, and so she taught him the art of meditation, which she had learned from the spirits themselves. To help you relax your chakras and become one with your inner spirit. Leilani even showed him how to plant flowers, her favorites were a red kind which were also Wan's favorites. In honor of Wan and White, she dubbed them "Fire Lilies."
Like all the trees, stand side by side
Reach for the sky, we stand as one
We share out world with no one else
Side by side
We stand as one
White taught Leilani how to paint, she actually got it pretty quickly. She tried to do it with her horn but White showed her how to do so with her mouth. The ponies became nearly inseparable, talking, playing. They believed they had a very strong friendship, but Wan, along with Aye-Aye and the rest of the spirits, knew that what they had was so much deeper than friendship.
Both Wan and White mastered their firebending by learning from two white dragon. The creature taught Wan and White who to mimic its movements which influenced their firebending styles, creating a duo dance which would be remembered for generations to come. The spirits of the oasis have all grown to love Wan and White. Their kindness, loyalty, generosity, humor and integrity captured their hearts.
I've seen their world with these very eyes
Don't come any closer
Don't even try
We've felt all the pain
And heard all the lies
So in our world there's no compromise
Two years passed, Wan had grown a bit, his arms were more toned. His hair had grown longer, strands of it hung loosely on his face, and with a scruff of hair on his chin. White had grown a bit in size, a couple inches taller than Leilani, his hair was styled in a similar fashion as Wan's, and his hooves were no longer completely white, but showed off a bit of his hooves where were blue. And in that time, White and Leilani's friendship slowly grew into something more intimate, and they now knew it. They never did confess how they felt, but they really didn't have to. The things they did for each other and the things they told on another was evidence enough, and they were no stranger to cuddling closely underneath the tree.
To protect their spirit home, Wan and White used their firebending, as well as Leilani's waterbending to ward off any humans who dared to disturb their peaceful sanctuary. Of corse, they would never hurt them, simply warred them off.
Like all the trees, stand side by side
Reaching for the sky we stand as one
Wan stood in a battle stance in front of the oasis. Hunters were standing on the other side of the bridge, Wan warded them off by redirecting their fire. The huntsman recognized Wan from two years ago, as well as his pony friend, who was just a powerful firebender as his human was. Even the mysterious blue unicorn was strong with her water element. She wore her cloak a lot less, leaving her cutie mark bare, which consisted of a crystal ball surrounded by pink petals with blue exotic patterns. The image was surrounded by various stars and she had a black mark around her flank. The huntsman frowned and readied to attack, he and his men threw their fire. White jumped up and redirects it and threw it to the ground near the hunters, making them fall over. They stood up and ran away in fear.
We share our world, with no one else
Side by side
We stand as one
Wan ruffled the pony's hair proudly as the spirits all gathered around, cheering for them. Wan downed a cup of tea given to him by one of the spirits in victory. This was their home, and this was where their family was.
Side by side, we stand as one
Side by side We
Stand as One!
But while the three friends enjoyed their pleasant lives in their own little utopia, Java and Yao rallied up a group of citizens, as well as a few ponies who were not with the Chous, in front of the Lion Turtle. Their days of being afraid if the Chous was finally over, even some of the Chous unicorns decided to go with them. Java spoke to the crowed, he had grown a short beard and mustache.
"Wan has proved that with the power of fire, anyone can survive in the wilds. We don't have to live under Chou the Elder's rules anymore, so I say we leave this city and start over. Who's with me?
The crowd cheered on. From the Lion Turtle, humans and ponies received firebending from the lion turtle before leaving toward the Spirit Wilds. This was a new chapter in their lives, however their would not be a happy one. (~)
Leilani levitated a traveling pack and saddle onto Mula's back. Mula was what Wan had decided to name the cat-dear, who had grown very close with the human. "All set." said Leilani before she and White both jumped onto Mula's back, sitting behind Wan. "You guys ready to go?"
"You know it." said White
"You ready to go, Mula?" Wan scratched Mula's neck, she tilted her head an purred with delight. Aye-Aye approached the group, frowning as he and Leilani looked at one another.
"You sure you want to leave?"
"Yes. It's time we see the rest of the world and find the other lion turtle cities. Besides, even if I do run into any trouble, I'll be fine. I have my friends."
"Be safe, my dear."
With tears in her eyes, she embraced the spirit in a warm hug. "I'll miss you."
Aye-aye then turned to White and shook his hoof. "Keep an eye on her for me."
"I promise."
Last but not least, he turned to Wan. Wan, the human he never thought he would ever come to care for like a brother. He had a newfound look on humans, well he was still a bit cynical, but he now knew that not all of them were as bad as they seemed. Wan was living, breathing proof of that. He smiled at the young man.
"I'm proud to call you my friend, Stinky."
Wan chuckled lightly, he really didn't mind being called that...not anymore at least. "Thank you for everything." as Mula walked away, the trio waved goodbye to their friends and family, off on a whole new adventure.
"Goodbye, everyone."
"We'll miss you." said one of the spirits as they waved goodbye. (~)
The trio traveled across the lands for several days, until they reached a stream where they encountered a parade of spirits running away in the same direction. The spirits themselves sounded as if they were terrified of something. One of the spirits shouted out in fear,
"The all-powerful spirits are battling!"
"They're gonna wipe out the entire valley!"
All-powerful spirits? Battling? This did not sound good. Curiosity got the better of them and the trio ran to investigate whatever was causing the stampede. They reached a clearing and their eyes widened on shock;
Before them were two large spirits, bigger than anything they had seen before. One of them was black with a crown-like shape outline, long tendrils and red/orange markings all around it's front with a single star-like shape in the very center. The second spirit was white with blue patters in an identical shape as the dark spirit. Both appeared to be locked in battle, their tendrils entangled with one another, destroying their surroundings as they went. Wan ran up to them and firebend at them, drawing the spirits' attention.
"Stop, or you'll destroy everything!"
The white spirit spoke in a feminine voice, "This doesn't concern you, human!"
"It does when the lives of spirits and animals are in danger." As Wan spoke with the spirits, Leilani suddenly felt woozy, something didn't feel right here. Seeing her, White helped the unicorn regain her balance. The dark spirit spoke to Wan,
"If you're a friend to spirits, then use your fire to help me break free."
"Don't involve the human!" said the white spirit, "This is between us."
"Please, save me. She has tormented me for ten thousand years."
Wan's eyes widened in awe. "Ten thousand years?" that sounded awful. No one deserved to be tormented like this. He too pity on the spirit and prepared to attack his white counterpart. "Let him go!"
"Wan, no!"
But Leilani's cry did not reach his ears in time, Wan had already firebended at the spirits, but was tossed aside by the white spirit, landing in the bushes. As he emerged out of the bushes again, he noticed that the two spirits were only connected with one another by one tentacle. Leilani saw this too and tried once again to stop her friend, "Wan, please don't!"
But once again, Wan did not listen, his goal on setting the spirit free made his ears deff to her voice. He firebended at the connecting tentacles, severing them. The white spirit was pushed back and landed hard on the ground with a grunt. Leilani gasped as the dark spirit flew away to rest atop a nearby mountain, while the white spirit screamed and began to shrink slightly. "Thank you, human. You have performed a great service for the spirits." said the dark spirit before flying away.
Leilani was breathless, trembling with fear, unable to move. At the sight of the white spirit on the ground she rushed to her side. White was very confused by this, why did she care so much for this spirit they had never met before?
"Are you alright?" the unicorn asked with concern. The white spirit began to rise up. She turned to a confused-looking Wan.
"Do you realize what you've done?"
"Yeah, I helped a spirit who was being bullied by you." said the human.
"You are gravely mistaken. I was keeping him under control."
"And what gives you the right?" Wan asked angrily. What authority did she have over other spirits anyway?
"And why did you care, Leilani?" White asked.
"I don't know. Something about that dark spirit didn't feel right to me. I tried to warn Wan but he wouldn't listen."
"She is correct." said the spirit. "You don't even know who I am, do you?"
"Should we?" White asked.
"Yes. My name is Raava. That spirit you freed is Vaatu, my brother. The spirit of darkness and chaos. I am the spirit of light and peace. Since the beginning of time, we have battled over the fate of this world. And for the past ten thousand years, I have kept darkness under control and the world in balance, until you came along."
White and Leilani looked on at Wan with worry as the human himself looked down in regret, remorseful over what he had just done. "So, by freeing Vaatu, I let chaos into the world?"
"Precisely." Raava said sharply. "The human and spirit realms are headed toward annihilation, and it's all your fault."
Wan felt terrible. He had endangered the world, brought chaos and darkness. This was his doing and all because he wouldn't listen to his friend's cries. There was no one to blame but himself.
Korra's brows furrowed as she floated over the water. A single word escaped her mouth...
"Raava....I found you."
*(~)*
Ephesians 2:10 ~
For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
*(~)* |
The Little Pony Legend 2: Spirits of Courage | Beginnings part 2 | *(~)*
Ephesians 2:10 ~
For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
*(~)*
Beginnings part 2
The Avatar still remained asleep, floating on the cool spirit waters while the ponies remained in a sleep-like state around the pool. Four fire sages as well as the Shaman woman watched the girl and the ponies closely. Spike and Flash looked on in worry for their friends. They didn't even know how many days have passed, but with each passing hour they worried more and more.
"Should we pull her up?" Spike asked the elderly woman.
"No. She is connecting with her deepest Avatar memories."
"But what about the others?" Flash asked, looking down upon the sleeping Twilight Sparkle. "Why are they still asleep?"
"They are witnessing her memories. She must confront her own past if she is to move forward. We can only hope they survive this ordeal."
Spike bit his tail nervously as Flash looked on at the sleeping Twilight, removing a stray hair from her face. She looked so peaceful, they all did. He would have given anything to know exactly what was going on in their heads. (~)
Twilight's eyes twitch and suddenly open. When they did, she once again saw herself covered in the blue aura, still in the dream world. She turned her head to see an image before her;
Wan hung his head in regret for having freed the spirit of darkness. Raava, the spirit of light, looked down upon him in disappointment.
"The human and spirit realms are headed toward annihilation, and it's all your fault!"
White stood between her and Wan, "Now hold on a sec! You can't really blame Wan for this. Vaatu would have tricked anybody. And maybe if you'd have told us who you were then maybe he wouldn't have fallen for the trick like a sucker!"
"Hey!"
"Sorry buddy."
Raava sneered at the pony, "How dare you speak to me that way! This is why humans have no place interfering in the business of spirits!"
Leilani stood before the spirit, speaking in a much more clam and understanding tone compared to White's. "With all due respect, spirit, this world is home to all of us, and what happens here is everyone's business."
"Thanks to your friend, this world may cease to exist!" what Raava had just said caught White's attention.
"Wait, if that's true, then what about my home? Equestria?"
Raava was silent for a moment as if processing something. "By any chance, did you come here through a pond of some sorts?"
"Yeah, why? Do you know about it?"
"I have come across that pond various times in the past. It's energy mystified me. It is unlike anything of this world. As you could already tell it is no ordinary pond, but a gateway from your homeland to ours."
Leilani's eyes widened in awe, of course she already knew of the pond but to discover that this mighty spirit of light actually knew about it and that it was indeed a portal between worlds. She needed to know more. "Raava, if you do not mind me asking, just how much do you know about the gateway? And perhaps how or when it could be opened?"
"Over the years I have discovered that the portal opens once every twelve thousand years before closing shut. However, even though we exist in different planes, our worlds are still connected. There for if this world dies, so will yours."
Prince's eyes widened in fear as did Leilani's. Equestria, gone forever?
"No." even though White no longer lived in Equestria, he couldn't bare the thought of what might happen to those innocent ponies. Wan lowered down to his friend. "Prince, Leilani I am so sorry. I didn't know."
"I don't blame you for not knowing that Wan. Nobody did."
"I can only hope I can track Vaatu before it's too late." said Raava. Wan stood up, "Let me help you." he said.
White looked up at the spirit with determination, "Me too."
"And me." Leilani insisted.
"I don't want your help!" Raava said sternly, "Don't interfere with me again, human!" With that Raava flew away into the sky in anger. She may have been the spirit of light and good but boy was she as stubborn as they came. Not to mention prejudice.
"Great. What do we do know?" White asked. Then, out of nowhere, Leilani began to scream in agonizing pain, moaning and clenching her head with her hooves. The poor pony looked like she was having a terrible migraine. White rushed to her side as Wan squatted down beside them.
"Leilani! Are you alright?" White asked with worry. Leilani stopped moaning, her irises shrunk and her expression became emotionless as she stood perfectly still. The only things moving were her lips.
From one mistake
Darkness shall rise
Consuming all it can take
Wan and White did not like the sound of that at all. Wan now felt even worst than before. The whole world was going to fall...because of him. But the vision was not done yet.
When all seems lost, a light will shine.
Brightening the hearts of yours and mine.
Fate be changed.
Look inside
Mend the bond
Make a change
From a selfless act
Hope shall rise above
A new era begins
When thrived
By love
Leilani's eyes returned to normal and shook her head. White held her close for support, the poor unicorn felt so dazed from her vision. She had never had one this long before. White looked up at Wan. "What do we do now?" he asked
"We keep moving" Wan responded. (~)
The three friends continued their way, as they did the two ponies remained silent. Wan knew they were both concerned about Leilani's vision, Vaatu being out in the world (because of Wan), and also that Raava knew about the existence of the magical pond.
"One thing I don't understand." White began, breaking the silence, "If that pond opens once every thousands years after, then why did it allow me to pass through?"
"I don't know." Wan responded. Leilani was probably the sot silent of the group. Her mind wondered around her vision. Just what exactly did it mean? She was broken from her thoughts when the group stopped and looked to their left as they heard a noise coming from the bushes. As their gazes led up, their eyes widened in wonder.
Before them were four men harvesting some fruit from the trees...while ridding on clouds!
Two of the men brought their left hand toward their chest, their fingers stretched, which created a cloud underneath them. They floated to the top branches of the tree, where another monk, on a cloud of his own, was already plucking the fruit. They appeared to be wearing orange clothing and their heads were shaved, revealing arrow-like markings.
"Wow, Wan do you see that?" White asked amazed,
"Yeah. People. And they have some kind of wind power." said Wan. However, they were not alone. From the trees, two creatures emerged, both carrying baskets of fruits on their...hooves. White and Leilani could not believe it.
"White, do you see that?"
"Yeah. Ponies. Pegasus ponies!"
While still on Mula, the trio of friends rode closer to the wind humans and three pony companions. Wan could not contain his excitement, "More humans! I found you."
But the moment they spotted the man, his cat-dear and ponies, the men and pegasus ponies flew away from them in fear.
"Wait! We're friendly!" Wan shouted as he got Mula to run towards them, but she abruptly stopped before falling off a cliff, tossing Wan off of the saddle.
"Wan!" White and Leilani cried out, but sighed in relief once they saw his friend holding on to a branch. "Don't ever scare us like that again!" Leilani said sternly. Wan simply hung on for his dear life and grinned at the worried unicorn.
"I'll try."
With all of his strength, Wan managed to pull himself back up, with the assistance of his pony pals. "Why are always giving me a heart attack" said White. Wan chuckled as he held on to the side of the cliff unharmed, "Old habits die hard."
"Boys, look out!"
The two gentlemen looked upwards and saw one of the air men running towards them at top speed, jumped over Wan's head and created a cloud which rose him up to the sky. The man was heading towards a...wait for it...
"A city floating in the sky!" Leilani was breathless. She had never seen a floating Lion Turtle City before.
"The legends are true" said Wan in aware, "Another lion turtle city."
"And it's flying" said an amazed Prince White, "I've never seen anything like this" Then his eyes widen when he saw that there were not only humans...but pegasus ponies as well! "I don't believe it. More ponies!"
Not only that, but they also saw a group of other men and how the Lion Turtle placed his claws over their foreheads and hearts, granting them the ability to control air. Leilani's eyes sparkled for she had never seen the air power before and she was fascinated to learn more about it. White wanted so badly to meet more ponies while Wan was determined to see this new place, its people and its amazing powers!
"We have got to get over there!" Wan said excitedly.
"How?" White asked, "In case you haven't noticed, we're an earth pony and unicorn, not pegasi."
"He's right." said Leilani, "And even if we did have wings, we won't be able to carry you all the way up there by ourselves."
Wan placed his hands on his hips, "Are you implying that I've gained weight?" he asked accusingly. The unicorn simply smiled at him sweetly, while batting her pretty pink eyes.
"It's not very nice when you say it like that....but yes."
Wan pouted in annoyance. After all this time, Leilani still had a feisty side. He then looked over to the Lion Turtle City and smiled. "Don't worry, I have an idea."
White rolled his eyes, "There's a shock."
Wan tied a rope to a tree and around a rock while Leilani and White both looked at one another skeptically, silently questioning if this plan of Wan's was full proof or not.
"Um, Wan are you sure about this?" White asked with concern.
"Don't worry, guys. This'll work for sure. Besides, aren't you excited to be meeting others of your own kind again?" The ponies were both silent for a moment, they really did wish to meet other ponies, especially ones who could control the element of air. Wan tugged on the rope, making sure it was perfectly secure. "There. Okay, Mula. Wish us luck" he said before he climbed onto the tree.
"We're going to need it." Leilani said dryly as she and White both took their positions behind their human friend. The white earth pony glared at the human. "For the record, if we die, this was all your idea"
Wan ignored him and burned the rope with his fire and catapulted the three friends toward the lion turtle...while White screamed his head off as they flew into the air, but then for a moment, he felt the wind against his body, mane and tail. The powerful winds felt so powerful and soothing. He spread his legs out, imagining he was flying. So this must have been what pegasus ponies felt like. "This is amazing! I'm king of the world!" however, his joy was short lived, for soon he and the others realized that the catapult didn't give them enough of a boost and they were falling down from the sky.
"Oh, no--" the friends began to scream in terror until Leilani managed to grab hold of one of the vines, which dangled from the Lion Turtle's city, with her mouth. Wan also managed to grab one while he held onto White by the tail. The earth pony looked down bellow, the ground was hard to see due to the thick fog, but he none the less sighed in relief.
"That was close." (~)
Once they were safely on the ground of the city, the friends began exploring. The city wasn't like the one they had come to know, in fact it was barely a city. It was more of a tribe, with no buildings and more trees. The houses were made of twigs, cloths and other earthly necessities. The people who lived there all wore orange clothing, similar in designs, simple and easy to move around in. They lived a very simple lifestyle, which suited them just fine. Leilani could relate to them, as a pony who had lived a few years in the spirit wilds she understood the benefits of being close with nature. White had never seen a place like this, it was so simple and sweet...kind of like Equestria.
The two ponies gasped in awe as more pegasus ponies flew above their heads. They appeared to have a very close relationship with these humans. Leilani had never seen pegasus ponies before, she had heard about them, but never seen one in person. Wan was so happy to be meeting new humans, the young man gasped when he saw a brightly-green colored bug-like spirit fly in front of him.
"Wow. Spirits live here too?" Leilani asked as the little spirit flew around her and White. They then spotted a group of men, and ponies, around in a circle together. They appeared to be meditating. They all appeared to have matching arrow tattoos on their bodies and shaved heads, minus the ponies and one little spirit rested on a man's shoulder. The three friends walked excitedly towards them. Wan greeted them first in an excitable manner, almost similar to that of a child.
"Hi, how are you? I'm Wan and this is Prince White and Leilani."
"Hi!" White greeted happily, "Wow, I can't believe it! More ponies."
Leilani however, remained silent. The men and ponies looked at each other, wondering who these strangers were. Wan then realized the way he had greeted them, he really had been away from civilization from a long time. "Um, sorry to interrupt, but it's been a while since we've seen other humans." Wan explained.
"And it's been so long since I've been other ponies." said White. Leilani remained silent still. She simply played with the dirt with her hoof, avoiding eye contact. She had not seen another one of her species in a long time. She wondered if she would get along with them. One of the pegasus ponies approached the pony couple.
"Where did you come from strangers?"
"We come from another lion turtle city far away." White replied. "Well, technically Wan does. I'm originally from Equestria."
The strange name caught the ponies attention. They had never heard of such a place before. "What is this, Equestria?" he asked, trying to pronounce the word correctly.
"It's were our kind originated." White explained, surprising the pegasus ponies even more.
"But, for years we believed our home land was destroyed by that blizzard."
"Well, it's kind of a long story."
"And why are you not with your kind?" another pony asked, causing White to look downward.
"It's another long story." his eyes shifted to Leilani, who was still silent. "Oh, and Leilani here is a unicorn who's lived among the spirits."
"You don't say?" said one of the men in surprise.
"Yes." Wan answered, "For the past two years we've all been living among them and exploring the wilds."
The nomads and the pegasus ponies were amazed by this. They had never heard of a human being so brave enough to explore the spirit wilds. Or a pony for that matter. "Remarkable. Come. Sit with us." said one of the men, "We would love to hear of your travels."
But then, all of a sudden, the spirit on one of the human nomad's shoulder turned dark in color and sinister in appearance before flying away, shocking the nomads and pegasus ponies. Wan ducked as the spirit flew over his head. Soon, all of the once friendly spirits around the village began turning dark and started terrorizing the people who began to run away screaming. One spirit chewed on the ruff of a hut, frightening the family inside as they ran out in terror. A couple of little boys and fillies played with a few spirits, until they started terrorizing them and they were forced to scatter. All around, spirits that were once their most trusted companions turned against the humans and ponies. They all appeared to be angry for some reason, only they could not depict why. They had always been kind and friendly with the spirits and vice versa, just what had caused them to behave this way?
Sadly, their questions would be answered. They all looked up into the sky, witnessing a familiar dark being with red/orange markings.
"Vaatu!" both Wan, Leilani and White exclaimed angrily. The dark spirit hovered over them, speaking in an arrogant tone.
"So, we meet again, human."
"How is the spirit of darkness here? Where is his sister?" asked one of the nomads. Wan slightly flinched nervously.
"Uh, I'll explain later." Suddenly, Leilani fearlessly ran up to the great dark spirit. "Leilani! No!"
White rushed behind her and the unicorn stood before the great Vaatu, glaring at him in anger, and speaking with much authority and strength. "Leave these folk in peace. They've done nothing to harm you."
"Look out!" White ducked Leilani down as a dark spirit flew over their heads. Another approached a woman and her child, whom she held tightly for protection as she screamed in terror. Wan firebended at the spirit, forcing it away from the family. More dark spirits began attacking at Wan, and he firebended at each one. White did the same to protect his friend, while Leilani bended water from her waterskin to slice at the spirits. She didn't even care she was hurting them, they had no right to behave like this. While the friends battled the spirits with all of their might, the light spirit, Raava, emerged from the bushes and hurled towards Vaatu.
"Be gone!"
With all of her power, she knocked Vaatu away from the people. The ultimate dark spirit fell into a pile of trees and bushes. Wan, White and Leilani smiled with glee at the sight of the light spirit, who flew around the townsfolk before landing before the three heroes. Vaatu emerged from the trees and hovered over all. "How are you feeling since our split, Raava?" Vaatu said somewhat jokingly, "I've never been better. When Harmonic Convergence comes, I will destroy you forever." the dark spirit flew away. Wan sighed in relief once he disappeared, but his rough time with a spirit was not done yet.
"I told you not to interfere." Raava said angrily.
"I had to do something. These people and ponies were in danger."
One of the nomads bowed to Raava, "Spirit of light, we thank you for your help. But how did Vaatu escape your grasp?"
Raava turned to Wan, "Ask him." the nomads and pegasus all looked at him with worry and Wan could fell his heart pounding. It was time to face the music.
"It wasn't my fault. Vaatu tricked me into freeing him. I'd take it all back if I could!"
White stood in front of his friend to defend him, "It's true. He would never have done something like this on purpose. Believe me, he's a good man."
"It's too late for that." Raava said, "Now that Vaatu is free, he is turning other spirits dark. The more spirits he turns, the stronger he becomes."
Wan then realized that Raava looked rather different from when he first met her, "He's getting bigger, and you're getting smaller."
"As his darkness grows, my light fades."
Wan lowered his head in shame. Leilani then nudged his leg and smiled encouragingly. This gave Wan the confidence he needed, "I'm sorry for endangering your village," he told the nomads and the pegasus, "but I promise to set things right."
"How" one of the nomads asked. Leilani rubbed her chin, deep in thought, when a crazy die struck her.
"I, may have an idea. But it's a little bit crazy." (~)
Wan stood facing the air Lion Turtle with White, Leilani, Raava, Mula, a nomad and his pegasus behind him. Wan spoke to the beast, "Great lion turtle, I ask that you to grant me the power of air so that I can defeat Vaatu before it's too late."
"You already carry the power of fire." said the lion turtle, "No human has ever held two elements at the same time."
"I'm not like other humans. I can learn to do it."
White stood beside Wan, "I know he can." he was then followed by Leilani, "As do I."
The lion turtle admired the bravery of the human, and the loyalty of his pony companions, "Hmm, perhaps. But to do so, Raava must hold the power for you until you master it."
Raava spoke to the lion turtle, "Ancient one, why would I do that for a human? Especially one who's caused so much trouble?"
"Raava, please, I can't let the world fall into chaos because of my mistake." Wan said, "Neither of us can defeat Vaatu alone, but together we might have a chance."
Raava knew that there really was no way Vaatu could be defeated in her condition. Not to mention, she could clearly see the courage and determination displayed in both Wan and his friends. However, what she saw next was what truly convinced her. Is she had eyes they would be wide in awe, for she witnessed something she never imagined in her entire life.
From the eyes of the human and ponies, Raava witnessed shimmering rainbow colors. She had never seen anything like this before, but this must have been a sure sign that this meant that the trio cold be trusted. "You may be right. Very well. I will help you master the power of air."
Wan smiled, "Thank you. And in return I will help you restore balance to the world."
White nudged his leg, "And we'll be right there by your side."
Wan kneeled down and ruffled the pony's mane, "I wouldn't want it any other way," (~)
Latter that same day, Wan decided to remain at least a couple of days, to allow White and Leilani a chance to socialize with the ponies. He didn't know why, but he knew they needed it.
Leilani bit her bottom lip nervously until White placed his hoof over her shoulder. "You'll be fine." the unicorn smiled and walked on ahead as White led her to a group of pegasus ponies. White greeted them, "Hello." the ponies immediately lowered downy to greet them. "My name is White and this here is Leilani."
"Oh, we know who you are. You and your human companion saved us all from those dark spirits. How can we ever thank you?"
White blushed and rubbed his neck, "Oh, you really don't have to. It was our pleasure." her once again noticed Leilani completely silent. Wow, she had a real trouble speaking with other ponies. He nodded her leg to get her to say something. She looked at the other pegasus ponies, patiently waiting for her to say something. The unicorn took in a deep breath and opened her mouth...
"Hello."
"Hello, miss Leilani." one of the ponies politely greeted. And just like that, all of Leilani's fears faded away. "So, we were wondering more about this Equestria you spoke of before."
White spoke next, "Well, like I said, it's our home land. The legend you have heard about the blizzard were true, but what happened was this;
"Back then, earth ponies were in charge of growing the food, pegasus ponies the weather, and unicorns in the rising and lowering of the sun and moon. But they did not care what happened to the other. There was no compassion, no empathy, no kindness among them." as the earth pony spoke, the pegasus ponies sat down on the ground, listening attentively to this intriguing tale of their heritage.
"As time went on, a terrible snowstorm emerged out of nowhere. The earth ponies could not grow the crops, the pegasus ponies could not change the weather, and unicorns could not solve the problem either with their magic. The three tribes were at war. The three leaders of each tribe argued with one another even more, until they each came with a solution to go off and find a new land to live in. But once they did, they had all found the land at the same time. This angered the leaders, and the snow became stronger. The leaders assistants eventually discovered that the ponies themselves had caused the winter. The winter spirits, the windigoes, fed off of their hatred for one another, causing the storm. And just when all seemed lost, something wonderful happened..." The ponies ears perked up with awe, as White was telling the tale more and more ponies had come by to listen as well. "Suddenly, the ice around them melted, for the leaders' assistants realized that no matter what kind you are, we are all still ponies and rather than hate one another, we should care for one another. As friends. And so, the storm passed and the land flourished once more. And it was all because of the power of Friendship." The ponies clapped their hooves with joy. The story was absolutely amazing. "And they all worked together to crate a new land; Equestria."
One of the little fillies flapped his wings excitedly. "Wow! Equestria sounds amazing! Mommy, I want to go see it." the fillies' mother nuzzled his cheek.
"Maybe someday my dear."
"Hey mister," another filly asked, "If Equestria is so great now, why did you leave?"
White's expression shifted from happy to sad. It wasn't that he hatted his home, he just never had any friends. Come to think of it, he could have had friends if only he had given it a chance. "Well, I didn't leave on purpose. I found a magical pond which brought me into this world. Then I met Wan and Leilani and, well, I decided to stay."
Now it was Leilani's turn to speak, "I was never born in Equestria, like all of you I grew up in this world, and while it is wonderful and I have made some wonderful and everlasting friends...I too believe it is important to know of our roots and where we originate from." the ponies, especially the young once all smiled with excitement.
"Does this mean we can see Equestria one day?"
The unicorn squatted down to his level, and smiled sweetly. "Of course. I don't know how or when, but I will make a solemn vow to reunite us ponies with our homeland."
"But, will we need to leave our human friends?" asked a filly.
"No, of course not. Just because you learn of your past, doesn't mean you should give up what you already have."
The filly hugged Leilani's leg, catching her by complete surprise. "Thank you, miss! Thank you!"
Leilani felt her own heart become filled with love and hope. She may not know exactly how, but she would make sure that these ponies would see Euestria one day. They deserved that much. (~)
Wan, Leilani, White, Mula and Raava all left the Lion Turtle City, but before they did, Leilani gave one of the little fillies a parting gift; a beautiful white lilly in promise that she would one day return. The group walked across the deserted lands, the human and ponies rode on the cat dear while Raava floated beside them.
"What's this Harmonic thing Vaatu was talking about?" Wan asked Raava.
"Harmonic Convergence is an event that happens once every thousands years when the two portals unite. That is when Vaatu and I must battle for the fate of the world." she explained.
"How long do we have until then?" Leilani asked.
"About a year in your time."
"Then we better start training."
"Raava, I have a question to ask you." Leilani said, "You said you knew that the gateway from our world to yours opens once very thousand years, correct?"
"Yes."
"So, that would mean it will open during Harmonic Convergence, right?"
"That is correct. Harmonic Convergence happens once every ten thousand years, so the portal will remain open for three more years before closing again. And remaining shut until the next Harmonic Convergence."
"That's good to know." Leilani said before returning to her silence.
"I have noticed that there is something special about you Leilani. You may not be able to predict the specific future, but you can give clues as to what can occur latter on. And your intuition is powerful, you can also sense an occurrence before it happens as well." Leilani's eyes widened at this. She knew she had a gift, but she never knew it was that powerful.
"You know, you have the rainbow in your eyes." Raava said, grabbing their attention, "It has always been said that the Rainbow guides those who are lost and help them find their way back to the Light once again. A great and glorious power that is as alive as you and I, even if it is not seen by many."
"How do you know it's alive then?" Wan asked. "If you can't see it?"
"Some of the most real things in the world, are those which we can't see."
This info got Wan thinking, he knew that White and Leilani would amount to something someday. They were special after all. But just what was he destined for? (~)
As the days pass, Wan perfected his firebending. Today she was practicing near a volcanic valley to increase his element. Once he was done, he turned to Raava. "All right, I'm ready to try air. How's this gonna work?"
"The only way for me to give you the other element is to pass through your body and combine our energies." Raava explained.
"So you've done this before?" White asked.
"No. This has never been attempted. It is very dangerous."
"That's what they said about living in the spirit wilds, and me, Wan and Leilani survived that."
"You are a brave young pony, Prince White. But still, I am unsure about this."
Wan clenched his fists determinedly, "I'm ready. Give me air."
Raava flew upwards and headed straight towards Wan. The two ponies gasped and shielded their eyes as the spirit of light passed right through Wan's body, emitting a powerful white glow and the man screamed in agony as this happened. Once Raava has phased through his body, Wan got on his knees, hanging his head. White and Leilani began to approach him to make sure he was alright, but the young man soon opened his eyes and regained his composure. He stood up, looked at his palm and, with all of his might, he unleashed a gust of wind from his palm. The ponies galloped happily, "Wan you did it!" White exclaimed proudly.
"It feels completely different." Wan said, "If you and Vaatu have the same fight every ten thousand years, why hasn't one of you destroyed the other." he asked Raava.
"Despite our differences, he is still my brother. We were both defenders of the light once. He may wish to destroy me, but it is not in my nature to take a life."
"What do you mean you were once defenders of light?" Wan asked.
"Believe it or not, Vaatu was not always a servant to darkness. In the beginning, Light created all that you see. Me and Vaatu were the first spirits to have ever been born, and thus we swore to spread the eternal truth of light and peace across the earth and spirit world. But, Vaatu eventually grew tired of this. He no longer wanted to serve and instead wished to fulfill his own desires. He rebelled against his original design and became dark and twisted. His choice gave birth to darkness, who is now his master. It became my mission to keep him at bay every Harmonic Convergence until..." she trailed off.
"Until what?" Wan asked.
"Even I do not know Vaatu's true fate, but what I do know is that the more of the darkness he spreads, the more powerful he will become and I will be powerless to stop him. Darkness will destroy the world as you know it. Misery, hate and destruction will cover the earth for the thousand years."
Wan and Prince looked at each other before turning again to Raava, "If I'm gonna help you battle Vaatu, then we should visit more Lion Turtles."
"I agree." said Leilani. "If we meet more humans, then we shall meet other ponies as well."
"And tell them of Equestria." White added, "Once we defeat Vaatu, the gateway will open and ponies can travel back to home." said the earth pony excitedly.
"And they will finally learn of their roots." Leilani said, "And maybe humans can witness it as well."
"I know I sure would like to see the land where you came from." Wan said eagerly.
"I am still baffled by how you are willing to go through such great lengths to help me." said Raava.
"That's what friends do." said Prince White, "And friends stick together to the end...in fact, I don't think there is any magic more powerful than that."
Raava was taken by this, she had never had such wonderful friends before. To her surprise, Leilani opens his mouth to sing as invisible music filled the air,
(Gift of a friend, from Demi Lovato)
Sometimes you think you'll be fine by yourself
Cause a dream is a wish that you make all alone
It's easy to feel like you don't need help
But it's harder to walk on your own
You'll change inside
When you realize...
The world comes to life!
And everything's bright
From beginning to end
When you have a friend by your side
That helps you to find
The beauty you are
When you open your heart and
Believe in...
The Gift of a Friend
(music)
The Gift of a Friend
White;
Someone who knows when you're lost and you're scared
There through the highs and the lows
Wan;
Someone to count on
Someone who cares
Beside you wherever you go
You'll change inside
When you realize...
Wan, White, Leilani;
The world comes to life!
And everything's bright
From beginning to end
When you have a friend by your side
That helps you to find
Leilani;
The beauty you are
When you open your heart and
Believe in
White;
When you believe in!
Wan;
When you believe in...
Wan, White and Leilani;
The gift of a friend
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh,
If Raava had a face, she would be smiling. This was the first time in her entire life when she had some real true friends. (~)
The friends arrived at Lion Turtle City located at the shore of the sea. Leilani's eyes widened in horror. This was her former home. Where she was ridiculed and abused. Wan and White noticed Leilani's hesitation to continue, and they knew perfectly well why. The earth pony approached his friend.
"Leilani, I know you're scared, but there are other ponies in that city. You said you wanted to spread the word of Equestria, this is our chance."
"But...what if..." to calm her down, White held her close in a tight embrace.
"They won't hurt you. Me, Wan and Raava are right here. You don't have to face this alone. But you can't keep running away in fear either."
The unicorn knew he was right, she may have had some bad experiences with some humans, but it was clear that not all of them were bad. With her newfound courage, she and her friends walked ahead. First, Wan and Raava accompanied the ponies as they walked into the city. Leilani's heart pounded, it had been many years since she left, she wondered if most remembered her at all. Then, her ears perked ip and her heart raced.
"Leilani? Is that you?"
An elderly woman walked over to the group. The unicorn immediately hid behind Wan's leg, shaking in fear. No would could describe her anxiety at this moment. She knew she never should have returned.
"It's been so long. My how you've grown. You look just like your mother. So beautiful."
Leilani squinted her eyes to get a better look at the elderly woman. Her mind scanning her subconscious to find a match for her face and voice. She finally found it. "Lilly? Is that you?"
"You know her?" White asked.
"Yes. My mother would send her fruits every weak."
"She was always such a hard worker." said Lilly. She squatted downward and Leilani lost her fears as she approached her. "Where have you been all this time? I heard you ran away after that horrible farmer treated you so badly. I tried to find you but you were nowhere to be found."
"I'm so sorry, Lilly. I never meant to worry you. But I really didn't think I belonged here anymore. Do people still remember me?"
"Probably not many. So, have you finally returned home?"
"Actually, no. I'm sorry Lilly but I am on a very important quest with my friends. Do you know where I can find the rest of the ponies?"
"In the city's square." Lilly said as she pointed towards it.
"Thank you. It was truly wonderful to see you again, Lilly."
"Same here, my dear." (~)
And so, our heroes valiantly began their journey, while Leilani and White began to tell the local ponies of Equestria, Wan stood before the Lion Turtle who granted him the element of water. Wan rose his hand to levitate a wave of water. Before they left, Lilly gave Leilani and her friends some supplies for the road, and in return, Leilani left some beautiful blue roses which could only grow in cold temperatures for the ponies to remember her promise to them.
As they continued their journey, Wan asked Raava questions. "Why is there so much conflict between humans and spirits in the first place?"
"This world is where humans come from. Spirits come from another realm entirely, just like you ponies. At the north and south poles, the two realms intersect. Over time, more and more spirits have drifted into this world, but they allowed their differences to set them apart from one another."
The friends eventually arrived at another Lion Turtle city, where Wan was granted the element of earth. Once again, White and Leilani told the local ponies about their homeland and that they could see it one day. As a reminder of this, Leilani planted some lovely flowers which she dubbed "Panda Lilies" for the ponies to remember her promise. Raava continued to explain. As they traveled, Leilani would gaze up at the stars and chart them on a scroll, giving them names and meanings. She did not know that these scrolls would come in handy for a certain determined water tribe boy some day in the very distant future.
"Humans have been forced apart, settling on the lion turtles who protect them and losing touch with each other."
"Most people think they live in the only human city in the world." Wan said as he practiced his waterbending.
"Most humans think only of themselves, no matter how many others are around. The same goes for ponies, and even spirits. They have been with humans for so long, they lost connection to their homeland and who they really are."
Wan screamed in agony after Raava passed through his body once again. He had already become accustomed to it, but every time she did it, it made him feel even more powerful. "When you pass through me, I feel an incredible rush of power." he rose his hands to earthbound a couple of rocks before Raava passed through him again, "I feel like I'm changing. The more we practice, the stronger I become."
Then, a new aroma filled the air, and Wan and the ponies, as well as Mula sniffed the air. "You guys smell smoke?" White asked.
"Humans are nearby." said Raava.
"Let's check it out." said Wan before he hopped onto Mula and ran towards the smoke, with the others behind him. They followed the smell until it became stronger. Thicker. Once they reached the destination, Wan jumped off of Mula and the friends stopped on a small hill, seeing a village down bellow, as well as a forest being burned down. Leilani gasped at the sight, as a pony who loves and respects nature, one can only imagine how horrible it must be to see it being destroyed like this.
The group approached the village, only to see humans, and even a few ponies, using their fire power to burn down the tress for wood. The humans and ponies briefly stopped once they saw Raava approach them.
"A spirit!" one screamed before throwing fireballs at Raava. White jumped in front of her and deflected the flame with his hooves and body.
"Easy there fellas. We're friendly."
Then, one of the humans walked out and started approaching the pony. White knew he looked familiar; he had tan skin, dark hair and a familiar complexion, only much more mature looking, added with facial hair and a scurfy beard. His eyes widened in surprise as the human walked in closer.
"I can't believe it. Prince White?"
"Jaya?"
Wan and Leilani walked closer to the ponies and Wan's eyes was shocked to see his old friend. "Jaya?"
"Wan? Is that you?"
"Jaya!"
Both the man and pony ran to their old friend who welcomed them in a warm embrace, "What are you doing out here?" Wan asked.
"You inspired us. Once we heard that you survived out in the wilds, we decided to try it out too."
"Well it's still really great to see you again" White said happily. Then, Jaya notice yet another friend with them. He smiled cheekily at the white earth pony.
"And who's your new friend?"
"Oh, this is Leilani." White introduced the unicorn to his other human friend, "Leilani, this is Jaya."
The unicorn bowed before him. "A pleasure to meet you."
Jaya bowed as well, "The pleasure is all mine."
"Where's Yao? Did he come with you?" Wan asked hopefully.
Java's expression turned into one of sadness, "yes, but sadly he didn't make it. We lost a lot of good people along the way.", then Java glared at the white spirit behind them, "Why are you protecting this spirit?"
"This is Raava. Don't worry. She's not like the dark spirits you've probably run into" Wan explained as Raava stood beside him. After all of this time, Raava grew smaller and smaller by the day, she was now five inches shorter than Wan.
"Dark spirits? What's the difference? We throw fire at any spirit we see around here. Just like they attack any man."
Leilani stepped forward, speaking in a strong commanding voice, "How can you do this? This forest is the home to other creatures as well." her eyes shifted to the ponies, "And you! They are destroying nature, how can you follow their example? You are as much of the earth as any other animal." Her words rang true in there ears, especially to the humans.
"You have no idea what you're doing." Raava said, "You're only making things worse"
"The spirits are coming back!" shouted one of the ponies and Java turned to the rest of them, "Let's wipe 'em out this time. We'll burn down this whole forest if we have to." the other obeyed his command, completely ignoring the wise words from the unicorn. Their greed and pride was far too strong.
Wan couldn't believe what he was hearing, "What happened to you? When did you become so violent?"
"You showed me we could change the worlds if we just stopped being afraid. Now we're doing it." Jaya ran off to join the others, leaving a very disappointed Wan behind.
"This isn't what I had in mind"
The humans all had fire in their hands as a large heard of spirits approached them. Both sides looked at one another in anger. "Get out of the forest, humans!" cried out the leader of the spirits. Who Leilani recognized immediately.
"Aye-Aye!"
The lemur spirit spotted the unicorn happily running towards him, tears of joy running down from her eyes as she did. Aye-Aye smiled widely at seeing his friend once more. "Leilani! My dear, you're alright!"
The two happily embraced one another in a loving hug, while Wan, Raava and White stood in between the two feuding crowds. Wan placed both his hands before them, in an effort to stop the fight before it begun.
"Wait. We can resolve this peacefully."
Aye-Aye saw the human and smiled with glee once more. "Stinky? Marshmallow? You came back!" he said happily.
"Good to see you again." said Wan with a smile.
"You and Raava are just in time to help us clear these tree-killing fire-lovers out of here just like the old days."
"There's no need for violence, old friend." said Leilani.
"She's right." Wan said in agreement, "I know there must be a way to work out a compromise."
"You have a good heart, Stinky. These fire tossers aren't like you. Just like these contaminated ponies are nothing like Leilani."
"Spirits like him killed our friends." Java shouted, "I can't let them get away with that."
Suddenly, storm clouds roamed in as thunder began to rumble. White and Leilani looked up and gasped in horror, for they could see Vaatu's form illuminating the sky above them. They heard his wicked laughter. Then, Leilani instinctively backed away from her spirit friend, who's face and body suddenly morphed into that of a monster. A dark spirit. The other once peaceful spirits transformed as well. Their happiness faded, their purity was tainted. They had become infused with nothing but hatred and anger.
The dark Aye-Aye spoke with an evil voice, "We are protectors of the forest. We won't let you burn it down."
"What's happening?" White asked as he held a weeping Leilani close.
Raava gasped, "It's Vaatu. he's growing stronger! He's using their anger to turn them to his side."
Jaya threw the first fire ball at Aye-Aye, who dodged it with ease. His anger inly increased by this action. "Wipe them out!"
"No!" Leilani's heart broke into a million pieces, her once loving friends have turned into monsters. The humans and spirits charged at one another, but Wan and White kept the groups apart. Wan used his airbending while White used his fire to keep the humans apart. Leilani didn't have it in her heart to fight either sides. Spirits. Humans. Ponies. She had formed a bond with each of these three kinds. And now, here they were, fighting. It was madness. It was a nightmare.
Wan continued to keep the groups apart, but they were relentless. "Stop, Please!" he pleaded. Realizing this was not going to work for long, White came up with an idea.
"Wan, you and Raava need to combine your energies!" said the pony, "Maybe then you'll have enough power to stop this."
Agreeing with him, Raava passed through Wan's body again. Only this time, unlike before, she did not come out. She remained within him. White led Leilani away as their friend glowed bright like never before. Wan shot himself up into the sky, hovering on an air spout while a ring of water, fire and earth circled around him. White and Leilani could not believe their eyes.
"Enough!" Wan cried out, "You need to stop fighting now before you destroy each other."
Suddenly, because of the energy from Raava, Aye-Aye managed to break free from Vaatu's influence. He shook his head in a daze, witnessing his human friend hovering up in the sky, the four elements floating around him in the most unusual yet spectacular way. "Stinky, w-what happened?"
"He's controlling all four elements." Java said in awe. But then the power of Raava soon proved to be too much for Wan. He could no longer contain the energy within him. He could hear Raava's voice, speaking to him.
"Wan, I have to leave your body, or I'll destroy you."
"No, it's working. If you leave the fighting will start again!"
But Wan could take no more. His eyes glowed white and he could feel himself falling. Raava flew out of his body.
"Wan!"
The spirit quickly caught Wan before he made contact with the ground and with her tendrils, she grabbed the ponies as well. But once so, the spirits reverted back to their darkened state, and they watched in horror as the humans and spirits collided. Leilani struggled in Raava's grip in an attempt to help her friends.
"NO! Aye-Aye!!!"
But it was too late. The battle had begun. And in this one, no one wold become the victor. (~)
"Wan. Wan, wake up!"
The young man groaned as he opened his eyes and sat back up. He witnessed the village down bellow, burning to the ground. He quickly stood back up. "We have to go back"
Then, Vaatu appeared in front of them. He had grown even bigger than before. A sure sign that his powers were reaching its peak. "Don't bother. Your human and pony friends have already been annihilated."
"No!"
"Enjoy your final days. See you at the end of the world." Vaatu laughed wickedly as he flew away. All Wan could do was watch in sadness and regret. This was all his fault.
White turned to behind a rock, "Wan, look!" the two boys looked down sadly at Raava, who was severely shrunken. Prince nuzzled the weakened spirit, who laid on the ground like a piece of wet tissue. They could hear her exhausted breaths.
"Raava."
"I'm sorry, boys."
Wan gently took Raava into his arm and slid her into a teapot on Mula's saddle. But, Raava was not the only depressed female of their group. Poor heartbroken Leilani sat on a bolder, her ears lowered in sadness, her head hung, and a gentle breeze blew on her mane. Her eyes were wet from her tears. She did not sob, or weep loudly. Her inner emotions were doing that. On the outside, she was stone cold, with only her tears as a symbol of her pain. White slowly approached her, he didn't know what else to say. "Aye-Aye will be alright." he assured her.
"I know." she said in a monotone voice. "He may be alive, but he has turned into a monster." her eyes closed shut and she angrily turned to Wan. "And it's all because of you!!" Wan didn't even flinch for this was a reality he was well aware of. "If you hadn't gotten involved with Raava and Vaatu this never would have happened! And if I had never met you I wouldn't be in such pain! What's the point of doing the right thing if all you get is this! Hurt!" the unicorn started to weep loudly. She had never felt such anger in her life. Such heartbreak. Even when her parents died and she was alone. The spirits were her only family, and now...now they were gone. "Aye-Aye was right. All humans do is destroy."
When all seems lost, a light will shine.
Leilani gasped silently as Raava spoke. Though weak, she used her remaining strength to repeat Leilani's previous words;
Brightening the hearts of yours and mine
Fate be changed
Look inside
Mend the bond
Make a change
From a selfless act
Hope shall rise above
A new era begins
When thrived
By love
Leilani was silent. She had nearly forgotten those words. The words that came out of her own mouth.
"I understand your pain, my dear." Raava said kindly, "But while Wan has made an error, he has done his best to make up for it. Sometimes, the right path is not always the easiest one, but just because something is not easy, does not mean it is impossible or pointless. Don't follow their example, Leilani. You are strong, don't give in to what is easy, rather fight for what may be difficult. Keeping your faith is hard, but that is why we have our friends. To remind us that we are never truly alone. Your friendship, all of you, you have given me reason to hope again. To keep on fighting. I refuse to give into darkness, and so should you."
The unicorn felt so ashamed for how she had acted. She should have known that being angry would not help. Instead of feeling sad with regret, she should follow Wan's example; to correct a wrong, no matter how hard it may be.
White wiped away the tears from Leilani's face, as he softly sang;
(Carry on, by Olivia Holt)
There's always gonna be some canyon in the way...
There's always gonna be a river you cannot cross
Wan;
Somewhere along this path that's chosen me,
I know I'm gonna fall down, feel lost, feel weak
But wherever it leads
Wan and White;
No one said this would ever be easy, my love
But I will be by your side when the impossible rises up
We will travel this life well-worn
No matter the cause
No matter how long
We will leave our footprints behind
And carry on, carry on
Carry on, carry on!
Leilani finally smiled as Wan squatted down to her level. "I'm so sorry for all that has happened. But I promise, I will make things right."
"I know you will. I'm sorry for being so angry."
"It's okay. Besides, you still have that promise to keep."
And indeed she did. Just how was she and White suppose to return the ponies to their homeward if they gave up now. And so, with new hope and courage, the group mounted into Mula's back, and rose off towards the southern portal.
For Harmonic Convergence.
Leilani;
We may fall behind
Lose miles along this road
We will be alright
I will never let you go
White;
No one said this would ever be easy, my love
But I will be by your side when the impossible rises up
Wan, White, Leilani;
We will travel this life well-worn
No matter the cause
No matter how long
We will leave our footprints behind...
And carry on
And carry on... (~)
With a hood over his head, and arm warmers, Wan and his friends traveled in the cold south. White and Leilani rode behind him, both in cloaks to protect them from the winter. Wan carried Raava in his teapot.
"How you holding up, Raava?" White asked.
"We are almost there." she replied, "I was wrong about you before, Wan. I had no idea humans were capable of such nobility and courage. Or that ponies could be so strong and fiercely loyal to their loved ones. I'm sorry that we do not make much time together."
"Let's not give up before the battle's even begun" said Leilani, "Who knows what will happen?"
Wan nodded, "She's right. After all, this is our first Harmonic Convergence."
If Raava has a face, she would be smiling right now. "For so long, I have relied on my own strength, but now I see things much more clearly than I ever have before." the light spirit looked upwards into the sky, "May the Light be with us now."
They finally reached the portal, a beaming light rising from the ground. It's energy was powerful, even Leilani could sense it. Unlike its environment, around the portal was a small forest filled with growing lush green trees. The group walked closer to it.
"This is the southern portal to the spirit world." said Raava, "Here Vaatu and I will do battle once again at the place where the two worlds meet."
The group entered through the portal, it was such a powerful spiritual energy that Leilani's horn glowed unexpectedly, reacting to the powerful energies. Then, to her and White's surprise, both of their cutie marks glowed as well. Once they walked out of the beam of light, they made it into the spirit world. Or at least one part of it.
A barren place with only a single hollow tree in the center, and a few streams and the two portals resting on both sides. Wan removed his hood as the ponies followed his action. They all stood their ground, awaiting for Vaatu to arrive.
Right on cue, the dark spirit emerged from the northern portal, now larger than ever. "Are you ready for our final battle Raava? Thanks to our friend separating us, I think this time I may be rid of you once and for all."
Wan stood bravely in front of Vaatu and Leilani gently placed the teapot, carrying Raava on Mula's saddle. "Before you get to her, you'll have to go through me." said the young man. White stomped his hoof, removing his cloak, revealing his glowing cutie mark. Leilani did the same, revealing her glowing cutie mark as well. Her horn had stopped glowing, but the energy was still within her.
"You'll have to go through all of us!" White said courageously.
Vaatu chuckled, "No human or pony can stand against me."
"Haven't you heard the legends? I'm no longer a regular human." Wan stated.
"And we may be just ordinary ponies," Leilani began, "but we carry the strength and hope of our kind within us. We may be small, but together, we are larger than life!"
White and Wan immediately firebended at the dark spirit and Leilani bended a stream of water from around her. Vaatu flew away in circles, avoiding the attacks and then knocked the ponies and Wan away with his tendrils.
Vaatu unleashed a purple energy beam out of his face right at the friends, who screamed as they were knocked away backwards. The beast shoot another energy blast at them. They grunted as they ricocheted over the ground. White and Leilani ended up in opposite sides, with Wan struggling to get up, his eyes narrowing at the gigantic beast before him.
"Now prepare to face oblivion! The End of Days has arrived for you pitiful creatures!" Vaatu prepared to shoot another beam at Wan, ready to end him.
"NO!!"
Prince White and Leilani cried out....as they both jumped right in between Wan and the impact!
The ponies were knocked to the ground and laid there as blue smoke emitted from the large black wound on their backs. Both had landed beat the northern portal.
"White! Leilani!" Wan was on the verge of tears as his best friends smiled weakly at him, not saying a word. They were still alive, but barely. It was clear that they would not last for long. Tears came out of Wan's eyes. His best friends were gone.
"No!" desperately, he turned to Raava, "Raava! The only way to win is together. We will not let our friends' sacrifice go in vain!"
Raava couldn't agree more. She flew towards up from the teapot, towards Wan and merged with his body. His body was now surrounded by a white light, his eyes glowed bright.
Meanwhile, Leilani still had a little bit of energy left within her as she watched Wan fight off Vaatu. "Wan..." she wanted so badly to help her friend but she and White were both too weak.
Vaatu attacked with his tentacles, which Wan avoided by fleeing on a cloud. The two exchanged the same blows. Wan flew up and unleashed a fire blast at Vaatu, who once again knocked him away. Wan managed to land on the ground, bending water at Vaatu with all of his might. His anger towards the dark spirit for hurting his friends made him even more determined to finish him off. But with every strike, while it did strike Vaatu, it did no real damage. Wan flew up on a cloud, levitating three rocks and hurled them at Vaatu. But he only avoided them. He flew up and began attacking Wan with his tendrils, and Wan firebended at him. Wan landed backwards onto the ground, and his body suddenly began to shake. The power of Raava was now becoming to much for him again. He fell on his knees, grunting in pain. His body static.
"I have to leave you!" Raava said from within him, "If I stay any longer, you will die!"
But Was refused, "It doesn't matter. If you leave me now, Vaatu will destroy everything. We have to finish this together. For Prince White and Leilani!"
Leilani heard Wan's words, as did White. Suddenly, Leilani's horn started to glow brightly, even brighter than before, as did her and White's cutie marks. The energy of the portal somehow reacted to her magic, which was fueled by the love she felt when she heard Wan's voice. White had heard him too, his heart filled with compassion and warmth despite his slow death. His energy was shared with the mare he loved.
Wan charged at Vaatu and unleashed a fire blast, but he was then shot backwards to the southern portal by Vaatu's energy beam. But Wan skied to a halt before he even made contact with the portal. Then Vaatu pined him down with his tentacles. Wan was stuck, he could not move.
"Harmonic Convergence is about to begin. The era of Raava is over."
From space, the planets aligned, the two beams of the spirit portals connected with one another creating an enormous amount of energy. The two weak ponies refused to let this happen. They refused to die like this. White and Leilani used the amount of strength they had left and using the small crater as a crunch, they reached towards the portal.
Leilani grunted as she spoke, "I...won't give up. I made a promise to my kind. I will not break that promise." as she rose her weak hoof towards the portal, she remembered all of the hopeful faces of each of the ponies she had encountered. Their hope was her motivation.
White too reached for the portal. They did not know how, but perhaps the spiritual energy from the portal could give them the boost they needed to help Wan. White grunted as he rose his hoof. "All my life, I foolishly believed I never needed friends. But my friends changed my life. I...won't, let them down."
Vaatu began to glow purple as he watched the spectacle in the sky. While still static, Wan lit up briefly, showing Raava's form inside his chest. As if by fate, Wan placed his right hand behind him, touching the portal simultaneously with the ponies's hooves once they too touched the second portal.
All of the courage, hope and love they shared with each other, Wan, Raava, the spirits and all the ponies they had encountered flowed within them. At the same time, the energy of the southern spirit portal flowed through Wan, basking him in blue light. While Wan was being infused with spiritual energy, Leilani and White's energy only amplified that of the spirit portals. Both ponies responded in unison, with much strength and hope in there voices.
"I fight for my friends!"
Wan, White and Leilani felt the energy of the spirit portals react to the power and strength of their courage. Their love, their selfless actions. They believed in each other, they believed in the friends they had made. They believed in the magic that connected them all.
The True Magic!
The energy traveled from the ponies through the intertwined portals until it reached on towards Wan. He could feel their power crossing through his body. Their pony magic being shared with his body as well as Raava's power. Their strength...their friendship. The man got to his knees, opened his mouth, unleashing a powerful yell and a light beam from his mouth. Then, White and Leilani began to float up into the air, both glowing in a bright white and yellow lights.
The ponies began to change; both growing taller in size. White's mane and tail were now longer and became dark blue in color. Leilani's mane and tail both grew longer, earning sparkles and moving on their own like waves. Then, both sides of their bodies glowed...as two pairs of feathery wings emerged! White's forehead glowed brighter...as a unicorn horn grew out!
The glomming faded and the newly transformed Prince White and Leilani stood proud and tall, galloping their hooves and neighing with great confidence and majesty.
From a selfless act
Hope shall rise above
A new era begins
When thrived
By love
The positive light from all three unleashed a powerful light that threw Vaatu backwards. He could feel his own energy draining from him. The dark spirit moved away from a safe distance before turning back. As the lights subdued, Wan, White and Leilani emerged, the ponies now fully transformed, and Wan's energy now stabilized. He could hear Raava's voice from within him.
"We are bonded, Wan."
Vaatu shook in fear. "What is the meaning of this?!"
"Playtime is over for you, Vaatu." White spoke. His voice sounding slightly deeper, no longer like a late teen, but like a grown man.
Together, the three started attacking Vaatu, hitting him constantly with their bending. White and Leilani even began shooting energy blasts from their horns with ease. The two changed ponies continued this, weakening the dark spirit with constant blasts of magic. Using this as his chance, Wan then trapped Vaatu in an air bubble. He bended all four elements around Vaatu as he pushed him to the opening of the hollow tree. The ponies added a combined magical bubble around him as they too assisted Wan in pushing Vaatu deeper into the hole of the tree. Once he was inside, the tree emitted a bright ring of energy and Vaatu remained trapped within the tree behind a purple energy filed.
"This is your prison now. For your pride and cruelty here is where you shall remain." Wan said, his eyes no longer white and his body returning to normal. "And I will close the portal so no human will ever be able to physically enter the Spirit World and release you."
White and Leilani lowered down, their large wings gently flapping. Wan finally took a moment to look at his friends. They were still the same earth pony and unicorn he had come to know and love, only now they were as tall as him, with wings and White now had a horn and a longer mane. Leilani's mane now moved in an invisible breeze, adorned with sparkles that surrounded it. But they were not the only ones who had changed, for now White had a single golden streak on his hair. They both smiled and embraced one another.
"I can't believe it." Wan said in awe, "You changed."
White winked at his friend, "We all have Wan. We all have."
"You saved my life. I never could have done this without you. We did it!"
The two hugged once more. They had done it. They defeated Vaatu and saved the world. All because of their friendship. (~)
With Raava's powers, Wan closed the northern portal, which now became a single purple glowing orb. Back in the human world, spirits all around lined up to return to their home. "The spirits must stop fighting with humans and return to their home in the Spirit World." Wan stated. "I will teach men to respect their home so that balance will be maintained. I will be the bridge between our worlds."
The very last spirit to enter the portal was Aye-Aye, now back to his original form. He released a single tear as he waved farewell to his dear unicorn, and adoptive daughter, Leilani. They would miss one another, but had faith they would meet again. One day. Aye-Aye bowed to the three of them in gratitude and they did as well before the spirit returned to his homeland. With his hand, Wan closed the portal, with a single tear escaping his eye.
Wan, White, Leilani and Mula all stood before the Lion Turtle, with groups of humans and ponies rallied behind them. The great beast spoke, "The world is entering a new age. Our time protecting mankind is over. We will no longer give humans the power of the elements. From this day forward, you will pass down your talents to your descendants. What you do with them from this day forward shall be your own choice. But be warned to face the consequences once upon you."
And, as promised, the ponies all around the world gathered together towards the mystic pond. It took almost a whole year for all the ponies to enter the portal, and would remain in Equestria for two the remanding year until they wished to return to their human world. However, they wanted to take extra precaution. White and Leilani have decided to keep the gateway closed for a while so ponies could get acquainted with their homeland in peace and reopen it once it was safe. They feared some corrupted humans would enter their world and disturb it's perfect balance. Something Wan agreed with. It was rather risky, but with their new powers they were certain it could be accomplished. Pegasus ponies bid farewell to their nomad friends as all ponies from the human world all lined up to return to enter Equestria through the pond. As the last pony entered the portal, Prince White and Leilani sadly turned to Wan,
"You sure about this?" Leilani asked her human friend.
"I am." Wan said, "As much as it pains me to see you leave, for now, our worlds must remain separate for the time being. The ponies need you to help guide them and the ponies of this world must know where they come from. Both of our worlds have been shifted from Harmonic Convergence and we need to get them back on track. You two were transformed for a reason. You can lead your kind into a better life or peace and harmony and I will do the same with mine. Different groups of people must learn to live together. This is my mission: to use Raava's light to guide the world towards peace."
The two ponies nodded in agreement. "We know you will." White said proudly. "And when the time is right, we shall reopen the gateway and be reunited once more and never again will we be separated."
"We will all do our best to bring peace and balance between our two worlds." said Leilani, a tear escaping her eye. Wan smiled at them both.
"Hey, don't worry. This won't be forever and you can open the portal whenever you wish." Then Wan closed his hands as a light began to shine in between his fingers. Once he opened his hands, appeared a glowing seed in his palm. He took out a small pouch and placed it inside. He then tied it around Leilani's neck. "When you plant this on the soil of your home, you will always have a part of me and Raava. This way we can keep in touch, and to show that no matter how far away we are from each other...we will always have our friendship."
Then, Leilani magically levitated a bag of seeds. "These are Fire Lilly seeds. I hope they will remind you of us." The three friends embraced in a warm yet tearful hug once more. They took their time with this one, for it would be the last in a long while.
"Thank you, Wan." White said, "For showing me what it truly means to be a friend."
"And thank you, Prince White. And you, Leilani. For showing me what it truly means to make a difference, and to fight for something bigger than yourself."
They hesitantly released and shared one final glance before Prince White and Leilani entered the pond and back into Equestria. Once they had all crossed over, White and Leilani's horns glowed brightly and dipped them into the portal. From the other side, Wan used his free hands to close the portal on his side. With all of their might they managed to close the gateway, however, something happened. Something they did not expect.
The pond emitted a powerful ring of light which threw the three friends back, landing hard on their backs. Wan felt a sting in his arms, he looked at them, seeing them glowing bright blue before returning to normal. He felt a strange sensation come onto him, and the single golden streak he once had disappeared completely. But what caught his attention even more was the pond....
It was completely gone. Not a trace of it anywhere. He gasped in horror.
White and Leilani woke up and gasped in shock. The pond was also gone from their end. But that wasn't all...
All around them, Equestria looked different. No longer did it look detailed as it once did, now it looked more as if they had entered a painting. Even their anatomies were different now. The land appeared to resemble more that of a painting, with smaller details than before. Their physical outlook was now flat-looking, having lost their tree-dimensional appearances.
"We didn't realize it until afterwords. By forcing the portal to close ahead of its time, we caused a chain reaction. The gateway to our worlds was now completely gone, and with it the connection between us...was completely severed."
White kneeled down to where the portal once stood. Now there was no possible way for their worlds to connect once again. Meanwhile, Wan himself felt a tear escape his eye. He knew his friends would be alright, free from the greed of humans and they could begin a new life with the ponies who had been neglected of their magical land and what it could truly do for them. It was painful for him to say goodbye forever, but this was for the best. The worlds needed to be separated for now, but he knew that someday, one way or another, their homes would become one again. Only this time, they will have both grown and become better, and with it, help one another to grow even more as well. He felt so strange in his world now, as if something about it was now missing. But not just him, this was shared all around, problem was, other humans could not recall just what it was.
Wan took the seed Leilani had given him and planted it on the ground where the pond once stood. His hands began to glow and suddenly, a single Fire Lilly grew up in an instant. He didn't know that one day this entire area would be filled with fire lilies and that they would grow far and wide. Leilani may be gone, but a piece of her will always remain in this world.
White and Leilani continued to look at where the pond was. They both levitated the small seed Wan had given them and planted it on the soil. The ground began to glow, and the two ponies backed away as a bright and stunningly beautiful plant grew from the soil, growing and growing until it became a stunning large tree made out entirely of crystals and with a star-shaped mark on the very center, along with a sun and moon marks along the down part of the trunk. On the tree's branches were different colored gem stones, each glowing brightly in a mesmerizing radiance. Once the tree was fully grown, the soil all around Equestria shimmered. The seed from Wan and Raava had grown into what would now be known was...The Tree of Harmony.
Twilight couldn't believe her eyes. So this was where the tree had come from as well as the Elements of Harmony. "I don't believe it. So the Tree of Harmony was actually created by Raava's light?"
The alicorn prince nodded, "Yes. And the Elements of Harmony were physical manifestations of Wan's soul. His kindness. His loyalty. Honesty. Generosity. Laughter, and Love. And with the light from Raava, as well as the magical aura of our realm, they all had incredible powers."
The image changed and then they saw a battlefield, rocks elevated everywhere, red flags, arrows, and large earth coins lied scattered over the field. An elderly Wan laid against a giant stone, wearing battle armor, surrounded by arrows, one pierced threw his leg. He was dying. Twilight could feel her heart break at the sight. Wan spoke to Raava, his voice old and weakened from constant fighting.
"I'm sorry, Raava. I failed to bring peace. Even with Vaatu locked away, darkness still surrounds humanity. There wasn't enough time."
But then, he heard Raava's voice, kind, gentle and loving. "Don't worry. Your time might have reached its end, but this battle is far from over. One day, the magic will return. Light will triumph over darkness. I shall be with you and all of your successors until the final battle. We will never give up, but for now...it is time for you to go home."
As Wan exhaled one last time, a golden light escaped his mouth. It dissipated into little golden specks before scattering all around. A wave of sparkled traveled all around the land, as if seeking for one who is worthy. Now dead, Wan's clenched hand open up, and a single fire lilly fell from his hand. It disintegrated as it hit the ground and blended with the soil. What was heard next was the sound of a crying newborn baby.
Twilight squinted her eyes as images of the white light traveling throughout the centuries, choosing various infants, each one corresponding with each element of the cycle up until it reached Aang. During each of those times, the alicorn could see an aura around them. It wasn't just Raava, but also the magic Wan and his friends had uncovered. A magic that was shared by him and the alicorns. A magic, that still connected them even during times of separation.
Twilight then saw images of Prince White now ruling Equestria alongside Leilani, now known as their Princess, and the ponies all learning to adjust to their new lives as Prince narrated,
"When Leilani and I returned to Equestria, we realized that because we were no longer connected with Wan's world, we lost our ability to bend our elements. As did many other ponies. The different energies of our worlds had severed, no longer one. But over time, they all forgot about the humans, spirits and their bending. The only ones who still remembered were us. Because of our powers, we were crowned the rulers of our homeland and took our part in rising the sun and moon, since we no longer shared them with Wan's home. Together, we led Equestria into a brighter future. Over the years, we visited the tree as often as we could. Whenever there was trouble that we couldn't handle, Wan's elements helped us."
They then saw an image of Leilani writing on a book...Twilight knew it was the prophesy book. The first alicorn princess placed the book within the tree. She was accompanied by White and two little fillies, both girls with unicorn horns and wings.
"We told out daughters that one day this tree would give them the answers they needed. But we never told anypony else about Wan." he said sadly. Twilight then saw images of when she and her friends first took control of the Elements. "You see Twilight, when The Tree of Harmony was loosing power, it wasn't just because it needed the Elements back. You girls are connected to them for a reason."
"Wan's Elements chose us?" Twilight asked in awe.
"Yes. Me and Leilani became alicorns, and Wan became the Avatar because we all embraced the true example of the Light. Our magic came directly from The Magic of Friendship itself. The friends we had made in our time with Wan and Raava, ponies, humans and all are a statement to that. And you girls represent what makes Wan's Elements so powerful. By wielding the Elements of Harmony, you were destined to find the one Avatar who would unite our worlds forever. That's why you all felt so drawn to Korra when you first met. Because you saw straight into her true heart, and by chance, found a kindred spirit in the process."
Twilight's eyes widen as she realized this. "No wonder. Korra changed my life even before I met her." and it was true. The Elements of Harmony did bring Twilight and her friends together, and the Elements came from Korra, well her in a past life but still. Their friendship was destined from the start. "But wait, if our worlds have been separated, how come Equestria is loosing its magic now?"
"When we closed the gateway and returned the ponies home, we took our magic away from Wan's world. And while it still carries magic of its own, like bending and the spirit creatures, it wasn't enough to make it whole. Our worlds weren't meant to be separated, but shared. The three of us foolishly lost sight of that."
Twilight gasped in shock. It did make sense, when Wan and Raava bonded, a small piece of Leilani and White's now alicorn magic did sink into Wan, hence the golden streak, only now...there was no more magic. At least, not the kind of magic it would need. And the same went for Equestria, ponies lost their ability to bend because it was no longer a part of them due to the separation. The Tree of Harmony was made from Wan and Raava and was now the only thing in Equestria that came from that other world, while the Equestrian magic within the Avatar remained in the other world, balancing them out for generations.
"Leilani knew that while our worlds would be physically separate, as long as there remained the Tree and the Avatar, our worlds would thrive. Only now, the two are no longer enough to keep either of our magic a flow. And the spirits..." White hung his head in shame. "They're in this mess because of us."
"Why?"
"The true reason why spirits turn dark, is indeed because they are imbalanced, but not in the way Unalaq described. A trace of Vaatu's darkness still remained. Whenever they felt angry at humans for the destruction of their sacred homes, they turned into creatures trapped within their own corrupted nature. Spirits aren't gods to be worshiped, Twilight. They're innocent creatures, flawed and lost just like any pony or human. We all have the potential for great good, but also great evil. It all depends on the path we choose to take. Vaatu always knew of the Great Change during his imprisonment, and even when trapped, he managed to spread his darkness even in the tiniest way through the dark spirits he created with his subconscious influence. That's why he sent the dark spirits to summon Unalaq."
Twilight gasped at this revelation. "So, everything Unalaq has done was..."
"All part of Vaatu's plan. He wants to destroy any chance you girls have of defeating him. To restore the magic would be to share Equestria's with the one world that needs it most."
"A world without shine."
"Exactly."
"And how do we do that?" Twilight asked.
"Remember what the book said; 'When the seven hearts unite as one--"
"A new era...has begun." Twilight finished. "The final battle."
"By using the new Elements of Harmony during Harmonic Convergence you girls will create a new portal between our two worlds. A true portal, not the artificial one you made with the book. Once the magic in Equestria is shared with this world, it will increase and spread all around, restoring the magic fully, and with it Vaatu's power will never take over again. But you can't do it alone."
Prince White began to fade into a blazing light....
Twilight opened her eyes and gasped for air. At the exact some time Korra's eyes open and started to glow. She jolted up, little white beams shooting out of her eyes as she gasped for air, and the light in her eyes stopped. The ponies' eyes stopped glowing and their elements dissolved again into their skins. They shook their heads and looked down at Korra in the pool.
Fluttershy looked down at her, "Korra?"
The young Avatar's eyes widened, as the truth finally hit her. "I...I remember."
"Do you know who you are?" asked the Shaman.
Korra looked up at her, "Yes. I am the Avatar."
The ponies looked happy but then they looked sad. "And, what else?" Applejack asked
"What else what?"
"Don't you remember us?" Rainbow asked hopefully.
Korra looked up at the ponies, her eyes didn't have that warmth they always had whenever she looked at them. "I'm sorry but...no. I know what I am now but not exactly who I am. I don't know if I have a family or friends."
They couldn't believe it, Korra still couldn't remember them. Then Twilight's horn began to glow, and the alicorn realized what she needed to do. "I bet I can help with that!" She flew down toward Korra, "This won't hurt. I promise." Twilight placed her horn on Korra's forehead and, in a flash, all of her memories started flashing before her very eyes like a film going in fast forward. The memories stopped and she gasped as she backed away from the alicorn, her horn stopped glowing. Twilight waited anxiously for Korra's reply. The Avatar simply looked at her and finally spoke in a soft whisper.
"Sunshine....sunshine....ladies bugs awake. Clap your hooves..."
"And do a little shake!" both girls said in union. Twilight smiled with tears forming in her eyes and hugged Korra. "You remember me!"
"Of course I do. How could I ever forget my little pony?"
The ponies and Spike cheered happily from above. Rainbow Dash did happy air flips, "Alright! Korra's back baby!"
"Now are you certain you know who you are?" the Shaman asked.
"Yes. My name is Korra. I'm the Avatar. I am the Element of Unity. But most importantly...", she airbended herself upwards and smiled at the ponies, "I'm your A.B.F.F. Avatar Best Friend Forever!"
"Korra!" Spike and the ponies all happily hugged their friend.
Applejack wiped away a tear, "Oh, we were so worried."
Pinkie Pie hugged the human's leg, "We thought we'd never see you again!"
"I'm so happy you're back to normal." said Fluttershy as she nuzzled Korra's cheek with her own.
"Me too." Korra said, looking at them all with a face of regret. "I'm so sorry I put you through that."
"Don't worry about it." Twilight reassured.
"We're just happy you're you again." Flash said in relief.
Spike walked up to the human with a hopeful spirit, "You remember me too?"
"Of course I remember you, Spike...." Korra placed her hands on her hips, "I also remember you were the one who burned my favorite pair of snow boots last month."
"Uhhhhhhhhh" Spike then took Applejack's hat and spoke with a southern accent, "I'm Applejack! Ye-Haw!" (~)
The Shaman took all of them outside to the sky bisons, "We've been raising this heard of air bison since the Hundred Year War. I never thought I'd be able to present one to the Avatar."
"Thank you for all of your kindness." Korra said graciously.
"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control; against such things there is no law." the woman said.
"I wonder how long I've been away."
"That I cannot say, but you do not have much time left. The Harmonic Convergence is only weeks away."
"That's not all." Korra stated, "If we don't close the portals by that time, our world will disappear forever unless we can restore the magic of Equestria."
Rainbow Dash flew toward one of the bisons, "Well then what are we waiting for?"
Korra and the others turned and bowed in gratitude to the Shaman. The Shaman herself placed her hand on Korra's shoulder. The Avatar looked at her sadly. "I'm scared." she confessed.
"I know. But you don't need to be anymore." the Shaman took Korra's hand, giving them a reassuring squeeze. "Trust in the Light with all of your heart, and you will know what you must do." (~)
They all rode together on a sky bison with the winged ponies flying beside him as Korra took control of the reigns. "I can't believe we got to see the very first Avatar. And the first alicorns" said Fluttershy.
"Was Wan really powerful?" Spike asked curiously.
"He was extraordinary!" said Rarity.
"He was almost as awesome as me!" said Rainbow.
"Sounds amazing" Flash said,
Twilight smiled at him, "Yeah, it was."
"Speaking of amazing. What happened while I was out those first three days?" Korra asked.
Pinkie Pie jumped beside her, "Twilight and Flash sentry confessed their romantic feelings for each other and Twilight kissed him on the cheek!"
Korra's eye widened, "WHAT?!"
Twilight blushed, "PINKIE PIE!"
"What? I'm just answering her question"
Twilight and Flash blushed in embarrassment. They had no idea how in the hey Pinkie Pie knew about that. Korra was speechless, "Twilight! I can't believe you did that! It's so unlike you.....I am so proud!" The two girls hugged happily.
"So you're not mad?" Flash asked hopefully.
"Of course not. I'm happy for you two." then Korra's tone changed from happy to authoritative, "But if you do try anything to hurt my Twily, you can kiss you're wings goodbye."
Flash blinked before smiling, ".....great to have you back, Korra."
The Avatar laughed, "Things are only going to get more dangerous from here on out." she smiled encouragingly at her friends, "But we will face it together"
Korra then began to sing,
Some will write you off before you ever start.
Twilight,
Some will say the journey's just too hard.
Rarity,
Somewhere between right here and the other side
There will be fear and doubt in the deep dark night
Ponies,
But we will survive!
Together,
Yeah!
No one said this would ever be easy, my friends.
But I will be by your side when the impossible rises up.
We will travel this life well-worn.
No matter the cost, no matter how long.
We will leave our footprints behind
And carry on.
Carry on, carry on, carry on
Carry on....
As the friend sflew off they knew that they would face any dangers together.
Just like Wan, Raava and Prince White did. (~)
In the Everfree Forest, Celestia was standing in front of the tree of Harmony. She gasped as she watched one of it's branches turn grey and fall to the ground, "Oh no."
She knew what this meant...The Great Change was coming.
In the Everfree Forest, Celestia was standing in front of the tree of Harmony. She gasped as she watched one of it's branches turn grey and fall to the ground, "Oh no."
She knew what this meant...The Great Change was coming.
*(~)*
Galantians 5:22-23 ~
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; giants such things there is no law.
*(~)* |
The Little Pony Legend 2: Spirits of Courage | The Guide | *(~)*
Proverbs 1:5~
Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance.
*(~)*
The Guide
While things were looking grim in the South Pole, and friendships were being strained in Republic City, everything was peaceful and bright at the Eastern Air Temple.
Tenzin and his family were completely cut off from the outside world in order to enjoy their vacation and had already traveled to the Eastern Temple. The siblings were getting along so much better now, thanks to some wise advice from the Royal Sisters. They really missed them, especially Kya who had grown found of Princess Luna. Little did they know, their new friends missed them too. But they had to remain in Equestria because they were much needed there. The princesses were hard at work, aided by their mother, to keep peace in Equestria. Day by day, the ponies began to notice strange occurrences; some unicorn's magic wasn't nearly as powerful as before, and pegasus ponies were slowly loosing their ability to manipulate the weather. Some fauna was dying, animals were becoming frightened for they could sense the changes. They were small and happening bit by bit, but it didn't take long for the inhabitants to start realizing this. The Princesses and their mother, being the most powerful beings in their land, their magic would last a bit longer, but it was only a matter of time before they too would slowly begin to loose their power. Even so, their very presence was enough to bring hope to the ponies' hearts. Everyday, they silently prayed that Korra and the Mane Six would save their home.
And soon.
Meanwhile, at the air temple, Jinora was out in the gardens playing with some new friends. Her carefree laughter echoed in the trees. She looked behind a plant to spot her little friend; a light green bunny with dragonfly wings for ears.
"Gotcha!"
The bunny jumped and Jinora ran after it, trying to grab him. "Furry-Foot, come back." the spirit returned to her, and landed on her head as four other dragonfly spirits came close to her, earning a giggle from the young airbender. The bunnies were all of different bright colors, and with their ear-wings, they flew around Jinora's head. She knew that these creatures were spirits, and they had grown very found of the young girl.
"Jinora, there you are."
She heard her father calling out her name. At the sound of his voice, the bunny spirits all were a bit frightened but remained beside their friend. "Come on, everyone's waiting."
Tenzin saw his daughter sitting on the grass all alone. He had heard her laughing earlier and wondered what she was doing that was so much fun, but he didn't see anyone around her. Jinroa knew her father could not see her friends, only she could. "Were you playing with someone?" he asked curiously.
"Oh, just some...imaginary friends." she giggled as her friend Furry-Foot appeared behind Tenzin's head while he walked away, still skeptical at the idea that Jinora was still playing with imaginary friends. (~)
After a few days, Korra and the others finally made it to the Air Temple. Korra's eyes marveled at its beauty. "The Eastern Air Temple. I'm beginning to regret not coming here in the first place. It's gorgeous."
Fluttershy gasped when she saw the lemurs flying among the trees. "Look at all of the cute little lemurs." she said happily.
"I can't wait to see Ikki again!" Pinkie Pie said excitedly, "And Jinora and Meelo and Kya and Bumi and Tenzin and Pema and Rohan and Oogie. And I can't wait to give them all the biggest hugs ever!" she hugged herself happily.
"I just hope Tenzin's wiling to help out" Korra said with a saddened face.
"Why wouldn't he?" Applejack asked.
"Well, she did kind of fired him as her mentor." Rainbow pointed out.
"It was a temporary separation." Applejack corrected.
"Which if it hadn't happen, the world wouldn't be in danger." Korra said with regret.
Twilight placed her hoof on Korra's shoulder, "Korra, the world was gonna be in danger anyway. The prophesy said that we have to be by the portals, a.k.a, the aura of light, in order for us to restore the magic of Equestria and keep your world from disappearing."
"Not to mention ours." Spike added. Korra landed the bison in a large filed of grass as they all jumped off the saddle.
"Tenzin would never give up on you so easily." Rarity said.
Korra smiled then looked up at the tall temple before them, "You're right. Let's go." (~)
"Stop telling lies." Kya said to her oldest brother. Tenzin and his family were all gathered in the courtyard.
"It's true. I once beat an earthbender in a rock-throwing contest! I have the trophy to prove it."
Tenzin came in between to stop the arguing. "All right, who's ready for an exciting tour of the Eastern Air Temple? We've got a lot to see today, including ancient statues, ancient gardens, and meditation hall used by ancient airbenders."
As Tenzin spoke, Ikki and Meelo sat at the table, looking extremely board at all the things their father deemed 'exciting'. "Yay. Old things." Ikki said in disinterest.
Their boredom soon came to an end when a familiar figure entered the courtyard. The rays of the sun beamed on her, giving her a bright and even angelic aura as she walked in. Her bright smile gleaming, showing her snowy white teeth, and her baby blue eyes shimmering brightly like they always did. Eight more figures accompanied her, all in bright colors and smiles that mirrored her own. Tenzin couldn't believe his eyes.
"Korra?"
"Korra!" The kids ran happily to Korra and the ponies, who eagerly embraced them in a warm hug. Ikki and Pinkie hugged each other tightly.
"I missed you so much Pinkie Pie!"
"I missed you too, Ikki!"
Jinora hugged Twilight. "I'm so happy to see you."
"You too, Jin."
"Spike!"
"Hey, Meelo! Give me some, my brother!", the two boys fist pumped, happy to be reunited. Korra noticed Flash was not saying hello to anybody as he stood shyly by the entrance. She then introduced him.
"Kids, you all remember Flash Sentry, right? From the Glacier Spirits Festival?"
With more confidence, Flash walked towards the family and bowed in respect. Jinora grinned when she saw the pegasus. "Oh, yeah. Twilight's "special" friend" she winked making Twilight blush.
"Jinora!"
"What?"
Fluttershy flew to Pema and Rohan as she tickled the baby's chin. "Hello, little Rohan. I missed you so much." the baby cooed at her sweet voice.
"How did you kids find us?" Pema asked curiously.
"Tenzin's itinerary." Korra responded. "We went over it like a hundred times before we left Republic City."
"See? This is why schedules are important." Tenzin said to his brother and sister
"If it weren't for Korra's great memory, we never would have found this place." Pinkie Pie explained, "She gets it from me. I'm a pony with laser sharp--" she spotted a pretty butterfly fly by her and hopped after it, "Ooh, a butterfly! La, la, la, la, la!"
Jinora smiled while rolling her eyes, "Some things never change."
"It's so great to see you all again." Korra said happily to the family.
Tenzin smiled in return, "It's great to see you too. But why aren't you training at the South Pole?" he asked, while Pinkie Pie continued to hop after the butterfly behind them.
"Wait, you don't know about the Civil War?" Twilight asked in disbelief. Pinkie Pie stopped hoping and landed in front of Korra.
"What? No. We've been out of touch with the outside world since we started our vacation."
"Tenzin's idea." Bumi said, "What happened?"
"So much. I--I don't even know where to start." said Korra.
"Just tell us everything!" said Tenzin.
"Everything?", Korra and the ponies all looked at each other and then back at Tenzin.
"As in, everything, everything?" Rarity asked. Tenzin and his siblings nodded.
Korra shrugged, "Okay." They all simultaneously took a deep breath as they all began explaining what had happened.
Korra started, "So me and the ponies opened a spirit portal at the South Pole,"
Twilight continued, "But then Unalaq trend out to be a bad guy,"
Then Applejack, "And he was only pretending to understand us."
Then Rainbow, "And he wanted to take control of the south,"
Korra again, "So I sort of started a Civil War,"
Then Pinkie, "And then we freed Korra's dad from prison"
Rarity; "Who then asked us to seek help from the President,"
Fluttershy; "But he said no, so we went to go find help in the fire nation,"
Twilight; "Then we got attacked by Korra's cousins,"
Rainbow; "Jerks!"
Pinkie; "And then we got attacked by this HUGE dark spirit,"
Korra; "Then I forgot who I was, and then we met the first Avatar,"
Rarity; " Very dashing, young fellow,"
Twilight; "And also the first alicorns,"
Korra; "And then I realized we shouldn't have opened the portal in the first place and now we need to close it again."
Pinkie; "And if we don't stop the war by Harmonic Convergence, Equestria's magic will disappear forever and that also means your world will disappear forever too!!"
They all inhaled deeply once they were done. Tenzin, his siblings, Pema, the kids, even Flash and Spike all had their mouths hung open in surprise and shock.
"True story." Fluttershy added
"I knew this would happen." said Tenzin. (~)
Tenzin, Korra and the Mane Six were all seated in the garden on a rock. Tenzin was processing everything else the girls had told him. "So, humans and ponies once lived together?"
"Yeah. And even ponies were able to bend the elements too." Korra explained, "But after their worlds were severed, their powers remained dormant."
"And the first Avatar, Wan was friends with the first alicorns? Luna and Celestia's parents?"
"That's right."
"So Avatar Wan imprisoned this dark spirit, Vaatu in the spirit world?"
"Yes, and now I think my uncle is trying to free him." she said as she lowered her gaze in shame.
"I knew Unalaq was hungry for power, but I never realized how far he would go to get it."
Twilight cleared her throat before speaking, "Um, Tenzin with all due respect, if you kind of already knew Unalaq was messed up in the head...WHY DIDN'T YOU SAY SO IN THE FIRST PLACE?!" Twilight lowered her ears bashfully, "Sorry."
"She does have a point." Rainbow Dash said.
"I guess a part of me hoped I was wrong." Tenzin explained, "He was Korra's uncle and I didn't want her to think any less of him. I thought perhaps her good nature, along with you six ponies, would help him change somehow....but I'm afraid some people, no matter how hard you try, they simply are not willing to change."
Korra was surprised by this, "You thought I could change him? Why?"
"Don't get me wrong, you have your faults Korra. But I also always noticed you were special...even more so than any Avatar before you."
Korra couldn't believe what she was hearing, "Really?"
"Yes. You were right before. I had to give you the space to make your own choices. It was the only way you would learn and evolve as an Avatar."
"Yeah, look where that got me." she said bitterly towards herself, "I failed you, I failed Celestia, Luna, Leilani...this is all my fault." the Avatar buried her face into her hands in shame.
Fluttershy placed her hoof on her shoulder, "No, sweetie. Stop blaming yourself."
"She's right." Tenzin said, "This is Unalaq's doing. Now, we must focus on setting things rights before Unalaq can do any more damage."
"So, we need to close the Southern portal." Rarity stated. "But if Unalaq's army controls the south, how are we going to get to it?"
"I thought about that." Korra said, "Our best chance to close the portal is from the inside....we have to enter the spirit world."
Rarity's eyes snapped open, "Wait, we? As in, all six of us?"
"Seven, counting Tenzin." Korra said while pointing her thumb at the airbender.
Twilight began, "Since we all share a piece of Korra's Avatar spirit, we can go into the spirit world alongside her."
Tenzin stood up, "A journey to the spirit world. All my years of spiritual training have prepared me for this moment. I will help you. Today, we enter the spirit world"
The girls all jumped up and cheered, "Yay! Spirit world trip! Spirit world trip!" Pinkie Pie shouted while jumping happily. (~)
Back in Republic City, they had just finished shooting another scene of Bolin's movie. While everybody else left for lunch, Bolin was still suspended by the props...upside-down.
"Hello? Anyone? Nuktuk still up here, all alone." The young earthbender smiled happily when he saw a familiar face walk on set. "Asami! Hey, what are you doing here?"
"Varrick invited me to watch some of the filming." she looked around, confused to see it empty, "Are you filming right now?"
"Right now? Nope. We're uh...we're at lunch."
The heiress covered her mouth, trying to hide her giggles, "Need some help?"
"No, no, I can handle it." he continued to struggle with untying the rope.
"Asami, there you are." The heiress narrowed her eyes at the young firebender police officer who had just walked in. Mako knew Asami was still pretty peeved at him for the incident the other night, learning about the Great Change. Ever since, Asami hasn't spoken to Mako directly unless she was spoken to. Mako however, had no time to deal with her bitterness, he still had a case to crack, a case that could help in the prevention of the civil war getting out of hand. "Is Bolin around?" he asked casually.
"Up here!" Bolin cried out as he struggled to get himself free.
"Good. I've got something to tell you both." Mako explained just as Bolin finally freed himself from the suspenders and landed on the ground...hard.
"OW! Aww. Oh, I got to stop doing my own stunts."
"I found out who's been stealing from Future Industries: Varrick."
Bolin jumped upwards at hearing this news, "What? No."
"He attacked his own ship?" Asami asked while crossing her arms. She was just as unconvinced as Bolin.
"Yes! It was a ploy. He wants Republic City to go to war, and he wants control of the businesses that stand to profit most from it. He already had all the shipping. All he needed was Future Industries."
"Varrick helped save Future Industries. He's my business partner now, not an evil mastermind." Asami said defensively, and somewhat coldly, "And I thought you were trying to fix the mess you made. Equestria dying, worlds hanging in the balance, Elements of Harmony missing. Ring any bells?"
"I'm working on it. If Varrick keeps this up, the war will only get worse."
"So you already found Korra to tell her the news?" she said seriously/angrily.
Mako's eyes shifted from side to side, avoiding to look at Asami's disapproving gaze, "Well...no, I haven't yet--"
"See, this is why I had to move out." Bolin said.
Asami was surprised by this news. "You guys aren't living together anymore?"
"Nope. It was time for this eagle hawk to spread his wings and fly", Bolin flapped his arms exaggeratively for emphasis.
"Guys, listen to me. Varrick is up to no good, and I have proof. The detonators he uses in his movies are exactly like the one me and Flash Sentry found at the cultural center attack. And those explosions were exactly like the ones the captain reported when Asami's shipment was hijacked. Don't you see?"
"Anyone could have gotten their hands on one of those detonators." Asami pointed out.
"Yeah. Let it go, Mako. Let it go."
Mako was already getting really irritated with the two of them, "Gah! No! I'm not going to let it go! You know what, forget it! I'm going to prove I'm right."
"And if you're wrong?" Asami pointed out, "Don't get mad at us when this whole thing turns out to be nothing but a dead end and you make things even worse for everybody, just as you did for Korra."
Mako was utterly shocked by this remark, "Excuse me?!"
"If you hadn't told the president about her plans then we wouldn't be having this problem. Because of you we lost the only ones with the power to save our world and Equestria!"
Mako couldn't even begin to describe how hurt he felt at those words. First Bolin, now Asami. Why was everybody so against him now?
"At least I'm actually trying to fix things!" he stated defensively, "What are you two doing? Worrying about your precious company while we've got bigger problems to worry about. I can't believe you're being so selfish!"
Both Bolin and Asami looked extremely hurt by this. The heiress glared at the firebender. "Well if that's what you think then maybe we shouldn't even be talking at all!"
"Fine!"
"Fine!" with that, the heiress angrily walked away, just as the tears began streaming down her face. Mako turned to his brother, who looked at him with a disappointing glare while crossing his arms.
"I can't believe you said that to her. You know Asami's not the selfish one here."
"Oh, yeah? Then why did she say she was done? She said she was going to focus more on her company rather than helping find some way to fix this."
"Well, she's right about one thing, though: It's not her mess to clean up!"
"You're seriously taking her side now?!"
"Sides? Do you know who you sound like right now?"
Mako angrily clenched his fists, "At least I'm not goofing off with that stupid costume!"
Bolin glared at his brother as his voice grew more angry, "You know what? For the longest time, I've felt like I was the only one in this whole group that had nothing to hold on to."
"What are you talking about?"
"You're a cop, Korra is the Avatar, Asami owns her own company, even the ponies all know exactly who they are. Twilight's a princess, Rarity owns her own boutique, Rainbow Dash is practically a Wonder Bolt. Who was I? Ever since pro-bending failed me I've been trying to find where I fit. and now I finally did! You should be happy for me but you're not! If anybody's being selfish it's you!"
"Errr! Why am I still talking to you? I've got more important things to do." he angrily turned and walked away from his brother.
"This is exactly what I'm talking about!" Bolin shouted back, but his brother was not listening.
Mako did not understand how his own brother would say he was being selfish? He was doing something useful while they were goofing off. The firebender was interrupted from his thoughts when he was abruptly stopped by two bodyguards. "Varrik's been looking for you." one of them said. Mako sighed in annoyance. This day just keeps getting better. (~)
Back at the Air Temple, Korra, Tenzin and the ponies were all standing on a large platform in front of the temple. "You're lucky. This temple is the most spiritual of all the air temples. Why this is the very garden where my father met Guru Pathik."
Korra was amazed by this, "Wow. Spirit world, here we come."
"Unalaq better watch his back!" Rainbow said while pounding her hooves.
The group all gathered in a filed outside of the temple to meditate. Korra and Tenzin sat cross-legged while the ponies sat near Korra with their front hooves together. They had their eyes closed as they all attempted to enter the spirit world through meditation. As they did this, Meelo rang a bell at certain cues while Ikki played an antique horn with her airbending. Flash Sentry and Spike stayed beside, observing the process.
"Are they okay?" Flash asked.
"They're meditating." said Spike.
"Is this suppose to help them enter the spirit world?"
"It should."
"Is there anything we can do to help?"
"How about some quiet!?" both boys flinched when they heard Tenzin shout at them, "Come on guys, we can hear every word you're saying!"
"Sorry!" The two said in unison, before sliding off view, both wearing awkward grins. Tenzin sighed and proceeded with his meditation.
Korra opened one eye, "Are you in the spirit world?"
"I would be... if Meelo would ring his bell at the appropriate intervals."
Meelo stopped playing the bell, "Awww, did I do it wrong?" he frowned.
Tenzin sighed as he stood up, "Let's try something else." he walked away as Korra also stood up. She smiled at the Meelo, "I thought your bell ringing was just fine." she said sweetly.
"Thanks!" the young boy happily rang the bell his own way while Pinkie danced to the beat.
"Yeah! Play it music lover!" (~)
On a mountain side they tried to mediate again. They were now surrounded by burning incense sticks attached to airbending talismans. Fluttershy coughed from the smoke and it wasn't long before Tenzin coughed as well, "Kya, this is too much smoke. You set it up wrong. This isn't going to work."
"I'm sorry. I did what you told me." said his sister while arranging the sticks.
"Well, the moment's ruined." Tenzin groaned as he stood up and walked away in a huff.
What's his problem?" Rainbow Dash asked while stretching her wings.
Jinora gasped when she noticed her little bunny spirit friends circling around Korra's head. The Avatar, as well as the ponies and everybody else, weren't aware of their presence. The spirits appeared to have been trying to gain Korra's attention somehow.
"We could have tried a little longer." Korra said as she stood up and walked towards Tenzin. A few of the spirits kept hovering above her head.
"I don't know what worries me more. Tenzin's attitude, or Korra actually being patient about something." Spike said to Twilight with a surprised look on his face.
"Seeing your very first past life and the history of this world will do that do ya." said the princess. She and the rest of the ponies caught up with Korra just as the rabbit spirits flew away.
"Come back, Furry-Foot." Jinora cried out, running after her friends but stopped halfway.
"Hey, Jinora, what are you chasing?" Kya asked.
"There's nothing there." Fluttershy said as she pointed to the horizon.
Jinora placed her hands behind her back, "Nothing", with that she ran off, leaving both Fluttershy and Kya looking at her with skeptical looks. (~)
Tenzin, Korra and the ponies were now meditating beneath a statue of Avatar Yangchen. "Focus, girls. Focus." Tenzin tells them.
We are focusing." said Korra.
"One hundred percent." said Twilight.
"No talking. Feel the energy of the universe."
"This universe, or our universe?" Pinkie asked.
"This universe." There was a hint of annoyance in Tenzin's voice.
"Okay." Pinkie said happily before taking in a deep breath.
"Breath and feel it flow."
"Okay, I feel it." Korra said, but in truth, she wasn't really feeling anything. It was exactly like when she tried to contact Aang before. It didn't work until she openly asked him for help.
"Korra, really! I'm trying to concentrate here!" Tenzin snapped, startling Korra, "I don't think this location is going to work either". he said as he stood back up.
Rarity also stood up, while looking at him sternly, "What is going on with you? First you're blaming poor little Meelo, then Kya and now us."
"She's right. Why are you acting like this?" Korra asked.
Pinkie Pie jumped on his shoulder, "I know what will make you feel better!" she said before hugging him with a happy smile, but Tenzin forcibly removed her from his back and she landed on the floor.
"I don't need a hug, Pinkie! Nothing is feeling right to me."
"I don't want to rush your feelings, but we're kind of in a hurry." said Applejack.
"Why don't you explain how you first got into the spirit world?" Korra suggested.
Twilight nodded in agreement, "Yeah, let's try that."
However, Tenzin didn't even look at them. His expression looked almost frightened, almost as if he were hiding something. The grown man knew he had to come clean sooner or latter. The fate of the world was at stake and he couldn't afford to be prideful. "Well...actually, I've never been into the spirit world."
Korra and the ponies were all completely shocked at this confession, while everybody else peaked into the temple from the outside, equally shocked. "This could be really bad for us." Flash said worriedly as he and the others entered the temple, and Tenzin couldn't even bare to look at them due to his shame.
"You've never been into the spirit world?" Korra asked in disbelief.
"But you used to spend days in the temple meditating." Pema stated.
"Trying to get in." Tenzin corrected, "It never happened. It's my greatest shortcoming as an airbender, spiritual leader, and son of Aang." he said disappointingly.
Bumi laughed, "Welcome to the "I Disappoint Dad" club." he said jokingly. The others all looked at him annoyed, especially Fluttershy.
"Honestly Bumi, try to be more sensitive towards your brother." said the pink-maned pegasus while pointing her hoof on his chest and Bumi rubbed the area where she had poked him. She was stronger than she looked.
"Yeah, it's not his fault that he's a total failure."
"Rainbow Dash!" Korra looked at her annoyed, with her hands on her hips.
"I'm sorry, but I'm just really stressed right now!" Rainbow Dash's usually cool-headed demeanor was fading as her anxiety was taking it's full toll on her. "Time is running out and we have nobody to take us to the spirit world and now we'll never close the portal! Think of Equestria! Think of our home! Your home!" she landed on the floor and began to weep on Pinkie's shoulder, "There'll be nothing! Nothing! We're all doomed!!" she continued to sob as Pinkie tapped her on the back.
"There, there Dashie."
Rarity rolled her eyes, "What a drama queen." she then noticed that everybody was looking at her. "What?"
Korra kneeled down and petted Rainbow's mane, "Rainbow Dash, calm down."
"She's right, we can find a way to get into the spirit world." Twilight said.
"Got any ideas?" Flash asked.
Twilight pouted her lips in thought before giving him a sad expression. "......I got nothing"
"Well, what else can we do?" Rarity asked, "Harmonic Convergence is almost here. If Vaatu escapes from the spirit world--"
"You have to trust me. I can help you." Tenzin interrupted her.
"There might be another way." Kya said, then gasped in surprise when Rainbow Dash hugged her waist.
"I love this lady! What ya got?" Rainbow asked after she released her.
Kya smiled kindly at her eldest niece, "Jinora, is there something you want to tell Korra?" she encouraged as the young girl looked shyly at her father. Tenzin looked at his sister as if she were crazy.
"Jinora? She's too young and untrained to have any knowledge about the spiritual matters."
Rainbow sighed, "And I'm back to; WE'RE DOOMED!" she cried dramatically while covering her face with her hooves.
"Actually, I think I do know where Korra and the ponies need to go to get into the Spirit world." said Jinora.
"And how would you know that?" her father asked.
"My spirit friends showed me."
"Spirit friends?" Pinkie Pie tilted her head in confusion, "And you say I have an overactive imagination."
Jinora looked around the temple and spoke to the thin air, "It's okay. You can show yourselves."
To everyone's amazement, a whole bunch of colorful dragonfly bunny spirits appeared all around them, flapping their cute little dragonfly ears. Korra had never seen anything so adorable and colorful, besides the ponies. Everyone looked at the spirits with wonder and curiosity, but no one was more surprised than Tenzin. "How did you do that?" he asked.
One of the bunnies nuzzled Fluttershy's face, "Oh, they're co cute!"
"Bunnies!", Pinkie and Meelo cried out happily.
"Actually, they're dragonfly bunny spirits." Jinora explained.
"This is amazing!" Twilight said as bunnies flew around her and Flash.
Kya smiled proudly as she placed her hands on her niece's shoulder, "I knew it. Looks like she does know something about spiritual matters."
Rainbow Dash hugged Jinora, surprising the young girl. "Sorry I ever doubted you, kid!"
Ikki, Meelo and Pinkie began chasing the bunnies around the temple, "How long have you been able to do this?" Tenzin asked his daughter, still in a state of disbelief.
"I don't know. I guess I've always kind of had a connection with spirits."
"I'm not surprised." said Applejack, "You always were a bright kid, Jinora."
One spirit flew to Bumi, "I think this one likes me." he said, while another bunny came to Korra, giving her a flower.
"Are they here to help?" To answer her question, the spirits all flew out of the temple and beneath the cliffside.
Pinkie Pie sadly watched them leave, "Hey, come back!"
"I think they want you to go down there" Jinora said.
"I don't know. The spiritual energy is historically strongest near the temple." said Tenzin.
Korra placed her hand on her hip, "No offense, but I'm guessing the spirits have actually been to the spirit world, so I'm gonna follow them."
"I'm with her." Rainbow said, raising her hoof.
"Same here." Applejack said in agreement.
"Can't argue with that logic." said Twilight.
Flash nodded his head, "Ditto."
"If we need to go to the "Tenzin World", we'll call you." Bumi said teasingly, making the others roll their eyes at his rude joke. (~)
In the spirit world, Unalaq and his children approached the northern portal, which remained a simple glowing orb, in contrast to the other which was a long beam shooting upwards into the sky. Without Korra they had no other way to open the Northern Portal. But Unalaq refused to give up so easily.
"Father, haven't the spirits had ten thousand years to open this portal?" Eska asked.
"If they could not succeed, what makes you think we will?" Desna asked.
"By entering the Spirit world through the portal, we bring with us something the spirits never had: our bending" Unalaq bended a stream of water into the portal as his children watched on. Unsure if they should join him or not. "Join me! Together, we can open this portal."
The twins did not hesitate to help their father as they too began bending streams of water at the portal. Surprisingly, the portal reacted to the impacts by sending purple energy which disrupted their water streams and struck Desna, throwing him backwards and groaning in pain.
"Desna!" his sister quickly rushed to his side and held him close.
"Leave him!" Unalaq ordered, "Keep bending!" he continued to bend another stream of water at the portal while Eska helped her brother.
"He needs a healer at once!" she exclaimed.
"This is more important!" her father shouted angrily. But Eska did not listen.
"I'm taking him back" she said as she carried Desna away from the spirit world. Unalaq remained and kept on bending water at the portal but nothing he did worked. He froze water into and ice drill and began drilling into the portal but nothing. The chief looked at the portal in disappointment. As much as he hatted to admit it, he needed Korra and the Ponies. (~)
The bodyguards led Mako to an office, the dim lighting giving it an orange glow. In the center of the room was a part of the floor that was covered with burning coal. Mako narrowed his eyes as he saw Varrick sitting in a chair in his usual flamboyant manner.
"I hear you've got some ideas." said the rich man, "You wanna tell me about them?"
Mako remained calm and collected, "Go ahead. Torture me all you want. I'm not gonna talk."
"Torture? The only thing I want to torture is this pesky foot fungus." Mako crinkled his nose in disgust when Varrick showed him his infected toe. He screamed in pain as he walked through the hot cols before reaching Mako, "Ah! Eee! Ooh! The burning means it's working." Varrick gave his bodyguards a look that signaled they could leave and left him alone with the young cop. "I heard you've been investigating the recent attacks on my ships, and I think you know that I know what you know, you know?"
"Know what?"
"That the world is a dangerous place, and that's exactly why I want to offer you a job on my security force."
"I have a job." Mako said sternly.
"We need you. Me, Asami, Bolin. We're all in the same team here." he said as he wrapped his arm around Mako's shoulder in a friendly manner, "You wouldn't want anything to happen to Asami, would you? Or what about your brother?"
Mako didn't like the sound of that at all. Despite his 'issues' with Bolin and Asami at the moment, he couldn't let Varrick to anything to them. "What are you saying?"
Varrick removed his arm and looked at the young cop with a more serious expression and spoke in a dark, almost threatening tone, "I'm saying I want your help to protect them. Without you, who knows what could happen. After all, what's that motto your girlfriend and those ponies always say? Oh, yeah! Friendship is magic!"
"You're not my friend!" This was going on far enough. Varrick was the real puppeteer behind all of this war nonsense. If he was going to end this, he had to end it now. As much as he hatted to admit it, he had to tell Varrick the truth.
"Varrick, listen to me. You need to stop doing what you're doing. You have no idea what's really at stake here. Our world could fall into chaos and disappear off the face of existence as will the realm of the ponies. This civil war has already accelerated our possible demise, and you're not helping by trying to make it worse. Please, you have to stop this or else you won't have anything left. None of us will."
Varrick tapped his chin and pondered at what Mako was saying. "You sure you don't want a job as an actor? I mean that act was killer! Our world disappearing off the face of existence, that's genius!"
Mako couldn't believe it. This moron thought he was playing around. Was he really this dense? Seriously?
"Come on Mako, I need you. What do you say?"
That was it, he was done asking for help and trying to reason with others. The firebender glared at the man. "Thanks for your concern, but the answer is no." with that, Mako walked out of the room, while Varrick returned to walking on the hot coal. (~)
Asami had just finished organizing some last minute paperwork in her office. She opened the drawer to place in her papers, when all of a sudden, a piece of paper flew out and landed on the floor. The heiress looked at it curiously as she picked it up.
Her eyes shimmered when she saw what its was...it was a photograph of her with team Avatar and The Mane Six and sweet little Spike was on her shoulder waving at the camera. It was such a happy day when the photo was taken, but now looking at it made her heart hurt. She stood up and placed the picture on her desk. She took a moment to look around her office. She realized she felt something she haven't felt in a long while....
Emptiness.
She looked down at the picture once more as a ray of sun came through the window and it hit the picture. It was originally grey, but then, everybody in the picture gained their respected colors. The colors glowed and the same rainbow affect was reflected in Asami's eyes.
A look of determination on her face as she grabbed the photo, tossed aside her business papers, and ran out the door. She knew what she had to do. (~)
While they were all flying on Oogie, Tenzin sat on the head with an upset look on his face. Bumi kept on playing with a spirit bunny, "Oh, you are so cute. I'm going to name you Bum-Ju. It's short for "Bumi Junior". Don't you think he looks like me?"
"The resemblance is uncanny." Tenzin said sarcastically, not even bothering to look.
Meanwhile, Spike was actually ridding in style, the spirits forming a seat for him to ride on. Needless to say, he was enjoying it, "I could get use to this!"
Jinora looked down in dismay. Her father had not said a word since they discovered she could see the spirits. "I think dad's mad at me." she said sadly, only to have her aunt wrap her arm around her.
"Your father's not mad. His pride's just a little bruised since he isn't able to see spirits like you."
"You have a natural gift, Jinora." Twilight said.
"Yeah, that's pretty lucky." Korra agreed.
"You're the lucky one, Korra." said Jinora, "You're one of the mythical Elements of Harmony and you guys actually got to meet the first alicorns and the first Avatar. I know a lot about Avatars, but I don't know anything about him. Is it even a him? Or is it a her?
"It's a him." Korra answered. "Avatar Wan."
"He was so awesome!" Rainbow Dash said while doing three air flips.
"And he was so kind and nurturing to all creatures big and small." Fluttershy said.
"Not to mention he had fabulous hair." Rarity added, "And he had Korra's smile."
"He sure was one heck of a swell guy." Applejack agreed.
"He really was amazing." Korra said admirably, "We saw how he became the first Avatar by fusing with Raava, the spirit of light."
"And she was HUGE and WHITE and HUGE!" Pinkie explained, stretching out her hooves for emphasis.
"What was the alicorn like? Queen Leilani's husband?" Jinora asked.
"He was just as brave and kind as Wan was." Twilight explained, "And Leilani was so smart and beautiful. Their friendship was what helped save the world."
Flash however, wasn't as excitable as they were. "I wouldn't know because I wasn't there." he bitterly pointed out. Twilight placed her hoof on his shoulder for reassurance.
"So, the Avatar is part spirit?" Jinora asked intrigued.
Korra nodded her head, "Yes. Even more amazing, the Tree of Harmony was created by Raava's light and the Avatar has been carrying traces of Equestrian magic for generations."
"So, you have Equestrian magic too?"
"I know, right? I always knew there was a reason I felt so drawn to that place."
"Wow! That's amazing! And it makes sense, just like the statue."
"What statue?" Kya asked.
"When we were at the southern air temple, I was drawn to this old carving. I couldn't figure out what it was until now. It was the first Avatar."
Korra and Twilight looked at each other, surprised by this new information. "When did this happen?" Korra asked.
"It was on the solstice."
Their eyes widened in surprise, "That's the day Korra and the ponies opened the southern portal." Flash said.
Korra, Jinora and the Ponies were all baffled by this realization, "Whoa."
"This is amazing." Twilight said. Could there really be a connection?
Finally, Oogie landed at their destination, "We're here!" both Bumi and Pinkie said as they all got off. The spirit bunnies landed Spike on the ground.
"Thanks for the ride." he said as he waved them goodbye once they flew off.
Tenzin looked around the area, finding it strangely deserted, deprived of any life, aside from the many vines and plants that had grown all around. "Are you sure these spirits are leading us into the right place?" Tenzin asked.
"Of course! I trust Bum-Ju with my life." Bumi said as he scratched Bum-Jun behind the ears. The spirits had lead them all to a place with a large circle on the ground, surrounded by tall round tipped rocks all covered in vines that had grown over the years. Korra approached the rocks, gently removing some of the vines and plants, to notice the stones has symbols marked on each of them.
"Look. There are carvings on them."
Pinkie Pie turned her head to the pattern of the symbols, "Swirly!" she said as she twisted head upside down. And then her whole body followed, spinning around before she fell on her back.
Tenzin quickly recognized the carvings, "This is an ancient airbender meditation circle."
Jinora felt a shiver creeping up her spine as her eyes examined the area. "There's a lot of spiritual energy in this place, but it feels really strange."
"I don't like the sound of that." Rainbow said worriedly.
"We'll have to perform a spiritual cleansing ceremony." Tenzin explained.
Bumi arced an eyebrow, "What are you talking about?"
Flash was just as confused, "Yeah, I'm still trying to catch up with all of this. Could you clarify, please?"
"Dad taught it to me. This site has been neglected for many years. A cleansing ceremony will help strengthen it's connections to the spirit world.....Pinkie Pie! Quite playing with those rocks!" he shouted at the pink pony, who was making a mini Canterlot with rocks she found. She lowered her ears and pouted.
Everybody sat down around the circle in lotus positions while Tenzin bended the smoke from the incense burner. He swiftly bended the air all around the place, cleansing the area. As the smoke increased the spirits flew off. Bumi crossed his arms in disappointment, "Good job, you cleansed the area of the only spirits that want to help us. And you scared away Bum-Ju."
The girls watched as Tenzin kept airbending the smoke. They all suddenly didn't feel right. They were soon proven right once the ground suddenly started to shake. The girls gasped and the shaking increased.
"It's working" said the airbender. The rumbling in the ground grew even stronger. But the shaking did not suit well with the others.
"I don't like the sound of that!" said Applejack. The center circle on the ground suddenly opened up...and a whole swarm of bat-like spirits emerged, flying rapidly all around the area. Rarity shrieked in fear!
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!"
"Ah! Bats! Evil bats!" Bumi exclaimed fearfully.
"Not bats. Dark spirits!" said Korra as she shielded herself and Fluttershy from the swam while Twilight covered Spike and Flash did the same for Twilight.
Pinkie Pie screamed in fear, "Dark spirit bats are on the lose! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!!!" she began to rapidly dig a tunnel in the ground until Kya pulled her out by her tail, taking her to safety with the others. The group hid behind the large rocks, away from the spirits.
Korra and Tenzin tried to blast them away with their airbending but they only managed to overwhelm the creatures, who then attacked the two, blasting them backwards. Twilight tried to zap the spirits away but her magic had no affect on them. Korra quickly grabbed Twilight into her arms headed for cover behind the giant rocks.
"What are we supposed to do?" Tenzin asked fearfully.
"Make it stop!" Spike cried out as he clenched his head.
Korra looked at all of the spirits swarming around. She knew they were only acting under the influence of Vaatu. She had to do something to calm them down. As she looked at the spirits she noticed that their wings...sparkled. Korra's eyes shimmered with the rainbow colors as she ran out of her hiding place to the center of the circle.
"Korra!" Flash tried to run after her, but Twilight stopped him.
"Don't worry, she's got this."
Korra stood bravely in the center of the dark spirit swarm. Placing her fists together, she mediated for a brief moment. Only, she didn't meditate the way Tenzin did. She did not empty her mind, nor tried to search for anything. All she thought about were the spirits and what she wanted for them. She wanted them to be free. She wanted them to be free of the darkness that consumed them. She wanted to help them. She needed to help them. This wasn't about herself, this was about them and them alone.
Concentrating, she moved her arms, waterbending the water around her and bending it around the spirits. During the process, Korra's cutie mark started to glow, and her nails turned blue once more. She continued to waterbed, focusing only on the spirits's well being. The water began entrapping the spirits in an enclosure. The waters began to shift into a shimmering white, in contrast to Unalaq's golden aura. The spirits's dark purple oloring melted away, revealing them to be white like the ocean foam. The swarm united together into a large spear rising upwards while the others stared in awe.
"Amazing." Kya said.
"That's our girl!" Rainbow exclaimed proudly.
The spirits finally dissipated in a burst of white, and all of the vines around the circle began to disappear, untangling themselves from the rocks. Korra breathed in deeply, bending down with hands on her knees. It was such a strange sensation, and for some reason it didn't entirely seem like what Unalaq would have done. Her way was different from Korra's, and she now understood why.
She wasn't thinking about fighting at all, all she was thinking about was the well being of those spirits. The amount of energy she had placed into her new skill took a lot out of her and she collapsed on the ground. To her surprise, one of the now pure spirits flew around her, now colored cyan blue and nuzzled her face before flying away. The ponies all ran towards Korra, hugging her.
"That was incredible." said Fluttershy.
"Your spiritual training has come a long way." said Tenzin as he helped Korra stand up.
"Unalag may be a horrible person, but his kind of power is not joke."
Tenzin looked at her with shame, "He taught you how to transform dark spirits. I can't even get you into the spirit world."
But Korra knew that was not the case. "Everything Unalaq taught me was to help himself. Everything you've done was meant to help me. I wanted to better understand the spirits so I could help them, but Unalaq twisted everything around, and I fell for it. I'm so sorry for turning my back on you as my mentor and for being so ungrateful. I need you now more than ever." she looked at the ponies gathered around her, "We all need you." she added. Music filled the air as Korra began to sing;
A friend for life
That's what you are to me
Ponies,
Ooh-oh-oh-oh
Korra,
A friend for life.
That's what you are to me
Ponies,
Ooh-oh-oh-oh
Korra,
I couldn't see what was right there in front of me
Turned my back got my mind of track, yeah
You saw a world that was something new entirely
Helped me to see all the possibilities
Ponies,
Oooooohhhhhhh
Korra,
Like a star in the daylight
Or like a diamond at night
Your light was hidden from my sight
Korra and the ponies danced along with the bunny spirits around the circle.
Korra,
A friend for life
That's what you are to me
Ponies,
Ooh-oh-oh-oh
Korra,
A friend for life
That's what you are to me
Ponies,
Ooh-oh-oh-oh
Korra airbended herself upwards. She stopped and Tenzin lowered he drown with his airbending.
When I put my hand out and I thought I would fall
You knew what I needed
Korra and ponies,
And you came around to fix it all!
Korra,
A friend for life
That's what you are to me
Ponies,
Ooh-oh-oh-oh
Korra,
A friend for life
That's what you are to me
Ponies,
Ooh-oh-oh-oh
Korra,
A friend for life!
That's what you are to me
Twilight,
Like a star in the daylight
Korra,
A friend for life
That's what you are to me
Rarity,
Like a diamond at night
Ponies,
Ooh-oh-oh-oh
Korra,
That's what you are to me
Tenzin smiled as he and Korra hugged. "...I won't fail you." he said. The others watched proudly and Flash placed his hoof around Twilight who leaned on his shoulder. Kya wiped away a tear and Pinkie Pie started crying like a baby.
"The ancient airbenders must have built this site." Tenzin explained, "If we mediate here, we'll be able to enter the spirit world."
"Why don't you go first?" Korra said politely.
"After all these years, my father's dreams for me will finally come true." (~)
Mako was looking at some documents in his apartment. With Bolin gone, everything was so quiet. He never realized how boring it was not to have him around. He was broken from his concentration when the door knocked. His eyes narrowed when he saw who it was.
"What are you doing here? Came to yell at me some more? Or tell me how paranoid I am?"
Asami kept her cool, though her expression mirrored his own. "Actually, I came here to talk."
"About what? You said so yourself, we're not talking."
The heiress walked in and closed the door behind her. "I want you to stop this whole thing."
"Ha! Of course you'd say that."
"Mako, just hear me out."
"There's nothing you can say or do that will make me drop this investigation, alright? So deal with it!" Mako's eyes widened at what he had just said. He sounded just like....Korra. The firebender sat back on the sofa and buried his face in his hands.
"Mako, this whole deal is ruining your life."
"Asami--"
"Think about it! Because of this you lost Korra, your brother moves out, Equestria is loosing magic as we speak and now we have no idea where the girls are! I really think you should stop."
"I can't! I don't care if you and Bolin don't believe me! I said I would fix everything and I truly believe this is the way to do it."
"Why?"
"Because it's the only way I know how!" he snapped, "I know I've let Korra down once, and I don't want to do it again!" Asami looked at him with the same serious expression and he snapped again, "And why do you even care? I thought you said you were done! Just go back to your company already." the firebender hung his head in utter depression.
Asami couldn't leave him this way. She was not going to abandon him again because of her own feelings. He needed to see this. She searched for something in her shoulder bag. "I was going through some documents in my office...and I found this." she placed something on his desk. Mako's eyes slightly widen to see what it was: a group photo of him and his friends, and this one was in color.
Since he didn't say anything, Asami spoke. "You know, before Team Avatar, my life used to be so simple. Then the equalist thing happened and everything changed and I didn't really know how to handle it. I wanted to be strong, but on the inside...I was terrified. I was terrified of change."
Mako continued to look at the picture as he listened to Asami. She was saying she felt alone, and in a lot of ways, Mako did too. "Why didn't you ever say anything before?" he asked, "Korra and I tried to talk to you, to make amends, but you always pushed us away."
"Because I didn't want to look foolish!" she said with tears already rolling down her eyes, "All this time, I thought the reason why I was so jealous was because I still had feelings for you, but it's not. I saw our relationship as a token from a life I once knew, and I wanted that back. I'm so, so sorry for pushing you both away. I thought maybe some distance was what I needed. But when I looked around my office...I realized I've never felt more alone in my entire life. And there was no one to blame but me."
Asami looked down at her feet in shame.
"I'm sorry for the way I acted. I didn't really mean those things I said and I understand you're only trying to help, I really do." She placed her hand on his shoulder, "Mako, you're a great cop, one of the best, really....but lately, that's pretty much all you've been. You were so caught up in solving things your way that you forgot to be a friend. We all did. I don't want this to continue. I want my friends back, and I know you do too."
The whole time Asami was talking, Mako's hardened expression softened with each word she spoke, yet he remained silent. But after a few moments of silence, Asami sighed.
"Well, that's all I wanted to say."
As she sadly began to walk away, Mako looked down at the picture. The happy smiles of him and his friends truly was a beautiful sight. He could almost hear the echoing of their laughter. Their happiness. His gaze remained on the photo as voices of the past rang in his head, echoing words he had heard before.
"It doesn't mean I shouldn't stand by her..."
"The Magic of Friendship really is what this world needs."
"Mend the bond. Torn by pride...
Torn by pride..."
All these voices echoed in his mind as he looked at the colorful image. The colors glowered with a rainbow hue which was reflected in Mako's eyes. He gasped as the realization of the words and the photo clicked.
"Asami wait!"
She stopped by the door and turned to Mako who appeared to be slowly smiling. He ran towards her and embraced her in a tight hug, catching her by surprise.
"Mako, what are you--?"
"You're right, it's all so clear now!" he explained when he released her, uncharacteristically happy, "That's why things have been so hard for me lately." Mako took Asami's shoulders and looked into her eyes. When Asami looked at him she didn't see a guy she used to date...she saw a true, true friend.
"Asami, I'm so sorry for everything. You were right, I let my pride get the better of me and tried to solve things my own way without even considering how you or anyone else felt. But right now I really need you and Bolin to believe me about Varrick. You know I would never do anything to purposely hurt either one of you. We're Team Avatar and we stick together no matter what, even if we mess up. Remember when we stopped Amon? We did it by working together, and that's exactly what we need to do now."
Asami staid quiet for a moment before smiling as well, "I do believe you."
Mako's smile grew wider, "Really?"
"Yes. You didn't give up on me so I am not giving up on you. Or Korra or anybody else."
"Thank you, Asami."
"No, thank you."
The two happily embraced in a warm friendly hug. They both realized exactly what they were missing and why things have been so hard and awful for them lately...they had forgotten to believe in what they really needed in order to do what was right....The Magic of Friendship.
Their moment was interrupted by a knock at the door. "Police!" said the voice from the other side. Mako opened the door and in walked Lin with Gang and Lu. Lu smiled smugly. "Hey Mako, hope we didn't interrupt anything." The two started looking round the apartment.
"What's going on?" Mako asked confused.
"We busted some Triple Threats who said you hired them for a job." Lu explained.
Mako knew he could not keep this secret for long. The boy sighed in defeat, "All right. It's true. We were trying to figure out who stole Asami's stuff, so we hired them for a sting operation." he turned to Lin, "I'm sorry for going behind your back, but there's something more important you need to know. It's about--"
But before he could explain more, Lin interrupted him, "According to the Triple Threats, you did more than that. They said you helped them steal a warehouse full of Future Industries property."
"That's crazy!" Asami exclaimed.
Even Mako was baffled by this, "You're gonna believe a bunch of criminals?" he asked in disbelief.
"I have to follow up on a lead" said the chief with a serious glance.
Lu walked out waving something in his hand, "Well, looky what I found..." he pulled something out of the bag he had found, "Cash...and these"
Mako and Asami's eyes widened when he pulled out explosives as well. Lin glared at the young police officer, "What are you doing with explosives, Mako?"
"I don't know where those came from!" he said.
But then, Gang quickly handcuffs Mako, "You're under arrest."
"None of that is mine!" Mako protested.
"Yeah. Should've known you'd hook up with your old pals." Gang said, "Once a Triple Threat, always a Triple Threat."
"Hold on, this has to be a mistake." Asami said, "I know Mako has done some pretty bad things lately, believe me I know, but he is no criminal."
Lu simply crossed his arms, "Sorry to break the news to you, sweetie, but your friend's just a crooked cop. That sting operation was just a way to lure you away from your warehouse."
Gang chuckled at this, "He was using you this whole time"
"That's not true! I would never do anything like that to you Asami."
"Mako, I said I believed you and I do." and she meant it.
Gang pretended to be touched by this, "Aww, that's so sweet. Isn't friendship magic?" The two cops escorted Mako out the door, while he kept on trying to prove his innocence.
"No! It's Varrick! This is all Varrick, he set me up!"
"Yeah, it's Varrick's fault." Gang said sarcastically.
Asami watched as the cops took her friend away, "I'll find a way to hep Mako. I promise!"
With that she was left alone in the apartment. She picked up the picture of her and her friends and then she saw something else underneath the piles of paperwork. She picked it up and realized it was Korra's headband. She was actually beginning to miss her. "I never realized how broken up we would all be without you." She looked at the photo again, more specifically at a certain earthbender.
"Bolin!" (~)
Back at the air temple, everybody and everypony were gathered around a bonfire. Pinkie Pie is roosting marshmallows on a stick. "Pinkie Pie, sweetie, we need everybody to focus." Korra said kindly.
"Oh, right." the pony swallowed the last marshmallow before sitting with the others in a meditation pose. Tenzin was mediating peacefully...until Bumi began poking him with a stick.
"You in the spirit world, yet?"
"No, I am not. And stop bugging me!" he angrily airbended the stick away.
"It's okay, Tenzin." Kya said, "Maybe you weren't meant to guide Korra into the spirit world."
"No! Just give me some time."
"Stop being so stubborn! It's not your destiny. I think Jinora was meant to guide the Avatar."
"I agree with Kya." Rainbow Dash said while raising her hooves.
Rarity also raised her hooves, "Me too."
"Jinora will not enter the spirit world! She's not ready for the dangers of the other side, but I am. I've spent years training, studying, and mastering everything there is to know about the spirit world."
"Tenzin, we're running out of time." Korra reminded him, "Believe me, your pride isn't going to help you--"
"If everyone could just be quiet and let me focus!"
Jinora looked at her father, he was trying so hard to enter the spirit world but couldn't. Fluttershy placed her hoof on her shoulder and smiled. Jinora looked at all the ponies, and Korra who were all smiling encouragingly at her. Then, Jinora could see all seven girls give out a faint rainbow aura around them, and the same colors were reflected in Jinora's eyes. The young girl finally walked up to her father, having made up her mind.
"Aunt Kya is right. I can guide Korra and the ponies into the spirit world. I'll be alright."
Twilight flew to Tenzin, "Tenzin, I understand how frustrated you must be. But Kya's right. Maybe this isn't your destiny."
"But that doesn't mean any of us will think any less of you as a teacher." said Fluttershy.
"You have to have faith in Jinora. Just like we do." said the alicorn.
Applejack lowered her hat and held it close to her chest, "We promise we'll keep a good eye on her for ya."
Tenzin didn't like the idea of his daughter going into the spirit world, it was far to dangerous. But as he looked at the determination in her eyes, he realized he had to let her do what she was destined to do. Korra approached her master, speaking compassionately.
"Tenzin, take it from me, sometimes things don't turn out the way you want them to. That doesn't mean you've failed, it just means we're meant to go down a different path. I know it's hard to accept, but we can't always rely on our own understanding. This is bigger than any of us."
Tenzin sighed in defeat and looked at everyone, "Perhaps I will never have the connections with spirits like I always wanted...like my father wanted me to have."
Fluttershy smiled kindly at the man, "You tried your best and that's all any father could ask for."
Jinora hugged her father, "It's okay, daddy."
Tenzin hugged her back, "I'm proud of you." he said before turning to Korra, "Go. Close the portal. We'll wait here and keep your bodies safe till you return."
Korra smiled in reassurance, "We'll be alright." she turned to the ponies, "Hope you girls are ready for a field trip, cause we're going to the spirit world!"
The ponies all cheered while trotting their hooves, "YEAH!"
Flash walked up to Twilight, "I'll stay with them and help keep an eye on you."
"Thanks, Flash." said the princess as they lovingly embraced.
"Please be careful."
"I will. I promise."
Kya and Bumi smiled at them, "They really do make a cute couple." he said.
Korra, Jinora and the ponies all sat together while Bumi, Kya, Tenzin, Spike and Flash watched over them. Jinora's eyes squinted as she tried to meditate, but for some reason she couldn't seem to get through. Korra noticed this and calmed the child down by placing a hand over her shoulder.
"What's wrong?" Tenzin asked with worry.
"I... I don't know." Jinora said frightfully, "I've never done this before. I'm scared."
Korra smiled sweetly and took both the child's hands into hers. "It's okay." she gently stroked a piece of hair from her face, "You're not in this alone."
Jinora was uncertain at fist but complied. "Okay."
Korra closed her eyes and Jinora did the same. She held the young girl's hand while the Mane Six gathered in a circle. This was very unusual in Tenzin's eyes. This was not the proper position for a meditation, but he still allowed them to do what they had to do. As the two girls held each other's hands, a bright yellow glow emitted from their hands, which then transcended across their bodied, filling them in a heavenly glow. Korra remembered what the shaman had said to her before.
"You all have the Light of Friendship on your side. Keep it close to your heart, and you will know what you must do."
After a few moments, Twilight opened her eyes and gasped with aware. They have reached their destination. Korra couldn't believe it.
"The spirit world." (~)
But somewhere else, Unalaq was standing in front of Vaatu's tree. "The Avatar and her ponies are dead, and we cannot open the northern portal. I have failed you, Vaatu."
"You have not failed me...yet. The Avatar and her Elements of Harmony still live."
"How do you know?"
"Even though my connection to Raava was severed, I can still feel her presence."
"I'll find them."
"They will find you. They have just entered the spirit world. But be warned...the Avatar has something growing from within. Something that could change everything. Make sure she and her ponies open the portals....then end them once and for all."
"I will not fail you, Vaatu. Soon, you will be free and the world...shall be ours."
..........................
*(~)*
Proverbs 1:5~
Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance.
*(~)* |
The Little Pony Legend 2: Spirits of Courage | A New Spiritual Age | *(~)*
Psalm 86:11~
Teach me your ways, O LORD, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you.
*(~)*
A new spiritual Age
Korra, Jinora and the ponies all remained in their positions. Their eyes closed, their bodies unmoving, barely even breathing, almost as if they were made entirely out of stone, yet they still had their pulses. Tenzin examined them once more. Their pulses were still active and their heart beats remained the same, but their bodies still carried that same glow. It was very unusual for Tenzin to see this.
Flash Sentry kept passing back and forth. And for what it was worth, it was really beginning to annoy Kya, "Will you stop pacing like that?" You're making us all tense enough as it is."
"Sorry Kya, I'm just really worried." said the pegasus.
"You're not the only one." Tenzin said, "I can't believe my little girl had to guide Korra into the spirit world instead of me. If anything happens to her I won't be able to forgive myself."
"And if anything happened to Twilight I'll never forgive myself." said Flash.
"They're both very smart, and Jinora obviously has a strong connection with the spirits. They'll be fine." Kya assured them.
"Yeah, dad went all the time!" Bumi said.
"They won't have their bending in there." what Tenzin just said scared Spike, and he started to get frantic.
"WHAT?! You never said they wouldn't have their bending in the spirit world! Oh, man what if Twilight's magic won't work in either? They'll be completely defenseless!"
Bumi took that comment as offensive, "Excuse me? But I've never had bending, and I don't think I'd call myself defenseless."
"I--I didn't mean anything like that I just meant---tell em Tenzin."
"Of course you aren't defenseless Bumi, because you have your...."
"Positive attitude?" Kya pointed out, trying to help.
"I would've said acute intellect and cat-like reflexes, but whatever"
"Why don't you all get some sleep? I'll take the first watch." Tenzin said.
Spike gave him a thumbs up, "Great idea, all of this worry is making me tense."
"Wake us up if you need some company." said Kya.
"Or if any interesting spirit-y stuff happens," Bumi said. "like their bodies start floating around and you need someone to help you grab them before they fly off!" he said dramatically while reaching up for the sky as if trying to ran something. As he did this, Spike became even more nervous.
"Can that happen? Or what if they run into something creepy and scary in the spirit world? Like huge scaly things with spikes and claws that breathd fire?"
They all looked at him annoyed and Kya turned to Flash while pointing her thumb at Spike, "Is he serious?"
"Cut him some slack, he doesn't think strait when he's loosing his cool" the pegasus said dryly.
"Or what if they all get separated?" Spike said while getting more and more frantic, "What if Twilight, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy won't be able to fly? How will they get away? How will they survive?! OH, WHY OH WHY DID WE LET THEM GO?! WHYYYYYYYYYYY?!"
"Thank you, Spike." said Tenzin.
"For what?"
"For making me even more nervous than I already was!"
Spike bashfully backed away, "He, he, he. Sorry"
Kya narrowed her eyes at her older brother, "You had to put that stuff in his head, didn't you Bumi?"
"Sorry, I was just saying, we're here if you need us."
"I know you are. Thank you." said Tenzin. He walked over to his daughter and petted her head, "Please come back soon."
Flash kissed Twilight on the cheek and Kya placed a hand on his head, "They're going to be fine, Flash."
"I hope so." the young pegasus gazed worriedly at the motionless body of Twilight, surrounded by all of her friends. He prayed Jinora would be able to lead them back safely. (~)
Jinora opened her eyes in wonder, the spirit world was even more beautiful and bright than she could ever imagine. Large beautiful trees grew all around and stunning colorful spirits flew all around the clear day sky. In many ways, it was like their world's version of Equestria, minus the ponies and mythological creatures like minators, dragons, and breezies.
"Isn't it beautiful?"
Rainbow Dash's jaw dropped at the sight before her, "Wow..."
"And I though Equestria had bright colors, this is absolutely breathtaking" Rarity said as a phantom-like spirit passed gracefully in front of her.
"Let's all try to stay close together, okay?" Twilight said seriously.
"Twily's right." Korra agreed, "This seems nice but you never know when we'll run into some dark spirits" she said as she touched a beautiful pinkish flower in front of her. She gasped as the flower briefly gave off a rainbow glow and it magically turned into a pinkish butterfly, which grew a bit bigger as it flew up, it's wings sparkling in the daylight.
"Look!" said Jinora. Rarity gasped with glee, "It looks like it's made of jewels!" she said.
"Pretty!" said Pinkie Pie.
"The spirits are so much more beautiful in their own world than they are at home" Jinora said as she, Rarity and Pinkie chased after the butterfly, captivated by it's beauty.
"Guys be careful! Hold on!" Korra exclaimed.
"Stay together!" Twilight shouted. They all ran after their friends, despite the beautiful scenery, they were still new to this world so they had to be very careful. As they ran after their three friends, Korra stumbled on something.
"Ugh!"
She looked down and noticed she had accidentally stepped on a spirit. "Hey! Watch where you're going you giant clod!" the creature exclaimed angrily from it's hole in the ground.
"Sorry!"
The spirit itself appeared to be a talking meerkat....with an attitude. Fluttershy gasped in wonder. "Oh, my goodness! Talking animal spirits! This is so amazing"
The Meerkat crossed its paws and huffed at the pony. "What's up with that squeaky voice of yours? You some kind of an overgrown flying chipmunk or something"
Fluttershy instantly felt hurt by his words and tears tempted to fall from her eyes. Korra stood in front of the pegasus, defending her, "Hey! Don't you talk to her like that!"
"This is a residential arena, in case you hadn't noticed." the meerkat said.
Rainbow Dash angrily flew to his face, "Well, we hadn't noticed, bub!
"Rainbow Dash, don't make things worse." said Twilight.
"Who do you think you are, stomping through here like that?" The meerkat asked rudely.
"In case you haven't noticed, she's the Avatar." Rainbow gestured her hoof to Korra who crossed her arms proudly.
"Yep."
Then another meerkat popped from the ground, startling the girls. "The Avatar?" he sniffed Korra's feet and looked away in disapproval. "Not impressed."
"Well she is, and you better watch your mouth ya varmint!" Applejack said angrily.
"Who are you calling a varmint? What are you anyway? I've never seen spirits like you before"
"We're not spirits, we're ponies." the alicorn said in a polite and calm voice. "I'm Twilight Sparkle, this is Rainbow Dash and Applejack and--"
"And just why are you here anyway?" the meerkat interrupted and Korra stepped in to answer.
"They came with me. We're bonded." she explained. A third meerkat popped out from the ground.
"Bonded? I've never heard of such a thing."
"Look, we're trying to find the spirit portals." Korra explained, "We opened one--"
"We heard Unalaq did that!"
Applejack continued, "No, we did, but--"
A forth meerkat came out. "Well if you opened it, how come you don't know where it is? Hu?"
"Because we were in the south pole!" Twilight slightly yelled at the creature, all of them were really starting get on her nerves. Korra came in between them.
"Please, there isn't much time--"
Another meerkat showed up, "I don't trust them"
And another, "We don't need you!"
And another, "Get out of our world!"
Before long, a whole bunch of meerkats appeared all around chanting nasty things to Korra and the ponies. Fluttershy clenched her head, the angry yelling was seriously getting to her, she hatted hearing others fight. And so, with a powerful voice, she screamed.
"QUIET!"
The meerkats all became silent as Fluttershy spoke to them with fierce authority. "Now listen up! We're only trying to help save your home but we can't do that if you don't help us. So you better show us where the portals are or else!" the pony began using her signature Atare on the meerkat spirits. They all became frightened by her angry glare but the results they gave were not what she had expected.
"How dare you intimidate us like that!"
"Make her stop!"
Fluttershy blinked in confusion, "What?" Then the meerkats all began jumping on Fluttershy attacking her. "Hey! Stop!"
"Get away from her!" Korra cried out and moved her arms in swift and fast movements, in an attempt to airbend them away from Fluttershy. But to her surprise, nothing happened. The Avatar looked down curiously at her hands.
"Did you guys see that?! She tried to bend at us, in our own holes!", one of the meerkats exclaimed.
Twilight Sparkle was already loosing her patience with the annoying creatures, "Alright, knock it off!!" she attempted to blast them away with her horn, but to her surprise, it didn't glow or give out a sparkle. Nothing. "What? My magic isn't working!"
"Get them!" the meerkats then started jumping onto Korra and the ponies, attacking them. The girls tried to shake them off by pulling them off of them or kicking them away, but as the spirits came at them they suddenly turned into a strange blue gooey substance that stuck to their bodies like gum underneath a desk.
"Hey! Get off!" Rainbow cried while trying to shake the strange blue stuff off but to no avail. She felt her body become heavy from the blue goop.
"Leave us alone!" cried Applejack, her entire body now stuck with big gooey blue blobs. Jinora, Pinkie and Rarity stopped admiring the butterfly once they heard all of the commotion. Once seeing their friends in danger, they ran towards them.
"Korra, guys stay calm!" said Jinora, trying to remove some of the gooey substance off of the avatar. "Your energy is upsetting them. You're only making it worse!"
Then a giant hole opened up on the ground beneath them and the girls all fell down. The darkness surrounded them, they felt they were falling down a bottomless pit, until all of a sudden, they felt they were floating. Twilight had her eyes closed shut, but once she opened them, she saw bubbles coming out or her nose and mouth. She was underwater, but she was breathing normally. She and the other girls were all floating in an endless ocean. The ponies all huddled around Korra and Jinora, who held each other's arms. Korra screamed in shock and large amount of bubble flowing out of her mouth, as they witnessed a large lizard-like spirit coming at them. They tried to swim away but the creature opened up it's enormous glowing mouth and swallowed them all whole. Interestingly, instead of being digested, the girls managed to rise up to the surface of the water. They breathed in for air, even though they could breath fine underwater, but it was nice to get real oxygen into their lungs. But the moment they surfaced, they found themselves upstream in roaring waters. They struggled to stay together as they were all being swept away by the powerful currents.
They then came to a fork in the river, Jinora, Twilight, Applejack and Fluttershy were swept away to the right while Korra, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash were swept to the left. "Korra!!" Twilight cried out as she and the others were whisked away by the powerful waves. Korra, Rarity, Rainbow and Pinkie tired to keep their heads above the water, and they all fell down a waterfall.
They screamed as they fell and suddenly landed on the dry ground of a forest. They realized they were not wet anymore, not even a drop of water was on them. The girls gasped as they saw a whole bunch of scary looking bug-like dark spirits all around them. The girls got up and continued to run in fear. Every step brought them deeper, deeper and deeper into the forest, encountering all kinds of dark and scary things in their paths. Korra's fear grew with each breath, encountering nothing but darkness and ugly spirits around every turn. The ponies were just as frightened as they ran and panted in fear, their hearts pounding rapidly. As they ran, they tried calling out for their friends.
"Jinora! Twilight!" Korra cried out.
"Fluttershy!" Rainbow Dash cried.
"Applejack!" Shouted Pinkie Pie.
"Where are you!?" Rarity shouted. They kept on shouting their names to no end, Rainbow frantically flew in all directions while calling out her friends. She she was willing to admit she was terrified.
"Twilight! Applejack!"
"Jinora! Fluttershy!" Rarity shouted.
"Twilight!" Pinkie shouted.
"Jinora!" Korra shouted one last time. The ponies stopped their shouting, their fears slowly being replaced with confusion. They realized that Korra's voice suddenly sounded...different. They all turned around and gasped at the sight....
There was Korra, but not the same one they had come to know and love. She was now much shorter, her cloths had changed, she now wore a simple sleeveless shirt and baggy pangs, one half slightly rolled up exposing a bit more of her leg and was barefoot. Her once toned muscles and slim waist were gone, replaced by little arms and a little belly, slightly exposed by the small shirt. Her wolf tails were gone and were now simply little scurfy side ponytails. The only thing about her that remained the same was her cutie mark and her friendship neckless around her neck. The Avatar sat down on the ground, crying her eyes out. The ponies couldn't believe it; Korra had been transformed into a little girl!
Rarity blinked in shock. "Korra?"
The little Korra quickly ran to Rarity and hugged her tightly while sobbing. The ponies all stayed beside the weeping child near a large tree. Surrounded by nothing but darkness. (~)
"Korra! Rarity!" Jinora called out. She, Twilight, Fluttershy and Applejack managed to get out of the ragging river and somehow fond themselves in a clearing, the same one where they had encountered that annoying group of meerkat spirits. They all continued calling for their friends.
"Pinkie Pie! Korra!" Twilight called out.
"Rainbow Dash! Where are they?" Fluttershy asked.
"I don't know, my magic doesn't work, bending doesn't work, and I can't sense where Korra is, nor can we contact her and the others through our elements." the alicorn sadly sat down and started to cry. Jinora comforted her by petting her head.
"No, don't cry. You guys have to be strong."
"She's right, hon. Besides, Rainbow, Rarity and Pinkie Pie are with her. They'll be fine." said Applejack.
Twilight sniffed and wiped away her tears as she stood up. "You're right."
"Now we just need to find the portals, maybe we'll meet them there." Jinora suggested.
"And just how are we suppose to get there?" Applejack asked. Then Jinora noticed something in the distance coming towards them, "What's that?" asked Applejack. Jinora squinted her eyes and then smiled once the create made it into clear view.
"Furry-Foot? Is that you?"
The girls all ran to greet one of Jinora's bunny spirit friends, who landed before them. The young girl hugged the spirit. "It's so good to see you again! You're so big here." she scratched his belly and the bunny stomped his foot happily. Fluttershy scratched behind his ears as she baby talked him, "Aren't you a big sweetie? Yes you are."
"I don't suppose you know where our friends are, do ya?" said Applejack.
"We're supposed to go find the spirit portals, but we don't know where to find anything down here." Twilight explained.
Furry-Foot started flapping his winged ears and allowed Jinora and Applejack to ride on him. Twilight and Fluttershy flew beside them. "Looks like he does know." said Applejack.
"Lets go find our friends." Twilight said determinedly. Jinora jumped onto Furry-Foot's back, as did Applejack while Fluttershy and Twilight flew beside them. They flew across the field, admiring the beauty of the spirit world.
"This place is amazin'!" said Applejack as she looked down.
"I wish Angel could see this" said Fluttershy as she flew closer to Furry-Foot, "You do kind of remind me of him, though" they nuzzled faces. Then, they come into the forest and saw what looked like a building covered in vines high above their heads. Twilight pointed her hoof at it.
"Look at that!"
"It's like an awesome tree house!" said Jinora, "Wait, I've heard about this place. Grandpa Aang came here. It's Wan Shi Tong's Spirit Library!"
Twilight's eyes widen in surprise, "A library?! They have libraries? Here?!", she closed up to Jinora's face filled with excitement, "Why didn't you ever tell me?!"
She flew excitedly towards the library while Jinora looked at her skeptically. "Uh, I thought I just did?" (~)
In the dark forest, Rarity, Pinkie, Rainbow where all gathered around a scared little Korra while sitting near a hollow tree. Rainbow kept trying to activate her element, but the gem did not appear on her.
"It's no use Rainbow Dash." Rarity said as she hugged little Korra with her hooves like a big sister, "Obviously, we can't use our Elements in the spirit world. Something must be blocking it."
Rainbow angrily kicked the ground, "This stinks! We've lost the others, we can't contact them and now, for some strange reason, Korra's turned into a little kid", the pegasus walked up to little Korra and gently petted her head with her hoof.
"She is pretty cute." Pinkie Pie said as she hugged the little Korra, "Who's a cute little Korra? You are."
The little Korra giggled at the pink pony's optimism. The girls then huddled closer at the sound of something in the distance. They spotted something with wings and glowing eyes flying towards them. It looked like a dark spirit. Korra shrieked in fear as the creature came closer.
"Ahh! Get away!"
The little Avatar swatted the thing down to the ground as the ponies shielded one another for protection. They hesitantly opened their eyes and saw the creature on the ground. It didn't look scary at all, and it didn't look like a dark spirit. In fact, it looked like a cute little purple colored bird. Its wing had a hole from where Korra had hit it and was releasing little sparkles. The creature looked up at Korra with big adorable eyes.
"Aww, it's just a little bird." Rarity said while lowering her ears. "The poor thing."
"Yeah well, it shouldn't have freaked us out like that!" Rainbow said while crossing her hooves.
Feeling sympathy, Korra reached for the bird and held it in her arms. "I'm sorry I swatted you, you just scared me." The little bird nuzzled in Korra's arms, now feeling more secure with her.
"It's so cute." said Pinkie Pie.
"He must have been as scared as we were." Rarity said. They suddenly saw a bright light within the forest, which drew closer, lighting up the dark forest as it did. Rainbow quickly got into a defensive stance as she stood in front of Korra, Rarity and Pinkie facing whoever was approaching.
"Who's there?" Rainbow Dash said defensively. From the shadows appeared an elderly man holding a lamp, he smiled kindly at them. The had had a long white beard and was wearing green-colored clothing.
"You girls look lost. Maybe I can help."
Korra looked at the elderly man. For some reason, she felt she had seen him before, even though she technically didn't in her lifetime. "I know you."
"You do?" Pinkie asked curiously. "Because, I think I would have remembered you meeting him before, and I know I would have remembered."
"I was good friends with Avatar Aang." the man said with a warm smile. Korra then smiled in return, finally remembering the man's name.
"Iroh!"
"Hello, Korra."
Rainbow Dash shook her head in disbelief, "Wait, you're THE Iroh? That Iroh guy from the stories about Aang we've heard so much about?"
"We've had the privilege to meet your namesake." Rarity said.
"Ah yes, my great-great-nephew. It is very nice to meet The Elements of Harmony."
"You know who we are?" Rainbow asked in surprise.
"Of course. Many of us have heard of you."
Rarity looked confused. "Us?"
"Why don't you come with me. I promise you will get all the answers you need."
The girls smiled at each other and followed the kind of man. Pinkie Pie hopped along happily. "I like him!"
Korra was slowly feeling more at peace. Iroh was like the grandfather she never had. She was kind, and welcoming and so sweet. He made her feel safe. "I'm glad you came to visit us in the spirit world. You came just in time."
As they exited the dark forest, the girls' eyes widened in awe. No longer where they in that dark and dreary place, but were standing in yet another beautiful field, surrounded by tall mountains in the distance, similar to the one they were in before they lost Jinora and the others. They spotted a lovely teashop in the very center, with tables all around. On the chairs sat the most colorful, and most unusual creatures they had ever seen. There were animals that stood on two legs, plants with faces and leafs used as hands, amphibians, reptiles, even ghost-like creatures. Each one was either eating a yummy looking treat or sipping some tea, looking as happy as ever. It was such a lovely sight, almost like something out of a painting.
"Woah!"
"We're having a little tea party, to celebrate May-Jim's wedding." Iroh said as he led the girls to a table, where more brightly colored and various spirits of all shapes, sizes and species sat together happily eating yummy treats and sipping tea. Korra and the ponies sat next to a two headed frog spirit whit flowers around their necks, one head was a bit shorter with blue eyes while the other was a bit taller with orange eyes. They assumed they were the bride and groom.
"How can you marry each other?" Korra asked curiously. "Aren't you..."
"Complete opposites? I know!" May, the female frog, said happily.
"I tried to fight it, but she really grew on me!" said Jim, the male frog.
Rainbow Dash kept her gaze on the two frogs, her mind pondering. "Something wrong, sweetie?" May asked kindly to the pegasus.
"No, no, it's just...you kind remind me of two people I know."
"Oh, are they married too?" Jim asked.
"Well, by the way they bicker all the time, you'd think they would be."
"Sounds like love to me!"
"Please, help yourselves to some tea and cakes." Iroh gave each pony a plate with a delicious cake as they all sat beside Korra. Pinkie and Rainbow licked their lips at the sight of the tasty sweets. "They are spirit cakes so you won't gain any weight. Of course, you won't lose any either!" Iroh said with a lighthearted laugh while patting his big belly. The ponies laughed along with Pinkie already devouring her cake. Her incredibly long tongue liked her face clean, which was covered in frosting.
"Mmmmm! Frosting!"
"You have a very lovely home, Iroh." Rarity said.
"Yeah, this part of the spirit world isn't so scary." said Korra. Then she saw a familiar teapot on the table and pointed at it, "My teapot!"
Rarity lowered her pointing finger with her hoof. "Korra! I understand you're a child again but please remember your manners, darling."
"It's quite alright, miss Rarity. She is right, this is technically hers." Iroh picked up the teapot and showed it to Korra. "Wan, the Avatar before you, used it to carry the light spirit, Raava, around--until they you became one."
Rainbow Dash took a good look at the object. "Now that you mention it, it is the same teapot! I remember!"
"It is my favorite thing I found here." Iroh poured tea into their cups using the said teapot, "You know, when you make tea in it, you can still taste a little light in every cup."
Korra took a sip of tea and smiled warmly. The ponies used their hooves to drink their tea and also smiled
"Mmmm! Light-y!" said Pinkie Pie. (~)
Jinora, Applejack, Twilight and Fluttershy entered the spirit library. Jinora and Applejack jumped off of Furry-Foot once they landed. The whole interior was marvelously detailed with images of owls on the walls and the cylinders were wrapped with vines all around the place. There stood many tall shelves which were lined with all kinds of books and scrolls as far as the eye could see. Within the shelves they saw various fox-like creatures organizing books. Twilight was speechless.
"This--it's--it's so--there are no words!"
"This place is huge!" said Applejack, she felt her eyes would pop out of her head.
"But it's covered in vines." said Fluttershy. Twilight smiled as she looked at all the books on the shelves.
"Good thing the books aren't!"
Jinora was just as taken by the place as Twilight was. "I could just stay in here forever, reading."
"You and me both, sister!"
They then heard the sound of large flapping wings within the walls of the library. The ponies all gathered around Jinora, protecting her, white talking on defensive stances.
"Who's there?!" Applejack asked defensively. But then, they all lowered their ears, their irises shrunk in fear and shock once they saw the master of the library descend from above the ceiling, his large colossal pitch black wings stretched out, his large talons sharp as swords, and his face, his front was white as snow, with piercing black eyes and a sharp beak, though small looked like it could crack a skull in seconds. The giant owl landed in front of them, the ground shaking as he did. His large presence could strike fear into the most fearless of warriors.
Even Applejack was freaked out, "Big....owl."
Their fear grew once the spirit spoke. His voice sounding old and wise...and threatening all at once. "The last human who said that is still here." Wan Shi Tong turned his head and the ponies and Jinora see the skeleton of a man wearing traveling clothing, leaning against a shelf of books, one remained in his hand.
"AHHHHHHH!
The girls shirked in fear as they hugged Jinora, who didn't scream but was just as stunned for she had also read about this man. "Professor Zei!"
"When I said I could stay here forever, I didn't mean it so literally!" said Twilight while still clinging to to Jinora.
Wan Shi Tong looked down on them, "I see you have some knowledge of the past, little girl. So you should know that humans are no longer allowed in my library. Get out!"
"Well, since you asked so nicely." Fluttershy attempted to fly away quickly, but Jinora grabbed her tail and she hesitantly stopped. She really didn't want to make this spirit any angrier than he already appeared to be.
"I thought anyone could come in if they brought you some knowledge?" Jinora said to the spirit.
"Those are the old rules. Besides, what has a little girl got to teach Wan Shi Tong, he who knows ten thousand things?"
"And I though Rainbow Dash had an ego." said Applejack under her breath. Twilight knew that they needed to get some answers as to where they could find the portals, there was no time to be timid. So, the princess took in a deep breath and bravely approached the spirit.
"Mister Shi Tong, my name is Princess Twilight Sparkle. I come from the land of Equestria and---"
"You are not residents of the spirit world!" the owl bellowed at the pony, his face closer to her's, so close she could smell his breath. But Twilight kept her composure.
"Well no, but we do have some knowledge. If I gave you some information about my world and Jinora gives some about the modern life in hers, then will you let us into your library?"
Wan Shi Tong pondered on this. This pony appeared to be very clever, and he was a bit curious as to where she had come from. So he decided to agree to her terms. But if he didn't like the information she gave him, she and her friends would have to leave...even if it meant by force.
"You are a clever little on. Very well. What knowledge to you bring?"
"Well, me and my friends come from Equestria. A magical land where there live ponies of three kinds: unicorns, who can perform magic with their horns, pegasus ponies, who have wings and can fly, and earth ponies who don't have wings or horns but work just as well without them as the ones who do. I am an alicorn, who are the respective royal rulers of the land. My mentor and fellow princess, Celestia, alongside her sister Princess Luna are responsible for the raising and lowering the sun and moon---"
"Enough! You honestly expect me to believe two creatures like you can raise and lower the sun and moon when everyone knows they rise on their own without the assistance of anyone or anything?"
"Well, like I said, it's a different world and--"
"And you say you have "magic"? If so, let me see."
"Uhhhhhh. I can't actually do it right now but---"
"You are done!" his voice booming, echoing the halls. Twilight lowered her ears and hesitantly backed down.
"Yes sir." Twilight walked back to Jinora and nudged at her to continue speaking, "You're up, Jin"
The young girl bravely approached the sprit, "Well, since you've been down in the spirit world, the humans have invented radio."
"Yes, I am well aware of the radio."
"But do you know how it works?"
"Of course I do! There is a box, and inside the box, there is a tiny man who sings and plays musical instruments."
Twilight arced an eyebrow, "Really? And you think my story about alicorns rising the sun and moon were hard to believe?"
Jinora continued to explain, "Actually, when we speak, our voices produce sound waves. Radio takes those sound waves and converts them into electromagnetic energy that is transmuted through the spectrum--"
"All right, enough. I did not know that. Apparently, I have been fed some misinformation about the existence of tiny men in boxes." he turned to look angrily at a sad little fox, one of his knowledge seekers, who then walked away whimpering. He turned back to the girls. "Still, I am not interested in that human garbage. Now, go away."
Twilight once again stood before him. "You said if we gave you information then you would allow us to look at your library!"
"You're being dishonest!" Applejack snapped. Wan Shi Tong sneered at her.
"Don't talk to me about being dishonest! When I lived in the physical world, all humans wanted to seek from me was knowledge for selfish reasons. Weaknesses against their enemies, how to control empires, that is why I left. Dishonest?....you have never seen dishonesty like I have. Now, go away!" he turned around and attempted to leave until Jinora stopped him again.
"My grandfather was the Avatar, and I came to the spirit world with the new Avatar to find the spirit portals. I would think you'd wanna help us."
At the sound of this, Wan Shi Tong turned around. "You came with the Avatar, hm?"
"Yes. And we ponies are bonded to her." said Twilight Sparkle.
"Bonded?"
"Yes. We each share a piece of her spirit. She is our best friend and all she wants is to help you and everybody else."
"Well, why didn't you say so? Fine, you may look around. But don't break anything....I'll know." With that he flapped his large wings and flew away. Jinora turned to the ponies.
"Come on, we gotta hurry!" (~)
Back at Iroh's teashop, Iroh was playing the ancient game of Pai Sho with a giant flower spirit while Korra and the ponies watched. Pinkie was still stuffing her face with cake.
"They say that the game of Pai Sho was invented by the spirits." Iroh explained, "...although some of them don't seem to grasp it very well."
"Just hold on. I'm thinking." said the flower spirit while scratching the side of its head in thought.
Rainbow Dash sighed in annoyance. "Just make a move already!"
"As you can see, it is a game that requires great patience." said Iroh, "But time does not mean much to us here."
"How long have you lived here?" Korra asked.
"Oh, I have lived here for many years. When my work was done in the human world, I was brought into the spirit world, and have been living here ever since. It can be a wonderful place, and I've made so many friends." his spirit companions all smiled warmly as he said this. They had come to love Iroh like he was one of them, and vice versa. Korra was amazed to see how happy and content Iroh was. He had no worries and no need to feel fear. In a lot of ways, she felt a bit envious.
"Hey! Who ate all the cake?!" Jim exclaimed. They all turned to see Pinkie Pie, covered in frosting and her mouth completely stuffed.
"I don't know!" she said with her mouth full.
"But, I thought the spirit world wasn't the afterlife." Rarity said.
Iroh chuckled, "No, it is not. Just like your Equestria, it is a different world with creatures as diverse and magical as your kind. It's not my final destination. When a human transcends into the spirit world, it usually means they still have a mission to complete. But, one day my time will come to pass here as well. When my work is done, I will return to my family where I truly belong."
"What is that purpose?"
"I will know when I see it. Like I said, time doesn't mean much to us here." Iroh then noticed the young girl's sad face. "Korra, what's wrong?"
Pinkie Pie came over, now clean, and swallowed the last bit of cake in her mouth. "You miss the others, hu?" she asked the young Avatar with sympathy.
"Yeah. We all came here with our friends...but we lost them and now we don't know where they are. I'm scared." she said, tears threatening to come out. Rarity lifted up Korra's hand with her nose, allowing the girl to hug her.
"It's okay, Korra." Iroh said.
But Korra had to face the facts; this wasn't the time to be playing or sipping tea. She had to find her friends and fast. The world was in danger, and here she was playing with spirits and eating cake. This wasn't what she was suppose to do, she had to do what she came here to do. The young girl began to cry and started to throw a tantrum.
"No! It's not okay! Jinora and the other ponies are gone and we need to find them! They're lost, and we need to go home!"
As she began to cry and scream in anger, the sky above changed from its sunny demeanor to an aery grey color as dark clouds swirled above them. The ponies looked at her with worry, the once lovely scenery turned dark and depressing. What was once a dream, was becoming a nightmare.
"Korra! Calm down!" said Rainbow. But Korra continued her tantrum.
"I don't like the spirit world! I don't want to be here anymore!"
As she cried, the spirits around them began to change from their usual bright colors to sinister and dark. Their happy moods shifted to angry and bitter. Iroh watched in horror and worry. Pinkie Pie hid behind Iroh in fear as Jim and May started bickering.
"Did you say something to her?"
"Me? You're the one with the big mouth!"
"This is bad!" said Pinkie Pie. Iroh gently took Korra by the shoulders and spoke to her in his kind voice. Even with what was happening, his demeanor towards her didn't change at all.
"Korra, please stop! Look at what you're doing to everyone!" Korra stooped crying and looked around to see the sky grey and the spirits angry. Nobody was happy anymore, they were all upset and angry. Just like she felt.
"I did that?"
Rainbow placed a hoof on Korra's shoulder. "Yeah, sort of."
"How did this happen?" Rarity asked Iroh.
"The spirits are very sensitive to negative emotions right now because of Harmonic Convergence, and the influence of Vaatu. Because of that, when in this world your emotions are becoming your reality. This is especially true for the Avatar, because you are the bridge between the two worlds. Everyone's actions have a consequence, and when you hurt others, you hurt yourself as well. You must try to stay positive."
Pinkie Pie's face gleamed as a light bulb appeared on her head, "And I know just how to do that! Music please!" she took a stereo out of nowhere and played some upbeat music. She then jumped and danced on the tables as she sang a happy familiar song,
Cause I love to see you, smile, smile, smile!
Yes I do!
It fills my heart with sunshine all the while!
Yes, it does
As she sang, Korra giggled and some of the spirits began to slowly soften, their anger slowly fading, though they were still dark in color.
Cause all I really need is a smile, smile, smile
From these happy friends of mine!
Korra laughed and Pinkie Pie hugged her pony friend, who was always there to cheer her up. "There's that smile!"
Once she released Pinkie, Korra realized the effects her emotions had on others. She felt ashamed for how she behaved, she was thinking so much about how she felt, she didn't stop to think about how the others felt. She had to remember her empathy, the empathy that the ponies had helped her see. She realized that while she did know this, there have been times in which she forgot, and that lead her to trouble. Korra looked at the spirits with a look of sincere regret, and lowered her head.
"I'm sorry."
The second the words left her mouth, the clouds began to disperse. Gray turned to blue, and dark became light. The scenery was happy and cheerful as it was before, and the spirits returned back to their brightly colored and happy selves once more. Korra and the ponies were all amazed when the sun peaked through the clouds, making the area look even more beautiful. But what was the real kicker as that a shimmering rainbow emerged and hovered above their heads.
Iroh smiled proudly. "There, you see?"
"I can make the sun shine? And a rainbow?"
"You always make things beautiful, Korra. Every time you smile." said Pinkie Pie.
"Yes. If you search for the Light with all of your heart, you will always find it." Iroh explained, "But if you look for the dark, that is all you will ever see."
Korra smiled, "I'm looking for my friends. I want them here now!" she closed her eyes shut, focusing hard on her friends, praying they would appear. But once she opened her eyes, they were not there. Korra lowered her shoulders sadly. "Why didn't they come out like the sun?"
"I'm afraid finding them won't be so easy."
"When are things ever easy?" said Rainbow.
"The things that truly matter often aren't, but that is why they are worth it in the end."
Pinkie Pie bowed to the elderly man, "You are a wise and noble teashop keeper."
"But what are we suppose to do?" Korra asked.
"Sometimes the best way to solve your own problems is to help someone else." the little dragon-bird jumps not Iroh's hand, "This little fellow needs to go home as well. Maybe if you help him find his friends, you will be able to find yours."
"I'll take him home!" Korra said determinedly.
Rainbow Dash flapped her wings in ecitement, "And we'll be right there with ya. But where do we go?"
"The dragon bird nest is located there, at the top of Hai-Rio Peak." Iroh pointed to the mountain far ahead.
"I can fly there no problem." said the pegasus.
"I'm afraid your wings will not be strong enough to carry you up there. Besides, you girls must take him home...together." (~)
Back at the library, the girls kept looking for books, but found nothing. Fluttershy was flying up the higher shelves while Applejack and Jinora searched on the lower shelves while Twilight sat on the floor reading a book and flipping the pages with her hooves. Applejack closed another book. "Any luck?"
Fluttershy shook her head, "Nothing here."
Twilight angrily closed another book, "Ugh! It's not in here either!"
"We have to find the portals." said Jinora as she closed another book, "Korra, Pinkie, Rarity and Rainbow Dash are probably waiting for us there right now!"
"And they can't close it without us." said Fluttershy.
"We need to find a map that shows where the spirit portals are." said Jinora. Fluttershy flew towards the fox organizing some books with it's mouth.
"Excuse me, Mister Knowledge Seeker, but could you please help us?"
The fox walked over to a shelf and quickly took out a book with his mouth and placed it in front of the girls. Jinora started flipping through the pages as she sat next to Twilight. "This is it!"
Fluttershy lovingly petted the fox's head, "Thank you very much."
Applejack and Fluttershy gathered around Jinora and Twilight as they looked at the book. Applejack pointed to the picture of a tree, "That's the tree where Avatar Wan, Prince White and Princess Leilani imprisoned Vaatu."
"The tree of time!" Jinora said in awe and continued to read: "The elders believed that as long as the portals are closed during Harmonic Convergence, Vaatu will remain imprisoned and the battle between good and evil will not be fought again."
Twilight read the rest, "But, if both portals are open, spirit energy is amplified greatly. During the Harmonic Convergence, this energy will be great enough to allow Vaatu to break free from his bonds...."
Jinora continued, "And the material world will again risk being consumed by darkness!"
Fluttershy gasped as she flapped her wings, "We have to warn Korra!"
"Leaving so soon?"
They all turned around to see a verify familiar foe standing at the farthest end of the hall. The ponies quickly got into their stances, ready to fight.
"Unalaq!"
"When Wan Shi Tong told me he had a visitor, I had to see it with my own eyes. I can't believe Tenzin sent his daughter here instead of coming himself. What kind of a father is her?"
"Better than you." Jinora defended.
"Wan Shi Tong, how can you be helping him?" Twilight asked angrily.
"Unalaq has proven to be a true friend to the spirits---unlike the Avatar."
"He's not a friend to anybody!" said Applejack while flaring her nostrils.
"Why would you wanna help Vaatu escape? He'll destroy everything!" said Jinora.
"Don't believe everything you read." said Unalaq, "Why don't you come with me, so you can do some firsthand research?"
Fluttershy flew in front of Jinroa protecting her, "We will never go anywhere with you!"
Then she and Jinora, Applejack and Twilight were them held down by Furry-Foot, who had turned into a dark spirit,
"Furry-Foot?"
Twilight looked on at the new dark creature in worry, only to growl when Unalaq addressed her with a smirk. "Don't worry, Princess Twilight. I have plans for you ponies." (~)
Iroh lead Korra, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash to the foot of mount Hai-Riyo Peak. "This looks scary." said Korra as she looked at the high mountain. It really was a long way up.
Rainbow Dash scoffed, "It's not that scary." she looked at the dark looking mountain and lowered her ears fearfully, "But, just to be on the safe side, will you come with us?"
Iroh kneeled down to their level, "This is something you girls must do. The people who have been coming into this world have brought darkness and anger. So that is what you see now."
"Yeah and it's no fun!" said Pinkie Pie.
"No it is not. But you have all have the Magic of Friendship within you." Iroh turned his gaze up to the sky, and the girls followed, looking up at the brightly colored rainbow that consisted of various colors, each matching the coat of the Mane Six. "See that Rainbow? Each color is bright and beautiful on their own. But only together, can they create something truly wonderful. You girls all carry that Light inside of you. If you let it out you can change the world around you."
"Back in the physical world, I noticed weird things have been happening to me." said Korra, "At first I was scared of it, but my friends said I needed to embrace it."
"Your friends were right. I do sense there is something changing within you with every passing day. But it's something good, I can tell. You don't need to be afraid anymore." Korra smiled as Pinkie nuzzled her face. "Besides, look at this little fellow." Iroh said, gesturing to the dragon bird in Korra's arms. "This mountain is his home. When you first met him, you were frightened. But does he seem scary to you now?"
Korra tickled the dragon-bird's chin, "No."
"Many things that seem threatening in the dark become welcome when you shine a little light on them. Promise me you will all stick together and support each other no matter what, in order to fight the darkness."
Rainbow Dash nodded, "We promise."
"Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." said Pinkie Pie.
Iroh hugged Korra and the ponies one final time. "Thank you for everything, Iroh." Rarity said.
"It was good to meet you. Come visit me again. In this life...or the next."
"We hope to see you soon." said Pinkie
"Bye." Korra waved. She smiled at the dragon-bird in her arms, "Okay, time for you to go home."
They all walked together towards the mountain. They briefly stopped to look back at Iroh waving at them, and then he suddenly became supper far away. They looked up at the extremely high mountain. Rainbow gulped before saying, "Let's do this."
As they walked up the mountain Korra continued chanting to herself, "Light and peace...light and peace."
"No more "conceal, don't feel"?" Rainbow asked with a proud smile.
"Nope! Never again."
They all suddenly stopped midway, they noticed the sky grew gray again and their path was blocked...by three large dark lion-dog spirits snarling at the trespassers. The ponies all staid beside Korra "Remember what Iroh said. Be positive." Rarity whispered.
"We're not afraid of you." Korra said as bravely as she could. The spirits closed in on the girls. "You're not scary! You just look that way." Korra smiled and the dark spirits started to back away a bit, "We have light inside!" The angry spirits suddenly began to calm down as Korra petted the noose of one of them, "It's okay, you can be our friends." she said sweetly, no longer looking at them with anger or hatred, but with kindness and mercy.
Rainbow petted the second spirit, "Yeah. You guys aren't so bad, are ya?"
Rarity petted the nose of the third, "You actually have a very nice shade of dark blue."
Pinkie then started singing happily,
The darkness and the shadows they use to make us frown
Rarity,
"Here we go again.."
Pinkie,
I'd hide under a rock
(Which she actually does.)
From what I thought I'd saw
She jumped around happily,
But Iroh said that wasn't the way, to deal with fears at all
Korra,
"He said--"
Korra and Pinkie,
Believe, you got to stand up tall, learn to face your fears.
You'll see that they can't hurt you just laugh and make then disappear!
Korra;
"My name is Korra, and I'm taking this dragon-bird home."
Once she said those words, the sky above them cleared up once again cleared, revealing the brightness of the sun, and a bright rainbow depicting colors of the mane six adorned the sky. The rays of light fell upon the spirits and they reverted back to their normal happy selves and started licking the girls.
"Iroh said you could be nice." Korra said in between giggles.
Pinkie,
Sooooooo Giggle at the ghosties!
Pinkie started dancing as the spirits danced along with her,
Guffaw at the grossly
Crack up at the creepy
Whoop it up with the weepy
Chortle at the kooky
Snortle at the spooky
And tell that big dumb and scary face to take a hike and leave you alone and if he thinks he can scare you then he's got another thing coming and the very idea of such a thing just makes you wanna...ha, ha, ha, ha, ha...heh...
Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaauuuugh!
Korra and the others giggled at the scene.
"Do you wanna help us?" Korra asked the spirits. The spirits allowed Korra and the girls to ride on their backs up to the mountain. Korra took one last look at the horizon and sings.
Korra:
It's funny how some distance
Makes everything seem small
And the fears that once controlled me...
Can't get to me at all!
Once they reached the peak, Korra jumped off of the lion-dog's back and walked up near the dragon-bird nest.
Rarity,
It's time to see what we can do
To fight darkness and break through
Korra placed the dragon-bird next to his siblings.
Korra,
As long my friends are with me...
I'm free!!!!
They all watched in amazement as the three birds suddenly glowered in brightly colored magenta and started to morphed together, their sparkly essence rose up into the sky in a stunning display. Before their very eyes, a stunningly beautiful full grown golden dragon bird flew around them. Rarity and Pinkie Pie galloped their hooves in happiness while Rainbow did air flips. Then they all turned to look at Korra.
Rarity gasped, "Korra, you're you again!"
Korra looked down at her body. She was no longer short, and her toned muscles, slim curve, long wolf tails and normal cloths had returned. She was a teenager again! Rainbow Dash hugged her from behind. "Alright! Good to have ya back!"
The dragon-bird landed in front of them and Korra got on his back along with Rarity and Pinkie Pie. "Now let's go find the others and close the portals." said the Avatar.
The dragon bird flew off into the sky with the lion-dog spirits following by transforming into sparkly blue mist. Korra continued to sing as they flew across the spirit world. Happy to have learned yet another valuable lesson about friendship, and herself.
Let it go!
Cause now I know
I'll rise like the break of dawn
Let it go! Let it go!
That frightened girl is gone
Here I see, who I'm meant to be
Now I know!
I've turned into a much better me (~)
As they flew, the scenery started to change. The sun was partly hidden behind various brown-colored clouds before shifting to an aquamarine color. Pointed hills stood over the horizon, looking much like the back fin of a shark, and at the center of it all was what appeared for be a flat crater formation, several stones spiraled around one large blue shinning beacon counterclockwise, which was the northern spirit portal, which also had stones pirating around it clockwise around a glowing orb, which had more of an eerie red glow to it instead of the blue one.
"There are the portals" said Rainbow Dash. Her gaze then turned towards the one thing that stood out among the place aside from the portals. While the rest of the location was a gray/dark blue ground, a single tree with a large, wide twisted trunk, surrounded by smaller rocks around its rooks, the twisted branches were stretched outwards, abnormal looking for a tree, and a single opening which slightly glowing red.
"And that's where Vaatu is." Korra said, gazing at the strange-looking plant. The dragon-bird landed safely on the ground, allowing Korra and the ponies to jumped off. The lion-dog spirits manifested behind them. Seeing his work was done for the moment the dragon-bird spread open its wings and flew away.
"See ya latter, Goldie!" Pinkie Pie shouted, waving goodbye to their new friend.
Rainbow arced an eyebrow at her, "Goldie?"
"He looks like a Goldie."
Korra walked over to the portal, looking sternly at it, and placed her hand on the beam of light. She looked around the area, her serious expression shifting to one of worry. There was no sign of Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy or Jinora anywhere.
"How are we going to close it without the others?" Rarity asked with concern.
"I don't know. But the dragon-bird brought us here for a reason. Maybe they're already here."
"So you've returned, Raava."
The group spun around at the sound of a very familiar voice. A voice that echoed with greed and pride. The very sound of it brought chills up one's spin, but not to Korra or the ponies. They knew exactly who this was. They suddenly found themselves up close in front of the twisted tree facing the servant of chaos himself, floating within his eternal prison, which was growing weaker by the hour.
"So you're the great Vaatu? Not so great being locked up in that tree." Rainbow mocked him.
Vaatu spoke with a menacing voice, through the transparent opening of the tree. "Harmonic Convergence is coming soon, and this time, I'm going to wipe you out for good."
Korra remained unfazed, "I think you've said that before, Vaatu." she said, not allowing this creature to intimidate her. She knew better than to let fear take control. "But we're here to close the portal."
"Burn!" Pinkie shouted in triumph before blowing a raspberry at the dark spirit.
"How can you without your precious ponies?" Vaatu with a slight humor in his voice.
"We'll find them. You're not getting out." Korra said strongly before walking away with her friends in tow. There was no way they would allow this creature to get the better of them. But they had underestimated him greatly.
"You might want to reconsider...that is, if you want to save your friends."
Upon hearing this the group gasped and spun around rapidly. Walking out from behind the tree was none other than Unalaq, levitating Jinora, Twilight, Applejack and Fluttershy with a stream of purple water around them. Fear evident in their eyes, while Unalaq smirked wickedly.
"Guys!"
The girls attempted to run towards their friends but were stopped by a dark Furry-Foot who landed before them, snarling and attempting to scratch them with his now sharp paws. The girls stepped back, only to hear the sound of growling from behind them. They turned their heads to see that the lion-dog spirits, who had only just became their friends, had turned dark once again. They surrounded the group from behind while Korra looked up at her uncle with anger and hate.
"I never should have trusted you! You made me think you wanted to restore balance with spirits, but this--this isn't balance, it's madness! Now let them go!"
"Don't worry, no harm will come to your ponies." Unalaq said right before he used the water to throw Twilight, Applejack and Fluttershy towards the others. The three ponies grunted as they landed hard on the stone hard ground. Pinkie, Rarity and Rainbow rushed over to help them up, while angrily glaring at the man.
"However, if you want to make it out of the spirit world, you'll all open the other portal now."
"Don't do it, girls!" Jinora exclaimed with the purple water still surrounding her body.
Rainbow Dash sneered, "You're so gonna get it now!" she flew rapidly towards Unalaq ready to punch him.
"One more move and your friend suffers." Unalaq began moving his arms around, and Jinora's body began to slowly turn purple like the water that surrounded her. The purple coloring rose from her feet reaching upwards nearing her waist. The young girl could feel her soul being swallowed up by the darkness.
Rainbow Dash gasped and promptly stopped on her tracks upon witnessing this. Unalaq smiled, he had them right where he wanted them. "What will it be? Open the portal...or lose your friend's soul forever?"
The girls watched in horror as the purple energy continued to grow, nearing up to Jinora's face. What could Korra do? If she fought Unalaq he would kill Jinora, but if she did as he said, she would only make matters worst. Vaatu would be closer to being free, and both her world and Equestria would suffer greatly. But she couldn't let Jinora die, not in the hands of this cold hearted man. She just couldn't. Her love and care for Jinora mattered more to her. The ponies were just as worried as she was, they didn't know what to do, they had no magic or bending. As Jinora's body was nearly surrounded by the purple energy, Korra made her choice.
"STOP!...We'll do it." Korra said hesitantly, "But let her go first."
"Portals, then the girl." her uncle demanded before attempting to corrupt Jinora's soul again, making the young girl scream in fear.
"Alright!....alright."
"Korra, don't!" Jinora exclaimed, but Korra didn't answer. She couldn't allow Jinora to sacrifice her own life for the sake of the world. She was too precious and special to die now, especially in this way. Korra would find another way, but for now...this was her choice.
The girls walked hesitantly to the northern portal while Unalaq had the dark Furry-Foot holding Jinora hostage. Korra then turned to him, "Wait! The Elements of Harmony won't work in the spirit world"
"Once you all touch the portal, it will activate your Avatar State. Logically, the Elements along with it."
"Got an answer for everything, don't ya?" Twilight said in annoyance.
Korra sighed sadly, "I'm so sorry." she placed her hand on the glowing orb as the ponies placed their hooves over it as well. Korra's eyes opened as she entered the Avatar State, the Elements of Harmony appeared and the ponies' eyes glowed too. Jinora watched in horror as the portal opened, a bright beam of light emerged from it, rising up into the sky, identical to the southern portal.
Once it was open, Vaatu's tree glowed red and released a large purple ring as the dark spirit screamed in agony and the ground shook. While this was occurring, Jinora felt something warm within her chest. Her heart glowed like a pure white light, but Unalaq nor Furry Foot took notice. Once the deed was done, Korra and the ponies looked fiercely at Unalaq.
"Now let Jinora go."
However, Unalaq surprised Korra by waterbending at her arm, which turned blue and she screamed in pain from the impact. "AHHHH!"
"You should've come through the portal. Then you could do this!" Unalaq kept waterbending at Korra and the ponies as they dodged his attacks. Furry-Foot carried Jinora away.
"AH! KORRA! TWILIGHT!"
"JINORA!"
Twilight, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash flew after her but were all struck down by Unalaq's water whip. They landed hard on the ground. Korra rushed towards them but was then hit by a dark dog-lion spirit and held her in his mouth. Applejack, Rarity and Pinkie ran to help her but were also knocked down by the fierce dark sprits that rammed into them. They laid on the ground groaning in pain near the others as the lion-dog holding Korra dropped her.
Unalaq levitated Korra and the ponies with his waterbendeing as their bodies slowly began turning purple, just as Jinora's did. The energy was almost up to their necks, they could feel their spirits dying. When suddenly, The Dragon-bird, Goldie, swooped down and knocked Unalaq down with it's gigantic wings, grabbed the girls in its talons and flew away. He held Korra, Twilight, Rarity and Rainbow in one claw and Pinkie, Applejack and Fluttershy in the other. Unalaq angrily watched them fly away
"I'll see you again, Raava." Vaatu said arrogantly, "Once Harmonic Convergence comes, I'll be free from this prison, and then I will have my revenge!"
As Korra's limp body was being carried away, she saw a vision of Princes White, shinning before her eyes. "I'm sorry." she said in a faint whisper. "I failed."
"No. You haven't." White said as his image slowly began to fade. "You're battle is only just beginning..." (~)
Korra and the ponies all simultaneously gasped! They opened their eyes and found themselves back in the human world. Korra's hands were still holding Jinora's but the glow had disappeared. The young girl did not move, and appeared to be sleeping. Something was definitely not right.
Tenzin rushed on over to Korra, who was breathing heavily from shock and was sweating. "Korra! What happened?"
Flash and Spike rushed to Twilight, "Did you guys close the portals? Was Jinora able to help?" Spike asked.
Twilight and the others lowered their ears in sadness. Tenzin began to worry, "What's going on?"
Korra didn't know what else to tell him, "Tenzin--I'm...I'm sorry"
He noticed Jinora was still in her meditation position sitting perfectly still, "Where's Jinora? W--Why isn't she waking up?" he held his daughter in his arms.
Twilight lowered her head in shame, "Tenzin, Unalaq he...he tried to...I'm so sorry."
"Korra, what happened to my little girl?!"
The Avatar stood there in silence with tears streaming from her eyes. How could she have let this happen? Because of her, Jinora was still stuck in the spirit world.
*(~)*
Psalm 86:11~
Teach me your ways, O LORD, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you.
*(~)* |
The Little Pony Legend 2: Spirits of Courage | Night of a Thousand Stars | *(~)*
Colossians 3:2 ~
Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.
*(~)*
Night of a thousand stars
The others were all ridding on Oogie as he flew toward the air temple. The ponies where all watching over Jinora's spiritless body. They were all so worried about her and they hatted seeing their friend like this. From down bellow, Meelo spotted them.
"Dad's back!"
Just as Oogie landed, Pema and the kids approached them. But she quickly realized something was wrong. "Where's Jinora?" she asked with worry.
Fluttershy sadly approached the woman, lowering her glance, she couldn't get herself to look her in the eye. "Pema, something...happened." she said hesitantly. She couldn't bare to tell her the rest. Instead, Tenzin walked toward his wife and showed her Jinora in his arms. But she wasn't moving at all. Pema's eyes widened in horror as she dropped the flowers she was holding.
"No!" she quickly ran over to her husband who handed Pema their daughter.
"Her spirit is trapped in the spirit world, but she's going to be alright." Tenzin told his wife.
"How could this happen?"
"It was all my fault. I should have never let Jinora enter the spirit world without me."
Flash Sentry placed his hoof on Tenzin's shoulder, "Tenzin, there was nothing you could do. She was the only one who could go in."
"I'm so sorry Pema." Korra said with regret, "We tried to save her but Unalaq tricked us."
Rainbow Dash angrily growled, "I should have knocked him out when I had the chance." she also tried to fight back the tears.
"He was too powerful. But we will get Jinora back." Twilight promised.
"Don't worry, honey.", Tenzin said as he rubbed Jinora's cheek with the back of his hand, "I'm not going to stop until our little girl is back safe with us."
"None of us will." Rainbow promised as well. The other ponies nodded in agreement.
Applejack nuzzled her face against Jinora's cheek, "Hang in there kiddo." (~)
Back in Republic City, Mako sat along on the bed within his prison cell. While he knew he was wrongly accused, a part of him did feel that he kind of deserved this. If only he had tried to reason with Korra and his friends instead of shouting and being mean. He realized now that the message he was trying to send was never going to get across that way. He knew deep down he not only did the sting operation to help Asami...but to kind of make up for what he did to Korra. To prove even he could bend the rules of the law for the people he cared about. Only problem was...he was proving it to the wrong girl. The girl who didn't need him to prove anything at that moment. Mako took from his pocket the picture of him and Korra and looked down at it with sad eyes.
"I'm so sorry Korra. If I could take back everything I said I would in a heartbeat."
Then the door opened and a cop walked in. "You have visitors" he said. Mako was surprised to see not only his brother...but Asami as well, enter his cell. Both were wearing fancy clothing; Bolin wore a green colored tuxedo, while Asami wore a long red dress, identical to the one she wore during their first date. Mako was surprised to see them, especially Asami, since with her father in jail he doubted she would ever want to go near a prison cell at all, but she sucked it up to see her friend. The gesture alone brought a light of happiness for him. She was being a true friend.
"Hey, Mako." his brother greeted.
"You okay?" Asami asked with concern.
"Could be better." Mako said dryly, "What's with the fancy duds?"
"We're on our way to the big finale for "Nuktuk: Hero of the south" " Bolin said excitedly. "Yeah, everyone's gonna be there except for, you know you...because you're in jail and stuff."
"Thanks for the reminder." Mako said sarcastically.
"Hey, I brought you something.", Bolin took out a poster from his jacket. It was am image of his as Nuktk carrying Ginger with a wintery background. "I thought this would brighten up your place. Read the inscription."
Mako took the 'gift' and read what was on the poster," "Dear Mako, Nuktuk says, 'Keep smiling.'" he looked annoyed at his smiling brother, "Did you come by just to give me a poster?"
"No," Asami gave Boln an annoyed look before giving Mako a sincere one, "We came to tell you that we are going to do everything we can to prove your innocence and that Varrick really is the mastermind behind all of this."
Bolin raised his hands in a surrendering manner, "Whoa, whoa, whoa, slow down there Asami. We don't know for sure if Varrick is really to blame here."
"He is!" Mako said defensively as he stood up. But his brother still did not believe him.
"No offense Mako, but you've been suspecting Varrick this whole time and look where it got you, looked up in jail like a criminal."
"I'm not a criminal!"
"Of course I know that, but you do kinda look like one, cause you're in jail and that's where criminals live."
"I was set up! Varrick knew I had figured out he was hiring gangsters to pose as Northern soldiers to get Republic City to join the war. That's why he had me arrested."
"Ah, I see what you're doing. You're going for the insanity defense. Smart."
Asami placed her hand on Bolin's shoulder, the poor boy was in denial. "Bolin, please stop."
Mako took in a deep breath and looked at the heiress. He knew exactly what he had to do now. "Asami, could you give us a minute? Please?"
Asami looked at both brothers with sadness before nodding, "Okay. I'll be right out the door if you need anything."
"Thanks."
She walked out but stayed beside the police officer guarding it. Mako looked at Bolin and this time he spoke to him, not as a cop...but as a brother.
"Bolin, I get you would be upset with me, and I now see that this whole "Nuktuk" stuff is important to you, and that you've come to see Varrick as a friend, but you need to know he's not. I know I haven't been the best brother to you lately and I'm really sorry. Believe me, I know what it's like to have a job that makes you feel important and how easy it is to get caught up in it. But as my brother, and my friend, you have to believe that I would never say these things if they weren't for your own good. The fate of the world is at stake and we need to stick together. Please, believe me."
Bolin was silent for a moment. This was a side of Mako Bolin hardly saw. He wasn't holding back his feelings anymore, rather he was saying exactly what needed to be said. He was speaking the truth, but he was also speaking from his heart. Deep down, a part of Bolin knew that his brother was speaking the truth, but another part...
"I know the fate of the world is at stake, when isn't it?"
Mako was somewhat startled by his brother's sudden change of attitude. His younger brother's tone sounded so angry, and dark. "What are you talking about?"
"If it's not the world it's a police case, and if it's not that it's always something else. Face it, no matter how important something is to me it always comes in second compared to everything else. Look, I promise I'll get you the best attorney money can buy but after that, I'm going to live my own life...without you!"
Mako looked at his younger brother with hurtful eyes. He never imagined that his sweet little brother would ever say something so hurtful to him.
"You don't have to worry about looking out for me anymore."
"Bolin, please!"
"I gotta run, this is my night to shine." Bolin walked out of the room and the cop used metalbending to close the door on Mako's cell. While Bolin walked down the halls, Asami looked at Mako through the bars.
"Mako, I'm so sorry. I'll find a way to get you out, don't worry."
"No."
"What?"
"Asami, if my theory about Varrick is right, something might go down tonight at the premiere. I'll be okay, but promise me you'll keep an eye on Bolin."
Asami didn't want to leave him like this, but the look in his eyes helped her see that the best thing she could do for him right now was to stay by Bolin, and keep him safe. The heiress nodded. "...I promise. But what about you?"
"I think this is the right place for me right now. I need some time to think."
With that Asami walked away and Mako was once again alone in the cell. The only companion for him that night, was the silvery rays of the moon, coming through the bared window of his room. (~)
Back in the Southern Water Tribe, a group of Rebels stood on a nearby mountain, overlooking the capital city. Tonraq had waited a long time for Korra's help to arrive, but it never did. He wondered why, but most importantly, he prayed that his daughter was alright. He looked down at a photo he had of him and Korra when she was a young girl. He kept it for motivation. He could almost see the actual sparkle in her eyes in the grey photograph. A rebel approached Tonraq.
"Should we wait another day? Korra still might come with reinforcements."
Tonraq sighed sadly as he placed the photo back into his coat. "We can't wait any longer." he said sadly. He silently apologized to Korra, but something needed to be done. And fast. He turned to face the rest of the rebels, and spoke to them in a strong and confident voice.
"It's time to take back what is ours! It's time to take back our city!"
The rebels cheered for him in agreement. Now was the time to fight Unalaq's forces and regain their homeland. The Rebels all bended sheets of ice on which they slide down the mountain. A Northern Water Tribe soldier in a nearby watchtower noticed them and rang the warning bell. Before long, the Northern reinforcements mobilized and prepared to fight the rebels. (~)
The Pro-Bending Arena was abuzz with so many people and Nuktuk fans alike. A large poster of Bolin as Nuktuk carrying Ginger hung above the main entrance. Rich people came in on fancy satomobile limousines, while children took pictures of Pabu and Naga, in their Juji and Roh-Tan costumes. Naga was painted to look like an arctic panda and Pabu was colored like an arctic ferret. Another limo pulled up, and Bolin and Ginger stepped out, walking down the red-carpet arm-in-arm while waving to the people taking photos.
Asami was among the crowd of people watching Bolin and Ginger walk by. The heiress looked gloomy, here Bolin was having such a good time, while his brother was in prison. She reached in for something in her pocket dress and pulled out a silvery headband with a single blue heart. She didn't know why she kept holding on to it, maybe because it brought her a bit of hope that Korra might still be out there and on her way back to her friends. Shiro Shinobi spoke through his microphone.
"There they are folks. The sweethearts of the big screen, and Republic City's most famous couple, Bolin and Ginger."
Asami looked back at the headband. She remembered when Korra and Mako were the most famous couple in the City. The memory replayed in her head.
..............
Rarity levitated the newspaper for all in the Air Temple dinning room to see. "Look at this; Avatar Korra and Fire Ferret Team Captain, Mako had been recently seen walking hand in hand at the park. Looks like we've got ourselves a new celebrity couple."
Korra covered her face in embarrassment. "Rarity, why did you have to read that?"
"What? It's adorable! Look at the two of you." the unicorn gestured to the gray image of the two of them holding hands while lovingly gazing at one another. The Avatar attempted to take the paper away from her.
"Rarity, give it! Nobody wants to see that!"
"Well I do! Let's see what else does it say. Oh, are these two going to tie the not soon?"
"Rarity!"
The unicorn began to playfully run around the room with Korra chasing her, both actually laughing at the silliness. Mako stood up and joined his girlfriend in trying to get the paper away from Rarity.
"Korra's right, Rare, hand it over!"
While they all ran around like little kids, Asami stood by the door. Her heart sank at the sight of the two laughing together when Korra finally snatched the paper from Rarity and Mako just spontaneously surprised her with a hug from behind. They had only gotten together a couple of weeks ago, and they were already acting so lovey dovey. Even when she and Mako were together, it was never like this. Mako never looked this happy before. Even when she was with her.
"Hey, Asami." The heiress was awoken by her thoughts when Korra spoke. "Me and the girls were going out to that new food place downtown. You want to join us?"
"Um...no, it's fine. Thanks anyway."
"You sure? It'll be fun. Please?" Korra looked at the heiress with pleading eyes. She really wanted the two of them to be friends. But Asami was hesitant.
"Thank you but, I need to get back to my company. Lots of paper work to do, you know." the heiress walked past them while Korra, Mako and Rarity looked on in sadness as she left.
"Asami." She stopped once again and turned to see Mako three feet away from her. "You sure you're okay?"
"Yeah I'm fine, don't worry. I'm happy everything worked out."
Korra stood by Mako, she didn't hold his hand or anything, but kept her eyes on Asami. "You sure you don't want to talk? If you ever do, it's fine."
"Thanks. See ya." .......
Asami felt so stupid. Korra was trying to reach out to her, and there had been times when she pushed her away. She wanted to see Korra as a friend, but she was still hung up on her past. Ever since her father was thrown in jail, her whole life as she knew it changed. Her life was no longer 'no worries' or 'everything will work out', no it was completely upside-down. Everything she ever knew had changed, her entire perspective on family, love and friends changed. After all of this time, even though her life had changed...she didn't completely change along with it.
"Hey, Asami!" Bolin greeted the heiress, who quickly placed the headband back into her pocket.
"Oh, hey Bolin. Hey Ginger." she waved politely, but the red-haired actress simply held her nose up high in the most snobby manner. Asami pouted in annoyance at her attitude, before a mischievous idea come to her head. "Wow, I love that lipstick Ginger, but I think you got a bit on your lower chin there." Asami squinted her eyes and leaned her head forward a smudge, "Oh, no wait my mistake, that's just a zit."
Ginger gasped and covered her chin, before dragging Bolin inside. Asami chuckled at her mischievousness, if only Korra and Rainbow Dash had seen that.
Once the 'couple' was inside, Ginger quickly took out her compact mirror and powdered her face, inspecting her face for any zits. Bolin smiled as he placed his hands on his hips. "Wow, that was fun! And did you hear what Shiro said? We're Republic City's most famous couple."
Ginger rolled her eyes and put her compact away. "Bolin, you're a doll, but you're as dumb as the rocks you bend. We are not a couple." she said as she walked away, and Bolin shouted in reply.
"That's not what Shiro said!" he lowered his shoulders sadly. Why didn't Ginger give him any attention? Asami walked inside and patted Bolin on the back.
"So, you excited for your big night?" she asked optimistically, but Bolin shrugged his shoulders and walked on ahead.
"Yeah, sure." realizing his response, he turned around and smiled happily, "I mean; Yeah! Sure!" (~)
Outside with the rest of the paparazzi, detectives Lu and Gang were both stuffing their faces with Varri-cakes. Lin walked towards them, embarrassed to even be seen with these yahoos.
"Stop stuffing you mustaches with Varri-cakes and get to your post!" she exclaimed aggressively.
"You got it, boss." Gang said with his mouth full, bits of cake still on his mustache. Lin wondered why she even bothered hiring these two clowns.
"You two are the pinnacle of refinement." she said sarcastically.
Camera's flashed as Raiko and his wife exited the limo arm-in-arm, waving at the crowed. Raiko was as stoic as ever, while his wife Buttercupe was cheerful and happy, her cheekbones were like perfect sugarplums, and her dazzling smile could light up a room. Shiro spoke though the microphone again.
"This star-studded event just keeps getting star-studdier folks. President Raiko and First Lady Buttercup Raiko just arrived, and they're being greeted by entrepreneur extraordinaire Varrick."
Just as he said, Varrick approached the couple, wearing a fancy blue tuxedo, perhaps some would was was too flashy with fur lining on the collar and extra shiny shoes. "There they are, my two most honored guests." Varrick politely kissed the back of Buttercup's palm. "What do you think?" he asked as they walked down the red carpet. "No expense has been spared, I brought in the finest entertainers from Ba Sing Se, and the best food from around the world. Heck! I even had this red carpet imported from the Fire Nation! They make the best red stuff over there. Fact! All right, picture time." he posed for a photo from some random paparazzi.
"Varrick, you didn't have to do all of this for us." Raiko said to the billionaire, who was still waving and smiling for more pictures.
"I wanted to. Mister President, I took one look at your wife and I knew that you were a man of exquisite taste." Buttercup blushed, flattered by the compliment. "And that's why I know you're gonna love this mover!"
Raiko eyed the man sternly. "Varrick, I know what you're doing, and I doubt your propaganda is going to change my mind about going to war with the Northern Water Tribe."
"Oh, I think you'll be surprised how persuasive I can be." Varrick said with a sly grin. (~)
The pro-bending arena was packed, fitted with speakers and a giant screen over the ring. Raiko and his wife sat in the VIP booths, while Bolin, Ginger and Asami occupied the left booths, and Naga and Pabu were in their own animal booth, where a waiter served them fancy grommet food. Naga waged her tail happily. At the corner of her eye, Asami looked at Bolin, who was smiling excitedly for the mover to start. Asami couldn't stop thinking about Mako, and Korra and the Ponies. The arena darkened for a moment and a spotlight shined on Varrick, who stood on the arena speaking through a mic.
"Thank you all for coming to the finale of "Nuktuk: Hero of the South"! You know, when I first started this project there were a lot of naysayers out there. "You can't make pictures move" they said. "You can't take some knucklehead earthbender and make him a star" they said." the crowed laughed at his joke, while Asami simply rolled her eyes. ""You can't teach a polar bear dog to speak" they said. Well, they're wrong! Thanks to the magic of movers, our furry friends have found their voices, and you'll be shocked to hear what they have to say."
Asami rested her head on her hand, while blowing away a single strand of hair from her face. "Says the guys who met talking ponies." she muttered sarcastically under her breath.
"They speak of the injustice that is happening in the Southern Water Tribe right now." as Varrick said this, he stared at Raiko's booth. "My hope, is that their words, and this epic mover, will inspired a real life hero to rise up, and help." Raiko glanced uneasily at Varrick's words, which surprisingly sounded more like threats. "Thank you again, enjoy the show!"
The screen lit up, revealing Nuktuk help by a bird on the shoulders. As they watched the film, which included a much more chivalrous portrayal of the President, Asami whispered to Bolin. "I think this is your best mover yet." she said proudly.
"Yeah...I just wish Mako was here to see it." Bolin said sadly.
"I thought you were still mad at him."
"I am but..."
"I understand." Asami interrupted, "It's hard to enjoy your success when you don't have your family around to share it with." that sentence really got to Bolin. She was right, he now had everything he could ever want; fame, adoration, success, girls...and yet he still felt empty inside. (~)
Meanwhile, a small boat carrying four men in Northern Water Tribe armor pulled up alongside the arena and three soldiers began to climb up to the arena. Lu and Gaang stood by one of the emergency exists while Lu was licking the icing off of a Varri-cake, with his and Gang's backs to the window.
"Mmm. I like to eat the top of the Varri-cake first." Lu said.
"I just try to shove the whole thing in my mouth at once." Gaang said and attempted to stuff the cake into his mouth, earning a laugh from Lu.
"I love our job."
They then turned around to see the soldiers at the window. Before they could react, the soldiers knocked the detectives out and bind and gagged them in a locker, leaving the icing and saliva from their Varri-cake on the floor. (~)
At one scene of the mover, the character played by Pabu died in Nuktuk's arms, but this scene just brought more sad memories for Bolin. Finally, he could take no more and he exited the room. Asami followed him and meet him outside to the gazebo (or whatever it's called). She leaned near the rails beside him.
"Are you okay? This mover is really getting to you, isn't it? You do know Juji's not really dead?"
"Of course I know. Juji's fine. He comes back to life in the end when the doomsday device shifts the polarity of the earth. Oops. Spoiler. Sorry."
"That's okay."
The two remained in silence for a few more seconds before Bolin spoke again. "You know you were right, before. I miss my friends. Everything is going so well for me, but it feels empty without everybody around. Korra and the ponies are gone, Mako's in jail, you're doing...business-lady stuff. Team Avatar's fallen apart."
"I know. Things have changed so much since we first met." Asami felt her heart sank. She never realized just how much her friends meant to her. How much they cared about her, and at times she took them for granted. Bolin was surprised when Asami placed her hand on his shoulder. "Look, I understand what you're going through. Before, I thought that what I needed to do was to focus on myself and my own things so I wouldn't feel like a "spare" in a group." Bolin's eyes widen in surprise. It was like Asami was reading his heart perfectly. "But I realized how wrong I was." she continued, "The three of us were taking different paths but now's not the time for us to be working by ourselves. There is too much at stake."
"I know, I know, the fate of the world and the fate of Equestria."
"Not just that. I'm talking about the fate of our friendship. I finally realized I would rather lose my entire company...than let my best friends slip right through my hands."
Bolin wiped away a tear that escaped his eye. He looked down at his reflection in the water, all of a sudden, he hardly recognized the person he saw before him. It was like he was looking at a stranger. Asami looked down at her reflection as well. While Bolin felt he was looking at a stranger with his face, Asami felt like she was looking at a different person as well, but unlike Bolin, it almost felt like she was looking at a new manifestation of herself. Bolin looked up at the moon, his heart humming a tune.
Bolin;
Sadness swirls within me like the snow
I've turned away the only family I'll ever known
There's no way I can win
But I wish that I had been there for him long ago
Meanwhile, in a very familiar cells, Mako sat looking up at the moon, his heart singing in tune as well with an invisible voice far away.
Mako;
Life's too short
To be such an oblivious fool
So angry, that I couldn't see
Asami;
Life's too short to be so desperate to be loved
That I only ever thought of me
Bolin, Mako, Asami;
I wish I saw things clearly
I guess just I'm not the sort
Now all I know, is life's....too...
Short.
Mako hung his head sadly looking at the photo in his hand. Korra's laughs echoed in his head. He finally sat back up and rubbed his temples. A tune played in his heart and he opened his mouth to sing in a different tune;
For as long as I remember, my motto used to be...
"You gotta be hard to survive"
Now look where it's gotten me
So many times when I should have followed to my heart
I pushed it all aside, and it tore apart
Now I'm locked inside this empty room
But for some reason I don't feel so gloom
I begin to recall, the things I've learned...
Mako's sad ballad slowly shifted to a more happier tone
My path has turned!
Now I know
Now I know
Can't hold it back anymore
Now I know
Now I know
I don't care for that closed door
I'm locked you see
But my soul is free
I'm not afraid
I've turned into a much better me
He smiled at the picture in his hand. It was at that very moment he realized he really had become a better him. (~)
"Why don't you come back in and finish watching the mover with me?" Asami asked before leaving, but Bolin shook his head.
"You go ahead. I need another minute to think." he then smiled sincerely at her, "But thanks."
Asami smiled back, "What are friends for?"
She walked back inside, leaving Bolin alone with his thoughts. Her very last words remained in his mind. Suddenly, he noticed something around the bay; a boat parked on the water and four men wearing northern tribe attire climbing upwards.
"That's weird."
Bolin quickly ran back inside to the very spot where Lu and Gang once stood and he snearly slipped on the cake that was dropped earlier, though he managed to maintain his balance by stopping into a split. He heard banging on a nearby locker and opened it. Shocked to see Lu and Gang gagged and bound inside, struggling to get out. Bolin removed Gang's ropes over his mouth, enabling him to speak.
"They're after the president!" (~)
At Raiko's booth, both he and his wife watched the film before them, until they were both pulled backwards by unseen figures who had their left hands clapped over their mouths in order to restrain them from making a sound. The figures were really Northern soldiers, who were now busy tying up the already gagged couple. The president's guards were slumped unconscious against the wall next to the door. As the soldiers finished their job and turned to guide the presidential couple to the door, Bolin barged into the booth, knocking the door out of the wall in the process.
"I don't think so." he said bravely. Buttercup managed to wriggle out of her gag and screamed; simultaneously along with Actress Ginger who screamed in the mover. Asami heard the scream from her booth, she quickly stood up, looking around the arena to find the source of the scream.
One of the soldiers send a water blast in Bolin's direction, who acrobatically flipped out of the way. As he landed, he used his momentum to dislodge a slap of rock from the wall behind him and hurled it at his attacker. The Waterbender was hit square in the chest and thrown out of the booth, plunging into the waters of the pool bellow, screaming. Asami witnessed the man fall into the water, people around the arena gasped and turned their attention to where the noise emitted from. Lin also turned around with suspicion. Bolin stood on the booth and punched the floor, crackling the ground with an earth wave which threw the three remaining waterbenders against the ceiling. When they landed on the floor, Bolin threw another punch straight forward. The three soldiers were thrown out of the booth after each being hit by a rock. Asami's eyes winded as she watched the scene, she knew only one person who could earthbend like that. The soldiers landed with heavy thuds on the metal bridge which allowed access to the playing field from the players' locker. Inside the booth, Bolin began to untie the president and his wife. Once free, Buttercup hugged her husband.
"Mister President, get back, I'm here to help." Bolin said. His voice was so courageous and confident. Without hesitation, Bolin ran to the edge of the booth and humped down. Asami leaned against the railing of her booth as her friend landed in a crunch, ripping the sleeves of his suit as he landed, a determined look adorning his face. Asami felt her cheeks burn at the sight, she knew Bolin worked out, but she never took a moment to really notice. The heiress quickly shook her head in an attempt to be rid of those thoughts and reverted her attention to the action in front of her. Bolin cracked his neck and walked forward, approaching the three assailants standing on the arena.
"Looks like there's nowhere to go." he said with such courage. A waterbender attacked Bolin with water from the playing area, but he managed to dodge the attack. Asami leaned near the railing of the booth, watching Bolin fearlessly fighting off the attackers on the pro-bending arena. Bolin bended out three earth discs and each disc at a waterbender, one of them got hit and was incapacitated. As Bolin dodged one of the waterbender's attacks, Asami took from her pocket Korra's headband, and glanced back at Bolin. Amazingly, the action scenes from the mover, mirrored the events occurring down bellow. Asami continued to observe Bolin, one of her best friends, becoming a hero before his eyes. Though she never opened her mouth, in her heart and head, a song played.
It's funny how small things, could tear friends apart
Only now I finally understand
What should complete my heart!
Bolin attacked one of the waterbenders, but was throne aside by a water hose by the other bender. Bolin ran to the speaker on the right, before changing course to avoid the attack. Asami had never been so proud of him before.
It's time to see what we can do
To stop the evil and break through
The moment Bolin stopped at the center of the ring, he bended out two entire stacks of earth discs, as somehow, he could hear a song in his heart, which motivated him to keep on going.
I won't give up, I'll win this fight
Cause starting tonight!
The waterbenders threw hoses at Bolin, which he blocked using the stacks. His courage and strength increasing, along with the song.
Now I know
Now I know!
My courage can't be tamed
Bolin waited for the moment before throwing the stack at the waterbenders which successfully hit them. Bolin threw discs from the stacks to the waterbenders, while his counterpart Nuktuk continued throwing streams of water on screen.
Now I know
Now I know!
I don't need the fame
Here I stand!
And here I'll stay!
No, I'm not afraid
With each impact from the disks, they crumbled, unleashing brown dusk which filled the arena and Bolin continued his attacks, knocking out one of the soldiers. He knocked out another soldier and the other prepared to attack the earthbender, but Bolin dodged the attack and bended out two discs to shield himself from another water blast. Bolin fought the last remaining soldier one-on-one, with both fighters circling each other while dodging each other's attacks. Bolin leaped and threw a disc at the soldier, knocking him out to a nearby speaker. The soldier remained on the ground, his eyes widening in fear as Bolin levitated a disc, ready to attack. His eyes burning with furry.
"Tell me who sent you!" Bolin demanded. The waterbender was horrified and cowardly shielded himself.
"It was Varrick, please don't hurt me, Nuktuk!"
Bolin slowly lowered his disk, his expression in complete shock. Mako was right, Varrick was behind all of this. How could he had been so blind before? He dropped the disc and turned to Varrick who was standing near his booth, looking down with worry. He then turned to his assistant. "I think this is our cue to exit."
"Where do you think you're going?" Lin said, as she and her officers arrived at the booth. There was no escape for Varrick now, he had been exposed, his star now knew the truth. It was all over.
Bolin was still in shock, he sincerely believed Varrick was his friend, and now he had betrayed him. Asami could see the hurt in Bolin's eyes, but then she gasped as the soldier got up and attempted to attack Bolin.
"Bolin, look out!"
At the sound of her voice, Bolin quickly retaliated in time and slammed a disc at the soldier's stomach, tossing him into the pool, while the Unalaq on the screen was defeated.
"It's a knockout!" Shiro Shinobi shouted enthusiastically while hugging a man next to him. Bolin was welcomed by a large amount of applauds from the audience. Asami smiled proudly from her seat in awe, Bolin did it! He found his inner Nuktuk and saved the president! She had never felt more proud of him. Bolin looked all around the arena, listening to the sounds of cheering and adoration, and it was all for him. Only, they didn't seem to matter as much anymore. The song he had felt earlier, the one that encouraged him to fight harder, finally reached his mouth as he sang softly to himself, slowly tuning out the cheering around him.
I used to wonder if there was a place for me
And though I'm standing here,
This adoration is not my glee
Asami could hear his words from above as she stroked her thumb across the headband. She then realized what else she had been doing before.
Asami;
The one I thought was right was truly never mine
Suddenly, Bolin sang a bit stronger as the clarity hit him.
I've found just what I need
Asami,
After all of this time!!
Asami, Bolin;
Now I know! Now I know!
Bolin,
I'll rise like the break of dawn
Now I know
Now I know!
From his cell, Mako looked at his smiling self on the picture in his hands.
Mako,
That angry boy is gone!
Asami, Mako, Bolin,
Here I see
Who I'm meant to be!
Now I know!!
I've turned into a much better me
As Bolin waved to the crowd, he looked up at the balcony where Asami smiled proudly. The lights reflected a rainbow light off of the balcony, and that same light reflected in his eyes. Bolin was now able to enjoy the cheering as he happily waved and smiled their way, knowing that even though he was a hero tonight, he would always be in the eyes of his friends. They were his place in the world. Where he belonged.
Asami never felt more content. Then, her eyes widened as she remembered a small detail. She reached in for her handbag and pulled out an old picture; one of her and Mako from when they were dating. She had always had it in her bag ever since. But as she looked at it, she didn't even recognize the woman in the picture. The so called 'love' in the two teenagers' eyes wasn't as intimate as she always wanted. As much as she cared about Mako, she realized she was being foolish for still holding on to him like that. Her smile grew wider at the sound of the paper being ripped apart. She decided to replace it with another better photo; one that still included her and Mako...along with all of her friends...her family.
Even though Mako was still in jail, his spirit was content, smiling on as he looked down of the picture of the smiling happy young man in the photograph. The real him. He decided to stop doing what he believed was expected of him and instead to follow where his true heart would lead...and he finally found it.
The three of them had changed. (~)
"They're falling back!" Tonraq shouted right before low howl was heard. He and the rebels fought long and hard, but they managed to overpower the Northern soldiers. However, the rebels were not the victors just yet. Before their very eyes, dark spirits perched on the walls of buildings all around the city, with Desna and Eska standing on a roof, overlooking the mayhem. They turned around to see Unalaq riding a large dark spirit. The man looked like he owned the place. Tonraq sneered as his brother approached, walking casually and calmly off of the spirit and was now standing face to face with his big brother.
The showdown was just beginning. (~)
People exited the arena after the craziness, Varrick hung his head in shame as he was being dragged away by the cops along with Zhu Li. Both were being led into a police truck, when the billionaire spotted Asami approach him, her arms crossed and her expression far from happy.
"Asami! Hey, don't suppose you could have a word with my buddy her and straighten out this whole mess?" he asked in his usual upbeat tone, but Asami simply scoffed.
"In your dreams. Mako was right about you all along. Well you know what? You're done messing with people. You're done messing with me and you're done messing with my friends!"
With that, the man was pushed into the car, a smile came across Asami's face as the door slammed in his face. Man, that felt so good.
Lin stood by the entrance alongside Raiko, having witnessed the scene. "Varrick's plan was to kidnap you and blame it in the North." she explained to the president. "Then Republic City would have no choice, but to join the war on the side of the South."
"I can't believe Varrick would do something like this, and no one saw it coming."
"Actually someone did. Remember Mako?"
Raiko realized who foolish he was not to see the truth right in front of him. "You got a great officer on your hands."
Lin had to summon all of her willpower not to smile in front of the man, a smiling officer was never taken too seriously. None the less, her expression did softened. "He's one of the best."
As reporters stood at the entrance taking pictures, Bolin stood proudly and happy, not because of the attention, but because of his newfound clarity. Then, to his surprise, Ginger ran up to the beaming Bolin and kissed him full on the lips, taking him aback. When the kissing stopped, Bolin smiled dreamingly.
"I can't believe my boyfriend is a real life hero!" Ginger said happily. This confused Bolin, and he managed to regain his composure.
"Boyfriend? Wait, stop. I thought you said we weren't a couple."
Ginger giggled, "You really are as dumb as those rocks. Of course we're a couple."
The two continued kissing, much to Bolin's delight, this was the icing on the cake, and Asami walked up to them. "Bolin you saved the president! And you proved Mako was right all along. We have to get him what happened."
Bolin turned to her for a brief moment, "Yeah!" before continuing to kiss Ginger, Asami cleared her throat to get his attention.. "Oh, you meant right now."
Asami and Bolin both looked up as a large furry beats hovered above their heads. They immediately recognized it as a flying bison. Tenzin's flying bison to be exact. Bolin and Asami's eyes widened in surprise when they spotted a familiar tan skinned, dark haired, blue eyed woman along with a group of colorful, winged and horned friends with cutie marks on their flanks, jump right off of the saddle once the creature landed. Their friends had returned.
"Korra!"
Without warning, The Avatar was immediately tackled by her two friends who embraced her in a warm tight hug. Their reaction was as if they had not seen her in years.
"We're so happy to see you!" Asami said as she hugged Korra tightly, almost as if she were scared the Avatar would disappear if she let go.
"Don't ever leave again!" Bolin cried out.
Pinkie Pie jumped for joy and joined in shouting, "Group hug!"
"I'm really happy to see you guys too...and you're kind of crushing me." said Korra and they quickly released her from their grip.
Asami quickly spotted two familiar pegasus ponies, "Oh, Rainbow Dash! Fluttershy!" the ponies flew towards her and they embraced in a warm hug, "You're all okay! I thought something terrible happened."
"We're happy to see you too, Sami." said Rainbow Dash. But while they were all happy to see one another, Twilight walked towards them with a saddened look.
"I hate to interrupt this happy reunion but, we've got a real situation."
"Avatar Korra, what is the meaning of this?" Raiko asked her once he was standing before her. Tenzin, Bumi and Kya stood behind her.
"President Raiko, I know I've asked for your help before, but things have taken a drastic turn for the worst. Unalaq doesn't just wanna take over the south anymore. He wants to destroy the whole world."
Bolin and Asami both gasped in horror, but they were not nearly as terrified as Raiko. The whole world? That couldn't be true, could it? Raiko knew that the seriousness in the Avatar's eyes signaled that she was indeed telling the truth. He never knew Unalaq could be capable of such a thing. Suddenly he began to wonder if he had made the right choice before in not listening to Korra.
"Unalaq is going to destroy the world?" Bolin asked in shock, "He knows about the Great Change?"
"What? You guys know about that?" Korra asked, surprised that they knew about this information.
"Yeah, we know about Equestria loosing its magic and that you girls are the only ones who can restore it." Asami explained.
"Wait, I'm confused here." said Raiko and Korra continued to explain.
"Unalaq is trying to release a powerful dark spirit during Harmonic Convergence, which is only a few days away. Not only that, but the world of the ponies is growing weak in magic and the only way to save it is to stop Unalaq because if we does succeed, it will not only be the end of their world, but our world as well."
Raiko's eyes widened, "What?!"
"Sir, we desperately need your help."
They all anxiously waited for his answer. The whole world could be destroyed, that meant his entire city and his people would be destroyed. He was not about to let that happen. His city was his one and only priority, let other nations protect themselves. The president remained silent for a few seconds before giving them his answer...
"...I'm sorry, Korra. But my answer is still no."
All six ponies gasped, "WHAT?! Are you serious?!"
Even Tenzin was irritated by his answer. "There are lives on the line! And my daughter is one of them! Raiko you must reconsider!"
"I'm aware that lives are on the line." said the president, "And that's precisely why my troops are staying here. If the world is going to be thrown into chaos as you claim, I need to protect my citizens. I'm sorry."
"If you don't help them there won't be any citizens to protect!" Korra said, not even caring how angry she sounded. "I understand you want what's best for your city, but you need to understand that others need help as well. For once, could you please not be so single-minded, there are more lives in danger than just the ones here in Republic City."
"And it appears you are to blame for that." Raiko said while pointing his finger at Korra.
"Me?!"
"You were the one who brought those ponies into our world and brought their profanity called "magic". Our world would have been better off without them!"
"Raiko, this was all prophesied to happen. Please, you must reconsider."
Bolin placed his hand on Raiko's shoulder, "Sir, Nuktuk needs your help. I know you love helping people."
"Son, I appreciate you saving my life and I'm a big fan of your work, but my decision is final."
With that he walked away. "I never should have saved that guy." Bolin said bitterly. Raiko then felt a powerful blast hit him in the back of his head.
"Hey!"
But once he turned around, he saw Twilight Sparkle casually leaning against Korra's legs with her front hooves crossed while whistling 'let it go'. The president simply scoffed and continued to walk.
"And you guys elected him as president? How?", Flash asked Asami.
"He ran, almost, unopposed. Figuratively speaking."
"Still!"
"Well, If you guys need help, I'm here for you." the heiress said with a smile
"Yeah, me too." said Bolin
Korra smiled graciously, "Thank you. It's so good to see you guys again."
Pinkie Pie then tackled Bolin, Asami and Korra's hands reached their mouths in surprise. Pinkie Pie hugged Bolin tightly. "We missed you guys soooooooo much!"
"I missed you too, Pinkie Pie. Can't breathe."
The pony released him and Korra slightly giggled. But then she looked around, realizing that someone was missing from their little party.
"Wait, where's Mako?"
"Yeah, I've got some stuff to say to that guy." Rainbow said angrily as pounded her hooves. Bolin and Asami both shared concerned looks. (~)
Later, they all stood in front of Police Headquarters. Bolin and Asami had already changed back into their normal cloths and had explained everything to Korra and the ponies, about Varrick being a no good lier and Mako being wrongly accused...and ending up in jail.
"I can't believe Mako was thrown in jail!" Korra said.
"Why? It's happened before." said Pinkie.
"You guys wait out here, I'll go and get him.", Bolin said before he walked into the building to get his brother. Once he was gone, Asami nervously bit her bottom lip as she turned around to face Korra.
"Things got pretty crazy while you guys where away." she tells her.
Korra slightly chuckled. "No kidding. But now that we're all together, everything will work out. I know it."
"That's one of the many things I admire about you Korra. You always manage to change people's lives one way or another."
Korra was pretty surprised at the words coming out of Asami's mouth. But the next thing she said was even more surprising.
"The truth is actually...we've all been lost without you guys." Korra and the ponies all looked surprised as Asami continued, "The three of us got so wrapped up in our own things that, we began to lose sight of what we really needed...each other. Something happened to me tonight. I realized that I was still clinging on to something that was never meant to be mine. And when I finally decided to let it go, for the first time in a long while, I felt...free."
Korra smiled and then gasped when she saw Asami pull something from her pocket. "My headband!" she exclaimed happily. "I thought I lost it forever!"
"Mako found it washed up on the beach." Asami said, "And I can see why Celestia gave it to you."
Korra arced an eyebrow, "What do you mean?"
"A true Avatar doesn't bring peace only by learning the elements....but by inspiring others to stand with her." Korra could have sworn she was about to cry, in the whole time they had known each other, Asami never said anything so heartfelt to her before. "Princess Celestia sees that you are capable of just that...I hope you see it too." Asami gently placed the headband back on Korra's head. Once on, the headband gave out a rainbow like glow.
"I do." Korra said warmly. The two girls embraced in a warm hug. "I really did miss you."
"I missed you too." said Asami.
The ponies also joined in, "We all missed you, Sami." said Rainbow Dash.
As they released, Asami wiped away a tear. Her relationship with Korra has now fully blossomed into a full friendship. "By the way, I know you're probably still angry with Mako but, I just want you to know he feels really--"
"Wait, why would I be mad at him?" Korra asked. Asami blinked in surprise. She could have sworn he recalled Mako saying the two had a fight before she left.
"Because of that fight you guys had." she said. Asami was even more confused when Korra arced an eyebrow at her in confusion.
"What fight?"
This was too weird, did Korra actually forget what happened or was she in denial?
"Wait, you don't--", before Asami could continue, she noticed Twilight behind Korra's leg giving her a nervous face. The heiress decided to simply let it slide for now. "Uh...did I say fight? I meant, fight with...himself? Because he missed you so much and he hated not being with you?"
"Oooookay", Korra walked pass her and Asami looked at Twilight with a suspicious look. What did she know that Asami didn't? She had a feeling she would find out soon enough. (~)
Mako was quite surprised to see his little brother walk into his cell room. He wondered if Bolin was still angry with him, but the regrettable look on his face said otherwise.
"So, how was the big premiere?" the firebender asked, and Bolin smiled.
"I saved the president, in real life!"
Mako wondered if he had been in the room for too long. Did he hear that his baby brother actually saved the President of the United Republic?
"Wait, wh-what?"
"You were right about Varrick. He tried to kidnap the president."
"I knew it!"
"But it didn't work, because of you, and because of me. Let's just say we both did well." Bolin stood aside, showing his brother the open door. "Bei-fong says you're free to go."
They both walked out of the cell but Bolin turned to his brother with a sincere look of apology, "Sorry for ever doubting you, Mako."
"Don't worry about it bro."
"No, I never should have doubted you at all. I was just so caught up in wanting to find the place where I belonged, where I felt I could be somebody. I didn't realize I had already found my place. As long as I'm with my friends...I'll always feel like a star."
Mako smiled proudly at his little brother and tapped his shoulder. "You'll always be a star to me bro."
Bolin smiled and hugged his brother. Their bond, which was briefly shattered, rekindled once again. Only difference now, was that it was stronger than ever. (~)
They both walked out, their arms placed on each others shoulders, and were greeted by the sound of clapping hands. Metalbending officers, along with Asami, Bumi and Tenzin applauded once Mako came out. He couldn't believe they were all clapping for him, and were smiling so proudly. But what was even more surprising, was that Lin was smiling as well.
"Nice job Mako. You're going to make a great detective."
Mako beamed at the words. Detective, him. He was finally promoted, this was almost too good to be true. Of corse, he kept him composure, though he couldn't stop the smile on his face from appearing.
"But chief, there aren't any detective openings right now." said Gang to his boss, but Lin simply narrowed her eyes at them.
"Actually we have two openings."
Both detectives' eyes winded for they knew exactly what this meant...they had just gotten fired.
Mako then spotted Asami among the crowd and smiled, silently thanking her. She smiled in return while giving him a thumbs up. She was so proud of him. Then out of nowhere, Korra ran up to Mako, wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him, catching him completely by surprise. But what was even more surprising was when Korra fully kissed him passionately on the lips.
"Mako, I've missed you so much!"
Bolin was completely startled by this scene, his eyes widened in a comical fashion, his irises shrunk, and his face was frozen in a shocked closed mouth expression. At the same time, Pinkie Pie descended from above the ceiling, mirroring his exact same reaction. Their eyes shifted towards Asami, silently asking 'what just happened?'. The heiress, who was just as surprised, simply shrugged, uncertain on what to answer. She was happy the two were reunited, more so than even she could have ever expected to be, really. But even so this was very surprising. The ponies all stood beside her, jaws dropped and eyes bulged open. Bolin regained his composure and smiled, though a bit awkwardly.
"Oh yeah, did I forget to tell you? Korra's back."
Pinkie Pie jumped on his shoulders, "And we're back too!"
Mako blinked as he took a good look at the girl in front of him, her baby blue eyes sparkling just as beautifully as from the day she left. "Korra?" he asked. This couldn't be real, was he dreaming? The girl before him continued to smile, her hands on his, finally the reality struck him and he smiled widely.
"Korra!"
Without even a second thought, Mako wrapped his arms around Korra's waist, holding her close to his body as he rose her up from the ground and spun her around, causing her to giggle. Their signature loving embrace brought a tear to some of the officers and Asami herself couldn't stop her smiling. She was so happy to no longer be feeling that sting of jealousy anymore. But not everyone was happy, for the ponies were still pretty confused as to why Korra was no longer angry at Mako.
"Just how long have we been gone?!" Applejack asked.
Mako lowered Korra down, a smile of relief on his face. "You're okay! Celestia lost contact with you, I thought something had happened."
"I'm fine, don't worry."
Indeed she was alright, and alive. Mako hugged her tightly once more, taking in the sweet fact that she was there again. "I've missed you too." then he remembered something...their break up. He ended the hug and looked at Korra with worried eyes. "Wait. So you're not still mad at me?" he asked, a worried expression evident on his face, which was in contrast with Korra's confused one.
"Why does everyone assume I'd be mad at you?"
Mako was now even more confused. Since when did Korra ever forget they had a fight? And since when did she ever brush it off instead of talking about it and confronting it like they often did before?
"...We had that fight before you left."
"Wait, we really did have a fight?"
"Don't you remember?"
"Well, no."
Pinkie Pie surprised the couple by jumping in between them. "We all got attacked by a dark spirit and Korra got ambrosia."
"Amnesia" Korra corrected.
"Gesundheit!"
Mako's eyes widened. "Amnesia? Wait, you forgot everything?"
"Yeah. But Twilight used her magic to--" Korra stopped on her tracks and everybody turned to look at Twilight who lowered her ears in shame, blushing and smiling nervously. Korra crossed her arms and scowled at the alicorn, who nervously gulped as her human counterpart looked down at her with disapproving eyes. "Twilight. You used your magic to bring back my memories. Did you bring back ALL of them?" the Avatar's voice sounded like that of a mother interrogating her child to see if they had done their homework. Twilight nervously did circles on the floor with the tip of her hooves, avoiding eye contact.
"Um, well you see..."
"Don't lie to me, I can feel your growing guilt. What did you do?"
Twilight saw the rest of her friends eyeing at her as well, as were everyone else. It was time to come clean. "...Alright fine! I did bring back your memories, I swear but when I was about to give you the memory about your last argument with Mako I...I didn't want you to feel that heartache again." Korra looked at her confused. "I didn't realize it before but, I guess I might have, accidentally, didn't restore it."
Korra was shocked by this, "Twilight!"
"I swear I had no idea! When I realized you didn't remember, it was then I figured it out. I'm sorry."
And sorry she was, Korra knew better than anyone when Twilight felt guilty. The Avatar looked at the firebender behind her, the saddened look in his eyes signaled for her that they indeed had a pretty bad fight. It must have been for him to look so ashamed. She always hatted arguing with him, of course she knew that not all of them were his fault, and they worked things out in the end. But this one must have been the mother of all fights. Whatever happened, Korra had to know what it was, in order to fully understand if she and Mako's relationship was either in danger, or possibly down the tubes.
"It's okay, Twilight. I understand." the Avatar then extended her hand to her. "Come on, give it back."
Twilight's eyes winded in shock. "But--"
"Twilight Sparkle, give me back my memory." she said in an authoritative tone, "I don't care how bad it may be."
Twilight hatted having to relive that painful moment for Korra. But, she shouldn't have kept this secret in the first place. She lowered her ears sadly and agreed. "Okay. You asked for it."
She flew up to Korra with her horn glowing and placed it on the Avatar's forehead. Korra had her eyes closed as the horn glowed, her eyes snapped open as that very single memory replayed in her head, perfectly clear.
She saw it all: Her blowing down the door and knocking the desk away with her airbending. The angry look on Mako's eyes, the booming sound of their yelling, piercing through her heart like a knife. Everything died down when Mako said that painful sentence.
"Maybe there's no room for our relationship!"
"Are you, breaking up with me?"
"Yeah...I guess I am."
The last thing she saw was her tear slowly trapping the entire office in ice and running out of the office with a broken heart. She had never felt anything more painful in her life.
Korra gasped as she backed away from Twilight's horn, nearly falling backwards and having Mako to catch her. Her eyes were widened, and her breaths were slow and deep, sweat streaming down her forehead as if she had just witnessed a horrible nightmare. Twilight slowly descended down, her horn stopped glowing and Korra regained her composure, wiping the sweat from her forehead. Mako was terrified as to what Korra would say to him. She turned around to face him, her face wasn't angry, more like surprised, but it didn't make him feel any less worse.
"I...I remember."
The words stung his heart. She remembered what he did. He mentally prepared himself for the worst, as did Bolin who quickly ran to hide behind Asami, not wanting to be standing near the crime scene.
"We...we broke up and I froze your office in ice."
Bolin's eyes widened. "Wait! You froze everybody in ice?!"
"Of course not!" said Pinkie Pie with a smile.
"So she didn't freeze the office?" Bolin asked with relief.
"Yes!" Pinkie said while still smiling.
"Yes she did, or yes she didn't?"
"Yes she did!"
"But she didn't freeze the people?"
"Yes!"
"She did?!"
"No!"
"I'm really confused."
"Me too. And I was there." Lin said.
Mako took both of Korra's hands and looked straight into her eyes. "Korra, I'm so sorry. It was a mistake, I realize that now. After you left I got a visit from Discord and he--"
Korra slight backed away in shock as both she and the ponies exclaimed at once, "Wow, wow, wow, wow! Hold the phone! Discord?!"
"Yeah, you know looks like a mix-mach of all kinds of animals, supper creepy and annoying." Mako explained.
"We know who he is, why did he come here?" Rainbow asked.
"I thought the portal to Equestria couldn't let anybody crossover anymore." Korra said.
"That's what I said!" said Mako, "But apparently the portal allowed Discord to crossover but only for a short amount of time to help me."
A brief silence was heard before Spike said, "Yeah, ya lost me at "Discord helped you"."
"Point being, he told me about the Great Change."
"You know about that too?" Korra asked in surprise.
"Yes. I'm sorry for telling the president about your plans, it was probably the only chance you needed to save the tribes and stop Unalaq from intervened with you girls restoring Equestria's magic."
Korra bit her bottom lip nervously, "Actually, it's a bit more complicated than that."
"What do you mean?"
"Unalaq plans on releasing Vaatu, the spirit of darkness who has been imprisoned for thousands of years." Twilight explained.
"He can only be released on Harmonic Convergence, when the planets align and both portals are opened." Applejack continued.
"Which just so happens to be on the same day as The Great Change." said Rarity. "And Unalaq forced us to open the second portal when he threatened Jinora's life."
Pinkie Pie took out a calendar from her back and showed him a day circled in red marker, "And it's all gonna go down...REALLY soon!" she pointed to the spot on the calendar.
Mako's eyes were wide in horror, "You mean, you guys have to stop Unalaq from releasing Vaatu AND restore the dying magic in Equestria?"
"Because if you don't it will fade from existence? And our world with it?" Lin continued, fear evident in her voice.
"Pretty much, yeah." Korra and ponies all responded at once.
Mako's eyes were comically wide and was silent for two seconds before saying, "...Okay, anybody else feeling lightheaded?" the others flinched and looked on in pity as Mako literally passed out right in front of them, now laying unconscious on the floor.
"Well, he took that better than expected." said Flash Sentry.
Fluttershy flew over him and tried to wake him up by hitting his face with her tail. He snapped awake.
"OW!"
"Korra, we don't have much time." Tenzin said, "We need to figure out how to deal with Unalaq."
"I think I know just the man to talk to." said Bolin. (~)
"You've got to be kidding me." Twilight narrowed her brows at the sight of Varrick's extravagantly decorated cell. Complete with a sofa chair, sheets and curtains. The rich man was sitting on his chair, looking as smugly as ever.
"Guys, hey, what do you think? Varrick Industries built this prison, and I had this cell made special. I had a feeling I'd end up here one day." he grinned slyly with his teeth gleaming." Zhu Li, c'mon, we got guests! Whip up a pot of that green tea I love."
"Yes, sir."
"Zhu Li's in prison with you?" Korra asked in disbelief.
"Of course! I don't go anywhere without my assistant. Don't you?"
Rainbow Dash groaned as he hoof palmed herself. "Seriously?! Even in jail he gets away with anything?!"
Fluttershy crossed her hooves in disapproval, "That's just wrong."
"We're not interested in your tea, and this isn't a friendly visit." Mako said bitterly.
"Don't tell me you guys are still mad about everything that happened. I did some good things too."
Pinkie Pie narrowed her eyes at him, "Oh yeah? Name one."
"Gladly. Korra, who warned you about Unalaq? I did. Bolin, who go you into the movers?"
"Movies!" Pinkie corrected.
"Right, movies. I did. Asami, who saved your company? I did. Mako, who got you thrown in jail? I did! Oh, right that was a bad thing."
Fluttershy flew closer to his cell and glared at him through the bars. "Well, you may have warned Korra about Unalaq, but you did help trigger the civil war for your own selfish benefits. You may have helped Asami with her company but you only did it for money and not because she needed help and then you tried to kidnap the president. So don't say you did good things because they all had very selfish motives behind them."
"Not to mention you stole a lot from Future Industries." said Asami.
Varrick placed his hand over his heart. "Wow. Harsh. And I thought you were the sweet one."
"Well she's not feeling so sweet now." Mako said.
"I was talking about the pony." said Varrick.
"So was I." Mako and Fluttershy smiled smugly as they hoof/fist pumped.
"But I'm still pretty mad at you." said the pegasus as she turned her head from Mako while crossing her hooves, and the firebender lowered his gaze sadly.
"Yeah, I figured."
"Look, I wasn't going to hurt the president, I just needed to cause a war. A bigger war."
"Well we're gonna finish it." said Applejack fiercely.
Spike stood beside her with the same fierce look. "Yeah!"
Mako crossed his arms as he looked at the man in the cell with utter disgust, "What I really don't understand is how could someone as slimy and deceitful as you can hear the ponies."
"Hold, on. I think Varrick might not be all that bad." Korra said. All shocked eyes fell on her.
"Twilight, are you sure you got all of her memories back in there?" Asami asked as she tapped Korra's forehead. She removed Asami hand before looking sternly at Varrick. Her voice sounding firm but calm.
"Only those who are innocent, open-hearted and willing to push aside their anger, fear, denial and hatred can hear the ponies. But you..."
Everyone stood there looking on as Korra kept her fierce glance on Varrick. The billionaire was confused as to why the Avatar was eying him like this, but the more she looked at him, the more frightened he felt. Korra's expression slowly softened, her eyes no longer looking fierce but, almost emotionless, as if she were focusing strongly on only one thing.
"Come here." Korra said. Not wanting to get on her bad side again, Varrick did as he was told and walked closer towards the Avatar, slowly. He now stood only two feet away from her, and Korra extended her hand, placing the very tips of her two index fingers right on top of Varrick's heart, not taking her eyes off of him. As Varrick looked into her eyes, he saw them shimmer with rainbow colors, dancing under the lights of the prison cell. He had never seen such a beautiful sight, and her baby blue eyes remained locked onto him. It was as if she was looking straight into his soul. Finally, Korra removed her fingers from his chest.
"This isn't the path for you Varrick." she suddenly said in a warm yet firm voice, "You may be greedy but there is a side of you, hidden underneath, a side that doesn't want this...a side that wants to be free." Varrick blinked in surprise at this, it was as if she was seeing straight through him like a glass window. "You're not entirely closed-hearted, but you're not entirely open either."
Varrick lowered his head in shame. The others couldn't believe what Korra was doing, this side of her was kind of new to Lin, Asami, Mako and Bolin. The ponies, however, were very familiar with this side of Korra...the more empathetic side.
"Other people who refused to release the hatred inside their hearts could never understand the ponies, and while yours isn't exactly filled with hate, it's still filled by greed. But that greed can be vanquished is you let it. And I can see that you can. There is good somewhere in you, even if it is small."
"Just like Princess Cadance managed to find a little speck of love within my father?" Asami asked.
"Exactly. A little does go a long way."
Varrick finally turned to look at them, with sincerity in his voice. "Well, there was one good thing I did and didn't ask for anything in return. I did enjoy helping Bolin and making him into a star. I really did believe he had potential."
Bolin was surprised by this, "Really?"
Varrick placed his right hand over his heart and rose his left one. "Honest, truth. I've never really had a friend like you; in fact now that I mention it, I don't think I've ever really had any friends. Well, friends who are real and not like Zhu Li who does everything I say. I'm really not all that bad, I'm just a--a bit of a fixer upper, that's all."
Asami taped her chin in thought, "A fixer upper, hu?", she looked over at Mako who arced an eyebrow at her.
"Look, I really am sorry for the mess I caused. Let me show you all I can be better. You can all use my battleship, all the other Future Industries stuff I took are there."
"You have a battleship?" Korra asked.
"Of course I do, I bought the first one they made. Named it the "Zhu Li"."
"You named your battleship after your assistant?" Bolin asked in surprise.
"That's not weird at all" Flash said sarcastically.
"I named it that because they are both cold, heartless war machines. Take the ship, please."
Pinkie Pie raised her hoof. "Hold on a second! How do we know you're not just setting us up again? You sir, need to make a Pinkie Promise."
Varrick arced an eyebrow, "You're kidding?" but he sees them all smirk, "She's not kidding?"
Korra smiled smugly, "No she's not. You better do it or else."
"Or else what?"
"FACE THE WRATH OF PINKIE PIE!!!!" the pink pony spoke in a loud threatening and incredibly frightening booming voice while her eyes were a flaming red. Varrick thought he would pee his pants.
"Might wanna do as she says, pal." Mako said to the frightened rich man.
"Okay, okay. I promise, there is no catch, the ship and everything on it. It's yours; you don't even have to give it back."
"Repeat after me." said Pinkie Pie as she demonstrated the Pinkie Promise, her voice back to normal, "Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye."
Varrick sighed before mimicking her actions. "Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye. Happy?"
Pinkie Pie smiled in satisfaction. "Very."
"Well, it's not the fleet we were looking for but it's the next best thing." said Korra with a slight smile.
Bolin jumped and cheered, ecstatically. "Alright! Team Avatar is back in business!" he grabbed Korra by the shoulder and pulled her towards Mako and Asami, where the four shared a group hug, and the ponies joined in while Lin smile proudly at the group. Rainbow Dash did a brief air flip out of excitement.
"Yeah, now let's--*neigh, neigh*!"
Suddenly, Mako gasped and looked at the pegasus in confusion. "R--Rainbow? What did you just say?"
Rainbow Dash arced her eyebrow as she spoke, but all that came out of her mouth was, "*Neigh, neigh*"
This couldn't be right. Mako stuck his finger in his hear, wiggled it and turned to the others. "Anypony else, say something. Anything!" he asked frantically.
Pinkie and Rarity both appeared to asked him what was wrong, but all Mako could hear was, "*Neigh, neigh*?" coming out of their mouths. It was then that he came to the horrible realization.
"Mako, what's wrong?" Korra asked, seeing that he was becoming increasingly nervous. Mako fearfully began pulling on his hair.
"This can't be happening."
"What can't be happening?"
"I can't understand them!"
Korra's eyes widened, "What?!"
"It's not just you, I can't understand them either." said Asami in fear.
"Me neither!" said Bolin with equal fear.
"Wait, that sound their making isn't normal?" Varrick asked.
"I can't hear then either." Lin said with worry. "It's just like before."
Korra's heart was pounding, "None of you can hear them anymore?"
Everybody hesitantly shook their heads in no. Nobody but Korra could hear the ponies anymore. Twilight gasped. "Equestria! Its magic is already to growing weaker!."
"Wait, can Korra still hear us?" Pinkie Pie asked before she took out a megaphone spoke through it to Korra's face. "KORRA! CAN YOU UNDERSTAND ME?!"
Korra covered the megaphone with her hand. "Yes, Pinkie Pie! I can still understand you! And I'm pretty sure you just broke my right ear."
Bolin started to nervously pull on his hair. "Oh, man! This can't be good."
Korra gave them all a determined look, "We don't have much time. We have to move fast."
"Right!" they all said in union.
Brief silence. Korra groaned before shouting, "I said fast!"
"Oh, right, sorry."
"We're moving."
"Let's go."
They all quickly made their way out of the halls to get to Varrick's battle ship. Time was running out. (~)
Later that night on the boat, Korra was outside looking up at the night sky. The moon shined overhead, the stars twinkling. Normally she would be enjoying a night like this, either walking along the shores of Air Temple Island with Mako, having a sleepover with the Mane Six, or simply just sitting outside and taking in the wonders of the day. But tonight, she couldn't relax or enjoy the scenery. There was so much going on at the back of her mind; her home was under siege, her Uncle planed in releasing an evil dark spirit, and now Equestria, her second home, was slowly dying.
And on a side note, there was her relationship. After everything that had happened, she had come to cope with a sad realization: she and Mako were two very different people. He was a cop and she was the Avatar. Sure, they didn't always see eye to eye on everything, but they somehow managed to work things out in the end. Korra always believed Mako inspired her to try harder, to be a fighter, and she believed she helped him become more in tune with his feelings. But that one fight, that breakup, it made her realize that times had changed. Their paths were not the same anymore. Their positions had them taking on new views and new responsibilities. Mako was right, there was no room for their relationship. Not anymore. Maybe they had just grown apart. It was painful for Korra to think about because she knew she still loved him, but she had to face reality. She didn't want to stand in his way anymore. She had made the mistake of pressuring him before and she didn't want to do that to him again. She loved him...enough to let him go.
The moment of truth came when she felt Mako approach her. As always, he spoke to her in a kind and loving voice in an attempt to console her. "It's okay. We're going to stop Unalaq and get Jinora back."
"I hope my dad's alright." she said as she looked at the ocean. Mako placed a hand on his shoulder and Korra cried onto his chest as the firebender held her close.
"I'm sure he's fine."
He allowed her to cry into his chest just like she always did. Korra did not hesitate to embrace him, his loving and protective nature was always his most admirable qualities. Qualities she loved. But then, she realized this was not going to help her with what she had to do. She backed away from him and wiped away her tears. "Thanks." she said before attempting to walk away form him. But Mako quickly stopped her by taking her hand.
"Hey, wait." Korra promptly stopped and turned around to face him. The young man looked at her with pleading eyes, "Look I know things are kind of crazy right now but, do you think maybe we could--"
Before he could continue, Korra interrupted him. "I forgive you, Mako. But you're not all to blame here. I'm sorry for blowing up at you before."
"It's okay, we both said things we regret." he took a step forward to approach her, but stopped once Korra stepped back. This worried him. "Korra?"
"I'm sorry. But after everything that has happened, maybe it's best if we just...stay were we left off."
Those word were not what Mako wanted to hear. "What? Why?"
"Mako, you have your place and I have mine. It's clear now that this...us. It's not going to work anymore."
"You don't mean that, I know you don't. I was stupid and blind but I know the truth now and I want to set things right. I love you, Korra."
"I love you too, and I always will, but...we can't go on like this. I'm sorry Mako...but I'm letting you go." with that, she turned around and made her way into the ship towards her room, but Mako was not going to give up so easily. Not again.
"Korra wait!" He followed her inside to an open space inside the ship as he kept on calling for her. "Please, just give me another chance."
"I don't need to give you another chance. It's over."
"Hold the phone!" Korra and Mako both screamed in fear when they saw Asami in the corner of the room, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed.
"Asami? How? How long have you been standing there?" Korra asked.
"Long enough. Korra you can't seriously be thinking about letting him go, are you?"
"Asami, it's for the best."
Just then, Bolin popped up from behind the two out of nowhere. "Oh, come on. We all know you don't really mean that."
Mako couldn't believe it. "Bo? You too?"
"What's the issue Korra? Why are you holding back from this guy?" Bolin asked before he started to sing,
Bolin,
Is it the clumpy way he walks?
Mako,
"Clumpy?"
Bolin,
Or the grumpy way he talk?
I'll admit that from afar he ain't no treat
Mako crossed him arms in annoyance, "Hey! I'm right here!"
Asami,
And although he does mean well
His actions don't always ring the bell
She hits his head with a small bell and Mako rubbed the area where she had hit him, "Ow!"
Bolin and Asami,
But you'll never meet a fellow who's as sensitive and sweet
Asami,
"Most of the time."
Mako,
"Seriously?"
Bolin,
So he's a bit of a fixer upper
Asami,
So he's got a few flaws
Bolin,
Like his nasty attitude
Or lack of gratitude
Asami and Bolin,
Makes you want to cut him with a saw
Mako,
"Harsh!"
Asami,
"It rhymed."
Asami and Bolin,
So he's a bit of a fixer upper
But this we're certain of
You can fix this fixer upper up
With a little bit of love
They place Korra and Mako closer together but Korra backs away, "I appreciate your support guys but we've got bigger problems to worry about."
"I hear music!"
Korra groaned as she face palmed herself, "Bumi, not you too."
"Oh, yes!", Bumi placed his arm on Korra's shoulder, "So tell me girlfriend, is it the way that he runs scared?
Bolin,
Or that he's socially impaired?
Asami,
Of that he really can't control his angry moods?
Mako glared at her
Asami,
"What?"
Bumi,
Don't try holding back your fondness
'Cause of his apparent douche-ness
Mako,
"Still hurtful!"
Bumi, Bolin and Asami,
Because you know deep down inside he's the honest goods
Bolin placed his two index fingers in the corner of Mako's mouth and forced him to smile. Mako angrily swatted his hands away.
He's just a bit of a fixer upper
He's got a couple of bugs
His isolation is confirmation
Of his desperation for human hugs
Bumi and Bolin hugged the annoyed Mako.
So he's a bit of a fixer upper
But we know what to do!
The way to fix this fixer upper
Is to fix him up with you!
"ENOUGH!" Korra angrily shot a blast of fire to make them briefly stop their singing. "I've made my choice, okay! Give it a rest!"
"Korra..."
Korra backed away from Mako, leaving him devastated. Bolin, Bumi and Asami blinked three times simultaneously before huddling up.
Bumi,
So she's a bit of a fixer upper
Asami,
That's a minor thing
Bolin,
Their relationship's got a little chipped
Asami,
But this love is more than a one time fling
They dispersed and continued to dance around the two teens.
Bolin, Asami, Bumi:
So she's a bit of a fixer upper
Her brain's kind of on the mixed!
Korra,
"Hey!"
Bumi, Bolin, Asami,
You just gotta budge
Let go of the grudge
And the whole thing will be fixed
Then Kya walked into the room singing soulfully as a spotlight, from nowhere in particular, shined above her,
We're not saying you can change him
Cause people don't always change
We're only saying that love's a force
That's powerful and strange
People make bad choices if they're mad or scared or stressed
Korra and Mako looked at each other sadly as she sang that part of the song. Kya then threw flowers everywhere.
But throw a little love their way!
Bumi, Bolin, Asami,
Throw a little love their way!
Kya,
And you'll bring out their best!
Everybody,
True love brings out the best!
Everyone's a bit of a fixer upper
That's what it's all about!
Bumi,
Father
Kya,
Sister
Bolin,
Brother
Together,
We need each other
To raise us up and round us out
Everyone's a bit of a fixer upper
But when push comes to shove
Bolin hugged both Korra and Mako and sang, The only fixer upper fixer that can fix a fixer upper is---
Bolin took Mako while Bumi took Korra and forced them to dance, before making the two teens bump into one another
Together,
True! True! True, true, true! Love
(True, love)
Love, love, love, love, love, love!
(True love!)
Asami and Kya spun around them, making the two spin for a bit while still holding each other. Once they stopped they landed in a pose which involved Mako dipping Korra. Both were very surprised by this.
True...
Bumi,
"Now seal the deal!"
Korra,
"Wait, what?"
Bumi,
"You gotta kiss."
Everyone,
Love!
"Wait!" Korra stepped away from Mako, "Wait, wait, no. No. I'm sorry but...no!"
With that, the Avatar angrily ran out of the room. Mako simply stood there sadly watching her leave, while the others looked at him sympathetically.
"Well that could have gone better." Bolin said sadly.
"One more time!" Bumi started singing again while snapping his fingers, "So he's a bit of a fixer upper--" but as he sang, Kya, Asami, Bolin and Mako ignored him and walked back to their rooms. "So he's--nobody else is gonna sing? --okay."
Korra walked past Pinkie Pie who then looked at the camera in confusion. "What did I miss?"
*(~)*
Colossians 3:2 ~
Think about the things of heaven, not t
*(~)* |
The Little Pony Legend 2: Spirits of Courage | Harmonic Convergence | *(~)*
Revelation 2:2~
I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false.
*(~)*
Harmonic Convergence
Everybody was now heading to the South Pole on Varrick's battleship. Inside, Kya attended to Jinora. The young girl's body laid still in a tub filled with glowing purifying waters as her aunt constantly moved her arms in swift motions to keep the glow alive. Spike stood beside her, keeping an eye on the progress. He noticed her blue eyes looked tired, but more so they looked concerned and worried. Her gaze never tore away from the child, not even for a moment.
Finally, Kya could do no more. She slowly lowered her arms, the water stopped its glowing once she did, she had done what she could, now all she and the others could do was wait. She sat on a chair and Spike offered her a glass of water.
"Thank you, Spike." Kya said before swallowing a huge chance of water.
Spike patted her leg and smiled compassionately, "Don't worry, Kya. I'm sure Jinora will be alright." Kya petted his head in gratitude. She hoped he was right. (~)
Meanwhile, on the ships's docks, Bumi sat beside Oogi playing soothing music with his flute. While he played, Tenzin stood by with crossed arms, his eyes stern and focused as he observed Korra and the ponies aiming attacks at their expected practice dummies.
Korra shoot air blasts at her dummy while Twilight and Rainbow Dash practiced their firebending at theirs. They had already destroyed five dummies, for which Flash had to constantly be replacing every time one was ether incinerated or torn to bits. They were down to their last remaining seven.
Judging by the determination in their eyes, the girls were not about to let Unalaq win this time. Even the always demeanor Fluttershy was fiercely unleashing her wind attacks at her dummy, her long pink mane sticking to her face due to her sweet, for which she wiped away before continuing her attacks.
Applejack had some rocks beside her and unleashed them at her dummy by rising them up and then air kicking them, each impact more powerful and aggressive than the last. Rarity waterbended the water by slicing it through the dummy, not even trying to be gentle at all. The normally prim and proper pony had tossed all of her ladyness out the window.
As they practiced, Mako watched with by the sidelines. His sad gaze was on Korra the entire time. The fire and aggression in her eyes were not aimed at him, but they might as well be. He knew that things between them weren't all rosy pink, but after everything he had learned in the past few weeks, it was that despite the circumstances, he still loved Korra. No amount of arguing, disagreements, or police or Avatar responsibilities could change that.
Mako wanted to set things right, he wanted to earn her trust again, he wanted to be better than before. Even if they remained broken up now, it would never change what they had been through and what they meant to each other. They just needed a fresh start, begin anew. He didn't want to let her go. He just couldn't. Mako was interrupted from his thoughts when his brother walked out, happily eating a cherry pie and wearing shinny purple coat.
"What's up with the coat?" Mako asked, "And where did you get that pie?"
"It's a Varrick ship, you never know what you're gonna find. There's a whole level filled with funhouse mirrors, of course--." Bolin turned to show the back of his pants ripped exposing his underwear, "--there's also the cat-gator deck." the earthbender sighed, "I miss that guy; he really knew how to make a long trip interesting. So, after that catchy musical number, which I believe I was pretty good by the way, did you and Korra work things out and are back on the love train?"
"Will you keep it down! I'm just waiting for the right moment. Besides, she already has a lot to deal with right now."
Bolin placed his arm around his brother's shoulder, "Oh, Mako. You know a wise man once told me that delivering bad news was like ripping off a blood sucking leach--you just have to do it fast and get it over with. In this case, you gotta do the exact same thing, only for the opposite reason."
Mako sighed in defeat, "I hate it when you listen to me. Fine!"
"Atta lover boy!"
As the boys were chatting, Tenzin stood by the girls coaching them. His voice was filled with an unyielding sense of determination and fierceness, which was very rare for Tenzin, "Unalaq will be waiting for you, you will need all of yourAvatar power and magic to stop him."
Korra replied with furry in her voice, and as she spoke the ponies grew more and more fierce, "I'm gonna close the spirits portals, lock Vaatu for another ten thousand years and we will make Unalaq wish he had never been born!"
With incredible power and anger, Korra unleashed a blast of fire at the dummy, at the exact same time Twilight unleashed a magenta colored flame from her horn, Rainbow unleashed a fire blast, Rarity unleashed a powerful water whip, Pinkie and Fluttershy unleashed a huge air blast and Applejack threw ahead all of the rocks she had. Each of their respected dummies were now completely destroyed from the powerful bending attacks, Rarity's was torn, Applejack's had rocks right on the chest, Pinkie and Fluttershy's were literally blown away, off the side of the ship, while Rainbow, Twilight's and Korra's were disintegrated, burned remains spread across the floor.
The head of Korra's dummy flew off into the air and landed on the floor, rolling up to Mako's feet. The young man looked down at it in fear and shock, seeing the edges torn and burned. By the looks of how much furry Korra placed into that attack, it was painfully obvious that she was not in the mood to talk about anything besides stopping Unalaq. Korra walked up to the firebender and he nervously gave her the dummies' head.
"Thanks, Mako." she said once she took the burned head into her hands. Just as she was about to turn away Mako opened his mouth to try and say something.
"Uh....mm." but the moment she looked at him, he slightly backed away with his hand on his chin trying to look casual.
"Did you want something?"
"Uh, no, no nothing." he said, his cheeks tinted with red. Korra shot him a concerned look before walking away. The moment she did Mako finally got his courage. Seeing her walk away made him snap back to his senses. He couldn't let her get away again.
"Actually, Korra I--"
"Yeah, what?" Korra asked, stopping herself and looked at the boy with curiosity.
Mako nervously tried to get his words out. He was still getting used to the whole 'being more in touch with his feelings' thing. "Look, I know you're busy and all but---you see, I wanted to--"
"Mako, if this is about you and me getting back together, I really don't have the time to--"
"I know things are crazy right now but I still love you and no matter what you say I know we're meant to be together!" Mako immediately blushed and backed away covering his face in embarrassment after blurting out those words.
Korra blinked in surprise, feeling a serious case of deja vu. She still loved him, she knew that much, but she didn't want to hurt him again. She didn't want them to split apart, but she feared she would ruin everything again.
"Mako, please. I really don't want to go through this right now. I made my decision and it's for the best. Just let it go."
The words pierced through him like a knife. How he wish he could turn back the clock and make it so that fight never happened, but maybe Korra was right. Maybe they didn't work anymore and he was the one being delusional for once. The firebender decided to accept the truth. The painful, painful, painful, painful, painful...painful truth.
"Forget I said anything." he said with much sadness. Korra walked away and Mako sighed in defeat. Bolin 'zipped' next to him, frowning sadly.
"I'm an idiot." said the firebender.
"Yyyyyyyep!"
As Korra walked away, Twilight flew beside her, "I really think he means it." she said sympathetically.
"I know...but it doesn't matter. We have two very different paths to take, it'll never work anymore."
"Don't say that. At least he's willing to make it work. You know he's not going to stop. He can be just as stubborn as you sometimes."
"Well, he's going to have to at least wait. Right now we've got bigger fish to fry."
Pinkie Pie jumped up to them, "We're going to fry fish?! Don't tell Fluttershy!"
Kya walked out to join them, as Tenzin started going through their battle plan; "As soon as we reach the southern water tribe, well blast through blockade at the main port. Then we can rendezvous with Tonraq and his troops, crash through the defenses around the portal and enter the spirit world."
"Works for me." Twilight said
"Me too" said Flash Sentry.
"Woah! Since when does my little brother want to blast or crash through anything?" Kya said. This really was a whole new for Tenzin.
"I'll do whatever it takes to save my daughter." he replied fiercely.
Bumi joined his sibling, "We all want to save Jinora, but I think you're plan might be a tad over aggressive."
Twilight began 'neighing' angrily while flying, she was clearly exclaiming something in a fit of rage. The three siblings looked at her skeptically and then at Korra.
"Translation?" Bumi asked.
"She says if Tenzin is willing to do whatever it takes to save Jinora, then so should we." Korra explained. Twilight neighed and nodded in response. Then Fluttershy began doing punches and kicks in mid air while neighing.
"What did she say?" Kya asked.
"She's gonna make Unalaq pay for hurting everyone, especially the spirits."
Fluttershy then angrily neighed something else which made Korra gasp in horror!
"Fluttershy! Where did that language come from?!"
As the pony continued to neigh angrily, the three siblings looked at each other skeptically and curiously as Korra continued talking with the pony.
"I know he is, but still, you know better." Korra turned to the confused siblings. "You don't want me to translate that. Trust me."
"Oddly enough, she's the sweet one." said Tenzin.
Bumi continued, "Okay, I understand but still there are only fifteen of us and one ship, plus seven of those fifteen are small and have four legs. No offense."
The ponies all glared at Bumi. Tenzin crossed his arms, "Oh, and what do you suggest?" he asked his brother.
"An attack like this calls for strategy."
Rainbow Dash stopped flying and sat down crossing her front hooves. "Every pony get a seat, this could take a while."
Bumi began telling a story, "I remember when I was surrounded by pirates at the Hurricane Straits.", Twilight groaned in annoyance as Bumi continued, "We managed to capture them all, just a feather, two eggs and a barrel of molasses."
Tenzin angrily interrupted him, "I don't want to hear any of your crazy stories now! This is serious!"
Then, all eyes fell on the raven-haired heiress that walked out to everyone, wearing her winter coat designed by Rarity, and looked on sadly at everyone.
"Are we almost there?" Bolin asked.
"I'm tired of practicing on these dummies." said Applejack while stomping her hooves aggressively, "I'm reedy for the real deal!"
"I couldn't agree more." said Rarity.
Asami sadly looked at the ponies, neighing and angrily stomping their hooves. She didn't need a translator to know what they were saying and feeling, but non the less, she was still saddened that she could no longer hear them. It was as if a magical chunk in her life had just been taken, and soon, there would be no more magic at all. It was a sad thought, but Asami had to be strong and have faith.
"We're almost there, but...I just picked up a distress signal from the southern troops. There's a problem."
"What kind of problem?" Flash asked.
Asami still couldn't understand him, "If you're asking what's the problem, you guys might want to come in with me. It's about Korra's father."
Korra and the ponies gasped. (~)
After a while, Oogie finally landed in front of the White Lotus compound in the South Pole while Korra and the ponies entered on Naga. Korra's mother walked out and Korra quickly dismounted Naga and ran to her mother with open arms.
"Mom!" the two women embraced one another. Korra was so relieved to know her mother was alright, she had been so terribly worried about her for days on end. Now, at least there was one silver lining.
"I'm so happy you're here." Senna said. Applejack and Rarity ran to greet her as well. Senna kneeled down and petted their heads.
"What happened?" Rarity asked, "Where is Tonraq? What has Unalaq done?"
But despite her asking, Senna could no understand a word Rarity was saying. Her lips were moving as if she was speaking like any other human, only what came out of her mouth were not words but animal sounds. She looked at Korra in confusion as she stood up. "What's wrong? What happened to them?"
"They're fine, but Equestria isn't. We have to stop Unalaq before it's too late. Where's dad?"
Senna lowered her head sadly as she answered. Her voice breaking as she explained. "Unalaq wiped out the entire southern resistance, and captured your father."
Twilight gasped, "No!"
"I'll get him back." Korra said determinedly. Tenzin approached while carrying Jinora.
"Where is my mother?"
"She's in the healing hut." said Senna, "So many injured."
Senna opened the door to reveal the entire hut filled with injured Southern Rebels. They all looked in pretty bad shape; they had bandages in numerous parts of their bodies, bruises of black and blue, broken ribs and such, it was truly a sad sight to seen. Among them was the elderly Katara, along with other female healers all doing their best to heal the wounds of the courageous men. Korra felt terrible to see them like this. They all fought so hard and with so much strength and courage. She was not going to let their struggle go in vain, she promised herself that. Once Katara spotted her children, she rushed towards them, her eyes widened in shock at the sight of Jinora's limpness body in Tenzin's arms. "What happened?" she asked as she carried her granddaughter.
Pinkie Pie started to explain. "Well, first we got attacked by this dark spirit and then---" but as the pony kept explaining, Katara couldn't understand.
"Pinkie Pie, dear. I'm afraid I can't understand what you're saying."
"Oh right, I forgot." said Pinkie Pie to herself.
"What happened to them?" Katara asked.
"It's a long story, I'll explain in a bit but first you need to help Jinora." Korra said.
"Jinora is trapped in the spirit world." Tenzin tells his mother, her heart raced.
"Oh my goodness! How long has she been away?"
"Almost a week." Kya replied, "I've tried to keep her energy flowing, but I can feel her slipping away. You're the only one who can help her now, mom."
Fluttershy removed a strand of hair from Jinora's face as Tenzin placed her in a tub of water and Katara began to heal her, the water started to glow around the sleeping child.
"How much longer can she survive like this?" Tenzin asked his mother hopefully.
"I don't know."
"Not exactly what we needed to hear at this point." Spike said.
"But she is very strong to have lasted this long."
Twilight looked at Jinora and lowered her ears, "Hang in there Jinora. We'll get you back...I'll make sure of it." (~)
Outside of the compound, they all gathered together to discuss their next move. "I talked to the rebels." Korra said, "They said Unalaq's got the southern portal surrounded. Harmonic Convergence is only a few hours away."
"Then we have to break through the enemy lines ourselves and get to the portal now." Tenzin said.
"There's no use in talking anymore. We know what our mission is."
"A suicide mission..." said Bolin. They all looked briefly at him and Fluttershy shouted angrily at the earthbender.
"Oh, grow a spine! We've got worlds to save!" Fluttershy flew up to Bolin's face with a fierce look in her eyes, "So quit being such a baby and man up!!"
Bolin blinked three times. He knew Fluttershy could be fierce when she wanted to be, but this was one of the rare times where she screamed at him, or neighed at him since he could not interpret what she was saying. "I have no idea what you just said, but please don't hurt me."
Korra gently grabbed Fluttershy and stroked her mane, speaking to her in a soft tone. "Easy honey, I understand you're all upset, but you got to pull yourselves together."
"Korra's right." said Rarity, "We must conserve our energy for the real target: Unalaq!" the unicorn said the name with much anger and disgust.
"You know, I was in a similar situation once." Bumi began.
Spike sighed, "Here we go again."
"My platoon had crawled through the desert with no water for a week! But when we finally located the only oasis for a hundred miles." Bumi briefly stopped when he heard snoring. Spike had fallen asleep. "Hey!"
Spike snapped awake, "I didn't burn Korra's boots!"
"Anyway, it was surrounded by angry sandbenders. I realized the only chance to get to the water was to drop in from above." While Bumi kept talking, Pinkie Pie was eating popcorn while listening intensively. "So I fashioned a catapult, and with the help of a few well-trained hog monkeys..."
"Enough of your ridiculous lies!" Tenzin shouted, "Can't you see the fate of the world and Jinora's life depends on what we do here today?!"
Pinkie Pie groaned sadly, "Awwww, he was just getting to the good part."
"Hold on, maybe Bumi's right." said Asami.
The ponies all said, "Hu?!"
"We don't have a catapult and hog monkeys, but we have a flying bison and there's a plane on Varrick's ship, not to mention we've got Alicorn magic and three Pegasus ponies. Maybe we can attack from above."
"What are you thinking?" Korra asked.
"Mako, Bolin and I can use the plane to create a distraction, and scatter some of the defenses while Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Flash Sentry and Twilight can drop some of Varrick's bombs from above. You, Tenzin, Bumi, Kya and the rest of the ponies can fly to the spirit portal on Oogie when you see an opening."
"That's actually a good plan!" Twilight exclaimed happily.
"Attack northern troops from the sky? Count me in!" said Rainbow Dash.
"Me too!" Flash agreed.
"And me!" said Fluttershy.
Applejack galloped happily, "Let's do it ya'll!"
"Alright, let's get moving." said Korra.
Spike cheered, "Let's do this!"
"Hang on, Spike. You're staying here and help keep an eye on Jinora." said the Avatar.
Spike lowered his ears in disappointment, "But I want to help save the world too. Please, pleeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaasssseee?" the little dragon gave the avatar his signature cute big green eyes. Korra simply arced an eyebrow and crossed her arms.
"You're not gonna stop until I cave, are ya?"
"No."
He kept giving her the cute eyes. And Korra finally gave in. "Okay, fine! But stay close. If anything happened to you, I would never forgive myself."
Spike had tears forming in his eyes as he hugged her leg, "I love you too!"
Twilight levitated Spike and placed him on her back, bearing a look of determination. "Let's ride!"
Tenzin, Kya, Bumi, Korra, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie and Spike all flew away on Oogie while Naga and Pabu stayed behind...again. (~)
Unalaq was in his tent, patiently waiting for Harmonic Convergence. His son and daughter walked in on him.
"What are we still doing here father?" Eska asked. While she was normally emotionless and stern, this time she looked more irritated and impatient. She was already sick of staying at the South and wanted nothing more than to go home.
"The invasion was completely successful and the southern tribe s under control." said Desna, not nearly as impatient as his sister, but he wanted to leave just as much as she did. "The spirit portals are open."
"You've restored balance." said Eska. "Now we would like to go home."
"You don't understand." said their father. "Everything I've achieved so far will pale in comparison with what I'm about to accomplish."
The twins were very confused by this. "What else is there?" Desna asked, slowly growing impatient. "The Water Tribe is united."
Unalaq smiled wickedly, "After today there will be no more Water Tribe, no more nations of any kind. The world is about to be transformed into something magnificent, and new. And I will lead this glorious revolution. Now go outside and get the troops ready to defend the spirit portal."
"From whom?" Eska asked. "We've already beaten everyone."
"The Avatar and her Ponies will be here soon. They have no choice." (~)
Asami was already piloting the plane, Rainbow, Fluttershy, Flash and Twilight, all had explosives on bags which were hung around their necks. Mako and Bolin were on both standing on the plane's wings, Bolin on the left with Mako on the right. Asami gave Tenzin a thumbs up, and the air nomad nodded. The two groups dispersed, as Korra watched her friends depart, she shouted, "Good luck! And be careful!"
"Are you forgetting who you're talking too?" Rainbow said proudly.
Flash saluted to her, "We won't fail you Korra!"
Korra saluted back, "I know you won't."
"We'll see you at the portal!" Twilight shouted before she and the others flew off beside the plane. Korra's eyes shimmered as she sadly watched her friends depart, at one moment, her eyes and Mako's locked. His amber eyes reflecting the dim colors of that of his beloved.
"Be safe." he whispered. Unbeknownst to him, Korra returned the gesture.
"Be safe."
She looked down at her hands and noticed her fingernails turn blue once again. A look of determination on her face which is shared by Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Spike. Bolin and Mako were both hanging on to the plane's wings as the Unalaq's compound came into clear view.
"Are you ready?!" Asami asked.
Bolin clung on to the wing for his dear life. "I'm an earhtbender, strapped to the wing of a plane, hundreds of feet in the air, so, no?"
"Don't worry, there's no way they'll be expecting this." Mako replied. They all saw Unalaq's compound coming into view. It looked vaguely similar to the White Lotus compound, minus the tall building, various tents and huts were seen all around, encircled by a silvery colored wall around it, with a single opening to serve as an entrance of exit, as well as various watchtowers. Spirits encircled the portal like moths to a flame. The beam of light shoot straight from the ground up into the sky with no end. A bunker made out of ice forced around the spirit portal, with various windows where northern troops watched from their spot. As the plane drew closer, Fluttershy gasped. Mako's eyes shifted to down bellow, where they saw a large party of Northern Soldiers ready to attack them.
"I think they were expecting it!" Bolin shouted.
The Soldiers bended water upwards and attacked, sending ice shards directly at the plane. Twilight Sparkle flew ahead, downwards to the soldiers. Mako watched in horror, "Twilight! No!"
The princess's horn glowed a bright magenta, and unleashed a powerful combo of magic, and fire blasts down at the shards, making them melt in seconds. Followed by a powerful blast aimed directly at the bunker, breaking it in half at her powerful blast. The troops fled in terror and jumped out the windows, away from the princess. Twilight continued this strategy, striking at the snow which rose upwards and landed not top of them, entrapping them with the snow. Many decided to flee in fear and Twilight flew up beside her friends.
"Nice one, Twi!" Flash said to her.
"Thanks sweetie." She winked and flew ahead leaving a slightly stunned Flash, a smile growing on his face.
"Sweetie? Wow, I'm her sweetie."
Rainbow Dash flew to him with a grin on her face. "Focus, Casanova."
Flash snapped himself out of his dream like state, "Right, sorry."
Fluttershy playfully giggled, "Sure glad Mako didn't hear that."
Down bellow, more troops came out of their bunkers and saw the plane above them. They all waterbended water into icicles and shot them towards the plane. Fluttershy shouted, "Incoming!"
Asami stirred the plane and they easily dodged the attacks, but just barely for the ice shards came at them with great speed, even too fats for Twilight to get them all at once. Bolin clung on to the wing in complete fear, screaming terrified.
"ASAMI!!!!"
"Get ready!" the heiress shouted. On cue, Twilight flew near Mako who was on the wing of the plane. They both nodded at each other, ready for anything. Asami gave them the signal.
"Fire!"
Mako started firebending at the compound while Twilight did the same with her magic, the plane managed to pass as Asami continued to avoid more incoming attacks from the troops. The plane continued to fly around the compound, roughly avoiding the projectile attacks from the troops. Bolin began earthbending at the troops bellow, knocking them off their balance and preventing them from unleashing more attacks. But sadly, bending was not the only thing at their disposal. Thanks to Varrick, the troops also had mecah tanks to support them. Twilight flew near the other ponies.
"Now, guys!"
On her command, they released the bombs from their bags and with her magic Twilight aimed the explosives at the mecatanks attacking them with their rockets and extension cables. Fluttershy saluted to Bolin as a signal and he activated the bombs by pressing the button on the remote control, exploding the machines in a patch of fiery inferno. The four ponies high hoofed one another in victory. (~)
Meanwhile, Oogie was approaching the compound. Pinkie took out a telescope and looked through it to see a whole bunch of dark spirits over the horizon circling the portal as the beam of light shined in the distance.
"Wow! Looks like a dark spirit pallooza!" said the pony.
"I don't see an opening." said Korra.
"Let's circle around and see if we can find a way from the other side." Tenzin suggested.
"Good thinking." said Rarity, even though she knew he couldn't understand her. As they flew ahead, Applejack's eyes widened in horror. A group of dark spirits was charging at them.
"In comin'!"
"Hold on!", Tenzin stirred Oogie out of the way in time before the spirits would attack, but the more they tried to avoid them, the more they continued to come at them. One spirit managed to jump onto Oogie's back, startling the Avatar, but Rarity and Applejack both simultaneously punched the creature in the face, sending it flying.
"Get away you beasts!" Rarity exclaimed.
Applejack smiled proudly, "Nice one, Rare!"
Kya and Spike worked together to drive more the spirits away with waterbending and breathing fire. Then, one spirit snuck up from behind an unsuspected Pinkie Pie and grabbed hold of her, lifting her up from the saddle.
"Pinkie Pie!"
As the spirit held Pinkie Pie in its tentacles, the fearless pony started to talk rapidly and excitedly, "Wow! You can see everything from up here, hey why is it that even though you're dark spirits you're more purple? Or is it violet? Magenta? Of course a lot of you are also blue, why is that? Is blue another form of black? Wait, blue can't be called black, if it was it would be called black-blue. Oh! You're black blue!"
The spirit holding her suddenly screamed in agony at Pinkie's content talking. She was like a never-ending river of words, and words and words. The spirit willingly released her and the pony landed perfectly back on Oogie's saddle as the spirit flew away screaming.
"That was fun! Can I go again?"
Korra silently gave thanks to Pinkie's natural ability to annoy others. But then, Oogie began to groan loudly and soon, the bison could barely keep himself in the air. The girls noticed that more and more spirits were clinging onto his legs and tail, sticking to him like gum on a sidewalk. The more they stuck, the weaker Oogie became. In no time, he would fall right out of the sky, and them along with him.
"The spirits are weighing Oogie down!" Tenzin shouted as he tried to keep his bison steady, but to no avail. "We're losing altitude!"
Bumi bravely stood up and started kicking at a spirit. "Get off of him you sticky, nasty little blob of goo!" as the non-bender was fighting with the spirit, he suddenly tripped but managed to quickly grab hold of the spirit. The creature struggled in his grip. "If I go, you're coming with me!" as a result of their struggle, both Bumi and the spirit fell from Oogie's saddle. The others watched in horror as the man feel downwards into the snowy ground.
"Bumi!" (~)
Meanwhile, the plane continued to hover over the compound as they continued to dodged more projectiles from the troops. Twilight kept blasting with her magic, but while she wasn't looking, one icicle was thrown up.
"AAHH!"
Flash Sentry felt the sharp ice sting his wing. The impact caused him to lose altitude, and began to fall down.
"Flash Sentry!"
Twilight quickly flew down at top speed, successfully grabbing Flash with her front hooves and hoisted one of his hooves around her shoulders. Mako saw the alicorn carrying Flash. "Are you guys alright?" he asked in worry, until he felt a sudden change in the altitude of the plane. Some of the icicles managed to connect, damaging the plane. Mako and Twilight responded by attacking the troops with his firebending while Twilight Sparkle brought Flash to Asami's cockpit on the back seat.
"What happened?" the heiress asked. Twilight neighed something to her before returning to attack the troops. "I hate not understanding ponies." Asami said bitterly.
"Twilight!" the alicorn heard Mako call out to her, "How about we show these guys what happens when they mess with an alicorn princess?" the young man smiled confidently and the pony smiled in response. At the same time, both Twilight and Mako both created a wave of fire and hit directly at the huts down bellow, making more troops run away in fear from the ragging flames as the plane made another run.
Rainbow and Fluttershy dropped more explosives and Bolin earthbended them down to the compound which exploded. He rose up his fist and cheered, "I wish Varrick was filming this! We could call it "Nuktuk: Sky Warrior"!
Rainbow and Fluttershy rolled their eyes and then they see two familiar faces bellow. Their emotionless eyes starring up at them. Rainbow shouted in horror, "GAH! Bolin, it's your crazy ex-girlfriend!
The twins began to attack; they slide on the snow with their waterbending. Twilight's horn glowed as she attacked the twins, but Eska managed to strike Twilight with a powerful water whip and the alicorn was then knocked unconscious in mid air.
"Twilight Sparkle!!" Flash cried out as he watched his girlfriend fall down. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash quickly flew towards her and and grabbed her in the nick of time. The twins then used their waterbending to destroy the tail of the plane, causing it to loose altitude. Rainbow and Fluttershy gasped as they saw the plane fall down.
"Brace yourselves!" Asami shouted to the brothers, both clung on to the wings, preparing themselves for the impact.
While carrying Twilight, Rainbow and Fluttershy flew as fast as they could to their friends but before their very eyes, the plane crashed on the snow. The girls lowered the unconscious Twilight down to see Mako, Bolin, Asami and Flash unconscious, the plan was completely destroyed, broken right down the middle, half engulfed in snow. They rushed to their sides; Fluttershy nudged Bolin while Rainbow nudged Asami.
"Asami! Please wake up! Please!"
Suddenly, the girls were both instantly frozen solid from the neck down.
"Hey! What the--"
They heard footsteps approaching and saw a group of Northern soldiers looking down on them. They had found them. Mako heard the faint sounds of neighing in protests, he shifted and opened his eyes. His vision was a tad blurry, but he could see the the ponies as well as Asami and Bolin being taken away by the troops. The firebender could hardly move, as he watched his friends being taken, he slowly slipped into unconsciousness.
"I'm...I'm sorry." (~)
"AH!"
Korra clenched her chest as she felt a sever pain. Applejack and Rarity placed their hooves on her to help her.
"Korra!"
"Twilight...the others...they need help"
But Oogie was already beginning to fall due to the spirits overpowering him. Dark blobs were covering half of his body, draining away his energy and ability to fly. The bison groaned loudly as his human and pony companions all screamed in horror at the sight of the white ground drawing closer and closer, until...
Oogie couldn't move a muscle. He laid on the snow unconscious, his airbender master as well as his sister both laid on the ground, unconscious. Korra's eyes fluttered open, she could see the ponies and Spike laying down on the snow right in front of her. She felt so weak from the impact. Her top hair tie had come off, leaving her hair loose and she felt a sting on her right cheek. Even Celestia's headband fell off and laid on the snow. She heard footsteps approaching and saw a group of men, who she assured where Northern troops, approaching her and the others, before slipping into unconsciousness.
"Let's take them to Chief Unalaq." one of the troops said. One by one, they carried Tenzin, Kya, Spike, Applejack, Pinkie and Rarity with them to the compound. The last one reached for Korra, but then stopped and backed away in shock.
"What the---"
Right before his eyes, he saw a strand of Korra's dark hair start to shimmer and sparkle in a way he had never seen before. As the sparkles diminished, a single bluish-white shimmering streak appeared right across the Avatar's hair, making her look even more beautiful than ever. The soldier decided to ignore what he had just seen and carried the girl away. (~)
"Korra. Korra. Wakey-wakey, eggs and bakey."
"Easy, Pinkie. Give her some space." said Applejack.
Korra's eyes fluttered open and saw that she was inside a hut with the ponies and Spike tied up along with Kya and Tenzin. She also saw her father who is also tied up by a pole.
"Dad..."
Her heart sank at the sight. Her father was badly injured. He had a black eye, scars on his face, his cloths were torn, and his hair was a tangled mess, she even saw hint of dried up blood on his lower lip. He was in worse shaped than the rebels back at the healing hut.
"Korra...I'm so sorry. I failed you" Tonraq said sadly.
"Don't give up. Harmonic Convergence isn't here yet. We still have a chance."
"What happened to you?"
"What do you mean?"
"Your hair"
"What about my hair? What has that got to do with---"
"Korra, it's half blue"
"What? What are you--?" Rarity levitated a lock of Korra's hair and she saw the strange new streak. Her eyes widened in surprise. "What? How did this---"
The front curtain of the hut opened, letting in some light, as the troops threw Mako, Bolin, Asami and the rest of the winged ponies onto the floor, the friends grunted once they made contact with the ground. They had their wrists tied together while the ponies were tied up completely. Korra's eyes shimmered with sadness when she saw Flash's sprained wing.
"Flash, what happened?"
"The troops were ready for us. They hit my wing." he said.
Mako looked up at Korra with regret. "We tried."
Twilight looked up at her too, "We're sorry Korra."
Before Korra could say that they tried their best, her eyes narrowed and scowled as her uncle entered the tent.
"Congratulations everyone. You've all got front row seats for the beginning of a new world order."
"You don't know what you're doing Unalaq." Tenzin said. "Freeing Vaatu won't make you powerful; it will only make you a traitor to everything that's happened over the last ten thousand years."
"You think what Avatar Wan did was good? Driving almost all spirits from this world. The Avatar hasn't brought balance, only chaos." he tore his gaze away from Tenzin and narrowed his eyes at his niece, "You call yourself the bridge between the worlds, but there shouldn't be a bridge. We should live together as one."
"Even if Vaatu escapes, I'll put him right back in his prison, just like Wan and his friends did." Korra stated firmly.
"It's true that when Wan fused with Raava he tipped the scales in her favor, but this time I'll level the playing field. When Harmonic Convergence comes, I will fuse with Vaatu, and together we will become the new Avatar. A Dark Avatar."
The ponies all gasped in horror.
"Your era will be over."
"Think about what you're doing." said Tonraq, in an attempt to plea with his brother. "I know that you've always had a deep connection with the spirits, but you're still a man. You're still my brother; you're Eska and Desna's father. Are you willing to throw your humanity away to become a monster?"
"I'll be more of a monster than your own daughter." said his younger brother, "The only difference is while that she can barely recognize her own spiritual power; I will be in complete alignment with mine. Vaatu and I will be as one. No one will be able to stand against us."
"Unalaq, even if you do win it won't matter." said Korra, "The magic of the ponies' home is fading. And once it's gone, our world will disappear too. I and the ponies are the only ones who can save them. Vaatu knows it, that's why he's convinced you he will give you everything you ever wanted. I understand. I know how it feels want to prove yourself to everyone. To trust someone who says they can help you become who you want to be. But that ambition can also blind you, make you believe in someone who only wants to take advantage of your gift and push away the people who really care about you. Even if you do manage to get what you want, you'll still be alone."
"And that is why you are truly unfit to be the Avatar." Unalaq glared at the ponies with disgust, "You bring these--these monstrosities into our world and they bring their impiety called magic."
The ponies' all growled at him.
"The only good thing Avatar Wan ever did was severing our world from that of those filthy creatures. Everything they do is useless and meaningless, talking about "the magic of friendship" and the powers of an alicorn---all of it is in-pure."
Korra snarled at Unalaq. "In-pure? They've taught me more about myself in a few months than you ever could in a lifetime! You say you want spirits and humans to live together but you don't even believe in friendship!"
"They fill your head with childlike idealism. It's time you woke up and joined the real world. Which will soon be my world."
"If you don't let us go there won't be any world, period!"
Unalaq ignored her warnings and turned to Eska and Desna, "Keep them lock up. After Harmonic Convergence, I will come for Korra and her ponies."
"Yes father." said Eska.
Unalaq attempted to leave but then stopped, "Oh, and another thing..." he reached into his pocket and Korra's eyes widened as she gasped...he was holding her headband. "I doubt you'll need this back.", Unalaq bended the accessory right down the middle and it broke in two. He tossed the remains in front of Korra, smiling wickedly. "You thought you had let your pony princess down. Now you truly have."
With that, he walked away. Korra looked down at her broken headband, Celestia's gift to her. Kya rested her head on her brother's shudders. "I failed in every way. We've lost Jinora forever."
"There's still a chance. They didn't get Bumi." Kya said, with much hope in her voice. She prayed their brother would help them in some way. (~)
Bumi kicked his way out of being buried in the snow. He sat up, dusting the snow off of him, and realized the spirit he took down with him was still there, snarling angrily at him.
"Oh, you wanna play some more? Well, bring it on." the non-bender then began punching the spirit, preparing a heavy blow. However, the spirit did not fall down, but looked down at Bumi, his fist still jammed into it's neck. The man sweat in fear before the spirit punched Bumi back. He fell backwards into the snow, head first. He lifted his head, shaking the white flakes off of his hair.
"Oh, we're playing dirty huh?"
Bumi reached into his pocket, finding a dagger and threw it at the spirit. But the item simply went inside of it, reversed, and propelled back out towards Bumi, who managed to dodge out of of the way. He barely managed to move out of the way when the spirit attacked. Desperately, he reached into his pocket again, only to pull out...his flute. How was this suppose to help? The spirit began to approach Bumi, he panicked he didn't know what else to do, and so he placed the flute near his mouth and began to play the instrument. The lovely music reached the spirit and it stopped trying to attack. It simply floated in front of him, slowly its dark and scary appearance softened, it's sharp edges became round, and it's dark purple color changed to a light blue. Bumi was not expecting this, but he'll take what he can get.
"Hmm...Looks like we've got a music lover here." he continued to play his flute happily, and the spirit bobbed its head to the sound while Bumi danced in place. He then heard something approaching, he smiled when he spotted Korra's polar-bear dog Naga and Bolin's ferret Pabu approaching him.
"Ah, ha! Reinforcements!" he happily hugged Naga and smiled confidently at his comrades, especially his new spirit friend. "All right soldiers, looks like it's on us to save the day, luckily I've got a plan." (~)
Twilight looked up at the devastated Avatar, "He's wrong you know. You haven't failed anyone."
Korra lowered her gaze, "If I hadn't been so stubborn none of this would have happened. I trusted Unalaq and I sealed the fate of our worlds. I'm sorry for putting all of you through this."
"It's not over yet. We can still stop Unalaq." said Applejack in determination.
Rainbow Dash nodded, "Yeah!"
Mako looked at Korra's sad eyes and his heart suddenly spoke to him, "Korra, I know I've made some mistakes and I don't blame you for being mad, but just hear me out." Korra looked directly at him, though sadness and despair was on her face, Mako spoke with kindness and love. Things he had left out before.
"Since the day we met, you've made my life completely upside down, but in a good way. I used to think the only way to be happy was to have what everybody else did Like money and everything the world had to offer. But you, you found happiness with just the simple friendship of six little ponies. Ponies who you would give your life for simply because you love them. I know you're not perfect, but you found something I was still to afraid to accept until now. A wise pony once told me, "true friends stick together, even when we make a mistake."
Twilight Sparkle smiled at her friend. He had learned once again, the True Magic of Friendship.
"I've realized that apart we can only go so far," Mako continued, "but together...together we are stronger than anything. We need each other now more than ever. That's why you can't give up. I refuse to let you give up!"
"Things haven't been the same since you and the ponies have been gone." Bolin started, "We've realized that friendships aren't always easy...but no doubt they're worth fighting for."
Asami nodded in agreement, "If I had to face the end of the world...I'm glad it's with all of you."
"They're right." Tenzin said, "Believe it or not, one way or another, you've changed our lives...you and the ponies."
"We're all here for you." Flash Sentry said.
There was no stopping the tears that rolled down from Korra's eyes. Even in their darkest hour her friends were still holding on. They had not lost hope in her. Looking around at all of the bright and hopeful faces Iroh's voice was heard ringing in her ears.
"If you look for the light, you can often find it. If you let it out you can change the world around you."
Korra looked down at the broken headband before her, which gave off a rainbow-colored glow. The same aura shimmered in her eyes. Her friends, their hope, their love...it was all clear. She now understood what Iroh meant.
"...look for the light. Of course!"
"What are you talking about?" Asami asked curiously.
Korra smiled at them all, "Someone once told me to find the Light in the dark, and I see now that I've already found it." Everybody looked at her skeptically but Korra continued to smile her beautiful signature smile, "Friendship is the Light! If our bonds can survive everything we've been through, then there is no doubt we can overcome this as well."
Eska scoffed in disgust, "All this conversation about love and friendship is truly nauseating and pointless."
Korra looked up at her cousins with pleading eyes, "Eska, Desna try to understand. I know Unalaq is your father but Vaatu has made him completely crazy."
"We will never betray our father." said Eska, "And you cannot persuade us with your petty little love speeches. You say it is strong but it is not. It is foolish.", as she said this, she glared at Bolin who slumped in fear.
"Please, if you let us free we can still stop him from destroying everything." Korra continued to try to get through to them, "Once he fuses with Vaatu no one will be safe, and even so once the magic in Equestria is gone our world will disappear along with it. Desna, he won't be your father anymore."
Desna confronted her with furry in his eyes, "You don't know what you're talking about! Our father is the wisest man in the world, if he says that what he is doing is right, I believe him."
"So much for listening to reason." Rarity said as she rested her head on her legs in defeat. (~)
Waterbenders used their water to diminish the fire damage caused by Mako and even Twilight from earlier. One soldier walked out of the opening of the compound, carrying a spear. Unbeknownst to him, on his right side, Bumi, Naga, and Pabu stood still and quiet, pressed up against the wall. But the soldier then noticed their presence.
"Huh?"
Before he could react, Bumi jumped from behind him and tackled the man down. He tied him up and punched him in the face, knocking him unconscious. With him out of the way, Bumi took his uniform and put it on. He turned to his comrades, smiling confidently.
"How do I look?"
Naga and Pabu looked at one another and then back at Bumi. Even if they could give Bumi their opinions, there was no way he wanted to hear them.
With his new disguise, Bumi walked into the compound, bypassing various soldiers and dark spirits that encircled all around. The soldiers seemed either oblivious to their presence or simply decided to ignore them. One soldier however, was speaking with a comrade about the entities.
"You know, if I wanted some ball of evil lurking over my shoulder all the time, I'd stayed at home with my mother-in-law."
Bumi moved deeper into the compound, standing before various dark spirits, encircling the spirit portal. They did now acknowledge his presence, mistaking him for another soldier. The man stood before them and took out his flute. "All right, spirit army. Your general is here. Follow me!" he began to play the flute, attempting to use the same soothing method he did with the previous spirit. The spirits around the portal took interest in the sound and they began to encircle Bumi as he played.
"It's working!" he said, and he was right, it was working...or was. Apparently, not all spirits were music lovers and instead of being soothed by the sound, they became irritated and pounced on Bumi. "It's not working!"
The spirits all ganged up on him like fish fighting for a meal on the ocean floor. Bumi crawled out from under them and ran away, with the spirits chasing behind him. As he ran he gulped in fear as a trio of spirits came at him from his direction. He tried to run the opposite way, only to be reminded that the previous spirits were still chasing him. He was surrounded, luckily there before him stood tall mecah tanks and he nimbly jumped up and into the open cockpit of one of them, closing it before the spirits could get to him.
The spirits surrounded the machine, before two sinked into it. From inside, Bumi witnessed the controls releasing static electricity, the lights turned on and without even trying, the mecah tank's tread activated and it began to drive into the tents. The soldiers ran away in fear as the possessed machine went awol and attacked the rest of the tents. Bumi was very inexperienced in these kinds of things, he so wished Asami was here to help out.
"Get me out of here!"
He desperately activated a lever, which caused the mecah tank to fire off a grappling hook, which began to swinging it around the main watchtower, its hook end held on to it while the mecah tank continued destroying tents as it went in a circle, the hook still holding on to the watchtower. The machine was completely out of control, it destroyed everything in its path. Before long, most of the compound was destroyed, half of it bursting into flames, and even knocking away the roof of a tent, to reveal two soldiers playing a board game and one sleeping on his bed.
The inside of the machine continued to release static, and even smoke, and then the spirits showed themselves, trapping Bumi within the cockpit. He pulled the eject lever, the cockpit opened and the man let out the signature "Goffy-Scream" as he was propelled out of the machine. (~)
Fluttershy's ears perked up and they heard a loud noise. "What was that?"
Eska and Desna looked out to investigate but were then tumbled by Bumi who came sliding into the hut in a chair and smiled at his friends.
"All right, guys. Rescue time."
Eska and Desna got up and snarled at Bumi form behind. Spike cried out, "Bumi behind--- " Naga bursted through the tent and knocked the twins down. Spike blinked in surprise, "---you"
The ponies all dropped their jaws while the others stared in disbelief. Once they were all untied and headed out, they saw the entire compound destroyed and the towers had fallen down. Flash's eyes widen in surprise. "Wow! He's one crazy, dude."
"No kidding." said Twilight, equally surprised.
"Bumi, how did you manage to take down this entire encampment on your own?" Tenzin asked in shocking amazement.
"I did it all with my trusty flute and....ah, never mind, you wouldn't believe it anyway. Let's get moving."
Tonraq was held up by Mako and Fluttershy as they entered the icy forest and reached the portal. It's beam glowing bright. Applejack pointed to it, "There it is ya'll. Unalaq is on the other side just waitin' to get Vaatu out of that tree."
"We'll we're gonna stop him before he gets the chance!" Rainbow Dash said with fierce determination.
Korra stood in front of the Mane Six, "You girls ready?"
The Ponies all nodded simultaneously, "Ready!"
Tonraq tried to stand on his own, "You go in through the portal, I'll hold off anyone that comes in after you." but the man groaned in pain as Mako and Fluttershy helped support him.
"No, you're too hurt, you need a healer." Korra turned to the heiress, "Asami, can you take Oogie and dad back to my mom?" Asami nodded and Korra turned to her father, "This is my fight now."
Rainbow flew behind her saying, "Ahem!"
Korra arced her eyebrow at her. "You know what I mean."
Tonraq knew that his daughter needed to do this. She was the avatar and this was her destiny, "Korra." he lovingly hugged his daughter, "I love you."
"I love you too dad."
Twilight Sparkle turned to Flash Sentry, "Flash, you and Spike go with Asami, you'll be safe there."
"No way Twi, I'm not leaving you!" Spike said.
"Me neither" said Flash with a straight face, but then winced in pain due to his injured wing.
"But you can't fly with just one wing, you'll be defenseless." said Twilight.
"You're forgetting, I've had years of combat training. I don't need wings to fight. Besides, if anything happened to you I would never forgive myself."
Twilight looked down, lowering her ears and blushing at Flash's words, "You don't have to do this." she said. He lifted up her chin with his hoof so she was looking at him.
"Yes. I do."
Both ponies smiled at each other, a faint blush on both their faces. Mako watched them both and remembered the time when he decided to stay by Korra to defeat Amon. Ponies and humans really aren't so different after all.
"And Korra's taught me tons of fighting styles." Spike said, "I can handle anything."
Twilight sighed, "Alright."
Asami took hold of Oogie's reigns and, with Tonraq on the saddle, they flew back to Katara for Tonraq to be healed. Korra turned to face the others, speaking like a true leader, "Once we're inside you go find Jinora. Mako, Bolin, Spike and Flash Sentry will take care of Unalaq while I and the ponies close the portals so Vaatu can't escape. Then we use our Elements of Harmony when Harmonic Convergence starts to restore the magic in Equestria."
"Sounds good to me." said Applejack.
But before anyone could enter the portal, Bolin spoke up, his voice shaking with worry. "Wait, okay worst case scenario: So we fight Unalaq, you close the portal, restore the magic and let's just say something happens to you. Are we gonna be trapped in there for eternity?!"
Spike's eyes snapped open in horror, "Wait, nobody said anything about being trapped for eternity!" he nervously clung onto Korra's leg, "Nothings gonna happen to you, right? Korra?"
Korra gently carried Spike into her arms and held him tightly to calm him down. She looked at everyone with a brave face, "If everything goes as planned, we'll all walk out together after Harmonic Convergence. If not...."
Everybody and everypony looked at one another with worry. What would happen if they didn't make it out in time? Would they be trapped forever? The thought was just too frightening to continue. Twilight Sparkle stepped forward, her eyes looking up at the Avatar with such courage it mirrored her own.
"We will make it out. I know it."
Korra could feel the confidence within the alicorn's heart. If she believed they would make it out alive, then she had to believe it as well. The Avatar kissed Spike's forehead before gently placing him down. She looked up at the others, her blue eyes sparkling, reflecting the aura of the portal.
"Let's go."
Rainbow Dash rose her hoof, "Alright, let's kick some dark spirit butt!" the pegasus flew right into the portal, and one by one the others ran into it, disappearing in a ray of pure white light. Spike was the last one to approach it, his little dragon body shaking in fear.
"On second thought, maybe I should have gone with Asami." he said as he prepared to take one step in the opposite direction. Mako's hand stuck out of the portal and grabbed Spike by the tail pulling him in by force. (~)
Unalaq waited anxiously for Vaatu. He stood before the tree, lost in thought. But he was interrupted when he heard a sound, he turned around and his eyes narrowed.
The whole gang came through the portal and into the spirt world. Once they did, the Mane Six's and Korra's cutie marks briefly glowed. Flash was amazed at the scenery, "So this is the spirit world? Where are all the spirits?"
Right on cue, they saw Unalaq surrounded by a heard of dark spirits near Vaatu's tree. The man and the spirits lunged to attack them.
"That answer your question?" Twilight asked sarcastically. The alicorn princess jumped in front of them all and unleashed a powerful energy blast from her horn that literally blew away the spirits in one fatal swoop. Korra turned to the siblings.
"Tenzin, you Kya and Bumi look for Jinora. We got this."
The siblings obeyed the Avatar and ran off to find the young airbender. Unalaq rose up, bending the water from a stream bellow him, turning it into ice, and slide down before unleashing a powerful water attack at his enemies. Mako and Bolin stood up and countered his attack with their bending, as did Spike with his fire, and Flash stood beside them.
Unalaq got back up on his feet and charged at them with his waterbending. While Mako, Bolin, Spike and Flash kept him occupied, Korra and the ponies ran towards the Southern Portal, reaching their heads and hoofs towards it. Korra entered the Avatar State at the same time the Ponies activated their Elements, causing all of their eyes to glow brightly. The winds bellowing in their hair, the beam glowed brightly, they grunted as they tried to use all of their combined energies to close the portal while Unalaq tried to break through Mako and Bolin's defenses.
Meanwhile, Mako and Bolin kept fire bending and earthbending at Unalaq while Spike breathed fire at him and Flash kicked the rocks Bolin earthbended to hit Unalaq but the man continued dodging and repelling their attacks as he tried to get to Korra. Mako and Flash both dodged Unalaq's attacks and Bolin launched Spike in the air with his earthbending and the dragon breathed fire at Unalaq which he manages to extinguish with his water and then he water wiped the dragon off the rock and Mako caught him before he landed on the ground. The firebender looked at the evil chief with furry for having hurt his friend.
"That's it!"
Mako lowered Spike down and shoot a big fire blast at Unalaq who repelled his attack and send Mako flying backwards with a water balst. Bolin turned to the orange pegasus, "Flash, go check on Mako!"
Flash nodded and went towards Mako while Bolin earthbended a giant rock wall at Unalaq who then knocked it down.
Meanwhile, Korra and the ponies all struggled to close the portals. No matter how hard their tried, the portal would not give in to their power. Rainbow Dash grunted, "Why----won't it---close?!"
"You're running out of time Raava." Vaatu's evil voice spoke, "I know you can feel it coming."
And he was right, at that moment the planets alined, Harmonic Convergence was here. The girls couldn't take it anymore, they were all blasted away from the portal by a pulse of energy as both the south and northern portals began to collide, merging together creating a glowing arch. From the outside, Eska and Desna watched in horror as a dark purple energy came from both portals, knocking the towns backwards. They watched in visible horror as the waves from both portals grew and grew, spreading all around, and engulfing the entire planet.
In Republic City, Lin shielded herself from a powerful force that spread through her. She heard the sounds of gasps and screams coming from all around the city. She looked up and her eyes widened in horror. The entire sky was purple in color with the northern light glowing and dancing high above in an aery green color.
In Equestria, Celestiaa, Luna, Leilani, even Discord witnessed the castle beginning to turn grey, bright colors started to fade and all around, ponies screamed in fear at the sight as their world turned dark, the sky was grey and all plants began to die. Discord clenched his head in fear.
"The Great Change has begun! We're all gonna die!!!!!"
Celestia looked up the sky and pleaded, "Please girls...hurry."
The heroes watched in horror as the two portals created lightning that hit the Tree of Time and it began to glow a sinister red as electricity surrounded it, before the energy exploded from the tree. As the energy expanded and dissipated, a dark and red entity emerged from the tree, growing in size, towering over all.
It was too late...Vaatu was free.
The seven Elements of Harmony watched in horror was Vaatu laughed evilly.
"Things just got real!" Pinkie Pie screamed in horror. She had never been so scared in her life! (~) |
The Little Pony Legend 2: Spirits of Courage | Darkness Falls | *(~)*
Revelation 20: 4~
I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
*(~)*
Darkness Falls
Korra, Mako, Bolin, Spike and the ponies watched in horror as the spirit of Darkness hovered over them, laughing maniacally.
"Vaatu." Twilight exclaimed in fear.
The dark spirit spotted the Avatar and her ponies, "Raava, nothing could stop this moment. Harmonic Convergence is upon us again."
Korra, with the help of Applejack and Pinkie Pie, stands up and looked fiercely at Vaatu. "We're not going to let you fuse with Unalaq." she said fiercely, "You're going back in that prison."
The ponies all shared her determined look, when Vaatu then flew down, charging at Unalaq, who awaited for him.
"They're going to fuse!" Twilight exclaimed.
"No they're not!", Korra entered the avatar state and the ponies' Elements of Harmony activated as they shared her glowing eyes. Korra unleashed a sparkly rainbow fire blast at Vaatu which made him retreat. Twilight then used her magic to strike at Unalaq and levitate him upwards and flung him back through the portal. Korra and the ponies' eyes stopped glowing for a moment before she turns to Mako, Bolin, Flash and Spike.
"Don't let Unalaq back in the spirit world." Korra ordered.
"We're on it!" Bolin replied.
"Be careful!" Spike cried out to them. The four boys ran through the portal, and Korra and the ponies turn back at Vaatu.
"You really think you can defeat me with those pathetic little weaklings?"
"We'll show you who's the weakling!" Rainbow said fearlessly.
"You're going down!" Pinkie Pie cried out with furry.
Vaatu charged at them, Korra and the ponies' eyes glowed once again as did the Element of Harmony and they all charged at Vaatu. Korra's hands had sparkling flames while Twilight and Rarity's horns glowed bright. Rainbow Dash had two flames on her hooves, ready to attack.
The battle between good and evil has begun. (~)
Tenzin, Kya and Bumi walked through the spirit world, looking for Jinora. They stumbled upon a lush and beautifully colorful forest with unusual plants, but their presence was captivating. Bumi called out for his niece.
"Jinora. Jinora's spirit do you hear me? It's your Uncle Bumi."
Tenzin sighed in defeat, "Ah, this isn't working. We can't just randomly wander the spirit world, call out for Jinora and expect to find her." at this time, Tenzin wished they had Celestia or Luna around to help them.
"We just need to employ the simple rules of tracking." Bumi said, he kneeled down to the ground, "First we locate her footprints...then we follow them."
"Do you even know what spirit footprints look like?" Kya asked. "Do spirits even leave footprints? Face it, your tracking skills won't work in the Spirit World." Kya then sat down on the ground in a mediation position. "Let me try something." the woman placed her two index fingers close to her thumbs and performed mantra meditation. With her eyes closed she pointed towards the left. "Jinora is over there. I feel a lot of spiritual energy coming from that direction."
"We're in the Spirit World!" Bumi pointed out, gesturing with his arms to the entire forest, "There's spiritual energy in every direction."
"Enough!" Tenzin exclaimed, "We can't do this by ourselves we need a spirit guide."
"Or some alicorns." Bumi said, lowing his shoulders sadly, "We sure could use Celestia and Luna's wisdom right about now."
"They have there own problems in Equestria." Tenzin walked away, followed by his brother and sister. The trip approached a hole in the trunk of a large tree with what appeared to be a glowing star inside, floating around. Tenzin spoke to the entity.
"Spirit, hello. I'm sorry to disturb you, but I am in need of your assistance."
As the glowing star continued to move, the siblings spotted glowing red orbs piercing at them. A sinister, almost feminine, voiced echoed within the tree. "You dare wake me, human? Humans in the Spirit World belong in one place only."
The siblings' eyes widened in fear as the spirit emerged from the hole, revealing a large spider/scorpion like creature with sharp fangs, snarling at them. She charged at the humans, and they ran away screaming in terror. The spirit opened her mouth, and a white gooey webbing came shooting out of her mouth. The trio continued to run, Tenzin came out of some bushes but came to a rough halt at seeing they reached the edge of a cliff. He regained his balance and Kya and Bumi caught up with him. The spirit screeched from behind, and the three all jumped off the cliff, screaming in terror. As they fell, they made contact with some branches, which scratched their backs and pocked them in various parts of their bodies before finally landing on the ground. Bumi and Kya landed on top of Tenzin, both dazed from the fall. Tenzin then aribended them off of him and onto their feet.
"Well, that didn't work." Bumi said as he dusted himself off. "Now where are we?"
Tenzin looked around, realizing they were no longer in the same forest as they were before. He had no idea where they were now.
"We're completely lost." (~)
Twilight shoot fire at Vaatu while Korra and Applejack both earthbended rocks and Rarity waterbeded water at the spirit, followed by a combo fire attack from Korra, Twilight and Rainbow Dash, for which Vaatu managed to avoid. Rainbow and Fluttershy kept flying around Vaatu, airbending and firebending at him. Vaatu managed to grab them with his tentacles but Korra waterbeded at him again forcing him to release the Pegasus ponies.
Korra and the ponies gathered together as their Elements and eyes glowed brighter. With their combined powers Korra created a sparkly tornado that lifted them all up as they headed directly towards Vaatu. Each pony unleashed their respected elemental powers at the spirit while Korra sustained them all in mid air, destroying parts of his essence in the process. Korra propelled herself and the girls over the ground with her airbending, increased with the magic of the Elements, while Vaatu attacked them with his tendrils. Rainbow and Twilight unleashed a powerful fire combo at Vaatu, which destroyed the one half of his 'face', and charge at him with Korra airbending, assisted by Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie. Vaatu turned to the girls and knocked them all off before his markings glowed purple and unleashed an energy blast at the girls. They were all thrown against a giant rock and landed on the ground. Vaatu's tentacles synched into the ground as vines grower all around the girls, incapacitating them.
"No!" (~)
Bolin, Spike and Flash Sentry stood by the portal keeping a watchful eye out for Unalaq. Spike stuck by Bolin while Flash stuck by Mako as they all stood in fighting stances. Mako noticed Flash wince when his broken wing moved a bit.
"You sure you're okay?" he asked. Flash nods at Mako since he could no longer understand him. "Look Flash, I'm sorry about everything that's happened before and I truly admire your bravery...you're more of a man than I am." the firebender said proudly. Flash smiled in return.
Bolin turned to them, "Hate to break up the bromance but, focus people!"
"Right."
Then, Spike's ear started to twitch, which Bolin noticed, "You hear something?" he asked the dragon. Spike turned around, his eyes spotted something moving in the woods and shouted,
"Look out!"
Mako and Flash turned around to see rapid ice spikes heading towards them. Mako gasped while his brother protected him and their friends with an earth wall. Mako and Spike fire blasted from behind the wall, while Bolin earthbended in the direction of the assault. For a short moment, things were quiet, before they heard Flash let out a frightful 'neigh', forcing the brothers to spun around to see a barrage ice spikes from the opposite direction. They managed to dodge the attacks by tucking and rolling. Mako attacked with firebending, while Bolin somersaulted while earthbending. Spike breathed fire while Flash jumped up and kicked an ice spike that was heading towards Bolin, but non the less the impact caused them both to be thrown back towards Mako and Spike.
"I don't know if we can win this fight." said the earthbender once he got back up.
"We don't need to win." His brother replied, "We just need to stop Unalaq from getting back into the spirit world."
"So in other words, we're gonna be here a while, aren't we?" Spike said hopelessly.
"Try and think positive." said Flash. They heard another attack coming and Bolin earthbended a rock to shield him and Spike from the ice spikes.
"Easier said than done!" said the dragon as he hid behind Bolin. (~)
Tenzin, Kya and Bumi continued to wander aimlessly in the mysterious spirit forest, completely lost. Unlike the previous forest, this one had a more night-like appearance, with bluish/black trees and stunning plants that glowed like neon in various colors. They walked pass a large glowing mushroom and Tenzin stopped on his tracks.
"We're walking in circles," he said and pointed towards the mushroom, "I've seen that spirit mushroom five times."
"That's not the same mushroom." Bumi said.
"Yes I am." said the mushroom...yeah, it talked, and nobody is shocked.
"See? Even it knows we're lost." Tenzin face palmed himself, this was completely hopeless.
Bumi rolled his eyes in annoyance, "Oh sure, listen to a fungus over your own brother."
Kya then felt an unusual presence approaching them, and placed her hands on her brothers' shoulders. "What's that?" she asked suspiciously at a strange noise. Bumi eyed at the talking fungus.
"Mushroom? Is that you?"
"No, wasn't me."
A dark figure began to emerge from the shadow of the trees, approaching the siblings, causing them to gasp in fear and caution. As the mysterious figure emerged completely, he smiled warmly at his guests. Standing beside him was one of Wan Shi Tong's knowledge seekers, a grey colored fox. The siblings could not believe their eyes.
"Iroh?!" Bumi and Kya both smiled warmly at the sight of their old friend, but Tenzin was still baffled.
"How...? Where...? It's been so long."
"Almost forty years." said the wise old man, "It's nice to see you again."
"How did you know we were here?"
Iroh stroked the spirit fox beside him, "My friendly spirit fox told me you were lost, I came to show you the way out."
"Iroh, we are grateful, but we're not looking for a way out. We're looking for my daughter."
Iroh's expression fell into sadness and sympathy. "I'm sorry to hear that. But you shouldn't be here, Vaatu has escaped and darkness threatens to take over."
"I'm not leaving until I find Jinora." the airbender said with much determination. Iroh could relate to him, he knew his love for his family was great.
"I understand. But I beg you to be careful, if you travel too deep into the Spirit World, you could end up in a place where only the lost will ever find you. And there will be only one way out."
"What do you mean?"
Iroh smiled warmly at the siblings, "I have had the privilege to meet Korra and her pony friends. I have seen the good and beauty they carry within themselves. It is very clear that they have brought something into your lives. Something you never knew you needed. But only the most powerful kind of magic can help you now. You have all been blessed with it. Remember it. Treasure it. Let it guide you."
The siblings all looked at each other in confusion, once they turned back, they noticed that Iorh had disappeared. Tenzin then cried to catch up to his old friend, but stopped to contemplate.
"A place where only the lost can find you...? That's it! I know where to find Jinora!" (~)
Korra and the ponies kept struggling in the grip of the vines; even Twilight's magic was useless against Vaatu's power. The dark spirit taunted them, "Even your so called "magic" isn't powerful enough to oppose me."
Twilight glared at Vaatu, "Maybe not by myself." just then, Korra and the ponies' eyes began to glow and their voices started talking as one.
"But together we can!"
Korra took in a deep breath and unleashed a powerful fire blast from her mouth directly at Vaatu, while the ponies' Elements glowed and broke the vines holding them. Rainbow Dash flew up at warp speed and firebended at Vaatu creating another hole on his face. Pinkie Pie and Korra both airbended at Vaatu while Twilight zapped him with her magic and Applejack also began earthbending at him. The angry spirit screamed in anger.
The seven girls stood together as Korra made swift movements with her hands and they all now had rainbow-like auras surrounding each of them. They rose up as Korra and the Ponies, combined with the power of the Elements of Harmony and the Light of Raava, created an air vortex that trapped Vaatu, next Korra and Rarity waterbeded water around him, then Rainbow and Twilight added fire and lastly Applejack bended earth and the ponies, entrapping Vaatu in various rings of the elements, similar to what Wan did 10, 000 years ago. The Elements of Harmony each created a rainbow ring matching their colors that also swarmed around Vaatu as well. As they did this, Korra and the ponies all spoke as once, added with the voice of Raava and the past Avatars.
"We are locking you away for another ten thousand years, Vaatu."
Korra continued to move her hands as the ponies levitated around her, their eyes and Elements glowing bright as they all worked together to pushed Vaatu towards the tree with all of their strength. (~)
The boys were still keeping watch outside of the portal with two earth walls to protect them. Bolin and Spike hid behind one wall while Mako and Flash hide behind the second one...everything was quiet. Bolin peaked over his rock.
"Unalaq? Are you out there?"
"He must've gone home." said Spike.
"He must've gone home." said Bolin. Spike looked at him annoyed, "I just said that." he crossed his arms and pouted. He hatted not being understood. The two friends peered over the rock again...and encountered an all too familiar face.
"Hello, my feeble turtle duck."
"AAAHHHHHHH!" Bolin and Spike both screamed in horror. Eska was back!
The cold-hearted ice princess knocked both boy and dragon off with waterbending. Mako and Flash turned to look at Bolin and Spike, but Desna emerged behind him. Before they could retaliate, Desna knocked the firebender and pegasus pony off with waterbending towards Bolin and Spike. When the brothers had recovered, a large water blast emerged from the shadow of the forest, knocking them all off. The boys laid on the snow unconscious as Unalaq emerged from the forest, ridding on a wave like the king he believed himself to be.
"Don't let them escape this time." Unalaq ordered. The two twins looked at each other uncertainly as Unalaq once again entered the portal. (~)
Tenzin, Kya and Bumi found their way back to the previous forest, and once again stood before the hollow tree where the dark spirit spider-scorpion resided.
"Are you sure this is the best way to find Jinora?" Bumi asked his little brother with uncertainty. He nearly escaped the crazy spirit the first time, he wasn't entirely sure is they could escape the second.
"Trust me." Tenzin then began doing the boldest thing he had ever done; he began attacking the spirit with an air blast. "Hey you! Spirit! Wake up!"
Unfortunately for Bumi and Kya, his plan worked.
"You again?!"
The spirit emerged from the tree, unleashing its webbing from its mouth! (~)
The three adults were now being board-ly dragged across a grassy field with the spirit pulling them with it's tail to an unknown location. The spirit soon stopped and then swung her prisoners over a steep cliffside. They saw a large canyon with sharp rocks around the ledges, obscured by a thick fog.
"I thought we were gonna be taken to a prison?" Kya said.
Tenzin looked down at the canyon. "This is a prison.
"Welcome to the Fog of Lost Souls." the spirit said, "You will never escape."
As the spirit walked away, she flung her tail and threw the trio into the canyon, who screamed in the process as they fell into the thick fog. (~)
Korra and the ponies were only seconds away from imprisoning Vaatu again. But before they could finish the job, Korra was struck from behind by a water blast. Her eyes stopped glowing and the ponies stopped levitating and fell to the ground. They all looked up and see Vaatu free once again. The ponies turned around to see Unalaq.
"I am really getting sick of you!" said the wicked waterbender.
Rarity flared her nostrils, "The feeling is mutual!"
The evil chief unleashed a powerful water blast at them and the Mane Six were all slammed into Korra and they all fell backwards into the ground. The fight was not over yet. (~)
Eska and Desna where now dragging Mako and Bolin's limp bodies. "What about those two?" Desna asked as he gestured his head to Flash and Spike, still lying on the ground.
"Why bother? They are completely worthless." said his sister.
Unbeknownst to them, Bolin and Mako both looked over at Flash and Spike, who also had their eyes open. Mako nodded at Flash who nodded in return. Spike them jumped up and breaths a powerful fire blast at Desna who backed away, giving Mako the chance to get up and fight the waterbending prince. Flash Sentry galloped and body slammed into Eska, freeing Bolin who ran to his brother. Bolin earthbended two earth columns at the twins, knocking them down as they all ran back into the portal.
The boys ran and Mako and Flash's eyes widen in horror once they spotted Korra and the ponies, all laying on the ground. The twins came through the portal.
"Stop!"
Eska bended out two streams of water and trapped the four boys from the chin down in blocks of ice. Spike struggled to break free, "I am never coming back to the south pole for a vacation, again!"
The ponies attempted to help Korra to sit up and they all watched in horror as Vaatu floated right in front of Unalaq, approaching him.
"Oh, no you don't!" Twilight Sparkle cried out before she unleashed a fire blast but Unalaq repelled it with his waterbending. Vaatu flew over Unalaq and then swooped down right into his body as the chief screamed before stumbling down. He erected again, standing up. His eyes were now glowing brightly orange-red, and the imprint of Vaatu appeared briefly on his chest. He reached out his hand to touch the northern spirit portal. The overlapping portals energized at his touch, engulfing Unalaq with purple energy, that oozed across his body with a gooey substance. He let out a blast of dark energy from his mouth and a blinding light shined from his body.
Korra and the ponies watched in horror, "NO!"
They covered eyes from the powerful white glow. Once it cleared, they saw Unalaq, standing before them as pale purple smoke emitted from his body. At first he looked exhausted from the impact, but soon her opened his eyes, which now glowed a sinister orange-red. Unalaq was now the Dark Avatar!
"We are now one. Now a new era for spirits and humans will begin! And I will lead them all as the new Avatar!"
Korra and the ponies all stood up and bravely feared their enemy. "Well I'm the old Avatar and my era's not over yet!" a swift air surrounded Korra and her irises briefly give out a faint glow. The ponies all rallied beside her, ready to fight.
"That's right! You mess with one us, you mess with all of us!" said Applejack.
"No matter how powerful you may seem, the seven of us will not give up. We are The Elements of Harmony!" said Twilight as she stomped her hoof.
Unalaq smiled wickedly, "Not for long."
With glowing eyes, he charged at Korra. Korra's eyes glowed as well and did the ponies. The two waterbenders slammed into each other and once they made contact they unleashed a powerful white light. Korra slid backwards on her feet. She then saw her nails turn blue again; her cutie mark gave a faint glow and even her new blue/grey streak shimmered. Whatever was inside of her was growing stronger. (~)
Tenzin, Kya and Bumi wandered aimlessly through the fog. It was so thick they couldn't see anything. It was like walking into a never-ending blank hallway.
"What kind of prison doesn't have any bars or walls?" Bumi said, looking around the place, "We can walk right out of here."
The Fog of Lost Souls is a spirit prison for humans." Tenzin explained. "I read about that in an ancient text. The fog is actually a spirit that infects your mind and slowly drives you mad, imprisoning you in your own darkest memories."
Kya turned to Tenzin with an uneasy look. "How long can we be trapped here?" as she asked, a man walked around behind them. He was apparent in his late to mid forties, his clothing looked like those of a Fire Nation general...from long ago when Aang was still alive and very young. His hair was messy, and he continued to talk to himself.
"I am Zhao, the Conqueror. I am the Moon Slayer. I will capture the Avatar." he paused for a brief moment before speaking again, repeating what he had just said. "I am Zhao, the Conqueror. I am the Moon Slayer. I will capture the Avatar."
Kya's eyes widened at the sight. This man was completely out of his mind, continuously chanting the same thing over and over again with no end in sight. "Hopefully we're not trapped in here as long as that guy."
The man, Zhao, then spotted Tenzin. He looked at the air nomad as if he were his lifelong enemy. "You, you're him. The last airbender!"
Tenzin cried out in fear when Zhao grabbed him by the collar of his robe. "Ah, no! Get off me!"
"You've grown. But I will still defeat you." Zhao was then dragged away from Tenzin when Kya and Bumi grabbed his arms and yanked him off. Kya then pushed him away with her waterbending and the group ran away hastily and fearfully. They could still hear Zhao's insane cries.
"Come back Avatar. Face me! I am Zhao the Conqueror. I will capture you! Victory will be mine!"
Zhao soon faded into the fog and Tenzin pulled out a rope, tying it around him and his siblings' waists. "If we stay together, we'll find Jinora and make it out of this fog." (~)
The two Avatars and six ponies emerged from the portal back into Unalaq's destroyed compound, with Unalaq chasing Korra and the ponies, both made their way out of the encampment. Korra, with the Elements of Harmony, levitated the ponies around her, their eyes glowing, while Unalaq hoisted himself with a whirlpool. Pinkie Pie and Korra both attack Unalaq with airbending, but missed.
Unalaq tried to attack with ice shards, for which Applejack blocked with her earthbending before gaining altitude and assaulting the man with even more rocks, with the assistance of Korra. Unalaq broke the rocks with two water whips and directed them toward the girls. Korra and the ponies created a rainbow force field that protected them. However, Unalaq was relentless as his water strike soon gave way and the girls were knocked down on the snow. The ponies were scattered but Twilight was the only one who landed on Korra's stomach.
Unalaq stopped his whirlpool and once he landed, the ground beneath him split into two, creating a fissure, and Korra and Twilight both screamed as they fell into it.
"Korra! Twilight!" the others screamed.
The Avatar and Alicorn managed to stop their fall but they couldn't move, they were stuck in between the two rocks. The other ponies charged at Unalaq but he quickly trapped them in blocks of ice from the chin down, like what his daughter did to the boys.
Twilight and Korra struggled to get out but Unalaq started to close the two blocks of ice ready to crush the girls. The ponies struggled in their icy prison, their Elements gave faint glows as the ice slowly, ever so slowly began to melt. Unalaq continued to close the abyss.
"Give in. Your time is over!"
Korra and Twilight could feel everything getting darker, the others ponies one by one could feel their energy fading. Korra and Twilight could feel themselves weaken, but as they nearly passed out, they heard a familiar voice...
"Korra, this fight is not over."
Korra and Twilight instantly recognize it. "Raava."
"Vaatu cannot win. Do not give in to ten thousand years of darkness. You are the Avatar. You girls are the Elements of Harmony."
"She's right." Twilight said.
Korra and Twilight's eyes started to glow. Their voices became one again.
"We are!"
The other ponies's eyes flickered open, their Elements glowing brighter and their confidence restored. Their voices become one as they all said,
"We are!"
At the exact same time: the ponies broke free from their icy blocks and a powerful purple magical aura and fire blast broke through the fissure and Unalaq was blasted away. Korra and Twilight were lifted up by a powerful sparkly wind; the other ponies levitated next to them. Their Elements glowing bright and their voices, added with Raava, spoke strongly and powerfully,
"You cannot win!"
Korra and the ponies unleashed powerful rainbow colored air blasts from their Elements at Unalaq, who was now ridding a whirlpool trying to get away, but the girls continued to follow him. (~)
"Jinora! Jinora!" Tenzin continued to call out for her daughter, when Bumi stopped them.
"Wait a second."
"What, do you hear something?"
Bumi started around in morbid fear, his eyes bulged open and sweat dripping from his brows. "Yes. They're all around us. The cannibals, they're everywhere."
Tenzin's heart began to race, the worst had begun to happen. His brother was slowly becoming victim to the fog's power.
"Bumi, you must focus your mind. Right now! There are no cannibals." as Tenzin tried to get his brother to his senses while Kya began to look suspiciously at herself.
"Yes, there are! They're gonna eat every last one of us!"
Things got even worse when Kya suddenly screamed out in terror, starling her younger brother. "AH! Who are you two?" the woman began to untie herself when Tenzin grabbed hold of her shoulders.
"Kya, we're your brothers. You must remember, before the fog infects you."
"No, you're just a vision. I have no family. You can't tie me down!"
"They're closing in! I gotta get out of here!" Bumi untied himself and ran away, screaming into the fog. Tenzin tried to catch up, but his sister untied herself and ran in the other direction, screaming before she too disappeared into the fog.
"No! Bumi! Kya! Come back!"
Tenzin began airbending the fog away in both directions, in hopes of finding his siblings, but it was futile for the fog returned. He doubled his power to dissipate the fog, but it still returned, leaving him alone before he was obscured by the fog.
"Kya! Bumi! No...no." he was now all alone. His family was lost. And so was he. (~)
Mako, Flash, Bolin and Spike were still trapped within ice, with Eska and Desna keeping their watchful eyes on them.
"My nose itches." Spike said. Mako tried to reason with their captures.
"Please, let us out."
"His grovel is pathetic." said Desna. Eska gave a faint smile, "I do enjoy the sweet scent of desperation."
"What did Bolin see in that girl?" Spike asked himself.
Mako continued his plea, "Come on, your dad has become an evil monster. He's trying to bring on eternal darkness. Why would you protect someone who doesn't care about you at all?"
Eska simply arched an eyebrow, while Desna's expression softened in realization. "Father was going to let me expire when trying to open the northern portal." he said to his sister. "Perhaps we should rethink our position."
Mako and Flash smiled, "Yes!"
"No. Don't listen to him." said Eska, "His words are poisoning your mind."
Flash lowers his ears in disappointment, "Boo"
Then out of nowhere Bolin started weeping like a baby, tears and all. Eska looked at him curiously, "What's with this outburst of emotion?"
"Beats me." Spike replied, mostly to himself.
Bolin continued to weep, "I'm sorry, I can't help it. It's just so sad that I'll never be with you again!"
"Wha---?"
Flash and Spike were both startled by this. But not as much as Eska was. "What? Explain yourself further." she ordered.
Bolin spoke as he kept on crying, "Eska, I've always loved you---" Spike and Flash both drop their jaws at what Bolin had just said. "--And I always wanted to be with you. But now that the world is ending, I'm never gonna get the chance!"
Spike felt he would through up, "Gross!"
"We have been together. But you left me at the altar." Eska tells him bitterly as she approached him and stood before him face-to-face.
"With good reason, you're insane!" Flash exclaimed, but all Eska could hear were 'neigh' sounds.
"Quiet pony!"
Bolin continued to cry and 'confess' his feelings to Eska, "No, I was scared. I was scared of my true feelings for you. Gah, I should have never left you. I'm sorry." Spike stuck out his tongue in disgust and Bolin continued, "And I'm sorry that we'll never have the chance to rekindle the dying ember that was our love into a big fire of love flames!"
The earthbender continued to cry, Mako, Flash, Spike and even Desna all looked at each other with confused expressions. Spike simply stuck out his tongue, "I think I'm gonna be sick."
Eska looked on at Bolin, her expression was one of confusion, but then it softened to one of surprise. She couldn't' believe her ears. Bolin was returning her affections, and in such a sweet way. With tears of sadness. She leaned in closer, held his face, and kissed the earthbender full on the lips.
Spike screamed at the scene. "GAH! There goes my lunch!"
While Eska kissed Bolin, the ice around them melted and they were all free. "What just happened?" Spike asked in disbelief.
"I guess an act of love can melt any frozen heart." Flash replied. Which only made the little dragon sicker,
"Okay, gross!"
Eska and Boin stopped kissing and looked at one another. "You will never defeat my father. But, should you survive, perhaps we could spend eternal darkness together."
"Finger crossed that doesn't happen!" Spike said. Mako tapped Bolin on the shoulder before they ran away towards the portal.
"Wow! That was the best acting I've ever seen." said Mako proudly, "You completely fooled her."
"Yeah right, huh. That was acting." Bolin said unsurely...as he wiped away a single tear. As Eska and Desna watched them run towards the portal.
"They will certainly perish." Desna said dryly. (~)
The boys ran out of the portal into the South Pole, they witnessed Korra and the ponies still fighting Unalaq. Rarity shielded her and her friends from Unalaq's water attacks with an ice wall, before they all exited Korra's air spout. On the ground, Applejack and Korra directed three rocks, knocking Unalaq off his waterspout. He managed to remain in his waterspout and directed two water streams at the girls, who all nimbly dodged. Korra and Applejack propelled with earthbending while Rainbow Dash and Twilight threw fire blasts at Unalaq. He threw a large water whip at the girls which Korra managed to catch, before freezing it and tossing him off his waterspout. With him down, the girls all gathered together as their elements unleashed rainbow ring which blew Unalaq away and he landed hard again on he snow. Korra's cutie mark glowed as her arms moved swiftly and a bright spear appeared in her hands. The ponies' Elements glowed even stronger. Before she could unleash the final strike, Unalaq aimed another water whip....which struck Twilight!.
"AHH!"
The alicorn princess was thrown to the ground and laid down unconscious. The girls' concentration broke. The rainbow aura disappeared.
"Twilight!"
Unalaq then water-bended the snow beneath, rising it upwards and the ponies were all thrown upwards, landing hard on the snow. Korra looked fiercely at her uncle and water-bended two water whips, controlling them with her arms and swinging them at Unalaq, who entered his Dark Avatar State. Unalaq then managed to take control of Korra's water whips, pulling her towards him. The two Avatars dragged themselves toward the center. Korra sneered at him, her eyes glowing pearl white.
The ponies all struggled to get up and help their friend as the ground beneath them started to shake, due to the powerful force of the Avatars. Then Unalaq's head began to crick to the sides, his mouth opened and out came a dark purple aura, it was Vaatu.
As the boys ran to the girls, they started to see the spirit of darkness before them. Korra opened her mouth to create fire and unleash it at Unalaq, but Vaatu took the chance and stuck his gooey tentacles onto Korra's face, entering her mouth. Korra could feel the energy being drained away as she slowly got down on her knees. Her eyes still glowed, but as Vaatu departed from her face, he took with him what appeared to be a bright light from her mouth. The spirit of Raava!
The ponies' Elements, feeling the pain Korra was going through at the sensation of having Raava being ripped right out of her. Once all of Raava's light was pulled out the girls collapsed onto the ground. Korra felt so weak, so defeated. As she laid on the snow, witnessing her uncle trap Raava into a water bubble, where Vaatu re-entered his body, he grinned viciously. The ponies tried to get up to help but were far too weak as well.
Vaatu finally had Raava in his grasp. (~)
Tenzin couldn't find his siblings anywhere. He looked and looked but there was no sign of them He knew that if he had a chance of ever escaping, he had to keep his head in the game.
"You must stay focused." he said to himself. "Remember who you are Tenzin. You are the son of Avatar Aang. You are the hope for future generations of airbenders...but what if I fail? Then your father's hopes of the future dies with you. I can't fail. You will."
Tenzin knew the fog was at work. He was starting to fall victim to it's influence. He covered his ears while sagging to the ground, arguing with himself. "Ah, stop it! I am the son of Avatar Aang. I am the hope for future generations of airbenders. I am the son of Avatar Aang."
Tenzin stopped his ranting when she saw something manifest before his eyes. He recognized the figure anywhere.
"Hello, my son."
Tenzin never believed he would see his father again. And now that he has, he felt like the failure he always feared he would become. "Dad, I've failed you. I am no spiritual leader, and I've let the world down. I'll never be the man you were."
"You are right." Aang said. Tenzin looked at his father in shock, but he then realized that his father did not sound disappointed when he said this. "You are trying to hold on to a false perception of yourself. You are not me and you should not try to be me."
Tenzin gasped at his own father's words. Aang smiled lovingly at his youngest son. His hands waved and Tenzin spun around to see the fog manifest a clear image of a moment from the past. It was after Korra had returned from her first pro-bending match.
"By the way you were really good out there tonight. You moved just like an airbender."
"Wait, you stayed and watched?"
"I did. Pro-bending turned out to be the perfect teaching tool for you."
Korra felt so happy to hear that. She and her air bending master exchanged happy smiles. However, Korra's eyes began to slightly shimmer.
"See? I told you, all you needed was a little inspiration." Rarity said as she nudged Korra's leg.
Then out of nowhere, Tenzin gasped in shock as his eyes widened.
"What's wrong?" Korra asked.
"I--I heard."
"Heard what?"
"Them. The ponies. I heard them talk!" The girls all gasped at this! First the air bender kids could hear the ponies, then Pema, then Bolin and now Tenzin can too?
"So, you can hear us now?" Applejack said in disbelief.
"It seems I can."
"Okay, how does this keep happening?" Rainbow Dash asked. All of these mysteries were already starting to get to her.
"You were right Korra, they truly are special. I can see now why you're all so good together." Tenzin said as he smiled kindly at the ponies, who all smiled in return.
Tenzin remembered that moment. Then the image shifted to an earlier one.
"Celestia, you wouldn't understand."
"Actually....I do."
The air nomad was surprised by the princesses words. How could she possibly understand what he was going through?
"Just like you, I too once believed I had a lot to live up to from my parents. Especially my father. He was a wise, courageous and honest ruler. All of Equestria adored him. As a young filly, my biggest dream was to become just like him. I was so focused on what I wanted, that I began to neglect my own little sister." Celestia said the last part with sincere regret, and Tenzin empathized with her sadness, "My father did whatever he could to bring peace to Equestria, even if it meant doing something he didn't want to do. I followed his example...the day I had to banish my own sister. I believe that NightMare Moon's wrath was partly my fault. I made my sister feel inferior at times without even knowing it. It's something I've regretted for years."
As the images faded into the fog, Tenzin no longer felt as if he was going crazy. In fact, he felt his mind begin to clear up. Aang smiled lovingly at his youngest son. "Don't lose heart, my son. Through your outer self is waisting away, your inner self is being renewed day by day." Tenzin could feel the tears falling from his eyes upon hearing his father's words. "I love you, Tenzin. Let the Light show you who you really need to be. You are Tenzin."
A puff of smoke engulfed Aang, when it disappeared, he became a reflection of Tenzin. It was then that the airbender finally realized where he had gone wrong. He was trying so hard to imitate his father, to be a perfect replica of his idealistic view of the man he admired, but in reality, he needed to figure out who he was really meant to be. His goal should not have been to be like another imperfect human, but to fight for something greater than himself. That was exactly what his father did in his youth, and it was that example he needed to follow.
"I understand now. I am not a reflection of my father." he said with much determination, "I will make my own mistakes. I am Tenzin. I am Tenzin!"
As he spoke, a glow of light illuminated the sky, dissipating the fog. Tenzin did it, he overcame the darkness and found himself. That was what Iroh was trying to tell him, he had to embrace who he was, the same way his friends and family did. He looked around in amazement, scanning the surroundings, he saw many people all lost and alone, silent. He then spotted a young girl in orange and yellow clothing and dark brown hair. His heart leaped with joy.
"Jinora!"
Tenzin rushed to hug his daughter, who was kneeling dejectedly before carrying her. He then found his elder siblings, who had succumbed to the effects of the fog, and lead them out of the valley. Once they were all safely out, the fog returned. Bumi slowly regained his consciousness and looked round, confused and dazed.
"Hu? What happened?"
"I think our brother saved us." Kya said, smiling proudly. Jinora's eyes fluttered open and smiled when she saw her father.
"Dad."
"You'll be okay sweetie. I'm here." father and daughter embraced in a warm hug. Then, a butterfly spirit with shimmering pink wings flew down on Jinora's hand. Its wings shimmering with rainbow colors, just like the one Korra had encountered when she first came to the spirit world. Kya and Bumi joined in the hug, as Tenzin silently enjoyed the warm embrace of his family. He had finally found himself, and he had his family beside him.
He had everything he needed. (~)
"Korra!" Mako called out as he witnessed the unconscious Avatar, running after her as fast as he could, with his brother close behind.
"He's got the light spirit!" Bolin exclaimed, spotting Raava in Unalaq's clutches. The brothers attacked with their bending but the Dark Avatar easily neutralized their attacks and send out a large ice spike, knocking Mako and Bolin, as well as Spike and Flash unconscious.
Twilight and the others managed to get up on their hooves but were still too weak to fight, but they none the less started to at least try to walk to Korra. Unalaq laughed at their efforts.
"You ponies are pathetic!"
Korra saw Raava within her grasp, lying defenseless near her. Twilight groaned as she watched her friend weakly attempting to reach for the light spirit.
"R--Raava"
But before Korra could reach for her, Unalaq picked her up with the purple streams of water and with much furry, slammed her against a rock.He directed a strong blast of water at Raava. Korra and the ponies moaned in pain.
In their shared vision, the girl and ponies all witnesses Avatar Aang, and all of the past Avatars before him. But the moment they felt Unalaq hit Raava, the image of Aang disappeared in a patch of light. Twilight realized what this meant.
"No! Unalaq! Stop!"
Unalaq strike Raava again, this time they saw Avatar Roku disappeared. The following strike destroyed the vision of Avatar Kyoshi. Rainbow Dash was about to burst into tears, for Kyoshi was one of her favorite past Avatars to read about. And now she was gone, she could feel the stinging pain Korra felt. They all could.
"Stop it!" Rainbow cried out in pain.
"You're destroying her!" Fluttershy also cried out.
But it was no use; Unalaq kept hitting Raava over and over. Korra weakly tried to get up, but another strike on Raava caused her to shrink in pain as her vision of Avatars Kuruk, Yangchen as well as others all disappeared the same way the previous did. The next strike led to multiple rows of Avatars being destroyed. With each Avatar gone, one by one the ponies fell to their knees, unable to move. Korra couldn't do anything, the pain was too much.
Raava was becoming smaller and smaller with each hit. Unalaq bended out another stream of water, preparing to attack. Korra futilely tried to muster sufficient strength to reach Raava. With one final blow, Raava was destroyed, dissipating in a glow of golden light. The ponies all had tears in their eyes when they saw the very last Avatar in their vision disappear.
"Wan...no." Twilight felt so weak and helpless.
Raava was gone....and so were the past Avatars. Korra and the ponies all laid on the snow, weak and broken. Twilight, however managed to at least reach Korra's shoulder with her wing. Korra looked sadly at her friend.
"I'm so sorry!" said the alicorn. Korra didn't say a word before passing out. It wasn't long before Twilight did too. (~)
Back in Equestria, things seemed to be getting worse, the sky became darker and soon the Canterlot Castle began to crumble.
"Equestria...it's dying!" Luna cried out.
Celestia looked up at the sky. Hope shined in her eyes. (~)
Tenzin, Kya, Bumi and Jinora prepared to leave, but then the young girl stopped and turned back. "The world is in trouble."
"What are you talking about?" her father asked. "How do you know?"
"I can feel it."
"What happened?" Bumi asked.
"It's Korra and the ponies." she passed the light butterfly to her father, while another stayed beside her. The one with the rainbow colors. "This light spirit will guide you out of the Spirit World. I have to go help our friends. I owe it to them."
With that, Jinora began to fade way.
"Jinora, wait!"
Tenzin reached out for her, but it was took late. She had already disappeared. (~)
Mako and Bolin helped an unconscious Korra up while Flash hoisted up Twilight onto his back. They witnessed Unalaq's body began to change. He grew in size, his physical appearance shifted, his tan skin turned dark, his hair dissolved into his skin, his cloths disappeared and red markings began to take place. His eyes glowed orange-red, tentacles grew around his back, and even a crescent-like crown headed shape formed his head. Eska and Desna exited the portal to find their father completely changing before their eyes, looking in fear.
Flash's eyes widen in horror. "Is that Unalaq?"
"Not anymore...." Spike said before saying with fear, "That's UnaVaatu!"
Once Unalaq stopped growing, the terrifying creature looked down upon them, "Now, ten thousand years of darkness....begins!"
His large hand reaches up to the southern portal's spirit light beam, creating a storm and he disappeared, teleporting away, creating an impact that tossed Mako, Bolin, Flash, Desna, Eska, Korra and the Mane Six away.
Korra and the ponies laid there not moving a muscle. Weak and hurt....UnaVaatu had won. (~) |
The Little Pony Legend 2: Spirits of Courage | Light in the Dark | *(~)*
Revelation 15: 2~
And I saw what looked like a sea of glass glowing with fire and, standing beside the sea, those who had been victorious over the beast its image and over the number of its name. They held harps given them by God.
*(~)*
Light in the Dark
The spirit lights illuminated the night skyline of Republic City. Police airships an United Forces battleships were deployed to protect the mainland. At Air Temple Island, Pema and her three younger children started up into the sky.
"Ooo...Pretty." said Ikki, admiring the dazzling lights above.
Inside a police airship, President Raiko stood by the control, accompanied by Chief Beifong. The president spoke into the intercom. "General Iroh, are your ships in position?"
"Yes, Mr. President." Iroh spoke through the intercom from his own ship. "But I need to know what kind of enemy we're dealing with."
As Iroh spoke, the sky lights lit up in an unusual way, and before their eyes, the Dark Avatar UnaVaatu plunged into the sea. Creating some powerful waves that pushed back the battle ships around the bay. He spoke with his voice, in tune with the dark spirit.
"It's time to take back the physical world."
UnaVaatu began walking towards the mainland. Iroh and his men witnessed the Dark Avatar approaching.
"Fire!"
The United Forces firebenders attacked UnaVaau with large fire blasts, but the beats continued walking, unharmed. He retaliated by waterbending a wall to stop the blasts, before sending the wave toward the battleships, scattering them. He subsequently walked up to Avatar Aang Memorial Island.
"Monster attack!" Meelo shouted from the balcony, pointing at the large beast near the statue of his late grandfather.
UnaVaatu wrapped his tentacles around the statue of Aang, before bringing it to the sea. Waves crashed beside his legs as the statue of Avatar Aang slowly sank into the water.
Symbolizing the end of the Avatar. (~)
"They're over here." Tenzin exclaimed. He kneeled down to the unconscious Korra, her friends were all scattered around her, in her exact state. "Please, wake up" the airbender pleaded to the young girl as he carried her in his arms. Tenzin noticed that Flash and Spike managed to wake up, wobbling and dazed as they stood.
"Flash Sentry, Spike are you two alright?" Tenzin asked. Since he could no longer understand them, Spike growled and Flash neighed in response. Kya kneeled down and examined the two brothers and the rest of the ponies. "Their going to be alright, but I need to get them into some spirit water right away."
Tenzin carried Korra bridal style, with Twilight on her stomach, while Bumi carried the brothers on his shoulders and Flash carried Pinkie Pie on his back. Kya carried Rarity and Rainbow Dash on her shoulders. They all entered through the portal back into the spirit world and gently placed their unconscious friends into a nearby stream of clear spirit water.
"I'll get the others." Tenzin quickly got Fluttershy and Applejack and placed them in the water with the others. Kya began moving her arms and began to heal them. The stream of illuminated water passed over them, mirroring Kya's movements. As the light passed over her, Korra opened her eyes, slowly Twilight did as well. Once they fully regained consciousness, Korra and Twilight simultaneously shot up and gasped for air. The boys and rest of the Mane Six did the same.
"COLD WATER!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, now standing on her hooves, shaking the liquid off of her body.
"Thank goodness you'll all alright." Tenzin said.
Rarity shook the water from her body. "Sure, if you call nearly being eliminated by a mad man and his new dark spirit bestie, 'alright'."
The other ponies shook themselves dry while Flash helped Twilight back up. "Did you find Jinora?" Korra asked Tenzin as he helped her out of the stream by taking her hand.
"I managed to rescue her soul," he explained "but she wasn't ready to return to her body yet. She sensed the world was in grave danger."
Korra looked down dejectedly. "...she was right." walked off and sat on a small nearby rock, her expression looked devastated and defeated. An expression that was shared by the otters ponies...even Pinkie Pie.
"Were you able to stop Unalaq and Vaatu?" Tenzin asked.
"No. They fused then Vaatu ripped Raava right out of me and destroyed her. Vaatu won."
They all looked at her in fear and worry. "No. I am too young to live through ten thousand years of darkness" said a frightened Bolin.
"And I'm too young and cute!" Spike cried out, the ponies all looked at him annoyed, "What? Korra, can't you talk to one of your past lives or something?"
All Bolin could hear was growling. "Spike please, we've got a real problem here! Korra, can't you talk to one of your past lives or something?"
Spike slapped his face with his claw.
"When Vaatu destroyed Raava. He destroyed my connection to the past Avatars too." she said. Tenzin's eyes widen in fear.
"If that's true then--"
"The cycle is over. I'm the last Avatar."
Everyone fell into despair but then Mako's face lit up with hope. "Wait, the Elements of Harmony! Maybe you can still win this!"
The ponies then attempted to activate their respected Elements. While they did manage to get their gems to give out very faint glows, it quickly vanished. The gems themselves then dissolved back into their skins. Everybody looked on in horror.
"The Elements each held a piece of the Avatar spirit within them." Korra explained. "Without Raava I can't activate with them anymore. Without the seven together Equestria's magic can't be restored." Korra broke down in tears, "I'm so sorry!"
The ponies all surrounded Korra and sympathetically embraced her. The others didn't know what else to do. They no longer had the Elements of Harmony or the Avatar Spirit at their disposal. And while they still had each other, how was that going to help in defeating UnaVatu now? Kya turned to Tenzin.
"They need you now. More than ever."
Tenzin looked at the weeping Avatar and depressed ponies. As he did he noticed the shimmering coats of the ponies, and a rainbow hue reflected in his eyes. Suddenly, it all became crystal clear to him. He knew what he had to do. (~)
Multiple planes flew by UnaVaatu, but he then caught them with his tendrils. The pilot managed to eject before the plane was pulled down and slammed onto the water surface where it exploded. Raiko and Lin watched the damage zone.
"He's going to destroy the entire city." Raiko said with worry. This was exactly the kind of catastrophe the Avatar was trying to prevent, and now because of his stubbornness, his city was paying the price.
UnaVaatu's chest glowed as he shot and energy beam at the airship, destroying the tail propellers. The airship then began spinning and hurling toward nearby buildings. The multiple police officers braced themselves. Lin pulled a lever, opening the back door, and gestured to her officers to bail out.
"We're going down!"
Multiple metalbender cops jumped out of the airship, shooting their cables for a safe landing. Raiko walked up and clung on to Lin for safety, who aimed her cables at a rooftop gargoyle before jumping off. The duo landed on a roof, where they continued observing the damage. UnaVaau shot out vines which then began to engulf the harbor and many Republic City landmarks.
In his cell, Varruck was exercising while listening to the radio, Shiro Shinobi spoke. "It's pandemonium in the streets! Giant vines are destroying everything. This is Shiro, Shinobi, signing off!"
As he signed off, a large vine came crashing in, destroying the wall of the cell, throwing the radio and Zhu Li off balance, but completely missed Varrick who coincidentally ducked during his exercise. He walked up to the hole, smiling cheekily, before putting on a pair of goggles.
"Zhu Li, commence "Operation Winged Freedom""
Zhu Li tied a backpack to herself before latching onto Varrick's back. She tightened the clasp around Varrick's waist before the duo leaped off the cell.
"Do the thing!"
At his command, Zhu Li pulled on a string and the backpack opened up into wings. The duo soared off into the skies. (~)
Tenzin walked towards the girls, in an effort to console them. Korra had her hand near her forehead, looking down. She had lost all hope, and so did the rest of the ponies.
"The other Avatars may not be able to help you anymore, but perhaps I can."
"No one can help us now." Korra replied hopelessly.
"I know I haven't been the best mentor to you. But I've realized it was because I had a lot of spiritual growth to do myself. There may still be a way for you to stop Vaatu and save Equestria."
"How?"
He kneeled beside her and the ponies, "You need to let go of your attachment to who you think you are and connect with the True Spirit."
"Haven't you heard anything I said? Raava is gone. I'm not connected to a spirit anymore. And without her I can't activate the Elements of Harmony."
"That's not true, and I wasn't referring to Raava."
Twilight's ears perked up as she remembered something, "Korra, while you were in that spirit pool at that island, the Shaman told us that our connection with you runs deeper than just your Avatar spirit...I think Tenzin might have a point."
"What did she say?" Tenzin asked.
"...You might be right." Korra answered, "But how?"
Tenzin stood up, "Come with me, all of you. I need to show you something." he lead them to the front to the Tree of Time. It was large, gnarly and old.
"Why are you showing us Vaatu's prison?" Korra asked, Fluttershy hid behind her due to the scary looking tree.
"Even without him in it, it still looks creepy." said the pegasus.
"Because this tree had a history long before it held Vaatu." Tenzin explained. "This is the Tree of Time. And the legend says that it binds both spirit and physical worlds together. Hence, why their magic still flows into our world."
"And, you think this tree can help us somehow?" she asked her mentor.
"Yes. I have read that long ago the ancients would mediate beneath the tree in order connect with the great energy of the universe and find the truth of everything. But whenever they tried, they always came out unsuccessful as a whole. That's because they didn't understand the true fruit of Friendship like you girls did." Tenzin airbended himself to the entrance, Korra airbended herself, Rarity, Pinkie and Applejack while Twilight, Rainbow and Fluttershy fly next to her.
Inside Korra could see images floating all around the entrance of the tree. Applejack pointed to the images with her hoof, "Look at that."
"These are my memories." said Korra. Indeed, all of her memories where there; from her first day at Republic City, to her pro-bending days, her defeat with Amon, her time with her friends at home and in Ponyville, meeting Leilani...everything.
"The Tree of Time remembers all." as Tenzin said this, Pinkie Pie then spots a memory with her in it and jumped happily.
"Look, it's me! It's Me! Hi past Pinkie Pie!"
Tenzin continued, "Korra, even without your bending, you have always been strong, unyielding and fearless." He turned to look at the ponies, smiling proudly, "Applejack, you have always been honest, brave and determined. Fluttershy, despite your timidness, your kindness and courage shows no boundaries. Rarity, you are creative, generous and resourceful. And Pinkie Pie, I have never known anyone with such optimism and laughter. And I doubt I ever will. Rainbow Dash, your speed and strength are remarkable. But it is your loyalty which I know is your most admirable trait."
"Can't argue with that!" said Rainbow.
Tenzin finally turned to the princess, "Twilight Sparkle. Despite your remarkable intelligence, you are a true leader. You are brave, loving and many times, your fierceness can even rival Korra's." The princess and the Avatar smiled at the nomad, "You are all special and unique in your own ways, and when you're together, you carry this...this Spark that is unlike anything I have ever seen. A Spark that has been lost to the people of this world, but thanks to you, we're beginning to find it again. I know I did. You may have fallen but you always came back up again. You girls have given everyone you encountered, including me, Hope."
Rarity pointed to an image on the corner, "Look, there's your memory from when we first came to Republic City."
"And when we bonded for the first time." Twilight added.
"That was one of the happiest moments of my life." Korra said as she re-lived the happy moment before her eyes.
"Korra, you brought the Elements of Harmony back to the ponies due to actions that came out of the goodness of your heart. When you placed others before yourself." said Tenzin.
Just then, her memories faded off, and a new image appeared before them. Korra recognized who it was. "Avatar Wan."
"Before he fused with Raava, Wan was just a regular person."
Twilight agreed, "He's right. He was just a poor thief with no money."
"Yeah, just your basic everyday "go-too" kind of guy." said Applejack.
"But he was brave and smart and always wanted to defend the helpless." said Korra as she watched the memory of Wan feeding multiple woodland animals, and him defending the spirits from firebenders, even his moments with White and Leilani.
"That's right." Tenzin said, "But it wasn't about who he was before, it as about who he was with his friends. Wan, Rava, White and Leilani were different, but their differences brought out the best in each other, the same way you girls bring out the best in one another. Even your cutie mark proves it, Korra."
Korra caressed the mark on her cheek as Tenzin explained, "It may look similar to Raava's markings, but they're not the same. They're different. Unique. Just like Wan, Raava and the alicorns before you, you were all brought together by something greater than all of us, and it's been guiding you this whole time. Even if you didn't always see it."
Then they saw more images of Wan with Prince White, Princess Leilani and Raava, how strong and powerful their friendship was. The image shifted to one of Prince White planting the light from Wan and Raava and it grew into the Tree of Harmony. A symbol of a newfound friend. Another image showed the girls returning the Elements back to the tree as well as the times where Celestia and Luna had used the Elements of Harmony in the past. Twilight gasped.
"Tenzin's right! This is what the Shaman meant!"
"What do you mean?" Korra asked.
"Raava said she was a defender of good, but it wasn't her power alone that helped them defeat Vaatu. Don't you see? The tree, Raava's powers, the Elements of Harmony, our friendship, it's all connected by one thing: ...The Light! The same Light Raava served, and even Vaatu before his fall. The same Light that gives the Tree of Harmony its life. The Light that helped me and my friends save Equestria from NightMare Moon. The Light that brought us all together and helped you connect with each of the Elements of Harmony. It carried out Wan, Leilani, White and Raava's friendship across time to this day, and it's that very Light that is going to help us now. That's the SpiritTenzin was talking about, wasn't it?"
The air nomad nodded in agreement. Korra began to think about what Twilight was saying. "But, if I can still power the Elements why couldn't I do it a minute ago?"
"Because you were clouded by self-doubt and grief. Kind of like when you had your airbending block." Twilight explained, "If one of us has doubts then that affects the rest. We all just have to believe in each other, to share our strength. I know we can do this, but you have to believe we can too, because today we all face this battle together!"
Everything became crystal clear to Korra now. Even with their powers, Korra could now see what truly made Wan, Raava and the two ponies so powerful to begin with. When all hope was lost, they turned to their friendship, and its magic was what gave them strength to save the world. Twilight was right, now was not the time to rely on her own strength. She had to believe in something far greater than herself. Her friends did, Tenzin did as well, and look how strong and determined they had become. It was time for her to fully embrace this as well. She was not in this alone, no matter how many times she believed she was.
The group of friends turned their heads when a new image began to take form inside of the tree. Korra gasped in horror at the sight of Republic City being destroyed by UnaVatuu.
"Everyone in Republic City is in danger!"
"Holly molly, that's one big Unalaq!" Pinkie Pie shouted.
"Look!" Fluttershy pointed to another image: they could see Equestria fading and being destroyed, ponies running in fear, colors fading...everything was disappearing.
"Equestria! It's starting to disappear!" Twilight exclaimed.
"No!" Korra cried.
"You girls have to help them." Tenzin tells them.
"How?" Korra asked, "They're halfway around the world and we can't save Equetsria without stopping Unalaq first. If we connect with Equestria now, Vaatu's dark energy will flow through and destroy it even faster. I can feel it."
"Don't be afraid." Tenzin said, "Don't bend the Elements, don't just focus on yourself. Connect with the Light of the Spirit that brought you all here in the first place. Believe in the knowledge you have learned from your times together. Carry it in your heart and mind, and remind Vaatu and Unalaq why Friendship is the most powerful Magic of all. Remind everyone."
Korra and the ponies looked at each other hopefully. "You really think we can do this?" Korra asked.
"I have no doubt."
Korra felt tears forming in her eyes. Even after everything that has happened, all the mistakes she had made, her friends and family still stood by her. Twilight was right, Korra did bring others together, but only by offering them her love. She and the ponies all embraced Tenzin in a warm hug. "Thank you for not giving up on us."
Once they released the hug Tenzin left the tree as the girls all sat together to meditate. "Let's do this. You girls ready?" Korra asked them.
"You bet!" Rainbow said with a wink
"Yes indedaly!" Pinkie saluted.
"Absolutely!" Rarity cheered.
"Let's do it!" Applejack cheered.
"Normally I would say 'no' and hide behind a rock, but there is now way I'm gonna let Unalaq get away with everything he has done. So let's end this rein of darkness once and for all!!" Fluttershy said with great determination.
Twilight smiled as she placed her hoof over the Avatar's hand. "We're all in this together, Korra."
Korra smiled in return. "Now and forever."
They all closed their eyes as they heard Raava voice from a memory above their heads. The memory of Raava's encouraging words to Leilani spoke once more.
"You are strong, don't give in to what is easy, rather fight for what may be difficult."
"Find the Light in the Dark."
"Connect with the True Spirit."
"Trust in the Light with all your heart."
The girls did as Tenzin instructed and not only meditated, but they hoped, they even prayed, for guidance and to discover what it was they needed to do now. The girls felt a powerful energy surround them, feeling a warm atmosphere surrounding their bodies, enwrapping them in something wonderful. Once they opened their eyes they found themselves standing on astral lights. They appeared to be in a space-like world.
"Where are we?" Twilight asked.
In front of them, they all saw a gigantic projection of Korra holding a glowing orb, she had the cutie mark on her cheek and her hair was down. But what really stood out was that she also had a star tattoo on her forehead...and two angel-like wings emerging her back. Around her were six gems each in the shape of the ponies' cutie marks, they recognized them immediately.
"The Elements of Harmony." Twilight said breathily. She was right before, the Elements were a part of Korra, just as they were a part of them. In a lot of ways, the Elements are a part of everyone. Korra could not believe her eyes, was this image of herself a sign or something, what did it mean exactly. The ponies and Avatar shared looks of determination and the mares allowed Korra to walk ahead first. But the Avatar didn't move.
The ponies looked up at her in confusion, wondering why she had stopped. Korra smiled at them and nodded her head, silently saying she wanted them to go ahead of her. She wouldn't be here if not for them. The ponies smiled at her kind gesture and go ahead with Korra behind them as they all walked into the glowing ball of light. Once they entered the light, they stood on a white plane and then...they saw him. The white alicorn stallion, smiling warmly at them all.
"Prince White?"
The spirit of the first alicorn stood before them, smiling proudly. "Don't be afraid. Your time has finally arrived. Are you ready?"
The girls didn't need to give it a second thought. They all nodded their heads and the Alicorn's body rose up, his wings spread wide as the glowing colors of the rainbow surrounded him, the Mane Six and Korra. This was it, this was the light, the love within their hearts.
In the Tree of Time, Korra and the Mane Six's bodies began to glow, each in their respected colors as magical sparkles came from their bodies, manifesting into colorful transparent images of themselves. As the Korra spirit formed above her body, the ponies' spirits surrounded her and the seven began to merge together as one, creating a glowing rainbow light that began to grow in size.
Outside, the others saw something coming out of the tree and their eyes widened in awe...
Over-towering them was a gigantic glowing manifestation of Korra herself, only her body kept on continuously changing colors; from cyan blue, to purple, to pink, to red, to orange, to sky blue and finally magenta. Her hair was loose, and WAY longer, so long it could have been mistaken for a tail from the front view. A horn grew from her forehead and she had two feathery wings on her back. The seven Elements of Harmony had Converged.
The Korra/Pony projection spirit arched out for the overlapping portals, glowing brightly before being sucked into the beam, disappearing through the base of the portal as they traveled to Republic City.
Spike's mouth hung open, "Wow..."
Bumi arced an eyebrow at his brother, "Uh, what did you say to them exactly?" (~)
In Republic City, UnaVaatu had already destroyed so much of the city, he felt as if nothing could stop him. The city's buildings were surrounded with vines; an emergency alarm blared. The Dark Avatar stood in the bay, his arms stretched toward the water as he controlled the vines that were overtaking the city. Just then, he looked up, seeing a rainbow light coursing through the sky. The lights intensifies into a bright ball, slamming into UnaVaatu, knocking him back, ricocheting over the water's surface. The Korra/Pony spirit emerged from the water as she stood up, and UnaVaatu looked on at the being in shock, and even a hint of fear.
From Air Temple Island, Iiki, Meelo and Pema see them through the telescope. "Korra's back!" Ikki shouted happily.
"And she's a big rainbow giant with wings and a horn!" Meelo shouted excitedly.
UnaVaatu rose up from the water and prepared to battle the Korra/Pony spirit. The Dark Avatar fired an energy beam from his chest, ad the Korra/Pony did the same, only her's was in a rainbow color. At first it seemed both powers were evenly matched, but Korra managed to focus her beams to overpower UnaVaatu's, eventually knocking him back. Korra/Pony ran forward, but UnaVaatu shot out his tendrils toward them, but they caught the tendrils in their 'hand' and used it to immobilize and grab him before slamming the monster towards a nearby mountain. Korra/Pony leaped forward, her large feathery wings spread wide in a stunning sight, and held UnaVaatu's head with their right hand. Their free hand they began to search desperately for any trace of Raava within the Dark entity. Since they were still brother and sister, Korra had hoped she would find some trace of Raava that still lingered. She refused to believe this to be the end of her story.
"You are looking for something that is gone!" He said as his tendrils wrapped around the girls, "Raava has been destroyed. And soon, you will be too!" He fired a close range energy beam at Korra/Pony, knocking them unconscious once they hit the water. (~)
Back in the spirit world, an swarm of dark spirits was heading directly for the Tree of Time, snapping and hissing as they came, their glowing yellows eyes glowing in anger and fury. "They're coming for Korra!" Mako exclaimed.
Flash turned to Spike, "Spike, stay with the girls." The dragon nodded before rushing into the tree to where the girls bodies still remained.
Mako, Tenzin, Kya and Bolin bended their respected elements at the spirits in an attempt to keep them away from the only ones who can save their worlds. (~)
Korra/Pony had woken up and stumbled from the attack, but UnaVaatu fired another energy beam at them, knocking them down again. UnaVaatu began bending out water from the ocean they were battling on, turning it purple as he bended it into stress around the girls, preparing to corrupt their spirits. (~)
Mako and the others tried to fend off the dark spirits. He shot lightning out towards them, while Flash Sentry kicked and punched the spirits that were coming at him. One spirit grabbed Flash by the tail, and because of his injured wing, he couldn't fly away. Mako heard his "neighs" and saw the pegasus in trouble.
"Flash Sentry! Let him go!" He angrily firbended at the spirit, forcing it to release Flash. He landed beside Mako, "You okay?" Flash nodded and neighed a 'yes'.
Bolin attacked spirits with his earthbending, but one spirit grabbed him by the ankle and dragged him away. Though before the spirit could attack, the entity was destroyed by a water stream, freeing Bolin.
"Leave my Bolin alone!" said Eska defensively. Both she and Desna bended streams of water aimed at the spirits.
"I am so done with spirits." said Desna.
"Eska! I love you!" Bolin kissed her cheek and earthbended a few rocks, facing the monsters alongside the twins, "Let's face the end of the world together!"
Eska smiled, "You're so romantic." (~)
UnaVaatu was nearly done corrupting the Korra/Pony spirit, their entire morphed body turning purple as they felt the dark energies consuming them. "With you out of the way, I will be the one true Avatar!"
Just then, a white light descended down from the sky. It was a bright yellow glowing spear, emitting positive energy that reached the Korra/Pony. Ikki looked through her telescope and saw that the Light was actually a person. A young person. A girl. A girl with short brown hair and air nomad clothing. Ikki immediately recognized who it was.
"Mommy it's Jinora! She's...beautiful."
"What? Let me see.", Pema took the telescope and looked through it. She gasped in surprise, it was indeed her daughter. "BE CAREFUL SWEETIE!"
Jinora descended towards the Korra/Pony, holding with her a small ball of light. Once she was right before the Korra/Pony, she spoke. Her young voice echoing in their ears.
"The real truth is about to start, followed by a true act of the heart."
Jinora opened her palms, releasing the light, which illuminated Republic City. Because of Korra selfless act to save a young girl's life, the Light from that deed returned back to Korra and the Ponies. UnaVaatu shielded his eyes from the glare of light and stopped bending, releasing the Korra/Pony who got down on their knees. As the Dark Avatar recovered, a ball of light emerged from his chest. The light was warm and bright, the monster began to panic.
"No!"
Korra/Pony felt the light within the beast and knew what that meant, replying in union; "Raava!"
Korra/Pony ran forward and started punching UnaVaatu with all of their strength, the Dark Avatar didn't' stand a chance as the bright light weakened him. Korra/Pony stuck her hand right through his chest as they touched the ball of light. With much force, they pulled the light out, which then changed into the spirit of Light herself.
Raava was free.
"Thank you." said the light spirit.
Korra/Pony then looked at UnaVaatu as their combined voices spoke with much power and authority, "It's over Vaatu."
Back in the spirit world, inside the tree, Spike gasped as he saw Korra and the ponies' bodies suddenly disappeared into thin air. "Flash! Korra and the ponies, they're gone!" cried out the dragon.
"What?!"
Then, even more surprising, the dark spirits stopped fighting against the heroes and began backing away. "What's happening?" Tenzin asked.
"They're retreating." said Kya in surprise.
Korra/Pony continued to glow and from within, Korra and the ponies physical bodies manifested. One by one their appearances began to change, their front hooves become hands, their back hooves become feet...they were turning human with wings and horns and hair extensions that resembled tails and still maintained their pony ears and their skin colors matched their previous pony coat colors. As they morphed, Korra began to call out each Element of Harmony.
Applejack had a light brown shirt with red outlines on the sleeves and bottom, a short white scarf around her neck, a navy blue sleeveless high collar vest, matching arm warmers, a arm band with apple patterns, navy blue pants and brown boots with apple prints on the side. Her cutie mark was on her cheek and her element of harmony was on the front of the chest. Her hair was long with a braid that looked like a tail and still has her pony ears. Her skin was light orange.
"Honesty"
Fluttershy had a lime green sleeveless shirt similar to Korra's with white outline. Darker green arm warmers, an armband with pink and green lines, a white cape around her waist with butterfly prints, light pink pants and lime green boots with pinke outline at the top and ankles. Her cutie mark was on her cheek, her hair is longer to look like a tail, her element on the chest of her shirt, her ears and wings, light yellow skin.
"Kindness"
Pinkie Pie had a pink shirt similar design to Korra's with white outlines on the sleeves and collar, a purple cape around the waist with a side yellow bow and balloons on the side of the cape and a light pink outline. Blue pants with purple boots, the top has two pink bows and hearts on the sides, blue straps around the ankles. Blue arm warmers and a purple arm band with yellow hearts. Her cutie was was on her cheek, element on chest, hair longer and had her ears. Skin light pink.
"Laughter"
Rarity's horn and ears remain, white skin, hair grows longer and has a diamond hair clip. Her shirt if cyan blue with light blue outlines, similar to Korra's design, she has a dark blue corset around the waist and two diamonds on the side, a flowing cyan cape around the lower waist with diamond prints, light purple pants with white boots with diamond on the front. Purple arm warmers and an arm band with light blue/dark blue/cyan diamond patterns. Her element was on her chest.
"Generosity"
Rainbow Dash turns human, ears and wings remain and has light blue skin, cutie mark on cheek and element on chest. Hair longer. A sleeveless rainbow shirt with a navy blue sleeveless vest with high collar, purple arm warmers, rainbow colored arm ban, pink/red cape around the waist with her cutie mark emblem, black pants and red boots with yellow lightning bolts on the side.
"Loyalty."
Twilight Sparkle turns into a human, her ears, horn and wings remain, light purple skin. The top of her shirt is a smilier design to Korra's shirt, purple with white outlines, a corset around the waist eight a single pink stripe and purple ruffles at the bottoms with a white bow and star patterns. She had dark blue/purple pants and light purple boots with pink straps around the angles and top and a single purple star on the front of both. Her hair is longer, has purple arm warmers and arm band with patterns identical to Korra's but are light purple. Her element is also on her chest and her cutie mark on her cheek.
"Magic"
All six of the Antro ponies, released an energy from their elements which surround Korra who began to transform as well.
She gained pony ears and hair extension tail. Her top changed into a blue halter top with white outline and the cyan heart gem is on her chest. Her midriff is exposed but covered by a transparent fabric, a white belt around her waist with a circular blue gem in the center, blue slim pants with her cutie mark embodied on the side and brown boots with white lining on the top with blue patterns. Around her waist came a long elegant purple cape with watertribe patters on the sides.
Once her outfit was complete, her forehead started to glow and a single dark blue eight inch star appears on her forehead which glowed bright. And from her back....and two beautiful feathered wings emerged!! They were the same color as her skin but fade to blue at the tips. Korra stroked her final pose,
"Unity!"
The girls all had glowing eyes or pure white. The very sight made UnaVaatu cry out in terror. "NO!"
The physical bodies of Korra and the ponies levitated within the Korra/Pony spirit body, as Korra spoke with one voice.
"Together, the Elements of Harmony posses a power beyond anything you can imagine. But it is a power you don't and will never have the ability to control."
UnaVaatu started to feel weak as he screamed in anguish while the girls glowed brighter. He could feel the darkness draining from him, being consumed by the light.
"A spirt of darkness may be inside of you Unalaq, but you can not win with him. Because you don't posses the most powerful magic of all...
"The Magic of friendship!"
Korra and the humanized ponies all held hands, froming a gigantic heart shape within their morphed spirit form.
"Here and in Equestria, it is the one magic that can truly unite us all."
UnaVaatu tried to shield himself from their power, but he knew it was futile. "What is happening? No, no, this can not be!"
Korra/Pony spirit began waterbending, creating streams of golden waters that encircled around UnaVaatu. His entire body began to glow bright, he could feel the light, the love, growing within. Its power was too strong for him to fight. He just couldn't fight it. He released one finale cry before his entire body began to disappear, dissolving into light particles that descended up into the spirit lights above.
UnaVaatu had been destroyed.
Korra and the Mane Six held each other's hands, their eyes still glowing as they spoke in union. Their voices were powerful, strong.
Equestria, do not fear
Your magic shall flow, far and near
Seven hearts, unite as one
The new Era has Begun!
The Korra/Pony spirit form lifted up its hands up into the sky, shooting a rainbow light which created an interdimencional portal high above them. Once it did, the spirit lights around the globe suddenly gained rainbow-like colors, identical to the lights that emitted from the Crystal Empire. All around the world, people witnessed these lights, changing into bright colors that danced beautifully above their heads. They could feel the warmth and love they emitted.
In the spirit world, the same lights began to appear in the sky, spirits of all shapes and sizes witnessed the beautiful phenomenon. The light traveling all around, making the spirit world even brighter and more beautiful than ever before. Near the Tree of Time, the others witnessed the lights that encircled around them. Suddenly, Mako, Bolin, Spike, Eska and Desna's bodies started to glow as the dark spirits, one by one, returned to their normal brightly colored forms. They were free from the darkness.
"I don't believe it!" said Mako as he looked down at the glowing aura around his body.
"This is incredible!" Spike said.
Mako gasped, "Spike? I can hear you again!" His eyes widened as he watched Flash and Spike beginning to transform.
Flash's body began to change, his hooves became hands, his muzzle turned into a human nose, and he could stand upright. He now wore an asian-like outfit consisting of black, white, and yellow colors. His pony ears, tail and wings remained, and his broken wing was now healed. Spoke became a human boy dragon, looking around twelve-years-old. He had green hair, pointed ears, his face was purple with his nose and mouth pale green like his underbelly as well as his hands and his tail remained. He wore a yellow-green shirt with a dark purple jacket and blue pants.
Mako and Bolin now both had a pair of Pony ears, as did Tenzin, Kya and Bumi, however Tenzin and Bumi also gained pegasus wings on their backs. Eska and Desna also gained pony ears and wings while Eska had pony ears and her hair grew longer to resemble a tail. Mako and Bolin looked at each other in shock and shouted in union, "WOW! You have pony ears! What?!" they touched their ears and shouted again in union, "I have pony ears!!"
"It's amazing." Kya said in awe as she marveled at the beauty of the rainbow lights.
"I...I have never seen anything so beautiful in my life." said Eska also in aware.
"Nor have I." said Desna as he placed his hand over his heart, "What is this strange sensation I am feeling? It feels warm and...pleasant."
"That's the Magic of Friendship." Mako said smiling, "Korra and the ponies are sharing it with everyone. This is the new beginning. The Time of Great Change."
Meanwhile, in Equestria, the colors started return. Everything physically began to change and resemble more of Korra's world and ponies everywhere started to glow. Then, all of a sudden, the ponies began to create wind currents and flames with their hooves, water and pieces of the earth obeyed their commands. For some reason, they were not frightened by these new abilities. They felt natural, almost as if they had them their entire lives and now after so long, their gifts were finally unleashed. The gifts that showed how similar they were to humans.
From the Canterlot castle, Discord, Leilani Celestia and Luna also started to glow, their magic had returned, now stronger than ever before. Discord jumped with joy, "They did it! They did it!"
Leilani smiled proudly, removing her hood to reveal her lovely flowing magical mane as she embraced her daughters.
"I knew they would."
All around the world, people gazed a the lights as aura's began surround their bodies, turning them into half-pony humans with ears and wings for some people. They all began to feel an instant peace and happiness unlike anything they have ever felt before. President Raiko saw the lights as well and realized his new transformation.
"I...I don't believe it."
Lin was breathless by the beauty, "It's amazing."
Varrick, who is flying away to freedom, saw the lights as well and slowly started to get a strange new sensation. He now knew what he had do. "Zhu-Li. Change corse to the south pole." he said.
And for the very first time...Zhu-li actually smiled, "Gladly, sir." (~)
The portal that lead to Equestria then moved and was placed in the area where Avatar Aang's statue once stood. Sparkles landed onto the water, creating crystal-like roots that reached up to the portal, creating a replica of the Tree of Harmony, with the portal right above it. Korra/Pony lowered its hands and inhaled inhaled deeply.
"Go in peace." they said in union as they bowed and Raava floated around them.
"Come, Harmonic Convergence is almost over. We must return to the Spirit World."
Raava and Jinora descended onto on Korra/Pony's open palms, where they cupped them with their hands safely, before teleporting away in a blinding light heading up to the sky.
The beam if light descended from the center of the spirit portals, illuminating the Tree of Time as the others watched in awe. The Korra/Pony spirit had returned, they opened up their palms, releasing Raava and Jinora, who glided to her father.
"I'll see you soon, dad."
Tenzin reached out for his daughter, but she disappeared before he could do so. But non the less, he was relieved to know she was now safe. The Korra/Pony spirit form began to dissipate into rainbow sparkles that were absorbed into the girls' physical bodies. Korra and the Mane Six all descended to the ground, collapsing from exhaustion.
The ponies took this moment to examine their new bodies, hands and legs. Twilight was familiar with this, having been turned human once before. The girls noticed that Korra was still lying on the ground. (~)
Back with Katara, Asami, Tonraq and Senna, they all began to glow as they gained pony ears and Asami also gained wings and longer hair that looked like a tail. Even Jinora's body was glowing. Her eyes fluttered open and smiled at her grandmother. She sat up from the tub and her grandmother embraced her in a warm hug.
"Gran Gran, I missed you."
"What about Korra and the others?" Asami asked.
Jinora smiled, "Don't worry, they're alright. Korra and the ponies saved the world."
Tonrag and Senna hug happily. Their daughter did it. And they couldn't be prouder of her. (~)
Korra stirred awake, her eyes fluttering open. She felt like she had been through a crazy roller coaster. She didn't feel the same way she did before. Something within her had changed. She was different now, and she knew that from this day forward she would never go back to being the same Korra she once was. The Avatar saw her anthro pony friends hovering above her, all smiling proudly.
Twilight offered Korra her hand and she helped her up. Korra was still a bit stunned upon seeing such transformations, but then she happily hugged them. She wobbled a bit as she tried to maintain her balance. Her body felt a bit heavy, like she had just been injected with a heavy load, but the load didn't feel awful...it felt wonderful. Korra's eyes widened as she walked closer to the majestic spirit of light herself.
"Congratulations, Korra. I knew you could do it."
"Raava. It's over. Vaatu is gone. We can fuse together." Korra said happily.
"Not exactly." Raava replied, making the Avatar confused.
"What? But we won."
"Yes, we did. But a new era has begun for all of us. Vaatu is still alive, but in a new form. Now, I shall take on a new one as well in order to help you keep the magic alive."
Korra was still a bit confused as to what she was saying. "I don't understand. Is this the end? Am I truly the last Avatar?"
"Yes. And no. You are the last of one Era but the first of a new. You girls have done the impossible; You saved two worlds by embracing the True Spirit of Friendship that binds us all as one. For years, I have always prided myself of being a warrior for the Light, but now I see that we all must become warriors. And you, my darling Korra, are ready."
"Ready? Ready for what?"
Rava:
It's time now for a new change to come
You've grown up and your new life has begun
To go where you will go
To see what you will see
To find what you will be, for it's time for you...
To fulfill your destiny!
Korra floated in the sky as a white imprint of Raava formed on her chest. It then disappeared as one ray of light went to Korra's forehead and her wings glowed brightly. The Elements of Harmony glowed brightly, each corresponding with their individual color schemes rather than Raava's identical whiteness. Korra's body ceased its glowing and the image of Raava appeared above her head before shrinking and taking the form of a small white butterfly with the same blue patterns as Raava. Korra's eyes, forehead star and wings ceased their glowing once she landed on the ground.
She struggled to keep her balance but managed to keep a firm stance as the newly transformed Raava fluttered before her, resting on Korra's finger, speaking telepathically. "Thank you, for setting me free...my friend."
A single tear formed in Korra's eye and she gently placed a soft kiss on her wings before she flew off into the sky.
"Korra!" The ponies all rushed towards her and embraced in a group hug. Rainbow praised Korra's new wings, "Check these out! You've got yourself a strong pair right there."
"I still can't believe this." Korra said, marveling at her wings before turning to her friends, "And I certainly can't believe you guys are now humans! Or, human-looking anyway."
"Yep!" Pinkie Pie started naming the parts of her new body, "We have legs and arms, and fingers and knees and elbows and--"
Rarity quickly covered her mouth before she said the next thing, "Pinkie! Not while boys a present."
"Oops! Sorry."
"Twilight!"
The princess turned and saw human Flash running towards her. "Flash!" she happily ran towards him and the two embraced in a loving hug. Mako ran over to Korra, hugged her and kissed her on the cheek.
"I don't even know what to say. Except, You look cute in those ears."
Korra giggled and slightly tugged on his new pony ears, "Back at ya."
"You were all amazing." Tenzin said proudly.
"Well, duh! We were AWESOME!" Rainbow Dash lifted up her fist in victory while flapping her wings.
"And the way you all turned gigantic like that with the wings and stuff, WOW!" Bolin said in a loud excited voice, "I just wish Varrick had been here to film it! It would have been the greatest mover ever! After, the Nuktuk chronicles of course."
"Wait, what about Equestria?" Kya asked.
"Equestria is going to be fine." Twilight said with a smile, "The magic is back and stronger than ever. Because it's now shared with this world."
"Now I understand." said Mako, "The only way to save the magic...was to share it."
"So everything's going to be okay?" Flash asked.
"I'd say they're gonna be better than okay." said Applejack.
However, Korra didn't pay attention to him for she saw someone behind them. Everybody turned to see a man on the ground before them. He looked beaten up and struggled to stand up. His hair was tangled and his cloths looked like they had been burned. It was Unalaq!
Mako, Bolin, Flash Sentry, Applejack and Rainbow Dash all snarled and began walking towards him while pounding their fists together, ready to punch him. But they were stopped by Korra and Twilight. Korra walked towards her uncle.
Beside him was another butterfly, one with black bat-like wings and red markings. The winged insect angrily fluttered upwards towards Korra. The Avatar simply shoed him away. "Give it a rest Vaatu. You've lost." she approached her uncle and the butterfly Vaatu flew away, realizing he really couldn't do anything anymore.
Unalaq groaned and looked up to see his niece. "Korra? How? What happened to you?" He touched his ears and realized he now had pony ears too, "What?! What have you done to me?!"
"It's over, uncle. Any power you had is gone for good."
Unalaq looked at everyone and their strange new transformations. He then snarled at Korra, "You---you ruined everything! You call yourself the Avatar?! Look at you! You're nothing but a monster now!"
"The only monster around here, is you."
Unalaq made a run towards the southern portal, but was stopped by Twilight and Flash who both landed in front of him, wearing smug smiles and crossing their arms.
"And where do you think you're going, chump?" said Flash.
To everybody's surprise, Twilight punched Unalaq hard in the jaw and he landed on the ground with a loud thumb. Flash was impressed, "Wow!"
Unalaq got back up and attempted to waterbed.....but then realized he couldn't. He looked at his shaking hands, "No, my bending. What happened to my bending?!"
The man was then splashed to the side by a powerful water whip created by Rarity. Rainbow and Fluttershy who both grabbed the man by the arms, carrying him high up.
"Put me down!"
The two girls smirked at each other, "Okay!" they both said before dropping him. The man screamed as he fell. He landed on the ground again with a loud thumb and Applejack used her lasso to tie him up.
"Eska, Desna, help me!"
The twins looked at each other for a brief moment and then back at their father. "Sorry father, but you do not deserve any help." said Desna.
Pinkie used a party hat to cover Unalaq's mouth and blowed streamers into his face, "Ha, ha!"
Spike blew a raspberry at the man's face, "Not so tough now are ya?"
"Keep him there for a moment." said Korra, "We've got something to finish."
Korra and the ponies all walked towards the portal with Tenzin beside them. The bunny spirit appeared, chirping happily as he encircled Bumi who hugged the creature. "Bum-Jun, you're okay! I missed you little buddy."
"Aww, he missed you too." said Spike as he watched the spirit nuzzle in Bumi's arms.
Korra, the ponies and Tenzin approached the portal, standing before it. The air nomad looked at his student with regret. "I'm so sorry about Raava." he said sadly.
To his surprise, Korra smiled. "Don't be. She'll always be around when we need her. As for Vaatu, well...let's just say he's going to have to put up with her for a long, long, long time." she giggled, making Tenzin smile, "Besides, Vaatu may have lost, but he still left a pretty big mess over the years. Darkness is still out there. But the Light still exists too. It can never be extinguished...and by spreading the Magic of Friendship, others will see that too."
"But, what about your Avatar spirit?" Tenzin asked.
"Still here. Only, with a little upgrade." Korra clenched her fists and opened them....out emerged glowing white orbs and as Korra lifted up her hands they shoot out into the air and exploded into shimmering snow flakes.
Twilight happily gasped, "Magic! That's what was happening to you! I can't believe I never realized it sooner!"
Applejack tipped her hat, "Well I'll be. You had magic growing inside of you this whole time."
Rarity came to a realization, "Your magic, combined with your wings...that would make you a--"
"A human alicorn!" Twilight finished.
Rainbow Dash gasped, "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh!"
"I--I didn't even know that was possible." Tenzin said in aware.
Korra opened and clenched her fists as the glow diminished, "The Avatar always had Equestrian magic within. But, because of the separation between our worlds, they could never unlock it." Korra gave a thankful smile to the rest of the Mane Six, then stretched her new wings a bit, "Now that I finally have, these wings and powers are here to stay."
"So if you now have your Avatar Spirit and alicorn magic, does this also mean you're reconnected to your past lives?"
Korra looked at him sadly, "No. I'm afraid that link is gone forever."
Rarity and Rainbow Dash hugged her arms and placed their heads on both her shoulders. "I'm really sorry Korra." said Applejack.
"Me too." said Pinkie Pie.
But Korra's frown faded into a smile. It was a smile of both happiness and relief, "I't's alright. No matter what, I'm still the Avatar. I'm just... different from the others now. Our entire world just went through a massive transformation, who's to say the Avatar cycle can't change either?"
Twilight hugged the avatar, "That's our girl."
"I am so proud of you." said Tenzin, "Why don't you close the portals? Then we can go home."
Korra and the ponies all reached their hands out to close the portals...but then they stopped as the portal shimmered with rainbow colors and their eyes all glowed with a rainbow aura.
"Maybe we shouldn't." said Rainbow Dash.
"What do you mean?" Tenzin asked.
"It was crucial for both portals to be closed during The Great Change so Vaatu would loose his power once the magic of Equestria was restored to this world." Korra explained as she slowly moved her hand away from the portal, "But now that it's over....what if Unalaq was right when he said the Avatar shouldn't be a bridge between the two worlds?"
"Uh, could you not say it so loud, he might here you." said Fluttershy while pointing with her tub behind her where Unalaq was still tied up.
"I'm not saying he was right about his methods. Though Wan had a good reason for closing the portals in the first place, but when he and the alicorns closed the gateway to Equestria it dangerously severed our link. All three of our worlds have been apart for so long." Korra clenched her fist, her mind processing everything. "Things were different during their time. Filled with anger and division... but it wasn't supposed to forever be like that. What if neither of our worlds were meant to live apart?"
Twilight turned her head and sees Bumi playing with Bum-Jun and Korra and the others see this too. Korra turned to Tenzin, "What do you guys think I should do?" she asked.
Tenzin placed his hand on her shoulder, "You should trust your instincts. There is nothing else I can teach you. Whatever your decision, I support you."
Twilight squeezed Korra's hand as the others rallied behind her nodding in reassurance. Korra smiled, "I think...if me and ponies can get along, who's to say humans and spirits can't as well? Besides, we could use all the help we can get from now on."
"It won't be easy." said her mentor.
"True, but the things that truly matter never are...that is why they are worth it in the end."
The girls cheered as they hugged Korra, "We are so proud of you, Sugarcube!" said Applejack.
"We all are." said Spike as he ran up to Korra who welcomed him in a hug.
Flash approached her, "Way ta go, champ." he gives her his hand to shake but instead Korra surprised him with a warm hug. Flash hugged her back.
"Thank you, Flash Sentry. For everything."
"You too."
Korra:
I'm stepping out of my shell
Fells good just being myself
Not scared to show what's inside
I'll put it all on the line
'Cause I got nothing to hide
Woah!
I'm finally me!
Korra sprouted open her new wings and started to fly all around, amazing everybody.
Got everything I need
What you get is what you see
I--I--I'm finally me!
As she flew, Korra unleashed beautiful blue and white sparkles all around.
And I've never felt so free
There's no one else that I'm trying to be
I'm finally me!
She made sparkles swirl around the ponies and their outfits gained sparkles, Tenzin's cloths changed into a dashing Air nomad outfit. Mako and Bolin's cloth changed to more stylish versions of their street cloths. Even Eska and Desna loose their drape robes and gain two stylish water tribe clothing. The two twins actually smiled.
Hey, hey, uh-huh
Hey, hey, uh-huh
Hey, hey, yeah
I'm finally me
Hey, hey, uh-huh
Hey, hey, uh-huh
Hey, hey, yeah
I'm finally me
I've got quirks, but they work
I've learned to love those things
Fluttershy,
You don't have to be anyone but you
Pinkie,
So let me hear you say!
Korra and ponies,
I'm finally ME!!!!!!!!
Got everything I need
What you get is what you see
I--I--I'm finally me!
Korra and the winged human-fied ponies fly all around. From Korra's hands, sparkles landed on the ground and grass and beautiful flowers started to grow and the sky became clear and beautiful as day.
And I've never felt so free
Korra,
There's no one else that I'm trying to be
I'm finally me
Everybody,
Hey, hey, uh-huh
Hey, hey, uh-huh
Hey, hey, yeah
Korra,
I'm finally me!
Korra, Rainbow, Twilight and Fluttershy land and the others hug them all. "Yeah. So, what are we gonna do with uncle crazy head over there?" Rainbow asked while pointing to Unalaq.
"Prison is too good for this guy." Mako said while crossing his arms.
"So is the Canterlot dungeon," said Flash, "or any dungeon for that matter."
Tenzin grinned as he stroked his beard, "I think I know the perfect place for him." (~)
Unalaq ran around frantically trying to find a way out of the thick fog. "No, no! This can't be! I am Vaatu, I am the darkness! I will rule!"
From a safe distance, they all watched as Unalaq laughed insanely in the Fog of Lost Souls. "Wow, that fog doesn't waste much time does it?" Bolin said.
Korra then walked over to her cousins with a look of sympathy and regret, "I still can't believe you guys agreed to this. But I just want you to know I'm sorry. I understand seeing your father like this is hard but--"
"It seems cousin Korra is under the impression we are saddened by our father's demise." said Eska.
Korra arced an eyebrow, as did everybody else.
"But I will not miss him at all." Desna replied, "In the end he became a deplorable man."
"Agreed. But how will be explain this to mother?"
The others all jolted in shock, "HE'S MARRIED?!"
"Of course." Eska replied calmly.
Spike crinkled his nose, "Yeach, that lady must have had very poor standards."
Bolin walked up to Eska with a smile, "So, I was thinking, I'm not really a fan of long distance relationship thing, so how about you move to Republic City with me?"
"I do not think that will be possible."
Bolin sighed sadly, "Okay...Desna can come too."
"I will not be joining you Bolin. Desna and I must return home."
"But you said--"
"Eternal darkness was upon us. I became caught up in the moment."
"Yeah...I guess I did too." Bolin replied sadly.
"But...you always hold a special place in the organ that pumps my blood."
"You mean your heart?" Twilight corrected.
"Yes, that too."
Twilight looked at her weird, "Ooooookay"
Eska and Bolin smiled at each other, "I will remember you fondly. My turtle duck" said the young woman.
Pinkie Pie said, "Awwwww, you gotta admit that is pretty sweet."
Seeing this semi-romantic moment inspired Mako. He looked over at Korra and attempted to grab her hand, but to his surprise and disappointment, she moved it away. His cheeks turned red once he saw that Korra had placed her hand in his. He smiled at Korra who smiled back, bright colors dancing in their eyes.
"Korra."
The Avatar turned to her cousin, "Yes, Desna?"
"Um, we--we've wanted to say that. Well..."
Seeing her brother struggling, Eska continued, "We are...grateful to have you as a relative."
Korra blinked in surprise by this, "Really? Wow, that's...by far the only nice thing you have ever said to me."
"We know we have not always been close but--" Eska then took Korra's hands and spoke with much kindness in her voice, "We hope we can somewhat the barrier we have created over the years."
Desna nodded in agreement, "Yes. And we are sorry for being so cruel to you and your friends before."
Korra smiled, "It's alright. And I would really like that very much."
For the first tim ever, Eska and Desna actually smiled as they welcomed their cousin into a warm hug. Pinkie Pie cried tears of joy, as did Fluttershy and Rarity and even Spike. Pinkie passed by a box of tissues, "I love happy endings!"
"Can I have a tissue, please?" said Spike.
"Sure", she blew her nose into the tissue and hands it to a disgusted Spike.
"I'll just use my sleeve."
Korra looked down at the fog of lost souls. Even though her uncle was an evil sociopath with a lust for power, in a funny way, he was right about the spirits and humans needing to be together. He may have used his methods for selfish reasons, but Korra managed to put them to good use. She also learned that not everyone who uses flattering words, or make grand promises are who they say they are.
As it would seem, Korra did learn from Unalaq after all.
*(~)*
John 8: 12~
Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "I am the Light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life."
*(~)* |
The Little Pony Legend 2: Spirits of Courage | A New Princess/The Era of Magic | *(~)*
Ephesians 5:8~
For at one time you were in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.
*(~)*
A New Princess/The Era of Magic
The next day, inside the Southern Watertribe palace, Korra and the rest of her friends were all gathered inside the throne room. With Unalaq gone, there was to be a new chief of the South, and Korra couldn't be any prouder.
"Just spin around, one last time." Rarity insisted. Korra gracefully spun around once to show off her tanned feathery wings. Rarity still couldn't get over them, "Oh, they're so beautiful!"
Just then, the main doors opened and the girls smiled at seeing Tenzin, Kya, Bumi, Katara, Asami and Jinora walk in. The young airbender smiled when she spotted Korra and Twilight and quickly ran towards them, her new pegasus wings spread open and she flew for the first time.
"Korra! Twilight!"
The two friends welcomed the young airbender with a warm embrace. "I'm so happy you're okay!" said Twilight
Applejack ruffled Jinora's hair, "Good to have you back, suguarcube."
"Good to be back, Applejack. And you--you're all humans now!"
Twilight stretched out her human arms, "I know, and you have wings!"
"I know!" Jinora happily flapped her wings and did a few air flips in mid air before landing. Korra kneeled down to her level, smiling proudly.
"Thank you for helping us back there. We couldn't have done it without you." the young airbender hugged the older woman, who held her so tightly she was afraid of letting her go. Once the embrace ended, Korra noticed her heiress friends standing before her, waving rather shyly.
"Asami?!"
Korra's eyes widen when she saw Asami's wings and pony ears and hair-tail. Rainbow Dash flew to the heiress, "Hey, you got wings too? Awesome! Another flying buddy!" she said while happily hugging Asami.
Jinora marveled at Korra's wings, "Wow Korra. You look so beautiful."
"Yes, she does."
Everyone gasped when they see none other than Princess Celestia enter the room. She was now a human with pinkish-white skin, a long flowing dress with a sun belt and gold lace. Her hair was waving as it normally did and was in a low ponytail that looked like a tail from the front. Her horn was on her forehead and had her wings and her pony ears. She had her cutie mark on her right cheek as well as on the side of her dress. Behind her was Princess Luna, with dark blue skin, her wavy night-sky-like hair and her wings, ears and horns were still there. She had a dress similar to her sister but dark blue with lunar symbols. She also had her cutie mark on her left cheek as well as the symbol on the side of her dress.
"Celestia! Luna!" Korra ran to hug the princesses, "You--you changed too?"
"Yes. Everyone and everypony both here and in Equestria has received this transformation, in order to symbolize what you all have achieve today. True Unity."
Korra also spotted someone behind them; a tall woman in a long hooded robe. She removed the hood, to reveal an anthro form of Leilani, her facial features nearly identical to her daughters'. Her horn stood proudly on her forehead and she finally removed the hood, allowing it to drop to the ground. She wore a long simple magenta gown with her cutie mark emblem on the side which was also on her cheek. Her beautiful wings were spread out and her hair moved like a gentle wave, sparkling just like her daughters'. She smiled proudly at the Avatar, who was welcomed in a warm embrace from the queen.
"Thank you, Korra. The Rainbow smiles upon us all on this day. The prophesy has finally been fulfilled. All thanks to you girls."
"It was our pleasure, your majesty." Twilight said, "But we never would have been able to do it without Korra and the others."
"I never would have been able to do any of this without you guys." Korra replied.
Spike rolled his eyes, "Yeah, yeah, yeah we're all supper close, we know.", Korra hugged Spike and kissed his cheek, making him blush.
"You were right before, Leilani." said Korra, "When I relied on my own understandings I lost my way. But once I learned to stop and really listen I realized what I needed to do."
The alicorn queen smiled proudly, "I knew the Love you have both received and given would help guide you to what you needed to do. The answers were always around you...you just needed to figure out where to look for them."
"While Equestria's positive magic is indeed powerful, there will always be others who refuse to accept it." Celestia explained, "There for there will always be evil, but because of that there will always be good. Korra will continue to maintain balance just as me Me and my sister will continue to rule and watch over Equestria."
"Not exactly." Leilani said with a smile, earning some confused looks from her daughters. "For years, I have been traveling our land, secretly doing my duty as queen while you two took charge of the throne. And while I did enjoy my travels, doing my job as queen, I think it's high time I hung my robe...for good."
Luna and Celestia's eyes widened in surprise, "Does this mean?"
"You'll might want to ask the guards to take out my old throne."
The two sisters were overjoyed, after so many years, their mother was staying home, for good this time. The Queen hugged her daughters who cried tears of joy. Once they released, Bolin taped on Luna's shoulder somewhat shyly.
"Um, quick question, your majesties, are we going to look like this forever now?"
Luna chuckled, "No Bolin, this transformation is only temporary. Well, minus for Princess Korra"
Korra shook her head in disbelief, "Hu?!"
"You might lose the ears and tail though, but your wings and magic are here to stay." Luna explained.
"Yeah, I kind of already knew that but, why did you call me..."Princess"?"
"Because you are one." Leilani said proudly, "You did something today that no other Avatar has done before. You tapped into the magic inside that has been passed down from generation to generation, embracing your true self, by embracing those around you."
Mako looked at the Avatar in shock, "Korra?"
"A...princess?" Bolin added. He then began to feel woozy and passed out.
Korra was speechless, "But, why me? How can I be made a princess after all the mistakes I've made? I'm sorry...but I don't deserve it."
"You're wrong." Tenzin walked towards Korra, Kya and Bumi walked behind him as Bolin regained consciousness. "You do deserve it."
"But, I helped cause a war and I pushed you away. I made so many mistakes" she said, until she felt Tenzin place his hand over hers. Smiling.
"We all make mistakes, Korra. Even those who claim to be wise." Tenzin said, subtly referring to himself, "Sometimes, we all need to learn our lessons the hard way, not just you. I always thought I was meant to teach you, but a lot of times it was you who wounded up teaching me instead. You really do have the courage and strength of a true Avatar. The kindness and beauty of a Princess. But also the heart and soul...of a Pony."
Everybody smiled proudly at the Avatar as she embraced her mentor in a warm hug. "A true princess learns just as much from her subjects as she does from them." said Princess Luna.
"Despite the rocky start, you managed to learn from your own mistakes and fight to the very end to correct them." said Leilani, "Learning to face your own bad choices and taking responsibility for them is a very valuable lesson to learn. Something Wan learned a long time ago. And something you can pass on to future generations."
"You really opened our eyes as well." said Rarity, as she and the rest of the Mane Six linked arms.
"In the end, you brought us all together." Tenzin said, "You saved my daughter, and she repaid you by bringing back Raava's light. You are an inspiration to us all... Princess Avatar Korra."
Tenzin backed away a few feet and to Korra's surprise...he got down on one knee and bowed. Followed by Kya and Bumi. All around her, everybody got down on one knee and bowed their heads...even Celestia, Leilani and Luna did so. Korra couldn't believe it...she was now a princess...an alicorn princess!
"W--wait! Does that mean I have to move to Equestria?" she asked.
Celestia laughed, "No sweetie, you will still be needed here, this world still needs you. And so does ours."
Mako stood back up and looked at the princesses with regret, "Princess Celestia, Princess Luna. I have a confession to make."
"We're listening." Luna said firmly.
Mako hung his head in shame as he spoke, "Not too long ago, I told the president of the Republic about Korra's plan to send troops to the south. And in the process I not only lost my friends' trust...but I feared I had endangered Equestria as well by doing so. I tried my best to fix it, but I was still so angry at myself that I pushed away the ones I cared about at the times when I needed them the most."
He turned to look at Korra with guilt, what Mako was saying mirrored her own situations. She once tried to solve things her way, and that hardly worked out, it was only when she truly listened to others did she manage to overcome the obstacles in front of her. She completely understood where Mako was coming from. One needs to learn when to get their heads out of their own world and see things through a different perspective. And sometimes, only your best friends can help you with that. Mako turned to face the newest princess, his eyes filled with regret.
"I'm really, really sorry."
Korra looked with him with kindness and understanding, "Mako, I understand why you did what you did. You were only doing your job. And besides, you were right about Varrick. If you hadn't said anything, he would have used the opportunity to make matters worse. You did good after all, don't doubt that."
"Perhaps, but still, instead of getting angry I should have talked to you about it. I didn't know about your actual plan and I didn't give you a chance to explain."
"Well, to be fair, I should have tried to better manage how I was feeling." Korra sighed, "I wasn't being easy either."
"You were under a lot of baggage. You were scared and stressed and I should have been more aware of that instead of letting my frustration get the better of me. The same way the girls were there for you I should have been too. I understand if you don't want me back Korra, but...can we at least remain friends?"
Korra slightly lowered her gaze, "......No. We can't." Mako looked hurt at her words....but was then taken by surprise when Korra kissed his cheek, "Because I want us to be more than friends. Despite everything that has happened, I never stopped loving you." Korra's words made Mako's heart go all aflutter with hope, "We both did and said things we regret. To each other, and to the people we care about and trying to solve a problem our way. Relying on our own understandings. But I see now we grew up greatly from of those mistakes. In fact, I feel a lot closer to you now than I ever have. I understand you better now, and I know you understand me too. After everything we've been through together, are we really going to throw away what we have because of a few mistakes?"
"Of course not." Mako said as he intertwined his fingers with hers, "You were the one who showed me what true friendship was really all about. I guess I got so caught up with my work that I lost sight of that for a moment. No matter what, you have and will always be the magic in my life, Korra. Can you ever forgive me?"
"Of course I do. Can you forgive me?"
"Always."
The two embraced and then Korra playfully punched him and spoke with a threatening voice, "But if you EVER break up with me again, I will break you!"
Mako chuckled, "I missed you."
The teens embraced in a warm hug. The princesses smiled proudly and Celestia placed her hand on Mako's shoulder, "Mako, you have remarkable detective skills and you used them wisely. Your actions will be rewarded my boy."
The young man bowed in respect, "Thank you, princess. But I think they already have."
Asami started to cry loudly and Spike rubbed her shoulder, "Asami don't be sad. Besides, I thought you were over Mako."
"I am, these are tears of joy! And Korra, I want to apologies too."
Korra looked at her confused, "For what? You didn't do anything wrong."
"But I did. For the longest time I was so hung up on what I lost that I was blind to see what I had gained. You guys are my family. And maybe I didn't accept your friendship as fully as I should have Korra. I'm so sorry."
Asami hung her head but Korra smiled, "Asami, you don't have to apologize. To tell you the truth, I kind of kept my distance from you too because I wasn't entirely sure if you wanted to have a real friendship with me. But I think it's high time we finally put the past behind us and start over." she took the heiress's hands, "Asami Sato. Will you accept my friendship? Completely, this time?"
Asami smiled as she tried to fight back the tears, "Only if you'll accept mine."
Korra's started to tear up as well, "Deal."
The girls shared their very first hug as official friends. Mako smiled at his former girlfriend, who he now proudly considered one of his best friends. Twilight noticed something about Mako, "Wait, are you...crying?"
"What? No, of course not." he wiped the tear from his eye, "It--it's liquid pride. Totally different thing."
Asami laughed and Bolin and Pinkie Pie both hugged the firebender.
"Wow, Korra. You're a princess now. A real princess!" Jinora said in amazement.
Rarity surprised Korra with a bear hug and screamed happily, "AH! FINALLY!"
"Thanks. But you know Jinora....based on what Celestia just said, I think there is a princess in every girl." said Korra, "And they don't need a crown or the wings to prove it."
Jinora blinked in curiosity, "You mean, even I can be a princess?"
"No sweetie, I believe you already are one. You helped me and the ponies enter the spirit world and you brought Raava's light back to us. You were the Aura of Light we needed." Korra then used her new magic to create a beautiful flower decorated golden tiara and placed it on Jinora's head. "You may not need it, but you still deserve it. Thank you...Princess Jinora."
They all gather around in a loving group hug. After everything they had been through...Their friendships were now even stronger than ever. (~)
In front of the South Pole's palace, Leilani spoke to the public as Celestia and Luna stood proudly beside her. There were all humans with now pony traits and huma-fied ponies from Equestria. They all listened attentively to the princess as she spoke.
"I am sure many of you are wondering why you have all had this new transformation, I would like to say while it may be temporary, it's symbolism isn't. Avatar Korra and The Ponies had done what has never been done before. They have united two worlds that were destined to be brought together and started a new age, not one of darkness as Unalaq intended, but one of light and hope. Avatar Korra has demonstrated great courage, wisdom and kindness, all noble causalities that make her a wonderful Avatar and, starting today, a wonderful princess. She will be an ambassador for both of our worlds and a member of Equestria's royal court. Ladies and gentlemen, fillies and gentelcolts, I present to you all, for the very first time...Princess Avatar Korra!"
Korra walked out and bowed before the princess. Her cousins walked proudly beside her both holding two white lotus flowers as they sang in tune.
Eska and Desna,
The Princess Korra cometh
Behold, behold
A princess here before us
Behold, behold, behold
Twilight walked to her with Korra's headband, which was now fixed. Korra kneeled before Twilight, who then placed the headband on Korra's head. Once placed, it magically turned into a royal tiara with three crystal hearts in the center. She stood up and they both hugged. Korra stroked Twilight's cheek like she always did when she was in her pony form and the two waved to the cheering crowd.
Behold, behold
The Princess Korra cometh
Behold, behold
The Princess Avatar
The Princess Avatar is here
Twilight used her magic to make a stand with the microphone and gestured to Korra to speak. "Thank you. It is with great honor and humility that I accept this crown. I am also happy to announce that the war of the water tribes is over. Unalaq has been defeated and the northern fleet is returning home. The water tribes will always be allies but the Southern tribe is now independent. And the southern council of elders has appointed my father, Tonraq, to be your new chief."
Tonraq stepped forward, waving at the crowd that started to cheer happily for him. They all knew he would be a wonderful leader.
"Go Tonraq!" Rainbow Dash flew up a few feet and cheered in victory.
"HORAY!", Pinkie Pie shoots confetti from her party cannon, startling everyone. Korra continued her speech.
"I have realized that even thought we should learn from those who came before us, we are all free to choose our own paths. However, that doesn't mean that all paths lead in the right direction." Korra looked over at her friends and smiled. "Only with the right kind of wisdom and guidance can we know which is right. And once you choose it, you'll never regret it."
Korra took a short pause, remembering her uncle. How he choose his path to follow Vaatu, and that ultimately led to him loosing so much, not just his humanity and compassion...but also his own family. Nobody did that for him, it was all his decision, just as it was her own to listen to him. Korra took responsibility for that mistake, and now she knew that lesson better.
"This world has been broken and separated long enough. We have forgotten so much of what ties us all together. Which is why I have decided to keep the portals open. Humans and spirits will now be able to cross over into each other's worlds. And now that Equestria is once again merged with our world, the same can be said about ponies and humans. Humans, spirits and ponies can now learn to live together."
The Mane Six held each other's hands while crying tears of pride and joy and Korra continued her speech.
"Friendship truly is the most powerful magic of all no matter what world we live in. I sadly confess that, for a moment, I had my doubts we would survive this whole ordeal. But my friends, who stayed with me through the thin and thick, reminded me just how stronger we are when we stand together. My...our mission will always be to use The Magic of Friendship to guide the world toward peace and balance. Things will never be the same again, but that's not really a bad thing. We are entering a new age. One of hope, magic and most importantly...friendship. Thank you everyone, and thank you every pony!"
Everyone cheered loudly as Korra stood tall and proud, and humbly beside her new fellow princesses, who welcomed her with open arms. (~)
Korra was among the crowd receiving hugs and "thank you"s. One little girl walked up to her, it was the same girl who had previously called her "the worst Avatar ever"
"Princess Korra?"
Korra kneeled down to the girl, "Hey."
"This is for you" she shyly gave Korra a rose. The now Princess Avatar graciously accepted the gift. "I'm so sorry for what I said to you before." said the little girl, "You're not the worst Avatar ever, you're the greatest!"
Korra smiled and hugged the little girl, "Thank you."
Then, through the large crowed, something was trying to make his way through, "Korra! Korra! Excuse me, pardon me, watch the tail there, mam'"
Korra couldn't believe who it was, "Varrick? What are you doing here? You're supposed to be in jail."
"I know, I know I'm probably not welcome here but I--what up with the wings?"
"She's a princess now." Mako replied.
"Really?"
They both nodded.
"Oh, well in that case." Varrick kneeled before Korra, his nose practically inches away from the ground, "You're highness! I know I said it before but I am so, so, so sorry for the horrible things I have done!" he sat up to look at the new princess, "While I was flying to freedom I saw the Light! Literally, I saw the rainbow lights in the sky and after I got these ear thingies I had an epiphany! You were right, I don't want money or fame that stuff never truly made me happy! And I don't what to run away from my troubles anymore. I only wanted to come and tell you in person. So go ahead, put me back in jail, or the dungeon or whatever you call it. Throw me off a cliff if you must. I deserve it."
The others couldn't believe what they were seeing...Varrick was actually crying. Real tears. Korra could see he really was willing to change, "Okay, calm down Varrick. I can see perfectly clear that you mean every word. You really do have good inside of you. So, you will not be going back to prison."
"Really?"
"Really...."
Varrick sighed in relief. But Korra wasn't done yet.
"Instead, you will be sent to Ponyville, assisting my friend Applejack and her entire family at Sweet Apple Acres. Where the only payment you will receive is the valuable lesson of helping others without thinking about your own personal benefits. Have I made myself clear?"
Varrick's eyes were wide, "Work at Sweet Apple Acres. In Ponyvile?!"
Applejack smiled smugly, "Yep. Helping pick apples, clean the barn and care for the farm animals. And we always wake up at the crack of dawn."
"Dawn! But I--" Varrick began to protest, until he sees Korra's serious look, "I mean, as you wish...princess." he bowed in respect.
Bolin then pointed upwards to the sky, "Hey, look!"
They all witnessed a metalbender's air blimp descending from above. Lin exited the airship along with President Raiko, both approaching the new Princess Avatar. The two adults had anthro pony ears.
"President Raiko?"
"Before coming here, me and Luna visited Republic City and had a word with the president." said Celestia.
Raiko approached Korra, "Avatar."
"Actually, it's Princess Avatar now." Varrick said, "See the crown?", he points to her crown, "And the wings?" points to the wings.
"Oh. Well then."....Raiko bowed on his knees, catching Korra by surprise. "I apologize. For the way I treated you before. You were right that this war would affect everyone in more ways than one. I wrongly blamed you for our problems when I should have tried to understand you better, rather than just siding with myself. The moment I saw those lights I realized the truth. I hope you accept my apology, Princess."
Korra looked at the president with kind eyes, "First of all, please get up. You don't have to kneel before me. And I do forgive you. I understand you were trying to protect your city." The president stood up and Korra placed her hand on his shoulder, "You really are a great president, and I'm sorry if I didn't react the right way before when I lashed out. I was scared and angry. Mostly at me."
Celestia approached the president, "Raiko, I understand why you made your choice before, and you're right, you should have at the very least truly listened to Korra. As a president, you should know when to put your foot down, but at the same time, it's important to truly listen to what others say. You are willing to change your ways and perhaps we can help each other with that. Especially Korra."
"Harmonic Convergence may be over, but it has caused a shift in the balance of our world." Korra explained, "But if we all work together, we can fix anything."
Raiko smiled at the new princess Avatar, "I would be honored to learn more from all of you. In fact, to commemorate our new alliance, I recommend that the police force also joins forces with the royal court of Equestria." he turned to Celestia, "And, if your highness would allow, you can transfer some of your royal guards to the police force and vice versa. If we are now going to be living side by side we should learn how to work together. Am I right?"
"I couldn't agree more." Celestia said happily, "It's a perfect first step. And besides, with more ponies discovering their inherited bending abilities, I can't think of a better place for them to learn how to control them, than here. It would be an honor to work side by side with you Mister President."
"Please, call me Raiko."
Twilight and Korra linked arms and smiled happily, they then heard a familiar voice: "Working with humans might be a bit challenging but, I'm up for it."
Team Avatar gasped once they see who had come with Lin and the president. "Shinning Armor?!" Twilight hugged her brother, who was now sporting the anthro look. "What are you doing here?" she asked.
"Hey, you just helped bring in a new era for humans and ponies, what did you expect?"
"And I'm here too." said the pink alicorn prince, who was also a human with pony ears and wings.
"Cadence!"
Twilight and Cadence sang their signature rhyme, "Sunshine, sunshine, ladies bug awake, clap your hooves and do a little shake!"
Cadence bowed to Korra, "And it is an honor to see you again as well Korra. Or should I say, Princess Korra."
Korra bowed in return, "It's nice to see you too, Cadence."
As Candace welcomed Korra as the newest princess, Lin walked over to the firebender, "Hey, Mako."
Mako saluted her, "Chief."
The woman looked down at her feet, this was a tad embarrassing for her to say. "Look, I want to apologize for not believing you before."
"You don't have to. I understand."
"Still, I'm truly sorry."
"I appreciate it. Thank you."
Princess Luna and Shinning Armor both walked to them and stood near Lin, "Mako, about your promotion. There has been a slight change." said the moon princess.
Mako was a bit frightened by this, "What? What do you mean, "Slight change"?"
Lin smiled as she explained, "Well, now that the police force will have an alliance with Equestria's royal guards, you're detective status comes with a...bonus." she winked, making Mako even more confused.
"You have proven to be a remarkable detective." said Shinning Armor, "You persisted in the face of doubt, followed your instincts and proved that your theories were correct. But also learned that while a good man of the law must have a clear mind...he must also have an open heart to see what is really important. You realized your friendships where what you needed to overcome your obstacles and that is a very noble quality."
Mako smiled, Korra and the ponies squealed happily and Princess Luna continued, "Which is why, with Lin's approval, you may keep your new position as detective...however, you may also choose if you would also like to be official detective and confidant of the royal princesses of Equestria."
Mako eye's widen, "Wait, what?!"
"You get to keep the job but you will also be helping them with this new era just as I will." Lin explained.
Mako blinked, "Hu....?"
Twilight grinned as she slightly elbowed his arm, "Guess this means you and Korra will be working a little closer together from now on."
Korra looked unsurely about this as Lin waited for Mako's answer, "So, what do you say? Will you accept the position, or my old one?"
"Uh....uh....uh..."
"Wait!" Korra exclaimed.
Rainbow Dash's jaw dropped, "What?! No, no wait, say yes Mako, SAY YES!"
"SAY YES!" shouted Pinkie Pie.
"NO!" Korra said demandingly, catching everyone by surprise. She walked up to Mako and looked at him directly in the eye. "Mako...I know that our relationship has been kind of rocky lately and one of the reasons was because we both believed our jobs were too incompatible."
"But this offer could put an end to that." Rainbow added.
"Exactly. Which is why, I can't let him take it."
"What---?"
"Hold on a second." Bolin took out a glass of water, takes a sip and then spits it out.
"At least not for me." Korra continued, "Mako, I want you to choose your own path...even if it's not tied to mine. I care about you way too much and I won't feel right if I knew I influenced your decisions. I don't want to stand in your way anymore."
Mako was taken aback by this, Korra was willing to let him go so he could follow his dream job. She was allowing him to choose his own path, to make his own life. He sincerely felt touched by this selfless act, but at the same time, he felt if he took it, he would be loosing something that meant far more to him. Korra slowly backed away from him, not even daring to look into his eyes. The ponies all began to cry, even Bolin and Asami. They were so hoping Korra and Mako would get back together, but now it seemed unlikely.
"Why are you doing this to us?" Rarity said between sobs.
Rainbow Dash was also crying, "I feel like I'm being punched in the gut!"
Pinkie Pie's eyes were practically a waterfall of tears, "WAH!"
Applejack placed her hand on Rarity's shoulder for comfort, "I know it hurts now but it'll pass."
But Rarity kept crying, "No it won't!"
"You're right, it won't!" Now Applejack was crying.
Mako kept his gaze on Korra, a tear escaped her eye. Without warning, he gently stroked her face. His author pony ears lowered sadly, as did hers.
"I'm sorry Korra..."
Korra did her best to stay strong for him, this was the right thing to do, she knew that. Mako turned around to face Lin and Shinning Armor, both waiting to hear his answer. But what happened next shocked everyone...
"I....would be honored!"
"WHAT?!" Korra's expression was shocked and slightly annoyed while the ponies' expressions were happy and content.
"YAY!" shouted Pinkie Pie.
Korra could not believe, after her heartfelt speech, Mako took the job anyways?. "Okay, did you completely ignore everything I just said?!"
Mako grabbed Korra's arms, a content smile was on his face, "Korra, I want to take this job." Korra blinked in surprise as Mako continued to explain, "I want to use my talents to help this new world in any way I can. And if it also means that we get to work a little closer together, well then that's just the icing on the cake. I want to prove that I can be there for you whenever you need me. Being with you is the path I choose."
Korra was shocked by this. He took the offer for her and his friends? Korra would have been even more surprised but really...she was proud. The brooding firebender she had met long ago had changed, he was now more open not only to others, but to himself. No longer did she see that sad young man, overshadowed by the needs of survival from his past, but a grown man learning to embrace a whole new chapter in his life, one of which he would share with those closest to him. Korra realized that he was not the only one who had changed...she did too.
"I know things won't always be easy," Mako said, "and no doubt there's still a lot more for me to learn. But I can't think of anyone better to show me than you."
Korra blushed in embarrassment, "Don't hold your breath, I've still got more to learn myself."
"Well then...we'll learn together."
"I don't know what to say."
"Are you okay with this?" to answer his question, Korra kissed him full on the lips, for which he graciously return. Once the kiss ended, Mako couldn't be happier, "I'll take that as a yes."
"Let's promise never let our jobs effect the way we treat each other, or our friends, again. Okay?"
"You got it!"
"Welcome to the team, my friend." said Shinning Armor. His horn began to glow and he used his magic to give Mako a new royal guard styled version of his police uniform. It looked identical to his old one in design, but was now light blue in color with gold trimming and while he had his police badge on the jacket, he also had a star with a horse shoe over it.
"Thank you, thank you so much!" The firebender saluted, "I won't let you down!"
"I know you won't...." said Lin. She could tell the young man was about to burst from happiness, "Go ahead."
Without hesitation, Mako jumped happily, "This is the best day, EVER!"
Pinkie Pie surprised him with a hug, "Can this get any better?"
"Actually, it can." said Shinning Armor, "You see one of the guards we are transferring is my old pal...Flash Sentry."
Mako and Flash smiled happily at this news.
"He will be your new rookie and partner." Lin explained, "If that's okay with you?"
"I would be more than happy to show Flash Sentry the ropes." Mako said happily.
Shinning Armor smiled, "That's good to hear, but remember it's not enough for him to learn from you...you could learn a thing or two from him as well."
Mako nodded and turned to Flash, "Well, looks like we're going to be partners."
"Yeah. I promise I'll do my best." Flash said.
"I have no doubt. Oh, but you'll need this." Mako pulled from his pocket, the blue scarf he gave to Flash before. The pegasus couldn't believe it,
"You kept it?"
"Of course, what kind of a friend would I be if I didn't? We are still friends, right?"
"You saved my tail from a dark spirit...what do you think?"
Mako placed the scarf around Flash's neck and the two shared a brotherly hug. "Thank you for everything." said Mako.
"Back at ya."
Korra and Twilight tearfully watched with smiles. "Those are our boys." Twilight said proudly.
"Do we know how to pick em or what?" said Korra.
Twilight and Flash embraced in a warm and loving hug. They looked deep into each others eyes...and kissed for the first time.
Rarity fanned herself with her hand, "Oh my, Twilight!"
Spike gave her a thumbs up, "That's our girl."
Mako pulled Flash while Shinning Armor pulled Twilight apart at the same time, forcing the two to end their kiss.A bit too soon to their liking. "Okay, that's long enough!" said the two older brothers while Twilight glared at them, annoyed.
Discord, came and gave Mako a noogie on the head, "Congratulations kid! On the job and getting your girl back."
"So you really did help Mako before?" said Applejack once she saw the draconequis, "Or was that all just a load of hog tiled fowey?"
Discord felt slightly offended, "What? You don't think I am capable of genuine kindness every now and again?"
Fluttershy stood in front of the girls, "Oh, come on girls. I know Discord can be a bit difficult sometimes."
"And even annoying." Mako added.
"But he does have a heart." Fluttershy added with a kind smile.
Discord's eyes began to water, "Not gonna cry. Not gonna...CRY!" And he cried while Fluttershy hugged him.
Everybody simply laughed. Mako and Korra hugged as they looked deep into each-other's eyes, both shimmering with rainbow colors.
"I'll always love you, Korra."
"And I'll always love you."
They kissed once again, only this kiss meant a whole new start on their relationship. Bolin and Asami watched while crying tears of joy.
"And I'll always love both of you!" Bolin said as he joined in the hug
"Me too" said Asami as she also joined in
"Don't forget about us." said Spike. They all surrounded the couple in a gigantic group hug. Korra smiled at the Mane Six andTwilight took Korra's hands.
"Best friends?"
"Forever!"
The seven Elements of Harmony embraced in the warmest of group hugs. They knew they didn't need Raava or any mythical prophesy for their friendship to be magical...all they needed was love.
"Hey, you know what this calls for?" said Pinkie Pie
"A party!" everybody answered her question at the same time.
"Yeah! How did you know?"
Korra shrugged her shoulders, "Just a hunch."
The entire water tribe, ponies and spirits all gathered around as they played drums, guitars and any kind of instrument. Korra and the Mane Six danced together in traditional water tribe movement dancing as Korra sang first;
(One World from The Cheetah Girls)
Korra,
Love always find a way, every single time
Once we learn to trust The Light]
And look inside it feels right
Twilight;
Now we see who we are through different eyes
We're not so far apart, anything is possible
Team Avatar and the Ponies all danced together to the beat.
Rarity;
With all the differences we're stronger here
Now the truth has been discovered
Ooh yeah
Asami;
After all we've been through now it's clear
That all of us, we share
Korra, Ponies, Mako, Bolin and Asami,
One Song]
(One Song)
One Love
(One Love)
One and All
(One and All)
We're a circle together
One Song]
(One Sonh)
One Heart
(One Heart)
One and all]
(One and all)
Now and forever
Girls and women;
Everybody celebrate!
Boys and men;
Bring on the party, bring on the dance
Girls and women;
Time to let the music play
Boys and men;
The party never ends
Girls and women;
Every boy and every girl
Boys and men;
Stand up and shout, say it loud!
Girls and women;
Everyone around the world!
Boys and men;
Come on an join in!
Rainbow;
We're gathered here today
Everything just right.
Fluttershy;
Cause when you give from the heart
The things you do come back to you
Pinkie Pie danced with a happy Eska and Desna.
Pinkie Pie,
Dare to be strong and brave
Not afraid to try
Applejack;
That's when we see who we are
Mane Six;
The best of friends and that's fun
Mako;
With all the differences we're stronger here
Bolin;
Now the truth has been discovered
Ooh yeah!
Flash;
After all we've been through now it's clear
Boys;
We're all, right here,
To share!
All Together,
One Song]
(One Sing]
One Love
(One Love)
One and all
(One and all)
We're a circle together
One Song]
(One Song]
One Heart
(One Heart)
One and all ]
(One and all]
Now and forever!
Korra and Mako held hands as they danced together along with Twilight and Flash, Tonraq and Senna, Pema and Tenzin and Shinning Armor and Cadance;
Korra;
Ooh, I never knew that love
Would find a way to bring together both of us
Mako;
Now inside, I know it's true
Korra and Mako;
That what we have is meant to be
You let me be the real me
Together here is where we belong!
All ponies and humans dance together, Discord danced with Fluttershy, Luna and Celestia, Pinkie Pie danced with a humanoid version of Cheese Sandwich, Applejack danced with her brother and sister, Rarity danced with Varrick and Spike, Bumi and Kya danced with Jinora and the other bunny spirits. Korra and Mako dance together while Twilight danced with Flash and Shinning Armor danced with Cadence. Mako, Bolin, Spike and Flash all break dance as the music continued.
Next, Korra and the Twilight, along with Celestia, Luna, Cadance and Leilani strolled down the streets of the South Pole on a care driven carriage, waving at their friends and family, Rainbow Dash and the anthro Wonder Bolts threw flower petals all around, and Mako and Flash threw two bouquets of flowers to their girlfriends as everybody continued to sing,
One Song]
(One song]
One Love
(One Love)
One and all
(One and all)
We're a circle together
One Song]
(One Song]
One Heart
(One Heart)
One and all]
(One and all]
Now and forever!
One song!
(One song]
One Love
(One Love)
One and all
(One and all)
We're a circle together
One song]
(One song]
One Heart
(One Heart)
One and all]
Korra;
One and all, yeah, yeah
Now and forever
We're a circle together
Now and forever!!!
Korra and Twilight both spotted the white and blue butterfly and followed it up to the sky. The two princesses fled up and fiver each other, as blue and purple sparkles come out from their hands.
One song]
In the dark hallway of Canterlot Castle, the image that Korra saw before was now visibly clear, and was now on display next to the rest of the stain glass images. The image of Prince White and Princess Leilani, the first alicorns flying beside the very first Avatar, Wan and the spirit of light, Raava.
The image of the Harmonic Convergence that changed it all.
*(~)*
1 Corinthians 15:58 ~
So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
*(~)* |
Heroism | pre | Siren and Blade looked at me with fear in their eyes. To my disgust, or a small part of me, that amused the overreaching rage and power that was consuming me. I bared my teeth at them.
"See." Ice said in amusement, pointing to me. "This 'Hero' is gonna be the pony to start the bloodbath! Go sic 'em, Hero!" Ice told me and I lept at the chance. I bound closer to my friends with rage and bloodlust building.
"DEFT!!!!!" screamed Siren, calling me back from the depths of the false-Sheriff's magic and to my disoriented senses. I tripped and fell, rolling with the momentum of my leaping and bounding, and stopping at Siren's hooves.
"Uhhh." I moaned as my head throbbed and everything seemed to flash in shades of lighting-blue and a dark-throbbing red. I closed my eyes and rolled into a fetal curl as Ice laughed.
"So that's all the Hero can do? An' Ah'm not even Doom! What a worthless creature. Kill him, minions." He said and I screamed as his command called through our minds, as blue as lightning.
In that split second, before the bullets were fired by Ice's mind-slaves, before I and my friends were killed, I heard a small voice that grew into a grand one. Time slowed as it called to me and I opened my eyes, seeing the world in a blood-red tint.
Embrace me. It said. Embrace me and kill all your enemies. Revel in the power you had before, only ten-fold this time.
I had no choice. I looked around quickly at my friends, their faces wearing resilient masks, even at the end. At Ice's minions, innocent ponies trapped in evil magic. At Ice himself, his horn and eyes blazing blue against the red tint, his mouth marred in an evil, victorious grin. I felt true fear and grasped for the power that called me.
Suddenly, time was back as it was and I let out a scream that was not only feral, but laced with something more, something uncontrollable. My scream blasted waves of magic around me, sending Ice's minions and my friends flying away from me, while Ice managed to hold his ground, just as I wanted him to. He grimaced as I launched myself at him, waves of magic surrounding me while I sped forward like a missile from a scorpion. I sped closer and closer to Ice, but he grit his teeth and his horn glowed even brighter. Electricity crackled around the magical shield he was forming and soon my propulsion came to an end and I landed on the ground.
He laughed. "Ya think Ah haven't fought with magic before?" I could taste blood in my mouth, but I kept walking towards him, erstwhile waves of his magic, both physical and mental, wreaked havoc on me. The physical pushed me back and scathed my body with cutting debris and slashing attacks, while I could feel his mental attacks playing with my innards, making my organs bleed and me cough up blood while I marched towards him. However, I kept marching.
"Yer gonna die here." He said. "Yer magic won't harm a powerful unicorn like Ah."
Then a pillar of rock shot out of the ground as I smiled. "The magic of the Sand Ponies was never meant to be like Unicorn magic!" I screamed with a rage-filled certainty. Ice catapulted through the air, crashing into the "SALOON" sign above the saloon and bringing it crashing down to earth. I sprinted up to the wreck before he could return magical fire and I tackled him back into the pile of splinters that he was rising from. I got on top of him and started hitting, my mind going blank and the pleasure of the power washing over my mind. However, as his face became more and more bruised, I started to stop.
"That was for Saddle Hill! My friends! The ponies you manipulated!" I screamed at him. "Now stop your magic! MAKE ME STOP SEEING RED!"
He looked aghast and then smiled a bloody, pulpy smile. "Ah stopped my magic when I hit the sign." He said to me in a raspy voice. "The red...that's all you. That's yer power. And that means that you ain't no hero. Yer gonna die like a dog when you fight Doom, because that power...that's his..." he finished with, an evil, deathly chuckle coming from his broken form.
It was more than I could bear. My sight became a darker shade of red as I started to pummel him, missing more often than not, but when I missed, the magic of the Gauntlet poured through my hooves and into the splinter, picking them up and giving them lives of their own. They grew into wicked spikes as I continued to pummel Ice's form into an unsightly smear.
"That's enough, little dude." Said a calm voice behind me. I turned, my vision scarlet now, and I saw the same stallion from the market. Only this time, he wore a grim face and Siren and Blade stood on either side of him. Blade looked at the smear, horrified, while Siren glanced at it with a look of disgust, and then to me with a look of disappointment and fear, like I was a monster. The rage and the power ebbed from me then and I felt drained and...and...I started to cry. I couldn't continue like this, I couldn't live knowing my friends thought I was a mindless killer. Wouldn't that make me and Destruction, Demise, and Doom all the same? I was supposed to be the hero...
Suddenly, Siren was there, her hooves and wings encapsulating me as I sobbed. She spoke gentle words and held me as I had held her when the Citadel was destroyed. I felt another pair of hooves around us and I knew it was Blade as well, being there because I needed all the friends I could get.
"Let it out, dude." Reggie said calmly while tears streamed from my eyes and sobs echoed throughout Saddle Hill.
We sat back in the station, around a large table Six Shooter had pulled out of one of the offices. I sat with a blanket around my shoulders, a cup of hot coffee in front of me, and Siren holding onto me. Yet, I still shivered. Our conversation made it so.
It turns out that "Sheriff" Ice was no Sheriff, but in fact a bounty hunter sent by Doom to take over Saddle Hill and collect the heads of any higher-ups in town, all so his armies could move through the town faster to A.) Invade Oattara and B.) Invade Elder Equestria when Doom thought it right. Saddle Hill didn't look like much, but according to Six Shooter, it was the easiest way to go through the town and then take either a train or follow the tracks. Either that, or climbing through rocky, shattered hills until reaching the gentler Macintosh Hills to the North.
Whatever his reasons, Ice had started off by overthrowing Six Shooter by controlling the town's mayor with magic...only to kill the poor pony a week after he was appointed to be the new sheriff. After that, he went on a spree of slaughter and had ponies who were once friendly chase after Six Shooter and try to kill him. Of the ponies that weren't effected by Ice's magic (some had a stronger resistance to it, especially the bartender of the saloon-he said "being a bartender teaches you to have a steel mind"-whatever that means) almost all of them had formed alongside Six Shooter while he and his loyalists were vilified and hunted like rats. That was one of the reasons they turned to banditry. The other was because it kept ponies out of Saddle Hill, a smart move to keep innocents away from the vile trap.
So, when I, Siren, and Blade had come into town anyway, the group of ponies thought we were more bounty hunters. It was only after Six Shooter had interrogated me and scattered to their hiding place with my friends did he find out about us. Siren had told him everything and Six Shooter had tried his hardest to get her to me, to make sure I wasn't under the spell, but it was too late for that.
After I killed Ice, his spell wore off and the minds of the enslaved ponies were returned to them. In fact, many ponies didn't know what was happening or where they were. The past few weeks had been a blur to most, but not to some. Deputy Haymaker had been sobbing just as hard as I was. She told us about how she knew the things she was doing were wrong, that helping him in general was just evil, but she had been trapped by her own emotions. She was no longer the frigid mare I had met, but a strong deputy full of life and emotion. Ice's magic had been nothing but pure evil.
Because Ice was one of Doom's ponies, we all suspected that word had gotten out that Blade, Siren, and I were here. We were worried, but Six Shooter and Reggie didn't seem to care. "We'll know when they're coming." Reggie said with a flick of his nose. "The coyotes you encountered on the road, they're my ohana, man. They'll warn me about anything, even if Doom's ponies decide to teleport into town."
"If they do," Six Shooter said, cocking what I found out were called 'guns', in a threatening manner "we'll be ready for them."
"We should still leave as soon as we can." I said, suppressing a shudder and trying my best to not think about the power I held in my left hoof. After the fight with Ice, I never wanted to use the power of the Gauntlet again. True, it was helpful at times, but that amount of power, that flow of emotion, it was too risky.
"Chill, my little surfer. Just be calm. You can leave without knowing where to go, but you're already in that position, aren't you?" Reggie said with a wistful and warm smile. "Instead, I'll give you directions this time. You just have to be patient and relax a little."
"But Doom's ponies..."
"Ainokea, brah." Reggie said with a hoof in the air.
"What?" I asked.
"Just chill out. You've just been through some harrowing stuff, little pony. We all have. Right now, it's best if we recuperate and regain our positivity." He said taking a deep breath in and signaling for the rest of us to follow. We did and he held up a hoof for a while, then let them fall gently and exhaled. We all did the same.
"Better?" he asked with a smile.
"Somewhat." I answered truthfully.
He rolled his eyes, went over to the one unbarred window in the open room of the station, and opened it. Then he gave a long and strangely melodic whistle. He waited for a short while and then a roadrunner came up to the window, with a strangely small guitar on its back. Reggie and the roadrunner communicated in whistles and clicks until Reggie finally said "Thanks Desmond." And the roadrunner turned away. Reggie came back to his chair and plucked a few strings on his mini-guitar.
"It's an instrument from my home, a ukulele." He said knowingly as he started to play a song. When he finished, I knew he wasn't from here, neigh, he wasn't even remotely close to home. So who was he?
"Who are you Reggie? Truly?" I asked, noticing I felt better.
Reggie kicked back in the chair, tipping it a bit, but not seeming to care too much. "My people would call me an 'Aumakua, but that's just a title. Out here, I'm called a Skinwalker. I don't care for either. I like 'medicine pony' or 'shaman' or 'radical dude', but call me what you will. Reggie works pretty well too, so I like that."
"I've been around the block for quite a while, so ponies come to me with questions, and I like to try my best to give them answers. To answer your first question, I'll need a map. I'm sorry, but I can't answer your second question though. But enough with the twenty questions, man. Let's just listen to some tunes and chill." He said as he broke out into a song that quickly brought a smile to Siren's and Blade's faces. I fell in with their smiles and singing around the second verse and soon we were all laughing, singing, and smiling.
After that, we each grabbed a mattress from the cots in the cells and pulled them together on the ground. We went to sleep happy and together. |
My Little Pony Mystic Season 1 | pre | With two 'Equal' ponies on guard duty, Twilight and all of her friends were trapped in safe house for listening and learning about equality. They struggled in ignoring the recording messages yet they went into their heads.
Rainbow Dash and Steel Blaze banged the door as 'hard' as they can but no effort in breaching it. Pinkie read through the books which pages shown only 'equal'. Rarity was staring at the curtain. Fluttershy looked at the window. Boomer screamed in anger while complaining wildly and angrily at through the window. Applejack walked around in thinking of the plan. Twilight and Nyx did the same thing but sitting down. Lance groaned and grunted as he struggled in summoning his Dual Blades. And so far, there was nothing they can do.
Twilight groaned painfully as she got up and spoke, "We've gotta find a way out of here! I can't take much more of that voice!"
"Tell me about it," Nyx complained as she covered both of her ears tight down, "It's giving me a headache! I wish my Battle Mode was ready!"
Lance groaned in anger, "I can't even summon my Oblivion Dragoon Blade or Bloom Oathkeeper Blade. I guess we're stuck."
Rarity cried and sobbed, "Oh, this is horrible!"
"There, there, Rarity... It's not so bad..." Fluttershy comforted while patted on her back.
"Yes, it is!" Rarity scolded as she pointed at the window's drape, "Look at those drapes! I have no idea if they're tacky or not!"
Fluttershy hummed in concern, "Well, I think they're nice."
The equal glowed darkly as Rarity cried unhappily, "So do I!"
Heard the tweeting, Fluttershy gasped as she found a bird landed on the window. She approached, "Oh, thank goodness! Can you help us, little birdie?"
Fluttershy's Cutie Mark glowed darkly. The bird answered was tweeting. And usually Fluttershy understood the animals very well. But now, it was nothing but tweeting. Fluttershy was saddened that she couldn't understand it.
Fluttershy squealed in upset, "Oh, even tweets don't make sense any more!"
Both Rainbow Dash and Steel Blaze moved aside at once. Applejack galloped and charged straight at the door. She banged it hard but instead, she rolled over back down.
"This door's shut tighter than a... summer of..." Applejack sighed. Her Cutie Mark glowed darkly. She groaned, "...uh, piglets in... Shoot! I can't even make countryisms no more!"
"I don't know! Maybe it'll be super fun to be all the same!" Pinkie shrugged before her Cutie Mark glowed darkly. She sighed, "Sort of. More pleasant than fun, I guess..."
Twilight hummed in concern as she spoke, "Something odd about that staff. I haven't studied Eastern unicorns as much as I should have, but I'm pretty sure Meadowbrook only had eight magical items, not nine. And I don't remember any of them being a staff."
Nyx nodded, "Yeah... And above all, some of his do damaged Mystic Ponies. I'm kinda surprise that staff didn't work on him."
"Not me," Lance corrected, "I'm half-Mystic and half-Equestria. So, I've got my Cutie Mark taken."
Boomer screamed in anger, "Who cares?! Try and help us figure the way out from this stupid house! I can't stand on it!" He turned and glared at Fluttershy, "This is your fault!"
"My fault?!" Fluttershy startled, "How is this my fault?!"
"If you hadn't been so pretty 'nice and kind' pony, we wouldn't have stuck in this mess! And the worst about you, you tell her about our secret, bitch!"
Fluttershy sniffed in pain as she looked down. Everyone turned and glared at Boomer. They really had enough with his attitude.
Pinkie exclaimed, "Hey! That was me who spill the secret out, not Fluttershy! She has nothing to do with Starlight getting us!"
Steel Blaze groaned angrily, "What is wrong with you, Boom?! This is so low you ever said to her!"
Rainbow groaned, "You know what?! Ever since you came to Ponyville, you did nothing but being mean and selfish to her! You're an asshole!"
Rarity nodded, "Indeed! Why can't you give her a chance? She maybe too kind and gentle but she's sensitive! She's not like us."
"It's now or never, Boomer." Lance said angrily, "Apologize to her!"
Boomer sighed, "Yeah, I'm sorry to say something I'd never want to say again." Everyone turned and looked at him. He snapped angrily, "You ponies are dumbest ponies I ever met! Did you even realize of what happen?! We're goddamn stuck here because of her! She wanted here so badly! And she got it! You know what happen next?! We're gonna become slaves! Think carefully, genius!"
Boomer turned and glared at the window as he shouted wildly and angrily in demanding to be out. Everyone groaned in annoyance and angry. Boomer was hard and stubborn to understand ponies! Why would Lance and Nyx even brought him along with them?!
Fluttershy sighed, "I'm sorry." Everyone turned and looked at her. She cried and sobbed in despair, "He's right. He's right. I was selfish and stupid for not realizing what ponies really want. And now, we're becoming what Starlight wanted us to be!"
As if the idea hit her, Twilight gasped, "I've got it! I know how we can get out!"
Everyone turned and looked at her. Was she for real? Or did something hit her head when they were trapped at the small safe house? The door was locked up while they have no strength to breach it. The window was too small for them to escape. There was no help either. It's impossible for them to escape it.
Twilight smiled, "We don't actually have to escape. They'll just let us out when they think we've accepted their philosophy!"
"But they're never gonna believe we switched over in just one night," Applejack said in concern.
"There's one of us they might believe," Twilight answered calmly as she turned and looked at Fluttershy.
The rest of her friends turned and looked at Fluttershy. They smiled in approval and agreement that she was right. Fluttershy was perfect.
Fluttershy gasped, "Oh! Me?!"
Rainbow nodded, "You've been saying how great this place is since we got here!"
"But-but-but-but-" Fluttershy explained but with losses of some words. She sighed, "Oh, you're right. They probably would believe me. I hate to lie to them. They've been so welcoming and friendly... aside from locking us in here and trying to brainwash us into abandoning the things that make us special... Okay. I'll do it."
Twilight and her friends smiled in approval and pleased with her.
Boomer huffed, "So, the bitch finally doing it. About time."
Nyx poked her horn at Boomer's butt as she scolded, "As for you, you're going with her! And you have to make sure that she make it out!"
"What?! Are you kidding me?!" Boomer exclaimed in annoyance, "I'm not going with her!"
"Yes, you are!" Everyone but Fluttershy exclaimed in annoyance and anger.
"Like it or not, you still owe Fluttershy apology!" Lance exclaimed in anger, "And you're gonna do it. Trust me, you do not like my temper."
Steel nodded, "That kid got the point. You start the mess, you clean it up. And best of all, you give the idea in the first place."
Boomer groaned in annoyance, "Me and my big mouth."
"But what do we do once we're out," Fluttershy asked in concern.
"Find Shadow Dragon. See if he's okay. I had the feeling that Starlight will do anything to make Mystic Ponies 'equal' as others. We can't let that happen," Twilight instructed, "And above all, you've gotta find a way to get our cutie marks back."
Fluttershy gulped in concern as she was worried that she won't able to perform it. Boomer nudged her stomach hard.
"C'mon, Flutter. I wanna see if you got guts of not," Boomer snickered in amusement. "I might say 'sorry' to you."
Fluttershy took a deep breathe as she had enough with his bad attitude, "Fine. I'll prove it."
"You'd think daddy'll be fine?" Nyx asked in worry.
Twilight nuzzled Nyx's head gently, "Don't worry, he'll be fine. After all, he's the tough one. He's a hero."
Nyx smiled back to her mother as she gave her a hug. Everyone sighed as they all can prayed and hoped that everything will be alright and especially Shadow Dragon. For now, they had to wait till morning.
At the basement, Shadow Dragon was tied to metallic bed with strapping belts. His body had lots of bruises and burnt marks. He groaned and moaned painfully like he was being beaten or electrocuted. His vision was blurry and struggled in keeping his eyes up. He then saw Starlight Glimmer glaring at him.
Starlight sighed calmly, "We'll continue our 'discussion' tomorrow. And hopefully, you'll be more cooperative. If not, our 'little' friend or your girlfriend will help me."
Shadow Dragon groaned, "Why are you doing this? What exactly are you trying to achieve?"
"Something you'll never understand. And I rather not waste my time on explaining it."
"You're insane. If you think making Mystic Ponies 'equal' as others, then you're wrong."
"Oh. I will make it happen. Once I find something that help me to achieve it, Equestria and Mystic can finally be one. No one is special..."
Starlight turned as she was ready heading off to her room. Shadow Dragon turned and glared at her climbing up the stairs to the top.
"You're wrong. Anyone can. It's matter how or what you can," Shadow Dragon muttered painfully, "Now I know who you really are. And you won't fool the world much longer. But only one thing I need to know - who helped you."
Twilight and all of her friends trapped in the safe house as they struggled in ignoring the 'philosophy of equality'. And so far, they did well of accepting it but they still can't take it much longer for whole night.
As soon as the morning risen, Starlight opened the door as she smiled happily.
"I trust you had a pleasant night? This way, please. There are some friends who'd like to see you." Starlight said calmly as she led Twilight and her friends out.
Twilight and her friends smiled and smirked. It's time to put their plan in motion. As Twilight and her friends gathered outside, Starlight made the announcement to her locals and then asked her 'guests'.
"Gather round, friends, gather round! We've come to ask if any of you are ready to join us! There are so many friends to be made once you realize you don't need your cutie marks or the talents that come with them."
Double Diamond smiled in agreement, "We have a welcome ceremony for new friends! The whole village joins together to build you your own cottage--"
"Not interested!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed in annoyance, "You may have them now, but we're going to get our cutie marks back!"
Applejack nodded, "Y'all don't understand, do ya? You can't force nopony to be friends! It don't work like that!"
"Yeah! Snap out of it! This is not the way to earn friendship! This is force!" Steel Blaze agreed.
Unfortunately, the locals ignored the Mane Six and their friends' words as they cheered and begged the latter to be one of them. Starlight smiled as she was expecting it. She turned away to look at her own ponies while Twilight and her friends glared at her.
Starlight sighed in disappointment, "It's all right, everypony. This is a perfectly normal part of the equalization process for those who haven't... quite seen the light yet. We'll try again tomorrow once you've had a bit more time to consider our philosophy!"
As Twilight and all of her friends entered the safe house, Fluttershy followed them as well. Boomer groaned in annoyance. Why did he had to do it?! He quickly nudged his feet at her back leg.
Fluttershy gasped as she forgotten the plan. She turned and exclaimed, "I'd like to join!"
"Me too! Just please! Don't send me back to that prison! I can't take it!" Boomer begged and exclaimed frantically, "Please, don't send me back!"
Starlight Glimmer and her ponies cheered happily and proudly in seeing both Fluttershy and Boomer gave in at once. Twilight and her friends were in 'shock'.
"Fluttershy? How could you," Twilight exclaimed in 'shock'.
"I trusted you! I thought you've got guts! You're a coward!" Lance exclaimed in 'anger', "And you're gonna leave everything behind?!"
Boomer scoffed 'arrogantly', "It's better than copping in the prison! Not going back!"
Fluttershy nodded, "If giving up my cutie mark means I get to stay in this lovely village with these lovely ponies, then I'll do it."
"COWARDS!" Nyx exclaimed in 'anger'.
With two friends 'betrayed' them, Twilight and her friends locked up in safe house. Starlight smiled in please as she approach to both Fluttershy and Boomer.
"We have a new friends, everypony!" Starlight announced proudly. The local chatted happily of having new ones among them. She continued, "Now, there's one more order of business. It seems some in our midst might be... dissatisfied with the village life!"
The locals gasped in shock and feared of what Starlight had said. Party Favor, Sugar Belle and Night Glider were in feared and worried as they knew that they'll be caught for 'betraying' her and their friends.
Starlight nodded as she continued, "Unfortunately, it's all too true, my friends!" She turned to both Fluttershy and Boomer, "Will you kindly tell us the names of those friends who so desperately miss their cutie marks that they would sneak around in the shadows talking to strangers about it? Just so we can be sure your intentions are indeed pure.
Both Fluttershy and Boomer gulped in concern. They knew it was too easy. They now had to sacrifice the ones they were entrusted to keep their secrets for Starlight's trust. They were in dilemma to answer it as they dared not betray their friends' trust and hope.
Feared for his friends' safety, Party Favor decided to do what he had to.
Party Favor galloped towards Starlight as he bowed down to her, "It was me! It was only me! But I only wanted it back for a little while!"
Starlight raised her eyebrow at him, "And you're quite certain it was only you?"
"I just wanted to remember what it was like."
"And no thought to the pain you'd cause your friends. Such selfishness."
With Starlight's wave gesture, two local ponies moved Party Favor into safe house. He turned and looked at his friends for one last time. FLuttershy, Boomer, Sugar Belle and Night Glider looked upset and pain to see him get locked up.
Party Favor pleaded, "I'm sorry, everypony! I never wanted to leave the village! I love all of--" As the door shut, he sighed in upset as he knew they won't forgive. He banged on the door once as he muttered in upset, "What was I thinking?! I can't believe I even considered asking for my cutie mark back."
Rainbow Dash smirked, "Don't worry. Fluttershy will have us out of here in no time!"
Party Favor got up and gave Rainbow Dash a shock and feared looks, "Didn't you see what just happened out there?! Your friend has accepted our way! You will all accept our way! It's only a matter of time!"
Party Favor looked away and sat down before the door. Twilight and her friends had their own discussion.
Rainbow commented in annoyance, "This guy's a barrel of laughs."
Pinkie shook her head, "Laughs don't come in barrels. They come from inside you as your body's response to delight."
"So what are we gonna do while Fluttershy's out there lookin' for Shadow Dragon and our cutie marks?" Applejack asked in concern.
Twilight smiled, "We have to stay as positive as we can. If Party Favor sees how much we really do like each other, even though we're all different, maybe we can use him to spread our message to the rest of the village."
"Good idea, mummy! This is a perfect advantage for us," Nyx agreed, "Like Sun War says - 'To win the odds, you must win the hearts of ponies'."
Lance whistled, "I didn't know that you like Ma's Art of War."
"Daddy and Azure Phoenix inspired me to do it," Nyx squealed happily.
Starlight's recording speaking got turned on in turning Twilight and her friends to become 'equal' as others. They were gonna have a long day to do. And hopefully, they won't become one of them. And they prayed Fluttershy and Boomer get the job done.
As Fluttershy and Boomer followed Starlight Glimmer to her home, the ponies greeted them calmly and warmly. They both smiled in relief and pleased.
Fluttershy commented, "Gosh, you really are the nicest ponies I've ever met."
"You bet. I hate to admit it but it's kinda cool to have peace and quiet like this and Ponyville. It's way better than my old home. A happy smile." Boomer agreed. Surprise of what he had just said, Fluttershy smiled at him. He yelped before he looked away and had his arms crossed, "Of course. It's not like I care about it so much."
"Come. All new friends stay with me until their cottage is completed." Starlight said calmly as she led both of them into her home, "Let's get you settled, and then you can enjoy all that our little village has to offer. But first I need you to do something for me."
Both Fluttershy and Boomer looked concern and scared of what Starlight might ask them to do. They prayed it's not about them.
Starlight helped both Fluttershy and Boomer get comfortable in her house by having lunch and dinner, settled their beds and gave them some rules. As the night fell, she led both of them downstairs to basement. It was time to see if they were willingly to convert Shadow Dragon to her side.
As they arrived to the basement, they spotted Shadow Dragon slept on the metallic bed. What shock and scared both Fluttershy and Boomer the most was seeing him bruised and wounded with some marks.
"Wha-What happen to him?!" Fluttershy asked in concern.
Starlight sighed in concern, "Ever since I put some sleeping spell on him, he had a sudden nightmares. And he tried to attack me. So, I left with no choice but to knock him out and strapped him up."
"Wow... That's serious bang up," Boomer commented in concern.
"Now that you both are here. I need you to talk and convince our little friend to help our cause." Starlight smiled as she turned away from them, "I hope you both prove your loyalty to me and our ponies."
As Starlight Glimmer climbed up the stairs, she closed the door. Fluttershy and Boomer approached and checked on Shadow Dragon as they tried waking him up. As Shadow Dragon groaned and moaned painfully, he slowly opened his eyes. He was awaken. He saw both Fluttershy and Boomer in front of him.
"Fluttershy? Boomer? Is that you? What happen? Did you escape?" Shadow Dragon asked hopefully.
"Escape, nope. We just make Starlight Glimmer believed in us, so we can find you and get the Cutie Marks back! Easy peachy," Boomer commented proudly.
Fluttershy sighed, "Unfortunately, she thinks we can 'help' you to accept their philosophy. Oh... I don't like it. I don't even want to think of what happen to us after what she did to you."
"You don't have to. I'm fine. Her attacks are nothing to me. She just want the Mystic Power to increase her spell." Shadow Dragon said seriously, "But that's not important. The Staff of Sameness is not real. It was her magic. She's the responsible of the mess from the start."
"What? How?!" Fluttershy asked in concern.
Shadow Dragon continued, "That magic is called 'Unmarking'. And you already know how it works. And who taught her is something we need to solve the mystery."
"How, genius?" Boomer asked in annoyance.
"You have to earn and win her trust. Once she accepted you, then she will let you know her secret. Something has driven her to do it. Only you two can do it."
"Oh... If only that was easy," Fluttershy said in concern, "Oh... I don't think I can handle it. It's too much."
Boomer quickly closed her mouth at once. He gave her a sign of 'silence' as if he heard something. He then pointed up to the stairs. They both slowly walked up to the stairs gently and quietly. Upon reaching to the top, they opened the door halfway for they to peek and see.
Fluttershy and Boomer spotted Double Diamond brought the box of some familiar Cutie Marks to Starlight Glimmer. She was waiting at the entrance.
Starlight smiled, "Excellent work, Double Diamond."
"Of course, but I don't understand why you wanted me to bring them here." Double Diamond asked in concern, "Fluttershy is one of us now. Surely she can be trusted."
Starlight smiled as she levitated the box in. She looked at Twilight's Cutie Mark, "This one belongs to a princess. It could be very important to our cause."
"But if Twilight Sparkle becomes our friend, then why do we care about this old cutie mark?"
"I just want to keep them close until everything is... settled. You may go, Double Diamond."
Double Diamond nodded as he turned and headed off. Starlight Glimmer smiled as she brought the Cutie Marks canisters up to her room.
They looked at each other for the moment as they had both worry and scared now. They had no hope to get the Cutie Marks from Starlight now.
"Great! How the hell are we ever going to get the Cutie Marks back now?!" Boomer asked in anger.
Fluttershy quickly covered his mouth up at once. Starlight screamed in shock with the splash of water. They both looked at each other as they nodded.
Boomer mounted on Fluttershy's back. They opened the door at once as they walked up to the stairs. They stopped at the top part of stairs. They found the door was opened. They saw Starlight was wet.
Starlight groaned in annoyance, "Starlight, you clumsy foal!"
Both Fluttershy and Boomer continued watching the event as they wondered what secret she had hidden from the world. Starlight levitated the towel as she wiped and cleaned herself up. As soon as she finished, her flank revealed purplish star with two greenish swirling light. They both were in shock. She actually had the Cutie Mark?!
Starlight levitated both paper with equal sign holes and pink and black powder. She brushed pink powder on hers. She then placed the paper on hers and brushed it with black powder. It revealed an 'equal' Cutie Mark.
Both Fluttershy and Boomer looked at each other for the moment. They nodded their heads in agreement. They quickly went downstairs to the basement before Starlight found out about them.
At the basement, they informed Shadow Dragon of what they had learned. Shadow Dragon was quiet as he wasn't surprise about it.
"So, that's how it is? She concealed her Cutie Mark to win the ponies. She spread lies on them to follow her blindly," Shadow Dragon said calmly. He huffed, "If she thinks that would help her, she has another thing coming for her."
"So, what's next?" Boomer asked.
Shadow Dragon smirked as he explained what plans he had for Starlight Glimmer and her 'loyal' village. Both Fluttershy and Boomer nodded their heads in agreement and understanding. It could work for their advantage.
Starlight went came downstairs in checking on progress. Both Fluttershy and Boomer turned to Starlight Glimmer.
"Starlight, Shadow Dragon has agreed to join our side," Fluttershy reported.
Starlight was about to say but Boomer interrupted, "But bad news - he'll give you the spell if Twilight and her family joined us. That's his one serious condition."
Starlight groaned in disappointed but she smiled calmly. She still had time. She nodded, "Very well. I accept it. Rest assure, they'll join us. Time to go to bed. Tomorrow is going to be a special day."
Fluttershy and Boomed nodded in understanding. They both then went up the stairs to their bedroom. Starlight followed them. All Shadow Dragon did was looking at her. He then smirked secretly like he expected it to happen.
In the next morning, everyone gathered at the village safe house. They awaited for Twilight and her friends emerged from the house as they hoped they joined their sides.
"I've got a good feeling about today! So, do any of you have anything you'd like to say?" Starlight asked in amusement. No one answered but glared at her. She sighed, "Aw, pity. Well, let's try this again tomorrow, shall we? No new friends today, I'm afraid!"
"Wait! We'd like to lock them up," Fluttershy begged innocently.
Shadow Dragon nodded, "I would like to try and convincer Twilight to join us. She's always listen to me."
"Marvelous, Fluttershy and Shadow Dragon! That's the spirit!" Starlight exclaimed in please. Both Shadow Dragon and Fluttershy approached to Twilight and her friends as they talked and convinced them to join Starlight. She turned and looked at the nervous Party Favor, "Party Favor, will you join us, please?"
Party Favor galloped towards Starlight as he bowed down, "I'm sorry, Starlight! I'm sorry, everypony! I've seen the error of my ways! I never want to look at my cutie mark again!"
Starlight smiled in please, "It seems there's cause for celebration after all!"
The ponies cheered happily for seeing Party Favor returned to them.
Party Favor continued, "They tried to break me! They wouldn't stop talking about how different they are, and that somehow makes their friendship stronger!"
Starlight gasped, "Such backwards thinking."
"But I didn't listen! I knew what they were up to, and I didn't listen!"
"Well done, Party Favor! We welcome you back with open hooves!"
"Um, Starlight?" Fluttershy called. Starlight and her ponies turned and looked at her and Shadow Dragon. She continued, "I think we might have one more friend joining us today."
Shadow Dragon turned and gave a nod. Twilight emerged from safe house. The ponies gasped in surprise and shock.
Starlight hummed softly as she looked at Twilight closely, "Is this true?"
"I-I think so. But I just want to be sure." Twilight answered, "If I agree to leave my cutie mark in the vault, I'll really be happier?"
Starlight smiled, "Just look around! Equality has given us more happiness than you've ever known!"
"And you wouldn't let me just live here in the village with my old cutie mark?"
"Out of the question. A pony with a different cutie mark in our midst would destroy our entire philosophy. We are all equal here!"
The ponies chatted and muttered in agreement with Starlight's concern and ways. Fluttershy quickly carried the bucket of water up. She flew up hight as she glared at Starlight Glimmer.
"Then how do you explain this?!" Fluttershy demanded.
Fluttershy threw the bucket of water on Starlight. The latter dodged aside before the water hit her. Starlight glared at Fluttershy with her angry and suspicious eyes.
"I knew you couldn't be trusted," Starlight snarled in anger.
"How about me, bitch?!" Boomer exclaimed proudly as he jumped on her back. As the water drop flowed down, he quickly wiped Starlight's flank quickly, "Time to show the world of who you really are!"
Starlight gasped, "No! Get away!"
As soon as he finished with wiping her flank off, Boomer jumped off from Starlight Glimmer. Her Cutie Mark revealed to her ponies. Everyone gasped in shock. She had the Cutie Marks?!
Starlight gasped as she quickly had her tail covered her Cutie Mark. She quickly and frantically exclaimed, "Wha... What are you looking at?! They're the problem, not me!"
The ponies continued staring and looking at Starlight's flank. Twilight and all of her friends had gathered at the outside as they all smirked proudly and relief.
"How could you?" Party Favor asked in shock.
Double Diamond asked, "You said cutie marks were evil! You said special talents led to pain and heartache!"
Starlight frantically explain as she pointed at Twilight and her friends, "They do! Don't you see?! Look at them!"
"Then why? Why did you take ours and not give up your own?" Sugar Belle asked in shock and concern.
"I... I had to, you fools!" Starlight exclaimed in anger. She got fed up of hiding the truth as everyone witnessed her Cutie Mark. She continued, "How could I collect your cutie marks without my magic?!"
Night Glider said in shock, "But the staff has all the magic we need!"
Starlight Glimmer explained in anger yet dark, "The staff is a piece of wood I found in the desert! It's my magic that makes all this possible! You'd all still be living your miserable lives thinking you're better than everypony else if it weren't for my magical abilities! I brought you friendship! I brought you equality! I created harmony!"
Double Diamond exclaimed, "You lied to us!"
Starlight Glimmer huffed, "So what? E-Everything else I said is true! The only way to be happy is if we're all equal!"
Party Favor muttered in anger, "Except for you."
The ponies grew tired of Starlight's lies. They all chatted and muttered in anger at her. Starlight groaned in anger as she prepared her magic to harm and teach them a lesson.
Twilight spoke up, "Everypony has unique talents and gifts, and when we share them with each other, that's how rea--"
"QUIET!' Starlight shouted at Twilight Sparkle.
Everyone was in shock. Starlight dared silenced the princess?! They had enough of her deception, betrayal and attitude.
Shadow Dragon glared at Starlight, "Then, let me ask you one thing. If you want 'equality', then give your Cutie Mark up. Show them that you really meant it. Show us who you really are."
Everyone nodded their heads in agreement as they all looked and glared at Starlight Glimmer. They wanted to see if she was really meant that she was same as them. They then approached her in making some pressure on her to get the answer.
Seeing that she was outnumbered, Starlight quickly launched her Repulsive Spell at Twilight and her friends out. She then quickly ran off at once.
Double Diamond turned to his friends and ponies, "Come on! Let's get our cutie marks back!"
The ponies went wild as they all agreed with Double Diamond. They then quickly headed off to the cave at once to get their Cutie Marks back.
Rainbow smirked, "Come on! Let's go get our cutie marks!"
"Newsflash, Dash!" Boomer exclaimed in concern as he turned and pointed at Starlight's house, "All of them are inside the bitch's home!"
At the cave, ponies were trying to break the vault in getting their Cutie Marks back. But it was completely solid and strong for them to breach. It's hopeless!
"Stand back, everypony!" Double Diamond exclaimed.
He brought the staff with his mouth while charging in. He then threw it straight at the vault's glass.
CRACK! The vault's glass broken into pieces. The Cutie Marks flew out as they all returned to their owners. Upon receiving them, the ponies magically transformed into their original selves. Double Diamond had his three Snowflake-like Cutie Mark and his mane and tail were messy yet cooler style. Party Favor's was balloons in shape of pony and his mane and tail were funky afro-like. Night Glider's was moon shaped and her mane was jet-like. Sugar Belle's was colorful cupcake-like and her mane was long fluffy afro-like
Other than the ponies from the cave, the Cutie Marks headed straight to the town as they returned to their owners. Twilight and her friends witnessed it as how magical and beautiful they really were.
Starlight witnessed everything. She looked angry and disappointed. Everything she worked for was ruined and destroyed. She approached the heroes' Cutie Marks.
Starlight snarled, "They think they can come to my village and disrupt my life? Let's see how they like spending the rest of their lives without their precious cutie marks!"
Starlight turned to her bed. She levitated it, and then threw it aside. It revealed the hidden passage. She then ran down the stairs while levitating the jars of all Cutie Marks.
Twilight and her friends banged and rammed the door as hard as they can. But they were all too weak to breach it. And not even Shadow Dragon could help since he was injured and wounded by Starlight Glimmer during her interrogation.
Double Diamond, Party Favor, Night Glider and Sugar Belle had arrived to help their friends.
"Stand back, everypony!" Night Glider cried.
As everyone moved aside, Night Glider flew and rammed straight at the door hard. The door was opened. And they all charged into the house. They looked around the house in search of their missing Cutie Marks.
Upon entering Starlight's bedroom, they found it empty. No Starlight. No Cutie Marks. They were all gone.
In front of them was the stairs to basement. They quickly entered and followed Starlight's trail of escape...
Outside of the village, Twilight and her friends emerged from the cave which was led from Starlight's home. They looked around of their surroundings in search of her and the Cutie Marks. As they moved to northeast, they spotted the figure running on the trail of hills.
Hard to spot on the figure, Party Favor quickly blew some balloons out. He made them together into a binocular-like. He looked through it. He spotted Starlight Glimmer kept on running while carrying the wheeled wagon on her back. She was heading straight to the mountain pass's cave-like.
Party Favor gasped, "She's headed for the pass! If she makes it into those mountains, we'll never find her!"
Sugar Belle gasped in concern, "There's a whole network of caves up there! Your cutie marks will be gone forever!"
Applejack snorted, "Then let's get moving, y'all!"
Twilight and her friends headed off at once as they were all chased after Starlight Glimmer. But Twilight and her team were too slow in running as they were unable to catch up with the rest. Double Diamond, Party Favor, Night Glider and Sugar Belle headed off at once while Shadow Dragon and Boomer remained behind with their friends. They had to wait for the rest since they were too slow.
Twilight groaned, "Shadow Dragon! Boomer! Go! Go and get our Cutie Marks back!"
"You're our only hope!" Nyx agreed.
"Kick her ass, guys!" Lance exclaimed.
Shadow Dragon nodded his head in understanding. Boomer mounted on him as they headed straight for Starlight Glimmer and the Cutie Mark jars.
As Starlight continued running, she turned her back and found Night Glider catching onto her.
Starlight groaned in anger as her horn glowed, "Are you all so willing to give up everything because of these strangers?!"
Starlight fired her magic on the hill's edge. The snow fell on Night Glider to the ground. Night Glider got out from the snow as Sugar Belle, Double Diamond and Party Favor passed her by. She rejoined her team. Shadow Dragon followed them from behind.
Sugar Belle answered back, "We gave up everything for you, because we thought you were our friend!"
Twilight and her friends continued 'running' slowly to catch up with others.
Rainbow groaned in annoyance, "I can't believe we have to count on these other ponies to save our cutie marks!"
Twilight Sparkle answered, "If we hadn't come here to help them, they'd still be living under her rules! Now it's their turn to help us!"
Fluttershy nodded, "And I know they can do it!"
As Starlight crossing the over-bridge, her former friends were catching up on her. Sugar Belle smirked as she quickly made the snow pie.
Sugar Belle smirked, "My newest recipe - snow pie!"
Sugar Belle threw straight at Starlight and her wagon. It broke the wagon's support, causing Cutie Mark Jars dropped straight to the bottom. Starlight quickly levitated them to her side at once. Before she could run, she quickly fired her powerful spell at the over-bridge. It was destroyed. And her former friends ceased from chasing.
Starlight continued running. As his friends think of how to cross the gap, Party Favor had his. He quickly blew the balloons one-by-one as he combine them together into a large bridge-like. Night Glider flew over as she pulled the balloon bridge down on the edge's end. They then resumed their chasing. Shadow Dragon and Boomer managed to catch up with them.
Upon arriving on the hill's edge, Twilight and her friends spotted the chase event. They were worried and feared that they or their 'new' friends won't able to catch up on Starlight Glimmer and their stolen Cutie Marks.
As Shadow Dragon and the local ponies continued running, Double Diamond stopped at once as he spotted some familiar gears of his. Shadow Dragon and Boomer stopped as well.
Double Diamond explained, "These are my old skis! This is where I first met Starlight!"
"Maybe you can reminisce another time! She's almost to the caves!" Boomer exclaimed in concern.
Night Glider nodded, "He's right! We won't able to catch up to her!"
Putting his gears on, Double Diamond smirked, "Feel like an air drop?"
As Starlight almost reached the cave, Night Glider held Double Diamond up high before she dropped him down on the small hill with snow. As he skied straight down in diagonal direction, it caused some small avalanche on Starlight.
As Starlight was buried deep within the snow, her magic ceased from levitating the jars. They dropped to the ground as its glasses cracked into pieces. Twilight and her friends' Cutie Marks are freed! They all flew straight back to their owners.
Upon receiving their Cutie Marks, Twilight and all of her friends returned to their original selves. They were all happy and relief to see their Cutie Marks.
"Yee-haw! Finally, I can buck like a five-bit snake herder in an Appleloosa ranch house again!" Applejack exclaimed proudly.
Steel Blaze smirked as he had his hooves lighted some fire, "You're not the only one with your countryisms back. Mine back too!"
"Our Cutie Marks are back!" Lance exclaimed proudly as he summoned his Dual Blades.
"We've gotta help the others," Nyx exclaimed determinedly.
Twilight nodded as she flew off at once while her friends were on their way to help their friends.
As Shadow Dragon and others regrouped with both Night Glider and Double Diamond, Starlight emerged from the snow. She gave the angry yet fury looks at her former friends. They but Shadow Dragon and Boomer were scared and startled by her appearance.
Boomer stuck his tongue, "Do your worst, bitch!"
Starlight yelled angrily as she gathered and readied her Supreme Magic Blast at her former friends. Twilight landed in front of them as she unleashed Magical Barrier. Starlight fired it straight at them but got deflected aside for the moment. Steel Blaze jumped and fired his Blazing Fury at the snow which turned into watery liquid. It fell on Starlight's head from firing her spell.
As the blast has passed, Twilight dispersed her barrier as she and her friends glared at Starlight.
Starlight gasped, "Wh- I studied that spell for years! How can you--"
I studied magic for years too!" Twilight interrupted, "But what I didn't know then was that studying could only take me so far. Each of my friends has taught me something different about myself! It was their unique gifts and passions and personalities that helped bring out the magic inside of me! I never would have learned that I represent the element of magic without these five or any of my family! And I certainly wouldn't be here to stop you now!"
Starlight groaned in anger, "Spare me your sentimental nonsense! I gave these ponies real friendships they never could've had otherwise!"
"How do you know that?! You never even gave us a chance!" Double Diamond shouted back.
Shadow Dragon asked, "Starlight! Who taught you that spell?! I need to know!"
Starlight groaned, "All you need to know that the storm is coming! And soon, he shall rise again!"
Before Twilight and her friends could do anything, Starlight unleashed the powerful spell that could blind almost everyone. Aftermath, she disappeared from everyone's sight. And all they could hear was galloping hooves.
"She's getting away!" Rainbow exclaimed in concern.
Double Diamond answered, "We'll never find her in there!"
Twilight Sparkle sighed, "We just have to hope that when she's had a chance to think it over, she realizes that you all have taught her something."
"She's been corrupted and blinded by her hatred. I don't think she can change for the better," Shadow Dragon disagreed in concern.
Party Favor smiled at Twilight, "It's you who have taught us something. We all came to this village because we were searching for something missing from our lives. We thought Starlight had given it to us, but now... now it seems it was in front of us all along. It's us!"
Seeing Party Favor had the point, everyone nodded and agreed with him. Party Favor, Double Diamond, Sugar Belle and Night Glider hugged together happily.
"Does that mean you'll stay in the village?" Twilight asked.
Night Glider answered, "It's our home. I'm not going anywhere."
Double Diamond nodded, "This is a chance for all of us to get to know each other again for the very first time!"
Sugar Belle smiled, "And I finally have a chance to bake something besides terrible muffins!"
"Terrible?! Those muffins are great!" Boomer protested in annoyance, "Less sweet than any cakes I eat."
Everyone then laughed happily yet amusement at Boomer's disappointment of the muffins. Everyone is now freed from Starlight's tyranny of 'equality'...
As Twilight and all of her friends returned to the village, they witnessed how happy and joyfully ponies really are. They finally freed from their prison...
Pinkie smiled, "Now those are real smiles."
Suddenly, Mane Six's Cutie Marks glowed and pulsed brightly and quickly. Everyone noticed it as they wondered of what was next.
Applejack sighed, "I'll never get used to that."
"I think it's divine." Rarity smiled.
Fluttershy asked in concern, "Does that mean that the map is calling us somewhere else?"
Twilight Sparkle smiled, "I have a feeling it means our work here is done."
"Looks like you were right, Twilight." Applejack said, "The map did have a reason for sendin' us here. We brought real friendship to these here ponies. Guess that's why you're the Princess of Friendship."
Twilight smiled, "But the map didn't send me. It sent us. You're a part of me, all of you. And there's no doubt you're a part of my mission to spread friendship too."
Shadow Dragon smiled, "And we couldn't agree more, my love."
"Group hug!" Nyx exclaimed happily.
As everyone hugged together happily while laughed happily, Lance smiled, "Now this is happy ending."
Pinkie yelped, "This feels like an ending! It doesn't have to be an ending yet, right? 'Cause that Sugar Belle can bake!"
Twilight hummed, "Maybe we can stay a little while longer. Come on!"
Twilight and her friends approached the village as they all party happily together with the locals.
"Fluttershy..." Boomer said in concern. She turned and looked at him, "About that 'bitch' thing we've talked? Sorry. I didn't mean to hurt your feeling and some bugs. I'm a dragon. And I've gotta hunt. That's what I do."
Fluttershy gasped for the moment. She smiled, "I know. And I'm sorry too. I should have realized that dragons have their own tastes."
"I guess we both apologize. So, pals?"
"Pals. But you promise that you won't eat too much bugs?"
Boomer scoffed, "If you can bake the roasted muffins, I wouldn't! But then again, I need to. Besides, I'll get the very bad bugs to eat, not the cutie or good ones."
Fluttershy smiled, "I know someone who can help. So, it's a deal?"
Boomer smirked, "Deal! Let's party!"
Fluttershy and Boomer danced happily. Everyone smiled upon looking at the scene. Both of them have finally put their difference aside and become friends finally.
"Shadow Dragon?" Twilight asked in concern.
Shadow Dragon turned to Twilight, "Sorry, Twilight. I didn't mean to make you worried about me. I was thinking something."
"You think someone else was helping Starlight to accomplish her goal?"
"Could be... And I have the feeling that we'll meet her and her master again..."
Twilight sighed, "That's what I'm worried the most..."
Shadow Dragon smiled, "For now, enjoy the party. Let's not waste it."
Twilight nodded as both her and Shadow Dragon danced happily. Everyone enjoyed their happy lives as much as they can...
Somewhere deep in the caves, Starlight bowed before two figures who were extremely disappointed and angered by her performances. Behind her were the remainders of loyal and terrifying Dark Mystic Ponies who remained silent and still for the moment.
Starlight bowed, "I'm sorry. I really am! Twilight Sparkle will pay for ruining my plan! My harmony! My friendship! They're all ruined!"
"True... And I warned you not to underestimate Twilight and her friends," Amon said darkly at frightened and worried Starlight. He smiled beneath his mask, "But do not worry. We'll have our revenge soon. For now, you must learn more of your enemies in order to strengthen your magic and power."
Starlight smiled in relief, "Yes, my master. I will and never fail you!"
"And remember... Observe carefully and then launch full assaults on them," Amon said calmly.
Crimson Skull smirked, "Good. Phase I is complete. Since that war, everyone believed he is dead. But he'll return to us one day. When that time comes, our enemies will tremble before him! Terror of Darkness shall rise again! Hail, Demon God!"
"HAIL DEMON GOD! HAIL DEMON GOD! HAIL DEMON GOD!" Everyone cried wildly and determinedly.
Crimson Skull chuckled and laughed evilly. Everything is according to his plan. Darkness of Evill once again shall loom both Equestria and Mystic... END
Review and Suggest...
Main Casts:
Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle
Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon
Ashleigh Ball: Applejack, Rainbow Dash
Adrian Libman: Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie
Tabitha St. Germain: Rarity
Jesse McCartney: Lance Justicestrike
Daveigh Chase: Nyx
Quinton Flynn: Steel Blaze
Kelly Sheridan: Starlight Glimmer
Brian Drummond: Double Diamond
Sam Vincent: Party Favor
Rebecca Shoichet: Sugar Belle, Night Glider
Cameo
Liam O'Brien: Crimson Skull
Jason Statham: Amon Blood Statham |
My Little Pony Mystic Season 1 | Episode 3: Castle Sweet Castle | At Fluttershy's Cottage, she was showering, cleaning and washing her animal friends. But she wasn't alone to do it. Twilight, Lance and Nyx were helping her as well. As they finished showering the animals up, they dried the latter up. The animals were all cleaned. But for Twilight and her family, they were all dirty and messed.
Fluttershy sighed in relief, "Phew! Thanks for helping me get them so fresh and clean, Twilight."
Twilight smiled, "No problem, happy to do it!"
"You probably can't wait to get back to your castle and take your own bath, huh?"
"Yeah! Can't wait for it. That bathroom was awesome!"
Both Twilight and Nyx looked shock and scared of what Fluttershy had said. What scared them?
Nyx quickly spoke up, "Aren't there more animals that need cleaning?"
Twilight smiled as she nodded her head in agreement, "Yeah, Fluttershy. Maybe I should bring both Dragoking and Owlowiscious here for cleaning? That would save our time!"
Fluttershy shook her head, "No need. Lance told me he cleaned them off. I think you and I are the only ones left, and I can't wait to get the mud out of my mane."
And again, both Twilight and Nyx once again looked scared and worried. As they looked for a way to 'excuse' themselves to stay, Nyx found Angel standing behind of her. She whistled softly as she kicked him off to the mud.
Angel slowly got up as he turned and glared at Nyx.
Spotted what Nyx did, Twilight gasped in 'shock', "Oh, no! Angel got dirty! I'd better stay longer to help give him a bath too!"
Nyx smiled in agreement, "And I'll help too!"
As Angel shaken and quivered in fear, Twilight and Nyx levitated him into the bathtub as the latter helped cleaning them up. Both Fluttershy and Lance looked at each other as they both wondered - what was that?
After the bath, Twilight and her friends brought both Boomer and Angel into Fluttershy's Cottage. Both Twilight and Nyx wiping and drying the bunny as hard as they can. Both Fluttershy and Lance looked concern and skeptical for Twilight and Nyx.
Fluttershy cleared her throat softly, "Thank you ever so much for staying to give Angel a bath too, but, um... I think he's dry."
Both Twilight and Nyx stopped their wiping Angel. As they levitated the towels up, Angel was dried and good-looking. POOF!. Angel's fur got fluffy.
Lance whistled and chuckled a bit, "Now that's one fluffy bunny."
Fluttershy 'gasped', "Goodness! It's gotten late! You really didn't have to stay all day. Not that we don't appreciate it. Isn't that right?"
Angel grunted softly.
As Lance was about to ask his family to leave, but Twilight and Nyx were dusting and cleaning Fluttershy's house. Both Lance and Fluttershy looked surprise yet concern about them. Why were they so reliable and helpful?
Concerned for his family's behavior, Lance 'yawned' softly, "I for one am exhausted. Plus, we really need to rest up for that big pancake breakfast tomorrow. Dad might be joining us there."
But Twilight and Nyx ignored Lance as they continued cleaning Fluttershy's cottage interior. It was very unusual to them.
Fluttershy hummed in concern as she spoke, "And I'm sure you have both to get the castle ready."
"NO! The castle's fine without... both of us." Nyx looked down and muttered angrily, "It's better off with someone else."
Both Fluttershy and Lance looked shock and surprise by Nyx's sudden attitude.
Twilight cleared her throat. Nyx yelped in concern as she looked away. The Princess gasped, "But maybe we'd better see if Pinkie Pie needs help with the pancakes!" Twilight and Nyx quickly headed exited the cottage at once. She turned to her daughter, "Nyx, you and I are gonna have some conversation. And it's a serious one too!"
Nyx huffed, "Sorry, mommy... I miss home..."
Twilight sighed, "I know... I know... I know..."
As Twilight and Nyx headed off to Pinkie's home, Fluttershy and Lance looked at each other for the moment.
"What was that? I'd never seen Nyx so... upset... Or even seeing Twilight so 'reliable'." Fluttershy said in concern.
"Hmm... Me neither," Lance agreed, "Hopefully they don't overdo the cooking. This is not usual of them."
Angel bounced off to his own room for preparation of bed. Fluttershy said goodbye and good night to Lance who returned the thanks to her. He then departed and returned to his home. All he can think was wondering why Twilight and Nyx so 'helpful' yet upset about the 'castle'.
At Tao's Apartment Shop, he and Mighty Heart were cleaning and dusting some books off as they were closing down the shop. They then heard the knock. They turned and found a familiar character with blackish spiky mane entered their store.
"Son?" Tao asked in surprise.
Shadow Dragon sighed, "I need some help, father."
On the next morning, Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders were invited to Twilight's Castle as they were all eating their breakfasts together per Fluttershy suggested. Pegasi and Earth Ponies ate them by their mouths while Unicorns levitated their forks in poking and eating the pancakes. All of them were enjoying their meals so much.
Applejack swallowed her food up. She smiled, "Mm, these are delicious, Pinkie Pie!"
Having her face covered by creams, Pinkie had her tongue licked them off into her mouth. Pinkie smiled in please.
"Thanks! Twilight and Nyx spent all night helping me pick the flavor! I kept thinking we'd found the right one-" Pinkie explained as she put some group of pancakes each to the top, "- but Twilight insisted I make even more to try. And more. And more and more and more and more! And even Nyx agreed with her. It was like they never wanted to--"
"Leave?" Fluttershy and Cutie Mark Crusaders asked in concern.
"Exactly!" Pinkie agreed as she took a bite on pancakes as she explained, "Eventually we ran out of time so we just went with every-berry-any-chip-surprise!"
She approached Rarity as she whispered, "The surprise is I lost a measuring spoon in the batter. Somepony's gonna get a very special pancake!"
Concern of what Pinkie had said, Rarity and Sweetie Belle levitated their pancakes in checking if the measuring spoon was in any of them.
"Up all night, huh? Is that why they're so, uh... out of it?" Rainbow Dash asked in concern.
Lance, Main Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders turned to north direction. They saw both messed-up Twilight and Nyx were siting yet snoring like they both were sleeping.
"Wow... And I thought I was the only one can't sleep well," Scootaloo commented.
"What has happen to them lately," Lance asked in concern.
"Um, I don't mean to sound unappreciative," Fluttershy said in concern, "but has anypony else noticed that Twilight has been a little too helpful lately?"
Applejack admitted, "Now that you mention it, Twilight was lendin' a hoof at Sweet Apple Acres the other day and stuck around 'til near midnight. Dug up fifty tree-plantin' holes when all I needed was ten."
"She spent an entire afternoon rearranging a single gem drawer at the boutique. An entire afternoon!" Rarity explained.
"You weren't the only one, sis," Apple Bloom said in concern.
Sweetie Belle nodded, "Yeah. We spent whole day of playing any activities we planed for finding our Cutie Marks.."
Scootaloo groaned in annoyance, "Yeah! That was crazy! I'll be tired."
"You think that's weird? She raced me, like, a hundred times the other day. And lost every time! She just kept goin'! Best out of ten, best out of twenty, best out of a hundred!" Rainbow Dash groaned, "I mean, I know hanging out with me is awesome, but it was like she'd rather keep losing than--"
"Leave?" Fluttershy and Cutie Mark Crusaders asked.
Rainbow nodded, "Yeah. Who does that?"
Twilight and Nyx continued snoring. Their heads fell on the creams of pancakes. They then make them comfortable for them to sleep like they were in bed.
Lance asked in concern, "This is serious... They never worked out so much before."
"Did you or Shadow Dragon know what happen?" Applejack asked. Lance shook his head. She hummed in concern, "Somepony who's avoidin' somethin', that's who. Soon as she wakes up, we're gonna find out what."
When Pinkie ate the last one, she felt something stuck on her throat. She coughed for moment. Lance hit her back causing her to spit the measuring spoon straight to Cutie Mark Crusaders. They looked at it with their shock and surprise looks.
Pinkie cheered, "I WIN!"
Twilight and Nyx gotten up at once with their widened yet shocked eyes as they exclaimed in gibberish, "Huh?! I'm pancake!" They gasped as they took the pancakes which stuck on their horns out. They smiled nervously, "I mean, awake..."
Everyone looked at both Twilight and Nyx. They were all in concern and worried for the latter. It's time to find out.
"Uh, Twilight? Is there somethin' you wanna tell us?" Applejack asked.
Lance nodded, "You two haven't been yourself lately since we came back from the village."
Twilight and Nyx remained silent for the moment. They didn't want to answer to their friends because of their 'reasons'. Rarity and Sweetie Belle approached to two Alicorns.
"You know how much we appreciate all you do for us, and we simply adore having you around..." Rarity commented happily.
Sweetie Belle looked worry, "We worry you two might be avoiding something else?"
Twilight sighed, "Oh, has it been that obvious?" Everyone looked dumbfounded yet concern and worried by her answer. She continued, "We've been... the thing is... I know it's silly, but We... We've been avoiding... this place."
Everyone was in shock and confuse of what Twilight had said. They turned to Nyx who nodded her head at well. That was shocking. They had been avoiding their own home?!
"Why in Equestria would you both want to avoid such a gorgeous castle?" Rarity asked in concern.
"Yeah, this place has everything!" Pinkie exclaimed happily.
"Big tall ceilings that make you feel tiny!" Pinkie jumped over Twilight and her friends. She landed on the floor as she touched them gently, "Shiny new floors that are cold to the touch! Brrr!" She then rammed the door wide and shouted wildly, "And it even has loooong empty hallways!"
As it echoed a long way from dinning chamber, Pinkie turned and approached to Twilight and Nyx, "Okay, I get it..."
"The castle is amazing. But it just..." Twilight sighed, "It doesn't feel like home."
Nyx cried unhappily, "I miss home..."
Main Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders nodded their heads in understanding and even Lance nodded. Twilight and Nyx were referring to their old home - Golden Oak Library. But it was destroyed by Lord Tirek when he came to Ponyville for the Alicorn Magic.
"Not home, why?" Lance asked before he gasped as he remembered something, "Never mind. I think something just hit my head."
Rarity smiled, "Why, you simply need to decorate, darling. Make this space your own!"
Sweetie Belle nodded, "Yeah! That would be very easy!"
Nyx shook her head, "It's not that easy, Sweetie Belle."
"Nyx's right. The castle is so daunting! Look how big it is!" Twilight looked at the castle''s interior before slamming her head down, "I-I don't even know where to start!"
"You can start by letting us do it for you." Rarity answered calmly. Twilight got up and looked at her. She continued, "We will make this the castle of your dreams while you go to the Ponyville spa for some much needed rest and relaxation."
Sweetie Belle nodded, "Yeah. But... have you looked in a mirror lately?"
Rarity nodded as she levitated the mirror for both Twilight and Nyx, "I've never seen you look this... mmmm..."
"Frazzled?"
"Yes! That is absolutely the word I was going to use."
"Ooh, I guess I do need a little help. And so does my castle." Twilight agreed, "And I just know you'll do a great job, because nopony knows me better than you."
Nyx smiled, "Yeah. Nopony knows us than our best friends and family."
Applejack giggled happily, "We'll make this place feel cozier than hot cider on a rainy day."
"Oh no!" Spike exclaimed in shock. Everyone turned and found Spike entering the dining chamber, "Did I miss the pancakes?! I sleep like a baby under that cold, cavernous ceiling."
Spike sat on his chair as he started eating his pancakes.
Rarity gasped, "Spike, I'm so glad you're here!" Spike turned and looked at her with his hopeful eyes. She continued, "Yes! We're gonna work some decoration on your home. You're taking Twilight and Nyx to the spa!"
"Great! I've been meaning to get my claws done!" Spike took another bite on his pancakes. Everyone turned and looked at him with 'begging and please' looks. With his mouth full, he spoke, "Oh, you mean now."
"No worries. I'll go too. Besides, I'm gonna spent my time with you girls." Lance smiled, "Hopefully, dad gets here soon. Where is he? I haven't seen him this morning."
Nyx sighed, "You now him? Everyone and even Mystic Ponies need his advice and help for some problems. After all, he is Shadow General of Mystics."
"No kidding," Spike mumbled happily.
As Spike took two to three bites on pancakes, he held the rest. He got off the chair and exited the dining chamber. Both Twilight and Nyx followed Spike and Lance.
Applejack smirked, "Come on, y'all! We've got work to do!"
As Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders exited the Friendship Rainbow Kingdom, they all turned and looked at the castle. They began singing.
Rainbow Dash: Let's all work together
To make this castle shi-i-ine
Rainbow Dash nudged Scootaloo up on her back as they flew around and around the castle while looking at it. Scootaloo waved happily while Rainbow Dash sped up her flight before landed on the ground.
Rarity: Once we add some sparkle
It'll feel, it'll feel, it'll feel...
All: It'll feel divine
Rarity levitated the gem up high, allowing the golden sun shined upon it brightly at the castle. Everyone then sang proudly before they split up and headed back home. Rarity and Sweetie Belle packed their stuffs of diamonds, stationary gears and pictures into their wagon.
Applejack: Crates of apples an' bales o' hay
Just makes ya feel at home
At the Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack and Apple Bloom packed their farming supplies and gears into the wagon as they headed off.
Fluttershy: Furry friends and some popinjays
So she won't be alone
Fluttershy and Angel gathered dozens of animals as they marched out from their cottage together.
All: And we'll make, and we'll make, and we'll make
This castle a home
Pinkie: There's nothing like balloons and confetti
To greet you every time you walk through the door
At Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie gathered the party gears, supplies and party canon as she headed outside.
Rainbow Dash: She'll need this and those
Posters of all my heroes
Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo quickly packed all of their action figures, posters, trophies and collective items. They then headed down the stairs. They then saluted to Rainbow Blaze's statue proudly before they left.
Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders gathered and met up at the road as they walked and marched together to the Friendship Rainbow Castle.
Cutie Mark Crusaders: How could anypony awesome ever ask for more?
All: And we'll make, and we'll make, and we'll make
A home she'll adore
Rarity opened the curtains in allowing the light passed through. Sweetie Belle helped Rarity setting some curtains up as well.
Rarity: Bright curtains of flowing silk and lace
Rainbow Dash set the pictures up to the walls. Scootaloo jumped and flapped her wings for the moment.
Rainbow Dash: This picture of me winning a race
Pinkie set her birthday party foods and presents on the Council's table.
Pinkie Pie: Party cannons to give her a surprise
As Applejack set her farmer gears up, Apple Bloom poured the seeds, weeds and dirt on the ground.
Applejack: Hoes and rakes and some more garden supplies
Fluttershy settled her animal friends calmly at the castle.
Fluttershy: Getting hugs from this nice, big, friendly bear
Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders setting and decorating the Castle with their own gears and stuffs. Rarity and Sweetie Belle decorated the castle's walls with gemstones. Rainbow and Scootaloo placed and posted the posters on the walls. Pinkie led the animals to the center for party. Applejack and Apple Bloom settled some foods out for the animals eat. Fluttershy settled some birdhouses on the walls.
Rarity: Decorate with some gemstones bright and rare
Rainbow Dash: More of this and that
Pinkie Pie: Don't forget the party hats
Cutie Mark Crusaders: How could anypony awesome ask for more than that?
Applejack: Let's all work together
Fluttershy: To show that we have show
Cutie Mark Crusaders: Princess Twilight Sparkle
All: How we make, how we make, how we make
This castle a home
How we make, how we make
This castle a home
How we make, how we make
This castle a home!
With the song ended, the Castle's Council Chamber was completed with decorations. Almost...
At the Sacred City, Shadow Dragon, Tao and Mighty Heart were having breakfast at the Chinese Restaurant. The young hero came very early morning to his father's home for discussion but ended up hungered as he hadn't eaten anything.
Shadow Dragon sighed in relief after eating his Sea Veggie Bun, "That was great..."
"Now that you're full. Why do you seek me?" Tao asked curiously yet concerned, "Clearly, you don't need my advice or need to deal with your problems. Something had bother you?"
Shadow Dragon sighed, "It's Twilight and Nyx. I'm worried about them."
"What about them? Aren't you, your girlfriend and her daughter getting along well?" Might Heart asked in concern.
"No... Mighty, Fu Qing (Father)," Shadow Dragon sighed, "Do you miss your old home before moving here?"
Both Tao and Mighty looked at Shadow Dragon with shock and surprise looks. They then looked at each other for the moment. They turned and looked at him.
"I do miss home... I miss my mommy so much," Mighty Heart admitted, "But she often came and visit me. That's important."
Tao nodded, "I did miss my old home. But son, why do you asked that? Did the castle bother them both so much?"
"Yeah. Ever since we got back from our mission, Twilight and Nyx avoided going to the castle by giving some excuses of helping friends or going other places. I was worried about them. Do you know something that bother them?" Shadow Dragon asked in concern.
Tao sighed, "That's what I'm afraid. Ever since their old home Golden Oak Library destroyed, they missed it so much. It attached to them so much..."
"I knew it!"
"You knew it?! When?! HOW?!"
"Two years ago when I came to Ponyville, I stumble upon the destroyed tree. And I asked some ponies about it. It turns out that it was the Golden Oak Library. It belongs to Twilight Sparkle. I felt sorry for her to lose home. But when I came to her castle, she and Nyx were okay with it until now."
"I see... So, you're here for advice and suggest to help Twilight and Nyx, do you?"
"Yes. That's what I'm hoping for."
Tao smiled, "Sure, why not. After all, you're my son. You're always welcome to your old home."
Mighty nodded, "Yes. We're family. We'll always help each other out."
"Thanks..." Shadow Dragon smiled before looked down, "Old home, huh? Why didn't I think about it?"
At the Friendship Rainbow Kingdom's Chamber, Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders have completed their decoration. But unfortunately, they find it not they had hope for...
"Wow, girls! We did a... great job... together..." Applejack laughed nervously.
Her friends nodded their head nervously in agreement with her.
Looking at some animal roaming around happily, Rainbow commented, "Fluttershy, I love that you brought so many animals."
"Are these your trophies?" Fluttershy asked in surprise upon looking at trophies on the window shelves.
"I prefer to think of them as everypony's trophies but with my name permanently etched onto them."
"My my, Applejack, bringing the outdoors inside, it's... earthy... What a lovely touch!" Rarity commented nervously upon looking at some farmer's gears and supplies on the floor. Levitating the quilt up, she then sniffed on it. She heaved in shock before putting it down. She asked, "Are these quilts vintage?"
"Nope, just old!" Applejack answered before she got blinded by some lights. She turned and found some diamonds attached to curtains as she commented, "Unlike your sparkly window doohickeys which are... why, they're just swell!"
"I didn't know you were bringing some more of your comic books and posters here, Scootaloo" Apple Bloom said in surprise upon looking at comic books.
Scootaloo looked at music notes and instruments, "Sweetie Belle, I kinda like what you bring. It's cool to sing. Sort of."
Sweetie Belle looked surprise upon looking at tools and woods, "That's... kinda thoughtful of you, Apple Bloom - building some houses for Nyx."
Pinkie jumped over on middle where her friends standing as she giggled happily, "No one said anything about my hidden confetti cannons! Oh, right! They're hidden!"
As the door was opened; Spike, Lance and his girlfriend Shiroi entered the chamber. Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders gasped in fear as they saw the trio were here now.
Upon looking at the chamber, they all gasped in shock and freaked-out, "Sweet Celestia!"
"What happen here?!" Shiroi asked in shock.
"Oh, Spike! Lance!" Rarity gasped in concern, "Are you, Nyx and Twilight done already?"
Spike shook his head, "Don't worry, I ordered her the super-deluxe mane blow-out! She'll be a while. Man, this place looks terrible!"
"Spike!" Lance and Shiroi exclaimed in annoyance.
Instead of being upset and insulted, Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders sighed in relief and pleased. Both Lance and Shiroi were in surprise by the former's reaction.
"Thank goodness somepony said something!" Fluttershy commented in relief.
"It's pretty bad, right?" Rainbow asked in concern.
"You could say that," Lance agreed.
"This place looks like a mishmash of knickknacks." Applejack commented.
Shiroi sighed as she admitted, "I suppose it is a little cluttered."
"What are you guys talking about? I think it looks super fun!" Pinkie exclaimed in annoyance.
BOOM! The confetti shots out, causing the animals freaked out as they roamed around wildly and scared. They destroyed and damaged some of Mane Five's and Cutie Mark Crusaders' items. Pinkie running around for fun.
Lance, Shiroi and Spike were in shock and freak out now. Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders were now in concern and worried.
Rarity annoyed shouted angrily, "Everypony, stop!"
Everyone stopped from running wild or crazy. Pig stopped as they knocked at each other to the walls. Bear and some animals stopped from running. Pinkie stopped as well. The chamber was in terrible mess.
Pinkie giggled, "Okay, now it's a mess."
Cutie Mark Crusaders screamed in fear, "What're we gonna do?!"
"I dunno. But Twilight's blow-out won't take that long." Spike said in concern, "If she was avoiding the castle before, she'll never set hoof in here now!"
Lance groaned, "That's just great! And be glad that dad isn't here. He would have been freak out by now."
"Spike! Lance! You've got to get back to that spa and stall her! Whatever you do, don't let her come home!" Rarity said in concern. Spike and Lance looked at her with concerns. She cleared her throat a bit, " I mean - maybe you could manage it 'til... sunset-ish?"
With Rarity giving Spike some winks, Spike sighed happily, "Anything for you, Rarity..."
"Typical," Lance sighed, "We'll do our best. Shiroi, I think you'd better help them. They might need some advice."
Shiroi nodded, "Okay."
As soon as Lance and Spike left, Shiroi turned to both Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders as they had some discussion for the next plan about the castle.
Applejack sighed, "Okay, we all agree the castle is too cluttered, right? So why doesn't everypony take one of their own decorations out and we'll see how it looks?"
Everyone nodded and agreed with Applejack.
Shiroi smiled, "I'll sketch the idea out. Once it's done, I'll let you all see it. You're all gonna love it. I can guarantee it."
At the spa, Twilight was having her mane blowing out by her mane-dryer. Nyx sighed happily as she wiped her mane and body gently before shaken the water off. Upon looking at the mirror, Twilight spotted Lance and Spike coming into the scene.
"Spike! Lance! You're back!" Twilight exclaimed happily. As she turned to the front, she levitated the blower up. Her mane revealed to be her spiky and curved mane-like Spitfire's or Night Glider's. She smiled, "How do I look?"
Nyx whistled happily, "That's awesome!"
Spike smiled nervously, "Great!"
Lance nodded his head in agreement before he cleared his throat, "Where did you get that from?"
"You father and some of Pegasi I met. Their mane looked so awesome and great," Twilight smiled as she looked at her mane, "And more importantly, how does the castle look?"
Lance and Spike smiled nervously, "Great?"
Nyx squealed happily, "I can't wait to go home and see it!"
Twilight smiled as she got off from the pillow, "Me too! We're done!"
"NO!" Spike exclaimed in concern while grabbing his adopted mother's tail. Twilight and Nyx looked at him. He yelped as he let go before explained, "I mean - I'm not... quite ready to go yet." He took the flyer out which revealed the muscular bicep hoof-like, "Uh, why don't we have a massage? I was really hoping to get, uh... this thingy!"
"Spike!" Lance exclaimed in concern.
Nyx read the flyer, "The 'Extra-strength-hot-stone-deep-tissue massage'?"
Lance groaned in annoyance as he gave himself a small slap. Spike gulped, "Yep!"
Twilight smiled, "I think I'll just have a traditional massage, but you go for it."
"Me too!" Nyx agreed.
Lance sighed in relief, "I'll wait around. Look around if Metalgear is here. That Metal Pony sure love to poke around for learning."
Lotus smiled in please as she whistled to call her friends. Aloe emerged from the door and smiled at her customers.
"Did somepony order messages?" Aloe asked gently.
CRASH! Bulk Biceps, dressed in his spa uniform, emerged from the walls.
"YEAH!" Bulk Biceps exclaimed wildly as he jumped behind of nervous Spike, "Let's do this, little dragon!"
Using his biceps, both sides grabbed Spike's head tight. Bulk Biceps marched straight to the walls, making another hole for him to enter.
Aloe sighed in annoyance, "Oh, I hate it when he does that. Come with me, princesses."
Aloe led both Twilight and Nyx into the message chamber. Lance waited outside as he looked around in finding Metalgear. Hopefully it was long enough for the rest to finish the decoration...
At the Archaeologist Building at Sacred City, Dragon Kick allowed his family to enter as they all had some discussion about Twilight's old home. They were at his office where it was filled with books and artifacts, including his personal belongings and pictures. Dragon Kick was made as Senior Archaeologist Minister and Mentor among his company since he made several discoveries for Equestria and even for Mystic Ponies.
Shadow Dragon was distracted about what Tao had said to him. 'Old Home'? He hadn't thought of it since his exile.
"Shadow Dragon, stop daydreaming," Dragon Kick called out. Shadow Dragon turned to him as the latter bowed down to apologize. He brought the Equestria Map down on the table. It revealed Ponyville's location but only forests and woods only which was part of Everfree Forest. He sighed, "Okay. This is Ponyville. Or what's going to be after 1,000 years later. The tree that Twilight lived is called Great Oak."
"So, what's so special about it?" Jade asked curiously, "And when did the library made?"
"Patient, Jade. I'll explain. According to the legend, the Great Oak has been the center to the Everfree Forest for more than thousand years. It is said that it brings good lucks or fortunes to anypony who treated it with wisdom, compassion and hope. And ever since Ponyville was founded, Great Oak was turned into Golden Oak Library. And the former owner treated it so well like a family to him. So, after his passing, he passed it to his next successors to treat it as its family."
"Wow... That's wow... I can see why Twilight was so attached to it."
"Yes. Yes, it does."
Might sighed, "It's such a good story to hear it."
"But does it help us to restore it?" Shadow Dragon asked in concern.
Dragon Kick shook his head, "It can't. There's no other way to restore Great Oak. Great Oak is 10,000 years-old tree. It's too old. Even if you did ask the Mystic Council of Wood to help, it's against the law. When there's life, there's death. Once the life ends, death takes you to peace. That tree cannot be restored."
Tao sighed, "Dragon Kick's right. This is the law."
"It's not fair..." Shadow Dragon groaned, "Why?"
"But let me ask you - why? Why do you want to restore the old home?" Tao asked curiously, "You ask me about missing old home? It sounds like that you miss home, don't you?"
Shadow Dragon sighed as he turned to his family, "Ever since I was exiled, I missed my home so much. I kept thinking, dreaming and wondering about it so much. Wherever I lived, I don't feel home. When I came to Twilight's Castle, I felt peace and harmony like I'm home. But because I chose that, I forgotten about my old one. I didn't want Twilight to feel it."
Tao nodded in understanding, "Ah Chai... I understand. Just because you've moved on to new life doesn't mean you should be ashame of it. And besides, it's okay to miss home. But it is your choice to decide - forgotten it or remembered it. And you chose the later. I'm proud of it."
"Really?"
"Yes... And besides, you are always welcome to home if you like. Mystic Realm is always your home, just like home Golden Oak Library is to Twilight. All of us do miss you too, my son. You're not alone."
Dragon Kick, Jade Adventure and Mighty Heart nodded their heads in agreement.
Touched by his family's concerns and love, Shadow Dragon hugged Tao tightly and passionately, "Thank you, father. I really appreciated it so much."
Tao hugged back, "I know. I hope that put your concerns down?"
"Yes... It does," Shadow Dragon admitted as he departed from hugging. He saw Dragon Kick passed the golden Chinese Pendant to him. He took it and looked at it, "What is this?"
"Call it remembrance. It'll help you remember all the times we've been through, so you won't feel bad about it," Dragon Kick explained.
Shadow Dragon then opened the pendent. It revealed the Chinese Portraits of himself, his family, old and new friends. He smiled happily upon looking at the picture. He nearly wanted to cry upon it so much.
Jade nodded, "Besides, you still remember us. That counts right?"
"She does have the point. You did come and visit us a lot. You were thoughtful of us. That's important," Mighty Heart added, "So remembrance is important."
Struck an idea, Shadow Dragon looked at the pendent again. He then looked at his family, "I have an idea. And I need your help."
And his family did was smiled at him.
Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders were moving some items and stuffs from making the chamber so cluttered. Rarity struggled in doing it. Shiroi was sketching on her drawing board. They were annoyed by their 'drama queen' friend's concern.
Applejack groaned, "Come on, Rarity. Everypony has taken somethin' out except you."
"Ooh, I know! I simply can't decide." Rarity said in concern as she looked around - her friendship portraits, gems on the walls and curtains. She groaned, "Ooh! They're all my favorite too!"
Rainbow growled in annoyance, "They can't all be your favorite! Okay, I'm taking down the portrait. We all know what we look like."
As Rainbow Dash brought the portrait down to the outside, Rarity was furious and annoyed. She huffed in irritation.
"Well, the room still looks a little bit cluttered, doesn't it?" Rarity levitated some of posters down at once. "Perhaps I'll take down a poster or two. Only to be helpful, of course!"
Rainbow was furious as she glared at Rarity. Rarity glared back at her. They both were about to fight but Applejack intercepted it.
"Okay, everypony calm down. I'm sure we can find a way to remove the clutter together."
Rarity smirked, "You're absolutely right, dear."
Rarity levitated the quilts away and gave to Rainbow to kick her out. Applejack gasped in shock.
"Hey, those are my warmin' quilts!" Applejack exclaimed in shock.
Rainbow Dash and Rarity smirked proudly. Cutie Mark Crusaders were about to stop the argument. Scootaloo moved Sweetie Belle's stuffs, which the latter noticed.
"Scootaloo! What are you doing with my music notes?!" Sweetie Belle demanded.
Scootaloo shrugged, "Well, we've gotta move the stuffs. So, it can get more space for decoration."
"You mean like these?" Apple Bloom smirked as she held some of Scootaloo's Comic Books, causing the Pegasus Filly annoyed and angered.
"Think that is funny, Apple Bloom? Try this!" Sweetie Belle smirked as she levitated Apple Bloom's crayons and papers, "I guess we should move these and Scootaloo's away from here!"
"HEY!" Apple Bloom and Scootaloo exclaimed in anger.
Suddenly, the balloons popped into pieces. The birds were pecking at them?!
"Fluttershy, tell your birds to stop pecking at my balloons," Pinkie begged.
Fluttershy huffed, "I guess they must not like being scared out of their wits by exploding confetti cannons or something."
Pinkie yelped, "But we can't get rid of the cannons! I don't remember where I hid them."
Irritated and annoyed by Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders' argument, Shiroi stopped her drawing and glared at them, "Knock it off! I'm sure we'll figure it out somehow. So, out your difference aside and work together. Or, we'll never finish this in time!"
BOOM! The confetti exploded and burst wildly. As if it sparked, Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders argued wildly and angrily as they 'helped' moving some of other stuffs wildly and angrily.
Shiroi sighed, "Unbelievable..."
After the massages, Twilight and her family left the spa as they all headed back to home.
Twilight sighed, "Great suggestion, Spike. I feel totally relaxed."
Nyx bounced and squealed happily, "Me too!"
Lance carried Spike on his back as the latter yelped painfully and wildly. Lance sighed in annoyance while shaking his head. Asking Bulk Biceps massaged Spike was a bad idea.
Lance smirked, "That's what you get for getting the wrong massage."
"Shut up!" Spike exclaimed angrily.
"C'mon! Let's go home! I want to see what it looks like!" Nyx called.
"No!" Lance exclaimed in concern. Both Twilight and Nyx looked at him. He yelped before continued, "I mean - why don't we check on our friends? You know - get to know them?"
Twilight hummed, "I don't know..."
"C'mon, it won't hurt to know them." Spike persuaded as he stretched his arms and legs hard. He got down, "We don't wanna to get another Boomer problem again,"
Twilight and Nyx looked at each other for the moment. They did have the problem when both Fluttershy and Boomer argued with each other over the bugs. They nodded in agreement to know more about Lance's friends.
As Twilight and her friends walked across Ponyville, they came across the destroyed and burnt tree. Twilight, Nyx and Spike gave the depressed and painful looks. Lance was confused and worried.
"What happen here?" Lance asked in concern.
Nyx sniffed painfully, "It's our home - our real home." Lance turned and looked at her. She continued, "Golden Oak Library is where I was reincarnated and lived. It's also family home since we lived in Ponyville. Now it's gone..."
Twilight sighed, "I really miss this place, Spike. We had so many wonderful memories here."
Spike nodded, "We did, didn't we...?"
As both Spike and Nyx were crying, Twilight came and hugged them both. Lance looked at them with his pitiful and upset looks. He hated to see them being depressed and pained.
"I'm so sorry. Losing the Golden Oak Library was hard for you too. I know that feel..." Lance admitted painfully, "I've lost my mom when I was a teen. It's so painful..."
Twilight turned and looked at Lance. She used her wing and pulled him to us and her children, "Thank you. And I'm sorry too. You're really a good son..."
Nyx gasped, "I've got an idea. Why don't we have the girls add some things to make the castle feel more like our home as well?"
"Great idea!" Twilight, Spike and Lance exclaimed happily.
Lance smiled, "But first, let's meet our friends."
Twilight nodded in understanding as she and her family left and find Lance's best friends.
At the chamber, Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders have finished in clearing and moving all of their cluttered stuffs out from it. It was very exhausted and tired.
Rarity sighed in relief, "There! Now nothing is cluttering the castle!"
"You're right," Shiroi said bitterly, "There is literally nothing cluttering this castle."
Heard what Shiroi had said, everyone looked around of their surroundings. They found it completely empty and nothing. Back to drawing board...
"What are we gonna do?" Fluttershy asked in concern.
"But it's almost sunset!" Apple Bloom exclaimed in concern.
"We don't have much time!" Sweetie Belle said in concern.
Scootaloo groaned, "We're so busted!"
Rarity sighed, "Ooh! If we don't figure this out soon, it's going to look like we didn't lift a hoof to help her!"
"Why is this so hard?!" Rainbow complained, "We're Twilight's best friends! This should be easy for us!"
Applejack sighed, "She said it herself - if anypony should be able to make her feel comfortable in her new home, it's us. If we can't do it..."
"Then Twilight will be stuck living in a castle that makes her feel... sad!" Fluttershy finished Applejack's sentences.
Pinkie screamed wildly and fearfully, "What do we do? What do we do?! If Twilight comes home now, she'll be like "What did you guys do?" And we'll have to be like "Nothing!" And then she'll be like "I was counting on you! Some friends you are!" And we'll be like... "
Pinkie screamed wildly and fearfully while mimicking crying-like
Applejack sighed, "Calm down, Pinkie. We just need to figure out what we did wrong so we can make it right."
"Well, I didn't do anything wrong! I did exactly what I would do if this were my home!" Rarity spoke up.
Rainbow glared at Rarity, "But it's not your home. It's Twilight's home!"
"Where she keeps all her Rainbow Dash trophies?"
"Touche."
Shiroi sighed, "All of you did wrong. You're all making yourselves feel at home instead of Twilight. That's why it's so hard."
Everyone looked ashamed and disappointed. They realized that Shiroi was right. They were supposed to help Twilight to feel comfortable at home, but instead making it for themselves. They looked at each other as they nodded their heads that they should fixed and repaired the problems.
Applejack gasped, "I've got it! We just need to think about Twilight. What was it she'd loved about livin' in the Golden Oak Library?"
"Oh, everything!" Fluttershy answered happily, "The books, the smell of books, the joy she felt from organizing books..."
"Remember that time I crashed into all those books attempting my sonic rainboom after you guys just cleaned up?" Rainbow asked happily before she laughed in amusement. Mane Three were annoyed and angered by her jokes. She sighed, "That was good times."
Applejack groaned, "Yeah, for you, maybe."
Rarity gasped, "Oh, and Applejack, remember when we were stuck having a sleepover there? That turned out to be so much fun!"
"Hey! Remember the time when we get out lessons from Twilight," Apple Bloom asked happily.
Sweetie Belle giggled, "Yeah! And don't forget of what we did during Twilight Time."
"And best of all - all of us and Nyx passed the test! Azure approved it and built the Twilight School for the gifted fillies and colts!" Scootaloo remarked happily.
Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders were happy and pleased with the remembrance of Golden Oak Library. It was meaningful and wonderful to them so much.
"Remember the time it got blown up to smithereens?!" Pinkie asked happily. It turned Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders smiles turned to frown and pain. She yelped, "Wait, no, that was the worst."
Applejack sighed, "We had a lot of good memories there, though. That's what made the Golden Oak Library home."
"Yeah..." Everyone sans Shiroi agreed.
Shiroi hummed as she looked at her sketches carefully, "If we add some parts of Golden Oak Library here, it might make her memorable and comfortable."
Applejack gasped, "Shiroi, you're genius!"
Everyone looked in confuse and surprise as they looked at Applejack. What was that?
Twilight and her family spent almost whole afternoon in meeting Lance's Team across the Ponyville.
They met Boomer who is now exterminating some bugs and insects across the Ponyville for his food, though he often gave some to Fluttershy for present. They found Grunt who was working as the labor for almost every tough and difficult jobs for strong pony or dragons. Rob was working for Dr. Hooves for his science works. Steel Blaze cooked some of hayburgers for them. They found Alyson led Dinky Doo, Pipsqueak and Twist in finding their Cutie Marks. And finally, they also found Red Arsenal came by for a visit with Lance as they both spar with each other for ten round. But Metalgear was nowhere to be found.
Twilight and her friends sighed in relief as they were all tired and exhausted. Spike and Lance looked up as they found sun was setting down. As they got up, they spotted Mane Five, Cutie Mark Crusaders and Shiroi were carrying some shovels and picks. They looked surprise and concern.
Applejack and Shiroi quickly gave Lance and Shiroi a shush. Lance and Spike sighed in annoyance. They hated of doing it.
Twilight sighed, "Let's go home. I think we've done enough."
"Wait!" Spike exclaimed in concern. Twilight and Nyx looked at him. He yelped, "Maybe we should... I think... We should go and buy some pillows!"
Nyx gasped, "Huh?! I thought you sleep like a baby?!"
"Nah! Everypony knows that babies are terrible sleeper," Spike protested.
Nyx hummed, "Okay, Spike. What gives? What's your excuse? Is there something you're not telling us?"
"Yeah... Why do you behave strange so lately?" Twilight asked in concern.
Lance and Spike yelped in fear as they struggled of coming up the answers for them. Before they could, a black smoke emerged from the ground. Twilight and her family gasped in shock and surprise. They found Shadow Dragon stood on the stone.
"Shadow Dragon!" Twilight exclaimed happily as she got up and hugged him. She departed and glared at him, "Where have you been?! What you've been up to?!"
Shadow Dragon chuckled softly, "Sorry... But could I talk with you privately?"
Twilight sighed, "Fine..."
Shadow Dragon and Twilight left the children behind. Lance and Spike were about to move but blocked by Nyx as she demanded some answers about their behavior. They both chuckled uneasily.
At the Ponyville's Restaurant, Shadow Dragon and Twilight had some tea together for the moment.
Twilight sighed, "So... What is it you want to talk with me?"
"It's about your home," Shadow Dragon answered. Twilight looked surprise and shock. He continued, "I'm aware of it. And I know what happen to your old home. And believe me, I'm very sorry for it."
"There's no surprise... And yes, I miss mine so much. I wish it was still here."
"I know how you feels. That's why I brought you this."
Shadow Dragon passed the snow globe-like which contains of Twilight's Golden Oak Library and the miniature of herself, her family and friends. She was in shock and surprise as she took it. She looked at it with both surprise and shock but joyfully.
"It's... It's beautiful." Twilight commented, "But why?"
Shadow Dragon smiled as he patted Twilight's cheek gently, "For your remembrance. I know you still miss your old home so much. And you're also scared to move on. But believe me, you're not alone. Spike, Nyx, Lance, your friends and me will be there for you. They're your home. That's important. After all, you're my girlfriend. And I'm here to help."
Twilight looked at Shadow Dragon, "Do you mean it?"
Shadow Dragon smiled as he gave her nuzzle, "Of course, I mean it."
"Thank you so much, Shadow Dragon," Twilight smiled, "I'm happy to have you here."
Twilight smiled as she kissed Shadow Dragon's lips. Lance, Nyx and Spike sighed happily of seeing the couples being together.
Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders have arrived at the former Golden Oak Library. It was big and huge even thought it was destroyed.
Applejack sighed, "Maybe my plan won't work after all."
They were all disappointed and upset by it.
Rarity refused as she had the idea upon looking at the tree, "Of course it will, darling. I can see it! You and Fluttershy stay here." She turned to both Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie, "Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie, you come with me. We're going shopping! We'll meet back at the castle."
"Good to hear! I've brought some help," Shiroi said happily as she led Metalgear and 25 Metal Ponies here.
Metalgear smiled, "I'll be honored to assist."
"Alright, y'all! Let's do it!" Applejack exclaimed happily.
With Applejack's signal, her friends began working. Applejack, Fluttershy, Shiroi, Metalgear and Metal Ponies began digging. Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie left for shopping.
Applejack: It's not the things that ya gather 'round
Fluttershy: It's not how much you own
Applejack and her team dug as hard and quick as they can in bringing the tree out from the ground.
Rarity: The things that hold the meaning in your life
Are the memories you've sown
Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie had done their shoppings as they headed back to the Friendship Rainbow Castle.
All: So we make, so we make, so we make
This castle a home
So we make, so we make
This castle a home
So we make, so we make
This castle a home!
Shiroi showed her sketches to her friends. They all began working on their latest decoration. Rarity, Shiroi and Sweetie Belle sewed one shinning diamond to another. Applejack sharpened the tree's trunks. Rainbow tied the ropes to the top's roller and brought them down. They all pulled the rope back hard and slowly as the tree's bottom part slowly ascended to the ceiling.
The decoration is done and completed. Everyone smiled happily to see it done.
Twilight and her family returned to Friendship Rainbow Castle. They entered the hallway.
Twilight smiled, "Hello? We're home!"
Everyone from the castle headed to the entrance as they greeted happily, "Welcome Home!"
As Twilight and her friends walked through the hallway, they looked around of their surroundings. The hallway and corridors of windows were the same as before.
"Oh, I, uh... love what you've done with the place." Twilight remarked gently yet unconvinced, "You did such a good job of... preserving the integrity of the original design."
Spike groaned, "Aw, come on! It looks exactly the same! Do you know how hard it was to keep her from coming back here?! I never want to see another dust ruffle as long as I live!"
"SPIKE!" Lance and Nyx exclaimed in annoyance.
"Wait. Keep me from coming back here?" Twilight asked in concern.
Shadow Dragon sighed, "What happen?"
Rarity laughed nervously, "It took a teensy bit longer than we thought."
Applejack sighed as she had her hat down, "What really makes home feel like home isn't what it looks like. It's the memories you make when you're there."
Rarity smiled, "So we've made something that celebrates the memories we've made with you since you moved to Ponyville."
As Mane Five opened the door, they and the rest entered the Council Chamber. Twilight and her family gasped in surprise. They saw the tree's bottom hung to the ceilings. Its roots were filled with several ornaments. It was like a chandelier.
As Fluttershy flew up to the ceiling, she explained, "The ornaments on the chandelier are reminders of all the fun we've had together."
Pinkie pointed at the orange ornament, "That one shows your party at the Golden Oak Library welcoming you to Ponyville!"
Fluttershy showed the blue ornament, "The time we shared donuts after the Grand Galloping Gala!"
"And the best is Nyx Save the Day!" Cutie Mark Crusaders exclaimed happily as they pointed at the purple ornament.
Rarity smiled, "We were hoping that being able to look at your beautiful old memories would inspire you to make new ones."
"And the best part of it is, it's made from the roots of the Golden Oak Library," Applejack explained, "so you'll never forget where you came from."
As everyone gathered at the entrance, they prayed and hoped that Twilight accepted it. That was the only idea they had.
Twilight turned to her friends. She worn the mask of happiness yet having tears on her eyes.
"It's exactly what the castle needed." Twilight Sparkle smiled and sniffed. She galloped towards all of her friends as she gave them a hug, "And I am ready to make new memories here."
Pinkie Pie squealed happily as she brought the seven colorful layer cakes, "Then let's start right now with a new memory cake! Seven layer what's-that-flavor mystery surprise! These might be chocolate chips or they might be super-spicy black beans!"
Twilight giggled, "Let's go to the dining room. It's a little sparse, but at least there's a table and chairs." She led her party to the dinning chamber. She gasped, "Whoa! What happened in here? Last I checked, this place was empty!"
The dinning chamber was filled decorative and noble-like dinning table. Twilight's family was in shock as well. They and Twilight turned and looked at the nervous Rarity and Sweetie Belle.
Rarity smiled nervously, "I couldn't help myself! It was just begging for the personal touch!"
"Yeah. That would make things interesting," Sweetie Belle admitted.
Applejack sighed, "Truth be told... I couldn't either. Your kitchen might have some rustic farm decor, Twilight."
"And it's a free apples," Apple Bloom added.
Rainbow Dash smirked, "And there may or may not be some Daring Do posters up in your library."
Scootaloo nodded, "I also added some action figures and comic books for you, Lance and Spike."
Fluttershy added, "And some stuffed animals in your bedroom."
"Um... I hope you don't mind if I add some drawing frames in your own rooms," Shiroi explained, "It makes you all comfortable and happy. That's how I feel with them."
Metalgear bowed, "As your humble ally, I request to be your butler. After all, you do need someone to look after Nyx and Spike."
Lance chuckled, "Yeah, we could use that."
"Not funny!" Spike and Nyx exclaimed in annoyance.
BOOM! Another confetti exploded from the hidden canon. And everyone yelped and startled in fright and shock.
Shadow Dragon asked, "What was that?!"
Applejack sighed as she turned and glanced at Pinkie who was messed with creams on her. She smirked, "One of Pinkie Pie's confetti cannons."
"What?" Pinkie asked innocently, "It's not my fault I hid them so well!"
Everyone laughed happily yet amusing about Pinkie being so random.
Lance nuzzled Shiroi before giving her a kiss on her cheek, "Thanks for the help. I owe you one."
"You owe me nothing. But you did owe me a kiss," Shiroi joked happily.
"See? You're not alone," Shadow Dragon smiled, "You finally settle with your new home."
Twilight shook her head in disagreed, "My home... My home is my friends, my family and you. That's what make me better and happy."
Nyx squealed, "We're home!"
Shiroi and Lance gave each other a kiss, and so did Twilight and Shadow Dragon. Everyone sighed happily to see the couples to be together. Twilight and Nyx finally accepted the Friendship Rainbow Castle as their new home, with some friends and family... END
Review and Suggest...
Main Casts:
Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle
Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon
Daveigh Chase: Nyx
Jesse McCartney: Lance Justicestrike
Cathy Weseluck: Spike
Tabitha St. Germain: Rarity, Aloe
Ashleigh Ball: Applejack, Rainbow Dash
Adrian Libman: Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie
Michelle Creber: Apple Bloom
Claire Corlett: Sweetie Belle
Madeleine Peters: Scootaloo
Minor Casts:
Sab Shimono: Mystic Tao
Noah Nelson: Mighty Heart
Jackie Chan: Dragon Kick
Stacey Chan: Jade Adventure
Michael Dobson: Bulk Biceps
Hayden Panettiere: Shiroi Bai
Kazumi Evans: Rarity (Singing Voice)
Shannon Chan-Kent: Pinkie Pie (Singing Voice)
Derek Stephen Prince: Metalgear |
My Little Pony Mystic Season 1 | Episode 4: Bloom and Gloom | At the Cutie Mark Crusaders' Clubhouse, Apple Bloom gathered all of her friends and members as she had some announcement to make. Dragoking was sleeping outside neared to the clubhouse.
"Hear ye, hear ye!" Apple Bloom called as she hammered her podium twice, "This meeting of the Cutie Mark Crusaders is now in session! Who wants to do roll-call?"
The Cutie Mark Crusaders (Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Nyx, Jade Adventure, Pipsqueak, Dinky Doo and Twist) remained silent as they all looked at Apple Bloom. Was she serious?
Scootaloo shook her head gently, "I'm pretty sure we're all here."
Nyx nodded, "Yeah... Besides, it wasn't that a lot. So, what's this all about?"
"Oh, nothin'..." Apple Bloom snickered before she took the letter out for her friends to look, "except this letter from Babs Seed sayin' she's got her cutie mark!"
Everyone but Apple Bloom asked in surprise, "WHAT?!"
As they gathered around her, Apple Bloom nodded as she read the letter, "She says it's a pair of scissors!"
Scootaloo looked at Apple Bloom, "So... she's good at cutting stuff?"
"Well, she did a mane-cut for my mane," Pipsqueak shrugged as he showed off his spiky mane, "I kinda like it. Hopefully, I can make it like Nyxie's dad."
Nyx blushed happily of hearing what Pipsqueak had said, She really appreciated to hear what he had said to her.
Sweetie Belle nodded, "Of course! She was always fussing with her bangs and tail! I'll bet she grows up to be a celebrity stylist!"
"But if she spends all her time cuttin' hair," Dinky asked in concern, "who's gonna run the Manehattan CMCs?"
"Well, not Babs." Scootaloo answered in concern, "She can't be a Cutie Mark Crusader if she's already got her cutie mark."
Twist cleared her throat, "Why not? I've got Cutie Mark. And I was allowed in it. So, I think she can lead them."
"And if someponies had the Cutie Marks? Does this mean it's the end of Cutie Mark Crusaders?"
"Touche..."
Scootaloo's answer was logic, Apple Bloom nodded in concern as she slowly marched down, "Oh, wow. I guess you're right."
"I'm glad she's happy, but I sure wouldn't want to be up to my flank in mane hair all day." Sweetie Belle said in concern, "Can you imagine getting stuck with a cutie mark you didn't like?"
Apple Bloom gulped, "No... or at least I hadn't..."
Jade scoffed as she held Apple Bloom's shoulder tight to her, "Don't worry, Apple Bloom. Most of your family has apple-related cutie marks. I bet yours will be, too. And what's not to like about apples?"
Nyx nodded in agreement, "She does have the point. It's gonna be the apple-Cutie Mark. You're gonna be alright."
Apple Bloom smiled in relief to hear it.
"There's the core, and sour apples, and rotten apples, and apples with worms in them--" Scootaloo counted before she was glared by her own friends, "What?"
Sweetie Belle sighed, "Not helping."
Nyx turned and found Apple Bloom quivered and shivered in fear. The former grew worry and concern for the latter. Apple Bloom was Nyx's first friend and so the latter wanted to make sure that former was okay. Her friendship and relationship reminded herself of Twilight and Applejack.
"Don't worry, Apple Bloom. No matter what Cutie Mark you get, you're still Cutie Mark Crusader," Nyx comforted.
Apple Bloom sighed, "If only that was easy..."
"Apple Bloom? What do you mean? I mean you let me and Twist in because we were your best friends. We've always are. No matter who had the Cutie Marks, we're still Cutie Mark Crusaders."
"But what happen if all of us have the Cutie Marks? We may never be together again. We may never be Cutie Mark Crusaders. And if blank flanks saw us, they may think we're bullies. They may never want out help and advice. And this maybe the end of Cutie Mark Crusaders..."
"Apple Bloom... What are you saying..."
Apple Bloom sniffed as her tears emerged, "Our friendship may ended sooner than we think, Nyx. This maybe... our goodbye." She cried and sobbed, "I don't want to say goodbye to my friends! I don't want to forget you all! I don't want to be somepony I never like! I don't want to lose my friendship!"
Apple Bloom cried and sobbed in despair and pain. All Cutie Mark Crusaders were in shock as they never had seen her cried before until now. They came and comforted her. Nyx was in deep shock and feared as she slowly backed away from her friends. She then looked at the window's reflection. What was she looking at?
Nyx sighed as she looked down, "I don't want to lose mine either because of my reflection..."
As Cutie Mark Crusaders had their situation to deal with, a familiar humanoid bat watched the event. She smirked darkly yet evilly.
"Xing is going to love this one," Song Wing said darkly, "Yue will rue the day for betraying our family..."
Song Wing flapped her wings as she headed off to another area. Dragoking got up as he glared at the sky. He growled angrily as he suspected someone was spying on Nyx...
[Apple Bloom's Story]
It was night time. At Sweet Apple Acre, Apple Bloom was getting ready to get some sleep in her bedroom. Applejack was thee helping her. Apple Bloom was in frantically feared and scared of her Cutie Mark.
Apple Bloom laid down on her bed as she said in concern and feared, "I guess I just spent so much time worryin' about how to get a cutie mark, I never even thought about what would happen after. There's just so many things I never considered."
Applejack shook her head in denial, "I'm sure there are, but you don't need to--"
"What if I finally get my cutie mark and I don't like it? What if I get my cutie mark and nopony likes me?"
"Well, that's just ridicu--"
"What if the Crusaders drift apart? I mean, we won't really be the Cutie Mark Crusaders anymore!" Apple Bloom gasped, "What if it's not an apple?! Will I have to move out?! Where will I live?!"
Applejack sighed, "All right, that's enough, sugarcube. Those are way too many questions to answer all in one night."
"But--"
"And nopony's gonna make ya move out."
"Are you sure, Applejack?"
"Of course, I'm sure. Now get some sleep. You'll see. Everything will be better in the mornin'."
Apple Bloom smiled in relief. She was happy and relief to have a sister like Applejack. Applejack has always been there for since she was a baby as the former was like a mother to her so much. As Apple Bloom settled herself on bed with blanket on her. Applejack began singing:
Applejack sang: Hush now, little sister
You're loved by all you know
You'll never lose their friendship
No matter where you go
As Apple Bloom's eyes slowly closed, Applejack slowly moved back while singing. She turned the lights off. She then closed the door.
Applejack sang: There ain't no call to worry
So don't you cry or fret
A cutie mark won't change you
No matter what you get
Apple Bloom yawned happily as she tugged herself on bed, "No matter what I get."
With the lullaby ended, Apple Bloom happily sounded asleep. Nothing could ruin her peace...
[Nyx's Story]
At Friendship Rainbow Kingdom, Nyx was lying on Dragoking's back. She looked up at the black sky with several bright stars.
Nyx sighed, "What am I gonna do?" Dragoking turned and looked at her. She looked down, "Apple Bloom is my best friend. And I want to help her. She help me so much. I don't want her to be so down because of Cutie Mark. And I don't want Cutie Mark Crusaders to be disbanded. But what can I do?"
Dragoking growled softly as if he answered her question. He gave her a calm looks.
Nyx asked suspiciously, "You think all of us can be friends, even though we all have Cutie Marks?"
Dragoking smiled as he nodded his head in agreement.
"I guess so. But still..." Nyx sighed. Dragoking looked at her with concern and worried looks. She continued, "Apple Bloom said that she doesn't want to be somepony she likes." Nyx turned and looked at her watery reflection, "And I know how it feels like that. And I never want to be Yue. I don't want to be demon."
Dragoking roared angrily at her. Nyx yelped in fear. He growled softly and calmly like he explaining to her about her concerns and fear.
Nyx groaned, "Seriously? Do you really have to scared me?" Dragoking glared at her. She sighed, "But... You're right. I shouldn't be worried about it. After all, Grandpa Tao removed the Demon Blood from me. I should be me, right?"
Dragoking smiled as he gave Nyx a few times of licking on her face. She giggled happily for the moment. She then patted on his head.
Nyx sighed, "Thanks, Dragoking. Wow... maybe dad was right about you. You're really a good partner to count on."
Dragoking growled calmly before giving Nyx a nuzzle.
"Hey, Dragoking," Nyx called. Dragoking looked at her. She asked, "You won't mind if I sleep with you? I could use some company to accompany me when I'm asleep."
Knowing Nyx was afraid and scared, Dragoking smiled as he nodded his head.
Before Nyx could do anything, Dragoking lifted her up by using her tongue as he tugged himself on the ground in getting comfortable. He then lowered her down. She got coiled by his neck. He wanted to get close with her in making sure she wasn't scared.
Nyx smiled as she nuzzled on Dragoking's head before both of them fallen in sleep peacefully. Lance and Spike saw what happened before they nodded their heads. They were in-charge of looking after the castle since Twilight and Shadow Dragon left in having meeting with Mystic Council about Starlight Glimmer.
Further from Nyx and Dragoking's location, two creatures emerged from the ground. They both saw both the latter were sleeping.
Voltscar scoffed, "They fell asleep. It's time to strike them now!"
"No!" Quake denied, "Sister Xing said we must break her spirit. She said we'll be part of it. We must report to her now."
Voltscar growled in anger, "Fine..."
Both Voltscar and Quake slowly submerged as they returned to their fellow Demon Successors. They were ready to attack Nyx. By what?
[Apple Bloom's Story]
As Apple Bloom slept for whole day, the sun risen. It shined brightly through the window as it hit on her. Then, the rooster crowed happily. Apple Bloom opened her eyes. She got up as she shown happy face like she felt better from her bad medicine.
"Hoo-ee! Nothin' like a good night's sleep!" Apple Bloom exclaimed happily.
Knowing Applejack calling for breakfast, Apple Bloom immediately headed off to downstairs. She found her older sister setting foods up on the table from the kitchen. She met up with Applejack.
"Morning, sis!" Apple Bloom called. Applejack smiled as she turned to her younger one. She continued, "You were right, Applejack! I feel much better! I don't know what I was so worried about last night!"
"See, now what did I tell you? A good night's sleep'll fix just about an--" Applejack got interrupted as she found something surprise her about Apple Bloom. She gasped, "Well, no wonder you were so worked up!"
Apple Bloom confused as she asked, "What? What is it?"
"Looks like somepony got her cutie mark!" Applejack answered happily.
Apple Bloom gasped as she turned and found a gas tank-like with Apple Cutie Mark, "I can't believe it! I got my cutie mark! I got my cutie mark!" She screamed happily as she bounced up and down for the moment. "Wait 'til I tell the others that my cutie mark is a..."
Apple Bloom continued stared at her Cutie Mark as she was trying to figure out of what it is, "a... What is it?"
Looking at her sister's Cutie Mark, Applejack shrugged as she admitted, "I have no idea what it means."
"I know what it means!" The stallion voice shouted. The Apples turned and found an old brown pony with mask and small tank-like canister machine entered the house. He took a mask out as he breathed for the moment. He smiled happily, "It means I can retire!"
The old pony laughed happily while two Apple Sisters stared at each other in concern and disbelief. He shown his Cutie Mark which has the same symbol as Apple Bloom but without the apple. What is going on?
[Nyx's Story]
As the morning risen, Nyx yawned softly as she slowly stretched herself out for the moment. She got out from Dragoking's coil.
"I feel great!" Nyx exclaimed happily as she stretched herself out for a while, "I just hope I can talk some sense into Apple Bloom."
Nyx turned and looked at the crystallized Castle's wall. She yelped in shock and surprise. She saw herself a teenage form. When did she used her Battle Mode?! As she turned to the front, Nyx gasped in shock. She saw the ruins and destruction sites of Ponyville. Not a sign of pony or creatures to be sighted. What was going on? And how did it happen?!
"No... No! No!" Nyx exclaimed in shock and feared. She quickly turned and woke Dragoking up at once, "Dragoking, wake up now! Wake up!"
Dragoking growled in annoyance. He yawned loudly as he slowly woke up. He looked at the sights of Ponyville. He yelped as he was in deep shock and concern. He turned and looked at Nyx. He was even shock too.
"I don't know what has happen. I just woke up. I don't know how did I end up like this. I can't change back either. What are we going to do?" Nyx asked in concern. She turned and looked at him as his head moved a bit in pointing to the north direction. She gulped, "So, we should look around, hoping to find someone alive?"
Dragoking nodded his head in agreement. Nyx sighed as she nodded in understanding. He quickly got up while she climbed on his back. They then headed off in search of their friends and learned of what was going on in the area.
As Nyx and Dragoking continued walking through the streets of Ponyville, they found no one alive or sighted but only bones, rotten and fresh dead bodies. Dragoking slowly used his head in nudging her body gently. He growled in suspicious as he found a foul scent on the area. As they continued marching into destruction sites, they heard some walking noise like someone was following them. She turned her head back. She found nothing. She suspected that her mysterious enemies are hiding from them. She didn't liked it much.
Nyx turned to Dragoking's head, "We've been followed! Run, now!"
Dragoking roared wildly. Nyx held on his neck as he galloped at once. The mysterious figures emerged and chased after both of them at once. As they continued running, they quickly stopped as they were blocked by another group. The front revealed to be Mermaid Demons while the back were Buffalo and Reptilian Demons.
"Demon Warriors? The Demon Lords are the cause of this mess," Nyx asked in shock and concern, "I thought they were banished to Netherworld for good!"
"Not by them..." Mei Kai spoke darkly as she slithered to the front, "By us, Xiao Yue..."
Sensed that she knows them, Nyx shivered in concern as she asked, "Who... Who are you?"
"Oh... You hurt my feelings, Xiao Yue. And I thought we were so closed..." Mei Kai said in 'pain' and 'upset', "No matter... You shall pay for what you had done."
"Where is my family?" Nyx snarled.
Mei Kai smirked, "You'll see them soon. Get them!"
Demon Warriors charged in as they were attacked both Nyx and Dragoking. Dragoking roared wildly and angrily as he swung his tail at them off while took a bite from one to ten in swallowing them up, throwing them to others or firing his powerful blasts at them off. Nyx fired her Lunar Shots and Night Beam at them off.
Mei Kai fired her Water Torpedo Blast at Nyx off. Before the Alicorn could do anything, the Water Demon Heir slithered towards her. Mei Kai launched her tail in coiling and wrapping Nyx up as she slowly squeezed the teenage mare tight. Nyx screamed in pain as her face slowly turned into blue.
Dragoking roared in anger as he was about to rescue her. Quake charged and rammed the Hydragoon off. Voltscar fired his Thunderstorm Strike at Dragoking off. Quake summoned his Earthquake Punches on Dragoking's guts while Voltscar fired his Lightning Strikes on Hydragoon.
Mei Kai hissed as she glared at Nyx, "You shall pay for what you had done to my family..."
As Nyx and Dragoking struggled in getting out, several cans with smoke were thrown up before hitting on the ground. The cans launched the smokes out, causing everyone coughed painfully and sickly. Mei Kai coughed painfully as her tail accidentally free Nyx. She then approached to Dragoking as she refused to apart from him.
The mysterious black figure galloped towards Nyx and Dragoking. The figure grabbed and dragged Nyx away from the smoke. Dragoking spotted her taken away, he followed them at once.
As soon as the smoke dispersed, Demon Warriors were slowly recovering from the smokes. Mei Kai looked around as she snarled in anger.
"They escaped?! How?!" Quake demanded angrily.
Voltscar growled, "I thought Sister Xing removed anyone from helping her? There should be none!"
"It doesn't matter. Xiao Yue won't escape from her punishment," Mei Kai said darkly, "None can. For now, find her! Sister Xing will not be pleased of it. We must inform her now."
Mei Kai, Quake and Voltscar disappeared through black smoke while their Demon Warriors searched around the area.
Further away from Demon Warriors; Nyx, Dragoking and the mysterious figure were hiding behind the broken Sweet Apple Acre. Nyx and Dragoking were recovering from the black smoke as they breathing slowly.
Nyx sighed as she turned to the figure, "Thanks for the help. But what I really want to know is what the heck is going on-?!"
She got interrupted as Nyx saw the figure slowly emerged from the shadow. She revealed to be a familiar pony with a right-eye scarred who is now a teenager dressed in black military suit with pink sash on her forehead and armed with Diamond Blaster. She is also in shock and surprise as well.
"Apple Bloom?!" Nyx asked in shock.
Apple Bloom gasped, "Nyx?!"
They both were in shock and surprise to see each other. How and what the heck is going on?!
[Apple Bloom's Story]
Outside of Sweet Apple Acre, Pest Control Pony guided Apple Bloom out as he explained about her Cutie Mark and what job he was doing.
"Infestation? You mean like..." Apple Bloom hummed in concern as she was reminded of one infestation at her home, "parasprites?"
Pest Control Pony scoffed, "Anypony with a trombone can get rid of parasprites. I'm talking about the serious stuff! You ever hear of... twittermites?"
Apple Bloom asked in concern, "Twittermites?"
Pest Control Pony showed the lighting bulb canister-like which consisted of the flying beetles with lightning-shaped tail, "Pest ponies like you and me are the only things keeping these live wires from destroying half of Equestria! It's no easy trade! Even the best of us yearns for the day they can move on to greener pastures. Oh, now that you're here to take over, my day has finally come!"
Apple Bloom asked in shock, "Take over?" Pest Pony Control nodded his head in agreement, She shook her head in concern, "I'm sorry. I guess this just wasn't what I was expectin'."
"Don't worry. With a cutie mark like that I'm sure you've got the touch." Pest Pony Control chuckled a bit as he approached his Pest Control Wagon. He set the Pest Control Machine ready for Apple Bloom to wear while explained, "Now, you're gonna need to be quick. Once these things get out, it can get pretty shocking."
Pest Control Pony opened the canister. The Twittermites flew out while giving the powerful electrical shock.
"Wait, what do you mean?" Apple Bloom asked in concern. The Twittermites fired their electrical shocks on her. She exclaimed painfully as she held her flanks tight, "Ow!"
Pest Control Pony scoffed, "Hah, told you! And the further apart they spread, the more powerful these jolts will get!"
"What do I do?!"
"Call 'em back, of course."
Apple Bloom armed with her Pest Control Vacuum. She called out on Twittermites before firing her vacuum in sucking them into it. Seeing them caught into a machine, she smiled proudly. She called them before sucking them into machine. She caught them all in time.
"Well, looks like you're all set." The Pest Control Pony said happily. Apple Bloom turned and found him readied with his vacation bags, "Drop me a note sometime at the Piney Shade Retirement Community."
Apple Bloom gasped as she quickly unbuckled her vacuum machine down, "Now, hold on! I'm sure this job is real important, but... I don't think I wanna call bugs for the rest of my life." She looked up and found the old Pest Control Pony disappeared. She asked, "Hey, where'd he go?"
"Well, well, well! Look at the new bug pony!" Diamond Tiara commented as she and Silver Spoon entered the area.
Apple Bloom groaned in annoyance as she turned and glared at the bullies, "It's pest pony."
Silver Spoon disgusted as she looked at Twittermites, "Ew, it sure is! Ew!"
Diamond Tiara smirked, "I might've known you'd end up with the worst cutie mark ever!"
Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon laughed in amusement. Silver Spoon passed the canister of Twittermites to Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom looked down as she stared at her Cutie Mark. It was not what she wanted.
Silver Spoon smirked, "But look on the bright side! Whenever you need a friend, you can just go out and catch one!"
Apple Bloom groaned, "That's not funny."
Diamond Tiara smirked, "Heeere, friendfriendfriendfriendfrieeend!"
Apple Bloom hissed, "Stop it!"
"Here, bug! Here, bug! Will you be my friend, bug?" Silver Spoon asked mockingly on the ladybug from flower, "Because nopony else will! And not even little Princess of Demons can!"
Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon laughed in amusement as they enjoyed insulting and tormenting the blank flanked ponies. Apple Bloom grew upset and angered by their insults. She had enough of it!
Apple Bloom groaned, "You know what? My cutie mark isn't the worst! You two are! Nyx is not a Demon! She is Pony!"
Apple Bloom cried angrily as she threw the canister out. She then ran off at once. She just had enough with the bullies. Both Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon continued laughing in amusement. Unknown to any of them, the canister had a sudden crack...
[Nyx's Story]
Nyx and Dragoking were staring at Apple Bloom who is now a teenage mare. And not to mention, she is now a military soldier.
"Nyx? Is that really you?" Apple Bloom asked in surprise and shock. Nyx nodded a bit. Apple Bloom jumped and hugged Nyx happily, "You're alive! I thought you're gone! I thought they killed you."
As Apple Bloom departed, Nyx asked in amazement, "Apple Bloom, you're teenager. Just like me..." She frowned and concerned, "What happen here?"
Apple Bloom frowned, "Ever since you and Dragoking disappeared, we've search everywhere for you. But we never did find you until those Demon Successors came out of nowhere and attacked us. They conquered all of Equestria and Mystic Realm. And now all ponies served them."
Nyx asked in concern, "Where're our family and friends?"
Apple Bloom sighed in shame as she led Nyx and Dragoking into the Everfree Forest. For some minutes passed, they came across to the old shaman Zecora's hut. They saw various gravestones. Nyx gasped in shock and concern. Nyx approached and saw three names on them.
"No... It can't be..." Nyx sobbed in despair.
Apple Bloom nodded grimly, "They killed all of our family and friends, and even Mystic Ponies. I survived, with some resistance. And we've been fighting with them for years while rescuing some ponies until you came."
"Wait... Where's Twilight's graves? Why isn't hers here? I only saw my daddy and brothers' here."
"Well... That's complicated. When we managed to get everyone's body out, Twilight got captured by Demon Successors. No one knows what happen to her since then."
"I can't believe it. Who are these Demon Successors?"
"They're Demon Lords' Children. They were Dark Xing, Drago, Mei Kai, Quake, Voltscar, Song Wing, Gutsy and Avalanche. And they weren't happy with what we did to their parents. They're angry like beavers chomping down the woods."
"Because of me... I let everyone died because of who I am..."
"Nyx, no! You can't say that! It's not your fault," Apple Bloom pleaded, "We can't change the past... But we can change the future. We just need to beat that Dark Xing. Cut off the snake's head, and the body fell!"
Knowing Apple Bloom said is true, Nyx can't let the past stop her. She had to make everything up. She had to make everything right.
"You're right, Apple Bloom," Nyx agreed, "Let's find your resistance. We're gonna fight back."
Apple Bloom nodded her head in agreement. Nyx and Apple Bloom got on Dragoking's back as they headed off at once before they discovered by their enemies.
[Apple Bloom's Story]
As Apple Bloom continued running away, she entered and stumbled upon the dark forest-like Everfree Forest, but more darker and grimmer than before. Apple Bloom stopped in the middle of the forest. She was saddened and upset by Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon's insults.
Apple Bloom sighed, "I hate to think that Diamond Tiara is right, but... this cutie mark sure isn't what I was hoping for."
Suddenly, a wind blew on her face and mane. Apple Bloom heard a mysterious yet dark voice spoke in her head.
Mysterious Voice asked mysteriously, "Why should you have to keep it, then?"
Apple Bloom scared and feared as she asked, "Who's there?! What do you mean?!"
The mysterious shadow lurked around Apple Bloom while looking her like predator toying its prey for fun and amusement.
"If your cutie mark bothers you so much, get rid of it!" Mysterious Voice answered.
Apple Bloom groaned in suspicious, "Well, if you know how to wave a hoof and erase a terrible cutie mark, you go right ahead!"
"As easily said as done." The Mysterious Voice calmly.
As the wind blow on Apple Bloom's face hard for the moment, she was in confuse and concern. She then looked at her flank. She found her Cutie Mark disappeared like magic...
Apple Bloom commented in concern, "Now that is some serious magic."
Despite of that, Apple Bloom was happy and relieved that she didn't need the Cutie Mark since it's not what she wanted to be. As Apple Bloom continued walking, she stopped at once as she found ponies screaming in fear as they panickingly ran away from something.
"Hey! Where's everypony goin'?!" Apple Bloom asked in concern. She then heard the noise. She galloped towards her direction. She found Ponyville destroyed... by twittermites! She gasped, "Twittermites!"
Apple Bloom quickly took the Pest Control Vacuum as she armed with them. She is ready to recapture the twittermites. Instead before, she got electrocuted and shocked by them, each time she called them or get closed to them for ten times. She was defeated on the ground.
Applejack; with carrying the sack of her belongings, came across Apple Bloom. She was in shock and concern, "Apple Bloom! What in tarnation are you doin'?!"
"I'm tryin' to stop the infestation, of course!" Apple Bloom answered.
Applejack frantically answered, "Only a pest pony can do that!" She then looked up and found more twittermites gathering and giving electrical charges with each other. She also found more ponies running away. She spoke frantically, "Now come on! We gotta skedaddle!"
Apple Bloom shook in denial, "But I've gotta do somethin'!" She gasped in shock, "Look out!"
Apple Bloom saw twittermites were above her and her sister. She quickly pushed Applejack before she got electrocuted and shocked.
[Apple Bloom's Story]
Apple Bloom screamed in fear and pain. She stopped as she found something shocking and surprising as well. She found herself in her bedroom. The sun had risen. The rooster crowed happily. Was that a dream?
Apple Bloom went to her window in peeking. She found her home and everything was safe and normal. No danger had come. No twittermites attacking. Everything is fine...
Apple Bloom sighed in relief, "Whoo-ee. That's what I call a nightmare. It seemed so real."
Heard Applejack's calling for breakfast, Apple Bloom decided to tell her older sister about her dream. Applejack may help her to solve it. Apple Bloom came across the kitchen as she found Applejack setting the breakfast up. Applejack turned and smiled at her younger sister.
Apple Bloom frantically said as she marched in, "Applejack! You are not gonna believe the dream I just had! I guess I needed more sleep than I thought!"
"See, now what did I tell you? A good night's sleep'll fix just about--" Applejack got interrupted as she found something surprise on Apple Bloom's flank. She gasped, "Well, no wonder you were so worked up!"
"What?"
"Looks like somepony got her cutie mark!"
"Again?!" Apple Bloom asked in shock and surprise. She turned and found a Cutie Mark on her flank, It was a potion with apple, "I mean... I did?" She cheered, "Woo-hoo! Potion making! Now that's more like it!""
"More like what?" Applejack asked in surprise.
"Never mind. I'm just glad Princess Twilight's lessons finally paid off!"
"I expect you want to run off to the clubhouse and tell your friends all about your new cutie mark. But before you go, make sure you do all your..." Applejack got interrupted before finishing up the sentence as she found Apple Bloom had left. She finished, "chores...?"
[Nyx's Story]
Apple Bloom guided both Nyx and Dragoking to her Resistance's Headquarter. They came to a familiar place. Nyx and Dragoking were in shock and surprise. But it's not a clubhouse, but a giant tree with building-like on top of it.
"That's our clubhouse?" Nyx asked in surprise.
Apple Bloom sighed, "Was our clubhouse. This is our headquarter. We need all the supplies and gears be ready for the fight. We wouldn't know when the bad guys coming. Come on in, Nyx. There're some ponies wanted to see you so badly."
Apple Bloom led Nyx into the building via the elevator to the top. Dragoking walked through ramp to the top. As they all entered the building, they saw many rebel ponies talking and chatting about the next plan in dealing with Demon Successors. She then saw some ponies that she was very familiar with but they were much older.
Serious and firm adult mare Shiroi dressed military black suit talking with the scarred and mechanical Red Arsenal and Cybernetic Armored and Armed Metalgear
Nyx gasped, "Shiroi? Red? Metalgear?"
Shiroi, Red Arsenal and Metalgear turned to their back as they gasped in surprise, "NYX?! You're alive!"
Nyx and her three old friends gathered and hugged together happily as they laughed together happily. They then departed as they chatted.
"It's great to see you! And you were so alive!" Shiroi said happily before looking at Nyx, "Wow... You're just like your Battle Form."
Metalgear nodded, "But I don't understand one question - how and where?"
Nyx sighed, "I don't know. One moment I was sleeping with Dragoking, and the next I ended up here. And then, I met Apple Bloom before you guys."
Red Arsenal sighed, "Well... It's good thing to see you here. We could use some help to beat these guys and retake our home back. Think you can help us?"
Wanted to make up everything for her friends, Nyx then gave a firm and serious face, "I wanted to help. I want to get our home back for us. So what's the plan?"
"Good... I knew you would say that," Red Arsenal smirked as he led his friends to the holographic map. He explained while pointed at Canterlot City Hologram, "Canterlot is heavily guarded. And the only way in is through the tunnels. And I believed you're familiar with that."
"You bet, Red."
"Good. But I had instinct telling me that it would be guarded. And the only way to draw them attention is to attack the gate. So, the stealth team can get in and beat that witch for good."
"That's a good strategy. But we need some heavy artillery to get the attention."
Shiroi smiled as she turned and pointed to left entrance, "And that's why we have some help from Dragon Strike Force."
Three shadowy figures emerged from the entrance. Nyx and Dragoking gasped in surprise and shock as they found experienced and firm Blazefist, scarred Saber Dragoon and with his right mechanical arm and calm and collective and yet experienced Shorty Thinking.
Nyx gasped as she galloped towards the trio and hugged them passionately, "Blazefist! Saber Dragoon! Shorty Thinking! You're alive!"
"Good to see you, kid," Blazefist smiled happily, "Wow... You're teenager. You're just like your own mother."
Nyx blushed, "Thanks..." She turned and found Shorty was silent for the moment. She asked, "Is Shorty okay? Rarity must have given him a heavy toll..."
"It sure did. He's been quiet for a long time," Saber sighed, "But nevertheless, we're gonna take our home back."
Nyx nodded, "Understand. So, let's do it. Time to take back our home."
Everyone cheered proudly and happily for Nyx as they were ready to fight and retake their home back.
[Apple Bloom's Story]
Apple Bloom quickly galloped towards the clubhouse her friends were playing the horseshoe into a pole. As she rammed into it, she cried happily. They turned and found her standing and smiling at them.
"Why all the excitement?" Scootaloo asked surprisingly.
Sweetie Belle nodded, "Yeah, what's going on?"
Apple Bloom snickered happily, "Oh, nothin'..." She then showed her flank with Cutie Marks and exclaimed, "except this brand new cutie mark!"
Her friends cheered happily as they commented happily to Apple Bloom of having her own Cutie Mark.
Apple Bloom smiled, "I don't suppose either of you got yours? Well, except Nyx and Twist, of course." Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Jade Adventure, Dinky Doo and Pipsqueak frowned and quiet for the moment. She sighed, "I know it's silly, but I'd always hoped we'd get our cutie marks together."
Scootaloo nodded, "Me too..."
Sweetie Belle smiled weakly, "But I'm still super excited for you!"
"Absolutely!" The rest of Cutie Mark Crusaders cheered.
Apple Bloom gasped as she had the idea, "I know!" She headed to the podium as she hammered on it twice, "Let's call this meeting to order! I'm sure all of us can figure out how to get more cutie marks."
Everyone went in silent as they had some thoughts to speak up.
"Um, yeah... the thing is..." Sweetie Belle said fearfully.
Scootaloo sighed, "Well, you can't be a Cutie Mark Crusader if you've already got your cutie mark..."
"Oh, yeah... Just like Babs Seed, Nyx and Twist..." Apple Bloom said in disappointment. She smiled, "Well, I could just sit quietly in the corner 'til you all figure out what you're gonna do. After all, we're the same on the team."
Pipsqueak sighed, "Well, technically the clubhouse is for Crusaders only."
"And you can't come in then either." Dinky added.
"What? When this added up?" Apple Bloom asked in concern.
Nyx sighed, "Since yesterday... I'm sorry, Apple Bloom. It looks like we have to leave this."
Apple Bloom gasped, "What?!"
Apple Bloom, Nyx and Twist exited the clubhouse. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Dinky Doo, Pipsqueak and Jade Adventure looked at their former friends.
"I don't think we're supposed to be friends..." Jade sighed in disappointment.
Apple Bloom looked down for the moment. As she looked up, she gasped in shock. She found the clubhouse was closed down. She looked around of her surroundings. She found her friends nowhere to be seen. And the worst, she's back at the dark Everfree Forest.
Apple Bloom was alone again. What is going on?
[Nyx's Story]
At the Canterlot Palace, Eight Demon Successors gathered at the Royal Sister's Throne Chamber as they had the meeting. Most of them were not pleased with the results now. But almost everyone was pleased with it...
Dark Xing hummed calmly, "Just as I expected. The plan went smoothly as I had hope for."
"WHAT?!" Drago exclaimed in anger, "You knew the plan all along?! And you kept the secret from us?! What's the big deal now, Xing?!"
Voltscar snarled, "How dare you hidden your plan from us?!"
"Indeed. For what purpose are you trying to achieve?!" Gutsy hissed angrily.
Dark Xing explained, "They will lead her to us. When the time comes, that is where we break her spirit for good."
Mei Kai hummed calmly, "I see... You plan this all along. We need more of her friends to break their spirits for good."
Avalanche hummed in confusion, "Does this mean we smash them?"
"Better hope so..." Quake growled in annoyance, "I'm bored with games."
"Don't worry, Quake. We're about get some fun than we thought," Song Wing commented.
BOOM! The Canterlot's walls got hit very hard. Demon Successors were in shock and surprise yet they remained calm. They knew Nyx and her friends would be coming.
"And so they have come..." Dark Xing said darkly, "Two can play this game. Avalanche, Voltscar and Quake, deal with the ground force. Song Wing and Gutsy, deal with the stealth force. The rest of you remained with me. Let us welcome our little sister warmly here."
Five of Demon Successors disappeared through black mists while Dark Xing, Drago and Mei Kai remained here. It's time for battle...
[Nyx's Story]
Red Arsenal, Metalgear, Blazefist, Shorty Thinking and the remaining Resistance Force battled against the Demon Warriors on the Canterlot's City. Metalgear and his Metal Ponies fired the Armored Catapult and Armored Metal Canon in firing at the castle's walls and Demon Army as well. Blazefist launched his Fire-Ability Attacks on his enemies. Shorty Thinking fired his Blazing Crossbow and Typhoon Blaster at them. Red Arsenal fired his arrows and bullets through mechanical hooves at them.
Avalanche, Voltscar and Quake came out from the city as they all charged straight at Resistance Force.
"We've got their attention." Blazefist said firmly, "Keep their attention on us now!"
"Easy to said than done as ponies had said when it comes to difficult situation," Metalgear joked.
Red Arsenal groaned, "Metalhead, stop with the jokes and focus on mission!"
Shorty Thinking hissed in anger as he took both Blazing Crossbow and Torpedo Blaster in firing at Avalanche for few times. Avalanche approached before roared in anger as he raised his fist in attacking Shorty. Blazefist charged in before giving some Fire Punches on the fat demon while dodging the attacks from Avalanche.
Quake smashed his fists on Metalgear who reversed his gear while firing his Metal Canon at him before giving the former a punch. Metalgear charged in to attack but got thrown aside by Quake. Quake jumped up as he began throwing punches on Metalgear who dodged and moved the attacks. He then fired his Hyper Emerald Blast on Quake off. They both then punched on each other hard and quick.
Voltscar threw a few of Lightning Arrows on Red Arsenal who charged and dodged the attacks. The archer fired his arrows and blasts at Voltscar who was unharmed from the attacks. Voltscar approached as he summoned his Lightning Sword in attacking on Red Arsenal who blocked before punched the monster off. Red Arsenal continued dodged and blocked the attacks while firing his arrow and blasts at Voltscar.
[Nyx's Story]
Nyx and her stealth team (Dragoking, Shiroi, Apple Bloom and Saber Dragoon) climbed the waterfall mountain to the top. They then entered the cave entrance as they found no guards around. They then walked through various tunnels in search of entrance to Canterlot Palace. For few minutes passed, they came across the edge. They looked up and found top platform's edge. They get teleported to the top platform. So far, no sign of their enemies.
As Nyx and her team were about to move; they got blocked by Song Wing, Gutsy and their Demon Warriors. They had been waited by their enemies.
"We've been waiting for you, cousin," Song Wing mocked darkly.
Gutsy smirked, "Time to teach you fools not to underestimate us! Get them!"
The Demon Army charged straight at Nyx's stealth team. Before Nyx could do anything, Saber Dragoon placed his blade in front of her.
"Nyx, take Apple Bloom and Dragoking to the throne chamber!" Saber Dragoon ordered, "Shiroi and I will take care of these two!"
"But-but-but!" Nyx protested.
Shiroi exclaimed, "No! Only you can stop her! Go! Now!"
As the Demon Army were closed to Nyx's Stealth Team, Saber Dragoon launched his Xross Blades on both Song Wing and Gutsy out. Nyx, Apple Bloom and Dragoking got passed by while Saber and Shiroi charged and attacked Gutsy and Song Wing.
Shiroi fired her Hikari Strikes on Song Wing while punched on her face for few times. Song Wing dodged the attacks before firing her Sonic Wave Blast on her. Shiroi deflected the blast with her force field before charged in and kicked Song Wing off. Song Wing grabbed her leg before throwing her off. Song Wing charged in before attacking Shiroi who dodged and fought back.
Saber Dragoon swung his sword at Gutsy, who hopped and bounced away from him and at the same time, the frog demon fired his Gas Burst Blast on Saber back. Gutsy launched his Wind Slash on Saber Dragoon who deflected and blocked the attacks while charging straight at Gutsy. Saber swung his swords at Gutsy but the latter dodged and punched back for few times. [
Apple Bloom's Story]
As Apple Bloom got scared when all of her friends left her behind at the forest, she heard the voice again.
"More trouble with cutie marks?" The mysterious voice asked.
"No! I mean, w-- yeah, I mean..." Apple Bloom sighed in defeat as she gives in, "Well, I got mine, but my friends didn't get theirs, and now there's all kinds of trouble!"
"Sounds to me like cutie marks and trouble are two peas in the same pod."
"I guess so... I mean, if I was a blank flank again, there wouldn't be a problem!"
Mysterious Voice answered, "Your wish is my command."
The wind blew straight at Apple Bloom as her Cutie Mark disappeared from her flanks. She sighed in relief. This time, she's gonna stick with her friends till the end.
At the Cutie Mark Crusaders' Clubhouse, Apple Bloom were waiting for her friends' coming. She saw them had arrived.
Scootaloo sighed, "Hey, Apple Bloom. Why'd you want to meet here?"
Apple Bloom smiled, "Well, us blank flanks have to meet somewhere!
"Um, actually, Apple Bloom, we..." Nyx sighed, "all of us sort of got our cutie marks."
Apple Bloom gasped, "You did?! What are they?"
Scootaloo huffed, "Oh, we don't have time to go into all that."
"And we certainly don't have time to hang out at an old clubhouse." Sweetie Belle agreed.
Pipsqueak nodded, "Yeah, we've got responsibilities now."
"But maybe we'll see you later." Dinky agreed.
Twist and Jade sighed, "Much later."
"Goodbye, Apple Bloom," Nyx said bitterly
As all of former Cutie Mark Crusaders marched and looked away, Apple Bloom was stunned and shocked. Her best friends had turned on her?!
"Wait! Hold on! I can get my cutie mark back, I think! Rrgh!" Apple Bloom groaned in annoyance, "I mean, I got it once, right? Oh, just wait a second!"
Her friends were miles away from her. And her surroundings changed into something familiar yet different and darker than she remembered. She found herself inside of the clubhouse. The area was filled with dust and mess. And she was all alone.
Apple Bloom screamed in fear, "Nooooooooooo!"
Suddenly, a rooster crowed from Apple Bloom's left window.
[Apple Bloom's Story]
Apple Bloom got up at once. She found herself in her bedroom. She quickly took a peek on the window. She found Cutie Mark Crusaders' Clubhouse was still intact and good shaped. Was that a nightmare again?!
Apple Bloom muttered in concern, "What in Equestria's goin' on?! I'm not so sure sleep is the cure-all Applejack thinks it is"
A sudden idea struck her. Apple Bloom knew who to ask for help. She quickly went downstairs as she found Applejack setting the breakfast up. She sighed as she needed some help now.
"Uh... Applejack? I know you said sleep is supposed to make me feel better," Apple Bloom said in concern, "but I'm pretty sure it's makin' me feel worse."
"See, now what did I tell you? A good night's sleep'll fix--" Applejack got interrupted when she turned to Apple Bloom. She was in shock and concern as she muttered, "Well, no wonder you were so worked up..."
Apple Bloom groaned, "Wh-- Didn't you hear what I said?! I was trying to--"
"Weeeell, what do we have here?" Granny Smith said suspiciously.
As her family members gathered around and surrounded her, Apple Bloom gulped in fear, "What is it, Granny? What's wrong?!"
Granny Smith answered, "Oh, nothin', right, Applejack?"
"Right... Nothin' at all..." Applejack agreed, "Right, Big Mac?"
Big McIntosh huffed, "Truth is, Apple Bloom, it's your cutie mark."
With Applejack and Granny Smith nodded in agreement, Apple Bloom gasped, "Oh, no! What is it now?!"
Apple Bloom turned and found her Cutie Mark is dolphin without an apple. Her family is now turning on her since she doesn't have an apple on her flanks. Her family continued walked around as they talked about her.
Big McIntosh continued, "Well, I can tell you what it ain't. It ain't no apple."
Granny Smith shook her head, "Nnope!"
Applejack sighed, "And we don't have room for non-apples."
Big McIntosh shook his head, "Nnope."
"Time for you to mosey on. You can't stay here." Granny Smith demanded.
Apple Bloom was in shock and concern. Her family wanted to get rid of her. They wanted her out?! They betrayed her!
"This is my home!" Apple Bloom protested. And before she could do anything, Applejack opened the front door. It revealed a vortex-like as it dragged and brought her into it. Apple Bloom screamed, "Noooooooooo!"
Is this the end?!
[Nyx's Story]
Nyx, Dragoking and Apple Bloom battled most of Demon Warriors who blocking them from reaching to the throne chamber. Apple Bloom fired her Diamond Blaster at them off one-by-one. Nyx fired her magic spells at them while combated with them hard and quick. Dragoking fired his Elemental Powers Beam at them and sometimes he stomped on them hard and quick, bitting them, throwing them aside or swiping his tail on them hard.
For minutes had passed, Nyx's remaining team came across the Royal Sisters' Throne Chamber. They were ready to fight...
"This is it..." Apple Bloom said, "If we can win, we can finally bring our future back."
Nyx nodded, "Good enough... I'm not going to let anyone kill any of my family."
"Nyx... Thanks for coming back for us. Losing Mane Six, Mystic Ponies and Royal Sisters are very heavy tolls on us," Nyx said calmly yet happily, "But with you on our sides, we have hope."
Nyx sighed, "Thanks... Let's do this."
"Wait..." The male voice spoke. Both Nyx and Apple Bloom yelped in surprise. They turned and fourn Dragoking looking at them. He continued, "Not right... All... Fake..."
"Did Dragoking just talk? I thought he's just an animal..." Apple Bloom said in shock.
Nyx shook her head, "I know Hydragoon are very intelligent, powerful and effective leader, but I never thought he could talk. What is it, boy?"
"Everything... not right... Not real..." Dragoking struggled in speaking, "Nightmares... Nightmares... Face them... Be... Yourself... You... are... you..."
"What is he talking about?" Apple Bloom asked in concern.
Nyx also looked confuse and concern, "I wish I know." She turned to the front. She shown her determined and angry face, "But I know one thing for sure... I'm gonna put nightmares behind of me. Let's go!"
Dragoking roared wildly as he rammed his head straight on the door in two. Nyx's team charged into it. They then found Dark Xing sitting on throne chair, along with Drago and Mei Kai stood on both sides. They then marched and approached to them.
Mei Kai smiled, "Most impressive, Xiao Yue. You've always have a strong tenacity in getting what you want. You've finally come."
"Yes... You'll do everything you can for these fools. You've made your older sister proud," Dark Xing sarcastically and darkly said, "And so did our father..."
"You..." Nyx said in shock as she remembered the faces of three. She remembered them too well, "Dark Xing... Drago... And Mei Kai..."
Dragon snarled, "So, you do remember us? I'm so flattered!" He roared angrily as his body glowed brightly and blazingly. He launched his Dragon Blazing Crush on Nyx's team. They dodged it but she got separated from her friends. He huffed, "But too bad that you're all gonna get fried!"
"Finish them off..." Dark Xing ordered, "She's mine. It's time we break her..."
Mei Kai and Drago charged straight at both Dragoking and Apple Bloom while Dark Xing approached Nyx. It's time for the battle.
Drago launched his Dragon Flames at Dragoking who fired his Mystic Dragon Flame at the attack. For the moment they got clashed, Dragoking's firepower pushed Drago's back at him. Drago jumped over before charged in as he punched, kicked and clawed on Dragoking. Dragoking roared angrily as he swung his tail and stomped his feet on the dodging and avoiding Drago for few times. Dragoking snarled as he launched his second in firing his Frozen Curse Beam at Drago's legs. Dragoking's first head launched and rammed his head on Drago through the walls before firing his Electrical Thunder Surge on Drago. Dragoking bit on Drago as the former threw the latter off before his second head fired his Hydro Canon on him.
Apple Bloom fired her Diamond Blaster at Mei Kai who dodged and slithered away from the former. The Demon Mermaid Princess fired her Water Torpedo Blast on the Earth Pony off to the walls as the former approached to the latter. Mei Kai launched her tail in coiling and wrapping Apple Bloom up tight. As the Earth Pony struggled in getting out, Mei Kai was ready took a bite on her. Apple Bloom quickly kicked Mei Kai's face off before knocking her head on the latter's for four times. Apple Bloom fired her Emerald Shotgun on her body three times. Mei Kai hissed in anger as her body slowly regenerated from wounds before firing her Poison Seaweed Shots on Apple Bloom who fired back at her.
Dark Xing and Nyx glared at each other as they ready to fight and battle.
"I will end this nightmare once and for all!" Nyx exclaimed determinedly.
Dark Xing huffed, "Really? You couldn't even face your own worst fear. Because of that, you will bring ruin to yourself than others. Such selfless foolish brat as usual..."
"What are you talking about?!"
"You'll soon find out when I break you!"
Dark Xing fired her Dark Beam on Nyx's face hard. Nyx fired her Lunar Shots on her former sister who dodged and fired back. Nyx and Dark Xing continued firing their magic spells on each other while dodging for few times. Dark Xing charged in as she launched her Blackish Blade at Nyx, who dodged down before kicked her off. Nyx punched on Dark Xing's face for ten times before swiping on the latter's feet and fired her Night Beam at her off. Nyx jumped as she ready to punish Dark Xing off but she was halted on midair.
Dark Xing controlled Gravity as she knocked Nyx on all of walls before bringing the latter towards her. Dark Xing was about to stab her Blackish Blade at Nyx. The Alicorn Princess growled angrily as she tried to control the gravity. She barely dodged the attacks before giving a hard punch on Dark Xing to the ground. Nyx was about to finish Dark Xing off but got blasted off to the ground hard.
Mei Kai and Drago fired their Water Torpedo Beam and Demon Blazing Fire on Apple Bloom and Dragoking as the latter fell to Nyx's both sides. Drago and Mei Kai came to Dark Xing's sides.
Dark Xing hissed, "Time to shift the balance... Time for your punishment..."
With her snapping fingers, the ceiling opened in two as the crane slowly lowered the metal cross-shape down. It surprise and shock Nyx's team.
"No..." Nyx said in feared.
Nyx's team saw weakened, broken, painful and wounded Twilight Sparkle got chained to metal cross-shape. Dark Xing and her cousins smirked darkly as their plans went smoothly...
[Apple Bloom's Story]
Apple Bloom fell tH the ground hard and all she saw was darkness. As she struggled in getting out, she saw the light in front of her. She quickly reached to the peak of light. She got out. She found herself back to her bedroom again. And the rooster crowed happily as the sun had risen. What is going on?!
Apple Bloom groaned, "Alright, this is getting ridiculous."
Apple Bloom approached to the mirror as she slowly showed her back legs to the front. She gasped. It was blank and nothing.
"Whoo-ee! I never thought I'd be so happy to not get a cutie mark." Apple Bloom said in relief. As she was about to turn, she spotted an ice-cream cutie mark. She gasped, "What the?!"
Apple Bloom turned to her right side and revealed a tooth cutie mark. Then to her left side revealed a potato fries. And back to her right again, she saw her face cutie mark. What is going on?!
When various and more Cutie Marks surrounded and went around Apple Bloom, she frustratingly grunted, "I don't wanna see another cutie mark as long as I live!"
Apple Bloom quickly swiped them off at once before galloped towards the door in a hurry. As soon as she entered, she got into the dark forest again. She turned her back as she found her bedroom's door closed.
"Back so soon?" The Mysterious Voice asked curiously.
Apple Bloom groaned as she galloped in search of her culprit, "All right, whoever you are! I dunno what spell you went and cast on me, but I want it to stop right now!"
The shadow emerged from its hiding and revealed two crimson eyes and smiles, "I didn't cast a spell, on you or anypony else. I only did what you wanted."
"Rrrgh! Why would I want you to torment me with nightmares?!"
"You didn't want to catch bugs, and I helped. You didn't want to lose friends, and I helped. If there's a problem with your family, I'm sure I can help with that too."
Apple Bloom screamed in anger, "I don't want your help! Just get away from me!"
As Apple Bloom was trying to escape, a suddenly light shined on her and so did the calm and gentle voice. It surprised her suddenly.
"Oh, Apple Bloom, you can't get away from your own shadow."
Apple Bloom looked up. She found a moon shined and glowed brightly as it slowly revealed the Princess of the Night herself. Princess Luna slowly landed on the ground before Apple Bloom.
"Princess Luna! My Shadow? What do you mean?" Apple Bloom asked in surprise. Princess Luna levitated the moon to the peak of sky. As it shined brightly, the darkness on forest slowly becomes brighter. The shadow that followed Apple Bloom slowly transformed into the latter's shadow. She looked confuse and surprise at it," It's just me? You mean I've been doin' all this to myself?"
Princess Luna answered, "Of course, Apple Bloom. It's your dream."
"If I've been dreamin' this whole time, why don't I just wake up?"
"Sometimes we can worry about a thing so much, the fear can make us feel we're trapped in a nightmare."
[Apple Bloom's Story]
Princess Luna teleported herself and Apple Bloom into Astral Realm.
Princess Luna asked, "I don't suppose there's anything you're particularly afraid of, is there?"
Apple Bloom sighed, "Yeah... I guess I've been pretty worried about gettin' my cutie mark."
"Well, that is the same as worrying about who you are. That is all a cutie mark is. If you cannot accept who you are, your life might seem like a bad dream."
"But if I like who I am, do you think other ponies will too?"
"Of course."
Apple Bloom gasped in realization, "Then it doesn't matter what my cutie mark is!"
Princess Luna agreed, "Indeed."
"But that's so simple!" Apple Bloom said in disappointment, "I must be the only pony in the universe this worried about her cutie mark."
Princess Luna shook her head, "Oh, I wouldn't say that."
Princess Luna summoned Ponies' Dream Doors at once. Apple Bloom was in shock and surprise about it.
Princess Luna opened Sweetie Belle's dream door. Apple Bloom took a peek on it. She saw Sweetie Belle on stage as the latter was about to sing on Talent's Show. Just before she could do anything,the broom cutie mark appeared on her flanks. Sweetie Belle gasped in shock. The judges gave her zero points. The janitor came and gave her a broom and bucket for cleaning.
On the next door, Apple Bloom found Scootaloo was setting her scooter from the top of ramp slides's top. She worn both helmet and cape. She was ready for the stunt. As she flapped her wings, she charged straight down the slides. In the middle of her stunts, the baking stirrer on bowl appeared. Her helmet changed into chef's hat while her scooter changed into a giant baking stirrer. Scootaloo screamed in fear as she was unable to control the stirring. As she slided up, she fell straight down on sticking milk. Scootaloo hyperventilating continued stirring in attempts to escape.
Apple Bloom gasped as she left Scootaloo's Dream Door, "Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle are havin' nightmares too? Pipsqueak, Dinky and Jade must have them too!"
"I'm afraid so, Apple Bloom." Princess Luna agreed as she turned to Nyx's door, "But Nyx's Nightmare is worst."
"Worst? How? She already got her cutie mark."
"True... But her identity isn't." Princess Luna answered. Apple Bloom looked at her. She continued, "Since you told her your fears, she is now more frightful of hers. She questioned herself - should she be demon or pony."
"This is all my fault... What have I done?"
"Don't, Apple Bloom. You didn't know. And now it's your chance to save her."
As Princess Luna was about to open the door, it got locked. That shock and surprise both Princess Luna and Apple Bloom. They quickly opened the door as hard as they can. That never happen.
"Something is preventing us entering her dream," Princess Luna said in concern, "And I don't think Nyx can do such a thing."
Apple Bloom banged and knocked the door hard, "Nyx?! NYX! NYX! Nyyyyyyyyxxxxxxxx!"
[Nyx's Story]
Nyx's team face and glared at Dark Xing, Drago and Mei Kai as the latter held weakened Twilight Sparkle hostage.
"Let her go!" Nyx demanded angrily, "This is between you and me alone!"
"I don't think so..." Dark Xing snarled, "You have betrayed and banished all of our family! And now I shall return you a favor. I will give you a choice - come with me or your deary mother dies."
Nyx looked down in concern as she knew that she did betrayed and banished her Demon Family because she couldn't bare to lose her family and friends.
"Don't listen to her!" Apple Bloom pleaded, "You did what you have to! For your family! Not for them!"
"Quiet, fool!" Mei Kai exclaimed in anger.
Mei Kai fired her Jellyfish Sting at Apple Bloom's chest. Apple Bloom got poisoned on her heart. Before Nyx and Dragoking could do anything, Drago charged in and grabbed Apple Bloom as he armed with his Dragon Fist.
Nyx groaned, "Don't hurt her!"
"I won't. Just give in now, and I'll spare them both." Dark Xing said calmly. Nyx turned and faced Dark Xing. She continued, "You don't belong with these fools. You're no savior. You are the daughter of Tso Lan. You are the Princess of Black Moon. And ponies never welcome Demons. Come with me. We shall go home together."
Nyx looked down as she wondered what she had to do. She hissed in pain and despair. She didn't want to betray her family. They were too important to her. She loved them so much. She had to do it.
"Nyx! Don't do it!" Apple Bloom exclaimed. Nyx turned and looked at her. She continued, "Listen to me... You belong here. You're not a monster! You're a hero! You saved everyone's lives. If you hadn't, you wouldn't be Nyx, would you?"
Drago hissed, "Is that your final word? You rather die for her?"
Mei Kai giggled, "Such amusing noble cause for a little teenager."
Apple Bloom firmly answered, "Yes... She is my friend and sister. I'd rather her be with us than with you."
Dragoking nodded, "Fight... Your... Nightmare..."
"Apple Bloom... Dragoking..." Nyx said in surprise. She turned and faced Dark Xing, "You're right. I should have returned to home. But my real home lies in Equestria! As long as everyone is my friends, I'll always be pony! And I won't never betrayed my friends and family. I'm gonna keep Flare Tiger a promise to be myself till the end! Give your best shot on me. I won't back down!"
Dark Xing smirked, "Such heroic nonsense..."
Dark Xing armed with her Blackish Blade at Twilight while Drago launched his Dragon Fist. All Nyx and Dragoking do is watch and screamed. Twilight Sparkle and Apple Bloom were about to meet their end. Is this the end?
"Nooooooooooooo!" Nyx screamed in fear.
The event had paused. Everyone but frozen Apple Bloom and Twilight Sparkle were in shock. Why is everything stopped?
"That is far enough, Demons!" The firm and serious voice spoke.
"What is the meaning of this?!" Dark Xing demanded angrily, "Who is interfering our plans?!"
The surroundings were shattered and broken into pieces by several white lights. Azure Phoenix, Princess Luna and filly Apple Bloom stood before Nyx and her friends. Nyx was in shock while Dragoking remained calm and quiet. Demon Successors were in shock and concern.
"HOW?!" Drago demanded angrily.
Azure Phoenix glared at the Demons Successors, "So, it was you?! Who are you?! And how dare you tormented Nyx with Nightmares?!"
Princess Luna nodded, "Leave now... Or you shall feel my wrath! Nopony is allow to destroy fillies' dream, and even little Nyx. I shall take you down personally."
"What?!" Nyx asked in shock and surprise.
Dark Xing growled in anger, "You have not seen the last of me! Our revenge will come! Xiao Yue will pay for her betrayal!"
"See ya, brats," Drago commented angrily.
Eight Demon Successors disappeared through black mists. They had escaped. Nyx was in concern yet confused of what had has happened.
"What's going on? I don't understand..." Nyx said in concern.
Apple Bloom approached as she hugged and comforted Nyx, "You were having nightmares. And those Demon Successors nearly want to break you."
"I was having the nightmares from the start?!" Nyx asked in concern.
"Luna sought me to break the barrier," Azure Phoenix explained, "You were lucky, otherwise you would have suffered a great traumatized on your mental."
Princess Luna nodded, "It's been a busy night for us all, but I think it's time to bring it to a close."
Princess Luna and Azure Phoenix magically teleported both Apple Bloom and Nyx into the Dream Version of Cutie Mark Crusaders' Clubhouse. They all bowed before them both.
"I know you've all had a lot on your minds tonight," Princess Luna explained, "but I think Apple Bloom has something she'd like to share before you wake."
"And so did Nyx," Azure Phoenix added.
Everyone was in surprise of what Princess Luna had said. Scootaloo tested hers as she can fly but knowing it's just a dream.
"Well, I guess I should call this dream meeting of the Cutie Mark Crusaders to order!" Apple Bloom joked as she headed to the podium, "I know we all got pretty anxious when we found out Babs got her cutie mark, but I for one don't want to have nightmares every night from now until we get ours!"
Nyx added, "And even though we're all a little scared, a cutie mark won't change who we are or how everypony feels about us! As long you're still you, we'll always be friends till the very end. That's why Friendship is Magic."
Everyone nodded their heads in agreement.
Sweetie Belle smiled, "It's lucky we're all scared of the same things. That way we can help and remind each other to just be who we are!"
Princess Luna nodded, "And when the day comes that you all finally get your cutie marks, you can be sure they'll fit you to a T."
"Do you fillies think that Babs is worried or scared about some of this stuff?" Scootaloo asked in concern.
Apple Bloom hasped, "I know! Let's put together a care package for her! We should remind her that she's still always a Cutie Mark Crusader and welcome to our club."
Sweetie Belle nodded, "That way she'll know she isn't alone!"
Nyx nodded, "We're still be friends! But, uh... maybe we should wait 'til we wake up."
"Good idea." Azure Phoenix agreed. Nyx approached Azure Phoenix, "Yes?"
Nyx bowed, "Thank you for saving my life. I owe you one. But why did you saved me? I thought you hated me for killing Hope Light."
"Never..." Azure Phoenix answered as he gave Nyx a comforted hug, "That was Black Yue. And even though you were her reincarnation, you retain different personalities from her. Thus, you are Nyx. And I already forgive you. But there's one you can do me a favor."
"What would that be?"
"Love and keep your mother safe. That is your treasure."
Nyx nodded in agreement. Apple Bloom approached to her. Nyx turned to her friend. And before she could say anything, Apple Bloom hugged Nyx in comfort.
"I'm sorry," Apple Bloom apologized. Nyx looked shock and surprise. She continued, "If I hadn't say about my worry to you, then you wouldn't have faced dangerous nightmares. I'm sorry for making you worry sick..."
Nyx smiled as she hugged Apple Bloom, "It's okay, Apple Bloom. Besides... If you hadn't, I would never had discovered of what I'm meant to be. But now, I know. I am Crown Princess Nyx, daughter to Princess Twilight Sparkle and Shadow Dragon. Thank you, sis."
Apple Bloom smiled, "With pleasure..."
Princess Luna smiled, "I think it's time to wake up, everypony."
As Princess Luna teleported all of Cutie Mark Crusaders and Dragoking out from Astral Realm, she had discussion with Azure Phoenix.
"Are you alright?" Azure Phoenix asked in concern.
Princess Luna nodded, "Yes... I'm glad we make it in time. We have not see the last of those Demon Successors. They'll be back for Nyx again."
"We'll be ready. You should get some rest. It's been busy night."
"Thank you for your concern. And it is nice of you to help Nyx. You make a quite good grandfather to her. Just like what you did for Twilight and Iris Crystal."
"Yes... I did..."
"Why don't you see Celestia? She did miss you. She loved you so much since Qin Dynasty Era."
"No... I think it's best we should stay friends. Not after what we had been through for last 900 years ago."
"I think it's best you should." Princess Luna sighed, "I envied you and Celestia so much..."
Azure Phoenix hugged Princess Luna, "Luna... I also miss him. He was my sworn brother. But always know that he's always with you. Understand?" Princess Luna smiled and nodded her head, "Take care. Don't punish yourself. He wouldn't want you to do that."
Princess Luna smiled and nodded her head, "Goodnight, my dear brother-in-law."
"Don't you mean Good Morning," Azure Phoenix joked.
Princess Luna giggled for the moment before she disappeared in a blink of light. Azure Phoenix disappeared from sights. The Dream or Astral Realm is safe for now.
In the morning, Nyx woke up as soon as the sun rose from Friendship Rainbow Kingdom while Apple Bloom did hers from Apple Sweet Acre. They both got off from their sleeping places. They looked around of their surroundings carefully. Nyx found the Ponyville still standing while Dragoking was still sleeping. Apple Bloom looked at her flank. It was blank. They both smiled happily.
Both Apple Bloom and Nyx sang together: There ain't no call to worry
So don't you cry or fret
A cutie mark won't change me
No matter what I get
Apple Bloom and Nyx sighed, "Nothing can change our friendship..."
The End...
Main Casts:
Michele Creber: Apple Bloom
Kira Tozer: Nyx
Ashleigh Ball: Applejack, Apple Bloom (Teenage)
Dee Bradley Baker: Dragoking
Claire Corlett: Sweetie Belle
Madeleine Peters: Scootaloo
Vanessa Marshall: Dark Xing
Michael Rosenbaum: Drago
Hynden Walch: Mei Kai
Tabitha St. Germain: Princess Luna, Granny Smith
Douglas Rye: Azure Phoenix
Minor Casts
Grey DeLisle (Griffin): Song Wing
David Sobolov: Voltscar
Kevin Michael Richardson: Quake
Charlie Schlatter: Gutsy
Khary Payton: Avalanche
Stacy Chan: Jade Adventure
Graham Verchere: Pipsqueak
Shannon Chan-Kent: Dinky Doo, Silver Spoon
Alexandra Carter: Twist
Chantal Strand: Diamond Tiara
Peter New: Big Mac, Pest Control Pony
Will Friedle: Saber Dragoon
David Faustino: Blazefist
Crispin Freeman: Red Arsenal
Derek Stephen Prince: Metalgear
Hayden Panettiere: Shiroi Bai |
My Little Pony Mystic Season 1 | Episode 5: Tanks for the Memories | Rainbow Dash was flying around the Ponyville as she was checking and surveying the clouds and area carefully. She looked up and found Cloudsdale approaching to her current home. She smiled happily and excitedly as her heart beats very fast and hard. She looked down and found her pet tortoise - Tank flying around Ponyville via her magical copter.
Rainbow Dash flew down and grabbed Tank tightly. She turned him to the front as she pointed and showed him at the approaching Cloudsdale.
Rainbow smiled, "Look at that, Tank! Cloudsdale's here! That means Ponyville is next up for winter!"
Rainbow looked down as she found some ponies running through the forest Whitetail Woods. It reminded her from her past - competing Applejack to prove who is the winner. And now they have been used for one purpose - bring down the dried and whithered leaves down for the upcoming Winter.
"You're doing awesome, everypony! Keep it up!" Rainbow cheered proudly to her fellow ponies, "We need those leaves off those trees!"
Rainbow Dash headed up and met up with Tank on her fluffy clouds. She smiled, "Once we get autumn cleared away, it'll be hello, winter!" Tank yawned loudly. Rainbow noticed it as she asked in shock, "Was that a yawn I just saw?"
And once again, Tank yawned. Rainbow Dash spoke up at once, "How can you be tired when the most exciting time of the year is right around the corner? And don't forget the best part-" She squealed happily as she spun her tortoise around while screamed, "our first winter together!"
As Rainbow Dash turned to Tank, she found him closing his eyes like he wanted to sleep.
"Come on, wake up! Once those ponies bring in the big, fat clouds full of snowflakes, we'll have a ton of snow for our extreme sledding! And over there, we can play horse hockey, with no shoulder or arm pads!"
Rainbow Dash imagined happily of what she wanted to do with her pet for winter holidays - sledding and hockey. She smiled happily as she wanted it to happen with her pet. As she turned to Tank, she found him struggled in keeping his eyes up like he wanted to sleep.
Twilight Sparkle flew straight to Rainbow Dash while carrying Scootaloo who is also looking forward to have her holiday with her sister-figure and idol. Twilight smiled as she looked around of her surroundings. The Pegasi were bringing down the clouds in setting the snow to fall on the earth itself.
"Everything's looking great, don't you think?"
"Almost everything." Rainbow Dash admitted as she pointed at the sleeping Tank, "Does Tank look alright to you?"
Twilight shrugged, "Well, he does seem to be moving a little slowly."
"Aren't the turtles moving slow?" Scootaloo asked curiously. She then noticed Tank's look as he was sleepy, "And he looks kind of sleepy..."
Twilight giggled a bit, "Just like he always does."
Rainbow Dash was unconvinced by Twilight's statement yet said calmly, "Yeah, ha ha, I'm sure you're right."
Tank once again yawned. It made Rainbow Dash even more worried and scared. Scootaloo noticed it as she asked Twilight.
"Is Rainbow Dash alright? I'd never seen her so worried before."
"She'll be fine. Nothing to worry about. Here, let me get you on Rainbow's back. I'm pretty sure that you're looking forward to spend some quality with her."
"Yeah... sure..." Scootaloo nodded in understanding yet concern as she looked at Rainbow Dash's concern looks on Tank. She muttered, "Why do I get the feeling that Rainbow Dash is not happy..."
Twilight helped Scootaloo climbed on Rainbow Dash's back. And before any of them could do, Rainbow quickly grabbed Tank and flew straight down. Twilight was dumbfounded and concerned. What was that?
Rainbow Dash went to Fluttershy's cottage for advice and help about Tank. Scootaloo was there as she watched Rainbow Dash scared and feared in watching her pet checked by Fluttershy who used stethoscope on Tank. She listened carefully on Tank's heart. Fluttershy nodded in understanding.
"Well?!" Rainbow asked in fear.
"I suppose his heartbeat could be a teensy-weensy-eensy bit slower than usual..." Fluttershy answered. Rainbow yelped in fear and worry. She continued, "I don't think he needs the medicine. He's perfectly fine."
Rainbow Dash sighed, "Thank Celestia..."
"He's just going to hibernate." Fluttershy added.
"Hibernate? As in going in a long sleep?" Scootaloo asked curiously.
Fluttershy nodded, "When the weather grows cold and less food is available, many animals hibernate to conserve energy. It's like taking a really long nap during winter, and then they wake up in spring. And see? Even tortoises do it! When the time comes, Tank will leave and dig into the ground."
Rainbow Dash shook in denial as she stared at Tank yawned happily. The tortoise cuddled himself in making himself comfortable to sleep.
"But don't worry. He'll reappear when the spring sun warms the ground back up." Fluttershy said calmly while patted on Rainbow's shoulder gently.
Rainbow snapped her hoof off as she turned and glared at Fluttershy, "Come on! Tortoises don't hibernate! Somepony thinks that as a joke."
"It's not a joke." Fluttershy replied, "Tank needs to hibernate. It's healthy for him, just like sleeping is healthy for us."
Scootaloo nodded, "Maybe Fluttershy could be right. I did see lots of animals coming out from the caves. That took them a long nap."
Rainbow Dash laughed shortly as she spun Tank's Magical Copter, "Whatever. Okay, thanks. Come on, Tank. You too, Scootaloo!"
Scootaloo jumped on her idol's back. Rainbow Dash flew out of her best friend's cottage. Fluttershy followed her but stopped at the entrance.
"Where are you going?"
Rainbow answered angrily, "To get a second opinion from a real reptile expert."
Rainbow Dash then flew off while carrying Tank with her. Fluttershy looked worry and concerned of her best friend's welfare and even Tank's health...
At Friendship Rainbow Kingdom, Rainbow Dash and her team decided to ask four reptilian creatures to answer about Tank's condition. Spike, Boomer, Rob and Grunt were having sleepover at their castle as Spike planned to show and explain his dragon friends about winter and its custom. But Rainbow Dash butted in and asked for four dragons' opinions.
Dragon Brotherhood was in shock and surprise to hear what Rainbow Dash had asked.
"Are you really that stupid?!" Boomer asked angrily.
Spike groaned, "I told you, Rainbow Dash. Boomer, Rob, Grunt and me are the dragons!"
As Spike and his friends turned and looked at Tank, the tortoise was sleeping. Scootaloo looked worry and concern as she looked at Rainbow Dash.
Rainbow Dash stubbornly refused as she continued, "Come on! You're practically twins!"
Rob sighed in frustration, "Rainbow Dash... We barely even looked the same. Spike is the Sky-Type Dragon. Boomer is Fire-Type Dragon. I'm the Wind-Type Dragon. And finally, Grunt is Wood Dragon. How can we even looked twins. And not to mention, our chronological age are completely different."
Grunt nodded, "I am Grunt..."
Rainbow Dash groaned as she changed the subject, "But if you all don't have to hibernate, why should Tank?!"
"Because he's a tortoise and we're dragons!" Spike answered angrily.
Rainbow Dash smirked, "Same family, though, right?"
"NO!" Rob snapped angrily, "I hate to admit - Dragons and Tortoise are reptile class. But it doesn't mean that we're the same. Different creatures have different level of body temperature. Ours are approximately higher and effective than any reptiles. As far as I'm concerned, Tank's temperature isn't strong enough. So, he has to hibernate."
"I'll take that as a yes," Rainbow Dash remarked.
Grunt groaned, "I am Grunt."
Boomer huffed, "You've got that right, Grunt. I know Fluttershy ain't smart enough to deal with some sensitive problems, but she ain't stupid about animals. if Fluttershy says tortoises hibernate, then I guarantee tortoises hiber--"
Rainbow Dash interrupted angrily, "Well, what would you know?! You're all dragons!"
Rainbow Dash took Tank up as she headed off at once. Scootaloo immediately followed her. The young Pegasus had to make sure her idol stay out of troubles and even her favorite pet tortoise.
Boomer huffed, "You know... That Pegasus is nuts."
"Tell me something I don't even know," Spike sighed, "I'd never thought that Rainbow Dash got so close with Tank so much."
Rob nodded, "Well... Bonding is important value between ponies and pets."
Grunt shrugged, "I am Grunt..."
Rainbow Dash exited the Friendship Rainbow Kingdom at once, along with Scootaloo and Tank. She was really pissed and angry.
"The nerve of those dragons! What do they know about Tank?!" Rainbow muttered angrily.
Scootaloo sighed, "Rainbow Dash... I think they're right. Tank needs hibernation. Think about it for onc-!"
"No!" Rainbow exclaimed angrily at frightened Scootaloo. She continued, "Nopony knows Tank like I do. All he needs is some hard work to get the old blood pumping. Come on!"
Scootaloo sighed in concern as she climbed on Rainbow Dash's back while the latter held Tank tightly. They all flew off to another area.
A familiar character emerged from the Friendship Rainbow Kingdom's sides. She heard and saw everything. She was really worried and concerned about her. Aquastroke needed to talk with Rainbow Dash before bad things could have happen.
As the Pegasi moving and loading the fluffy clouds down from the Cloudsdale, they then set the clouds on opened sky. Rainbow Dash did the same thing as she was pushing the cloud aside while Tank was still flying in midair and sleeping. Scootaloo watched the event as she was worried and concerned about it.
Rainbow Dash huffed as she struggled pushing the cloud, "These things are heavy! Chock full of snowflakes! We're gonna have such a killer time in the snow, Tank." No response. Rainbow Dash looked around as she found him missing. She gasped, "Tank? Tank!"
"Rainbow Dash! Over here!" Scootaloo called as she pointed at Tank digging the ground slowly. She exclaimed, "Tank's going do it!"
"Aw, look at the cute wittle Tankie," Pinkie Pie said happily as she approached and looked at Tank, "all snuggly-wuggly, getting ready to hibern--"
Rainbow Dash quickly shouted as she landed on the ground hard, "Don't say that word!'
Pinkie Pie cluelesly asked, "Which one? "Snuggly"? "Wuggly"? "Tankie"? "Hibernate"?"
"That one!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed angrily as she put her hoof on Pinkie's mouth hard.
Pinkie put Rainbow's hoof down and said happily, "I was just saying how cute he--"
"If you think hiber..." Rainbow Dash groaned as she refused to use that word, "- you know, that napping thing - is so cute, why don't you go do it?! Somewhere far away from here?!"
Scootaloo held Tank tightly as she was scared of Rainbow Dash. She never seen her idol so furious and angry before. She cleared her throat a bit. Rainbow Dash turned to her. She pointed to the front. Rainbow Dash turned to the front as she found her friends staring at her.
Twilight Sparkle, Shadow Dragon, Nyx, Applejack and Saber Dragoon were sweeping and clearing the autumn leaves. Rarity, Fluttershy, Shorty Thinking and Terrorcreep were helping animals get comfortable for their hibernation. Blazefist and Laxtinct making and shaking trees in bringing the leaves down.
Rainbow Dash groaned, "What are you looking at?! Pinkie Pie and I are just having a conversation!"
Twilight sighed in concern, "Look, Rainbow Dash, we all know how upset you are about Tank hiber--"
Pinkie interrupted as she had Twilight shushed, "Shhhh! Don't say that word! That's what started this all!"
Twilight sighed as she continued, "We all know how upset you are about Tank. But you shouldn't take your anger out on your friends."
Shadow Dragon nodded, "Twilight's right. They didn't mean to hurt your feelings. But Tank can't survive the winter. He has to do it for his health"
"Who said anything about anger?! I didn't say anything about anger! I'm not upset! And I am not angry! Do I look angry?!" Rainbow Dash grumbling while showing her anger and furious looks at her friends. Everyone remained silent as Rainbow Dash continued while glaring at Shadow Dragon, "And what about yours? Dragoking is the ancestors to dragons, hydras and reptiles, am I right?!"
"Well... Yes..."
"Then, why does Tank needed it?! Ancient Beasts can survive the cold?! Why can't he?!"
Shadow Dragon sighed, "Rainbow Dash, just because Dragoking is the Ancient Beast of Past doesn't mean he won't hibernate. He maybe able to withstand the winter and snow land but the cold condition could have frozen him up. Hydragoon loved warm and hard land, even though they possessed Ice Abilities. Therefore, it's the same for Tank."
Rainbow Dash huffed, "Whatever! Come on, Tank and Scootaloo! Let's get out of here!"
Rainbow Dasha activated Tank's Magical Copter while grabbing Scootaloo in placing on her back. She then took them off to the sky. Everyone remained silent and quiet for the moment while looking at each other. They were all worried about Rainbow Dash.
"Seriously? What's so big deal about hibernation?" Laxtinct asked dumbly, "She got Tank from Season 2 Episode 7. But on Episode 11 of Season 2, Tank was already hibernated when she and her friends went to Canterlot for Hearth's Warming Eve Play. Rainbow Dash should know that. So, why now she's upset? That's kinda silly and stupid."
Everyone groaned in annoyance. Was Laxtinct serious and random as Pinkie Pie?!
Aquastroke flew and landed on the ground. She looked at her friends, "Hey. Have you seen Rainbow Dash? Coz she-!"
"At first, Rainbow Dash thought that Tank was slow and tired. But when she asked Fluttershy and Dragon Brotherhood about Tank, they said that he has to hibernate for his health. But that seriously pissed her off," Laxtinct explained before he sighed, "But when Pinkie Pie commented about how cute Tank is when he hibernated, Rainbow Dash got pissed. Whenever the word is mentioned, she gets pissed. Twilight and Shadow Dragon tried to calm her down. But she again get pissed and flew off. She's insane."
Everyone remained quiet while looking at Laxtinct. He really needed to shorten his sentence, instead of remembering the whole story...
Aquastroke sighed, "Laxtinct - next time, shorten the story. I might able to calm her down since she and I became new best friends."
"I think she went home." Fluttershy answered.
"Where is she?"
Fluttershy pointed at the sky. Aquastroke nodded as she flew off to the sky at once. Hopefully she can calm Rainbow Dash...
At Rainbow Dash's home room, Rainbow Dash was trying to get Tank up during the winter. She stubbornly refused to let her favorite pet to hiber- I mean - sleeping or napping for a long winter. Scootaloo was worried and scared of looking at Rainbow Dash.
Rainbow Dash scolded angrily at Tank, "I need you bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, not sleepy-eyed and scaly-tailed! Which..." She realized that Tank had been doing since she adopted him as her pet. She sighed, "is exactly what you are. But get up anyway!"
Tank yawned loudly. Rainbow Dash groaned angrily.
"You can't hiber-" Rainbow Dash stopped as she refused to use the word, "you know. What about all the primo things we're gonna do together this winter? Building snow ponies, starting snowball fights, sipping hot cider by the fire."
Tank snored happily as he was now sleeping.
Rainbow Dash exclaimed in upset, "Don't you wanna do those things with me?!"
Woke up as Tank looked at Rainbow Dash for the moment. She had a sad look on her face. He smiled in making her smile. He went back to sleep again.
"Think, Rainbow Dash, think! Tank's only hibernating because it's cold, right?" Rainbow Dash asked in annoyance and concern.
Scootaloo sighed as she spoke, "Rainbow Dash... That's enough. I think Shadow Dragon's right. Tank really needs to hibernate. It's winter now. Don't you want the best for him?"
"Of course, I do, Scootaloo!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed before continued her thinking, "I'd rather have him awake in the heat than asleep in the cold..." She gasped, "I just have to stop winter!"
Rainbow Dash smirked darkly and evilly. To make sure Tank stayed awake, she had to end the winter for good.
Scootaloo gasped, "Rainbow Dash, no! You can't do this! You can't stop the winter!"
"I have to. This is for Tank. I want him to stay with me."
"I know... But please... Tank wouldn't want you do something stupid."
Rainbow Dash shouted, "What do you know about Tank?! What do you know about me being stupid?! What do you know anything?! You don't even care about me and Tank!"
"Rainbow Dash..." Scootaloo said tearfully yet painfully and despaired.
Scootaloo cried and sobbed in despair. Rainbow Dash gasped as she realized of what she has done. She made her fan cried. She didn't mean to hurt her. Rainbow Dash struggled in talking and calming Scootaloo but speechless and watch Scootaloo crying.
Rainbow Dash sighed, "Look... We'll talk about this later. And Scootaloo, I didn't mean it. I'm sorry. But I have to do this for Tank. So, don't tell anyone."
Rainbow Dash grabbed Tank and headed off at once while leaving Scootaloo behind. Scootaloo looked down as she cried and sobbed tearfully and painfully. She didn't want to believe that Rainbow Dash could do something stupid. Stopping Winter could bring disasters to four seasons and Equestria. She didn't want Rainbow Dash to get herself in troubles. She has to stop her...
Aquastroke opened the door as she looked around and only found Scootaloo sitting on the bed. She noticed the filly crying and sobbing tearfully. Something bad had happen.
"Scootaloo, what's wrong?" Aquastroke asked in concern, "Where's Rainbow Dash?"
Scootaloo sniffed as she looked at Aquastroke, "Aqua... Rainbow Dash. She-she-she-! We've gotta stop her."
Aqaustroke patted Scootaloo gently, "Tell me everything. I want to know what's she trying to do."
Scootaloo explained to Aquastroke of what Rainbow Dash's planning. Ultimate Mystic Warrior of Water was in shock and feared. Rainbow Dash is in big trouble now!
As the Pegasi loading and moving the fluffy clouds in position, three Pegasi had their own discussion - a yellow female Pegasus with blue mane and tail with navy and cyan stripes, dark cyan male Pegasus with purple curved mane and tail and pink Pegasus Female with purple curved mane and tail.
"So where do these clouds go?" Sunshower asked.
Open Skies answered, "Over by Clear Skies."
"But there's clear skies everywhere."
"Yo, Clear Skies right here!" Clear Skies answered happily.
Sunshower groaned, "But there's clear skies over there, too!"
Clear Skies giggled, "That's Open Skies!"
"There's open skies everywhere!" Sunshower answered.
Open Skies confused as he answered, "I'm not everywhere. I'm right here!"
Sunshower sighed, "Wait. So you're Open Skies, and you're Clear Skies. Then what's all that?"
Clear Skies and Open Skies answered happily, "Open, clear skies!"
Three Pegasi stopped their discussion as they found the fluffy clouds went missing. What has happened to them?!
"Hey, where'd our fluffy clouds go?" Open Skies asked in concern.
Clear Skies smiled, "Fluffy Clouds? He's over there!"
Clear Skies pointed at the navy goofy Pegasus Male with fluffy mane and tail worn an orange bow who was playing with the clouds.
Rainbow Dash scoffed, "Hah! Stopping winter is gonna be a breeze!"
Rainbow Dash pushed and stuffed some fluffy clouds into the large tree's hole hard and quick. She then took Tank as they took off to another area. A grayish Earth Pony was cleaning and clearing the leaves out. He stopped as he noticed something from tree's hole. Before he could do anything, the snow spluttered out on him. He was covered by snow.
Rainbow Dash flew around of Ponyville area. She found ponies were preparing and making their village ready for the winter. Some cleaned and cleared the autumn leaves. Others were setting ice tips attaching to the houses. And most of Pegasi were making the clouds dropped the snowflakes out. Rainbow Dash smirked as she determined to stop winter at all cost for Tank.
Rainbow Dash: When life gives you lemons
You can make lemonade
But life gave me Tank here
And my choice has long been made
Rainbow Dash sneaked and watched the ponies working on making the winter as she planning of how to stop and end it. She gave Tank a nuzzle on his beak. She then dropped him down for safety. It's time for her to start operation.
Rainbow Dash: No winter will come to Ponyville
I'll do it on my own
I will keep you by my side
So I will not be alone
Rainbow Dash jumped and broke the frozen ponds in allowing the water to flow. She kept and hidden the skis underneath the grass. She came to Tank as she nuzzled him for the moment. She then flew off at once.
Rainbow Dash: And I'll fly, and I'll fly
Until the end of the sky
So I'll be the one who doesn't
Have to say goodbye
Rainbow Dash guided the flying ducks to the north from letting Tank or anypony to notice it since they always fly to South when the winter comes.
Rainbow Dash: I'll clear the skies forever
So we won't be apart
I'll keep the weather warm for you
And the winter will never start
Using her powerful speed, Rainbow Dash cleared the sky at once. She then came to Tank. She set the beach theme bench and umbrella for Tank to enjoy and stay awake. She smiled as she put some lotion on Tank's shell. Tank yawned. Rainbow Dash looked concern and scared.
Rainbow Dash: Weather-makers Pegasi
You make the seasons in the sky
I don't want to sabotage you
But you see, I've got to try
Rainbow Dash noticed some snowdrops falling down. She looked up and found some Pegasi kicking and bouncing the clouds in launching snowdrops down. She quickly 'guided and led' Pegasi in launching more of snowdrops down. Instead, the snowdrops was thrown back to the clouds.
Rainbow Dash: No winter can come here now
I'll keep the warmth and the sun somehow
I'm sorry, ponies, this has to be
For I need my friend and he needs me
Rainbow Dash held the giant magnifying glass for it to shined brightly on Tank. He slowly opened his eyes as if he was reawakened. Before she could do anything, the Pegasi moved the clouds in blocking the sun. Without the sun's heat, Tank was freezing. Rainbow Dash looked worry and scared as she had to save Tank before he could get hibernated.
Rainbow Dash: I know it's wrong, but what does it matter?
'Cause nothing's gonna stop me now
I'll change it all, it's only the weather
And nopony's gonna bring me down
Rainbow Dash put most of leaves back to the empty branches of trees. Lucky Clover noticed it as he wondered why would someone not bothered to bring them down.
Three Earth Ponies were having great time with the winter. Cherry and Lily were making snowpony while Caramel enjoyed his walking. Before any of them could do, Rainbow Dash charged in and set everything for them - both Lily and Cherry worn the summer hats and having drinks while Caramel sat on his fluffy cloud chair.
Rainbow Dash: I'll keep the sunlight shining free
And I'll bust the clouds apart so you can stay with me
And I'll fly, and I'll fly
Until the end of the sky
Rainbow Dash held Tank as she charged and burst every cloud she see. She then danced together happily with Tank around in midair.
Rainbow Dash: So I'll be the one who doesn't
Have to say goodbye
I'll clear the skies forever
So we won't be apart
I'll keep the weather warm for you
And the winter will never start!
Rainbow Dash slowly landed on the ground as she posed happy dance with holding Tank tight. Before she could do anything, Tank yawned happily. Rainbow Dash was in shock. She thought that she stopped the winter! Didn't she?
"Here comes the next shipment! Move those clouds over!" Sunshower ordered happily.
Most of Pegasi were carrying the fluffy clouds to the open skies. Earth Ponies and Unicorns were still cleaning and clearing the leaves. The ponds and river was completely frozen. And the land was covered in snow. The winter was in process to be done...
Rainbow Dash groaned angrily, "For every hoof step back, they go three hoof steps forward! What are we gonna do?"
Upon noticing the snowflake falling down, Rainbow Dash looked up and found Pegasi were bouncing and jumping on clouds in launching snowflakes and snowdrops down. She then turned to Cloudsdale where it launched thousands of clouds out. Pegasi then moved the clouds to clear skies. It then hits Rainbow's head.
Rainbow said in realization, "Cloudsdale. That's it, Tank! If I can't stop winter in Ponyville, maybe I can stop it at the source!"
Rainbow attached her leash on Tank's buckle as they flew straight to Cloudsdale. Unknown to them, both Aqaustroke and Scootaloo followed them in secrets in hopes to save Rainbow Dash from getting into the troubles.
Rainbow Dash sneaked into Cloudsdale while avoiding from being detected by the Pegasi but at the same time, keeping Tank safe or being detected from them too. She hidden from the small building's pillars. She rolled over to the fluffy clouds. As some Pegasi passed by, she moved the cloud while hidden within it in search of the factory. She came across the large factory building. She found it.
Suddenly, Rainbow Dash yelped in shock as she quickly stayed down at once. She took a peek out. She found the whistle blower blown very loud. The Weather Pegasus Workers came out from the factory's doors. She smirked proudly. It's a perfect chance!
Rainbow Dash used her clouds as she sneaked and passed the Pegasi slowly. Upon reaching to factory, she quickly entered it at once. She approached to the opened locker. She worn the white uniform, and did the same thing for Tank. With them, she can fooled the Pegasi.
Rainbow Dash looked around of the factory's ground hall in search of assembling line hall. Passing the reception counter table, she turned to her left. She found a symbol of fluffy clouds with twon thunder on each sides below the door. It must be the Weather Assembling Line!
Rainbow Dash entered the hall. She found a large machine with tubes and pipes, giant water tank and control system, along with tables that experimenting and working on snowflakes and a machine making fluffy clouds. This is it...
"Winter Lab..." Rainbow Dash smirked, "We're in, Tank! Now we just gotta figure out a way to shut it down."
Rainbow hummed as she looked around of her surroundings. She was searching something could help her stopped the winter for good. She came across the Snowflakes Observation Table. She tied Tank to the table lamp's. She looked through the microscope on them.
"Sabotage snowflakes? I think we gotta go bigger than that." Rainbow Dash said in concern. She came across the Cloudmaker Machine. She hummed, "Hmm. We could get rid of these clouds, but... that's still not big enough."
Rainbow Dash turned and found a giant water tank that connects to most of pipes. She smirked in please, "Slam dunk! With no water, they can't make clouds or snow! They can't make winter! I hate to do this to those weather ponies, but desperate times call for desperate measures!"
Rainbow Dash was about to unplug the pipes from the water tank. She got shot by the powerful Water Torpedo Blast to the walls. Before she could do anything, the water got freeze into ice. Rainbow Dash gasped as she struggled in getting out from the frozen water grasp.
"Rainbow Dash!" The familiar voice shouted. Rainbow Dash looked up as she found both Aquastroke and Scootaloo were the ones that attacked her. Aquastroke sighed, "Rainbow... This had to stop now."
How did Aquastroke knows where she was?! Unless she has help... Rainbow Dash looked down as she found Scootaloo was behind of her.
"Scootaloo! How could you?!" Rainbow asked in shock.
Scootaloo looked down in sadness as she couldn't bear to face Rainbow Dash. Aquastroke spoke, "Don't blame Scootaloo for this. You did it to yourself. So, I beg you - stop it. This is not what Tank would have wanted. You can't force him to survive the winter. If you stop the winter now, you're going to destroy the balance!"
"So what?!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed in anger as she struggled in getting out from the frozen grasp, "I have to do it! I have to! I don't want Tank to go away! I can't!"
"Rainbow..." Aquastroke begged, "You can't stop the winter. It's impossible. Tank needs to hibernate. And he has to, now!"
Rainbow groaned in anger as she refused to listen to what her friends had said, "Don't... said... HIBERNATE!" She summoned her Mystic Magical Spear as she swung her spear on the frozen water grasp hard. Both Aquatroke and Scootaloo gasped. Rainbow armed with her spear, "I'm not gonna stop! I'm gonna save Tank! I'm gonna stop the winter for good!"
"Rainbow, don't!" Scootaloo exclaimed in concern.
Aquastroke sighed, "It looks like I have no choice. Sorry, Rainbow Dash, I can't let you do this!"
Rainbow Dash screamed, "Be my guess! Take this!"
Rainbow Dash slam her Magical Mystic Spear on Aqaustroke's head but the latter moved back at once. She punched rainbow Pegasus's head hard before kicked the latter off at once. Mystic Pegasus charged in as she landed some punches on Equestria Pegasus who dodged and avoided the attacks before swung her spear at the former off. Rainbow Dash charged in as she slammed her spear on Aquastroke who rolled aside before the latter fired her Water Blast on the former off. Aquastroke got up as she summoned her Tsunami Blade. Both Mystic and Equestria Pegasus swung their blades at each other while dodging and blocking the attacks for few times.
As Rainbow Dash was about to swung her spear on Aquastroke's side, but got deflected at once before punching on the former four times. As she was about to give final punch, Rainbow deflected it before giving her a kick. She rammed and slammed Aquastroke to the ground as they both rolled around while punched at each other hard. Their fighting almost caused the lab a mess.
Pained and saddened by Rainbow's and Aquastroke's fight, Scootaloo sobbed tearfully as she couldn't bare to watch it. She heard some clanking noise. She looked up as she found Tank was sleeping as he was flying around. She saw him hooked the table lamp which hooked on the power control as he accidentally and unintentionally turned it on!
As The powered fan turned on as it sucked Tank into it. Scootaloo gasped in shock as she quickly grabbed the leash at once as she pulled him away as hard as she can. At the same time, she screamed in fear..
"HELP!"
Both Rainbow Dash and Aquastroke stopped fighting as they turned and found Scootaloo and Tank were dragging to the powered-fan. They quickly flew off and pushed both Scootaloo and Tank aside in time. The hooked leash on table lamp slammed straight on the powered-fan.
Before the Pegasi could do anything, they got slammed on the barrel of snow. They moaned and groaned painfully as they emerged from it. They were all covered by the snow. As three Pegasi struggled in getting the snow off from their eyes, Tank was thrown straight the door which belonged to Blowing Wind Chamber. The door opened as the wind blown very hard on Tank and snow off from the Pegasi. They were all blown straight to another hall.
Three Pegasi and Tank moaned and groaned painfully as they recovered from the attack. They looked as they found themselves trapped inside the Lightning Jar Chamber. They all gulped in concern.
"Don't-make-a-move!" Aquastroke whispered in fear.
Unfortunately, one of the jar fell and cracked the glass in unleashing the lightning out. It struck on the Pegasi and Tank while they screamed in pain. But at the same time, they knocked other opened-cupboard. The jars fell and cracked into pieces as they launched more of lightning zapped and striking on them hard and painful!
The Pegasi and Tank thrown on the Cloudsmaker Machine's control panel hard. And before they could do anything, the lightning went wildly and crazy from the chamber. One of the lightning hit and zapped the control panel.
With the control panel went out of control, the Cloudsmaker Machine launching more of fluffy clouds while at the same time, it combined together with lightning energy. They cause chaotic, wild and dangerous while damage and destroy the machines and product within the chamber. It's getting out of control!
"Let's get out of here!" Aqaustroke exclaimed in concern.
Rainbow Dash nodded, "You don't have to tell me twice!"
Scootaloo jumped on Rainbow's back while the rainbow Pegasus grabbed and held Tank tightly. Both Aquastroke and Rainbow Dash flew off at once.
As the powered-fan broke free from the strapping leash, it sucked and absorbed all of the clouds into it, including the Pegasi and Tank. They then passed through the pipes and then entered into a washing machine-like. They then pushed into the container hard. With so much pressure and clouds within it, the machine was going out of control!
At Ponyville, everyone saw what has happened from Cloudsdale like it's going out of control! Everyone was in grave concerned, scared and worried of what happen! Twilight and her friends witnessed it.
"What in the name of Celestia's goin' on up there?" Applejack asked in concern.
Twilight Sparkle gulped in shock yet concern, "Prepare yourselves, everypony! Winter is coming!"
Within Cloudsdale, the Pegasi Workers were doing their best in shutting the machines down and hoping to avoid the casualties. Unfortunately, it was too late. Cloudsdale the launched a large portion of snow and snowflakes out as it heading straight to Ponyville.
Twilight gasped, "Everypony, look out!"
Everyone from the ground screamed in fear as they all ran away from the charging and coming large meteor snow-like. The Pegasi and Tank screamed in fear as they all trapped inside of the ball. The white ball hit the impact on Ponyville very hard! And the land is covered in snow.
Everyone from the ground emerged from snow. They all groaned and moaned painfully. Dragoking's head emerged as he launched his flames on the snow in allowing his master and allies to emerge. And they did. They all groaned and moaned painfully. The snow can be soft but if it's big that could have given them a big headache...
Both Aquastroke and Rainbow Dash emerged from the snow. They dug and looked around in search of both Tank and Scootaloo. They spotted both of them buried beneath the snow. They pulled the latter out.
"You okay, Tank and Scootaloo?" Rainbow asked in concern.
Scootaloo nodded. And Tank yawned happily. Rainbow Dash looked down as she realized that she couldn't stop the winter. And Aqua and Scootaloo were right - it's impossible...
Her friends came and checked on Rainbow Dash if she was okay or not but Rainbow Dash gave the silence answer. Everyone was aware of the sign as they sighed in concern. She was heartbroken...
Everyone took Rainbow Dash back home safely as they left her for some times. Rainbow was sleeping in her own room resting while looking at the yawning Tank. She really wished there was something she could to make Tank stay awake...
All of her friends entered her bedroom as they all asked her if she was okay and cheering and comforted her out. But Rainbow Dash despondently answered to her friends 'Whatever'. She was heartbroken to care and think. They don't even know what they can do to cheer her. Nothing...
Fluttershy sighed. She had no choice. She approached to Rainbow Dash, "Rainbow Dash, your winter is going to be pet-less."
Heard what Fluttershy had said, Rainbow Dash got looked at her. Instead of showing her anger and temper, she cried and sobbed in despair and pain. She didn't want to hear that! She didn't want to! Her remaining friends were in shock and surprise of Fluttershy's rude response. It was usually she replied gently and calmly but they never expected this.
"What did you do that for?!" Scootaloo demanded angrily.
Fluttershy sighed, "Because she'll never get past this until she lets it all out."
Rainbow Dash cried unhappily and despair uncontrollably.
"Cheer up, Dash. He'll come back in a few months!" Laxtinct said happily, "It did happen before. It can do it again!"
"Laxtinct!" Everyone exclaimed angrily.
"MONTHS?!" Rainbow Dash asked in shock before she cried and sobbed tearfully, "I don't want him to go!"
As Rainbow Dash cried, everyone glared at Laxtinct for being big mouth. They then turned to Rainbow Dash as they tried to calm her down somehow...
"There, there," Aquastroke calmed Rainbow down. She sighed as she turned and glared at Fluttershy, "Nice going, Fluttershy. How do we get her to stop?"
Fluttershy sighed as she answered calmly, "She's got to be about done by now. Can't be too much left in there."
As Rainbow Dash slowly stopped her crying for the moment, her friends were about to ask but instead she cried again. Everyone felt sorry for her. They knew Rainbow Dash loved flying pets since some years ago. And they never expected her to show so much respect and love for a tortoise. She'll do anything to keep him company till the end...
Aquastroke sighed, "Let me handle. She needs time alone. Scootaloo cans stay with me."
Everyone nodded in understanding as they left Rainbow Dash's bedroom. Aquastroke and Scootaloo stayed with the crying Rainbow Dash. Aquastroke approached Rainbow Dash.
"Rainbow Dash... I've managed to talk with the manager to let you go since you're War Heroine from Third Mystic War. You're okay for now," Aquastroke said calmly. Rainbow Dash cried uncontrollably. She sighed, "Rainbow Dash... There's something I need to tell you. I was like you."
Rainbow Dash sniffed a bit, "Like me? How?"
"I want to have my pet stay so long for the rest of the winter. And I want to prove that my pet didn't need to hibernate. So, I forced him to survive the winter with me. But after three days, he died."
Rainbow Dash gasped, "No..."
Aquastroke nodded, "It's true... And before he died, I tried to use warm coffee in making him stay awake for the rest of winter. But that killed him. I lost him not because of his nature but because of me. I killed him."
"No! You couldn't! I'm sure it's just an accident!" Scootaloo assured Aquastroke.
Rainbow Dash nodded, "Yeah! You didn't mean to do that. You just want to spent winter with your pet. It's what you wanted. You didn't know it."
Aquastroke nodded as she looked at Rainbow Dash, "That's what I'm trying to do. I'm trying to save Tank for you." Rainbow Dash looked down in shame. She continued, "I know hibernation for him was wrong but it's the only way for him to survive. Every creatures have limited energy. And trust me, you can't change that. Do you understand?"
Rainbow Dash sniffed, "Yeah... I understand..."
"And besides, you still have friends and family and especially Scootaloo to play with. Tank would wanted you to be happy than sad. I know that because I know my pets well..."
"Pets? You have more?" Scootaloo asked in surprise.
Aquastroke smiled, "Yeah. One was a eagle. And I loved him so much before he passed. But another was a polar dog. But she doesn't need hibernation since her body temperature was very strong."
"Wow... That could have been cooler for Rainbow Dash. It would have make her feel better," Scootaloo sighed.
Rainbow Dash sighed, "I know, Scoot. I wish mine can be strong as Aqua'ss." Rainbow Dash looked at her. She looked at Tank as she hugged and nuzzled him gently and passionately, "Oh, Tank... I'm sure gonna miss you."
Aquastroke and Scootaloo sighed in upset and pain. It was very hard to say goodbye to someone she really cares...
At Ponyville, everyone was enjoying their winter holiday. Some played sledding on snow. Others played hockeys on ice. A few skated around. Most played snowball fights, make snowpony and build castle-like. Spike was showing his friends around Ponyville of what they did with their winter. Lance was chatting with Shiroi as they came across the mistletoe. They both giggled happily as they kissed each other passionately. Cutie Mark Crusaders sans Scootaloo and Nyx making snowponies.
Shadow Dragon and Nyx were taking Dragoking to the largest cave as they preparing for him to hibernate and rest.
"Does Dragoking need to rest? I wish he could stay out and play with me. I planned so hard for him," Nyx muttered in disappointment.
Shadow Dragon sighed as he patted Nyx gently, "I know... But he has to. He maybe ancient, but doesn't mean he can survive the cold. After all, you wouldn't want him to get sick. Now do you?"
Nyx hummed in upset, "No..."
"Good... Time to hibernate, Dragoking," Shadow Dragon said happily.
Dragoking smiled as he nodded his head. He went deep into the caves as he prepared his long hibernation.
Twilight and her four friends had the chats about the winter holiday plans.
"Well, guess we're stating winter with a bang," Twilight Sparkle commented.
Applejack smiled, "The fun's come early! Yee-haw!"
Applejack kicked the snowball in throwing straight at Pinkie. Pinkie dodged and fell back as she made the snow angel. She giggled happily.
Pinkie smiled, "You think we could mess up winter every year? It's way less work!"
"Uh... I don't think Rainbow Dash could handle it," Twilight Sparkle remarked.
Everyone turned to the front as they found Rainbow Dash carrying Tank on her bag, Scootaloo and Aquastroke coming down.
"Riding that entire season from Cloudsdale to Ponyville was pretty awesome," Rainbow Dash commented. Tank yawned happily. She sighed, "I thought you guys might like to say goodbye to Tank. He's ready to hibernate."
Pinkie Pie gasped, "Ooh, you're using the word! Oh, she's using the word!" She approached and looked at Tank as she commented, "And when Tank finishes hibernating, I'm gonna throw him the biggest welcome home party ever! Or wait. Should it be a 'welcome above ground' party? Or a 'happy wake-up' party? Maybe an 'it's about time!' party!"
Everyone chatted happily in agreeing with Pinkie's plan of welcoming Tank to Spring. Rainbow Dash, Aquastroke and Scootaloo approached to the tree. They dug the snow for the moment as they allowed Tank to sit and sleep.
Rainbow sighed, "So, you really wanna do this hibernating thing, huh?"
With Tank nodded, Rainbow Dash sobbed a bit. Her friends said goodbye warmly and happily to Tank. With that, Tank buried himself with some snow. Rainbow Dash cried a bit. Twilight patted Rainbow Dash gently and calmly while smiling. Rainbow Dash smiled back. This is goodbye until Spring...
"Well? Ready for some winter fun?" Twilight asked curiously.
Rainbow Dash shook her head as she approached to Tank's hibernation area while commented, "I'm gonna hang here and read to him a bit. That little guy can never get to sleep without a bedtime story. I'll be right there."
Twilight nodded in understanding as she led her friends to have some more fun. Aquastroke and Scootaloo looking at Rainbow Dash. Rainbow took her Daring Do Book and read it for Tank. The Pegasi decided to stay behind to keep her company. They both sat down close to her.
Aquastroke smiled, "I'm proud of you, Rainbow Dash. You did the right thing."
"Thanks... Scootaloo..." Rainbow Dash said in pain and despair. Scootaloo looked at her. She continued, "I just want to say sorry for everything I did to you. I shouldn't take my anger at you because... You're trying to help. Thanks, I really appreciate it."
Scootaloo smiled while sobbing tearfully of joy. She jumped and hugged Rainbow Dash, "It's okay, Rainbow Dash. It's okay... I'm just glad that you're okay. That's a-okay for me. This is what Tank would have wanted."
Rainbow Dash giggled a bit, "Thanks, squirt. You're the best, kiddo. Say after this, we play hockey? How about that?"
"Sounds good..." Scootaloo nodded.
Aquastroke smiled, "Glad to see you two are fine and reconcile. When Tank wakes up, I had a special plan for all of you. And this time, it's not gonna involve much of winter."
Both Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo looked confuse and concern of what Aquastroke had in mind...
As the Spring came, Rainbow Dash reunited with Tank in perfect timing. Aquastroke set a perfect surprise for her friends. They were at Rainbow Dash's home garden. Aquastroke created snow garden for them. They were playing the hockey happily.
"Now this is best winter ever!" Rainbow exclaimed happily, "All of us together!"
"YEAH!" Scootaloo cheered happily.
As Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo continued playing hockey with happy Tank, Aquastroke smiled and giggled happily. She was relief to see her friends smiled again.
End...
Review and Suggest...
Main Casts
Ashleigh Ball: Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Open Skies
Janet Verney: Aquastroke
Madeline Peters: Scootaloo
Minor Casts
Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle
Adrian Libman: Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie
Cathy Weseluck: Spike, Sunshower
Benjamin Diskin: Boomer Bang
Rob Paulsen: Rob
Vin Diesel: Grunt
P.J Byrne: Laxtinct
Tabitha St. Germain: Rarity, Clear Skies
Kira Tozer: Nyx
Dee Bradley Baker: Dragoking |
My Little Pony Mystic Season 1 | Episode 6: Appleloosa's Most Wanted | Applejack went to Appleloosa intend to help her cousin Braaburn in winning the rodeo competition. But she wouldn't be the only pony to go. Her boyfriend Caramel also wanted to go and support his best girlfriend in winning the game. Apple Bloom also wanted to watch the competition but at the same time, finding her Cutie Mark. She even brought her friends (Sweetie Bell, Scootaloo, Nyx and Alyson).
Applejack and her team had arrived at the Appleloosa through the use of train. They came across the carnival. It is also where it hosted the rodeo competition as well. They saw many Taxes Earth Ponies were enjoying the games and carnival - playing games, watching the event and eating foods.
"Now, you fillies better stick with Cousin Braeburn," Applejack sternly yet calmly said to the fillies, "Coz your big sister is gonna help the rest of Apple Family in winning the haystack pyramid rodeo. And I intend to win this game again!"
"Sure, no problem." Apple Bloom smiled happily. Applejack giggled a bit before she and Caramel headed off at once. The little Apple Filly turned to her friends, "Aren't you glad y'all came with me to see Applejack compete in the Appleloosa rodeo?"
Scootaloo nodded, "Totally! This place is a cutie mark gold mine! " She looked around of her surroundings as she listed them down, "There's barrel racing, roping contests, rodeo clowning... steeplechase!"
Apple Bloom smiled in agreement, "If we can get into some of these events, we could all three walk off the train back in Ponyville with brand spankin' new cutie marks!"
"Wouldn't a barrel look good here?" Scootaloo asked curiously.
Apple Bloom smiled, "I want a lasso!"
Sweetie Belle looked around as she found some ponies had injuries on front hooves, back and even neck. She even found Braeburn had his hoof bandaged who was talking with some ponies. She recalled of how he got injured during the practice.
"I don't know..." Sweetie Belle said in concern, "All these events look a little, well, dangerous."
Apple Bloom smiled, "No risk, no reward."
"Isn't that a bit extreme, A.B.?" Nyx asked in concern. Apple Bloom looked at Nyx with her left raised-eyebrow. She sighed, "Think about it, Apple Bloom. I think it's overkill."
Apple Bloom scoffed a bit, "You worry too much. You're becoming like Twilight."
"Alright, everypony, listen up!" Sheriff Silverstar called firmly. Some of his deputies gathered at the sheriff's office. He continued, "We need a big presence at this here rodeo, so make yourself plenty seen! I want that low-down varmint to know we mean business!"
Cutie Mark Crusaders overheard the latest situation.
"I hope nothing bad is going on." Sweetie Belle said in concern.
Apple Bloom smiled, "A cutie mark-apalooza and a low-down varmint? This is shapin' up to be the most excitin' rodeo ever!"
"Yeah, come on!" Scootaloo exclaimed happily.
Both Apple Bloom and Scootaloo galloped off at once while both Nyx and Sweetie Belle sighed in annoyance.
"Do any of them listen to a word we said?" Nyx asked in a bit annoyance.
Alyson giggled in amusement, "And I thought I have the stubborn brother."
Sweetie Belle shrugged, "Well, that's Apple Bloom. She'll do what she can to get her Cutie Mark. I heard that they have the 'Wild Galloping Rodeo'. Why didn't you bring Dragoking here? You could have won."
"I could have make Apple Bloom jealous at me," Nyx joked before giggled a bit, "Nah... Dragoking preferred the battles than competition. Hydragoon is known to fight and battle till the last and never compete, unless it involved the leadership. That's his way."
"I hear ya. Come on, let's follow them." Sweetie Belle agreed.
Nyx and Sweetie Belle followed their friends. Unknown to any of Texan Ponies, a giant shadowy pony saw and heard everything. As he slowly walked back, only thing he left behind is his big horseshoe print on the ground. Could he be the one?
At the Apple Open-Field, Applejack and her family were practicing their skills in making their group of haystacks as the tallest in the Appleloosa. From the ground, her bulky and strong Golden Stallion cousin swung his lasso on the last haystack bale before passing it to the light green Earth Pony with lighter pink mane and tail. She passed it to the second cousin - greenish Earth Pony with red mane and tail. She then used her head in passing it to crimson Stallion with greenish mane short and tail. He then passed it to Applejack who thrown it up to the top. Their haystack tower is complete.
Caramel whistled happily, "That's my girlfriend!"
"Woo-hoo! Yee-haw! Don't forget that she's my cousin!" Breaburn reminded Caramel, "Go, Applejack, go!"
Applejack climbed down from the tower of haystack bales as she met up with both Caramel and Breaburn. She sighed in relief as she wiped her sweats off, "Whew! It's been a dog's age since I got to compete. All the rodeos 'round Ponyville are closed down for some reason."
Caramel smiled as he gave Applejack a gentle nuzzle, "You're still the best, honey."
Braeburn sighed, "Well, I guess havin' injured kinfolk in Appleloosa sure paid off then, huh, cuz?"
Applejack smiled as she departed from Caramel, "Just doin' my best to fill your horseshoes, Braeburn."
"Keep tossin' like that and I'll be out of a job!" Breaburn smiled. Before he could say anything, Applejack gave a hoofpunch on his injured hoof. He yelped painfully, "Ow, ow!"
"Ooh, sorry." Applejack apologized as she looked around of her surroundings, "Say, where's my sister and her friends?"
Braeburn gasped in shock yet realization, "Uh-oh. Gee, uh, I guess I got so caught up watchin' you that I--"
"Bad move, Burn," Caramel remarked in fear while shaking his head, "You just make her pissed!"
"You said you'd keep an eye on those fillies!" Applejack exclaimed in anger, "How am I supposed to focus on practicin' if you're not gonna--"
"Applejack, chill!" The calm and gentle voice called.
Everyone turned and found Saber Dragoon accompanied four Cutie Mark Crusaders (Scootaloo worn a hat with cactus, Apple Bloom and Nyx worn the flag cap, Sweetie Belle and Alyson holding the caramel apple) and a young brown Earth Pony with black mane in bun shape and short tail coming to Apple Farm.
Saber Dragoon continued, "Do not need to go overboard for nothing. And besides, these girls are big now. After all, they did save your live."
Applejack blushed in embarrassment while everyone laughed and giggled in amusement.
Applejack groaned as she scolded the Cutie Mark Crusaders, "Y'all can't go runnin' off like that, y'hear? Backstage at a rodeo ain't no kind of playground!"
"Sorry, Applejack. We won't wander off again." Apple Bloom apologized. She then smiled, "But, uh, speakin' of the rodeo... what would you say about me and the Crusaders maybe competin' in one teensy-weensy little event or three?"
Saber Dragoon gasped, "Look out!"
Everyone looked up at once. The tower of haystack bales was about to fall like something had shaken them. They were about to fell over Cutie Mark Crusaders. Applejack jumped and pushed the fillies aside before the haystacks fell on the ground hard. Applejack got up as she looked at the messes.
"What the hay just happened?" Applejack asked in concern.
Three stallions came to the fillies at once to see if they were okay. The fillies nodded their heads in agreement as they were alright.
"Sugar and salt licks! Well, I'll be..." Sheriff Silverstar said darkly. Everyone turned to him as they wondered of what he was talking about. He pointed at the big horseshoe print, "Ain't no doubt. It's Trouble Shoes."
Everyone but Braeburn looked at each other for the moment. Who is Trouble Shoes?
Townspony have gathered at Sheriff Silverstar's office as they all shouted and complained angrily of the latest troubles.
"Is it true? Is Trouble Shoes here? You ain't gonna shut down the rodeo, are ya?!" Townsponies demanded in concern.
Sheriff Silverstar sighed, "All right now, I called for a meetin', not a mob scene. Now, as many of you know, the Equestria rodeo circuit has been plagued by the dirty dealin's of a notorious outlaw."
"He knocked barrels every which way at the Hoof City rodeo! Nearly crushed my Aunt Bae Mare! That's nothin'! He sabotaged the steer pen at Pinto Creek rodeo, settin' off such a stampede they canceled the whole dadgum thing!" The Townponies complained in anger.
"Now, now, it's true we had an incident this mornin' at our own Appleloosa rodeo." Sheriff Silverstar explained calmly and firmly, "Hay bale stack came down right near on top of three little fillies! I examined them hoof-prints myself and, uh... it was Trouble Shoes, all right."
The Townponies gasped in shock and concern.
Sheriff Silverstar snorted in anger, "I reckon I oughta cancel this rodeo like all the others done. But dag-hoof it, this has gone far enough! We'll double the patrols! This rodeo will go on! Appleloosa ain't gonna be intimidated!"
The Townponies cheered wildly and happily as they were all relief and pleased that their rodeo will be safe from danger.
"Glad that's settled." Apple Bloom smiled in relief, "So, uh, Applejack, about me and my pals competin' in the rodeo..."
Applejack, Caramel, Braeburn and Saber Dragoon turned and gave the fillies a raised-eyebrow in displeasure and anger. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo laughed nervously. Nyx and Sweetie Belle sighed in annoyance. This doesn't bode well...
At Braaburn's House...
"Don't send us home! It's not fair!" Apple Bloom exclaimed in upset.
Scootaloo nodded her head, "I mean we can handle with everything! Remember we save your flanks from the Dark Plague? We did it by ourselves!"
Applejack and Caramel were packing and setting the bags up for the fillies to take. Seeing how danger Trouble Shoes is, they decided to send Cutie Mark Crusaders home for safe.
"Now, quit yer bellyachin'." Applejack snapped in annoyance, "I can't have y'all around here with some outlaw on the loose. And by the way, Scootaloo - you were with Lance, Shiroi and some teenage heroes! Be lucky that you weren't Demon Lords' lamb chop. Aw, maybe I oughta call it quits and go home too."
Caramel nodded, "No argument there."
"No, you can't! This rodeo is important to Appleloosa! And with you in there, we got a real shot at winnin'!" Braaburn pleaded as he pushed both Applejack and Caramel to outside, "Come on, now, you head on back to practice and don't worry none about these three. I won't let 'em outta my sight."
Cutie Mark Crusaders smiled innocently as they don't want any trouble and be the good little girls.
Saber Dragoon nodded, "I'll investigate on Trouble Shoes. I'm pretty sure that he didn't mean any harm to us or the rodeo. The last report I heard from is that he stayed away from rodeo since his tryouts."
"Really? But that doesn't make any sense," Caramel said in concern.
Applejack nodded, "Yeah... If he did stayed away, but why would he cause the mess at the rodeo?"
"Don't worry about that! Just leave investigate to Saber," Braaburn said confidently, "While I keep an eye on the fillies."
Before the trio could respond, Braeburn quickly closed the door and locked it up. He brought the chair there as he leaned down on it. He then glared at the Cutie Mark Crusaders.
"Ya hear? Y'all ain't leavin' my sight!"
Cutie Mark Crusaders looked upset and disappointed that they have no way out from Braeburn's watchful eyes. Few hours later, it became the night. And Braeburn snored peacefully, without some disturbance or noise.
Apple Bloom opened the window as she and the Cutie Mark Crusaders quickly escaped through it. They then headed off through the woods.
"I thought we weren't going to wander off again." Sweetie Belle said in concern.
Nyx nodded, "Yeah... And the last thing we want is being grounded for the rest of our lives."
Apple Bloom scoffed, "This ain't wanderin'. We know exactly where we're headed - to find Trouble Shoes!"
Alyson gulped in concern, "But isn't he a dangerous criminal?"
"We only need to find him." Apple Bloom corrected, "We don't need to capture him. The sheriff can handle that!"
Scootaloo smirked, "And once he's in jail, we'll be competing! And then it's..."
Apple Bloom and Scootaloo exclaimed happily, "Cutie mark city!"
"Worst idea ever." Nyx, Sweetie Belle and Alyson sighed in annoyance.
"I still don't think that Trouble Shoes is a criminal," The Earth Pony said calmly. Cutie Mark Crusaders turned and looked at him in shock and surprise. He continued, "I'm pretty sure he wants to play with us. He did want to make some friends."
Alyson yelped a bit, "I forgot you can talk..."
"Still... I doubt of that. And what kind of a criminal wanted to keep messing the rodeo around, uh..." Apple Bloom hummed in concern as she forgotten of his name, "Uh... What was your name again? I kinda forgotten. I definitely know you're Saber's brother. And I mean adopted brother from your adopted pop's."
"Kindy Dragon," Kindy introduced a bit.
Nyx sighed, "No disrespect, Kindy. Apple Bloom's right. I don't think he's a friend. And besides, yours can't be good like surrendering your kingdom to your enemies?"
Kindy sighed, "The kingdom was completely in ruins. The citizens were in great anger for my officers. Both Prime Minister and Prodigal have used too much of supplies and gears for their last expedition. And we were lucky to have second chance in making a better world now."
"Still... I'm with Nyx," Alyson said in concern, "I think we stick with staying away from Trouble Shoes..."
With the Cutie Mark Crusaders nodded in agreement, they then headed off in search for Trouble Shoes. Unknown to any of them, they have been watched by the pairs of crimson eyes...
Six Cutie Mark Crusaders continued their journey across the woods in search for Trouble Shoes. They came across the giant hoof print. They knew who it belonged to. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo smiled in please and happy that they're getting close to their criminal.
"Do either of you have any idea where we are?" Sweetie Belle asked in concern.
Before any of them could do anything, the lightning stroke out. Cutie Mark Crusaders squealed in fear and concern. The water droppings fell from the sky. They all moaned in upset.
"Maybe we should head back and try again later." Scootaloo said in concern.
"You think?" Alyson asked in annoyance.
Apple Bloom turned to the front. She found some hoof print trails slowly socked and wet. She gasped as she knew that they won't have their chance to find the criminal!
"C'mon, before we lose the trail!" Apple Bloom ordered.
Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Kindy galloped at once. Nyx groaned a bit as she headed off in stopping her friends from going. Sweetie Belle and Alyson remained silent before the lightning strikes in scaring and making them squealed.
As Cutie Mark Crusaders continued their walking and searching, both Sweetie Belle and Alyson grew tired and exhaustion from walking.
"Come on, we've gone far enough!" Sweetie Belle complained, "It's time to go back!"
"She's right..." Alyson said in agreement as she looked up. The rain rained heavily than before. She continued, "It's getting worse. Let's come back tomorrow."
Apple Bloom sighed in defeat, "Maybe y'all are right. Let's go home."
"So, how do we get back?" Kindy asked curiously and concern. Everyone remained silent as they have no answers. He looked shock and concern, "You mean you don't know?!"
With the lightning strikes again, the Cutie Mark Crusaders quickly hugged each other hard and tight. They were all afraid and scared now...
At the Apple Family's Barn, Applejack and her family had finished their practice in making the tower of haystack bales. They quickly entered the barn before they could get wet since it was raining now.
"Whew! Good job, y'all." Applejack commented happily to her relatives. Caramel approached and gave Applejack a kiss on her cheek. She giggled a bit, "I know they need lots of mud for the rodeo tomorrow, but I wish they would've warned us about this rainstorm."
Saber Dragoon entered the barn as he shaken his body off the water. He opened the briefcase as he took the papers out.
"So, how's the investigation going?" Caramel asked curiously.
Saber Dragoon hummed calmly, "Just as I expected, Trouble Shoes never did cause the mess. He was there to watch the rodeo. It's just some bad luck make him troubles." Applejack and Caramel looked at him in shock. He continued, "I read his background and life history from Equestrian File. They proved what happens today."
Caramel hummed, "Make sense. The sheriff and the folks didn't know what was really going on with Trouble Shoes."
"Just another big misunderstanding. It kinda reminds me of meeting Zecora," Applejack commented. She turned and found Braeburn panted heavily as he was coming in. But at the same time, she found something amiss, "Braeburn? Where are the girls?"
Braeburn laughed nervously as he explained of his latest situation to his cousin. And oh boy...
"WHAT?!" Applejack screamed in shock yet anger and concern.
Applejack quickly rushed in fear while three stallions chased after her in making sure that she's okay from harm.
At the sheriff's office, Sheriff Silverstar was playing the deck with his deputies. Applejack stomped in, along with her friends.
"Sheriff Silverstar! You gotta help!" Applejack frantically explained in fear, "My sister's gone! And her friends too!"
Braeburn nodded in concern, "I've searched and searched, but no sign of 'em anywhere!"
Caramel gasped in concern, "It must've been Trouble Shoes!"
Applejack gasped, "You're right. I mean the only criminal could have done a mess at rodeo was none other than himself."
"No!" Saber Dragoon exclaimed in concern, "I already told you what happen. It can't be him. I'm pretty sure they were playing around or trying to prove that they can handle like Third Mystic War and Finding the Eight Rare Medicine Ingredients."
Sheriff Silverstar nodded his head, "The Princey here's right. Trouble Shoes done a lot of bad things in laughed his day, but nothin' like that!"
Her mind and heart were filled with pure concern and fear, she instead spoke, "You really wanna take that chance?"
"Applejack!" Saber Dragoon exclaimed angrily.
Caramel stood before him, "Look! As much as I want to believe, I think it's best we should check again. After all, no one is always right even the Mystic."
Saber Dragoon groaned a bit as he disliked everyone being right.
Feeling that his ponies were right, Sheriff Silverstar nodded in understanding, "Come on, y'all! Let's ride!"
Sheriff Silverstar and his deputies headed off at once, followed by Applejack, Caramel and Braeburn. Saber Dragoon sighed in annoyance as he better prayed that his investigation was correct than Applejack's instinct...
Cutie Mark Crusaders continued searching and finding of where and how they get back home safely. And so far, they found wrong way to go back. And all they found is woods and muds. They came across the edge. And before they could do anything, the edge shaken and broke off. The Cutie Mark Crusaders screamed in fear and concern as they all slided down the river of mud to the ground.
Cutie Mark Crusaders were covered in dirty mud.
Alyson groaned a bit, " We gotta get out of this rain. There's no tellin' how long this storm could last."
"Look!" Scootaloo exclaimed.
Scootaloo was pointing at the abandoned trailer wagon.
Kindy hummed in concern, "It looks abandoned. But at least we have someplace to stay and sleep until morning..."
"Good idea," Apple Bloom agreed. "Let's go see if we can find some blankets or somethin'.
The Cutie Mark Crusaders entered the trailer wagon's door. They looked around of their surroundings as they found some messy yet old junks and artifacts. They wondered - who lived in the abandoned trailer wagon?
Suddenly, the Cutie Mark Crusaders heard the heavy hoofsteps in approaching to the door. They quickly stood and stayed together as one. The door was opened. They found someone was coming in. And the trailer wagon belonged to him. With the lightning strikes, he revealed to be a bigger Earth Pony than Big Mac or Drillmap! And it scared the Cutie Mark Crusaders out. But it even scared him more.
The mysterious pony bounced but his head got knocked by the door's ceiling edge. He then tripped some items and knocked some items and walls for few times. He was wrapped by curtains and carpet around him. He then got himself knocked by the lamp. He fell to the ground hard. The figure moaned and groaned painfully.
After turning the lights on, they found a brown and white mixed big Earth Pony wearing a small white Texan Hat. The Cutie Mark Crusaders approached and checked on him if he was okay.
"Hello? You alright?" Apple Bloom asked.
The big pony sighed, "Surely..."
Nyx cleared her throat a bit, "We didn't mean no harm. We just came in to get out of the rain."
"Had some hot cider a-cookin' in the kitchen. Doubt it survived." The big pony said as he looked at his home was a big mess. He sighed, "I ain't gonna rise to greet y'all. Awfully rude, I reckon, but as you can see, I'm the fresh casualty of an unusually unfortunate circumstance. My lot in life, I suppose."
Kindy hummed calmly as he looked closely at the big pony, "Are you... Trouble Shoes?"
Trouble Shoes sighed, "That's me."
Kindy and Apple Bloom was about to help but stopped by their friends. They weren't sure if that was a good idea to help Trouble Shoes since he was the criminal who cause the mess. But nevertheless, both of them helped and unwrapped Trouble Shoes from his wrapping carpet and curtain.
Trouble Shoes stood up and looked at the pony kids, "Of course guests would arrive while I ain't got no pie to offer. Scores more misfortune points for old Trouble Shoes."
Before Trouble Shoes could do anything, he got tripped and slipped by the banana pill. He rammed straight to the book shelf hard. Three bowling ball rolled knocked on his head three times. Ouch! That hurt!
Trouble Shoes grunted a bit, "Typical. Bad luck never rests."
"You sure that's bad luck? Seems like maybe you're just a little, um..." Apple Bloom said in concern. She was avoiding a word from offending him.
Sweetie Belle and Alyson asked, "Klutzy?"
"Tell that to the flank! Upside-down horseshoe - bad luck." Trouble Shoes exclaimed in anger and annoyed. He showed his flank an upside down horseshoe. He sighed, "Follows me wherever I go like sour on old milk." He then led his guests to the door as he spoke rudely, "Y'all best vamoose before my bad luck rubs off and sticks to y'all. Get along! Skedaddle!"
Cutie Mark Crusaders remained silent for the moment. It annoyed Trouble Shoes a lot.
Trouble Shoes exclaimed, "Am-scray!"
It scared the Cutie Mark Crusaders but neither of them make a move since they have one tinsy problem...
Scootaloo gulped, "We don't really know the way back to Appleloosa..."
Kindy nodded, "Would you mind helping us? We would be appreciated."
"But o' course I do. Wouldn't you know it? My lucky day." Trouble Shoes muttered softly
The Cutie Mark Crusaders sighed in relief to have somepony to keep them accompanied and helped them find the way back to Appleloosa.
Trouble Shoes accompanied and guided the Cutie Mark Crusaders all the way out of the woods. They were all relieved and happy to have someone to guide and led them to safety. They had their own discussion about him.
"It's actually kind of sweet of him to help us out like this," Sweetie Belle commented.
Scootaloo nodded, "I know! What do we do if he takes us back to Appleloosa and the sheriff arrests him? If I get a cutie mark for that, I'll feel guilty every time I see it."
Kindy smiled, "We should talk and convince them. They will listen to us. As I had said before, he's not really a criminal."
"Then... what cause ponies to hate him?" Alyson asked in concern.
Determined to find out the truth behind Trouble Shoes's crimes, Apple Bloom approached him as she asked, "Say there, Trouble Shoes, you might not want to take us all the way back to Appleloosa. The sheriff sort of has it in his mind that you're a no-good outlaw lookin' to shut down the rodeo."
Trouble Shoes sighed, "My kind of luck he'd think that."
"But... is it true?" Nyx asked as she and her friends joined up with Apple Bloom.
"Y'all like stories?" Trouble Shoes asked. Cutie Mark Crusaders nodded their heads in agreement as they were all interested. He sighed, "Just my luck. I was hopin' you'd say no."
Flashback:
Trouble Shoes narrated, "When I was a colt, I wanted to be a rodeo star somethin' fierce, but I just didn't seem to have the knack for it."
Some time ago, the young Trouble Shoes smiled happily as he watched at the rodeo. He decided to take a tryouts. He tried jumped over the barrels but instead he knocked on it very hard. Some buffalos laughed softly in amusement.
Trouble Shoes tried the lasso on objects and animals but instead, he was caught and tied himself. Buffalos again laughed in amusement.
"I practiced and practiced..."
Trouble Shoes tried to jump over the fence but tripped and spun himself around and around for the moment.
"And finally, I wrangled up the guts to audition for rodeo school. Right in the middle of that tryout, I knew I was doin' what I was meant to. And wouldn't you know it? In a flash comes this here cutie mark."
Trouble Shoes came to the judges as he began his tryouts. He lassoed around from top and then to the bottom for few times. For the moment passed, the flank glowed brightly. It revealed the upside down horseshoe.
As Trouble Shoes took a peek on his flank, he was distracted as his lasso lassoed and grabbed the barrel before he pulled it down hard. The barrel slammed on him hard. His head emerged from the hole. He was like a tortoise. The judges laughed in amusement at him.
Trouble Shoes sighed as he decided to leave the rodeo for good while avoiding the bad luck at all cost...
"I can still remember them judges a-laughin'. Didn't even finish my routine 'cause right then I knew bad luck was my fate."
Despite of that, Trouble Shoes sneaked back to rodeo as he watched and witnessed it for the rest of his life. He even now as an adult for wanting to watch more.
As the excitement went wild, Trouble Shoes accidentally knocked the tower of barrels too hard. They fell right on the competitive ponies. They all moaned and groaned painfully. Trouble Shoes hid below the barrel as he was too scared and shamed to see it. It never ends...
"That fire for rodeo never did leave me, though. Couldn't keep away from 'em. So I'd sneak down and have a look, and wouldn't you know it? Bad luck would strike again. Just my lot in life, I reckon..."
Flashback Ends:
Cutie Mark Crusaders looked and felt sorry for Trouble Shoes. Kindy was right from the start. He wasn't a criminal, he wasn't very careful or cautious with his movement.
"Poor Trouble Shoes." Sweetie Belle said, "I can't believe those mean judges would laugh at him like that."
"Yeah... All he want is to be part of rodeo..." Nyx said in concern.
"Why are you smiling?" Alyson asked suspiciously.
Kindy smiled, "I admit it. It was rude of me to smile upon his tragic story, but I find it a bit amusement." Cutie Mark Crusaders looked at him. He continued, "They weren't laughin' at him. They were just enjoyin' the show."
Scootaloo asked, "What are you saying?"
Apple Bloom gasped as she realized of what Kindy was talking about, "Think about it. If we saw a rodeo clown doin' what he did back in that shack, we'd think he was the greatest!"
"You're right! He could still be in rodeos," Sweetie Bell nodded in agreement, "just not the way he thought!"
"So he's been looking at his cutie mark wrong the whole time! It's not bad luck, it's-!" Scootaloo was interrupted.
BOOM! The ground was opened with a big hole. Something jumped out as it revealed to be angry growling Quake. Cutie Mark Crusaders and Trouble Shoes gasped before they screamed in fear and worry.
Quake snarled, "Finally... I found you at last. And this time, you're not getting away!"
"Oh no..." Nyx said in concern.
"What the heck-?! Is that-?!" Alyson asked in concern.
Apple Bloom nodded, "It is! It's Dai Gui's Son - Quake! And he's not a happy Demon!"
"Great... Just what we need," Scootaloo groaned in annoyance, "Another crazy Demon!"
"Demon?! You mean tell me that thing is a Demon?!" Trouble Shoes asked in concern, "Why he's nothing but a cow?! And he's barely even a monster!"
"ENOUGH!" Quake exclaimed in anger as he slammed his fists on the ground hard. He scoffed angrily, "You've delayed me up enough! It is time for revenge! Prepare to die, Yue!"
Cutie Mark Crusaders screamed in fear and worry as they hugged and held each other hard and tight. Trouble Shoes even screamed too as well. But at the same time, he was worried for them too. The only way he can do is screamed while charging straight at Quake.
Quake was annoyed as he moved aside at once. Trouble Shoes rammed on the tree hard. The big pony tried to get out of the tree's hole but he got stuck. Quake chuckled in amusement while Cutie Mark Crusaders looked worry and scared. As Trouble Shoes struggled in getting out from the tree's hole, he accidentally using too much might in pulling the tree out. Trouble Shoes fell, and so did the tree fell right on Quake's head to the ground.
Trouble Shoes came out and stood up. He saw Quake got knocked. He sighed in relief. And so did the Cutie Mark Crusaders.
But the earth shaken very hard, the hole was created as Quake emerged. Quake roared in anger while Trouble Shoes screamed in fear. The Earth Demon Heir chased after Trouble Shoes around and around the trees while slamming his fists on the latter but missed. For few times had passed, Trouble Shoes got out at once. Quake growled in anger as he glared at the big pony who smirked a bit as the latter pointed up. The trees started falling down on the screaming Demon Earth Heir.
Trouble Shoes sighed in relief. Quake rammed through the trees out as he jumped out from the hole. He slammed on the ground as his body steamed very and very hot. He slowly approached to Trouble Shoes who slowly moved back on the tree which slowly landed on the ground. Quake approached while growling a bit.
"I shall tear you apart, filth!" Quake exclaimed in anger.
Trouble Shoes screamed in fear, "Don't hurt me!"
Trouble Shoes tripped and fell to the ground hard. Nyx gasped as she quickly fired her magic on Quake at once as the Earth Demon Heir felt light while the tree suddenly moving. Quake gulped in concern. The tree thrown and launched him away from them. He screamed in fear.
Alyson whistled, "As my big brother always said - 'bomb's away'."
Quake screamed in fear as he whirled around and around before slamming on the ground hard. He moaned painfully as he slowly came out from the ground. He looked and found Mei Kai and Drago looking at him.
"So... Where's my caramel apple package?" Drago asked in annoyance, "I heard that they're good for sweets."
Mei Kai sighed in annoyance, "Let me answer that - you decide to hunt Yue by yourself without our orders?"
Quake groaned in anger, "I hate defeat..."
Trouble Shoes and Cutie Mark Crusaders took a deep breathe in recovering from the attacks. They were very lucky to survive Dai Gui's Son's Wrath.
"You fillies alright?" Trouble Shoes asked in concern. Cutie Mark Crusaders nodded their heads. He sighed, "Thank goodness... I sure I wish I was strong and brave enough to beat that monster. I guess bad luck happens all the time..."
"You're wrong, Mr. Shoes," Alyson denied it. Trouble Shoes turned and looked at her. She smiled, "You may think your Cutie Mark is your bad luck but it actually saved us from danger."
Kindy nodded, "If it weren't for it, you wouldn't have tired Quake out in time."
"And for me to shift his weight with the tree's," Nyx added, "And in other words, Demon Catapult!"
Trouble Shoes was in shock and concern about it, "Say what? But that's impossible! I couldn't even be careful for carrying the barrels."
"Maybe..." Sweetie Belle shook her head while smiling, "You're a hero, Mr. Shoes."
Scootaloo nodded, "And besides, I don't think your Cutie Mark was meant to be bad luck. It was meant something special."
"Entertainment!" Apple Bloom exclaimed. Trouble Shoes was confused and concerned about it. She continued, "We'll show you. For now, let's go home!"
"There he is! Get him!" The firm and angry voice exclaimed.
Before Cutie Mark Crusaders or Trouble Shoes could do anything, Sheriff Silverstar and his deputies lassoed on Trouble Shoes's body tightly in making sure that he won't escape. Applejack, Caramel and Saber Dragoon came to the scene. Cutie Mark Crusaders gasped in shock and concern.
Trouble Shoes grunted a bit, "Just my luck..."
"Still think he's innocent?" Caramel demanded.
Saber Dragoon shook his head, "No... This can't be right."
"Trouble Shoes, you're under arrest for vandalizin' the property and peace of mind of the good rodeo-lovin' ponies of Equestria! Not to mention fillynappin'," Sheriff Silverstar exclaimed firmly, "And... generalized mayhem!"
"Wait!" Apple Bloom exclaimed in concern.
Applejack halted Apple Bloom from moving, "Apple Bloom... Thank Celestia to see you safe. And for now, that criminal is going to jail for the rest of his life!"
"But Trouble Shoes isn't the menace everypony thinks!"
"Sakes alive, what's with you? Why in tarnation would you want me to help get him out of jail when he's the one who ran off with y'all to begin with?!"
"Applejack!" Saber Dragoon called, "I'm pretty there's some explanation to this."
Applejack groaned, "Now don't you dare start with your investigation was right. It ain't right! And you saw what happen! And it's the prove that Trouble Shoes is the one who kidnapped the fillies."
"Or maybe they ran off for troubles?"
"Are you saying that my sister would do something stupid like this?! Are you comparing your little brother to mine that he's smarter than her?"
"No! What I'm saying is that we should investigate and get a clear about this mess."
Caramel groaned, "Whose side are you on? I can't believe that a Mystic Pony like you sided with criminal!"
"Yeah! And I thought you're the smart one," Braeburn said in annoyance.
Saber Dragoon groaned, "This is about whose sides. It's about getting a clear investigation. And I'm certain that he's not the one! Unless you think it clearly, you're nothing but a dumb mule!"
"Now what did you just call me?!" Applejack, Caramel and Braeburn asked angrily.
Saber Dragoon got into the argument with Applejack, Caramel and Braeburn of what and how they should handle with the criminal. Cutie Mark Crusaders were in deep concern and scared of what they should do next and how they can help Trouble Shoes.
Kindy groaned as he screamed, "Trouble Shoes is innocent! He didn't kidnapped us! We ran away to find him and stop him from destroying the rodeo!"
"Say what?!" Everyone but Cutie Mark Crusaders and Trouble Shoes asked in shock.
Cutie Mark Crusaders yelped in concern! They're now in big trouble!
"Apple Bloom! Explain!" Applejack demanded angrily. Cutie Mark Crusaders explained of how it happens. She and her friends were in shock and surprise. She turned and looked at Trouble Shoes, "Is it true? Did you save my little sister and her friends from Quake?"
Trouble Shoes sighed, "Truthfully... I wasn't sure. My Cutie Mark is nothing but bad luck. I couldn't even land a single punch on that Demon."
Apple Bloom groaned, "We had said it before, Trouble Shoes."
"I know!" Trouble Shoes exclaimed before he sighed, "But it's the truth. What good am I when I couldn't even be careful of where I'm going?"
Saber Dragoon shook his head, "Even so, you're still hero. You may be clumsy, but you kept them safe from Demons at all cost. Not every pony get the chance in dealing with the Demons."
Caramel nodded, "Yeah... I guess we owe you an apology."
"And not to mention," Braeburn agreed, "you deserve the reward. And I'd say the best one you ever had!"
"Nah... You don't need to-!" Trouble Shoes was interrupted.
"Give him the rodeo!" Cutie Mark Crusaders exclaimed happily, "We're gonna make his dream come true!"
"Say what?!" Everyone but Cutie Mark Crusaders asked in shock and concern.
Were the Cutie Mark Crusaders serious about letting Trouble Shoes to join in rodeo?! Was that even a good idea?!
Next day...
Appleloosa Ponies have gathered at the rodeo as they were all cheering wildly and happily for the rodeo games. Applejack's cousins were outside as they were preparing themselves for building a tower of haystack bales. Applejack stayed behind as she was talking with her friends (Cutie Mark Crusaders, Saber Dragoon, Caramel and Sheriff Silverstar) about Trouble Shoes.
"Well, how do I look?" Trouble Shoes asked in concern.
Everyone turned as they found Trouble Shoes emerging from the tent. He was dressed like a clown - wearing a polka dots yellow shirt, cyan trouser with patches, clown red shoes and a purple hat. He even wore a white makeup with red lipsticks, and purple afro. Everyone giggled and laughed a bit at Trouble Shoes's costumes.
Caramel laughed a bit, "You're good. Trust me - my job was the classic clown. No one can tell about that."
"Apple Bloom, are you sure it's good idea?" Applejack asked in concern.
Apple Bloom smiled, "It'll work. I promised."
"Well, you'd better hope so," Sheriff Silverstar said in concern, "The last thing I want is some angry mob gone cooker head. I'd better go now to make some special presentation for Trouble Shoes."
Sheriff Silverstar then headed off at once while leaving the rest behind.
"Next stop - Apple Family!" The announcer announced happily.
Applejack smiled, "Looks like I'm next!"
Caramel grabbed Applejack and kissed her lips passionately and gently, "Knock them dead, sugarcube!"
Applejack smirked as she headed off at once. The rest of her friends stood there as they watched carefully of the event. She and her cousins began towering the haystack bales to the very top. Everyone cheered happily and wildly for them.
Trouble Shoes excitedly shouted, "Come on now, stack them bales! Woo-hoo!"
"Come on! Apple-Baby!" Caramel screamed happily, "Show them why you're the best!"
Applejack and her cousins made one last attempt in making to the top. As her cousins passing the bale to the top, she then kicked to the very top. The haystack bale was about to fall, causing everyone gasped in concern and worry. Instead of falling down, it landed on the top. The Pegasus Announcer flew to top in checking and finding where it stopped. She then gave an arrow point for Apple family's position, which was higher than others.
Everyone cheered wildly and happily for the Apple Family. Applejack and her family bowed for the moment before they left. The rodeo clown ponies emerged and began their silliness and goofiness game. The spectators laughed a bit at them, and even Trouble Shoes.
"'Kay now, Trouble Shoes, you're on!" Apple Bloom said happily.
Trouble Shoes gasped, "Say what?! I may be dressed like one, but I ain't no rodeo clown."
"You got your cutie mark all wrong, Trouble Shoes!" Alyson spoke, "You were born to entertain! You've got a gift for making folks laugh, don't you?"
"She's right. This is what you're supposed to do," Nyx supported.
Looked at the clown ponies, they all proved to be professional and good at it. Trouble Shoes gulped, "But my cutie mark's an upside-down horseshoe, and that means bad luck."
"That all depends on how you look at it." Sweetie Belle remarked.
"You always wanted to be a part of the rodeo, right?" Kindy asked nicely, "Well, now's your chance."
Trouble Shoes still doubtful of his ability as rodeo clown. But within his heart, he wanted to be part of rodeo. Maybe the kids were right about him. It's time to find out! He charged into the open field. He stopped as he witnessed of how good and professional the rodeo clown ponies were. He gulped for the moment as he changed his mind.
Trouble Shoes turned and looked at Cutie Mark Crusaders who smiled happily as they wanted to support him to do it.
Caramel smiled, "Come on, buddy! Show them what a clown can do!"
"Go on!" Saber Dragoon called, "Time to shine, clown."
Felt confidence and supported, Trouble Shoes head into the game. It's time to shine! Before he could do anything, he tripped by the ball. It thrown off as it hit on Braeburn's head. The ponies laughed happily yet amusingly. He saw what has happened. They actually liked his act!
Trouble Shoes smiled as he looked back and found his friends cheering for him. He charged in to make more entertainment.
Applejack approached to her friends and family as she held the Haystack Bale Tower Trophy up. She smiled proudly, "How 'bout your big sis, huh?"
Cutie Mark Crusaders were a bit distracted as they kept on watching and looking at Trouble Shoes's performance as the rodeo clown. Applejack felt a bit offended. Before she could ask, Caramel interrupted and gave her a kiss on her lips.
"How about that? Good enough to get a respect?" Caramel asked.
Applejack sighed, "Good enough..." She turned to the open field. She smiled, "I hate to admit he's doing well. Maybe I was wrong about him."
Saber Dragoon nodded, "Glad someone learn that lesson."
Trouble Shoes came to the barrel where the clowns climbed and hovered before making goofy and silly poses. As he was on the barrel, he wasn't sure what pose he can make. Another clown pony accidentally knocked him off and even himself over the ground. Both Trouble Shoes and the clown struggled in getting off from each other as they were pressing each other's hooves up and down. Everyone then laughed happily yet amusingly.
Next was for some clowns to go through three hoops by three ponies. Trouble Shoes got up as he found what ponies did.
"Just leave me be, cutie mark!" Trouble Shoes begged as he charged off at once. He headed straight to the middle pony with the hoop. He scared them off. He followed the dwarf pony as he was trying to pass through it, "I aim to clear that there hoop!"
Trouble Shoes continued chasing after the middle pony but he knocked some barrels. As the middle pony hidden behind the haystack bale, Trouble Shoes's head was covered by a barrel as he struggled in getting it off. He ran around and around.
With clown ponies formed together in pyramid forms, they quickly jumped off upon looking at the charging yet unnoticed Trouble Shoes. He knocked on the tower of haystack bales hard. Its all bales fell off as they knocked and hit almost all of clown ponies and even Braeburn. Trouble Shoes stopped for the moment. His trouser's belt got broken and it fell off.
The Appleloosa Ponies all laughed happily and wildly yet amusingly of watching the rodeo clown, even Applejack and her friends. They all also clapped their hooves happily.
Applejack giggled happily, "That's the best rodeo clown I ever seen! Trouble Shoes make a mighty impressive!"
"You bet! He's even better than me!" Caramel exclaimed happily.
Trouble Shoes looked through a hole of barrel as he found so many ponies laughed happily. Unlike before, he smiled proudly. He realized that the Cutie Mark Crusaders were right about him. This was what he meant to be!
As Trouble Shoes took the barrel out, the water fell on his face. His makeup slowly socked and washed away, along with bouncy nose.
The Appleloosa Ponies gasped in shock, "TROUBLE SHOES!"
Nyx yelped, "That can't be good!"
"Definitely not," Applejack agreed.
Appleloose Ponies cried in anger and upset as they wanted to punish him fro ruining their rodeo. Not a chance. As they were about to march in, the Cutie Mark Crusaders quickly stood besides with Trouble Shoes.
"Wait, y'all! He ain't what you think he is!" Apple Bloom pleaded.
"He never wanted to ruin any rodeos! Those were just bad accidents!" Sweetie Belle begged.
Alyson nodded, "They're right! He's a friend, not criminal!"
None of Appleloosa Ponies even bothered to listen to the young fillies.
"Hold it! Let the fillies speak up!" Sheriff Silverstar called. Everyone turned to him. He continued, "We all know what he did was unforgivable! But there's more to him than the story we make up about him. So, let the fillies speak up!"
Everyone became silent as they let the Cutie Mark Crusaders speak.
Scootaloo spoke, "Trouble Shoes has a gift for making ponies laugh!"
Nyx nodded, "He thought his cutie mark was telling him to keep away from rodeos, but deep inside he knew it's where he was meant to be. He just didn't know how to do it."
"After all, he's the best rodeo clown," Kindy remarked happily.
Everyone but Applejack, Caramel and Saber Dragoon muttered and chatted with each other about Trouble Shoes. So far, he did well in making them laughed for fun and enjoy.
"Well... I'd say these kids were right," Saber Dragoon smiled, "Without him, there wouldn't be the best rodeo clown you ever had."
Caramel smiled, "With him around, you'all gonna enjoy it for the rest of your live!"
"What they say is true. This here entertainin' y'all with my klutzin'? That's what I was supposed to be doin'. I know it now." Trouble Shoes spoke up, "I didn't mean no harm, honest! I just ain't never loved nothin' like I love the rodeo, so I kept on sneakin' back and makin' a big old mess of things. Turns out I was just a-lookin' at my cutie mark all wrong."
Trouble Shoes smiled as he looked at Cutie Mark Crusaders that he was glad and happy to have them as his friends. Everyone smiled and awed happily to see how sweet and kind Trouble Shoes is. He really wasn't the criminal after all.
Applejack smiled, "And I'd say that everyone agreed to let Trouble Shoes in?"
"You betcha!" Sheriff Silverstar agreed before cleared his throat, "Therefore, I officially declared that Trouble Shoes is now part of rodeo as the clown!"
Everyone cheered happily and wildly for Trouble Shoes. Trouble Shoes smiled happily that his dream finally come true after a long struggled yet misadventure journey to overcome. He is now part of the rodeo.
Everything is okay...
Applejack and her friends were on their way back to Apple Home. Tomorrow, they planned to go home but not without some consequences to pay...
"My parents are so gonna kill me..." Nyx said in concern.
"Tell me about it. At least yours doesn't have a blazing fire on the head," Alyson said in annoyance, "My brother had a bad temper..."
Apple Bloom sighed, "You really want us to be grounded for a month?!"
"Not fair..." Scootaloo muttered.
Applejack huffed, "Maybe it'll teach you not to go wanderin' off after I say not to!"
"You know your sister too well, B," Caramel spoke, "when Applejack means something, she meant it. You should have taken her words from the start."
Saber Dragoon huffed, "Funny... I found someone didn't take my words serious when my work is right from the start."
"Hey, that's different!" Applejack said in annoyance. She sighed, "Okay... I'll say you were right and I was wrong. Happy, Mr. Detective?"
"Happy enough..." Saber Dragoon smirked proudly. He turned and glared at Kindy, "I hope you learned your lesson, Kindy. The next time you pull that stunt, dad is gonna make sure that you're gonna study for the rest of the years."
Kindy sighed, "Yes, brother. But must you be mean to me?"
"Tell me about it," Apple Bloom agreed in upset, "Ain't it bad enough that you get to go back to Ponyville with a shiny trophy, and all we're bringing back is these same old blank flanks?"
Applejack shook her head gently, "Y'all helped Trouble Shoes realize what his cutie mark really means. Ain't that a nice feelin' you can take back with you?"
Hearing Trouble Shoes to make his dream come true while realizing about his weakness had make the Cutie Mark Crusaders smiled happily. They did helped him. Helping others is the true reward of everything...
"I guess we did make things a little better." Sweetie Belle commented.
Scootaloo smiled, "Yeah... It does feel kinda nice."
"Do we think we can come here next year for rodeo?" Nyx asked happily, "I sure love to see Trouble Shoes being the clown again. It's funny."
Alyson giggled happily, "Yeah. I would love that."
Apple Bloom turned and looked at Applejack, "So... Think you can bring us here for Trouble Shoes's show again?"
"Nnope," Applejack denied.
Cutie Mark Crusaders groaned in upset. It looks like they'd never gonna get to come back and watch Trouble Shoes's show again since they caused the trouble for making their family and friends worry.
Saber Dragoon nodded, "She's right... All of you need some time off."
Applejack smiled in relief. As she opened the door, something fell on her head. Everyone but Saber Dragoon gasped in shock and concern. Her head was covered by the bucket of... mud? Applejack took it off as she turned and glared at her own friends. Someone is responsible of the pranks.
Saber Dragoon smiled before chuckled a bit, "When I say 'all of you', and I'm including A.J. as well. She really needs time off."
Applejack smirked, "Is that so?"
Applejack took the mud and formed it as ball. She threw it straight at Saber Dragoon's face. She then giggled happily, followed by all of her friends. They all took mud balls as they threw at each other while laughing happily yet enjoyment. Despite of the mess, they still had their own fun...
But from the distance, three Demon Successors watched the whole event. And needless to say, they weren't pleased of it.
Mei Kai hummed, "How disgusting to see her like this. She brought the shame to our family's name and reputation. She will pay for her treachery..."
"We should have killed her now," Quake exclaimed in anger.
Drago huffed, "Not yet... I had the feeling that Dark Xing and our associates had special plan for the ponies. It's gonna be the blast..."
Both Mei Kari and Quake smirked darkly as they both agreed with Drago. It's not over yet...
END...
Review and Suggest...
Main Casts
Michelle Creber: Apple Bloom
Kira Tozer: Nyx
Madeline Peters: Scootaloo
Clair Corlett: Sweetie Belle
Alyson Stoner: Alyson Joy
Steven Staley: Kindy Dragon
Jim Miller: Trouble Shoes
Minor Casts
Ashleigh Ball: Applejack
Will Friedle: Saber Dragoon
David Kaye: Caramel
Brian Drummond: Sheriff Silverstar
Michael Dangerfield: Braeburn
Michael Rosenbaum: Drago
Hynden Walch: Mei Kai
Kevin Michael Richardson: Quake |
My Little Pony Mystic Season 1 | Episode 7: Making New Friends, but Keep Discord | At Fluttershy's Cottage, she and her best friend were having their usual Tuesday Tea Party. They've been friends since the day he was freed. And he had proven himself more friendly, gentle and kinder than before.
"Ohoho, but that's not all!" Discord joked, "When I went to look for them again, they were on the ceiling!"
Fluttershy laughed happily, "Oh, Discord, I've never known anypony as funny as you!"
Discord smiled in please and relief to have a good compliment from someone he trusted and loved with. Fluttershy took a sip of her tea.
"I love that story about the time you tried to train your right paw..." She giggled happily, "...to fetch your left leg!"
Discord smiled again to hear what Fluttershy had said. No one and not even Terrorcreep can ruin his special day. Just him and Fluttershy only. So peacefully...
Fluttershy giggled, "Oh, I do love our Tuesday teas, and I can't wait for you to meet my friend Tree Hugger. She's going to love you and others too."
"Tree Hugger?" Discord laughed in amusement about it.
Fluttershy nodded, "I met her on a trip to see the Breezies. She's a member of the Equestrian Society for the Preservation of Rare Creatures."
Discord grunted angrily, "How nice for you."
'Great... Just what I needed - another competition to deal with. As if others aren't enough...' Discord thought angrily as he took a bite on teacup?
Fluttershy remarked happily, "We're all gonna have so much fun together at the Grand Galloping Gala!"
Discord gasped as he realized something important, "Oh, I was wondering when you were going to ask me. I'd love to. Well, since Terrorcreep won't be joining with us for the Gala."
Fluttershy gasped, "Oh. Oh, no. Um, I'm afraid I've already asked Tree Hugger since Terrorcreep didn't have the time."
Discord then gave her a sour yet angered look. Was she serious?! She chose Tree Hugger over him. She chose someone else over him again?!
"I'm sorry, Discord. I assumed you'd have your own ticket since you and Princess Celestia are friends now." Fluttershy said in concern as she saw Discord stood up from his chair. He then headed to the entrance as he magically summoned his purple coat. She asked in concern, "Were you not invited?"
Discord turned to Fluttershy, "Who, me? It probably got lost in the mail. No biggie, as the foals say." He snarled a bit, "Well, gotta go!"
Fluttershy held the tray of teacakes, "But we haven't had any of our Tuesday teacakes."
"Well, I guess we're just going to have to exclude them from our party this time." Discord muttered as he took the tray. He poured the teacakes on his suit angrily. He gasped, "Oh, did I say that out loud? I mean, ta-ta."
Discord magically summoned his hat as he put it on his head before magically disappeared. Fluttershy looked concern and worry as she never seen Discord looked upset and angry before.
But unknown to both of them, there was a periscope on Fluttershy's little teacup. Someone was watching the event. On the outside of her cottage, the mysterious figure watched the event from the distance.
"Just as I expected..." He said mysteriously and concerned.
At the Friendship Rainbow Kingdom's Spike Room, Spike was playing a deck of cards with his dragon friends. They were gambling for some rotten and bad bugs? That's disgusting and disturbing...
The dragons held their five cards for the moment as they waited for the chance to strike. Spike smirked as he gave Straight Cards (Diamond 2, Forest 3, Forest 4, Spade 5 & Diamond 6) down. Rob scoffed as he place Flush Cards (Diamond 3, 5, 7, 10 & J) down. Boomer exclaimed wildly as he placed his Full House down (Diamond, Forest and Heart Kings & Forest and Heart 10) Grunt smiled as he gave the Royal Flush Cards (Full Spade 10, J, Q, K & A). The trio dragons groaned angrily. Grunt won the game again?!
"Aw man! How does he do that?!" Spike demanded in shock.
Boomer shrugged, "You'd tell me. I'd never know how he do it."
Rob sighed, "To think that Grunt only said a few words can win the game so easily..."
Grunt smiled as he gathered all of the bugs together at once. He held the bugs up as he ate them all at once. He chewed happily. He smiled happily before giving a loud burp.
Metalgear entered Spike's bedroom as he wanted to check on the dragons if they were ready or not for the Grand Galloping Gala. Instead, he found them playing the deck of cards with each other.
"Unbelievable... All of you were not ready?!" Metalgear demanded in annoyance, "Gambling is forbidden within the castle! And shouldn't you be ready for the gala?"
"Relax, Metalhead! It's not even tonight," Spike commented happily, "Don't worry. We'll get dressed before you know it."
Boomer groaned in annoyance, "Remind me why we have to go to Grand Gallo-whatever-it-is! I rather play the poker than going to some boring ballroom."
Rob huffed, "I wouldn't call it boring, Boomer. I heard that Grand Galloping Gala is the gathering of all the ponies for their reunion and chatting. I would like to introduce my latest and best invention to some scientists."
Spike chuckled in amusement, "Yeah... sure."
Grunt shrugged, "I am Grunt..."
Before Spike could eat the beetle, it transformed into a familiar character. Everyone yelped in shock and frightened. And he wasn't very please for some reason...
"Where's Twilight?" Discord demanded in anger.
Spike gulped, "Uh, she and Nyx were in Canterlot, helping Princess Celestia with the Gala!"
Discord groaned in anger as he disappeared magically. Everyone remained in shock and concern of what had happened. They never seen how angry Discord is. What made him so angry?
Unknown to anyone, a mechanical bug had the spy camera in recording or spying on the event.
At Rarity's Carousal Boutique, Rarity was preparing the dresses for Cutie Mark Crusaders to dress. Applejack and Rainbow Dash were playing the cards. Shorty Thinking was there to assist her in preparing the dresses.
"Oh, your first Grand Galloping Gala!" Rarity said happily as she made a greenish bow, "The excitement, the anticipation! I wouldn't miss this for all the jewels in Equestria!"
Rarity placed it on Sweetie Belle's back dress. Sweetie Belle dressed in cyan and white dress with blue bloomed flower pin on her mane while Scootaloo dressed in her purple dress with a dragonfly pin on her mane. They both were excited and happy as they finally get to go to the Gala.
Both Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo sang happily, "We're going to the Gala! We're going to the Gala! We're going to the Gala!"
Shorty Thinking shook his head a bit, "They were all excited, aren't they?"
"They sure do. These little fillies got upset that we didn't invite them for the party," Rarity said happily.
Applejack shook her head a bit as she placed the cards back, "Alright, y'all, keep it down. It ain't like it's a life-changin' experience or nothiiiiing..." She was interrupted as she turned and found Apple Bloom dressed in her red and peach dress with a flower pin on her mane. She was in shock and surprise as she slowly had some tears coming out. She sniffed happily, "My little sister's all grown up!"
Applejack sniffed a bit as she took Rainbow Dash's tail. She blew her muzzle on the latter's. Rainbow Dash groaned in annoyance as she took her tail back at once.
"Never see how sensitive and lovable sister Applejack is. She must have loved Apple Bloom so much like a mother," Shorty said in surprise.
Rarity shook her head a bit while smiling, "Even she's an older sister, she acted like a mother to Apple Bloom. They formed a special bond."
Apple Bloom approached to her friends as they all looked at the mirror for the moment before they giggled happily about how excited and happy they were for the Grand Galloping Gala.
Cutie Mark Crusaders giggled happily, "This is gonna be the best night ever!"
Before any of them could do, the mirror suddenly turned into a one big eye?! Cutie Mark Crusaders screamed in fear as they quickly jumped off the stage. The eye disappeared as it transformed into Discord. Three Cutie Mark Crusaders hidden behind of their sister's back from letting strange go near to them.
Discord approached to Applejack and Apple Bloom as he asked calmly, "I don't suppose that, uh, these adorable little cutie pies have their own tickets to the Gross Gruesome Gala, do they?"
Discord gave Apple Bloom a ticklish paw on her chin. Applejack didn't approve it, and so did Apple Bloom as the younger one gave Discord a slap. She then blew raspberry at him. Applejack smiled in approval. Discord groaned angrily.
Rarity cleared her throat, "Ahem! To answer your rather rude question, they're going as our dates, our plus-ones. And so did my Shorty-Poo."
"Seriously? Shorty-Poo?" Shorty Thinking asked in annoyance.
"We're plus-ones!" Cutie Mark Crusaders exclaimed and sang happily, "We're plus ones! We're plus-ones!"
Discord groaned in annoyance as he quickly put both his antler's and deer's horns into his ear. He exclaimed in annoyance, "Yes, yes, yes, I believe I got that!"
Discord magically disappeared from everyone's sight. They all wondered of what and why Discord asked of that. Something had happen to him...
Unknown to anyone again, a mechanical bug had the spy camera in recording or spying on the event.
At Tao's Old Apartment, Tao and his family were preparing themselves for tonight's Grand Galloping Gala. Dragon Kick was helping Jade to get a good dress which was a yellowish with some flowers on it. The light yet fat crimson Earth Pony with black mane in bun shape and short tail and her Cutie Mark was a fist and music note behind of blazing fire dressed with crimson vest - Mighty's Mother was helping her son getting dress with her latest suit. Tao was helping his son and his grandson choosing the best one, instead of his old ones.
Jade Adventure groaned angrily as she bounced a bit in wanting to get off, "Why do I always get to dress with this?! I don't want to go!"
Dragon Kick grunted a bit, "Jade... Please. This is very important to not only Princess Celestia, but to us as well. We need to be there for honor."
"Why not ask Uncle Keone or your dad to come?"
"Jade... Uncle Keone just recovered from his coma. He and his sons need some times to get used to new world. And as for my father... I don't want to talk about him."
"Come on, Kicker. He does care for you. Why do you think he keeps writing some letters to you? That was like almost every centuries!"
"Jade... Drop it."
Jade grunted angrily, "You know... You're gonna regret everything for that, Dragon Kick. And you know it. I'd never get to see mine because... they're old and gone while me - I'm just the same little girl. I just wish they were here..."
Dragon Kick sighed as he had some thoughts. He knew that Jade was chosen as Mystic Pony while her parents didn't. She never got some times to spend with them as they aged and passed away. Maybe she was right. He may not like him much but the latter was his father.
"I guess so. But I won't make a promise of that," Dragon Kick said calmly.
"Mother... Must you buy the suit for me every Grand Galloping Gala?" Mighty Heart asked in concern yet annoyed.
Mama Heart huffed a bit as she gave her son a whack on his head, "Mother wants to make sure that you're handsome and good-looking, so that one day; you will finally get a girl. And of course, I wouldn't want you to stay in billy-goat's smelly and dusty house!"
"Manners!" Tao exclaimed angrily, "This is my home, not yours! And it is antique shop!"
"Wonder why Grandpa Tao still stuck on his old antique home? He should probably own a bigger mansion or something. He's Mystic Councilpony of Light, dad." Lance said in concern.
Shadow Dragon chuckled a bit, "I wonder the same thing. And trust me, he doesn't like passing his antique shop to some stupid and irresponsible ponies. He gets sensitive and upset when his artifacts and rare items get destroyed or insulted."
Lance cringed a bit, "Ouch... I wouldn't want to be a salesman or an old geeze like him."
Tao whacked Lance's head, "You should watch your language, boy! Grandpa Tao do not like that tone of yours!"
"Sorry..." Lance apologized as he looked through some of modern black suit, "Man... Which one to choose? I've gotta look smart. But not just smart, be cool and awesome-kind."
Shadow Dragon chuckled a bit, "Maybe to you. I would like to dress my favorite suit. But I can't find it..."
Shadow Dragon was about to take his Ancient Ma's Noble Suit. Tao whacked Shadow Dragon's hoof hard.
"Aieyah! You cannot dress that one! Those were old Canterlot and Ma suits! These are not good for Grand Galloping Gala!" Tao protested in annoyance as he gave his son a whack. He continued, "This is modern days! You cannot dress for Twilight Sparkle! Are you willing to embarrass her? Humph! At least, your son is smarter than you are."
"Thanks for the support, dad..." Shadow Dragon remarked sarcastically. He looked at the modern black suit with a bow-tie and a peach blossoming flower. He smiled, "Okay... I'll take this. This makes me more gentlepony."
Lance smirked as he took a black suit with white rose up, "Gotta go with this one. I like this a lot."
"I'm glad you like it," Tao smiled in please. He stopped as if he sensed something. He turned and glared at the snow globe crystal. He groaned, "Would you rather get burnt, Discord? Stop hiding!"
Angered as the snow globe crystal transformed into Discord. Mystic Ponies turned and glared at him. They hated his tricks. They were extremely annoyed by it...
"Sorry. I'm just wondering if any of you..." Discord hummed in concern, "I don't know - extra ticket?"
Mystic Ponies answered, "I sold one to my father (Dragon Kick). I got plans with Shiroi (Lance). Sorry, no extra ticket (Jade)! She's my plus-one partner (Mighty Heart). Go find your own ticket, snake (Tao and Mama Heart)! I already have one with Twilight (Shadow Dragon)."
"Shouldn't you have one for your own?" Lance asked curiously.
Discord sighed, "No... But thanks for the answers. Gotta go!"
Discord magically disappeared at once. Mystic Ponies hummed in concern as they all wondered of what he was up to. They hoped that he won't try to do something stupid like what he did with Tirek.
Shadow Dragon hummed, "Terrorcreep might up to something. He did told me that Discord lately been... off ever since that Vampire Pony and Fluttershy became the couple. I hope he knows what he was doing with Discord..."
Unknown to anyone, a mechanical bug had the spy camera in recording or spying on the event. What is going on?
At the Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie Pie made another sales of her cupcake to her customer.
"Have a wonderful, special, fantastic day!" Pinkie greeted and thanked happily. As she turned and headed off to her counter, she passed the mysterious black box. She spoked happily, "Oh, hi, Discord. Want some cake?"
The box bounced in shock. It opened and revealed the surprisingly Discord. How does she do that?!
Pinkie Pie bounced happily in front of her friend, "I can give you a list of all the flavors we have in order of most delicious to incredibly, unbelievably delicious!"
"Actually, Pinkie Pie, who are you taking to... I mean, do you... eugh," Discord asked nervously yet concerned. He groaned as he gave up, "Oh, you know what? I am famished. I'll take all the cakes."
"All of them?!" Pinkie asked in shock and surprise. She turned to the front as she screamed happily, "He wants all of the cakes!"
As Pinkie Pie happily prepared and packed various sweet and delicious cakes, Discord chatted happily with her yet calmly...
Discord sighed, "Well, I'll need all my energy when I'm dancing at the Gala, if I decide to go that is. Oh, by the way, are you bringing anypony?"
Pinkie smiled happily, "Oh, of course! I was gonna ask my mom, because she's, you know, my mom, but it turned out she didn't want to go, so I started asking around and around and around..."
As Pinkie was busy in preparing the cakes packages and busy talking with her friend, Discord turned to the entrance. He gasped in shock and realization. He spotted Fluttershy was hanging out with the greenish Earth Pony with braided pink mane and tail and her Cutie Mark was red heart-shaped tree with yellowish head-scarf with flower patterns.
Discord groaned in anger. So, that must be Tree Hugger?!
Pinkie Pie continued, "and I couldn't think of anypony, and I was about to just go by myself, and I realized, of course! Who loves fancy exciting affairs more than anypony else? My sister Maud!"
Discord groaned, "You know what? Cancel my order."
Discord magically teleported while leaving Pinkie Pie dumbfounded and shocked about it. The lobby was filled with cakes-packed packages!
"You want none of the cakes now?!"
As Fluttershy and Tree Hugger were laughing happily together as they were joking, Discord's neck stretched and glared at them both.
"I guess every being in Equestria is funny today." Discord remarked angrily.
Discord slithered in midair to the front as he remained quiet.
Fluttershy gasped, "Oh, how rude of me. Tree Hugger, this is Discord. Discord, Tree Hugger."
"Radical to meet you. Really digging your vibe," Tree Hugger commented in hippie tone.
"My vibe?" Discord demanded angrily as he turned and glared at Tree Hugger.
Fluttershy assured Discord, "It's a compliment."
"Oh, well, I'm sure it is. Well, I must be off." Discord talked off as he disappeared from his friends' sights. He magically reappeared behind of them. He spoke angrily, "It has nothing to do with seeing you or not seeing you. You can rest assured of that. Hahaha... Have fun at the Gala!"
Discord groaned angrily as he magically disappeared again.
Tree Hugger smiled, "Righteous! And by the way, is your boyfriend coming? I want to meet this Vampire Pony. That is so rare in these days, you know?"
Fluttershy sighed, "I don't know when. He's been busy lately. After all, he is the advisor and general to the Earth Intelligence Force and especially to both Scar Brilliance and Sir Arthur."
Unknown to them both, someone was spying from the rooftop. He was dressed in his dark black suit, hat and even wearing the sunglasses for covering from the sun. He was looking through his binoculars as he lowered it down for the moment. He hummed suspiciously yet concern about Fluttershy and Discord. He magically disappeared from sights.
At the unknown realm which filled with various and strange places and creatures, there was a small house on the floating island. Within the house, the door was opened. Discord magically reappeared as he looked very angry and upset.
"Oh, Tree Hugger. You're such a great friend. So much funnier than unfunny old Discord!" Discord imitating Fluttershy's voice for the moment.
He magically slammed the door very hard. The jar fell to the ground in breaking to pieces. He sighed in annoyance as he magically dressed in his maid's suit. As Discord continued cleaning or making some messes at his own house - making some fluffy and dusty bunnies underneath the furniture, wetting and soaping on the windows and magically dirty the plates; he muttered angrily about Fluttershy's choosing new ones over him.
"No, no, here. Take my plus-one. I insist. Before somepony else thinks he's my friend and expects to be asked instead. What's that? You're worried Discord might be upset?" Discord groaned angrily, "The nerve of her! First Terrorcreep as her perfect boyfriend, then Boomer as her guest and a friend, and now Tree Hugger as her best friend?! Not a problem! I can make more new friends anytime I want. It's not as if any of this actually mattered! I don't even want to go to the Gala anyway!"
Suddenly, a screaming noise sounded. Discord undressed his maid's suit as he exited the house. He found the floating Parcel Post pony screaming and yelping in fear as he struggled in getting used to the unknown realm's atmosphere.
Discord grabbed the Parcel Post pony at once. He looked at him while smiling happily yet hopefully.
Parcel Post gulped as he held the envelop up, "Are you 'Discord or current resident'? I can't find any street numbers in this place."
Discord magically levitated the envelop up. He magically tear up and levitate a golden rectangle ticket up.
"My ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala! I was invited after all!" Discord exclaimed happily. He paused as he turned and glared at Parcel Post pony. He grimly asked, "Why is this so late?"
Parcel Post Pony gulped in fear, "Well, I got a little lost after I escaped the flying badgers... Can you point me in the direction of the bottomless pit? I think I can make my way back from there."
"I'll save your troubles now," Discord said in annoyance as he gave a snap from his eagle's claw. Parcel Post Pony disappeared from the Draconequus. He turned and looked at his ticket. He smirked darkly, "Looks like I'll see you at the Gala after all, Fluttershy. But I can't show up alone. She'll think that she's my only friend. Who could I bring on such short notice?"
Discord gasped in shock and surprise as he knew someone he can asked for help. He chuckled sly-fully and happily. Unknown to him, a Joker Card was left on the ground as it had a submarine periscope in spying on him. Who is spying on Discord and Fluttershy?! Why?!
"This is going to be fun! He's gonna get it for dumping his own partner now!" The voice exclaimed happily.
At the Canterlot Castle's Hall Lobby; noble and rich ponies from far and wide were invited and come to Grand Galloping Gala, including some of Mystic Ponies to join in as well. Princess Celestia dressed in her crimson dress with sun patterns was standing on the top of first staircase level, along with Twilight dressed in her cyan dress with orange ribbon and her mane tied up in round, and Nyx dressed in her purple dress with small lavender ribbon and sparkling star on her mane ponytail mane.
Princess Celestia smiled, "I must say, it's been very nice having you take over some of the planning responsibilities for this year's Gala."
"Anything I can do to make it easier on you," Twilight said calmly.
"Thank you, Twilight. I am quite looking forward to just enjoying the Gala for once." Princess Celestia thanked happily.
Nyx nodded, "Glad to hear it. We'll do anything to make you easy, Grandma Celestia."
Princess Celestia giggled in amusement, "Oh Nyxie... I'm not your grandmother. In fact, Twilight is not even my daughter."
Nyx giggled a bit, "I know that. But Iris Crystal is. Since she married my daddy, that makes her my step-mom and that concludes you to be my step-grandmother."
Princess Celestia smiled, "You're quite smart one, aren't you?" She turned to Twilight Sparkle, "Are you looking forward to see him here? You remind me of how nervous and scared Iris is when she and him had the first dance at Grand Galloping Gala. That was adorable and cute."
Twilight giggled, "Yeah, I am. I can't wait to see him."
Suddenly, the fanfare sounded. Everyone turned to the front entrance. Who was it now?
"Announcing the spirit of chaos, Discord, and his guest, the, uh..." Announcer announced firmly but stopped as he doesn't know the name of creature. Discord whispered to the Announcer's ear. Announcer sighed, "The Smooze!"
Everyone turned to the front as they found Discord dressed in his orange suit and top hat and the greenish slimy ooze-like creature dressed in his blue top hat and red bow-tie marched into hall. Everyone gasped in shock and concern. Everyone is aware that the Oozes are very rare and mysterious yet dangerous creatures as they possessed unknown magic and abilities. Everyone can't be certain if the Ooze are safe to communicate with.
"Good evening, everypony! What a glorious affair!" Discord said happily. The Smooze turned to the second announcer. It took the golden shiny fanfare honk into its mouth. He smiled as he gave it a hug, "He does have a yen for shiny things, the rascal."
As Discord departed, he found his paw was covered by slim. He turned and dry it off on the announcer's white scarf.
Twilight sighed, "I'll take care of this."
"I'll keep an eye on the Smooze," Nyx said.
Both Twilight and Nyx flew off at once and away from Princess Celestia for the moment. Twilight flew off towards Discord as both of them had their own discussion while Nyx kept her eyes on the Smooze as it wandered off happily.
"What are you doing here with..." Twilight demanded in concern while pointed at the Smooze, "that?!"
Discord smiled as he waved it off, "Now, now, now. The Smooze may be an "it", but it's an it with a heart of, well, blob."
Nyx quickly used her magic on Smooze in preventing it from moving close to other ponies.
Twilight turned and glared at Discord, "This night is extremely important to me, Discord." She smiled uneasily to her former mentor. She gritted her teeth before glaring at him, "Keep it under control!"
Discord grunted a bit, "Yes, yes, yes, of course. Tell me, have you seen Fluttershy anywhere?
"Well... She's with Tree Hugger at the Dinning Hall," Twilight answered calmly. Discord headed off at once. She cleared her throat, "Aren't you forgetting something?"
Discord groaned as he turned and dragged the Smooze out at once. They both headed straight to the Dinning Hall in finding Fluttershy. Both Twilight Sparkle and Nyx sighed in relief. They both turned as they found Shadow Dragon and his family had arrived. Nyx headed off at once as she gave Shadow Dragon a nuzzle on his legs.
Twilight Sparkle approached to her love at once. She nuzzled his neck for a while, "You've made it." She departed and looked at Shadow Dragon's dress. She awed in amazement, "Wow... I didn't know that you wear the Canterlot's Suit."
Shadow Dragon smiled, "What can I say? I'm full of surprises. So, is everything alright?"
"Yes... But I'm more worried with Discord and the Smooze now. I wonder what is he doing here."
"Trying to get Fluttershy's attention, no doubt."
"How did you know about this?"
"Terrorcreep told me about Discord. He's been off and jealous on some certain ponies since both of them became the couple."
"I take it that would be Terrorcreep, Boomer and Tree Hugger?" Twilight sighed in annoyance, "I just hope that he's not doing something stupid."
Shadow Dragon patted Twilight's back, "Don't worry. Everything will be fine. Come on, let's enjoy the party."
Twilight Sparkle and Nyx smiled as they both followed Shadow Dragon and his family off to party. Black coated figure entered the hall as he found Discord and the Smooze entered the dinning chamber. He followed them. Unknown to him, he was followed by the happy clown who acted like he was having fun. Something's not right...
Within the Dinning Hall, all the ponies were enjoying their party at the Grand Galloping Gala. Nyx reunited with her friends as they all celebrated their first time at Grand Galloping Gala happily. Applejack dressed in her greenish and reddish dress with top hat was dancing with Caramel in his black suit. Rarity dressed in her purple dress with diamond hairpin feather was chatting with Shorty Thinking about his life time.
Both Discord and the Smooze entered the hall. Discord looked around in search of Fluttershy. But blocked by the mysterious happy clown as Discord was looking around.
"Hey there! Nice to meet you. Can I have the chat with you?" The mysterious clown asked happily, "And by the way, name is P.J. the Clown Boy! Would you like to hear my jokes? Mine have always been the best and greatest of all!"
Discord groaned as he was focusing on finding Fluttershy, "Yeah... Sure. Maybe later."
"What's the matter? Got a girl problem with you? She must be important to you."
"Yeah, she is. She's my best friend. I've gotta find her first."
"Tell me - are you in love with her?"
"What?! No! She and I are just friends. She already got her own boyfriend who is pony and better than me, no doubt."
"So, you're not jealous of him? He stole your girl! You deserve it! No one claimed your prize!"
Discord stopped as he glared at the clown, "What do you mean my 'prize'?! I don't treat her a thing, I treated her a pony, genius! I don't like what you had said."
"Sorry. I was just helping. If she really had a boyfriend, then where is he?" P.J. asked curiously, "Boy... For a guy, he doesn't know how to make her happy like you did."
"Come to think of it. You're right. How dare he ran off?! And he dare called himself Fluttershy's boyfriend! Where is he now? Gone! But I'm here! Thanks anyway!"
"No problem. But one advise - proved her that you're the best for her."
Discord smirked, "Thanks."
Discord then headed off while bringing The Smooze with him. P.J. clapped his hooves as he smirked darkly and evilly. What was he's planning?
Discord then stopped as he spotted her sitting together with Tree Hugger. Both of them were chatting with each other happily. Fluttershy was dressed in her greenish and bluish peacock's dress with a head's feather on her mane while Tree Hugger's dress was plain light lavender dress.
Fluttershy giggled in amazement, "Really?"
Tree Hugger nodded, "The aura coming off the waterfall was so alive! So, like, magic manifestation."
"Wow..." Fluttershy said in amazement, "How did you even know to look for an aura on a waterfall?"
Both Discord and The Smooze approached Fluttershy from her back. The Draconequus cleared his throat in getting her attention.
Fluttershy turned and gasped in surprise, "Discord! I thought you weren't coming!"
"No. I actually never said that. But funny how you remembered it that way." Discord remarked sarcastically. He then approached to Tree Hugger, "Anyway, good to see you. Tree Friend, is it? Your name is slipping my mind right now. How strange."
Tree Hugger smiled happily, "Nice to meet you. I'm Tree Hugger. Blessings."
"You have met me before actually!"
"Cool! Like, in another life, maybe?"
Discord gasped in shock, "You've gotta be kidding. You don't remember me?"
Tree Hugger laughed happily, "I meet a lot of different creatures, each one of them perfect and unique."
Discord huffed as he grew closed near to Fluttershy, "Yes, well, as I was saying, it's just great to be here with my oldest, bestest friend."
"Am I really your oldest, bestest friend?" Flutetrshy asked delightfully.
Discord laugehd happily, "Of course not! You think I don't have other friends? I'm centuries old! I was talking about the Smooze!" He dragged the Smooze to the front at once, "Smooze Face, the Smoozinator - well, I mean that's what we called him back in college. Smooze! I would like you to meet Fluttershy and, um, hmm... Tree... how'd you say it... Tree Embrace?"
"Oh, I like that! It's so in rhythm with my life force!" Tree Hugger commented. She gasped and laughed happily, "Maybe I'll change it!"
Smooze licked his mouth as his tentacle was reaching Tree Hugger's necklace. Extremely annoyed and angered by Tree Hugger's innocent comments, Discord gave Smooze a hard slap.
Fluttershy giggled in amusement as she patted the Smooze, "I can't believe I've never heard you speak of the Smooze before. Sounds like you two are so close."
"Well, I'm glad you got that, because that's what is true. We are." Discord smiled proudly as he hugged the Smooze very tight and passionately. He chuckled in amusement, "Very close."
"That's wonderful! The four of us should go out to dinner sometime!" Fluttershy suggested happily.
Heard Fluttershy's suggestion made Discord squeezed too hard and tight in splitting Smooze in two. But as an Ooze, he won't died easily as he regenerated happily back to himself.
Discord demanded angrily, "We should all go out to dinner sometime?! Have you no heart?"
Couple of ponies screamed in fear and concern. Discord turned as he found the Smooze slithering happily approaching them as he wanted some shinning items to eat.
"Oh, oh! It looks like somepony wants to mingle. We'll be back in a bit." Discord smiled happily.
Fluttershy nodded in understanding, "Oh, okay. Treezie and I would love to talk to you more later!"
"Treezie? Really? Sort of a juvenile nickname, don't you think?" Discord asked in annoyance. Ponies screamed while some glasses smashed as The Smooze continued chased after their diamonds and crystals. He called happily, "Smoozie! Wait up!"
Discord immediately headed off at once. Both Fluttershy and Tree Hugger laughed in amusement and happily about it. The black coated pony approached her as he carried a tray of orange cider and salad. He left it down on table. Fluttershy and Tree Hugger turned and found the mysterious figure standing before them.
"Oh... I didn't know you have another friend joining with us," Tree Hugger said in surprise.
"I didn't..." Fluttershy said in concern. She looked at the mysterious figure, "Who are you? Do I know you from somewhere?"
The mysterious figure removed his hat and sunglasses as he looked straight at Fluttershy.
Fluttershy gasped, "You?"
As everyone was enjoying their party, Discord pushed and dragged Smooze away from the party. They approached to the back door. The mysterious clown approached to Discord as he was juggling the balls in front of Discord while smiling oddly.
So, how it goes?" P.J. asked curiously. Discord muttered angrily. He shrugged, "Oh... Someone's mad again. It looks like that making Fluttershy jealous on doesn't work well."
Discord groaned, "Shut up! I need to do something! I need to win her!"
"Why pretend to get along? Once you and your enemy get closed enough, you and her will move to safe distance. And that's where you will teach her a lesson for messing with the wrong friend!"
Discord hummed before smirked in please, "That could work. Thank you, Mr Clown."
"Please, call me P.J." P.J. insisted. Discord headed off at once while moving the Smooze away. He smirked darkly, "Enjoy it while it lasts, old buddy. This is going to be the best payback ever..."
"Now, listen, Smooze. I need to make this a party of one for a little while." Discord explained firmly as he pushed it outside. He slammed the door hard in locking the locks, "Just stay out here until I come for you."
Fluttershy and Tree Hugger were chatting with Dragon Kick, Jade Adventure and of course - Andrew Thief - the silver Earth Pony with spiky navy mane and short tail, and he had a shortened beard and mustache and his Cutie Mark was Rahab Clan Symbol dressed in his black suit. They were all seemed fine so far. Dragon Kick didn't talk much lately.
"So, tell me how long did you know about Dragon Kick?" Fluttershy asked curiously, "It must be very good to see you both get along."
"No, it wasn't," Dragon Kick said bitterly, "I really wish that he should never have come!"
Jade groaned, "Kicker! You promised me!"
Andrew sighed, "Son... Please, don't be mad at me because of the past. I did what I have to."
"Is that so?! Does leaving me behind was your idea?! Does stealing items is more important than me?! Coz that makes me feel better. After what Uncle Tao and Keone did for you, you turned your back on them and stolen most of rare items and artifacts! You disgusted me!"
"Son... Do you even know why I did it?"
"No! I don't care! You don't even care about me! In fact, you shouldn't have come here!"
Andrew sighed in defeat as he had no words to speak with his son. His son was too angry and upset to talk with him. He looked down in shame. Jade and Fluttershy were worried that they may not able to help Dragon Kick get over his grudge at his own father for the sins he make.
"Maybe there is more to it than your eyes," Tree Hugger said calmly. Dragon Kick glared at her. She hummed calmly, "Yes... By looking at his eyes, I know there is something you have yet to learn. Your father is pure kindhearted despite the bad deeds he had committed. He did it for you."
"How?! What do you know about him when he was 3,000 years older than you are!" Dragon Kick exclaimed in anger, "He's just a thief! A thief would do anything to become the rich pony in the world! That's all he could think of! And I'm ashamed to have a father like you."
Andrew sighed, "I know. But do you know why I left you at Tao's home?" Dragon Kick looked at Andrew. He continued, "Because if I continued bringing you down on my path, you'll become my burden. I do not wish my son to be a thief but to have a good life. I wish my son to be a good and honest teacher to his students where he can change the wrong into right path. This is what I want."
"Father..."
"I know it's hard to believe. But believe of what I'm saying. It's the truth. Always know that I loved you than just gold. I want you to have a better life than mine. I'm not asking forgiveness, I'm asking understanding."
Dragon Kick thought for the moment. He smiled as he hugged his father, "Yeah, I do. And I'm sorry too." He turned to Tree Hugger, "Thank you, Tree Hugger. You might make the best therapist."
"No... I just sense the aura of how good or bad it is. And your father is pure good," Tree Hugger complimented.
Jade Adventure smiled, "That is so awesome! Say... You'd think you can do some magic trick?"
"Nope... That's impossible because I'm Earth Pony," Tree Hugger joked happily.
Everyone laughed together happily about how capable Tree Hugger is. Discord magically appeared as he laugehd happily yet annoyingly. Everyone stopped at once.
"What's so funny?" Tree Hugger asked curiously.
"Exactly!" Discord exclaimed happily.
"Uhh... I think we better find Tao to have some family chats," Andrew said in concern.
Andrew, Dragon Kick and Jade Adventure left at once as they found Discord more irritating and disturbing than before. The mysterious figure remained standing besides with Fluttershy and Tree Hugger.
"Fluttershy, tell the Hugs here about the time that we went to the store and came back with two cakes instead of one," Discord joked happily as he held Fluttershy tight to him, "because that's how crazy we are when we're together."
Fluttershy answered nervously, "Um, we went to the store and bought two cakes."
Discord was in shock as he said calmly, "Oh. Well, you kind of left out all the fun and frivolity there. But I'm sure you got it, Tree Hugger."
Tree Hugger smiled, "I got that you really like cake."
"We like each other. That was the point! I'm actually pretty lukewarm about cake." Discord said in annoyance at Tree Hugger. He turned and found mysterious figure standing besides with Fluttershy. He spoke, "And you are? I don't think I've seen you before. Are you stalking at Fluttershy?"
"Discord!" Fluttershy scolded angrily, "Don't be rude with him! Don't you know him? He's-!"
The mysterious figure interrupted, "So, your jealousy had clouded your mind. So, you will do what you can to win her as your love interest. Even if it means to break her heart?"
Discord gasped in shock and so did Fluttershy. They were about to shout or scold but stopped as they heard the screaming noise. They turned to the back door entrance. Someone was screaming while knocking the door in getting in. But the door was locked!
Chatting with her family including Tao and Shadow Dragon, Twilight Sparkle noticed the noise. She quickly headed to the door at once. She unlocked the door. Rarity rammed through it. She was covered by some sticky and dirty greenish slime.
Rarity breathed heavily, "That creature took my jewels!"
Everyone looked outside as they spotted the Smooze was swallowing all the shining and brightening crystals, jewels and diamonds from some rich ponies. They quickly ran away from it. As it ate the jewels, its body glowed brightly and bigger.
Twilight groaned in annoyance as she turned and glared at Discord, "Discord! I thought I told you to keep your friend under control!"
"Oh, please. I have better things to do than to watch that thing all night." Discord huffed as he had his hands crossed. Fluttershy looked at him in concern. He chuckled nervously, "What I mean to say is, that thing is a dear, dear friend, and I'll make sure that the ooze, uh, that he can't help but secrete doesn't get on anypony else."
Discord approached to Rarity as he magically summoned the vacuum. He sucked all of the greenish slimes off her but unfortunately that included her dress. She yelped in shock as she covered herself of her body like she was naked. Ironically...
Shorty Thinking came to her as he prepared the set of her emergency backup dress. Rarity took and dressed it up. She sighed in relief. She turned and glared at Discord for the moment. She huffed angrily as she trotted off. Shorty followed her at once.
"Thank you," Twilight thanked calmly. She turned to the crowd, "It's alright, everypony. Let's just get back to enjoying this magical evening!"
Everyone returned to their usual chatting with each other and enjoyed their party. Discord groaned angrily as he dragged the Smooze away from the crowds while muttered angrily.
"Do you think Discord will be okay? Why didn't he tell me?" Fluttershy said in concern.
Mysterious figure sighed in annoyance, "The Draconequus are too proud and stubborn to admit their faults. And they will do anything to get what they wanted. Fluttershy, you have to be ready for his tricks. Friend or not, you have to snap him out and make he realize what you were trying to do."
"I hope so..." Fluttershy said in concern.
Twilight returned to her family as they were having some chats for the moment. She turned and looked at Discord dragging the Smooze away from the crowds.
"This is getting ridiculous..." Twilight said in concern, "Discord better stop fooling himself before he could hurt Fluttershy more. This is not what she would have wanted."
Shadow Dragon nodded, "Yeah... I guess Discord still have much more learning about Friendship. But hopefully Fluttershy will get to him."
"I hope so..." Twilight sighed.
Tao huffed, "If not, I would give him piece of my mind! He owe me some of my scrolls and history books! They were important artifacts and parts to Mystic Realm!"
"Yeah... More like a junk to me," Mama Heart joked.
Everyone laughed in amusement while Tao groaned in annoyance. He hated it a lot when it comes to his antiques and artifacts being called as junks.
"You are making me look like a fool in front of Fluttershy," Discord complained angrily as he continued dragging the Smooze to the closet. He quickly pushed it inside the closet. He exclaimed, "I'll be back when the Gala is over."
Discord locked the Smooze into the closet. The Smooze was upset to see Discord ditched him. As he looked up, he smiled happily as he found something that satisfied him even though his best friend hurt his feelings...
Discord walked around in finding his friend. He then came across with P.J. again.
"Having fun?" P.J. asked happily.
Discord groaned, "Not at all... How could she chose that pony over me?! No! How could she chose him over me?! I'm her first and best friend! And she's mine too! No one can touch her! No one!"
"Sounds like that she doesn't care about you... What a pain for you..."
"What am I gonna do now?!"
"Do what you're good at! You're the trickster and joker of Equestria! No one can beat you at that! After all, she likes your jokes so much."
Discord hummed calmly before smirked, "That's not a bad idea. Thanks, P.J!"
Discord magically disappeared. P.J. smirked darkly like there's something dark and sinister behind him. What was he trying to do with Discord?
Discord magically appeared on the chandelier as he was searching and looking for Fluttershy. So far, he only found ponies enjoying themselves with each other in their party. He then spotted Fluttershy, Tree Hugger and Mysterious Figure were chatting happily.
Fluttershy laughed happily, "Oh, Tree Hugger, I've never known anypony as funny as you!"
As Fluttershy patted on Tree Hugger's back, Discord went berserk and angry as his eyes glowed and blazed wildly in greenish. No one is allowed to be touched by Fluttershy! He magically disappeared at once.
The lights went off. Everyone wondered yet concerned of what was going on now. The spotlight was turned on as it was aiming at Discord standing on the stage.
"Check, check, check. Is this thing on?" Discord asked curiously as he poked on the microphone in hearing the sound. It's clear. He smirked as he took it out and spoke, "Good evening, fillies and germs! I just flew into Canterlot, and wow, are my interspecies parts tired!"
Everyone remained silent for the moment while looking at Discord oddly.
Discord continued as he pulled his orange top hat down in transforming his suit into red vest. He showed his wings out, "I've only got these tiny mismatched wings, and even I can fly better than Twilight Sparkle and Nyxie! Am I right? Pchoo!"
"Hey!" Twilight and Nyx exclaimed of being offended.
Both Princess Celestia and Shadow Dragon giggled and chuckled in amusement. Both Twilight Sparkle and Nyx turned and glared at the former for laughing at them.
Discord laughed nervously, "Uh, well, perhaps you're into more observational humor." He disappeared magically as he reappeared emerging from the walls. He was dressed in his blue suit with red tie. He continued, "Did you ever notice how you always materialize out of thin air? Why not thick air? What's the deal there?"
And yet, no one was amused or find it funny as usual. Discord gulped in concern and nervous as he struggled in keeping entertaining.
"What is he doing?!" Twilight asked in concern.
Rainbow Dash dressed in her purple and blue dress hummed in concern, "I think they're... jokes?"
Pinkie Pie dressed in her yellowish with poker dots patterns, gasped, "Maud! Jokes!"
Maud Pi hummed unemotionally, "My favorite..."
"Knock knock!" Discord joked happily. Everyone remained silent for the moment. He was in shock yet angered, "You're supposed to say 'Who's there?'! This is the most basic of jokes!"
Maud Pie huffed, "You're the most basic of jokes."
Everyone then laughed in amusement and happily at Maud's unemotionally jokes. She was right. Discord is indeed the most basic of jokes! Discord twitched his eyes as he was humiliated and embarrassed. None have appreciated his jokes. No one humiliated the Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony!
The clown laughed happily, "She's right! You're the real joker! Hahaha! I should have done that from the start!"
As everyone continued laughing, Boomer and his dragons turned as they found a bright light glaring at them. They turned and found something strange behind the door as it continued glowing brightly. They all shivered and trembled in fear and scared. The door opened as it revealed to be greenish slimy tsunami.
The Dragons screamed in fear. Everyone turned and found the greenish slimy tsunami poured on them. They all screamed in fear and panicked as they all quickly ran away before they could get caught by it. But unfortunately, they are now!
Some Pegasi tried to fly out but their hooves got stuck. Some Unicorns fired their magical blasts at the greenish slime but nothing happen. Not even Princess Twilight Sparkle or Princess Celestia were able to help. The Mystic Ponies managed to escape it since their magic were stronger and powerful. They yet struggled in getting and levitating the ponies off the slimy ocean as they were all balancing on the table.
Discord smirked in please as he looked at The Smooze was lying down as the flowing river. The clown was on the table as he was rowing the boat.
"Gotta like it. This is like nursery rhyme!" P.J. exclaimed happily as he was rowing the table, "Row, row, row your seat. Gently down the ooze. Merry, merry, merry, like the ooze!"
Discord smiled in please. He then turned to Twilight Sparkle from bottom as she was glaring at him. He scoffed, "Oh, he's not that bad!"
Everyone struggled in getting off or out of the slimes as they all got stuck. Fluttershy, Tree Hugger and Mysterious Figure were stuck on the window. Pinkie was rowing on Maud's body?!
"This is kind of a bummer," Tree Hugger remarked.
Discord flew towards Tree Hugger while glaring at Fluttershy and Mysterious Figure, "Isn't it, though? And to think, it would never have happened had I come to the Gala as somepony else's plus-one. And I don't know who you are, but clearly I don't care."
Fluttershy looked down in concern while the Mysterious Figure remained silent. Was Discord willing to destroy everything because of not choosing him as her plus-one?!
"Seems like something might have harshed his flow, you know? Like, his senses are agitated." Tree Hugger suggested.
Discord huffed as he glared at her, "You don't know anything about rare creatures. I've known Smooze Face for ages." He danced happily in marching style, "He's not agitated. He's partying down! Whoo!"
"All he needs is some, like, calming auditory therapy. I know I always feel really at peace when I'm being bathed in positive vibes. Maybe he'll calm down with some sonic bliss."
Tree Hugger smiled as she began humming calmly yet harmonically like singing. The flowing river of greenish slime slowly stopped as it regrouped and formed together into the form of giant calm and happy Smooze. Everyone was now freed from the Smooze's sticky grasps.
Everyone cheered happily for Tree Hugger in calming the Smooze down while Discord was in shock and disbelief of what he saw. No one could have calm it down so easily! Nothing could have!
"That was the most magical thing I've ever seen done with animals!" Fluttershy commented happily.
Discord groaned angrily as he gritted his teeth angrily. He was about to lose his temper now! How dare she?!
P.J. randomly appeared behind of Discord as he chuckled happily, "Well, aren't you gonna do something?! Aren't you gonna teach that brat a lesson?! You should know that no one is allowed to take her away from you! No one!"
"No one... Takes her away from me!" Discord snarled in anger yet softly.
Tree Hugger smiled as she bowed, "Oh, thanks, everypony. It makes perfect karmic sense why magic doesn't work on him. He only responds to vibrations that peace out his energy fields."
Discord screamed in anger, "Stop it! Stop it! That's it! I'm done with you, Tree Hugger!"
"Oh, man. You're really bumming me out." Tree Hugger said in concern, "Can you just, like, lower your voice a skosh?"
"A skosh? A skosh?!" Discord demanded angrily. Everyone was in shock as they never had seen Discord being angry before. He screamed in anger, "I had it! Fine... I'm done playing nice! Time to send you off, Tree Hugger! I can't let you, Boomer or even Terrorcreep interfering in my relationship with Fluttershy anymore! No one can takes her from me! NO ONE!"
Tree Hugger trembled in fear as Discord was about to attack her. Fluttershy came in between him and her. She glared at him at once.
"Discord, stop!"
"I will, just as soon as she's gone!" Discord said calmly as he summoned table, teacups, teapot and seats for him and Fluttershy. He took a sip of it, "Then we can have a good laugh about this whole affair over our regular Tuesday tea."
Everyone was about to attack but stopped by the Mysterious Figure.
Fluttershy continued, "I don't understand why you're doing this! We were all getting along so well!"
Discord huffed, "As well as we could, considering you've already stomped all over our friendship by inviting her to the biggest night of the year as if I didn't matter at all! And that's not the worst of it, you forgiven Boomer for what he had done to you even when he ate some bugs?! There's one thing I can't stand the most - you chose Terrorcreep as your boyfriend! I hated it! I hated him for taking you as his girlfriend! It's not fair! It's not fair! And now, I'm all alone!"
"Did you really think I'd abandon you just because I have some new friends?!
"Yes, because that's what you did!"
"No, Discord!" Fluttershy exclaimed, "I invited Tree Hugger to a party because she's my friend! I forgave Boomer about it because he's a dragon and different from us! And I love Terrorcreep because he's special to me! I didn't abandon you! What if you had a friend that you could discuss chaos-based magic with? Would that mean we weren't friends anymore?!"
"Uh..." Discord was stunned as he spoke nervously and confusion, "No, I suppose not. It would just mean that I'd have different friends for different things..." He gasped in realization, "Oh, oh, dear, it looks like I've perhaps overreacted just a skosh."
"More like a lot of skoshes!"
"I'm just so new at this whole friendship thing. It's so much more complicated than it looks."
"Do you think maybe you owe somepony an apology?" Fluttershy demanded. Discord gave her a flower. She slapped his paws hard, "Not me!"
"Oh! Oh." Discord gasped in realization, "Yes, right."
Discord approached to The Smooze as he removed all of the shining items it ate out from its stomach. He snapped his finger in making them disappeared.
"Er, Tree Hugger," Discord apologized sincerely, "I'm sorry that you got caught in the middle of my... er, you know... wrath."
"Oh, it's all groovy." Tree Hugger forgave. Discord hugged Tree Hugger passionately and happily. She was still in scared and worried mood, "Um, I need like a few minutes to clear out my chakras before I can hug you from a place of authenticity."
"Oh, your chakras." Discord laughed nervously as he nodded his head in understanding, "Fair enough."
Everyone sighed in relief and happy that everything finally is okay and fine at the end. P.J. looked unhappy and anger while gritted his teeth of how the event.
Fluttershy approached Discord, "Don't you think it's better that you tell me about how you felt? I would have help you."
"Yeah... I guess it's quite silly and stupid," Discord admitted sheepishly, "I guess I took the advice from the wrong clown."
"A clown? Why would there be a clown here?" Twilight Sparkle said in confusion. Everyone looked at her. She continued, "I didn't invite a clown here. Grand Galloping Gala is more like civilized and noble party, not a wild party."
Discord twitched in fear while gulped, "You're not actually a real clown aren't you, P.J.?"
P.J. chuckled and laughed evilly as he held a Gem Blaster up in aiming at Discord. He smirked darkly, "Oh... Discord, always try to be funny. And that is why you're the second best. And for me, I'm the best!"
"P.J.?" Discord gasped, "Oh no... Psychopath Joke..."
P.J. or Psychopath Joke chuckled evilly and darkly as he took the disguise off. He revealed to be white make-up clown with greenish messy mane and short tail. He has a Glawsgow Smile. He was dressed in his greenish vest, blue shirt with a tie. And his Cutie Mark is scarred smile symbol, with a knife and bombs.
Everyone gasped in shock and concern as they witnessed the true face of the clown. Discord and the Smooze trembled in fear upon looking at him.
"Good evening, mares and morons," Psychopath Joke greeted calmly yet giving his scared smiley to them. They were scared and feared of him due to his appearance. He continued while approaching around them, "Tonight's entertainment - do you know who I am?"
Everyone remained silent as they looked at him in both fear and worried.
"Classic..." Psychopath Joke scoffed. He then chuckled evilly, "Maybe I will tell. But I need a assistant to help me make story interesting... And she's perfect."
Psychopath Joke turned and glared at Fluttershy as he smiled darkly. She yelped in fear as she slowly moved back. Twilight and her friends were about to attack. He threw a disco ball at them. The Smooze charged off as he had them caught within the slime. As he approached her, she trembled in fear and concern as she stared at him.
Psychopath Joke smirked darkly as he slowly approached her. Fluttershy trembled in fear while Discord could do was watch in fear at her as he knew that the clown will kill her if he tried anything funny, "You looked nervous. Is it the scars? Come here!"
Psychopath Joke pulled Fluttershy closed as he touched her face and place a knife neared her mouth. He narrated in amusement, "Well... Let's see. A long time ago, I was a jester - the best of the best. I always loved making ponies smiled. And then, that's where I met Discord. He told me that we both work together to make the world laugh for joy. I make the best laugh while Discord..."
Psychopath Joke sighed as he slowly put a knife on Fluttershy's mouth, "He makes insane and crazy tricks for everyone to watch. Me just watching. He takes the knife to me and says, 'Why so Serious?' He sticks the blade to my mouth, 'Let's put a smile on that face!' And..." He slowly turned and looked at the frightened crowds. He smirked as he turned to Fluttershy, "Why so Serious?"
Unable to take anymore, Fluttershy used her Animal Ruby in using Bear's Strength. She punched Psychopath Joke's guts. He chuckled in amusement.
"Oh... I like that. For a shy little brat, you've got spirit. I like that!"
"Then you're gonna love this, P.J." The firm and dark voice exclaimed.
Psychopath Joke turned as he found the mysterious figure punched on him on his face two times before hitting on stomach three times. He jumped and grabbed the clown up. The insane clown used the knife injuring his shoulder before kicking him off. His hat and sunglasses dropped off. The mysterious figure jumped up at once. Everyone gasped in surprise and shock.
"Terrorcreep?!" Everyone but Fluttershy and Tree Hugger asked in shock.
Terrorcreep took his Twin Bat Axes out as he charged in. He swung his axes at Psychopath Joke for few times but he missed or the clown dodged them while beating him back. Psychopath Joke rolled to the front as he ran off at once. He was about to grab Fluttershy. Discord came in-between as he gave his old friend a tail whip. Psychopath Joke was thrown off as Terrorcreep grabbed him up high.
"Your days of terrorizing are over, Psychopath Joke!" Terrorcreep exclaimed in anger.
Psychopath Joke chuckled evilly, "Oh... Mr. T. You should know it. This is just the beginning. Ta-ta!"
Psychopath Joke winked his eyes for few times as he disappeared from everyone's sights. But his laughter echoed and heard across the ball as his was pure menacing and sinister. Everyone remained silent for the moment. They wondered of what happen next...
After the shocking attacks from Psychopath Joke, everyone was gathered at the stage. Discord decided to explain about his old friend and how it really happens. Everyone listened carefully to him.
"I kinda forgotten about his name. But P.J. was really a jester and a partner to me but unfortunately, his jokes wasn't really that good," Discord explained, "I tried to teach him about being funny but I guess he got angered and upset easily because of my critics. And the next, he went solo and disappeared. After I was turned to stone, I'd never knew what happen to him until this modern days. I was extremely worried for him. And I heard a lot about him. I've lost my buddy."
Fluttershy looked upset and concern, "I guess that explains why you never wanted me to go away. You were afraid of me doing something foolish that I regret."
"That's the half of it," Discord admitted, "But yes, I'm jealous. I've got manipulated by him from the start. But Fluttershy, why didn't you tell me that Terrorcreep was here?"
Terrorcreep cleared his throat, "I have my own reason, Discord. And believe me, I knew you were jealous. So I decided to hidden myself to see if my theory was right. And so far, I was right. I told Fluttershy to snap you out of your jealousy."
"Well, I'm glad she did. That was embarrassing," Discord chuckled in embarrassment. He turned to the Smooze, "I owe you an apology, Smooze. I spent the whole evening thinking about my own feelings and never thinking about yours."
The Smooze smiled in understanding as it kissed Discord's face. Discord smiled happily as he remarked happily
"Well, friends! I think I may actually grow to like this multiple-friend thing."
Maud Pie nodded unemotionally, "I like it too."
"Hey, it's not a party until somepony spreads magic-resistant ooze uncontrollably over the ballroom!" Pinkie squee happily, "Come on, Smoozinator! Let's dance!"
Pinkie pushed the Smooze out as they both danced happily. Terrorcreep smiled happily as he held his hoof up for Fluttershy. She smiled happily as she took his hoof. They both headed to the middle as they danced gracefully and happily in tango style. Everyone joined in the party.
Twilight, Shadow Dragon and Princess Celestia were discussing about the party.
Twilight sighed, "I'm sorry, Princess Celestia. I thought I could give you a break tonight, but it turns out I was in over my head."
"You have nothing to apologize for." Princess Celestia shook her head gently while smiling, "This has been the most fun Gala in years!"
"I know, it was a--What?!" Twilight asked in shock and surprise, "But there was ooze all over the place! And one of the guests threatened to send somepony to another dimension!"
Princess Celestia giggled in amusement, "I know! Can you imagine how dull it would have been if I hadn't invited Discord? Come on! Whoo! The night is still young!"
Princess Celestia headed off as she began partying around. Twilight Sparkle was about to protest but stopped by Shadow Dragon who shook his head in amusement while smiling. Twilight Sparkle sighed in annoyance but smiled at the end as she knew it's no point. Princess Celestia loved Gala to be more wild and partying, just like the last Gala she and her friends went to.
Both Shadow Dragon and Twilight Sparkle joined in the party as they both danced happily and gracefully tango style. Terrorcreep and Fluttershy danced gracefully and slowly while looking at each other.
"I really wish you could have told me of what you were planning," Fluttershy said in amusement, "This could have avoid some problems."
Terrorcreep smirked, "If I did, then we wouldn't have made Discord to reveal his problem. And you did well to snap him out."
Fluttershy smiled, "That's a relief. But thanks for saving me."
Terrorcreep and Fluttershy kissed passionately and happily for a long. This was the best gala they ever had...
END...
Review and Suggest...
Main Casts
Adrian Libman: Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie
John De Lancie: Discord
Matthew Mercer: Terrorcreep/Mysterious Figure
Mark Hamill: Psychopath Joke/P.J. the Clown Pony
Nicole Oliver: Tree Hugger, Princess Celestia
Minor Casts
Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle
Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon
Sab Shimono: Mystic Tao
Jackie Chan: Dragon Kick
Stacey Chan: Jade Adventure
Noah Nelson: Mighty Heart
Amy Hill: Mama Heart
Andrew Kishino: Mystic Andrew Thief
Ashleigh Ball: Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Mail Pony
Tabitha St. Germain: Rarity, Announcer
Cameo
Cathy Waseluck: Spike
Benjamin Diskin: Boomer Bang
Vin Diesel: Grunt
Rob Paulsen: Rob
Derek Stephen Prince: Metalgear
Skip Stellrecht: Shorty Thinking
Michelle Creber: Apple Bloom
Clair Corlett: Sweetie Belle
Madeleine Peters: Scootaloo
Kira Tozer: Nyx
Jesse McCartney: Lance Justicestrike
Ingrid Nilson: Maud Pie |
My Little Pony Mystic Season 1 | Episode 8: The Lost Treasure of Griffonstone | At Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie Pie was steering her spoon on the bowl of chocolate mixed while singing happily and joyfully. Her pet Gummy was watching the event from the table's top. And she seemed to be happy for doing it.
"This is gonna be so great, Gummy! We have absolutely nothing to do today except bake!" Pinkie exclaimed happily as she continued steering the bowl, "I've been waiting for just the right time to finally try Granny Pie's super-special triple-chocolate, fifteen-layer marjolaine recipe! It's gonna be amazing!"
Pinkie hummed as she checked on list of ingredients she required to make her cake, "Let's see. Nutty meringue, chocolate ganache, praline and nuts, cocoa-flavored buttercream..."
But at the same time, her Cutie Mark glowed bright. Pinkie Pie didn't noticed as she headed to the oven. The oven stopped its heating up. She opened it before took the tray of cakes out. She placed it on the table.
"An hour per layer - that's fifteen hours of pure baking bliss!" Pinkie squealed, "Okay, Gummy, I think we're ready to start prepping the second layer!"
Pinkie Pie stopped as she noticed something. She turned her head back and looking at her flank as her Cutie Mark was glowing.
"Oh, my gosh! My cutie mark!" Pinkie Pie gasped in shock. She turned to Gummy as she whispered, "You know what this means?! The map!"
Pinkie Pie was about to head off to the door but stopped as she turned and looked at her pet - Gummy. She forgotten about making her grandmother's special recipe chocolate cake. And she needed someone to help her accomplish it.
"Uh, Gummy? Could you take over for a bit? Hopefully this'll be quick." Pinkie pleaded as she helped and 'taught' Gummy of how the cake baked on the cup. She instructed, "I'll just measure the baking powder for you. And when the first layer cools, you can drizzle some of the ganache over it. And don't forget to beat the egg whites for the meringue! "
As the Cutie Mark was glowing, Pinkie Pie looked worry and scared as she knew she had to go now. The Cutie Map is calling for her now! She then passed the utility to Gummy's mouth at once.
"I know you can do this, Gummy! You're the best alligator baker I've ever met!"
Pinkie Pie then kissed on Gummy's jaws passionately. Pinkie Pie then bounced happily off to Friendship Rainbow Kingdom at once. With Pinkie left, Gummy fell his head to the table hard as he was doing... Nothing?
At Friendship Rainbow Kingdom's Friendship Meeting, Twilight Sparkle was looking at the Cutie Map along with her friends - Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie. They were summoned by it for the friendship problem to deal with.
Twilight spotted both Rainbow Dash's and Pinkie Pie's Cutie Mark floating and spinning around the the large tree with several branches and houses on top of it Griffonstone. Hers and Applejack's floated around the Phoenix Statue-like on the Northern Ma which was neared to Crystal Empire. She smiled happily as she looked at both places that the Cutie Map had selected for her and her friends to go.
"This is so exciting. The map is summoning you to Griffonstone, the very heart of the griffon kingdom!" Twilight said happily as she levitated the 'Bygone Griffon of Greatness' Book, "I don't know if either of you have read "Bygone Griffons of Greatness", but griffons were known to be--"
Rainbow Dash interrupted angrily as she glared at Griffonstone from her seat, "Rude, insensitive bullies?"
"You mean Gilda?"
"Yeah, I mean Gilda! When she came to Ponyville, she was a total jerk to all my friends, especially Pinkie Pie!"
Some years ago, Rainbow Dash invited her childhood friend - Gilda to her latest home - Ponyville. Instead of making a warm and gentle welcoming to her pony friends, she aggressively bullied and insulted that she and Rainbow Dash are the best and cooler than any ponies while considered them lame. Thus, forcing her to dumped her own best friend for her pony friends.
"She was a bit of a party pooper." Pinkie admitted.
Applejack nodded, "Dash does have the point, Twi. If Gilda is so rude as we all know of, what makes you think of others? And you'd think they're any different?"
"Even so You still get to go to Griffonstone, and according to this book, it has a rich, fascinating history!" Twilight insisted happily.
Twilight took the book as she narrated, "In ancient times, griffons were known to be as greedy as dragons, always hoarding their bits and other treasures."
Twilight shown the book that consisted of Griffons bickering and fighting amongst each other over the money, territories and jewels. Then, a proud brownish Griffon wearing a crown - King Grover held the golden statue with eagle's claw, a feathered wing and an orb within it. The Griffons turned and bowed before their new king for uniting their clan as one. They lived harmonically and peacefully at their Griffon Kingdom.
"But all that changed when King Grover found the mysterious golden Idol of Boreas. Legend says the Idol of Boreas was made from the dust of golden sunsets, blown across the mountains by the north winds. Possessing the Idol of Boreas filled the griffons' hearts with pride. It's said that that one great treasure is responsible for turning Griffonstone into the most majestic kingdom of all the land."
"And why do you care so much about griffons anyway?" Rainbow asked in annoyance.
"It was actually Gilda's visit that made me curious. So I picked up 'Bygone Griffons of Greatness', and I've been hooked ever since! And now..." Twilight Sparkle sighed happily as she looked at Griffonstone landmark, "Now you two get to see Griffonstone with your very own eyes."
Pinkie was surprised as she looked at Griffonstone, "Huh? Just me and Rainbow Dash?"
"Hey, you can totally take my place if you want." Rainbow pretended yawned sleepily, "I still have half a nap to finish."
Pinkie nodded, "Why don't you just come with us? I mean, you are the Princess of Friendship."
Twilight shook her head as she spoke calmly yet a hint of disappointment and upset, "No, no, if the map wanted me to go to the coolest kingdom in all of Equestria and tour the palace and see the actual idol that unites an entire species, which would be super amazing, I'm sure it would've said so."
Twilight then turned and looked at Northern Ma. She smiled, "And besides... I'm looking forward to go to Northern Ma - Home of all talented and loyal Imperial Phoenix Kingdom."
"Isn't that the place where Lord Azure Phoenix ruled after Qin Dynasty and even some corrupted kingdoms before?" Applejack asked surprisingly. She scoffed a bit, "I'm taking that you actually wanted to see Azure Phoenix since he's your new mentor."
"Dark Magic Mentor. Yes, Applejack. It is. I'm looking forward to it. That's not the only thing I'm excited about!" Twilight squealed happily and joyfully, "There were lots of wonders at Northern Ma such as Great Walls of Ma, Qin Emperor's Mausoleum, Terracotta Warriors, Ma's Best Dumpling Dishes and Desserts, Bamboo Scrolls, Famous Princess's Silk, Chinese Chess, Chinese Tea and best of all - Full History of All Ma! YEAH! This is something I've always wanted to check out!"
Applejack smirked, "Eeyup... She's excited about it, and especially Azure Phoenix. He did treated you like his daughter."
"Yeah, he sure did. I'm always so curious of why Azure Phoenix treated most of civil and military officers as his family, even though they're not related. I want to know more about this!"
"So... We just go to Griffonstone while you guys go to Ma to solve the friendship problem, right?" Rainbow Dash asked in annoyance.
Twilight Sparkle nodded, "That's right. You two can handle whatever the issue is just fine. Applejack and I will deal with the Northern Ma's friendship problems."
Pinkie smiled, "Well then, come on, Dashie! We're going to Griffonstone!"
Rainbow Dash sighed, "Fine..."
"That's the spirit!" Pinkie exclaimed happily as she and Rainbow Dash headed off at once. She sang happily, "We're going to Griffonstone! We're going to Griffonstone! We're going to Griffonstone!"
During the train's traveling to Griffonstone, Pinkie and Rainbow Dash were sitting down on their bench as they waited until they reached it. Pinkie looked around happily while Rainbow Dash was reading a book.
"Whatcha reading, Rainbow?" Pinkie asked happily.
Rainbow Dash sighed, "Twilight literally wrote a book on what we need to do in Griffonstone."
"You mean like a guide on how to figure out what problem we're supposed to fix?"
"And then some. It's like Twilight herself in book form."
With her mane turned into her combed and gentle mane, Rainbow Dash imitated Twilight Sparkle's voice, "Always carry plenty of bits. The griffons are sure to help you as long as you share the wealth."
As her mane returned to normal, Rainbow Dash spotted Pinkie giving a large potion of thousand coins to the conductor. Pinkie had taken lots of sweets and candies. As the conductor left with his payment, Rainbow Dash turned and glared at Pinkie Pie.
Pinkie Pie gulped innocently, "Uh, can I borrow some bits?"
Rainbow Dash groaned in annoyance. How will she survive with Pinkie Pie messing around?
Twilight spoken in both Rainbow Dash's and Pinkie's head about Griffonstone, "Upon arriving in Griffon Gorge, be sure to pause and cast your eyes northerly, up the Hyperborean Mountains, taking in the breathtaking beauty of Griffonstone."
As the train arrived at Griffonstone's Train Station, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie packed their stuffs and held them on their backs. They turned and looked up as they found Griffonstone is far away from their position. They both set their journey off to the place.
"Once in Griffonstone proper, go immediately to the palace and introduce yourself to the king. 'Bygone Griffons of Greatness' was written a long time ago, and it ends with the coronation of the fourteenth king of the griffons, King Guto. I have no idea who's in charge now. Tell the king you've been sent by the Princess of Friendship, and you're there to help with some sort of problem."
Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie walked and climbed up the mountains in reaching to Griffonstone. It's quite a long way to go...
"If for some reason the king can't help, I'd try the Griffonstone library next. It's a little known secret that if you befriend a librarian, you can usually find out anything. Plus, as a bonus, there's a statue of King Grover outside! Photo Op!"
Both Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie had arrived at the bottom part of Griffonstone. They walked and climbed the mountain to the top. And hopefully, they can get there in time...
And don't forget to sample some famous griffon scones. They're supposed to be the best.
Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie had finally reached to Griffonstone's entrance. They made it. They marched through it.
"Aw, Twilight should've come along! Then she could see first-hoof that Griffonstone is..." Pinkie commented happily. She stopped as she and Rainbow looked up as they found something shocking about Griffonstone. She remarked, "...a total dump!"
Griffonstone was a completely mess. The cities and houses were in ruined and broken. The tree's branches almost fell off. And for the Griffons, they didn't seem to care about their home or each other. What is going on?
Rainbow Dash and Pinkie walked into city of Griffonstone as they found hard to believe that this was the great and glorious city turned into nothing but a broken and ruined. The city was ruined and a mess. Some branches were nearly broke and destroyed. And so far, not any of Griffons care, think or communicate with each other since they were more concern with their own wealth and welfare than others.
"Ugh. Maybe the map should've called Rarity instead of us." Rainbow commented in shock.
Pinkie bounced around the town as she asked Griffons about Griffonstone, but so far they replied to her was shouting to get lost, moved her aside or passed her by.
"Well, that wasn't very nice." Pinkie commented.
Rainbow Dash huffed at Griffons' behavior, "See? These griffons are exactly like I'd thought they'd be."
Pinkie smiled, "Maybe we should just find the palace so we can ask the king what's going on."
"We don't have a king, losers." The grumpy and rude voice spoke.
Rainbow and Pinkie turned to their back as they found a familiar character that they thought they will never see again...
"Hello, Gilda." Rainbow greeted angrily.
Gilda greeted rudely, "Dash."
"What are you doing here?"
"Uh, I'm a griffon? What's your excuse, dweebs?"
Pinkie jumped in front of Gilda, "Hey! These 'dweebs' are here to help Griffonstone!" Gilda gave her a raised eyebrow. She shrugged, "We're not really sure! But it involves a map and our cutie marks and a problem, and--"
Gilda interrupted, "Bored now!"
Pinkie Pi sighed, "Well if you don't have a king, could you at least tell us where the Idol of Boreas is?"
"Ha-ha! Don't tell me you really believe in that thing." Gilda asked in amusement.
"You'd better believe in it!" The old and grumpy voice exclaimed, "It was the best thing to ever happen to us griffons!"
The trio looked up as they found an old black feathered Griffon with a left-eyed blinded worn a crimson small hat emerged from his stable. He wheezed and coughed heavily. He landed on the ground hard.
Gilda groaned in annoyance, "Oh, great. Now you got Grampa Gruff started!"
"I'll tell you the whole tragic tale..." Grampa Gruff laughed greedily, "...for a couple of bits."
Rainbow Dash sighed in annoyance as she passed two bits to Grampa Gruff. He took bite on the bits in making sure it's real.
"The first griffon king, King Grover, united our kind like we've never been united before or since! And he did it all with that incredible Idol of Boreas." Grampa Gruff explained as he led the trio to Griffonstone Palace., "That idol brought pride to the heart of every griffon that saw it! From one king to the next, Griffonstone had our golden idol. We were the envy of all other species. It held us together - it gave us an identity - right up until the reign of King Guto."
At the Griffonstone Palace, it was complete destroyed, ruined and mess while covered by some weeds and straws since there was no king or anyone lived in the palace since the tragic tale of King Guto's reign.
Grampa Gruff pointed at some picture. First picture shown Arimaspi the half-man and half-goat with one-eyed stolen the Idol of Boreas from the black Royalty Griffon - King Guto after he defeated them. The second picture shown king led his army in chasing after the monster while reclaiming the idol. The third picture shown Arimaspi fell into the abyss, along with the idol. The fourth picture shown King Guto stepping down from his throne.
Grampa Gruff continued, "That's when Arimaspi came to steal our griffon treasure! King Guto tried to fight him off, but Arimaspi managed to get away with the idol! They say when our treasure fell into the Abysmal Abyss, our pride went with it. King Guto was the last king of Griffonstone, and we all lived miserably ever after. The end!"
Pinkie Pie sniffed tearfully, "That was the saddest story ever! No wonder Twilight's book ended with the coronation of King Guto. Who would want to record a history that sad?"
Gilda groaned in anger, "It's not sad! Do we look sad to you?"
Rainbow Dash approached to the Idol of Boreas's resting place. She glanced and analyzed closely at the empty log carefully. She wondered if this was the mission.
Rainbow Dash gasped, "Pinkie, I think I know why the map sent us here. We need to find the Idol of Boreas and bring glory and pride back to Griffonstone!"
"Ha-ha. Here we go - typical pony hero complex." Gilda remarked in annoyance, "None of us care about that dumb old idol. Don't you get it? We don't care about anything, and that's the way we like it!"
"I think Rainbow Dash is right! The map sent us here to fix some sort of problem!" Pinkie said proudly.
"The only problem Griffonstone has is you!" Gilda screamed at Pinkie off.
SWOOP! The arrow struck on the ground hard. Gilda screamed in fear as she dodged the attacks. She and all of her friends looked up as they found some of blue armored wing warriors armed with bows and arrows.
Gilda groaned, "Not them again! Leave me alone!"
Gilda quickly dodged the attacks before she flew straight through the broken windows. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were in confuse and concern. Who were they? Why do they want to hunt Gilda?
"What the heck?!" Pinkie asked in shock, "What was that?"
Grampa Gruff groaned in annoyance, "Not this again!" He turned and looked at the blue armored and masked winged warrior landed on the ground. He roared in anger, "You despicable and dishonorable traitor! Why can't you leave my granddaughter alone, Clawdestroyer?"
Clawdestroyer slapped his fists on Grampa Gruff's face to the ground hard, "Be silent! That is not your business to concern for her! She must face the judgment for the Imperial Phoenix Kingdom!"
"Imperial Phoenix Kingdom?!" Rainbow and Pinkie asked in shock and surprise.
"Rainbow Dash? Pinkie Pie?" The voice asked in surprise. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie turned to their back. They found Blazefist and Laxtinct entered the palace. Blazefist asked, "What are you doing here?"
Rainbow hummed in concern, "We could ask you the same thing. Like why would your general gone berserk in wanting to kill Gilda?"
"Well... Here's the most shocking news," Laxtinct said in concern. He chuckled in concern, "Gilda is the descendant of Noble Guild."
"And why should be I shocked of that?" Rainbow asked dryly.
Blazefist sighed, "Because Noble Guild is the enemy of Imperial Phoenix Kingdom during the Qin Dynasty Era. And not to mention, Clawdestroyer used to work for him." Both ponies were in shock and surprise of what they just heard. He continued, "Believed me. He couldn't stand it in working with his lord since he chose greedy and uncooperative advisors."
Laxtinct nodded, "Clawdestroyer hated his lord."
"Wow... That's gotta hurt," Pinkie Pie said in concern, "Should we help her?"
"Forget it! That's what she gets for being rude to my friends," Rainbow Dash exclaimed in annoyance. She huffed, "Besides, we're gonna find that treasure, make Griffonstone cool again, and get back to Ponyville! Come on!"
"Good to hear." Clawdestroyer said impressively, "I don't want some interlopers come and ruined my revenge on all of Noble Guild's descendants. None will escape from me! I can finally have MY REVENGE!"
Rainbow groaned, "Is this guy seriously like to be drama?"
"Don't ask..." Blazefist said in annoyance, "You could use some help to deal with the problems."
"Sure, why not? Let's go and find that idol!"
Blazefist turned to Clawdestroyer who sighed in annoyance, "You have my permission to do it, Colonel. And be sure that you come back alive. For now, I'm going after that Gilda!"
Blazefist saluted. Clawdestroyer and his troops flew off in finding Gilda. Both him and Rainbow Dash were about to head off but stopped by Pinkie Pie.
"What about Twilight's advice?" Pinkie asked in concern. Rainbow Dash raised her eyebrow at her best friend. Pinkie explained, "She mentioned finding answers at the library."
Rainbow Dash passed the book to Pinkie Pie, "Knock yourself out. But when you get bored with Twilight's tour book, I'll be at the Abysmal Abyss finding the Idol of Boreas."
Rainbow Dash and Blazefist flew off at once as they were on their journey in search of Idol of Boreas. Both Laxtinct and Pinkie sighed in concern and worry.
"What now?" Pinkie Pie asked in concern.
Laxtinct whispered softly to Pinkie, "We should keep an eye on Clawdestroyer. I just hoped that he wouldn't do something stupid."
"Why?"
"As far as I know of Gilda, she's not really bad Griffon. She just want to play cool. And in fact, this one is different from her ancestors."
"I see..." Pinkie gasped, "I know what else we can do! We can stopped Clawdestroyer from killing Gilda and at the same time, we can do some research!"
Laxtinct smiled, "That's not a bad idea. Let's go then."
Pinkie and Laxtinct headed off at once in search of both Clawdestroyer and Gilda as they hoped that the general won't kill the innocent Griffon.
As Rainbow Dash and Blazefist were searching for the Idol, Pinkie and Laxtinct searched for Gilda in hopes that she's safe from Clawdestroyer. They found Gilda trotted across the Griffonstone.
But Pinkie and Laxtinct also found Clawdestroyer and his troops were standing by as they were ready to attack Gilda. They quick jumped in front of Clawdestroyer's units.
"Pinkie Pie! Laxtinct! What the hell are you doing here?!" Clawdestroyer demanded angrily, "Get out of my sights!"
Pinkie squealed in upset, "Aw come on, Claw... You don't have to be so meanie and upset because of Gilda's ancestor. I mean look at her? Does she looked the same as you remembered?"
"Do I even care? As long as she had the blood of Noble Guild, I will have my revenge."
"Why do you hate him so much?"
"Why?! WHY?! I told you fools before, he destroyed everything and everyone I know of! He nearly killed my kin because of some greedy and useless advisors! They were all useless! All of my Griffon kin will be avenged! Gilda must died!"
"Huh?!" Pinkie was in shock and surprise of what she just heard, "You were the Griffon?"
Clawdestroyer removed his helmet as his head was revealed to be a head of eagle with a scar, "What? What do you expect - Santa Hooves?"
"Yeah... Sorry about that. Look why don't I prove to you that Gilda is way different than her ancestors?! If I can't, then you can do what you want!"
"Are you serious? Or is this a deception to lowered my guard down?"
"Nope. It's the truth!"
Clawdestroyer sighed, "Fine... You better don't make me regret..."
Pinkie squealed happily as she and Laxtinct headed off at once. Clawdestroyer sighed in annoyance as he and his troops followed them. They both followed Gilda in heading to town square. They stopped at once. Gilda began preparing and setting her stuffs for the business.
Both Pinkie and Laxtinct whistled happily as they decided to have a chat with her. They prayed that Clawdestroyer don't kill her when they proved to him that she's different Griffon from Noble Guild.
"Hey, Gilda!" Pinkie called. Gilda groaned as she ignored the pink pony. She continued, "Word on the street is that Griffonstone has an amazing library chock-full of answers!"
Gilda groaned as she pointed at her left, "The library's right there, so why don't you go inside and leave me alone?!"
Gilda trotted off as both Pinkie and Laxtinct turned to the left. They both gasped in shock and concern. They found the Library was destroyed and ruined, along with the books since King Guto's Reign...
"Maybe it's good that Twilight didn't come..." Pinkie approached to King Grover's Statue, "It's sad what happened to your town, King, but Rainbow Dash can't be right. This can't all be because of a missing hunk of gold."
Pinkie imitated King Grover, "You are right, Pinkie! And you've got amazing hair!"
Pinkie smiled, "Aw, King Grover, you old charmer!"
"Ah... Pinkie, shouldn't we focus on proving that Gilda is a different Griffon from her ancestor?" Laxtinct reminded.
"Oh yeah! Let's go now! And hopefully, we can think of something to help her."
Pinkie and Laxtinct approached to Gilda. And before they could say anything, Pinkie Pie spotted some Griffons were passing each other by as they refused to communicate, apologizing when they knocked on each other or even care.
Pinkie gasped in surprise, "I know what Griffonstone needs!" Both Laxtinct and Gilda turned and looked at her.She smiled, "A song! I've got a super song about smiling that sure to make even the most grumpy griffon grin!"
As Pinkie inhaled, Gilda placed her claw on the former's mouth as she explained, "Can't sing here!
Gilda pointed at the signboard which shown a 'No Singing' Sign.
"But how do you break into uplifting musical numbers with no singing?"
"Yeah, that's Griffonstone's biggest problem - lack of uplifting musical numbers.
"Well if I can't sing, how about a party? If there's one thing these griffons need, it's a good cheer! Where's your party store?"
Gilda remained silent while glaring at Pinkie Pie.
"No party store? Uh, how about cake? Nothing cheers folks up like cake! Where's a bakery?"
Gilda rolled her eyes as she wondered when Pinkie Pie gonna learned that Griffons hated loud and cute stuffs at Griffonstone.
Pinkie screamed in anger as she grabbed Gilda's neck and shaken her hard, "No singing, no parties, no bakery?! What is this place?!"
"You're welcome to leave-" Gilda yelled angrily at Pinkie Pie off to the walls hard, "-at any time!
Pinkie got slammed straight to the walls hard. She emerged and landed on the ground. OUCH!
"Well, that just takes the cake." Laxtinct remarked in shock, "Wait, no! It can't take the cake 'cause there is no cake! Or muffins! Or griffon scones!"
"Oh, we got griffon scones. That's my specialty." Gilda commented proudly.
Laxtinct and Pinkie gasped as they took their bits out, "I'll buy one!"
Both random ponies passed the bits to Gilda. She then passed two griffon scones into their mouths hard. They both chewed on it like they ate any food but unfortunately, these were too hard to eat...
"Well, you like it?" Gilda asked curiously before scoffed, "That's my Grampa Gruff's secret recipe."
After they chewed their scones, they moaned painfully as they felt their teeth pain. They never thought that scones could be very hard to chew.
"Well, whatever. No refunds." Gilda said in annoyance while looked around at her own home, "I don't even care anyway. I just want to sell enough of these so that I can leave this lousy town. And not to mention, getting away from that crazy Imperial Phoenix Griffon General! He's nutcase to think that I'm a descendant to this Noble Guild. I don't even know him!"
"I can help you with that!" Pinkie volunteered happily.
"You can?" Laxtinct asked in surprise.
Pinkie smiled while squealed happily. Gilda sighed in annoyance as she reluctantly agreed to let Pinki and Laxtinct to help her in baking some griffon scones. Clawdestroyer watched the event as he sighed in annoyance. It's gonna be impossible...
Blazefist and Rainbow Dash had arrived at Abysmal Abyss. They were packed with ropes, helmets and grappling hooks and greenish helmet. But they were not alone as they had a Griffon Guide to help them as well.
Feeling her helmet loosened, Rainbow Dash turned to Griffon Guide, "Uh, you think you could tighten the strap on my helmet?"
Griffon Guide smirked, "Can you give me more bits?"
"Never mind. I got this." Blazefist sighed in annoyance as he helped Rainbow Dash tightened Rainbow's helmet. He muttered, "Greedy Bastard... I forgot how much I hate them since 'Battle of Great Fort'. Glad that Clawdestroyer and the remains of Griffon sided with us..."
Rainbow Dash approached and looked down the abyss. She gulped, "So how deep is this abyss?"
"How deep are your pockets?" Griffon Storekeeper asked greedily.
"Don't you griffons ever talk about anything but bits?"
"Gimme some bits and I'll answer."
"No wonder Gilda's such a delight." Rainbow Dash remarked in annoyance. She turned to Blazefist, "I can see why you keep telling me not to bring the guide here. How did you know?"
Blazefist shrugged, "Clawdestroyer told me about this. He is the griffon. He hated here a lot. Let's focus on the mission."
After minutes in baking the Griffon Scones, Clawdestroyer and his minions watched and looked carefully at the event as they were getting annoying and impatient than before. Pinkie and Laxtinct took a bite on them. They hummed happily yet enjoyable as they chewed on them. They turned to moody Gilda.
"Grampa Gruff's recipe is good," Pinkie complimented, "but it's missing one important ingredient."
"Don't tell me. "Friendship"?" Gilda asked in annoyance.
"Uh, no. Baking powder." Pinkie insisted as she took the baking powder out. She smiled as she poured it on scones. She then passed the tray into the oven, "Lucky for you, I never leave home without it! Now just pop those in the oven, and you'll have griffon scones worth their weight in gold!"
As the oven heating the scones up, the green feathered Griffon with dark green scarf stopped her flying. She sniffed carefully of what scent she just smelt. Before she could do anything, another griffon knocked her hard. She fell to the ground hard.
Gilda gasped, "Greta!"
As Gilda helped Greta up, the latter waved her claw away from the former. Greta took off the air. Everyone was in shock and surprise of what they just saw. Gilda helped her griffon kin?
"Aha! I saw that, Gilda!" Pinkie exclaimed happily, "You may act like a gruff, grumbling griffon, but inside you're gracious and great!"
"What are you talking about?"
"Isn't that obvious? You just helped your friend up when she got knocked down." Laxtinct answered.
"What, her?" Gilda asked in annoyance, "Greta's just some griffon I know. We don't have friends here!" She sighed in defeat and shame, "I did have a friend once, but you saw how that turned out."
"Ouch..." Laxtinct said in shock, "I guess the Griffons are too proud that they really need a friend. Unless we have something nice for them to understand and like, everything will be the big mess forever..."
Pinkie hummed for the moment as she think carefully of what Laxtinct had said. She gasped, "Oh, my gosh, I gotta go find Rainbow Dash and Blazefist! Can you look after Gilda?"
Laxtinct shrugged, "Sure?"
Pinkie headed off at once. Laxtinct turned to the confused Gilda. He shrugged. She shrugged back. Both Laxtinct and Gilda turned and looked at the oven. They waited for the scones be baked and ready for them to eat.
At the Abysmal Abyss, Rainbow Dash and Blazefist looked down at the abyss while the guide stood idly by while watching the event.
Rainbow Dash turned to Blazefist, "You sure we can't just fly down?"
Blazefist shook his head, "No! I don't think it's a good idea! The wind is blowing too hard at us! If we fly now, we'll blown away."
Blazefist tied the ropes to the rock as he and Rainbow Dash climbed all the way down the abyss's deep. As they continued climbing down in using the rope, it got caught on the mountain's edge. It got cut!
Both Pegasi screamed in fear. They tried to flap their wings but instead got blown away and straight to the walls hard. They landed on the small rocked platform hard. They both moaned and groaned painfully as their back hooves got injured and wounded.
"You okay, Dash?" Blazefist asked in concern.
Rainbow Dash nodded as she looked up, "Help! Throw us another rope!"
"You got bits?" Griffon Guide asked.
Rainbow Dash shook her head. She turned to Blazefist who also shook his head. As Griffon Guide saw it, he shrugged bluntly. Instead of helping, he left them!?!
Blazefist gasped in shock before groaned in anger, "Greedy Bastard!"
"Heeeeeelp...!" Rainbow Dash screamed in fear and worry.
But no one came...
Both Rainbow Dash and Blazefist helped each other in treating their wounded legs. Rainbow Dash tried to fly up but instead blown away straight back to the walls. She was about to fall but grabbed by him. Feeling hopeless, Rainbow Dash yelled frustratingly.
"There you are!" A familiar voice called. Both Rainbow Dash and Blazefist looked up. They found Pinkie Pie standing on the edge. She cried, "Forget about finding the idol! I figured out how to solve Griffonstone's real problem - scones!"
Pinkie was about to turn, Rainbow Dash quickly called, "Pinkie Pie! Can you throw down a rope or something?"
"Lemme look!" Pinkie turned back in search of the rope for the moment. She returned as she held the ropes high, "One rope coming up!"
Rainbow Dash and Blazefist held their hooves high in ready to get it but instead, the rope thrown down instead. They both looked up and glared at Pinkie.
"We need help." Pinkie said in concern. She called, "Don't go anywhere!"
Blazefist groaned, "We're doomed."
"No, we're not. Where does she think I'm gonna go?" Rainbow Dash asked in annoyance. Suddenly, the platform rocked and crumbled to pieces forcing both her and Blazefist to move back. She yelped in fear, "I hope we don't go anywhere!"
"She'd better hurry!" Blazefist exclaimed in concern.
All Rainbow Dash and Blazefist could do now was wait and prayed that they're safe from harm...
At the Griffonstone Square, Gilda used her gloves in taking the tray out. The Griffon Scones was ready as they were sizzling and smelt great. She and Laxtinct took a bite on it. They both smiled happily. It was better than her grandfather's original recipe.
Clawdestroyer saw everything but he wasn't convinced as he continued looking at the event. He spotted Pinkie Pie panicking approached both of her friends.
"Rainbow Dash is stuck on a ledge in the Abysmal Abyss," Pinkie exclaimed in concern, "and I need your help to save her!"
Laxtinct gasped in fear and worry. Gilda huffed in annoyance as she looked away from Pinkie Pie.
"Not my problem."
Laxtinct gasped, "Of course it's your problem! She's your friend!"
"Used to be." Gilda corrected.
Pinkie looked concern as she knew Gilda was still worried about her friend. She asked, "Can't you remember when she was?"
Gilda looked concern as she sighed. She recalled of how she met Rainbow Dash.
When she was a cub, she moved to Junior Speedster to learn how to fly. But unfortunately, not everypony cared or willing to befriend since she was a Griffon and different from them. Rainbow Dash came to her as the Pegasus befriended with her. They both became a fast friends as they flew around the area while laughing happily and wildly. They've been friends for very long time.
Recalling the memories had make her cry, Gilda wiped her tears off as she turned to her pony friends, "Fine. I'll help her. But that doesn't make me her friend."
"Duly noted!" Pinkie and Laxtinct saluted. As soon as Gilda, they turned to the front and looking at something? they both smiled, "Except it does!"
Both Pinkie and Laxtinct headed off in leading Gilda to the Abysmal Abyss. Clawdestroyer saw the event as he refused to believe that she was different from her ancestor. His Griffon Guards looked at him as they waited for his order.
"Follow them..." Clawdestroyer ordered firmly.
At Abysmal Abyss, Blazefist and Rainbow Dash struggled in keeping each other safe and avoided from falling as the rocked platform slowly crumbled. Is this the end for them?
"Hang on, loser!" A familiar voice called. Both Rainbow Dash and Blazefist looked up. They found Gilda, Pinkie Pie and Laxtinct were on the edge. She called, "I'm coming!"
Rainbow Dash smirked, "What took you so long, doofus?!"
As Gilda dived down, but she got blown by the strong wind. She quickly clawed on the mountain's wall. She then climbed down in reaching her friends.
With the platform crumbled, both Rainbow Dash and Blazefist fell into the pit. Both Pinkie and Laxtinct gasped in shock. Without having second thoughts, they both grabbed the ropes and tied themselves. They jumped and dived down at once. Seeing what random ponies, Gilda got dragged down.
Though Pinkie and Laxtinct caught both Rainbow Dash and Blazefist, everyone screamed in fear and worry as they continued falling down. They all landed on the rocked bridge. Gilda managed to grabbed it in time but her friends got hang down. They all held tightly on the rope but at the same time, they struggled. Pinkie was holding Rainbow Dash from falling while Laxtinct held Blazefist from falling while grasped on the edge's hard.
"Hold on!" Gilda grunted painfully as she struggled in getting over the top of edge. She stopped as she saw a giant skull with horns and one empty eye. She realized of what it was. Being glared by the golden light, she turned and found a familiar item, "The Idol of Boreas!"
As Gilda struggled in getting the Idol of Boreas, the idol moved and about to fall. But its leg caught on the platform's edge, but it will fall. She struggled in reaching it but her four friends screamed in fear as they were all about to fall into the pit. She realized that she had to choose or she will lost what is important to her. The Idol or friends? What should she do now?!
As four friends struggled in getting up, Gilda quickly pulled the ropes up in bringing both Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie up. They then helped Laxtinct and Blazefist up at once. Before they could do anything, the platform's edge crumbled as Idol of Boreas fell into the abyss.
"The idol!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed in concern.
Gilda shook her head in denial, "You're more important to me than some dumb chunk of gold."
Gilda, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie hugged passionately and happily. Both Blazefist and Laxtinct smiled happily as they saw what Gilda did.
"Well, what do you know?" Blazefist smiled.
Laxtinct smiled, "Friendship till the end..."
Suddenly, the broken bridge's platform crumbled, everyone screeched in fear. No time to lose!
Pinkie yelped in fear as she quickly wrapped the ropes around her friends and tighten it. She exclaimed in shock, "Hugging later, climbing now!"
With everyone tightened their ropes on their waists, they climbed up the mountain rocks to the walls. Clawdestroyer and his troops saw what happen.
Clawdestroyer said in surprise and amusement, "To think that the descendant of Noble Guild had the heart of saving her friends. Perhaps.... She's different than that I remember. It's good thing that Pinkie told me to spare her..."
Clawdestroyer smirked as he and his troops flew off and followed after Gilda and her friends...
As Rainbow Dash and her friends returned to Griffonstone, they had the chats with each other about their regretful pasts and deeds. They were heading straight to Gilda's wagon.
Gilda sighed, "I'm really sorry about how I treated you two."
"Thanks, Gilda." Rainbow Dash smiled.
Pinkie nodded, "Apology accepted."
"And I'm just sorry we didn't get your idol back. Now we'll never be able to solve Griffonstone's problem."
"That's what I was trying to tell you! The map didn't send us here to find the lost Idol of Boreas. It sent us here to replace it with something better!"
Gilda shook her head in denial, "Nothing's better than gold to a griffon."
"That's because you don't have friendship!" Pinkie exclaimed proudly, "If you can learn to care about each other again, Griffonstone could be a mightier kingdom than it ever was before! And you don't need some golden idol to do that. You just need each other."
"Really?" Laxtinct asked in shock and surprise, "So, friendship is better than the gold? Seriously?"
"That was..." Rainbow Dash said in surprise before moaned in annoyance, "really sappy."
"Eh, what can I say? That's how I roll." Pinkie shrugged as she took the tray of Griffon Scones to Gilda. She then pushed the Griffon off. She called, "Go on, Gilda! Go make a friend!"
Gilda approached to Greta as she tried to ask the latter to try her Griffon Scones. But Greta shook her head in denial but Gilda begged her to try. Greta sighed as she tried the Griffon Scones.
"I don't know, Pinkie." Blazefist said in concern, "You really think these griffons are up for this? Clawdestroyer told me that they're too stubborn and proud to have friends. We aren't exactly in Ponyville, you know."
Gilda flew towards her friends as she explained happily, "Okay, so she was really weirded out until I gave her the scone. Then she tried it and said it tasted good! That's the first nice thing anygriffon's ever said to me!"
The Ponies smiled proudly and happily to hear what Gilda had said. And before they could say anything, Rainbow's and Pinkie's Cutie Mark glowed brightly. Everyone gasped in shock and surprise.
"Whoa, Pinkie." Rainbow Dash said in amazement, "I guess that really was the problem we needed to solve."
Pinkie squealed happily as she held the baking powder up, "Baking powder makes baked goods and friendships fluffy and delicious!"
"Well, we'd better be heading home." Rainbow Dash said happily.
Blazefist nodded, "Mission accomplished."
"What?" Gilda exclaimed in shock. "Y-Y-You want me to spread friendship here by myself?! How am I supposed to do that?! I haven't even made one single friend yet!"
"No, you haven't." Rainbow Dash agreed. Gilda looked down in upset. She smiled as she cleared her throat, "You've made four."
"Make that five," The firm voice called. Everyone turned as they found Clawdestroyer approached to Rainbow and her friends. Gilda gulped in concern. He smiled, "Try to stay out of troubles, Gilda. Don't make me hunt you again."
Gilda smiled in relief to see the general of her former ancestor stopped the hunting.
Both Pinkie and Laxtinct cried and sobbed with tears of joy, "Hugging! Hugging now!"
Everyone hugged each other passionately and happily. They have become friends. Griffon and Ponies are one especially Rainbow Dash and Gilda. Everyone departed as they looked at each other for the moment.
"But you'll come back and visit, right?" Gilda asked.
Rainbow Dash smirked teasingly, "Just try and stop us!"
Gilda smiled as she waved her goodbye to her childhood friend. She departed as she had a lunch with Greta. Rainbow Dash and her friends headed straight to the Griffonstone's Entrance.
Pinkie took a glance at King Grover's Statue. It gave a blinked and sparkled.
Pinkie smiled, "See ya later, you old charmer."
"Uh, Pinkie? Who are you talking to?" Rainbow Dash asked in concern.
"Nothing!" Pinkie answered quickly, "Come on, let's go home and see how Gummy did with Granny Pie's marjolaine recipe!"
Clawdestroyer cleared his throat, "Pinkie... I want to say thank you. Thank you for stopping me from killing the last descendant of Noble Guild. She's truly different from what I had expected."
"Aw... Not a problem..." Pinkie smiled happily.
END...
Review and Suggest...
Main Casts
Ashleigh Ball: Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Griffon Guide
Adrian Libman: Pinkie Pie
Maryke Hendrikse: Gilda
David Faustino: Blazefist
P.J Bryce: Laxtinct
Minor Casts
Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle
Richard Ian Cox: Grampa Gruff
Eric Bauza: Clawdestroyer |
My Little Pony Mystic Season 1 | Episode 8.5: The Princess and the Emperor | Within her library, Twilight Sparkle was alone. She approached to the Photography Section. She levitated the book down as she read through the pages of her old photograph. She smiled and giggled happily of looking at them.
Her first picture was her mother held her as a little foal while her father and colt brother were standing near to her. The second picture was her father was playing a game with her. Third picture was her mother teaching her about how to speak. The fourth picture was Shining Armor playing with Twilight Sparkle. Fifth picture was shown her as a filly in getting her book from her family for her first birthday (4-years-old). Sixth picture was her playing together with her family at the park. Seventh picture was meeting Princess Cadance when Shining Armor invited the former as her foal-sitter. Eight picture shown Twilight entered 'Princess Celestia's Gifted School for Unicorns'. Ninth picture shown Twilight raising Spike as her brother/son. And finally, the last picture shown to be her and her family including Princess Cadance smiling at the camera for the graduation day.
"So many fond memories," Twilight smiled. She turned and looked at her graduation day photo. She touched on it gently. She sighed, "I missed you... Mom... Dad... BBBFF... You're the most important ponies in my life..."
Suddenly, Twilight's flank glowed brightly. She turned and found her Cutie Mark was glowing. she gasped in shock and surprise. She knew what it means! She headed off to the Friendship Meeting Chamber at once where her new adventure is about to begin...
At Friendship Rainbow Kingdom's Friendship Meeting Chamber, Twilight Sparkle passed the 'Bygone Griffon of Greatness' Copy to Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie for their journey. Both Twilight Sparkle and Applejack turned to the Cutie Map as they chatted and talked of what they need to do about the friendship problems.
As Pinkie and Rainbow Dash exited the meeting chamber, Night Light and Twilight Velvet entered the chamber. Two ponies greeted the parents before they left.
Night Light and Twilight Velvet both spotted Twilight Sparkle and Applejack were discussing about what to do with Northern Ma. The parents looked at each other for the moment as they both laughed a bit. They both approached to Twilight Sparkle from her back. They both cleared their throat loudly.
Twilight Sparkle was in shock and surprise as she turned to her back. She gasped in surprise and joyfully.
"Mom! Dad!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed happily as she hugged her parents passionately and happily. She nuzzled them for the moment. They hugged and nuzzled her passionately and happily. They departed at once. She smiled, "What are you doing here?"
"Why visiting you, sweetheart," Twilight Velvet giggled happily, "After all, you're our daughter."
Night Light nodded proudly, "Your mommy's right, Cupcake! We know how busy and hardworking you really are at your studies and assignment." He chuckled in amusement, "We wouldn't want to trouble you. You are our little special Princess."
Twilight blushed joyfully, "Oh... Mom and dad... You don't have to do this!"
"Na-ah! Your daddy's right. We don't want to trouble you to come and visit us," Twilight Velvet insisted, "So, we decide to come and visit you. That would make less troubles."
Night Light smiled, "So, what do we say that we go and have our family lunch? Shining Armor and Cadance are here. This would be the blast, Twiley."
Before Twilight could respond, she realized something important to her. She turned and looked at the map. She had the mission to do. She and Applejack had to solve Northern Ma's Friendship Problems. She didn't want to do this but her duty must comes first.
Twilight turned and looked at her parents. They were in concern as they knew what her looks meant. They kept quiet and listened to her reason.
"Mom... Dad..." Twilight Sparkle sighed in upset, "I don't think I can make it because I have a responsible to do. Applejack and I are going to Northern Ma to solve some problems."
Both Night Light and Twilight Velvet didn't say anything as they looked at her with disappointed and upset looks. They were looking forward to spend some quality time with their daughter. They hadn't done that since Twilight Sparkle moved to Ponyville for studying and making reports about Friendship to Princess Celestia.
Applejack nudged Twilight's shoulder while giving her a disapproved and upset look. Twilight shrugged innocently yet shamefully as she didn't mean to hurt her parents' feelings.
Night Light gasped as he had the idea, "Hey, how about this, sweetheart? Why don't we all followed you to Northern Ma? After all, we both always wanted to go Imperial Phoenix Kingdom, and especially we can see all kinds of historical artifacts!"
Applejack smiled, "That's a great idea, Mr. Light! That would make a great family quality time!"
Twilight Velvet smiled in please, "Thank you for the support, Applejack. I'm amazed. Twilight always said that she wanted to have a close sister. And she told me so much about you. You're a really great help, Applejack."
Applejack smiled in please. As she was about to answer, Twilight interrupted as she remarked in concern yet rudely and fearfully.
"Absolutely not! I can't let you go! It's too dangerous!"
Night Light gasped, "Dangerous? What do you mean by that, sweetheart? We've got you. You're the Alicorn! You can beat anything that tried to threaten and hurt us! And don't worry, your old stallion still got some skills to protect himself and your mother from danger. Nothing to be afraid of!"
"Dad! This is serious! What happen if there was a robber or group of terrorists? What if they used you as leverage?! And what happen if I can't protect or saved you?! I can't risk that, dad! It's too dangerous and unsafe! I don't want you or mom get hurt! So, I think it's best-!"
"Excuse me, sweetheart! Are you saying that you're okay to get hurt while we don't?!"
"Yes! That's my responsibility to protect you and Equestria! I don't want to put anyone that is close to me in danger! It's best that you stay here and wait for me."
"Oh no! I'm not agreeing with this! No daughter of mine getting involved of this kind of danger! Not at all!"
"Dad! This is serious!"
"So am I! Do you have any idea how worried and scared your mother and I am?! Whenever we heard you and your friends went into some kind of adventures, battles or diplomatic mission; we both got worried and scared that you may not come back alive!"
"But I'm fine! I come back alive. Safe and sound!"
"Like you were almost killed by Nightmare Moon! You were almost corrupted by Discord and King Sombra! The Changeling Queen almost traumatized you at the hidden cave! And that's not the worst of it, you were almost killed by the plunderseed! I can't stand in listening and watching you get involved and killed during the fight!"
"I'm 21-years-old! I'm not a kid anymore!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed in upset, "I do what I must for my home and the Equestria! I an the Princess of Friendship!"
Night Light argued, "No, you're not! You're my daughter! And I won't risk your life for some stupid mission! If you go to that place, then you'll be grounded for the rest of your life, Twilight Sparkle! And that's final, young lady!"
Everyone and even Twilight Sparkle was in shock and concern. Night Light grounded his own daughter because of the danger he was worried for her?!
Twilight Sparkle sniffed and sobbed tearfully yet angrily, "Why can't you understand me?!"
Twilight Sparkle then galloped at once. Applejack sighed in concern as she followed after her best friend. Shining Armor, Princess Cadance, Lance Justicestrike, Shiroi Bai, Nyx and Spike saw what has happened. And they were all in shock and concern.
Both Nyx and Spike went after Twilight Sparkle and Applejack at once while leaving the rest behind. Night Light and Twilight Velvet emerged from the meeting chamber.
"Mom! Dad! What happen?" Shining Armor asked in concern.
Twilight Velvet sighed as she glared at Night Light, "Ask your father."
Night Light looked at the hallway. He sighed, "I just want her to be safe... That's all I wanted. Why won't she listen to me?"
Everyone remained silent and quiet as they prayed that Twilight Sparkle and her friends reached home safely...
On the train that traveled to Northern Ma, Twilight Sparkle was glaring at the window as she looked at the plow field. Applejack looked at Twilight with her concerned look. Nyx and Spike remained silent as they heard what really happen between her and Night Light from Applejack.
"Twilight," Applejack sighed, "Are you alright?"
Twilight sighed as she answered bitterly, "Yeah. I'm okay."
"Twilight... You shouldn't be mad at your own pops. He didn't mean to upset you... He's... He's just protective and worried for you."
"You don't know him like I do, Applejack. My dad never believed in me that I can handle on my own. When I was a little filly, I dream to become Princess Celestia's trusted and beloved student and teacher. Dad didn't believe in me because he thinks I'm not strong enough to do it. It took some snapping from mom to get him support me."
"And he did. You got your Cutie Mark and adventure we've never had before in our lives. And best of all, we all learned the value and moral behind the friendship."
"Maybe... Even so, my dad still thinks I'm not ready. He still refused to support or help me to further my studies. It's like he doesn't want me to leave."
Spike scoffed, "Come on, Twilight. Mr. Night Light never meant to discourage you so much. He just wants you to be safe from danger."
"Spike's right, mommy. Grandpa Night Light cared and loved you so much. He just didn't want to lose you." Nyx sighed, "Just like how you felt for me when you learned who I really am. Isn't what parents do for their children?"
Twilight sighed, "It's hard to tell when my dad won't listen to me. He doesn't believe in me. He still thinks I'm not responsible of my own..."
Her friends remained silent as all they can do was watch and looked at her. They prayed that Twilight realized of what her father was trying to do for her...
The train had arrived at the Northern Part of Land of Ma. Twilight and her friends looked around of the area as they found how great and beautiful city is, despite them being ancient yet traditional designed houses and fortress. The kingdom looked very safe and secured as there were many guards patrolling and guarding the area. They were armed with their swords, spears, axes, pikes and shields. The Imperial Phoenix Army even armed with bow and arrows and rifles, as well as the artillery weapons.
What impressed them is that the ponies not only lived here, but also some Griffons, Diamond Dogs and even Dragons working and cooperating together as one. Others were like Gremlins, Orcs and Trolls as the labors and workers. They were impressed...
"I didn't know that Ma has lots of other creatures," Applejack said in shock, "They've got some Griffons, Diamond Dog and even Dragons. That's mighty impressive here alright..."
Spike turned to Twilight, "Is that even possible?"
Twilight smiled as she explained, "Land of Ma was founded not only by ponies who tried to avoid the Civil War but also some other creatures. Since that very day, they lived peacefully at the land. But unfortunately, it comes to war when it comes to a disagreement with each other. And they all refused to work together. They formed their own kingdom in taking control of Ma. It lasted for almost 40 years. Qin Dynasty took over the control of Ma as the first dynasty."
"And then Three Kingdoms come as the true kingdoms for leading the army and defending the lives," Nyx smiled, "And just before their fall, more kingdoms tried to control and lead the Ma. But neither are fit to lead the country. So Mystic Ponies sent the former warriors from Three Kingdoms to Ma as the true rulers and dynasties of their home."
Twilight smiled in approve as she nodded in agreement.
Applejack hummed in concern, "But if that's true, then why did the map sent us here?"
"Only one way to find out," Twilight said calmly, "Find and ask Lord Azure. He can help us to solve friendship problem."
The train stopped at the train station. Twilight and her friends came down from the train. They headed straight to the Xu Chang City. Unknown to them, they were followed by a mysterious figure as he watched the event.
"They've come... At last... Everything will come true..."
They looked around of the places as they found how peaceful the Northern Ma creatures were. They make a good sales and trades. They worked together as one in building some houses and workshops. The Northern Ma Citizens greeted them in coming to their home. The city was fortified and guarded seriously by the guards across the area.
Twilight and her friends knew one thing for sure about Imperial Phoenix Kingdom. Never let their guard down so easily...
Twilight and her friends arrived at the large and biggest Chinese Palace-like. They were about to enter the palace's entrance. But they got blocked by Imperial Phoenix Guards.
"Hold!" Imperial Phoenix Guard #1 demanded.
Imperial Phoenix Guard #2 nodded, "State your name and intention of visiting Ma Lou Yang Palace?!"
"Boy... They could at least be more gentle and nice," Spike commented in annoyance.
Twilight hushed Spike before turned to the Imperial Phoenix Guards, "My name is Twilight Sparkle. These are Applejack, Nyx and Spike. And we are here to see Emperor Azure Phoenix. It is very urgent."
Imperial Phoenix Guard #1 hummed in concern as he spoke, "Unfortunately... We can't."
Imperial Phoenix Guard #2 nodded, "Unless you have the passage documentary approved by the Emperor himself, none shall see him even if it means urgent."
Twilight Sparkle gasped as she slapped her face for being stupid, "I can't believe that I forgotten to ask Lord Azure for that! And now, we can't enter the palace!"
Applejack groaned, "Now what?"
Behind of Twilight and her friends, the carriage stopped as three ponies emerged and climbed down from it. The first was Strikespell the white Unicorn Stallion with black long mane and tail in short ponytail dressed in his prince's robe and armor while his Cutie Mark was a Dual Blade with Ice Element. The second one was his wife - Fluteheart the cyanish Unicorn with brown mane and tail in bun-shape dressed in her black and blue dress. And last one was Reed Prodigy a Unicorn Child with blond mane and tail.
The Unicorns spotted Twilight and her friends standing before the entrance. They knew why they were here.
Strikespell cleared his throat, "It's alright, guards. They're with me. Father told me that they have a meeting with him."
Imperial Phoenix Guards nodded in understanding as they moved aside. Twilight and her friends smiled in relief. Strikespell and his family marched in while they followed the former. They walked through the courtyard to the palace.
"Thanks for letting us in, Prince Strikespell," Twilight thanked happily, "Otherwise, we wouldn't have gotten in to see your father."
Strikespell chuckled a bit, "My pleasure, Twilight. But please be sure that you and your friends are best in behavior. I heard that Dragon Brotherhood had some bad manners at the Gala before."
Fluteheart nodded, "Indeed... They're such barbarian and rude dragons. At least here, the Imperial Dragons have better manners than they are."
Spike rolled his eyes in annoyance, "I'm not Boomer. I've got some manners. Twilight and Rarity never stopped teaching me about manners."
Nyx nodded, "We'll behaved."
Reed laughed in amusement, "Well. Let's hope our grandfather don't lose his temper from like last Twilight Time. That was the close call."
"So, what is it that you wish to speak with my father," Strikespell asked curiously, "Usually, my father come to you for lesson or giving you some advice for your problems. And this is the first time to see you visiting our kingdom."
"Well. I'm pretty sure that you heard about Cutie Map." Twilight answered. Strikespell nodded in agreement. She continued, "Both me and Applejack were sent by the map here to solve some kind of problem. And I had the feeling you know something about it."
"Believe it or not. We have grim crisis than anything Imperial Phoenix Kingdom had faced with. This is not a war, economy nor politic crisis."
"What do you mean?"
Strikespell gave Twilight Sparkle a firm and serious face, "A Ghost of the Past has come to haunt my father..."
Twilight Sparkle gulped in concern, along with her friends. And they realize that the challenge may not be easy as they thought when they had to deal with a Ghost who haunted on Azure Phoenix for some strange reason.
The mysterious figure approached to the entrance. Imperial Phoenix Guards stopped him from entering the palace. He held the bag of bits which tempted the Guards to let him. He smirked darkly as he entered the palace.
Strikespell guided and led Twilight and her friends through Ma Lou Yang's Palace. They went through the palace's interior and exterior as they found it very beautiful and grand despite being so ancient-type, and even the gardens looked very beautiful and passionate as well. They were impressed of it.
"If Rarity was here," Applejack joked in amusement, "Rarity would have gone drama and excited of how great and grand the palace is. She would have designed something special and great for her dresses."
Twilight giggled, "You've got that right. If I had known how great this kingdom is, I would have come and lived here with my family together. I can learn everything of what it means to be a good ruler as Lord Azure and Princess Celestia."
"I'm pleased that you like it, Twilight," Strikespell said calmly. He sighed, "That's what my little sister. You looked so much like her..."
"Excuse me?" Twilight asked in concern.
Strikespell cleared his throat, "It was nothing. Come on. Let's keep moving..."
Strikespell lead Twilight and her friends to his father's private office where Azure Phoenix was chatting with his officers - James Hong, Schemetrick, One-Eyed Anger and Bladestrike about politics and situation. The former entered the office but at the same time, they overheard what the Emperor and his officers were discussing and chatting about.
"Your majesty," Master James Hong spoke, "I've brought some good news. The agriculture is well now due to our new effective and strong growing spell and seeds for our supplies."
Bladestrike nodded, "We have fortified and strengthen the defenses as you had requested for all of strategic location and fortress. No enemies will pass of that easily."
One-Eyed Anger nodded, "As you had requested, we have strengthened the securities. So, nopony will come and assassinate you. Rest assured. We won't let them have it without the fight."
Azure Phoenix sighed in concern, "And what about the missing children and citizens, as well as our soldiers? Did you found them yet?"
"No, sir... We're still looking for them," Schemetrick said, "We'll try our best to get them back safely."
"Not best enough!" Azure Phoenix snapped angrily. Everyone was stunned and shocked by his tone. He continued, "First, there were some crisis that we never had problems for nearly three months. And then, we have both innocent and soldiers went missing that we have no idea how or why it happens. And now... I have somepony tried to assassinate me when I haven't done anything wrong!"
"My lord, calm down! We will settle things. I promised you." Schemetrick calmed Azure Phoenix down.
"You'd better..." Azure Phoenix muttered in annoyance and disappointed. He then looked up as he found some familiar ponies he knows of. He gasped, "My son? Twilight? What are you doing here?"
Twilight giggled uneasily, "I was hoping that we could have a chat. But seeing you being busy, I think we'll wait outside."
"Do not worry, Twilight. Our council is done already. Now we can have chat? Is anyone hungry?"
Twilight and her friends smiled uneasily since they hadn't have some lunch. At Throne Chamber, Azure Phoenix and his family sat on throne seats while his officers sat on left and civil administrators sat on right. Twilight and her friends sat at the guest table which was close to the family throne seats. They all were eating some rice, vegetables, ginger and noodles.
Applejack hummed happily, "These are delicious. You Ma Ponies are very good at it, aren't y'all?"
Spike nodded, "Yeah... And not to mention, they'll all healthy and delicious." He sighed, "I could use some gems for my dessert."
"Unfortunately, we don't," Azure Phoenix replied firmly. He turned to Twilight Sparkle, "So, Twilight Sparkle. What brings you here to my home? Has Celestia asked you to deliver a message?"
"Well... No exactly..." Twilight admitted sheepishly. Azure Phoenix looked at her suspiciously and oddly. She sighed, "Well. You already know what Cutie Map is. It sent both me and Applejack here to solve some friendship problem. We don't know what but..."
Applejack continued, "We believed that you were having some kind of trouble with this 'ghost'. Your son told us about it."
Azure Phoenix sighed in defeat, "Yes... We do have some troubles. It happens a week ago after some minor crisis had been dealt with. In my sleep, I encountered this ancient ghost. He said that as long as I lived, ponies you tried to protect shall disappeared. I'd never believe in him. I thought he was trying to trick me. But..."
"The fillies and colts went missing last week." Strikespell added up, "After that, more of both soldiers and civilians went missing including the officers, politicians and some of my family members. We don't know why and how. But we do know is that there is a possible rebellion that wish to overthrown my father. And at the same time, there were some disturbance and crisis as well."
Schemetrick nodded, "Such as our armory, artillery and weapons have been sabotaged and destroyed. The soldiers grew weary and scared without the general's guidance and commands. Agriculture and supplies often got poisoned by unknown source. The mines and even some of important historic artifacts were destroyed. And the worse of all, some assassins had infiltrated and tried to assassinate our Emperor."
"Whenever we caught them within our grasps, they got turned into dusts before we got interrogate them. These punks were one step ahead of us. They don't want us to know what's going on until Azure Phoenix stepped down." Anger scoffed angrily, "Not on my watch! I'm not going to let that happen without the fight."
Bladestrike nodded, "Agreed. Have they no courage to speak complains to us but to insult our Emperor and assault our military strength and might? Cowards..."
Azure Phoenix sighed in annoyance, "This will cause ponies to question my leadership. After nearly 1,000 years of ruling the country, this never happen before. I refused to surrender to this enemy of mine. I will not let these rebels take over my home without the fight."
"Yes... His majesty spoke the truth," Master James said in concern, "If we do not solve this in time, our kingdom will fall. Northern Ma will be in chaos."
Both Twilight Sparkle and Applejack looked worry and concern. They knew that Azure Phoenix and his Imperial Phoenix Kingdom are suitable in ruling Northern Ma for centuries. If their kingdom was removed like before, there will be chaos. They also doubt that Western Dragon and Water Tiger Kingdom could have strong ideal to calm them down.
"You think this is the friendship problem?" Applejack asked curiously.
"Maybe it is. Lord Azure needs us to find and deal with the insurgency. But in reality, we need to befriend them to change sides and help Lord Azure. But we need to do something first," Twilight said proudly as she turned to Imperial Phoenix Members, "Your majesty, I know what we can do."
Azure Phoenix and his troops turned and looked at her as they all wondered of what kind ideas she had in mind to stop the insurgency.
"These fools have no idea of what they gotten themselves into. And soon the fallen dynasty shall rise from its ashes. All will fear the true ruler of Ma..."
Outside of the study, the mysterious figure smirked darkly and evilly. He was expecting it from the start. He magically disappeared.
Spike gulped in concern, "I still think it's the bad idea..."
Strikespell led Fluteheart, Applejack, Spike, Minister James Hong and Bullhound across the town in search of clues and leads to any connection or suspects. But at the same time, using Strikespell as the bait to lure the assassins out for them to capture them alive.
"We don't have much of the option, Spike," Applejack said in concern, "And besides, we need to know more about this rebellion and how they able to cause the rackus without any of Imperial Phoenix Guards to realize. Twilight also thinks that someone is behind of this mess as well."
Strikespell nodded in agreement, "And the only one way to lure them is a bait. And who would be a better bait than the heir of Azure Phoenix."
"It's risky and dangerous," Flutterheart said in concern, "I don't like it..."
"If they come and kidnapped our prince," Bullhound snarled a bit as he held his wrecking ball on his back, "I'll pound them to the ground."
Master James sighed, "Let's pray that we won't stay here for long. I can't stand it for the assassins to assassinate my prince and lord."
"Hopefully, it's not too long... Hopefully, we can find the clue." Applejack said in concern. She then noticed most of ponies and other creatures quickly hid behind their doors and homes from making contacts with the royalties. She hummed, "Is this always happen?"
"Yes... Why?" Strikespell asked curiously.
"Well... They seemed to be scared of you. But you and your family are the rulers while they didn't seem to be happy. Care to explain why?"
"It's simple. We use fear on them. Fear earn the respects and loyalties. We also had to make our enemies feared at us, so none can challenge us. We show this strength and might to the world that we're the strongest nation among Equestria. That is the way of Imperial Phoenix Kingdom."
Applejack sighed as she looked at the ponies locked their gates and doors from going out and in, "I get it. But still... It's not right..."
Spike gasped as he pointed his finger out, "What is that?!"
The ponies looked as they followed where Spike was pointing at. They spotted a brownish stoned Ma Pony standing idly neared to the restaurant. They then approached to it.
"What the heck is this?" Spike asked in concern, "This guy looks scary."
"That's the Terracotta Warrior - ancient soldier who guarded the First Emperor of Ma - Qin Wang Di," Strikespell answered. Applejack and Spike turned and looked at him. He continued, "When his death approached, he wanted his tomb to be hidden and kept secrets from his enemies at all cost. But it wasn't enough. When the craft ponies came to him, they presented the Terracotta Warriors as not only guardians and sentinels against the intruders but also guarding the spirit once he reached to the Heaven."
Applejack approached and looked at it carefully. She whistled, "Why... That's fascinating. It feels like that the pony was turned into stone. I can see why Twilight wanted to see them. They're amazing. These statues wouldn't able to keep their pieces together for 1,000 years unless it's got something to do with materials and crafts in making this happen."
Strikespell nodded, "Which is also true. They kept the Terracotta Warriors beneath the underground for a warm and cool temperature to make them hardened and strong for the rest of years. So, they were all place together at the underground in guarding the Emperor's Tomb."
"That's awesome..." Spike said in surprise. His surprise face turned into worry and concern as he looked at the statue, "But what's it doing here when it supposed to be guarding the Emperor's Tomb?"
"Hmm... Good point..." Strikespell said in concern, "I don't recall them being moved here."
Applejack narrowed her eyes at the Terracotta Warrior, "Something's ain't right..."
As Applejack and her friends looked at it carefully, the Terracotta Warrior stood still and did nothing. They shrugged as they decided to leave it. As they continued trotting the Ma Lou Yang area, the mysterious figure approached to Terracotta Warrior. He smirked as he took some powder and poured on it
But nothing happens. Suddenly, Terracotta Warrior turned its head and looked at them. What the heck?!
At the study room, Twilight and Nyx were investigating the mystery behind the rebellion and attacks in bringing Azure Phoenix down. Imperial Phoenix Officer have passed all of the evidence and information to them to investigate the mystery. They spent nearly 5 hours in searching for the answers.
Twilight looked closely at the map of Ma Lou Yang and Xu Chang City. It consisted of crimson pins on the map which shown to be attacked by the mysterious rebellion. So far, the only clues she found was some hardened clay pieces and some messages which were located from the incident. Nyx looked through some books in hopes to find some answers that may related to the rebellion. Twilight Sparkle checked them thoroughly in hoping to find the answers of why they wanted Azure Phoenix to be overthrown. So far, it was nothing.
Azure Phoenix entered the study room while levitating the tea. The balded Earth Pony worn the heavy armor Rhino Armor and Reed followed his master. He approached to Twilight.
"Everything alright?" Azure Phoenix asked in concern. Twilight Sparkle turned and bowed before him. He smiled, "There is no reason for you to bow before me, Twilight. Rise, my student. Why don't you take a break? Chinese Tea clears your mind and makes you relax."
Twilight sighed, "No... I shouldn't. I have to find out of who is he and why he did this to you. I won't rest until I find this criminal..."
Nyx nodded, "That's my mother. When it comes to mystery and books, she won't rest until she solved it. That's her way to find the answer."
Azure Phoenix shook his head in denial, "Take a rest. Perhaps, would you like to have a chat with me?"
Twilight yawned softly, "I could take a break..."
Twilight and Nyx decided to take a break at once. Azure Phoenix poured the tea on their cups. They all drank the tea while eating the Mooncakes.
Nyx hummed happily, "Wow... These mooncakes were great! When Nightmare Night happens, we could have them to celebrate!"
Azure Phoenix chuckled in amusement, "True... But we only make mooncakes when the 15th Moon of September comes. But this one, I make it special..."
"Why is that?"
"Have you heard the Legend of Moon Princess?" Azure Phoenix asked curiously. Nyx shook her head in concern. He smiled as he began narrated the story of Moon Princess.
"This one is special. It happens during the Qin Dynasty. One day on The Fall Season, the Emperor's Concubine Yue came across the drought village where ponies suffered from sun's wrath. Unable to see them suffered, she levitated the moon while lowered the sun down to save them. Her older sister was worried and disappointed at her doing. But the General stopped as he defended her and proved that ponies were happy to be saved from suffering. Until the rain comes, the moon stayed for ponies to be healed. To honor her for saving their lives, they gave the offering of fruits to her as the symbol of healing. And interesting of it was her putting the fruit into a cake. Both her and the general makes the very first mooncake as the symbol of respect and worship to the full moon and herself. Thus, it became the Ma's Special Moon Festival Day in honor of Princess Luna."
"Wow..." Nyx said in surprise and happy, "Princess Luna was the pony that Ma Ponies worshiped her as their savior and god. And she's the responsible of making mooncakes with the general?"
"That's right..."
"Wow... That's so cool! Who was the General that Princess Luna in love with?"
"That story will be another time, Nyx." Azure Phoenix turned and looked at Twilight Sparkle who was looking at the map and clues she found so far. He knew what she was thinking. He spoke, "Still trying to find the answer?"
Twilight Sparkle sighed, "Sorry... I didn't mean to be disrespectful, Lord Azure. I'm just worried and scared that I won't able to solve the case and save you in time."
"Rest assure, my dear. Everything will be fine. I'm sure you will find the answer."
"Lord Azure... There's something I wanted to ask something important. It's about-!"
"Do you know how to serve the tea?" Azure Phoenix asked curiously. Twilight Sparkle was surprise and shock as she nodded her head. He smiled, "Make a tea and served me."
Twilight Sparkle nodded her head in understanding. She levitated the book about tea. She read them carefully. She smiled as she make the tea perfectly. She poured it into a cup. She levitated the teacup before Azure Phoenix.
"Your majesty, I brought you a cup of tea," Twilight Sparkle spoke humbly.
Azure Phoenix shook his head, "Not correct... Try again, my dear..."
Twilight looked at Nyx who shrugged innocently and confusion. She sighed as she bowed while levitated the teacup, "Your majesty, would you like to have a tea?"
"That is correct, Iris Crystal..." Azure Phoenix smiled as he levitated the teacup. Twilight Sparkle and Nyx gasped in surprise and shock. Did he called her Iris Crystal? He continued, "I've always enjoyed your graceful ways of serving tea. We both taught you well, my beloved daughter..."
Twilight Sparkle was in confuse and surprise of him calling her Iris Crystal but at the same time, she had the feeling he missed her so much since her death...
From the outside of study room, both One-Eyed Anger and Schemetrick saw what has had happened. They were surprised yet understanding and concerned. They knew why he called Twilight his daughter's name and how much he really missed her.
"Lord Azure?" Twilight spoke in concern. Azure Phoenix looked at her. She sighed, "Why did you call me that? Was it because of my appearance?"
Realize his mistakes, Azure Phoenix sighed, "Yes... Were you bothered and upset by me? Then, accept my apology for being bluntness and blind."
"No... It's just that... You did miss her, didn't you?"
"A lot... She was the most beautiful yet kindhearted and gentle but surprisingly strong, brave and stubborn as her parents. She was so special as my first-born son and others..." Azure Phoenix sighed in disappointment, "My greatest and deepest regret was not loving her enough. I didn't give her more freedom or even spending some quality time with her. I didn't help her to be strong or having friends. All I want... is her to be safe from danger..."
"Safe... From... Danger..."
"Twilight? Was something bother you?
"Well... Yes... It was my father. He and I often argued of what I wanted for myself. He didn't believe in me. He didn't support me. And the worst thing I couldn't stand the most is that he refuse to see that I'm a grown-up mare. He thinks I'm not mature enough. It's really pointless. He doesn't love me..."
"You're wrong, Sparkle..." Azure Phoenix said firmly yet calmly. Twilight was in shock and surprise as she looked at him. He continued, "Your father did support and believed in you. And most important of all - he loved you so much..."
Twilight was surprise as she asked, "How would you know? You'd never met my father."
"But I know how he feels. My daughter and I often argued but at the end, we're willing to accept each other's opinions. While my mind was fearful and worried that my daughter would be in grave danger because of me but in my heart, I do believed she is ready. I'm proud to have a good and special pony in my life. While your father stubbornly to admit you're strong and independent pony, he will and always love you so much, as what fathers did for his children."
"Really?"
"Yes, Twilight Sparkle. I will and always be proud of my children. And all I want is to see them alive and be safe. And most important of all, make the right decision and choice for the world. That's all I'm asking."
Twilight was in shock yet surprise and touched by Azure Phoenix's wisdom. She realized that her father did care for her, even though he was too stubborn to realize that she's not a little girl anymore.
She smiled tearfully as she hugged him passionately and happily. Nyx smiled while sniffing tearfully as she wiped her tears off. She knew and understand what her mother feels. All she wanted was her father to be proud and approve of her for being an independent, matured and able to make good friends.
"Sorry!" Twilight departed in fear and concern, "I-I-I-I-I didn't mean to do that! I... I just need-!"
Azure Phoenix smiled as he patted Twilight's mane gently, "I know. You feel shame and regret about not understanding your father's way of love. You just want him to see that you've mature well. I know. And I understand..."
"Thank you, Lord Azure Phoenix. Can I get a hug? I think I understand why they call you the 'Father of all Phoenix'." Twilight asked happily.
Azure Phoenix nodded in understanding as he and Twilight hugged passionately. Nyx hugged them both as well. As they were all hugging, Twilight took a glance at the map again. She noticed something about it. She saw the empty space which was located between Ma Lou Yang Palace and Xu Chang City.
Twilight gasped as she departed from Azure Phoenix and Nyx. She approached to the map. She looked and analyzed it carefully as if she found something surprisingly.
"What is this place, Lord Azure?" Twilight asked curiously.
Azure Phoenix answered, "That is where both Qin Wang Di's Tomb and Terracotta Warriors located."
"I knew it!" Twilight exclaimed in shock and surprise. Azure Phoenix and Nyx looked surprise and concern of what she had said. Both Schemetrick and Anger entered the study room. She turned to them as she levitated the hardened clay armor up, "I know where this came from. I think I know who is this Ghost of the Past. But I need your help."
Everyone was in shock and concern of what they heard. Twilight knew who was the suspect being responsible of causing chaos at the Northern Ma. But who? Who did this to bring Azure Phoenix and his Imperial Phoenix Kingdom down?
Twilight explained of what was going and happening at the Northern Ma. She then pointed at the empty area which was between Ma Lou Yang and Xu Chang City. Everyone was surprise and shocked by it.
"Are you certain of it, Twilight?" Azure Phoenix asked in surprise.
Twilight Sparkle nodded her head firmly, "Yes. Yes, I am. I'm sure of it. There's no doubt of it."
"If this is true, then there might be someone wants the revenge," Schemetrick said in concern, "By tarnishing your reputation and destroying all the effort you had tried in protecting the North, ponies will turned against you."
One-Eyed Anger hissed, "Our kingdom will fall."
"Not for long..." Azure Phoenix said firmly. He then closed his eyes like he was contacting with someone. He gasped in concern, "I can't reach my son. Something had blocked my mental link to him..."
Twilight Sparkle gasped in concern, "Applejack! Spike! We have to find them!"
Twilight headed off at once while Nyx followed her mother. Azure Phoenix and his officers followed them as well in keeping two mares from harm...
Twilight and her friends had arrived at the city of Ma Lou Yang in search of their friends. As they searched and looked around, the city was empty but quiet as well. Twilight Sparkle and Nyx were uncomfortable and concerned, though they noticed some ponies hid and locked their homes. So many ponies refused to come out and enjoy their day or greet their Emperor.
"Is this always like that?" Twilight asked in concern.
Azure Phoenix nodded, "Yes... When the Emperor marched on the street, the ponies must either bowed before him or returned to their home unless they were told by him. That is the traditional way to respect the Emperor."
"This is more like fear to respect than joy to respect," Twilight said in concern. She sighed, "No wonder you and Princess Celestia broke up. No offense."
"None taken... Why would you be concern of this?"
"One - you're the Emperor, you should care and love your ponies, not make them feared you. You were supposed to make them better. Second - you used fear on enemies, not your own. And third and important of all, don't pretend to be something you're not."
"What are you trying to say, Sparkle?"
"I'm trying to say that you should be yourself. There is no reason to hide yourself."
"Twilight Sparkle... What makes you think that I hide myself?" Azure Phoenix asked in annoyance, "I am the Emperor of Northern Ma. All feared me because of my strength and cunning to defeat the enemies and make my nation strong."
"Because I was too afraid," Twilight admitted as she looked at Azure Phoenix, "I was afraid that ponies may not like who I really am. I was afraid nopony will like me. But when I met my Ponyville friends, they shared their friendship with me. I was so happy and proud to have it. I shown my true self to them. And they're happy to be my friends. And I know deep down, you were actually a kind and noble leader but feared ponies will used it as your advantage."
"Twilight Sparkle... How dare you-?!"
"This is modern days, not ancient. And it means that it's time to change and show who you really are and what you are meant to be. I want to meet the real you. I want to know who you really are. And above all, do you treasure your friendship with everyone you love, care and trust?"
"Twilight Sparkle..."
Azure Phoenix was stunned, surprised and shocked of how Twilight reacted to him like she knew who he really was and how he felt. He then saw her image blurred as she turned into someone he was familiar and yet to see her for a long time.
"So... Who you really are, Azure Phoenix?" Iris Crystal asked calmly, "It's okay to show who you really are from the inside. I know on the outside that you want the world feared you but to protect ponies you've cared and loved."
Azure Phoenix asked in stun and shock, "Iris Crystal..."
"Iris?" Iris Crystal asked in surprise.
The image blurred and turned into Twilight Sparkle. Azure Phoenix shook his head hard before looking at her again. And before any of them could speak or ask, Bladestrike approached to Azure Phoenix at once.
"M'lord! We found something!" Bladestrike exclaimed in concern as he took the Texan Hat up and Dual Blade, "Applejack's Hat and the Prince's blade."
Twilight Sparkle gasped in fear, "Applejack... No..." She turned to Azure Phoenix, "We have to find them now! To the Emperor's Mausoleum!"
Azure Phoenix nodded his head in agreement as he and his allies headed off at once. They were all heading to the Emperor's Mausoleum in search of their friends and allies...
Within the mysterious chamber, Applejack moaned and groaned painfully as she slowly regained her conscious. As she looked around, she gasped in shock and concerns.
She found herself trapped and chained before the floating tomb. She looked behind as she found all of her friends (Spike, Strikespell, Fluteheart, Bullhound and Minister James Hong) were chained to the pillar. She also found thousands of hanging cages contain almost all the missing ponies from Ma Lou Yang and Xu Chang City. And of her surroundings, the chamber was filled with thousands of Terracotta Warriors.
"What the hay-?" Applejack asked in concern. She turned to the front. She found the mysterious hooded pony approached her. She yelped, "Who- Who are you?! What do you want?!"
The mysterious figure smirked darkly as he held the knife out. Applejack gulped in fear and worry as she doesn't like it one bit.
"Let the Qin Dynasty risen from the Hell! Long Live the Qin Emperor!"
Using her magical tracker on Applejack's Texan Hat, she followed her best friend's scent. Her friends followed them at once. For hours they had spent in following the scent, they arrived at the large Chinese Temple-like on the barren wasteland. They knew what it was. They were on the right track.
"This has to be it," Twilight said firmly. She put Applejack's hat on her head, "If I have to guess correctly, then he is the responsible of the conspiracy."
"But why here?" Anger asked in concern.
Bladestrike nodded in concern, "Indeed... Beneath the walls, it was nothing but tomb of first Emperor of Ma and Terracotta Warriors."
"No... There's definitely something going on," Twilight said firmly.
Twilight Sparkle rushed into the temple at once. Nyx followed her mother at once to ensure that she is safe from harm. Azure Phoenix and his army stood by as they all wondered of what they should. Should they follow her or keep on looking for more clues?
"Sir..." Schemetrick asked in concern.
Azure Phoenix had his eyes narrowed firmly as he took a deep breath and released it, "Let's follow her. Let us end this conspiracy once and for all..."
Azure Phoenix and his army entered the temple at once. What lies ahead, no one knows...
Within the Emperor's Resting Chamber, the mysterious figure chanted darkly and evilly as if he was calling upon something while Applejack and her friends were still trapped. As Applejack's table slowly flipped upward, the chains tightened the grip around her hooves. She gulped in fear as she doesn't like what happen next...
The mysterious hooded figure turned to Applejack. He continued, "Oh... Great Emperor of Qin! Hear my voice! I've brought you the greatest sacrificial pony you ever feast upon! I have brought you your power! I've brought you your strength! And I've brought you your eternal youth! I have brought the Wielder of Element of Honesty before you! Feast upon her blood and soul! You shall be reawakened!"
Applejack gasped, "No, Don't!"
The mysterious hooded figure held his knife up high, "Prepare to meet your destiny! Let your soul shall sold to the Great Emperor! Let him live!"
"STOP!" The familiar voice screamed in anger and resistance. Everyone stopped as they turned and found Twilight Sparkle and her friends stood before their allies. She spoke, "That's far enough! You will not resurrect the Emperor, Seekcurse!"
Everyone gasped in shock and surprise of what they just heard. Did she called the figure Seekcurse?!
"Are you certain?" Schemetrick asked in concern.
Twilight Sparkle nodded her head, "No doubt of it... The only ponies who knew about this place is General Han Zero, General Wolverine Thrust, Commander Azure Phoenix, Prime Minister Con and finally the traitorous Seekcurse. And that's not all, those pieces of hardened clay we found from the crime scenes. They were actually Terracotta Warriors! You somehow managed to put them alive, to avoid being found by Imperial Phoenix Soldier for almost every night to play their tricks! You wanted Azure Phoenix to step down, so you can replace someone you had respected since your first day as Eunuch! Isn't it, Seekcurse?!"
Everyone was silence as they were all shocked and surprised by Twilight's respond. The mysterious figure then laughed in amusement like he was expecting it or find it funny. He removed his hood as he revealed to be a young fat pony with black mane in bun shape dressed in his black Ancient Eunuch Uniform.
"Impressive... Everything you said is true..." Seekcurse nodded, "But... How did you know I survived and lived for a long time?"
Twilight narrowed her angry eyes, "It's simple... I read the history and Azure Phoenix told me about what happen from the past! You stole the Immortal Pill for yourself while letting the Emperor died. You feared that he would punish you for betraying him because of all the deeds you had committed against the nation and citizens, isn't it?"
"Again... Correct. But not this time. This time, I will correct my mistakes! I will restore the order in the name of QIN! Emperor Qin Wang Di will live once again as the true ruler of Ma!"
"You're wrong! Three Kingdoms are better than any kingdom! They are the true rulers of Ma! Not you or the former Emperor!"
Azure Phoenix took his sword out in ready to fight, "Seekcurse! I will have my revenge!"
Seekcurse smirked, "We shall see... Guards! Terracotta Warriors! Take care of them now! Kill them all! For the true Emperor of Ma!"
As if rudely awaken, Terracotta Warriors had their eyes glowed darkly and yellowishly. They unsheathed and took their swords, pikes, spears, bows and arrows, crossbows and arrows out in ready to fight their enemies. They then marched towards Twilight and her friends. They're in trouble now!
"Now what?!" Nyx asked in concern.
"Warriors, freed your comrades and peasants! Fight our enemies to the death!" Azure Phoenix turned to Twilight, "You and Nyx must save Applejack! I will deal with Seekcurse! He shall pay for the murder of Han and Wolverine! All shall be avenged!"
"Azure, wait! Don't!" Twilight Sparkle begged in concern.
Bladestrike and One-Eyed Anger freed all of the missing warriors and peasants from their prison. Strikespell led the Imperial Phoenix Army into the battle against the army of Terracotta Warriors with both might and ferocity in destroying the latter. Fluteheart, Reed and all of Imperial Phoenix Politicians protected the innocents and peasants from their enemies. Spike quickly headed and regrouped with Twilight and Nyx.
Azure Phoenix flew off at once to the top of pedestal. Seekcurse yelped in fear as he quickly chanted quickly while the tomb glowed darkly and evilly. It slowly levitated in vertical position.
"In order for you to live," Seekcurse exclaimed darkly as he aimed his knife at Applejack, "I give you - your new found power and immortality! With Element of Honesty within you, you will live forever! Take it! It is yours forever! Long live the Emperor of Qin!"
Seekcurse screamed in fear as he dropped both book and knife down. He quickly ran off at once while Azure Phoenix chased after him. The Emperor of Northern Ma swung and struck his sword at the traitorous Eunuch who dodged and avoided them for few times.
With the words struck at the tomb, it opened in one. It revealed the frail and old skeleton with long white beard and small mustache of Emperor Qin Wang Di dressed in his Ancient Golden Emperor's Robe and Crown. He screamed wildly and painfully as his chest glowed darkly in getting out from within!
Applejack screamed painfully as her orange aura emerged from her body. It then immediately entered the Emperor Qin Wang Di's Body. He is draining her powers, strength, youth and will to be reborn as the Immortal Emperor of Ma once and for all...
"APPLEJACK!" Twilight Sparkle cried in fear. She turned to both Spike and Nyx, "We have to help her! We can't let Qin Wang Di reborn!"
Both Nyx and Spike nodded in understanding. Twilight and her children charged in to rescue Applejack. Twilight Sparkle pulled the cowgirl down as hard as she can while Spike and Nyx tried to break the chains off. But it is useless. Even the chains were broken, Applejack's aura continued been absorbed into the dead Emperor Qin Wang Di. His bones slowly formed the flesh as he screamed painfully and joyfully...
Twilight hissed in concern. She knew if the Emperor fully resurrected, he will destroy the lives and the world. She had stop him! She teleported herself in blocking the Emperor from draining Applejack's power and youth. She dropped down hard as both Spike and Nyx helped Applejack getting up. The Southern Pony is safe but not the princess.
Twilight Sparkle screamed in pain as her aura, powers and youth were absorbed into the Emperor. He slowly laughed evilly and darkly as his flesh turned into youthful skins, followed by his facial and appearance. From old to young, the Emperor is reaching to its resurrection!
Azure Phoenix continued attacking Seekcurse. If it not for the scream, he stopped and turned his back. He found Twilight Sparkle's magic and power been absorbed into the Emperor's body!
"Twilight Sparkle!" Azure Phoenix cried.
Azure Phoenix wanted to save Twilight Sparkle but he can't afford to let Seekcurse escaped from his vengeance. He has to choose one or he will risk everything. Which one he should go? Save Twilight Sparkle? Chase and kill Seekcurse?! It's so hard to choose!
As Twilight Sparkle's power and aura been absorbed, the Emperor laughed evilly and darkly. He smirked darkly while looking at her. He has everything he needed to restore his kingdom and his secure as the Ruler of the Ma!
"Your powers... They are truly amazing!" Qin Wang Di said darkly while looking at the weakened Twilight Sparkle, "As long you are here besides me as my new concubine, none can stand in my way! I will become the Immortal! I will become the Emperor of Equestria!"
"Not this time!"
Before the Emperor could do anything, he got stabbed causing him to cease from absorbing and draining Twilight Sparkle's energy and youth. She fell to the ground hard. She slowly returned to normal with her powers and aura returned to her and Applejack.
Applejack, Nyx and Spike helped Twilight Sparkle. They turned and found the Emperor's youthful body slowly turned into dead form. They then spotted a familiar character who stabbed the Emperor to death. Azure Phoenix was holding the sword in piercing the Emperor's heart while his horn glowed in blue.
"Go back to Hell, your majesty! You are not welcome!" Azure Phoenix snarled as he took the book up, "In the name of Mystic, I banished you to Hell! In the name of Mystic Fire, I ordered all of you returned to your place eternally! All of you shall never be awakened again!"
"Nooooooooo!" Qin Wang Di screamed in fear and denial, "This can't be!"
As the light glowed from the emperor's body, he screamed in pain. His heart got exploded into pieces. His body became empty and immovable as the dead. With him gone, the Terracotta Warriors ceased from attacking as they slowly returned to the position where they stood in their previous position.
Everyone saw what had has happened. They all cheered wildly and happily that the Emperor Qin Wang Di is dead and never returned again! Everyone is relieved from the battle. Azure Phoenix approached to Twilight and her friends.
"Are you all alright?" Azure Phoenix asked. Twilight Sparkle smiled and nodded her head. He sighed as he hugged her passionately, "Thank the Mystic! You are safe, my dear! It's over for now..."
Everyone awed and sighed happily to see what has happened. But not everyone is, Seekcurse climbed the stairs to the fifth. He turned to the lower level. He hissed in anger. He lost the fight again. He quickly escaped before he get captured.
"This isn't over yet..."
At the Emperor's Throne Chamber of Ma Lou Yang; Imperial Phoenix Politicians, Military Officers and Citizens have gathered in congratulating Twilight, Applejack, Nyx and Spike for saving both ponies and the kingdom from vengeful eunuch and the nearly-resurrected Emperor. They all cheered happily and wildly for them as Azure Phoenix passed and awarded them the Golden Phoenix Medals.
Azure Phoenix smiled, "Thank you, Twilight Sparkle. You have saved us all. We are eternally grateful to you."
"Thank you, your highness," Twilight Sparkle bowed, "It was you who we should be thank to. If it weren't for you, Qin Wang Di would have resurrected and takes his revenge."
"True... I couldn't bare to lose someone who is very important to me as anyone else I had loved very much. However," Azure Phoenix sighed, "You were right from the start, Twilight. You were right."
"Father?" Strikespell asked in surprise and concern.
Everyone was in confuse as they wondered of what Azure Phoenix talking about. Azure Phoenix then looked at the ponies. Twilight Sparkle realized of what he was trying to do next. She smiled.
"Ponies of Northern Ma. It is time you learned of who I am. I am sorry for forcing you to fear me," Azure Phoenix spoke calmly and firmly. Everyone was in shock and surprise. He continued, "I'd never wanted to do this. I pretended to be cruel and ambitious ruler for you to fear and obey because I want to protect you from danger, even it means sacrificing my kindness and gentleness. I did this to make not only our nation strong but making ponies to be more intelligent and stronger, so they can not only protect themselves but their families and friends."
Everyone was in shock and surprise of what they just heard.
Azure Phoenix continued, "I know this is impossible to believe in. But after everything I have done for thousand years, I did good thing for you all. I built this country for you all to live peacefully and harmonically. I built the military to defend this country from danger. I built education and training for you all to train and learn to be wiser and stronger. And above all, it is not the fear that makes the nation strong! It is the talents you possessed! Because of you all, we have make the nation and family strong! We cannot give up that! We must win for our nation!"
Everyone remained in shock and surprise to hear his speech. Is this the same Azure Phoenix they once feared and respected for centuries?
Azure Phoenix sighed, "I'm not asking your forgiveness. I'm asking your cooperation and unity to make our nation strong. So, without any further a due, I shall step down from being Emperor. This should please you all enough."
As Azure Phoenix was about to turn, Strikespell spoke up.
"Father! We never said we want you to step down," Strikespell said calmly. Azure Phoenix was surprise. Strikespell smiled, "We will do what you had ask. It is not because of your appearance and reputation. It is who you are that we truly respected for many years. You are the true Emperor of Northern Ma! Please, rule for us, father. Long Live the Phoenix Emperor!"
Azure Phoenix was in shock and surprise.
Other than Strikespell cried and cheering, politicians and military officers joined in and followed by the peasants and foreigners. They all cheered and cried happily and wildly.
"LONG LIVE THE PHOENIX EMPEROR! LONG LIVE THE PHOENIX EMPEROR! LONG LIVE THE PHOENIX EMPEROR! LONG LIVE THE PHOENIX EMPEROR!"
With loud cheering and clapping their hooves across the Imperial Phoenix Kingdom, Azure Phoenix was in shock and surprise. He couldn't believe in his eyes. They actually willing to let him continued his rule as the Emperor.
Without any delays, he returned to his speech desk. Everyone cheered wildly and happily.
Azure Phoenix smiled, "Thank you, my ponies. From now on, you will no longer fear me but respected me as your benevolent Emperor of Imperial Phoenix Kingdom! It is time to change and move on for our new future! Long Live our nation!"
Everyone cheered and cried wildly for Azure Phoenix and their kingdom. Twilight's and Applejack's Cutie Marks glowed brightly.
"I can't believe it. We solve the problem," Applejack said in shock and surprise, "How?"
Twilight smiled, "I helped and opened his eyes. It is time to move out from his shell - the true Azure Phoenix himself..."
Azure Phoenix smiled as he waved to them while approaching to Twilight Sparkle. He bowed down before her. She bowed back to him. They both stood up and smiled at each other.
"Thank you, Twilight Sparkle for everything," Azure Phoenix said calmly. Twilight Sparkle smiled. He cleared his throat, "Would you like to know more about me and my relationship with my family and officers? Would you like to know about brave and intelligent Iris Crystal as you are and her mother Princess Celestia?"
"Yes!" Twilight Sparkle cheered.
Azure Phoenix looked and spoke, "Let us celebrate! For our kingdom!"
Everyone cheered wildly and happily as they all began celebrating for their ruler as being true kind and generous ruler of Imperial Phoenix Kingdom...
At the Friendship Rainbow Kingdom's Library, Night Light was looking at the photo book. He looked at all of the photos which involved him and Twilight Sparkle for playing, working, teaching and learning together as father and daughter. He then came across the graduation photo. He sighed in shame and upset. A small teardrop emerged and flown down his cheeks. He should have given Twilight Sparkle a chance...
"Father?" The gentle voice called. Night Light gasped as he turned and found Twilight Sparkle stood before him. She then bowed before him while levitating the golden medal up, "Father, I've brought you the crest of the Emperor. It's the gift to honor our family as their tradition way to thank me."
Night Light was speechless and surprised. But nevertheless, he knew what he should have done. He pushed the golden medal aside. He then hugged the shocked Twilight Sparkle.
"The greatest gift of honor..." Night Light spoke humble before departed and looked at his daughter, "Is having you as my daughter." He then hugged her passionately and happily as she hugged him back, "Twilight Sparkle, I'm sorry for being doubtful and unsupportive father. And therefore, I will say this I'm proud of you. And I always love you no matter what path or risk you took. As long you are safe, I'm happy to hear it..."
Twilight sniffed happily and tearfully, "I know. But seeing you happy is what I really wanted. I missed you, daddy."
"So am I..."
As Twilight Sparkle and Night Light shared their happiest moment, the rest of their family including Applejack entered the library. They all smiled happily to see father and daughter are together again.
Princess Cadance sighed happily, "Now this is the happy ending..."
"Indeed..." Twilight Velvet said in please. She turned to Applejack, "Applejack, thank you for looking after my daughter."
Applejack smiled, "It was nothing, Mrs. Twilight. I did what I'm good at - being there for my best friend and sister..."
"Speaking of there," Nyx said in concern as she looked around, "Where is daddy? I haven't seen him since morning. I hope he's not in trouble..."
Shining Armor chuckled a bit while covered his mouth but his family suspected otherwise.
"Shining Armor, what did you do?" Princess Cadance demanded.
Twilight Velvet groaned, "Shining Armor, how dare you do that to her boyfriend?! I was looking forward to meet him!"
Shining Armor smirked slyly, "Just relax. I didn't send him away for dangerous mission. I just send him away to get a cool and good looking armor. I doubt he can get back here in time! So, I'll just tell dad that-!"
"Excuse me," The humble and gentle voice called. Everyone turned to their back. They found Shadow Dragon dressed in his black Chinese General's Hardened Armor with black cape while holding the black helmet. He smiled, "Is Twilight home?"
Everyone pointed at the library's entrance. Shadow Dragon bowed humbly before entering the chamber. While the family were amazed and surprised to see Shadow Dragon, Shining Armor groaned in annoyance as his plans to stop and embarrassed Shadow Dragon failed again.
Twilight Velvet whistled, "For a thousand years old warrior, he looked so handsome and good looking. Twilight Sparkle is so lucky to have one! Just like my son, he's so lucky to have you."
Princess Cadance giggled, "Indeed. Shining Armor, job well done. You've make your future brother-in-law handsome, heroic and great as Twilight's Knight in Shinning Armor. Your father would be proud and approve of Twilight's boyfriend."
Shining Armor groaned, "Just drop it... This is not how I wanted. I still don't trust him either."
"Oh, Uncle Shiny... When you ever gonna stop being overprotective," Nyx joked in amusement.
Spike nodded, "You're gonna sounded like Night Light again."
As everyone laughed in amusement and happily, Shining Armor groaned in annoyance. Shadow Dragon approached to both Night Light and Twilight Sparkle. He bowed down before Night Light.
"Honorable Night Light, I am honored to meet you. I-!" Shadow Dragon was interrupted as he found Twilight Sparkle came to the front. He yelped, "Twilight?"
Twilight Sparkle whistled, "Wow... That suits you well. So, this is what you've been up to? Shopping some armors to impress me and my dad?"
Shadow Dragon unfocused yet shockingly answered, "Yes! I mean no! I mean I did this- well- I'm just- I'm just- I'm just! I thought maybe showing this armor may prove your father that I can protect you from harm. And of course, trying to prove that I loved you as well. So, I hope-!"
"Twilight..." Night Light spoke humbly. It surprise Shadow Dragon yet made him nervous and worried. He smiled, "Why don't you introduce your boyfriend to me? I would like to know him more..."
Twilight Sparkle giggled, "Sure, daddy. It would be my honor." She approached Shadow Dragon as she introduced him to her father, "Daddy, this is my hero and protector Shadow Dragon."
Shadow Dragon smiled nervously as he bowed, "It is an honor to meet you, sir."
"The honor is mine..." Night Light said calmly before he smiled, "Now, young man... Tell me how you and Twilight met. I'm dying to know it."
Shadow Dragon smiled as he began to explain. Twilight Sparkle giggled in amusement yet happily. The rest of her family joined in for chatting and reunion. This is indeed a happy family reunion Twilight Sparkle ever had. And she was proud of it...
END...
Review and Suggest...
Main Casts:
Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle
Ashleigh Ball: Applejack
Kira Tozer: Nyx
Cathy Weseluck: Spike
Douglas Rye: Azure Phoenix
Doug Erholtz: Strikespell
Brian Dobson: Night Light, Seekcurse
Minor Casts:
Kelly Sheridann: Twilight Velvet, Reed Prodigy
Britt McKillip: Princess Cadance
Andrew Francis: Shining Armor
Kirk Thornton: One-Eyed Anger, Imperial Phoenix Guards
Roger Craig Smith: Bladestrike
James Hong: Master James Hong
Quinton Flynn: Schemetrick
Doug Stone: Bullhound
Wende Lee: Fluteheart
Mark Oliver: Emperor Qin Wang Di, Imperial Phoenix Guards
Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon |
My Little Pony Mystic Season 1 | Episode 9: Slice of Life | At Cranky Doodle Donkey's House, Matilda was looking through the 'loving-theme' photo album. She saw some photos that she and her fiance gone through for their honeymoon. They went to the Manehattan for their vacation. They enjoyed their Hearth's Warming Eve. And finally, the next picture was during Princess Twilight Sparkle's Coronation. She was happy to see them because of her special moments with Cranky Doodle Donkey.
On the blank page, she put a glue on it. She placed the wedding invitation card on it. She smiled happily as she was excited.
"I'll never understand the ponies in this town!" Annoying voice said. Matilda turned and found Cranky entered the house as he grumped in annoyance while carrying the bag of fruits, "Everywhere I went, they were all gussied up and lookin' at me funny! Kept asking if I was 'nervous'!"
Matilda smiled as she asked, "Did they forget the wedding is tomorrow?"
"Oh," Cranky hummed as he approached to his fiancee and smiled, "maybe they're just as excited for us to be married as I am."
Both Cranky and Matilda murmuring and giggling happily. Tomorrow is their special day. They can't wait for it to be happen. They're getting married!
"Well, they're going to feel awfully silly when they realize they've got the wrong date." Matilda said in amusement. As she took a peek on her invitation card, she gasped in shock and concern, "The invitations are wrong! This says the wedding is today!"
"Huh?! But I got such a good deal on them..." Cranky said in concern.
"Everypony in town got these! The princesses have even RSVP'd!"
"I told you we should have eloped!"
"Oh, dear. The caterer, the flowers, the musicians! We've got to move it all to today!"
"What?!"
Matilda immediately rushed out of her home's door. She was in hurry to the Ponyville while exclaimed in fear and panic, "Where's my wedding planner?!"
Cranky Doodle Donkey looked at his photo album. Instead of showing his worry and scared, he shown to be angry like he knew someone had messed the invitation up.
At the mail office, Cranky Doodle Donkey had arrived. He began complaining.
"You told me you could do it for half what the others charged, and then you sent the invitations to everypony in town with the wrong date!"
Cranky snorted angrily. He was glaring at none other than the crossed-eyes gray Pegasus Pony - Derpy. She then took the basket of muffins up. She smiled innocently yet nervously.
"Muffin?"
Cranky groaned in annoyance, "Do I look like I have time for snacks?! Thanks to you, I have to rescheduled everything from tomorrow to today! I've got to move now and deal with the problems!"
Cranky turned and galloped at once while leaving Derpy to be depressed and upset of the mess she had made. She ruined the invitation for the Donkey Couples' Wedding.
Derpy moaned in upset, "What have I done?"
At Ponyville Town Square, Twilight Sparkle was discussing with both Shadow Dragon and Lance Justicestrike about the latest news. Both stallions shown their serious and firm expression as they knew their home will be in danger. They have to act now before things get wildly.
Matilda galloped toward the trio. The family of trio turned to her as they wondered of what was going on with her. She explained of what she needed and required for her wedding. They yelped in shock and concern of what they heard.
"You want us to arrange and organize the wedding today?!" Twilight asked in concern.
Matilda nodded, "Yes! Can you help me?"
Twilight Sparkle, Shadow Dragon and Lance Justicestrike hissed in concern while looking at each other. They don't like to ignore her but they had to because they have important mission to attend to especially involving Ponyville...
"I'm sorry, Matilda," Twilight apologized regretfully, "I don't think we can make it."
Shadow Dragon nodded, "We have more important mission to deal with. And the enemies were about to make a move!"
Matilda gasped in shock and concern of what she heard, "No! You can't mean it!"
"We've gotta go now!" Lance said in concern. "Sorry! We really are!"
Twilight Sparkle, Shadow Dragon and Lance Justicestrike galloped at once in dealing with the situation. Matilda was left with shock and concern about it. Now she has to find someone else who is good at the organizing the wedding. But who?
At the cafe, Derpy was talking with her best friend - Dr. Hooves over their drinking tea.
"I really messed up on those invitations! I feel just awful, Doc!" Derpy said in shame as she looked down, "I told Cranky I could get 'em printed for cheap, but that meant hiring somepony with no experience using a printing press."
Derpy groaned as she leveled her down on the mushroom table, "Oh, I wish there was a way I could go back in time and fix all this."
Dr. Hooves took a sip on the drink's straw for the moment. He stopped as he had some thoughts for the moment. He smiled as he had the idea.
Dr. Hooves led Derpy to his lab at once. It was filled with several machines, chemistry and inventions. Rob was cleaning the lab in making them cleaned and sparkled. His assistant saluted to Dr. Hooves. Dr. Hooves saluted back to Rob.
Rob smiled, "Greeting, Dr. Hooves! Good to see you come back here!"
"Going back in time is old thinking, my friend." Dr. Hooves smiled as he explained, "I was working off a cutting-edge theory of making time come forward to you."
He found Derpy went missing as he looked around. He spotted Rob pointed up. He looked up and found Derpy was playing the plane while wearing the helmet. Dr. Hooves sighed in amusement while shaking his head. She sure loved to be funny and cheerful pony. He leveled the level down in bringing the plan down.
"My life's work, decades - centuries, really - of research and experimentation, and I nearly had it cracked!" Dr. Hooves groaned a bit, "Turns out there's a magic spell for it. Who knew?"
Heard the electrocuting sound, Dr. Hooves turned and found Derpy was touching or lifting down the electro ball for few times. Rob sighed in annoyance as he shook his head for the moment. Dr. Hooves approached as he patted her shoulder.
"But there are so many things that magic can't explain, where science and mathematics are the real magic!"
Derpy gasped as she looked at the water tank of colorful flowers-like, "Like these? They're pretty."
Dr. Hooves smiled as he looked at the flowers, "Ah, yes, my flameless fireworks. I never could quite figure out how to get them to ignite. What do you think, Mr. Rob? Perhaps you could demonstrate them?"
Rob shook his head, "Bad idea! I maybe dragon, but I'm also vulnerable. I think it is wise that we should investigate and research more about this."
"Hmm... Perhaps, you are correct, my friend." Dr. Hooves said thoughtfully, "My... I'm glad that I hired you as my assistant, thought I was hoping that Metalgear would be perfect assistant too."
Derpy hummed, "How did you learn to make all this stuff anyway?"
"I've been studying science my whole life. Ever since a particularly traumatic experience as a foal, I've been looking for ways to make sense of the world around me. Science provides explanations of things we never thought possible!" Dr Hooves explained. He then realized that he is forgetting something important.. He turned and looked at Derpy, "Now, why did we come here again?"
Derpy gasped as she snapped into reality, "Yeah. Oh! Because I accidentally sent out invitations for Cranky and Matilda's wedding with today's date instead of tomorrow's!"
"Great whickering stallions!" Dr. Hooves exclaimed in shock, "I completely forgot! And I still need to get my suit tailored! Robby! Can you do it?!"
Before Rob could say anything, the door was barged very hard. Boomer then come in.
"Robby! Come on! We've got major crisis! Crazy Samurai Demon, fatty frog and Mountain Demon are in our town!"
"Not good! We've gotta stop them! They must be here for Nyx!" Rob exclaimed in concern. He then headed off and followed Boomer. Rob stopped as he turned to Dr. Hooves, "Sorry about that! This is emergency!"
Rob headed off at once. Dr. Hooves groaned in upset as he quickly took his suit and galloped off at once. Derpy sighed in upset and angry. Now she's alone to resolve the problems.
Dr. Hooves galloped all the way to Carousal Boutique through Ponyville Town in a hurry. Upon arriving at the boutique, he frantically knocked the door very hard.
"Rarity? Rarity!" Dr. Hooves called frantically and fearfully. He then grumbled in concern as he realize she wasn't at home. She turned and found DJ Pon 3 is passing him by. He turned and stopped her as he asked, "Please! You've got to help me! I lost track of time, unbelievably, and forgot that the wedding is this afternoon!"
DJ Pon-3 nodded her head while listening to her hip-hop music, instead of listening to what Dr. Hooves had said but looked at his gesture in making a round shape-like.
"Have you seen Rarity? She's got to alter the sleeves on my suit, and she's got to do it now!" Dr. Hooves asked frantically. DJ Pon 3 smiled and nodded her head. She turned and headed off. Dr. Hooves followed her, "Oh, ha-ha, thank goodness. Lead on, my friend."
DJ Pon 3 led Dr. Hooves all the way to the Bowling Stadium where he only found some ponies playing the bowling. He was rather shocked and surprised about it.
"Er, why have you brought me here? Rarity would never set hoof in--" Dr. Hooves was interrupted in concern.
He found three stallions dressed in their stylish suits - an Earth Pony with blond messy mane and mustache dressed in his blue suit, another was a muscular Earth Pony with brownish short mane and mustache dressed in his grayish suit and lastly a skinny Earth Pony dressed in his orange informal shirt.
Dr. Hooves gasped in surprise, "Great whickering stallions, they've got style!"
Dr. Hooves approached to three stallions, "Gentlecolts! I'm facing certain calamity, and I couldn't help noticing your remarkable fashion sense. Could I have the name of your incredible tailor?"
The Middle Pony - Jeff Letrotski smiled, "Oh, yeah, man. His name is me."
"Me. What an unfortunate name."
"No, man, like, I manufacture all of my own garments. We all do, man."
"Then you've got to help me! I need this suit tailored! It's an emergency!"
Jeff Letrotski laughed in amusement, "Sorry, man, we're just about to start the finals."
Dr. Hooves hummed in concern, "What's this word you keep using - 'man'?"
"I dunno, man, but guess what? Our fourth didn't show, so if you roll with us, we'll alter your suit for you."
Dr. Hooves turned to the front of bowling pin. He hummed in concern as he made some calculation and solution of how he can help Jeff Letrotski in winning the bowling. And unfortunately, he had nothing...
"I'm sorry, gentlecolts," Dr. Hooves apologized, "but I will not bowl. The splits, the spares! There are simply too many variables!"
"Variables?" Jeff asked in surprise, "What are you talking about, man? Just throw the ball straight!"
"Hold on. Straight?" Dr. Hooves asked in shock and surprise of what he had heard. He looked closely at both bowling ball and pins. He imagined of how the bowling hit straight at the pins. He was surprise yet curious, "Very well. I'll try your "straight" technique. It just might be crazy enough to work."
Thus, the game begins...
There was some disturbance and discussion at Ponyville Town Square. Mane Six, Dragon Strike Force and Black Omega (Lance Justicestrike, Red Arsenal, Shiroi Bai, Steel Blaze, Drake Trio and Metalgear) were discussing with each other about the situation and the enemies they're dealing with. The Ponyville Citizens were watching the event as they wondered of what is going on.
"Do we know what they're on about?" Octavia Melody asked curiously.
Apple Bloom hummed, "The way they're huddled up like that, I'd say it's either a friendship problem or a monster attack."
"I'm going for some rebellions and Demons to kidnap and kill me..." Nyx said in concern.
"A monster attack?!" Octavia Melody gasped, "Blast! I'm performing at the ceremony this afternoon, and I still haven't sorted out what to play. How am I meant to practice with a monster invading Ponyville?"
Sweetie Belle shook her head in denial, "Maybe it's just a friendship problem, and it'll all be cleared up in half an hour or so."
Scootaloo shrugged, "At least, it's not a war again."
Octavia Melody groaned a bit, "I hope so."
As Octavia Melody was leaving, Matilda came across to the large crowd at once, "Where's Pinkie Pie?! I need my wedding planner!"
Before anyone could answer, they heard the buzzing noise. They looked around in search of the noise. They looked up and found a giant black and white mammal with four arms, wings and antenna bugbear. He was glaring and growling at Mane Six. The girls were ready to fight.
Twilight turned to Amethyst Star, "Amethyst! Get everypony to safety! And whatever happen, keep them especially Nyx safe from crossfire! This is going to be tense fight!"
Amethyst Star saluted, "Understand! You heard her! Move! Everyone, go! This is not a drill!"
Amethyst Star led the citizens and children of Ponyville to safety. Their town is about to turn into war zone!
The bugbear flew straight down in launching his stinger at Mane Six. They dodged the attacks at once. Twilight Sparkle flew up and fired her Unicorn Burst at bugbear off. Rainbow Dash flew down and whacked bugbear's head hard before flew up. Bugbear roared angrily as it chased after the Mane Six. The heroines fought with the monster. But the Mane Six aren't the only ponies have to deal with their villains.
Dragon Strike Force have to deal with some remains of Dark Mystic Rebellions. They were now attacking the Ponyville led by the bald yet mad Tyran dressed in his black Military Coat.
"You all will fall! The Mortal Realm will fall!" Tyran exclaimed proudly, "We shall destroy you all! For our glorious leader - Dark Curse! To war!"
Dark Mystic Rebels fired their Diamond Blasters and arrows at their enemies. Laxtinct and Icy jumped and summoned the Earthen Wall and Frozen Wall up in blocking and deflecting the attacks from hurting the innocents on most of the routes. Aquastroke and Blazefist got up and fired their Water Torpedo Blasts and Fireball Shots at them. Shorty Thinking and Tailtech fired their Flaming Storm Blaster and Typhoon Blaster. Saber Dragoon and Terrorcreep charged in and swung their both Twin Dragon Sabers and Night Terror Axes at their enemies off. Shadow Dragon battled against Tiran and combated soldiers.
Lance Justicestrike led his team in the face of their enemies: Voltscar, Avalanche and Gutsy while protecting Nyx and her friends from being caught.
"This time... We shall retrieve and add her to our collection!" Voltscar snarled, "We shall avenged our fathers and mothers!"
Gutsy chuckled, "Indeed. I'm going to enjoy this!"
Avalanche chuckled childishly, "Happy! Happy! Me Avalanche Happy! Make Mama Happy!"
Voltscar roared wildly, "ATTACK!"
Voltscar and his Demon Successors charged into the battlefield at once. Lance, Red Arsenal and Steel Blaze deal with Voltscar who used his Thundering Samurai Sword to defeat his enemies. Lance and Steel blocked their Dual Blades and Chakram against the Reptilian Warrior's blade while Red Arsenal fired his Crystal Blaster at him. Avalanche roared wildly as he tried to stomp on his enemies but Grunt held his foot hard while Rob held Shiroi up to the sky in firing her Hikari Strike on his face and body. Gutsy blew his powerful wind blown at both Metalgear and Boomer from approaching him.
The Tri-Fight between good and evil had tensioned and hard. Matilda looked worry and scared of what she is seeing.
"Oh, no! On my wedding day?! Somepony's gotta help me!" Matilda exclaimed in fear while pulling her donkey's ears. She turned and found Amethyst Star was organizing some children, followed by the citizens into their safety including Cutie Mark Crusaders. Matilda gasped as she approached Amethyst Star, "You!"
Amethyst Star asked in surprise, "Me?"
"I need to move an entire wedding from tomorrow to today!"
"But nopony's asked me to organize anything since Twilight came to town."
"So you'll do it?"
"I used to be the best organizer in all of Ponyville. You bet I'll--"
But Amethyst Star was interrupted as she and Matilda looked on the front. They found trio team were battling fiercely against Dark Mystic Rebellion, Bugbear and Three Demon Successors.
Shadow Dragon dropped to the ground very hard as Tyran was trying to pierce his knife at him. Shadow Dragon pushed the knife down before kicked Tyran out as both him and Dark Mystic Soldier battled with each other. Earthen and Frozen Wall fell to the ground hard as some armored steel tanks breached them. And before they could do anything, Laxtinct summoned his Earthquake Launch in knocking the tanks off while Icy blasted her Ice Beam at them. Saber Dragoon and Terrorcreep continued battling with their enemies. Blazefist, Aqaustroke, Shorty and Tailtech continued their firepower blasts at the charging enemies while fighting back
Voltscar summoned his Lightning Strikes on Lance and Steel Blaze as they blocked and deflected the attacks. Red Arsenal jumped on him as he used his mechanical arm in bringing Voltscar down. But instead, he was thrown off to the ground. Lance and Steel charged in and swung their blades against Voltscar. Avalanche roared wildly as he stomped his feet on the ground hard. Grunt jumped and rammed the monster to the ground before both Shiroi and Rob joined the battle. Boomer and Metalgear were pulling Gutsy's spiky hair but instead, they blown off uncontrollably like a balloon losing its air.
Pinkie was caught by Bugbear as it was rubbing Pinkie's mane while her friends struggled in getting her out. Rainbow Dash was about to slam the monster down but punched away from it to the house. As she slide down, Bugbear flew straight at her in ready to stung her. She dodged the attacks. The rest of Mane Six came and helped her.
Matilda yelped in fear, "Come on! We better get to the salon before that these crazy fight flattens it!"
The trio team continued battling with their enemies ferociously and determinedly while keeping the battlefield away from Ponyville.
On the alley, Derpy flew around the area as she wondered of how to solve the mess she had made.
"What am I gonna do?" Derpy asked in concern. She looked down and spotted both Matilda and Amethyst Star running in a hurry. She gasped, "Matilda! I feel so bad about the invitations! Is there anything I can do--"
Matilda screamed in fear, "FLOWERS!"
Matilda and Amethyst Star left in a hurry. Despite being upset or disappointed, Derpy found it a hope and chance for redemption.
At the Flower Workshop, Derpy went and asked the Flower Sisters for the important task to do.
"You want Matilda's arrangements..." Lily Valley asked in shock, "today?!"
Instead of excitement and joyfully, the sisters fell to the ground hard yet dramatically.
Daisy yelped, "This is awful!"
Rose screamed, "The horror, the horror!"
"So there's no way you can do it?" Derpy asked in concern.
"We don't even have Matilda's flowers in yet, much less arranged!" Lily Valley said as she and her sisters got up. She gasped in fear, "This is a disaster!"
Derpy sighed, "Okay. Thanks anyway."
As Derpy turned and flew off to solve the flower problem, the three sisters looked shame and upset for not helping Derpy. But due to flowers haven't arrived, there was nothing they can do.
Lily Valley gasped as she and her sisters found one broken zinnias, "Look, girls! A broken stem on one of the zinnias!"
Daisy asked in shock, "Whaaat?!"
Lily, Daisy and Rose fell to the ground dramatically again...
Rose screamed, "Oh, the horror, the horror!"
At the town hall, both Lyra Heartstrings and Sweetie Drops were decorating it with wedding designs decoration. They both were chatting while decorating. Sweetie Drops handled the banners while Lyra set the bells on them.
"I have to admit, when Matilda said we needed this place ready by today," Bon-Bon said happily, "I was a little nervous."
Lyra Heartstrings smiled, "With you by my side, I knew we'd get it done in time."
"There is nothing like a best friend, is there?"
"Anything's possible when you know somepony as well as we know each other!"
As Lyra and Bon-Bon continued decorating the hall, they both heard a roaring noise from the outside. It made Bon-Bon nervous for some reason...
"What was that?" Bon-Bon asked.
Lyra shrugged and answered, "There's some monster attacking Ponyville or something."
"What is it this time? A creature from the Everfree Forest?"
"Uh, I think it's Dark Mystic Ponies. Dragon Strike Force is putting those baddies down. Wow... Those guys don't know when to quit." Lyra giggled in amusement. "And then we've got some Demon Children for Black Omega Batch to fight. Wow... Who comes up with the idea. And finally, a bugbear. That's the first."
"Did you say bugbear?" Bon-Bon asked fearfully. Lyra nodded. She gasped in fear, "It found me!"
"What are you talking about, Bon Bon?"
"My name isn't Bon Bon. It's 'Special Agent Sweetie Drops'." Bon-Bon or Sweetie Drops admitted shamefully while looking at Mane Six battling with Bugbear, "I work for a super-secret anti-monster agency in Canterlot, or at least I did until the bugbear went missing from Tartarus a few years back."
Lyra asked in concern, "What are you talking about?"
Sweetie Drops continued as she took her briefcase out from the box. She took a hook, rope and sunglasses out, "When it escaped, we had to shutter the whole agency. Every last shred of evidence of the organization's existence was destroyed. Celestia demanded complete deniability."
"What?"
"It was me who captured the bugbear. I had to go deep cover here in Ponyville and assume the name Bon Bon. I never thought it'd be able to track me, but now it has."
"Are you saying our whole friendship was based on a lie?!"
"I'm sorry, Lyra! I couldn't tell you for your own protection!"
"B-b-but the lunches! The-the long talks! The benches we sat on!" Lyra sobbed tearfully, "None of that was real?!"
Sweetie Drops shook her head as she hugged Lyra in comfort, "It was all real. You're my very best friend."
Heard the bugbear roaring, Sweetie Drops sighed in defeat as she put the sunglasses on. She placed the hook on window's edge. She was ready to go.
"I've got to go find a crowd to blend into before I put you in danger!" Sweetie Drops sighed in shame, "I'll see you at the wedding."
As Sweetie Drops climbed down, Lyra approached to the window and shouted at her, "Fine! But we're going to talk about this later!"
As the trio team battled with their enemies, Sweetie Drops blended among the crowds while watching the event. Cranky Doodle Donkey was talking with Jewel Shopkeeper about the jewel.
"I need my ring today, no matter the cost!" Cranky demanded in a hurry. He smiled sheepishly, "...As long as it doesn't cost any extra."
Jewel Shopkeepers groaned in annoyance a bit. Why must pony prefer the cheap ones?
At the bowling ball stadium, Jeff Letrotski and his friends were sitting on the couch since they were done in playing the bowling. Dr. Hooves struggled in helping the trio in winning the competition. Only two more bowling pin standing on far edge sides. He gulped in concern as he had some sweats dropping. He wondered of how he can achieve the goal...
"Seven/ten split, man." Jeff Letrotski remarked calmly, "Harshest of the harsh. But if you pick this up, we win the whole shebang!"
Dr. Hooves took a deep breathe as he armed and readied himself with bowling ball. As he marched slowly and readied to throw the ball, the door was opened! Derpy called and scared him off.
Derpy called, "Doc! I've finally figured out how I can help! Your flameless fireworks look just like flowers! I'll use them for the wedding!"
Derpy turned and flew off. Heard she had said, Dr. Hooves gasped in shock yet realization. He threw the ball off at once while chased after Derpy. The ball threw straight into the hole before knocked on both pins down. Jeff and his friends cheered wildly and happily. They've won!
As Derpy flew off to her friend's house, Dr. Hooves emerged and called her, "Wait! Don't you remember what Rob had said?! The flameless fireworks are extremely volatile! Without knowing what the trigger is, they could go off at any moment!"He gasped, "My word, are those insurgents, demons and bugbear?"
Mane Six, Dragon Strike Force and Black Omega continued battling and fighting with a Bugbear, Dark Mystic Rebellion and Demon Successors Trio ferociously and determinedly while avoiding create catastrophe, death and damages to Ponyville.
Nyx and her friends watched the battle in concern and worry as they looked at each other for the moment.
"I can't stand and do nothing!" Nyx exclaimed in annoyance as her horn glowed brightly. She was turned into her teenage filly. She was ready to fight, "I've gotta help my family and friends! I've fought the demons once. I can do it again!"
"Wait!" Cutie Mark Crusaders exclaimed in concern as they blocked Nyx from moving forward. They continued, "You can't! It's too dangerous!"
Nyx groaned, "Step aside! I have to help them now!"
"Hold it!" The firm voice called. Cutie Mark Crusaders looked up and found Flash Sentry flew down and bowed before her. He continued, "Princess Nyx. It is wise that you should stay with your friends than the battlefield."
"Why?"
"Because if you go in now, you'll distract them from the battle. They will focus on defending than the fight with their enemies. The enemies will take the advantage and defeated them. You'll get caught. So, I suggest that you do what they asked and wait at hall now."
"But-!"
"Do it for your parents," Flash pleaded, "They'd rather to see you be safe than involved from the fight. If I were your dad, I would think the same thing."
Nyx thought for the moment before she groaned in annoyance, "I hate it when you're right, Lieutenant." She sighed as she transformed back into her filly form, "Very well. I will do what you asked. I will wait at the hall..."
Flash smiled, "Thanks. Mind if I accompany you? I will protect you from danger. Of course, I want to know more about your dad. I'm his biggest fan!"
Cutie Mark Crusaders giggled in amusement and happily of what they just heard. They thought that Scootaloo was the biggest fan for Rainbow Dash.
Nyx giggled in amusement, "Sure. Why not? Come on."
Both Cutie Mark Crusaders and Flash Sentry headed off to the hall at once while leaving the rest deal with the battle.
At the Spa, Matilda was taking a long rejuvenation and make-up in getting herself ready for the wedding with both Lotus Blossom and Aloe were helping her.
"Oh, there are so many things I'm forgetting! I hope Cranky remembers to tell the musicians!" Matilda hissed in concern while sitting on the bench, "Oh! Oh! I'll never get my mane done in time!"
Lotus Blossom sighed as she pulled Matilda to lie down on bench, "You must relax, my dear! We can handle anything! We once did a pony's hair during the ceremony!"
"Oh, it's true, it's true! They really are the best!" The calm yet gentleman's voice said. Both Matilda and Spa Ponies looked up and found Stephen Magnet lying down on the big hot tub. He smiled happily while looking at the donkey, "Matilda, I've just got to say, I already feel like we're family."
Matilda asked in surprise, "You do?"
"Of course! I'm Stephen Magnet, Cranky's best beast!"
"You're Stephen Magnet?"
"Well, what'd you expect, a bugbear? I've known Cranky forev-er! Surely he must have told you about the time he saved me from Flash Freeze Lake?"
"...You're Stephen Magnet." Matilda asked in shock and surprise while looking at Stephen.
"Oh, I know, I know! Typical Cranky, to leave out minor details, like the fact that I'm, y'know, a sea monster, right?" Stephen laughed in amusement, "I just love that old burro!"
Matilda gulped in surprise. She'd never thought that Cranky had actually make a friend with a giant water serpent. Both Lotus Blossom and Aloe helped and combed her mane gently.
Matilda apologized, "I'm sorry, Stephen. I guess I assumed you were a pony. And I had no idea you had such adventures together."
Stephen Magnet smiled, "Oh, honey, you don't know the half of it! But let me tell you something. In all that we've been through together, the only thing he ever cared about was finding you."
"Really?"
"Well, that and a baldness cure."
Matilda sniffed and sobbed tearfully, "He is the sweetest thing, isn't he? All the stress I've put myself through. All the stress I've put him through. The only thing that matters is that we're together. The wedding isn't the important thing - the marriage is."
Stephen Magnet laughed in amusement, "Oh, goodness gracious. If you believe that, I have got a bridge to sell you! All these ponies traveling to Ponyville, putting on uncomfortable clothes, sitting through a long ceremony, you think any of them care about the marriage?" Matilda gulped while quivered in fear and concern as Stephen looked at her with his serious eyes, "Honey, the wedding is everything."
Matilda's teeth rattled wildly and frightfully. She realized even though that she and Cranky did fall in love with each other but they have to go through the wedding first. This is very serious for her to deal with...
At the Musical Home, DJ Pon 3 marched straight to it. She then entered as she found her best friend Octavia Melody was playing her cello. She was practicing and perfecting the soundtrack called 'Mendelssohn's 'Wedding March'. She played it peacefully and joyfully for the moment. DJ Pon 3 smiled proudly to see her best friend played her music proudly. She took a bottle of milk for a sip.
Octavia stopped at once while glaring at the music sheet, "Ugh, all these wedding songs are so... standard. I want Matilda and Cranky's wedding to be special."
Despite of that, Octavia Melody continued playing her cello. Heard her best friend complained, Dj Pon 3 stopped from drinking and had some thoughts of how to help Octavia in making wedding more special.
DJ Pon 3 gasped happily as she found the idea. She headed to her DJ Jockey Stand at once. She sat hers in ready to play the music while putting her headset on her left ear. She turned and gestured Octavia Melody to play the cello.
As Octavia continued playing the cello though ensure what her best friend was doing, DJ Pon 3 turned and rotated the black track disc slowly while stomping on the hoof pads for few times in making a harmonically sound. But instead of sound or gentle, it was very hard yet irritated too even to her. Octavia Melody stopped at once as she held her stick to DJ Pon 3.
"Thanks," Octavia Melody remarked in annoyance, "but I'm not sure that's appropriate for a wedding, is it?"
Octavia Melody then returned to her playing the cello. DJ Pon 3 knew what her best friend means as she decided to listen closely to the song carefully. She smiled happily as she found the answer. She then stomped on hoof pad once.
The beat sounded slowly yet gently as DJ Pon 3 then rotated the track disc slowly in making a similar yet powerful soundtrack as Octavia's Song. Octavia Melody listened carefully. She gasped happily as her best friend finally found the right song at last!
"That's more like it!"
Both Octavia Melody and DJ Pon 3 continued playing their cello and DJ Jockey Stand for the moment. The stopped before looked at each other. They both smiled eagerly as they waited for each other's signal. They both spun their disc and stick for the moment before they struck on their DJ Jockey and Cello in making 'Wedding March' Dubstep harmonically and powerfully.
For nearly an hour they played the music, Octavia Melody looked at the clock. She gasped in shock as she stopped her playing cello and turned to DJ Pon 3.
"Stop! I'm going to be late for the wedding!" Octavia Melody exclaimed in concern.
DJ Pon 3 nodded in understanding as she set her DJ Jockey with twin speakers on the four wheeler. Octavia Melody held her Cello tight as she climbed on right speaker at once. They both readied. They then charged straight out the door while playing their 'Wedding March' dubstep. They headed straight to the Town Hall at once!
At the Town Hall, more tanks have entered the area as they were about to fire their canon bullets at their enemies. But instead, Dragoking swung his tail and three heads in knocking them off while Laxtinct smashed and slammed his hardened hooves on them. Icy used her Ice Beams in turning them into frozen stage in letting Shorty Thinking and Tailtech fired their Flying Rocket Canister at them to pieces. Terrorcreep and Saber Dragoon swung their Night Terror Axes and Twin Dragon Sabers at some of Dark Mystic Troopers. Blazefist and Aquastroke fired their Fireball Shots and Water Torpedo Blast in defeating some of Dark Mystic Archers and Rifle-Ponies. Shadow Dragon dodged and avoided the attacks from Tyran for few times while punching and kicking at him back for few times.
Voltscar fired his Lightning Strike at Lance, Steel Blaze and Red Arsenal for the moment. Red Arsenal had his hoof transformed into his Diamond Sniper in knocking his helmet off. Steel Blaze fired his Blazing Glory Shots at Voltscar back for few times before Red Arsenal joined in and fired his dozens of arrows at the monster. Lance charged in as he swung his both Oblivion Dragoon Blade and Oathkeeper Bloom Blade in attacking him. Voltscar roared wildly as he summoned his Thundering Samurai Sword in deflecting and attacking his enemies. Avalanche grabbed and squeezed Grunt very hard. Grunt responded by firing his Wooden Strike on the monster's eyes. Metalgear launched his Hyper Emerald Beam at him off. Shiroi summoned couple pf ice in making the monster slip and fall to his back very hard. Avalanche roared in anger as he got and stomped on his enemies while they fired their abilities at him off. Gutsy blew his powerful Wind Blower at Boomer and Rob off. Rob turned and looked at the area carefully before giving a smirk as he threw a pole at the building but deflecting and knocking to one and another. It then hit Gutsy's head hard. Boomer charged in and swung his Dragon Spear in hitting him. Gutsy punched him back before he turned and slammed Rob out. Both Dragons battled with Gutsy hard and quick.
Twilight and her friends were battling with Bugbear. Rarity was grabbed by it as it flew and grabbed her Carousal Boutique in preventing its enemies attacking it. Both Twilight fired her magic and Rainbow Dash slammed on it for few times had made it dropped Rarity down. Applejack used her lasso in bringing the monster down hard before Rarity summoned her large strings and ropes in tying the monster down. Bugbear got up at once as it was ready to attack. Both Rarity and Pinkie fired their Diamond Gatling Blaster and Party Launcher in knocking him hard. Fluttershy used her Animal Ruby in punching and ramming it down hard. Bugbear flew up again. Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle used their Mystic Magical Spear and Star Sparkle Sword in beating him before Applejack used her Mind Whiplash in knocking the monster to the ground hard.
While Twilight and her friends were dealing with triple threats, Octavia Melody and DJ Pon 3 were driving the four-wheeled DJ Jockey in heading straight to Town Hall. As they continued driving, they came across the dead end with both left and right alley. DJ Pon 3 signaled Octavia about. Octavia Melody used her stick in grabbing the lamppost in turning them to left side.
Both Octavia and DJ Pon 3 came across with some ponies standing and getting their ways. Instead of avoiding them, they got the ponies up high including Matilda who was leading Cakes Family in bring the Wedding Cake to Town Hall. They all got on Octavia and DJ Pon 3's wheeled speakers. Instead of stopping, they all continued driving straight to the Town Hall at once.
Upon reaching the Town Hall, the ponies spotted Cranky Doodle Donkey was walking towards the hall. They called and screamed at him to move aside. He spotted it. He quickly moved aside before he get squashed but lost his wig during his maneuver. The ponies headed straight to the hall at once. But they were too near to it now!
DJ Pon 3 stopped her DJ Jockey Wheels at once right in front of the steps, causing the ponies including herself out from the wheels. Everyone landed right inside of Town Hall. The invited ponies sat on their chairs. Both DJ Pon-3 and Octavia Melody stood on the musical stage on left side. Cakes Family and the wedding cake on right side. Everyone had gathered at town hall just in time.
Octavia Melody smiled as she held her cello tightly while looking at DJ Pon-3, "Something like that."
DJ Pon-3 smiled happily before putting her sunglasses up properly.
Both Royal Sisters were neared to the gift table. They smiled nervously to the passing-by ponies. They then glared at each other as they had small argument.
"What do you mean you left it on the counter?!" Princess Celestia demanded angrily.
Princess Luna argued, "I thought you were bringing it!"
Princess Celestia groaned angrily, "Well, this is just wonderful!"
The Royal Sisters stopped as they spotted Spike coming by. He placed the present on the table. They both smiled nervously at him. He turned and left them now. They then both glared at each other again.
Princess Luna glared at Princess Celestia, "I handled the gift for Cadance and Shining Armor! You were supposed to do this one, remember?"
Princess Celestia sighed in annoyance, "Well, we can't just come to this wedding empty-hoofed!"
"Don't you two ever learn how to be responsible?" The firmly voice spoke in annoyance. Both Royal Sisters turned and found Azure Phoenix, his family and officers had arrived. They were surprised. He sighed as he held some presents including Royal Sisters' on the table, "I don't even know why I have to clean your messes. You two are so hopeless and immature..."
Strikespell smirked and nodded his head, "Indeed, it is true. Things never change."
Royal Sisters groaned in annoyance, "Hey!"
Tao's Family and Shining Armor-Princess Cadance were sitting down on the wedding seats. Shining Armor was crying tearfully?!
"I did not see that coming..." Mighty Heart commented.
Jade nodded, "You'd tell me. I thought Stallions don't cry."
"It's alright. He always cries at weddings." Princess Cadance reassured her friends or family-in-law members. Shining Armor cried wildly and joyfully. She yelped in surprise. She continued, "...Usually it's not until the wedding starts."
Dragon Kick sighed while shaking his head, "Well, if his sister did married with my cousin. He will definitely cried for her being grown-up mare and have a husband especially when it is him."
"Don't even think about it! Shadow Dragon is not fit for her!" Shining Armor exclaimed in annoyance. He then cried and sobbed, "But I don't want to see her upset and sad! I just don't know if I can let her go and married with him when time has come!"
As Shining Armor cried tearfully, Tao sighed in annoyance, "And they said that I'm overprotective and worried too much for my son's future. But I'm certainly she is the right one for him, just like Iris Crystal was right for him. They both were connected as incarnation and reincarnation..."
Darpy was looking at the colorful flowers-like on the flower pots. After her unfortunate getting the flowers from Flower Sisters Trio, she decided to use Dr. Hooves's flowers instead. And she think them pretty and beautiful to be fit for the bridegroom and bride.
"These flameless fireworks look even better than flowers!" Derpy giggled happily.
"Attention, everypony!" The happy and calm voice called. Everyone turned to the entrance where Sweetie Drops or Bon-Bon was standing. She took her sunglasses down, "Our friends have done it! They've defeated the bugbear, Dark Mystic Rebels and Demon Successors!"
Everyone cheered wildly and happily. They knew and believed Twilight and her friends have defeated their enemies or monsters. They always do because they saved the Equestria especially learning the Friendship Lessons for few times.
As Sweetie Drops approached to her best friends Lyra Heartstrings, the latter ignored and looked to the front. Lyra was still upset and angry with Sweetie Drops for keeping her secret life and truth from her.
Sweetie Drops sighed as she greeted to Lyra, "Hey."
Lyra Heartstrings huffed, "Hello."
"So, uh, you didn't happen to mention our earlier conversation about my-" Sweetie Drops gritted her teeth while whispered softly to her best friend, "- secret identity -" She spoke calmly, "- to anypony, did you?"
"No. I did not." Lyra Heartstrings answered angrily. Sweetie Drops looked down in shame and upset that her best friend refused to look at her eye. Lyra Heartstrings turned and glared at Sweetie Drops, "And you're not the only one with a secret, y'know. You know those expensive imported oats you were saving for a special occasion? I cooked them up and ate them! All of them!"
Sweetie Drops was stunned and surprised of what she heard! Instead of showing upset and angry, she smiled as she knew that she wasn't the only pony who has the secret. And so did her best friend.
Lyra Heartstrings laughed happily, "It's sort of thrilling to reveal your deepest, darkest secrets!"
Sweetie Drops laughed as well, "That's what best friends are for."
As Lyra and Sweetie Drops hugged happily and passionately like sisters, everypony had arrived and sat on their seats. The wedding is about to start. Azure Phoenix and his family had taken their seats, along with the angry and upset Princess Celestia and Princess Luna sat close to the former.
"Next time, you can just bring your own gift, and I'll bring mine." Princess Celestia hushed angrily at her own sister.
Princess Luna sighed, "Fine."
Azure Phoenix sighed in annoyance, "You two never learn, now do you?" Both Royal Sisters huffed angrily as they looked away. He shook his head in annoyance, "I'd never know why I bothered about this..."
Derpy was about to close the door since there wasn't anyone else coming in now.
"There you are!" The voice called. Derpy turned and found Dr. Hooves worn the long colorful scarf-like running straight to the town hall. He stopped as he breathed heavily, "My suit has vanished and this was the only thing left in my closet! How do I look?"
Derpy smiled as she hugged Dr. Hooves passionately, "Like a million bits!"
Dr. Hooves smiled happily to have a good friend. Before he could do or said anything, he gasped as he found ponies have gathered inside the hall.
"Great whickering stallions, look at the time! We'd better get inside. Allons-y!"
Dr. Hooves marched into the hall. Everyone chatted happily as they all can't wait to see Cranky and Matilda getting married. But not all were happy.
Cranky Doodle Donkey lost his wig again. He is now bald. His 'serpent friend' Stephen Magnet was waiting from the outside of window had watched the event.
"I can't believe I lost my hair! I look ridiculous." Cranky complained angrily, "The love of my life deserves better than this!"
"Have no fear, Cranky, my dear. It's Stephen Magnet's mustache to the rescue!" Stephen Magnet said calmly and gracefully.
Stephen took his scale out while his right finger rolled and twisted his mustache. He cut his right side out. He placed the cutting one on Cranky's bald. He then combed a bit and put a gentle and good smell on it.
Cranky Doodle Donkey smiled, "Aw, thanks, buddy."
"Oh, no problem." Stephen smiled happily as he held and nuzzled his old buddy. He then moved Cranky to the front at once, "Now you get in there and marry that donkey!"
Cranky Doodle Donkey moved to the front of wedding stand where Matilda stands in front of him. He smiled nervously. It is time...
"Well, is everypony here?" Mayor Mare asked curiously.
After finishing the fight with Bug-Bear, Mane Six charged straight to the town hall as they were about to enter. But instead, the door slammed and closed them out.
Derpy smiled, "All set, Mayor!"
Mayor Mare began her oath of marriage between donkeys, "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join these two in mare-trimony. As I look around this room," She looked at the nervous Cranky,
I can only imagine how uncomfortable Cranky must be."
The ponies laughed amusingly while Cranky grumbled in annoyance to hear that from Mayor Mare.
Mayor Mare continued, "But I also see so many ponies from all trots of life, brought together by love."
Shining Armor put his hoof over Princess Cadance before hugged her while Tao and his family smiled happily and passionately to hear that.
"Cranky searched all across this great land of ours to find Matilda, and no matter what obstacles kept them apart, love would finally bring them together, just as it has brought all of us together now."
The Royal Sisters smiled as they realized and knew that Mayor Mare spoke the truth. They both smiled as they held each other's hooves while looking calmly and gently. Azure Phoenix smiled happily to see two sisters patched things up.
"It's remarkable to me how a story like Cranky's search for Matilda could fill this room with such a unique collection of ponies! It makes you realize that everypony is the star of their own story. And it's not just the main characters in our stories that make life so rich! It's everypony - those who play big parts and those who play small."
Mayor Mare looked around her surroundings of Town Hall. She smiled happily to see many different yet familiar ponies sitting on their seats before her.
"If it weren't for everypony in this room and many more who couldn't be here today, Cranky and Matilda's lives wouldn't be as full and vibrant as they are."
Stephen Magnet cried tearfully yet joyfully as he grabbed and hugged Bulk Biceps hard like holding a teddy bear.
"And so, in front of all these loved ones..." Mayor Mare turned to Cranky, "Cranky, do you take this donkey to be your lawfully wedded wife?
Cranky smiled, "You bet I do!"
Mayor Mare turned to Matilda as she smiled, "And do you, Matilda, take this donkey to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
Matilda sobbed tearfully yet joyfully, "I do!"
Mayor Mare smiled, "Then I'm proud to say, I now pronounce you jack and jenny!"
Cranky and Matilda leaned and and kissed each other's lips passionately and happily. The ponies cheered wildly and happily as they gave the applause for the married donkey couples to be wedded. Suddenly, the flameless firework flowers reacted strangely as if something had triggered them. Dr. Hooves noticed it.
And before anyone could do anything, they shoot straight to the sky and exploded like fireworks magically and beautifully. Everyone awed happily to see how beautiful the fireworks are.
Dr. Hooves laughed happily as he held Rose's head up while looking at her with happy and surprise looks, "Of course! They need love to ignite! How could I have missed it?!"
Everyone smiled happily to see it...
Mane Six saw everything from outside, despite unable to enter the wedding in time. They awed and smiled happily to see how beautiful and great the wedding is and especially the donkeys' wedding.
"You know something, girls?" Twilight said happily as she turned and looked at the town. The rest of Mane Six turned and looked at her. She continued, "We are so lucky to live in this town."
Her friends approached to Twilight Sparkle. They all smiled in agreement. Twilight then have her hooves grabbed and hugged them passionately and happily.
"I love you all!"
"Ow!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed painfully, "That's where the bugbear bit me!"
Twilight Sparkle smiled sheepishly, "Sorry!"
Both Dragon Strike Force and Black Omega came and meet up with the Mane Six. They noticed that the girls were outside as they realized of what was going on.
"I guess we missed," Shadow Dragon asked in surprise.
Twilight Sparkle shrugged as she approached and nuzzled Shadow Dragon, "But we didn't miss this."
Shadow Dragon blushed a bit as he nuzzled Twilight Sparkle back. Everyone watched the couples nuzzled each other while laughed a bit to see them to be together. This never gets old...
The End...
Review and Suggest...
Main Casts:
Tabitha St. Germain: Derpy 'Muffins' Ditzy Doo, Princess Luna, Lotus Blossom
Peter New: Dr. Hooves
Richard Newman: Cranky Doodle Donkey
Brenda Circhlow: Matilda, Amethyst Star
Minor Casts:
Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle
Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon
Jesse McCartney: Lance Justicestrike
Kira Tozer: Nyx
Michelle Creber: Apple Bloom
Claire Corlett: Sweetie Belle
Madeline Peters: Scootaloo
Ashleigh Ball: Lyra Heartstrings, Daisy, Rainbow Dash
Andrea Libman: Bon-Bon/Sweetie Drops
Lee Tockar: Stephen Magnet
Kazumi Evans: Octavia Melody, Rose
Michael Dobson: Jeff Lebowski
Cameo:
Benjamin Diskin: Boomer Bang
Rob Paulsen: Rob
Vincent Tong: Flash Sentry
Nicole Oliver: Princess Celestia
Douglas Rye: Azure Phoenix
Doug Erholtz: Strikespell
Britt McKillip: Princess Cadance
Andrew Francis: Shining Armor
Sab Shimono: Mystic Tao
Jackie Chan: Dragon Kick
Stacey Chan: Jade Adventure
Noah Nelson: Mighty Heart
Cathy Weseluck: Mayor Mare, Lily
Charlie Schlatter: Gutsy
David Sobolov: Voltscar
Jeff Bennett: Avalanche
Crispin Belfrage: Tyran |
My Little Pony Mystic Season 1 | Episode 10: Princess Spike | At the Canterlot Castle, the delegates across the Equestria; including Jade Emperor and the Mystic Council and different creatures were invited for a special event. Everyone had set the tents up within the castle's walls for entertainment and food for everyone to enjoy. They were all happy and excited about the event. And they all can't wait to start one.
At the Dining Hall, everyone chatted with each other about how important the event is especially a cloak over a strange yet mysterious statue-like. What was it?
A fanfare sounded. Everyone immediately turned and headed to the stage. They all stood before it including Shadow Dragon, Nyx, Lance Justicestrike, Mystic Tao and Drake Trio. They all saw Royal Princesses of Equestria and a dragon stood on the stage before them. But one of them, Princess Twilight was a half-awake and half-asleep. The event has begun...
Using her Royal Canterlot Voice, Princess Luna announced proudly, "Welcome to the Grand Equestria Pony Summit!"
The crowd then cheered wildly and happily! They were all excited and happy for the event including Mystic Ponies and Different Creatures across the Mortal Realm. They can't wait to start the Grand Equestria Pony Summit which involved uniting both Equestria and Mystic as one.
Princess Celestia smiled as she took over, "You delegates have traveled far and wide to represent your cities and country as we seek to celebrate and learn from all the unique places that make up our wonderful land of Equestria. At tonight's welcome reception, Princess Cadance will dedicate this beautiful friendship statue made up of gemstones from each of your home cities."
Without any interruption or disturbance, Princess Celestia levitated the cloak up. It revealed to be a crystallized tall yet large pony. It consisted of colorful and several gemstones. Everyone awed in surprise and amazed of the statue especially some dragons wanted it so badly.
"I... am... Grunt..." Grunt mumbled happily.
Boomer licked happily, "You said it. It's beautiful..."
Rob nudged both of his sworn brothers in snapping to reality, "Remember! We're not supposed to eat it! We're here to support Spike and his family."
Boomer groaned, "Don't remind me..."
Grunt muttered in agreement, "I am Grunt..."
But they weren't the only dragons who wanted the statue, Spike also find it delicious and tasty too as well. He licked his mouth happily that he wanted to eat it. Twilight nudged on his back gently in snapping him back to reality. He smiled nervously and innocently that he couldn't help it. But nevertheless, she smiled in understanding.
Princess Celestia continued, "Now I'd like to turn things over to the one who organized the summit: Princess Twilight Sparkle!"
Heard her queue, Twilight Sparkle smiled as she approached to the front at once while everyone cheered happily and wildly, and even gave an applause for her.
Despite tired and sleepy, Twilight Sparkle spoke of her speech, "Thank you, everypony. With delegates from over fifty cities and twelve country of Mystic Realm attending three days of conferences, receptions, and meetings, this is the largest Grand Equestria Pony Summit yet. And let me tell you, putting it all together has led to more than one sleepless night. We're so excited to have you here and to learn more about life all across this great united land of ours."
Twilight Sparkle's speech had touched and inspired their hearts and minds. The crowd cheered and gave applause to her. They were great to have her.
"One sleepless night?" Lance scoffed, "Yeah... More like three sleepless night. Kinda like what my mom did when she was a healer when it comes to saving lives."
Nyx shrugged, "That's my mummy. When it comes to organizing the event, she won't stop until everything is certain and ready for the event."
"If you ask me, that's overdo. She should have asked some of us to take over and help out," Shadow Dragon said in concern, "I just hope she didn't push herself hard."
Boomer yawned boringly while both Rob and Grunt glared at him. He shrugged innocently as he couldn't help it since he hated boring event like press conference or presentation. It bored him to death...
Spike pulled Twilight Sparkle's tail hard. She turned and looked at him. He smiled innocently yet happily with large pupils like begging or reminding her.
Twilight Sparkle smiled, "And now my faithful assistant Spike would like to say a few words."
Spike moved to the front at once as he began his speech. It was his first time to do it. He took a deep breathe and spoke up of what he wanted to say, "Um, hello, everypony! I'm here to help any way I can. So if there's anything I can do for any of you--"
"We love you, Princess Twilight!" Delegate #1 exclaimed happily.
Delegate #2 cried, "We love all the princesses!"
And nevertheless, the crowd cheered wildly and happily as they all agreed that they all loved the princesses. Not only they were just rulers of Equestria, but great noble and kindhearted teacher, saviors and leader they ever had in Equestria. The Princesses smiled back.
Shadow Dragon and the children smiled as they gave an applause for Twilight Sparkle since she's part of their family. Drake Trio weren't please of it though. They felt that ponies didn't treat or respect Spike as equal and one of them.
"Talk about respect," Boomer scowled a bit.
Rob shrugged, "Well... The Princesses or Royalties are considered to be the highest rank in ruling Equestria. Therefore, Spike was not considered to be royalty since he's just a Dragon. Nothing can be done..."
"I am Grunt..." Grunt said unhappily and sadly.
Boomer and Rob sighed, "We know..."
Spike sighed, "I guess everypony loves a princess. Hmph."
Though Spike did a heroic and noble sacrifice and bravery in saving Crystal Empire, he was scared and worried to face thousands of crowds because of his fear of failure and embarrassment. After the Equestria Games, he tried to be confident and today was his day. But it's ruined since he was not important and left out from special event again. The Princesses are special. And he wish he could be one...
At the castle's tower guest chamber, Spike and his friends were waiting for Twilight and her family returned. Spike and Rob were packing and organizing the books on the window's bookshelf, Grunt was eating the fruits and finally Boomer was sleeping on the floor.
Spike grunted a bit, "You know you can help me than doing nothing, Boom."
Boomer huffed, "If you mean the books? Forget it. I'm not so into the books. I hate reading."
"And I thought Rainbow Dash is the only who hates the books before."
"By the way, wanna tell us why you like this place? Those ponies sure got lot of nerve disrespecting then cheering you up."
Rob hummed in agreement as he and Spike shuffled a d shoved the books into the shelves, "Boomer does have the point. You did save the Crystal Empire. And you rescued us and saved your family too especially the Princess. The ponies didn't give you the chance to talk."
Grunt hummed and nodded in agreement, "I... am... Grunt..."
Spike sighed, "Don't worry. I'm used to it anyway. I'm not that important anyway."
"As if... You're the son of General Spiketail - the legendary Dragon General and Hero!" Boomer exclaimed in annoyance. He scoffed, "And I'd say you're important since he is the one who helped the Ponies win the Demon War and free the Dragons."
Rob smiled and nodded in agreement, "He has the point. You deserve the credits than ever."
"I am Grunt..." Grunt smiled.
Spike smiled a bit while looking at Drake Trio, "Thanks, guys. I owe you a lot."
Drake Trio smiled back to Spike since he is one of them. Suddenly, a knock sounded from the back. They turned to their back. As Spike was about to open the door, the door rammed and banged Spike to the bookshelf while knocking Boomer and Rob on Grunt to the ground.
"Spike! Spike!" Princess Cadance exclaimed in concern as she entered and looked around the area. Spike dropped to the ground. Before he could do anything, the books fell on him. She turned and found the messy books, "Spike?"
Spike mumbled painfully. Princess Cadance levitated him out from the books. She put and make him stand. Drake Trio slowly got up as they recovered from being banged and rammed by the door.
"Spike, we need you!"
"Of course! What can I do?"
The door was opened. Princess Cadance and Dragons turned and found Shadow Dragon carrying Twilight Sparkle on his back and the children accompanied him to the tower chamber.
"Whoa, what happened to you?" Boomer asked in surprise.
Twilight groaned tirelessly, "I'm sorry, everyone. I just..." She yawned loudly, "...need a quick... nap." She climbed down from Shadow Dragon as she approached to the books in making it like a bed for her to sleep, "Napkin! Tell the delegates I'll..."
Twilight Sparkle snored happily as she sounded asleep. Everyone sighed in concern. She really need to take a break from working for once.
Princess Cadance sighed, "She's been awake three straight days preparing for the summit."
"I told her to let me to handle it while she rest for a whole day," Shadow Dragon said in annoyance, "She'd never listen..."
Nyx shrugged, "She can't help it, dad. She just want to make the Grand Equestria Pony Summit perfect. She didn't want to disappoint Princess Celestia."
Lance sighed, "She could have let us take over and finish the work..."
"We need to make sure she gets some rest today. She'll never be able to attend the welcome reception in this condition." Princess Cadance said in concern. She turned to the dragons, "Can I count on you to see to it that she isn't disturbed?"
Shadow Dragon nodded in agreement, "The rest of us will take care of the delegates and keep entertainment for them too. And hopefully, they don't cause much a trouble. I'm pretty much bad at politics."
Princess Cadance smiled, "Don't worry, I'll help to..."
Spike smirked, "I promise! I won't let you down! Won't we, guys?"
"You bet!" Boomer and Rob exclaimed in agreement.
Grunt smiled as he helped carrying Twilight Sparkle up. He approached to the bed as he tucked her into the bed. Four dragons turned to the ponies. They saluted to them proudly and happily. Everything will be fine. Hopefully...
As four ponies left the tower guest chamber, they walked down the stairs while having some discussion. And hopefully that the dragons will keep Twilight from being disturbed...
"Do you think Spike and his friends can handle with it?" Shadow Dragon asked in concern.
Princess Cadance smiled, "Of course. This is Spike we're talking about. He can handle it. After all, he is Twilight's number one assistant she ever had."
Nyx smiled, "She's right. Mummy will be fine. I promise you for that."
Shadow Dragon sighed in concern, "It's his friends that worries me. I suspect that they might up to something."
"What makes you say that, dad?" Lance asked suspiciously. He scoffed a bit, "Boomer maybe hotheaded and tough dragon but he's a good and loyal friend like Rainbow Dash. Rob is a smart good dragon to do something stupid, even though it was quite annoying and boring to hear his theory and science."
"And don't forget about Grunt! He maybe big and tough dragon," Nyx squealed happily, "He's a nice dragon. I'm sure that they can be trusted."
"Hmm... I hope you're right," Shadow Dragon said in concern, "I just hope they're not doing anything stupid when helping Twilight Sparkle."
Princess Cadance, Nyx and Lance looked confuse and worry of what Shadow Dragon had said. What does he mean?
Inside the bed chamber, Twilight Sparkle was snoring and sleeping happily and calmly while Spike and his Dragon Friends marched around the area in guarding her and making sure that she is not disturbed. But at the same time, it was boring.
Boomer groaned, "Worst guarding the princess ever..."
"What do you expect? An excitement or battles?" Rob asked sarcastically before scoffed in annoyance, "I for once want to have peace and quiet without some rebellion or demons to deal with. I've just had enough of that. And at the same time, I can study some theory and engineer books when we get back to Ponyville."
Boomer huffed, "I should have stayed at home with Metalgear. That guy put a great act of comedian."
"Speaking of comedian," Rob said in surprise, "When did he became comedian? Did Pinkie involved of this?"
Grunt shrugged as he took a bite on an orange, "I am Grunt..."
"You said it," Boomer agreed, "Pinkie is so random. Don't know what she did to that Metalhead."
Spike approached to the window. He used telescope in spying and checking the area of Canterlot. He had to make sure that everything is peace and quiet. No noise disturbed his princess. He saw a mother carrying the wheeled crib of a baby, he saw a stallion drinking a tea and a mime performing and entertaining before the crowds. Spike smiled in please that everything is good...
As Spike continued his monitoring the area and making sure Twilight Sparkle was not disturbed, he stopped as he heard a tweeting noise. He turned back to the window as he used the telescope in finding the source of noise. He found a bird singing at the top of castle's tower pin.
He groaned in annoyance as he quickly left the bed chamber at once. He then climbed up all the way to top. He quickly spoke.
"Uh, excuse me? Can you keep it down a little?" Spike asked. The bird was annoyed as it flew straight to the tower bed chamber. He gasped, "Oh no!"
Spike returned to the bed chamber at once. He saw the bird still singing while standing still on Twilight Sparkle's horn. Boomer was tempted in whacking on it for making noise while both Rob and Grunt held him tight and kept his mouth shout from making noise. Twilight Sparkle was still sleeping. This is serious!
Spike approached to the bird as he begged frantically, "I'll give you birdseed! Worms! Anything! Just please stop singing before you wake the princess!"
The bird stopped as it looked down at once. It was surprise and shock. The dragons became nervous, worried and scared as they wondered if the bird did heed their begging. They prayed it's a good news. They got the answer - the bird bowed in respect as it turned and flew off to the window. The dragons sighed in relief.
"Huh. I can't believe that worked." Spike said in relief. He turned and found three dragons glared at him. He looked worry and scared as he asked, "What?"
Rob sighed in annoyance, "You could have close the window?"
Spike smiled sheepishly while having his cheek glowed in red. Boomer groaned, "Honestly... That singing bird was hardly a problem for us to deal with."
Grunt gasped as he pointed out at the window, "I am Grunt!"
Before any of dragons could ask, they all heard the noise especially the shouting part. The dragons approached to the window. They all saw ponies playing the polo outside the Canterlot Courtyard while the spectators cheering wildly and loudly for them. This had cause Twilight Sparkle groaned from being disturbed by the noise.
Spike groaned in annoyance. Before Rob could speak anything, Spike headed off at once followed by Boomer and Grunt. Rob groaned in annoyance as he hated being ignored when his plan was a logical and avoidable.
As one of polo ponies shot the ball straight to the pole goal, Spike jumped up and grabbed the ball before landed on the ground. They gasped in shock as they were angered. They approached and glared at him. He interrupted their games.
"Uh, hi fellas. Sorry to break up your game," Spike apologized innocently, "but there's sort of an important diplomatic summit kind of thingy going on, and it involves a princess needing to sleep, and, uh..."
Spike gulped in concern as he watched ponies getting angry with him. And before they could do anything, they heard the stomping and felt the ground shaking once. They turned and found Grunt and Boomer glaring at them. The polo ponies gulped in concern.
"Do us a favor?" Boomer smirked darkly. The ponies gulped in concern. He said, "Can you move your ass game somewhere else? Grunt is not a happy dragon too."
The polo ponies looked at each other for the moment. They all know what to do. They smiled nervously and nodded in agreement. They took the ball and poles as they walked away at once.
"The princess thanks you for your understanding!" Spike thanked happily as he turned to his dragon pals, "Thanks guys. I owe you all."
"No problem..." Boomer scoffed proudly. He turned and found Rob approached to him. He smirked, "What took you long?"
Rob looked around as he found polo ponies were packing their games up, "Was this necessary? Like I said before, we could-!"
BUZZ! The dragons stopped as they turned and found greenish Horticultural Pegasus activated his chainsaw as he was cutting down the branches from some trees. The dragons immediately approached to the trees. They climbed to top and spoke with the Pegasus.
"Uh, Excuse me. Do you have to do this right now?" Spike got interrupted as he sneezed out. Why does he sneeze? He looked and found some strange flowers attached to branches and leaves. He gasped, "Oh, no! Are those dragon-sneeze trees?"
Boomer groaned in upset as he sniffled, "You've gotta be kidding me!"
Grunt sneezed wildly. Rob sniffled uncontrollably, "I think we'd better let him cut these branches down before it makes us sick! And not to mention, they don't look stable too."
"Yup. The purple dragon make a good point," Horticultural Pegasus nodded in agreement, "Wouldn't take much to bring these beauties down."
"Can't you just wait a few hours?" Spike asked while rubbing his eyes.
"Spike!" Rob exclaimed in annoyance, "This is very serious! You know we can't stand on these trees especially they're about to fall! We have to get rid of them."
Boomer sneezed wildly, "Gotta agree with smart-ass now!"
Horticultural Pegasus nodded, "It's a public hazard. I got my orders."
"Well, I've got my orders too from Princess Twi... Twi..." Spike sneezed wildly as he insisted, "Twilight...!"
"Princess Twilight?" Horticultural Pegasus asked in surprise before he laughed happily, "Why didn't you say so? Gee, I reckon they'll keep a few more hours."
Horticultural Pegasus turned and flew off in taking a break. Spike and his dragons climbed down and moved away from the tree.
"Good thing I've got the princesses on my side." Spike commented. He turned and found Drake Trio glared at him. He groaned a bit, "What? What did I do wrong?"
"You could have left the pony to cut down the trees," Rob said angrily, "they could have fallen anytime soon! That was very unwise of you!"
Boomer nodded, "And not to mention, we dragons can't stand on the dragon sneeze."
Spike sighed, "Look guys. We can't let the noise disturbed Twilight. I've made promise that she get enough rest for the summit. If I let that happen, she will be more tired and had a hard time to focus on the summit."
Before any dragons could say anything, the ground shaking and moving as well as themselves but Grunt. They quickly grabbed the cones as they turned and found a greenish unicorn dressed in construction vest was using jackhammer in rattling down the ground.
"Aw, come on! Excuse me? Excuse me, sir! I really need you to--" Spike shouted angrily as the unicorn stopped using jackhammer. "--stop right now!"
Boomer sighed, "He already did, Spike."
Public Works Pony sighed, "Lemme guess, the noise? Sorry, but we can't have a broken water main!"
The Dragons looked down and found the water pipe had a crack. Is her serious?!"
Rob gulped, "This is very serious. If he doesn't get it down by today, Canterlot is gonna lose lots of water!"
Grunt gulped in concern, "I am Grunt..."
Spike turned and glared at Construction Pony, "You couldn't do this yesterday?!"
"Hey, pal, I'm just tryin' to make sure everything runs smooth for the summit!" Public Works Pony protested.
"But there is no summit without Princess Twilight," Spike said angrily, "and she needs things to be kept quiet around here. So if you don't mind, I'd--"
Public Works Pony groaned, "All right, all right, if that's how she wants it! But if something happens, it ain't my fault!"
Public Works Pony walked away at once. Spike sighed in relief to hear it. He looked around to see no ponies were located in the area or even hear the noise. He smiled in relief. He turned and gave a thumbs up to his friends.
Boomer smiled in approval. Rob sighed in annoyance. Grunt shrugged about it. Spike sure has the way to handle the situation.
At the Dining Hall, Twilight's boyfriend and children were doing their best to keep delegates and Mystic Council entertained and interested at all cost. Shadow Dragon was speaking with the Mystic Councilponies including his father and Azure Phoenix about his latest development at Ponyville and recent event which involved with Dark Mystic Ponies, Seekcurse and Starlight Glimmer.
Tao hummed in concern, "We not only have to be concern with Seekcurse and Starlight Glimmer, but also Dark Mystic Ponies."
"You are right, old friend," Azure Phoenix nodded in agreement, "Though Third Mystic War has ended, the loyalists of Dark Curse continued to rebel and wage war against us. They will not stop until they will achieve their goals, and until all will be theirs."
"And do not forget about Starlight Glimmer and Seekcurse. Those two maybe minor but they're still a threat. Starlight desired in bringing equality to all ponies and even defying the Mystic while Seekcurse desired bringing Qin Dynasty back to the living in ruling the world."
"I know what you mean. These threats are getting serious and dangerous. They were planning to lower our defense and ready to take over our world. They've been hiding, planing and waiting for the right time to take us down. Unless we find and destroy them, their goals will be achieved."
"Not on my watch," Shadow Dragon said firmly. Both Azure Phoenix and Tao turned and looked at him. He continued, "My team and Twilight's, even Lance's will take care of our enemies. We won't let them achieve it. You know that. They have strike, but we'll strike them back harder."
Tao smiled proudly, "I'm glad to see you're returning to who you once were, my son. You have no idea how much I miss of that."
"Agree... You're letting go of your past," Azure Phoenix said in agreement, "She would be proud of it. She would have wanted you to move on and have a life."
"Speaking of 'she', aren't you and Princess Celestia getting back together?" Shadow Dragon asked slyly. Tao looked at Azure Phoenix who got blushed and groaned a bit in hiding the fact that he visited and talked with her. He smiled, "Don't hide the fact, sir. You did visit her. You actually missed her, even though you're mad at her for falling of another guy."
Azure Phoenix groaned in annoyance while Mystic Tao chuckled in amusement. They can't believe that Shadow Dragon still have a sense of humor after a long time..."
Lance and Nyx were talking with Red Arsenal near to the window about the recent event.
"Did you know that Demon Lords have children?" Nyx asked in concern. She sighed, "I thought I was the only one."
Red Arsenal sighed, "So did I. Why didn't Flare Tiger tell me about it? She knows the future."
"Maybe because she can't," Lance answered. Red Arsenal and Nyx looked at him. He continued, "I know her because she helped me stay on the path to reunite with my dad and meet my new family and friends. Maybe she doesn't want us to know too much about what we're dealing with, unless they proved to be problem or serious situation."
"Dumb, but make sense," Red Arsenal remarked before he continued, "Why not this?"
Nyx hummed thoughtfully, "Because she expected it. She didn't help us to get the ingredients to save our family but to train and help me overcome my inner demon. She knew I was tempted by my own hatred and rage to destroy my enemies. But I chose the better path."
"Not only that, she knew you would have a Battle Mode." Lance continued, "You'll need it to fight with them."
Nyx hummed before smirked, "Smart move for us, and bad move for the Demons. If I practice more on using that mode, I would be ready for those jerks."
Red Arsenal smirked, "You've got a right guy to help and train you. Don't bet that I would go easy on you. I won't be gentle."
"Speaking of gentle," Lance said in concern as he approached to the window. He found Horticultural Pegasus and Public Works Pony not sighted in taking care of Dragon Sneeze Trees and Water Pipe Main while other ponies were minding their own business. He asked, "The noise stopped. Why aren't these problems dealt with?"
Both Nyx and Red Arsenal approached to the window. They noticed it. They realized that Lance was right about it. The ponies were supposed to finish the work. What happen to the workers? Where are they? Why didn't they finish the job?
Spike and his friends walked up the stairs while chatted happily. By using the 'Princess' name, they have managed to stop the Canterlot Citizens from making noise and disturbance as Princess Twilight Sparkle is still sleeping. They were impressed and relieved.
Spike smiled, "Twilight will be rested, Princess Cadance will be proud, and Princess Spike deserves a little reward."
Boomer scoffed, "Hah! Princess Spike." He laughed in amusement, "So, you're a girl now?"
"I mean - Prince Spike- Lord Spike- Noble Spike-!" Spike groaned in annoyance as he took the seat and held the bowl of crimson jewels up, "You know what I mean!"
Boomer chuckled as he threw the flowers around Spike, "I know what I mean. You want to be a pretty little princess! Spike wanna be a princess! Spike wanna be a princess!"
Grunt chuckled in amusement while Rob sighed in annoyance about Boomer's joke. Spike groaned in annoyance as he decided to ignore it. Spike took a bite on the jewel. A shadow loomed over him. He looked up and found Rob stood before him. Rob was glaring at Spike who shrugged innocently and unaware of what and why his smart friend glaring at him.
"You know what was that about!" Rob scolded angrily. Grunt hummed in concern as he had his back of head scratched. Boomer shrugged. Rob sighed, "This is complete unnecessary, Spike. All we have to do is close the window and let the ponies do what they want. Our only duty is keep Princess Twilight sleep and not disturbed, not go around and mess everyone's lives up!"
"Chillax, Rob!" Boomer said happily as he gave Rod a pat. He continued, "We did keep Princess Twilight from being disturbed, didn't we?"
Spike smirked, "You bet. Even if I did close the window, Twilight could hear that noise. I rather ask them be quiet than doing nothing. And now it's okay. Let's just relax and enjoy our diamonds. Nothing could ruin our peaceful party."
Suddenly, They heard an outrage argument from distance. They turned and found two ponies arguing with each other while climbing up to the stairs. One was a brown Earth Pony with afro black mane and short tail dressed in uniform Manehattan Delegate and a female white Earth Pony with blond mane and tail with Siberian uniform and dress-like. They came to the bed chamber.
Boomer huffed, "So much for a party."
Spike cleared his throat, "Uh, hi. Can I help you?"
Whinnyapolis Delegate explained, "My friend here, the distinguished pony from up Manehattan, and I are in a bit of a pickle, and we need the Princess Twilight to resolve it."
Spike yelped in concern, "Uh, can you talk a little quieter? And maybe come back later?"
"Oh, sure now, gosh, I wish we could but," Whinnyapolis Delegate said before glared at Manehattan Delegate, "uh, we're both supposed to give speeches about our local economies in five minutes, and we've been booked in the same hall!"
"I had the room first. And let's be honest, my speech is more important." Manehattan Delegate said proudly.
"Point of order there, sir, but I think you'll find that my speech is the more important one, don't'cha know?"
Manehatten Delegate sighed in annoyance as he glared at the dragons, "Look, youse is gonna have a lot of unhappy delegates on your hooves unless we get a ruling from Princess Twilight right now!"
"Wanna be smart-ass or something, buddy?" Boomer demanded angrily, "Coz I was about to give your peace of my shit of punchings right about now!"
Rob yelped as he quickly covered Boomer's mouth from speaking foul words. He turned and looked at the delegates, "Have you try to talk with Shadow Dragon or Princess Cadance? I'm pretty sure they're available."
Whinnyapolis Delegate sighed in annoyance, "That Mystic General is still chatting with Mystic Ponies. Not a chance if I'm disrespecting them gods, don't'cha know?"
Manehatten Delegate nodded in agreement, "Yeah... Princess Cadance is dealing with other delegates for some important business. And not to mention, her children are still young to know politics. So the best bet is Princess Twilight Sparkle. You'd better get her answer now before we're getting demanding than before!"
"Aie! Don't want to keep us waiting, don't'cha know?"
Rob sighed, "Seriously?"
Both Manehattan and Whinnyapolis Delegates gave the Dragons an angry glares. They remained silent yet worried as they knew it's not wise to make the delegates angry and upset.
Spike sighed, "Lemme see what I can do."
Spike and his friends entered the bedroom at once. They were about to approach Princess Twilight Sparkle but stopped by Rob.
"We can't disturb Twilight Sparkle," Rob exclaimed in concern, "She needs some rest now!"
Boomer huffed as he had his right fist punched on left hand, "Tell that to those delegates! Best way to solve it is giving them my knuckle-sandwich!"
"We don't have a choice, guys," Spike said in concern. He and his friends approached Twilight Sparkle. He shook her up a bit. She moaned as she was half-awake. She looked at Spike. He continued, "We have a little problem - Two delegates have speeches booked in the same hall. What do we do?"
"Okay, no problem." Twilight Sparkle said tirelessly. The Dragons smiled in relief. She spoke, "Just put the hay in the apple and eat the candle, hm?"
The Dragons were surprise and shock of the answer. Is she serious?!
Twilight Sparkle yawned happily as she fell her back on bed. She snored and slept soundly and peacefully. The dragons were now in trouble and concerns.
"Oh, I need an answer, but Twilight can't even think straight!" Spike said in concern, "Oh, my gosh, what am I supposed to do?!"
Rob sighed, "Let's just tell them to come back later and talk with royalties. They're the responsible of organizing the summit."
Boomer huffed as he held his fist up, "Or we can just give them a knuckle-sandwich! That would keep their mouths shut for good."
"Always for the violence, don't you? No wonder we'd never get a good treatment..."
"Like hell you have one. And what's that - running from the problem!?! Chicken-Dragon!"
"You've got a lot of nerve talking back, brat! You're gonna get us in trouble!"
"Wanna test my temper? Coz I'm ready for it!"
"Guys! I need answer, not fighting!" Spike said in concern, "These options aren't helping! The Delegates will be madder than before!"
Grunt looked at the Princess Twilight Sparkle, then the outside and finally Spike. He smiled as he had the answer, "I am Grunt."
"Say what?!" The Dragons asked in surprise.
Grunt smiled as he explained to his brotherhood about it. They were shocked, surprised
From outside, the delegates were waiting for the answer. Spike and his friends emerged from the door. They stepped forward before the delegates.
"Well? What did she say? She picked me, right?" Manehattan Delegate asked proudly.
Whinnyapolis Delegate groaned, "Hey, hey, hey. Let's not be too hasty there, good sir. I got a feeling she went with me."
"He-hey, if she didn't pick me, it ain't hard to see that as an insult to all of Manehattan! You know what I'm sayin'?"
"And it'd sure be a shame to see something like a scheduling issue create a nasty old rift between Whinnyapolis and Ponyville."
"So? What did the Princess say?"
"Come on, now! Spit it out!"
"Um, she said that..." Spike gulped in concern. He turned and looked at his dragon friends. They all nodded their heads. He sighed, "Well, she said that she... she wants you to... share it?"
Both the delegates remained silent for the moment. The Dragons looked worry and scared as they wondered of their reaction. Will they accept it?
"If that's what the princess wants," Manehattan Delegate said as he turned to Whinnyapolis Delegate. He held his hoof up, "what are ya gonna do?"
Whinnyapolis Delegate smiled as she shook his hoof, "The princess is always right!"
They actually accept it?! Without anything to say, both delegates turned and walked down the stairs while chatted happily and joyfully with each other. The Dragons were surprise and shock about the event.
"I can't believe they fell for it..." Rob said in surprise.
Boomer groaned, "I can't believe that I didn't get some punches... Again..."
Spike smiled as he patted Grunt's back, "Thanks, Grunt. Your plan works. Now we don't have to worry about that any of them again."
Grunt smiled, "I am Grunt."
"Now, back to more important things! Nothing could ruin our day." Spike held the bowl of crimson jewels.
The dragons enjoyed eating and chewing the jewels for some minutes. They were furnished and full. Nothing could ruin their day.
The cyan mustache Earth Pony approached and complained angrily, Combining those two talks was a disaster! The hall was overcrowded and the speakers just shouted over each other! Why would the princess have made such a decision?!"
Before the dragons could say anything, they heard some complaining from downstairs. They found more delegates arguing and complaining with each other about their problems. The Dragons are now facing more difficult problems!
"Great..." Boomer muttered in anger, "New problems to deal with."
As the delegates continued their arguing and complaining, the dragons were now worried and scared. But they have to keep them down from waking Twilight Sparkle up!
"Uh, by order of Princess Twilight," Spike said in concern, "be quiet!"
Everyone silenced as they all looked at Spike. Drake Trio groaned in annoyance. Spike yelped in concern of his mistake. Did Spike have to shout when Twilight Sparkle was still sleeping.
"I was really looking forward to the 'Don't Spend All Your Bits' Speech, but when I went into the hall," Fluffy Cloud explained unhappily as he landed on the ground. He sobbed and cried tearfully, "a pony had taken my seat. A pony who used to be my friend!"
Boomer and Rob groaned, "Seriously?"
"Your friend took your seat?" Spike scoffed, "Hah, big deal! Why don't you just--"
"No offense, but I don't need some random dragon's opinion." Fluffy Clouds said unhappily, "I-I want to hear what Princess Twilight thinks."
Boomer groaned as he clenched his fists tightly, "How about you listen to my fist, you bloody son of the-!"
Rob yelped and covered Boomer's mouth, "Just give us some moments. Princess Twilight will answer to us!"
The Dragons looked at Twilight Sparkle for the moment. She was still sleeping and snoring peacefully on the bed. They then chatted for the moment about how they deal with the situation.
Rob sighed, "I'd say we tell them to be back later when Princess Twilight Sparkle is fully rejuvenated. They would understand."
"Or how about give them a knuckle-sandwich!" Boomer exclaimed in annoyance. The dragons glared at him. He growled, "Action speaks louder than words."
Grunt hummed before looking at Princess Twilight Sparkle. Spike noticed his looking as he knew what his best friend was thinking. He nodded. He turned to both Boomer and Rob, who sighed on defear and submit to Spike's agreement.
The Dragons went out to speak with Fluffy Clouds.
Spike said, "The princess says no friendship should end over a seat. You should forgive your friend!"
Fluffy Clouds gasped happily, "Of course! Oh, the princess is so wise!"
The delegates chatted happily with each other about Princess Twilight Sparkle being wise as other princesses. And once again, they fell for the Dragons' tricks. The Dragons have their own discussion of what they do next.
"Still think we should 'give what princess's advise'?" Rob asked in concern, "I've got a bad feeling about this. The delegates may not get along well."
Boomer huffed, "Please said that we can punch them. It's so much better than talking."
"No..." Spike disagreed, "We're gonna do what Grunt and I had planned. We'll tell these delegates anything as long as they think it came from Twilight. That should avoid from disturbing her sleeping. That's our priority. Whose with me?"
Grunt smiled happily as he nodded. Both Rob and Boomer sighed as they nodded in agreement as well. The Dragons helped ponies, griffons and some other creatures 'asking Twilight Sparkle for advice'. All of them bought it. So far, so good. They all appreciated the Princess, or in other words - the dragons' wisdom and advice. None have suspected of the advice.
The Dragons come across to Fancy Pants as the last guest.
Spike asked, "So, how can Princess Twilight be of service?"
"Well, as host city, the Canterlot delegation feels it's only right that we should get passes to every meeting and party," Fancy Pant asked calmly, "yes?"
Boomer whistled, "Free pass! Good for us!"
"Well, that doesn't seem fair--" Spike yelped, "I mean, Princess Twilight doesn't think that seems fair."
"Ehhh... yes, yes, very well." Fancy Pants said in disappointment. He smiled, "It was worth a try though, wasn't it, old chap, hm?"
Fancy Pants turned and walked down the stairs. That was the last of them...
"This is great! I just took care of a whole bunch of stuff that Twilight won't have to worry about when she wakes up!" Spike smiled happily, "Wonder if anypony else needs the princess's help?"
Spike entered the bed chamber as he took the schedule of meeting down. He turned to his friends as he was about to explained.
"No way!" Rob protested, "We've done enough! It's best that we should do nothing and keep Twilight from being disturbed. Let others handle it"
Spike groaned, "Come on. We're helping Twilight not to get disturbed. If others couldn't make it, then who will? If we can check a few of these meetings off her schedule, then when she wakes up, she won't have to think about anything but the reception."
Rob hummed in concern, "I don't know..."
"Well... If it doesn't, I would like to give some punches for stupid ponies," Boomer said in annoyance. Spike glared at Boomer for the moment. He asked, "What?!"
"Do I have to spell it out? As long as everyone thinks it's Princess Twilight, they'll respect her and us too because we helped her." Boomer remained dumbfounded and confused. Spike sighed in annoyance, "We'll be famous and can do whatever we want! This is what Grunt meant."
Grunt smiled, "I am Grunt."
Boomer hummed before smirked, "Okay then. This is gonna be a kick-ass! I'm in!"
"Unbelievable!" Rob said in concern. The other dragons looked at him while giving him the puppy-dog eyes. He yelped for the moment as he struggled in overcoming them. He groaned, "I hate you all. Fine. Let's do it. But please, make sure that we're not in troubles..."
Spike, Boomer and Grunt cheered happily while Rob sighed in annoyance. This is going to be bad news...
After discussion with Mystic Councilpony about their old time and latest development, Shadow Dragon and his family had arrived at the dining hall in settling some problems. They found the delegates were getting along with each other well. They were informed that the delegates were having problems about the summit or others they're getting along. Due to Shadow Dragon was being busy, they have no choice but to wait until he returned to them.
"Is it me or the problem disappeared before we got back here," Lance asked in surprise.
Red Arsenal hummed, "I heard those delegates argued and complained about the summit for moments ago. But now the problem solved..."
"But who did it? I doubt it was daddy or Princesses did it. They were too busy with the Jade Emperor." Nyx said in concern.
Shadow Dragon hummed, "There's only one way to find out. Let's ask if they have the problems."
They questioned everyone if there was the problem but they answered to them everything was fine because of Twilight Sparkle. Shadow Dragon and his family were surprised yet suspicious of Twilight Sparkle able to give the advice to the delegates when she was still sleeping.
"This is... So sudden..." Princess Cadance said in surprise, "I was surprise that she was able to give advice despite her condition."
Red Arsenal hummed, "I don't think she did. Was anyone else left with her?"
"There is," Lance answered, "Spike and Drake Trio. I told them to make sure that she was not disturbed. Wait... You don't think they're the ones who gave the advice."
"Maybe... I doubt Boomer is smart enough to do some politics while Rob is too smart to do anything about it or even Grunt would be bothered of it."
"Spike did it?!" Nyx asked in concern, "He couldn't... He knows he wasn't good at politics."
"I don't know. But we have to make sure that everyone is satisfied especially the area. There are some dangerous obstacles around here," Shadow Dragon said in concern. He turned to Princess Cadance, "Cadance, take Nyx and find Spike and his friends. And be sure that they stayed out of troubles. The rest of us will check with the delegates."
"Okay... I got it. Take care." Princess Cadance nodded.
Princess Cadance took Nyx off in finding Spike and his friends. Shadow Dragon, Lance and Red Arsenal went and checked on the delegates. They prayed that they won't be angry or upset about the lies Spike had spread or even happy with the advise was provided by the latter.
At the Canterlot Cafe, Spike and his friends meet up with the geeky and nerdy purple Earth Pony with orange ponytail mane and tail dressed in brown vest and white uniform and worn the glasses. She is one of Twilight Sparkle's client to meet and discussed with.
"It says here you have a meeting with Princess Twilight?" Spike asked curiously.
Nerdy Delegate lisped as she put the paper of Mare Statue of Thousand Gems on table, "Uh, yuppers. She wanted me to prep her on all the different gemstones in the Citizens of Equestria statue before the reception tonight."
"Okay, go ahead."
"Um, well, I'd rather, um, tell the princess directly."
"Well, if it helps, you can call me 'Princess Spike'." Spike said slyly.
Nerdy Delegate found it disturbing of seeing a dragon being princess. Boomer then gave a whack on Spike's head for being stupid. As she was about to leave, Spike yelped as he quickly called.
"No-no-no, it's alright. The princess asked me to take care of a few things for her. That's why I came to find you."
Nerdy Delegate lisped uneasily, "Um, if you say so."
"I can assure you. She did," Rob agreed. He then muttered in annoyance, "Though I'm actually against the idea..."
Nerdy Delegate explained to the dragons of what and how the gems fit into the Statue Mare of Thousand Gems represent to states of Equestria and countries of Mystic Realm for nearly one to two hours...
At the construction site, the Public Works Pony was eating his apple in waiting for someone to arrive.
"I'm here for your two o'clock!" Spike called as he and his friends approached to the pony.
Public Works Pony gasped in surprise, "You?! But I'm supposed to be briefing Princess Twilight on the progress with the water main!"
Boomer scoffed, "We speak for the Princess, genius!"
"Uh, well, uh, can I start fixing it again?" Public Works Pony asked in concern as he turned and looked at the pipe. It almost had some cracks on it like it was about to burst. He gulped, "I'm getting a little worried, to be honest."
Rob noticed it, "Well... You could-!"
Spike interrupted, "Actually, Twilight still needs her rest, and her no-noise policy is still in effect for a few more hours. Sorry."
Boomer nodded, "Ya heard the boss. It's a no. Now beat it."
Public Works Pony sighed in defeat as he levitated his jackhammer and walked away. Spike and his friends turned and walked away. Rob sighed in annoyance while slapped his face as he wondered why Spike stubborn of not realizing other problems than just keeping Twilight from being disturbed.
As the dragons walked away and moved to deal with another problem, Princess Cadance and Nyx stood before them. The Alicorns finally found the dragons in time.
"Hey, Spike." Princess Cadance greeted, causing the dragons yelped in shock and surprise. She asked, "What's going on?"
"Oh, you know, just settin' 'em up and knockin' 'em down!" Spike said happily.
Nyx hissed in concern of what Red Arsenal has suspected, "So, it was true..."
"Not only have we kept things quiet so Twilight could sleep, we also took care of all her afternoon meetings so she won't have to worry about them when she wakes up."
Boomer scoffed happily as he patted Spike's shoulder, "This will be piece of cake."
Rob sighed in annoyance. Grunt remained silent as he gave a concern and worried thoughts.
"Are you sure she'd want you doing that? There are so many things to keep track of at this summit." Princess Cadance asked in concern.
Nyx hissed in concern, "This is politics, not your playground; guys. And it's very serious. You remembered what Lord Azure told us about his time as Prime Minister while using the Emperor's Name in order to control the Qin Dynasty? It's not very easy."
"Nah, don't worry. I got it covered." Spike scoffed, "I know Twilight so well, it's easy to make decisions like her! And don't worry, I'm not a tyrant like Cruez or Seekcurse."
Boomer nodded, "You've got that right. We've got nothing to worry about."
The Alicorns were still doubtful and concern of dragons' purpose of helping Twilight Sparkle as they felt that there is something they wanted to do than just helping. Dragons can sometimes be greedy as the griffon.
"Oh, okay. Well, thank you for keeping Twilight's stress level down. As long as that's the real reason you're doing it." Princess Cadance said suspiciously. The dragons but Rob and Grunt looked confuse of what Princess Cadance was referring too. She sighed, "You're not enjoying speaking for Twilight a little bit?"
"Enjoying it?" Spike laughed uneasily, followed by his friends. He continued, "No way! The only things I'm doing by order of the princess are for the good of the summit!"
The Alicorns again doubtful of the dragons' true loyalty and purpose. But they decided to leave it since they helped Equestria so much.
Nyx gave Spike an angry glare, "Don't do something stupid. The last thing I want is my brother getting into trouble. And believe me. Ponies will see you as tyrant than a friend. Don't repeat the mistake like other tyrants."
As the Alicorns flew off back to Canterlot Castle, Spike smirked as he turned to his friends. He then gave a chuckled. Boomer smiled in please while Rob and Grunt looked worry and scared about it. And they had the feeling that this will not be about helping Twilight Sparkle.
Spike and his friends spent their time in asking ponies and griffons do their services for them by using Princess Twilight Sparkle's name. They get a massage, free diamond cupcakes and even the portraits of themselves. They truly enjoyed the respect and treatment much, though Rob and Grunt didn't like it very much. But unknown to them, some group have watched the event. And boy, they're not gonna be pleased of it...
Spike and his friends were at the Dinning Hall. They were eating their jewels for the snacks. Rob and Grunt weren't please of what Spike was doing.
"I can't believe that you did it!" Rob scolded angrily, "Do you have no idea of what you have done?!"
Spike sighed, "You mean helping Twilight Sparkle from being disturbed? That should be good enough and we deserve a reward."
"You said it," Boomer smirked as he took a black jewel into his mouth, "Totally worth it!"
Grunt growled, "I am Grunt!"
"I agreed, Grunt. All of you are irresponsible!" Rob exclaimed in anger, "We should have closed the window instead of interrupting the ponies' business! I wish this would never have happen!"
Spike scoffed, "You really need to relax. Princess life is good!"
"It sure is," The firm and angry voice asked. The dragons yelped in concern. They turned and found Princess Cadance and Nyx marching into the chamber as they approached to the dragons. Princess Cadance continued, "but it's also hard work, isn't it?"
Rob groaned, "We're in trouble!"
Spike gulped, "Eh, it's not so bad."
Princess Cadance sighed, "Spike, I'm concerned you might be abusing your relationship with Twilight."
Nyx nodded in agreement, "You promised me that you won't become a tyrant!"
"I'm not a tyrant! I'm a great princess--" Spike yelped as he found his friends glaring at him. He continued, "I mean, Twilight's a great princess! And I've been working hard to help her! When two delegates had a falling out, I'm the one who fixed their friendship! I listened to that pony drone on about gems for forty-five minutes so Twilight wouldn't have to! I moved a polo match away from the tower so she could sleep! And I didn't even eat that delicious looking statue! I'm a decision-making master!"
Boomer scoffed, "This baby dragon got his own rights, alright!"
Both Alicorns glared at Spike and Boomer, and even Grunt and Rob glared at their own brotherhood members. They were not amused by Spike's decision and doing. They all know being princess isn't about getting job done and get what they wanted but taking a responsibility of their own action and mistakes they made for others.
Spike sighed, "Okay. So maybe I did get a little carried away making decisions. But it's not like anything bad happened."
"Really? Like asking those ponies stopped dealing with dragon sneeze trees and water pipe?" Rob asked in annoyance, "Something bad is bound to happen!"
"You did what?!" Alicorns asked in concern.
At the fenced field where polo ponies were playing polo, one of them accidentally hit the ball hard. It hit over the walls. It knocked the the first dragon sneeze tree in falling on the rest down. The last one fell and slammed on water pipe. With a hard knock, pipe cracked in firing the water straight to the dining hall.
Both Alicorns and Dragons screamed in fear and worry as the water continued poured into the hall. Dining Hall is half-way flooded! Both Princesses climbed up the stage while the dragons held the table tightly.
"This is unexpected!" Boomer said in concern.
Rob groaned, "You idiots! Now do you see what I was trying to tell you all!?! This is something we shouldn't have done in the first place! You should have listen to me!"
"I'll go shut off the main! You all get rid of the water!" Princess Cadance ordered.
Princess Cadance flew off to the window. Nyx and the dragons did their best in pouring the water out of the dining hall as quickly as they can. Time is wasting!
On the Canterlot Road, Princess Cadance used her crystallized spell in blocking and shutting the pipe off from firing the water. It was close one...
Within the Dining Hall, Shadow Dragon and some delegates had arrived at the Dining Hall. They were about to open it but stopped as they heard some noise. Shadow Dragon turned and gave a nod to Lance and Red Arsenal. Both of them slowly opened the door while Red Arsenal armed with his bow and arrows. As they opened the door, the water splashed and flooded all of delegates away from the hall.
With the water cleared out, the dining hall is cleared and dried though it's a mess. Nyx and the dragons approached to the Statue Mare of Thousand Gems. They sighed in relief to see it safe. Before they could respond, the dragons sniffled suddenly as if they caught a cold. They looked around of their surroundings - the hall was filled with dragon sneeze!
As they tried to hold their breath, Nyx was about to perform the spell in making the statue from falling to pieces. The dragons sneezed at the statue. It fell on her but saved by her Force Field in time. But the statue is ruined, with the gems got messed up...
Princess Cadance returned to the hall. Shadow Dragon and the rest of delegates charged straight at the dining hall at once. They were in shock and worried. The Dining Hall was a mess. Grand Equestria Pony Summit is ruined.
Fancy Pants said in shock, "Oh, my! What is the meaning of this?!"
Shadow Dragon turned and glared at the dragons and then at Nyx. They all yelped in concern and worried. Lance and Red Arsenal groaned. They're now in troubles.
Fancy Pants turned and glared at Public Works Pony as he demanded, "How could you let a water main burst on Canterlot's most important day?!"
"Hey, don't look at me! Princess Twilight said to stop working on it!" Public Works Pony protested innocently.
Fancy Pants levitated the branch of dragon sneeze. He glared at the Horticultural Pony, "Well, what about these trees?! I ordered them trimmed to avoid just such a situation!"
Horticultural Pegasus gulped, "But the princess told me to stop, bub!"
"Why would the princess make such horrible decisions?! This all could have been prevented!" Fancy Pants exclaimed in anger and upset.
Feeling what Fancy Pants had said is true, most of the delegates from Equestria and Mystic Realm argued angrily. Some such as Azure Phoenix and Mystic Tao knew that she would never make such a mistake. They turned and glared at Spike and his friends as they had the feeling the dragons are responsible of the mess.
Shadow Dragon turned and glared at Spike, "Spike, what did you and your friends do?"
Red Arsenal glared at Boomer, "You've got some explaining to do now..."
"Whatever you have to say," Lance said sternly, "Better explain now."
Spike pleaded frantically as he approached to the front, "Please, everypony, listen! I'm so sorry all this happened!"
"What are you apologizing for? These were Princess Twilight's awful decisions!" Fancy Pants demanded angrily. He snarled a bit,'I'll not let Princess Twilight give Canterlot a bad name in the eyes of Equestria! Come on, everypony! Let's go give her a piece of our minds!"
The Delegates shouted in agreement as they all wanted to give Princess Twilight Sparkle piece of their mind about the mess she had made. The angry delegates turned and were about to leave the hall.
Shadow Dragon turned and looked at Spike sternly, "I don't know what you did. But if they reach to Twilight, they will put the blame on the wrong pony. Do you feel guilty about it?"
Nyx pleaded in concern, "Daddy... He didn't mean it. He was just-!"
Spike interrupted, "He's right. Twilight doesn't deserve this! We have to stop them now!"
Before any of them could act, Grunt jumped over the angry mob as he closed the door tight. He barricaded with his roots and branches attached to it hard. They were shock and surprised of Grunt's stunt.
Grunt growled and shouted wildly, "I-AM-GRRRRUUUUUNNNNNT!"
"What is the meaning of this?" Fancy Pants demanded as he turned to Spike and his friends, "There's an angry mob here that demands satisfaction!"
"The fault is never been princess's. It was mine," Spike explained. The delegates were in confused of what he had said. He gulped as he answered sheepishly, "It's just that, uh, we don't want to wake the princess, do we?"
"Wake her?! What?!" Manehattan Delegate demanded angrily, "You're tellin' me that she's asleep?!"
Whinnyapolis Delegate glared at Spike, "If she was asleep, who told you to give this kind of answers to us in the first place?!"
The delegates demanded angrily about the answers they wanted. How the heck did the dragons get the answers for the delegates' problem?!
"That was me and my dragon friends," Spike answered. The delegates gasped in surprise and shock. He continued, "I only did this is to help Twilight from being disturbed. She spent three days straight in organizing this summit. And the only way to help her is use her name to tell everyone not to bother her."
"And that backfired, Spike," Rob scolded angrily at Spike. Spike turned and looked at the purple dragon as the teenager continued, "If you have listened to me in first place, none of this could have happen! You're nothing but a spoiled and selfish brat to earn respect for yourself! Wasn't being a hero enough for you? You just have to ruin everything especially your own adopted mother! How will she answer this to you?!"
The ponies were surprised and shocked of what they just heard and saw. Spike didn't actually take the advice from Rob?!
"Wow... That's harsh..." Red Arsenal remarked.
Lance groaned, "Really?"
Boomer whacked his spear on Rob's head, "You'd take that back, Robby! Spike doesn't deserve this! He just want to help! Why can't you be more helpful and supportive!"
"He could have taken the advice in first place!" Rob exclaimed in anger, "But all he want is attention! He's such a spoiled brat! I don't him to be reminded of you again! I want him to be smarter than you!"
"Take that back!"
"Forget it!"
"Take that back!"
"NO!"
Boomer roared in anger as he rammed Rob to the ground. Both the dragons punched each other's faces hard and quick while screamed angrily and wildly. Everyone watched the event as they were all in concerned and worried. Are they going to let a fight ruined their friendship?!
Spike couldn't believe that two of his friends were helping him. And all he repaid them is fighting and ignorance of friendship. This is not what summit was about! This is not what Twilight Sparkle was fighting! This is something he refused to see!
"STOP!" Spike shouted at once. Everyone turned and looked at him with their shock and concern. What does he want?
"Uh, hi there, everypony. So I guess I owe you all a pretty big apology. I got a little carried away. It-it just felt so good to have ponies caring about my opinions on such important matters. I guess I was just enjoying feeling like a princess." Spike explained in concern. He sighed, "It's funny. Here we are at a summit that brings together ponies from all across Equestria, and all I could think about was myself. You all came here to celebrate the things that make each of our cities so unique and special. But instead of getting into the spirit of things like all of you, I used my friend's position to make myself feel good. And the worse is I made my dragon friends fighting with each other when they were helping me. I should have been more thoughtful of them."
"Spike..." Shadow Dragon, Princess Cadance, Lance, Nyx, Boomer and Rob said in surprise.
The delegates were surprise and shock to see and hear what Spike had said. He actually taking responsibility of the mess?!
Spike gathered some jewels as much as he can. But there too many for him to carry. Suddenly, Grunt came and help Spike carrying the jewels up after he removed himself from door. Spike was surprise and shock to see a wooden dragon helping him.
"Grunt... You don't have to help me," Spike said in concern, "I make the mistake. I have to fix it. You didn't get involved in my problems."
Grunt shook his head while smiling, "We... Are... Grunt..."
Everyone and even dragons were surprise, shock and amazed of what they just heard. Not only Grunt was able to speak other words than just 'I am Grunt', but his was very inspiring, emotional and touching they ever hear...
Spike smiled happily as he and Grunt began building the statue up. Both Boomer and Rob looked at each other for the moment. They really want to kill each other for not helping Spike but instead they smiled. They turned and went towards their friends. They helped their dragon friends gathered the gems and build them together a Mare Statue of Thousand Gems.
The delegates were surprised and shocked to see the dragons were redeeming the mistake they had make. They looked at each other for the moment. They all smiled and nodded in agreement. As Spike was about to grab the red gem. It was levitated. The dragons turned and found Fancy Pants stood before him. Instead of angry, he shown his gentle smile.
"The Canterlot ruby goes here, old sport." Fancy Pants said as he placed a ruby on top of Mare Statue's legs.
Followed by peach gem near to a ruby, Whinnyapolis Delegate smiled, "And ours goes here, don't'cha know?"
Spike and Drake Trio were surprise and shock to see the delegates from both Equestria and Mystic Realm were helping them build the Mare Statue of Thousand Gems. Instead of stopping, they continued building it up. The statue is ready and complete!
"Does this mean you forgive us?" Spike asked in surprise.
Manehattan Delegate smiled as he looked at the statue, "Sure! You know, the whole idea of the statue is that when each of us plays our own small part, it adds up to somethin' great."
"Quite. Just like how all our cities make up the beautiful land of Equestria!" Fancy Pants agreed and smiled, "As a wise words from wooden dragon said - 'We... Are... Grunt...'."
Princess Cadance smiled as she declared, "I hereby dedicate the Citizens of Equestria statue to everypony who plays their part, no matter how big or how small!"
The delegates cheered wildly and happily to hear. They had the best summit ever - not because of the event but how important value it is about unity and friendship.
"Strange... But true..." Red Arsenal smiled, " I figured what 'We are Grunt' means. There's no 'I' in team."
Lance smiled, "You said it, Red. Grunt is really a wise dragon we ever had. Hell, he may prove to be Starswirl the Bearded's Reincarnation."
Red Arsenal chuckled, "Funny... Definitely funny..."
Boomer, Rob and Grunt had the chats for the moment about the event. They did make a mess in the first place especially putting Spike i n troubles.
"Listen, just wanna say - sorry for the mess," Boomer apologized.
Rob sighed, "Me too. I'm sorry as well. I guess I should try to be relax or could have stop the problem in time before things get out of hand. Pals?"
"Pals..." Boomer smiled.
Grunt smiled as he hugged Boomer and Grunt happily, "We... Are... Grunt..."
Shadow Dragon and Nyx approached Spike. Spike was about to say but hugged by Nyx. He hugged her back. Shadow Dragon smiled to see Spike learned his lesson.
Spike sighed, "Nyx, I'm sorry for being a jerk."
"It's okay. And I'm sorry for having an argument with you," Nyx sighed, "I just don't want my brother to be a jerk and selfish..."
"I know... But thanks," Spike smiled.
Shadow Dragon smiled, "Well done, Spike. Twilight would be proud of you."
Spike smiled happily. He was glad that everything is okay now.
Suddenly, the door was opened as it was revealed the happy Twilight Sparkle who whistled happily as she entered the dining hall.
"Good afternoon, everyone. Sorry, I'm late. I just had some naps after what I did for three days organizing the summit event. I hope you find it entertaining and happy. I hope nothing ruin the summit," Twilight Sparkle said happily. As she looked around, she found the hall a mess and even delegates waved at her. She blinked of shock and surprise, "Did I miss something?"
Shadow Dragon smiled as he patted Twilight Sparkle's shoulder, "I'll explain it later. But for now, enjoy the summit..."
END...
Review and Suggest...
Main Casts:
Cathy Weseluck: Spike
Benjamin Diskin: Boomer
Rob Paulson: Rob
Vin Diesel: Grunt
Minor Casts:
Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle
Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon
Kira Tozer: Nyx
Jess McCartney: Lance Justicestrike
Crispin Freeman: Red Arsenal
Britt McKillip: Princess Cadance
Trevor Devall: Fancy Pants, Fluffy Clouds, Delegate 2
Tabitha St. Germain: Princess Luna, Whinnyapolis Delegate, Nerdy Delegate
Jason Schombing: Manehattan Delegate
Terry Klassen: Annoyed Delegate
Peter New: Public Works Pony, Horticultural Pony, Delegate 1
Cameo:
Nicole Oliver: Princess Celestia
Douglas Rye: Azure Phoenix
Sab Shimono: Mystic Tao |
My Little Pony Mystic Season 1 | Episode 11: Party Popped | Within the Friendship Rainbow Kingdom's Castle, Twilight and all of her friends were waiting at the hallway. Twilight Sparkle was pacing from left to right and back for few times while showing nervous and scared like something had spooked her. Shadow Dragon was leaning on the crystallized walls while smiling happily and calmly for no reason. Their friends and even Sparkle-Dragon Children were looking at them both as they were all worried and concerned about it. What is going on?
Twilight approached and looked at Pinkie as she said nervously, "You look nervous. There's no reason to be nervous. Nothing to worry about. Everything's gonna be fine!"
Twilight Sparkle smiled uneasily as if something had made her nervous and scared. Everyone but Shadow Dragon sighed in annoyance. Twilight is in panicked mode again. She really need to calm down for once.
"Twilight, tell those butterflies in your tummy to beat it!" Pinkie said happily while pointing at Twilight Sparkle's chest. She smiled happily, "Making new friends is always fun."
Twilight Sparkle gulped as she felt her sweats coming down from her head, "Ohhhh..."
As the princess wiped her sweats off, Fluttershy approached and patted Twilight Sparkle's shoulder gently, "They're probably just as nervous as you are."
"You've been plannin' this shindig for weeks. You know everything about these fellers." Applejack said calmly as she approached Twilight Sparkle, "It's gonna be dandy."
Twilight Sparkle calmed down at once as she took a breath and let it out. She smiled, "You're right. Remember, Equestria and Yakyakistan haven't opened their borders for hundreds of moons. In fact, Yakyakistan is so far north of the Crystal Mountains, nopony's even been there!"
Twilight's friends looked worry and concern of what they just heard. They have the feeling that she is right. Making friends with the Yaks won't be easy since the ponies and yaks haven't been contacted for nearly hundreds of moons.
"Imagine the look on Princess Celestia's face when she finds out we made friends with a yak prince!" Twilight Sparkle nervously laughed, "I'm calm! I'm calm..."
Shadow Dragon smirked and scoffed a bit, "No, you're not. You're just panicked that how right I am that Yaks and Ponies can never be friends."
As if his words had make her twitched her left eye, Twilight groaned angrily as she turned and glared at him. She approached to him, "You just have to ruin everything, didn't you? 'Mr. High and Mighty Mystic'?!"
"What can I say? I just love to tease you when you're mad and panicked to know how right I am."
"Ooh... I'm gonna prove how wrong you really are, mister old Mystic Head!"
Shadow Dragon smirked, "I'll say put your metal to your pedal. That's what the racer would said."
As both Princess of Friendship and Mystic General of Dragon glared at each other, their friends but the children were in confused yet concerned of what has happened. Something had happened to those two. The Wielder of Light and Wielder of Darkness never had an argument before in their lives...
"Did I miss something?" Applejack asked in concern.
Saber Dragoon shrugged, "I'm clueless as you are. This is the first time to see them argued with each other. That never happen before."
"You'd tell me. I'll go and talk with them." Laxtinct nodded as he approached to Twilight Sparkle and Shadow Dragon. He was about to call them but they glared at him from not interfering their argument. He yelped, "Maybe... I'll stay out of this one."
Laxtinct slowly walked away while smiling nervously and scared as well.
"So, what cause them to be like this?" Rarity asked in concern.
Rainbow Dash shrugged, "Beats me. And I thought my jokes are bad enough to tick her off."
"We do..." Nyx said in concern. She sighed, "And it's never been good, three weeks ago..."
Flashback:
Three Weeks Ago...
Within the Friendship Meeting Chamber, Twilight Sparkle just finished the meeting with her friends. Metalgear cleaning and clearing the mess since they just had their lunch. Lance, Nyx and Spike were still with their mother.
As Twilight and her children were about to leave, she gasped happily. She saw Shadow Dragon marching in from the entrance. He was holding the Cherry Blossoming Flowers and box of chocolates. She galloped towards him as she jumped and hugged him. She kissed his lips passionately for the moment. She then nuzzled him happily. He smiled as he nuzzled her back.
"So, how's your meeting?" Shadow Dragon asked happily.
Twilight Sparkle smiled, "It was great. And we've got a new mission to perform. It's going to be memorable!"
"Really? What would that be?"
"Making friends and alliance with the Yaks."
Shadow Dragon looked shock and surprise for the moment. He then laughed on amusement. Everyone looked surprise and worry of what and why he laughed for.
"Sorry! Really Sorry!" Shadow Dragon apologized as he slowly stopping his laugh. He chuckled a bit wiping his some tears off from his eyes since his laugh often hurt his lings. He cleared his throat, "I thought I heard that you said you planned to make friends with the yaks. That would be a joke."
Twilight giggled a bit while shaking her head, "No. It's not a joke, Shadow Dragon. I intend to make it happen. We're going to welcome the yaks to our home for third week! The friendship will prevail!"
Shadow Dragon looked shock and feared of what he just heard, "You can't be serious!"
"I am," Twilight said proudly, "And it's going to be the best!
"No! That's the worst idea! You can't bring those filthy animals here! They're dangerous savages!"
"Dangerous? Savages? The yaks? How can they be dangerous? They're amazing and magnificent creatures I ever heard of! And I can't wait to make friends with them!"
"No, you won't! These things are not what you think or believed! They're wild and savage animals I ever faced with! And trust me, they don't want friendship! They want our territory for their gains because of our supplies, armory,and even strategies about our military and map! We've been fighting with each other for 20 years since the rebirth of Three Kingdoms. I'm telling you that there is no way we're gonna make friends with them! It's impossible!"
"I can't believe it! How could you be so selfish and mean to those yaks?! I haven't got the chance to meet them!"
"And you won't! It's best that they never set on Equestria! We're not gonna perform that mission! We're not making those filth as our friends! And there is no friendship! This is my final word!"
Twilight gasped in shock. She glared at Shadow Dragon, "Guess what, General? This isn't your decision. It's mine. And I'd say that we're going to bring them here! We're going to make friends with them!"
"If you do this... You're gonna regret. They will not be satisfied with it. They will take our home by brutal force! They will answer one thing to the situation - war! So stop now!"
"No! We're going to do this! I've made promise to Celestia and Azure that Yaks and Ponies can be friends! I'm going to do it!"
"You're hopeless and stubborn princess!"
"You're a total jerk and unfaithful Mystic!"
Shadow Dragon groaned angrily as he threw both flowers and chocolate box down hard. He turned and walked away at once. Twilight Sparkle huffed angrily as she looked away from him. Lance, Nyx and Spike were in shock and scarred of what they just saw.
"Don't tell me they're gonna breakup," Nyx said tearfully and worriedly.
Lance gulped, "I hope not..."
"I just hope they can forget about this argument," Spike remarked in concern while scratching his head.
Lance and Nyx nodded in agreement with Spike for their hope and worries.
Flashback Ends
Lance, Spike and Nyx sighed in defeat while both Mane Five and Dragon Strike Force were in shock and surprise. They continued watching both Twilight Sparkle and Shadow Dragon arguing with each other. The couples had been this for three weeks?! Yikes!
Terrorcreep sighed, "And that never work..."
Fluttershy squealed in concern, "Poor Twilight... Poor Shadow Dragon..."
As if in it was signaled, four Metal Ponies blown their trumpets at once. Twilight and her friends turned to the front. They but Shadow Dragon quickly moved to the front of hallway at once. They stood firmly and confidently. The Yaks are here!
Metalgear was about to announce. The door was opened in two as they slammed on Metal Ponies to the walls hard. The red carpet unfurling and rolled straight to the front of Twilight and her friends.
Metalgear and his Metal Ponies slowly emerged from the slammed gate. They were all still feel crushed and flattened as they can't feel their hooves or heads. Metalgear shook his head as he cleared his throat.
"Announcing the arrival of our guests," Metalgear announced, "Prince Rutherford and his Ambassadors from Yakyakistan!"
Two brownish yaks worn the greenish carpets and Mongolian Helmets Ambassadors marched towards the front. They moved aside as they allowed their Prince Rutherford marched in - orange furred Yak with black crown with blue jewel and golden rings on his horns, legs and furred and also worn blue carpet.
Prince Rutherford cleared his throat, "Ponies! Greetings, ponies!"
"Greetings to my ass," Shadow Dragon muttered in annoyance while still leaning to the walls and looked away.
Tempted to shout back at him but she decided to ignore him for now. Twilight Sparkle teleported before Prince Rutherford. She bowed before him and greeted.
"Prince Rutherford, your Majesty. On behalf of all of us, I welcome you to Equestria."
"Me honored. Yaks hope for great friendship between ponies and yaks." Prince Rutherford said proudly before lowered himself down and shouted at Twilight's ears, "Friends for a thousand moons!"
Shouting on her ears make her pain and itchy as Twilight Sparkle rubbed her ears gently to get a perfect loud and clear. But at the same time, she is very nervous and worried. Shadow Dragon snickered at her. His friends turned and glared at him. Is he serious? Can't he be supportive to his girlfriend?
Nyx sighed as she nudged both Lance and Spike to move in and help their mothers. While Nyx approached to her mother, both Lance and Spike moved the table at once. It was filled with buns, gingers and traditional Yaks' Food.
Nyx approached and smiled, "You must be hungry after a long journey. We've prepared a banquet of traditional yak foods."
Twilight nodded nervously, "Please enjoy it..."
Prince Rutherford looked at the foods closely while talking, "If things not perfect, yaks get mad. Yaks always get mad when things not perfect!"
Twilight Sparkle gulped in fear and worry about that. Her friends felt the same thing as well. They prayed that everything will be fine and also the Yaks won't get mad. On other hoof, Shadow Dragon didn't seem to care or think about it.
Prince Rutherford sniffed on the buns carefully. He took a bite on the bun. He chewed it slowly. But stopped, he shown his looks of disgust and shock. He spitted the food out.
"This no taste like yak food! Fake pony food make yaks mad!"
Twilight and all of her friends yelped in fear and worry now. The yaks are now angry.
Prince Rutherford rammed and flipped the table upside down. The food fell and splashed in messes. He and his yaks roared angrily as they bounced and stomped on the table hard for few times. After that, they slammed on the crystallized pillars, brought and tear the banner sashes down, destroyed the items and chairs. The castle's hallway is almost becoming ruined!
The Ponies were in shock and worry to see the scene especially Metalgear and his Metal Ponies since they worked here as the butlers, servants, maids, gardeners, cleaners and securities. Shadow Dragon whistled happily as he has no care of anything or anyone. Lance, Spike and Nyx groaned angrily to see him like that.
"My beautiful architect... They're destroyed..." Metalgear said sadly before cried and sobbed tearfully, "WHY?!"
As Metalgear cried unhappily, his Metal Ponies came and comforted him. He was heartbroken and pained to see the castle in ruined.
"Is it okay to be nervous now?" Pinkie Pie asked Twilight.
Twilight Sparkle nodded in agreement that it's okay to be nervous. This is a lot harder than they realized. Making friends with the yaks could be challenging and difficulty especially Shadow Dragon was right from the start...
An hour later...
With the hallway of castle ruined and destroyed, the Yaks left the Friendship Rainbow Kingdom castle now. Twilight and her friends, and even the Metal Ponies cleaned and cleared the area as well as fixing the damages their guests had caused. Shadow Dragon was sleeping and lying down on the stoned bench without bother to care or help them. It was a disaster.
As Metalgear and his Metal Ponies were repairing and fixing the damaged walls, he sighed unhappily, "There goes of my work. We worked so hard to clean this mess..."
Applejack was fixing the second floor's barriers. She sighed, "Them yaks sure have a funny way of sayin' 'howdy'."
"They're different, that's all," Rarity explained as she glued two broken pieces of vase together. She sighed, "Very... different."
Shorty sighed, "I wouldn't say different, Rarity. They're just extremely sensitive and upset about our custom-made of their tradition. Yaks are known to be proud and stubborn animals to change their ways. Therefore, they don't like what we did to theirs."
Terrorcreep huffed, "That would be racists of them."
"Terrorcreep!" Saber Dragoon exclaimed in annoyance.
Shadow Dragon smirked as he slowly get up and looked at worried Twilight Sparkle, "No, he's right. Maybe this could have avoided if someone have listened to me?"
Twilight turned and glared at Shadow Dragon, "Don't push your luck, mister. I'm not out."
"He does have the point, Twi," Rainbow Dash said in concern as she flew before Twilight Sparkle. She held the broken golden watch trophy-like, "They broke my record for most stuff broken in under a minute. I mean, they even broke the trophy."
Shadow Dragon snickered in amusement while Twilight huffed angrily and glaring at her ex-boyfriend. Lance, Spike and Nyx sighed in annoyance and upset, and even their friends were worried. These two really need to stop fighting over about the Yaks subject.
Shadow Dragon smirked, "Wanna give up?"
"Like I said before, I'm not out," Twilight Sparkle said firmly as she turned and looked at her friends, "All we have to do is show them how great it can be to have friends before Princess Celestia arrives for the friendship party tonight. Now, who read the seven-volume cross-indexed history of Yakyakistan I recommended?"
All of her friends but Pinkie Pie were in shock and worried. They have all forgotten about it. Most of Twilight's friends didn't bother to read it while Shadow Dragons team didn't because they had known of yaks since the war from centuries ago but didn't bother to give their former enemies the chance to meet and understand.
"I did, I did! Did you know they live so far north of the Crystal Empire that it's cold all the time? Yaks have yak fur to keep them warm." Pinkie Pie exclaimed and squeed happily as she used FLuttershy's mane in wrapping her face up like a coat.
Blazefist shook his head, "I'm pretty sure that's what fur's always for, Pinkie Pie."
Surprise! Pinkie randomly yet strangely emerged from his armor. It surprised Blazefist. She exclaimed, "I know! Yaks are so cool!"
As Pinkie jumped out from the armor, Blazefist yelped in shock before launching his Fireball Shots out. It shot straight at Laxtinct's flank, causing his little brother screaming painfully and wildly while trying to get the fire out. Aquastroke helped and put the fire out with her Water Gun. Laxtinct sighed happily.
"Pinkie Pie, can you show them around town? I know you have to plan the friendship party too, but it would really help make them feel welcome." Twilight suggested, "And of course, Metalgear would be honored to help you out."
Metalgear yelped in surprise as he turned and looked at his friend with a surprise and shock like 'I did?' look.
Pinkie Pie smiled, "Don't worry. They'll be in good hooves with me."
Twilight Sparkle smiled, "Remember, we want to make sure Equestria feels like home. That means doing everything we can to make this place feel like Yakyakistan."
All of her friends and even three children cried in agreement that they will help and make Yaks feel home at Equestria by using the style and tradition of Yakyakistan.
"And pray that you win the bet we've made," Shadow Dragon teased happily, "I just want to see how right I am about this futile mission of yours."
Twilight groaned angrily, "You know this is not competition, Shadow Dragon! I'm getting sick of that attitude of yours!"
Both Twilight Sparkle and Shadow Dragon glared at each other at once. They both wanted to punch each other faces so badly for making fun or being ignorant of what was important to Equestria. Everyone yelped in concern and worry to see like that.
"Dad, not now," Lance pleaded in concern, "We've got more important things to do than this!"
Nyx nodded, "He's right. We should be focusing on the yaks as our friends than enemies. Isn't this our mission?"
"Yeah! Let's just drop it and deal with the yaks first, then we had some family maters to deal with. Okay?" Spike asked in concern.
Shadow Dragon continued looking at angry Twilight Sparkle in amusement. She groaned angrily as she knew the children were right. She doesn't have the time to argue with her boyfriend now.
"Fine. Let's get out there and make some new friends!"
Twilight's friends cheered wildly and happily as they all agreed with her and even the children too. Shadow Dragon huffed in amusement while making his friends groaned in concern as they were worried for him of teasing and making Twilight Sparkle looked bad. Can their love be together?
Metalgear sighed, "I've got a bad feeling about this."
At Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack and Pinkie led the Yaks to the Southern Pony's home for resting while Metalgear acted as the guide and observer for the results. The Apple Family were outside watching the event while Saber Dragoon and Laxtinct were fixing the hay beds and pillows per Twilight Sparkle's instruction.
"I still don't think it's good idea to show yaks about what we did on Yakyakistan tradition and stuffs," Metalgear said in concern.
Pinkie giggled a bit as she patted Metalgear's back, "Don't worry, Metal. Everything will be fine. I'm sure they'll get used to our custom made. They'll like it."
Metalgear sighed, "I've got the bad feeling about this..."
"We know y'all are noble warriors who avoid the so-called finer things," Applejack said calmly a she lowered her hat down, "so me and my family would be honored if you rested here in the barn during your visit."
As both Saber Dragoon and Laxtinct finished in making the hay beds, Pinkie bounced happily towards them at the paddock. She smiled happily.
"Saber, Lax, Applejack and I made hay beds like you're used to back in Yakyakistan."
Prince Rutherford approached to the hay bed as he looked at them closely. He nodded firmly.
"This perfect."
Heard what Prince Rutherford had said, the ponies sighed in relief to hear it from the yaks. They're finally giving the ponies a chance to try.
Pinkie smiled, "You can snooze here all afternoon, 'cause you're gonna need a lot of energy for my party tonight!"
The yaks approached to the hay beds. The ponies sighed in relief.
Laxtinct sighed, "That wasn't so hard."
"WAIT!" Prince Rutherford exclaimed as he took a lick on his hay bed, "This not yak hay!"
The ponies yelped in worry. The yaks are not happy again! They decided to move back before the yaks went rampage without telling them the truth.
"To be honest, sir. We have no idea why these are made of yak hay. We were tricked!" Metalgear said uneasily.
Pinkie Pie giggled uneasily, "Well, we didn't have actual hay from Yakyakistan, but we tried our best to make it just like yours."
"Pinkie Pie! NO!" Saber, Laxtinct and Applejack exclaimed in fear.
"Not perfect! Yaks destroy!" Prince Rutherford exclaimed in anger.
The yaks roared and grunted angrily as they bounced angrily and destructively on not only hay beds, but also the barn. They're on rampage again! The ponies quickly galloped and escaped the barn before they could get slammed by the yaks.
"So much for easy," Metalgear remarked in concern.
Applejack hissed in concern, "Pinkie Pie, what do we do?!"
Pinkie hummed in concern as she had some thinking to do. Her friends prayed that she make a good one. Pinkie gasped as she found the answer...
At Fluttershy's cottage, Pinkie stood before the closed blue and white curtain sheets hanging from the tree. She smiled happily as she cleared her throat for Metalgear to begin.
Metalgear smiled as he announced "And now, for your entertainment pleasure... Presenting animals, Yakyakistan style!"
Pinkie pulled the curtains. The animals of Fluttershy such as Angel, squirrel, nightingale, beaver, two little ducklings and snake worn the yaks' horns as they all chittering and marching towards to Fluttershy, Terrorcreep and the Yaks for entertainment.
Prince Rutherford remarked calmly, "Animals cute."
Fluttershy sighed in relief, "Oh. Thank goodness."
"Let's hope so," Terrorcreep said in concern as he was worried for the animals. They're precious and important to his girlfriend. He muttered, "Hopefully, they buy enough time to accept the act."
As the animals were about to perform, the baby duck that has an antler on his face stuck fell to the ground when he was tripped by a peddle. As the duck tried to get up, it accidentally pushed himself off the horn.
"Wait!" Prince Rutherford exclaimed angrily as he took a look on the animals closely. Both Fluttershy and Terrorcreep gasped in shock and concern of what they just heard. He continued, "These antlers lie! These not Yakyakistani animals! Yaks smash!"
Fluttershy yelped in concern. Prince Rutherford roared angrily as he was about to slam on the animals. Fluttershy was able to grab them, and then Terrorcreep managed to push her away to the top branch at once. Prince Rutherford slammed on the table mat hard.
As Prince Rutherford roared angrily, he and his yaks stomped their hooves on the teapots and teacups to pieces. Fluttershy, her animals Pinkie Pie, Terrorcreep and Metalgear were on the tree's branches as they were afraid to go down and talk with the yaks now. Terrorcreep also wanted to punch their faces for being rude but can't risk the friendship between the ponies and yaks.
"That doesn't bode well..." Metalgear said in concern.
Pinkie hissed in concern before she smiled, "There's still other things we can do." She gulped, "I think."
Metalgear sighed, "This might not end well..."
Pinkie and Metalgear guided and led Prince Rutherford and the yaks to the Carousal Boutique where Rarity and Shorty Thinking presenting the Crystal Empire's fabric, clothes and materials to present to the yaks.
Rarity smiled as she explained, "Yes! These are some of my favorite materials. Very rare, imported from the Crystal Empire to match your northern sensibilities. I hope you'll find them--"
Prince Rutherford and the yaks interrupted Rarity as they were eating and chewing the blue fabric as if it is their food. The ponies were in shock and surprise to see it.
Rarity finished, "...delicious."
Shorty chuckled uneasily, "Yeah... I forgot that the yaks use their tastes to know how good the silk is. It slip my mind."
SPIT! Prince Rutherford and yaks groaned angrily. The ponies yelped in concern as they had the feeling that the yaks are not happy again!
"This no taste like yak fabric! Yaks destroy!"
The yaks roared angrily as they stomped around, slammed, kicked and destroyed all of Rarity's materials, cloths, silks, manikins and more. Rarity yelped in shock as she fainted from her back while summoning the sofa for her to lie down. Shorty Thinking sighed as he took the fan and blew on her face gently.
"So much for interesting silk..." Metalgear said in concern.
Pinkie Pie gulped as she held the manikin tightly, "Everything's gonna be fine. You'll just... make it up to them. Somehow."
Pinkie Pie then shivered in fear and worry. Metalgear sighed in defeat and concern about it. Everything is turning to worse now...
Pinkie and Metalgear led the yaks to the green hill for next tour.
"Listen up! Tell your faces to hold onto their frowns," Pinkie Pie smiled happily as she explained, "cause they're about to get turned upside-down!"
Prince Rutherford nodded as he shown his frown face, "Hold your frown, face!"
Metalgear gulped, "I hope it works..."
"Hit it, Rainbow Dash!" Pinkie Pie called.
Rainbow Dash, Aqaustroke and Blazefist brought the long and large fluffy clouds over the yaks and even both Metalgear and Pinkie Pie. Three of them kicked the clouds in launching the large portion of snow to the ground.
Pinkie smiled, "Just like Yakyakistan snow, right? Because snow is snow, no matter where it comes from."
Prince Rutherford took a lick on a snow on his nose. He groaned, "This not yak snow!"
The yaks roared wildly and angrily as they attacked and smashed the snow?! The ponies were in shock and surprise of they just saw.
"Seriously?!" Pinkie asked in concern before looked at the yaks destroying the snow, "...Seriously?"
Pinkie slammed her face on the snow hard. This does not bode well...
At the Friendship Council Chamber, Twilight and all of her friends have gathered as they had some meeting to chat and talk about. Shadow Dragon was also there as he was leaning on the wall while smiling proudly and happily. The children was in worry and feared as they were worried for their parents. The argument was about to make sooner than they expected...
Everyone gave their results of how much progress they had make with the yaks. All of them proved to be futile and bad news. And it is scaring Twilight Sparkle even more.
Pinkie and Metalgear screamed, "It's a disaster!"
Shadow Dragon slowly approached Twilight Sparkle. He leaned on her chair while smiling, "I'm going to win the bet."
"DAD!" Lance and Nyx exclaimed in concern.
"THIS... IS... NOT... COMPETITION!" Twilight Sparkle cried angrily and wildly. She screamed wildly as she banged her head on the table for few times. Everyone but Shadow Dragon looked worry and scared for her now. She's more panicked than before! She turned and looked at Pinkie Pie, "Pinkie Pie, tonight's Yakyakistan theme party is more important than ever! You'll make them forget all about this afternoon, right?"
Everyone looked at Pinkie Pie with their worried and scared faces with weak smiles. They prayed that Pinkie Pie can make the party better. This had made her twitched twice fearfully. Twilight groaned before slamming her head on the table.
"Because if it's not perfect, they're gonna smash everything! And I'm not sure how much more smashing this visit can take!"
"Or how you're gonna win the bet?" Shadow Dragon asked slyly.
Everyone glared at Shadow Dragon for being insensitive and unreliable as well. Can't he at least be more helpful and supportive for once?!
Pinkie Pie gulped, "I definitely will! I think. Maybe...?"
Everyone gave their supportive compliments, "You're the best gosh-darn party planner in Equestria. I believe in ya. Yeah, nopony can be the best as you are, Pink! Go and knock them dead, Pinkie! Let's hope that they like the party. You'll show 'em a good time! You can do it! You better not screw it. We have absolute confidence in your abilities, Pinkie Pie. There's nothing you can't handle."
"It's going to be my most happy-tacular party ever! I hope!" Pinkie said insecurely.
Rainbow Dash hummed, "Why are your eyes darting around like that?"
"It's what I do when I'm not nervous!" Pinkie laughed hysterically."
Twilight Sparkle sighed in relief and smiled a bit, "Pinkie Pie, I don't know what we'd do without you--"
Pinkie Pie interrupted, "Me either! Gotta go! Let's go, Gear!"
Pinkie quickly bounced off at once while grabbing and dragging Metalgear off at once. They both exited the chamber in a hurry. Everyone looked at each other. They wondered if Pinkie Pie can really do it in time?
At Sugarcube Corner, Metalgear screamed wildly and unhappily as he found out that Pinkie Pie wasn't sure if her party will work for the yaks. And at the same time, he cried 'We're dead!' repeatedly. Pinkie Pie was hyperventilating from her sofa in calming herself down before she get panicked again. She yelped in concern as she looked at Gummy who was standing on the ledge, looking at the outside.
"Gummy, what am I gonna do? I had all this amazing stuff planned for the party, but they're gonna hate it! There's no way to make Equestria feel like Yakyakistan. They're just too sensitive! Even Fluttershy made them mad! Fluttershy!"
Pinkie cried unhappily. Gummy licked his eyes twice in making his eyes cleared.
Metalgear calmed down as he sighed, "Oh... We need a new idea, and We need it now."
"How am I supposed to make this party feel like Yakyakistan without actually going there and bringing something back?!"
Gummy then licked his eyes. As if a que, Metalgear gasped in surprise, "Gummy! Pinkie Pie! You're a genius!"
"I am?" Pinkie gasped as she realized of what Metalgear was thinking. She screamed, "I am! Thanks, Gummy! You're the best!"
Pinkie gave a long kiss on her alligator pet. Both her and Metalgear headed off once as they have new mission - to the Yakyakistan!
Twilight Sparkle led Mane Six, children and yaks to the Sugarcube Corner while Pinkie Pie and Metalgear just left the restaurant. She didn't bother to bring Shadow Dragon and his friends here since her ex-boyfriend is making too much a mess!
Twilight Sparkle smiled as she introduced, "And this is Sugarcube Corner. They're working hard to make your traditional Yakyakistan cake."
Prince Rutherford huffed, "Vanilla extract balance very tricky."
Twilight gulped in concern, "Do you mind, um, waiting here for one moment?"
Twilight Sparkle immediately teleported herself and all of her friends to Pinkie Pie's room. She is now in panicked!
"How's tonight's party coming? I'm doing what I can, but it's really up to you at this point!" Twilight asked in concern. But stopped as they found both Pinkie and Metalgear were not in here, "...Pinkie? Metal? Where are you?!"
At Friendship Rainbow Kingdom's Council Chamber, Dragon Strike Force were staying behind as they were about to teach Shadow Dragon some lesson for not being helpful and supportive to his girlfriend even though they have some disagreement before.
"Wanna tell me why we're still here?" Shadow Dragon demanded in annoyance.
Blazefist sighed, "You know why? You've got a little attitude to deal with. And that's not how you deal with situation."
"If this is about the yaks, what I said is the truth. You all know that because we've all fought against them before." Shadow Dragon protested, "In fact, I was trying to save her from the troubles and war. Yaks and Ponies never meant to be friends."
Aquastroke sighed, "I'm supposed that Red Indian Buffalo and Appleloosa Ponies never meant to be friends? Coz it did convince me enough that they can be friends."
"She has a valid point. If the buffalo or a griffon can be friends, why not the yaks?" Shorty asked in concern. Shadow Dragon gave Shorty a glare 'Are you kidding me?' look. He sighed, "Okay, you do have the point."
"Still... They do change. We should give them some benefit of doubts, Shadow," Saber said in concern. "Who knows? She could be right. And above all, you owe Twilight Sparkle an apology for trying to tease and angered her a lot."
Laxtinct nodded, "Besides, it's not hard to try. Like your papa pony said, 'If you don't try it, how would you know'?"
Shadow Dragon thought for the moment before he sighed in annoyance as he hated that his teammates were right. He nodded to give it a try. His friends sighed in relief to hear the news. It was a relief to them that their friend is willing to give it a shot. But to him, he still doesn't trust or like yaks since they had invaded Land of Ma for many times since centuries ago. Pray that nothing can go wrong...
At Sugarcube Corner's Pinkie Bedroom, Twilight was walking around as she prayed that both Pinkie and Metalgear were alright. At the same time, she was chattering her teeth nervously and fearfully. She sent her friends to find them. An hour had passed, Mane Five and children returned to the bedroom in time.
"Did you find her?" Twilight asked.
"[Fluttershy] Angel and I searched the forest, but nothing... [Rainbow Dash] Aerial recon turned up nothing either. [Applejack] I searched the farm inside and out. No Pinkie Pie. But I did find a set of Granny Smith's dentures under the house, so... not a complete loss. [Rarity] She's simply vanished!"
Twilight Sparkle hissed, "But the party! It's all we have left! What are we gonna do?!"
"Look what I found!" Nyx called. She took the notes out from Gummy's mouth. She then spoke, "It's from Pinkie and Metalhead. 'Don't worry. I'll be back in time for the party. Love, Pinkie Pie. P.S. - Don't involve anything related to Yakyakistan by Metalgear!'"
Everyone was in shock and concern of what they just heard. Both Pinkie and Metalgear had left?!
Lance groaned, "I can't believe it..."
"Hey! If Pinkie Pie says she'll be back in time for the party, she'll be back. We have to trust her. Right?" Spike asked before giving an uneasy laughed, "No reason to freak out."
Twilight hissed in concern as she was about to get freak out. Both Nyx and Applejack approached and comforted her.
Nyx patted Twilight, "Don't worry, Twilight."
"When it comes to parties, I think she knows what she's doin'." Applejack nodded.
Twilight Sparkle breathed inhaled then exhaled, "You're right. Let's just focus on keeping the yaks happy 'til she's back."
"That should be piece o' cake." Lance and Rainbow Dash said proudly.
Twilight Sparkle and Nyx gasped, "The cake!"
At counter reception table, Mrs. Cake just cut the large and tall slice of brown with antlers and hays while the top is creamy vanilla. She smiled as she approached to the counter while smiling at the yaks.
"One bite, and you'll be transported right back to Yakyakistan." Mrs Cake nervously laughed, "I hope."
Both Twilight Sparkle and Nyx teleported at the counter as they tried to stop Mrs. Cake from giving the cake to the yaks. It was too late as Prince Rutherford took a bite on the slice. He chewed it slowly to taste the cake. He stopped before groaning angrily yet disappointingly.
"Ponies too heavy on vanilla extract!"
The ponies yelped fearfully as they quickly moved aside before the yaks slamming their punches on the cakes while roared wildly and angrily.
"We've never needed a party so badly." Nyx quivered in fear.
Twilight gulped, "I hated it when he's right. This maybe a bad idea..."
And so my quest begins. I know what you're thinking. 'Why go to Yakyakistan alone, Pinkie Pie?' Because I'm the party planner. This burden falls on my rump and my rump alone. If I want a great party, I gotta climb the mountains north of the Crystal Empire, find Yakyakistan, and come back with something authentic! Know what I mean?
Pinkie and Metalgear have boarded the Ponyville Train as they were headed straight to Crystal Empire where it led them straight to Yakyakistan. But the train make a stop at once after 15 minutes. Could have they reached the destination?
Pinkie and Metalgear emerged from the train, along with some other ponies. But instead of Crystal Empire, they were dropped at some town with desert sands.
"Did we go the wrong way? Where's all the snow? Please tell me this is magical sand-colored snow." Pinkie asked in concern. She took a taste on the sand. She spitted it out, "Nope. Sand. Definitely sand."
"Dodge City. End of the line, I'm afraid. All trains had to stop. Sheep decided to sit on the tracks." The conductor announced from the train station.
Pinkie and Metalgear turned and looked at the front. They found more sheep staying and baaing on the middle of the tracks.
"Curse you, sheep!" Pinkie exclaimed angrily. She turned to conductor, "Thanks for you help, conductor."
Both Pinkie and Metalgear headed off from the train station to Dodge Town.
"What now?" Metalgear asked in concern.
She was about to answer but gasped. Pinkie spotted a familiar face coming out from the bathroom, "Cherry Jubilee!"
Cherry Jubilee hummed in surprise as she turned back. She gasped, "Pinkie Pie?! I reckoned I eyeballed you crossin' my way right now."
"How are you? You look amazing! I need help."
"I'm dandy as a daffodil and fit as a floribunda."
"Do you know her?" Metalgear asked in surprise.
"She's a friend of mine. And the one who helped me and my friends find Applejack from Season 2 Episode 14 - The Last Roundup." Pinkie explained. She turned to Cherry, "Have you heard of Yakyakistan? Do you have any idea how we can get there?"
"Mark your calendar, missy, 'cause this right here's your lucky day!" Cherry smiled as she led both Pinkie and Metalgear to her carriage with cherry barrels and four ponies attached to it. She continued as she climbed it up, "I'm headin' north to the Crystal Empire myself for a delivery. I ought to warn you though - me and the boys are powerful tired 'cause we was up all night countin' cherries."
"Counting cherries? How many?" Metalgear asked in concern.
Cherry Jubilee answered, "Four hundred and seventeen thousand, two hundred and thirty-four."
Pinkie Pie gulped, "Whoa!"
Cherry Jubilee gave a lash in making the stallions in moving. The carriage headed off. They were passing through the canyons.
And so my quest resumes. As I stare across the endless desert, I tell myself I will soon triumphantly enter the homeland of our noble guests and return with a prize to make the best party they've ever seen. Know what I mean?
"Pinkie... I do not wish to question your trust, but is it wise?" Metalgear asked.
Pinkie turned to Metalgear, "You mean Cherry Jubilee? Don't worry, Gear. She can be trusted. And she's a tough pony. She can handle it. She and her folks are very hardworking ponies for collecting and delivering the cherries."
"Hardworking, I understand. But it is very illogical for her to ride when she's at the low level of awakened mode. It's highly risky."
"I really like the funny you. If those yaks hadn't come, you would have been my comedy partner like Cheese!"
"Unfortunately, I'm not always. When there is danger or situation, I've got to be ready." Metalgear explained. He looked up. He yelped as he pointed out at Cherry and then the front road, "Like this and that!"
Pinkie looked at Cherry Jubilee. She gasped in shock as she found the red maned Earth Pony was sleeping while the carriage was still running. Ahead of them is a large gap between the ledges - Ravine!
"Ravine. Ravine!" Pinkie exclaimed wildly.
Metalgear screamed, "We're gonna die! We're gonna die! We're gonna die!"
Pinkie used her alarm clock, splashing the water and making some can noise on Cherry's ears. But nothing works!
As they're almost reached to the Ravine, Pinkie ad Metalgear quickly pulled the lash up high, making the stallion riders looked up. They gasped in shock as they quickly make a hard stop at once. They slided very hard to stop while Pinkie Pie and Metalgear pulled the leash high and hard. They stopped at the edge in time. Four stallions flipped over to the back of carriage. Everyone sighed. That was close!
Cherry Jubilee gasped, "Whoa. I was dreamin' about a ravine." She looked down as she saw the abyss of Ravine. She screamed, "Ravine!"
"Well... At least, we didn't fall into the abyss..." Metalgear sad in releif.
SNAP! The edge's rocks cracked. Everyone looked down as they shown their panicked yet angry looks. They turned and glared at the sheepish and embarrassed Metal Pony.
"You just have to say it?" Pinkie asked in annoyance. She giggled, "Wow! That is funny!"
The carriage dropped down at once while everyone on it screamed frantically and wildly! Is this the end?!
On the afternoon, Twilight and her children took the yaks to Fluttershy's Cottage to distract the and entertained the yaks as long as possible for Pinkie Pie and Metalgear returned home and prepared the part for the yaks. And hopefully, the yaks get on friendlier term with the ponies.
Spike was playing the piano while Nyx was dancing happily and gracefully like a ballerina pony. Prince Rutherford and his yaks cried and sobbing tearfully in listening and watching Nyx dancing. It was very beautiful and meaningful. Twilight Sparkle and Lance were accompanying the yaks.
Prince Rutherford sobbed tearfully, "Music and Dance beautiful. Much soul."
Twilight and Lance sighed in relief to hear that. The yaks are on friendly terms. Hopefully, they would forget about the mess.
Both Spike and Nyx sighed in relief as they stopped both playing the piano and dancing. They were relieved to hear that.
"Glad that's over," Nyx remarked in relief.
Spike nodded, "When Twilight told me to stall-- I-I mean, entertain you, I thought there's no way I could--"
The piano suddenly played without the pianist?! The yaks were alerted by it. If Spike didn't play it, then how?! Prince Rutherford turned the piano around as he found the piano was playing by itself!
Nyx gasped in fear, "Spike!"
"Piano play itself?! Music a lie!" Prince Rutherford roared angrily as he and his yaks jumped and started smashing the piano to pieces. Nyx and Spike quickly jumped off before they get themselves killed. The yaks finished destroying and smashing the piano. Prince Rutherford snarled, "We demand party! Party now or yaks no friends!"
Twilight Sparkle gasped, "No! Just a little longer!"
Prince Rutherford roared, "No more longer! We leave now! Yak go to train, return with more yaks! We declare war!"
Twilight and her her family gasped in concern. The yaks were about to make a war?!
Twilight Sparkle was about to protest Prince Rutherford but the yak slapped her aside. He then marched off at once. Her children helped her up. Shadow Dragon and his team came to the scene.
"What happen?" Shadow Dragon asked in concern.
Twilight sighed in defeat as she looked at Shadow Dragon, "Look, I don't have time for the argument again. I have to stop the yaks from leaving. They're going to start the war. I have to find Pinkie Pie now."
"Twilight, I..."
Shadow Dragon wanted to comfort but Twilight Sparkle flew off at once to Ponyville. He sighed in defeat as he looked down in shame. His friends and children came and comforted him. What has he done? He shouldn't have done it...
Twilight Sparkle flew straight back to Ponyville in search of both Pinkie Pie and Metalgear. She hoped that she can get the party done at once before the yaks leave and prepare the army for war! She stopped as she found the Ponyville Townhall was a mess filled with messy party decoration. And her friends were working on the party?!
"No Pinkie Pie? What's this?!" Twilight asked fearfully.
Flutershy struggled in blowing a balloon while Rarity struggled in figuring which prop fits for the party.
Applejack giggled uneasily as she painted some paints on banner, "Heh-heh. We panicked and tried to plan our own party."
"It's sort of panic-themed." Rainbow Dash remarked as she got herself by the banner tangling and wrapping her up.
"The yaks are going home! This is awful!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed fearfully,. She sighed in shame, "I wanted to surprise Princess Celestia. I wanted to prove to Shadow Dragon that poneis and yaks can be friends. Now the only surprise is that I may have just started a war."
There we were, face-to-face with Falling Pony Ravine. Down, down, down! And then, suddenly... Pow! We were rescued mid-air by the Wonderbolts! And then they gave me a ride to Manehattan, I joined a traveling band, we played some shows here and there, got popular, almost made it big until creative differences tore us apart. And that's when I knew I had to get back on with my journey to the Crystal Empire, the gateway to Yakyakistan! And so here I am. It was a major adventure that took most of the afternoon. Know what I mean?
Pinkie and her friends were falling down through the Ravine. But thanks to Wonderbolts, they're saved from danger and brought them to Manehattan safely. Pinkie and Metalgear left Cherry Jubilee for their quest but joined the traveling band in making best music at Manehattan. They then traveled to Crystal Empire where the band split up due to their creative differences. Both Pinkie and Metalgear feel sorry for the band but knew there was nothing they can do about it.
Both Pinkie Pie and Metalgear explained to Princess Cadance why they were here. The trio then traveled to very north of Crystal Empire.
"This is it. The northern boundary of the Crystal Empire." Princess Cadance pointed at the mountain with sliding ramps which led to Yakyakistan. She continued, "Beyond lies Yakyakistan. Nopony who's attempted this climb has ever returned. Are you sure you have to do this?"
"I do." Pinkie Pie said firmly, "And thanks for not telling Shining Armor about Yaks' Problem, otherwise both he and Shadow Dragon are going to have the bigger fight than Twilight's."
"It's okay. And Shining Armor still having trust issues," Princess Cadance nodded. She sighed, "Good luck, Pinkie Pie."
And so, both Pinkie and Metalgear climbed the border to the op and reaching to Yakyakistan. Can they make it home in time?
Twilight and her friends gathered at the Sugarcube Corner. They looked around in finding Pinkie Pie and Metalgear. But nothing...
"How could she be so late to the party? This isn't like her or even Metalgear," Twilight Sparkle said in concern.
Fluttershy smiled weakly as she gave her bit confidence, "I'm sure she's trying her best."
Rainbow Dash nodded, "Pinkie Pie's tougher than she looks."
"I know you're right, but... I wish she was here." Twilight said in concern, "I put too much pressure on her. I let everypony down. Metalgear maybe a high intelligent Metal Pony but he's like us, he did get stress sometimes. I didn't take the advice from Shadow Dragon. Everything is ruined. And Princess Celestia will be here any minute and see that I haven't made new friends. I've made new enemies."
Twilight sighed in upset as she looked down. She looked up and found her children arrived to the room.
"Is Shadow Dragon coming up to brag me?" Twilight asked in annoyance.
"Actually, he wants to apologize for what he did." Lance said. Twilight and her friends gasped in surprise. He continued, "We told him what happened. And he feel sorry about it. He wants to make up for you."
Nyx nodded, "It's true. Dad and others are gonna do what they can to stop the yaks from leaving. And hopefully, they're in good mood and become our friends."
"And hopefully, no war for us to fight," Spike said in concern.
Twilight sighed sadly, "I'd better hope your dad can do it. Because if he doesn't, we're finished..."
Twilight leaned and rubbed her head against the ice-cream cone gently as she lost all of her hope. Suddenly, something were clanking like mechanism. The vanilla top cream moved down in making her move aside. She saw it goes to the middle before moving down to the bottom. What is going on?
Before Twilight and her friends could do anything, the bottom of them opened in two like a trap door. They then fell into it while screaming fearfully and worriedly. What happen next?
Pinkie Pie and Metalgear continued traveling through the snow outskirt in hopes to find Yakyakistan. Metalgear used his Metal Claws in digging through the deep snow while Pinkie used her front mane in sensing and locating the town. And hopefully, they can find it in time and bring the souvenir back home.
ROAR! Both Pinkie Pie and Metalgear stopped as they turned and found a large cave. They saw two crimson eyes inside the cave. What's inside of it?
Pinkie smiled, "Hi! My name is Pinkie Pie! I'm looking for Yakyakistan. You know, faraway land, lots of yaks? Maybe you've heard of it?"
The creature growled angrily. He then emerged out of the cave. He revealed to be a giant whitish furred monstrous wolf-like. He roared angrily at both ponies. Metalgear shivered in fear and worry while Pinkie remained calm.
Pinkie giggled, "Whoa-ho-ho! Slow down! I can't understand a word you're saying--"
Metalgear interrupted, "Pinkie, I don't think he's in good mood to listen."
Before Pinkie could respond, the monster gave slash on her mane. Her frontal mane dropped to the ground. It gave her response enough. It roared angrily. Both screamed fearfully as they quickly ran off before they get killed.
Pinkie and Metalgear continued run as fast as they can. Then, they spotted the two yak statues and a town in front of them! They're almost there! They stopped at once due to a yak child in front of them. But they knocked him to the snow sledge as they sledging straight to deep down before going to the top of mountain. They have arrived at Yakyakistan! They did it!
The yak child approached and opened the door. He turned and gestured both ponies to go in. Pinkie and Metalgear smiled in relief.
CRACK! The snow edge fell to the ground hard. Both Pinkie and Metalgear looked down. They looked at each other with frown and worried looks.
Pinkie Pie screamed, "Noooooooooo...!"
As Pinkie and Metalgear screamed wildly, they passed the monster from the cave, Princess Cadance approaching the Crystal Empire, Cherry Jubilee carrying the cherry barrels at Manehattan and passing the train station at Dodge Town. Is this the end?!
Within dark chamber....
"Ugh. Is everypony alright?" Twilight Sparkle asked in concern.
Fluttershy gulped, "I can't tell if my eyes are open or closed."
"I think I can see a little bit." Rainbow Dash said as she looked around and touched something within the dark. CRASH! Rainbow Dash groaned, "Gah! Nope."
As the lights flickered, the room's revealed itself. Twilight and her friends found something shock and surprise. The room is filled with file lockers, balloons, foods, streamers, poppers, birthday party decoration, disco ball and more. They all awed in surprise and shock.
Applejack looked at the file locker, "Look at these! Pinkie Pie's made files for everypony in town!"
Fluttershy nodded as she held the file up, "With exactly what kind of parties we like."
"Pinkie Pie has a secret party-planning cave?! How cool is this?!" Rainbow Dash remarked.
"Twilight Sparkle likes vanilla ice cream, red balloons, dancing..." Fluttershy read the file. Twilight smiled in agreement. She continued, "But she's afraid of quesadillas."
Everyone turned and looked at her. She was in shock. She's actually afraid of cheesy food?!
" No, I'm not! They're just so..." Twilight protested before shuddered, "cheesy."
Spike cleared his throat as he pointed at the back. Twilight turned. She yelped as she saw a quesadillas in front of her. She smiled embarrassingly. She quickly moved away from it at once. She doesn't want to get herself embarrassed again...
"...oooooooo!"
Pinkie and Metalgear sledged all the way back to Ponyville, and then to Sugarcube Corner! They went all the way up to Pinkie Pie's bedroom. They both jumped on her bed. They failed...
"No! I'm all the way back where I started!" Pinkie exclaimed as she got up and turned to her pet, "Gummy, I was this close to helping Twilight befriend the yaks. Now I've just let everypony down."
Metalgear sighed, "We failed... The yaks will destroy everything. My beautiful work will be ruined."
Suddenly, both Pinkie and Metalgear heard some muffled chatter. They were surprised and shocked. The noise is coming from down. They came and lowered their heads down to the floor. They listened carefully and realized that there were some ponies down there...
Pinkie Pie activated her secret entrance as she and Metalgear jumped into a hole and went down the slide to the ground. They hidden behind the balloons as they witnessed and overheard Mane Six and the children chatting with each other.
Applejack looked at the long scroll, "Looky here. It's notes for the party she wants to throw for her folks' fiftieth anniversary. But they ain't nearly that old! Huh. She's already plannin' their one-hundredth too. And their five-hundredth?"
Lance whistled, "I didn't know she prepared all the birthday party to both Equestria and Mystic Ponies."
"Yeah... That was awesome!" Spike exclaimed happily.
"I had no idea she worked so hard on her parties." Twilight Sparkle remarked in surprise.
Rainbow Dash smirked, "She may be more organized than you, Twilight."
Twilight shook her head, "Let's not get carried away."
Nyx giggled a bit, "But then again. She's the most hardworking and faithful party planner we ever had in our team. She should be appreciated."
"Indeed. I just wish Pinkie Pie were here-" Rarity sighed, "-so we could tell her how much we all appreciate her hard work."
Touched by her friends' comments, Pinkie cried and sobbed in joy. It attracted the ponies' attention as they turned and found Pinkie Pie and Metalgear emerged from the balloons.
"Thank you! Thank you! I love you too! All of you!"
Metalgear nodded, "Indeed. Your statement have touched her internal blood vessel organ."
Twilight Sparkle gasped, "You're back!"
Pinkie Pie hugged all of her friends for the moment. She departed.
"I tried to go to Yakyakistan so I could bring something back for my party. But at the last second, I made a mistake." Pinkie sighed, "I worked harder on this party than any party ever. But I'm still just a big failure."
Metalgear sighed, "Please, Pinkie Pie. I'm the one who should be blamed. I should have use my special flight mode to reach the Yakyakistan. That would have save the troubles."
"You couldn't. You have low energy battery. If you run out of it, then you would have been turned off for good. I don't want Twilight's Best Butler, Best Comedian, Best Commander and Best Friend to die for this."
"My life is not worth it. This home is. It is Metal Ponies' sanctuary since we returned from Demon Land. We owe you a great debt to pay!"
"I know but-!"
Twilight Sparkle interrupted, "Pinkie Pie, Metalgear, you're both not a failure."
"What matters is how hard you tried." Fluttershy nodded in agreement.
Rainbow Dash smiled, "Who else would've gone all across Equestria to plan one party?"
Lance smirked, "And not to mention, how reliable you really are, Gear. Besides, you're already paid the debt for being our best friend."
"And best butler we ever had!" Nyx jumped and hugged Metalgear happily.
Pinkie Pie hummed, "You know... the trip was really hard. But everypony I met along the way was so helpful. I just wish the yaks could see how friendly and wonderful and great Equestria really is!"
"How friendly and wonderful and great Equestria really is?" Metalgear repeated Pinkie's words.
Both Pinkie and Metalgear gasped in realization, "That's it! We just got the best party idea ever!"
"It's too late. The yaks left on the last train." Twilight Sparkle said in concern.
Nyx nodded, "Yeah... I don't think Dragon Strike Force can stop them in time."
"Um, no, they didn't." Pinkie squealed happily as she and Metalgear headed to the slide, "Trust me! There are a whole lot of sheep out there!"
Pinkie slide all the way up strangely while Metalgear flew up to the sky at once. Everyone looked surprise and concern. Should they walk back up the slide?
At the Train Station, Prince Rutherford and his Yaks were furious. They were not only blocked by Dragon Strike Force but the train refused to move.
"Yaks stuck here?! Why trains not work?!" Prince Rutherford growled in anger at All-Board. He turned and glared at Shadow Dragon and his team, "Ma Ponies dared stand in Yaks' way?!"
Shadow Dragon glared at the Yaks, "Believe it or not. I can't let you leave yet."
"Why not?!"
"You still have the party to attend. And I have my own debt and apology to do."
"Why risk this? Yaks will go war against Ponies especially Ma Ponies!"
"Because... I hurt her enough today..." Shadow Dragon said sadly. Dragon Strike Force were surprised and shocked, and even the Yaks. He continued, "I've hurt her because of my past. I stubbornly refuse to believe that yaks can be friends with ponies. But because of that, the relationship between us is ruined and destroyed. The more I see it, the more I realized something. We should change for the better."
Prince Rutherford hummed, "Like Yaks and Ponies friends?"
"Yes... We were enemies. But that is the past. This is the future. We make changes for our clan and species. So, I will ask again. Will you wait until the party is ready? It may take a while but we'll d our best not to involve the Yakyakistan again. Please, be patient."
Prince Rutherford thought for the moment. He sighed in defeat, "Prince Rutherford understand. Yaks will try to wait. Yaks will try to change bad ways for future."
Shadow Dragon smiled, "Thank you."
"Shadow Dragon..." The calm voice called. Dragon Strike Force and Yaks turned to their back. They found Twilight and her friends have arrived. She smiled while sobbed tearfully, "That was the most wisest and emotional words I ever heard. Thank you..."
Shadow Dragon chuckled a bit while his face burnt in red. He had his head scratched in a bit embarrassment. Everyone chuckled happily yet amusement about Shadow Dragon. He sure loved to impress his girlfriend, even though he often argued with her for a reason.
"I never thought I'd say this, but... thank you, sheep and Shadow Dragon!" Pinkie exclaimed happily, "And now, if it's okay with you, it's party time!"
The yaks looked surprise yet relieved that the party finally comes!
Pinkie and Metalgear managed to set the party up in time. Instead of Yakyakistan Theme, they used both Equestria and Mystic Theme Party. And it involved the ponies and their own customs such as Wonderbolts from Cloudsdale, Appleloosa, Dodge Town, Manehattan, Canterlot, Ma, Japony and more that is part of Equestria and Mystic Realms. They played the games and chatting with each other. And everyone enjoyed it very much as well.
Princess Celestia, Lord Azure Phoenix and Jade Emperor had arrived. They chatted happily with the Yaks. Both sides enjoyed it very much. Yaks and Ponies became good friends.
Twilight and all of her friends were surprised yet impressed and happy of the results. They all turned to Pinkie and Metalgear.
"Wow, Pinkie. This came together quick, even for you and Metal." Twilight said impressively.
"What can I say? I'm good at what I do." Pinkie said proudly. She approached Prince Rutherford, "Prince Rutherford, it's like Shadow Dragon, we should change for the better. We shouldn't let the past stop us. Coz every time we tried to make something in Equestria feel like Yakyakistan, we couldn't get it right.
"When I got back from my adventure, I realized something. We shouldn't try to make Equestria feel like your home. We should try to make you feel at home in Equestria. And that means showing you why we love it here, so you'll love it too."
Metalgear nodded, "Pinkie Pie and Shadow Dragon are right. We must be true to ourselves but at the same time, we must change for the better future."
Prince Rutherford turned and looked at how friendly, compassionate and caring the ponies are for each other and even for Mystic caring for Equestrian. It touched his heart. It make him to pour a tear.
"Pink pony work hard to make yaks feel at home. Now yaks happy. No declare war." Prince Rutherford said calmly.
Everyone sighed in relief to hear that. But they were alerted as three rulers were looking at them. Princess Celestia and Lord Azure suspected they did something that provoked the Yaks. Instead of answering, they all smiled innocently.
Prince Rutherford asked, "Ponies and yaks... friends?"
"For a thousand moons?" Metalgear asked hopefully.
Prince Rutherford and Pinkie cheered, "For a thousand moons!"
Everyone cheered wildly and happily. The long war that started between Ponies and Yaks finally over. Their friendship has begun!
Princess Celestia commented, "I am very impressed, princess."
"Heh. Just doing my best to spread friendship." Princess Twilight Sparkle remarked proudly.
"And you did a wonderful job of it. You and your friends." Azure Phoenix smiled proudly before giving a suspicious looks, "Though I wondered... Did you and Shadow Dragon have the first fight?"
Everyone yelped in worry. Twilight and Shadow Dragon looked at each other before turned and looked at the leaders. They chuckled uneasily and sheepishly.
Princess Celestia shook hers a bit, "Compare to you two, ours is the worst. Lord Azure has some serious time management with his family."
"Well, at least, I'm not a lazy ruler," Azure Phoenix argued back.
"Don't you dare start that again."
"You'd better not, Trollestia. Coz I have enough of your trolling especially of what you did to my pet!"
"Oh gimme a break, Mr. Serious Hotheaded Alicorn!"
Both Princess Celestia and Lord Azure Phoenix had the argument. Everyone was in shock yet amused as they though Twilight Sparkle and Shadow Dragon have the worst fight but this is amusing and unbelievable argument they have seen. They understand why two Alicorns divorced in the first place. They have a lot of differences.
Shadow Dragon approached Twilight Sparkle, "Twilight... I'm sorry for what I did. I'm just... I'm just worried about you and others. I want to protect you but instead... I hurt you a lot..."
"I'm sorry too..." Twilight Sparkle apologized. Shadow Dragon was surprised. She continued, "Maybe if I had listen, we could have avoid this. But..."
"I know... You want to prove the world that Friendship is Magic. And you did. You helped me to learn my lesson now. It's time I should change my ways and views on yaks since they and us are the same."
"I'm glad to hear it. So? Light and Dark Love?"
Shadow Dragon smiled, "Light and Dark Love."
Shadow Dragon and Twilight Sparkle gave each other a nuzzle on faces. Everyone awed happily and joyfully. Azure Phoenix and Princess Celestia stopped their argument as they turned and found Wielder of Light and Darkness are together again. The Rulers of Canterlot and Northern Ma sighed happily to see that.
Nyx smiled, "Glad to see the happy ending again."
"Let's just hope the argument is enough," Lance remarked.
"Love... Yaks like romance..." Prince Rutherford commented to see Shadow Dragon and Twilight Sparkle being together. He turned to Pinkie Pie, "Pink pony, you understand yaks now."
"Aww, come here, you!"
Pinkie then hugged Prince Rutherford passionately. The yak prince turned and glanced at her. Everyone yelped in concern and even herself. She departed and brushed his fur gently. She smiled innocently and sheepishly.
Prince Rutherford stood up as he readied to attack. It made everyone worry and scared. But instead of attacking her, he hugged her passionately and happily yet tightly.
Pinkie Pie yelped, "Wow! Too strong! Okay, okay, okay!"
"Pinkie Pie, you have a gifted of making everyone happy," Metalgear joked.
Everyone then laughed happily and amusingly. Pinkie Pie have a good sense of making ponies happy and smile. She is the Wielder of Element of Laughter...
END...
Review and Suggest...
Main Casts:
Adrian Libman: Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy
Derek Stephen Prince: Metalgear
Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle
Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon
Gary Chalk: Prince Rutherford, Conductor
Minor Casts:
Ashleigh Ball: Applejack, Rainbow Dash
Tabitha St. Germain: Rarity, Mrs. Cake
David Faustino: Blazefist
Janet Verney: Aqaustroke
P.J. Byrne : Laxtinct
Will Friedle: Saber Dragoon
Skip Stellrecht: Shorty Thinking
Kira Tozer: Nyx
Jesse McCartney: Lance Justicestrike
Cathy Weseluck: Spike
Cameo
Sylia Zaradic: Cherry Jubilee
Britt McKillip: Princess Cadance
Nicole Oliver: Princess Celestia
Douglas Rye: Azure Phoenix |
My Little Pony Mystic Season 1 | Episode 12: Amending Fences | After three serious events in one week (Yak's Welcome Party of Equestria, Matilda's Wedding, and Equestria-Mystic Summit), everyone decided to take a long break on the weekend. As Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders minding their own usual business, Twilight and her family did as well.
Within the living chamber of castle, Twilight was reading a book called 'The Legend of Three Kingdoms' to the happy Nyx. The little black Alicorn has the interest on the Land of Ma's history and story very much since her father's stories and her adventure from Northern Ma. It was very memorable and special for her.
Spike entered the Living Room as he was dressed in maid since he was helping Metalgear and Metal Ponies in washing some dishes and other tableware after three events.
Spike sighed in annoyance as he approached his family, "You know the worst thing about you being the Princess of Friendship? The dishes." He took one of his gloves off and then his maid dress, "Glad we have those Metal Ponies, otherwise I would have been damn tired."
Twilight smiled as she glanced at adopted son, "Thanks for taking care of that, Spike. After three events in one week, I really needed to relax with a good book."
"Yeah, no kidding." Nyx nodded in agreement, "I'm just glad that you and daddy finally got over that mess. Can you imagine? Three weeks fighting over 'friends with the Yaks' while last two events, everything went smooth and no argument until today."
"Tell me about it," Spike nodded in agreement as he climbed up the sofa and sat on it. He took the book out from back of his pillow. He read it while commented, "It's kinda funny, isn't it? All these ponies comin' to you for advice about friendship?"
Twilight stopped her reading as she looked at Spike, "What's funny about that?"
Twilight climbed down while levitating her book. She wanted to put it back in the bookshelf.
Spike smirked, "You know, 'cause you used to be famous for being such a bad friend."
"Huh? Is it true, mum?" Nyx asked curiously.
As Twilight put the book back on the shelf, she turned to her children with shock and disbelief expression, "What are you talking about? I had good friends in Canterlot."
"Come on, Twilight. Look at the wall." Spike insisted as he pointed his finger at the portraits from the wall. As Twilight approached and looked at them, he continued, "D'ya see any photos from before we moved to Ponyville? And look at you now - the Princess of Friendship."
Nyx hummed thoughtfully as she climbed down and approached her mother, "I hate to admit it but Spike's right. I'd never met any of your old friends. You'd never talk about them as well. You were bad friend to your old friends, weren't you?"
As Twilight looked closely at her coronation portrait and others, she thought carefully. She gasped in shock and realization, "This is a disaster! All my old friends! I can't remember any of their names right now!" She turned and looked at Spike and Nyx, "But do you really think that they think I'm a bad friend?!"
Nyx groaned a bit while glaring at Spike, "Way to go, Spike - you've just made mum panicked again."
Spike yelped, "Well, I only meant that you've come so far. You're a great friend now and--"
"Oh, I feel terrible!" Twilight said in shame. She gasped, "I've gotta make it up to them!"
"Hey, what's going on?" Shadow Dragon asked in concern as he and his son entered since they just finished their training and playing with Dragoking. He asked, "Did something happened?"
Lance nodded, "Heard something about bad friend you've make. Is it true?"
Twilight nodded, "Yes. I want to make up for them. After all these years, I'd never bother to see or visit them since I've make my friendship with Ponyville friends here. I feel terrible for being a bad friend to them." She sighed, "I feel guilty. I hope they forgive my rude and uncivilized behavior after all these years. They were my friends..."
Shadow Dragon sighed of what he just heard. He remembered his betrayal to his own friends and family when he joined Dark Curse and his rebellion in making the world a better place. But at the end, he saved and rescued them while defeating Dark Curse and his minions.
While he amended that to his family and friends, there was someone he hasn't amended. He still feel guilty and responsible for him...
"I'm pretty sure that you and Lance are tired now. You do not to go," Twilight said.
Shadow Dragon shook his head, "No... We're going together."
"Really? Why?"
"There's some place I want to visit especially a friend to see."
"I understand. But where is it? Who is he?"
"It's... It's personal, Twilight."
"Alright... I guess we're bringing everyone to Canterlot, right?" Twilight asked curiously. Shadow Dragon nodded in agreement. She smiled as she turned to her children, "Pack a bag, everypony! We're going to Canterlot! And Spike, make a list of my friends' names."
Shadow Dragon nodded, "I'll tell Metalgear of our early trip. I'll get Dragoking ready in my Summon Gem. Don't want to leave him behind. He's getting grumpy lately."
Twilight and Shadow Dragon headed off now. She went upstairs while he went into the kitchen. Three children of Twilight Sparkle and Shadow Dragon have their own discussion.
"Aw. Me and my big mouth." Spike groaned.
Lance smirked, "It looks like we're going to Canterlot for Friendship Amending. Mum and dad are gonna be very busy with it. Wow, this is surprisingly turn of the event."
Nyx giggled, "You've said it. I can't wait to meet these friends of hers. I hope nothing bad happens to them both when they visit and apologized to their friends."
"Yeah, me too. And hopefully, no more parents argument," Lance remarked.
Lance and his siblings headed off to their bedrooms in getting and packing their stuffs up. The family are going to Canterlot.
Unknown to Twilight and her friends, someone was watching the event. He was shrouded in darkness beneath the tree. His shadowy head has the shape of bat and his body shown have strange yet titanium armor-like. His eyes glowed in crimson darkness like he was in rage. Who is he? And why?
"I'll have my revenge, Shadow Dragon..."
Twilight have Spike and Nyx riding on her back as she flew straight to the Canterlot Castle. Both As the Mystic Ponies, Lance and Shadow Dragon can levitated and flew. They both followed Twilight straight to her old home. As Twilight and two Mystic Ponies landed on the ground, Spike and Nyx climbed down from her back. The family followed her towards her old Home Library where she lives since she became Princess Celestia's Prize Pupil.
Twilight and her family entered the library. It was a mess since no one has lived here for a long time. Twilight and Spike haven't been here for nearly five years.
"So, this is where you lived to study under Celestia's tutelage?" Shadow Dragon asked curiously.
Lance looked at Library Hall, "Wow... Definitely a big mess..."
Nyx patted the pillow from the sofa. It puffed some dusts out in making her cough, "And dusty too..."
Twilight climbed up the stairs to the top. Her family looked worry and concern for her. They followed her up. They came to the library section. It was more messier than the hallway.
"Oh... It's exactly how we left it!" Twilight approached to the book stand. She blew the dusts off from her old book. She recognized it in learning Nightmare Moon's return. She commented, "Look! It's Predictions and Prophecies! And it's still open to the Elements of Harmony!"
Spike gasped as he picked the torn Teddy Bear, "And here's that present I was gonna give Moon Dancer! Huh. Guess she won't be needing that." He threw it off. He picked the broken present, "Hey, look! The rest of it's still here!"
"Moon Dancer?" Nyx asked curiously.
Spike nodded, "Twilight's closest best friends she ever had since they're both eggheads."
Lance chuckled a bit, "Pretty obvious..."
"How could I have let this happen? It's a total mess!" Twilight said in shock and upset of what she saw her old home. She then looked at the window, "Just like how I left my friendships."
Shadow Dragon approached and patted Twilight's back, "You didn't know it, Twilight. From what Spike and Nyx told me about your first adventure, Princess Celestia gave you an assignment. Don't blame yourself. Mine is the worst."
"Shadow Dragon... I'm sorry," Twilight said regretfully and upset as she turned to her lover and family. She sighed, "I guess we both make terrible mistakes. I've got to make it up toooo... uh..."
"Minuette, Twinkleshine, Lemon Hearts, Lyra Heartstrings, and Moon Dancer." Spike listed all of her friends down.
Twilight smiled and nodded, "Yeah. Them..."
"Wait... Didn't we see Lyra Heartstrings back from our home?" Lance asked in surprised, "We've missed her. I didn't know she lived in Canterlot too. And of course, I didn't know she was mum's best friend."
Nyx shrugged, "Me neither..."
"What's next," Shadow Dragon asked curiously.
Twilight smiled, "Isn't it obvious? Research!"
Lance and Spike grunted a bit to hear the word while Nyx smiled happily. They're going to spent a long night to do research on Twilight's old friends - Minuette, Twinkleshine, Lemon Hearts, Lyra Heartstrings and Moon Dancer. She hoped that she can apologized her action to them while they forgive her as well.
During the night time, five robbers arrived at the Canterlot Bank. They unlocked the lock before entered the building. They avoided from being caught by some securities by hiding behind the pillars, crates or artifacts. They then approached to the vault where the golds and bits have hidden. They smirked darkly as they looked at each other. They then approached it as they prepared to open it.
"You know... It's nighttime now, don't you, boys?" The firm voice asked in annoyance. The robbers turned and glared at him. He continued, "And by the way, it's not a very good for you to rob the bank too."
The robbers took their Gem Revolvers and aimed them at the mysterious warrior. He chuckled in amusement as he took his Diamond Blaster up.
"Big Mistake, losers. You're gonna go to hell!"
Before any of the robbers could fire, the warrior fired his Diamond Blaster at them to death. He smirked darkly beneath his mask as he used his grappling launcher as he escaped the area. The securities came to the vault at once in finding the source of noise. They found three dead robbers. They all wondered - what has happened here?!
By morning...
Lance was sleeping beneath the books while Spike was sleeping on the tower of books. They both were sleepy and tired from researching. They were sleeping peacefully...
"Spike! Lance! Come on! We've got work to do!" Twilight's voice called.
Land and Spike groaned in annoyance. They yawned loudly and wildly as if they just woke up. Lance emerged from the pile of books as he make some stretches. Spike did the same thing from his tower. The Mystic Pegasus and Spike noticed Twilight and Nyx were checking through the notes while Shadow Dragon was looking at his Summon Gem where Dragoking was stored within.
"Have you guys been awake all night?" Lance asked in shock.
Spike groaned in annoyance, "This is nuts..."
Shadow Dragon turned and looked at Twilight, "I'm taking Lance to meet him. I want to show our son something important as well. It won't be long, I promised."
"While the rest will find and meet my old friends," Twilight added. She looked closely at the notes, "I did a little research, and I think I know where we can find Minuette! That is one of my friends, right?"
Nyx nodded happily while the boys grunted a bit. She asked, "Once we find our friends, where do you think we should meet?"
Twilight smiled, "Once we find the rest of my friends, we'll contact through mind-link about the place we're meeting up."
Shadow Dragon nodded in agreement, "Got it. Good luck."
"You too..."
At Minuette's Home which has the hourglass logo on the building, Twilight Sparkle knocked the door in hoping to see her old friend. Nyx and Spike were there to accompany her.
"Uh, it's not too late to forget I opened my big mouth." Spike commented in concern.
Twilight Sparkle turned and looked at Spike, "No, Spike, I'm glad you opened your big mouth. These ponies have probably been suffering ever since I left. Wondering why their supposed friend would treat them so badly!"
Nyx shook her head while smiled in amusement, "Mummy, you're being drama again. I'm sure they understand it well."
Twilight sighed, "I wish I could share same optimistic, Nyx. I really wish. I'd never bother to visit or check on them because I was too focused on my studies than my friendship."
As the door was opened in half way, Twilight and her family turned and looked at the inside. They wondered if Minuette was inside her home or not.
"Twilight Sparkle!" Minuette exclaimed happily as she emerged from her house. She giggled, "You old so-and-so! What are you doing here?!"
"Hey, Spike!" Minuette greeted Spike. She then looked at Nyx who was waving at her. It made her gasp in surprise and shock, "Oh my gosh! This must be Nyxie!" She giggled as she held and touched Nyx's face. She pressed her cheeks softly and gently, "She is so cute! Just like her mummy! I actually like her face because that was too cute!"
Minuette let Nyx go from her hooves. She approached and looked at Twilight's wings in making her old friend walk down to the ground, "Look at these wings, huh?!"
Minuette giggled as she levitated the camera out from her home. She passed it to Spike. She then levitated Nyx in putting near to Twilight Sparkle.
"Grab a picture of me and the princess, will ya?!" Minuette asked happily, which make Spike nodded. She turned and looked at Twilight Sparkle and Nyx, "I tried to tell my co-workers we used to be friends back when." She giggled happily, "But they've never believed me!"
As Spike was focusing the camera, Minuette instructed Twilight Sparkle and Nyx to fluff their wings up. As they did, Minuette moved to the middle in lifting her hooves up like she was flying. But nevertheless, they smiled happily. Spike took a picture of it.
"So what are you doing here? I mean, I know you're here all the time, but you never come to see me." Minuette commented. She gasped, "Hey! I just had the greatest idea! You wanna go see Lemon Hearts and Twinkleshine?"
"Of course! My old friends!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed happily.
"It'll be great! Come on! Let's fly!" Minuette giggled playfully as she jumped over Twilight like she was flying, "Get it?"
Minuette headed off. Twilight and her family followed her as they chatted with each other for a while.
"This is perfect! I can apologize to all three of them at once!" Twilight Sparkle smiled happily.
Spike remarked sarcastically, "Let's hope they're not as traumatized as Minuette."
Nyx giggled, "Come on, Spike. She's just exciting and happy to see mummy. Come to think of it... Minuette reminds me of Aunt Pinkie. Hmm... I wonder how's daddy and Lance doing now..."
Shadow Dragon and Lance Justicestrike were walking across the alley of Canterlot Town. They were both heading to some unknown place that his father known. And for the mysterious person - who and what is he important to Shadow Dragon?
Lance hummed, "Hey, dad. Mind telling me of what's going on? Is this about friends that Twilight mentioned about making it up for hers? They were okay with you. They forgive you as well."
"I know... But it's not them. It's someone else I want to see. And above all, I want you not to make mistake as I am. So in the future, you can save and protect your friends and partners from harm as well as be there for them."
"Dad..."
SCREAM! Both Shadow Dragon and Lance looked up as they found some robbers emerged from the jewelery shop. They held the bag of jewels and gems as well as the Gem Revolvers. They both knew what was that about. The robbers were about to make their escape.
Shadow Dragon and Lance Justicestrike were about to attack but stopped as they spotted a Royal Guard standing in the robber's way.
"Hold it! You're not getting through me, without the fight!" Flash Sentry exclaimed firmly. The robbers laughed in amusement as they held their gem revolvers up and aimed at him. He narrowed his determined eyes, "Just because you have those weapons, doesn't mean I'm gonna get scared. Do your worst!"
Lance gasped as he was about to make a move but stopped by his father. For some reason, Shadow Dragon decided not to get involved of the matters but watched only. His son sighed as he just watch only yet worried for Flash Sentry.
As the robbers fired their Gem Revolvers at Flash Sentry, he dodged them before dashed to the front. He kicked the first one off, before swiping his leg at the second one and then using his wings flap the third one off. Fourth one charged in and gave Flash a hard knock to the ground. Fifth and Sixth charged in as they kicked on him but he quickly rolled to aside. He kicked them both out in getting up. The fourth was about to attack but Flash flipped his right hoof back in knocking the robber out.
BANG! Flash got his right wing shot. He grunted a bit as he looked and found seventh robber had shot him. He and his gang surrounded him as they were about to punch him. Shadow Dragon and Lance Justicestrike dashed to the front.
"You know one thing I can't stand the most," Shadow Dragon said bitterly.
Lance nodded, "Trying to cheat out of the way."
Flash Sentry gasped in surprise of what he just saw. Both Shadow Dragon and Lance Justicestrike charged straight in at once. The robbers were about to fire their Gem Revolvers but they got disarmed by Mystic Father and Son in a second. Angered and upset as the robbers tried to land a punch on them but they dodged and avoided the attacks. As soon as the robbers got tired and exhausted, Shadow Dragon and Lance Justicestrike took them down in ease without putting much of effort.
The robbers were defeated. More Royal Guards came and arrested them while two of them brought the gems and jewels back to the jewelry store. As the Medic Pony treated Flash Sentry's injury, Shadow Dragon and Lance Justicestrike.
"You okay?" Shadow Dragon asked.
"Just a scratch. I'm fine. Thanks," Flash thanked happily. As soon as his wing got treated, he stood up and bowed before Shadow Dragon, "Mr. Shadow Dragon, it's an honor to meet you here! I'm your biggest fan since the third war!"
"Oh?"
"Yes, it's true! I've been reading all of your adventure and battle! I even watch the clips abbout you! They were amazing! To meet you here is my greatest pleasure, sir! And sorry for being embarrassed in front of you."
"It's okay. Lots of ponies got injured during the blastfight. No difference at all."
"But you - your speed and strength - they're amazing! You beat them in a second! I want to be fast and strong as you, sir! Will you train me like your protege? I would be honored to fight alongside with you."
"Train you?" Shadow Dragon asked in concern. Flash nodded happily. He hissed, "I don't know... I don't think it's good idea..."
Lance Justicestrike gasped in shock and surprise of what he just heard. His father never turn anyone down especially training someone who sees him as his hero. Flash was shocked and disappointed as well.
Flash sighed, "I understand... Sorry for the mess..."
Lance gave a nudge to Shadow Dragon's stomach. The father yelped as he looked at his angry son. Shadow Dragon groaned a bit yet he also feel bad for turning Flash down.
"How about this? If you prove yourself, I may reconsider..." Shadow Dragon sighed.
"Really?" Flash asked hopefully. Shadow Dragon and Lance Justicestrike nodded in agreement. He smiled as he bowed, "I promised you that I won't let you down!"
Shadow Dragon sighed as he muttered, "It's me that I shouldn't let you down..."
"Dad?" Lance asked in concern, "What are you afraid of?"
Shadow Dragon hummed calmly and closed his eyes as if he was receiving call from his mental-link. He smiled, "It looks like your mum has found the place - Donut Joe's Shop. Let's go and meet them now. Flash, you can come too as well."
Lance nodded, "Got it!"
Flash smiled, "I'll be honored, sir. Thank you!"
BANG! Shadow Dragon, Lance Justicestrike and Flash Sentry yelped in shock. They quickly turned to the front. They found six arrested robbers killed. Royal Guards were in shock as well as the citizens of Canterlot. The trio were too. Who could have done this?!
A sudden chill went through their spine, Shadow Dragon and Lance Justicestrike sensed someone was watching the event. They turned to search for the chill the felt.
Flash looked up. He noticed a strange pony dressed in titanium armor with black patterned of crimson jumpsuit-like and worn the modern bat helmet-like with two digitalized crimson eyes standing on the branch. Shadow Dragon and Lance Justicestrike noticed it as well. The mysterious warrior quickly launched his grappling launcher in escaping.
Who was that? Could he be the one killed the robbers? Why would he do it?
"I have the feeling that we'll meet him soon..." Flash said in concern.
At modernized and rich Donut Joe's Shop, Twilight was chatting and giggling with her three friends - Twinkleshine, Minuette and Lemon Hearts as well as eating their donuts. Nyx was with her mother while Spike was ordering his donut.
"She did! Twinkleshine literally spit out her oats when she heard you were the Princess of Friendship!" Minuette remarked before taking a bite on her donut.
Twinkleshine nodded, "We saw you at the coronation. That was some shindig!"
"You did?" Twilight asked in surprise.
"Sure! We see you all the time!" Twinkleshine smiled.
"You remember our old friend, Lyra, right? She lives in Ponyville, too. We're always over there visiting her. Or she's coming over here!" Minuette giggled happily as she levitated the donut up before eating it, "We've thought about asking you to join us from time to time, but we just sorta figured you'd moved on."
Twilight looked down in shame of what she head. Her three Unicorn friends remained silent as they were surprised by her reaction. She usually never be quiet or reacted to their comments. Nyx was worried for her now as she knew the look very well.
Lemon Hearts broke the silence by clearing her throat, "So what brings you by anyway? All those times you've come back to Canterlot, you never had donuts with us before."
"Mummy..." Nyx said in concern
"Well, uh, you see..." Twilight struggled in speaking out. She sighed, "I came to apologize."
Twinkleshine, Lemon Hearts and Minuette looked surprise and shock of what they just heard.
Minuette swallowed the donut into her stomach as she asked, "For what?"
"Before I left Canterlot, I didn't really appreciate my friends. And that's because I didn't know how important friendship was." Twilight explained shamefully. She then faced and looked at her old friends. She spoke calmly, "But I've learned so much since I moved to Ponyville. I learned what it means to be a good friend and that I certainly wasn't one to the three of you. So for all the pain I caused you, I am truly sorry."
Twinkleshine, Minuette and Lemon Hearts were silent for the moment. They smiled as they giggled in amusement. Twilight Sparkle and Nyx were surprise and shock by their reaction. They find it funny?
"Oh, come on, Twilight!" Minuette said happily, "Sure, it might've stung a little bit when you ran off to Ponyville without saying goodbye, but it's not like we weren't used to that from you!"
Twinkleshine nodded, "Yeah, we didn't take it personally."
"But it's really good to see you now." Lemon Hearts said happily. Twilight smiled a bit to hear that as the princess was glad that her old friends forgave her. Lemon Hearts gasped, "Hey! Anypony up for a blast from the past?"
All of the Unicorns smiled in agreement, and even Twilight too.
Nyx smiled, "It looks like they're okay with you, mummy. Maybe Spike's right. Maybe you shouldn't be so worry about it."
"I guess so," Twilight said happily.
"Hey, who're those stallions?" Twinkleshine asked in surprise as she pointed her hoof out at the entrance.
The unicorns as well as Twilight Sparkle and Nyx looked up and found Shadow Dragon, Lance Justicestrike and Flash Sentry entered the restaurant. The stallions were looking for Twilight, Spike and Nyx.
Twilight smiled as she answered, "My boyfriend, my son and my friend..."
As the trio Unicorns awed in surprise, Twilight waved to her boyfriend and friends in getting their attention. They spotted it and approached the rest of girls as they have some chats.
Twilight smiled to her old friends, "Everyone, this is my boyfriend - Shadow Dragon. This here is my son - Lance Justicestrike. And this one is my friend and my brother's trusted lieutenant - Flash Sentry."
Stallion Trio bowed before Twilight's old friends in respected manner. The girls commented of how handsome they really are and how lucky Twilight Sparkle got them. She is very lucky...
Twilight and all of her friends made all their way to an old school of hers. It was an old yet big old lavender and purple mixed schoolhouse-like. Twilight approached to the school while her family and even Flash followed her.
"Wow... It's the Unicorn Science Lab," Flash commented, "I heard it's great place for the unicorns study and experience their magic and spells."
Lance sighed, "Well... I didn't get go to school very much since my old mum and I don't have much money. We both were working as healers in helping ponies from old home."
"Didn't Princess Iris Crystal at least send you to a cheap or small school for you to learn?"
"Yeah... But that was temporary. And the one who taught me is my own mum..."
"Wow...."
Twilight Sparkle gasped happily as she approached to the window and took a peek on it, "It's our old science lab! I have so many great memories of this place!"
Nyx approached and flapped her wings in seeing the school, "Wow... This is where you study as Princess Celestia's student?"
"More or less, Nyxie," Twilight answered happily.
Shadow Dragon smiled as he leaned against the wall, "It's very special to you, isn't it?"
Twilight nodded, "It is... Even though I wasn't really great friend, but I helped others of how the science and magic works."
Minuette giggled in amusement, "Remember when Lemon Hearts got her head stuck in that beaker?"
Twinkleshine and Minuette then laughed happily yet amusement about the joke they make. Lemon Hearts gave the dry and annoyed looks at her friends. Twilight and her family puzzled of what happens. The boys and even Nyx imagined of how Lemon Hearts got her head stuck in the beaker while Twilight recalled of how it happens.
Flashback:
Some years ago when Twilight Sparkle was a young filly, she and her old friends were studying the magic and doing science experiment from her old school. The teacher helped and guided the students of how the progress works. Some asked their teacher of how the progress works. Others chatted with each other. A few studied and doing their homework.
Lemon Hearts got her head stuck inside the beaker as she ran away playfully while Twinkleshine and Minuette chased after her. Twilight Sparkle and another friend were reading their science books.
Twilight put the book down as she explained, "But according to this book, you're supposed to add the sodium chloride first."
"I read ahead, and to make a proper salt lick, you need to add the molasses first." Twilight's yellow doppelganger with crimson mane and twin stripes of dark and light purple.
Twilight shook her head, "Well, I read ahead too, Moon Dancer, and I'm sure it said sodium chloride first."
"Oh. I've got the wrong book. That's so hilarious." Moon Dancer said dryly upon learning the book she read.
Twilight and Moon Dance looked at each other as they both giggled a bit while shrugged. They then continued reading the books while the rest of their friend minding their business. It was busy moment for Twilight and her old friends...
Flashback Ends
Back to reality...
Twinkleshine, Minuette and Lemon Hearts continued giggling at their past while Twilight seemed to be worried. Her family and friends noticed her look. Twilight knew there was one friend she hasn't check on. One who shares same hobbies and idea...
"Whatever happened to Moon Dancer?" Twilight asked as she turned to her friends. Her Unicorn Friends looked at her with their surprised yet confused looks. She explained, "You know, our other friend. The one she and I read the books from the very day?"
"Oh, right! Moon Dancer! I remember her!" Twinkleshine nodded as she recalled of her another friend.
Lemon Hearts hummed, "I wonder what she's up to."
"Yeah, I always liked her. We just sort of lost touch after you left." Minuette smiled.
"So, where is she?" Twilight asked in concern.
Twinkleshine answered, "I think she went to live out by the stadium, didn't she?"
"Well, let's go see." Lemon Hearts suggested.
As her three friends turned and headed off, Twilight and her family followed them at once. They all can't wait to meet Moon Dancer.
Shadow Dragon, Lance Justicestrike and Flash Sentry were about to follow but stopped as they heard some clanking-breaking bricks. They turned to their backs but found nothing from the school or anything, though they have the feeling that someone was here and spied on them. They decided to drop it for once as they went and followed Twilight and her friends to Moon Dancer's home. They can't help but think their meeting and confrontation may come.
The mysterious armored warrior emerged from the chimney's back. He continued glaring at Shadow Dragon for unknown reason...
"You will pay for everything you did to me, Shadow Dragon..." The mysterious knight said darkly.
An hour later, Twilight and her family followed her three old friends in search of Moon Dancer's home. They came across the in-between shops where the old yet broken cottage house-like with moon shaped on the door. They were surprise and shock to see it a mess and ruined. Did something happen to Moon Dancer?
"I think this is the place. Didn't used to look like this, though." Minuette commented.
Twilight Sparkle approached to Moon Dancer's house as she knocked the door for few times. The door creaked as it opened halfway.
"Moon Dancer?" Twilight asked in concern.
"What do you want? I'm trying to study."
Moon Dancer revealed herself as young adult like Twilight Sparkle but unlike her younger self, she had her mane tied up and pinned in bun-shape while wearing glasses and black sweater.
"It's us!" Twilight exclaimed happily. Twinkleshine and Lemon Hearts stood from her left side while Minuette stood on right with Spike on her back. They all smiling at Moon Dancer She smiled, "Your old friends!"
Shadow Dragon, Lance Justicestrike, Nyx and Flash Sentry came from both sides as they waved to her. He greeted, "We're your new friends as well."
Instead of friendly reply, Moon Dance gave annoying groan as she closed the door hard at once. Twilight and all of her friends were in shock of her response. That was unusual answer from her.
"That went well," Flash remarked in shock.
Lance nodded, "I was expecting her to shout happily like 'Twilight, you're here!' or 'Oh my gosh, my best friend! You came back'! But not this..."
Minuette smiled nervously as she chuckled a bit, "That's old Moon Dancer, all right. She always did like her books." She gasped, "Hey! Kinda like you used to be, huh?"
Twilight Sparkle in shock as she remarked, "Exactly how I used to be."
Nyx gulped, "I've got the bad feeling about this..."
Shadow Dragon was about to comment but stopped as he sensed something familiar to him. He turned and found the same mysterious figure turned and escaped. He had his eyes narrowed suspiciously yet angrily. Flash and Lance noticed the look as they know what it means...
"Something tells me this isn't about stalking..." Shadow Dragon muttered in concern.
What is next?
Twilight and her family have spent three days at Canterlot as they have been observing and watching on Moon Dancer's behavior and schedule if there is a way to reach her since she didn't bother to visit and hang out with any of her old friends. Shadow Dragon, Lance Justicestrike and Flash Sentry spent their three days in investigating the crimes and criminals' death while trying to seek and learn behind the mysterious warrior.
At Twilight's Old Library, Twilight and her family were preparing to leave their home as their friends had arrived.
"Are you sure that you're not coming with us?" Twilight asked in concern, "I have to know what has happen to her. She'd never been like this before. She's acting like how I used to be."
Shadow Dragon sighed, "I wish I could. But there is something I need to investigate and know."
"About the Canterlot's crimes dropping to zero? And the mysterious vigilante?"
"Yeah... I sensed something familiar about him. I can't help but to find him..."
Twilight nodded in understanding, "Alright. Please, take care. I heard that the vigilante is not friendly hero. He doesn't seem to be working for Royal Guards of General Rexstrike either."
Shadow Dragon nodded, "Alright. Good luck in reaching Moon Dancer."
With Twilight nodded, she and her family exited the library and meeting up with their friends. Shadow Dragon, Lance Justicestrike and Flash Sentry walked on left direction. Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Nyx and three unicorn friends walked on right direction. Will they get the results of the mission?
Moon Dancer was walking towards the Canterlot Library while carrying her baskets of books. She entered it without socializing or greeting with any ponies. Twilight and her friends watched the event from a cafe. They all worn sunglasses while reading the menus in acting like they were here to order the foods.
Spike sighed as he put the menu down, "Come on, Twilight! We've been watching her for three days! Library, house, library, house. That's it!"
Nyx hummed in concern, "Nopony looks at her or says hello or even gives her a smile. It's like she doesn't even exist. Or she even bother to say hi to other ponies..."
"Was she always like this?" Twilight Sparkle asked Minuette.
Minuette explained, "Well, she always was a little shy. But for a while there, she was really starting to come out of her shell. Remember when she threw that party?"
Nyx turned and looked at her mother with curiosity looks. Twilight gave her friends and family a shrug and embarrassment blush. Minuette, Twinkleshine and Lemon Hearts thought carefully of their friend's answer as they gasped in realization.
"Oh, right. I think you might've been busy that day." Minuette giggled a bit.
Twilight and her friends remembered of what has happened. She did declined the invitation to Moon Dancer's party because she feared Nightmare Moon makes her return from her imprisonment moon as she wanted to know how can she stopped the former tyrant...
"Thought she finally might be letting her guard down a little with that party. We invited her out a few times after that." Minuette explained, "But she was always too busy studying. So, eventually, we just stopped asking."
"Study over friendship..." Nyx commented in concern, "That's really bad..."
"I had no idea that party was so important to her." Twilight said regretfully. She looked down in shame as she felt responsible of what she did to her very best friend. Rather than being down, she stood up with her firm looks, "I've gotta find a way to make it up to her!"
Nyx nodded, "I'll help too, mummy. A friend of yours is the friend of mine."
Twilight smiled as she nuzzled her little daughter gently, "Thanks, Nyx. I don't know what I'd do without you..."
"Hey! What about me?" Spike asked as he was being offended.
Twilight giggled as she gave him a nuzzle, "Oh, don't worry, Spike. I still need your help. Nyx and I will talk with Moon Dancer while the rest - you can go back home."
"No worries, Twilight. We'll wait," Twinkleshine said happily.
Lemon Hearts smiled, "Yeah. We're all friends. We'll wait for you and Moon Dancer to come out."
"Say hi to Moon Dancer for us," Minuette smiled as she then giggled, "Or maybe, we say hi to her when she comes out."
Twilight smiled in amusement as she and Nyx headed to the Canterlot Library at once in finding and talk with Moon Dancer...
Shadow Dragon and his team came to the crime scenes which was located near to Canterlot Castle. They saw the white marks of three deceased robbers. They received the reports that the robbers were trying to climbed the castle walls in attempt to rob the gold and jewels but got shot to death by an unknown vigilante.
Shadow Dragon and his team investigated the area in search of the clues that leads to know about the mysterious vigilante. Shadow Dragon checked on the crime scene. Lance checked on the area in search of where the vigilante had take the shots on the robbers. Flash asked the Royal Guards and Citizens if anything happens to Canterlot. Dragoking sniffed in search for clues.
Shadow Dragon and his team came together at once as they reviewed of what they had investigated and learned about the vigilante. Dragoking gave a shook to his master of unable to find the culprit or anything that is related to crime scenes.
"I've talk to the Royal Guards and some citizens," Flash reported, "And unfortunately, they didn't know that there was some robbers until a loud shot. They then found three deceased bodies near to the Castle's Entrance. No one knows what happen here. The investigation went on."
Lance sighed, "I've scoured and checked on the area of how the vigilante shoot at them. Found it from the clocktower. And wow... No one can take that shoot from that far."
"That's what I thought... And the only pony who is good at that is Deadblast, DJ Red or Shades," Shadow Dragon said in concern, "I doubt Firmtact would send them for some low level criminals."
Flash nodded in agreement, "You're right about that, sir. I've talk with Canterlot Drill Sergeant Reaperdeath, he claimed that none of his Suicide Squad were here or even Deadblast."
"Who could have done this?"
"I have no idea, sir. I wish I knew who could have that kind of shot on these guys."
"I do..." The fierce voice called. Shadow Dragon and his team turned and found Black Tiger dressed in his Royal Guard Drill Sergeant outfit. He continued, "The vigilante that brought death upon these scums and robbers is known other than Mystic Knight..."
"Mystic Knight?" Lance asked in shock.
Flash hissed in concern, "Sounds like an insult to Mystic Ponies. He must have hated them, doesn't he?"
Black Tiger shook his head in denial, "No... It's the mark of bringing death upon the ponies who committed the sins. If you chose the sin, death is on you. If you chose to walk away, your live will be spared."
Shadow Dragon hummed in concern, "I'd take that you confronted him once?"
"Yes, I did. He possessed a very similar move as yours - Dragoon Spiritual Style and Phoenix Flight Strike Style..."
Shadow Dragon looked surprise and shock of what he heard, "But... But that's impossible. There was none could mimicked my moves."
"Whoever it was, we've got to catch that guy first. He has the answers we need," Lance suggested.
Flash nodded, "Yeah... I don't think he would stop for one criminal. He could be after the rest from another part of Canterlot. If there's some criminal activity from other places, we might have the chance to capture him."
"Good plan," Shadow Dragon nodded in agreement with Flash, "Let's go and find that vigilante. Thanks, Black Tiger."
Black Tiger bowed in respect. Shadow Dragon, Lance Justicestrike, Dragoking and Flash Sentry headed off at once in search of Mystic Knight. Unknown to any of them, something emerged from the walls. It faded in the form of Mystic Knight like emerging from camouflage. He has overheard everything from the start.
"So predictable..." Mystic Knight snarled angrily, "Let's see how fast can you save the criminals."
Twilight Sparkle and Nyx entered the Canterlot Library where ponies were studying and reading the books. They searched and looked for Moon Dancer. They spotted her studying the book from the front desk. They gasped happily as they chatted with each other of how they can get her attention. They both smiled as they gave each other a wink.
As Twilight and Nyx 'walked' around the library, they both came across Moon Dancer's desk. Twilight gasped as she feigned in surprise talk, "Oh, my gosh! Moon Dancer?! Is that-"
The ponies and even quickly shushed Twilight up, making her and Nyx headed off at once before they could get themselves into some troubles.
As Moon Dancer continued studying, Twilight and Nyx slowly popped their heads up while looking at her. They have their chances now.
Twilight smiled, "Moon Dancer, can I talk to you for a min--"
"Shh!" Moon Dancer shushed Twilight at once. But this time, Twilight and Nyx didn't leave. Suspected something is up, Moon Dancer noticed Twilight's horn glowed in lavender and Nyx's glowed in navy brightly. She looked up and found the lavender dome force field-like. She asked, "What is this?"
"A bubble of silence." Nyx explained, "And it means no one can hear us."
Twilight sighed, "I haven't seen you in a while and I thought it might be nice to catch up."
"For what purpose?" Moon Dancer asked in annoyance.
"You know, 'cause we're friends." Twilight answered.
POP! Moon Dancer fired her pinkish magic spell at the Bubble of Silence. It attracted the ponies as they shushed at her for making noise. She yelped in shock. She turned and glared at Twilight Sparkle and Nyx. They both ran off before getting themselves into some troubles.
On the desk, Moon Dancer was reading and studying her book. She turned the page. She saw a doodle forms of Twilight Sparkle and Nyx. She hummed calmly as she wondered why would it has them in. Could they be responsible for writing the science books?
"I'm sorry I skipped your party." Twilight whispered.
Nyx nodded, "Please, don't be mad at my mummy."
Moon Dancer screamed in fear as she quickly close the book at once. The ponies shushed her for making noise. She growled in annoyance.
"Why won't you leave me alone? I'm trying to study!" Moon Dancer whispered in annoyance as she opened the book. She glared at Twilight and Nyx from the page, "You've got the wrong pony! I don't have parties!"
"You did once." Twilight whispered back regretfully and shamefully, "And I was so caught up in my own studying that I didn't take your feelings into account."
"Look, Twilight Twinkle--"
"Sparkle."
"Whatever!" Moon Dancer said in annoyance, "I just need to be alone so I can study without some crazy pony trying to make friends, all right?!"
Nyx was upset as she answered, "Please, Moon Dancer. Don't be mad-!"
Twilight Sparkle huffed, "Fine! Come on, Nyx. Let's go since Moon Dancer has no interest in talking with us or even something we have for her."
Nyx sighed in upset as she and Twilight turned and headed off.
Moon Dancer called, "Wait. How did you get into my book like that?"
Twilight Sparkle and Nyx looked at each other for the moment. They both smiled as they turned and looked at Moon Dancer. They finally got her attention on them now...
Shadow Dragon and his team were searching for the Mystic Knight by finding any trouble or crime activity. They were riding Dragoking since he was very good in smelling and searching of his preys. He was prefect. But so far, they found nothing. No crimes. No Mystic Knight.
"Dad..." Lance said in concern. Shadow Dragon turned to his son. He continued, "About what Black Tiger had said - did you train someone with that moves?"
Shadow Dragon remained silent as he looked away in shame and pain, "No... There was no one else..."
"You're lying." Shadow Dragon and Lance turned to Flash. He continued, "You did train someone, didn't you? You said that no one mimicked your moves, unless you trained him."
Lance turned and looked at his father, "Dad... Is it true?"
Shadow Dragon sighed as he decided to let the boys know the truth. Let them know why he never take Flash as his apprentice or even tell anyone about someone he failed to amend with...
Flashback
"500 years ago, I was taking a break from the fight. I was supposed to meet your mom for some important errand until I met him..."
500 years ago...
Shadow Dragon was riding his Dragoking across the Sacred City of Light. They were both heading to Mystic Portal in meeting up with Iris Crystal. They came across some cat-mouse chase game. They spotted some Mystic Soldiers chased after the young crimson Pegasus with black spiky short mane and tail while his Cutie Mark is crimson mask with black mask. Shadow Dragon and Dragoking decided to follow and watch the event.
Mystic Soldiers chased the boy all the way to the alley. Mystic Captain grabbed the boy as he was ready to punish him. The boy gave him a headbutt. He galloped off but encountered the Mystic Soldier standing in his way. The boy slided and went through the underneath of him. He came across two to three soldiers as they swung their clubs on him but he dodged and avoided them. He then climbed up the barrels to the top as he pushed some on them to the ground hard.
The boy climbed down the barrels as he quickly headed off before he got himself caught. He quickly jumped inside the abandoned house. He took a peek and found Mystic Soldiers were looking around in search of the thief. He sighed in relief after seeing them left off. He them emerged out from the abandoned house. He stopped as he found Shadow Dragon and Dragoking standing before him.
Instead of capturing the boy, Shadow Dragon held his hoof in front of him like offering him to join his team.
"His name is Jason Striker. He has lots of potential I ever seen. So, I decide to bring him to the team. We trained and helped him reach his potential. And he even got his own codename - Red Hood."
Shadow Dragon recruited and taken Jason Strike into his team. For years, they all welcomed him in. They all helped and trained him to be strong and resourceful warrior as well as perfecting martial art skills including Dragon Spiritual Style and Phoenix Flight Strike Style. He named himself as teenage Red Hood while dressed in his grayish jumpsuit with brown jacket while worn crimson helmet with black mask.
Shadow Dragon led his team in defending both Mystic and Equestria Realm from the forces of evil. As years went by, Red Hood grew powerful and stronger as his teammates and friends but at the same time, he grew overconfident and arrogant in winning the fight and beating his enemies to the ground. They often argued and scolded him for putting the lives in danger or even killing the enemies.
"Jason joined us in battle to save the lives and defend both realms from danger. As he grew stronger, he's becoming arrogant and irresponsible. We often tried to remind him for many times about taking responsibility for saving lives while killing the enemies because ponies deserve second chance. But one day..."
During his patrol duty, Jason Striker saved the woman from bandits. But instead of thanking him, the woman whacked him to the ground hard. She dragged him away from everyone's sights.
Days have passed, Dragon Strike Force searched for him for days and months. Their allies helped them to find him. They then came across the red metallic mask with the note.
"Jason went missing. We searched him for days and months until we came across Jason's mask and note. And we didn't have much time."
Dragon Strike Force make a rush in reaching and saving their teammate. They came across the abandoned warehouse. As they were about to enter, the warehouse blown to bits. They were shocked and traumatized of what they just saw. As they refused to believe that their friend is killed, they searched through the wreckage and debris of warehouse for Jason but found nothing.
Shadow Dragon screamed in anger as he hit on the ground very hard. His teammates watched him with shock and shame. They couldn't save him in time. Jason Striker was killed.
"So, we rush all the way to the location to get Jason. But it was too late. He's gone because of me. I blamed myself for putting him at risk or even a better friend for him. That's why I never want to take anyone to be my wing or apprentice again. I don't want to lose my friend again..."
Flashback Ends.
Shadow Dragon sighed as he turned to the front. Lance and Flash looked shock and pitiful in hearing the tragic story about his loss of apprentice. They finally understand why he didn't want to help or train Flash Sentry.
Flash sighed, "I feel sorry for him now..."
Lance nodded, "Yeah... But who and how did this Mystic Knight able to mimicked and perfected dad's martial arts. No one can, not even..."
"Whoever he was, he has to stop from killing criminals." Shadow Dragon said firmly, "This has gone too far now..."
BANG! Shadow Dragon and his team yelped in shock. They looked up as they found Mystic Knight diving straight down at them. He fired his Gem Revolvers at them. Dragoking roared wildly and painfully as Shadow Dragon and his team tried to hold on him. As Mystic Knight landed on it, he punched Lance out before kicked Flash off.
Shadow Dragon groaned angrily as he got up. He punched at Mystic Knight but latter dodged and swiped the former's legs. The vigilante was about to stomp the hero but Shadow Dragon kicked Mystic Knight off. Shadow Dragon got up at once as he kicked Mystic Knight. Mystic Knight dodged down before grabbed and slammed Shadow Dragon to the ground hard. He held his Gem Revolver on Shadow Dragon's chest.
"It's been quite a while, old man," Mystic Knight remarked darkly, "I see you haven't lost your touch, otherwise it wouldn't be much fun."
Shadow Dragon growled, "Who are you? Why are you doing this?!"
"I'm doing what is necessary to save and defend the world from scums and criminals. It's something that you wouldn't do it."
Mystic Knight fired his Gem Revolver on Shadow Dragon's guts, causing the hero screamed in pain. Lance Justicestrike flew and grabbed the Mystic Knight off to the ground hard. Lance held his Oblivion Dragoon Blade and Oathkeeper Blossom Blade in ready to fight. Mystic Knight cracked his hooves in ready to fight.
Lance charged in as he swung his Oblivion Dragoon Blade from his right before swinging his left Oathkeeper Blossom Blade on Mystic Knight. Mystic Knight dodged the attacks twice before kicked the Pegasus off. Mystic Knight took his Mechanical Titanium Blade. Both Lance and Mystic Knight swung their blades at each other for few times. They then clashed their blades at each other for the moment. Mystic Knight gave a headbutt on Lance before kicked him off. Mystic Knight charged as he swung his sword in knocking and striking Lance to the ground before kicked him off.
Flash pounced Mystic Knight to the ground. Flash Sentry punched on Mystic Knight for five times, making the latter kicked the former off. Mystic Knight armed himself ready to fight while Flash Sentry readied himself. They both charged in as they both swung their hooves in punching and kicking at each other hard and quick. Mystic Knight was quick enough to dodge and avoid the attacks while punching back at Flash for few times. Mystic Knight grabbed Flash and thrown him straight to the walls hard.
Dragoking roared angrily as he swiped and struck his tail in bringing Mystic Knight down. The vigilante dodged and avoided the attacks while firing his Gem Revolvers at Hydragoon for few times. Cornered to the walls, Dragoking was ready to attack Mystic Knight. As he launched his head in biting Mystic Knight, he slammed on the wall instead when Mystic Knight dodged the attack. Mystic Knight threw the activated detonator on the rooftop. It exploded the debris fell on him to the ground.
Mystic Knight turned and glared at the injured Shadow Dragon who slowly got up while holding his guts tightly from bleeding. He was ready to fight.
"There he is! Over here!" The voice called.
Everyone turned to the back. They found more of Royal Guards had arrived. They charged in. They surrounded Mystic Knight while armed their spears at him.
Mystic Knight huffed, "It looks like our fight has to wait. See ya, Dragon Hope..."
Shadow Dragon gasped in shock of what he just heard. Did that vigilante called him 'Dragon Hope'?!
Before anyone could do anything, Mystic Knight threw some smoke bomb to the ground. Everyone coughed loudly while got themselves blinded in smoke. As soon as the smoke dispersed, Mystic Knight was nowhere to be found. He escaped.
Twilight and Nyx managed to convince Moon Dancer to talk with them. They took her away from Canterlot Library now. They even told their friends that they will bring her to Library Home for chatting. They continued chatting with each other while entering Twilight's old home.
"I've been studying a new studying technique. I can only do it for a few minutes," Twilight explained happily, "but you'd be amazed how much you can pick up when you're actually in a book!"
"It's one of Hayscartes' methods." Moon Dancer said happily.
"You know Hayscartes?"
"Of course! He's a genius!"
Twilight Sparkle smiled, "I have a copy of his Treatise on Ponies, you know."
Moon Dancer gasped in surprise, "Seriously?"
Nyx smiled happily, "This is mummy you're talking with, Moon Dancer. She has tons of books for collection. And believe me, you're gonna love it."
Moon Dancer was surprised and amazed of what she just heard. Twilight Sparkle and Nyx nodded truthfully while smiling happily.
They led Moon Dancer all the way up to top floor. Moon Dancer gasped in amazement as she looked around of her surroundings - book collection shelves. She was amazed and surprised of it as she have forgotten that Twilight loves books as she has. She approached the nearby bookshelf.
Nyx smiled, "I think it's getting well."
Twilight nodded in agreement, "Yes, it is."
"Wow! A first edition of Principles of Magic!" Moon Dancer gasped in surprise as she levitated the book. As she took a glance on the book, she hummed calmly as she felt like she knows something about the book. She took it out, "Hey, didn't I give this to you?"
Twilight Sparkle gritted her teeth fearfully, "Maybe?"
"I did!" Moon Dance exclaimed in surprise as she opened the book. She came across the page with a familiar writing, "Look, I even wrote something! 'To my friend, Twilight Sparkle. Thanks for introducing me to the classics.'" Moon Dancer huffed in annoyance as she levitate and put the book back, "I can see by the fact that you left it here that it meant a lot to you."
"Look, I didn't bring you over here for even more poignant reminders of what a bad friend I was. I brought you here to give you this." Twilight said as she levitated her home key before Moon Dancer, "You can come here whenever you want and study to your heart's content."
"Really" Moon Dancer asked hopefully as she levitated the key.
"But first, you've gotta do something for me." Twilight Sparkle said. Moon Dancer gave Twilight raised her eyebrow up. She continued, "Have dinner with our old friends tonight."
"I can't. I'm reorganizing my biology scrolls."
" I've been spending a lot of time with Minuette, Twinkleshine, and Lemon Hearts since I've been back. They really miss you."
Nyx nodded in agreement, "Plus, they're very nice girls I ever met."
Moon Dancer shrugged in annoyance, "Look! I already told you! The last thing I need is a bunch of ridiculous friend-making keeping me from studying!"
Moon Dancer turned and walked away at once.
"Moon Dancer, wait!" Twilight called, "A wise pony once taught me that there's more to life than dusty old books!"
Nyx nodded, "Mummy's right! Friendship is important than old books! Please give her and others a chance to talk with you. They miss you so much!"
"I tried friendship and it's just not for me. Now, if you'll excuse me..." Moon Dancer said in annoyance as she almost reached the stairs.
Twilight made some thinking of how to convince her to stay. She gasped of the idea, "What if I taught you Hayscartes' method?"
Moon Dancer stopped at once as she turned and looked at Twilight Sparkle with her curious yet surprise looks. Twilight and Nyx nodded truthfully as they are willing to teach her about using Hayscartes' method in entering the book.
Royal Guards helped treating Shadow Dragon, his team and even Dragoking wounds and injuries. They took some beatings from the mysterious vigilante - Mystic Knight. Shadow Dragon was thinking as he wondered of how did Mystic Knight knows him and his birth name. No one but his teammates, friends and family knows about it...
"Hey, dad. You okay?" Lance asked in concern.
Shadow Dragon sighed, "No. I'm not. There's something off about that Mystic Knight. Not only he was able to perfected my special moves but knows my real name."
"No way... Think it's Dark Mystic Pony?"
"If he is, he wouldn't have spared the innocent lives and conquered Canterlot. There's something more about him. I'm going to find out of what's really going on."
"No worries, dad. I'm going with you."
"I'm going too. I want to help too, sir!" Flash saluted.
Shadow Dragon hissed, "No. It's too dangerous! Mystic Knight will kill you. Stay here now!"
"I can handle it! I'm not afraid."
"You will if you do this. And trust me, there is no turning back! I'm not risking your life for my war!"
Flash narrowed his angry eyes at Shadow Dragon, "That's the risk I'm wiling to take. I won't back down without the fight!"
"Fine..." Shadow Dragon snarled a bit. A sudden shock on his mind as he closed his eyes. He used his Mental-Link for the moment. He opened his eyes. He turned and looked at his teammates. He said, "Twilight needs us to meet her and the rest at restaurant by evening."
In evening, Shadow Dragon and his teammates meet up with Twilight and her friends at the restaurant. They were all chatting and talking with each other happily.
"So, how's the progress with Moon Dancer?" Shadow Dragon asked in concern.
Twilight sighed, "It's on progress now. And I hope everything is fine."
"So, uh, what are you studying these days?" Minuette asked curiously.
"Science, magic, history, economics, pottery. Things like that." Moon Dancer answered bluntly.
"Yowza! You planning on being a professor or something?"
"No."
"So you're just... studying."
Moon Dancer asked in annoyance, "Can I go now?"
"Moon Dancer, please." Twilight pleaded.
Nyx nodded, "Please, Moon Dancer. Give them some chance to talk. We promised to give you some lessons about Hayscates' methods."
Moon Dancer huffed in annoyance.
"It's all right, Twilight. We're having a good time. Right, everypony?" Minuette said calmly. Both Twinkleshine and Lemon Hearts nodded nervously as they have no idea how to react. She continued nervously, "So, uh... Spike, tell Moon Dancer that story 'bout how Twilight had to read a book about doing a sleepover!"
Spike was about to answer but Moon Dancer interrupted, "Slumber 101? I've read that."
"Oh!" Twilight chuckled uneasily, "Really? Well, uh, did you know Lemon Hearts here works at the Canterlot palace?"
"Uh, yeah. It's true. I do the big events mostly. State dinners, that sort of thing." Lemon Hearts said uneasily.
Everyone nodded and commented in agreement with Lemon Hearts, though Moon Dancer wasn't amused.
"Awkward..." Lance said in concern.
Seeing her angry and not amused attitude, it reminded Shadow Dragon of Jason Strike. But nevertheless, Moon Dance groaned in annoyance as she stood up and left the dining table.
Twilight was worried and scared as she stood up from her seat at once. She went after Moon Dancer. Shadow Dragon, Lance Justicestrike, Flash Sentry, Nyx and Spike got up from their seats. They all headed and went after Twilight Sparkle.
Both Lance and Nyx stopped at once as they noticed something amiss. They turned to the table as they spotted the pony reading the menu. It was purple mane with green and light lavender stripes. Something about her was familiar to them.
Spike pulled his siblings' tails hard. He reminded them that they have to go after Twilight and Shadow Dragon. Wanted to know about the mysterious familiar girl reading the menu, nevertheless; Lance and Nyx turned and went after their parents.
The mysterious character lowered the menu in revealing a familiar angry character glaring at Twilight and her friends leaving the restaurant.
"Hmm... Poor Twilight Sparkle... She's having some troubles with amending her friends..."
As Moon Dancer walked out from the restaurant, Twilight Sparkle emerged from it.
"Moon Dancer!" Twilight called. Moon Dancer continued walking away. She teleported herself in front of her friend. She pleaded, "You've gotta give friendship a chance!"
Moon Dancer groaned in annoyance as she levitated her former friend over her. She then walked away.
"I gave friendship a chance a long time ago! It didn't work out then - it isn't gonna work out now!"
Twilight Sparkle was heartbroken of what she just heard. She can't believe that the once shy and gentle yet close friend is becoming more antisocial pony who focused on studies than playing with others.
Shadow Dragon and others galloped towards her. They checked up with her.
"Twilight, are you alright?" Shadow Dragon asked in concern.
"No..." Twilight answered painfully, "No, I'm not. I just need some time alone, Shadow Dragon."
As Twilight walked away, Shadow Dragon nudged Nyx and Spike to go after her. They have to keep her comfort and happy.
"Aren't you going after her?" Flash asked in concern.
Shadow Dragon sighed, "Twilight needs some time off. But for now, we need to know more about Mystic Knight. We need to catch him before he could cause some troubles. I don't want to involve Twilight or others in this. He will target on them if he knows about me."
Lance sighed, "Make sense. Where do we start?"
"Asking the scientist and detective," Shadow Dragon said firmly.
Shadow Dragon and his team headed off at once. Unknown to them, Mystic Knight emerged from his camouflage. He turned and glared at Twilight's direction.
"Same old pony... Same old weakness..."
Twilight Sparkle continued walking in shame and pain as she came across Canterlot's West Courtyard. She glanced at the landscape as she wondered of what can she to make up for Moon Dancer. She was her closest friend. And now she left...
Nyx and Spike came and approached her now. They both looked worry and concern for their mother.
"Mummy... This isn't your fault," Nyx said in concern.
Spike nodded, "Yeah... You just want to help Princess Celestia protect the Equestria. You want the world to be safe from danger.
"I really messed this one up. That party was everything to her." Twilight said in shame as she looked at the landscape, "I can only imagine what it must've felt like when I didn't show up."
Twilight's Imagination
Prior to Twilight's Departure to Ponyville, Moon Dancer was setting her party up. She wants to celebrate it with all of her good friends. It's a special day for her 'Get Together Party' with her closest friends. Minuette, Twinkleshine and Lemon Hearts have arrived to the party.
Minuette called, "Hey, Moon Dancer! Look at this spread, huh?"
"Thank you so much for coming!" Moon Dancer thanked happily.
Twinkleshine smiled, "Of course. We wouldn't miss one of our best friends' parties."
"Is Twilight coming?" Moon Dancer asked happily. Her three Unicorn friends gave the nervous and worried looks as they have no idea of how they answered to her. Seeing their looks make her realized and heartbroken, Moon Dancer looked down, "Oh. Okay."
"Hey, we'll still have fun, right?" Minuette asked while chuckled nervously.
"Sure..." Moon Dancer said unhappily.
Moon Dancer walked away at once while looking down and pain. Twinkleshine, Lemon Hearts and Minuette felt sorry for her. Twilight Sparkle was a special friend to her. Because Twilight didn't come, Moon Dancer was heartbroken...
Thinking of what Twilight imagined of how Moon Dancer felt when their mother left the party, both Nyx and Spike felt sorry for her.
"If there was only a way to undo the damage..." Twilight said in upset. She gasped in realization, "I know what I need to do. And I know just who can help me."
"Whatever it was, we'll help," Nyx said happily.
Spike nodded, "Me too."
"Too bad..." The firm voice said darkly. Twilight and her family yelped in concern as they turned and found Mystic Knight stood before them. He approached them slowly, "Your friend's gonna have to wait. You're invited to my party."
Twilight gasped in worry as she armed her glowing horn in ready to fight. Nyx transformed into her Battle Mode in ready to fight while Spike armed himself ready to fight. Will they survive it?
In the next morning, Moon Dancer approached to Canterlot Library. Before she could enter, she looked down in shame and upset like something break her heart. She was shamed of what she did to Twilight Sparkle. Then again, it was her best friend who abandoned her. So, why should she feel sorry for that Princess of Friendship? She shouldn't be bothered but why she felt guilty and shame?
Nevertheless, Moon Dancer was about to enter the library but the shadow bat form loomed over her. She gasped in shock and worry. She turned to her back. She was in shock and feared like blast of the past haunted her! Before she could react, someone charged in as he held her by her neck to the door very hard. He glared at her.
Moon Dancer gasped, "You?! What are you-?!"
"I need you do something for me. Deliver the message to him!" Mystic Knight exclaimed angrily.
"Thanks, but no thanks. I'm not going to be involved of your vengeance!"
"I don't care if you do. You will deliver it to Shadow Dragon! If you don't, well - I don't want to kill you because you were too important to me. But you best friend will."
Moon Dancer gasped, "What?! You did what?! How could you?! If you hurt her-!"
"What? I thought you want payback on her." Mystic Knight said darkly, "She did left your party. She did betrayed you. And the worst, she did to you - hurt your feeling!"
"You're wrong! I maybe angry at her for hurting me... But I'd never resolve with violence," Moon Dancer sobbed tearfully, "Truthfully, she's my best friend! She always is to me."
Mystic Knight snarled angrily, "If you want her to be safe, give this message to him! Tell him to come and find me! He and I have some unfinished business."
Moon Dancer gulped in concern. She was worried for her best friend...
At Twilight's Library Home Top Level, Shadow Dragon and his team did some research and find answers about Mystic Knight. Flash brought the newspaper that involved Mystic Knight and his activities in bringing justice to the criminals by brutal force such as 'WHO IS MYSTIC KNIGHT?', 'CANTERLOT'S DARK ENFORCER?!' and more.
Flash sighed in concern as he put the newspaper, "So far nothing about this guy. He's like a ghost. He only appeared for some crimes and deals with them by giving a killing blow."
"He did appeared during the Changelings' Invasion of Canterlot but not the Mystic War Three," Lance said in surprise as he read newspaper about Mystic Knight's involvement during Changelings' Invasion. He commented, "Wow... Talk about how ruthless and cold he is."
Shadow Dragon hummed in concern, "It doesn't give us any clue of who he really is. We're getting to nowhere. I need to know who he really is! There must be something we're missing!"
"Dad? Are you sure there was no one else you train with? I know Jason... But there's gotta be someone else you train with." Lance asked in concern.
Shadow Dragon shook his head in concern. Flash hummed in concern, "Why do I get the feeling a blast from the past is coming to haunt you?"
"What do you mean, Flash? Are you onto something?" Shadow Dragon asked.
"Not really sure... You do have some rivals or enemies before. I've got the feeling some got serious grudge against you."
"The only enemies I have is Swipestrike and Nezha Vengito. Swipestrike was killed on the war. Vengito gave up his vendetta against me since I'm no longer involved in Ultimate Mystic Warriors Affair. Some rivals like Burnblast and Wild Maniac were good terms with me. We just spar for few times only."
"Yeah... I guess so. But who else wants you death? And why?"
"I wish I knew..."
KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK! Shadow Dragon and his team walked down the stairs at once. They opened the door. They encountered the frightened yet tired Moon Dancer.
"Moon Dancer? What's wrong?" Shadow Dragon asked in concern.
"Twilight's in trouble! She needs us now!" Moon Dancer exclaimed in concern.
Shadow Dragon and his team gasped in concern of what they just heard. Twilight Sparkle and her family got kidnapped!
At Canterlot Castle's West Courtyard, Twilight Sparkle moaned painfully as she slowly waking up. She found herself and her children trapped and tied to the chair. They were planning to find Pinkie Pie but got attacked and kidnapped by the mysterious Mystic Knight.
"Nyx! Spike! Are you both okay?" Twilight asked in concern.
Spike grunted painfully, "I've been the worst. But what's with that guy's deal?"
Nyx sighed, "I wish I knew. That guy pack lots of punches! And it's same as our dad too. How?"
"I don't know. I just hope he's okay and stay away from here," Twilight said in concern. "Whoever that Mystic Knight is, he sure got grudge against your father."
"Twilight!" The voice called.
Twilight and her children looked up as they spotted Shadow Dragon, Lance Justicestrike, Flash Sentry and Moon Dancer galloped towards them. Twilight and her children gasped in surprise yet relief.
Twilight gasped, "Shadow Dragon!"
Shadow Dragon approached Twilight as he untied her, Nyx and Spike, "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. But you shouldn't have come!" Twilight nodded. She turned and looked at Moon Dancer, "Moon Dancer, you came?"
Moon Dancer nodded, "Yeah... I couldn't bare to see you get hurt because... Because you're my best friend I ever had."
"Moon Dancer..." Twilight said tearfully as she was touched by her old friend's concern. She looked up and noticed something up ahead. She gasped, "Shadow Dragon! Behind you!"
Shadow Dragon turned and found Mystic Knight stood and aimed his Gem Revolver at him and his team. Lance armed his Dual Blades while Flash armed his spear. They're both ready to fight with this strange yet mysterious enemy.
"It ends now, Shadow Dragon..." Mystic Knight said darkly.
Shadow Dragon narrowed his angry eyes, "Who are you?"
Mystic Knight narrowed his hatred eyes as his blue turned into crimson, "You really don't know, don't you; Dragon Hope?!"
"I don't. Now start answering! Who the hell are you?! Why are you doing this?! What have I done this to you?!"
Mystic Knight growled in anger as he aimed his Gem Revolver at Shadow Dragon. Moon Dancer gasped as she quickly moved to the front of Shadow Dragon. She's in blocking position.
"Jason, don't do this! Jason Striker, please!" Moon Dancer exclaimed in fear and pain. Everyone gasped in shock as they wondered if they did heard correctly or not. She said tearfully, "Please, don't do this, Jason."
Everyone was in confused and concern of what they just heard. Moon Dancer knows about him?! Is Mystic Knight really...
"You really have no idea of how much pain I have to go through..." Mystic Knight said darkly as he pressed the his mask's bottom button. He was unmasked. He revealed himself to be the scarred yet pure angered and hatred crimson pony with black spiky mane. Shadow Dragon gasped in shock. He continued, "It won't go away until I have his blood!?!"
"Jason?!" Shadow Dragon said in shock and feared. He couldn't believed it. Everyone was in shock as well. He saw it. How could his former apprentice be alive?! He saw the abandoned warehouse blown to pieces. He said, "It can't be..."
"Sorry to disappoint you, boss..."
"I saw the building exploded. I looked everywhere for you. I couldn't find your body."
"Don't you dare lie to me! I trusted you. I always thought you believed in me that I will be strong and fats as you. But you left me died!"
Shadow Dragon shook his head in denial while protested, "That's not what happened! I really did try to find you!"
Mystic Knight put his Gem Revolver on Shadow Dragon's head, "Yeah, like I'm gonna believe in you. You know what I'm gonna do next, boss?"
"Don't try it."
"Too late!"
Before Mystic Knight could fire his revolver, Shadow Dragon gave his former apprentice a headbutt. Mystic Knight yelped painfully. Shadow Dragon quickly spun himself and kicked on his face off. Shadow Dragon turned to others.
"Get them out! I'll deal with him..." Shadow Dragon ordered firmly. Before anyone could speak, he turned and gave them his firm and angry face, "That's an order! Now go!"
Everyone hated doing this but they have no choice. To both Shadow Dragon and Mystic Knight, it's very personal. Moon Dancer, Flash and Lance untied the ropes in freeing Twilight, Nyx and Spike. They then galloped at once before the fight begins. Flash took a glance at his friend as he wanted to help but left no choice to go and protect Twilight and her family.
Shadow Dragon and Mystic Knight glared at each other as they both readied to fight. Mystic Knight put his mask on. The fight is about to start!
"I can help you, Jason! It's not too late!" Shadow Dragon pleaded.
Mystic Knight hissed in anger, "There's no helping me now! You died!"
Mystic Knight roared in anger as he charged in. Shadow Dragon struck his punch at his former apprentice but the latter jumped and hovered over the former. Mystic Knight landed on the ground as he turned and kicked at Shadow Dragon. The hero dodged down before swiped his leg at the vigilante. Mystic Knight jumped up before giving a hard punch on Shadow Dragon to the ground. The vigilante charged in but kicked off by Shadow Dragon. Both of them charged in as they both punched and kicked at each other while avoiding and dodging the attacks in fast pace.
"Stand down, Red Hood!" Shadow Dragon exclaimed.
Mystic Knight roared in anger, "Shut the hell up! Don't call me that!"
Mystic Knight gave Shadow Dragon a headbutt. He grabbed and thrown his former mentor to the ground. Shadow Dragon land his right hoof on the ground before pushing and spinning himself up in getting up. He positioned himself with his hooves raising up and standing with one hoof like a phoenix - Phoenix Flight Strike Style. Mystic Knight huffed himself as he did the same as his master. He mimicked his master too well.
Shadow Dragon jumped, followed by Mystic Knight as they both punched and kicked at each other while dodging and avoiding the attacks for few times. They slowly descended to the ground. While they managed to avoid the attacks, they managed to give each other some hard punches and kicks. They landed on the ground hard before they bounced and hovered back for few times. Before landed on the walls, they thrust themselves straight at each other. Shadow Dragon slammed Mystic Knight to the ground as he gave his former apprentice some punches. Mystic Knight gave his former a headbutt before kicking Shadow Dragon up.
Mystic Knight summoned his Mechanical Titanium Blade while Shadow Dragon summoned his Darkness Blade. They both charged in as they swung and clashed their blades at each other hard and quick for few times. But at the same time, they both dodged and avoided the attacks from heads, chests and legs. They then clashed their blades at each other while glaring at each other.
"I'm gonna break you! If it's not enough, your family will be good enough!" Mystic Knight exclaimed in anger.
Shadow Dragon hissed, "Don't get involved them of this! How did you escape that house?!"
"I crawled! Barely alive! Thanks to that damn clown!"
"Psychopath Joke?! He's the one who kidnapped and tortured you?! Why?!"
"Haven't you figure that out?! He wants to turn you to Dark Curse and his minions! They want him to become their sides, so they can destroy the Mystic Realm! Isn't that obvious?!"
"I guess it is. Hurting my friends, my family and my love. When they're gone, I have nothing but desired revenge..."
"Yeah, it's always about you! It's always about you! I'm sick of it! When I'm through with you, I finally be free from my prison!"
Shadow Dragon hissed, "Revenge won't get you anyway. So, stand down, Red Hood!"
"Shut up!" Mystic Knight exclaimed in anger.
Mystic Knight pushed his blade off before swinging his on Shadow Dragon's but the latter blocked and deflected the former's off. They both then swung their blades at each other while dodging and avoiding for few times. As they both clashed their blades again, Shadow Dragon gave Mystic Knight a punch but the vigilante gave back the punch on the hero. They both got pushed back. They then charged in as they thrust and swung their blades against each other for few times. They then clashed their blades for the moment.
Mystic Knight took his Gem Revolver up as he readied to fire. Shadow Dragon dodged down before swiped his leg on Mystic Knight's down. Mystic Knight grabbed and thrown his former master up, causing Shadow Dragon fell down. Mystic Knight slammed his Mechanical Titanium Blade on Shadow Dragon. The hero rolled over back before firing his Shadow Blast at the vigilante. Mystic Knight deflected it off before firing his Gem Revolver at Shadow Dragon who deflected it.
With their swords disappeared, both Shadow Dragon and Mystic Knight armed themselves in their Dragon Spiritual Style - they both stretched their legs out while held their hooves in battle position like dragons. They both charged in as they punched and kicked at each other for few times while dodging them. Shadow Dragon thrust his punch at Mystic Knight but deflected as the latter gave thrust punch on the former's chest. Shadow Dragon gave a knee kick on Mystic Knight's head. Mystic Knight kicked Shadow Dragon off but grabbed and the twisted his leg in turning the vigilante backwards. Mystic Knight then kicked Shadow Dragon down. Mystic Knight was about to punch Shadow Dragon but held the punches. They both glared at each other.
"That's enough, Jason! Stop it! Don't go down the path! Please, turn back now!" Shadow Dragon exclaimed in concern.
"Shut up!" Mystic Knight shouted angrily. The vigilante took his Gem Revolver as he fired straight at Shadow Dragon's guts. The hero yelped as he fell to the ground hard. Shadow Dragon moaned painfully. Mystic Knight held his gun aiming at Shadow Dragon, "It's over now. I finally have my revenge on you now."
"Don't do this..."
"Too late!"
STROKE! Mystic Knight screamed in pain as he felt his right hoof thrust and speared by a speat. He turned and found Flash Sentry stood before him. Twilight and her friends had arrived.
"You're dead!" Mystic Knight exclaimed in anger.
Mystic Knight swung his punch at Flash Sentry who dodged down and swipe his leg on the vigilante's legs. The young soldier held the vigilante to the ground. Mystic Knight growled painfully while screaming angrily.
Twilight Sparkle, Lance Justicestrike and Moon Dancer came as they helped Shadow Dragon up. Everyone turned and looked at him. Shadow Dragon looked at Flash Sentry while giving a nod. Flash Sentry disliked it but agreed.
Mystic Knight growled angrily, "Finish me!"
"No..." Shadow Dragon denied, "I won't do it!"
Mystic Knight roared in anger, "Just kill me! Just like what you did to me before! You left me to rotten to death! You left me to died!"
"I'm sorry. I really am. I really did try to save you," Shadow Dragon said shamefully. He held his hand out, "Please... Let me help you. For old time's sake. We still can fix this, Jason..."
Mystic Knight looked down for the moment as he was thinking. He glared at Shadow Dragon again. He threw the smoke bombs down. Everyone yelped and gasped in shock before they coughed heavily as they got themselves caught in the smoke. As soon as the smoke dispersed, they all found Mystic Knight was nowhere to be found. He's gone!
"I can't forgive you, but I can't blame you for everything. Until I clear my mind, I won't come back to the team. Red Hood is gone, only Mystic Knight stands. If you need me, I'll be in touch."
Shadow Dragon sighed, "Jason..."
Everyone remained silent as they all could do was looking at him. They all feel sorry for him to lose his friend again.
Twilight approached Moon Dancer, "Moon Dancer, do you know him?"
Moon Dance sighed, "He was my friend and my boyfriend..."
At the evening, Twilight and her family have set the party. All of her old friends have come and joined the party. Everyone loved and even Moon Dancer. Moon Dancer was chatting with Twinkleshine and Lemon Hearts. Spike was blindfolded in playing 'Prick the Tail on Pony' while Twilight and Minuette cheered for him. Lance and Nyx danced wildly and happily. Shadow Dragon and Jason Strike were chatting with each other. Moon Dancer finally open her eyes and mind after the terrible experience of what happen to Jason Striker.
"Moon Dancer, can I have a word with you?" Twilight Sparkle approached to Moon Dancer. Her old friend turned to her. She sighed, "I know this party can't make up for the way I hurt you. But please, don't let my mistake be the reason you can't be friends with anypony else. Don't end up of what happen to Shadow Dragon's friend."
Moon Dancer sighed, "Twilight... When I first make the party, it was meant for everyone including you for being my best friends I ever had. I feel appreciated of it." She said tearfully as her eyes poured some tears out, "But you didn't even bother to show up! Then you left town without saying goodbye even though we were supposed to be friends! I was humiliated! I felt like I wasn't important! I never wanted to let myself be hurt like that again!"
"Moon Dancer..."
"I realize something. If I held that too long and unleash that fury at you, I not only lose myself but I will lose you. Therefore, I'm sorry too for not giving you a chance."
"Moon Dancer?"
"I finally see that now. You really want to make it up for me." Moon Dancer hugged Twilight passionately, "Thank you, Twilight. I never realized how much I needed to hear that."
Twilight smiled as she hugged Moon Dancer back, "Yeah. And thank you for forgiving me."
Both Twilight and Moon Dancer cried tearfully while hugging each other. Both of them were really good friends indeed...
Everyone but Shadow Dragon and Flash Sentry saw it. They awed happily to see it. They were glad to see both Twilight Sparkle and Moon Dancer are friends again.
Nyx sighed, "I'm glad everything is back to normal."
"It sure is," Lance nodded in agreement.
Spike held the broken present, "I wonder if she likes it."
"She will," Lance and Nyx answered happily together.
Shadow Dragon and Flash Sentry have their own chats about Mystic Knight.
Flash Sentry sighed, "I'm sorry. For your loss of your best friend, sir."
"There was nothing I can do. What happens in the past is done. I have to let it go now until next time I meet Mystic Knight," Shadow Dragon said calmly. He turned to Flash, "By the way, thanks for the save, Flash. I owe you one."
"It's no big deal. I'm just glad to help around, sir."
"You know, Flash. You may prove yourself that you can be a hero. What the heck? You may even join the team."
Flash gasped, "Does this mean-?"
"Yes. I will help and train you, soldier. And welcome to Dragon Strike Force too," Shadow Dragon smiled, "That's for helping and saving me and my friends, Sentry. Come to me when you have the time."
Flash saluted, "I won't let you down sir."
"I know you won't, soldier." Shadow Dragon saluted back.
With the party ended, everyone were clearing the mess up. Twilight and her family approached Moon Dancer. It's time for them to leave.
"I think it's time for us to go, Moon Dancer." Twilight spoke.
Moon Dancer nodded, "Thank you for helping me make some new friends. Even if they are my old friends."
"Oh. We'll come back and visit soon."
"That would be great! You've still gotta teach me that Hayscartes technique!"
"Deal."
Nyx sighed, "I'm glad you two are friends again. That what makes me happy the most. I almost want to call you Aunt Moon Dancer since you and mum share the same manestyle."
Everyone then laughed happily to hear that. That was a good joke!
"Um, Moon Dancer? It got kinda banged up," Spike held the present up, "but here's a little something I wanted to give you back at your first party."
As Moon Dancer levitated the present up, she took something out of it. She smiled happily as she recognized it very well. It was her first photo of her and her friends eating their first lunch - donuts at Donut Joe's Restuarant.
"I'll treasure it. Thank you." Moon Dancer smiled. Twilight and her family smiled happily to hear that. She turned to Shadow Dragon, "I'm sorry for everything. If I have stopped him, he wouldn't be like this."
Shadow Dragon sighed, "I know. I just hope Jason got his senses back and come back to the team. I also hope he can let go of his grudge too."
"Me too... I really like him too. He reminds me of me..."
On the castle's tower, Mystic Knight was glaring at his old teammates portraits before kept it on his bag. He sighed in annoyance yet unhappily as he looked up and glared at the moon. One day, he will...
END...
Review and Suggest...
Main Casts:
Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle
Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon
Kazumi Evans: Moon Dancer
Troy Baker: Jason Striker/Red Hood/Mystic Knight
Kira Tozer: Nyx
Jesse McCartney: Lance Justicestrike
Cathy Weseluck: Spike
Vincent Tong: Flash Sentry
Minor Casts:
Rebecca Hussain: Minuette
Tabitha St. Germain: Twinkleshine
Ashleigh Ball: Lemon Hearts
Dee Bradley Baker: Dragoking
Cameo:
Kelly Sheridan: ?
John DiMaggio: Black Tiger |
My Little Pony Mystic Season 1 | Episode 13: Do Princess Dream of Magic Sheep? | 2,000 years ago...
Two ponies were riding the blackish yet rarest fierce and determined winged scaly Fury Classed Dragon. One was the young crimson Pegasus with his blackish short spiky mane dressed in his black General's Armor with the cape while another was young Princess Luna were crossing through mountain's long road, along with 100 Qin Soldiers following them both.
They came across a small village. The peasants suffered from droughts as they have no food or water to survive. Princess Luna feel sorry as she wanted to help them. She looked up for the moment. She smiled in realization. She turned and looked at her General who nodded in agreement. She had her horn glowed brightly as if she was trying to summon or control something. The sun slowly descended, followed by ascending the moon up to the sky, followed by the heavy rain. The growth of vegetables and fruits magically grew back. The pond is filled up with much of water.
Everyone gasped in surprise. They all cheered wildly and happily as they finally have the water. They decided to throw special celebration for Princess Luna. They prayed and payed their respect to her as the Goddess of the Moon and Healing. They also offered her their fruits and It touched her heart and mind as it's the first time to see ponies pay their respect to her and enjoyed her night so much.
Princess Luna decided to return the villagers a favor. She asked her general to help her in making something special. They both combined their eastern and western cultural desserts - their first strawberry mooncake as the special dessert for Moon Festival Day for every 15th Day with Full Moon of Mid Autumn Season. Everyone loved and enjoyed it very much. It's the very important celebration they will never forget about.
Princess Luna and her General enjoyed their first meal very much. They both looked at each other with their passionate and happy eyes as if they have fallen in love with each other. They have known each other since she and her older sister came to Land of Ma as the concubines to the Emperor for secured alliance between Eastern and Western.
"Han..." Princess Luna smiled happily as she held her general's hoof.
Han smiled as he held her hand, "Luna..."
Princess Luna and Han slowly leaned their faces towards each other. They smiled happily as they were about to kiss.
SWOOP! Princess Luna gasped in shock upon looking at swarms of arrows flying straight at her. Han quickly pushed her aside before he got struck and thrust by them
Princess Luna gasped, "Hannnnnnnnn!"
Han coughed heavily as he spitted some blood out. He turned and glanced at Princess Luna for a while. He moaned painfully as he fell to the ground hard. Princess Luna was in stunned and shocked of what she just saw. Her lover was killed.
A laugh was sounded. Princess Luna turned and glared at Seekcurse and his turncoat Qin Soldiers as they all armed and aimed their bows and arrows at her. She growled in anger as she slowly levitated herself up as she transformed into the form of malicious and dark Nightmare Moon.
"All shall died!" Nightmare Moon exclaimed in anger as she launched her powerful attack on her glowing horn, "Nightmare Curse Beam!"
Nightmare Moon fired hers straight at Seekcurse and his turncoats to dusts. She smirked darkly as she laughed manically and darkly. Revenge is hers!
"Princess Luna! Hold on! We're coming!" The familiar voice called.
Nightmare Moon looked down. She found Twilight and her five friends stood before her. As the power of light flashed upon them, they all transformed into their Rainbow Form! They will do what they can to save her.
Nightmare Moon scoffed, "Fools! Yours power can defeat me! I am invincible! Princess Luna is gone! Nightmare Moon is now your master!"
Twilight Sparkle narrowed her determined eyes, "Think again! Together!"
As Twilight and her friends levitated herself up, the magically rainbow ball formed around them while their eyes glowed in white magically. They then launched their United Friendship Rainbow Power straight at her. Nightmare Moon summoned the powerful force field in blocking and deflecting the blasts from hurting her.
As the evil princess laughed evilly, the moon glowed darkly as it slowly formed in the blackish clay-like. Upon spotting the moon's strange behavior, Nightmare Moon gasped in shock and worry of what she just saw. It turned to its back as it was trying to breach something out.
The rift was opened to the path of dream stream-like. The mysterious creature immediately escaped.
"No! Tantabus, come back! Noooooooo!" Nightmare Moon exclaimed in anger.
Seeing Nightmare Moon distracted, Twilight and her friends immediately fired and pushed their United Friendship Rainbow Power. It hit Nightmare Moon hard. It purged all of evil withing Princess Luna out. She returned to normal. Instead of happy, Princess Luna was in shock and feared. Twilight and her friends came and surrounded her as they cheered happily and wildly for her. She doesn't seem to be one.
Princess Luna gasped in shock as she immediately woke up and stood up. She looked around of her area. She's back to reality and her own bedroom. She breathed heavily. It was a dream?!
"What? My dream ended... happily?" Princess Luna asked in shock and concern. "That. Cannot. Happen!"
What has been going on with Princess Luna?
In the morning...
Twilight and her friends including Shadow Dragon, Lance, Shiroi and Spike were at Rarity's Carousal Boutique outside. The bathtub baskets and small stage-like were set. They were all washing, cleaning and grooming their pets. Rarity have invited all of her friends to wash and groom their pets.
Pinkie giggled happily, "Ooh, this is amazing!"
Rainbow Dash yawned loudly as she felt and looked very tired, "Yeah, Rarity. Thanks for setting this up."
"A grooming day for our pets really was a great idea." Fluttershy remarked tiredly.
Rarity was combing her Opalescence's furs. Twilight was brushing Owlowiscious's head. Rainbow Dash was bathing her pet Tank from his bathtub basket. Applejack was petting Winona's head. Fluttershy was rocking her Angel. Pinkie was playing with her pet Gummy. Shadow Dragon, Lance Justicestrike, Shiroi Bai and Spike were showering Dragoking with the hose and scrubbing his scale, back, head and long neck and tail.
But for unknown reason, Mane Six seemed to be tired and sleepy while the rest looked healthy and okay. Did they sleep late?
Feeling tired and exhausted, Rarity have her eyes closed for a nap while magically combing on Opalescence's tail without stopping for the moment. A sudden poke on Opalescence's back make her yowled painfully and jumped up high. She landed on Rarity's head hard.
Rarity yelped in surprise yet tired, "Oh, my! Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't get my normal beauty sleep last night..."
Rarity's cat hissed angrily at her. She sighed in upset. She really needs a lot of rest because the last thing she wants is Opalescence to get angry in clawing and scratching the fabric and silk.
"You know..." Twilight yawned loudly as she brushed Owlowiscious's head, "I didn't sleep well either."
All of her friends nodded in agreement while Pinkie Pie strangely looked okay as she bounced around happily. Shadow Dragon, Lance and Shiroi noticed it as they were all worried for Mane Six while washing and cleaning Dragoking's head. Spike went into Raity's Carousal Boutique in getting some more towels.
As Applejack took a nap, Winona barked happily for the attention. Applejack sighed as she knew her dog is very obedient and punctual for everything especially washing and grooming. It was her favorite time to do.
"All right, Winona. Time for your brushin'." Applejack said tiredly as she was finding the brush.
As Applejack took her 'brush' up but closed her eyes, Winona laid her head in front for her master to brush her up. Instead of brushing, something bite her left ear. Winona yelped painfully as she shook something off her head. Applejack woke up and found Gummy was biting Winona's ears as the former realized that she took the wrong one!
As Winona swung Gummy off her ear, he landed on Owlowiscious's head. The owl yelped as he flapped his wings in panicked. Twilight noticed it. And before she could calm her owl pet, Owlowiscious accidentally knocked her on bathtub basket. Owlowiscious flew right straight at Dragoking's head. He screeched wildly and loudly as he freaked out. Owlowiscious flew off with Gummy stuck on her head. Shadow Dragon, Lance and Shiroi did their best in calming the Hydragoon down by reaching on his head.
As Winona rubbed her head off on the stage gently, she glared at her owner. Applejack blushed while showing her tired face. Winina then glared at the cowgirl pony.
"Oops. I guess I'm too plumb tuckered out to do this right." Applejack admitted in shame.
Fluttershy yawned as she rocked Angel gently, "I even went to bed early last night... but then I had a really scary nightmare."
The rest of Mane Six exclaimed in shock and surprise, "Me too!"
As soon as Shadow Dragon and two teens calmed Dragoking down, they turned to Mane Six. They noticed something strange and funny from the girls. Mane Six not only didn't sleep well since last night but they have strange yet frightened nightmares too?
"Uh, only, you know, I didn't think mine was that scary!" Rainbow Dash said 'bravely'.
Lance scoffed, "Yeah... Like that's gonna convince me."
"Well, mine sure was. There was this blue smoke monster and..." Twilight stopped as she saw her friends staring at her. She asked, "what?"
"I dreamt about a blue smoke thingy too!" Fluttershy said in concern.
"Me too!" Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity agreed.
"So what? Probably just a coincidence." Rainbow Dash said confidently.
Shiroi hummed in concern, "I don't like this. And something tells me this isn't coincidence."
Lance nodded in agreement, "You say it, Shiroi. I think this is very serious one."
"You're probably right, Lance. Sleeping early for today? Dreaming same smokey creature? And then, suddenly we have the nightmares? It's scaring me off now..." Twilight said in concern.
Spike brought more towels as he looked surprise since he overheard of what happens from his friends. As Twilight got off the bathtub basket, she levitated the towel in wiping the water out of her.
Overheard what his friends had said, Spike emerged and said happily, "Huh. I wonder why I didn't have that nightmare. I slept great!"
Everyone glared at Spike. They really hated it when Spike bragged of something he did amazing or even avoid from getting into troubles.
"Enough with your bragging, Spike. We all too sleep well," Shiroi added.
Lance hummed in concern, "Yeah... It's kinda strange and funny to think that. I checked on our family and friends. They seemed to be okay."
"So then, what could've given you six all the same nightmare?" Shadow Dragon asked in concern.
"I don't know, but I do know who might." Twilight said in concern with her eyes looked tired. She turned to Spike, "Spike, could you send a scroll to Princess Luna?"
As Spike set his scroll and quill up, he wrote everything down from what Twilight had said."
"Dear Princess Luna, last night my friends and I all dreamt of a creature made of blue smoke. I'm sure you're very busy, but," Twilight yawned, "when you have the chance, please let me know if you have any idea what it could mean. Yours," She again yawned tiredly, "Princess Twilight Sparkle. You can leave out the yawns."
Spike nodded as he scrolled the scroll up. He fired his greenish flame on it. The message has been delivered! All they can do is...
A flash of light popped in the form of Princess Luna. She asked frantically, "Which of you saw the creature of blue smoke in your nightmare?!"
Everyone was in shock yet surprise to see Princess Luna coming to their aid very soon. Surely, it takes princesses some times to think of what advice they can provide for Mane Six and their friends of what they're dealing with...
"Just me and my five friends. The rest of them slept well.." Twilight answered in concern. She then asked in concern, "So you've encountered the smoke monster too?"
Princess Luna sighed in shame as she explained, "The Tantabus is a creature of my nightmares. It escaped from my slumbers yesterday."
"But how did it get into ours?" Fluttershy asked in concern.
"The Tantabus is like a parasite. My dreams must no longer be enough for it." Princess Luna answered in concern and fearfully, "Now it seeks others to infect and corrupt. It must have learned of you six from seeing you in my dream."
"So, that's why they didn't sleep well," Shiroi said in concern.
Lance nodded in concern, "Mom and her five friends are its target to feed!"
"Whoa-whoa-whoa. So what you're saying is..." Spike approached Princess Luna as he asked, "You dreamt about all of them, and not me?"
As Spike whimpered in upset, Shadow Dragon nudged him not to be selfish. He turned to Princess Luna, "Can you remove it from the others?"
"Yes... But it's not going to be that simple, Shadow Dragon," Princess Luna said in concern.
Rainbow Dash scoffed, "So Smokey gave us bad dreams. No biggie."
Princess Luna shook her head, "I saw that the Tantabus had grown more powerful, but I did not realize that power was enough to enable it to escape my dreams."
Princess Luna used her Illusion Spell in showing her friends of what happen to Tantabus should it grew more powerful and strong enough. As it grew bigger, Tantabus breached a small hole as it entered Equestria Realm as it began enlarged itself and covered the whole land with its pure nightmarish cloak-like.
"If its power grows, it could very well find a way to escape into the real world. It could turn all of Equestria into a living nightmare!"
Everyone looked shock and worry of what they had learned. The Tantabus had proven itself dangerous and scary to deal with, should it escaped the Dream Realm to the Living Realm. It can't be good...
Rainbow Dash gulped in concern, "Okay, okay, okay, I take it back! That does sound bad! Really bad!"
In the evening,
Twilight, Spike and her friends have prepared 13 beds inside the Princess of Friendship's bedroom. Shadow Dragon led Princess Luna into the bed chamber while Lance and Shiroi explained to four Cutie Mark Crusaders of what really is going on.
Nyx hissed, "I don't like this, Lance. This Tantabus sounds dangerous as Tso Lan and Dark Xing. You'd think Princess Luna can catch it in time?"
Lance shrugged, "I hope so. Because if she doesn't, say goodbye to our happy life."
"Lance's right. I don't even want to spend my entire life in this living nightmare," Shiroi hissed fearfully.
Twilight Sparkle turned to Princess Luna, "We've prepared everything exactly as you requested."
Princess Luna nodded in relief as she flapped her wings up in midair, "Good. As you six slumber here, I will pursue the creature into whichever of your dreams it infests."
"Hopefully we can catch that Tantabus before it could do more damages on Mane Six's dreams," Shadow Dragon said in concern, "And the worse to think - it could escaped and unleashed the nightmares upon Equestria and Mystic Realm. We can't let that happen."
Twilight and her five friends were getting themselves ready on their beds. The rest of their friends were on guard duty in checking on Mane Six as well as assisting and helping Princess Luna, with everything they can provide for her.
Twilight Sparkle realized something important as she turned to Princess Luna, "Aren't you gonna ask Celestia for her help as well?"
Princess Luna shook her head, "There is nothing my sister can do. She has no power in the realm of sleep. Not even Mystic Ponies possessed that kind of ability but the Mystic of Darkness. Only I can move from dream to dream. I am afraid nopony can help me tonight."
"Even us?" Applejack asked in concern.
"Especially you." Princess Luna said shamefully as she looked at her shocking and worrying friends, "You have all suffered so much because of me. You need only slumber while I hunt the Tantabus in your dreams."
Shadow Dragon sighed in defeat, "Princess Luna's right. Neither of us have that kind of ability. She's on her own to stop and capture it."
"Wait a minute!" Nyx protested. Everyone turned and looked at her. She continued, "I've got the same ability as Princess Luna because I'm her reincarnation!"
"You can't!" Apple Bloom exclaimed in concern.
Scootaloo nodded, "She's right. It's too dangerous! There's no telling what that Tanta- Grr! Whatever it was can do to you! In fact, we don't want you to get lost!"
"Especially Demon Children!" Sweetie Belle added, "They will be expecting you to be in there."
"I can handle it! I can do it! I want to help!" Nyx pleaded frantically. Everyone is much against the idea of letting Nyx go on journey with Princess Luna. They were worried that Demon Successors would be waiting for her. They want to capture and torture her for betraying their kin. She continued, "Please! I'll be fine! I've got Battle Mode with me! I can do this! I'm not afraid of those monsters."
As everyone have some thoughts, Princess Luna could see Nyx's determined eyes. She knew it very well since Nyx is part of her.
"Alright, you shall accompany me to our journey into the dreams," Princess Luna remarked as she landed on the ground while held on Nyx's shoulder. Everyone gasped in concern. She continued, "Do not worry, my friends. I will not let Demon Successors or Tantabus harm her. I will keep her safe."
Everyone thought for the moment. They actually don't like it because of both Tantabus and Demon Successors. The monsters could harm her badly. They sighed in defeat as they all agreed to let Nyx join with Princess Luna for the journey into dreams.
Nyx cheered, "Thank you, everypony! I won't let you all down!"
"While Princess Luna and Nyx traveled within the dreams of our friends," Shadow Dragon said firmly, "We'll be on guard duty. We'll keep an eye out for the enemies and you guys."
Spike nodded in agreement, "Yeah! We're gonna stay up for the rest of the night."
"Me too! We'll do what we can to help!" Cutie Mark Crusaders exclaimed happily.
Lance sighed in annoyance, "Say goodbye to our sleeping beauty. I'm gonna miss dreaming about Shiroi."
Shiroi giggled as she nuzzled Lance happily, "Oh you..."
"Aw... Thank you; Shadow Dragon, Lance, Spike, Shiroi and Nyx," Twilight thanked happily. She turned to her friends, "Let's get some sleep since we didn't sleep well from last night."
Applejack nodded in agreement as she yawned, "Shouldn't be too hard to fall asleep now."
With everyone nodded in agreement, Mane Six make themselves cozy on their beds. They all fell asleep as they all snored happily.
Shadow Dragon and his team were watching the event as Princess Luna and Nyx flew in midair. The Princess of Night and Nyx closed their eyes. Princess Luna's horn glowed in white across the spiral lines as it launched six lines. And at the same time, the strange spiral force-field surrounded them both. Her lines attached to Mane Six's forehead as they were about to enter six mares' dreams. They firstly entered Rarity's Dream.
Everyone all prayed that Princess Luna and Nyx can get Tantabus in time before it could a lot of damages within their dreams...
[Rarity's Dream]
"Oh, my!" Rarity gasped happily as she was inside of her favorite dream. She saw several different kind of dresses flying and floating around in her dream city. She smiled, "This is simply divine! How avant garde!"
As Rarity was distracted by looking at the dresses, Tantabus flow and entered into one of them. The dress fell to the ground as it exited and entered into another one.
Upon hearing strange noise, Rarity turned to her back as she found the monstrous dress was charging straight at her.
Rarity gasped in fear, " Forget avant garde! I should have said en garde!"
Rarity fired her Unicorn Bursts on several monstrous dresses. As they were defeated, one of them enlarged itself like something was breaching out from it! Princess Luna and Nyx emerged from the broken dress.
"It is here!" Princess Luna exclaimed firmly.
Nyx gasped as she pointed up at Tantabus entered several dresses turning them into monsters, "There it is! It's turning Rarity's dream into nightmares!"
As several monstrous dresses comes to alive, they then attacked the normal ones to pieces. Rarity gasped in shock as she held the torn pieces and parts of dresses. Princess Luna and Nyx came and approached Rarity.
"It was such a pretty little chiffon...!" Rarity sobbed tearfully before growled a bit, "What kind of monster would do this?!"
"The Tantabus." Nyx said firmly as she transformed into her Battle Mode.
Rarity growled, "Then let's stop it!"
"No, please! I don't want you to suffer anymore because of me." Princess Luna said firmly. Tantabus reacted strangely as it grew bigger and darker. Princess Luna shown her determined looks as she turned to Nyx, "Nyx, Help Rarity! Deal with all of the monsters! I will catch it."
Tantabus summoned the monstrous dresses out. They all charged straight at Princess Luna who fired her Lunar Shots at them off while chasing after Tantabus! As Princess Luna turned, she gasped in shock as she found Tantabus escaped through the window. The bricks formed up and blocked her from entering it.
While battling with their enemies, Nyx and Rarity gasped in shock of what they saw! Princess Luna flew down and approached her friends.
"It has jumped into another dream!" Princess Luna said in concern, "I am sorry, but if we are to stop it, we must follow it where you cannot. Nyx, let us go!"
Princess Luna fired her Unicorn Burst at the bricks as both she and Nyx flew straight into the hole while leaving Rarity behind to deal with her nightmares.
"Go! I should be able to handle things here." Rarity said confidently as she turned and faced at the monstrous dresses. There were lots of them! She gulped in fear, "I hope...!"
[Pinkie Pie's Dream]
Pinkie was singing happily as she was walking and jumping off from one place to another - Ponyville Hill, Everfree Forest's Secret Pond, Dragon's Mountain and then to Cloudsdale where she met Princess Luna and Nyx.
Princess Luna hissed as she looked around of the surroundings, "I followed the Tantabus here. Now I need only find--"
Unfortunately, Pinkie bounced off to another place - Tecnotitlan Basin without letting Princess Luna explained.
"Sorry, can't help it! An idea pops into my head, it--" Pinkie bounced off to another place - her room of Sugarcube Corner. She gasped happily as she found cakes around her, "Ooh, cake!"
As Pinkie Pie was about to eat the cakes, it suddenly fired some watery cream at her. She shook her head off the creams. She yelped in shock as she the cakes comes to life as monsters! Tantabus have created Pinkie's nightmares!
Before the monstrous cakes could harm her, two cakes broke to pieces as both Nyx and Princess Luna appeared before them. They both fired their Repel Power in breaking the cakes to pieces. They looked around in finding Tantabus.
Princess Luna and Nyx spotted Tantabus escaped through the donuts package box. As they were about to enter, they got slammed on something very hard! They looked up and found themselves at Crystal Empire! Pinkie Pie have bounced her and them to another place!
"No!" Nyx exclaimed in shock.
"Sorry!" Pinkie apologized. Princess Luna teleported Nyx and herself to another dream! Pinkie bounced to another place - Ponyville. She gasped, "Who wants ice cream?!"
Everyone emerged from their home. They all smiled happily as they were looking at what Pinkie has - giant ice-cream of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry with chocolate sauce and cherries on them!
[Fluttershy's Dream]
At the yellow Pegasus's cottage, a giant rabbit Angel was combing Fluttershy's mane gently. As normal Pegasus, Terrorcrep was drinking tea with her. Everything looked so peaceful and perfect for her...
"Mmm, it's so nice to be the pet for once." Fluttershy said happily. She turned while looking at Terorrcreep with her lovely and passionately eyes. He smiled gently while looking at her. She giggled happily, "It's nice to see you being normal for once. This is what I dream of. Don't you agree, Terrorcreep?"
Terrorcreep chuckled, "Certainly. I am your prince charming."
Fluttershy giggled in amusement. As she and her friends were enjoying their happy times, a large Tantabus was flowing and passing them. It then touched on Angel's and Terrorcreep's back in giving them a shock.
As Fluttershy leaned towards Terrorcreep, she suddenly smell... blood scent while her mane got slime and clawed for some reason. She opened her eyes. She yelped as she saw mutated Vampire Pony-like glaring and roaring at her. She looked at her back - she found the demonic yet monstrous form of Angel.
Fluttershy gulped fearfully while shuddered, "N-n-n-n-nice... giant... evil Angel... and vampiric... evil Terrorcreep!"
Fluttershy screamed in fear as both evil Terrorcreep and Angel were about to attack her. Both vampire pony and giant rabbit got blasted as both Princess Luna and Nyx came and swooped her up to the top of tree.
Fluttershy sighed in relief, "Phew! Oh, thank you, princess and Nyx!"
Before any of them could reply, they both spotted Tantabus escaped through the birdhouse's hole. Princess Luna summoned the dream door as she and Nyx quickly entered it. As for Fluttershy, she was surrounded by both flying demonic Terrorcreep and monstrous Angel in crunching the tree. She's trapped!
[Applejack's Dream]
At the Apple Orchard, Applejack was wiping the big apple gently in making sure it is clean and spotless. She didn't want the prized apple to be ruined.
Applejack sighed, "Now this is what I call an incredible dream."
Tantabus emerged from the rift. It flown straight down as it touched the apple tree into rotten tree one-by-one. The flower bloomed from the apple tree as it formed both Princess Luna and Nyx out from it. As they looked for Tantabus, they spotted it heading straight at Applejack and her big apple!
Applejack spotted Tantabus from the reflection of her big apple. She turned and found it heading straight for her! She ducked down but Tantabus touched and entered the apple's core! Princess Luna and Nyx went after it before it caused some damages! Unfortunately for Applejack, her Apple Orchard is in ruined!
[Rainbow Dash's Dream]
As Princess Luna and Nyx searched for Tantabus in shadowy place, they came across Rainbow Dash was battling and fighting with the Changelings fiercely and determinedly. One of them caught her from her back, Princess Luna fired her Lunar Shots at Changeling from holding Rainbow Dash. Nyx fired her Night Beam at the rest of Changelings. They all turned to Rainbow Dash.
"I can see the Tantabus has already turned your slumbers into a nightmare!" Princess Luna exclaimed in concern.
Rainbow Dash scoffed, "What are you talking about? This is my favorite dream!"
Rainbow Dash flipped her punch on her back. Nyx scoffed, "I should have known. Aunt Rainbow Dash sure love the fighting especially with monsters."
"Where could that Tanatbus be now?" Princess Luna asked in concern, "It should have turned her dream in nightmares by now."
Princess Luna was right. Tantabus touched the crystallized branch-like as everything slowly turned into peaceful and beautiful yet cute landscape. Rainbow Dash yelped in concern of what she was watching. She spotted talking flowers smiled cutely as they all sang happily.
Sunflowers: We are such happy flowers
We will now sing for hours
Aren't we unbearably cute?
Watch me solo on jazz flute
The Sunflower then played the flute in solo while his friends were singing happily. Rainbow Dash shuddered in fear before screamed wildly and fearfully.
"You must be joking..." Princess Luna said in shock.
"I guess we know why Rainbow Dash hates dolls or even wants to have tea party with Fluttershy," Nyx shrugged. She gasped as she pointed out, "Wait! Is that-!"
The Tantabus flew straight up to the sky. Both Princess Luna and Nyx chased after it to the sky!
[Twilight's Dream]
Within Castle of Two Sisters' Library; everything and books were cleaned, organized and perfect on the bookshelves. The books were flying around. Twilight Sparkle was reading them all by herself since her childhood...
Tantabus emerged from the flying books as it once again cause some chaos and mess in the library! Twilight turned to her back. She gasped fearfully as she encountered the flying monstrous books. They were attacking her, causing her to dodge and avoid them three times. She then flew off to escape.
As she was flying, she encountered the Tantabus coming towards her! Just before it catch her, Princess Luna appeared and fired her Crystallized Beam at the parasite while Nyx stood besides her mother.
Twilight gasped, "Luna! Nyx!"
"Mummy! Are you alright?" Nyx asked in concern. Twilight nodded. She noticed more flying monster bats coming towards them, "Mummy, stay with me! We've got bats!"
As Princess Luna continued firing her beam at Tantabus into crystal statue, Nyx defended Twilight in firing and blasting monstrous books off. But there too many as they continued attacking and biting her and her mother. They all screamed in pain.
Princess Luna was distracted upon seeing her friends were in danger! The crystal statue cracked as Tantabus freed from its prison. It screeched wildly like monsters from outer space film!
[Real World]
Mane Six gasped in shock as they woke up from their slumber. Princess Luna and Nyx stopped their Dream Journey Spell as they slowly descended to the ground.
Shadow Dragon and his team noticed it as they quickly checked on their friends. Shadow Dragon checked on Twilight Sparkle. Spike and Sweetie Belle checked on Rarity. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo checked on Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Lance and Shiroi checked on Nyx if she was okay.
"What happened? Is everyone alright?" Shadow Dragon asked in concern.
Shiroi used her Aura Scan on everyone. She saw everyone were covered by blackish nightmare glow. She hissed, "It's not good. Their auras are in bad shape. The Tantabus must have given them very scared."
"She's right!" Fluttershy admitted from her bed while covering herself with the blanket, "That... that was terrible! I-I never want to have that nightmare again!"
Rainbow Dash shivered in fear while rocking front and back, "Me either!"
Mane Six looked scared and frightened. The nightmares Tantabus created have scared them badly. Shadow Dragon and his team make comfort to them.
"But Luna caught it, didn't she?" Spike asked.
Nyx shook her head, "We didn't... That thing is strong as Tso Lan... And not to mention, it's scary too..."
Princess Luna nodded in agreement, "It will be back to infect your dreams the next time you sleep."
"Oh, no!" Fluttershy gasped in fear.
Applejack gulped, "Yeah. I reckon I could live without seeing that thing ever again."
Princess Luna shook her head as she gave her angry and firm face to everyone, "But you will. Again and again, every night, until it grows powerful enough to infect the waking world!" She sighed unhappily as she approached to the window, "After what I did as Nightmare Moon, the fact that I am once again responsible for harming others is more than I can bear."
"It'll be okay! Everypony makes mistakes!" Nyx comforted Princess Luna.
Cutie Mark Crusaders nodded in agreement, "Yeah. Everypony given second chances!"
Princess Luna turned to her friends as she approached them, "As long as none of you dreamt about another pony, the Tantabus remains confined to your dreams. I still have a chance to catch it before it's too late."
Everyone nodded in agreement with Princess Luna. There might be another chance to catch the monster. Before any of them could do something, Pinkie Pie sighed happily.
"Phew, that's good to hear! Although after you left, I did happen to dream that I was eating a giant ice-cream cone with all of Ponyville while taking a test we hadn't studied for. See, what'd I tell ya? Everypony makes mistakes!"
Everyone gasped in shock of what they just heard! Pinkie Pie dreamt of other ponies! That was the biggest mistake she ever did!
"That wasn't mistake! That's the great risk!" Shadow Dragon exclaimed in annoyance as he slammed his hooves on Pinkie's bed, "What were you thinking, Pinkie Pie?! How could you put the lives of others at risk all because of an ice-cream!"
Pinkie gulped, "I-I-I didn't mean it. I swear. I thought-!"
"Don't take things so lightly! You shouldn't have done that!" Shadow Dragon scolded angrily, "Now everyone is in danger because of you! The Tantabus could be turning every dream in Ponyville into a nightmare! I hope you're happy about this because-!"
"Shadow Dragon, enough!" Twilight called him. Shadow Dragon turned and glared at her. She continued, "Pinkie didn't know it. She thought Tantabus was just wild creature. She didn't know it was smart. What if you were in her position when there's a giant cake in front of you? What will you do with it if it's just the dream?"
Shadow Dragon thought for the moment before sighed in shame, "You're right. I'm sorry. I-I just want to catch it before it could hurt you or the rest."
Twilight Sparkle sighed, "I know. But now we need to know of how are we gonna catch it before it could damage other ponies.
"It is far worse than that. Infecting all those dreams gives it more and more power. Soon it will be able to escape into the real world and infect Equestria with its nightmare plague!" Princess Luna said fearfully.
"Then you must let us help you stop it before that happens!" Rarity spoke.
Sweetie Belle nodded, "Yeah! You helped four of us. It's our turn to return the favor for you, Princess Luna."
"Yeah!" The rest of Cutie Mark Crusaders exclaimed proudly,
Everyone nodded in agreement as they wanted to help Princess Luna to catch the Tantabus.
"But how?" Fluttershy asked in concern, "The Tantabus was able to escape Luna when it only had six dreams it could get to!"
Nyx hissed, "Fluttershy's right. With so many dreams to hide in, I don't think we can find and catch it in time. It could be anywhere."
Princess Luna sighed, "It's impossible."
Twilight Sparkle hummed thoughtfully, "Hmm... What if everypony in Ponyville were having one dream?"
Shiroi gasped as she realized of what Twilight was thinking, "This will be easy for us to catch it before it could escaped."
Lance gasped, "Yeah... That could work. I bet if everyone were on the dreamland, we could catch that thing in no time."
"I... can create shared dreams, yes, but for so many ponies at once?" Princess Luna looked down in concern, "I have never done anything like that. The amount of power it would take..."
"Well, it is worth a try, isn't it?" Spike asked in concern.
"Of course. I will do anything to end this, including accept your help." Princess Luna nodded in agreement, "I cannot allow the Tantabus to escape into the real world. All of you must now go back to sleep and hope that I can create such a dream. It's time to use Dream Realm Spell..."
Everyone went to their own beds as they all fell asleep. Seeing everyone in asleep, Princess Luna's horn glowed brightly in using her Dream Realm Spell. The dream lines stretched out and spread across the Ponyville as she was trying to connect everyone in one as soon as possible. Everything went in white...
This will be their only yet last chance to catch Tantabus before it could do more harm to others from their nightmares...
[Unknown]
With the flash slowly dispersed and disappeared, Shadow Dragon opened his eyes. He gasped in shock as he found himself alone in pure darkness. He stood in front of the dark yet demonic and monstrous European Castle-like. Where was he? Where was everyone? Why was he?
"What the-?!" Shadow Dragon asked in concern, "What is this place?!"
Shadow Dragon gasped in shock upon looking at the mysterious pale Unicorn with Twilight's manestyle and tail in light green with crimson and purplish stripes dressed in blackish suit with stripes and blackish long sleeves and her Cutie Mark is demonically eyes with crimson wings.
Shadow Dragon looked surprise and worry as she looked like Twilight Sparkle, "Twilight?"
"No... But I am your guide. I shall guide you to the Castle of Acedia. Are you prepared?" The mysterious unicorn spoke calmly, "My name is Celtic, Herald of Ronin..."
"Ronin?" Shadow Dragon asked in concern.
What is going on? Why is he separated from his friends? Why is he chosen to come here?
[Ponyville Dream]
Twilight and her friends opened their eyes. They gasped in shock and surprise of what they just saw - giant Derpy, flying muffins, Lyra's and Sweetie Drop's body got merged together which they're happy with each other, Cherry Berry's head turned into balloon, Big Mac is a unicorn, and more ponies were dreaming of something they wanted so badly on their dream. They're at the Dream Realm of Ponyville!
Twilight gasped in happy, "Princess Luna did it!"
"Ponies!" Princess Luna called. Everyone turned as they all gasped in surprise. She was inside of dream sphere. They bowed in respect before her. She continued, "There is no time for bowing, my friends! There is something coming, something terrible!"
Nyx gasped in shock as she pointed out, "Too late! It's already here!"
Everyone looked up as they spotted the large Tantabus flowing upon them. They all gasped and screamed in fear. They're under attacked!
"I am so sorry! I brought this upon you! But I will end it now!" Princess Luna exclaimed firmly.
Princess of the Night fired her Night Beam at Tantabus from approaching her and others. But unfortunately, her powers wasn't strong enough to repel or weakened it. It continued approaching the rest of ponies. They all screamed and ran away from it before it can catch or eat them alive!
Twilight and her friends approached Princess Luna as they all wondered of what happen to her,
Princess Luna grunted painfully, "It... is taking all my strength just to hold this massive dream together! You will have to stop it! I truly wish I did not have to ask this of you!"
Twilight and her friends looked at each other. They then nodded in agreement. They all smiled to her firmly and determinedly.
"Then you're in luck." Twilight said firmly.
Rainbow Dash smirked, "Yeah! We're already on it! Let's get that freak!"
Twilight turned to Ceutie Mark Crusaders, "Stick with us. Don't go too close with Tantabus!
With Cutie Mark Crusaders nodded, Twilight and her friends headed off and chased after the Tantabus. But the Nightmare Parasite has infected all of Ponyville Dream House into monstrous and nightmarish houses as they all attacked and frightened the Ponyville Residents off. Twilight and her friends have no choice but to help rescue the others first.
Rainbow Dash kicked the first house monster's head in releasing Filthy Rich out. She rescued him. Twilight fired her Unicorn Burst at the second monster's in releasing Crescent Moon. Applejack came in time and caught him on her back. Flutetrshy transformed into her Flutterbat as she took a bite on third monster house's feet in freeing Dr. Whooves out.
Lance Justicestrike swung his Dual Blades in defeating the monsters while Shiroi fired her Hikari Strikes at them. Cutie Mark Crusaders helped and guided the ponies to safety.
Applejack swung her Mind Whiplash in swiping down the plant monster's head in freeing the citizen. As she turned to her left, she gasped in fear. She spotted Big Mac falling back to the house as he was cornered by the flying monster muffins. He needs help! But how?
Applejack gasped in realization as she called her big brother, "Big Mac! You can do anythin' in a dream, remember?"
Taking his sister's advice, Big McIntosh closed his eyes as he was concentrating his power hard enough. His back grew two wings out while worn the king's crown with greenish apple on it and jeweled horse collar. He fired his Big McIntosh Blast at them off while cheered wildly.
Applejack sighed in relief to see her big brother safe from danger. Rainbow Dash flew towards her.
"Come on! If that Tantabus thing turns any more of this dream against us, we'll be too busy saving ponies to catch it! And it'll grow powerful enough to escape into the real world!" Rainbow Dash said in concern.
Applejack nodded as she and Rainbow Dash climbed down the house and headed off to find the Tantabus. She asked in concern, "How are we even gonna know when it's able to escape?"
Both Applejack and Rainbow Dash immediately stopped at once upon spotting their friends standing and staring at the sky. Tantabus formed its own sword as it slashed on the sky's in forming a rift. Twilight and her friends yelped in worry. It's escaping!
Twilight Sparkle fired her Unicorn Burst on the Tantabus's head before Princess Luna sealing the rift.
Princess Luna called, "Hurry, my friends!"
Rainbow Dash flew and charged straight at Tantabus. But instead of hitting solid, she just passed it through. Twilight and her friends hissed in concern as they realized that they're not enough to stop the monster. They need more help!
Fluttershy turned to Ponyville Residents, "Please, we need your help too!"
"Fluttershy's right! We've all got to work together to stop it from escaping!" Twilight Sparkle said in concern.
Unfortunately, the Ponyville Residents chatted in concern and worry. They wanted to help Twilight and her friends but what can they do? They're not heroes like them. They're not fast, strong or magical as the others. They may not have the chance to help them win the fight.
Rainbow Dash came and aided Twilight and Fluttershy, "Come on! You all can do it! Yeah, we have everything... In Ponyville!"
"But this here isn't Ponyville! It's a dream!" Applejack added as she pointed at Big McIntosh chased off the flying muffins. She smiled, "If Big Mac can dream big, so can you!"
Twilight nodded in agreement, "And not just any! This is your dream! Anything you can do in your dreams, you can do now!"
Everyone was touched and inspired by Twilight and her friends' words about dreaming. Spike clicked his fingers as he was the first to try as he grew up as the Knight Spike he wanted to be.
Spike smirked, "Well, if you're gonna dream, might as well dream big, right?"
Nyx nodded, "Come on, everypony! Together! We can do this!"
Everyone cheered wildly and proudly as they dreamt of what they wanted to be. Spike jumped and rode on Derpy. They all now helping Mane Six to stop Tantabus from escaping the Dream Realm!
Tantabus used his shapeshifting scissor in cutting a rift but Spike swung his lance at the monster's side. Super Filthy Rich rode the magical tsunami of money in firing beam of moneys at Tantabus back. It then tried to breach on another rift. Scootaloo grew her big wings as she flew up and blown it away from the rift.
Rainbow Dash smirked to see Scootaloo stopped the monster from escaping. She transformed into her Super-heroine Form: Zapp! She created a powerful tornado in bringing Tantabus down. Unfortunately, it escaped again!
"Do more!" Pinkie called, "This is a dream, remember?"
Twilight headed to her old and ruined Golden Oak Library. She brought it back to normal as she launched her army of books in charging and striking at Tantabus down. Applejack transformed into Mistress Mare-velous as she lassoed and dragged it down.
As Rarity summoned her Magical Sewing in sealing the rift, Fluttershy led both monstrous Terrorcreep and Angel in attacking and charging at Tantabus. Lance Justicestrike swung his Dual Blades in striking it down while Shiroi Bai fired her Hikari Strikes at it. Sweetie Belle fired her Unicorn Bursts, Apple Bloom knocked it hard and Nyx fired her Lunar Shots. Everyone was doing their best in bringing the Tantabus down as hard and quick as they can.
Princess Luna struggled and strained painfully in controlling the dream together, "I cannot hold this dream together much longer! Equestria will fall because of me!"
With the words struck out, the Tantabus grew bigger, powerful and terrifying as it knocked everyone off. They all gasped in fear and worry as they still can't bring the monster down. Despite of that, they have to stop and bring the monster down before it escaped.
"Am I crazy, or did it just get even bigger after Luna said that?" Spike asked fearfully.
Twilight gasped in worry, "I think it's feeding off your guilt, Princess Luna!"
Princess Luna gasped in shock, "If that is so, then perhaps that is how it grew strong enough to escape in the first place!"
Everyone gasped in shock of what they just heard while they were trying to stop the monster from escaping.
She continued in pain, "I created the Tantabus to give myself the same nightmare every night..." She panted heavily, "...to punish myself for the evil I caused as Nightmare Moon! And not only that, I couldn't save him... I couldn't save Han..."
"Han?" Nyx asked in concern. She gasped, "The General of Qin Dynasty! He was your lover! Lord Azure Phoenix told me and my family of how the Mid-Autumn Festival was created!"
"But why would you do that?!" Fluttershy asked in concern.
Princess Luna sobbed tearfully, "To make sure I never forgave myself for how much Equestria suffered and how I lost Han in battlefield because of me! But it seems I have not learned my lesson, for now I have only made you suffer more!"
The Tantabus then formed the largest unicorn-like. It created big rift enough for it to escape. Time is running out!
Twilight Sparkle thought for the moment before gasped, "But that means you might just be the key to stopping all this!"
"Yeah! If it gets strong because you feel bad about what you did as Nightmare Moon," Rainbow Dash agreed as she and her flying team were doing their best to stop Tantabus from escaping, "then you just gotta stop feeling bad for what you did!"
"How can I forgive myself? I am no better now than I was then." Princess Luna said shamefully, "My creation is about to turn the world into a living nightmare! If I couldn't save Han from death, then how can I save Equestria?!"
"But look at what you're doing! Nightmare Moon would've wanted the Tantabus to turn Equestria into a nightmare! You're doing everything you can to stop it!" Twilight explained as she shown Princess Luna of the surroundings, "Don't you see? That proves you're not the same pony you were then! Everypony who knows you knows that Nightmare Moon is in the past! We all trust you, Luna! Do you trust us enough to believe we're right?"
Everyone gathered around as they shown their confident, kindhearted and caring looks at her. Princess Luna was in shock and surprise. The ponies actually forgave her, even though it was her mistake for creating the Tantabus?
Nyx nodded, "Please, Princess Luna; you can do it! Do it for Han! He believed in you! Do you believed in him that he will always stand besides you?"
Princess Luna have some thoughts for the moment. A sudden touch on her shoulder. She turned to her back and found Han's Spirit standing before her. He smiled and nodded confidently.
"You can do it, Luna... Wo XiangXin Ni (I believe in you)..." Han said calmly, "Let go of everything. Forgive yourself, just as everyone forgive you..."
Princess Luna couldn't help but smile. Han always be there for her. He's always does...
Princess Luna smiled, "I do..."
As if something struck its ear, Tantabus yelped in shock as it stopped from marching into the rift portal. It slowly reshaped itself into the small size form. Everyone gasped in shock and surprise of what they just saw and heard. Princess Luna did it! She stopped the Tantabus in time!
As the Tantabus stood before Princess Luna, she smiled at it. It nodded calmly as it entered her body. She then looked at everyone especially spiritual Han. He fades away while smiling at her.
Twilight smiled, "You did it, Luna!"
"She sure did! Only..." Applejack hummed in concern, "I'm not exactly sure what she did."
Nyx explained, "Princess Luna created the Tantabus to punish herself! The worse she felt, the more power it had! But once she finally forgave herself for what Nightmare Moon did. She can finally move on from Han's death."
"Yes... Thank you. Thank you all." Princess Luna smiled, "Now, my little pony - Rest Now..."
Everyone smiled. As Princess Luna disconnected her Dream Connection Lines from everypony else, Nyx noticed something amiss from Dream Realm.
"Wait... Where's Daddy?!" Nyx asked in concern.
Everyone yelped in concern as they looked around of their surroundings. Shadow Dragon was nowhere to be found! Something has happened to him when they entered the Dream Realm!
[Shadow Dragon's Dream]
Celtic led Shadow Dragon into the mysterious castle's hallway to the throne chamber. Not knowing how to get out and find others, he has no choice but to follow Celtic. She might be his key to get out of the dream and regrouped with others.
"Alright, Celtic! What is this all about?!" Shadow Dragon demanded angrily, "Why do you separated me from others?"
Celtic turned to Shadow Dragon, "Answer will come... But for now, my master is here to speak with you."
Before he could ask, the black smoke emerged and formed the demonically black knight's gentleman's suit and eagle mask-like with the cape.
"What the-?! Who are you?!" Shadow Dragon demanded.
"I've been expecting you. It took me a long time to find and seek you out, my friend." The Mysterious Mask Warrior spoke coldly. Shadow Dragon hissed in concern and confused as he wondered of who and what this warrior was talking about. He continued, "Tell me... Do you enjoy this realm very much especially these so-called family and friends?"
"Huh? What are you talking about?"
"The ponies you have met for 500 years till now? The world you called home? The experience and struggle you are having now? The powers and abilities you have gained? And the special union of your new family? I was told that the girl you're dating with is the most beautiful and intelligent as the previous incarnation. I wonder..."
"You leave Twilight Sparkle and the rest out of this! I'm warning you! I will tear you apart!"
The mysterious knight scoffed, "Just like him... He will do whatever he can to protect her even though she's his enemy." Shadow Dragon growled in anger. He continued, "I must know... Do you enjoy it much? Do you enjoy all of the painful experience you have been through in your life? Do you enjoy seeing ponies died for you? And above all, do you enjoy hating yourself for not saving the lives of thousands?"
Shadow Dragon growled in anger as he wanted to hit this guy so badly, "Who do you think you are?!"
"You are emotionally in pain from the losses, guilt and sins you have committed since 500 years ago. I want to help you free from your pain. I want to help you erase this painful memories. I want to reveal the truth and origin behind your existence. You don't have to stay here. This is nothing but a broken memory..."
"Wh-What?!"
"I know the truth behind your origin and existence. But I must know your answer..."
Shadow Dragon thought for the moment about the offer the mysterious knight have make. He recalled all the event he went through. It wasn't pleasant and nice for him to think about 500 years ago event especially loss of his first love. But for today, he was happy that he not only reunited with his old friends and family but made new ones especially Twilight Sparkle. It was his special and treasured memory...
"Thanks... But no thanks..." Shadow Dragon answered firmly. Mysterious Knight and Celtic remained silent for the moment. He continued, "I admit it - it was painful for me to think about the past but there were good times too. I have friends and family especially Twilight and her family. They were too important for me. I'm not giving up that, even if I have to ran through some obstacles."
The Mysterious Knight scoffed, "Weak as always, Yami! I will open your eyes and see how wrong you truly are!"
Mysterious Knight summoned his metallic rapier out. He thrust his at Shadow Dragon's chest but the latter deflect it in time. Both Shadow Dragon and mysterious knight swung their blades at each other swift and hard while dodging and avoiding from head, chest and legs for few times. Shadow Dragon swiped his leg over the Mysterious Knight but the latter dodged over and kicked the former off. The hero blocked and deflected the kick for few times before grabbed the mysterious knight's and twisted his over to the ground.
Shadow Dragon was about to slam his leg on Mysterious Knight but the latter rolled over to the front before he fired his Darkness Blast at the former off. Both Shadow Dragon and Mysterious Knight charged in as they continued swinging their blades at each other for few times while dodging and avoiding the attacks. Shadow Dragon punched on the Mysterious Knight's head but grabbed as he was thrown down hard. Mysterious Knight was about to stomped his feet on Shadow Dragon but the latter kicked the former off.
As the light flashed out, Twilight Sparkle and her friends emerged from the lights. They spotted Shadow Dragon and Mysterious Knight were battling with each other. They were about to help but Celtic summoned the barrier in blocking them from helping Shadow Dragon. All they can do is watch.
Shadow Dragon and Mysterious Knight got up at once as they both charged in and swung their blades at each other for few times. They had their clash once before departed. They armed themselves with their blades as they ready to attack. They charged in and gave each other a hard slash!
Everything went in silent for the moment. The Mysterious Knight had his mask broke in halves but at the same time, Shadow Dragon received a scar slashed on his left eye. Everyone gasped in worry and shock.
Celtic ceased her barrier as she approached and helped her master while Twilight and her friends helped and checked on Shadow Dragon. The Mysterious Knight turned as he revealed himself to have dark grayish stallion with blackish spiky mane and his eyes were crimson eyeball with demonic serpentine irises. It shocked Shadow Dragon a lot to recognize since his email from Rainbow Dash of UPGVerse.
"Ben Mare?" Shadow Dragon asked in shock, "It can't be..."
Mysterious Knight shook his head, "Wrong... My name is Lelouch... I am the Herald of Melancholy. I am glad to meet you here..."
Shadow Dragon asked in shock, "What?!"
Lelouch smirked while Celtic close to him, "Till we meet again. For what you have faced - nothing but an illusion... Farewell..."
Before anyone could react, the black smoke emerged as Lelouch and Celtic disappeared. Shadow Dragon and his team looked around in search for them. But they were long gone now...
"Who was that?" Nyx asked in concern.
"I don't know... But that wasn't the last time we'd seen him," Shadow Dragon hissed in concern. Twilight approached and held his shoulder while he held hers, "He'll be back. And we'll be ready for him..."
Everyone nodded their heads in agreement. They have to be ready for mysterious Lelouch or any of their enemies because the fight with them isn't over yet. It's the beginning...
END...
Review and Suggest...
Main Casts:
Tabitha St Germain: Princess Luna, Rarity
Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle
Ashleigh Ball: Applejack, Rainbow Dash
Adrian Libman: Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie
Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon
Minor Casts:
Alessandro Juliani: Han Zero
Jesse McCartney: Lance Justicestrike
Kira Tozer: Nyx
Cathy Weseluck: Spike
Hayden Panettiere: Shiroi Bai
Michelle Creber: Apple Bloom
Madeleine Peters: Scootaloo
Claire Corlett: Sweetie Belle
Cameo:
Matthew Mercer: Terrorcreep
Peter New: Sunflowers
Kate Higgins: Celtic
Johnny Young Bosch: Lelouch/Mysterious Knight |
My Little Pony Mystic Season 1 | Episode 14: Canterlot Boutique | Rarity was levitating some of her silk mats as she was preparing to make some dresses. It was her usual morning routine to prepare it for her clients to receive. She received a lot of customers since Hoity Toity, Sapphire Shores, Fancypants, Fleur De Lis, Trenderhoof, Photo Finish and more celebrities have recommended about visiting and requesting her for their dresses. She really enjoyed making and designing the dresses. It was her life, her hobby and ambition.
She took a glance at the ceiling clock. It was nine o' clock. She gasped as she headed straight to her window in looking at something. She found nothing. She sighed in disappointment. What was she expecting in the morning?
Rarity approached her sewing machine as she began whirring and sewing her dresses for the moment. A sudden bell ringing. She was happy as she turned to her back but only found her cat Opalescence meowed happily in playing her mouse toy. She sighed in disappointment and upset.
Rarity hummed in upset, "Ohhh... Every other day he's here like clockwork! Not today! What could possibly be holding him up?! Shorty-Poo told me that the answer is today! But where is it?!"
"RARITY!" Sweetie Belle's voice called happily. Rarity sighed in annoyance as she hated when her younger sister screamed for something she wanted or needed yet nevertheless, she loved Sweetie Bell so much. Sweetie Belle cam to her older sister's room. She panted, "You won't believe what I found today! It's so exci-[squeaked happily]-ting!"
Rarity sighed, "Not now, Sweetie Belle. I'm much more concern about the letter. He should have send it by this morning..."
"That's why I'm here!" Sweetie Belle squeaked happily. She levitated the small letter up, "It's already here!"
Rarity gasped as she quickly levitated it. She opened it. She read the letter quickly as she prayed everything is what she wanted. She gasped happily.
"What did it say?!" Sweetie Belle asked excitedly.
"I got it!" Rarity answered happily. She sighed happily, "Oh, I have been holding out for the perfect location, and it finally became available! So now I can fulfill my dream of opening a boutique in Canterlot! Shorty Thinking, thank you very much!"
"YEAH!" Sweetie Belle squeaked and cheered happily "I think I'm gonna lose my cupcakes!"
HURL! Rarity and Sweetie Belle yelped in concern. As they turned to the bathroom, they found Pinkie Pie was closed to toilet seat from bathroom?! She looked very green.
"Don't ask..." Pinkie muttered, "Why didn't you put me on this scene? This was supposed to be mine, not Sweetie Belle..." She took the script out as she read it carefully. She yelped, "Oh... Now I get it... Better keep my mouth shut..."
Sweetie Belle shrugged as she and Rarity turned and looked out at the window. Everything is going well as the white unicorn has hoped for. Her own boutique outlet is finally come true!
On the next day,
The train stopped at the Canterlot's train station as some familiar group emerged from it. Shorty Thinking brought Rarity's five friends, Shadow Dragon, Spike and Nyx to the capital for important reason due to Rarity's request.
Shorty Thinking smiled, "Thanks for coming, everyone. She really need you all to be there. It's going to be worth it."
Twilight Sparkle smiled, "Rarity's such a savvy businesspony. I'm so impressed she used the huge bonus she earned making the costumes for Sapphire Shores' Equestria-wide tour to open this second boutique!"
Twilight and her friends have arrived at Rarity's second Carousal Boutique. Its rooftop has the shape of white cream-like whole bottom was purple building with four windows - top and below while middle has the crystallized heart and door. They were amazed and surprised by the designs. As the building's door opened, Sweetie Belle emerged. She gasped happily.
"You're here! Come in! Quickly! You're gonna love it! It's so amazing and beautiful!"
Sweetie Belle quickly entered. Twilight and her friends followed as well. They were about to see something amazing and surprisingly yet unbelievable. The hallway is filled with majestic yet beautiful architecture. It was filled with stage, foods on the table, clothes hanging and hiding beneath the cup-shaped hole while others were on the second floor.
Twilight and her friends awed in amazement of what they just saw. Rarity chose the architecture well for her second boutique.
Rarity smiled as she approached her friends, "I take it from your reaction that you like the boutique?"
Fluttershy commented in surprise, "It's lovely."
"Gosh, Rarity. I know hard work when I see it," Applejack remarked in amazement, "and it looks like you worked your hooves to the nub!"
Sweetie Belle giggled as she came besides of her sister's, "They loved it, Rarity! I told you they loved it!"
Rarity giggled, "Yes, Sweetie Belle. Yes, you did."
"I don't know." Pinkie said in concern as she held and checked on Rarity's right hooff. She looked at her best friend, "Those hooves don't look nubby. They look scrubbied and buffied and pedied!"
Rarity smiled as she moved her hoof down, "Well, despite my 'nubby scrubby buffy pony pedi, I actually have been working very hard especially my little sister's support and help from Shorty Thinking in getting this boutique. However, I never could have gotten the boutique ready for the grand opening without the help of my new manager-" She then pointed to her friends' back, "-Sassy Saddles!"
Everyone turned to their back. They found the light cyan Unicorn with orange long gentle mane and tail with yellow highlighted stripes dressed in her black dress with her golden saddle. She was looking at her paperclip in checking of her work, the boutique's cleanliness and structure, supplies requirement and preparation for its grand opening. She was none other than Sassy Saddles.
Heard her boss called her, Sassy Saddles looked up. She gasped in surprise, "Bust my buttons, Rarity! The ponies from Ponyville!"
Everyone greeted her happily and warmly.
"Hmm... Where did you find her, Aunt Rarity?" Nyx asked curiously.
"I did," Shorty answered. Everyone turned and looked at him. He smiled, "I knew Rarity wouldn't able to handle some management of marketing and outlet. So what does Canterlot Carousel need is a manager to manage them. So, I designed and sent several job vacancy flyers out. She came to me."
Rarity continued, "So when Sassy showed me her resume and I saw that she worked in all of the finest boutiques in Canterlot, I hired her right on the spot!"
"She's amazing as Rarity and Shorty!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed happily yet cutely.
Sassy Saddles smiled as she levitated the large folded plans up. She explained, "I then laid out this plan, or 'pattern' as we say in the fashion biz, for Canterlot Carousel so that Rarity's boutique will be a guaranteed success and those doors will never, ever, ever close!"
Twilight smiled, "Wow, Sassy. Your attention to detail is truly impressive."
"I've already put a pin in the first piece of the pattern - Beautify the Boutique!" Sassy explained as she unfolded the plans. It revealed the first page - boutique building. She moved to the second page - ponies and loudspeaker phone, "But next was the very crucial pattern piece - Marketing to the Mares! Turns out that everypony here loves royalty!"
"So I created a collection that beautifully revolves around the royal element of Canterlot!" Rarity added.
Sassy approached Twilight Sparkle, "And it just so happens there's a hot new princess in Equestria!"
Shadow Dragon smiled in amusement, "I'm taking Princess Twilight Sparkle is perfect for the attention?"
"Yes, Mr. Shadow Dragon. She is the latest and newest princess of Equestria. And what better way to attract the ponies attention is having the newest member among the royalty!"
"Impressive..."
"In every poll Sassy Saddles took, you were the most popular princess!" Rarity explained, "Coincidentally, one of my gowns is inspired by the window in Canterlot Castle commemorating your coronation!"
Sweetie Belle squeaked happily, "And you're gonna love it too! It's the most beautiful and amazing dress Rarity did! I's the perfect fit for Twilight!"
"Really? Can you show us," Nyx asked happily.
Rarity and Sassy Saddles climbed on the stage as they unfurled the curtains. It revealed the pony manikin with blue-purple crystallized fabric-like dress with several jewels on it and has the wings behind of it. Everyone awed and commented in amazement and happy of the dress. Just as Sweetie Belle has described, it's the perfect fit for Twilight Sparkle.
Rarity smiled, "While I've always prided myself on paying attention to detail, I've taken my latest collection to a whole new level with 'Rarity's Rules of TLC'!"
Pinkie Pie gasped, "Judging by this baby, TLC stands for Tasty Liquorice Candy!"
Rarity giggled in amusement, "TLC stands for 'Time, Love, and Couture'. And while I do agree that this dress has potential, I've not had enough time to give it enough love to become couture."
Shorty smiled, "But the rest of the gowns in tonight's line have met Rarity's Rules and are ready to be presented!"
"My marketing research also confirmed that customers that viewed somepony famous wearing a gown wish to own that gown for themselves." Sassy Saddle explained as she levitated her plans up. She unfolded it to third page revealed big star with Rarity's head on it, "I call this piece of the pattern Celebrity Status!"
"Just as I suspected..." Shadow Dragon smiled in amusement.
Shorty smiled and nodded his best friend's suspicion, "Yes, Shadow Dragon. With Twilight dressing Rarity's latest dress, this will not only boost the marketing demands but also media's interests, critics and reviews on it. Canterlot Boutique will be 100 percent successful business for dresses and gowns! Mares will take interests of them! The gowns will be their favorites."
"Outstanding..."
"Indeed, it is."
"So, Twilight, we were wondering if perhaps you might possibly wear this tonight?" Rarity asked in concern and curious.
Twilight Sparkle hummed as she looked at Sassy Saddle's plan, "If being a princess and wearing that dress can help your boutique in any way, then I say stick a pin in it. It's done."
As Twilight levitated and pinned the pin on third plan, Sassy smiled in please, "Alright, everypony! Let's set the stage!"
Sassy pushed Rarity's latest dress hidden behind the curtains. She then moved out in checking up on grand opening of Canterlot Carousel Boutique ready.
"YEAH! Twilight is gonna dress Rarity's latest gown, just like a princess!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed happily, "Well, Twilight is the princess. But this is like a dream come true. Okay, that's mostly my sister's."
"You bet it is," Nyx nodded in approval, "I can't wait to see how my mummy's dress looks like. I bet she's the most beautiful princess of Equestria!"
Shadow Dragon chuckled in amusement as he patted Nyx's mane, "Let's not get carried away, Nyx. But yes, she is the most beautiful mare I ever fell in love with. Wearing dress would be something."
Spike chuckled in amusement, "I can't wait to see it."
Shorty approached Rarity, "This is what you wanted, don't you?"
Rarity nodded as she approached to the door. She stared at it, "Ever since I was a little filly, all I've ever wanted was to own a boutique here in Canterlot. Somepony pinch me! I'm about to open the doors to that very boutique!"
Everyone smiled in approval and happy to hear it. They all then wished Rarity a luck. The time of grand opening is now!
"Are you ready?" Shorty asked.
Rarity took a deep breathe, "Yes... Yes, I am."
"Then, open it, Rarity! You deserve it!" Sweetie Belle encouraged her happily, "The time is now!"
As Rarity opened the door, the unicorn trio marched to the front. They all saw the ponies standing before them. Rarity took a deep breath for the moment. She released it. She was about to make her greeting to the customer...
Sassy Saddles cut Rarity's opening speech as she exclaimed, "Welcome to the grand opening of Canterlot Carousel!"
The crowds went wild. They cheered for the Canterlot Carousal Boutique's Grand Opening! Rarity and her friends gasped in shock and surprise. Did Sassy Saddles butt in and welcomed the crowds to it, instead of Rarity?!
"Hey!" Sweetie Belle yelled angrily, "That was Rarity's line!"
"Forget it. It's too late," Shorty said in concern as he pushed Rarity and Sweetie Belle to others, "The Grand Opening just started."
As the ponies entered and marched into carousal boutique, Sassy Saddles greeted them warmly and happily. The rest were in shock yet upset especially Rarity as they couldn't believe that Sassy had actually stolen Rarity's place in welcoming the ponies into her boutique!
"That Sassy totally stepped on your hooves, Rarity." Applejack remarked in upset.
Nyx nodded, "You'd tell me, Aunt A.J. This isn't right."
"Oh, I don't think she meant to." Rarity protested.
Sassy approached Rarity as she asked, "Rarity, are you ready to reveal the collection?"
"Is she sure she doesn't wanna do it herself?" Applejack muttered and whispered to Rainbow Dash.
Rainbow Dash snorted in annoyance as she whispered back, "Yeah."
Sweetie Belle huffed in annoyance, "I would be happy to give her piece of my mind about being rude to my sister."
"Yes, I am." Rarity interrupted as she pointed her hoof on Sweetie Belle's mouth. She turned to Fluttershy, "Fluttershy, could you help Twilight get ready?"
Fluttershy smiled and nodded as she guided Twilight Sparkle to the top floor while the rest remained behind and watched the event. Rarity, Sweetie Belle and Shorty Thinking headed to the stage as they prepared themselves for the speech about Canterlot Carousal Boutique. They all saw the customers and guests were chatting with each other while having their snacks about the new fashion shop opened today.
"Fillies and gentlecolts! I am designer and couturier Rarity, I'd like to welcome you - again" Rarity said before laughed nervously, "- to the grand opening of Canterlot Carousel, and I'm thrilled that you are here to see my newest collection inspired by this regal city!"
As the curtains unfurled, the stage is now filled with more of manikins with different kind of gowns. Everyone in the boutique awed in amazement and surprise while chatted about how good the gowns were. The photographer ponies immediately took the pictures of them.
As everyone was distracted by the gowns' appearance, Sassy Saddles smiled slyly as her horn glowed in golden. She levitated all of the gowns to the front. She used them to surround and rotate around the guests and customers. The latter chatted and awed about the gowns. The Unicorn Trio gasped in shock and concern of what they were watching. That wasn't part of the opening!
As Rarity marched down and was about to approach Sassy Saddle, she was stopped by dark blue unicorn with gray-white short mane and tail, worn a sunglasses and patterned crimson-yellow scarf and his three stars Cutie Mark on his flanks.
Rarity gasped, "Fashion Plate of Cosmare magazine! I'm so honored that Cosmare was able to do a piece on the grand opening of my boutique!"
Fashion Plate smiled, "Well, when Sassy Saddles calls, saying she's found the latest and greatest in fashion, we hightail without fail! Now tell me all about your latest collection!"
"Oh, uh, it's called 'Rarity's Royal Regalia'."
Fashion Plate gasped, "Royally radiant!"
Sweetie Belle hissed, "Isn't she supposed to deal with Sassy Saddles? That was too early!"
"I know... But it's too late..." Shorty Thinking sighed, "Again. Anyhow, ponies seemed to enjoy it. So, let's not ruin it. Let Rarity enjoy the moment. She deserved it..."
Sweetie Belle sighed in defeat, "Fine... I just don't like what Sassy did. She could have told us about it. I just don't want Rarity to be upset again, not after what happen from my dream. It was terrible."
Shorty patted Sweetie Belle, "Everything is fine. Let's enjoy it."
"My favorite part of being a designer is finding my inspiration, and that really wasn't difficult when it came to Canterlot." Rarity explained.
As she was distracted in talking with Fashion Plate, Sassy Saddles levitated the first gown behind of Rarity and the background of Canterlot Background Frame. The gown has the style of Canterlot and three stars on dress with a flower head cover. She then prepared the rest behind the first gown and background frame.
Rarity smiled, "Everywhere I looked, the royal city just spoke to me! I call it 'In-spire-ation'."
As the crowds awed in amazement while some taking picture of it, Fashion Plat smiled as he exclaimed proudly, "Genius! Simply genius!"
The lily pond background frame appeared, along with the manikin with the dress that is based on lily pond plants and water.
"I spent hours by the lily pond on the castle grounds, which inspired this gown - 'Water Filly'!"
The crowds awed in amazement and taken the pictures of the gowns again while Fashion Plate remarked in amazement, "Oh, the whimsy!"
"Watching Celestia raise the sun each morning literally lit up my day..." Rarity explained. A sudden light shined on her. She turned and spotted the hanging sun props and the levitating manikin dressed gown based on Princess Celestia's appearance. She smiled, "This is 'Tripping the Light'."
The crowed went wild again. Fashion Plate put his hooves on his face while smiled, "Fantastic!"
As the room went in dark, everyone became worry and scared as if Princess Luna have went mad as Nightmare Moon or the lights went out. Nevertheless, Rarity giggled in amusement as she turned and found hanging props of moon and stars. The manikin dressed in gown that is based on Princess Luna's appearance.
"And of course, Luna raising the moon guided me to sleep. I call this 'Over the Moon'!"
The crowds awed in amazement that before, Fashion Plate smiled happily, "Well, I certainly am!"
As the lights turned back on, Rarity proceeds to final gown for her Royal Regalia.
She smiled, "And for our finale, I have something very special. I was inspired by the stained glass window created in honor of Princess Twilight... I call this 'The Reign in Stain'!"
Fashion Plate gasped, "Because the dress is inspired by the--"
Fashion Plate and Rarity exclaimed together while looking at each other, "--stained glass window of a reigning princess!"
"YES!" Rarity exclaimed happily.
Sweetie Belle smiled, "Rarity's very happy about this. This is the best day she ever has!"
"Oh, well, I think 'The Reign in Stain' is too difficult to explain!" Sassy said with a short laugh, "Especially for the signature piece of a collection?"
Rarity shook her head, "But I rather like the--"
Sassy Saddles interrupted as she approached to the stairs, "Fillies and gentlecolts, I, Sassy Saddles, am pleased to introduce the grand finale of the grand opening of Rarity's Royal Regalia - the 'Princess Dress'!"
As Sassy Saddles pointed at the stairs, everyone looked up at the top. It was pitch black. A spotlight lightened on the area as it revealed Twilight Sparkle dressed in Rarity's 'The Reign in Stain' or 'Princess Dress'. Everyone awed in surprise and amazed by the dress especially Fashion Plate as his ears and sunglasses dropped down. She is indeed the most beautiful Alicorn in dressing the most beautiful dress in Equestria.
Fashion Plate gasped, "SUCCESS!"
Everyone cheered in joy and amazement while chattering with each other about how great the dress Princess Twilight Sparkle worn is. Twilight Sparkle nevertheless smiled as she waved back to others ponies especially her friends and boyfriend. She then walked down the stairs gracefully as the princess always does.
Shadow Dragon felt his heart beat very fast and hard as he was staring at Twilight Sparkle with his deep surprise and passionate 'falling in love' eyes. His face burnt in red as the crimson. Looking at the dress Twilight was wearing made him to have a deep shock, surprised, amazed, joyfully and passionately falling in-love with her. Others noticed his look.
Spike sighed, "There he goes again..."
Nyx giggled in amusement, "Well... He didn't love mum for nothing."
Sassy Saddles smiled as she levitated some application forms, "Everypony, please follow me and you can all place your orders for the Princess Dress!"
The guests followed Sassy Saddles at once to the reception counter. They then began writing down the application order form. The mares all wanted the Princess Dress.
As for unicorn trio, Rarity and her friends weren't happy about it. But nevertheless, both Rarity and Shorty Thinking smiled. As long there is some good review and reaction from the guests, the boutique will never be closed again.
Sweetie Belle groaned in upset as she wanted to punch Sassy Saddles for ruining Rarity a chance to present her gowns and choice of work. Rarity calmly patted her sister's head gently while smiling at her. Sweetie Belle sighed in defeat because all she wanted is Rarity to be happy.
The unicorn trio were about to approach their friends but stopped by Fashion Plate.
Fashion Plate smiled as he shook Rarity's hand, "Rarity, I want to be the first pony to congratulate you! The Princess Dress has just guaranteed Canterlot Carousel's success!"
As Fashion Plate followed his colleagues to the counter, the unicorn trio approached their friends. The latter commented and congratulated to Rarity of how good the dress is and especially the reaction of the crowds is.
Twilight Sparkle approached Rarity as she commented, "Rarity's Royal Regalia is amazing! And everypony seemed to love the Princess Dress!"
Shadow Dragon smiled as he approached and hugged her, "Indeed. You still look beautiful without the dress."
Twilight blushed, "Oh you..."
Rarity smiled gratefully as she was glad to have friends like them. Sweetie Belle and Shorty Thinking looked at each other and smiled happily.
"You bet your saddle they did. Rarity now has one hundred orders for her signature gown!" Sassy Saddles reported happily while levitating one hundred application order forms before everyone. Rarity quivered and shivered in shock and concern. The Marketing Manager smiled, "According to my pattern, the next piece is The Success of the Signature Dress, so I do not see the problem!"
Shorty Thinking slapped his head. Sweetie Belle groaned in annoyance. Rarity has her right-eye twitched angrily.
Their friends noticed the unicorn trio as they know their attitude very well. Whenever something have infuriated and frustrated Rarity, Shorty Thinking and Sweetie Belle; the unicorns will lose their patience. They have no idea of what to do next - avoid from getting to the argument or helped and calmed Rarity, Shorty and Sweetie Belle down from losing their tantrum.
"Cupcake?" Pinkie asked happily.
That was a relief for them as Twilight and all of her friends turned to the table and have their own lunch while avoid getting involved with the argument Rarity was about to have with Sassy Saddles.
Rarity cleared her throat as she faced Sassy Saddles, "First of all, Sassy Saddles, I would have appreciated getting to name the final gown from my collection myself."
Sassy Saddles laughed a bit, "My research shows that your 'Reign in Stain' name was a play on words that was both very confusing and quite unappealing."
Shorty sighed, "While I see your point, we all should have discussed it prior to the grand opening, Sassy."
"My only goal is for Canterlot Carousel to succeed," Sassy explained, "That's why I changed the name, and that is why I took all those orders for the Princess Dress."
"Without Rarity's permission?!" Sweetie Belle demanded angrily. Three unicorns looked down at her. She continued, "Order for one hundred dresses in one day?! It's too soon! Rarity can't handle that much of them!"
Sassy gasped, "Are you actually saying we should... cancel these orders?!"
"Wha... But..." Rarity stammered for a while, "Uh, n-no, Sassy. Promises were made, and I shall sew my very best to provide each and every pony a Princess Dress full of TLC."
"Oh, thank you, Rarity, thank you!" Sassy exclaimed happily as she gave Rarity a hug.
As Sassy turned and approached to the guests about the order will be made and delivered soon, Rarity sighed in concern as she wondered if she did make a right choice. Shorty Thinking and Sweetie Belle looked at each other as they wondered the same thing as Rarity has.
"I'm worried that Rarity won't able to handle it..." Sweetie Belle said in concern. She huffed angrily while glaring at Sassy, "I don't like what Sassy did to my sister's work. This is Rarity's boutique, not hers."
Shorty sighed, "Me too... I just hope nothing goes wrong..."
As the Grand Opening comes to the end, everyone left the Canterlot Carousal Boutique including Twilight and her friends as well. They all exited the building and waved goodbye to Rarity, Shorty Thinking and Sweetie Belle. They all are going back. The latter returned their goodbyes to them. As
Twilight and her friends turned and walked away, they looked at each other. They were worried for Rarity. They wondered if she can handle it or not.
As Rarity turned to Shorty Thinking and Sweetie Belle, she asked, "Sweetie Belle; why aren't you going back with others? It's going to be busy day."
"Nah... I thought I could keep you accompany until you've finished with making and delivering the dresses. After all, we're sisters."
"Aw... That's sweet of you, Sweetie Belle," Rarity admitted as she gave Sweetie Belle a hug. She turned to Shorty Thinking, "And what about you?"
Shorty sighed, "Sorry, Rarity. I've got some more works to deal with at Canterlot. I need to check thoroughly on the working and repairing progress from my company's outlet - Tiger Clock Watcher." Rarity nodded in understanding. He smiled, "If there's anything problem, I'll be at fourth block on down street."
"Alright, take care," Rarity smiled. Shorty smiled as he turned and exited the building. She sighed, "Come, Sweetie Belle. We've got work to do."
Sweetie Belle smiled and bounced happily, "Aye-aye, Rarity!"
"Oh, satin and silk, Rarity," Sassy said in concern as she approached Rarity and Sweetie Belle, "are you sure you don't want your friends to help you make the dresses? And of course, I don't think she's capable of working on making dresses."
Sweetie Belle grunted in annoyance. Ponies like Sassy Saddles think negatively on her just because she's just a filly. She faced danger, so working is no different for her.
Rarity shook her head, "No, Sassy. These orders are my responsibility. And besides, I could use some assistant. All I have to do is stick to my plan so I can deliver each and every Princess Dress in keeping with my Rules of Rarity!"
"Let's do this!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed happily.
Rarity and Sweetie Belle entered the dressmaking room. It was filled with sewing machine, drawer cupboard for silks and fabrics, manikins and treasure chests for dressmaking tools. Rarity levitated the blue, cyan and light purple fabric out. It's time for her to start the work!
Rarity: The rules of Rarity, guaranteed quality
This I can assure
For each and every dress
I vow to give finesse
With time, love, and couture
Rarity was sewing the light purple silk with the machine carefully. As Sweetie Belle pushed the manikin in, Rarity brought it out. She made and turned it into a transparent skirt on the manikin's flank. Sweetie Belle levitated and brought another two sets of cyan and greenish-mixed layer and different colored jewels on the back. Rarity then stitched and sewed them together happily.
Rarity: My favorite moment's when a pony sees it
That special gown that she just adores
That pony's now in style
My hard work's all worthwhile
Oh, yes, it makes my heart
My heart just soar
Rarity fantasized and imagined of how her boutique worked for the customers. She imagined them to awed and chatted happily and amazingly of how good the place. A light brown unicorn marched in as she faced Rarity and Sweetie Belle in front of them. They both smiled as they passed the Princess Dress for her to try and dress.
The customer was happy with her dress as she bought it. Stallions came to her as they wanted her to be their fillyfriend because of the dress Rarity has make.
As Rarity continued working while Sweetie Belle prepared some of materials and manikins, Sassy Saddles marched in as she placed her plans of boutique success on the billboard. It's to remind her about it.
RING! Three unicorns turned to the front entrance. They found more customers entered the boutique. Rarity gasped happily as it's perfect timing for her to greet and talk with them. But she was stopped by more materials and tools by Sassy Saddles. The marketing manager waved her as in asking her back to the work.
Sassy Saddles turned and approached the customers while leaving Rarity and Sweetie Belle behind. The little unicorn felt like she wanted to scold the cyan unicorn in denying Rarity from going and greet the customers. Nevertheless, Rarity stopped that she was fine with working and making dresses.
Just before the sisters could return to their work, they spotted Sassy Saddles levitated a few Royal Regalia collection back while bringing a Princess Dress to the front. The customers awed in amazement. The action have broke Rarity's heart while angered Sweetie Belle.
Sweetie Belle was about to tell her older sister to deal with Sassy Saddles but Rarity continued working on making clothes. The little unicorn sighed pitifully for her. She went and helped her at once.
Rarity: The rules of Rarity, just a parody
No dress here's unique
The panels all the same
Each colored windowpane
I fashion only makes me want to shriek!
As Rarity and Sweetie Belle continued and finished making Princess Dresses, they were all delivered and sold to customers to dress. The sisters took a peek through the window as they found every mare worn the same dresses. They didn't wear any different gowns Rarity has placed on the display.
Rarity shrieked in agony and upset that all of her collection she did was nothing but wasted! Sweetie Belle sighed in upset to see her being upset.
Rarity sighed: Oh, to create would give me elation
To feel once again some inspiration
Come on now, Rarity
Give me some clarity
Time for your couture love to rule
On the next day, Rarity was sleeping on the table for resting since she worked so hard in making many dresses. Sweetie Belle came and put bowls of different colored jewels on the table.
As the sun rise, its light hit and shined the jewels out. Both Rarity and Sweetie Belle noticed it. They turned and found the jewels were hitting on the Princess Dress's skirt. Rarity took a glance at it before gasped in realization. She turned and looked at the jewels as she smiled happily. She's got the idea. Sweetie Belle smiled happily to see her older sister back to her old self.
Rarity: The rules of Rarity, extra TLC
This feels more sublime
Soon now, they will see how good these can be
With a little extra shine
As Sweetie Belle lifted the jewels and placed on the skirts' patterns, Rarity then sewed them together. She placed everything on the manikin. It's the same as Princess Dress but with different jewels!
Rarity: The rules of Rarity, guaranteed quality
All can see it's true
These new gems add such flair
Their beauty can't compare
This old style suddenly gleams anew
Rarity looked at Sweetie Belle who smiled in approval. Rarity cheered happily as she danced with her manikin together happily while Sweetie Belle cheered happily while bounced around her older sister and manikin.
RING! The customer marched into the boutique. Rarity and Sweetie Belle gasped as they spotted a light Unicorn with crimson shorten and gentle mane with light pink and red stripes and tail while her Cutie Mark is Chilly Pepper Mark. She levitated and looked at her pocket watch.
Sweetie Belle gasped, "She's here! This is your chance, Rarity!"
"I'll take care of her. You keep working." Sassy Saddle interrupted as she was about to enter the lobby.
Rarity gulped a bit while holding the manikin, "Uh, actually, I'd love to see her reaction to this particular dress."
"Paisley and poplin, Rarity, look at all the orders you still have to finish," Sassy said bossily as she pointed at the table that has uncompleted and completed form for making dress, "and you want to take a break? Now?"
Sweetie Belle groaned, "Why that no good mare! I'm gonna-!"
Rarity interrupted, "Well, it's just I made some really lovely changes to this dress--
"You did what?!" Sassy Saddle exclaimed in shock as she looked at Rarity's different Princess Dress, "But every Princess Dress is supposed to be exactly the same!"
"Hey! You've got the problem with the dress Rarity make?!" Sweetie Belle demanded angrily, "This is because the boutique and dresses-!"
Sassy sighed, "Fine. Go see her reaction."
Both Rarity and Sweetie Belle gasped in surprise. Sassy Saddles allowed Rarity to go?!
As Rarity approached to the customer, she smiled and greeted her. She also brought the different kind of Princess Dress with her as well. Sweetie Belle was there to support her.
"Hello, and welcome to Canterlot Carousel! I am so pleased to present to you your--"
"Princess Dress! Finally! I've been simply desperate to get this ever since I saw Princess Twilight wearing it on your--" Fashionable Pony exclaimed happily as she levitated her Princess Dress. She was stopped as she looked at it closely. She noticed differences of it, "...Wait a minute. There's something different."
"Well as an artiste, I did take the liberty to change a few minor details." Rarity explained. The Fashionable Pony turned and glared at Rarity. Rarity gulped, "I, eheh, I saw these gems glistening in the light, and they just spoke to me."
Sweetie Belle smiled, "Yes! That's Rarity's specialty! So do you like it? Aren't they lovely? And so unique!"
Fashionable Pony sighed, "They're... fine. But they're not what I ordered, are they?"
"Uh, no. No, they're not." Rarity replied in shock and concern.
"I want the dress to be exactly like the one Princess Twilight wore." Fashionable Pony demanded angrily while levitating the magazine that shown Twilight Sparkle in her Princess Dress, "Understand?"
Sweetie Belle groaned as she squeaked angrily at Fashionable Pony, "How dare you?! If you hate it so much, why don't you-?!"
Rarity interrupted while shutting Sweetie Belle's mouth with a zip, "Yes... Y-Yes, of course."
Rarity levitated both her altered Princess Dress and Sweetie Belle back to her office. Sassy Saddles noticed the look. She sighed in shame yet pitiful as she muttered 'sorry, Rarity'. As Rarity was passing the marketing pony by, Sweetie Belle gave the glare at the latter. Sassy sighed as she approached to the customer.
Rarity: The rules of Rarity
Once stood for something
But now it feels just like some factory
After Rarity thrown her altered Princess Dress into her rejected box, she continued working on making more of Princess Dresses. Sweetie Belle stared at her old sister in shock, displeased and sad. The little unicorn couldn't bare to see her older sister working and making same dresses everyday like slave pony...
Rarity: Now every dress I make
With every flaw and mistake
Oh, how it makes my heart
My heart just break
Sweetie Belle saw all the ponies came to Sassy Saddles. The marketing pony pulled the rope in launching the dressing tent down for the ponies get dressed in their Princess Dresses. They all walked out the door while smiled in please and satisfactory.
Sweetie Belle groaned in upset as she couldn't stand of this. Wearing one dress is one thing but all ponies dress the same as others for everyday - is enough!
Rarity stopped as she cried and sobbed tearfully. She leaned towards the dress while crying loud. Sweetie Belle stared at Rarity in shock and worry. She's having Deja Vu again but this time, Rarity is suffering of her other dresses not being appreciated! She groaned in upset.
"I can't take it anymore" Sweetie Belle exclaimed in anger as she turned and exited the door out, "I've gotta find Shorty Thinking now!"
On the next day...
At the Tiger Clock Watchers building, the workers were not only selling the watches or any kind of clocks to the customers but also repaired them. Shorty Thinking was overseeing the working progress as well as the statistic from his paperclip. He smiled in please that everything went well. Nothing goes wrong in his company.
Shorty Thinking took a peek on the ceiling clock. He looked worry and concern. It's been five days. She hasn't come and visit him for lunch or dinner time. He was getting worried for Rarity ever since Sassy Saddles changed the policy and rules without the former's permission.
The door was slammed in opening. Shorty turned to the front and found Sweetie Belle panted heavily as she walked into the workshop.
"Sweetie Belle?!" Shorty Thinking asked in shock. He approached and checked on Sweetie Belle, "Sweetie Belle, what are you doing here?"
Sweetie Belle looked at Shorty, "Please! You have to come now! Rarity needs you now!"
Shorty Thinking gasped in worry as he suspected that something bad has happened to Canterlot Carousal Boutique!
At Canterlot Boutique's Dressmaking Room, Rarity just finished the last order for Princess Dress. She looked very tired and exhausted in working the same dresses for three straight days.
"Raving rick-rack, Rarity! You made two hundred Princess Dresses!" Sassy Saddles exclaimed as she approached Rarity while showing the latter her paperclip.
"Yes. Isn't it spectacular?" Rarity said in deadpan.
Sassy levitated the magazine for Rarity to read, "And I have a special surprise for you! The latest issue of Cosmare magazine just hit the stands!"
Rarity read the magazine, "'Canterlot's newest rising star'?"
"And in the hour since the magazine's come out, we've gotten another hundred new orders for the Princess Dress!" Sassy Saddles exclaimed happily as she levitated another one hundred application order form on the unfinished tray.
"One... hundred more... Princess Dresses?!" Rarity asked in shock, "I'm the Cosmare cover pony... I have the most successful shop in Canterlot... I've gotten everything I ever wanted... but I'm miserable!"
Sassy Saddles laughed in amusement, "How could you possibly be miserable? My pattern is perfect!" She approached to the billboard as she pinned on magazine page and Twilight in Princess Dress page, "Cosmare Cover Pony - done! You have your signature gown, the Princess Dress of Success!"
Rarity groaned in anger, "I don't want to make another hundred Princess Dresses!"
"I have a piece for that! Assemble the Assembly Line! You'll never have to sew again!" Rarity pinned on the Assembly Line for Princess Dresses.
"What?! No!" Rarity gasped in shock.
"Yes! Then the Canterlot Carousel never closes! And Sassy Saddles' boutique succeeds!" Sassy exclaimed proudly as she levitated and raised Princess Dresses up.
"STOP!" The filly's voice screamed in anger.
Both Rarity and Sassy Saddles turned to the door. They found Sweetie Belle and Shorty Thinking entered the room.
Shorty exclaimed, "I don't believe it! How could ignore Rules of Rarity?! This is not what I hired you for! How could you forget this is Rarity's Carousal Boutique!"
Sweetie Belle was furious and angered as she glared at Sassy Saddle, "How dare you?! How dare you called this boutique yours succeed?! This is Rarity's, not yours!"
"I... I was trying to help her succeed it, Little Filly," Sassy Saddles explained calmly.
"HELP her?! You ruined her! Look at her!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed in upset as she pointed at weakened Rarity. She groaned, "This is not my sister! This is more like a worker than being a designer. This is not who Rarity was supposed to be!"
"I don't understand. I was sure this is what Rarity would have wanted. She'd never wanted the boutique to be closed. She wanted it succeed."
"Yes, she does! But this is not one of them! She built this place for ponies to love and appreciate tons of dresses and gowns, not for them to just buy and throw it away like their trash! She wanted the ponies to love and admire their own appearance and dresses. She wanted them and the dresses to be one and same. This is what Rarity wanted!"
Rarity gasped in surprise.Her eyes sobbed tearfully as if her sister's words have touched her heart. What Sweetie Belle is true...
Sassy Saddles looked shock and concern. She looked down in shame.
Shorty Thinking approached and explained, "You not only ruined Rarity, but you also ruined her policy and effort! Your action reminded me of the Water Tiger Kingdom's Fall! After the first generation passed on, the next one was supposed to help and protect the kingdoms but instead they ruined it. All they desired is making the name for themselves than thinking of others. And my home was gone! You're becoming one of them!"
Sassy Saddles shuddered in fear and shock, "I-I-I-I-! I didn't mean it."
"Well, you did. I hope you're proud and happy for the mess you've make," Shorty said angrily, "the boutique is becoming a factory. You'd better find the way to undo the mess."
Sweetie Belle nodded, "Yeah. Start with apologizing to Rarity for trying to ruin her and her boutique."
Sassy sighed, "I guess I should."
"That's enough..." Rarity said firmly. Everyone looked at her. She came off from her seat as she gave her firm and serious eyes, "And if this is what success in Canterlot looks like, I want no part of it! Now, make up flyers for a going-out-of-business sale! I'm closing Canterlot Carousel!"
Everyone gasped, "WHAT?!"
"No! Oh, you can't, Rarity!" Sassy protested while shaking her head, "I-I've worked too hard to make this a success! I can't be a part of another failed boutique!"
Rarity marched out as she levitated all of Princess Dresses from both manikins and hanging clothes. Shorty Thinking and Sweetie Belle followed her in making sure that she wasn't making any rash decision about a 'going-out-of-business' sales.
Rarity then levitated all different kind of gowns and dresses in putting on hanging stands and manikins. Sassy Saddles looked around while walking around the area before climbing to the top as she witnessing and watching all of Princess Dresses are replaces with other dresses. She was in shock and concern.
Rarity checked on some clothes that she placed on display hanging stands and manikins. She sighed happily in seeing them out. Both Sweetie Belle and Shorty Thinking approached Rarity at once.
"Rarity! What were you thinking?!" Shorty asked in concern.
Sweetie Belle nodded in agreement, "You can't close the boutique because of Sassy Saddles! You just can't! Please, don't!"
"This has nothing to do with Sassy Saddles and her silly policy. I finally opened my eyes and realize of my biggest mistake I ever make. If anything went wrong here," Rarity said firmly as she approached to the entrance. She sighed and smiled, "I still have one boutique to work for sales..."
"Rarity..." Shorty and Sweetie Belle said in concern.
Rarity noticed Sassy Saddles remained standing and staying on top floor, she sighed as she knew the latter was too proud and ashamed to come down and greet the ponies in since it's going to be 'going-out-of-business' sales without Princess Dresses.
"Seems Sassy Saddles isn't rushing to open the door this time. Hm." Rarity remarked as she approached the door. She opened it and faced to the crowd. She sighed before she smiled, "Welcome to the going-out-of-business sale of Canterlot Carousel."
Upon hearing what Rarity had said, the ponies chattered while charging into the boutique. They all looked around in search of the dresses they wanted to wear specifically Princess Dress. Despite unable to find the Princess Dress, they still chattered and admired other dresses. Rarity smiled in relief and pleased to see the result.
"Hey, is this Princess Dress on sale?" Nasal Pony asked while levitating the flyer up.
"Oh, no, I'm sorry, the Princess Dress has been discontinued." Rarity answered. Nasal Pony gasped in shock. She continued, "But there are plenty of other lovely dresses on sale today."
A pale gray Unicorn with navy slick mane and tail - Goth Pony stared at hanging hook of 'Over the Moon' dress. She flatly responded, "Whoa. This dress completely speaks to my soul. Can I try it on?"
Rarity smiled as she levitated 'Over the Moon' dress out and gave it to a Goth Pony, "Certainly. The dressing area is right back there."
Goth Pony smiled as she took the 'Over the Moon' dress and headed to the dressing area.
"This is the most amazing of amazing dresses! Just looking at it brightens my day!" Bright Pony - the happy pink Unicorn with golden long spiky mane and tail with bright star Cutie Mark - exclaimed happily upon looking at Manikin dressed in 'Tripping the Light' dress.
Rarity approached and levitated 'Tripping the Light' and passed it to Bright Pony, "And I'm sure you'll feel even brighter once you try it on!"
Bright Pony headed off with her 'Tripping the Light' dress. The Architecture Pony - silver unicorn with lighter and pale purple combed mane with stripes and tail worn the glasses and her Cutie Mark is drawing compass who was reading the magazine while approaching to Rarity.
"Do you still have this In-spire-ation dress that's in the new issue of Cosmare?" Architecture Pony asked curiously. Rarity smiled as she levitated the 'In-spire-ation' dress from hanging stand. She handed it to Architecture Pony. She smiled, "Bats in the belfry! I have to try it on!"
Both Goth and Bright Ponies emerged with their dresses put on. They approached to the mirror and looked at it. They both smiled.
"Whoa. This dress makes me feel like a princess." Goth Pony remarked flatly yet happily.
Bright Pony smiled as she hugged Goth Pony happily, "And this dress makes me feel like a princess!"
Shorty Thinking, Sassy Saddles and Sweetie Belle looked surprise yet amazed of what they just saw. The ponies actually liking other dresses when there was no Princess Dresses?
Rarity noticed a yellow unicorn with orange mane in ponytail and tail with her cutie mark makeup powder looked worried and concern. The latter was looking at some of gowns. Rarity approached Posh Pony.
Posh Pony sighed, "This gown is quite beautiful, but it totally clashes with my complexion."
"Hmmm. Perhaps you'd be even more taken with this one." Rarity turned to her dressmaking room. She levitated the manikin out with Egyptian-like dress with water wave skirt and cosmic map statue headwear but it was a mess. She smiled, "It was inspired by the fountain in the Canterlot Castle garden. I call it the 'Fountain of Truth'!"
Posh Pony gasped happily, "It's exactly what I've been dreaming of!"
"Oh! Well, then I'll finish it, and the gown shall be yours!" Rarity smiled. Posh Pony smiled happily before walked away. Rarity looked around of her surroundings. Both Shorty Thinking and Sweetie Belle approached her. She smiled happily, "How can I have forgotten? This is what I've been dreaming about!"
Rarity: My favorite moment's when a pony sees it
That special gown that she just adores
That pony's now in style
My hard work's all worthwhile
Oh, yes, it makes my heart
My heart just soar!
Rarity looked around happily. She saw and witnessed ponies were trying the dresses. They all liked them so much. She even helped some ponies have troubles in finding the perfect fit for herself.
Sassy Saddles was in shock yet surprise of what she was watching. And at the same time, she felt horrible and shame of what she did for five days. Shorty and Sweetie Belle looked at each other before smiling happily. They turned and looked at her with their pride and happy smiles. This is Rarity they know of...
"Attention, everypony! Canterlot Carousel will not be closing!" Rarity announced happily.
The mares gasped as they all cheered wildly and happily that Canterlot Carousel Boutique is not going to be closed! They can come here anytime to find and choose the new clothes to wear!
Goth Pony hummed in concern as she asked flatly, "But this stuff's still on sale, right?"
Rarity giggled, "Yes, yes, of course."
Sweetie Belle squeaked happily as she jumped and hugged Rarity, "Alright, Rarity! You didn't close the boutique!"
Rarity smiled and hugged Sweetie Belle back, "Yes... I owe it to both of you. You reminded me of why I built the boutique in the first place."
Shorty smiled as he patted Rarity's head, "We were just worried for you after what you've been through for five days..."
"Yes... It was horrible experience to achieve the success but today is worth it," Rarity said happily as she departed the hug from Sweetie Belle. She looked up and found Sassy Saddle climbing down the stairs with her bags on. She asked, "Sassy?"
"Oh, Rarity, I'm so sorry. I focused on that one dress, and the rest of Rarity's Royal Regalia paid the price." Sassy Saddle said shamefully.
Both Sweetie Belle and Shorty Thinking looked surprise and shock to hear. Did Sassy apologized to Rarity and admitted her flaws of what she did for five days?
Rarity approached and patted Sassy's back, "Well, so did the Princess Dress. The more I sold, the more each dress lost its time, love, and couture, becoming terrible, lackluster, and common."
Shorty Thinking nodded as he added, "Not only that but also forgotten of what and why the dress was made. It's something that the Old Water Tiger Kingdom have forgotten. But I'm glad today is not the same as before..."
"I think I finally understand the Rules of Rarity..." Sassy Saddles sighed as she turned to entrance, "and will apply them at my next job. Your sister is right. I have no right to make boutique mine."
Both Shorty Thinking and Sweetie Belle gasped. Sassy Saddles wanted to quit the job because of the mistake she make for ruining the boutique and making Rarity to forget what and why she did in the first place. Sassy Saddles moved out.
"I beg your pardon? The Rules of Rarity are only to be applied at Canterlot Carousel!" Rarity sternly answered which make Sassy Saddles stopped from walking. She smiled and continued, "Which is why you must continue to manage the boutique while I'm in Ponyville."
Sassy Saddles turned and looked at Rarity, "Ponyville?"
"Well, yes, I'll come to Canterlot with new designs and to see the customers of course," Rarity explained, "but Ponyville was always going to be my home base."
Sassy Saddles gasped happily as she hugged Rarity, "Bobbins and bodkins, Rarity! Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you! And I promise to run everything following your rules."
"I would expect nothing less." Rarity smiled as she return a hug to Sassy Saddles.
"Miss Sassy," Sweetie Belle called. Both Rarity and Sassy Saddles departed from the hug. Sassy turned to the little filly. She continued, "I just want to say I'm sorry."
"For what, Sweetie Belle?" Sassy asked in concern.
"For being a selfish spoiled brat to you. I actually want to help Rarity. When I look at her eyes being sad and pain, I feel guilty and responsible for not helping her. So, I will do whatever it takes to help and make her better and happy."
"No... You have the right to scold me. I have no right to claimed boutique as mine because it belonged to your sister. I should have consult with her about the ideas I have for the boutique. But now... I finally see it. Boutique isn't about making business, it's about showing love and passion for the dress you loved to wear. That is Rules of Rarity."
Sweetie Belle smiled, "That's the way. Thank you. Promise us that you won't ruin our boutique again."
"It's the promise," Sassy smiled. She turned to Shorty Thinking, "Mr. Shorty, I want to say I'm-!"
"Say no more," Shorty interrupted before smiled, "As long you learned your lesson, everything will be fine. Right, Rarity?"
Rarity smiled, "Indeed, it is."
"Oh my gosh! A sale?! " The happy voice called. Four unicorns turned to the entrance as they found a fat and big giant unicorn with dark greenish mane and short tail and her cutie mark is the picture of herself standing at the entrance. She smiled happily as she entered the shop while looking around, "Do you have the Princess Dress?!"
"NO!" Rarity, Shorty Thinking, Sassy Saddles and Sweetie Belle answered and laughed happily.
The fat pony looked confuse as she shrugged. She then looked around the Canterlot Carousal Boutique in finding some clothes to try. Rarity and her friends smiled at each other while looking at their boutique. It's the best day ever to have customers liking other dresses...
END...
Review and Suggest...
Main Cast:
Tabitha St. Germain: Rarity
Skip Stellrecht: Shorty Thinking
Claire Corlett: Sweetie Belle
Kelly Sheridan: Sassy Saddles, Architecture Pony
Kazumi Evans: Rarity (Singing Voice)
Minor Casts:
Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle
Ashleigh Ball: Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Bright Pony
Adrian Libman: Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Goth Pony
Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon
Kira Tozer: Nyx
Cathy Weseluck: Spike, Nasal Pony
Shanon Chan-Kent: Fashionable Pony, Posh Pony
Peter Kelamis: Fashion Plate, Fat Pony |
My Little Pony Mystic Season 1 | Episode 15: Rarity Investigates! | At the Canterlot Boutique...
Sassy Saddles was settling with some customers in taking the bits while giving them the bags of the clothes. The business at Canterlot went well especially the marketing manager who handled with Rules of Rarity well.
Rarity marched into the lobby with levitating the new collection of manikins' clothes - British Detective suit, Egyptian white formal dress and Manehattan Casual Dress.
"Oh, Sassy Saddles, don't you just love my new Femme Mystique Chic line of gowns?" Rarity smiled happily.
Sassy Saddles gasped upon looking at the new collection, "Sequins and sashes, Rarity, they're exquisite! Where in Equestria did you find the inspiration?"
Rarity nodded as she levitated three collection on the display window. Sassy Saddles emerged and looked at the new collection of dresses.
"Oh, I modeled them after the adventures of Shadow Spade. Her stories are always full of mystery and suspense and, best of all..." Rarity explained as she placed the manikins properly before the window, "fabulous costumes! Shadow Spade believes it all comes down to attention to detail. And so do I. There!"
Sassy Saddles smiled, "They're perfect!"
The door was opened but slammed to the walls hard, causing all of the manikins with clothes to fall on the squealing girls. The customer entered. She was none other than Rainbow Dash. She was surprised as she spotted the angry unicorns glaring at her. The Pegasus realized why they glared at her.
Rainbow Dash laughed nervously, "My bad."
An hour later, Rainbow Dash helped her friends in cleaning up the messes and put the manikin and the dresses back to the places. They were all cleaned and organized.
"Sorry I messed up your dress thingy." Rainbow Dash apologized.
Sassy Saddles smiled as she returned to the counter, "Nothing we can't fix in a stitch. What are you doing in Canterlot?"
Rainbow Dash smiled and replied, "I'm here for Princess Celestia's royal garden opening tomorrow."
Sassy Saddles gasped as she settled some fabric and silks properly on her counter, "Oh, yes! Rumor has it the gardens are especially lush this season. I heard that the Wonderbolts will be kicking things off with an aerial display. And not to mention, Princess Celestia invited Lord Azure Phoenix and his fierce and mighty Seven Phoenix Generals for their latest demonstration."
Rarity nodded in agreement, "You heard right. And Rainbow Dash is here to fly with them. So exciting!"
"Well, kind of exciting. Technically, I'm not flying." Rainbow Dash explained sheepishly, "I'm just the lucky Reserve who was called in to be the backup flyer in case a Wonderbolt can't perform."
"Oh, don't be so modest. Out of all the Reserves, you were the one chosen."
"It is pretty sweet. And I do get to stay in the castle, hang out with the Wonderbolts, and eat awesome food at the dinner tonight. And not to mention, Blaze and Lax will be there since they're one of Seven Phoenix Generals. Speaking of the dinner, you're still coming, right?"
Rarity gasped as she looked at her Shadow Spade Collection, "Heavens, yes! A chance to dress up, be charming and show off my newest femme mystique couture? I wouldn't miss it for all of Equestria."
Rainbow Dash smiled, "Great! See ya tonight!"
Rainbow Dash flew and exited the door while slammed the door in closing! The Shadow Spade Collection were about to fall! Rarity and Sassy Saddles used their magic in holding and stabilizing them from falling. After the aftershock, they all sighed in relief that the collection is safe.
BANG! The door got slammed while Shadow Spade collection fell down. Rarity groaned in anger as she turned and about to scold Rainbow Dash for being careless! She stopped as she saw three familiar gang while holding the package.
"HUH?! DJ Red?! Clumsy Rat?! Shades?! What are you doing here?!" Rarity asked in surprise and shocked.
DJ Red shrugged, "Doing our job, duh. That's what we always do for daily life."
Clumsy Rat nodded, "Yeah... Ever since the end of Mystic War Three, we've been looking around the town, states and country to find a job. Well... Mostly temporary jobs from around the Equestria."
Shades held the package, "Here's the package."
"Ooh, the rhinestones I ordered!" Rarity smiled happily as she levitated the package. She opened it. She was in shock and upset as she levitated the greenish and pinkish pale crystals, "Oh, my. Oh, there's been a mistake... I ordered dragon-cut stones, and these are hoof-polished."
DJ Red shrugged, "Hey, don't look at us. We do our jobs. We take and deliver."
Clumsy nodded in agreement, "And no peeking on the package. The Mail Pony Boss ain't happy if we took the peek on any packages."
Shades sighed as he held the paperclip up, "I'm not sure we have time to redo your order. We've got quite lots of them lately."
Rarity smirked slyly as she has the idea in changing Dark Warrior Trio's minds. She flipped her back mane gently while giving an lady eyelash winked at them. They yelped in surprise while blushed as they stared and looked at her.
Rarity sighed, "Of course you all don't. Your job is so difficult. Honestly, I don't know how you three keep all of those orders straight."
Dark Warriors Trio smiled sheepishly while rubbing their back head gently.
DJ Red chuckled, "It is pretty tough, what with the boxes all being... box-shaped."
"Oh, y--oh yes, and I very much appreciate it." Rarity smiled and said slyly and gracefully as she gently approached while nuzzled the surprised three stallions and giving them her 'beautiful lady's begging' eyes, "But if there was any way you could squeeze in one more little delivery, I would be eternally grateful."
"Oh... I think we'd better do it for her," Clumsy suggested while blushed, "She's too sweet..."
Shade blushed while laughed nervously, "Yeah... After all, a friend of Shadow Dragon is the friend of ours."
DJ Red nodded in agreement, "Well... For you, Rarity, we'll see what we can do."
Clumsy Rat carried the box up as he and his buddies left the building. They approached to their wagon as they set things off and headed off.
Rarity smiled in relief as she closed the door. She turned and found the surprised Sassy Saddles approached her.
"Rarity, you could sweet-talk a filly out of candy!" Sassy Saddles commented.
"Oh," Rarity chuckled uneasily as she approached to her curtain area, "it was nothing. Those three are Shadow Dragon's loyal and good minions. Nopony minds a compliment. Now, you simply must help me pick out an outfit for tonight. Something from the new collection, of course."
Sassy Saddles smiled and nodded as she took some of Shadow Spade collection for Rarity to try and dress. The white unicorn wanted her dress to perfect and beautiful for her best friend's tonight party.
At the Canterlot Dining Hall, Princess Celestia have invited all of Wonderbolts and even her former love - Azure Phoenix and his Seven Phoenix Generals for eating, drinking, chatting and partying with each other. Both Equestria Kingdom and Imperial Phoenix Kingdom were getting along well with each other. Both the rulers smiled in relief yet grateful as well.
Princess Celestia turned and looked at Azure Phoenix, "Thank you for accepting my invitation for the party, practice day and military formation day, Lord Azure. I appreciate it very much."
Azure Phoenix smiled and nodded, "What old friends are for. That would be dishonoring monument day. We've been on this since the day of our youngest one was born as well as your elite flying squadron."
"Indeed... This day is very important to both of us and Iris Crystal."
"Yes, this was more than just aerial display but to test their skills, endurance, faith, loyalties, disciplines and comradeship for both our forces. Iris Crystal enjoyed watching this a lot. She loved flying too as well. She's amazing Pegasus among the Equestria."
"Yes, she is. She enjoyed it a lot. She was but always be the Wonderbolt member. That is why she was known as the Princess of Sky Hope."
Rainbow Dash and Rarity dressed in her white Egyptian Dress entered the Dining Hall. They were both amazed and surprised to see how good and beautiful the party decoration is. They even found both Blazefist and Shorty Thinking were talking with each other. The girls approached the Mystic Ponies at once.
"Rarity, Rainbow Dash," Shorty called in surprised as he turned and smiled at the girls, "It's great to see you here."
Blazefist nodded, "Yeah... So, you're ready for tomorrow practice? I heard Wonderbolts want to show their latest moves for us to watch."
"Well... I'm just substitute for the team," Rainbow Dash explained with a bit of chuckle, "But I'm ready for tomorrow. I'm so excited to see all my favorite Wonderbolts there! I'm 100% support for them and you guys too!"
Blazefist smirked as he and Rainbow Dash gave each other a high hooves, "Thanks. Don't get cocky."
"She seems exciting about this," Shorty remarked.
Rarity smiled and nodded, "I'm pretty sure she does. After all; going to Wonderbolt Academy, rivaled against them during Equestria Games and now flying together with them is what she dream of."
"Come on. Let's grab some grubs!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed.
As four friends headed to the banquet, they collected and held the plates up as they began taking the food up. Suddenly, Rarity sniffed as if something attracted her attention.
"Mm, is that Juniper Phoenix I smell?"
"Yeah, Juniper Phoenix is one of my favorite stallion colognes." The veteran voice answered.
Rarity looked up as she encountered both the cyan Pegasus with gray gentle short mane and tail at his 50s dressed in his flying-dog pilot's suit with the white scarf. He was with the black yet fierce veteran humanoid dragon with strong wings and two antler's horns worn the navy Chinese Imperial Phoenix Armor.
"Oh, mine as well. It's masculine and yet--" Rarity explained.
Rainbow Dash yelped while opened her mouth as she dropped her plate to pieces on the ground. She flew towards Rarity as she shushed the latter up.
"Rarity! Don't you know who this is?!" Rainbow Dash asked in annoyance. Rarity shrugged innocently. She groaned, "It's Wind Rider! He's a living legend. He holds the Wonderbolt record in the Mustang Marathon!"
Rainbow Dash stared and glanced at Wind Rider with a blush and happily eyes. She truly admired him so much as other Wonderbolts.
"Well, that was a long time ago. Honestly, I can't believe I still hold the record." Wind Rider smiled. He turned to the dragon, "And by the way, this is my biggest but friendly rival - Strict Stalker."
Strict Stalker bowed, "I am honored to meet you all."
"Huh? But he's a dragon..." Rainbow Dash said in shock.
Rainbow Dash yelped painfully as she got her head whacked. She turned and found the angry Blazefist glaring at her.
"Strict Stalker is the Phoenix's Trident and General for training the Military Army! And that dragon is one of Seven Phoenix Generals too, Rainbow Dash!" Blazefist explained in annoyance, "He's been on Azure Phoenix's side since the Civil War of Ma began. He is the strictest, serious and hardcore general to work with. And whatever happens, don't make him angry. He hates failures, disrespectful and disobedience in the military army. He will punish and execute them."
"Yeesh... What's with execution? We don't punish by killing them."
"Sorry about that, Dash. But that's his way to discipline and strengthening the military army for Imperial Phoenix Army."
"And by the way, may I know about the Seven Phoenix Generals? Sounds like you and your bro are famous but why does he gets the lowest rank?"
Blazefist sighed as he explained while pointed at some ponies who are members of Seven Phoenix Generals. He first pointed at two brothers - One-Eyed Anger was talking with Navy Arrow the younger Unicorn one with brownish yet hairy mustache and beard dressed in blue general armor and phoenix's helmet-like.
"Those two are brothers but also cousins to Lord Azure Phoenix. The guy with eye patch - General Anger the Phoenix's Sword is the Second-in-Command of Imperial Phoenix Army and Azure Phoenix's right-hand. He's very fierce, tempered and no nonsense general but he's a great determined, loyal and inspired general. And believe me, you do not want to mess with him especially talking about his left eye. He was nicknamed as 'One-Eyed Anger' for losing his eye but able to fight well.
The younger one is Navy Arrow the Phoenix's Arrow - Anger's brother. Navy's also the General of Ma Chang An and Imperial Phoenix Archers. While he's gentle, friendly and playful in encouraging others to rise up to challenge; this guy's very good at archery and shooting guns. He doesn't miss a shot. But of course, he's like Anger - fierce and tempered when it comes to job."
Blazefist pointed at Clawdestroyer talking with Axen the Unicorn in 30s with white turban dressed in bluish armor with robes.
"I'm sure you met the Griffon - Clawdestroyer the Phoenix's Claw. He's the General of Imperial Griffon Scouts and Northern Griffon. You saw his anger, rage and determination in winning the war but he's faithful, loyal and caring general too. And whatever you do, don't test his patient and rage.
Axen is Phoenix's Axe and also General of Imperial Cavalry Unit. Axen is very honorable, humble, loyal and fair general but dedicated to his duty and Imperial Phoenix Army as well. So, if you think about cheating or tricking him, he has a bad temper about it."
Blazefist turned and pointed at Laxtinct talking with Bladestrike while eating their food.
"That's Bladestrike - the Phoenix's Blade. He's the Fierce General of Eastern Fort. And above all, he's my mentor and adopted father. He used to work for Devil Destroyer but got spared and recruited him because Lord Azure Phoenix saw some potential within him. Bladestrike is dedicated, serious, firm, fearless and bravest general we ever had. He inspired all and even me to be brave and endured all the hardship and struggles against the enemies. He's the best though have the bad temper.
You know me and Laxtinct well. I was known as the Phoenix's Flame and General of Blazing Squadron while Laxtinct is the Phoenix's Fist and General of Stone Armor Squadron. And the reason he demoted because he made lots of mistakes. And I've lost track of what rank he's now. That'd be all."
"Wow... What's with temper?" Rainbow Dash asked in concern.
Shorty Thinking shrugged, "That is to show their fierce, determination and prowess of how powerful and dangerous they can be. I know that because Water Tiger Kingdom have been war with Imperial Phoenix Kingdom for a hundred year during Princess Lauren's Reign."
"Wind Rider, I see you met Rainbow Dash!" The tomboyish girl's voice called. Everyone turned and found both Spitfire and Misty Fly entered the scene. Spitfire smiled, "She's one of our most promising Reserves. She just might beat your record."
Wind Rider hummed in concern as he turned and looked at Rainbow Dash, "Really now?"
Strict Stalker nodded in amusement, "Interesting..."
"Oh, heh, I'm nowhere near as good as you." Rainbow Dash insisted, "I mean, I'm fast, but I don't have the endurance to go long distances."
"Ah, don't be modest. A little practice and you'll be beating records in no time." Spitfire commented.
Wind Rider smiled a bit as he walked away, "Heh-heh. Well, it's nice to meet you fillies."
Strict Stalker turned and glared at Wind Rider for the moment. Both Shorty Thinking and Rarity noticed the behavior and attitude from two veteran officers from both kingdoms. Something is off...
Rainbow Dash sighed, "Not as nice as it is to meet you, sir." She turned to her friends. She then barely-contained her laugh, "I can't believe I just met Wind Rider!"
Misty Fly smiled, "Yeah, he's coming out of retirement to take the spot of honor in the center of our aerial flower formation tomorrow."
Rainbow Dash gasped as she held Misty Fly's chest, "Really? That's incredible!"
Rainbow Dash departed as she glanced at Wind Rider kissed Princess Celestia's hoof gently while Azure Phoenix and Strict Stalker stood behind her. As Spitfire and Misty Fly left the rest, Rainbow Dash sighed in upset while the rest looked at her.
"Guess I'll just watch Wind Rider being awesome from the sidelines..." Rainbow Dash said in disappointment, "Practice tomorrow is gonna be so boring."
"Sorry, Dash about this," Blazefist patted Rainbow Dash's back.
Rarity took a sip of her drink, "I don't suppose I could keep you company?"
"I remember that Wonderbolts allowed everyone especially friends and family in. Is that right?" Shorty Thinking asked in amusement.
"You could!" Rainbow Dash said in surprise, They always let friends and family come watch practices! Thanks, guys!"
Rarity smiled, "That's what friends are for. Come. Let's enjoy our meal and get some sleep."
With everyone nodded, they all headed out and enjoyed their dinner. Strict Stalker hummed while looking at Wind Rider, and then to Rainbow Dash. Why was he staring at two of them?
On the next day...
Both Wondercolts and Seven Phoenix Generals were training together at the Canterlot's Stadium which located near to the cliff's edge. Wonderbolts were training on midair neared to the stadium. Seven Phoenix Generals were training their military style and skills at the training ground from the stadium's southern part.
Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Shorty Thinking just finished their watch at Seven Phoenix Generals' training as they headed to Air Stadium. They all taken the seat and watched the Wonderbolts' training. While Rainbow Dash and Shorty Thinking were watching the event, Rarity was putting some sun lotion on her skin.
Rainbow Dash sighed, "Thanks for keeping me company, guys. If you all weren't here, well, I don't know who I'd be talking to right now."
Rarity playfully put her lotion on Rainbow Dash's nose. The daring Pegasus yelped in surprise. But instead of upset, she smiled happily as well as Rarity. Shorty smiled in amusement.
"Eh, you'd be talkin' to me." The calm yet cool voice spoke. Three ponies turned to their back as they found Soarin dressed in his uniform stood before them. He smiled happily while making Rainbow Dash blushed. He sighed. "Rainbow Dash, Spitfire's mom sent a message that she was sick. She had to leave to take care of her."
Rainbow Dash gasped, "Oh, no! I hope her mom's okay!"
"Me too. In the meantime, we need you to fly in her place."
"L-Like, in the actual show?"
"Unless Spitfire comes back, yes."
"I won't let you down, Soarin!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she hugged Soarin tightly and passionately. She yelped as she departed and saluted to him. She squealed happily as she flew straight up to the sky while making her goofy and funky dancing moves, "This is the best thing ever!
Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh! I'm gonna get to fly with Wind Rider and the Wonderbolts, 'cause I'm the bestest and I'm awesome and they know it! Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh..."
"Uh... Rainbow Dash?" Soarin said in concern.
Rarity shushed, "Shh! Let her have this, darling."
"By the way.... Why didn't you let her join Wonderbolts?" Shorty asked curiously, "She was the War Heroine from Third Mystic War. She deserve it."
Soarin sighed, "Spitfire and I did. But Rainbow Dash insisted that she passed the exams and training through the Academy fairly like the rest. For a pony who wanted to be part of Wonderbolts, she seems cool about waiting to reach her top. She's awesome."
Rarity smiled, "That's her alright. Friends and fair before her dream."
For the moment later, Rainbow Dash joined in the Wonderbolt's Training. She was flying close to Wind Rider as they flying together. Each time she flew ahead while waving to her friends, he groaned in upset as he quickly flapped his wing to move ahead.
On the stadium's seats, Blazefist climbed up from the stairs as he was still wearing his Phoenix General's armor and red scarf. He then meet up with the rest of his friends while spotted Rainbow Dash flying and training together with Wonderbolts. He whistled.
"Well, what do you know? She did it. I guess Spitfire really did left to take care of her mum," Blazefist said in surprise.
Shorty smiled, "Yes... How did you know?"
"Rumors..."
Rarity spotted an older mare in her 40s or 50s looked like Spitfire but her Cutie Mark is blazing falcon-like symbol put with bit of makeup, pearls, earrings and dressed in her purple suit took her sit.
Rarity greeted, "Hello there! Friend or family?"
"Family. My daughter's a Wonderbolt," The older mare smiled. She looked around on the sky while showing her concern looks, "but I don't see her up there. Do you know Spitfire?"
"Ooh, you're Spitfire's mum?" Rarity said in surprise. Her eyes widened in shock as she realized something amiss, "But I thought you were sick."
"What?"
"Well, Spitfire got a note from you saying you weren't feeling well, and she went home to take care of you."
Spitfire's Mum replied in concern, "I didn't send a note."
Rarity hummed suspiciously, "That's so strange."
"Rarity, what's wrong?" Shorty Thinking asked in concern.
Rarity turned to both Shorty Thinking and Blazefist, "Something is not right."
As Soarin was training, he spotted Spitfire's Mum chatting with three ponies. He stopped. He approached to the booth.
"Stormy Flare? Aren't you supposed to be sick?" Soarin asked in concern. The Wonderbolts stopped their training as they turned their attention to the booth. He asked, "'Kay, what's happening?"
"I don't know. But I do know I didn't send my daughter a note." Stormy Flare answered in concern.
Shorty hummed in concern, "Could somepony have sent Spitfire a fake note?"
"Who would do such a thing?" Misty Fly asked in concern.
Soarin hissed, "Somepony who wanted her out of the show, I suppose."
"Why would anypony want that?" Rainbow Dash asked in concern.
"Maybe so they could take her spot." Wind Rider answered firmly.
The Wonderbolts were in shock to hear. They knew who and what he was talking about. He was glaring at her. They and even Soarin glaring at her. Rainbow Dash gulped in concern as she looked scared and worried. Stormy Flare, Rarity, Blazefist and Shorty Thinking were in shock. All of them couldn't believe in their own eyes - Rainbow Dash is the suspect of sending Spitfire away?!
Everyone from the Air Stadium gathered at the Canterlot Stage as they all questioning and interrogating her about Spitfire. Strict Stalker was there when he was taking the break from his training.
"Me?! I would never do that to Spitfire! Why would you think it was me?" Rainbow Dash insisted innocently.
Blaze spoke angrily, "I did see you and Spitfire leave the dinner together."
Rainbow Dash protested, "We were room neighbors in the castle!"
"And you did say you'd do anything to fly with Wind Rider." Misty Fly asked suspiciously.
"Yeah, but I didn't mean anything." Rainbow Dash insisted.
"Spitfire came by my room and told me she had to go see her mom at around midnight. Where were you then?" Soarin asked suspiciously.
"I was asleep at midnight..." Rainbow Dash answered, "-having this totally amazing dream. There I was at the arena flying with Wind Rider and the Wonderbolts, like I've always wanted to--" Rainbow Dash stopped in realization, "--ah, eh, never mind. Not helping."
Wonderbolts gathered up as they chatted with each other about Rainbow Dash. What should they do with her?
Soarin sighed as he turned to his love, "Rainbow Dash, if you can prove that somepony else is behind Spitfire's disappearance before the start of the show, then you can still fly with us. I have to warn you, if you sent that letter, the bylaws are clear. I'd have no choice but to ban you from the Wonderbolts forever. Understand?"
Rainbow Dash sighed in upset, "I understand..."
"How dare you say that?!" Blazefist demanded in anger while glaring at Soarin. He continued, "Rainbow Dash would never do such a thing! She's more than just heroine, she's your girlfriend, your comrade and your friend as well as Spitfire's! You should know that! How dare you accuse her like that?!"
Soarin gulped in fear as he realized his mistake, "I-I-I-I I didn't mean it. Really! I knew she - but - I-I-I... I-Grr! I don't know! I want to believe Rainbow Dash never do such a thing! I really do! But everypony is pointing at her for sending Spitfire away. How can I prove her innocence?"
Blazefist sighed in concern, "I do. I did it."
Everyone looked concern and confuse, and even Strict Stalker and Wind Rider. What was Blazefist talking about?!
"I'm the one who send Spitfire away!" Blazefist answered firmly. Everyone gasped in concern and worry of what they just heard. He continued, "I did it because... I want to help Rainbow Dash make her dream come true. She's my friend."
Everyone was dumbfounded and shocked to believe that. Rainbow Dash couldn't believe in her eyes and ears. Strict Stalker sighed in concern as he approached Blazefist.
"Blazefist... Do you know what this means?" Strict Stalker asked firmly. Blazefisy sighed and nodded firmly. The Dragon General sighed, "For deceiving to your officers and allies as well as sending our alliance's valuable commander away for the sake of your friend's dream, you must be punished. Your rank and privilege will not only stripped from you, you will be executed before the Imperial Phoenix Kingdom."
Everyone gasped in shock and concern. Strict Stalker can't be serious!
"You can't do this!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed in anger, "Blazefist doesn't deserve this!"
Strict Stalker turned and glared at Rainbow Dash, "Why?"
Rainbow Dash glared at Strict Stalker as she firmly answered, "Because he's my friend, like Aqua is to me. And I believe he didn't do it! Somepony did it to me, so Blazefist take the blame for me!"
"Rainbow Dash..." Blazefist said in shock.
Strict Stalker hummed, "If you believe that, then you have to find the evidence and prove it to me. I will reconsider Blazefist's punishment. However, if you failed, you too will share the same fate as Blazefist's. Understand?"
Rainbow Dash sighed, "Understood. I wish I knew how..."
"With us," The firm voice called. Everyone turned to their back as they found Shorty Thinking and Rarity dressed in her brown detective suit approached them. He continued, "We will help Rainbow Dash to find the evidence and proved her and Blazefist's innocence. We will find the culprit."
Rarity nodded, "We are going to get to the bottom of this faster than my costume change!"
Everyone stared at Rarity as they were all confused and concerned of what she just said and dress for...
"Rarity, what's with the dress?" Shorty Thinking asked in annoyance.
Rarity smiled, "Obviously, I am channeling Shadow Spade through these gorgeous garments, and she would say that the best way to prove that you didn't send the letter is to find out whoever did."
Everyone remained silent while glancing at Rarity in shock, surprise, concern and felt no confidence. Is she really serious about being detective?
"I'm doom..." Blazefist remarked while lowered his head down.
Shorty Thinking approached and patted Blazefist's back, "Don't worry. We'll find the culprit. I promised."
Blazefist sighed, "I hope so..."
"Why did you do it? I know you're lying to save me from getting kick out from Wonderbolt Academy," Rainbow Dash said in concern as she approached him, "But you don't have to do it for me. Now your life is in danger..."
Blazefist smiled as he patted Rainbow Dash's mane, "Don't worry about me. I survive the worst. There's nothing I can't handle. And I have confidence that you'll prove to everyone you're not the culprit behind this."
Rainbow Dash smiled, "Yeah, I guess so..."
"Misty Fly, Blaze, head over to Stormy Flare's house and try to find Spitfire and bring her back." Soarin ordered both Misty Fly and Blaze who saluted to him. He turned to Rainbow Dash, "Rainbow Dash, good luck. And sorry about this."
Rainbow Dash nodded, "Alright. I hope Spitfire is fine."
Soarin nodded, "Me too..."
"Now that we are done. First stop -" Rarity smirked proudly as she galloped at once, "-the scene of the crime!"
"We had a long road ahead of us, Rainbow Dash and I. Well, not too long because we didn't have much time, but the point is... I was up for the challenge." Rarity narrated.
Shorty Thinking, Rarity and Rainbow Dash were walking across the hallway of Canterlot Castle as they were on the case of finding the evidence, prove Rainbow Dash and Blazefist's innocence, exposed the culprit and located Spitfire.
Three ponies entered Spitfire's bedroom as they inspected and investigated it. Rainbow looked through some drawers. Shorty Thinking looked through the bed and cupboard. Rarity used her magnifying glass on the floor in finding some pieces. They were looking for clues.
"There I was, surveying the crime scene, and looking tres chic while doing it." Rarity narrated. As she turned to the door again, she spotted the envelope. She approached and levitated it, "This must be the envelope for the letter Spitfire got!"
As Rarity took a sniff on the letter, Shorty Thinking gasped in surprise. Everyone turned to him at once. He levitated the small piece of rainbow mane.
"Rainbow Mane..." Shorty Thinking said firmly and seriously, "Very rare of have one..."
Rainbow Dash gulped, "That's not good..."
As Rainbow Dash flew away, Rarity approached and gave the letter to Shorty Thinking as he kept them both in separated plastic bags. He examined them all carefully as he doesn't want to make mistakes/ Rarity turned and glanced at saddened and upset Rainbow Dash.
Three ponies exited Spitfire's room as they walked across the hallway.
Rarity narrated, "Rainbow Dash was getting antsy, but I had faith I could clear her name and find the real culprit. In order to solve the mystery, we had to be focused. Driven. One hundred percent in the--"
Rarity gasped upon looking at the curtains - one was folded up with the rope-holder while another was left out widely.
Rarity commented, "The damask pattern on these curtains is exquisite! Oh, and this velvet rope-holder - oh, it's just--"
"We don't have time to look at the decor!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed in annoyance, "They're gonna kick me out of the Wonderbolts and worst - Imperial Phoenix Kingdom will kill Blaze unless we solve this thing!"
Shorty sighed in concern, "Rainbow's right. This is not the time to think about the fabric."
"I know. We're on this case like a charm on a bracelet!" Rarity said confidently as she walked away from the curtain. Her friends followed her as they listened to what she has to say. She continued, "Here's what I'm thinking: somepony had to bring Spitfire that letter, which means somepony must have seen them!"
Rarity pointed at three Royal Guards. Both Rainbow Dash and Shorty Thinking looked at each other as they nodded in agreement. Rarity's right. The Royal Guards know who the pony sent the letter to Spitfire...
"Where were you on the night of last night at midnight?!" Rainbow Dash demanded in anger.
Shorty Thinking and Rarity asked and brought the Royal Guards in the hidden room for some questions about Spitfire and someone who send the letter to her about Stormy Flare being sick.
"We were here, guarding the hallway entrance like we were supposed to." Castle Guard #1 answered. Rainbow Dash raised her eyebrow and glared at him. He sighed, "I'm telling you, we were there all night, and no one went in or out of that hallway."
"Except for you." Castle Guard #2 added. Rainbow Dash growled in annoyance yet angered as she glared at him. He yelped, "Just that there are only two rooms in the northwest wing: yours and Spitfire's. So the only other pony who had access to that wing was you."
Rainbow Dash was in shock yet feared. She was being accused that she was the only one who entered the wing, other than Spitfire. This have make her as number one suspect. How is it possible?!
"So much for being good cop, bad cop," Shorty remarked in concern.
Rarity hummed as she narrated, "The waters were getting choppy. Rainbow Dash's tactics were, well, horrid. It was time for another approach."
"Perhaps I should take it from here!" Rarity called.
Everyone turned their attention to Rarity as they all gasped. Rarity smiled as she was in Manehattan Dress while sitting on her sofa with good-looking and beautiful attitude. She winked at the surprised Royal Guards. She approached to them gently and gracefully.
"You castle guards have such a difficult job. I'm guessing that at times it can be rather..." Rarity said as she closed to the first Castle Guard's ear, "boring."
Castle Guard #1 gulped, "It is. I've counted all three hundred and forty five bolts in the ceiling tiles two hundred and ninety three times!"
"And of course being a castle guard can be thankless work. I'm not saying you did, but if you took a break, you more than deserved it."
Castle Guard #1 grunted, "Oh, you're right. We don't get a lot of recognition for what we do."
"Except for last night when somepony was nice enough to leave a cake for us. So we did take one little break when we ate that cake." Castle Guard #2 added.
Shorty hummed, "What kind of cake was it? Full details about it!"
Castle Guard #1 & #2 answered together, "Cherry with a custard filling with chocolate frosting!"
"Was the base of the cake decorated with buttercream rosettes?" Rarity asked.
Castle Guard #1 nodded, "It was."
Rainbow Dash groaned, "What's that gotta to do with the crimes?! This is waste of my time!"
Shorty sighed, "Be patient, Rainbow Dash. Analyzing and solving the crime takes some time. We cannot simply jump into wrong conclusion."
"I mean, even I think I'm guilty at this point! I really did want to fly in that show!" Rainbow Dash said in concern, "What if I wrote that note when I was asleep?! Do you know what I do when I sleep?! Because I sure don't!"
"Oh, calm down, Rainbow Dash. We'll get to the bottom of this." Rarity said confidently as she turned and exited the room, "There's only one bakery in Canterlot that makes a chocolate cherry cake with custard filling and buttercream frosting rosettes and that's..."
"...Cinnamon Chai's Tea and Cake Shop!"
Shorty Thinking, Rarity and Rainbow Dash headed out to town as they headed to Cinnamon Chai's Tea and Cake Shop. Rarity was dressed in her white casual dress with a bow tie beneath her neck and a polka-dots on pinkish transparent layer skirt while her mane tied in ponytail. It must have some clues for them to find and learn who is culprit behind the mess.
They spotted a lighted yellowish Unicorn with brownish mane and tail dressed with white apron and her Cutie Mark was the greenish cake and cake knife. She was cleaning the table. She must be the owner of the shop. They approached her.
Cinnamon Chai smiled and greeted, "Hello, how can I help you?"
"We've heard you have the best chocolate cherry custard cake with buttercream frosting rosettes in town!" Shorty said calmly.
Cinnamon Chai smiled while pointed at the glass window, "Ah, you travel in the right circles! We have the only chocolate cherry custard cake with buttercream frosting rosettes in town!"
As Rarity turned, she gasped upon looking at the window display. She saw the chocolate cake missing. Just like what the Royal Guard have described and even what Cinnamon Chai had said. This must be the place to start investigation!
"Oh, no. But somepony's already bought it!" Rarity turned to Cinnamon Chai, "Who was the lucky pony?"
"I can't even say!" Cinnamon Chai answered in concern as she began described, "because it was hard to tell! She was wearing a trench coat, sunglasses, and a scarf around her head that covered most of her face. But I do remember she had a really deep, raspy voice."
"What do you mean, raspy?" Rainbow Dash demanded angrily.
Cinnamon Chai looked surprise as she glanced at Rainbow Dash, "Well, kinda like yours."
Rainbow Dash gulped in concern as she feared that everypony in town and even her own team suspect that she is the one who sent the letter to send Spitfire away.
"This is no coincidence..." Shorty Thinking said suspiciously. He turned and glanced at Cinnamon Chai, "If there's anything else you can remember."
Cinnamon Chai smiled, "Well, have I got a story for you! The pony who bought the cake threw a big fit when she accidentally got chocolate ganache on her scarf!"
"That's terrible! What color was the scarf?" Rarity asked suspiciously.
"White! No, maybe more an ivory..."
"You don't say!"
"I can't believe you're talking fashion at a time like this!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed in anger.
Rarity turned to Rainbow Dash as she comforted her best friend, "Rainbow, don't panic. I need you to trust me."
"Trust you?! You've spent more time changing clothes than trying to help me! I'm doomed!"
"No, you're not! Come on!" Shorty Thinking said firmly, "We have finally figure things out! Everything is coming to sense!"
Rarity smiled, "Indeed. It is time to expose the culprit!"
As the rain poured on the town, three ponies returned to the Canterlot Castle.
"Rainbow Dash was obviously upset, but I had all my ducks in a row. Except one. She was not going to like it, but there was only one way to find out if my suspicions were correct."
At the Canterlot Castle...
Soarin and his remaining Wonderbolts were still waiting for news about Rainbow Dash's innocence and Spitfire's location. The Co-Leader was eating his pie whenever he's nervous and worried about his friends. Strict Stalker was there keeping an eye on Blazefist who sat on the treasure chest while Wind Rider and Stormy Flare were chatting.
As the door opened, both Blaze and Misty Fly entered the scene. Everyone turned to them both.
"We looked everywhere," Blaze reported in concern, "but Spitfire wasn't at her mom's house!"
"Where could she be?" Stormy Flare asked in concern.
The door was opened, everyone turned to the entrance as they saw three ponies entered. The lightning struck loudly.
"We have found the confirmed culprit!" Shorty Thinking exclaimed firmly. He approached to the middle as he sighed in defeat, "I'm sorry. Our suspicious has confirmed. And all the evidence we have found so far has been pointed at the pony from the start - Rainbow Dash!"
Everyone but Wind Rider and Strict Stalker gasped in shock and concern. Rainbow Dash looked down in guilt and shame. As she feared, the evidence have pointed at her and there's no clue of whom has framed her. Shorty Thinking never makes mistakes. Wind Rider smiled a bit at the event. Strict Stalker remained silent while looking angry at this.
"No... No way..." Blazefist said in shock.
Strict Stalker huffed, "You actually lied to me from the start, General Blazefist. I'm very disappointed. You knew it was her, didn't you?"
Blazefist sighed, "I didn't want to believe it. No way she did it. No way!"
"Objection! Rainbow Dash was framed from the start! Somepony did this. And that pony was none other than..." Rarity protested as she walked to the middle. Shorty glared at her. She continued as she pointed at him, "Wind Rider!"
As the lightning struck again, everyone gasped in surprise, shock and concern of what they just heard! Shorty firstly accused Rainbow Dash for the crimes but Rarity insisted that Wind Rider is the suspect of the crime?! Who is the true culprit?
Rainbow Dash groaned while slapped her face, "Rarity, I can't believe you would accuse Wind Rider of framing me! He's a living legend, for pony's sake!"
"All the evidence points to him!" Rarity said proudly.
Rainbow Dash grunted as she flipped Rarity's detective hat up, "Peh! What evidence could you possibly have? All you did was ask about cake, admire decor, and change outfits a gazillion times! Shorty found the real evidence! He accused me! And maybe he's right."
"Maybe... But let's hear the tale from her first. I might miss something..." Shorty said in amusement.
"I never believed you would send Spitfire away. When we found the rainbow hairs in Spitfire's room, I could tell they didn't fall out. They..." Rarity explained as she levitated the plastic bag of Rainbow Mane, "were cut! Nopony loses hair in a chunk. And look at the ends. It's a straight line! They were clearly cut with shears, which means somepony planted it!"
Blazefist and Wonderbolts were in shock and concern about it while Strict Stalker and Wind Rider remained silent for the moment. Rarity was right about the mane!
Rarity explained, "Then when we were examining Spitfire's room, I smelled something on the envelope. Juniper Phoenix, Wind Rider's cologne of choice! Then, in the castle hallway, I noticed some of the damask curtains fell out of their velvet rope-holder, indicating that somepony had been hiding behind them! Perhaps after they dropped off the fake letter?"
"Juniper Phoenix is a very popular fragrance, and anypony could have moved those curtains." Wind Rider said calmly.
"Precisely why I questioned the castle guards! They were at their post at the entrance to the hallway all night, except for a small window of time when somepony brought them cake." Rarity explained firmly, "A cake that was ordered by a girl pony with a raspy voice!"
Rarity approached Wind Rider as she looked closely at Wind Rider's scarf tied in tight Windsor knot, "Whoever ordered the cake got a chocolate stain on her ivory scarf, and I couldn't help but notice that Wind Rider's scarf is tied in a tight Windsor knot instead of its usual loose slipknot! And why is that? Is it to hide the chocolate stain?!"
As Rarity unfolded and untied Wind Rider's scarf, it revealed the chocolate stain on her scarf. Everyone but Strict Stalker gasped in shock and concern of the case.
Wind Rider grunted as he flew towards his teammates, "Ah, this is preposterous. Wonderbolts, you don't believe a word of this, right?"
"There is one more thing to prove you are guilty. You knew about this, didn't you..." Rarity asked suspiciously as she slowly turned to Strict Stalker. She glared at him, "The Phoenix's Trident - General Strict Stalker!"
Everyone gasped in shock and surprise of what they just heard. Strict Stalker knew about Wind Rider's crimes as well as both Blazefist's and Rainbow Dash's innocence from the start. Both Blazefist and Rainbow Dash stared at him.
Strict Stalker sighed before took a deep breathe, "Yes... Wind Rider is the one who framed Rainbow Dash to send Spitfire away."
Blazefist was in shock as he asked, "That's why you asked me to check on Rainbow Dash. You knew I would defend her if I didn't come with them! Why didn't you tell us about Wind Rider?!"
"I could tell you about this, but what would the witnesses or the team say otherwise?"
"No one will believe in you. Witnesses have different point-of-view of what really happened. The team will support and protect theirs from troubles. Either way, Rainbow Dash will be guilty without the proof and witness."
"Yes. But now... All evidence and witness have pointed at him."
"Indeed it is," Shorty Thinking nodded firmly. Everyone but Rarity looked at him. He spoke, "Yes, I also knew it was Wind Rider. I pretended to believe it was Rainbow Dash while Rarity provide all the evidence she have found about Wind Rider. So I can see his reaction. We were right."
Rarity nodded firmly as she glared at Wind Rider, "Just admit it - you're as guilty of framing Rainbow Dash as you are of ruining that ivory scarf!"
Wind Rider groaned in defeat, "Ah, fine! You caught me! I did it!"
Rainbow Dash was stunned as she asked, "Why?"
"Because he was afraid that you would break his long-distance Wonderbolt record! And he won't have the chance to beat his rival to the ground when it comes to race," Shorty Thinking explained.
Rarity nodded, "I heard him when Spitfire said you were close to breaking his record. He said, and I quote, 'Heh-heh'. That's the polite but disingenuous laugh you make when you want to seem happy but really you're not."
Wind Rider huffed, "I thought if I could get Rainbow Dash kicked out of the Wonderbolts forever, my record could be preserved."
"And did you know what happen if we found out the truth when it involved our officers?" Strict Stalker asked firmly, "Both sides could have started the war!"
"Say what?!"
"It's true! We Imperial Phoenix Kingdom won't take the accusation or framing one of our kind so lightly because of sick joke or personal vendetta. We will do whatever it takes to defend our kind and home. We will repel the invaders and conquer their home, even if it means it's one of our own allies. Unless it's our kind make mistake or you surrender the traitor, we are not amused."
"Oh my god..."
"Yes, Wind Rider. It is. You almost started the war if I hadn't witnessed of what you have done in the first place. Or the worse, I could have killed her than my fellow comrade. I warned you about this but you did not listen..."
Rainbow Dash glared at Wind Rider, "And I thought you were the coolest Wonderbolt ever. Until now."
Wind Rider hissed, "I did what I had to do to protect my record! Sometimes you gotta play dirty to be the best!"
"Grr! And that almost get both kingdom killed on war if Blazefist hadn't been involved of this!" Rainbow Dash protested in anger, "I almost lost one of my best friends! That's not what being a Wonderbolt is all about."
"She's right! Wonderbolts look out for each other!" Soarin exclaimed in agreement as he and his team surrounded Wind Rider, "Which reminds me, where is Spitfire?"
Wind Rider scoffed a bit, "I sent her the letter pretending to be Stormy Flare. I told her I had Pegasitis, and the only cure is the ice iris in the Crystal Mountains."
Rainbow Dash gasped, "No wonder she's been gone so long. Ice irises are almost impossible to find in spring!"
"The Crystal Mountains are too far for anypony to make it there and back before the royal garden opening!" Soarin said in concern. He turned and looked at her, "Rainbow Dash, we need you to fly in Spitfire's place!"
"But Spitfire shouldn't have to miss this! I'm gonna get her!"
"But you'll never make it in time!"
"Then there's no time to lose!"
Soarin gasped as he held Rainbow Dash's shoulder, "Rainbow Dash, I'm sorry for not believing in you. I really am. I'd never think that! You don't have to prove everything that you're the Wonderbolt and always supportive to us! You are one of us!"
"I'm not trying to prove it!" Rainbow Dash shouted back, "I'm trying to get her back to the team! You all need her more than me! So, stay put, captain!"
Rainbow Dash dashed and flew out to the sky. She flew straight to the Crystal Mountains to find Spitfire! Can she make it back?
After long hours, Wonderbolts were still waiting for Rainbow Dash and Spitfire come back while Soarin looked after Storny Flare. Strict Stalker and Blazefist were keeping their eyes on Wind Rider in making sure that he won't try to escape. Rarity and Shorty Thinking looked at the door as they waited for their friends to come back.
Blaze hissed in concern, "Rainbow Dash is still gone!"
"Oh, don't panic. If I know Rainbow Dash, she'll come through." Rarity remarked.
The door was opened! Rainbow Dash and heavy panted Spitfire entered! They both make it back in time. Soarin approached Spitfire with his amazing and shocked expression.
"Spitfire, you're back! I can't believe you made it!" Soarin commented in shock.
Spitfire breathed out loudly, "I wouldn't have, if Rainbow hadn't found me so fast! Gave me enough time to fly back!"
Rainbow Dash approached to Rarity Shorty and Blazefist, "Guys, I couldn't have done it without you both.
Blazefist patted Rainbow Dash, "Glad to be there for you. I always stood for my friends."
Rainbow Dash turned to Rarity and Shorty Thinking, "And I'm sorry I doubted you the most, Rare. But why didn't you tell me what's really going on?"
"I didn't want to get your hopes up, Rainbow Dash until we are very sure of the right target." Shorty admitted humbly.
Rarity smiled, "We couldn't be sure until I saw that chocolate stain.
"And truthfully, I wasn't really good at being detective. Saber is. And he's very expert about it. I used his book called 'Detective for Dummies'." Shorty confessed humbly while holding the book up.
"Rule No. 10 - have the partner who got good sense of judgment, observation and inspection despite their different passion and skills. I need Rarity because she has good sense of observation and inspection as well as know about fashions. Lots of guys and girls loved to be in disguise when it comes to frame on somepony else."
Rarity nodded in agreement, "I was very reluctant at it too, Rainbow Dash. But nevertheless, I gave it all because you're my friend."
Rainbow Dash smiled, "Thank you for believing in me, even when I was doubting you. I'm some friend, huh?"
Rarity shook her head, "Actually, you're quite a good friend. You went to get Spitfire, even though it meant you couldn't fly today."
Everyone smiled while nodded their heads in agreement. Rainbow Dash did good for saving and bringing Spitfire back in time.
Rarity smiled, "I would say - Case Closed!"
Rainbow Dash sighed, "I'll get my chance one day."
Spitfire smiled as she approached Wind Rider, "Or today. How'd you like Wind Rider's spot in the show?"
"Uh, w-w-what?" Wind Rider was stunned as he asked, "Y-You can't do this to me! I'm one of the greatest Wonderbolts there ever was!"
Spitfire huffed as she stripped the badge off Wind Rider's jacket, "Not anymore. For attempting to frame Rainbow Dash, I hereby strip you of your Wonderbolts status!"
Wind Rider sighed, "That's what I get for listening to that Seekcurse."
"Seekcures?!" Shorty asked in shock. Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Blazefist and Strict Stalker were in shock and concern. Wind Rider nodded firmly. He continued, "Seekcurse used Wind Rider's jealousy and fear against him and advised him to frame Rainbow Dash because no one can save her. But didn't realize that this is a setup for Equestria and Imperial Phoenix Kingdom to wage war till one of them is gone for good."
Blazefist hissed, "It make sense now. Wind Rider took it without realizing the consequence. All for the sake of his record..."
As Wind Rider looked down and walked away to the door in shame, Strict Stalker approached from behind and spoke.
"Still up for sparring later at the gym?" Strict Stalker asked. Wind Rider turned to him. He smirked a bit, "You did say you owe me a rematch."
Wind Rider smiled a bit, "Yeah... I'll be there, old friend. At least, I still got rival to face with. See ya." He looked at Rainbow Dash, "Sorry for everything, kid. I really am."
Wind Rider exited the door. Everyone turned to Rainbow Dash.
Soarin smiled at Rainbow Dash, "So, would you like to fly with us?"
"Would I?!" Rainbow asked in surprise. She smiled as she flew up to the sky and cheered, "Woo-hoo! Yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah, uh-huh, uh-huh, yeah, aww yeah..."
Everyone stared at her with amusement smile. She really wanted to be part of the team so much.
"Uh, Rainbow Dash?" Soarin spoke.
Rainbow Dash stopped as she blushed and make embarrassed noise. Everyone left the stage. Rainbow Dash followed them at once. She finally get to be part of the team!
During the grand opening, Wonderbolts made their best formation in front of the crowds. Wonderbolts unleashed their powerful smokescreen clouds in creating the flower-like. Rainbow Dash burst out from the middle while smiled proudly. Wonderbolts performed their aerial flower formation.
Rainbow's friends and Seven Phoenix Generals watched the event as they awed in amazement and surprise of the event.
"So my friend got her moment in the sun. Or the center of an aerial flower, as the case may be. And as for me? I got a chance to show off my Femme Mystique Chic collection!"
Stormy Flare commented, "That's nice, dear."
"Oh," Rarity gasped in surprise as she spotted both her friends and Stormy Flare looking at her. She blushed, "did I say that out loud?"
They all nodded their heads in confirmation. She smiled and blushed in embarrassment. As Rarity and her friends continued watching the event, two shadowy figures were at the stairs' entrance.
"It looks like you failed..." The girl's voice said in amusement, "You should have been more be careful with them."
The male scoffed, "It doesn't matter. We're here to test their friendship and skills. They will do anything to keep each other safe and sound."
"Well... We'll gonna have to keep an eye on them. There's gotta be some weakness in them. I have to find it and break it after what they have done to me and my paradise..."
"We will achieve it. We will have our revenge..." END
Review and Suggest...
Main Casts:
Tabitha St. Germain: Rarity, Blaze
Ashleigh Ball: Rainbow Dash
David Faustino: Blazefist
Skip Stellrecht: Shorty Thinking
Matt Hill: Soarin
Jan Rabson: Wind Rider
Joshua Tomar: Strict Stalker
Minor Casts:
Kelly Metzger: Spitfire
Kelly Sheridan: Sassy Saddles, Misty Fly, Mysterious Mare
Sidika Larbes: Stormy Flare
Cameo:
Adam Baldwin: DJ Red
Clancy Brown: Clumsy Rat
James Sie: Shades
Nicole Oliver: Princess Celestia, Cinnamon Chai
Douglas Rye: Azure Phoenix
Peter New: Castle Guard #1
Brian Drummond: Castle Guard #2
Brian Dobson: Mysterious Stallion |
My Little Pony Mystic Season 1 | Episode 16: Made in Manehattan | "I can't do it! I don't know if I can make it!" Twilight groaned in pain yet struggled, "It's too much for me!"
Shadow Dragon grunted, "Just hold on! You can do it!"
"Don't give in, mummy!" Nyx cheered, "Almost there, you can do it!"
Twilight grunted, "I can't! I really can't!"
"Come on, Twi! You can do this! You beaten Nightmare Moon, Ursa Minor, Discord, Queen Chrysalis and Changelings, King Sombra, Tirek and even Starlight!" Spike exclaimed happily, "You can do this!"
Lance nodded in agreement, "Yeah. This is nothing!"
Twilight groaned in fear, "I can't do it! It's... It's... It's too much! I have to do this!"
Everyone gasped, "Don't do this! Just a little more!"
"I can't!" Twilight exclaimed in fear as she lifted her head up as her horn glowed brightly, "I have to teleport now! I've gotta get out of here!"
Shadow Dragon groaned in annoyance as he pushed Twilight's horn down, "Forget it, Twilight. The purpose of this is that you need to calm down and relax. That means overcoming your still ongoing fear."
Twilight groaned as she stopped her horn glowing. She blew raspberry as she slowly sank down a bit in the large pool of different kind of snakes. Shadow Dragon and his family were above both of the pool tub.
"Do I really have to go through this?" Twilight asked in annoyance, "This is the worst day to deal with!"
Shadow Dragon sighed, "Like it or not, you have to go through. Otherwise you will never able to handle this."
"Doesn't Dragoking count?"
"Nope... He's the Ancient Beast of all reptile and dragon species. And it means you overcame and trusted him because he was part of dragon."
"So, unfair..." Twilight muttered in annoyance. Some snakes slithered around her neck passionately before licking her face. She yelped and shuddered in fear. She turned and found Nyx patted a green Anaconda. She gasped in fear, "Nyx, don't! Don't touch them! They're dangerous and poison!"
Nyx giggled as she continued patted the Anaconda, "C'mon, mummy. They're not very dangerous. They're kinda cute as Spike."
"Hey! I'm nothing like those snakes!" Spike remarked in annoyance.
Lance chuckled, "Someone's jealous."
Spike punched Lance's stomach, "As if, buddy! I'm jealous of nopony!"
Twilight sighed heavily in annoyance as she sank straight down again. Shadow Dragon noticed it as he lowered his head close to Twilight.
"This isn't about the snakes, isn't it?"
Twilight huffed a bit, "I'm bored."
Shadow Dragon scoffed in amusement, "Since when did Princess Twilight get so bored."
"Since I've read all the same books already! I wanna do something!" Twilight complained in upset. Shadow Dragon and others gave their raised eyebrow at her. She continued, "This one is not what I have in mind. Things have been so slow around here and I just--"
"TWILIGHT!" Four familiar voices screamed.
Twilight immediately flew up and straight through the door. Shadow Dragon, Lance, Nyx and Spike went after her at once. They came across the Council Meeting Chamber where they spotted Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy and Pinkie. They approached her at once while their Cutie Marks glowed brightly. That means one thing for sure....
"Yes! Finally! We've been summoned!" Twilight exclaimed happily as she approached the Cutie Map, "I wonder where the map wants us to--"
"Uh, mum? You'd better check on your flank again." Lance said in concern.
Twilight was confused at first. Spike held her wing up while pointed at her Cutie Mark. It didn't glow like others. She was in shock as she groaned heavily before landed her head on the table. She really wanted to go out for adventure.
Shadow Dragon sighed in annoyance while shaking his head. He turned and looked at four mares' glowing Cutie Marks. He wondered, "Where do you think-?!"
Four mares' Cutie Marks holograms emerged as they flew straight up while rotating around for few times. They slowly descended to the ground. Rarity's and Applejack's Cutie Mark landed on Manehattan while Pinkie and Fluttershy's landed on western part of the Land of Ma - Chinese Castle with farms and forests as well as strange giant skull of monkey within castle and hidden beneath the forests.
Four mares looked surprise and shock about it. Lance, Nyx and Spike awed in amazement. Twilight gasped in surprise upon looking at both location. Shadow Dragon remained silent while showing surprise at them.
Rarity excitedly squealed, "Manehattan! We've been called to Manehattan! Oh, I've simply been dying to go back for a visit! And now I return... with a purpose!"
Fluttershy smiled, "That's nice..."
Twilight Sparkle hummed while looking at both Cutie Marks rotating near to Manehattan, "It looks like you've been summoned to this particular neighborhood here."
Pinkie Pie giggled, "That sounds fun!"
"We're off to solve a friendship problem in one of the busiest and most vibrant cities in all of Equestria! Isn't this exciting?!" Rarity squealed happily while hugging Applejack tightly.
Applejack pushed Rarity aside as she took a glance at the Cutie Map, "Seems a hair odd, though, don't it? Map callin' me to a big city like Manehattan?"
"But you did been there before, didn't you?" Fluttershy asked curiously, "I remember you did said that you went there to be sophisticated pony like Orange Family."
Pinkie nodded, "Yeah! But you found out that, staying in Manehattna is not what you really wanted. And don't forget that's when Rainbow Dash hit the Sonic Rainboom! She led you straight back home. And you went home to become the farmer! And you lived in happily ever after! The end!"
Applejack sighed, "I did. But it didn't turn out well. There was more than that."
"Really?" Everyone asked.
Applejack shook her head while smiled a bit, "It's nothing. Nothing important."
"You may be more of a country pony at heart, Applejack," Twilight approached Applejack while patted her best friend and sister-figure, "but the map picked you two because you're the best ponies to tackle this particular mission."
Applejack hummed, "But how will we even know what our mission's supposed to be? That neighborhood probably has twice as many ponies as all of Ponyville."
"Pff. Kch. Ts! More like three times! Why, it's not only home to the Haypacking District - it's also home to the Fashion District!" Rarity exclaimed happily. Twilight looked down in upset while Shadow Dragon cleared his throat. Rarity yelped upon looking at Twilight's looks.
"Hmm. Shame you weren't called as well, though, darling. You did end up quite a fan of the hustle and bustle of Manehattan on our last visit."
"It's such an exciting city, and there's still so much I'd like to do there," Twilight Sparkle nodded as she flapped her wings happily in flying up, "So many museums and historical landmarks to visit. Not to mention all the libraries!"
"Hey, what about this place?" Nyx asked upon looking at Fluttershy's and Pinkie's Cutie Marks rotating around between Land of Ma's western border and strange land for monkeys. She said, "I'd never seen this place before."
"Me too," Fluttershy, Pinkie, Lance and Spike added in surprise.
Twilight descended down and looked at the Land of Ma's Western Border, "I recognize that place - Western Ma - home of peaceful and harmonic creatures in Western Dragon Kingdom! And it's perfect peaceful utopia for ponies, animals and environment. That's where Saber Dragoon lived."
"That's nice especially a friend of ours," Fluttershy commented.
"Wow... That was so amazing!" Pinkie exclaimed happily.
"Not only that, Saber is also the Prince," Shadow Dragon added. Everyone looked at him. He nodded, "Well. Kindy is actual Royal Prince while Saber was adopted. I supposed that considered royalty."
"He doesn't seems to act like one," Applejack said in concern.
Rarity nodded in agreement, "Indeed. He's more of a warrior than royalty. Not that I'm complaining, just curious."
Shadow Dragon chuckled in amusement, "He preferred the battle and war than the politics, though he's good at being detective and strategy much."
Rarity giggled, "I noticed."
"What about this?" Pinkie pointed at the castle with monkey's skull, "This looks like home for all the monkeys."
"It is. That's Ape Nation." Shadow Dragon answered. Everyone looked at him. He continued, "Home for only monkeys and apes. They're not just barbarians but intelligent and respected creatures for the mother nature and animals too. They're Western Dragon Kingdom's important allies."
"Wow... Monkeys have their own kingdom. Who knew? This is definitely Fluttershy's specialty and hobby," Pinkie exclaimed happily. She turned and looked at Fluttershy, "Right?"
Fluttershy nodded while looking at both Western Dragon Kingdom and Ape Nation, "It is. Wow. Two kingdoms being friends. That's really nice."
"Yeah, it is..." Twilight commented while looking at Cutie Map, "I sure wish I could go to that place. It's so amazing. I could see how beautiful and great the farm is. I want to see the inventions and strategies of Prime Minister Skysoar Intellect Dragoon. I even want to see how courageous the generals are. This kingdom is so special as Azure Phoenix's Imperial Phoenix Kingdom."
Everyone looked worry and concern for her. They all knew that Twilight Sparkle wanted for more adventure and knowledge to learn.
"But this is your mission. Heh-heh. Don't worry about me." Twilight insisted happily, "I've got plenty of... work to do..."
Shadow Dragon scoffed, "Good. We can go back to overcoming the fear of snakes."
"Oh no! I am not going through that again! Not in my life!"
"Don't tell me - reading more books? Yeah... That would be very interesting for princess to get bored in the first place."
"I did not say that!"
"Did too!"
"Did not!"
Twilight Sparkle and Shadow Dragon began arguing again. Everyone in the room sighed in concern and annoyance. The couples really need to stop.
"At least, I don't have to be crazy snake lover. You turned my daughter into crazy snake lover now!" Twilight argued.
Shadow Dragon argued back, "Well, at least she can see the snake's true appearance, unlike her mother. She didn't even bother to go with her for Sisterhooves Social!"
Rarity gasped in concern, "The Sisterhooves Social!"
"We'll have to miss it. No tellin' how long we'll be in Manehattan." Applejack said in concern, "I sure hope Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle aren't too upset."
Nyx smiled a bit, "I'm pretty sure they'll understand, right?"
Lance nodded, "Yeah. And I think we'd better leave now."
Everyone nodded in agreement as they slowly walked away while both Twilight Sparkle and Shadow Dragon continued arguing with each other about differences.
Three hours passed...
Applejack and Rarity took the Pony Express train to Manehattan. They have arrived at the station. They haven't been here since last year's fashion event.
Rarity sighed happily, "Oh, Manehattan, what you do to me!"
As Applejack rolled her eyes in annoyance, she yelped in surprise upon looking at the front. She saw Taxi Ponies running and trotting across the street. She gulped in fear as she shivered and shuddered.
Rarity noticed as she approached Applejack, "Darling, are you all right?"
"Ponies move so fast here. Not at all like back home. I forgot how much I'm scared of it," Applejack said in concern as she muttered in concern while approached to the front, "Eyes peeled, ears open. Eyes peeled, ears open."
As the Taxi Ponies continued trotting across the road, traffic pony blew the police whistle in stopping them. He waved to other ponies to cross. As Applejack was about to move, ponies moved from her side and other side quickly. Traffic Pony blew the whistle in signaling the stop for ponies and 'a go' for Taxi Ponies to cross. She missed the turn. It is making her nervous and worry.
Rarity patted Applejack's back, "Remember, Applejack, you're in the big city now. No moseying. You've gotta walk with speed and confidence!"
As the whistle blown, Rarity trotted happily yet gracefully. She reached to the end of traffic. She gave the signal to Applejack.
Applejack snorted as she is ready for it. As she begin crossed the street, she got blocked or blocking ponies from moving. They complained and argued with her for blocking their way while she apologized to them at once. Applejack reached it before the whistle blow again.
"Butter my biscuits," Applejack said in concern, "I can barely cross the street in this town. How am I supposed to help solve a--"
Rarity gasped in shock as she pointed to the front, "There!"
Rarity and Applejack spotted two ponies talking with the hat shopkeeper. One was blackish Earth Pony with black and white spiky mane has the scars but made of zebra's skin worn the black vest, red bow tie and black cape while his Cutie Mark is Spade and Scalpel was talking with the pink little Earth Pony with crimson short mane with two pink bow and has one on her tail.
"Ooh! This one is good!" The little Earth Pony said happily as she worn greenish Phrygian Hat, "I look so cute, doc!"
"No! No." Rarity cried as she approached both Earth Ponies. They turned and looked at her. She continued, "That hat clashes with your mane, not to mention it's far too large and will undoubtedly obstruct your vision."
Rarity approached the hat stall as she looked around of the hats, "Oh, dear, none of these will do."
As Applejack entered the scene, Rarity gasped in surprise as she approached her best friend and her traveling luggage, "Oh, Applejack! What good timing!"
Rarity hummed as she looked through her bag. She came across the blue curved hat, "Here. This will do splendidly."
As Rarity placed the hat on little pink pony's head, she looked at the levitated mirror. She squealed happily, "Oh! It's so cute! How much would you like for it?"
"Oh, no-no, please, please, keep it. I can always make another." Rarity protested.
"Thank you so much!" Pink pony smiled happily. She turned and looked at the adult pony, "Dr. Black Jack! Look at me! Am I not cute?"
Black Jack rolled his eyes a bit while smiling, "Yes, Penny... Now that we're done. We'd better get going. Our patient need us now."
Black Jack walked slowly and calmly while Penny followed him. As they walking across the street, Applejack took a glance at the doctor while showing surprise and shock upon looking at him. Who is he? Why does he reminded her of someone? Does she know him somewhere?
"And you thought we wouldn't discover our purpose here! Pff. Kch. Ts!" Rarity remarked.
Applejack turned to Rarity, "Yeah, I'm pretty sure that wasn't it."
"What? We just saved that poor pony from committing a terrible crime of fashion." Rarity explained. Applejack gave her raised eyebrow. She continued, "Well, she could've been meeting a friend who would've laughed at her new hat, and then their friendship could've been ruined forever! And... mmm... it's possible."
"Did your cutie mark glow signifyin' a job well done?"
"Ye--" Rarity looked at her flank again but found her Cutie Mark did not glow, "No. I suppose it didn't. Still, a disaster was averted!"
"Averted?" Hat Shopkeeper demanded in anger, "You just lost me a paying customer!"
Rarity gasped in concern, "Oh, my! Oh, I-I-I-I-I'm s-so sorry. I never meant to--"
"Beat it!"
"Uh, please accept my sincerest apologies for the misunderstanding, and might I add, what a lovely establishment you have here!"
Applejack pushed Rarity away from the shopkeeper before she could get herself more in troubles. They both continued walking across the street. Applejack gave the annoying yet irritating eyes at Rarity.
"You're right, Applejack." Rarity sighed, "The search continues."
Applejack sighed as she'd never know why Rarity keep fussing over the small matters or even the fashion. As they continued walking, Black Jack was cornered at the alley. He was looking at Applejack. Why?
"Good to see, A.J. You've grown well, little pony..."
Applejack and Rarity were at the district. They were asking the ponies if they have the problem with the town or not. Applejack asked individual one-by-one while Rarity used her commercial style in asking them about their problems at her stall. But so far, none of Manehattan Ponies bother to answer back.
Rarity huffed, "Good grief. This isn't working."
Applejack sighed as she turned to Rarity at her stall, "I'm not sure what we're supposed to do. To be honest, I'm still not even sure what the map called me here for."
"Oh, try not to worry, Applejack. The map picked us for a reason. Although how we're supposed to uncover that reason, I haven't a clue. We can't possibly approach every single pony in town until we find out what we're meant to d--ooh!"
Rarity got interrupted as she spotted two familiar characters coming out from the mayor's office. Both Saber Dragoon and Shorty Thinking were chatting with each other about something.
"It's them!" Rarity exclaimed in surprise. Applejack spotted as well. Both mares approached both Saber Dragoon and Shorty Thinking. She called, "Saber! Shorty-Poo!"
Both Saber and Shorty turned to their back. The boys gasped in surprise as well.
"Rarity! Applejack!" Shorty exclaimed in surprise, "What a surprise!"
Saber nodded, "Yeah. What are you girls doing here?"
"Solve the Friendship Problem," Rarity answered happily.
Applejack nodded in agreement, "But we don't know what's the problem. But don't supposed that you know about something? You did talk with the mayor."
Shorty nodded as he took and passed the flyer to Rarity, "We certainly do. And here's the reason why we have the chat with the mayor."
Rarity hummed as she read the flyer, "Please help us restore our long-lost but beloved tradition, the Midsummer Theater Revival. There's a guest performance by a local theater troupe, the Method Mares, as well as games, food, and much, much more. This event promises to bring our Bronclyn neighbors together and restore our sense of community, but there's so much to do and we need your help."
Rarity gasped upon looking at pony who is responsible of the flyer, "Darling, this is it! The contact on the flyer is Coco Pommel!"
"Oh, right! She's the one you got a job makin' costumes for that designer friend o' yours." Applejack recalled happily.
Saber Dragoon nodded, "This must be why the map called you two here. You're here to help us and Coco to rebuild the Midsummer Theater."
Applejack hummed, "Well, I suppose it's at least worth lookin' into... that is, if we can ever get off this street corner."
With everyone nodded in agreement, they headed off in finding and meeting up with Coco Pommel.
At Coco Pommel's Apartment,
"I can't believe you found my flyer." Coco exclaimed happily while looking at her flyer, "Quite a coincidence, don't you think?"
Coco Pommel was looking at her four friends eating and drinking while chatting with her. Rarity and Coco haven't seen each other since last year.
Rarity smiled as she took a sip of tea, "Applejack and I were specifically summoned here to be of service, and you, my dear friend, are in need of help. It's no coincidence, darling. It's fate!"
Applejack gulped while just finished eating the biscuit, "This Midsummer Theater Revival - what is it, exactly?"
"An outdoor play held at the community park." Coco explained as she took her Photo Album and show it to her friends, "Many moons ago, local theater troupes would perform, and ponies in the neighborhood would help make the costumes and design set pieces, prepare food to share during the performance."
Saber whistled upon looking at the photo album, "You all do look like you're enjoying with each others' company. Kinda reminds me of my home."
Applejack nodded, "Eeyup. I felt the same way too."
Rarity smiled, "It sounds lovely, darling."
"It was, up until several moons ago." Coco said in disappointment and upset.
Everyone looked at her. She continued while pointing at the picture of yellow Earth Pony with curly and messy cyan and lighted green mane and tail worn the redglasses and dressed in her purple coat, and then rest of her in events.
She continued, "That's Charity Kindheart. She was a well-known costume designer on Bridleway. She started the Midsummer Theater Revival as a way to share her passion for theater with the neighborhood. No matter how busy she was, she always made time for the Revival."
Coco sighed in upset as she closed the book down. She stood up and approached to the balcony, "But when she moved away to be closer to her grandfillies, the neighborhood lost the special tradition she had started, and worse, the sense of community it fostered."
Everyone headed to the balcony where they saw many ponies weren't getting along with each other while shouting back and bad as well. It's really bad and not good as well.
"Nopony else stepped up to take over for Charity?" Saber asked.
"I've been trying to." Coco answered as she turned to her friends, "But I've just gotten a last-minute request to alter costumes for the cast of My Fair Filly, and I'm afraid I haven't made much progress."
"Oh... There's just so much to do to bring back the Midsummer Revival, and my flyers haven't attracted a single volunteer!"
Rarity nodded while smiled, "Say no more! You finish up your work, and by this time tomorrow, you'll be up to your mane in ponies who want to lend a hoof. Four of us will make sure of it!"
"Agree. We are here to help and restore the Midsummer Theater. You can count on us," Shorty said confidently.
"You will?" Coco asked in surprise and relief.
Applejack smiled, "You bet your boots we will!"
"Oh, I don't wear boots. I find they chafe my calves when I walk." Coco remarked in amusement.
Everyone yelped in concern. Coco actually buy the Applejack's words of expression?!
"It's just an expression." Applejack remarked.
Coco blushed in amusement and embarrassment. Everyone then laughed happily at Coco for her falling at some jokes and words of expression. Suddenly, Coco yelped a bit of pain on her stomach. They noticed and asked if she was okay or not.
Coco groaned a bit in wanting the pain go away. As if her wish come true, the pain is gone. She sighed in relief. She turned to her friends and said.
"I'm alright. Nothing to worry about."
In the morning...
Rarity, Applejack, Shorty Thinking and Saber Dragoon walked across Manehattan in passing the flyers to other ponies and getting more volunteers to help them work and rebuilt the Midsummer Theater. They went through the Main City, Main Street, Central Park, Zoo and some districts.
But unfortunately, their offer got turned down such as Newspaper Pony claimed he was too busy in selling and delivering newspaper out, Food Merchant didn't have time for it because of customers and Business Pony refused to donate to Midsummer Theater.
This isn't very good...
And for some strange reason, the mysterious Black Jack was looking at Applejack. She noticed him for few times. Was he a stalker or stranger? Why is he interested on her?
At Coco's Apartment...
"This is a nightmare!" Coco Pommel exclaimed in shock and concern. Everyone nodded in concern. She hissed in fear, "I finished the alterations for My Fair Filly, but I've barely started the costumes for the Revival, and the Method Mares are coming to the park tomorrow for a costume fitting and rehearsal!"
"Well, I could help you with the costumes." Rarity insisted.
Shorty Thinking nodded, "I will help as well. Designing the dress is like making some strategies and mathematics."
"But what are we going to do about the rest?" Coco Pommel said in concern, "The park is in desperate need of repairs, and the sets still need to be built!"
"Leave that to me. I'll do the repairs." Saber Dragoon said calmly. Coco turned and looked at him. He smiled, "Where I come from - I was a farm and builder boy before I became the soldier and the Prince."
"Well I know a thing or two about buildin' and fixin' things. It's kinda, well, my thing." Applejack added, "Could be the reason the map called me here!"
"You see, dear? We went out looking for volunteers when all the help you need is right here." Rarity said calmly. Everyone in the room nodded in agreement She continued, "The map wouldn't have chosen just Applejack and me if it was more than we could handle. And not to mention, we have some extra help. Everything is going to be just fine!"
"Perhaps I spoke too soon..." Rarity said in concern.
The ponies were looking at the landscape of Midsummer Theater. The grass were too tall and messy. Too much of flowers. The statue was rusted. And the theater looked old and about to break to pieces. This place is a mess!
"Oh, dear, you're right." Coco Pommel said in concern.
Rarity turned to Saber Dragoon, "Saber, can't you ask the mayor to help us solve this problem?"
Saber sighed, "It's not that simple, Rarity. I need the document for development or repairs from both me and the mayor approve it. And unfortunately, that was last minute to do it. We're on our own to deal with it."
Shorty nodded, "Saber's right. This isn't going to be easy."
Coco gulped in concern, "Are you sure you can manage this by yourself?"
" Well, there's a lot to do, but Rarity's right." Applejack said firmly as she looked at the park, "The map wouldn't have called us here if we weren't up for the challenge. You two go on and take care of the costumes. I'll see you at the dress rehearsal."
"I will help as well," Saber said.
Coco smiled happily to see so many friends to help. Suddenly, the pain came as she yelped in pain. She groaned and moaned painfully as she held her stomach tightly. Everyone looked at her as they asked if she was okay. All she respond is moaning and groaning in pain.
"Coco? COCO!" Everyone asked before screamed.
What happen to her?
At the hospital...
Coco Pommel was resting in her patient bed while having oxygen mask on her muzzle. Rarity, Applejack, Saber Dragoon and Shorty Thinking were worried for her. They wondered if she was alright or not. The doctor emerged from the operation room.
"Doctor! How is she? Is she gonna be fine?" Rarity asked in concern.
Doctor sighed in concern, "It's very serious case. Her symptoms is getting worse. If she had rested for a while, she wouldn't be in this."
"Is there anyway you can do for her?" Shorty asked in concern.
"No, I'm afraid not. It's beyond us to save her now," Doctor said grimly.
Applejack groaned, "There's gotta be something you can do! Isn't there anypony can help and save her? She's our friend."
"I can." The firm voice spoke.
Everyone turned as they found both Black Jack and Penny approached them. Both Applejack and Rarity gasped in surprise while Shorty Thinking and Saber Dragoon looked worry and surprise.
"You?!" Applejack asked in shock.
Black Jack continued, "Lots of patient have suffered this fate, I've deal with this before. I can handle with it."
"Really?!" Rarity asked hopefully.
"Yes. But my fee is not cheap. Are you willing to go through it?" Black Jack asked seriously. Four ponies looked shock yet concern. Shorty Thinking and Saber Dragoon looked concern as Rarity and Applejack nodded firmly. He nodded, "Very well... 10 Billion Bits for that patient's operation."
"WHAT?!" Everyone asked.
Rarity gasped, "You... You can't be serious!"
"We can't pay that much!" Applejack said in concern.
"Money is cheaper than the pony's life," Black Jack said sternly, "If you won't pay, then I will not bother to save her."
"Why you?!" Saber exclaimed in anger.
Shorty held Saber still as the last thing he want was his best friend picked a wrong fight. They both watched and looked at Applejack and Rarity's looks and thinking. The girls looked at each other for the moment before they nodded.
"Alright, we'll pay," Rarity said firmly.
Applejack nodded, "We'll get the bits to pay! Promised. But you have your own word to keep. Save her now!"
"It's a deal," Black Jack nodded, "I will guarantee her safety. I promised. Begin the Operation!"
Penny giggled as she saluted, "Aye-aye captain!"
Black Jack, Penny and the doctor entered the surgeon room at once. They begin the operation in saving her life. The rest headed off at once. They not only need to fix and repair Midsummer Theater but also earned enough money for Coco's payment as well.
"Applejack, are you sure?" Saber asked in concern.
"I don't know," Applejack admitted, "But something tells me that I should trust him. We need to earn some bits by fixing the Midsummer Theater and gain some donation as well."
At Midsummer Theater, both Applejack and Saber Dragoon began working on removing the plants and repairing the theater.
Saber Dragoon was pulling the weeds and flowers out from the ground but too many of them for him to get rid of. Applejack was cutting grass which tired her a lot. Her hat got caught by the branch before it fell down. As she continue cutting the grasses, it caught something into it. She stopped as she looked down and found her hat was torn and in bad shape.
Saber Dragoon continued pulling the weed out but got pushed straight to the statue. As it was about to fall, Saber quickly rolled over to the side. Applejack decided to take a break as she placed her hat on bench. It broke down. Her hat fell on the ground.
Saber Dragoon and Applejack have finished clearing all the grasses and flowers as well as repairing the damages on park. They began repairing the stages now. They were now painting the walls. Rarity and Shorty Thinking have arrived with the prepared sets of clothes. Applejack and Saber Dragoon noticed them.
"I know it looks bad, but I'm movin' as fast as I can." Applejack said in concern.
Rarity smiled, "Don't worry, we've still got plenty of time. Everything's going to be--"
"Um, excuse me?" The voice asked.
Everyone turned and found four Earth Ponies standing on the hill - one was lighted green Earth Pony stallion with short mane and tail dressed in his coat and worn sunglasses, second was the pink Earth Pony mare with dark navy mane and tail dressed in her cyan shirt and worn the French Hat, third was an orange with funky purple mane dressed in his dark gray shirt and finally a purple Earth Pony with pinkish mane worn black-white striped shirt, sunglasses and black hat. The actors have arrived.
"Is this where the Midsummer Theater Revival is supposed to be, perchance?" Method Stallion asked.
Method Mare nodded, "We're here for the dress rehearsal?"
Shorty sighed calmly before approaching the clothes hanger wheels, "Right here! We've just put the finishing touches on the costumes."
Method Mare approached to the clothes hanger wheels while hummed and looking at the clothes. She turned to Shorty Thinking.
"We'll do a dry run of the play first, and then the fitting."
Method Mare approached to the stage as she climbed up. Applejack gasped in concern.
"No, wait! I haven't gotten a chance to--"
As Method Mare sat hoof on the stage, it started shaken like it was about to crumble and fall! Saber Dragoon quickly jumped and pushed her out before it collapsed! Everyone gasped in shock and concern.
Method Mare was safe but Saber Dragoon - he was safe as well. But for Midsummer Theater - it was ruined and messed.
At the hospital's surgery chamber, Black Jack and the surgeons began operating on Coco Pommel on the patient's bed. They have to cure sickness now.
"Scalpel," Black Jack ordered. The surgeon passed the scalpel to him. He began cutting Coco's body in finding the symptoms. He then ordered, "Drain."
Two surgeons inserting the drain into Coco's blood vessels in making sure her heart beating and stayed alive. Black Jack began search and looked for the cause of it.
"Pulse?" Black Jack asked.
The surgeon reported that Coco's blood pressure is 76 and stable. Black Jack continued in finding and removing the symptoms at once, as well as changing surgery tools from affecting bacteria on Coco's body. The surgeons awed and commented in amazement about how fast and good Black Jack is.
After three hours have passed, Black Jack has removed all of symptoms within Coco Pummel. He placed all the tools on the watery pod.
"Thoracic structure is complete," Black Jack concluded.
"Both blood pressure and heart rate are normal," The surgeon reported, "Operation is success."
Surgeons gave the applause for Black Jack in able to save the live of Coco Pommel.
Black Jack sighed as he removed the mask, "I appreciate the staff's help. Now it's up to you and your friends, Applejack to fulfill Coco's dream."
An hour later...
Coco Pommel was resting at patient's room. Black Jack explained and reported to her of what happened. He then left the room. Applejack and her friends returned and told her of what happened. Coco was heartbroken and upset to hear.
Coco sighed, "I just wanted to live up to Charity's example, to bring my neighborhood together again. But the park is still a mess, we haven't even thought about what refreshments to serve during the performance, and even if we had, we don't have a stage for the Method Mares to perform on! It's hopeless..." She broke down in tear as she looked down, "Just hopeless!"
Everyone felt sorry for Coco Pommel. They did everything they can to help her in making her dream come true. But it still wasn't enough.
Rarity, Applejack, Shorty Thinking and Saber Dragoon have their own discussion and away from Coco Pommel. They don't want to upset her again.
"I don't understand. The map summoned us here to solve a friendship problem. We've clearly found it," Rarity said in concern, "but why did it send the two of us? Why not Twilight? I'm sure she could have used her magic to transform this park in an instant!"
Applejack sighed, "I've been thinkin' the same thing. I mean, I can at least see why you're here - Coco's your friend, and you have an eye for costumes and all - but me? I was never gonna be able to finish a project this big. And not to mention, we still need to pay the fee to that Black Jack."
"I'm pretty sure there's the reason behind it," Saber Dragoon said calmly, "After all, Cutie Map decides who go and help the unfortunate souls in dealing with the struggles."
Shorty Thinking nodded, "I agree. You can't give up now. And don't worry about the fee, I'm sure we'll get our lords cover that up."
Rarity dramatically exclaimed, "We'll return to Ponyville as failures! Why must this be, Applejack? Why? Why?! Wh--"
Applejack placed her hoof on Rarity's mouth, "Now hold on there. I'm not suggestin' we pack up and go home."
"Then what are you suggesting?" Rarity pushed Applejack's hoof aside.
"I'm suggestin' we stop worryin' about what we can't do and start doing what we can." Applejack said firmly.
"Sounds like a true spirit of Apple Family," The voice commented happily. Everyone turned to their back as they found Black Jack leaned on the walls, along with Penny. They both entered. He continued, "Think big but start with small. Make it best."
"Black Jack..." Applejack said in surprise, "Why did you help me? I still haven't pay you back."
Black Jack smiled, "Don't worry about the bill. I'm sure you'll get it down. Besides, the patient needs to know this, Applejack."
Rarity, Saber Dragoon and Shorty Thinking were surprised that Black Jack knew about Applejack. As much as she wanted to know, she has to deal with crisis first. She approached Coco Pommel on her patient bed now.
"I think I've got a plan. It won't be anythin' big or fancy, but it'll be somethin'." Applejack explained to Coco, "And somethin's gotta be better than nothin', right?"
Everyone nodded in agreement with Applejack's plan. They can still do it! They can still save and revive the Midsummer Theater!
Coco hummed, "I suppose so..."
"That's the spirit!" Penny exclaimed happily. She stopped and hummed in concern, "Sorta..."
Black Jack smiled, "Then, let's get started."
Late Evening Time at Midsummer Theater...
Applejack, Black Jack and Saber Dragoon were building the new stage outside of park's entrance. They just finished building it up. Rarity, Shorty Thinking, Penny and Coco Pommel who was sitting on her wheelchair were near to the stage.
Saber whistled, "Didn't you were good at carpentering and building?"
"There're lots of things you don't know about me," Black Jack said calmly, "Carpentering is same as surgery. Nothing different."
"Alright, y'all, it's ready!" Applejack reported happily.
Rarity and her friends smiled in relief. Applejack, Black Jack and Saber Dragoon climbed down and sat close to their friends. It is time...
Emerged from curtains, Method Stallion asked, "Should we go ahead and start?"
Coco Pommel smiled and nodded for Method Stallion and his friends to begin his act. He went back in as the curtains unfolded.
ACT 1 - Charity Kindheart's Chance - the scene started with Method Stallion acted as boss while Method Mate acted as Charity Kindheart entered the scene with her hanging clothes wheel.
Method Mare as Charity Kindheart: Excuse me. I'm Charity Kindheart. I'm here about the open design position. I brought some samples of my work. I'm sorry I'm late. I had the hardest time finding my way here.
Method Mare as Charity Kindheart torn up: I just moved here, and I keep getting mixed up by the street names! I had a map, but I dropped it in a puddle, which only made the street names harder to read!
Method Stallion as Boss: I see.
Method Stallion 2 as Receptionist: Excuse me, but your next appointment is here.
Method Stallion as Boss: Alright. Send him in. [to Charity Kindheart] I'm sorry, but based on these samples, I just don't think this is the place for you.
Method Mare as Charity Kindheart gasped dramatically.
Method Mare as Boss: Don't get me wrong. These clothes are all exquisite and well-made, but more theatrical than avant-garde. Have you considered costume design? I have a contact on Bridleway! If you're interested, I can put you in touch with him. ...And scene.
As the curtains closed down, Rarity and her friends heard some muttering and chatting. They turned to their back. They found some more ponies stopped and approached to the stage. They all sat down as they watched the show. It's working! The ponies are coming to Midsummer Theater!
As the curtains unfolded, the scene: Method Mare 2 acted as an aged Mrs. Pearblossom feeding the birds. Charity Kindheart entered the scene with the wagon of donated items. ACT 2 - Meeting Old Friends.
Method Mare 2 as Mrs. Pearblossom: Charity, dear, is that you?
Method Mare as Charity Kindheart: Hello, Mrs. Pearblossom! I didn't see--oops!
Clothes fell on the floor. The ponies awed in concern.
Method Mare 2 as Mrs. Pearblossom: Oh, let me help you, dear. [Helped picking the clothes up.] Are these the costumes you've been working on?
Method Mare as Charity Kindheart: Yes, I was supposed to be finished by now, but there's just so much to do, and I still have a few last-minute alterations to make before opening night! [Sighed] I'm sorry I couldn't get enough tickets for everypony in the neighborhood. I hope Mr. Pearblossom wasn't too disappointed. I know Trotter on the Roof is one of his favorites.
Method Mare 2 as Mrs Pearblossom: Oh, my dear filly, don't worry about that. We're so proud of you. We shall be with you in spirit!
Method Mare as Charity Kindheart: Thank you! You've all made me feel so welcome here and have become like family to me! I just wish I could share this experience with you and the others!
More ponies come and join in watching the show. As the sun setting, they did not leave but to watch it. The show was good for them.
ACT 3 - Charity's Inspiration - Charity Kindheart continued sewing the clothes while chatting with Mrs. Pearlblossom.
Method Mare 2 as Mrs Pearblossom: So nice of you to put on this play for the neighborhood.
Method Mare as Charity Kindheart: I couldn't have done it without everypony's help! I know it's not Bridleway, but--
Method Mare 2 as Mrs. Pearblossom: Oh, pish-tosh! It's perfect, dear!
As the scene almost reached to the end, four method ponies bowed before the crowds. The audience cheered and gave the round of applause for not only the amazing acts of method mares but also the story and morality behind it. Manehattan Ponies started becoming more friendlier and kindhearted to each other again after watching Midsummer Theater Revival show.
Coco Pommel blushed in surprise yet happy while sniffed yet broke down in tears of joy. Her friends smiled in approval and agreement. Her dream is coming true. She finally fulfill Charity's Midsummer Theater Revival.
An old pony Pearly Stitch sniffed, "This is so nice. Haven't seen the neighborhood this friendly since Charity moved away!"
Method Stallion smiled, "Thank you, fillies and gentlecolts. Please give a warm welcome to the one who made this entire event possible - our neighbor Coco Pommel!"
The crowds turned to Coco Pommel as they cheered happily and clapped their hooves. Both Rarity and Applejack helped and moved Coco to the stage. She then began making the speech.
Coco Pommel cleared her throat, "Thank you all so much for coming. The Midsummer Theater Revival was always something that meant so much to me, and it seems it means quite a lot to all of you as well. I really can't take all the credit, though. My dear friends Rarity, Applejack, Saber Dragoon and Shorty Thinking helped me ever so much. And even the legendary doctor - Dr. Black Jack"
Applejack and Rarity bowed. Shorty Thinking and Saber Dragoon climbed as they waved to the crowds. Black Jack remained silent while watching the event. Penny screamed wildly and happily. Audience cheered wildly and happily while clapping their hooves. The speech was truly amazing and inspirational.
"Oh, darling, please, it was just a few costumes." Rarity remarked.
"Aw, shucks, I just happen to be good with a hammer is all." Applejack admitted, "To be honest, we had much bigger plans to start. When those fell through, we decided to simplify. This here was the result."
"Oh, don't be so modest. We were lost." Rarity admitted.
Coco Pommel smiled as she gave the wink to Rarity, "You bet your boots we were!"
Applejack smiled happily as she gave the wink to Mystic Ponies. They winked back to her as well.
After the show, everyone that involved at Midsummer Theater chatted happily with each other as well as being friendly and nice. Applejack, Rarity, Saber Dragoon, Shorty Thinking, Black Jack and Penny watched the event. Both Neighbor Pony and Business Pony approached to the group.
Neighbor Mare Pony smiled, "We just wanted to say how much we enjoyed the Midsummer Theater Revival and how much it inspired us!"
"I used to think that to help my community I had to do something big. Heh-heh. And let's face it -" Business Pony admitted, "in this day and age, who has the time for such a commitment? But here, you did something as simple as building a stage and putting on a play and, heh, look at how it's brought everypony together."
Neighbor Mare Pony smiled, "I saw Coco's flyers for volunteers but didn't think anything I'd have time to do would be that useful. Now I wish I'd offered to help, even if it was just pulling a few weeds or planting a few flowers."
"Not sure if you noticed, but the park is far from bein' fixed up. I imagine if you look around," Applejack said as she looked at the ruined stage, "you'll find there's lots of little ways for you to get involved in changin' this place for the better."
Both Neighbor and Business Pony smiled proudly, "We will!"
Both Neighbor and Business Ponies trotted off. A sudden glowing and ringing loud attract the ponies attention.
Both Applejack and Rarity turned and looked at their flanks. They found their Cutie Marks were glowing. Rarity and Applejack laughed happily as they hugged each other. Saber Dragoon, Shorty Thinking, Black Jack and Penny smiled. Mission Completed!
Applejack exclaimed, "We did it!"
"You bet we did," Saber Dragoon said happily.
"I understand now! It all makes perfect sense! I know why the map called you here." Rarity said in surprise. Everyone looked at her. She smiled as she explained,
"If Twilight had used her magic to fix the park, it wouldn't have fixed the real problem, which is that these Manehattan ponies didn't think they had time to do something for their community! But by building that stage and making sure the play went on, you showed them that just by doing something small, you can make a big difference!"
Shorty Thinking hummed calmly, "She's right. Even if Saber or me created the document with the mayor, it makes no difference here."
Applejack remarked in surprise, "Well, I'll be!"
"Seems you have more in common with the Manehattan ponies than you thought!" Saber remarked in surprise.
"Indeed she is," Black Jack smiled. Everyone looked at her. He continued, "Her parents would be very proud of her."
"Thanks... But for the payment," Applejack said in concern. Everyone looked at her as they wondered what she will said. She continued, "I'm sorry I couldn't pay in time. But if I work hard and earn much, I will pay that back."
Black Jack hummed for the moment before he smiled mysterious, "I think you've already paid me."
"What?"
"You heard me. It's done. You've shown the Manehattan the most importance of charity, cherish and hardworking. Everyone finally opened their eyes and understand the morality. And now, Midsummer Theater is going to be rebuild."
"I... I... I don't know what to say, Dr. Black Jack."
Black Jack smiled as he opened the case. He lifted the familiar yet similar to Applejack's hat except it has a familiar signature to her. The cowgirl gasped in surprise of looking at it. He removed the old hat and held the new one before her. Everyone were confused and surprised of Black Jack's gift.
Black Jack smiled, "Just say thank you, Applejack."
"Thanks..." Applejack said in surprise as she took the hat. She looked at the signature carefully ass she was surprise and shock. She looked at Black Jack again, "Where- Where did you get that hat? It has my pop's signature..."
Black Jack smiled mysterious as he began walking pass Applejack, "An old friend give me that as the token of friendship. Allow me to return it to you as the token of memoir. You remember me as KT, don't you, AJ?"
"KT?" Applejack asked in surprise.
Black Jack walked away from the park. Penny went after him at once.
"Hey, doc? What was that? How did you know about Applejack and her friends," Penny asked curiously, "Why did you give her that same hat as hers?"
Black Jack smiled, "That hat belongs to Applejack's father. He gave me as token of friendship. And now, I returned it to the owner as her only treasure and memoir of her father. She grown up well. I watched her from far."
Penny gasped in shock as she exclaimed while pressed her hooves on both sides of her cheeks, "Achabaniken (Ohmigewdness)!!!"
"Come on, let's get going," Black Jack said.
Applejack and her friends watched Black Jack and Penny walking across the downtown.
"I know Black Jack is unlicensed and strange doctor but," Saber Dragoon said in concern and worry, "But what was that?"
"Unlicensed?!" Rarity asked in surprise.
Shorty nodded, "Yes... He was licensed 1,000 years ago but got revoked for gambit in saving the patient's life. It was risky and dangerous bet he played but he saved the lives countless times. Some said he's a money grubber and thief. Others claimed him to be a deceptive doctor. But most claimed him the 'Miraculous Doctor'. That is why he was called as 'Black Jack' for gambit the impossible odds yet saved the lives."
"Hmm... That was truly mysterious of him yet he was so generous and respected as well," Rarity commented, "Though how does he know about Applejack? How does he know about her family?"
"Beats me," Saber Dragoon shrugged, "That's really mystery for me to figure things out. Mystic Ponies have undisclosed the classification files about him because they relied him for emergency situation. I can't even solve a history about him."
Shorty Thinking smiled a bit, "I guess things are meant to be mysterious and never to be solved."
Applejack continued watched the direction Black Jack and Penny have walked to. As she looked at her hat for the moment, she smiled a bit as if she remembered something. Applejack recalled the event when her parents were alive and she was 6-years-old.
Flashback:
Some years ago when Applejack was 6-years-old...
Applejack and her parents were meeting their old friend dressed in his doctor's uniform at the Manehattan Hospital's rooftop. As the parents and mysterious stallion were chatting with each other, Applejack and Winona were playing a tag together. As Winona ran across the hanger stand's several white sheets, Applejack got tangled and wrapped by them. The cowgirl couldn't see where she was going.
As she reached to the broken yet not repaired barrier's edge hard, it broke and fell off. Applejack screamed in fear as she fell over it while still tangled by the white sheet. But it was caught in time. Applejack whined and screamed in fear upon looking at the ground which it was too high and far for her to look.
"Don't be afraid! Look at me!" The voice called. Applejack turned and looked at the mysterious stallion as he pulled the sheet up slowly yet quick and hard. He grunted, "Don't worry. Hold on! 'I'm not afraid, I'm strong!' Keep telling yourself."
Applejack gulped as she muttered, "I'm not afraid, I'm strong! I'm not afraid, I'm strong! I'm not afraid, I'm strong!"
The mysterious stallion smiled, "That's it! Keep it up!"
As the mysterious stallion continued pulling the sheet up while Applejack muttered quickly, she was reached to the top safely.
"APPLEJACK!"
Both Applejack's Parents cried in fear and despair as they galloped and hugged Applejack tightly and passionately. Winona whined in fear as she nuzzled Applejack's muzzle. They broke down in tears of despair yet relief to see Applejack was safe from. They were so worried for her. She turned and looked at the mysterious stallion smiled at her.
Applejack's Father turned and looked at the mysterious stallion. He sniffed, "Thank you so much, Kuro Tezuka."
Kuro shook his head, "Just call me Black Jack."
"To us, you are Kuro Tezuka," Applejack's Mother said calmly while hugging Applejack.
Applejack's Father nodded as he passed his hat to Black Jack, "Take this for saving my girl. Token of Friendship."
Black Jack was against the idea in taking someone's treasure. But upon looking at his friends' generous and pleaded looks as well as Applejack, he smiled a bit. He took the hat before putting it on his head.
"I'll treasure it to the end, old friend."
Flashback Ends:
Applejack sighed happily as she finally knows who is Black Jack and how does he knows about her and her family. She put her new or father's hat on her head while looking at the moon.
"I guess things are not meant to be solved. It's for the best," Applejack smiled, "Isn't it, Mr. Kuro Tezuka?"
Everyone looked at Applejack as they wondered what she was talking about.
Applejack smiled as she turned and walked, "I'd sure like to head back to Ponyville on the next train. I want to check in with Apple Bloom and find out how the Sisterhooves Social turned out."
"Absolutely," Rarity agreed, "Let's go and get some rest. Tomorrow, we're going home." END
Review and Suggest...
Main Casts:
Ashleigh Ball: Applejack, Neighbor Mare, Applejack's Mother
Tabitha St Germain: Rarity, Method Mare #2,
Cathy Weseluck: Coco Pommel, Spike
Will Friedle: Saber Dragoon
Skip Stellrecht: Shorty Thinking
Freddie Prinze Jr.: Black Jack
Cathy Cavidini: Penny
Minor Casts:
Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle
Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon
Jess McCartney: Lance Justicestrike
Kira Tozer: Nyx
Andrea Libman: Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Method Mare, Elderly Pony
Mark Oliver: Applejack's Father, Method Stallion, Street Merchant
Colin Murdoch: Business Pony, Method Stallion #2, Doctor, Surgeon |
My Little Pony Mystic Season 1 | Episode 16.5: The Kingdom of the Apes | After Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie learned the location of Friendship Problem, they set their course off to Western Dragon Kingdom - home of benevolent and peaceful ponies and creatures and Ape Nation - kingdom of all apes. Whatever they may find at that place, they'd better be prepared for the mission.
For three hours have passed, the train reached to the station which located at the rice fields and some villages and hometown. Ponies emerged and came down the train, including Fluttershy and Pinkie.
As soon as two heroines exited the train station, they stopped for the moment. They witnessed the landscape of Western Dragon Kingdom - large fields of rice and vegetables, farmland, villages and hometowns. They even saw farmers and workers working with deer, buffalo and dragons together as one. They awed in amazement.
"Wow... Now this is what we called 'peaceful' town!" Pinkie remarked happily. She looked around the farmland as well as the ponies. She smiled, "Now this is what we called the real smile, unlike Starlight Glimmer's old home."
Fluttershy nodded, "Indeed, it is. So, how do we find the Friendship Problem?"
"I have no idea! Cool words from Twilight in first movie of Equestria Girls!"
"Oh, Pinkie... You are so random..." Fluttershy commented. She then spotted two greenish armored Western Guards. She said, "Maybe the guards can take us to the Benevolent Palace. We can ask Saber Dragoon or the Emperor himself about it."
"Great idea!" Pinkie exclaimed happily, "Come on!"
Fluttershy and Pinkie approached to the Western Guards as they were here to find Saber Dragoon or Emperor Virtue Dragon from Benevolent Palace. The Guards were surprise and shock to hear. They quickly prepare the carriage for Fluttershy and Pinkie. The Guards held the carriage's shoulder holder. They all headed straight for Benevolent Palace.
The Guards were galloping across the road to the Benevolent Palace.
"Your grace! It is an honor to have you both here in our kingdom," Western Guard #1 said happily.
Western Guard #2 nodded, "Yes. We have heard about your tale and adventure. They were truly amazing and inspiring! So, you are here to solve the Friendship Problem just as you did for Hometown, Griffonstone and Imperial Phoenix Kingdom from Northern Ma?"
"Well, when you put that way," Pinkie said in puzzle before smiled, "Yes! That's what we're going to do here."
Fluttershy sighed, "We still have no idea what is the problem here."
Western Guard #1 smiled, "I'm pretty sure that there wasn't a problem here. You have nothing to worry."
SWOOP! Western Guards yelped in shock as they stopped at once. They spotted arrow struck on the ground. Both Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie looked concern and worry of what they just saw.
Western Guard #2 gulped as he chuckled a bit, "Maybe... A little problem..."
Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie looked at each other for the moment. They know what they have to do, even though they're not strong and fast (well, just Fluttershy) as Applejack or Rainbow Dash, or even smart and magical as Twilight Sparkle.
"Can you take us to where that arrow came from?" Fluttershy asked politely.
Both Western Guards gasped in surprise. They looked at each other as they wondered. Are they willing to lead the girls to the battlefield?!
Western Guards held and carried the carriage all the way to the Benevolent Palace's Fortress Walls. They all stopped at once. Fluttershy and Pinkie gasped in shock as they saw more of Western Dragon Kingdom army were reinforcing the castle walls and entrance. Western Ma was under attacked!
Most of Buffalo Warriors held the entrance door with their mighty and tight strengths from letting it breached and rammed. Western Dragon Guards were on the towers or castle walls as they all armed and aimed their Ballistas, Arbalests and Catapults in firing at the invaders. Western Ponies were armed with their weapons. Some climbed to the castle walls in preparing their archery, rifles and stones to throw. Others charged through the secret entrance to outside in helping and defending against the invaders.
Pinkie and Fluttershy climbed up the stairs to the castle walls. They wanted to see and know what is going on.
They gasped in surprise as they witnessed the large army of different kinds of Apes attacking and invading the Western Ma. Western Dragon Kingdom were battling against the Ape Nation Invaders from entering and attacking Western Ma.
Fluttershy gasped, "What in the world-?!"
"Oh my goodness!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed in shock, "Are those monkeys, gorillas, baboons, chimpanzees, Orangutan and more monkeys?!"
"I think it is. But why would the Apes attacked Western Dragon Kingdom?! I thought they were friends!"
"I don't know. But if we don't help our friends now, there's no telling what those monkeys will do with Western Dragon Kingdom!! If our friends are gone, there's no telling what the monkeys will do next!?! They could be stealing all of our bananas!"
Fluttershy sighed, "You're right. We've got to help our friends now! I hate doing this!"
Pinkie patted Fluttershy's back, "Me too. Come on! We've got to help them now!"
Pinkie and Fluttershy armed with their weapons and readied themselves in assisting and helping Equestria's Allies at once. They have to make sure that Western Dragon Kingdom won't fall or be defeated by the Ape Nation.
Both Western Dragon Kingdom and Ape Nation fought bravely and ferociously in winning the battle.
Veteran Shot the old yellow Earth Pony with white long bear and small mane and tail dressed in his yellowish robe with dragon green armor firing his arrows at his enemies while ordered the archers and rifle units in firing their arrows and blasters at the Ape Nation Invaders. The old veteran general dodged and avoided the arrows while taking the aim and fired his arrows straight at the Apes from infantry units, riders unit, climbing units on ladder, arsenal units and even workers accurately and quick.
Dragonspear and Justice Tackle the yellowish dragon armored white Pegasus were riding their white Fury and Speed Dragons in leading their Western Dragon Military Army against their enemies. Dragonspear swung his Dragoon Spear in slashing, knocking and defeating the Ape Nation Army while deflecting the arrows to pieces and blocking the monkeys' attacks. Justice Tackle unleashed his powerful Dragon Raid in charging and raiding across the large numbers of Ape Nation Army to pieces.
Western Dragon Kingdom fought bravely in defending their homes from the invaders. Ponies punched and kicked their enemies off or even used spears, swords, pikes and shields in beating them. Humanoid Dragons used their weapons in beating them while wild ones charged, rammed and bitten the invaders to pieces. Buffalo just rammed, charged and knocked the Ape Nation Invaders to pieces.
Ape Nation Invaders fought fiercely and ferociously in defeating Western Dragon Kingdom to pieces. Baboons, Mandrills and various small types of monkeys went wild in punching and scratching and even stabbing with their daggers on their enemies. Gorilla and large ones roared wildly as they punched, rammed, slammed and ripped them apart. Chimpanzees and various monkeys used their swords, spears and pikes in battling their enemies while blocking them off with their shields.
As Ape Nation and Western Dragon Kingdom continued battling with each other, Fluttershy and Pinkie joined the battlefield in assisting their allies. Veteran Shot, Dragonspear and Justice Tackle noticed it as they decided to ask later and worked together with them to defeat the invaders.
Pinkie used her Party Canon in blasting and knocking most of Ape Nation out in accurate speed while dodging and avoiding them catching or attacking her quickly as well. Fluttershy used her Animal Ruby in defeating Ape Nation by Elephant's Spirit in ramming and knocking them off, Monkey's spirit in dodging and avoiding the attacks, Cheetah's Spirit in running and raiding across them out, Armadillo's Spirit in rolling and charging in knocking them out, Bat's Spirit in unleashing powerful Sonic Wave at them and Mantis's Spirit in using her Twin Uppercut Attacks on them.
Western Dragon Kingdom were pushing Ape Nation back. They're winning the battle!
Chimpanzee General growled, "We've been overwhelmed! RETREAT!"
Ape Nation screeched and roared in fear and shock as they all turned and escaped. They all headed straight to the Southern Jungle before they lose their army and get killed by their enemies. Western Dragon Kingdom cheered wildly and happily as they have won the battlefield!
"Woohoo! We did it!" Pinkie exclaimed happily.
"For now, they'll be back," Dragonspear said in concern. Both Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie looked concern and horrified of what they just heard. He turned to them both as he smiled, "But we are relief to have reinforcement from you. I am Dragonspear - one of Five Dragon Generals. These two are old pony General Veteran Shot and raider General Justice Tackle."
"Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie! This here is Fluttershy," Pinkie explained happily.
Fluttershy nodded while smiling, "Can you explain to us of what really happen here?"
Dragonspear sighed, "Yes... But not here, let's return to the palace at once. Emperor Virtue Dragon needs to hear this."
Dragonspear and the main army returned to the Benevolent Palace at once. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie followed them at once. They're about to get the answers very soon.
At the shadowy of jungle, the hooded pony watched the event while smiling darkly.
"Good... They're here. Both will be mine to collect for Qin Wang Di's resurrection. And this time, it will not be the same as last time. I am more prepared than before..."
Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie followed Dragonspear, Veteran Shot and Justice Tackle all the way to Benevolent Palace's Throne Chamber with the theme of golden Chinese Dragon and Chinese style. The girls saw and met the rest of military officers from left and advisors from right while the green Unicorn with black shortened yet sharp twin mustache and beard dressed in his white robe while his mane was pin by the Prime Minister's crown while holding his Feather Fan stood besides the Emperor's seat.
As Dragonspear and his team returned to military side, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie stood still before the Emperor and Founder of Western Dragon Kingdom - a young lighted brown Earth Pony with the black mane in bun shape and short tail dressed in his dark green Imperial Dragon Armor and his Cutie Mark is Golden Dragon Symbol with twin blades.
Dragonspear cleared his throat, "Presenting to the Emperor of Western Ma - Emperor Virtue Dragon and Prime Minister Skysoar Intellect!"
Western Dragon Kingdom Officers and Advisors bowed down before the Emperor and Prime Minister of Western Ma. Fluttershy followed as well.
"Hey there!" Pinkie greeted happily.
Everyone but the Emperor and Prime Minister gasped in shock and concern. She cannot do that!
"Pinkie Pie! Show some respect!" Fluttershy scolded Pinkie.
"It's okay... I'm sure that not all ponies are lucky to have the rulers or monarch on their home," Virtue Dragon said calmly. Everyone within Military Army sighed. He continued, "You must be Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy from Ponyville? It is an honor to meet you in pony."
Fluttershy bowed, "We are honored as well, your highness."
"So, my new friends," Skysoar spoke up as he questioned firmly and calmly, "What brings you here? I'm sure you did not come here for vacation."
Pinkie Pie giggled, "Right again! The Map called us to come here and solve the Friendship Problems."
Everyone within the Throne Chamber chatted and muttered in concern and surprise of what they just heard. Their kingdom has some Friendship Problem?
"And I think that fighting with the Ape Nation could be the answer," Fluttershy said in concern, "What was that about? Why do they attacked you?"
Everyone within the chamber were in concern and scared. They wondered if they should tell Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie of what really happens.
Skysoar sighed, "We don't know why. All we know is that we have received some threaten messages from our allied monkeys - if we do not return their sacred artifact to them, then they will not stop until all of us are destroyed and sought it out."
"What artifact would that be?" Pinkie asked in concern.
Skysoar shook his head, "I wish we knew."
"Because we did not return their artifact or didn't realize that we have one," Dragonspear continued, "Ape Nation attacked and invaded our home for nearly two weeks."
"Indeed... We are lucky enough to hold and repelled the invasion with everything we've got," Justice Tackle said in concern, "But the fight with the monkey isn't over yet."
Veteran Shot nodded, "These monkeys are very relentless and crazy. They will do what they can to get inside and defeat all of us. They will get their 'artifact' by means of necessary."
Both Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie gulped in concern of what they just heard.
"Oh my gosh... That's terrible..." Fluttershy said in concern.
Virtue Dragon sighed, "Yes... I don't understand why and how could they attacked us. I'd never want to fight my own allied nation because they're my friends and brothers-in-arms. They're very important to me and this kingdom."
Pinkie Pie nodded, "That's cruel and meanie too! The Monkeys can't do that! I'm sure this is just a big misunderstanding! Somepony or monkey from their home was just playing the prank."
"You maybe onto something," Skysoar said in concern, "This could be the enemy's plot in separating our alliance apart. They know our strength and weaknesses. They want to destroy it and let our own allies to defeat and destroy us."
Dragonspear hissed, "This isn't good..."
"We cannot let that happen!" Justice Tackle exclaimed while stomped his front feet down hard.
"I agreed, lad. Neither us nor our allies will be destroyed," Veteran Shot agreed, "But how are we going to stop this from happening?"
"Have you try to talk with them?" Fluttershy asked.
Pinkie nodded happily, "Yeah. Talking with new ponies help us know the problem. After all, you and the Apes were friends once, right? That means you still can chat."
Skysoar hummed, "Yes. It's a good plan. We did plan to negotiate with the Apes but we did not have time because of the invasion. Now the Apes have retreated to the Southern. We now have the chance."
"I still think it's dangerous and risky," Veteran Shot said in concern, "The Southern Jungle terrain is very dangerous and tricky when it comes to the Apes especially the today's weather. It's gonna be very hot, mate."
"And not to mention, we have the Barbarian King to deal with. He is the leader of the Ape Nation. Defeating and capturing him won't be easy." Justice Tackle said in concern.
Dragonspear shook his head, "Do not be feared of what we cannot do. Prime Minister and I have been that terrain from many moons ago. We have defeated the Barbarian King's Ancestor and his tactics for seven times. We have overcame the obstacles before, then we can do it again."
"Yes, Dragonspear is right. We still have the chance to reach the Barbarian King." Skysour said thoughtfully. He turned to Virtue Dragon, "My lord! We must move out now. This is our chance."
Virtue Dragon stood up as he shown his firm and fierce face, "I agreed. Dragonspear shall be Grand Commander of the Force. Justice Tackle and Veteran Shot shall be the Generals of Right and Left Army. Rogue and Sparkler Shield shall be my bodyguards. Skysour is not only my advisor but also consultant. I shall lead the force. Our objective is simple - find and capture Barbarian King. We must not bring bloodshed to his monkeys. They're the essential to our forces."
"Understood!" Western Dragon Kingdom army exclaimed and bowed down.
Virtue Dragon sighed a bit before shown his firm again. "Prepare the army! We march at once!"
Pinkie and Fluttershy have their own private chats now about the mission.
"Do you think this is Friendship Problem?" Fluttershy asked.
Pinkie shrugged, "Well... It's the only thing we found so far. After all, I'm pretty sure it's just misunderstanding problem."
Fluttershy sighed, "I hope so... But why do I get the feeling that this isn't misunderstanding problem?"
An hour later...
Western Dragon Kingdom have prepared the army for not only invasion but also trying to find and capture Barbarian King from launching the invasion on Western Ma as well as understanding the problems behind 'Artifact Stolen'.
The army is up to 10,000 Army of Ponies, Dragons and Water Buffalo. Virtue Dragon is now the Leader of the Army while Dragonspear acted as the Grand Commander, Veteran Shot and Justice Tackle acted as the Generals of Right and Left Flank, the brown Unicorn with crimson spiky mane and short tail while his Cutie Mark is Broadsword - Rogue and a young lighted green Pegasus with shorty black gentle mane and tail and her Cutie Mark is sparkling shield - Sparkle Shield as the bodyguards and finally Skysour Intellect acted as the advisor and consultant of the campaign. They're all ready to enter the Southern Jungle.
Pinkie and Fluttershy joined the campaign as well. They believed that they can provide the aid and assistance in restoring the alliance between Ape Nation and Western Dragon Kingdom.
Fluttershy noticed Virtue Dragon talking with Blade Dragoon the crimson Unicorn with black long mane, mustache and beard and tail worn the greenish robe with golden dragon armor and headwear and Warpath Temper the dark brown Pegasus with black short spiky mane and tail and black mustache and beard worn the greenish General Armor.
Warpath Temper looked at Sparkle Shield, "Sparkly, just make sure that you're safe from danger. And whatever happens, look after your uncle lord. He's important family."
"I won't let you down, father," Sparkle Shield said firmly.
Blade Dragoon looked at Rogue, "My son... Do your best to protect our lord. And no matter what happens, you mustn't be defeated. I know you are strong and determined warrior."
Rogue nodded firmly, "Yes, father. You can count on me."
Both Rogue and Sparkle Shield turned and faced to the front as they mounted their Dragon Rides. They both headed to the front at once.
"Ever been to jungle before, Sparkle? I heard it's quite tropical and awesome," Rogue said happily.
Sparkle shook her head a bit, "No, Rogue. I'd never been there before. But I would like to try it. I heard they have various animals especially a giant mammal creature."
Rogue whistled, "Can't wait to try one from Ape Nation if we can end their invasion for good."
"Are you sure you can do it?" Warpath Temper asked in concern, "Going to the jungle sound dangerous. You could need some backup."
"Indeed. Thought Dragonspear and Master Skysour have been the jungle," Blade Dragoon said in concern, "you however are ready for this terrain. I feared for your safety, brother."
"Your concerns is noted. But as the Emperor of Western Dragon Kingdom, it is my duty to protect and keep everyone safe from harm," Virtue Dragon said firmly, "And that includes Ape Nation. So no matter what happens, keep our home safe."
Both Blade Dragoon and Warpath Temper looked at each other as they both disliked the idea in putting their older brother in danger. They sighed in concern as they know him well because he wants nothing more but protection of his nation and ponies.
"Alright. We'll do it. Be safe, brother." Both Blade Dragoon and Warpath Temper bowed.
Virtue smiled in relief as he bowed back, "Thank you. I promised that I will return home safely."
Fluttershy saw Virtue Dragon hugged both Blade Dragoon and Warpath Temper passionately. She hummed in concern yet upset for some reason. She took her amulet out as she opened it in two. She spotted her younger self hugged by older Pegasus figure as they both shown their happy smiles. She sighed unhappily.
"Fluttershy?" Pinkie asked in concern.
Fluttershy shook her head, "It's nothing. Come on. We have our mission to do."
"Okie Dookie Lookie!" Pinkie giggled happily.
As the Generals and Military Officers mounted on Dragon Rides, Virtue Dragon was the last one to ride on his White Shifter Dragon. Both Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy mounted on as well with both Dragonspear and Justice Tackle's rides. They're all ready for the mission.
Dragonspear approached Virtue Dragon, "Lord Virtue, we are ready."
Virtue Dragon nodded firmly as he turned to the front, "Warriors of Western Dragon Kingdom, we ride! To Southern Jungle!"
Virtue Dragon galloped at once. The 10,000 army of Western Dragon Kingdom followed and charged straight into the depths of jungle.
Within the ancient yet ruined theme of throne chamber, a giant black Chimpanzee worn the heavy armor and pants as well as the barbarian headwear was sitting down on his seat as he received the reports from his scout. He growled angrily while clenching his fists tightly.
"Kattu?! My love?" The gentle voice asked. Kattu turned and found the slimmed Chimpanzee worn purple bra and and a long skit-like as well as the headwear to cover her face. She approached Kattu, "Is everything alright?"
Kattu sighed heavily, "No, Zhu Rong. I am not. They refused to return our sacred artifact to us, and now they wanted to wage war against us. We shall fight back. They have no idea of how angry and upset we Apes really are! Prepare for WAR!"
"Yes, my king!" Chimpanzee Scout exclaimed.
Ape Nation is now in war against the Western Ma. The hooded pony was hidden behind the cornered cave as he smiled in pleased.
"Perfect... Skysour and Dragonspear may have been through Southern Jungle but Fluttershy, Pinkie and peasant Virtue aren't. All goes according to my plan. It's perfect."
In the late afternoon...
Western Dragon Kingdom continued marching to the Southern Jungle in search and hunt Kutta down and end his invasion of their home for good. But they soon found the terrain proved to be difficult to coordinate and travel due to the hot climate and the surroundings such as tight and cluttered trees, poison swamps, quicksand and some wild predators stalking the ponies with fear.
Though Skysour and Dragonspear have experienced the Southern Jungle before, this is the first time for other ponies to experience it.
Most of the soldiers began exhausting and tiring as they feel so thirsty and tired due to the hot climate. Pinkie and Fluttershy felt that as well.
"Wow... This is my first time to experience the jungle." Pinkie commented in surprise. She sighed heavily as she wiped her sweats off, "Wow... It's very hot! I guess Prime Minister wasn't kidding about the weather and this jungle. I almost felt tired and thirsty."
Veteran Shot panted, "I hate to admit but the lass's right. We need to rest. I'm too old to endure the heat. It pain my ass..."
"Ponies were too tired as well. We need some rest," Justice Tackle added.
Virtue Dragon took a glance at his soldiers as he was worried for them. He heard about the Southern Jungle and its story but never experienced it before. He needed his soldiers armed and ready for anything. He can't have them to be tired and get defeated immediately.
"There's a lot of shades here and some lake as well," Virtue Dragon said firmly and calmly, "We should rest here."
Dragonspear approached his emperor at once, "My lord, I must against it. It's best that we should keep moving to the open field."
Skysour nodded in agreement, "Dragonspear's right. Ape Nation will use the jungle as their advantage to defeat us. We must camp on the open space for rest and the attacks."
Virtue Dragon sighed in concern, "I don't like it. But I trust your judgment and experience. We must continue to find the open space for both rest and defense. Resume the advance."
Western Dragon Kingdom army moaned and groaned in upset. But they have no choice but to obey and follow due to Virtue Dragon being their only leader but their comrades. They continued traveling across the jungle in reaching the open space. As they continued traveling, both Pinkie and Fluttershy decided to ask their allies about the experience and history with Ape Nation. They want to know more about the Apes.
Fluttershy hummed in concern, "Um... Excuse me. I hope you don't mind us asking but may we know about Ape Nation?"
"Yeah... We wanna how you guys make friends with the monkeys. It sounded like they're very good friends to you so much," Pinkie said happily.
Virtue Dragon looked at both Prime Minister Skysour and Dragonspear for answers. They both looked at each other for the moment. They wondered if this is good idea or not to tell them about the history or not.
Skysour Intellect sighed, "Very well. We shall reveal the history behind our alliance. After the defeat and death of our emperor before reincarnated as Mystic Pony, our southern fortress almost conquered by the Southern Barbarians. Both me and Dragonspear led the force for the Southern Campaign to not only defeat but also capturing Barbarian King's ancestor - King Kutta the Great."
Dragonspear continued, "We fought against him for seven times as well as capturing and releasing him. We faced against him, his wife, his officers, his brutal army, his trickery, difficult terrains, poison swamps, his Shaman and wild animals and even General and his rattan armored soldiers."
"King Kutta the Great is very brave, persistent and loyal Barbarian King to his home but very stubborn to admit his defeat," Skysour Intellect continued, "We defeated and captured him for seven times. After the seventh but final battle, he finally submitted to us. We build our alliance."
Both Pinkie and Fluttershy were all shocked yet surprise of what they just learned.
"Wow... How long have you and monkeys been friends?" Pinkie asked in surprise.
Skysour sighed, "It lasted for nearly 40 years. But because of Western Dragon Kingdom has fallen, so as the alliance with both Water Tiger Kingdom and Ape Nation. After the long war and fall of kingdom-by-kingdom, we have returned and reestablished our kingdoms as the True Rulers of Ma. We even reestablished the alliance with Ape Nation. And it lasted for thousand years."
"And now, the Ape Nation attacked and invaded us because they accused us for their sacred artifact been stolen," Dragonspear said in concern and upset, "We could never do such a thing."
"Oh dear... This is terrible..." Fluttershy said in concern, "Who could do such a thing? Did anypny or monkey have against this much?"
"We wish we knew," Justice Tackle said in concern.
Veteran Shot sighed, "All we can do is find and capture that King Kutta."
"Indeed... We have to stop at once. We have to clear the misunderstanding," Skysour said firmly, "We need to talk with him."
Virtue Dragon nodded, "I agreed. We must keep moving now. We need to end this before more lives could be taken away."
"Lord Virtue, stay close to us," Rogue said firmly, "Father wouldn't want you to get hurt. You're too important for our kingdom to lose."
Sparkle nodded, "Rogue is right. We would be lost without you."
Virtue Dragon sighed in defeat, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you worried. I just want to end this conflict."
"We understand, my lord. But it's best that you should remain stay close to us but vigilant." Skysour said, "The Ape Nation will do whatever it takes to win the war and defeat you for reclaiming their stolen artifact."
Dragonspear nodded, "Indeed. Please, stay with us for your safety."
Virtue Dragon shook his head in upset yet nodded in agreement. He and his Western Dragon Kingdom continued marching across the depths of jungle. Fluttershy noticed it again as she shown her concern and pitiful looks for the Emperor of Western Ma. She too felt that way because she too wanted to end the conflict and clear the miscommunication.
As Western Dragon Kingdom continued marching across the depth of jungle, they stopped as they heard the branches snapped. They were armed with their weapons. Both Rogue and Sparkle stayed close to Virtue Dragon and Skysour Intellect while three Dragon Generals approached to the front as they were armed and readied. Fluttershy and Pinkie too were armed as well. The Apes are coming!
Before any of Western Dragon Army could do anything, a sudden struck on the Dragon Guard's back. An arrow has struck on his. His death alerted the rest. Some looked up and found Apes were on top of branches and trees while others found more standing in the mist, bushes and tree's trunks. The Apes are here!
The Ape Nation Soldiers screeched and roared wildly as they all charged straight at Western Dragon Kingdom from the mist or top of trees. The Mystic Pony armed with their weapons as they were ready to fight.
"Remember! We can't hurt them! We need to capture the leader alive to end it!" Virtue Dragon ordered firmly.
"Hurt them?! What about us?!" Pinkie asked in concern as she armed with her Party Canon. She giggled a bit, "Wow... That is so cliche for everyone not wanting to hurt some good or misunderstanding creatures."
"Save the jokes later. Here they come!" Justice Tackle exclaimed in concern.
Dragonspear turned to both Rogue and Sparkle, "Protect the Emperor! No matter what happens, don't let any monkeys near to him!"
"My Lord!" Rogue and Sparkle exclaimed fiercely.
As the Ape Nation Soldiers came close to the Western Dragon Kingdom, the monkeys attacked the ponies fiercely and wildly. The monkeys from branches and tree tops continued firing and launching their blackish bladed arrows and blackish painted stones in knocking and killing Mystic Ponies. Others attacked head on with their blackish bladed weapons in killing them. Western Dragon Kingdom fought back as they tried their best not killing them while knocking the Apes out, though some unintentionally and accidentally did it.
"What kind of weapon is that?! I thought Mystic Ponies are Immortals!" Pinkie exclaimed in concern.
Skysour groaned as he teleported from the multiple arrows and swinging swords, "They're Curse Crystal! It allow anyone to harm and kill anypony who is Immortal - Alicorn Ponies, Mystic Ponies or even Mystic Demons. If they touched your heart, then you're gone! Don't touch them!"
Dragonspear climbed down from his Dragon Ride as he swung his Dragoon Spear in knocking and beating the monkeys down while blocking, deflecting and dodging the attacks and blackish blade. Justice Tackle continued rode his Dragon Ride in charging and attacking the monkey while he swung them off by his Raider Spear and deflect the attacks. Veteran Shot dodged and avoided the attacks while accurately fired his arrows in wounded and knocked them out. Skysour Intellect teleported from the attacks while firing Wind Storm Blasts at the monkeys. Both Rogue and Sparkle swung their Broadsword and Sword at the monkeys as they defended Virtue Dragon from being attacked or kidnapped. Pinkie Pie fired her Party Canon in knocking the monkeys off the branches. Fluttershy helped defend Virtue Dragon with the help of her Animal Ruby Spirits - Bat, Elephant, Cheetah, Gorilla and Wasp.
As both sides continued battling with each other fiercely, King Kutta climbed from one tree's branch to another swiftly and accurately dodged the attacks. As he closed to the tree above Virtue Dragon and his bodyguards, he took the smoke bombs out as he dropped it on them. The bomb exploded and launched the foggy mist. Everyone coughed heavily. King Kutta roared wildly as he quickly jumped and dived down at once. His Chimpanzee and Gorilla Soldiers followed him as well. They then attacked the ponies hard and quickly.
As Fluttershy continued using her Bat Spirit in launching her Sonic Wave, her ears able to detect a feint noise of screaming and shouting in fear and pain. She turned and spotted monkeys' shadowy figure battling with the ponies. She gasped in shock. She quickly flew straight into the mist as she has to help her friends beating the monkeys back at once.
As Western Dragon Army and Ape Nation Soldiers continued battling with each other, the horn sounded loudly. Ape Nation screeched and roared wildly as they quickly turned and escaped the battlefield at once. After seeing the monkeys running away from the fight, Western Dragon Kingdom cheered wildly and happily as they won the battlefield.
"Glad that's over. Those Apes really likes to monkey around, don't you agree Fluttershy?" Pinkie asked happily. She heard no answers. She called and looked around as she only found the medic treated the soldiers' wounds and injuries. But it make her scared and worried, "Fluttershy, where are you?!"
"Has anyone seen our lord?!" Dragonspear asked in concern, "I can't find him!"
"He's not with us either," Veteran Shot said in concern.
Skysour hissed in concern, "We've been fooled and distracted! Our lord has been captured."
"Damn those monkeys!" Justice Tackle exclaimed in anger.
"Noooooooooooo!" Pinkie screamed in fear. She grabbed Skysour's robes as she screamed, "We've gotta do something! We've gotta save Fluttershy and Virtue Dragon now. There's no telling what those monkeys will do! They could eaten our friends alive!"
"Pinkie Pie! Monkeys don't eat meats," Dragonspear said in annoyance, "But she's right. We have to find them now."
Skysour nodded, "I agreed. And I know where they are. Move out!"
Skysour and his remaining army of Western Dragon Kingdom headed off at once. It took them about two to three hours in passing through the jungle. They reached to the edge where they spotted the large castle with four towers on the edges in Indian theme, along with the giant skull of monkey hung over the middle spiral tower-like.
They even spotted King Kutta and his Ape Nation were marching through from road into the castle. His monkeys cheered wildly and happily for their leader's triumph. He had captured Virtue Dragon - Emperor of Western Ma. But he wasn't alone. Rogue, Sparkle Shield, Fluttershy and 100 Soldiers were with him now.
Pinkie was about to move but stopped by Dragonspear.
"What are you doing?! We've gotta help them now!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed in concern.
Dragonspear nodded in understanding, "I understand but not today. We'll strike the Ape Nation by dawn where they're still asleep. No doubt they'll be cheering and celebrating for their victory."
"Yes... If we strike tonight during the celebration of victory, they'll strike us back." Skysour added, "It's best that we tired all of them down first before we strike."
Pinkie hissed before sighed in upset, "Okay... I just hope Fluttershy's okay. She's very sensitive and easy get bruised. I don't want her to get hurt. If that happens, I'm gonna make those monkeys sorry for messing with the wrong pony."
Within the ruined dungeon, King Kutta was glaring and watching Virtue Dragon and his soldiers being tortured and whipped by his persecutors. He wanted their spirits and resistance to be broken, so he can finally have the answers. Virtue Dragon and his soldiers were enduring the torture as long as they can despite feeling the pain on them. Fluttershy too suffered it as well.
As King Kutta gave the signal of stop, the persecutors stopped from whipping and torturing Virtue Dragon and his soldiers. King Kutta approached and glared at his prisoners.
"Well?" King Kutta demanded fiercely.
Virtue Dragon panted heavily, "We told you before. We didn't do it. We don't have your artifact!"
"Yeah! We're telling you the truth! We don't even know what the goddamn artifact is!" Rogue exclaimed in anger.
King Kutta growled and roared angrily at them, "You're still lying?! Damn it! How long are you gonna keep this up?! I won't tolerate this anymore!" He huffed angrily as he turned and exited the door. Before he left, he turned and glared at them, "If I don't get the answers by sunrise, I will kill you all!"
Fluttershy moaned as she took a glance at King Kutta, "Why are you so angry with us? We're telling you the truth. We don't even know what artifact you keep talking about..."
"Don't you dare lied to me! Your envoy have come to my kingdom in delivering the best weapons for defense. We were really appreciated," King Kutta said calmly yet upset. He growled, "Then, he demanded the return to him and his kingdom - our sacred artifact! I refused. And the next, it's gone! And I know who to blame!"
Sparkle gasped in concern, "No... You're not actually think that-?! We would never do such a thing! Honest! We didn't even send our envoy for delivering the gifts to you neither!"
King Kutta roared in anger, "Enough! I want the answers by sunrise! That's final!"
King Kutta exited before he slammed the door hard. The persecutors then dragged and moved Virtue Dragon and other prisoners to their cells. Virtue Dragon and his friends were locked up until sunrise. The securities often came to Virtue Dragon and his friends' cells for delivering the foods for the prisoners to eat or checked on the latter.
As almost everyone was sleeping during the night, some were up and wondered what happen next. Fluttershy looked through the cell's windows. Rogue was looking through the door's small window. Sparkle was looking after the Emperor of Western Ma who remained quiet while looking at his picture of whole family. Virtue Dragon sighed heavily.
Fluttershy noticed and heard the noise. She approached Virtue Dragon as she found him looking at the picture.
"You miss them, don't you?"
Virtue Dragon looked at Fluttershy who was worried for him. He sighed as he nodded before looked back at his picture, "Lots of times. Even though Blade and Warpath were just sworn brothers, but they're family too."
"I see..." Fluttershy nodded in understanding as she took a glance at the picture of her amulet. She sighed, "I missed my brother so much. I haven't seen him since I left home..."
"I understand, Fluttershy. And I'm pretty sure he missed you too. You're his sister and family."
"Yeah... Um, may I know... Why did you do it? You could ask Skysour or Dragonspear handle it. You weren't part of it before. If you don't mind me asking that..."
"Because I feel responsible." Virtue Dragon said softly. Fluttershy looked concern as he continued, "Making alliance is not only about making friends, but also responsible and care for each other. Because I took things granted, my own allies turn on me because I did not honored my promise. At the end, I lost brothers and friends. I nearly lose my life when I started the war for vengeance."
"Oh my goodness. I knew feeling hate and anger is bad but... I'd never realize how dangerous it can be when you begin losing yourself."
"Yes... It was terrible and horrible. I don't want to go through that again. That's why I have to convince the King to drop it before he could not only hurt himself but his own monkeys."
"We have to stop them! He has to know that if he keeps doing this, he will hurt his own family and monkeys than himself!"
Rogue hissed, "How are we gonna do that? He won't even listen!"
"Still... We did found out one thing -" Sparkle Shield said in concern, "- Someone did try to frame us for stealing artifact. Someone used our name and gifts to make the King believed it was us did it."
"So if we did find him, we could clear this mess?"
"Possibly, yes. But problem is we're stuck here. And the monkeys won't listen to us or believe in us either."
"Not every monkey," The sweet and firm voice spoke. Everyone gasped as they turned and looked through the bars. They found Zhu Rong was standing and leaning against the walls. She smiled as she approached them, "I believe in you. And I will help you find this fraud."
Everyone was in shock and surprise of what they just heard. Zhu Rong believed in them?!
"Why?" Fluttershy asked in concern.
Zhu Rong turned and gave them a firm glare, "Because I want to end the war as well. And I don't want my family suffered as well."
On the next morning...
At the Ape Nation Kingdom, the monkeys were snoring and sleeping since the last night victory celebration party. They enjoyed the party very well. And they deserve it until...
SWOOP! The monkeys yelped in shock and surprise upon looking at some arrows struck on their houses's rooftops and walls. They even heard some battle cry from outside. They screeched in fear and worry. Their home is under attacked!
King Kutta emerged from his palace. He roared wildly and angrily as he took his Barbarian Claws. he headed to the front entrance at once. His Apes followed him at once while armed and wielding their bladed weapons in ready to fight. Once they're outside, they witnessed the large force of Western Dragon Army charging at them while some fired arrows, juggernauts, arbalests and catapults at them.
The leader of Ape Nation cried wildly and fiercely. He and his Ape Nation charged straight at them as well. Both Ape Nation and Western Dragon Army clashed and battled with each other fiercely and wildly.
Skysour stood at the top of hill in witnessing the battlefield. Shaman and his riders rode the elephants in charging and clashing against Justice Tackle and his Dragon Riders. Rattan Armored Soldiers charged to the front in blocking and deflecting the arrows off while attacking Dragonspear and the Western Dragon Guards. Ape Nations threw some of their Poison Bombs and fired their Arrows at their enemies. Veteran Shot and his soldiers fired their arrows and arsenal at the apes back. Pinkie Pie charged while firing her Party Canon in knocking her enemies down fiercely and wildly. King Kutta swung his Barbarian Claws in knocking his enemies off.
As both sides continued battling, both King Kutta and Pinkie Pie came across as they both glared at each other. King Kutta roared in anger as he charged straight at Pinkie Pie. He slammed his claws in slamming and striking her down but missed as she continued dodging and avoiding the attacks. And at the same time, she fired her Party Canon in knocking him out but missed or blocked as well. Both dodged and missed each other's attacks while continued attacking their enemies barely or luckily.
Both King Kutta slammed his claw at Pinkie but she responded it by firing her Party Canon. They both got clashed before pushed very far away. Both glared at each other for the moment.
"I want my friends back, you big bully!" Pinkie demanded fiercely.
King Kutta huffed, "And I want my artifact back! Or I will rip you apart!"
"MAKE ME!" Pinkie exclaimed.
Both King Kutta and Pinkie Pie charged straight at each other as they were about to unleash the bloody fight. Before anything could happen...
"STOP!" The sweet voice exclaimed. Everyone stopped as they looked behind and found Fluttershy and her friends coming out from the entrance. Fluttershy cried, "This has to stop now! No more fighting!"
"Fluttershy?" Pinkie asked in surprise.
Dragonspear gasped, "My lord! You're alive!"
"Everyone, stop fighting! This must be stop now!" Virtue Dragon exclaimed in concern, "We have clear the misunderstanding. Stop fighting!"
Fluttershy nodded, "Please... If you won't do it for yourself, then do it for your family. They have seen the anger and hate enough. Put the war aside and listen to the reason."
Everyone gasped in concern and surprise of what they just heard.
King Kutta growled in anger, "Enough! I won't listen to any of you until I get-!"
"Will ya shut up and listen?!" Zhu Rong called angrily. King Kutta yelped in concern as he kept quiet at once. She huffed, "Honestly... I don't even know why I bother. And they're right. This conflicts ends today because they are not responsible of the theft or even what happened two weeks ago."
Virtue Dragon nodded, "Yes. We'd never sent the envoy to deliver the gift or even ask for the gift returned. We would never do such a thing."
"Somepony is responsible of this mess," Fluttershy said in concern, "And he really wanted both sides be destroyed."
Pinkie Pie approached Fluttershy, "Who? Who could do such a thing?!"
"ME!"
Before anyone could do anything, everyone felt the powerful Dark Magic surge through the bodies like their bodies have been controlled. They have managed to looked up as they found a familiar character removed his cloak. He then approached to his enemies.
Virtue Dragon groaned, "Seekcurse?! That was you?!"
Seekcurse smirked as he held the golden monkey statue dressed in his magician robe while holding magic scroll. The statue glowed darkly. The Ape Nation gasped in shock and concern of what they just saw.
"Our sacred artifact - Spell Monkey Statue!" King Kutta exclaimed in shock while snarling at Seekcurse, "It was you?! You stole the artifact?! Why?!"
Seekcurse smirked as he took the pendant-like which six triangles within it. It has three apples on orange colored aura and sparkling stars Cutie Mark on lavender colored aura. Both Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie gasped in concern.
"Yes, it's true. I need it for good use. No mortal or immortal could resist that power," Seekcurse smirked, "Do you like it? It's called Pandora's Box. It allow me not only absorbed anything but magical powers like Twilight Sparkle and Applejack. Just before those girls destroyed the Emperor's resurrected body, I took some of them into mine for future use like today. And now you two are here, I can collect your powers now."
"All this... is to lure us here?!" Pinkie asked in concern.
Fluttershy grunted, "What are you up to?!"
Seekcurse smirked, "You will find out soon. Spell Monkey Statue - make these monkeys and weaklings down! Pandora's Box - Absorb those two girls' magical powers. Take them now! They're yours! For the Emperor and Qin Dynasty!"
Both Spell Monkey Statue and Pandora's Box glowed darkly on Seekcurse's back. The statue shot its greenish laser eyes upon both Western Dragon Kingdom and Ape Nation in making them stayed down for good.
The box launched a powerful thundering lightning strikes on both Pinkie and Fluttershy fiercely and hard. The girls screamed in pain. Both the magical auras within the girls emerged, they all flew straight into the Pandora's Box! Seekcurse laughed evilly and darkly as he have new auras to collect now!
Everyone struggled in getting out of control from Spell Monkey Statue while witnessing Fluttershy and Pinkie tortured for their magical aura being absorbed into Pandora's Box. Is this the end?! Has Seekcurse won the fight?!
Virtue Dragon and King Kutta groaned and grunted angrily. They can't bear to see both Fluttershy and Pinkie to suffer by the power of Pandora's Box. The girls are not only their concerns but their nation and creatures. They have to end and stop this now!
Both Virtue Dragon and King Kutta groaned as they both struggled in getting up while resisting the control of Spell Monkey Statue. Seekcurse spotted it but chose to ignore it as he found it no threat against him. He continued watching everyone suffered and struggled in pain and despair. Nothing can escape him.
As soon as Virtue Dragon and King Kutta managed to got up, they turned and glared at Seekcurse and his weapons. They then marched towards him while struggled against the control of Spell Monkey Statue. As they almost reached to their targets, they charged in at once. Virtue Dragon screamed as he took his twin Sky Dragon Swords in blocking and deflecting the power in absorbing Fluttershy and Pinkie's aura. King Kutta jumped and smashed the Spell Monkey Statue to pieces.
With a hard smash on statue, it exploded to pieces in knocking everyone and even Seekcurse off. Everything went blank...
Everyone got knocked out around the Monkey Castle. They all moaned and groaned in pain yet dizzy and exhaustion from the fight and spell control on them. Seekcurse was nowhere to be found...
"You may have won the battle, but you have not seen the last of me! I have what I need. Qin Dynasty will rise! And this world will belong to us! Mark my words!"
In the afternoon...
Both Ape Nation and Western Dragon Kingdom have gathered at the Throne Chamber where everyone were witnessing both Virtue Dragon and King Kutta were facing at each other. Their officers stood besides with their lords. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie were there as well. Something is about to happen...
"After what happen today, do everyone agree that we should put the difference aside?" Fluttershy asked. Both Virtue Dragon and King Kutta nodded firmly. She smiled, "Good... I'm glad that you both agreed. But before we proceed to anything, do you have something to say?"
King Kutta sighed, "Virtue Dragon, I just want to say - I'm sorry for being a dumb monkey. I should have realized that Western Dragon Kingdom will never do such a thing to their own allies. I should have listen to reason than jump to conclusion."
"Indeed..." Virtue Dragon nodded, "But I also want to say I'm sorry for your artifact being destroyed. That's really important to the Ape Nation."
"Nah... That thing cause nothing but troubles," King Kutta as he held the Chinese Dragon Statue coiled around a craved stone - 'Honor till the End' in Chinese Characters. He smiled, "Now this is the artifact. My ancestor has kept it for a long time. I will do the same."
"Friends?"
"Friends."
Both Virtue Dragon and King Kutta shook each other's hoof and hand proudly and happily. The officers were happy to see it happened. Everyone cheered wildly and happily. The Alliance between Western Dragon Kingdom and Ape Nation have been restored. Both Pinkie and Fluttershy smiled happily to see it.
Pinkie sniffed, "I love the happy ending."
"Me too..." Fluttershy agreed. She turned to her flank as she found hers and Pinkie's glowed brightly. She smiled, "And we are successful too."
"Yeah. So stopping the war is the answers. Cool."
"Not only that, both Lord Virtue Dragon and King Kutta did something right. They put the important or sacred the items are, family and kingdom always comes first. That's what the rulers should do."
"True enough. Wanna party?"
"Certainly..."
Pinkie screamed wildly as she held the Party Canon up, "Party's On! Everyone, dance!"
BOOM! The party canon shot up to the midair in launching confetti, stringers and sprinkles down. Everyone in throne chamber danced and partied happily and wildly. They're having great time together now with each other's company! END
Review & Suggest...
Main Casts:
Andrea Libman: Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie
Dave Mitchell: Virtue Dragon, Blade Dragoon, Various Western Dragon Soldiers
Terrence Stone: Dragonspear
Lex Lang: Skysour Intellect, Various Ape Nation Soldiers
Kirk Thornton: King Kutta, Various Western Dragon Soldiers
Brian Dobson: Seekcurse, Various Ape Nation Soldiers, Various Western Dragon Soldiers
Minor Casts:
David Beron: Justice Tackle
Alan Shearman: Veteran Shot
Steve Kramer: Warpath Temper
Bryce Papenbrook: Rogue
Wendee Lee: Sparkle Shield
Jessica Gee: Zhu Rong |
My Little Pony Mystic Season 1 | Episode 17: Brotherhooves Social | "Oh, snickerdoodle! Where is the darned thing?" Granny Smith complained as she was looking at some boxes, "I wish for once I'd remembered to label these boxes!"
Granny Smith and Big McIntosh were at the Apple Family Farm's attic in search for something important.
Granny Smith sighed, "Sisterhooves Social is right around the corner. Thought it'd be nice to award the winner of the big race the ribbon from when we hosted the very first Social! If'n of course I could find the darn thing."
"Uh... Eeyup?" Big McIntosh shrugged in concern.
Both of them came across the big box. Big Mac moved it aside as Granny Smith opened it. She only found toys in it.
"Oh, dagnabbit, it's not in there either!" Granny Smith complained in upset. She hummed in surprise as she spotted a familiar dragonfly stand. She took it out and passed it to Big McIntosh, "Oh, would you looky here! My, how Apple Bloom used to love watching you make that thing fly. It's like she thought you was magic."
Big Mac smiled a bit upon looking at the dragonfly stand. He sighed happily as he recalled of what Granny Smith has said. He really enjoyed playing with Apple Bloom since he's older brother. But things change as they grew older...
A feinted laugh sounded in Big Mac's ears. He turned to the window as he found Applejack and Apple Bloom were playing tag at each other happily and for fun. Big Mac sighed in upset upon looking at them. He wish he could have some time and moments with not only Applejack but Apple Bloom since the latter is the youngest of his family.
Big Mac hummed a bit of thinking. He gasped of an idea. He turned and picked the dragonfly stand up with his teeth. He left the attic.
Granny Smith opened a big box as she looked for the ribbons. She gasped as she took it up, "Found her! Okay, Big Mac, let's go and get-!"
Granny Smith turned to her eldest grandson but found him disappeared?! Where did he go?!
At Castle of Friendship's open field near to the river...
Both Lance Justicestrike and Nyx in her Battle form were armed with their Duel Blades (Oblivion Dragoon Blade and Oathkeeper Blossom Blade) and Mystical Night Sword. They both charged in as they swung their blades at each other fiercely and determinedly.
He stroke his cross-shaped blades at her. She dodged and slide down to the front. She kicked her back hooves at him off. She swung her blade at him straight but deflected by him with his Oblivion Dragoon Blade to left. He struck his Oathkeeper Blossom Blade at her but she kicked it off before punched on his chest hard. They both clashed their blades at each other before departed. Lance thrust and struck his Dual Blades at her for few times but she dodged and avoided them as well. She blocked with her Mystical Night Sword on left before punched her right hoof at him. He dodged down quickly before punching her chest hard.
Both Lance and Nyx charged in as they both swung and clashed their blades at each other fiercely and swiftly for the attacks and defenses. As they clashed their blades at each other hard for the moment, they both departed and pointed their blades at each other's face. Who win?
"Not bad, Nyx. Not bad." Lance smiled as he laid down and sheathed his Dual Blades, "You're getting better now, little sis."
Nyx giggled happily as she reverted to her filly form while sheathed her sword, "Only because I have some wonderful teachers to teach me on how to fight. I'm glad that Grandpa Azure Phoenix gave me this sword. It's quite useful."
Lance smiled a bit as he turned and looked at the clear sky, "I'd never actually thought that having a sister could be so much fun. I'm glad I met you."
"Really? I felt the same way too. Well, uh, Spike is my brother but he's dragon. But to be honest, I would like to have one - a pony. I want to feel what's it like to have a big brother, just like how my mummy and her BBBFF are."
"BBBFF?"
"Big Brother Best Friend Forever. It's the nickname that my mummy invented for Uncle Shiny because they both were very close. And I want to give that title to you because you're my big brother."
Lance was surprise, "Wow... Tha-That's great. Thanks, little sis. I'm glad we're both close."
Nyx smiled, "Me too, BBBFF."
Lance and Nyx hugged happily and passionately. Dragoking roared wildly as he came out and splashed the river's water on them. The siblings yelped in surprise and shock. They both glared at him for the moment. They both laughed happily as they charged and jumped into the river. They all splashing the water at him while he shook and splashed the water at them back.
"HEY!" Spike called from the balcony. Lance and Nyx turned looked at him. He continued, "Twilight's gonna do it! Come on!"
Both Lance and Nyx gasped in surprise. Their mother is going through with her new activity?
At Sweet Apple Acre...
"S-I-S-T-E-R-S! Which two sisters are the best? We are!" Applejack and Apple Bloom cheered wildly and happily as they clapped their hooves on each other, "Apple Bloom and Applejack forever! Yee-hoo!"
Apple Bloom squealed happily, "We're gonna win every competition at the Sisterhooves Social! Those other fillies aren't gonna know what hit 'em!"
Applejack smiled happily until she spotted Big McIntosh standing near to home, "Oh. Hey there, Big Mac! Did you want somethin'?"
Big McIntosh smiled and nodded as he still gritted the teeth on dragonfly stand.
"Hold that thought. Applejack, you are the most awesome sister ever!" Apple Bloom said proudly and happily. Applejack blushed a bit as she was about to say. Apple Bloom continued, "You saved Equestria like a gazillion times, you're smart, funny, strong... Why you're the best sister of all time! Probably the best Apple of all time! Right, Big Mac?"
Big McIntosh sighed a bit, "Eeyup."
"And with you by my side, I am guaranteed to taste sweet, sweet Sisterhooves Social victory!" Apple Bloom cheered wildly, "Go, Apples, go, go, go, Apples go!"
"Uh, Apple Bloom? I think Big Mac's got somethin' he wants to show you." Applejack pointed at Big McIntosh.
As Big McIntosh clasped and rubbed on dragonfly stand for a moment, he let it go and fly like a helicopter descending to the ground.
"Is that the toy we used to play with when I was little?" Apple Bloom asked in surprise. Big McIntosh smiled and nodded. She smiled a bit before turned to Applejack, "Alright then! Let's get back to practicin'! One more run-through of our jugglin' routine, make sure our harmonies are tight in our song, and see if we can't beat our best pie-eatin' time!"
Big McIntosh looked upset as he turned and entered the barn. Applejack hummed in concern as she knew something on his mind. She knows him because he's her big brother. She decided to ask and find out what's bothering him.
"Hold on, sugarcube. I need a minute to talk with Big Mac." Applejack said calmly.
Apple Bloom nodded in understanding. Applejack entered the barn as she followed Big McIntosh, who was hammering the horseshoe.
"Hey, Big Mac, you all right? You seemed a little down back there." She asked in concern. Big McIntosh remained silent for the moment as he continued hammering the horseshoe. She sighed as she approached him, "Come on, you can tell me. I know you well because you're my best big brother I ever had. You were there to support and care for me. It's my turn to do same. You feelin' a little left out? Apple Bloom and I have been spendin' a lot of time together gettin' ready for the Social."
Big McIntosh stopped his hammering as he knew it was pointless to hide his feelings from her. Applejack had known him very well since her foalhood. He decided to tell her.
And just before the siblings could do anything, Applejack's Cutie Mark glowed and blinked for few times. Apple Bloom overheard and entered the barn to check out. Three of them knew what it means.
"Your cutie mark! You're being summoned, Applejack! This is so cool!" Apple Bloom exclaimed happily. Big McIntosh huffed in a bit of anger. She gasped in realization, "That means you'll have to miss the Sisterhooves Social! And if you have to miss the Social, then I'll have to miss the Social, which means I won't be able to taste sweet, sweet victory!"
Applejack approached and patted Apple Bloom in calming her down, "Now calm down. Let me just go over to Twilight's castle and see what's what! Maybe it's just a false alarm."
Apple Bloom smiled a bit. Hopefully, it's nothing very serious for Applejack to deal with. Or she thought...
An hour later at Sweet Apple Acre's home...
"But you said it was a false alarm!" Apple Bloom exclaimed in upset as she was blocking the entrance.
"I said maybe it's a false alarm. Well, it's not. Rarity and I have to go to Manehattan." Applejack said in upset. She looked at Apple Bloom being upset and saddened. She sighed, "When duty calls, I gotta answer right away. What kind of an example would I be settin' for my little sister if I didn't?"
Apple Bloom screamed in upset as she ran off to her room, "This can't be happening! Your extreme awesomeness is backfiring on me!"
"I'm sorry, Apple Bloom." Applejack sighed as she turned to Big McIntosh, "Try and cheer her up, won't you?"
Big McIntosh nodded, "Eeyup."
Applejack took her luggage mat of her packaging stuffs on stick as she left the building. And all Big McIntosh can do is look after his sister and cheer her up. Two familiar ponies were near to the place overheard it as they turned and left the Sweet Apple Acre.
At the open field near to Sweet Apple Acre...
Both Lance Justicestrike and Nyx have arrived as they found some ponies were setting the festive tent, foods, prize and stages for tomorrow's event - Sisterhoove Social. Ever since they heard about 'Sisterhooves Social' from Rarity and Applejack, they decided to check out about the place. And, they also did get away from their parents' second fight as it frightened and scared them again.
"So, this is Sisterhooves Social?" Lance asked in surprise. Nyx nodded. He whistled, "They looked so much fun."
Nyx nodded, "It sure is. It's usually Applejack and Apple Bloom competing the competition only for every year. And now both Sweetie Belle's and Scootaloo's join it. They were so excited about it. I sure wish I could join it."
"Why not? You have Twilight Sparkle with you."
"True, but Twilight Sparkle is my mother. And everypony knows that. And therefore, they denied me and my mother enter once."
"Oh... Sorry about that. I guess nopony else to take you there, not even Princess Cadance?"
"Nope. Princess Cadance is my aunt, not my sister. And the only mares that are allowed to join in are family-related like cousins and sisters, or at least a close friend. If you wondering about stallion joining in, I would have asked you before than now..."
"I'm taking that as a 'no'. Great..."
"Sorry, big brother..." Nyx sighed as she looked and found three familiar ponies working and building the Sisterhooves Social event - Shiroi was painting and setting the banners up on the pillars while both Steel Blaze and Alyson Joy were carrying some stuffs and crates for the event. She gasped, "And I guess who's here?"
Lance gasped, "Shiroi! Steel! And Alyson! I didn't know they worked here. I wonder why?"
"Let's find out," Nyx said happily. Both Lance and Nyx approached three ponies. She called, "Hey, guys!"
Shiroi, Steel and Alyson stopped their doing as they turned to their back. They found Lance and Nyx stood before them!
"Lance! Nyx! What are you doing here?!"
"We sure could ask the same thing," Lance replied happily, "Both Nyx and I checked out of what Sisterhooves Social was about."
Shiroi giggled, "The manager and judges asked me to design some artworks for Sisterhooves Social. He wants the best of the best for the competition."
Steel Blaze scoffed a bit, "Both me and Aly were just the helpers."
"That's good to hear that," Lance said in amazement. He hummed thoughtfully as he has the idea. He turned to Nyx, "Why don't you and Alyson go and have some fun? I'll just talk with them for the moment."
Nyx nodded as she and Alyson headed out while Lance and his friends were just talking. Two fillies walked across the hallway for ponies setting the stalls, games and festive tents up. And at the same time, they were both chatting with each other especially about the main three Cutie Mark Crusaders.
Alyson sighed, "I'm sorry to hear that. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle must be heartbroken and upset that their older sisters are away. So, are you planning to join the Sisterhooves Social?"
"Well, no..." Nyx sighed in disappointment, "I don't have the older sister and Lance is stallion. There's no way that judge or manage is gonna allow that. I'd never get the chance to experience the fun of Sisterhooves Social."
"I see. I'm sorry. But I'm glad that I'll be in the game soon."
"Really?! How?! Steel Blaze is your big brother. And I doubt that the manager will give him the chance."
"True... But both me and Steel got the plans to get in the games. And believe in me, it's gonna be fun. It's gonna be a big surprise."
"Aw... I can't wait to see-!" Nyx said in upset. She bumped into someone else. She yelped in concern while shaking her head, "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to-!"
Nyx gasped in surprise as she saw the most beautiful ocean blue unicorn with long crimson mane and tail and her Cutie Mark is 'Water' Chinese Character and Fin-like symbol behind of it. Nyx awed in surprise and shock, and even for Alyson Joy.
The unicorn smiled calmly, "Oh, hello there. I didn't see where I was going. Sorry for that, little one."
"Ah, no! I'm the one who should say sorry," Nyx insisted while blushed a bit and muttered 'being embarrassed in front of the mare. She cleared her throat, "Sorry about that. My name is Nyx. This is my friend - Alyson Joy."
Alyson Joy waved, "Hi."
The unicorn giggled in amusement, "My... Those names sound very cute. My name is Ocean Health. It's an honor to meet you two here."
"So, what are you doing here?" Nyx asked happily.
Alyson hummed in concern, "Yeah... Is there something interest you?"
"I've heard that Sweet Apple Acre is having some competition, so I decide to come and check it out. And it looks like I've come on the right time," Ocean commented before giggled in amusement. She found ponies were still setting the Sisterhooves Social events. She smiled, "Maybe... I was a bit earlier."
"Yeah... I know what you mean. When you get excited, you want to be prepared and ready for the event. And best of all, you want to experience it."
"Yes! That's what I'd want to do!"
"Unfortunately, Sisterhooves Social required two - a mare and filly as sisters, unless you have a close friend and cousin to you. They would allow."
"Oh dear me. I'm so upset. I don't have a sister to participate this game."
"Me too. I wish I have one..."
Ocean hummed before gasped in surprise, "Say how about we work together as a team?" Both Nyx and Alyson gaped in surprise. She continued, "We both don't have sisters - elder or younger, so why not we work and play together in this competition. Just for one day?"
"Really?" Nyx asked in surprise. Ocean smiled and nodded. She squealed happily, "Yeah! I finally get the chance to compete the games!"
Alyson yelped in concern as she dragged Nyx away from Ocean Health.
"What?! Are you serious about this?! You really want to join the games with her? We just met her?"
"Why not?" Nyx asked.
"Hello! Earth to Nyx! She's a stranger! We don't even know her much!"
"Hey, at least we could try to befriend and talk with her. And to be honest," Nyx sighed a bit, "She and I have some connection. I don't know but I felt like I know her somewhere."
"Hmm... No sign of fever," Alyson placed her hoof on Nyx's forehead which annoyed the black filly. Nyx whacked Alyson's head hard. She yelped painfully, "Jeez-Louis! I was just checking if you have some kind of fever or what!"
"Well, I'm fine! Thank you very much, Alyson Megan Joy! And this is just some strange sense, nothing more, okay?!"
"Okay, okay, okay. Don't get so easily upset by that..."
"Let's just make friend with her. I'm sure she's nice and kind mare."
"I hope you're right about that..."
Nyx and Alyson turned to Ocean Health as they all both smiled at her. She smiled back at them.
"I'm happy that you can be my partner for Sisterhooves Social," Nyx said happily.
Ocean Health giggled happily, "I'm happy to hear. So, why don't we discuss and plan of what we can do for the competition? We don't want to be unprepared for it."
"Sure! Come on. I'll show you."
As Nyx headed off, both Ocean Health and Alyson Joy followed her at once. As they continued walking, both Nyx and Ocean Health talked with each other about the competition. Alyson Joy was disturbed by the mare's not only appearance but the strange smile. This made Alyson very uncomfortable and uneasy...
On the late afternoon, everyone have finished setting the Sisterhooves Social up. Lance, Shiroi and Steel Blaze just almost finish their chats.
"You'd think she's okay with it?" Shiroi asked in concern, "I mean you're her elder brother. She'd prefer you."
Lance smiled, "Just relax. She doesn't mind it. And besides, I trust you, and so does she. You're like a sister to her."
Steel Blaze smirked, "Yeah. You and Nyx are close. Princess Twilight even asked you to be foalsitter for Nyx. Heck, you're even close to my sister and others too."
"I guess you're right," Shiroi admitted before smiled happily, "Okay. I'll do it."
"Thanks," Lance smiled. As he turned and found Nyx, Alyson and Ocean Health approaching them; he gasped in surprise and relief. He approached and held her by shoulder, "Nyx! You're back. And guess the good news I've got for you!"
Nyx smiled, "Yeah, me too! I've found my own sister to partner with!"
"Huh? Really?"
"Yeah! Her! Ocean Health!"
Ocean Health smiled as she waved to Lance and his friends. They were surprise by Nyx's answer. She chose this stranger or mysterious friend to be her older sister.
"Uh... Nyx, are you sure you want her to be your 'partner' for Sisterhooves Social?"
"Yeah, I am! And don't worry, she can be trusted. She's good and nice. And surprisingly, she and I felt connection."
Ocean Health approached Lance while smiling at him, "Don't worry. I won't let her down. I promised you that she will win the game. So, don't be jealous of me."
"Jealous?! Why would I be jealous of you?!" Lance asked in annoyance.
Ocean Health giggled, "It's nothing. I just love teasing boys like you. You're so serious. Your little sister was right. You worry too much like her uncle."
"She said that?!" Lance demanded in annoyance as he turned and glared at Nyx who giggled in amusement. He sighed, "Fine... You'd better take care of her."
Ocean Health smiled, "Don't worry, I will. See you tomorrow morning, Nyxie..."
Ocean Health turned and walked away while waving to her new friends. Nyx waved to them happily while others nervously waved as well.
"Do you guys think that..." Lance said in concern.
Steel Blaze nodded in agreement, "Yeah. It's too sudden for Nyx to choose Ocean as her partner. Something's not right."
Shiroi nodded in concern, "Yeah... I felt we've met somewhere before. Don't you..."
"You felt that too?" Alyson asked in concern.
Lance nodded, "Yeah. We should keep an eye on it..."
In the morning...
Granny Smith rang the triangle instrument in getting both Apple Bloom and Big McIntosh to come down for the breakfast. As two Apple Siblings came down, Granny Smith passed the haystacks, vegetables and fruits breakfast for them to eat.
Apple Bloom didn't seem to bother to eat as all she did was poking at the food. Big McIntosh gasped of idea as puts all vegetables on his face in making the monstrous funny face for her to look. She didn't to react at his funny ways.
Granny Smith sighed, "Oh, it's no use, Big Mac. If I know my Apple Bloom, she won't come out of a funk this funky 'til her big sister gets back."
Big McIntosh sighed, "Eeyup..."
KNOCK! The Apple Family turned and found Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo entered the house.
"Hey, Apple Bloom, the Social's gonna start in a few hours. Thought you might want to go with us." Sweetie Belle asked.
Scootaloo nodded, "Since Rarity and Applejack are out of town, you and Sweetie Belle can cheer on me and Rainbow Dash instead!"
"Pretty great they're letting you participate even though you're not technically sisters." Sweetie Belle complimented, "I'm surprised that Nyx and Alyson found sisters to participate in Sisterhooves Social."
"Well, the Social's always had a pretty loose definition of what consti-ma-tutes a sister." Granny Smith explained, "As long as you share a bond that represents the spirit of the Social, you're in!"
Sweetie Belle turned to Apple Bloom, "So what do you say?"
Scootaloo smiled, "You coming? It would be great to see me, Aly and Nyx competing in the games with our own sisters."
"Why not...? Got nothin' better to do..." Apple Bloom said gloomy, "Lemme wash up and I'll meet you in a little bit."
Both Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo sighed in concern as they nodded a bit. They turned and left the Apple Family's house. Apple Bloom sighed as she slammed her head on the table.
Granny Smith sighed, "Such a shame we don't live closer to all your second cousins. You could maybe do the Social with one of them instead."
Big McIntosh was surprise and shock of what Granny Smith has asked. He hummed while smiling, "Eeyup..."
"What? What is it?!" Apple Bloom asked in surprise, "You've got the idea?"
Big McIntosh did not respond as all he did was giving a big smile. It scared and frightened Apple Bloom a bit. She has the feeling she's not gonna like it.
At Castle of Friendship's dining hall, the trio siblings were eating their breakfast without their parents since they have the big argument from yesterday about facing off the snakes. The latter were still sleeping - Twilight was sleeping on bedroom while Shadow Dragon was sleeping on the couch.
Spike whistled as he took the bite in his donut, "To be honest, I'm kinda shock to hear that Nyx found someone else to be her sister, instead of Shiroi. I thought they were so close together."
"So did I..." Lance admitted. He turned and found Nyx finished her Daffodil Sandwich. He asked, "Are you sure this is good idea? It's not that I don't like her."
Nyx smiled, "It's okay. She's okay friend. For strange reason, she and I have some connection like we were meant to be friends and sisters. You know what I mean?"
Spike chuckled before finishing his donut, "Yeah. I know that since Twilight hatched me from the egg. She and I are meant to be a family. It's kinda cool."
"But still... This is Ocean Health we're talking about," Lance said in concern, "And something tells me that bad things is about to happen..."
Nyx giggled, "You worry too much. Come on! We'd better get going. We don't wanna be late for the competition. And I'm gonna win it!"
Lance sighed, "Better be careful, Nyx. Scootaloo is not the only competition you're dealing with, Alyson is joining too. That surprise me..."
Spike nodded, "Well, good luck. I have to deal with Mr. and Mrs. Grumble. They haven't gotten over the snake problems. This is the second problem they have to argue."
Lance and Nyx laughed uneasily as they know their parents well. They won't stop about the argument they have until one must lose...
At Sweet Apple Acres...
Sisterhooves Social is opened! Mares and their little filly sisters are signing up for joining and participating in the games. Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo were there as well!
"Today is our big day!" Scootaloo cheered wildly and happily.
Rainbow Dash nodded, "We have so got this. I'm gonna go sign us in."
Rainbow Dash headed off to sign in for her and Scootaloo for the competition. Shiroi and Sweetie Belle have arrived as well. Lance, Nyx and Ocean Health have arrived as well.
"I can't believe this is happening! I'm competing in this game!" Nyx exclaimed happily, "I can't wait to win the game!"
Ocean Health smiled as she patted Nyx's head gently, "I'm sure you will."
Lance hummed in concern as he wondered if it's still good idea for Nyx to partner with Ocean Health in winning the game.
"I guess I'm just a little jealous you two get to compete and I don't." Sweetie Belle said in upset, "But at least I get to be here and cheer you on!"
Scootaloo smiled, "Thanks."
"Say Sweetie Belle," Shiroi said calmly as Sweetie Belle looked at her. She continued, "Since Rarity's not here, don't mind if I participate with you for the game?"
Sweetie Belle gasped, "Really? You mean it? For my sister's place?!"
"Eeyup."
Sweetie Belle squealed happily as she jumped and hugged Shiroi, "Thank you so much! You're the best substitute for Rarity in Sisterhooves Social!"
Shiroi giggled as she hugged back, "It's what I do for my friends."
"Speaking of friends," Scootaloo said in concern as she found Nyx, Alyson and Apple Bloom arriving at the scene, "There you are! You ready to cheer on me and Rainbow Dash to victory?"
"As if! Shiroi and Me are gonna win it!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed proudly.
"No way! I'm joining this game," Nyx said proudly as Lance and Ocean Health came to the scene, "With Ocean Health on my side, I won't be beaten so easily."
"Uh, not exactly. Seems I'm gonna get to participate after all." Apple Bloom explained uneasily.
Sweetie Belle gasped, "Applejack is back from Manehattan already? That must mean Rarity is back too!"
Apple Bloom sighed, "No, our sisters are still gone. But it, uh..." She laughed uneasily, "turns out my long lost cousin... 'Orchard Blossom' was able to make it last minute."
"Your cousin?!" Everyone asked in surprise.
"Well, I do declare! It's hotter today than the business end of a corncob pipe!" The gentle yet uncomfortable voice or mare spoke. They looked up as they found some familiar dressed in her blue dress and worn some makeup and yellowish wig in lady style. 'Orchard Blossom' continued as she approached them, "Oh, my! I'm so delighted to meet your little friends and older ones, Apple Bloom. Would these be your dear and beloved Cutie Mark Crusaders?"
Everyone knows who Orchard Blossom is now! Apple Bloom sighed in annoyance as she introduced her cousin/big brother to them.
"Everyone, this is cousin Orchard Blossom."
"It is my extra-ordinary pleasure to make your acquaintance." Big McIntosh greeted happily.
Sweetie Belle hummed in annoyance, "Yup... That's definitely Big Mac in the dress."
"Big Mac, huh?! Why, as charmed as I am that you find me in the slightest resemblance to such a-a-a fine and noble product of the Apple clan. I am astonished in equal measure." Big McIntosh insisted in lady's upset tone as he looked at Sweetie Belle, "However, I shall take this startling observation under advisement given that it's from such an astute and perceptive filly as yourself, Sweetie Belle."
"That's awful nice of you to say, cousin Orchard Blossom! I've been told before I'm pretty observant." Sweetie Belle complimented.
Big McIntosh smiled girly and happily, "I haven't the slightest doubt."
"Hey, Aly, where is your 'sister'," Scootaloo asked.
Nyx nodded in agreement, "Yeah... You did say that you're joining the Friendship Games."
"Yeah, I did. But..." Alyson giggled uneasily in making everyone uncomfortable and uneasy. She continued, "Apple Bloom isn't the only who has the crazy idea..."
"You've got that right, girl!" The toughen and tomboyish girl's voice screamed in man's tone.
Everyone yelped as they turned and found something shock. They found a familiar character with long straight crimson mane down dressed in black top tank and short military pants, and worn the military boots and black sunglasses.
She scoffed, "Glad that Blaze boy asked me to join the party! No way gonna disappoint him, sugarcube!"
"Steel?! Is that you?!" Lance asked in shock.
Shiroi was in shock and concern, "You've gotta be kidding me..."
Ocean Health was disgusted and annoyed, "And I thought my dresses are worse."
Alyson cleared her throat, "Everyone, this is my twin older sister - Revy Lagoon."
"Howdy to you, partners! Nice meeting you all. And yeah, I'm pretty girl too. But I ain't Steel Blaze!" Revy Lagoon or Steel Blaze exclaimed happily before laughed crazily. This made everyone yelped in concern and uneasy. She or he continued, "Well, whatever it is, partners - I'm here to support my little sis in winning the game. And I can be rough too, partner."
Big McIntosh smiled, "Quite rude of you, Ms. Revy Lagoon. You need some manners. And I can assure you that I won't be polite when it comes to winning."
Revy Lagoon or Steel Blaze huffed, "We'll see about that, partner!"
"At least, I don't have to be stupid as these two..." Lance remarked dryly and annoyingly.
Everyone awed in annoyance and disappointment. Things can't get any weirder or stranger than before. What happen next?
At the Registration Table, Registration Pony was busy writing down the lists of participants' names as well as checking on it until...
"Pardon me." Big McIntosh called.
Registration Pony looked up. She gasped in shock upon looking at both Big McIntosh and Steel Blaze stand before her and her friends. They were all in shock and surprise. They have never seen the mares like them before in their lives. Shiroi and Ocean Health came as well.
"Howdy, partner!" Steel Blaze exclaimed proudly and happily in Texan Assent. She stood on the table, "The name's Revy Lagoon. Don't mind if I join the games coz I'm little Aly Joy's sister. And believe in me, I'll be winning this game for her."
"Show off," Shiroi muttered as she pushed Steel Blaze. She cleared her throat, "My name is Shiroi Bai. I'll be Sweetie Belle's partner since Rarity won't be joining the games. I hope you accept my offer, madam."
"I too shall join," Ocean Health approached while smiled proudly, "I am Ocean Health - Nyx's distant cousin from Twilight's family side. I will be honored if you allow us to join in the games."
"And My dearest cousin Applejack is regrettably unable to be here as planned, so I-" Big McIntosh smiled as she gave the wink to Registration Stallion once, "-her cousin Orchard Blossom, will accompany Apple Bloom in her stead. I trust that's acceptable to all concerned?"
"Cousin Orchard Blossom, huh?" Rainbow Dash asked in not amused as if she knew about him being mare. Big McIntosh turned to her, "I know Applejack has a lot of relatives, but I feel like she would've mentioned you."
Big McIntosh smiled as he has a trick on his sleeves for Rainbow Dash, "Why, you must be Rainbow Dash. You're Scootaloo's... say... how are y'all related again?"
Rainbow Dash yelped in shock and worry. Her own friends and family know that she and Scootaloo aren't related but they're very close like sisters. If the judge learned of it, both of them will never get the chance to win Sisterhooves Social.
"Hm. Why don't I just let you finish signing in?" Rainbow Dash said uneasily before glared at Big McIntosh and Steel Blaze, "But don't think me and Scootaloo are gonna take it easy on you just 'cause you both are stallions!"
Steel Blaze laughed happily like arrogant girl, "Well, Rainbow Dash! I wouldn't dream of it..."
"Such manners..." Big McIntosh said femininely. He turned and glared at Steel Blaze, "Shall we, my friend."
Steel Blaze giggled, "After you, missy."
Ocean Health sighed in annoyance, "Arrogant... Prideful fools... Are Ponyville like this?"
Shiroi giggled uneasily, "Not all of them..."
Lance stayed close to five Cutie Mark Crusaders in making sure the little ones don't get into troubles while their older ones were registering their names for Sisterhooves Social. Cutie Mark Crusaders wondered if the judges and registration ponies allowed their friends to join in. Lance was distracted as he was glaring at Ocean Health for some reason.
"You'd think they allow your brothers in?" Scootaloo asked in concern.
Alyson smiled, "Don't worry. We'll get in. My brother is very good at acting when he was a colt."
"Wow... You're confident of that..." Sweetie Belle commented. She turned to Apple Bloom, "Have they called your brother's bluff yet?"
Apple Bloom sighed, "They're about to! I can't bear to watch!"
"Yoo-hoo! Apple Bloom! They've approved us as a pair!" Big McIntosh called as he and his five competitors approached to the little one. He smiled at Apple Bloom, "Hurry along now, precious!"
"I can't believe they bought it!" Apple Bloom said in shock.
Sweetie Belle smiled, "It's sweet he wants to help you out like this. Weird, but sweet. And I'm glad that Shiroi is willing to be my temporary sister until Rarity comes back."
Shiroi giggled, "You bet your boots, Sweetie Belle. Come on. Let's get some preparation."
Rainbow Dash chuckled a bit, "I hope you little ladies are ready for me and Scootaloo. No way we're gonna lose to any of you. And believe me, we're not going down so easily."
"You've said it!" Scootaloo cheered.
Alyson cheered as she jumped and hugged Steel Blaze tightly, "I knew you will pass it! You were great actor."
Steel Blaze scoffed girly, "It's no biggie. Now for the competition, sis."
"Are you ready, Nyx?" Ocean Health asked in amusement.
"You bet. Let's do this!" Nyx smiled happily. Ocean Health nodded as she turned and headed off. Nyx was about but stopped as she found Lance being uncomfortable and concern, "Big brother?"
Lance sighed, "Watch yourself. I don't know why but something is off with Ocean Health. Something we know and familiar with her."
"She's harmless. She's nothing like Dark Mystic Ponies," Nyx remarked happily, "So, don't worry, big brother."
Nyx trotted off at once as she and Ocean Health headed for the competition. Lance hummed in concern as he was looking at them heading off together. He knew what he has to do now as he sighed a bit.
"Time to prove that I deserve that title..."
Singing Competition...
Shiroi and Sweetie Belle were singing the Sisterhooves Social's important song - 'Winter Wrap Up', with pride, generous and harmonically. They sang great! They both bowed before the audience as the latter gave the round of applause.
"Bravo, bravo! Weren't those two sisters great?" Booth Barker said happily as both Shiroi and Sweetie Belle moved back to the tent. He looked around while asking, "Now, where are our next competitors?"
"Here we are!" Big McIntosh called as he pushed Apple Bloom to the front. He then passed the record disc to Booth Barker, "This one, please."
"Excellent choice, ma'am." Booth Baker smiled as he set record disc on record player.
Apple Bloom turned and looked at Big McIntosh as she asked in concern, "You sure you know all the words? 'Cause it took Applejack a pretty long time to get it down."
"Did it now?" Big McIntosh asked slyly
As soon as Booth Baker set the record player to play the music, both Apple Bloom and Big McIntosh began singing...
Apple Bloom and Big McIntosh: We all love our brothers
And our fathers and mothers
We honor them like every family should
Apple Bloom and Big McIntosh held each other's shoulders while singing happily and proudly
Apple Bloom and Big McIntosh: But there's somethin' that's quite unique
When my sister's there with me
And we share that special bond of sisterhood
Apple Bloom and Big McIntosh departed as they sang in single.
Apple Bloom: Sisterhood
Big McIntosh: Sisterhood
Apple Bloom: Is a special kind of friend
Sisterhood
Big McIntosh: Sisterhood
Apple Bloom: Is a bond that never ends
Apple Bloom and Big McIntosh: It's not always perfect
You might fight or be misunderstood
But together you'll always have sisterhood
As Apple Bloom continued signing, Big McIntosh not only singing but dancing proudly, weirdly and strangely like he was happy stallion. This make ponies uncomfortable and worried.
Big McIntosh: Sisterhood
Apple Bloom: Sisterhood
Big McIntosh: Sisterhood
Apple Bloom: Sisterhood
Big McIntosh: Sisterhood
Apple Bloom: Sisterhood
Big McIntosh slide down on the ground straight to the front of stage while singing manly?! That makes the ponies shock and surprised.
Big McIntosh [deep bass]: Sisterhood!
Everyone including the competitors chatted nervously and worriedly that there was something odd about Apple Bloom's cousin. Why does she sounded stallion? This make her Cutie Mark Crusaders nervous and worried about Big McIntosh nearly exposed to the world.
Apple Bloom laughed nervously, :Are you okay, cousin Orchard Blossom? You sounded like you were catchin' a cold or somethin' else that would make your voice sound totally different right at the end of the song."
Big McIntosh yelped in concern, "Just a frog in my throat, dear. Probably just need to get a sip of water. If you'll excuse us, we've another event in which to participate."
As Big McIntosh and Apple Bloom left the stage, they both have some chats with each other.
"Oh, my, that certainly didn't go as I had planned. But don't you worry. We'll get you a blue ribbon yet, Apple Bloom."
Apple Bloom hummed, "You sure about that?"
Big McIntosh smiled as he headed off, "As sure as my name is cousin Orchard Blossom."
Apple Bloom grunted in annoyance to herself, "But that isn't your name!"
As Apple Bloom and Big McIntosh climbed down the stage, both Ocean Health and Nyx emerged as they both sang 'Together We Make the Promise' happily and calmly. The audience awed in amazement and surprise.
Lance and all of his friends were watching the event. His friends were amazed by it.
Lance remained silent yet angry as he glared at Ocean Health, who held Nyx close to her like they were closed sisters and friends. Ocean Health looked at Lance Justicestrike as she gave him a devilish smirk and holding Nyx tightly. Her ocean blue eyes changed into crimson demonic eyes for the moment before it returned to normal. He grunted a bit in irritated and annoying while showing concern and anger about her.
Shiroi giggled in amazement as she commented, "Nyx seems to enjoy Ocean's company. They're both like sisters..."
Lance muttered in annoyance, "Oh, shut up..."
Shiroi turned and looked at Lance who turned his head away from looking at the event. She hummed in concern as she couldn't help but have the feeling that Lance was more than just angry and worried brother. Hopefully, her point is wrong because she didn't want Nyx to be upset and angry with Lance Justicestrike...
Throughout many events...
First event is Sisterhood Cheers. Apple Bloom and Big McIntosh struggled in performing their own cheers since the little one was comfortable with Applejack on it while the eldest brother struggled on it, especially when Big McIntosh kicked Apple Bloom too hard. Shiroi and Sweetie Belle performed it very well, and even for Ocean Health and Nyx.
Second event is hopped over the skipping ropes. Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo performed well and even performed various moves while jumping and hopping over the skipping ropes. Apple Bloom hopped over the skipping ropes while Big McIntosh unable to jump since he's not familiar with it. Both Nyx and Ocean Health performed very well and accurate than other two competitors.
Third event is keep kicking and throwing to pin at each other. Big McIntosh and Apple Bloom performed well on it until the stallion got tangled with his dress when he kicked too hard and fast. Both Steel Blaze and Alyson Joy were good at it. Ocean Health and Nyx were good at that as well.
And each event that Nyx and Ocean Health competed together; Lance Justicestrike grew uneasy, irritated, annoyed and frustrated of watching the event. He can't help but wanted to kill Ocean Health for taking Nyx away. But at the same time, he was scared and worried that something's not right with the mare especially the changes of her eyes. He has to keep an eye on it...
On final event...
"Oh, I don't know why I didn't choose to wear something more casual. Why, I knew that juggling routine like the back of my hoof!" Big McIntosh complained angrily while looking at his dress. He sighed, "But never you mind. There is still the race to be run!"
"I really appreciate all the effort, Big Ma--" Apple Bloom yelped as she corrected herself, "-cousin Orchard Blossom, but maybe we just skip the whole obstacle course thing and call it a day."
"Why, Apple Bloom! I wouldn't hear of it! Your cousin Orchard Blossom may be many things, but she is not a quitter."
"I'm sure she's not, but it's like Applejack said! There'll be more Sisterhooves Socials down the line, and I'm sure she'll help me get a blue ribbon next time around."
Big McIntosh insisted in concern, "B-But you wanted to win it this Sisterhooves Social! And no matter what, I am gonna get you that win! Why, I simply have to."
Apple Bloom sighed in defeat, "Fine... Let's do it."
Big McIntosh squealed happily as he grabbed and hugged Apple Bloom tightly and passionately. He was relief that his own sister is willing to go through the final event!
Lance saw how much Big McIntosh wanted to do for Apple Bloom as he realized that the big brother will do whatever it takes to make his sister proud and happy for him. He should do the same thing for Nyx. He has to because she's his sister and wants to protect her. He has to keep an eye on Ocean Health...
On the final event...
The competitors of both older and younger sisters have gathered at the starting lines. They were all ready for it. And one of them gonna win the race!
"Ready, Sweetie Belle?" Shiroi asked.
Sweetie Belle nodded, "I am! For Rarity! This is gonna be like before! I love this game a lot!"
Steel Blaze and Alyson Joy stretched themselves in ready for the event while cheering, "Who's gonna win the race?! We are! Who's the best in this race?! We are! Who's the best sisters?! We are!"
Rainbow Dash asked, "Alright, Scootaloo, remember the parts where teamwork really comes into play!"
"How could I forget? We've been training all week!" Scootaloo commented.
Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo smirked proudly, "Let's do it!"
Ocean Health gently patted Nyx, "I hope you're ready, Nyx. Because this is gonna be great race!"
"Yeah! I know! Win or lose, we're gonna enjoy it," Nyx commented.
Ocean Health looked up as she spotted Lance was glaring at her. She smirked a bit as she whispered to Nyx. The little black Alicorn gasped in shock and worry. She turned and looked at Lance Justicestrike, with her worried and shocked eyes. He looked confuse and feared yet angered while glaring at the smirking Ocean Health. What did Ocean Health has whispered to Nyx?!
Big McIntosh looked to the front. He saw how competitive and determined the sister ponies are in wanting to win the race. He prayed that he's ready for it with Apple Bloom. He can't let her down now, just as he didn't let Applejack down before.
"Competi-sis-tors! Take your positions!" Granny Smith announced through megaphone. The sister competitors readied and positioned themselves before the starting line. She smiled, "And a-ready, and a-set, go!"
The competitors trotted off to the race! Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo was the first sisters to jump over the mud, followed by Steel Blaze and Alyson Joy, then Shiroi and Sweetie Belle and next was Ocean Health before other competitors were catching up with others. Big McIntosh and Apple Bloom were catching up. As Apple Bloom jumped over the mud, Big McIntosh slipped on it before slipped off his horseshoes.
As other ponies hopped and trotted across the small barrels, Big McIntosh struggled as he hopped and jumped from one to another. They then climbed and jumped over the crates and boxes. Big McIntosh rammed the crates to pieces while following and catching up with Apple Bloom.
Both Apple Siblings came across the pie table where both Shiroi and Sweetie Belle were quickly yet struggled eating them. Big McIntosh and Apple Bloom joined in the party as well. He struggled in eating them as he took the ribbon out from his neck. He then ate the whole pie, so did Apple Bloom.
Both Apple Siblings headed off at once as Big McIntosh pushed the bay of hays to across the line. He then threw it up high as it was heading straight at Shiroi and Sweetie Belle who were still eating their pies. Upon seeing the shadow loomed on them both unicorns looked up and gasped. They quickly moved aside before it slammed and crushed on the pie table to pieces.
The Apple Siblings came across the grape stomping basket. Big McIntosh nudged and lifted the grapes over the basket. Apple Bloom climbed over as she began stepping and stomping on the grapes. Ocean Health and Nyx have arrived. Ocean Health poured the grapes on the basket. She then helped and let Nyx on it before she climbed it on. They both stomped on the grapes together happily and wildly.
Big McIntosh snorted with nose blew the smokes out. A shadow loomed on Apple Bloom as she looked up. She found him dived and slammed on her and basket in making juice. But it knocked Apple Bloom and others out from his splash including pouring some on jars. Apple Bloom grunted a bit while glaring at Big McIntosh who shrugged a bit. The Apple Siblings then quickly took the jar of grape before headed off.
Ocean Health turned and looked at dizzy Nyx. As the older mare helped the little one, she held something from her back. Someone screamed. Ocean Health turned and found Lance pounced and attacked her. Nyx got snapped from her dizziness as she watched both Lance and Ocean Health were fighting at each other fierce and hard. What the heck?!
Big McIntosh and Apple Bloom came across to the hen house. But Steel Blaze and Alyson Joy entered the house. The Apple siblings charged in at once. Everyone screamed and panicked as they have the big fight while trying to get the eggs. It caused chickens to panic and scared. Both Steel Blaze and Alyson Joy got kicked out as they moaned and groaned in pain. Big McIntosh and Apple Bloom carried the eggs by their muzzle to the basket for pyramid of eggs. The Apple Siblings headed off.
Instead running together, Big McIntosh carried Apple Bloom while running and ramming straight to the hurdles while them to pieces and even scaring the competitors off. They even knocked Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo off as they crossed the finishing line! Apple Siblings won!
"Woo-hoo!" Big McIntosh cheered wildly had happily in his usual tone. Everyone looked at him in shock and surprise. He cleared his throat a bit in his lady tone, "I mean victory is ours, sweet Apple Bloom!"
Suddenly, his dress was ripped and torn to pieces, and wig fell off, revealing himself his true gender and identity - Big McIntosh. He helped in fear and worry as he's now in big...
"Uh-oh."
"Uh-oh, indeed," Registration Pony stated in anger.
Apple Bloom glared at the saddened Big McIntosh, "I should've known you'd eventually get busted for bein' a stallion!"
"Oh, no, we've known all along. But he's not the only one, isn't it, Miss Revy Lagoon or should I say - Mr. Steel Blaze," Registration Pony said firmly as she turned and glared at the arrival of Steel Blaze and Alyson Joy. The competitors were in shock and surprise of it. She continued, "I must say, that was very good act for a stallion. The Sisterhooves Social has always had a loose policy when it comes to what counts as a "sister". "
Big McIntosh and Apple Bloom smiled happily, and even for Steel Blaze and Alyson Joy. Registration Pony glared at Big McIntosh.
"But we do have a strict policy when it comes to sportsponyship! In your "sister's" desperation to win, he used brute strength to physically take out the competitors. "
Registration Pony showed the damages that Big McIntosh as he was ashamed of it a lot.
"Uh, that kind of behavior is not just unbecoming of a lady, but quite frankly, of anypony! And for that, you two are hereby disqualified!" Registration Pony declared before turned to Rainbow Dash, Scooatloo, Steel Blaze and Alyson Joy as she smiled, "Unlike these ponies. They have done very well for sportsponyship.
Apple Bloom turned and glared at Big McIntosh, "I told you I should've just waited until the next Social to win with Applejack. I hope you're happy, Big Mac!"
Big McIntosh sighed unhappily as he turned and trotted away from her. Apple Bloom looked away as she didn't want to see him again after the stunt he just pulled. She saw Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo looked at each other as they have their moments for winning the games.
"Hah! Looks like we win, squirt!" Rainbow Dash said happily.
Scootaloo cheered wildly as she got up and bounced, "Woo-hoo! Yeah!"
The ponies approached and cheered wildly and happily for the winner - Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo. Apple Bloom sighed in upset as she wished that Applejack was here. Both of them could have won the Sisterhooves Social, instead of being disqualified like what happen to her and Big McIntosh.
Apple Bloom turned and found Steel Blaze approached Alyson Joy as they have their moment together. She was about to find something surprising and shocking...
Steel Blaze took his disguises out as he approached Alyson Joy. He patted her shoulders gently, "Sorry, I couldn't win the game for ya, sis. I wanna win the prize for you so badly."
Alyson Joy giggled as she hugged Steel Blaze, "But having fun with you is my prize. And I want to treasure that moment for the rest of my life."
"Thanks, sis. Your smile is my prize too," Steel Blaze hugged Alyson Joy back.
Seeing both Steel Blaze and Alyson Joy hugging each other surprise her so much, makes Apple Bloom wondered of her action at Big McIntosh as she slowly realize if this what her big brother wanted to do. She heard some shouting in anger as she turned and found Lance Justicestrike and Ocean Health fighting at each other fierce and anger while Nyx tried to stop them both.
Nyx quickly pushed and rammed Lance Justicestrike hard, "Lance! Stop! You're hurting her!"
"Hurting her?! She was trying to-?!" Lance argued until he found the bag of ice on the floor. Ocean Health reached and took it. He commented in shock, "put ice blocks on you?!"
Nyx glared at Lance, "What's wrong with you?! You've made me lose the game!"
"I didn't mean it, Nyx! I was trying to look after you! Ocean Health is not who you think she is!"
"Really? It sounded like you were jealous of her!" Nyx exclaimed in anger. Lance gasped in concern. She continued, "Ocean Health told me that. And you will do anything to kill her in making sure that I won't replace you!"
Lance was in shock as he shook his head in denial, "No! She's lying! I would never think of that! I would never do that! You know me!"
"I thought I did, but I was wrong. You were so selfish and uncaring pony! You don't care about me or what I want! You always think you're right! You don't deserve to be called 'BBBFF', Lance."
"But Nyx-!"
"Get out, Lance! I don't want to see you now!" Nyx exclaimed in anger. Lance was in shock and heartbroken of what he just heard. She grunted before shouted, "I said go away! I don't need you! I don't need my brother! I already have a sister now!"
Lance was in pain and shock before groaned in anger. He shouted, "FINE!"
Lance Justucestrike turned and trotted off as tears came out from his right eye. Everyone was in shock and concern of what they just saw especially Apple Bloom. This made her not only realize the mistakes but also her regrets of what she did to Big McIntosh.
Rainbow Dash, Shiroi and Steel Blaze headed off and followed Lance Justicestrike. Cutie Mark Crusaders came close to Nyx as they tried to comfort her. As she shown her angry looks, they were worried and shock.
"You shouldn't have talked bad about your brothers," Alyson scolded Nyx and Apple Bloom. She continued, "They want to help you because you both were their sisters."
Sweetie Belle nodded, "Yeah, that wasn't nice at all!"
Nyx was confused for the moment. She spotted Apple Bloom glanced at Big McIntosh trotted slowly yet far away from her to his home. She realized She turned and found Lance trotted away from her now. Nyx sighed in upset and shame as she looked down.
"I can't believe I said that to him..." Nyx said in shock and feared, "What have I done?"
Apple Bloom sighed, "You weren't the only pony did to your own brother. I was ashamed to. I actually talk bad about my own big brother."
Scootaloo sighed, "Well, you'd better find and apologize them. After all, they're your brothers."
Nyx and Apple Bloom thought for the moment before they smiled and nodded in agreement. Alyson Joy, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo smiled in relief to hear that. Just as they were about to move, they were blocked by Ocean Health?
"Ocean Health," Nyx asked in concern, "You'd have to excuse us. We have to find our brothers now."
Ocean Health huffed as her body behaved strangely. Her body's colors slowly fading away. It's shifting into different form through the watery transparent transformation-like. Her eyes glowed in crimson. She laughed darkly and evilly. The Cutie Mark Crusaders gulped in fear as they're not gonna like it.
"Don't worry, Xiao Yue. They'll be coming for you," Ocean Health's voice sounded different and darkly. She revealed herself a familiar character before Nyx and Apple Bloom. She smirked, "As soon as I take care of you all!"
Cutie Mark Crusaders gasped in fear and worry. They know who she was!
"Lance, hold on!" Steel Blaze called as he, Rainbow Dash and Shiroi were catching up to Lance who trotted away on the hill. He grabbed and turned Lance at him, "You can't just walk away because of a bad argument with Nyx."
Shiroi nodded in concern, "Steel Blaze's right. Nyx didn't mean it. She's just upset about the games. That's all. She would never say bad things about you. She loved you."
"I just want to look after her, protect her and keep her safe," Lance said in upset. He sighed, "Maybe she's right. I don't deserve to be her BBBFF. I may be jealous of Ocean Health because she and Nyx were so close together..."
"So what, kid? That doesn't mean you stopped looking after her." Rainbow Dash asked in annoyance. Lance turned and looked at her. She continued, "You're her big brother. So act like one. Whether it's right or wrong, you still have a sister to look after. And no matter what happen, be there for her!"
Lance was stunned and shocked, "Rainbow Dash..."
SCREAM! Lance, Shiroi, Steel Blaze and Rainbow Dash turned to their back as they realize where the voice came from. And they know who belonged to! They need to find and get to Cutie Mark Crusaders now!
Mei Kai hissed wildly and angrily as she slithered and chased after Cutie Mark Crusaders across the obstacle race! And at the same time, she fired her Poison Bubbles and Hydro Beam at them who dodged and avoided the attacks quickly. They hid underneath the mud at first, but it splashed out by Mei Kai's water control. They quickly headed and hid underneath the tables but their covers got whacked aside. They quickly ran and hid inside the chicken coop!
Mei Kai came across it as she armed and formed her Water Blades as she struck and thrust hers on the coop for few times. She was trying to hit Nyx and her friends who were dodging and avoiding the attacks.
"I remember this game! You and I enjoy it a lot, Yue especially this was your training. We call it 'Hide and Slash'," Mei Kai exclaimed wildly as she continued thrusting her blades on coop's rooftop and house. She giggled in amusement, "When your older sister ignored you or busy, you came to me for play! You and I were so close! And now, you must pay the price, traitor!"
Nyx grunted in anger, "Will ya just leave me alone?! I am not the same pony you use to play with!"
"We shall see!" Mei Kai smirked. As she was about to thrust her blades, a blast hit her head. She turned and grunted in anger as she found four ponies standing before her, "Insects! You dare interrupt my fun!"
"I should have known it was you all the time," Lance exclaimed in anger as he armed himself with his Dual Blades, "I'm gonna make you sorry for what you have done!"
"Count on us too!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she armed with her Mystic Magical Spear.
Steel Blaze scoffed as he armed with his Blazing Chakrams, "Yeah! I'm so on fire!"
Shiroi hissed as she armed herself, "You make Lance jealous by becoming so close to Nyx like you were her sister. And the worst is - you make her turned on her own brother! You're gonna regret it!"
Mei Kai scoffed, "I don't think so, weaklings..."
Mei Kai launched her powerful Dragoon Tsunami at Lance and his team. They quickly departed at once while charging straight at her. Steel Blaze swung his Blazing Chakrams at her but missed as she dodged and avoided the attacks for few times. He then fired his Blazing Glory Shots at her. She fired her Hydro Beam back at his and even himself to the ground.
Rainbow Dash charged in as she swung her Mystic Magical Spear at Mei Kai who dodged the attacks for three times. She then summoned her Black Water Trident out. Both Rainbow Dash and Mei Kai swung their powerful bladed pole at each other while dodging and avoiding them for few times. Shiroi joined as well as she summoned her Light Sword. She attacked Mei Kao from her back. But the Demon Mermaid used her fin in grabbing the unicorn before throwing her on Rainbow Dash to the ground hard.
Both Rainbow Dash and Shiroi got up as they quickly charged and attacked Mei Kai with their Mystic Magical Spear and Light Sword. Mei Kai dodged and avoided the attacks quickly and swiftly while punching, swiping her tail and striking her trident back at them. They dodged the attacks barely. Mei Kai quickly grabbed Rainbow Dash's leg before swung at Shiroi to the spectator's seats hard. She then fired her Dragoon Tsunami in knocking and almost drowning them.
Lance screamed as he jumped and slammed his Dual Blades on Mei Kai, who quickly slithered back at once. Both of them wielded and armed with the their weapons in ready to fight.
Mei Kai smirked, "Are you prepared to meet your failure, Lance Justicestrike?"
"The hell I will!" Lance protested in anger, "You won't hurt my sister without the fight, Mei Kai!"
"We shall see, BBBFF," Mei Kai mocked darkly, making Lance grunted in anger. She smirked, "If you still deserve that title, of course."
Lance hissed in anger as he charged in at once. He swung his Dual Blades at Mei Kai, who dodged the attacks while swinging her trident for defense and attacking at him for few times. As Lance made a cross-shaped blade on Mei Kai, she leaned down and slithered to the front. With her fin, she quickly grabbed his back hooves in making him fell down hard. She then struck her trident on him but missed as he rolled to left and right for eight times. As she was about to strike, he quickly kicked and knocked her off.
Lance got up and readied to attack but instead, her fin grabbed and wrapped his neck in choking and strangling him. She armed and aimed her trident at him. Mei Kai smirked proudly.
Just before the Water Demon Princess could do anything, she got her back hit! Mei Kai turned and found Nyx standing before her. She was armed with her blackish glowing horn. Her friends came out from the chicken coop.
"Leave my BBBFF alone! You will not hurt my big brother!" Nyx exclaimed in anger.
Mei Kai smirked as she held right claw up, "If you wish to be with him, then so be it!"
Mei Kai loosened her wrapping fin on Lance's neck as she charged and thrust her claw at Nyx. Everyone gasped as they screamed and called for Nyx! Water Demon Princess was close to kill the little princess until...
SCRATCH! Everyone gasped in shock. Apple Bloom came out of nowhere, saved Nyx from being killed to the ground hard. The farm filly grunted and hissed in pain as her right eye was clawed. At the same time, she was crying in pain. Nyx helped and checked on Apple Bloom's wounds. Nyx used her Healing Spell in healing her best friend's wounds.
Mei Kai hissed in anger, "Little brat! Stay out of my way!"
Just before Mei Kai could do anything, someone charged in and rammed her aside hard. They all found Big McIntosh stood before Nyx and Apple Bloom. In shock and scared, he looked at Apple Bloom's pain and despair. He gritted his teeth in anger as he slowly turned and glared at Mei Kai.
Mei Kai grunted painfully as she slowly got up. She armed with her trident in ready to attack. She stopped as she spotted Big McIntosh stood before her. His body glowed darkly and reddishly while grunted ans snorted in anger. He then roared wildly and angrily. She yelped in surprise and shock as she never expected the ponies to be very fierce and angered.
Just as Mei Kai was about to attack, but instead her fin got caught and bitten by Big McIntosh's teeth. He swung her on the ground hard fiercely for few times like whacking the rag-doll. She was thrown to the ground hard. She grunted in pain as she slowly getting up. But she was rammed and knocked very hard to all the way to the spectators' seats hard. Big McIntosh roared in anger as he began used his back legs kicked on her stomach and face.
"NOPONY HURTS APPLE BLOOM!" Big McIntosh cried angrily and wildly.
Mei Kai grunted and groaned in pain as she quickly transformed into the form of watery. Big McIntosh was about to attack but she quickly slipped and slithered away to the forest. She escaped.
"You haven't seen the last of me, Yue! Your family and friends will not protect you much longer!"
Everyone sighed in relief that the fight is over now. Rainbow Dash hugged Scootaloo happily and passionately. Steel Blaze grabbed and lifted Alyson Joy up high while rotating around happily. Shiroi came and thoroughly checked on Sweetie Belle if the latter was hurt or not.
Big McIntosh turned and looked at Apple Bloom if she was alright or not. Nyx just finished her healing spell on Apple Bloom's right eye. The farm filly's eyes looked better now. Nyx cheered as she hugged Apple Bloom happily and passionately.
Big McIntosh smiled happily to see her alright. He then looked down in shame and upset. He turned and walked away back to his home. He was ashamed for making Apple Bloom upset. Apple Bloom spotted him. She wondered if she should follow him. Nyx gave a nod. Apple Bloom trotted and followed Big McIntosh.
Nyx turned and found Lance stood before her. They both looked upset, pain and sad as they regret their own action against each other. They looked away from each other for the moment. They turned to each other as they hugged passionately.
"Nyx, I'm sorry for everything! I really am!" Lance exclaimed in shame, "I didn't mean it. I just want to protect you from danger."
Nyx sniffed tearfully, "I know! I'm sorry too for not listening to you. And..." She smiled as she nuzzled her older brother's neck gently, "I'm glad that you're my Big Brother Best Friend Forever. You're the best."
Lance sniffed, "So are you, Little Sister Best Friend Forever. I will never ever let you down or let anyone else hurt you or others too."
Nyx smiled, "I know you will, Lance."
Lance and Nyx continued hugging each other happily and passionately. The other sighed in relief as they were all glad that both of them are back together now. Everything is fine now. And hopefully Apple Bloom and Big McIntosh are in good terms.
Sun setting at Sweet Apple Acres...
Apple Bloom searched for Big McIntosh everywhere at her home but found nothing. As she looked up, she gasped in surprise. She found him sitting near to the Apple Tree on the hill. He was looking at the sunset. She approached to him before sitting close to him. She cleared her throat in getting his attention while smiling. He did not respond.
"You know I'm not mad, right?" Apple Bloom asked in concern. Big McIntosh didn't respond. She continued, "I mean... let's face it - you dressin' up as my cousin Orchard Blossom was a pretty crazy idea in the first place. And it's not like you got me disqualified from the Social forever or anythin'. I can participate next time with Applejack. Everything's fine."
Big McIntosh sighed, "Eeyup."
"I just don't understand why you went so crazy there at the end of the race. I mean, I know you like to win an' all, but..." Apple Bloom said in concern, "you wanna tell me what's goin' on?"
Big McIntosh looked away, "Nope."
"Alright. Well, thanks for saving me and my friends. I'm happy for that. It's getting late. You comin'?" Apple Bloom asked. Big McIntosh did not respond. She sighed in upset as she knew why he didn't respond to her, "Okay. See you later, I guess..."
Big McIntosh turned and looked at Apple Bloom for the moment. He sighed in defeat. He might as well tell her.
"Apple Bloom?" Big McIntosh called. Apple Bloom turned to him as she approached him. He continued,
"When you were little, you used to look up to me, thought I was the best thing since zap apple jam." Big McIntosh looked down, "Things are different now. Applejack's the hero of the Apple family, always rushin' off to save Equestria. And I'm just here on the farm, doin' chores, helpin' out the way I can, nothin' special, nobody's hero. I guess I just thought if I could...
"...fill in for Applejack at the Social and get you a blue ribbon, well, I could be somepony you looked up to again. Be your hero again. Even if it was for just a day."
Big McIntosh sighed as he looked away from her, "It was foolish and I'm ashamed. Please, I just wanna be alone right now."
Apple Bloom thought of what Big McIntosh wanted before smiled a bit. She then hugged Big McIntosh happily and passionately.
"Well, I'm not goin' anywhere, you big goof. And I know that you're always gonna be here when I need you especially when you go charge and chase that Demon Water Witch out for hurting me and my friends. Heck, you'll do a whole obstacle course in high heels if you think it'll help me get somethin' I want." Apple Bloom said happily.
Big McIntosh slowly formed a bit of his smile. She continued, "You're my big brother. You've always been a hero to me, Big Mac, and you always will be. I'm real sorry I haven't been lettin' you know that's how I feel. Guess both of us have been holdin' back when it comes to expressin' ourselves, huh?"
Big McIntosh smiled happily as he hugged Apple Bloom, "Eeyup."
"Hey, Big Mac?"
"Eeyup?"
Apple Bloom departed as she looked at the sunset, "How do you think cousin Orchard Blossom would describe this sunset?"
Big McIntosh chuckled as he made a lady's voice, "Why, dear, I do declare this is the most beautiful sunset my eyes have ever looked upon. Though sitting here on these tree roots is a trifle uncomfortable for my hindquarters."
Apple Bloom and Big McIntosh laughed happily while watching the sun setting down. It may not be great for them in winning the Sisterhooves Social, but understanding each other and spending a bonding time was their best moment they ever had...
END...
Review and Suggest...
Main Casts:
Peter New: Big McIntosh/Orchard Blossom, Booth Barker
Michelle Creber: Apple Bloom
Jesse McCartney: Lance Justicestrike
Kira Tozer: Nyx
Hynden Walch: Mei Kai/Ocean Health
Minor Casts:
Hayden Panettierre: Shiroi Bai
Quinton Flynn: Steel Blaze
Alyson Stoner: Alyson Joy
Ashleigh Ball: Applejack, Rainbow Dash
Tabitha St Germain: Granny Smith, Registration Pony
Claire Corlette: Sweetie Belle
Madeleine Peters: Scootaloo
Cathy Weseluck: Spike
Dee Bradley Baker: Dragoking |
My Little Pony Mystic Season 1 | Crossover Special: The Magic of Family | Inside the old strange and creepy mansion's basement, two familiar enemies to Gwen Tennyson were setting up the ritual, along with some magic potions and a magic spell book. Hex, who was restored to his age from his infant stage, was holding his Staff of Ages while reading his magic spell book. Charmcaster was readying and putting some ingredients and magic potion into a large cauldron and cooking it up per her uncle's instruction. Both Hex and Charmcaster were performing an ancient ritual.
Charmcaster groaned in bore manner, "Uncle, remind me of why we're doing this?"
Stopped reading the book, Hex sighed in annoyance about repeating his purpose. He turned and glared at Charmcaster, "We're performing an ancient ritual that will help us summon a powerful creature with immortality and magic powers. With it, we'll become an invincible. And they will help us restore the Charms of Bezel!"
"And how can you be certain that this will work? I mean the Keystone failed because of Tennyson."
"Because, our location is hidden and we have all the ingredients we need to perform the ritual. And we are far away from Lucky Girl and her family. We will not be interfered again. And this time, we will succeed it!"
"Better hope so. We don't want to jinx it again."
"Watch your tone, my niece. You do not wish to suffer my wrath again, now do you?"
Charmcaster groaned, "No, uncle. Of course not."
"Good..." Hex smiled darkly. He turned to the magic book spell, "Now, to summon a powerful creature from the realm of magic - Equestria." His eyes glowed in yellow colors. The large cauldron also glowed while its water was shaking and bubbling wildly and crazily. He began chanted darkly, "Silicus Milez Sasitatio - Equestria - Alpha Iuvenis Fortis Mannulus Stella Luna Tenebrae!"
BOOM!
The greenish water exploded and poured out from the cauldron while unleashing a powerful beam of yellowish colors. This caused forcefully pushed both Hex and Charmcaster to the walls hard. They both groaned and moaned in pain. They slowly recovered from the pain.
Hex and Charmcaster then found two creatures lying down on the ground - a lavender winged unicorn with navy mane and tail with streaks of dark purple and pink and her flank has sparkling large star with five little ones, and another is a black filly with purple gentle curved mane and tail, and has snake-like irises and her flank is crescent moon on dark blue shield-like. Both of them groaned and moaned as they too were recovering from the knock out.
"W-What happen?" The black filly asked. She groaned while looking at her surroundings, "Where are we?"
The lavender mare hummed, "I don't know. But this is not an Equestria or Canterlot High either for sure. And I don't like it here one bit."
Charmcaster whistled amusingly, "Wow, uncle, you really did summon some powerful creatures..."
Hex groaned and screamed, "Unacceptable! This is not what I wanted!" He turned and glared at the magic spell book, "Worthless spell book! I need an invincible creature, not these useless horses!"
"Excuse me," The lavender mare asked. Both Hex and Charmcaster turned and glared at her. She sighed, "I don't mind to be rude, but can you tell me where are we. And my name is Princess Twilight Sparkle." She turned and nuzzled black filly, "This here is my daughter - Nyx."
Nyx smiled and bowed humbly, "Hi."
"I can see you both are busy," Twilight Sparkle said in concern, seeing both Hex and Charmcaster glaring at her and her daughter, "If you show us the way back to Equestria, then we would be out of your mane or hair?" She groaned, "I should have the human's autonomy and dictionary for studies. It would have saved some embarrassment."
Hex snarled, "Now, why would I help you, talking horse?"
"Because I'm lost and have no idea of how to get home," Twilight Sparkle answered, "And second, I'm a pony, not a horse. That's difference and insulting too, Mister Creepy Old Man."
Charmcaster snickered while covered her mouth amusingly, making Hex turned and gave her a glare. He turned and readied his Staff of Ages, scaring and worrying Twilight Sparkle and Nyx.
"You dare mock me?! You will pay for it!" Hex exclaimed in anger.
Hex then fired his staff's powerful blast at two ponies. Twilight Sparkle summoned a lavender aura-like force-field to protect her and Nyx while deflecting the blasts at him. He dodged the attack as it hit the walls. Both Hex and his niece turned to the walls, where they found a large hole in it. They were in shock and surprise as they turned back to the ponies. Both Twilight Sparkle and Nyx were uneasy and worried.
"Guess we actually did get the right creatures," Charmcaster said in shock.
Hex smiled, "Yes. We actually do." He chuckled as he readied and aimed his Staff of Ages at Twilight Sparkle and Nyx. He smirked, "You both will be good use to me. Not only had you granted me immortality, but also the powers and restoring the Charms of Bezel! You both are mine!"
Twilight Sparkle groaned, "Great. Just what I need! Another powered hungry warlord! I'm not gonna let you take our magic!"
"Why us?" Nyx asked in concern.
And just as Twilight Sparkle had her horn glowed in lavender color, Hex used his Staff of Ages to summon powerful vines from the ground. They all coiled around of her body and hooves. And at the same time, he fired his Staff of Ages at her, absorbing and draining her magic powers into him. He sighed proudly.
"I can feel it! The power you possessed! It's incredible!" Hex chuckled evilly and darkly. He turned and glared at the frightened and worried Nyx. He smirked, "You're next, little one."
And just before Hex could do anything, Twilight Sparkle levitated couple of ink bottles at Hex and Charmcaster, blinding their sights. Nyx was about to help but her mother nudged the little one off.
"Nyx, you have to get out now! Go and find some help!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed in concern. Nyx looked upset and uneasy. She hissed, "I'll be fine! Now go and get help!"
Nyx shook her head, "No! I can't leave you!"
Twilight Sparkle shouted, "Go! Go now!"
Nyx hesitated of it. Both Hex and Charmcaster were recovering as they both wiped the ink off. She yelped in concern as she turned and escaped by climbing up the stairs. Both evil magicians recovered as they found Twilight Sparkle trapped by the vines while Nyx was missing.
"That little filly escaped! Find and capture her now!" Hex exclaimed in anger.
"Do I have to?!" Charmcaster asked in annoyance. Hex turned and gave a glare to her. She sighed, "Fine. I'll go and find her."
Charmcaster climbed up the stairs as she gave chase for Nyx. Hex turned and glared at Twilight Sparkle, who glared at him back.
"While my niece finds that filly of yours, I'll take your powers and immortality," Hex said darkly.
Twilight Sparkle snarled, "Never!"
Hex smirked as he fired his Staff of Ages at Twilight Sparkle. As he was draining both immortality and magic, she screamed in pain and agony. As she was screaming in pain, she prayed and hoped that Nyx will get help and save her in time.
At the jewelry store of Bellwood, the Circus Freak Trio was robbing some jewels and gems. Thumbskull was dealing with some of law enforcers by brutal force. Using her tentacles-like hair, Frightwig was robbing and collecting the jewels into couple of bags. Acid Breathe helped his teammates by firing his powerful breathe of acid in melting and destroying machines and vault.
The Circus Freak Trio has collected and robbed jewels and gems enough. They all packed them up into their circus truck.
Acid Breath chuckled evilly and amusingly, "I love this job! Easy as pie!"
"Yeah," Thumbskull cheered, "No one can stop us!"
Frightwig nodded calmly, "Yeah. The boss is gonna get better sooner or later. And best of all, we don't have to worry about Tennysons again."
BOOM! Circus Freak Trio's circus truck got slammed and destroyed to pieces while the gang got thrown straight to the ground hard. They all groaned and moaned painfully as they looked up and found Four Arms stood before them.
"Oh no! Not you!" Thumbskull exclaimed in anger.
"Long time no see, freaks," Four Arms said amusingly as he cracked his fists tightly, "Thought you'd finally give up your crimes after Negative 10 got beaten and disbanded."
"Guess what, kid?" Acid Breath hissed, "We don't care."
"Yeah! We've got our old job and boss back," Frightwright said amusingly while armed and readied to fight, "Think you can take us on?"
Four Arms smirked, "I beat you once. I can do it again."
"Think twice, Four Eyes!" Acid Breath exclaimed.
Acid Breath took a deep breathe as he fired the acid at Four Arms, who dodged while let it spit on the truck. While the transport was melting down, he grabbed and thrown it at zombie-like mutant. Acid Breath yelped in fear as he was about to get crushed. Thumbskull grabbed and thrown it back At Four Arms. Both of them continued throwing transports at each other like playing dodgeball.
While Four Arms was busy dealing with two Circus Freaks, Frightwright used her tentacles in grabbing and holding him to the ground hard. Thumbskull charged and beat him for few times. Acid Breath inhaled as he readied to fire at him. Before he could do it, a strange magical glowing orb-like covered and trapped his face, thus he inhaled the toxic in him. Acid Breath yelped as he dropped to the ground hard.
Thumbskull was distracted in punching Four Arms, he has something hit on his head, causing the muscle mutant to drop to the ground. This allowed Four Arms used his four hands to grab and pull Frightwright as he threw her right at two Circus Freaks to the ground. Three of them groaned and moaned in defeat.
"Ha. Told you it's easy!" Four Arms remarked proudly.
Gwen scoffed as she entered the scene, "Yeah. If you don't get your tangled up."
Four Arms groaned in annoyance, "I could have taken them down. I beat them couple of times before."
"Yeah, right," Gwen said amusingly.
"Okay, you two, knock it off. As long you both work together, everything is fine," Max said in annoyance as he arrived at the scene. He turned to Circus Freak Trio, "Now, let's grab and take them to the prison, making sure they stay there for good."
As Tennyson Family approached the Circus Freak Trio, a grenade was thrown right on their feet. And just before they could react, it exploded and unleashed some strange gas. They inhaled it a bit. They then coughed it out loud and heavily as they struggled to breath.
While the family struggled breathing, they got punched and whacked for few times by Frightwright and Thumbskull. Three of them got thrown straight to the scaffold, near to newly construction site of building. Acid Breath unleashed his toxic of melting its supports. The whole scaffold shaken and broke apart. They fell straight down on Tennyson Family.
Seeing Tennyson Family is down, Circus Freak Trio quickly got up and escaped the scene while grabbing the jewels and gems. They headed straight to the strange yet ghastly clown car-like, where they found a familiar clown standing before them.
"Do I have to do everything by myself?" Zombozo asked in annoyance. Circus Freak Trio yelped and shivered in fear. He sighed, "At least, I get some paid back to that brat for he has done to me."
"Good for you, boss. But shouldn't be you inside the machine?" Thumbskull asked in concern.
Acid Breath nodded in concern, "He does have the point. You spent two years in this hunk of junk sleeping pod to get beauty sleep."
"True. But I can't beacuse you fools can't even get a job done right," Zombozo snarled a bit.
Frightwright gulped while showing the bags of jewelry, "At least, we got the jewels to power you up."
Zombozo hummed, "Hmm... Fair enough. Let's get out of here."
Zombozo and his Circus Freak Trio gotten into their car as they drove and escaped the scene. As the rubble and scaffold's parts were shaking and moving, Tennyson Family got out from it. They all groaned and moaned painfully as they were badly injured. Ben has injured left hand and little bleeding from his head, Gwen has some cuts on her cheeks, waist and right shoulder, and Max had a terrible bad ache.
Checking on his head, Ben found some bleed on his. He sighed, "Our parents are so gonna kill us."
"Tell me something I don't know. They're gonna blame grandpa again," Gwen remarked in annoyance while holding tight on her waist, "This is so not our day."
While rubbing his backache, Max sighed and gave an optimistic smile, "I'm pretty sure they'll understand it."
"I can't believe you!"
After they were patched up, Ben had his head and left hand bandaged up while Gwen has some patches on some cuts of her left cheek, right shoulder and bandage around her waist. Both Ben and Gwen hissed while looking uneasy and concern as they witnessed their parents scolding and shouting at Max about their children were badly injured.
"I know you said that you will take care of ours." Carl exclaimed in anger, "But this is not what we have in our mind!"
Frank nodded firmly, "Carl's right." He turned and pointed at the children, "Them?! Superhero?! This isn't funny at all, dad! This is serious matters!"
"I agree! We understand that you keep secrets from us because of 'classified'," Natalie said in annoyance and bit of fury, "But why our children?! Why must you involved of them?!"
Sandra nodded, "I agreed. They're just children! They could get hurt! And it's because of you!"
"That's not fair! You can't blame grandpa for this!" Ben exclaimed in anger.
Gwen nodded in agreement, "Yeah! He did his best to look after us! He even helped teaching and training us of how to use our powers!"
"Without him, Earth wouldn't be here at all."
"Yeah. Grandpa deserve some better treatment than scolding him for our injuries."
"Kids, stay out of this," Carl said sternly, scaring Ben and Gwen a bit. He turned and glared at Max, "Sometimes I don't understand you, dad. You don't trust me and Frank with secrets but you shared it with our kids?" He sighed angrily, "What were you thinking?!"
"Carl's right." Frank said in agreement with a bit of anger, "I always look up to you because of your teachings and morality of doing right. But keeping secrets from us and even let children to do your dirty work? I'm not sure that if I want to trust you again."
"He has the point," Sandra and Natalie said in agreement.
Ben, Gwen and even Max became more concern and uneasy with this. It's becoming more tense and serious than before. They don't really like it.
"What were you saying?" Max asked fearfully.
"Dad, don't visit us again," Carl said dryly, "In fact, we don't want our children to see and visit you either."
Gwen and Ben gasped in shock and anger. They were about to argue, but stopped by their mothers, who shook their heads firmly at them. They couldn't believe it. Their parents are forbidding Max from visiting them or vice-versa?!
Frank sighed, "And above all, our children are not gonna be involved of being superheroes or helping you with missions. That is final!"
Max was in shock yet calm and firm as he sighed, "I... I understand. I'm really sorry for this. I didn't want this." He turned and walked towards the door, "I'd never want to..."
Max opened the door and exited it. Ben and Gwen were about to chase and stop their grandfather. Their parents stopped them from moving ahead. They turned and glared at theirs, who glared back fiercely at them.
"We meant it," Carl said dryly.
"And it's serious, kids," Frank said dryly, "Unless you were attacked by robbers or thieves, you're not allowed to use powers."
"And above all, don't visit your grandfather," Sandra said firmly.
Natalie nodded, "He's not welcome to our family anymore..."
Ben and Gwen were in deep shock yet resented and upset about it. They hated how their parents treat their grandfather bad, but there was nothing they could do now. They wished that this could never happen if they didn't found the Omnitrix...
In the afternoon; Ben and Gwen met up with Julie, Jonesy, Eddie and Lucy. They told their friends about what has happened to their family. They all couldn't help but feel sorry and worry about it.
"Dude, that is so unfair," Jonesy said in upset, "How could your parents do that? I mean seriously! They can't do that!"
Lucy nodded, "Yeah! Grandpa Max is the best Plumber we ever had! Why would they do that to him?!"
"Because he didn't tell them about his secrets," Gwen said shamefully.
Ben groaned, "It's not fair! Totally unfair! Why can't they understand him? Sure he has his secrets from them, but he did because he cared and loved them so much. He doesn't want them to get hurt by the bad guys! That's what superheroes do! Everyone knows that!"
"Clearly that your parents don't," Eddie added in. Ben gave a glare at him. He yelped, "Look, my point is that even if he told them, then they would have trusted and understood him. Plus, I don't think they read superhero comic books because they see it as a joke than serious matters."
Julie hummed thoughtfully, "Eddie has the point about it. Can't blame them for what they did."
"But it's still unfair," Ben protested in anger, "there must be something we can tell our parents about grandpa loved and trusted us so much."
Gwen sighed, "Apparently, not. You saw what happen, Ben. I doubt they'll have some second thoughts about forgiving grandpa."
"Don't worry, guys!" Lucy cheered as she grabbed and hugged Gwen and Ben close to her, even though it hurt them a lot. She squealed, "I'm sure we'll figure it out! We'd always do!"
"Great! Lucy! Hurt!" Ben and Gwen groaned and moaned painfully upon feeling Lucy's hugging tightly on them especially the injured and wounded part. They squealed in pain, "PAIN! PAIN! PAIN!"
"Lucy, cool off your hugging," Julie insisted in concern.
Eddie nodded in concern, "You're killing them."
"Ooh! Sorry," Lucy giggled uneasily as she let go of hugging Ben and Gwen. They both panted heavily while sighed. She sighed, "I guess I don't know my own strength."
"Seriously. How strong are Sludgepuppies?" Jonesy asked curiously.
And just before Lucy could answer, Ben and his team heard some screams. They looked up ahead, where they found many people were screaming and panicking while running away from something or someone. Behind the people was Charmcaster, leading both the army of clay monstrous dogs and bats. They were looking around the surroundings as they were searching for the pony.
"Charmcaster?!" Ben and Gwen exclaimed in concern.
"Bad guy?" Lucy asked. Ben and Gwen nodded firmly. She turned into her Lenopan Form, "Alright. It's time for action!"
Eddie held and stopped Lucy, "Oh, we listen to what she's after. Hide now!"
Ben and his friends hid at the alley while watching the event, hoping to get some information from Charmcaster of what she was after. She and her clay monsters were passing the alley Ben and his friends were hiding. They all listened to her mutter.
Charmcaster snarled, "You can run all you want, little pony. But you can't hide for long!"
Charmcaster continued her search, with her minions. Ben and his friends looked at each other for some discussion about the problem they faced.
"Okay, what the heck was that?" Jonesy asked in concern.
Gwen hummed, "I don't know. But if it's involved with magic powers, it can't be good. We need to stop her from searching for 'pony'."
"Seriously, what does a horse do for her?" Ben asked in amusement.
"We won't know if we hide," Eddie said dryly as he took his black strange disc-like. He pushed a blue button. He placed it on his chest. The disc unfolded the black suit-like that covered his whole body with blue laser-like patterns on him, metallic armored gauntlets and has cyber-like shades. He smiled, "Time to test my new gadgets."
"Cool! I wanna help too!" Ben exclaimed before groaned in pain. He looked at his injuries, "Aw man... If I wasn't badly injured..."
"I don't think we can help too, Ben," Gwen said in concern.
"I'll stay to look after them," Julie said calmly.
"The rest of us will deal with her heads on and get some answers," Eddie said firmly, "Let's do it!"
Both Lucy and Jonesy readied their powers. She was in her Lenopan Mode while he readied his electrical and static powers. Eddie led them to chase and engage a battle against Charmcaster. Julie remained behind to look after Ben and Gwen.
Charmcaster and her clay monsters continued terrorizing the city while searching for her targets. Eddie, Lucy and Jonesy jumped to the front of the villainess. They all readied to fight.
"Stop right there, Charmcaster," Eddie said firmly, "You won't go further."
"And you are?" Charmcaster asked unamused.
"We're..." Jonesy stopped in realization, "Good question. What are we again? Like Team E? Team L? Team Static? Or something?" He hummed while showing off his static on his hand, "I kinda like being Static. And you two. I think she can be called 'Sludge' and Eddie is 'Tron'. How about it?"
Lucy groaned, "Really? Now? Giving the nicknames or codenames when we're in the middle of fight!"
"Guys, fighting bad guys, remember?" Eddie asked in annoyance. He and his friends turned to Charmcaster, "Whatever you're looking for, this ends now, Charmcaster. We're gonna stop you!"
Charmcaster rolled her eyes in annoyance, "Oh, please. Like you can be any challenge as Lucky Girl." She smirked amusingly as she readied her dark magical powers, "But toying with you will be much more fun..."
Lucy gulped, "I've got a bad feeling about this..."
"And I don't think I'm gonna enjoy this," Jonesy said in concern.
Eddie hissed, "Everyone, get ready now!"
"Oh. Goodie..." Charmcaster said amusingly as she readied to fire her blazing fire magic, "Berdie Mordo Nata!"
Charmcaster fired her blazing fire magic at Eddie and his team. Thanks to Eddie's strong force-field, he blocked the attacks. They all charged and engaged her at once, while dodging and blocked the attacks as well.
As the trio were watching the event, Gwen heard a 'clanking' noise. She turned and looked back as she found a tin can was rotating around, making her suspicious. Both Ben and Julie turned and checked on her.
"What is it?" Ben asked in concern.
"I thought I saw something." Gwen said suspiciously while looking ahead. She hummed, "Come out now. I know you're there. Show yourself."
But no response. Gwen was still glaring at the area as she knew that someone was still there. She decided to march towards the area now. Ben and Julie were uncertain about it. Nevertheless, they followed her, making sure she doesn't do something stupid.
"Gwen, are you sure someone is there?" Ben asked in concern.
Julie nodded, "Yeah. I don't see anyone there either."
"I know it's there. I just need a correct spell," Gwen said firmly and calmly. Her eyes glowed in blue while chanted, "Magus Sensus!"
Using her magical eyes in scanning the alley, Gwen found a creature's silhouette behind the trash cans. She even sensed its aura to be black yet she felt it very pure and good. Her magical aura from her eyes disappeared. She approached to the trash can and spoke calmly.
"It's okay. We're not gonna hurt you. I promise," Gwen said gently and calmly.
Confused and worried of what Gwen was doing, Ben and Julie remained firm and readied for anything. While they were still waiting, something did slowly and cautious emerged out from the trash can. And it turns out to be a familiar black winged unicorn, which surprised them.
"You've gotta be kidding me..." Ben said in annoyance, "You mean that is 'thing' was watching us? This must be a joke!"
Gwen groaned at Ben's rudeness, "Ben..."
"Hey! I'm not a 'thing'! I'm a pony!" Nyx exclaimed in anger, surprised Ben and his friends. She sighed, "And I have a name too. It's Nyx!"
"What the heck?!" Ben asked in shock and concern.
"Oh my gosh! She talks!" Julie said in shock and surprise. She squealed happily as she grabbed and hugged Nyx tightly and passionately, "And oh my gosh, she's so cute!"
Nyx groaned in pain, "Too tight! Too tight!"
"Julie!" Gwen called. Julie quickly loosened hugging on Nyx as she smiled uneasily. She passed the pony to her. She sighed, "Sorry about that. Girls loved cuteness. And trust me, you're very cute, Nyx."
"Uh, thanks... But who are you? Are you with that creepy sorcerer?"
"Creepy Sorcerer? You mean Charmcaster? You're the one she's after? What does she want from you? And where did you come from?"
"If I tell you, you'd find it hard to believe," Nyx said in concern.
Ben sighed, "We've got lots of weird stuffs happening to us like fighting bad guys, robots, mutants, aliens, magicians and some creepy monsters. I'm pretty sure that it's no different."
"Okay..." Nyx said in surprise, "You're the second group of humans to be okay with weird stuffs and even ponies." She gasped, "Speaking of that, why I wasn't turned into a human? I'm sure going through the portal turned it into one."
"W-What?!" Ben, Gwen and Julie asked in confusion.
"I'll explain later," Nyx said calmly. She noticed the injuries Ben and Gwen have. She hummed in concern, "You must be seriously injured. Good thing I know a spell that can help you."
Ben and Gwen looked surprise and confuse, "Huh?! What are you-?!"
Her horn glowed in dark navy aura, Nyx fired at Ben and Gwen, who yelped in surprise as they felt magic surging and flowing through their bodies. Julie became uneasy and worry about it.
Eddie's team got easily blasted and knocked out by Charmcaster and her Clay Monsters. They all groaned and moaned painfully as they're badly injured and wounded during the fight. She approached them while readied her glowing pink hands at them.
"I'm bored with the game," Charmcaster said in bored manner, "Time to end this!"
BAM! BAM! BOOM! All of her clay monsters were destroyed. She turned and found XLR8 charged in while punched and knocked her for few times. Gwen jumped in and fired her Galeas Zipuctus of blowing her off. Charmcaster dropped to the ground hard.
Charmcaster groaned, "I was wondering when you're gonna show up."
"Sorry. Traffic is very bad," Gwen remarked amusingly, "Time to stop you for good."
XLR8 nodded, "And this time, you're staying down for good!"
Charmcaster smirked as she was ready to fight her enemies. And just before she could do it, her magic bag opened as it engulfed a purple smoke in covering her. As smoke dispersed, she is nowhere to be in sights. This surprised and shocked everyone.
"What was that?" Jonesy asked curiously.
"I have no idea," Lucy said in relief while rubbing her burnt shoulders, "But I'd never ever play with fireworks again."
"So, what are they after?" Eddie asked in concern. He then noticed Nyx nuzzling Gwen's legs. He looked surprise, "I didn't know you have a horse pet."
Nyx groaned, "For the last time, I'm a pony, not horse! Geez, don't you Humans know the difference? I mean seriously."
"Did that..." Jonesy was going to say 'thing', but interrupted by Julie and Gwen's shaking their heads and even Nyx's angry looks. He cleared his throat, "talks?"
Lucy squealed happily as she hugged Nyx tightly and happily, "Aw! Cutie Pony!"
"I think we need to talk," XLR8 said in concern, "About this."
Charmcaster was in shock and surprise yet angered as she was teleported back to her home. She found Twilight Sparkle was weakened and tired inside the iron birdcage while Hex was reading and chanting from his magic spell book as he was performing another summoning ritual.
Charmcaster groaned, "I was just about to fight those brats!"
"And let you be humiliated by them again," Hex asked dryly. Charmcaster groaned in anger as she hated reminded by her failures and defeats by her arch-nemesis. He scoffed, "And knowing them, they will know of our plans sooner or later, have you caught that little horse in time."
Charmacaster groaned, "I could have gotten her if you hadn't stop me... Again!"
"The point is, Charmcaster. Why use brute force to deal with them when you have magic?"
"Uncle, isn't why we use magic to fight them?"
"Not fighting, Charmcaster. We used it for deception and manipulative. And a creature, who can help us now."
"Who?" Charmcaster asked suspiciously.
The summoning ritual marks exploded as it revealed shadowy creature. Hex smirked, "My dear niece, meet our new ally. She will get our prize and have her own revenge."
As soon as the smoke dispersed, the creature revealed to be a insect winged unicorn-like with holes on her hooves and horn. She wasn't alone. More of her kind were with them, but they were shorter and smaller than her. She smirked amusingly while Twilight Sparkle was in shock and concern as if the Alicorn knew her.
"Creatures with the power of shape-shifting into anyone and anything they want. This will fool and distract our problems for the moment. And you'll get two important objects - a filly and the keystone if we were to complete our Charms of Bezel."
"Did someone call me?" The insect Alicorn asked amusingly. She turned and glared amusingly at Twilight Sparkle. She laughed, "Hello, Princess Twilight..."
Twilight Sparkle snarled in pain yet anger, "Queen Chrysalis..."
Gwen have her friends to sleep over her house for discussion about Nyx and problems to deal with. They've managed to lie Natalie and Frank about not involving in superhero business while getting their black winged unicorn into her bedroom.
They were all at Gwen's bedroom while having some snacks and drinks. Julie was patting Nyx's mane gently, which the pony likes it. They even get to know more about Nyx's life, home and adventures. She even learned more about them as well.
"Wow... You weren't kidding about your parents being serious with you all not to play superheroes stuffs. That is not cool," Jonesy said in shock.
Lucy sighed, "Be glad that my parents go easy on me."
"Yeah. I hate to imagine how bad temper they really had," Ben said in uneasy tone, "Can't be worse as mine..."
"Anyway, back to business," Gwen said firmly while looking at Nyx, "Okay, Nyx. What does Hex and Charmcaster want from you?"
Nyx sighed, "They say they want me and my mom to give him power and immortality, and even help restored the Charms of Bezel or something." She then noticed her newly human friends' shock and worried looks. She was suspicious and worried, "You know something, don't you?"
Gwen sighed as she took the box and revealed a familiar gauntlet, "This is the Keystone of Bezel. Hex tried the keystone to restore his five Charms of Bezel during Solar Eclipse. But thanks to Ben, it was destroyed for good."
"Yeah. We thought that Hex and Charmcaster finally gave it up since there is no spell that can get Charms of Bezel," Ben said in concern, "But guess not."
Julie sighed, "Yeah. It looks like he found another way to get the charms now. Using winged unicorns."
"I think I prefer the term called 'Alicorns'," Nyx corrected calmly. Everyone looked at her. She sighed, "In your world, it's also called 'Winged Unicorns'."
"But either way, what are we gonna do?" Lucy asked curiously.
Eddie nodded, "Yeah. We can't let those magicians get what they want. But problem is that we have no idea how to find their hideout."
"Nyx, can you remember how to get back to manor?" Julie asked.
Nyx sighed, "I kinda got distracted in running away. I didn't actually bother to remember how to get back to that place."
"Just great..." Ben groaned, "So, what's next?"
"Nothing. That's what. We'll think about it tomorrow," Gwen said calmly, "And hopefully, we've got good plan to help and rescue Princess Twilight."
"Yeah. Hope so. I wanna see more cute ponies!" Lucy squealed happily.
"Really?" Gwen asked in annoyance. She sighed, "Either way. Let's get some goodnight sleep and think of a way to help Nyx get her mom back."
Everyone chatted in agreement about it. They all brushed their teeth and dressed in their pajamas. They got themselves into their beds. Gwen was sleeping on her bed, along with Nyx on the edge. Ben, Eddie, Julie, Jonesy and Lucy were sleeping on the floor. They were now sleeping and snoring.
While everyone was asleep, Nyx moved slowly and quietly. She was close to Gwen. She gently nudged her human friend's nose. Gwen groaned a bit as she looked at the black filly.
"Why is your parents angry with your grandfather? Did he do something wrong with them?" Nyx asked in concern.
Gwen sighed, "No. They're angry with him because of us and the secrets he has." Nyx was in shock and surprise. She sighed, "They're worried about us from getting hurt during the fight with monsters and bad guys. They think superheroes is dangerous."
"They must have loved and cared for you and Ben so much."
"Ben and I know. But I wish they stopped blaming Grandpa for the secrets he had. He was trying to protect them. Not just us, he also loved them too."
"I know the feeling. My mother did the same thing. Your grandfather must be a good person. Is there anyway to convince them about him?"
"He is. But I doubt it. Unless they talk things out together over lunch, he's not coming back."
Gwen yawned as she went back to her bed. Nyx hummed thoughtfully as she was coming up with the idea. She climbed down while levitated that involved of family album, pictures and videos especially Max Tennyson's phone number. She's making a plan that will get the family together.
During nighttime, Charmcaster was accompanied by Queen Chrysalis and her Changelings Army through the city, with the help of shape-shifting abilities. They were searching and hunting down on Nyx. And so far, they have found nothing.
"And you're sure that little brat is here?" Queen Chrysalis asked dryly.
Charmcaster groaned in annoyance, "For the last time, yes, she was here before those brats come and stop me from getting her. I could have beaten if my uncle hadn't stop me!"
"Maybe your uncle is smarter. He knows you're not powerful enough to fight those little 'children."
"Who asked you, witch?!"
Queen Chrysalis giggled amusingly, "Nothing personal, Charmcaster. Just humor you a bit. I mean seriously. Children? I doubt they're dangerous and threaten as Twilight Sparkle's little brat."
"Oh, trust me. They're much more than that. That brat has magic powers while her bratty cusin has shape-shifting ability into 10 or more aliens," Charmcaster said in annoyance. She turned and looked at Queen Chrysalis, "So, what about you? What's your problem with Twilight Twinkle and her nightmare brat?"
Queen Chrysalis scoffed, "That Alicorn is the reason why I wanted revenge. She nearly expose me and ruined my master plan by freeing her brother and his wife to blast me and my kind to the Badlands! I will torture and harm her as much as I wanted! And then, I'll kill her!"
Charmcaster whistled, "Wow. I felt the same way to Tennyson for ruining my chance to get both Charms of Bezel and the watch. We're not so different at all."
"Interesting. Indeed, my little human. We both will get what we want. I'll help you get your revenge while you help me get mine."
"Deal. Let's find our little pony and the trinket then."
As Queen Chrysalis and Charmcaster finished their hand/hoof shakes, a Changeling Scout arrived and bowed firmly before them.
"My queen and milady, we found her trail," Changeling Scout reported.
A Changeling Scout turned and pointed ahead where a group of Changelings were flying and running ahead, this put Queen Chrysalis and Charmcaster a smile. They followed their Changelings now.
As the sun rises, Gwen and her friends were waking up. They all yawned out loudly while greeted each other 'good morning'. While getting up, they all found Nyx missing. They all panicked and muttering in concern and fear about where she could have gone to, and sometimes they blamed each other about not watching over her. Most Gwen and Ben argued.
Ben and his team quickly got dressed up. They were head out to find and save Nyx before Charmcaster could escaped. As they were climbing down the stairs and heading to the entrance, they opened it and found Max standing before them.
"Grandpa?!" Everyone asked in surprise.
"Hey, everyone. You must have missed me so much after one day," Max joked a bit. He cleared his throat, "I'm surprise that you managed to convince your parents to go easy on me now especially inviting me to lunch."
"We did?!" Everyone asked in surprise. They looked at each other for the moment while thinking of why he was here. They all gasped, "NYX!"
"Who?!" Max asked in confuse.
And just before Max could ask, Ben and his friends turned and headed off to the backyard. As they opened its back door, they found Nyx was setting up the table with various sandwiches, vegetables and even some mushroom soup.
"What in the world?!" Max asked in surprise, "Is that a winged unicorn? They were real?"
"Technically, she came from alternate dimension," Gwen said in uneasy tone. She turned and approached Nyx, "Nyx, what are you doing?!"
"Setting lunch for your whole family," Nyx said happily. Gwen was in shock as everyone else. She smiled, "This is to get everyone reconciled and get along together during lunch time. And according to my mother's teachings, telling each other about feelings and problems they have. At the end, they will understand and apologized. Everyone will become a whole family! It's a perfect idea!"
"No! Bad idea!" Ben exclaimed in concern. Nyx was confused and worried while others nodded in agreement with him. He exclaimed, "We've gotta get rid of it before-!"
"What's going on?!"
Julie yelped in concern, "Too late!"
"We're so dead," Ben and Gwen said in concern.
Everyone turned to their back as they found Carl, Frank, Sandra and Natalie entering the backyard. The parents were in shock and annoyed upon looking at Max. And at the same time, Lucy quickly hid Nyx behind her back. Jonesy, Julie and Eddie came to Lucy while formed a wall formation.
"What are you doing here, dad?!" Carl demanded.
Frank nodded in agreement, "We thought we told you that you're not allow to come back, dad."
"Now, hold on. The letter said that we're gonna discuss about the problem," Max protested, "And so, I cam to discuss over the problem."
"We didn't send the letter," Sandra denied.
Natalie turned and gave the glare at Ben and Gwen, "You send to him, didn't you?"
Knew Nyx did it for settling family's matters, Ben and Gwen chose to be quiet while looked down in shame and guilt. Their friends, including Nyx, were worried and concern about it. Max was annoyed to see his own sons and daughters-in-laws accusing theirs about him.
"Now, hold on! You can't blame your kids for this!" Max exclaimed in anger and annoyance, "They have nothing to do with this! Have you no shame about this?!"
"You're right. It's your fault!" Carl exclaimed in anger at Max. The old man was in shock and heartbroken by his son's blame. He continued, "If you hadn't given Ben your stupid watch, then my son wouldn't get hurt in the first place!"
Frank nodded in agreement, "Or giving my daughter her powers! And now, my 'normal family's life' is ruined! She'll be gone for sure!"
"I have nothing to do with this!" Max exclaimed in anger.
"Oh sure! Like you have nothing to do with your 'secret life'!" Sandra exclaimed in upset.
Natalie snarled, "Or even about my mother-in-law! I'd never like her! Not one bit! She's... She's... Weirdo and freak!"
Max groaned in anger, "Don't you dare talk to my wife like that, Lily!" He turned to Carl and Frank, "As for you two, I am ashamed and angry with you! You can be angry with me if you want. That's fine! But not your children! This is their choice, not mine!"
"How dare you!" Carl and Frank exclaimed in anger.
Grandfather and the parents began having a big argument with each other. The children were in shock and scared of what they were watching of, especially Nyx. The black filly snarled a bit.
Nyx has seen this argument before. It reminded of her mother arguing with Princess Celestia and even herself when she was Nightmare Moon. She hated it to be reminded from her past. She can't stand on it anymore.
"STOP IT!" Nyx screamed in anger. Everyone stopped while looking at her. She sighed while pouring tears out, "Why can't you all stop arguing and talk the problems out together?! I've seen this before, and I really hated it! I can't stand on it. Don't you all get it?! You're all loved and cared for each other."
Ben and Gwen's parents were in shock and stun of what they just saw. Ben and Gwen looked worried and embarrassed about it. Their friends remained silent while watching the event. And just before they could respond, something blasted a powerful magical blasts in knocking them out to the ground hard. They were all defeated and badly injured.
While lying on the ground, everyone looked up and found Charmcaster, Queen Chrysalis and the Changelings surrounded them.
"Chrysalis..." Nyx snarled weakly.
"Well, well, well," Queen Chrysalis said amusingly as she levitated Nyx up, "If it isn't a little brat. It's been a while."
"H-How did you get here?!" Nyx demanded weakly.
"The same way we got you and your mummy," Charmcaster said amusingly as she grabbed and held Gwen up. She turned while chanted 'Declam Baccura'. She summoned the Keystone of Bezel out from Gwen's window. She smirked while looking at it, "Thought you were still keeping it. Good thing you did. See ya."
"But first, get rid of the threats," Queen Chrysalis snarled as she and her minions readied their dark magic powers, "We don't want them to get in our way!"
Charmcaster nodded in agreement. However, she looked at both the parents closed to Ben. She was purely shock and surprised as she was reminded by someone, who did the same thing to her before. She recalled about her father defended and saved her life during a fight against her enemy. As much as she hated Tennyson Family especially Gwen, she doesn't like killing parents.
"No. They're not threat," Charmcaster said dryly and firmly, "We've got what we need."
"What?!" Queen Chrysalis asked in shock. As Charmcaster turned and walked away, the Changeling Queen turned and glared at her, "You can't expect-?!"
Charmcaster turned and glared at Queen Chrysalis, "I said 'we've got what we need'. Now, we go."
Queen Chrysalis groaned, "You will regret this, foolish sorceress!"
Charmcaster scoffed as she chanted in Portallus Projectum - teleporting and sending she and her gang to their hidden base, including the captive of Gwen, Nyx and the Keystone of Bezel.
Ben and his family recovered from the attacks. They were all in shock and concern of what they saw. Gwen and Nyx got kidnapped and even the keystone got stolen by the enemies. But that's not the worse yet, his parents, uncle and aunt got into heated argument with Max again.
"This is your fault, dad!" Carl exclaimed in anger at Max, who was in shock and concern. He continued, "You and your secrets always get us killed!"
"If you hadn't gotten them into your secret life, we all would have been better off of being normal than being freaks!" Frank exclaimed fiercely, "And now, my daughter got kidnapped because of you!"
"I sure wish that you go with her than staying with us!" Natalie said in anger, "We'd be better off without you!"
Sandra nodded, "You always ruin our lives!"
Max was angered and frustrated with their complains. He has enough of it, "I'd never ever ruin your lives! And it's never been my intention to put them in danger at all! And I want you all to live in normal live!"
"LIAR!" Four Tennyson Adults exclaimed in anger, "You always lied!"
Max screamed in anger, "You're all being paranoid! For the first time in my life, I'd have had worse children behaved like this! You're the worst!"
Five Tennysons got into heated argument, making Ben and his friends worried and scared.
"Oh no! Not again..." Ben said in concern, "We've gotta find Gwen now!"
"Got it!" Eddie said firmly. Everyone looked at him. He was in his Tron Suit now. He had his right gauntlet revealed the holographic screen. It has the red beeping signal in forest area. He smiled, "I implanted the chip on that bug queen when they were busy arguing a bit."
"Good job, Eddie!" Julie cheered.
"Great! We can rescue Gwen now!" Lucy cheered.
"What are we waiting for? Hero time?!" Jonesy asked hopefully.
"Yeah, it is!" Ben said in relief. He turned to Max, "Grandpa, we've got Gwen's location. Let's go now!"
Just before Max could do anything, Carl approached and gave Ben a glare, "No! You're staying here!"
"I'll call the police now," Frank said firmly.
Ben gasped, "But dad! Uncle Frank!"
"No more buts! Let the authorities handle it!" Natalie said firmly,
Sandra nodded, "Yes. They'll get Gwen back home in time."
"No! They won't! Hex, Charmcaster and even the bug queen are too strong for the police to handle!" Ben exclaimed firmly. His parents were angry and annoyed by his tone. They were about to scold him. He snapped, "No! Don't argue with me! Grandpa has nothing to do with giving us powers or making us to follow his footstep! We chose to do it!"
"B-But why?! Why must be you?!" Carl asked in concern.
Sandra nodded in concern, "Being superhero isn't you!"
"It is," Ben said firmly as he activated his Omnitrix. Carl and Sandra, and even both Frank and Natalie were in shock and surprise. Slammed it, he transformed into XLR8. He sighed, "Sorry. Being hero is what I was born to be. And I want to help and save people too. It's what grandpa always does for them and us!"
"Ben..." Carl and Sandra said in shock.
"Ground me if you wanted." XLR8 exclaimed firmly while grabbing the locator from Eddie, "I'm still gonna save them now!"
XLR8 turned and got into head-start. Julie, Jonesy, Lucy and Eddie quickly headed into Rustbucket RV at once. Max followed them as well, not before he gave his sons and daughters-in-law a firm glance and statement.
"Don't worry. I'll bring them home safe. I always do."
Max turned and headed off. Rustbucket RV headed off at once as he followed after XLR8 now. They were going straight to Hex's mansion to save Gwen, Nyx and Twilight Sparkle. Carl, Frank and their wives were speechless about it.
"What's next?" Natalie asked firmly.
Sandra sighed, "What can we do?"
Frank and Carl looked at each other as they both nodded to have same thoughts, "We're going do what we should have done..."
Inside the mansion, Charmcaster and her team has returned. They put Nyx into cage, where Twilight Sparkle was. Gwen was put into another cage. Hex smirked proudly while looking at them. Charmcaster and Queen Chrysalis were standing behind them.
"Well done, you two," Hex said calmly. He turned and glared at Charmcaster, "Though you should have destroyed the rest when you have the chance."
Charmcaster nodded, "Told you so."
"It won't happen again. And besides, they won't find us so easily," Charmcaster said calmly.
Hex scoffed, "I hope so, Charmcaster. For your sake..."
"Nyx?! Are you alright?! Did they hurt you?!" Twilight Sparkle asked while hugging Nyx close to her.
Nyx hugged her mother back while sighed, "I'm sorry, mummy. I did my best."
"It's okay. I know you did," Twilight Sparkle said calmly. She turned and looked at Gwen, "Is she your new friend?"
"Yeah. That's Gwen. She's a sorceress," Nyx introduced calmly and gently. She turned to Gwen. "And Gwen, this is my mother - Princess Twilight Sparkle."
"An honor to meet you, Twilight. I'm sorry I didn't do my best to protect her," Gwen said in shame.
Twilight Sparkle shook her head while smiling, "It's okay. You did your best." She turned and glared at Hex, "You won't get away with this!"
Gwen nodded, "We won't let you get the Charms of Bezel!"
Hex chuckled, "Fools. I already have!" His eyes and staff glowed in yellow, Hex began his chanting on spells, "Your magic powers and immortality belonged to me! Charms of Bezel will be restored! And this time, it's mine now!"
As Hex chanted darkly and firmly, Twilight Sparkle and Nyx yelped in pain as their bodied glowed darkly like their immortality and magic is being absorbed and drained out. Their magical auras were flowing and flying into Hex's Staff of Age. Charmcaster and Queen Chrysalis amusingly watched the show.
Gwen watched it in horror and shocked. She tried to chant and use magic to help them, but no avail due to the cage has strong resistance preventing her using it.
Hex got both Alicorns' magic and immortality. This make both Twilight Sparkle and Nyx dropped to their knees while groaned and moaned in exhaustion. His body glowed in black-lavender-dark yellow mixed colors especially his Staff of Age. He then laughed darkly and amusingly.
"Yes! I can feel the powers flowing through my veins!" Hex exclaimed proudly. He turned and looked at the Keystone of Bezel. He levitated it before her. He smirked, "Even it no longer has the magic within or even waiting for the black sun, with Equestria Magic, it will empower this and restore five of charms! I am invincible and powerful wizard of the world. My revenge will come soon!"
Queen Chrysalis cleared her throat, "And our agreement?"
"You may have them. They're no longer use to me now," Hex said firmly. He turned to his niece, "Take revenge on Lucky Girl for ruining our plans."
Charmcaster nodded, "As you wish, uncle."
Both Charmcaster and Queen Chrysalis took and moved their arch-nemeses to another location, so they can tortured and taken revenge on them. Hex placed the Keystone of Bezel on right gauntlet. He began chanted darkly as his keystone glowed darkly in restoring five Charms of Bezel, so he can use them to make him strong and powerful. Everything finally goes his way now.
Charmcaster and Queen Chrysalis moved to the backyard, where they thrown their nemeses out to the ground. Both smiled darkly and evilly while looking at them. Three of them don't like it at all.
"I've been waiting this for a long time," Queen Chrysalis said amusingly.
Charmcaster chuckled a bit, "Yeah. It's payback time."
Queen Chrysalis levitated Twilight Sparkle as she thrown the princess straight to the water fountain. The queen bug-like pony fired her dark magic in blasting and injuring Twilight Sparkle for few times. Gwen was about to help the Alicorn, but instead she got blasted and knocked out by Charmcaster, who swiftly and fiercely fired her magic blasts for few times.
Nyx quickly hid behind the trees while watching Twilight Sparkle and Gwen being attacked and tortured by Charmcaster and Queen Chrysalis. She has to do something before they get hurt and killed sooner or later.
XLR8 continued running and searching for Gwen via using the locator device. The Rustbucket RV was following him from behind. And hopefully, they can get there in time. Unfortunately, they got stopped by a group of police officers.
"Sorry, officers. We're in the hurry now!" XLR8 exclaimed in concern.
"No can do! We can't let you do," Police officer said firmly, "We're on... business."
Police Officer #2 nodded, "Yeah. We were... Inspecting on something."
"Yeah! We have a bad criminal to find and hunt down," Police Officer #3 said confidently. He chuckled uneasily, "I think."
"Really?" Max asked suspiciously as he noticed something odd about police officers especially theirs cars are nowhere to be seen. He hummed, "Tell me. Do any of you have license?"
"Well... Uh..." Police Officer #3 said in concern and confusion, "What's a license?"
XLR8 and his team gasped in concern and shock as they realized that not only these police officers have no cars or no idea about license.
"They're fakes!" Everyone said in shock.
"Oh, shit!" Police Officer #1 exclaimed in annoyance. He turned into a Changeling. He snarled, "I told you being a police is stupid!"
The police officers quickly turned into Changelings. They all hissing and growling at Ben and his team like they're ready to attack.
"You know. For monsters with shape-shifting ability," Jonesy said amusingly, "they're very lousy actors."
Lucy scoffed, "Well, they're minions. They're always lousy with everything!"
"You won't get away with this, monkeys!" Changeling #1 exclaimed in anger.
"Monkeys? Huh?" XLR8 asked in annoyance. He hit his Omnitrix Symbol as he transformed into Stinkfly, "Let's see you can handle me?!"
"What the-?! He's a Changeling?!" Changeling #1 asked in shock, "Damn that wizard! He never told us about this brat is Changeling!"
Changeling #2 snarled, "I knew that he can't be trusted!"
Changeling #3 scoffed, "Either way! That treacherous Changeling won't beat us easily! We're the proud warriors of Queen Chrysalis."
Stinkfly snarled, "I'm not a Changeling! I'm Stinkfly!" He turned to his grandfather and friends, "Go ahead! I'll take care of them!"
Knowing his grandson capable of handling it, Max nodded firmly while Ben's friends were against it. However, the old man has already drove the Rusbucket RV now, leaving Stinkfly to deal with the army of Changelings.
"But Mr. Tennyson! We can't leave Ben!" Julie exclaimed in concern.
Lucy nodded, "We don't know of what else they can do!"
"Don't worry. He knows what he's doing," Max said confidently, "We should focus on finding and getting Gwen home now. Eddie, lead us to them!"
Eddie hummed uneasily and concern as he reluctantly helped and leading his team to Hex's hideout base via his locator device.
The Changelings surrounded Stinkfly as they were about to attack him. They jumped and pounced on him, but he moved back before firing his stinky goo on the first five to the tree. Behind him was them grabbing his limbs, allowing the other come and attack heads on. However, Stinfly fired his stinky good on them again before using his tail in knocking his enemies from the back. He turned and flew off as he both fired his stinky goo while swinging tail-blade at them one-by-one at ease. He even rammed through them while punching and kicking them as well.
Few rounds have passed, Stinkfly has defeated and knocked all of the Changelings. He turned and flew off to catch up with others.
At Hex's mansion, both Charmcaster and Queen Chrysalis continued fiercely torturing and injuring Gwen and Twilight Sparkle for few times. Both heroines were badly injured especially the princess who has no magic to defend herself. They're both on the ground as they're bruised and bleed on their whole bodies.
Gwen was about to perform her magic spells, but instead she got levitated and slammed straight on the tree's trunk hard. She groaned in defeat as she's unable to help now. Twilight Sparkle came to her while readied to defend herself and her new friend.
"Did you honestly think you can defeat me, Twilight," Queen Chrysalis mocked amusingly before giggled, "Just like before, all alone without your friends and brother to protect you. And even better, no magic. You'll be easily to deal with."
Twilight Sparkle snarled a bit, "I won't give up. I'll defend her with my life."
Queen Chrysalis said in annoyance, "Doubt it!"
Queen Chrysalis levitated and slammed Twilight Sparkle on the walls, ground and even trees' trunks for few times. Charmcaster approached Gwen as she summoned two clay monster dogs to finish her nemesis off.
Nyx hissed in concern as she has to think something about helping them. She found some stones, near to the pond. She took and threw them on both Queen Chrysalis and Charmcaster's backs as the enemies were too busy focused on preparing to kill their arch-nemeses for few times. Feeling the stones hitting had agitated and irritated both Charmcaster and Queen Chrysalis to turn and glared at each other.
"What's your problem?! You've got what you wanted! And you're mad at me about not killing others?!" Charmcaster demanded in anger.
"Is that what you think?! Maybe I am," Queen Chrysalis snarled a bit, "So, don't put your anger on me that your uncle think of you weak and foolish, stupid girl!"
Charmcaster snarled, "Take that back, witch!"
Charmcaster jumped and attacked Queen Chrysalis to the ground. Both of them got into a big fight. Nyx approached and helped Twilight Sparkle before turned and carried Gwen on their backs. They quickly walked away before their enemies found out of what's going on.
While fighting with each other, Charmcaster and Queen Chrysalis stopped as they began to realize their mistakes.
"Wait a minute, what the hell are we doing?!" Chramcaster demanded.
Queen Chrysalis snarled, "I could say the same thing!" She turned and found Twilight Sparkle and Nyx carrying Gwen on their back as they were escaping. She snarled, "Why that little brat?! Stop them now!"
Charmcaster chanted 'Appendage-A Regoria' which immobilized two ponies and a girl. Three of them groaned and struggled in moving. Both her and Queen Chrysalis approached while laughed a bit as they glanced at their nemeses amusingly.
"Thought you could escape us, didn't you?" Queen Chrysalis asked amusingly.
Charmcaster giggled, "Yeah. Nobody is here to help you now. Looks like we win."
ZAP! BOOM! Both Charmcaster and Queen Chrysalis got electrocuted and zapped to the tree's trunk hard. Ben and his team have arrived to the scene. Stinkfly turned into Four Arms while readied to fight. He and his team formed a perimeter around Gwen, Twilight Sparkle and Nyx. Lucy touched them with a finger, making them to gasp in relief.
"What took you so long?" Gwen asked.
"Bugs traffic," Four Arms answered firmly. He turned and glared at Charmcaster and Queen Chrysalis, "Hope you're ready for a big fight. I won't go easy."
Queen Chrysalis chuckled, "Is that so? Stupid humans!"
Queen Chrysalis signaled her minions to come out from the bushes and trees. They all transformed into Four Arms. They all chuckled amusingly as they surrounded and readied to attack.
"This just keeps getting better," Max said in annoyance as he armed and readied his blaster. He turned and looked at Gwen and two ponies, "Stay close, you three. We'll handle them!"
The Changelings screeched wildly as they charged and attacked Ben and his team, who fought and engaged them firmly. Four Arms fought and engaged his evil clone army, and even used three aliens to help - Diamondhead, Feedback and BenViktor. Max fired his Plumber Gun in knocking them out by face and bottom part. Eddie used his electrical rods while Joney used his electrical powers in electrocuted and shocked them. Lucy and Julie defended Gwen and two ponies while punching and kicking them off.
Although the Changelings kept changing into what Ben has turned to, they're still no march against Ben and his team due to them mimic the appearance, not the abilities and they have no idea of how to use their aliens' powers as well.
Despite some minor setbacks, Queen Chrysalis and Charmcaster charged and joined the battlefield. Charmcaster deals with Ben, Max, Jonesy and Eddie while Queen Chrysalis charged at the rest of the team.
Using her Dark Magic Blasts and Clay Monsters, Charmcaster engaged and battled with Ben and his team. Ben, now as Cannonbolt, he charged and rammed all at the monsters while punching and kicking them one-by-one.
Jonesy and Eddie charged and engaged Charmcaster by using their electrical, however, she dodged and avoided the attacks while firing her Dark Magic Blasts in knocking them off swiftly and quickly for few times. Max came behind her as he grabbed and held her down. And unfortunately, he got levitated and thrown straight to the walls hard. Jonesey and Eddie got up and attacked her back. Though they managed to shock and electrify her bit, she blasted her magic in pushing and knocking them out at once.
Charmcaster heard the rolling noise. She turned to her back and found Cannonbolt charging right at her. She jumped over him. As she turned, she found him charged and rammed in knocking her out. Cannonbolt returned to Ben, just in time.
Queen Chrysalis approached to her nemeses as Lucy and Julie readied to engage her. Lucy launched her multiple punches at the Changeling Queen, who dodged them before fired her dark magic in knocking her out. Julie fired her Mechamorph Armor's blasters at her. The bug queen dodged and flew away from the blasts before rammed Julie off at Lucy. She then fired her very powerful magical dark magic blasts in knocking them out.
As the Changeling Queen turned to her nemeses and Gwen, she found the girl has powered up her glowing hand. And just before Queen Chrysalis could react, Gwen fired her magical blasts in knocking the queen bug out.
Ben and his friends have defeated Queen Chrysalis and Charmcaster. They all regrouped and chatted in relief that Gwen is alive and saved both Twilight Sparkle and Nyx.
"No time for celebration. Hex is almost finished with recreating the Charms of Bezel," Gwen exclaimed in concern, "We have to stop him now!"
"Too little, too late, fools," Hex's voice said darkly. Ben and his friends turned to mansion, where they found Hex floated in midair while glowed in darkish yellow magical aura-like. He has five darker grayish colored Charms of Bezel, Keystone on his right hand, and armed with Staff of Age. He smirked, "My Charms are completed! Seems my niece and ally have failed. Time to finish you off now!"
And just before Ben and his team could do anything, they all got immobilized and lifted in midair. Hex readied and armed his Staff of Age as he was ready to finish them off.
"Let go of our family!"
Hex turned to his back. He got blasted and shot straight to the storehouse. Ben and his team got dropped to the ground hard. They're slowly getting up, but got helped by the parents. Ben, Gwen and even Max got surprised to see them here especially they were armed with Plumber's Gears and Weapons.
"You're okay?" Carl asked in concern.
Ben nodded, "Yeah, we are. But what are you all doing here?"
"Where did you get the gears from?" Gwen asked in surprise.
"Helping you all," Carl said firmly.
Frank smiled, "And we've found it from dad's old attics. They're quite come in handy."
"And besides, no one messes with our family," Sandra said firmly.
Natalie nodded firmly, "Agreed, especially our father-in-law. We don't like a mess around here."
Everyone was surprised yet touched and amazed by the parents' words and willingly to help and save them especially Max. Hex chuckled a bit while glaring at the scene. He levitated while readied his Staff of Age. Charmcaster, Queen Chrysalis and the Changelings stood up and readied to fight.
"How much I miss this part. My brother said the same thing when he confronted the Great Enemy," Hex said darkly and dryly, "But pity I must destroy you all to achieve my goals!"
"Not gonna happen!" Everyone exclaimed firmly.
"We have to get our magic back! It's the only way to destroy the Charms for good!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed in concern.
Nyx pointed at Hex's Staff of Age, "His staff is the one!"
"Got it!" Everyone exclaimed in agreement.
As everyone were in position to battle, Ben activated his Omnitrix. He transformed into a new grayish alien-like elf with pointy ears, blue shades-like and a horn-like on his forehead worn ancient black hooded wizardly robe with white stripe in middle, golden patterned lines, shoulder metallic pads and Omnitrix Symbol on his left side of chest.
Everyone awed in surprise and amazement upon looking at Ben's new alien.
"Wow! Is that an elf?" Twilight Sparkle asked in surprise.
"It is," Gwen said in surprise, "I'd never thought that space has elves."
"Me neither," The Elf Wizard nodded in agreement as he had his hands glowed in blackness, "But I'm gonna try it. Feel the magic!"
"Fool! You don't know anything about magic!" Hex, Charmcaster and Queen Chrysalis exclaimed in anger, "Begone!"
Hex, Charmcaster and Queen Chrysalis fired their dark magic at Ben and his friends. The elf wizard quickly held his hand like summoning an energy shield-like in blocking and deflecting the blasts off. Everyone was in shock and surprise of seeing it.
"Awesome! Now that's what I call Magnus Magic!" Magnus Magic declared, "Feel the magic, dude!"
"You will pay for the insults, little brat!" Hex exclaimed in anger.
"He won't be the only one," Gwen said firmly while having her hands in glow.
Charmcaster smirked, "I agreed."
"This should be fun," Queen Chrysalis said amusingly.
Twilight Sparkle scoffed, "Think again, Changeling Queen. I'm more than a pretty princess."
Ben and his team charged right at Hex and his team. Ben and Gwen battled with Hex and Gwen. Twilight Sparkle and Nyx engaged with Queen Chrysalis. The rest of team engaged and attacked the Changelings Army.
Max teamed up with his sons and daughters-in-law by firing and blasting their blasters at the Changeling Army. Jonesy and Eddie fired their electrical powers in shocking and destroying the enemies. Lucy and Julie helped each other by firing and punching the enemies off for few times.
Gwen and Charmcaster have a deadlock magic duel. They both performed Mercuta Verditis at each other for long moment. The dark sorceress was about to finish her off. Luckily, Gwen teleported behind her arch-rival as the former kicked the latter's back hard. Both of them fired their magic ball blasts at each other while blocking and deflecting them for few times. They then unleashed and clashed the lightning magic at each other for the moment.
Magnus Magic fired his multiple blackish-whitish orb-like balls at Hex, who swung his Staff of Ages in blocking and deflecting the blasts while fired his dark magic blasts at the elf magician. He levitated and flew in dodging the few of attacks. He then fired his flamethrower magic at Hex, who quickly deflected and extinguished the fire. The mad wizard then levitated and threw objects at him. Magnus Magic halted the attack as he combined and melted them into a giant metal ball. He fired it right at Hex to the walls. Hex snarled in anger as he had enough while charged and fired his Dark Magic Beam at Magnus Magic, who fired the Light-Dark Magic Beam. Both sides have magic beams clashed for long moment.
Queen Chrysalis fired her dark magic at Twilight Sparkle and Nyx, who quickly dodged and avoided the blasts in time. They charged at the Changeling Queen, who continued firing at them. Close to her, they both jumped and kicked her off to the walls. It angered and annoyed her a lot. She hissed as she levitated and slammed Twilight Sparkle and Nyx to the ground for three times. She levitated them towards her as she was about to finish them off. Unfortunately, they both flew and gave her a painful punch in knocking her out.
Unleashing a powerful lightning magic at each other, Magnus Magic and Hex got pushed back while giving a firm stand off.
Hex snarled, "I have had enough of this. Time to finish this!"
As his body and staff glowed in dark yellow aura, Hex chanted Eterla Morbulous and Exige Animas Omnibus as the clouds have turned into darkness. It then rained in dark purple colored. Everyone yelped and screamed in pain as they can feel their bodies ached and cringed like something is tearing their hearts out of. The grass, trees, water and even animals have been drained out as their magical auras were flying and entering into Hex. He laughed evilly and darkly.
Hex laughed evilly, "Yes! Yes! I can feel its power! Both Charms and Keystone of Bezel are making me invincible and powerful! Nothing can stop me now."
"I wish I could," Magnus Magic snarled in pain, "Sure wish I could suck the magic out!"
Gwen and Twilight Sparkle gasped, "That's it!" Magnus Magic looked at them. They smiled, "If you can sucked all the magic out from Hex, Charms and Keystone of Bezel will become useless."
"Just what I need - nerds," Magnus Magic said in annoyance, "I sure hope it works. I summoned Magic Wormhole or something to suck the magic out!"
As if respond to the call, Magnus Magic formed a colorful energizing wormhole-like which began sucking the magical auras from Hex. This surprised and shocked everyone including Hex and his Staff of Age, who lost both Alicorn's powers and Bezel's Charms and Keystones, making him very powerless. And at the same time, it's making Magnus Magic more powerful and glowed in colorful magical aura-like.
"What have you done?!" Hex demanded.
"Saving the day, duh?" Magnus Magic answered firmly. He held his right hand at Hex, "Time to see what I can do now! Super Magic Awesomeness Blast! Fire a hole!"
And just before Hex and his allies could do anything, Magnus Magic unleashed and fired Super Magic Awesomeness Blast at them. A powerful beam has shaken and knocked them out of consciousness especially destroying the mansion to pieces. Seeing their enemies defeated, everyone cheered wildly and happily.
Gwen and her friends destroyed anything that is related to Twilight Sparkle's world, making sure that Hex and Charmcaster never use it again. They also locked up both Queen Chrysalis and her minions into a giant net, trapping and preventing them from escape. They tightened the shackles on both Hex and Charmcaster.
Magnus Magic turned to both Twilight Sparkle and Nyx. He held his hand out as he healed and restored them to their full power. With the help of Twilight Sparkle and Nyx, he summoned a portal that led them to home. Using up his magic powers make Magnus Magic turned back to Ben. Two Alicorns tried their levitation on small rocks. They sighed in relief.
"That was relief. Thank you all. We owe you one," Twilight Sparkle thanked happily.
Nyx nodded as she looked at her new friends, "And more importantly, you all finally reconciled and got over the problem."
"Yeah. I supposed so," Everyone agreed.
"Dad... I'm..." Carl said in shame before sighed, "We're so sorry for everything. I-!"
Max patted Carl's back gently, "It's okay, kiddo. I also sorry. I should have told you the truth when you were kids. You all deserve it."
"It's all in the past, dad," Frank said calmly while looking at his children, "More importantly, you did well for being a good teacher to them. You're the best, dad."
Max smiled, "Thanks."
"By the way, where did you learn some moves?" Gwen asked in surprise.
Twilight Sparkle smiled, "My boyfriend. He's an awesome martial art warrior."
"Wow. I didn't know that," Ben said in surprise, "I thought ponies are just cutie stuffs."
Gwen scoffed, "More than meets the eyes, genius."
"Mummy, we'd better go now. My friends need me to find another cutie mark hunt." Nyx said happily, "And helping Pip to win his President Election."
Twilight Sparkle giggled, "Oh, you and your cutie mark hunt." She turned to Ben and his friends, "I wish I'd get to know more about you. But one day and someday, we'll get the chance to have proper introduction especially meeting my friends and boyfriend."
Nyx nodded, "Yeah. I would like to see more of Magnus Magic! He's cool!"
"Till we meet again. See ya," Twilight Sparkle said while bowed humbly.
Ben and his friends nodded as they waved goodbye to the ponies. Twilight Sparkle and Nyx headed to the portal while levitated Queen Chrysalis and her minions into. With the ponies gone, the portal disappeared.
"But seriously, ponies know 'Kung Fu'?" Jonesy asked in surprise.
Lucy giggled, "You'd never know until you get to Equestria. Can we go?"
"Nah. Best to leave them alone. They've been enough at our world," Gwen said in disagreement.
Ben nodded, "Yeah. They need to be with their friends and family. Theirs must be seriously worried sick about them, just like ours."
"Yeah. We'd best get back home and eat our lunch," Gwen said happily, "Nyx did make them except some meat."
"Don't worry about it. We'll get some meat," Max said in agreement, "Is everyone up for my cook?"
Everyone except Lucy groaned and complained in annoyance about Max's cook. This make Max confuse about his suggestion.
END...
Review and Suggest...
Main Casts:
Tara Strong: Ben Tennyson, Twilight Sparkle, Sandra Tennyson
Meagan Smith: Gwen Tennyson
Paul Eiding: Max Tennyson
Khary Payton: Hex
Kari Walhgren: Charmcaster
Kira Tozer: Nyx
Minor Casts:
Kelly Hu: Julie Yamamoto
Phil LaMarr: Jonesy
Kath Sourcie: Eddie Grandsmith
Alyson Stoner: Lucy Mann
Richard McGonagle: Four Arms
Jim Ward: XLR8, Changeling #2
Dee Bradley Baker: Acid Breathe, Stinkfly, Carl Tennyson, Changeling #3
Kyle Hebert: Magnus Magic
George Newbern: Frank Tennyson
Juliet Landau: Natalie Tennyson
Kathleen Barr: Queen Chrysalis, Changeling #2
Cameo:
Jeff Doucette: Thumskull
Cree Summer: Frightwright
John DiMaggio: Zombozo |
My Little Pony Mystic Season 1 | Episode 18: Crusaders of the Lost Mark | All of eight Cutie Mark Crusaders were gathered at the clubhouse for the discussion, including the brown spiky Earth Pony with short tail dressed in greenish and silver armor and his Cutie Mark was Flail Sword and Chinese Character: 'Courage. They were discussing about their next hobby or hunt for their next or right Cutie Marks to fit.
Apple Bloom glanced at the chart of all the hobbies, which were crossed or done before. Instead of disappointment, she smiled happily like she actually enjoy it so much. Since the very day she, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo founded; they all vowed that they will find and do whatever hobbies they found to get their own Cutie Marks. And despite unable to get it, she enjoyed it very much like it was a lesson and adventure for her and her friends.
"Okay, Crusaders! Back to the business of earnin' our cutie marks!" Apple Bloom asked happily as she turned to her team, "Any suggestions?"
"No, we've tried everything!" Scootaloo said in concern.
Sweetie Belle nodded, "We've run out of ideas."
"We could try something like fighting Demon Successors?" Jade Adventure suggested, "I mean we beat their mummy and daddy before, so the kids would be piece of cake."
Alyson gulped, "I think I rather play safe than doing something dangerous like that."
Twist sighed, "Even with the Crusaders with Cutie Marks, we still can't find the right one for you girls. I'm sorry."
Dinky nodded in concern, "I hate to say it but Twist's right. We spent five years in searching and trying all kinds of Cutie Marks. We still found nothing."
"So, that's it? Just give up?" Nyx asked in concern and upset.
"So what?" The colt said confidently. The fillies turned and looked at him. He scoffed, "Cutie Mark, Scutie Mark - whatever, man! You fail, you try again and again until you get the right one. But what's important the most is having each other back for fun and adventure. After all, Friendship is Magic, isn't it?"
"Heavy's right! We can't give up!" Apple Bloom smiled happily as she climbed down from the box stage, "We can do better than that!"
Apple Bloom: We've been searchin' for our cutie marks
For a while now
Tryin' to find out how we fit in
Apple Bloom placed the new empty white blank chart on the wall. She turned to her friends who stand together with her while smiling. They all sang happily and proudly about reaching their goals.
Apple Bloom: So many ways we've tried before
But we keep on tryin' more
Cutie Mark Crusaders: 'Cause the Cutie Mark Crusaders don't give in
We'll make our mark
One way or another
We'll make our mark
On the day that we discover
The ultimate reward of our cutie marks!
Heavy cheered wildly, "Now that's what I'm talking about! Sounds like my Adventure Speech works well as always."
Jade nudged Heavy's chest, "As if buddy."
"Cutie Mark Crusaders! Help!" A familiar voice cried. Cutie Mark Crusaders turned and found Pipsqueak barged into the clubhouse while wearing worry and feared looks. They wondered where he has been and why is he worried. He continued, "I'm running for student pony president, I was hoping you all would be my campaign managers!"
Apple Bloom gasped, "We've never tried gettin' our cutie marks in campaign managin'! What do ya say, Crusaders?"
"That's a great idea," Nyx exclaimed happily. The rest of Cutie Mark Crusaders smiled happily and nodded in agreement. She smiled, "We're in!"
Cutie Mark Crusaders cheered while giving a hoof unison, "Yeah! Hoof!"
Pipsqueak jumped while giving a hoof punch but he was too short to reach it. Sweetie Belle helped and levitated him high. They all smiled happily. They're in it together as one.
"This is where the fun begins," Heavy remarked.
At the Ponyville Schoolhouse's Playground, ten Cutie Mark Crusaders were setting their campaign up in the middle of it. Scootaloo, Jade and Heavy pushed the box to the front. Sweetie Belle levitated and placed Pipsqueak on top of it like standing on stage. Nyx, Twist, Dinky and Alyson brushed off some dust from his mane as well as making him looked good. Apple Bloom approached to the front, standing besides with him.
Apple Bloom smiled as she asked out loud, "So, Pip, how would you help the school if you were elected student pony president?"
The foals from schoolhouse turned and looked at Cutie Mark Crusaders. They wondered of what's going on.
"Our playground equipment took quite a beating during Twilight's battle with Tirek and also Third Mystic War!" Pipsqueak answered while pointed at the playground equipment which were badly damaged and ruined. He continued, "If I'm voted in as student pony president, I'll go to the school board and right this wrong!"
The foals cheered wildly and happily to hear that the damaged playground will be repaired and replaced.
"Well, I think that's a ridiculous waste of money!"
The foals turned to their back as they found Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon approached. The foals have the feeling that whenever Diamond Tiara is here, the competition will get more serious and competitive than before. She'll make sure that she win the position for her personal gain.
"It's just like when Twist proposed to repair the window that Discord destroyed! She just wanted to repair it like a plain old schoolhouse window." Diamond Tiara explained firmly and calmly. She continued while pointing at the window which has her in glass stained window, "But you all know voting for me was the best choice because I convinced the school board to give that window visual appeal!"
Twist looked down in shame, "I should never have asked that."
"Forget it, Twist. What's done is done," Dinky comforted Twist, "And besides, we're gonna make sure that it's isn't about Diamond Tiara."
Jade smirked, "Great plan. I would like to see her try that. If Azure Phoenix and his grandson Reed Prodigy's disappointment on her weren't enough, I'd bet her mom is."
"That's kinda a bit mean and harsh, don't you think?" Alyson asked in concern.
Apple Bloom huffed, "Nope, it isn't. It doesn't hurt that her mother Spoiled Rich is president of the school board."
Nyx huffed, "In other words, Diamond Tiara can get whatever she wants. I wouldn't be surprise of that."
"Exactly! Which is why when Diamond Tiara is voted student pony president," Silver Spoon said confidently, "the school will be putting a statue of her in the center of our schoolyard!"
Diamond Tiara nudged Silver Spoon as she gave the latter a glare and gritted teeth, "Silver Spoon! That was my big announcement for when I won!"
"I was only trying to help."
"I don't need that kind of help!"
"Haven't we all had enough of Diamond Tiara?" Apple Bloom asked.
"Do we really need a big statue of her?" Scootaloo asked.
"Especially where our playground equipment should be?" Sweetie Belle asked as well.
The foals whispered softly as they thought carefully and thoroughly of who is the right pony to become the president. And not to mention, they also want to play the playground equipment.
"If the playground is what you want," Jade asked proudly, "Then, join us now!"
Dinky nodded, "Not only that! We stand together for our rights and needs! And we want Playground now! We want Playground now!"
Twist smirked slyly, "Especially against Diamond Tiara! I've had enough of her bullying my friends or even replaced something that is complete unnecessary!"
"If I'm in, so should you!" Alyson remarked proudly, "United we stand!"
Nyx and Heavy levitated Pipsqueak as they flew and landed on top of giant horseshoe statue. They all stood before the foals and even Cutie Mark Crusaders stood besides with their comrades.
"A vote for Pip is a vote for the playground!" Pipsqueak declared proudly.
Nyx smirked as she held her hoof high, "Come on! Everypony! For the Playground!"
"Who cares," Diamond Tiara scoffed before jumped to the front of the foals. She declared, "A vote for Diamond Tiara is a vote for more Diamond Tiara!"
"Don't you mean 'A demote for Diamond Tiara is a vote for who wants her here'!" Heavy exclaimed proudly as he held his hood up high, "Vote for Pip! Vote for Playground! Together, everypony! Battle Cry now!"
Foals cheered wildly and happily, "Vote for Pip! Vote for Playground! Vote for Pip! Vote for Playground! Vote for Pip! Vote for Playground!"
Diamond Tiara grunted in anger and upset to see ponies voting for Pipsqueak, and not her. And just before she could do anything, Cutie Mark Crusaders began singing while regrouping on top of the horseshoe statue.
Cutie Mark Crusaders: It's time to make a change
This is our chance
Don't be afraid to do what's right
Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo held Pipsqueak up high while Nyx gave him a kiss on his cheek as the sign of supports. Jade, Twist and Alyson cheered wildly and proudly. Heavy and Dinky held and swung the flags of Cutie Mark Crusaders.
Cutie Mark Crusaders slide down the horseshoe's statue before they let Pipsqueak to the front. They all then followed his lead.
Cutie Mark Crusaders: He's it! Vote for Pip!
We got an opportunity
To have fun again
A vote for Pip, and you can join the fight
The foals continued watching the event. And at the same time, Cutie Mark Crusaders continued persuading and asking them to support and vote for Pipsqueak.
Cutie Mark Crusaders: It's time for a new leader
It's time to make a change
We're here to fight for what we believe
(Vote for Pip!)
Cutie Mark Crusaders approached to the Tetherball. Pipsqueak kicked the ball around its stand.
Cutie Mark Crusaders: It's finally time we beat her
And play a better game
'Cause when we vote together
There's nothing that we can't achieve
Not amused yet angered and upset, Diamond Tiara stopped the ball at once. She then approached and 'talked' with the ponies about her and Pipsqueak. She then approached Pipsqueak before giving him a head slap, making the rest of his crew groaned in annoyance and anger.
Diamond Tiara continued convincing her classmates to vote for her, not Pipsqueak.
Diamond Tiara: I don't believe what I am hearing
I'm the only one you should be cheering
Pipsqueak? Try "Pip's weak!" Don't you think?
But a diamond is perfection
It's natural selection
So your vote better be for me, not the weakest link
"We'll let the votes decide!" Nyx exclaimed in annoyance.
Diamond Tiara huffed as she turned and approached to the foals. She slyly and cunningly commented and threatened them about their dark secrets such as a purplish mane in two pigtail pink Earth Pony filly possessed strength, cyan pony with long extended magenta mane and tail, and pale Earth Pony with greenish spiky and mohawk mane and short tail possessed large teeth. Everyone were afraid of her if she revealed their secrets.
Diamond Tiara: Everypony has their little secrets
I know you do
A vote for me will help you keep them safe
Like your creepy super strength!
Or your mane extension
A little thing I won't mention
Or those freakish large teeth in your face!
"Come on now, ponies!" Apple Bloom called, "Don't listen to her!"
Jade squeaked, "Yeah! Fight Back! Show her who's the boss!"
Cutie Mark Crusaders continued convincing and pleading the foals to vote for Pipsqueak. Diamond Tiara was in shock before angered and upset by it.
Cutie Mark Crusaders: You've gotta vote for change
It's time for a new leader
End all the tyranny
Inspired and touched by Cutie Mark Crusaders, the foals know what to do now. And who they should vote for.
Cutie Mark Crusaders: Vote now and we can beat her
It's now another day
And we believe in what's right
Foals: Vote for Pip! Vote for Pip!
Cutie Mark Crusaders: Our victory is in sight
"Stop! Everypony who hasn't voted, listen up!" Diamond Tiara ordered.
Diamond Tiara approached the yellow filly who was struggling of holding books. She held the bookbag for the filly to watch and wanted to take. She then trotted off.
Diamond Tiara: Pip makes promises he can't keep
But I can do more
You could really use a new bookbag
Diamond Tiara approached some foals as she played her charismatic trick on them. It annoyed some about how rich, spoiled and annoyed she can be.
Diamond Toara: 'Cause I'll make things happen
That none of you here can afford
To do, like, ever!
Diamond Tiara approached to the fat colt in giving him lots of sweets. She then approached to cyan filly in giving her a parasol for shades from sun. She passed Button while spun his cap's top before it flew. It makes him annoyed and upset.
Diamond Tiara: Wouldn't you like a little something sweet?
Here's a parasol to hide you from the heat
Who says that I can't be nice?
Diamond Tiara approached to the stand as she switched doodling and colorful 'Vote for Pipsqueak' stand to her rich and impressive 'Vote for Diamond Tiara' stand.
Diamond Tiara: But first there's one thing
An itsy-bitsy little string
And voting for me is the price!
Silver Spoon approached Diamond Tiara as she whispered to her best friend about her plans in wnning the campaign and make the foals vote for her.
Silver Spoon: I've a tiny suggestion
That you should be aware
You could probably win this election
If you show them all you real--
Diamond Tiara: I don't recall asking you to speak!
The foals gasped in shock. Diamond Tiara shut her own best friend off about winning the president campaign?!
"Well, if that's how you treat your best friend, then I choose Pipsqueak!" Sweetie Belle declared.
Heavy smirked, "You hear her?! Who are we gonna vote for?!"
"Vote for Pip!" Cutie Mark Crusaders cheered.
Foals: Vote!
Cutie Mark Crusaders marched to the front as the foals cheered wildly and happily while holding 'Vote for Pipsqueak' stands. They all willing to support Pipsqueak as the school president.
Cutie Mark Crusaders: Stand strong and don't be afraid, ponies
Let's free ourselves from the past
Foals: For Pip!
Vote!
He's it! Vote for Pip! Vote!
Alyson Joy and Jade Adventures helped passing some voting papers for ponies to write inside the booth. Heavy continued encourage and inspired the foals to join the Cutie Mark Crusaders and vote for Pipsqueak. Dinky and Twist swung their Cutie Mark Crusaders flag proudly and happily for everyone to follow their example.
Cutie Mark Crusaders: We'll let honor win out against the tyranny
And make a change that will last
Foals: For Pip!
Vote!
Vote for Pip!
Pipsqueak and his four members of Cutie Mark Crusaders marched together as they passed all of the foals. They all looked at him with proud and happy faces.
Cutie Mark Crusaders: It's time for a new leader
It's time to make a change
We're here to fight for what we believe
Foals: Vote for Pip!
As Pipsqueak approached to the broken seesaw's edge, Heavy headed to the back as he brought its end down while raising the colt up high. Everyone cheered while raising their hoofs up high. They believed in Pipsqueak win the President Campaign.
Cutie Mark Crusaders: It's finally time we beat her
And play a better game
'Cause when we vote together
There's nothing that we can't achieve
Foals: Vote for Pip!
Cheerilee gathered box of all votes in schoolhouse for counting the votes. It took an hour to get it down. She came to the schoolhouse's entrance as she make some announcement. Everyone can't wait for it to happen.
"The votes have been counted! The student pony president is..." Cheeriless announced calmly. Pipsqueak shuddered and quivered nervously while Diamond Tiara remained calm like she's gonna win it. Cheerilee announced, "Pipsqueak!"
Diamond Tiara gasped in shock while the foals cheered wildly and happily. Pipsqueak won the campaign! He's now the President of Schoolhouse Club!
"Oh, my gosh, Crusaders! Pip won!" Apple Bloom cheered.
Nyx squealed happily, "I knew it! I knew he can do it!"
"I couldn't have won without the hard work of my teammates and campaign managers," Pipsqueak said proudly as he pointed at his teammates, "the Cutie Mark Crusaders!"
Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle decided to check on their flanks if they did earn the Campaign Management Cutie Marks. But instead, they found blank like before. Their own teammates sighed in disappointment and upset. All of them were hoping to happen.
"Guess you're not as good as you thought, blank flanks!" Diamond Tiara remarked arrogantly. She turned to Cheerilee, "In fact, I demand a recount!"
Cheerilee shook her head while smiled calmly, "Trust me, Diamond Tiara. Pip won."
"I'll be the judge of that, Miss Cheerilee!" Diamond Tiara remarked confidently. As Diamond Tiara entered the schoolhouse for recount on votes, she screamed and screeched in shock. She emerged and looked at the unamused Silver Spoon, "One vote! Silver Spoon! You didn't vote for me?!"
Silver Spoon huffed, "No, I didn't."
"But you're my best friend!"
"Am I? 'Cause I tried to help by mentioning your 'surprise' statue, and suddenly I wasn't even allowed to speak! You could have actually won this election if you just listened to me. You wanna know how?" Silver Spoon remarked. She then whispered to Diamond Tiara, "Sorry. I'm not allowed to speak."
Diamond Tiara grunted a bit before screaming in anger and rage. She then ran off at once. Cutie Mark Crusaders looked surprise and worry of what they just saw. Silver Spoon abandoned her best friend.
"What? I don't have to follow her drum any more." Silver Spoon remarked dryly as she turned and walked away.
"Good enough for us," Nyx smirked proudly. She turned to her friends, who looked concern and worry but not proud or happy about beating Diamond Tiara in Presidential Campaign. She asked, "What's the matter? Aren't you happy that we've won? We show Diamond Tiara who's the boss!"
"Yeah, we did..." Alyson Joy admitted in concern, "I'm feel sorry for her actually."
Dinky nodded, "Yeah. She and Silver Spoon have always been friends since the first day of Schoolhouse. It feels... weird."
The rest of Cutie Mark Crusaders chatted and nodded in agreement about Diamond Tiara.
"You can't be serious?!" Nyx exclaimed in shock.
Apple Bloom sighed, "I know Diamond Tiara's been pretty awful, but... we should probably make sure she's okay. Just 'cause she's never cared about anypony else's feelings doesn't mean we shouldn't care about hers."
The rest of Cutie Mark Crusaders nodded in agreement. Nyx grunted in anger as she reluctantly agree to it as well. As they were distracted, Jade moved away as she took a piece of paper out from her bag. She read it carefully while giggled happily.
"I can't believe this is it! It's gonna happen! It's gotta be!"
Cutie Mark Crusaders followed and spied on Diamond Tiara, who was walking across the main street of Ponyville. As she was passing the small store, a mare emerged from it. She revealed to be a dark pink Earth Pony with gentle and fashionable purplish mane and tail with lighter stripes like Rarity's dressed in her cyan blouse while her Cutie Mark is a diamond ring.
The mare spotted Diamond Tiara passing her by as she recognize the latter well. Diamond Tiara responded back to the former. It can only one thing - Diamond Tiara's mother.
"Diamond Tiara!" Spoiled Rich called. Diamond Tiara stopped. She demanded, "Why are you making that face? That is not the face of a winner."
"Because..." Diamond Tiara gulped, "I didn't win."
"What?! You mean I hefted all these party supplies to celebrate nothing?!"
Spoiled Rich pointed at her servants and maids carrying both Diamond Tiara Statues and party equipment from the store. Diamond Tiara looked down in shame and defeat as she bowed in apologetic position.
Spoiled Rich huffed, "It's bad enough you lost to that transplant from Trottingham, but imagine if you'd lost to one of those blank flanks. As a Rich pony, you must always think of your social standing."
Spoiled Rich spotted Fancy Pants and his girlfriend - Fleur De Lee passing her and her daughter by. She waved to them in respect. After Fancy Pants and Fleur De Lee passed, she turned and glared at Diamond Tiara.
"That starts here in Ponyville and reaches all over Equestria. Don't ever forget that, Diamond Tiara." Spoiled Rich explained while patted her daughter's mane gently. She then exclaimed, "Ever!"
Cutie Mark Crusaders yelped in concern and worry as they finally learn and realize of where Diamond Tiara get that attitude from. And it's not pretty too. Nyx even recalled that her mother nearly picked a fight with Spoiled Rich once about Nyx got lost in Everfree Forest by Diamond Tiara.
As soon as Spoiled Rich walked away, Diamond Tiara headed to the front as she began singing about her inner struggles and desire.
Diamond Tiara: If I'm a diamond
Then why do I feel so rough?
I'm as strong as a stone
Even that's not enough
Diamond Tiara took a glance at the diamond from the shop. She turned and walked away slowly and calmly.
Diamond Tiara: There's something jagged in me
And I've made such mistakes
I thought that diamonds were hard
Though I feel I could break
Diamond Tiara spotted both older stallion and his younger filly chatting happily from the bridge. She then walked to the middle of it. She stood up while looking down at the river of her reflection. She sobbed a bit as her teardrop on the river. It make her not only jealous but also despaired and upset. She wondered if her mother ever done the same for her.
Diamond Tiara: Would you believe
That I've always wished I could be somepony else?
Yet I can't see
What I need to do to be the pony I want to be
Diamond Tiara spotted The Cakes Family playing happily with the twin babies. She compared to theirs and her mother's treatment to her. She felt like her mother didn't actually love her but think of her as her necessary successor.
Diamond Tiara: I've been told my whole life
What to do, what to say
Nopony showed me that
There might be some better way
Diamond Tiara sighed as she imagined herself being lost from not only tracks but also what she wanted without her friends and family.
Diamond Tiara: And now I feel like I'm lost
I don't know what to do
The ground is sinking away
I'm about to fall through
Diamond Tiara continued walking across the alley of Ponyville while Cutie Mark Crusaders followed her. They all hid behind the house's walls. They all feel sorry and concern for her. She then decided to go home now.
Diamond Tiara: Would you believe
That I've always wished I could be somepony else?
Yet I can't see
What I need to do to be the pony I want to be
To be the pony I want to be
Cutie Mark Crusaders looked at each other. They learned Diamond Tiara's true personality and true self. All the things she did was just an act for her mother and learned the latter's lesson as well. They asked themselves - what they should do with Diamond Tiara now...
Cutie Mark Crusaders returned to their clubhouse as they continued discussing about Diamond Tiara after they have learned the truth behind her now.
"Is it weird that I feel bad for her?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"If it is, then..." Scootaloo sighed, "I'm weird, too."
"I kinda feel sorry for her," Alyson Joy admitted.
Twist hummed in concern, "To think that a bully like her was actually a victim by her own mother."
"It's good think our mums never done terrible things to us," Dinky Doo commented.
"You could say that again," Heavy admitted as he turned and found Jade Adventure remained silent while smiling happy. He hummed suspiciously, "What're you smiling about?"
Jade whistled happily, "Nothing. Just waiting..."
The Cutie Mark Crusaders felt uneasy and concern about Jade Adventure since this morning. They know one thing for sure - she's hiding something but what.
Nyx shook her head, "Come on, Crusaders. You're not actually gonna fall for that, aren't you?"
Pipsqueak sighed in defeat, "As much I want to deny it but that's the truth. I actually feel sorry for her being mistreated by her mother, instead of comforting her. That mare just harsh her badly."
"She deserve it for everything she has done to all of us. Don't you think of that?" Nyx demanded.
"As much as I want to make her look bad, but-" Apple Bloom said remorsefully, "She wants to change, but she doesn't know how."
Sweetie Belle nodded, "Seems like she could use a friend or two to help her figure it out."
"Yeah, I'm in too," Scootaloo agreed.
Alyson Joy and even Jade nodded in agreement that they should help Diamond Tiara as well.
Pipsqueak sighed, "I want to help but I need to make some preparation. I have to ask the school board's approval for schoolhouse's playground repairs. So, good luck for helping Diamond Tiara. Hopefully, she can befriend with us."
Twist nodded, "I also have to help Pipsqueak prepare his proposal."
"Me too," Dinky Doo added.
Heavy sighed, "Sorry, I've got some training to do tomorrow morning."
Nyx gasped, "So, you really going to do it?"
Apple Bloom nodded, "I know you've got troubles with Diamond Tiara, but so do I. But you saw what happened, and I don't think it's a trick. If it is, Diamond Tiara is poor in acting. So, we should at least help her. We should give her a chance to show who she really want to be."
"But still..."
"It's okay if you don't wanna follow us and help Diamond Tiara. But I suggest if you give her a chance. I'm sure she feel sorry for sending you off to the Old Castle of Two Sisters."
"Maybe..."
Apple Bloom smiled a bit, "I guess I'll see you all tomorrow morning. Let's cross our hooves that Diamond Tiara ain't trying to bully at us again."
"Right," Everyone agreed.
Nyx hummed in concern as she not only holding a grudge against Diamond Tiara for bullying her and her friends, but also concern about the bully's true self. She wasn't sure if she should give Diamond Tiara a chance or not...
Cutie Mark Crusaders left the clubhouse as they all departed and returned home at once. Nyx, Alyson and Jade Adventure were on their way back to the Castle of Friendship.
Nyx was still unconvinced and concern about giving Diamond Tiara a chance to be her friend. She still think it's not good idea. Jade Adventure noticed it.
"Still worry about Diamond Tiara?" Alyson asked.
Nyx sighed, "Yeah... I still don't trust her. She's up to something. I can feel it."
Jade hummed in concern, "Maybe. But you should at least give her a chance. You saw what happen. And remember what Twilight Sparkle did to Trixie and Sunset Shimmer? She gave them a chance. They both turned out to be okay friends."
Alyson nodded in agreement, "She's right. Twilight changed them."
Nyx hummed in concern, "Hmm... I supposed so. But I can't make promises when it comes to grudge. I carried it very hard."
"Well, here's a good lesson, Nyx. I learned it from Tao and Uncle Dragon Kick -" Jade said in confidently, "-'The Greatest Victory is the Battle not Fought."
"Huh? What's that supposed to be mean?"
"We shouldn't fight the enemies but gave them lots of choices - A) let them beat themselves up badly from their anger and their teammates, B) Give them a good lesson and reason for second chance, or C) Just forget about it."
"Wow... That's a lot of option," Alyson remarked.
Nyx sighed, "Easy for you to say..."
"Hey, I'd never say it's easy," Jade shrugged. She stopped as if something tingling her. She turned to Nyx, "You feel that?"
Nyx looked worry as she felt it too, "Yeah. It's coming from the train station. Come on."
Nyx, Alyson Joy and Jade Adventure headed off at once into Ponyville's Train Station. They hid below the deck as they took the peek. They spotted three Demon Successors and their Demon Minions trashing and destroying the train station, as well as creating graffiti in the area. Drago, Song Wing and Gutsy were leading the team.
"Should have known Drago and his gang are the cause of this mess," Jade remarked.
Alyson hummed in concern, "What are they up to?"
Nyx shrugged, "No idea... Let's just watch first."
Drago was unleashed his Dragon Flame in creating the graffiti of his demonic dragon killing Twilight Sparkle. Song Wing unleashed her Sonic Screech in destroying the properties. Gutsy was unleashing his Twister Boom at the Ponyville in making the ponies stayed in their homes.
Drago sighed in relief, "Oh yeah! That's more like it! Mei Kai is so love this one - the Blazing Dragon defeats Twilight Sparkle! That would cool her boiling water."
"Oh please... You bored me to death, Drago," Song Wing said in annoyance as she landed on the ground, "So, what's the point of doing this? We were supposed to think of a way to get Yue!"
Gutsy nodded, "Indeed. Yue's friends have defeated Quake and Mei Kai! This is a shame and humiliation! How will we face our own family now?!"
"Relax... This is perfect," Drago said calmly and confidently. It make both Song Wing and Gutsy confused. He continued, "We've been doing this for a month. And it's making Ponyville angry and complained about the mess. And when there's complain..."
Gutsy gasped before smirked in pleasant, "Then, Twilight Sparkle and her friends will come to stop us. We will surely beat them as the token of our redemption."
"Not only that, Dark Xing and the rest will go and find Yue and her friends for defeating and banishing our family to the Netherworld."
Nyx, Alyson and Jade gasped in concern and worry.
Song Wing scoffed a bit, "Someone finally use his head, other than just being hotheaded dragon or even trying to impress the mermaid."
Drago groaned, "I resent that, Song Wing. And besides, no one is beautiful as Mei Kai. Come on, we're done. Let's report to Dark Xing of our progress. I really hate her control freak attitude."
"Tell me about it. Runs by her father's blood," Gutsy remarked.
As Demon Successors and their minions walked away at once, Nyx, Alyson and Jade remained hidden underneath the station's deck for the moment. They prayed the Demon Successors missed them.
Song Wing stopped at once as she looked around, "Wait a minute! Where's Avalanche?!"
"Not again..." Drago snarled, "That idiot always run off for food. Where did he go this time?!"
"There!" Gutsy exclaimed as he pointed at Avalanche lying down on the tracks while laughing happily. He grunted in annoyance, "What is that moron doing?!"
Song Wing hissed, "Is he crazy?! He's gonna get himself killed by the train! He hasn't reached his adulthood!"
"That moron never used his head!" Drago exclaimed in annoyance. He then spotted the Ponyville Train coming towards Avalanche. He groaned, "Either he get up or get killed by it!"
As the train coming very fast and almost reaching Ponyville's Train Station, Avalanche continued laughing happily and wildly. Everyone gasped in concern as they all could to was watch. Will Avalanche get out of tracks in time?!
Unable to stand it anymore, Nyx quickly charged in while unleashed her powerful Levitation Spell in lifting and pushing Avalanche aside quickly. The train just passed them. Everyone gasped in concern and wondered what happen to both Nyx and Avalanche.
As soon as the train passed, Nyx and Avalanche were on other side of tracks. They both were safe.
Nyx sighed, "Are you alright?"
"Yue save Avalanche?" Avalanche asked in surprise.
"Yeah... So hard to believe a pony like me actually save a demon. Sounds silly..."
"Yue-Yue is still Yue-Yue Zhe!" Avalanche exclaimed happily. Nyx yelped in surprise and concer as he held and hugged her tightly and passionately, "Ava knew Yue-Yue come back to us!"
Nyx yelped, "Okay! Please, let me go."
Everyone was in shock and surprise, and even Nyx herself. Nyx actually save Avalanche, even though they both are enemies than the family. This make Drago smirk darkly like he has the plan.
Jade glared at Drago, "What are you up to?"
Drago smirked, "See ya, losers! Knew you still have the blood of Demon in you, Yue!"
Drago, Song Wing, Gutsy, Avalanche and their Demon Minions quickly disappeared in the black smoke. Nyx, Jade and Alyson were in shock and confuse.
"What was that?" Alyson asked in concern and confusion.
At Castle of Friendship, Tao and Mighty Heart have prepared the Chinese Dish Dinner for themselves and the children. Tao and Mighty Heart were requested as the guardian for Nyx and her friends since Twilight Sparkle and Shadow Dragon were at Canterlot for some important mission. Both Lance and Spike were with both Shiroi Bai and Rarity for sleepover.
As the family were enjoying their dinner, Nyx was staring while stirring and playing with the food in bored manner. Both Jade and Alyson looked worry about her. Tao noticed it.
Tao cleared his throat, "Nyx? Is there something bother you?"
"No..." Nyx denied it. Tao gave her the stern looks at her. She yelped in fear and shock. She actually hated it a lot. She sighed, "Okay! It's Diamond Tiara and Avalanche..."
Tao gasped as he slammed his hoof on the ground, "She bullied you again? Did that Demon Successor of Nature hurt you?!"
"No. It's just unexpected..." Nyx explained. Tao gave her his raised right-eyebrow. She continued, "I just found out that Diamond Tiara was harsh by her own mother for being failure. I saved Avalanche too."
"Aieyah..." Tao remarked in surprise.
Mighty Heart spitted the water out from his mouth. He coughed heavily. He then looked at Jade and Alyson, who nodded in confirmation.
"I feel... sorry and concern for them. It's kinda strange."
"No, Nyx. It's your conscious and pitiful. You are showing not only concern but also kindness for them. And surprisingly, you showed it for a demon. That's very rare."
"And weird too. I mean... She's a bully and a bad pony too! She deserve that punishment from her mother! And yet, I..." Nyx groaned, "It's just so hard for me to forgive her after what she has done..."
"I understand. You weren't the only one who has difficult to forgive the bully. Your father struggled to give a chance for Terrorcreep."
Nyx and her two friends yelped as they turned looked at Tao. Nyx asked, "Terrrorcreep is the bully? He bullied my dad?! Seriously?!"
"I am." Tao nodded, "His mortal life has passed on after the success conquest on Land of Ma by Sovereign Lion Dynasty. He was reborn as the son of Myotis and Angelina - the third Mystic Vampire Pony. He has shown some potential and greatness in doing good deeds. And so, he bullied everyone by calling them 'coward' and 'stupid', and he even challenged them. He also bullied my son too."
"No way..."
"It's true. I make a lot of reports about Terrorcreep for bullying my son. And so, that Myotis was harsh on him a lot and even treating him like a trash. Then one day, he was chased by the ponies at Trottingham because they mistaken him a monster. And when the morning rise, he was trapped and burnt to death. Vampire Ponies cannot survive the light, even for the Mystic Type. Shadow Dragon did something unthinkable - saving his life."
"Wow..."
"Yes, Nyx. And they both became best friends and even the teammates. I was surprise, yet proud of it too."
"Awesome. But still..."
"Nyx, have I told you about Sensei Miyagi Morita's special philosophy?" Tao asked curiously. Nyx shook her head. He continued, "He is known to be Grandmaster of Karate Style and a true philosopher as well. And he quote a special philosophy behind the pony's nature - 'There's no bad children, but bad parent or teacher'."
Alyson nodded, "True. Spoiled Rich gave a hard time on Diamond Tiara."
"And not only that, Mighty Heart wasn't even the good guy from the start," Jade added.
Both Nyx and Alyson Joy were surprise and shocked of it, both Tao and Jade nodded for confirmation.
Mighty Heart nodded, "It is true. I once served under Shredkiller for riches and mother's approval. But every time I failed my duty and mission, he treated me badly. So, I abandoned and betrayed him. I joined sensei. It is where they treated me not only servant, but family. It's what I wanted. Ponies deserve second chance."
"Yes, Mighty. It is indeed true. While they're young, they can make amends and choices for the better. They just need some help," Tao explained, "And I believe Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo are making right decision. They may able to show her the way."
Jade smirked, "Yeah. And something awesome is gonna happen."
"And even Demons?" Nyx asked curiously.
Tao hummed in concern, "Well... As far as I know of, Demons are dangerous and violent creatures. They desired not only battles but also creating chaos and destruction across the world. They did not show any generosity, kindness or concern. It's hard to tell, Nyx."
"But I betrayed the Demons because of who I really am, and yet I saved Avalanche. He appreciate it."
"True. But you can't be sure yet. Just be alert. And there's nothing wrong to give ponies some chances, even Avalanche and Diamond Tiara."
"I understand, grandpa."
Jade held Nyx's shoulder tightly, "We'll help her too."
Alyson nodded in agreement, "Yeah. We just have to make sure nothing bad happens."
"I'm glad to hear that." Tao smiled as he turned to Mighty Heart, "Keep an eye on her. We can't be certain if Avalanche truly care for her. He is the son of Po Kong."
Mighty Heart nodded, "Yes, sensei."
Deep within the Dark Forest...
Dark Xing and Drago were discussing with each other about the plans. They both turned and looked at Avalanche eating lots of vegetables and animals into his stomach. Mei Kai was washing and moisturizing her face gently and calmly. Voltscar was practicing his Thunder Katana in making sure he grew stronger and powerful. Quake was punching and smashing the rocks very hard. Gutsy was reading some books. Song Wing was flying around in the sky while scouring and securing the area.
Dark Xing hummed in concern, "Are you certain he will do it?"
"Of course, it will work," Drago admitted before smirked darkly, "We'll have her soon enough."
Dark Xing groaned in annoyance and concern, "You'd better hope so, Drago. Father and the rest expected our results."
"Don't worry. It's perfect plan," Drago remarked.
On the next day...
The Ponyville Schoolhouse's bell rang as the students quickly ran out and went home including Nyx, who was meeting up with Jade and Alyson. Pipsqueak, Dinky Doo and Twist remained behind as they planned to talk with school board about the school playground repairs.
Diamond Tiara just exited as well. Three Cutie Mark Crusaders exited as well. They looked at each other for the moment. They all nodded in agreement.
"Hey, Diamond Tiara! Wait up!" Apple Bloom called.
Diamond Tiara grunted in annoyance, "What do you three want? To gloat? Rub in my defeat?"
Apple Bloom shook her head, "Actually, we wanted to invite you to our clubhouse to hang out."
Diamond Tiara was surprised and shocked. Scootaloo smiled, "Yeah, for real!"
"Well, thanks to you all, I don't have any important class president business to attend to or anything." Diamond Tiara sighed, "So I might as well."
Sweetie Belle hummed, "That sounds like a yes..."
Nyx met up with Alyson Joy and Jade Adventure as they were on their way back to Castle of Friendship. They decided to talk about what to do with Diamond Tiara and Avalanche. They felt like that they should give the enemies some chance. But they also wondered if the enemies would return the favor to them or not.
As Nyx and her friends made their way back to home, they spotted Avalanche was sitting close to the door. Both Tao and Mighty Heart were holding their spell books and their spell ingredients, in case if the Demon Successor of Nature tried to be funny. Nyx and her friends quickly galloped towards them to find out of what's really going on.
"Grandpa! Mighty Heart! What's he doing here?!" Nyx asked in concern.
Tao hissed in concern, "Don't know! If he wants the piece of Grandpa Tao, he shall get it!"
"Agreed," Mighty Heart nodded, "There's no telling what he will do next."
Jade Adventure hummed in concern as she looked at Avalanche, "Whatever he's doing, he's doing nothing..."
"Yeah... I don't think he's a threat," Alyson said cautiously, "But be on guard, just in case. Let's ask him now."
Nyx nodded as she approached Avalanche as she asked, "Avalanche, what are you doing here?"
"Play-play," Avalanche laughed happily while clapping his hands like a baby likes to play. He continued cheering, "Play-play with Yue-Yue Zhe!"
"Are you sure?"
"Yue-Yue Zhe always play with me! She always play with me! She's the best Demon Babysitter! She's the best! She's my favorite cousin!"
"Okay... What about your other cousins? Aren't they worry about you?"
Avalanche hummed in upset, "Others mean to me. They no play with me too! They no care about me. Not like you. You care for me. Yue-Yue Zhe is the best!"
Everyone looked awkward and concern about it while looking at each other. They weren't sure if Avalanche is telling the truth about his family or telling a lie, or maybe just love to play with them. It was weird for them to deal with this. Nyx and her friends turned away as they discussed of what to do with him.
"What should we do with him, Sensei?" Mighty Heart asked.
Tao hummed in concern, "He hasn't shown his true colors yet. We should be on guard. Grandpa Tao and Mighty Heart shall prepared some necessary offensive spell, potions and 'emergency' as well, just in case. For now, be nice with him."
"Are you sure, Mr. Tao?" Alyson asked in concern, "This is a Demon Successor we're talking about."
Jade patted Alyson hard, "Relax! My great granduncle knows what's he doing."
"Alright." Nyx turned and looked at Avalanche as she, Alyson and Jade approached him. She spoke, "You can stay with us. So, please behave. Don't cause troubles here."
Avalanche laughed happily as he grabbed and hugged Nyx, Alyson and Jade tightly and happily. Both Tao and Mighty Heart sighed calmly yet relief. If Avalanche proved to be good Demon, they may have the chance to turn the Demons to good side. They prayed everything will be alright...
On the afternoon, Nyx and her two friends were keeping their eyes on Avalanche, who seems enjoying playing with them a lot such as playing a tag, 'hide n seek', drawing, eating and drinking and more they do. Tao and Mighty Heart were working on 'offensive spell', potion and 'emergency spell', in case if Avalanche proved to be threat. As far as their concerns, Demon Successor of Nature hasn't shown his true colors.
As Nyx's Cutie Mark Crusaders decided to take a break from the games, they all rested near to the tree. Avalanche did the same as well.
"You know..." Jade giggled a bit, "He ain't so bad. We spent whole afternoon with him, and he's okay."
Alyson nodded in agreement, "Yeah, he's not really evil. He's just bad because of his parents."
Nyx hummed calmly, "I wonder... Is Diamond Tiara just bad because of her mom?"
"You sound like you feel sorry for her now." Alyson asked.
"After what Grandpa Tao did mention about parents and children," Nyx sighed, "After I was rescued and brought home safely by my mummy, Diamond Tiara brought her parents there. Her parents blamed her for trying to 'threatening' her. But mummy retaliate and told them off that Diamond Tiara is the one who start the mess. She was overconfident that 'she gave a map to me' while blaming me for going off. And at the end, Spoiled Rich gave her the harsh lectures and scoldings. Sounds like she went through a lot."
Jade nodded, "I know what you mean. If I was in trouble, Dragon Kick would give me a harsh lesson."
"Well, I'm glad that I don't have to go through that," Alyson remarked. She turned and looked at Avalanche who was sitting down and sleeping calmly and happily. She hummed, "Avalanche seems to be good Demon. And you'd think Demon can be change for the better?"
Nyx hummed, "Maybe... Grandpa Tao told me that there's 'nothing wrong to give ponies and even Diamond Tiara a chance'."
Jade smiled, "Good enough..."
As the Cutie Mark Crusaders were chatting with each other, Avalanche opened his eyes while revealing his crimson eyes while growling a bit.
At Twilight's Secret Lab, Tao and Mighty Heart continued focusing and manufacturing 'offensive spells' and some potions as well.
"Everything seems to be nice and quiet," Mighty Heart commented, "I could take some ease."
Tao huffed in annoyance, "Unlike my son, he has a terrible manners with ladies. Only three ladies, he ruined his own date badly. First - Iris Crystal, then the pop singer and finally Twilight Sparkle, he's terrible at it. He has to know what the ladies want, now he wants."
"At least, he make up with Twilight Sparkle now."
"He'd better..."
Heavy just entered the lab while yawning.
"Wow... Didn't know the training could be pain to my ass," Heavy complimented while stretching his hooves, "So, where are-?!"
SCREAM! Tao, Mighty Heart and Heavy yelped in surprise. They know who screams are.
Tao gasped, "Aiiiieeeeyaaaaahhhh! Bad day!"
At the Cutie Mark Crusaders' Clubhouse, three Cutie Mark Crusaders brought and shown Diamond Tiara their place and objectives in getting Cutie Marks. Diamond Tiara looked at the chart as she was observing and analyzing it.
"So, do you three just sit around here plotting out different ways to try and get your cutie marks?" Diamond Tiara asked as she turned and looked at Cutie Mark Crusaders. They nodded in confirmation. She hummed before sighed, "You three are... really lucky."
Cutie Mark Crusaders asked, "We are?!"
Diamond Tiara nodded, "Yeah! You get to explore all these options, learning who you really are before you're stuck with something you don't understand."
"But... you've done that, right?" Apple Bloom asked.
Diamond Tiara smirked as she shown her Cutie Mark, "Yeah, 'cause I have my cutie mark! And I'm not struggling at all to figure out who I'm supposed to be and what I'm supposed to be doing with this mark that's already on my flank!"
Apple Bloom hummed in concern, "Uh... are you sure about that?"
Diamond Tiara scoffed in annoyance, "That's a weird question."
"Not really," Sweetie Belle admitted, "since we kind of overheard you yesterday."
Diamond Tiara gasped, "Were you trying to get your cutie mark in spying? Is that on your little chart?"
Sweetie Belle yelped as she shook her head, "No! We were just worried about you when you lost the election, and then you lost your friend, and then your mom yelled at you..."
Apple Bloom interrupted, "We know you wanna change, and we think we can--"
"HELP!" The familiar voice cried. Cutie Mark Crusaders turned and opened the door as they found Pipsqueak, Dinky Doo and Twist standing before them. The latter looked scared and worried like something bad has happened to them. Pipsqueak explained, "Cutie Mark Crusaders! I was at the school board meeting and they didn't approve my request for the new playground equipment!"
Twist hissed in concern, "There's no money in the budget! So we checked our piggy banks to see if we had enough bits, but..."
"It's still not enough!" Dinky Doo exclaimed in concern, "Even my mummy and Sparkle can't help because their salaries aren't enough too!"
"Don't worry, guys!" Sweetie Belle comforted.
Scootaloo nodded, "We'll meet you back at school."
"And help you guys find a solution!" Apple Bloom added.
Pipsqueak smiled, "Thanks, Cutie Mark Crusaders!"
Pipsqueak, Twist and Dinky Doo turned and left. Diamond Tiara overheard everything as she smirked darkly. It's perfect for her.
Diamond Tiara exited while smiling, "Oh, I already have a solution! Our new student pony president is gonna be kicked out of office, and I'll be reinstated!"
Before Cutie Mark Crusaders could do anything, Diamond Tiara quickly ran off at once.
"Where's she going?" Scootaloo asked in concern.
Apple Bloom hissed in concern, "Where do you think?! C'mon! After her!"
Sweetie Belle nodded, "I'm coming too!"
Cutie Mark Crusaders went and chased after Diamond Tiara before the latter could do something bad and dangerous. She spotted them as she quickly make haste across the Ponyville's bridge. They followed as well while pleading and reasoning with her as well.
Diamond Tiara: Cutie Mark Crusaders, get out of my way
Those ponies need to know the truth
And they'll hear it from me
Cutie Mark Crusaders: Stop!
Diamond Tiara, this is not the way
You know you're better than this hostility
Diamond Tiara quickly stopped at once as she pushed the cart down hard. It poured the couple of apples down. Cutie Mark Crusaders yelped as they almost slipped and tripped by the apples.
Diamond Tiara: You don't even know me at all
Don't understand the meaning of my fall
What my family would think if I ever
Fail at anything
Diamond Tiara continued running as fast as she can. She passed the Ponyville Water Fountain where the nobles and rich ponies were there chatting with each other about Ponyville Schoolhouse, including Diamond Tiara's parents.
Diamond Tiara: I'm a diamond - that means you'll never break
No matter what be the cost of the path I take
Whatever I have to do to win in the end
Each time Diamond Tiara came across the Cutie Mark Crusaders at the corner or blocking her, they kept on pleading and begging her to change her ways. But Diamond Tiara continued ignoring the advice and ran off quickly.
Cutie Mark Crusaders: Stop! This is not the answer
Wait! And it's plainly seen
Listen! You can redeem yourself
But by helping others, not by being mean
As Diamond Tiara continued running, Cutie Mark Crusaders managed catch up to her. They quickly moved to the front as they continued reasoning and talking with her.
Cutie Mark Crusaders: We know you want friends who admire you
You want to be the star with all the power too
But there's a better way, there's a better wa-a-ay
Diamond Tiara slowly slow down her running as she began thinking of what Cutie Mark Crusaders have said. They all then ran besides together with her.
Cutie Mark Crusaders: There's so much more still left to
Learn about yourself
See the light that shines in you
We know you can be somepony else
Cutie Mark Crusaders came to the fork road while reasoning with Diamond Tiara for a better way. Diamond Tiara is now in dilemma as she wondered - what she should do now?!
Cutie Mark Crusaders: You can stop right now
And try another start
You'll finally free yourself from the dark
And see the light
And see the light of your cutie mark
Before Diamond Tiara or Cutie Mark Crusaders could do anything, they heard some screaming. They turned and looked at the Everfree Forest. Some ponies are in troubles!
Within the Everfree Forest, Avalanche was holding Nyx, Jade and Alyson Joy in his both hands. Dark Xing and her brethren smiled darkly. They finally achieved their goals at last! They finally caught Nyx in their grasp, thanks to Avalanche.
"Excellent work, Avalanche," Dark Xing complimented.
Drago scoffed, "Told you that would work! It's all thanks to little Nyxie's weakness, compassion and heroic nonsense deeds for innocents and even her own kind. She feel sorry for "
Nyx groaned painfully while glaring at Avalanche, "I gave you the chance! I wanted to befriend with you! I wanted you to be good like me."
Avalanche sniffed softly, "Sorry. Me Avalanche wanted to be good like you but... Cousin Xing told me that you did bad to my mama. And also, your friends mean to our family."
"I'm sorry, okay? We have no choice! We just want the medicine for our family."
"But what about us? I thought we are family. I was your favorite cousin, and so as Mei Kai."
"We were." Nyx sighed.
Jade groaned in anger, "When we get out of this, Tao is gonna kick your flanks for kidnapping us! And best of all, he's gonna banish you all!"
"What she said," Alyson supported.
"Pathetic..." Dark Xing remarked as she floated towards Avalanche. She patted him, "Well done, cousin. You finally have some usefulness. I actually thought I wanted to use your as sacrifice for my plan. Almost, of course."
"What is next?" Avalanche asked.
Song Wing smirked, "I know what to think - we could feast on them."
"I got a better idea," Gusty smirked while glaring at Nyx, "Put him the same place she let her guard down."
Dragon whistled, "I like your thinking, Guts. That's for my beautiful sexy mermaid."
Mei Kai smiled as she slithered and wrapped Drago while giggled, "Oh... My favorite dragon..."
Drago and Mei Kai gave each other a passionate kiss, making everyone feel disgusted and annoyed.
Avalanche stuck his tongue out, "Yuck..."
Nevertheless, Demon Successors turned and glared at Nyx, Jade and Alyson. The little ones giggled uneasily and nervously while their enemies smiled in pleasant. Something bad is about to happen...
At the train station, both Quake and Voltscar formed the powerful stone wrapper in trapping and zapping Nyx and her friends. Avalanche placed the Cutie Mark Crusaders on the tracks at once. Three of them quickly returned to the rest of Demon Successors at once. As Nyx and her friends struggled in getting out from their imprisonment, Demon Successors were watching and laughing at it. Is this the end of Nyx and her friends?
Suddenly, everyone heard a loud blowing whistle as well as spotting the black smokes coming from the north direction. The train is coming!
"The end has finally come!" Song Wing exclaimed proudly, "Our family will be proud of it."
Dark Xing nodded, "Indeed. Our mission is finally complete!"
The train is moving very fast. And it's almost reaching to the train station where Nyx and her friends are trapping at now!
Gutsy chuckled in amusement, "The train is coming! It's gonna go choo-choo on these brats!"
"Choo-Choo?" Avalanche asked in surprise. He recalled of what Nyx has done for him - saving his life from being crushed and killed by the train. He gasped, "Avalanche must safe Yue-Yue! He must!"
Before anyone could say anything, Avalanche charged in as he quickly stood in front of Nyx and her friends. He held his hands up as he readied himself to stop the train or die trying. Everyone screamed and cried to Avalanche to get out due to him haven't reached his adulthood or obtained completely immortality.
As everyone continued watching, the train immediately stopped?! Everyone was in shock and surprise as they wondered why and how?!
"We did it! We stopped it!"
Everyone turned to the north direction as they found another three of Cutie Mark Crusaders and Diamond Tiara stand near to the train traffic light stand. It was on red.
"I told you!" Diamond Tiara exclaimed, "Putting red on it makes the train stop!"
"Thanks!" Main Cutie Mark Crusaders thanked happily.
Nyx gasped, "Diamond Tiara saved us? I don't believe it..."
Diamond Tiara and main Cutie Mark Crusaders galloped towards Nyx and others as well.
Dark Xing screamed in fury, "CURSE YOU, MORTALS!"
Drago gasped, "Avalanche, you fool, what are you doing?!"
"I don't believe it," Song Wing exclaimed in shock.
"I know. That fool is helping them!" Gutsy exclaimed in anger.
Avalanche destroyed the wrapper in freeing Nyx, Jade and Alyson out. Demon Successors were in furious and angered while Cutie Mark Crusaders were in shock and surprise of it. Avalanche actually saving their friends' alive.
"You-You saved us..." Nyx asked in surprise.
Avalanche sighed, "Me Avalanche sorry. Yue-Yue saved me. Me saved you."
"Wow... Did not expect that," Jade remarked.
Alyson nodded in agreement, "Yeah. I'm guessing why Po Kong and him are always the youngest Demon Lords and Demon Successors."
"ENOUGH!" Dark Xing exclaimed in anger. Cutie Mark Crusaders yelped in shock and feared. She and her Demon Successors were armed and ready to attack. She growled, "I will make you all pay for ruining our revenge, especially you, Avalanche! You disgraced us all! Prepare to die!"
Just as Demon Successors were about to attack while Cutie Mark Crusaders yelped and quivered in concern, the ground shaken very hard as it was creating a long line. Everyone turned to the south direction as they found Heavy was wielding his flail sword. Heavy was armed and ready to fight.
"Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao! Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao! Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao!"
Demon Successors yelped in shock and feared. Cutie Mark Crusaders gasped in surprise. They all turned to their back where Tao and Mighty Heart were holding both greenish glowing dead lizard and blow-fish while chanting and dancing harmonically and calmly. And at the same time, five cards - Red Fire, Blue Water, Green Air, Yellow - Earth and White - Light spinning around them. Theirs were glowing brightly.
"Stop him!" Dark Xing exclaimed in anger.
Tao smirked, "Evil Spirit feel Tao's Wrath! Heavenly Golden Flower Beam!"
Just before Demon Successors were about to attack, Tao and Mighty Heart screamed wildly. The latter fired their Heavenly Golden Glower Beam at the former off. Dark Xing was thrown off to a far away from their home. Demon Successors turned and looked at Tao and Mighty Heart.
Tao scoffed, "Who wants to piece of me?"
"Retreat!" Drago ordered.
Demon Successors quickly turned and ran off at once. Even Avalanche did the same thing as well. And before he could regroup with others, he turned and gave Nyx a gentle smile while she was stunned and surprise yet relief to know about him.
Tao, Mighty Heart, Cutie Mark Crusaders and even Diamond Tiara came to Nyx, Jade and Alyson. The former all asked if the latter were alright or not. Nyx, Jade and Alyson answered back to their friends that they were alright and fine.
Tao hugged Nyx and Jade, "I'm glad you're alright. And I'm so sorry too. Please forgive me for asking you to let your guard down for befriending Avalanche."
"Grandpa, it's okay," Nyx said calmly while patted Tao's back, "I'm okay. And actually, you were right about him. Maybe Demon can change."
Tao hummed before sighed as he departed, "I hope we're right about this."
Nyx nodded as she turned and looked at Diamond Tiara who looked away in shame. The former bully was too ashamed to face her because she bullied Nyx a lot, and so as the latter's friends.
"Thank you, Diamond Tiara," Nyx thanked while bowed down as well, "For saving mine and our friends' live. And I forgive you too for all the things you have done."
Diamond Tiara gasped, "Really?"
Nyx nodded, "Really. And I'm giving you a chance too. As my grandfather once said, everypony deserve the second chance."
Diamond Tiara let her tears of joy out as she hugged Nyx while smiling happily, "Thank you so much, Nyx."
Everyone smiled happily. Diamond Tiara proved herself that she can be a better pony, instead of being meanie spoiled rich brat. Nyx also finally giving the bully a second chance now. Diamond Tiara then departed from hugging Nyx. She wiped the tears off.
"There's one more thing need to do. To the schoolhouse now!"
At the Ponyville Schoolhouse, both Cheerilee and students were waiting and wondering of what happen next. Their proposal for playground repairs and replacement has been denied by school board. What can they do to change the school board's mind.
Cutie Mark Crusaders, Diamond Tiara, Tao and Mighty Heart have arrived. Diamond Tiara approached to the door. Everyone wondered what is Diamond Tiara planning to do. Can she changed school board's mind about the proposal? Or will she make the wrong choice?
As the door opened, Spoiled Rich emerged while spotting Diamond Tiara stood before her. She wasn't please about it especially Diamond Tiara for failing her a lot.
"I just happened to be here for the school board meeting, and this is what I see when we adjourn? My daughter associating with confused, insignificant lowlifes? Socializing with their kind is not how you move up in Equestria!" Spoiled Rich remarked angrily. She sighed, "I'm truly disappointed in her."
Diamond Tiara looked down in shame while others feel sorry for her. Instead of showing her shame and upset looks, she shown her firm and determined looks. She looked up and faced at her approaching mother. She had enough as she decided to tell what she wanted.
"No, mother! I am not!" Diamond Tiara protested. Spoiled Rich was surprise as well as others. She continued, "You've spent your life acting like a high horse and raised me to follow in your hoofprints! At first I thought this was fine, but then I finally realized I wanted something you don't have - friends!"
Everyone gasped in surprise and shock while Nyx and her friends weren't because Diamond Tiara was the one who saved Nyx, Jade and Alyson from Demon Successors.
"That's enough, Diamond Tiara! Step away from those blank flanks!" Spoiled Rich remarked while glaring at Cutie Mark Crusaders.
Tao gave a whack on Spoiled Rich's head while remarked, "You are very bad influence to the children especially this little one."
Mighty Heart nodded in agreement, "Sensei's right. You claimed you cared for her. And now it's time to prove it."
Diamond Tiara shook her head as she approached Cutie Mark Crusaders and said, "These are the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and they are my friends! You need to stop calling them such mean and hurtful names! They are working harder to get their cutie marks than anypony I've ever seen! And they will get them exactly when they discover their true talent, which I guarantee will be amazing! I saved them from danger because I owed them a big apology for the things I have done to them."
Everyone was surprised and amazed by how nice and caring Diamond Tiara is. Even Spoiled Rich was surprised by her daughter's action. She actually defending and apologizing to Cutie Mark Crusaders?!
"Now, will you please deliver this to father?" Diamond Tiara asked as she gave the piece of paper to Spoiled Rich.
"Yes, of course, dear..." Spoiled Rich said in defeat as she took it by teeth. As she walked away, she muttered, "She actually stood up on me - her own mother. I'm amazed. She actually helping others? I wonder what did my husband teach her."
As soon as Spoiled Rich waked away, Diamond Tiara approached Cutie Mark Crusaders as she commented,
"I have to thank you, Crusaders. Obviously I've known since I got my cutie mark that my talent is getting other ponies to do what I want. I just asked my father if he could donate the money for the new playground equipment!"
Everyone cheered wildly and happily. They finally get the playground repaired and replaced, all thanks to Diamond Tiara!
Diamond Tiara approached Pipsqueak, "I knew you were worried for a second there, weren't you? Ha! Well, I think it's all gonna work out just fine, Mister President!"
Pipsqueak smiled, "I hate to admit it. You almost got me there. You take the lead for saving us. Shall we?"
Diamond Tiara smiled, "We shall."
Diamond Tiara: We'll build a playground
For all of us to enjoy
So full of games
There's enough for each girl and boy
Diamond Tiara then led her classmates and friends to the playground area while explaining of what she wanted to do with it for not herself, but others. They were amazed and surprised by her change of heart. They glad to help her now.
Diamond Tiara: I want to help and do
Everything that I can
I'm here to show you I changed
Listen up, here's the plan
As soon as form Dark Warriors Trio brought the crates of playground equipment, the school ponies began working on rebuilding and replacing the broken items with new ones. Diamond Tiara led the group of what needs to be done such as she instructed the strongest to move the broken merry-go-round and the colt with strong teeth to carry and move broken see-saw.
Diamond Tiara smiled as she took a glance at her flank, which glowed a bit of light. She smiled happily.
Diamond Tiara: There's so much I can do
To help everypony else
I see the light that shines in me
I know I can be my better self
Everyone worked together very hard in getting and setting the playground equipment up. Diamond Tiara even helped Silver Spoon set the fences as they both reconciled.
Diamond Tiara: I can free the past
'Cause now the future's bright for me
My cutie mark has set me free
To do what's right and be the pony I want to be
And be the pony I want to be!
After spending hours on working with playground, it is done. The playground is set. Everyone, including Cheerilee, Pipsqueak, Dinky Doo and Twist, commented and cheered for Diamond Tiara. Tao, Mighty Heart and seven Cutie Mark Crusaders have their own chats.
"Thank you, Grandpa," Nyx thanked happily. Tao turned and looked at her. She smiled as she hugged him, "For giving me the best advice. Ponies deserve second chances."
Tao smiled as he patted Nyx's head gently, "I'm glad to help. And I'm glad you did it."
Apple Bloom hummed, "I've been thinkin', Crusaders. We spend an awful lot of time fussin' and frettin' tryin' to discover our true talent. But when we take a little time off, we end up helpin' other ponies figure out their true talent!"
Sweetie Belle nodded, "Yeah, and I think that's way more important than worrying about our cutie marks, don't you?"
"Absolutely! I don't care if I ever get my cutie mark" Scootaloo remarked as she jumped for the moment while flapped her wings for the moment. She landed before held both Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle's shoulders, "as long as I get to hang out with my best friends."
Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo hugged each other happily before they departed while smiling.
Heavy smirked, "Now that's what I'm talking about. Scutie Mark, Cutie Mark. Who cares?"
Alyson nodded, "Heavy, you make a very good point. Friendship is the true treasure for ponies. And I'm glad our founders know it."
Apple Bloom turned and looked at Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, "So what do you say, Crusaders? Want to just focus on helpin' others find their cutie marks?"
Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle cheered, "Yeah!"
As three main Cutie Mark Crusaders gave a hoof clap, a sudden powerful magic appeared on their hooves. It surprised them. It then slowly surged through their bodies to the ground. They then floated in midair for the moment. A crimson, pinkish and purplish glowing aura-like appeared on their bodies as their flanks even glow brighter.
Everyone spotted it as they watched and wondered what's happening next. As soon as three Cutie Mark Crusaders landed on the ground, they slowly got up while regaining their conscious. Everyone then chatted and awed in amazement upon looking at Cutie Mark Crusaders. Why?
"What happened?" Sweetie Bell asked.
Apple Bloom asked, "What's goin' on?"
"It's your cutie marks! They're amazing!" Diamond Tiara answered.
Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo turned and looked at the flanks. They spotted something surprise and amaze them a lot. Theirs have same shield symbols with stripes of red, pink and purple with symbols - A Love on Apple icon for Apple Bloom, Music Eight Note on Star icon for Sweetie Belle and Lightning Shape on Wing Icon for Scootaloo!
Cutie Mark Crusaders gasped as they looked at each other while showing happiness, relief and joyfulness. They bounced happily as they finally did it. They then pushed their flanks on each other. They finally earned Cutie Marks!
"We all got the same cutie mark! Cutie Mark Crusaders forever!"
Nyx cheered, "I knew it! I knew you all can do it! Congratulation! You all did it!"
"Now for the encore!" Jade cheered.
Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo departed as they all hugged each other happily. The rest of Cutie Mark Crusaders approached and joined in hugging with them happily. They all began singing together as one.
Cutie Mark Crusaders: We were searching for our cutie marks
For a while there
Trying to find out how we fit in
Cutie Mark Crusaders went around of Cheerilee and schoolmates for once. They then headed off at once, followed by the school staffs and classmates. They all marched out of the Ponyville Schoolhouse together.
Cutie Mark Crusaders: So many ways we've tried before
But we kept on trying more
'Cause the Cutie Mark Crusaders don't give in
Scootaloo: Now we know what it took all along
Sweetie Belle: And our journey here is never really done
Apple Bloom: For it is more than just a mark
It's a place for us to start
Cutie Mark Crusaders and their friends walked across the main street of Ponyville. Everyone spotted it. They all turned and looked at the little ones walking on the streets like they were the parade. They even cheered for the little ones too.
Cutie Mark Crusaders: An adventure that has only just begun
We'll make our mark
Show the world what we can do
We'll make our mark
Helping fillies to break through
To the ultimate reward of a cutie mark
Mane Six, Dragon Strike Force, Black Omega (Lance Justicestrike, Spike, Shiroi Bai, Steel Blaze, Drake Trio, Metalgear and Red Arsenal) and Dragon Kick heard the news. And they couldn't be anymore happier and prouder than before. Pinkie Pie swiftly and quickly setting and preparing the party up for Cutie Mark Crusaders in gaining their own Cutie Marks after long five years.
Pinkie stood before everyone, "All right, everypony! Get ready for the biggest cute-ceanera celebration ever!"
The ponies cheered wildly and happily. They all can't wait to party.
Applejack sniffed happily as she approached Apple Bloom, along with Granny Smith and Big McIntosh. They were all crying in joy. They were so happy and proud to see the youngest member of Apple Family finally earned her Cutie Mark.
Applejack approached as she hugged Apple Bloom, "Oh, sugarcube, if Mom and Dad were here, they'd be so proud of ya."
Both Granny Smith and Big McIntosh smiled and nodded in agreement.
Apple Bloom sniffed as she hugged Applejack, "Oh... Thanks, Applejack."
Rainbow Dash approached Scootaloo as she gave the latter a noogie for the moment. Scootaloo then jumped on Rainbow Dash as the blood sisters hugged each other passionately and happily.
Rainbow Dash: I'm so proud of you, little buddy
You've taught me a thing or two
Rarity held Sweetie Belle's hooves up while looking at her sincerely and happily. As Sweetie Belle blushed happily of being commented, Rarity held and hugged her passionately and happily.
Rarity: You've inspired everypony around you
And you've inspired me too
Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Applejack: You've made your mark
Done Equestria so proud
You've made your mark
And we're here to sing it loud
For the ultimate reward of your cutie mark
At their clubhouse, they decided to have one more meeting about their next mission. Cutie Mark Crusaders were proud of it. Apple Bloom stood on her judge stand as she asked.
"Well, what do you think, Crusaders? Were these cutie marks totally worth waiting for or what?"
Sweetie Belle nodded, "Yeah! I can't wait to see who we're gonna help next!"
Nyx giggled happily, "And don't forget us. Not only you helped our members get the Cutie Marks, but also we helped you on the mission. Crusaders, can we solve it?!"
Cutie Mark Crusaders cheered, "YES, WE CAN!"
Three Main and Founders of Cutie Mark Crusaders recalled all the adventures they have been through, followed by their honorary members and friends. They recalled how they founded their team, crazy hunt on Cutie Marks for various events, the morality and lessons they learned, helping Nyx to be a good pony involving in Mystic War Three, venturing to Demon Land for medicine to save their friends and family and now helping ponies solve their Cutie Marks.
All of Cutie Mark Crusaders were proud of the events they have done in their lives. They now finally deserved the greatest reward in their lives - Cutie Marks.
Cutie Mark Crusaders: We started out just three
Crusaders driven to see
What we find in our hearts
Discover our destiny
And here we are, best friends
About to start it again
An adventure that never will end
The Cutie Mark Crusaders went out from their clubhouse as they regrouped with Mane Six, Dragon Strike Force, Black Omega, Tao, Dragon Kick, Mighty Heart, Cheerilee, Snobby Duo and Ponyville Schoolhouse classmates together. They all take the photo together as not only friends, but a whole family.
Cutie Mark Crusaders: We'll make our mark
Helping fillies most in need
We'll make our mark
So each one of them succeeds
'Cause the ultimate reward is a cutie mark!
Photo Finish helped and taken the picture of the group. Spike delivered it via Dragon Message Delivery to Royal Sisters from Canterlot. The Rulers couldn't be any happier and prouder.
This marks the end of Cutie Mark Crusaders' search for Cutie Mark, and the beginning for their new adventure and mission - helping ponies understand their Cutie Marks...
"JADE!" The blue hooded pony exclaimed in anger within unknown library. She was glaring at the giant book's torn page. She growled in anger, "What have you done?! You have angered Blackwitch now..." END
Review and Suggest...
Main Casts:
Michelle Creber: Apple Bloom
Claire Corlett: Sweetie Belle
Madeleine Peters: Scootaloo
Kira Tozer: Nyx
Stacy Chan: Jade Adventure
Alyson Stoner: Alyson Joy
Chantal Strand: Diamond Tiara, Spoiled Rich
Jeff Benett: Avalanche
Minor Casts:
Vanessa Marshall: Dark Xing
Michael Rosenbaum: Drago
Grey DeLisle-Griffin: Song Wing
Charlie Schlatter: Gutsy
Shannon Chan-Kent: Silver Spoon, Dinky Doo
Alexandra Carter: Twist
Graham Verchere: Pipsqueak
Johnny Young Bosch: Heavy
Sab Shimono: Mystic Tao
Noah Nelson: Mighty Heart
Cameo:
Nicole Oliver: Cheerilee
Andrea Libman: Pinkie Pie
Ashleigh Ball: Applejack, Rainbow Dash
Kazum Evans: Rarity (Singing Voice)
Hynden Walch: Mei Kai
Tara Strong: Blackwitch |
My Little Pony Mystic Season 1 | Episode 19: What's Pinkie Pie Up To? | Within the Mystic Library's classrom, Blackwitch and Tao were close to Jade Adventure who was writing on the chalkboard. She was writing 'I'd never tear the page of Book of Ages' for several times.
"So uncool..." Jade remarked in annoyance.
Tao huffed, "The next time you want something, you'd better think twice, Jade Mindy Adventure."
"Indeed. Tearing the paper from books is one things, but from Book of Ages," Blackwitch snarled, "It's terrible! There is no telling what kind of catastrophe could create! Or even what happen to the past or present!"
Jade snorted, "Well, at least, I didn't write anything on it, or even let anyone steal it."
"Well, I don't want to think about..." Blackwitch remarked in annoyance.
"There goes my chance to see the best surprise..." Jade muttered.
Jade continued writing down ton chalkboard while Tao and Blackwitch were keeping their eyes on her. Two shadowy ponies from the outside of classroom overheard everything before smiled proudly. They turned and headed off at once. Who were they? What are they planning with Book of Ages?
Within the Castle of Friendship...
Inside the Princess of Friendship's bed chamber, laughter was sounded within it. Shadow Dragon was lying down on the bed while Twilight Sparkle was on top of him.
As she lay on his body, both of them held each other's heads. She pressed her lips against his passionately and gently. They both then opened their mouths, let their tongues sticking to each other's and even the lips. They each held something from bottom for the moment, thus making they sighed happily. They departed for the moment. Mystic General smiled as he kissed on her chest while hugging her. Princess of Friendship giggled happily.
Shadow Dragon slowly getting up including moving Twilight Sparkle up as well. He kissed around of her neck, making her sighed happily. She then held his head as she kissed on his lips. They both moved slowly around in switching their position. He then pushed her gently against the bed's mattress. They both held each other's hooves locked down while having another went over their shoulders. Shadow Dragon slowly pushed his bottom against Twilight's, making her yelped in surprise while he grunted a bit. They both continued with it for ten times while kissed each other's lips passionately, gently and happily.
Both immortal ponies enjoyed spending their times of chastity on bed for two hours. They sighed happily as they stopped slowly. Shadow Dragon slowly lowered his head down, closing to Twilight's head. She giggled happily as she had her left hand pushed against her head. Both nuzzled each other's heads.
"We've got stop doing that," Shadow Dragon commented before chuckled a bit.
Twilight giggled happily before kissed one time on her boyfriend's lips, "Just admit, Shadow. You enjoy it. And so do I. You maybe a nearly 900-years-old. But I'm old enough to do this. And I enjoy it too."
As Twilight gave her sexy and beauty looks at him, Shadow Dragon smiled as he kissed her lips back.
"Okay. I admit it. It's quite a new hobby for me to do. Hopefully, you don't get pregnant."
Twilight Sparkle snorted a bit before giving Shadow Dragon a soft slap, "Come on, don't tell me that Mystic General of Dragon Warriors is afraid of being father when we get married and wanted to have children."
"Very funny, Twiley. I've got no problem with it. Handling the babies is like handling the kids."
"Trust me. It's not the same. The babies can be very challenging than you think."
"Try me, pretty princess."
"Don't call me that, pretty boy..."
Twilight smirked as she moved close to Shadow Dragon. He then helped her up while making her very close to him. They held and hugged each other's shoulders tightly and passionately while showing their passionate love eyes.
Shadow Dragon sighed, "Glad we patch things up after..."
"Snake Fear? Yeah. I'm still getting use. And I'm not use with..." Twilight gave disgusted looks and sounds, "Cobras. Their fangs and poison - they're scary."
"Don't worry, Twiley. As long you don't provoke them, you should be fine. You've got nothing to worry about."
"I guess so. Shall we continue?"
"After you, my lady."
"As soon as we're done here, we have a meeting with others. It involved of my brother's visit."
"Great. Why I'm not surprised?"
"Was that sarcasm, I heard? I know you two don't get along but he's my brother."
"I know. I know. I just wish he give both of us some space. I mean how long he's keeping an eye on me?"
"I'm sure he'll let go of it. Just need to be patient. But for now, give me some sugar, Shadow Dragon."
"Oh. I will. And believe me. I'm not gonna stop until you say 'I love you'."
Twilight giggled happily as she make her move - kissing on his neck three times before moving on his chest. Shadow Dragon moaned happily for the moment. He then held her up. They both held and hugged together while pushing against each other's lower torso for ten times. She leaned her lips against his while he pushed back for the moment. And at the same time, they both moaned and grunted happily as they continued enjoying their chastity. Nothing can ruin them...
SCREAM! Both Twilight Sparkle and Shadow Dragon stopped at once. They turned and looked at the familiar place from the distance.
"What in Equestria?" Twilight asked in concern.
Shadow Dragon sighed in annoyance, "I hate someone ruin our fun especially your brother."
"Come on. Don't be like that. He's just protective, even though I told him a thousand times that everything is fine." Twilight remarked. She then kissed his cheeks briefly. She turned and looked at the distance, "What's Pinkie up to?"
At Sugarcube Corner...
Pinkie giggled happily as she held both Pumpkin and Pound Cakes around and round for 100 times. She threw them up high before grabbed and hugged them passionately and happily. She squealed happily.
"This is the best news ever! I can't wait to tell Twilight!" Pinkie remarked happily.
"Oh, em, Pinkie, uh..." Mrs. Cake called as she approached Pinkie Pie. She whispered softly, "it's a top secret surprise."
Mrs. Cake took both of her children as she returned to the kitchen. Before she leave, she gave Pinkie Pie a prolonged shushing. Pumpkin and Pound Cakes mimicked their mother as well. They all slowly entered it.
"A top secret surprise?! That means I have to keep the exciting news..." Pinkie Pie asked fearfully yet nervously. She gulped "...to myself!"
At Ponyville's Main Street, Rarity who was bringing Fluttershy from her cottage as they chatted happily about Twilight's message. They were now heading straight to Castle of Friendship.
"Do you know why Twilight called us?" Rarity asked curiously.
"I have no idea," Fluttershy admitted. She then spotted Pinkie muttering to herself, "Is Pinkie alright? She seems to be off."
Rarity hummed, "Well, when you put it that way, something spook Pinkie off. It's time to learn of what's going on."
As Rarity and Fluttershy were approaching Pinkie Pie, they could hear her muttering fearfully. They wondered what spooked her.
Pinkie Pie muttered, "Even though I didn't technically make a Pinkie Promise to Mrs. Cake, I can't tell Twilight or anypony the big news! That would make me a... a... a big old surprise ruiner!"
"What's all this about surprise?" Rarity asked in concern.
Pinkie Pie yelped, "What? Who? What? Who said something about a surprise?!"
"You did, Ms. Pie, just now. What were you talking about?""
Pinkie Pie yelped as she took a pacifier out. She put it on her mouth as she sucked on it while running away from them. She was heading straight to Castle of Friendship.
"What in Equestria was that?" Rarity asked in concern, "Why is she behaving like that? And sucking a pacifier? What is she? A baby?"
Fluttershy shrugged, "I don't know. But hopefully, she tells us."
At Castle of Friendship's Council Chamber, Mane Six have been gathered. Shadow Dragon, Lance, Nyx and Spike were there as well. The meeting begins now...
"Great! Everypony's here." Twilight said happily. As Spike passed the scroll to her, she levitated it and continued, "Now I don't have to wait any longer to tell you all the wonderful news! Somepony special is coming to visit Ponyville, and I need your help getting everything ready!"
Everyone chatted happily while cheering in agreement to help Twilight Sparkle.
Twilight Sparkle was about to speak but Pinkie Pie interrupted, "It's Shining Armor and Princess Cadance! And they're coming tomorrow on the Friendship Express rather than the Crystal Empire train so as not to cause too much of a scene when they skip town to come visit?"
"Yes..." Twilight Sparkle nodded in surprise.
Pinkie Pie squeed happily. Everyone was not only shock but also surprised and amazed by Pinkie Pie's sudden yet able to get the right information. No one could have.
"Annnnnd?"
Twilight Sparkle shrugged as she answered, "And that's it."
"Oh," Pinkie Pie awed in disappointment. Everyone looked at her as they wondered how she knew what Twilight Sparkle was saying. She laughed nervously, "Uh... Pinkie Sense?"
Shadow Dragon shook his head gently, "So, what can we do?"
"Yeah... You needed our help with something?" Rainbow Dash asked in amusement.
Twilight Sparkle smiled happily. Everyone wondered what was she thinking.
Twilight Sparkle led all of her friends into the room where it was filled with bookshelf, a trunk of comic books, bed, ant farm glass case, posters and more. Everyone were amazed by it.
Rainbow Dash gasped as she approached a poster of orange archaeologist unicorn, "Sweet posters! Is that Smash Fortune?"
"It sure is! When Shining Armor said he wanted to come to the castle and visit, I started collecting things he liked when he was a colt as a surprise!" Twilight Sparkle answered. She sighed happily, "I've been so excited that it's been hard to keep it to myself!"
"Me too! I can't wait to see Uncle Shiny again!" Nyx exclaimed happily.
Pinkie Pie muttered in concern, "I have no idea what that's like!"
Rainbow Dash hummed as she noticed it. Fluttershy looked at the ant farm glass case as she commented of how cute the ant farm is.
Spike picked the comic book up as he commented, "And check out all these old comic books!"
Lance gasped as he looked at it, "Hey! That's my favorite comic book! I've always like to read this one. It's awesome!"
Twilight Sparkle gasped, "Be careful! They're mint-in-bag!"
As soon as Twilight Sparkle left, Spike and Lance shrugged for the moment. Noticed dust on comic book within plastic, he blew it off. But instead, he gave the Dragon Flame on it. Both of them yelped in concern. Lance took another plastic case while Spike pour it in. They quickly put it back before headed off at once. They hated to see Shining Armor's bad side.
Both Shadow Dragon and Nyx spotted a yellow doll dressed in his knight armor. Shadow Dragon picked it up.
"What's this?" Shadow Dragon asked.
Twilight Sparkle smiled, "This is Brutus Force. Shining Armor used to carry him around like his baby!"
Pinkie Pie yelped in shock and worried. Fluttershy noticed it. Did something scared her off?
Nyx awed happily, "Just like Mr. Smarty Pants! That is so cute. Hey, daddy. Don't you have one doll?"
Shadow Dragon chuckled, "Nope. I play an action figure - Wartiger Slayer from Tokugawa of Japony. It's made of wood. I'd never thought Shining Armor would like to play a doll. I thought colts loved action figures."
"True but not all would like that," Twilight Sparkle answered happily.
"It is a bit juvenile for castle decor, but it is very sweet of you." Rarity commented.
Fluttershy nodded, "I'm sure Shining Armor will love it."
"Me, too." Twilight Sparkle smiled as she turned to the rest, "But there's a few more things I'd like to add before he gets here, and I could really use a hoof collecting them."
Applejack approached and patted Twilight Sparkle's back, "Whatever you need, sugarcube, we'll help you get it."
Everyone chatted and nodded in agreement about it, and even nervous and worried Pinkie Pie would agree to it.
"Thanks, everypony! I just can't wait 'til they walk in and see everything!" Twilight Sparkle commented.
Rainbow Dash smirked, "Totally understandable. Watching somepony else be surprised with something is almost better than being the one who's getting the surprise!"
Pinkie Pie yelped in concern, "But... eh... what if the surprise is something so incredibly exciting that a pony can't keep it in any longer, and she has to tell the pony standing next to her what it is or she might explode?!"
"I would say... no." Fluttershy answered.
Rarity approached to Pinkie Pie, "The pony who ruins a surprise for somepony else has to live with that guilt forever!"
Lance whistled, "Sounds like a big deal..."
"It is one. And believe me, it's not easy too," Nyx commented while nudging Lance's chest, "When my friends and I were planning to birthday party for Pipsqueak, Twist got pressured about it. So she accidentally told him about it. It was ruined. We all hated it being ruined after the work we have put on."
Spike nodded, "Yeah. Hate to see somepony to lose them if he ruined their surprise for their buddy. That would be haunted on his life forever..."
Pinkie Pie screamed in fear, "Gotta bounce!"
Pinkie Pie jumped up high in knocking the ceiling. She bounced around the area hard like a pinball hitting the corners for points. She then slammed straight to wall hard. Everyone yelped in surprise of her reaction and ability while looking at a hole she created.
"What the heck was that?" Lance asked in surprise.
Spike hummed, "That's very unusual for Pinkie. She'd never do that, unless something freaked her out."
"But what did scare her off?" Nyx asked before sighed, "Pinkie Pie was acting weirder than usual..."
Everyone chatted in agreement about Pinkie Pie's behavior since morning. Shadow Dragon hummed calmly before giving a smirk like he has the idea.
At the Council Chamber, Laxtinct was eating his late breakfast - hayburger again. Shadow Dragon entered it as he explained to his muscle member of his team about the mission.
Laxtinct spitted the foods out, "So, you want me to spy on Pinkie? That's wrong..."
Shadow Dragon sighed, "No. Just check on her. She's behaving strange lately. And the only way to predict her movements and avoid her detect a spy, it's someone who has her ability. That would be you, Lax."
"Make sense..."
"Up to challenge?"
Laxtinct cracked his hooves as well as stretched his head. He smirked as he swallowed his hayburger up. He snorted happily while saluted.
"You can count on me, buddy. I won't let you down!"
"And don't forget about telling Pinkie about Twilight's request."
Pinkie Pie ran as fast as she can in returning to her home. She quickly closed the door at once. She panted heavily. She sighed in relief as she slowly leaning and sliding down.
"Phew, that was close! Too close. I almost spilled the beans. Beans that would be really hard to clean up! I obviously can't be around my friends right now. Or anypony for that matter!"
As Pinkie Pie approached the stairways while humming in thoughts, she gasped in surprise, "That's it! If Shining Armor and Cadance are coming tomorrow, then all I have to do is lock myself in my room away from everypony until they arrive! Then I won't ruin anything!"
As Pinkie Pie was about to walk up, Mr. Cake emerged from the kitchen. He spotted her.
Mr. Cake gasped, "Oh, good, you're back! Mrs. Cake needs my help, but these deliveries can't wait! I can't thank you enough for agreeing to be my backup delivery pony, Pinkie!"
"I... did?"
Flashback:
Three days ago after Cutie Mark Crusaders earned their Cutie Marks...
Mr. Cake was setting and putting the boxes and packages of sweetened foods into the cart. He then closed it. He hummed in concern.
"Maybe I should hire somepony to be my backup delivery pony."
"I'll do it!" Pinkie Pie called. Mr. Cake turned and found her stewing her chocolate cream inside the bowl. He looked surprise yet amazed. She nodded, "Sure! There's no possible way that I could ever have anything that might interfere with doing that task, like a gigantic, emotionally exhausting surprise that would make it super hard to be around other ponies."
"Great!" Mr. Cake commented before hummed in concern, "you're sure you won't change your mind?"
Pinkie Pie giggled as she made her Pinkie Promise gesture, "No way! Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!"
Flashback Ends...
"Oh, yeah. I Pinkie Promised I'd do it." Pinkie Pie said in shock and surprise. She shook her head before showing her determined looks, "And I never break a Pinkie Promise! Never!"
Mr. Cake smiled in relief, "Well, thanks again! You're a real cake-saver!"
As soon as Mr. Cake returned to the kitchen, Pinkie had her mane deflated while sighed in defeat and upset.
Pinkie Pie hummed in thoughts, "Maybe it'll be a quiet day and I can just avoid everypony!"
As Pinkie opened the entrance's top in two, she yelped in shock and feared. She found the main street of Ponyville crowded. It's going to be difficult then she thought. She has no choice but to do it.
As Pinkie opened the whole door, she went out and prepared her cart's saddle on her back. She then headed off. Suddenly, the Sugarcube Corner's door moved and closed back. A familiar character emerged as he looked flattened literally.
"Maybe I should stay away from doorway..." Laxtinct commented. He sighed as he sucked and blew his hoof hard repeatedly like blowing a balloon literally. With him filled with air, he turned and looked at Pinkie Pie heading off. He smirked, "Agent L is on the mission!"
Laxtinct took his brown coat and hat out for disguise. He followed after Pinkie Pie, who was trotting across the town while carrying the cart. She also tried to hid from not only her friends but also ponies in avoiding telling them about Shining Armor and Princess Cadance's surprise. The last thing she want is being a Party Popper.
As Pinkie Pie continued trotting, three familiar ponies approached her from her behind.
"Hiya, Pinkie Pie!" Apple Bloom called, scaring Pinkie Pie.
Sweetie Belle asked, "Heard any good gossip today?"
Scootaloo nodded, "Yeah, we're bored. Please say you have some interesting news."
"Nope!" Pinkie smiled uneasily as she ran away from the area, making Cutie Mark Crusaders curious and surprise. As she continued trotting, she knocked on sompony else hard. As she recovered, she yelped in surprise, "Laxy, what a surprise! I mean, not a surprise!"
"Neither do I!" Laxtinct exclaimed in concern. He sweated nervously as he was thinking something to avoid her asking him of what he's doing. He gasped as he asked, "I just got message from Twilight. She wanted to ask you if you would bring some snacks to the castle for Shining Armor and Cadance's visit."
"Definitely! Got it! Pinkie Promise! Yeah! Heh." Pinkie Pie exclaimed happily.
Just before Pinkie could trot, Laxtinct added up.
"You should get some baby carrots!"
"What did you say?!"
"Baby carrots! They're Shining Armor's favorite."
Pinkie Pie laughed nervously, "Mine too! Baby carrots are kinda like big carrots but smaller, kinda like how foals are tiny versions of their parents but smaller and cuter and-- Bladestrike!"
Laxtinct screamed in fear as he turned and bowed down to the ground, "Please, have mercy! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to eat your favorite bun beans! I promised I won't do it again!" He stopped at once as he looked shock and realization, "Wait a minute... I didn't steal it since-!"
Laxtinct screamed in realization. He turned and found Pinkie disappeared from his sights.
"Aw, come on! Why does everyone keep scaring me off?!" Laxtinct sighed, "Well, I'd better find her now."
As Laxtinct walked away at once, Pinkie Pie emerged from the cornered area. She sighed in relief. She took her helmet out and put it on her helmet.
"Well, good thing that Lax is off my tracks. It's time to kick this operation into hyper-hoof and avoid all ponies by any means necessary!"
Pinkie Pie charged at once while carrying her cart across the town in delivering the packages to the specific customer's home and location for birthday party or delivery sweetened foods. But at the same time, she ignored her friends for her specific reason. It made them upset and concern about her. Laxtinct was looking across the town in search of her but found nothing or she avoided him swiftly from learning her reason.
As soon as she finished her delivery, Pinkie Pie was on her way to home but with not usual happy smile.
"It didn't feel good ignoring my friends like that..." Pinkie Pie said in shame, "Maybe I can tell just one little pony the surprise?"
"The pony who ruins a surprise for somepony else has to live with that guilt forever!"
"You're right, spooky-voice-of-Rarity-that-I-know-is-actually-my-own-imagination. I can't tell anypony at all!" Pinkie Pie sighed in shame, "Then they would tell Twilight, and she wouldn't be surprised, and it would be all my fault. I'd better get home now..."
As Pinkie Pie trotted, she didn't know someone had overhear her 'talking'. Laxtinct hummed calmly as he was talking.
"So, Pinkie Pie is keeping a secret about surprise? But what? And why? Is this why she's nervous? I'd better check on her."
"Finally, I'm all aloney on my owney."
Pinkie Pie has reached her home in time. As she was resting on her bed within her bedroom, she found Gummy snapping on the scroll playfully. It attracts her attention.
"What are you having, Gummy?" Pinkie Pie asked as she took the scroll out from her pet's mouth. She unrolled it and found something shocking and scary. She yelped, "Oh, no! It's the list that Twilight helped me make yesterday so I wouldn't forget all of my Pinkie Promises today! And I have three more things to do! Aw, four if you count bringing those snacks to Twilight's castle! I've been getting liberal with those Pinkie Promises lately..."
On the next day...
Pinkie Pie was at the Ponyville Schoolhouse as she was inflating the balloons while mixing and combining into different kind of animals for the foals to take.
"Ooh! I want a flamingo!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed happily.
Apple Bloom smiled, "I want a goldfish!"
Scootaloo scoffed, "Surprise me!"
Pinkie Pie smirked happily as she made some animal balloons for them. One flamingo for Sweetie Belle, a goldfish for Apple Bloom and now she's making one for Scootaloo.
As Pinkie continued in making and combining the balloons into one, she heard crying. She turned and found a mother pushing a wheeled cradle of her baby. As Pinkie Pie stopped and got distracted, she stopped and finished it.
Scootaloo gasped, "Is that a... baby bottle?"
Pinkie Pie turned and found a baby bottle balloon-made before her. She screamed in fear. Cutie Mark Crusaders looked at each other before at her as they never seen her freaked out before.
"Pinkie, are you alright? You don't look-"
"Next!" Pinkie Pie called before pushing a baby bottle balloon-made on Scootaloo's mouth.
Scootaloo took her baby balloon-made out as she and her friends leave now. Featherweight approached as he requested.
"Uh, a baby pony, please! Uh, unless of course that would be a royal pain..."
Pinkie Pie growled, "Interesting choice of words, Featherweight."
Featherweight gulped, "Uh, maybe you'd better just make me a giraffe."
Pinkie snorted as she made a giraffe balloon-made for Featherweight. Laxtinct hummed in concern as he wrote the notes down upon looking at the event.
At the Ponyville Hall, Pinkie Pie was helping Mayor Mare in setting and organizing the files into the lockers through her ninja moves.
"My, your friends weren't kidding when they said you had a great filing system, Pinkie! You are Ponyville's best kept secret!" Mayor Mare remarked.
Pinkie Pie yelped, "No, I'm not!"
"Speaking of secrets," Mayor Mare said while looked around as she approached while closed to Pinkie's ears, "have you ever known somepony else's secret?"
"Noooooo..."
"A surprise that was so big and exciting that it was all you could think about?"
Pinkie Pie yelped as she quickly ran off, "Nope!"
Mayor Mare sighed, "Me neither..."
From the ceiling, Laxtinct was hanging on the ropes. He saw everything while writing down the notes.
At Furniture Shop, Pinkie Pie was helping Furniture Salespony in setting the inflating mascot machine up and running.
Furniture Salespony laughed, "That's just what I wanted. Thanks, Pinkie!"
Pinkie Pie smiled, "You're welcome!"
"Oh, by the way," Furniture Pony smiled as he pointed at the slogan sign on window of his shop, "can you help spread the word about the big crib sale I'm having?"
Pinkie Pie approached and read, "Treat your foal like... royalty?!"
Furniture Salespony laughed happily, "Pretty good slogan, huh? I came up with it all by myself!"
Unable to stand it much longer, Pinkie Pie screamed frantically and wildly. She then ran off at once. Furniture Salespony was surprised by her reaction while rubbing his head. Laxtinct overheard it from behind of his tree.
"Wow... Did not expect that," Laxtinct commented while looking at his notes, "Why is he so worried about surprise? And why she freaked out when somepony mentioned something about babies? Is this gotta do something with Shining Armor?"
Laxtinct hummed in thinking for the moment. He shrugged, "I guess I'll continue with my spying."
Laxtinct followed Pinkie Pie at once...
At Castle of Friendship's Council Chamber, Twilight and her friends were cleaning the messes. Shadow Dragon was listening to Laxtinct's long story as he told his friend - short story.
"So, you have no idea?" Shadow Dragon asked.
Laxtinct shrugged, "Sorry. I'm trying my best. I don't know why Pinkie Pie freaked out when somepony mention about surprise or babies."
Shadow Dragon sighed, "Well, we'll find out soon. I suspect something special is bound to happen. We've got things to do. Come on."
Shadow Dragon and Laxtinct returned to the group in helping them clean the mess. Pinkie Pie had arrive with two plates of food. Twilight Sparkle spotted her. The Princess of Friendship approached the Party Planner.
"Those look yummy, Pinkie! Let me help you!" Twilight said happily as she levitated the plates to the table. She covered them with food dome, "But we better cover them up so they don't get spoiled."
"Why would they get spoiled? We're all gonna eat them super soon!" Pinkie asked.
Applejack smiled as she answered, "Oh, didn't anypony tell you? Shining Armor and Cadance are held up. They may not arrive 'til Saturday."
Pinkie was in shock as she shoot straight to the sky literally, "Whaaaaaaaaaat?!
Everyone was in shock and alerted by her shouts. They spotted her breathing heavily like she had a marathon to run through.
"You mean... I have... to wait... another whole day?!" Pinkie asked in shock, "I don't know if I can!"
Twilight Sparkle hummed in concern, "Pinkie Pie, do you have something you need to say? You seem like you've been keeping something in."
Pinkie Pie inarticulately yelled as she was about to answer. She closed her mouth at once as she can't tell the answer.
"[Fluttershy] We're here to listen. [Applejack] Well, go on then, sugarcube. [Rarity] We're not going to judge you, darling. [Lance Justicestrike] Just chill, Pinkie. You don't have to be afraid of us. [Nyx] Yeah. We just want to help you with anyway we can. [Shadow Dragon] Pinkie, just tell us already. [Laxtinct] Yeah. Stop keeping us suspend. [Spike] You'll feel so much better once you get it off your chest!"
Pinkie Pie ignored as she blew the balloon up and down for few times in getting herself better. Rainbow Dash flew and approached her.
Rainbow Dash smiled, "Come on. Whatever it is, you can tell us! We're best friends! Tell."
With everyone's voices entered her head to 'tell' them, Pinkie became more scared, worried and freaking out. She can't keep this out much longer. She has to!
"Okay, okay, you win!" Pinkie exclaimed. She then inhaled as she shouted, "Shining Armor and Cadance are gonna have a--"
"An awesome weekend with the best little sister in all of Equestria!" The familiar voice answered.
Everyone turned and gasped in surprise. They found Shining Armor, Princess Cadance, Night Light and Twilight Velvet standing in front of the entrance, along with their luggage and bags. The family smiled happily. Pinkie Pie exhaled in relief as she fell down to the ground hard. That was a relief...
"They're here! Grandma! Grandpa!" Nyx cheered happily as she trotted towards them both. She hugged them passionately, "It's so good to see you here!"
Night Light chuckled as he and his wife hugged Nyx back, "So do we, Nyxie."
"Shining Armor, Cadance, Mom, Dad! You're early!" Twilight exclaimed happily as she trotted towards her family, "I thought something had come up and you weren't gonna make it until Saturday!"
"So did we." Princess Cadance admitted, "Turned out we weren't needed in Maretonia until next week. And the summit we were supposed to attend today had to be rescheduled, so... we got here even sooner than planned!"
Night Light smiled, "And of course, our beloved daughter-in-law requested us to be here for important matters as well."
"Surprise!" Shining Armor exclaimed as he held his sister over her shoulder. He then glared at Shadow Dragon while the latter glared back at him. He scoffed, "Nice to see you, Dragon Boy."
"The feeling is mutual, Shiny Boy..." Shadow Dragon remarked in annoyance
"I hope you're not trying to hurt my sister again, pal"
"I would never to do that."
"If she is, I'm gonna hurt you a lot. Trust me, you'd better watch it."
"Shining Armor! Be nice," Twilight Velvet said while nudged on her son's chest. She smiled, "It's wonderful to see you all again!"
Twilight Sparkle smiled, "I'm so glad you're here! I have a big surprise for you!"
"Oh, yeah?" Shining Armor asked in amusement.
As he turned to others, he found Pinkie Pie shivering and quivering nervously and fearfully. Shining Armor smiled in amusement as he suspected she knew about his surprise. Both Shadow Dragon and Laxtinct noticed it.
As everyone left the council chamber, Shining Armor and Pinkie Pie were left behind before they could chat quietly. Both Shadow Dragon and Laxtinct quickly hid behind the entrance's sides in listening their conversation.
"Lucky we came when we did, huh?" Shining Armor asked in amusement. "I'm guessing you saw the scroll we sent to Mr. and Mrs. Cake?"
Pinkie Pie nodded for admitting it.
"Hey, I'm impressed you've been able to keep our secret this long!"
Pinkie Pie gasped, "So you're gonna tell Twilight now?!"
Shining Armor yelped as he quickly put his hoof on her mouth from talking. He looked around in making sure no one can overhear his conversation especially Shadow Dragon - the only pony he refused to trust. He sighed in relief.
"You're gonna have to wait just a little bit longer. We have something special planned. It'll be worth it, I promise." Shining Armor gave a wink to Pinkie.
Pinkie Pie scoffed, "It'd better be."
Having enough to hear, Shadow Dragon and Laxtinct quickly walked away at once before they have been spotted by Shining Armor and Pinkie Pie.
Shadow Dragon hummed, "I think I know what's going on. It's finally coming together now."
"Like knowing why Shining Armor and Pinkie being secretive about party?" Laxtinct asked in amusement. Shadow Dragon gave a smirk to him. He thought carefully of what the events had occurred. He gasped surprisingly, "No way! Shining Armor and Princess Cadance are gonna have-!"
Shadow Dragon held Laxtinct's mouth while shushed quietly, "Quiet! You wanna get us in trouble? Shining Armor will kill us for this."
"Sorry..."
"All we can do is wait until the surprise. And above all, don't tell Twilight or her friends about this. The last thing I want is that crazy brother of hers to chase after me again."
Laxtinct chuckled uneasily, "Got it..."
As soon as Twilight's family had settled down in Castle of Friendship, they all headed off at once. Twilight and her friends followed from behind. Pinkie Pie tried her best to be quiet while Shadow Dragon and Laxtinct remained calm and steady.
"So, do you think Shining Armor liked his surprise?" Applejack asked in amusement.
Twilight Sparkle smiled, "Didn't you see him? He couldn't stop raving about it!"
Everyone recalled Shining Armor's reaction to his new room at Twilight's Castle of Friendship. He was so happy and excited in seeing all of his stuffs including tapping ant farm glass case and nuzzling his doll - Brutus Force. And for his comic book in mint bag, he was in shock yet anger as he nearly picked a fight with Shadow Dragon if it not for his family stopping him. Nevertheless, Shining Armor hugged and spun Twilight Sparkle around for few times.
"Make me wonder who burn Shining Armor's comic book..." Shadow Dragon asked angrily.
Both Spike and Lance yelped as they whistled uneasily while Nyx sighed in annoyance.
Rainbow Dash groaned, "Where did Shining Armor and Cadance say they'd meet us? [stomach rumbling] I'm starving!"
"In the town square. I wish they'd waited to walk over with us, but they said they had something to take care of first!" Twilight Sparkle shrugged. As Twilight and her friends arrived at the fountain area, they found no one here. She hummed, "That's odd. Usually they're quite punctual."
Rainbow Dash groaned in annoyance as she flew close to the fountain statue as she gave it a few knocks in frustration.
"I need a hayburger in my belly right now!"
"What's this?" Twilight Sparkle asked upon looking at a small scroll on statue's mouth. She levitated it down to read. She gasped in surprise, "A scavenger hunt! Shining Armor used to set these up for me when I was a filly! At the end, there was always a big prize, like a new book, or several new books, or--"
Pinkie Pie interrupted in frustration, "We get the picture! You like books!"
"So what's the first clue?" Applejack asked.
"I hope it's something about eating lunch!" Rainbow Dash remarked in annoyance.
"Someone's being impatient..." Shadow Dragon remarked as he took a scroll. He read it out loud, "You've got a scroll, you're on a roll, why don't you take a peek where young ones spend their week? A piece of paper will continue this caper. Interesting..."
Everyone hummed in thinking of what is the answer of first clue.
Twilight Sparkle and Nyx gasped, "I've got it!"
"Ponyville Schoolhouse!"
Twilight Sparkle and her friends have arrived at Ponyville Schoolhouse. They solved the first clue.
" Good enough for me! Now where's the next clue?" Pinkie exclimaed happily as she headed off at once.
Pinkie panted heavily like a dog as she sniffed across the area in search for clue. Twilight and her friends were about to move until...
Featherweight called while holding the papers, "Extra, extra! Get your Ponyville news! Read it in the paper! Extra, extra!"
"A piece of paper will continue this caper." Twilight said calmly before gasped, "It's in the Foal Free Press!"
Nyx approached and bought the Foal Free Press. She passed it to her mother. She and others looked through newspaper in finding the next clue. Laxtinct pointed at yellow notes. Pinkie returned to her friends as she tapping her hooves excitedly on the ground for few times.
Twilight Sparkle read the note, "Though this hall is rather small, in it you'll find files of all kinds. Take a look on the back of the birth certificate of Applejack."
Everyone looked at Applejack who blushed and looked in nervous.
Applejack gulped, "I don't like where this is goin'."
Arriving at Ponyville Town Hall, Mayor Mare was waiting at the entrance. She led Twilight Sparkle and her friends in while guiding them to birth certificate information hall. During their travelling, Mayor Mare is also excited and was about to tell but stopped by Pinkie Pie.
Upon arriving at the area, Twilight and her friends looked and searched for Applejack's birth certificate.
Pinkie Pie found it from locker's lowered part. She then passed it to Twilight Sparkle and her friends. They all looked at the picture of Applejack in her baby. They all commented and remarked of how cute she really is.
Nyx giggled, "Wow... If Applejack is cute, I wonder how I look when I was a baby."
"Ah, Nyx. You don't have that, remember? You were created." Spike reminded. Nyx turned and glared at Spike. He yelped, "But then again, you're still cute and cuddly as the baby. I wonder what Lance looked like when he was a baby."
Lance groaned, "Don't even try..."
Embarrassed by it, Applejack flipped it to the back. Twilight Sparkle smiled and read, "This next place is where you can buy a table or chair, or some comfy beds to rest little heads?"
As Pinkie Pie was about to headed off, she found Twilight and her friends were thinking of the answers.
"Ugh, really? None of you?"
Pinkie Pie groaned, "It's obviously the furniture store!"
Pinkie Pie pushed Twilight and all of her friends literally to the furniture store. She bounced happily and nervously in getting them in.
"I don't know..." Laxtinct said in concern.
Pinkie Pie groaned angrily as she entered it. She rammed through almost all of furniture in finding and getting the clue. She emerged with the royal golden baby crib.
"Wow, you're scary good at this, Pinkie Pie." Rainbow Dash remarked.
Lance nodded, "Not want to go on her bad side..."
Shadow Dragon read the note, "It seems we've saved the best for last. We hope that you have had a blast. Now it's time to take a break where you can get a slice of cake!"
Everyone sans Pinkie Pie cheered, "Sugarcube Corner!"
Pinkie Pie scoffed, "That was an easy one."
Twilight and all of her friends have arrived at Sugarcube Corner. They entered it where they found Shining Armor, Princess Cadance, Night Light and Twilight Velvet stood before them. Not only that, the area is filled with party equipment and food.
"Surprise!" Shining Armor exclaimed as he approached Twilight Sparkle, "Twily, did you like the scavenger hunt?"
"It was perfect! Just like old times, except even better because this time I got to share it with my best friends!" Twilight Sparkle said happily. Everyone smiled and nodded in agreement. She turned to her brother as she asked, "There's just one thing missing, isn't there?"
"What's that?"
"Mmmm, the book prize at the end!"
Shining Armor laughed happily, "There's still a prize, but it's a little different this time."
"Oh. I don't understand." Twilight Sparkle said in concern.
Pinkie Pie giggled happily yet quietly, making everyone but Shadow Dragon and Laxtinct surprise and concern of her.
Princess Cadance smiled, "All the places we sent you today had something in common."
Night Light nodded, "She's right, Twilight. And your're gonna love this one."
"It's more worth than just book. It's something else..." Twilight Velvet added.
Twilight Sparkle hummed in concern as she began thinking of what her family was talking about. She recalled four important stuffs from the scavenger hunt - school, foal, birth certificate and crib. As she was thinking, Pinkie Pie made some funny faces in getting impatient, frustration and excited about her friend getting the answer before she exploded.
Twilight's friends also joined in the thinking as well. Shadow Dragon remained calm while Laxtinct tapped his hooves a few times impatiently and frustratingly.
"Damn it! Will you get the answer now?!" Laxctint exclaimed in annoyance, "Pinkie can't hold it anymore!"
Twilight Sparkle gasped in realization, "Can it be? Are you two...?!
Princess Cadance and Shining Armor smiled as they moved away and revealed a top cake with baby crib. Night Light held the camera as he snapped on the picture while Twilight Velvet clapped her hoof happily.
"We're having a baby!"
Pinkie Pie cheered happily, "A baby, Twilight! It's a baby! Woo-hoo!"
"You mean... I'm going to be an aunt?!" Twilight Sparkle was stunned and surprised. Twilight's family smiled happily. She flapped her wings while exclaimed happily, "This is the best prize ever!
Nyx squealed happily, "I'm gonna be cousin! We're all gonna be!"
"Unbelievable..." Lance remarked in surprise, "If my mom was here, she would have freaked out."
"I know," Night Light smiled while forming his tears, "I'm going to become a grandfather. Well for my son's baby, of course. But you already my granddaughter and so-!"
Twilight Velvet shut Night Light's mouth, "We get it, dear. The children get it. And they excited too."
Princess Cadance and Shining Armor laughed happily. Twilight Sparkle jumped and hugged both of them, "Oh, I love you guys! And I can't wait to meet your little foal!"
Shining Armor smiled happily, "Neither can we."
Everyone cheered and chatted happily as they came and gathered around.
" I did it, I did it, I did it, I did it!" Pinkie Pie cheered happily before she fell to the ground hard. She moaned, "Go, Pinkie."
Everyone continued chatting and talking with each other. Princess Cadance approached Lance Justicestrike who was talking with Nyx and Spike.
"Princess Cadance? Is there anything we can do?" Lance asked in surprise.
Princess Cadance smiled, "I actually I have one. When we're done, would you accompany me to your mother's graves? I would like to let her know about it."
Lance, Nyx and Spike looked surprise and shock. They then smiled.
Lance bowed, "I would be honored. So as my mom."
"This is the best day ever!" Nyx cheered while hugging Spike, "I love this family!"
Twilight Sparkle and Shadow Dragon have their own chats.
"You actually knew it, didn't you?" Twilight asked in amusement.
Shadow Dragon winked, "You bet. I sent Laxtinct to find and learn why Pinkie Pie behave crazy and weird. But we know the truth. So, I keep quiet till the end. I didn't want to ruin Shining Armor's surprise."
"Scared of him?"
"A bit."
"Can I ask you?" Twilight Sparkle asked. Shadow Dragon nodded. She continued, "When or if we do get married, can we have some children? I know it's too much. But spending time with Spike, Nyx and Lance especially hearing Shining Armor and Cadance having the baby, it makes me thinking about it. I would like to have one or two."
"Twilight..." Shadow Dragon said in surprise. He smiled a bit, "If that is what you want, I'm honored. I'll try my best to be a good father."
"You already are, Dragon Hope. We'll be a great family." Twilight Sparkle smiled. She the nuzzled Shadow Dragon's chin, "When we get back, we'll continue our usual."
Shadow Dragon smiled in amusement. As both Twilight Sparkle and Shadow Dragon leaned while kissing each other's lips passionately, a shadow loomed over them. They stopped and turned as they found Shining Armor standing before them. And boy...
"What do you think you're doing? What is this 'usual'?" Shining Armor demanded in annoyance. Twilight Sparkle giggled happily while Shadow Dragon chuckled uneasily. He growled in anger before burst into flames - Rage Mode, "You did not just do that with my sister! I'm gonna kill you!"
Shadow Dragon yelped in shock and fear as he quickly trotted off at once. Shining Armor chased after him around and around the Sugarcube Corner's customer area. Everyone laughed in amusement and happily to see it.
"I really like this the most. Overprotective guys care for the little ones. Classic..." Laxtinct smiled. He turned and found Pinkie was breathing calmly for relax. He approached and gave the piece of cake for her. He commented, "You did it, Pinkie Pie! You kept it a surprise! Nice work!"
"You knew it?" Pinkie asked in amusement. Laxtinct nodded. She asked, "Why didn't you tell others about it?"
"Then, it wouldn't be surprise in the first place, isn't it?"
"Hmm... Make sense. Thanks for keeping secrets. Otherwise, I'd never forgive myself for this big mess."
"No biggie." Laxtinct smiled, "That's all folks!"
Pinkie squeaked happily, "Eeyup! See you on next episode! And it's not easy to keep surprises too!"
END...
Review and Suggest...
Main Casts:
Andrea Libman: Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Pumpkin Cake
P.J. Bryce: Laxtinct
Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle, Twilight Velvet
Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon
Minor Casts:
Ashleigh Ball: Applejack, Rainbow Dash
Tabitha St. Germain: Rarity, Mrs. Cake, Pound Cake
Cathy Weseluck: Spike, Mayor Mare
Jesse McCartney: Lance Justicestrike
Kira Tozer: Nyx
Brian Drummond: Mr. Cake, Furniture Salespony
Andrew Francis: Shining Armor, Night Light
Britt McKillip: Princess Cadance
Cameo:
Michelle Creber: Apple Bloom
Claire Corlett: Sweetie Belle
Madeleine Peters: Scootaloo
Richard Ian Cox: Featherweight |
My Little Pony Mystic Season 1 | Episode 20: Hearthbreakers | December 20XX...
At Twilight Sparkle's Castle of Friendship, she and her three children were setting their special holiday at their living room - strippers, crystal balls, ribbons, presents and Snow Foods. The Hearth's Warming Eve is coming! They can't wait to start!
Suddenly, they heard something falling and landing on the ground very hard. They turned and found fireplace had some stones dropping down like someone is coming down the chimney. And then comes with...
"Happy Hearth's Warming Eve!" Pinkie Pie cheered as she dropped to the ground.
Twilight Sparkle and her children laughed happily and in amusement at Pinkie Pie. Applejack and Caramel entered the chamber while smiling happily.
"Shucks, Twilight! Y'all done it up nice and cozy in here." Applejack commented.
Twilight Sparkle smiled as she levitated held their doll version of themselves up, "We're about to hang our Hearth's Warming dolls if you wanna join us."
"Why not? I definitely-!" Caramel yelped from interruption by Applejack's nudge.
Applejack smiled and continued, "Oh, that's mighty sweet of you, but we're just stoppin' in to wish y'all a happy Hearth's Warmin' before we go."
Twilight Sparkle smiled as she turned and placed the dolls on top of fireworks. She turned and looked at her friends. She commented,
"I think it's sweet that your families are spending the holiday together."
"Picture the most fun-tacular thing you can think of. Now multiply that times infinity!" Pinkie Pie commented happily. She then screamed as she bounced before Applejack and Caramel, "It's gonna be great!"
"Oh! I see everypony's here," Shadow Dragon smiled as he entered the scene. He brought the dumpling soup bowls into it as well. He smirked, "Coz today's Ma Dongzhi Festival!"
"Ma Donkey Z what?" Caramel asked in concern.
Shadow Dragon chuckled as he passed the bowl to everypony, "Ma Dongzhi Festival or for your language - Winter Solstice Festival. When a family or a clan gathered together to celebrate, they shared a very special meal - Winter Sweet Dumpling meals. It's not only important family tradition, but also gives you very good luck and positive energy for the next year. It happens just before Hearth's Warming Eve."
"I hear ya," Applejack whistled as she took a bite on it. She hummed happily, "Not bad. It's not so bad at all. It's not Caramel's special Apple Treats, but it's good."
Twilight, her kids and Caramel tried as well. They too felt it as well. When Pinkie tried it, she spitted it out while yelping in disgust. Everyone glared at her.
"Sorry... It's just that. It doesn't taste sweets." Pinkie Pie apologized.
Shadow Dragon rolled his eyes in amusement, "Not the first time to see that. Terrorcreep hated them a lot. And believe me; whenever he sees it, he gets pissed."
WHISTLE! Everyone heard the train blew the whistle. Applejack, Caramel and Pinkie Pie gasped as they realized that they have to go as well.
"That's us. See you later!" Applejack commented.
Spike turned to Twilight Sparkle as he asked, "Now can we open presents?"
"Wow? Really? That early? I thought we're suppose to wait after tonight?" Lance asked in surprise.
Applejack nodded, "He's right. Tonight is Hearth's Warming Eve. Everypony knows you don't open presents 'til tomorrow."
Twilight Sparkle giggled in amusement, "When Spike and I spent our first Hearth's Warming Eve together, he couldn't wait all night to open his presents! I even told Nyx about it too. ANd she's ever excited about it too. Ever since then, we've always opened them the night before!"
"It's kinda like our tradition!" Spike commented.
Shadow Dragon scoffed, "And I thought Jade and I were the only ones like to open the present without letting my dad noticed it."
Lance chuckled happily as he held and gave Nyx a noggie, "My mum did say that Hearth's Warming Eve is not always about following tradition but making your own and enjoy it. I guess this is what she meant. I'm gonna like it."
Nyx giggled happily, "I guess we all have the same in common, daddy! Early the better to have the fun!"
Applejack shook her head in amusement, "That's not how our family does it, and I reckon it can't be how Pinkie's or Caramel's does it. Is it?"
Caramel shook his head, "Not mine."
Pinkie Pie nodded, "No sirree!"
"To each their own, I suppose." Shadow Dragon smiled.
WHISTLED! Everyone heard it. And it make Pinkie Pie yelped in concern as she realized it. She said goodbye to her friends as she pushed both Applejack and Caramel out at once.
Twilight Sparkle smiled in amusement while shaking her head. She turned as she levitated her presents before her children. Lance, Spike and Nyx quickly opened them at once happily. It makes Shadow Dragon and even herself laughed in amusement.
As soon as they opened their presents, they saw something shock and surprise. Nyx smiled and squealed happily while Lance and Spike looked shock and surprise. Three to them turned and looked at Twilight Sparkle and Shadow Dragon. She smiled while he looked surprise.
"Just what I always wanted!" Nyx said happily while Lance and Spike said nervously as they picked their own book up, "A book..."
Twilight Sparkle smiled happily while Shadow Dragon sighed in concern. The Princess of Friendship really likes books a lot...
Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Caramel weren't the only ponies to use the train for travelling. The Apple Family were there as well. They were travelling to Pinkie Pie's old homeland - Rock Farm where her family lived for one special reason...
"It's so excitin'! Related or not, it's gonna be a hoot havin' our families together under one roof!" Applejack remarked happily.
Caramel held Applejack's shoulder while smiling, "And I'm glad to be there as well."
Pinkie Pie giggled happily as she held both apple and pie in pushing together, "Apples and Pies together again for the first time! Maybe. Unless we're related! Which maybe we're not. I think I just confused myself."
Applejack smiled as she patted her best friend, "Friends or family, this here's about togetherness."
"Have you tried the Equestria flag crepes? The blue is blueberry!" Apple Bloom muttered happily with her mouth full in eating candies. She turned and whispered to Pinkie Pie, "And don't tell Granny I saw, but her trunk is full of presents!
Applejack, unamused yet annoyed as she spoke, "Now hang on, sugarcube. You know Hearth's Warmin' isn't just about candy and presents, right?"
"Uh-oh. That's your boring sisterly lecture voice." Apple Bloom remarked sarcastically.
Big McIntosh chuckled in amusement, "Eeyup."
"It's the reason I loved her," Caramel remarked while giving her a wink.
Blushed by her boyfriend's compliment, Applejack cleared her throat to explain, "A long time ago, the Earth ponies, Pegasus ponies, Unicorn ponies and Alicorn ponies weren't friends. But then, the icy chill of the Windigos almost iced up everythin'. So the ponies decided to work together, and their friendship drove them nasty critters away. Triumphant, they raised a new flag to celebrate all three tribes, and Equestria was born."
"And don't forget about a Hundred-Year War or ponies prefer to call it," Caramel added before he cleared his throat, "the First Mystic War! A war between Equestria and Mystic Ponies! And trust me on this, it's not a friendly competition or even prank war! It's terrible! I wouldn't imagine of how bloody and terrible that war is! Because if that never stop, we all would have been-!"
"Caramel! Not in front of Apple Bloom! That part is not important!" Applejack remarked in annoyance. She sighed, "That Hundred-Year War is over, thanks to the first Princess of Equestria and the Mystic Emperor met and wedded together as family.
"And I'm guessing that's when Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were born," Apple Bloom asked happily. Applejack nodded in confirmation. She giggled as she asked, "Is that why we celebrate with a flag raisin' tomorrow?"
Applejack smiled, "Mm-hmm! And tonight, we'll have the traditional Hearth's Warmin' Eve dinner to remember the shared bounties of our ancestors."
"We do that too!" Pinkie Pie added.
"Then we'll hang our Hearth's Warmin' dolls over the fireplace to remind us of the warmth shared on that fateful night."
"That's what our family does too!"
"And tomorrow, we open presents!"
"Ah! We do that too!"
Apple Bloom smiled, "Sounds like the Apples and the Pies do everything the same way!"
"Of course! We might be related!" Applejack and Pinkie Pie said happily before looked at each other and said, "Hey, I was gonna say that! Stop sayin' what I'm sayin'! You stop it first!"
Applejack and Pinkie stopped for the moment. Instead of showing upset and angry, they laughed happily. They were joined by the rest as well.
WHISTLED! The train stopped at once right before the Rock Train Station. Apple Family and Pinkie Pie exited the train and landed on the station. The train headed off at once. They all now waiting for someone else as well.
"I'm so happy, I need to make up a new word for how happy I am. What about... 'rooftastic'?" Pinkie Pie squeed and bounced happily. Everyone looked at her about the new word she used. She continued, "As in, I'm gonna stand on the roof and yell to everypony how rooftastic this is!"
Applejack smiled a bit but frowned as she looked concern and scared, "What if our families don't like each other?"
"Applejack, that's crazy! Why would you think that?" Caramel asked in amusement.
"Yeah! We are friends, Applejack, and after tonight, our families are gonna be friends too. Do you know what that means? Number of Apples times number of Pies is twenty four, minus my preexisting friendships plus one for Maud and you makes five from twenty four is..." Pinkie Pie took a deep breathe before launched her nineteen hooves literally out, "nineteen new friendships!"
Upon hearing the hoofsteps, Pinkie Pie turned and found two familiar characters stood before her, "Maud! Cheesy!"
"Howdy, Pinkie Pie! Took your sweet time! I have a great chat with your sister. She's sweet and awesome!" Cheese Sandwich exclaimed happily. He chuckled happily as he leaned close to her before giving her a wink, "And she's real charmer as you, babe."
Maud Pie pulled Cheese Sandwich while giving him an unemotional mood, "If you tried to hurt her again like what you did at Rainbow Dash's Birth-Anniversary Day, I will hurt you a lot, party boy."
Cheese Sandwich chuckled uneasily, "Okay... Cheesy Promise!"
Pinkie Pie giggled, "I missed you so much!"
Maud smiled a bit as she turned and hugged Pinkie Pie, "I'm so excited to see you, Pinkie Pie. You too, Applejack. I hope you had fun sledding yesterday."
"How'd you know that?" Applejack asked as she looked at her hoof.
"Isn't it obvious? There are specks of extrusive andesite on your hoof. It's a mountain rock."
Granny Smith whistled, "Oh, she's good."
Pinkie Pie, Maud Pie and Cheese Sandwich led and guided the Apple Family and Caramel all the way to the Pie Rock Farm. Upon arriving at the area, they all saw the farm being decorated and filled with Hearth's Warming Eve decoration. Apple Family awed in amazement and surprise.
"This place looks amazin'!" Applejack commented.
Rock Farmed House's door opened as Pinkie Pie's whole family emerged from it especially Marble Pie since Pinkie Pie have to push her out.
"Come on, everypony! Meet my super-mega-fun-derful family!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed happily, "Everypony, meet everypony!"
As both family approached towards each other, Marble Pie ran home in fear and scared like they scared her off a lot.
Igneous Rock cleared his throat, "Surely thy name is not but Granny Smith. I am called Igneous Rock Pie, son of Feldspar Granite Pie."
"Thou shalt know me as Cloudy Quartz." Cloudy Quartz greeted.
Igneous Rock gave religious salute to Granny Smith, "May Providence favor thee well, and to thou comfort our humble homestead bring."
"Y'all gabbin' with words real funny-like. Wh-wh-what'd you say them names were?" Granny Smith asked in confusion yet amusement. She approached Pinkie's parents while asking, "Iggy? And I'm just gonna call you Big Mama Q!"
Both Igneous Rock and Cloudy Quartz were annoyed by Granny Smith's joke but kept silent.
Limestone Pie gave Apple Bloom a glare. It make Big McIntosh uneasy and annoyed since his little sister got her right eye nearly wounded by Mei Kai.
"Gaze into the eyes of Limestone Pie. Ma and Pa may own this rock farm, but I keep it running. Cross me and--"
Pinkie Pie interrupted as she pushed Limestone Pie away from Apple Bloom, "Aye aye, Captain Grumpy! No one's gonna mess with your precious mine!"
"Or Holder's Boulder!" Limestone Pie added.
Pinkie Pie sighed as she pointed at the giant rock, "Everypony stay away from Holder's Boulder. There, you happy now?"
"Whatever..."
"And my name is Cheese Sandwich - boyfriend and party partner of Pinkie Pie," Cheese Sandwich greeted happily while held his hoof before annoyed Caramel. He asked, "What?"
Caramel sighed, "We've met before since Third Mystic War, Cheese. Remember? Caramel?"
"So, it's nice to meet you, buddy. I'm here to congratulate you for being Applejack's boyfriend. You two looked so cute!"
Caramel groaned, "Is he serious?!"
Applejack spotted Marble Pie hiding shyly behind the cornered Rock Farm. Applejack approached as she was about to greet the shy one. Pinkie jumped before Applejack as she introduced her youngest pony.
Pinkie Pie introduced, "This is Marble Pie, my baby sister who's only a few minutes younger than me but she'll always be a baby to me, isn't that right? She's so excited to meet everypony! Oh, and she wishes you all a happy Hearth's Warming!"
Waiting for the reply, Marble Pie remained silent. Pinkie Pie nudged her younger one to respond.
Marble Pie nodded, "Mm-hmm."
Applejack whispered, "Guess Pinkie Pie always did the talkin' for her."
Pinkie Pie whistled happily, "Attention! Everypony get settled in! There's plenty of room upstairs. And then it's time for Hearth's Warming Eve dinner!"
Pinkie Pie threw the confetti out across out. Both Apple and Pie Family smiled as they turned and entered their home at once especially Maud Pie entered to home at once.
Applejack whispered to Pinkie Pie, "So far, so good, cousin!"
Pinkie Pie giggled, "Hee-hee!"
"Pinkie Pie, thou never told thee father that a friend of thee would be here earlier," Igneous Rock asked sternly yet calmly. Pinkie Pie and Applejack looked confuse and surprise. He continued, "Marble Pie has her eyes on him. I trust him not."
"Who's he?" Pinkie Pie and Applejack asked.
Within the guest's bedroom, Apple Family was unpacking their stuffs and settling down. But they weren't the only one.
"I just can't believe you're here! I'm kinda surprised." Applejack exclaimed in amusement yet happily, "I'm just curious - why are you here, Saber? Aren't you with your family for Hearth's Warming Eve?"
Saber Dragoon crossed his hooves while leaned against the walls, "Let's just say - I'd never really enjoy Hearth's Warming Eve."
"Why?" Apple Bloom asked.
"My adoptive family never let me join the party since it's for related family while adopted not counted. They'd never give me some chances. Honestly. That's why. And besides, Marble Pie invited me here."
"Really? How? Are you in love with her? Pinkie's daddy said you have eye on her."
"Apple Bloom, don't be ridiculous. She and I are just friends. We both met when General Justice Tackle and I were collecting some rocks for rebuilding the city and fortress some time ago. And let's just say, that Rock Farm is always a good business in trading them with my home."
"Wow... That's just like what we did with yours for Apple Cider!" Apple Bloom squealed happily as she bounced happily on bed, "Oh, I can't wait to taste their fresh sweet rolls! They're my favorite part of Hearth's Warmin' Eve dinner."
Granny Smith nodded, "I'm more of a six-layer bean dip filly myself!"
"I love that too!" Apple Bloom complimented. She turned to Applejack, "Oh, Applejack, do you think theirs'll be even better than ours?"
Applejack smiled, "Well, that's a mighty tall order, but it wouldn't surprise me in the least."
Saber Dragoon smiled while shaking his head in amusement, "I don't think you're gonna like this one. Trust me on this. You'd be big disappointment. But best you respect their tradition, Applejack."
Upon taking their own seats, Pie Family sat on right side while both Igneous Rock and Cloudy Quartz set on the rear edge. Apple Family and Saber Dragoon set on right side of the table. Applejack, Pinkie Pie and their boyfriends set on its front before their family.
Apple Family and even Caramel were definitely disappointed and shock about the dinner. The Pie Family were having Rock Soup for dinner? And both Cheese Sandwich and Saber Dragoon are okay with it?
Applejack hummed in concern, "What about hot rolls and mulled cider and double-baked pot pie?"
"Uh, what about six-layer bean dip?" Granny Smith asked.
"We have rock soup." Maud Pie insisted unemotionally.
Cheese Sandwich nodded, "And they taste great too!"
"Potato, po-tah-to. Double-baked pot pie, rock soup! Dinner is dinner." Pinkie Pie remarked happily, "Am I right or am I right?"
The Apple Family and even Caramel even weren't please with the dinner. They were expecting of something else. Applejack decided not to make a fuss about it.
"Yeah, um, you know what? This is what we were expectin'! Right, everypony?" Applejack asked.
"Seriously?" Caramel asked sarcastically. Applejack quickly kicked her boyfriend's knee. He yelped painfully before glared at her. She gave her glare back at him. He cleared his throat, "I mean... Yeah. It is. Can't wait to try..."
The Apple Family nodded and chatted in agreement as well. The Apple Family didn't want to make a fuss about it. Like Pinkie Pie said, 'dinner is dinner'...
So both family enjoyed their dinner. The Apple Family and Caramel struggled drinking the soup and eating rocks? But Pie Family, and even Saber Dragoon and Cheese Sandwich enjoyed it very well.
Marble Pie smiled while blushed as she was looking at Saber Dragoon drinking his soup. She shown her lovely eyes at him as her eyes zinged brightly. She sighed happily. As he glanced at her, she quickly drank her soup and eat her rock but it was empty. Saber smiled as he helped and poured some soup and rock on her bowl. It made Marble blushed in reddish while giggled yet muttered happily.
"Are you alright, Marble?" Saber asked in concern.
Marble yelped in concern. She quickly shook her head at once while have her reddish blush disappeared. She cleared her throat as she nodded, "Mm-hmm."
"Thank goodness. I thought you were sick or something."
"Mmm-hmm."
"Good to hear. Let's enjoy our dinner."
"Mm-hmm."
Cheese Sandwich sighed upon finishing his soup, "Now! That tastes great! More rock, please! Give some to my new best friend!"
"Wait?! What?! No! I think I'm-!" Caramel was interrupted as Maud helped and gave the soup to both him and Cheese Sandwich. He groaned in annoyance, "Great... More rocks... Why?!"
Applejack struggled in drinking her soup while muttered, "Sorry, Caramel."
"Eat up, so we can get to our Hearth's Warming dolls!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed happily as she was finishing her soup up.
Applejack smiled, "Now that's somethin' I know all about!"
Again, wrong...
At the Pie Mine, both family were using their axe picks on the rocks like they were sculpturing them. The Apple Family were once again disappointed and shocked about it.
"Are you sayin' that rock is a Hearth's Warmin' doll?" Applejack asked in concern.
"Don't be silly, silly!" Pinkie giggled happily. She pricked on the small rock in creating rock version of herself. She held it up, "Our dolls are these little pieces! Isn't that right, Marble Pie?"
"Mm-hmm," Marble Pie nodded. She continued sculpturing her 'doll' gently and slowly. She spotted Saber Dragoon sculpturing his own doll by using his martial arts. His was in perfect shape and form. She awed in amazement while blushed and smiled, "Mm-hmm..."
Caramel hummed in concern while glaring at his bad-shaped version, "This is ridiculous..."
"Aw, c'mon, buddy. Don't be like that," Cheese said happily as he continued pricking his rocks, "It's fun to sculpture! It's best, C!"
"Great..." Caramel muttered in annoyance.
Applejack stopped as she finished her saddened glob-like, "Uh... y'all don't have traditional crocheted dolls passed down in your family?"
"Aww, you're just a frown factory because you got a weird rock." Pinkie Pie remarked happily. Applejack annoyed by it. She continued, "Cheer up! I'm sure you'll do great in the flag finding mission!"
"The what findin' what now?"
At Rock Lawn, Pinkie Pie gave instruction about Pie's Tradition - 'flag finding mission' while choosing and forming the group.
"Limestone Pie, you're the judge! Saber Dragoon Big Mac, Marble Pie, you're team one! Apple Bloom and Maud, you're team two! Caramel and Cheesy, you're team three. Ma, Pa, you're gonna be with Granny Smith. Don't think of it as team old. Think of it as team four! And I'm with Applejack of course, since we might be cousins!"
"So now that we're all split up, mind tellin' us what we're doin'?" Applejack asked in concern.
Pinkie Pie smiled, "As everypony knows, when the three tribes united to form Equestria, the first flag was sewn by Nimble Thimble. It's tradition to raise a flag on Hearth's Warming to celebrate that famous day."
Ponies nodded and chatted in agreement about the history.
"But who gets to put the flag on Holder's Boulder?"
"You mean on the flagpole?"
"No, silly, it goes on the highest point! And who's the lucky pony?"
Applejack, unconvinced as she asked, "Traditionally, it's the youngest--"
Pinkie Pie interrupted, "On your marks, get set, go!"
Ponies separated and headed off with their own way. Saber Dragoon, Big McIntosh and Marble Pie headed to east since the youngest Pie blushed upon looking at the Western Dragon Prince as well as keeping him accompany. Caramel and Cheese Sandwich headed to northeast. Maud Pie and Apple Bloom headed to south. Igneous Rock, Cloudy Quartz and Granny Smith headed to north. Applejack and Pinkie Pie headed to west. Limestone Pie stayed behind with her Holder's Boulder.
At Western Mine, Pinkie Pie and Applejack were searching and looking around the giant pinkish crystal mine area.
"I still don't understand." Applejack said in concern.
"Earlier today, Limestone Pie hid an obsidian stone." Pinkie Pie explained, "Whoever finds it gets to raise the flag!"
"It's all just so... complicated, and... rock-based."
"Well, how else would we do it?"
Applejack hummed, "I don't know. I sure hope everypony else is havin' a better time."
"This is ridiculous!" Caramel exclaimed in annoyance. He groaned, "I know Pinkie Pie is random. But I'd never thought her family is. How can this be Hearth's Warming Eve tradition?!"
Cheese Sandwich and Caramel were searching around at the diamond mine.
Cheese Sandwich laughed happily, "Well, what do you expect? Didn't think that easy, didn't you?"
"Well... I always thought it's about following tradition. And we have to respect it. And you should know how sensitive Applejack can get."
"If you'd think she's worse, try Pie Family. They're more sensitive and upset if tradition is not followed."
"Really? What makes you think that?"
Cheese Sandwich chuckled uneasily, "Let's just say - I regret making that mess. They're really angry about it. Pain to my flank."
Caramel hummed in concern about it, "I definitely not want on their bad sides. From their looks especially Maud and Limestone, they're not always happy."
"Oh, they are. They're just shy to show it. After all, they're all stoned family."
Caramel chuckled a bit, "Yeah... I guess they are."
On Pie Family's Resident of East, Saber Dragoon and his two shy friends were searching and looking for the stone.
"I guess finding a rock won't be easy, right?" Saber Dragoon asked.
Marble Pie nodded as she was digging the ground, "Mm-hmm."
"Eeyup." Big McIntosh nodded as he was looking at the bushes.
Saber Dragoon hummed in concern. He approached Marble Pie as he helped her dug the dirt out of ground. She blushed a bit. They both continued digging the ground together. His hoof touched hers, she gasped before blushed happily. Upon looking at her cuteness face, Saber Dragoon blushed before cleared his throat a bit.
"Your hoof... is kinda soft. I like your mane - long and curvy?" Saber Dragoon commented. Marble Pie blushed even more reddish. He cleared his throat as he continued awkwardly and embarrassed, "I guess what I like the most about you is your face. It's cute and gentle... And it fits you well... I guess you'd think the same way for me?"
Marble smiled and blushed more as she gently nuzzled Saber's neck, "Mm-hmm. Cute. Handsome. Soft. Like. You."
"Eh... I'd take that as compliment?" Saber Dragoon asked in amusement.
Big McIntosh noticed it as he smiled, "Eeyup. She likes you."
"I guess I like her too..." Saber Dragoon admitted and blushed in red. And before any of them could do anything, Marble kissed on his lips. It makes him not only kissed her back, but also make his face more reddish. They both departed while looking at each other. They both smiled happily. He chuckled a bit, "Wow... That... Was... Sweet..."
Marble Pie smiled as she kissed Saber Dragoon's lips, "Mm-hmm..."
Saber Dragoon smiled as he kissed back, "Mm-hmm..."
Marble Pie and Saber Dragoon held and hugged each other tightly and passionately as they both kissed passionately and happily. Big McIntosh laughed happily a bit as he held the mistletoe above the newly couples.
Big McIntosh smiled happily of looking at the scene, "Eeeeeeeeeyup."
The parents and senior continued their search on northern part of Pie Family resident. It also housed thousands of rocks.
"So, how'd you meet this Iggy feller?" Granny Smith asked.
Cloudy Quartz explained, "We were chosen by the Pairing Stone and betrothed within a fortnight."
"The choosing stone decreed, 'Thou shalt love one another.' And lo, it was so." Igneous Rock added.
"Hoo-wee, I gots to look into this oldfangled choosin' stone thing." Granny Smith commented. She turned and looked at Igneous Rock and Cloudy Quartz, "You reckon it knows any apple-farmin' hunks?"
Both Pinkie Pie's parents blushed while looked at each other. They both nodded in admitting of loving each other much.
On Southern Mine, Apple Bloom and Maud Pie were searching for it as well. The youngest Apple was on top of rock while Maud Pie was searching and looking on the ground.
"What does the rock look like?" Apple Bloom asked.
"It looks like something that formed when volcanic lava cooled quickly." Maud Pie answered unemotionally. Apple Bloom looked surprise. She continued, "Have you ever wished you could turn into a rock?"
Apple Bloom answered, "I had a dream once I was an apple."
"We have a lot in common when it comes to thinking about turning into things." Maud Pie remarked.
Apple Bloom blushed of what Maud Pie had said. The eldest daughter of Pie actually complimented to the youngest one of the Apple. It makes Apple Bloom feel happy and appreciated.
Applejack and Pinkie Pie continued searching for the stone from western part. They found nothing until...
"Found it, found it, found it!" Pinkie Pie cried happily as she shown the picture of rock before Applejack.
"A picture? I've been lookin' for a real stone, Pinkie Pie!" Applejack asked in annoyance.
"Um, that would be weird. Do you know what this means? I get to raise the flag, and now it's time to hide the presents!"
"Y'all hide your presents?"
"Of course! What's more fun than getting a present? Finding a present! Although, most years, nopony finds one."
"So nopony gets presents?"
"Eh, not usually."
Applejack was in shock and disappointed as she asked, "So lemme get all this straight. You're only allowed to eat rock soup for dinner, then the pony who finds this rock gets to raise the flag, but not really 'cause you don't got no flagpole, and to top it off, you don't even get presents?!"
"Well, it doesn't sound very fun when you say it that way." Pinkie Pie admitted.
"Well, how 'bout you picture this? Both our families, openin' presents, raisin' the flag...?"
"Picturing it... Loving it...!"
Both Applejack and Pinkie Pie smiled happily as they actually liking some ideas. They turned and headed off at once.
Night time...
Everyone went to bed because tomorrow they're gonna find and get their presents. As soon as everyone asleep, Applejack got up from her bed. She was about to exit but stopped by Caramel.
"What are you doing?" Caramel asked in concern.
Applejack sighed in annoyance, "What does it looks like? We've gotta do somethin'! Pinkie Pie's family never had a real Hearth's Warmin'!"
"Seriously?"
"Well, I-I'm sure it's what she meant."
"Applejack, this is their tradition. We've gotta respect theirs. If you're doing something stupid, they're not gonna be happy. Besides, the others were okay with it especially Saber Dragoon and Marble Pie. They just became a couple that evening."
Applejack sighed, "I know they have their traditions and we have ours, but I just want them to see how much better theirs could be."
"Showing them is one thing, but doing something at last minute," Caramel gulped in concern, "I don't think they're gonna be very happy family especially Limestone. You know how furious and angry she can be if anything goes wrong with their home."
"Don't worry. I know what I'm doing. Come on. I need some help to do it."
Caramel sighed in annoyance as he followed Applejack exiting the guest room. He had the bad feeling about it...
As the sun rises upon the Pie Family's Rock Farm, Pinkie Pie got up at once as she cheered and cried happily - 'Hearth's Warming'! She woke almost everyone up. As she exited her home, she was in shocked and feared of what she was seeing. Her Pie Family too felt that as well. The Apple Family was in shock yet worried as well. And oh boy...
"What. Happened. To. My. Farm!" Limestone Pie demanded angrily.
The Pie Family's Rock Farm is filled with more decorated and beautiful Hearth's Warming theme, and even a flag poled was placed near to the Holder's Boulder. Everyone turned and looked at Applejack and nervous Caramel.
"Applejack, no!" Saber Dragoon exclaimed in fear and concern while holding Marble Pie close to him, "What have you done?!"
"It's Hearth's Warmin', Apple-style! We've been doin' everythin' your way, I thought we could mix it up a bit!" Applejack explained happily. She then pushed Marble Pie before the flag pole. She continued, "Marble Pie, you could raise the Equestria flag up this pole, because you're the youngest Pie! Ma and Pa Pie, we'll cook you up a meal you'll never forget! And look, we all get presents without havin' to find 'em!"
Upon looking at the presents neared to the fence, Apple Bloom charged and rushed towards them. Just before she could open them, Big McIntosh pulled her tail back by his mouth. The Apple Family looked worry and scared about it.
Pinkie Pie gulped fearfully, "...Yeah, this is gonna be great! All the stuff she's said. Right, everypony?"
"Pinkamena Diane Pie! Truly thou cannot favor this madness!" Igneous Rock exclaimed furiously.
"What about what we usually do?!" Limestone Pie demanded angrily.
"Well, I wanna be one big family! And I, um, well, I-I don't know!" Pinkie Pie cried and sobbed in despair and painfully, "Don't make me choose!"
Applejack was in shock and surprise. She was expecting happiness and cheerfulness from Pinkie's family, not disappointed and angry.
"I told you!" Caramel whispered in annoyance and concern.
Applejack sighed as she pushed Caramel aside and continued, "I didn't mean to cause a fuss... Why don't we just open presents around the flag pole? It'll be fun, you'll see!"
CRACK! The farmland shaken and quake very hard and quick as it spread across the land from the flag poled. It headed straight for Holder's Boulder. It make the giant rock fell and rolled over to the edge. It fell and fell and fell to the bottom.
Limestone Pie gasped as she screamed in anger and agony, "Nooooooooooooooo!"
The flag poled snapped in two. Its top part fell to the ground hard.
"Oh boy," Applejack remarked fearfully.
Minutes later, Pie Family were removing and threw all the decoration Applejack had 'misplaced' on their home into garbage. The Apple Family returned to the guest room And the worse thing is about to happen in breaking Pinkie Pie's heart...
"You didn't have to ask them to leave!" Pinkie Pie pleaded in concern.
"They wanted to go! We don't need anypony forcing their way into our family!" Limestone Pie exclaimed in anger.
"This was all a misunderstanding, everypony! I know Applejack, and she'd never do anything bad to anypony!"
"Look around, Pinkie Pie! It's gonna take me ages to get this rock farm back on track! And how are we gonna lift Holder's Boulder?! This is all her fault!"
Pinkie Pie sighed in shame as she walked away from her family, "Then it's my fault too..."
"That's very harsh, don't you think? Pinkie Pie and Applejack are cousins. Can't you all get along?" Cheese Sandwich asked in concern. The Pie Family but Marble Pie gave him a annoying glare. He yelped in concern, "Forget what I just asked."
He hissed as he turned away and muttered, "Party Popper. I hate doing this to my new best friend."
Saber Dragoon sighed in concern and upset as he shook his head. Marble Pie approached him. And before she could do anything, he hugged her in comfort.
"I'm sorry for the mess. I really am. But don't blame Applejack. She doesn't know it," Saber Dragoon explained. Marble Pie remained silent and surprised of it. He continued, "If Pinkie told her about her tradition, Applejack wouldn't have made this far. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to insult your sister. It must be hurtful?"
Marble Pie nodded, "Mm-hmm."
"I guess I should help those two to get comfort. After all, it's just big misunderstanding."
"Mm-hmm. Go. Saber."
Saber Dragoon nodded before giving her left cheek a kiss. Marble Pie blushed in red of surprise yet loved and appreciated. He headed off to find both Pinkie Pie and Applejack.
Within the guest room, Apple Family were packing their stuffs up since they were not welcomed to Pie Family's home anymore after the stunt Applejack had pulled.
"I'm sorry. I really am," Caramel apologized as he was put his stuffs into his bag, "If only I had convinced Applejack not to do this, none of this could have happened."
"Oh, it's not your fault, Caramel. You just want to help especially A.J." Granny Smith said gently. She sighed in upset, "Prob'ly best if we head back to Sweet Apple Acres. Maybe in time we'll be friends again, but for the now it's best if we give them a little space."
"I wish we didn't have to. I really like Maud. She's sweet once you get to know her. They all are." Apple Bloom commented. She sighed, "Worst Hearth's Warmin' ever."
"Eh, has anypony seen Applejack?" Caramel asked in concern.
Apple Family gasped in concern. They have forgotten about Applejack! What happen to her?!
At the familiar mine...
Applejack sniffled unhappily and despaired, "I really cracked the corn this time."
"I really popped the pinata this time." Pinkie Pie sniffled as she entered the mine. She stopped upon looking at familiar character in front of her. She gasped, "Applejack?"
Applejack gasped, "Pinkie Pie?"
"What are you doing here?" Applejack and Pinkie Pie asked simultaneously. They continued, "I came here to think! You did? So did I!"
Applejack sighed in shame "I'm too ashamed to go back up there. Your family, my family, they all must think I'm such a nincompoop."
"Aw, no one thinks that!" Pinkie Pie shook her head.
"I'm sorry I forced my traditions over yours. I don't want you to have to choose between the family you were born into and the friends who love you like one. I really hoped we could be one big happy family. I guess not."
"Don't say that!"
"None of you make the mistakes," The firm voice said calmly. Applejack and Pinkie Pie looked up as they found Saber Dragoon sitting on rock. He continued, "It's the stupid tradition. After all, no one doesn't know it but expected them to follow and obey it because of the rule. It's very stupid It's the reason why I hated Hearth's Warming a lot..."
"Seriously?" Applejack asked in concern.
Pinkie Pie sniffed, "Is this why you left your family for every Hearth's Warming because of tradition?"
"Yes. I make a lot of mistakes. I just wish someone could have told me about it, instead of expected to follow it," Saber Dragoon admitted, "If they did, the mess wouldn't have become serious..."
WHISTLED! Three ponies sighed in shame and upset. It's time for Applejack and her family to go home...
"I wish I could stay," Applejack said in upset, "but I have a train to catch."
"H-Ha... Happy Hearth's Warming." Pinkie Pie cried unhappily as she hugged Applejack.
Applejack cried as she hugged Pinkie Pie back, "You too."
Saber Dragoon sighed while shaking his head. It really shattered both of them's hearts a lot. Hurtful and pitiful...
On the train, Apple Family were on their way back home now. All of them were upset and disappointed after what has happen.
"You want to know why Holder's Boulder's so danged important?" Granny Smith asked. Applejack nodded. The old mare sighed as she explained, "Well, now their great-great-great-great-great-great-grandfather Holder Cobblestone - he found that boulder in a dragon's nest, older than time itself! He built the family farm around it, even though it was just an ordinary rock. It always brought them good luck."
"Aw, crickets! That is important!" Applejack exclaimed in shock, "I got so caught up in the things they were doin', I never asked why they did 'em!"
Something fell and dropped to the ground in front of Apple Family. Applejack glanced and read the tag of it - 'To Applejack, from Pinkie Pie. Cousins forever.'
Apple Bloom gasped, "You just found your first Pie Hearth's Warmin' present ever!"
Applejack laughed happily, "Only Pinkie Pie could hide a present on a movin' train." She stopped as she began to realize of why Pie's family is so special and important, "...What a great tradition."
At Pie's Rock Farm, the Pie Family, Cheese Sandwich, Saber Dragoon struggled in pushing the Holder's Boulder back to up on its peek. It's too heavy and not even Saber Dragoon could push it back up.
"Rrrgh, it's hopeless!" Limestone Pie exclaimed in annoyance. She turned to Saber Dragoon, "Can't you use your Mystic Magic to move it up?!"
Saber Dragoon grunted, "I maybe Mystic Pony, but that doesn't mean I'm the strongest. And I'm capable of using Wind Ability. And I doubt it would work on boulder! Damn it! I wish Lax was here to help!"
Pie Family stopped for the moment to rest as well as thinking of how to move boulder back to its peek of mountain edge.
"Need a little help?"
Pinkie Pie gasped as she turned and found familiar group. She screamed happily, "Apples!"
Limestone Pie groaned angrily, "What do you want?!"
Applejack took her hat down and bowed, "I wasn't tryin' to take your traditions away, I was tryin' to share ours. I was so focused on us bein' one big happy family, I thought we needed the same traditions right away. What I should've done was learn about yours and teach you about ours. And over time, we'd make new traditions together. I'm sorry, y'all."
Touched by Applejack's apology and realization, Pie Family turned and looked at Limestone Pie since they're willing to forgive Applejack for the mess she made. Limestone Pie also had hard time to forgive ponies as well. She thought for the moment before giving the smirk.
"Well, don't just stand there! We got a boulder to move!"
Apple Family smiled happily as they joined with Pie Family in pushing the boulder together all the way up to the mountain's edge.
"I think we've just invented our first combined tradition! Pushing Holder's Boulder out of the quarry!" Pinkie Pie squealed happily, "I can't wait for Applejack to knock it over next Hearth's Warming!"
"No way!" Saber Dragoon, Caramel and Cheese Sandwich exclaimed in denying.
But nevertheless, everyone laughed happily yet enjoyable of Pinkie Pie's joke. It was memorable and meaningful tradition they ever had...
At Pie Family's Home, everything change and become something different than before. Both family decided to combined their tradition together as one.
Both Applejack and Pinkie helped and placed all of their family's dolls on the shelf. Both Caramel and Cheese Sandwich were playing with their music instruments - banjo and accordion in Hearth's Warming theme song. Apple Bloom, Maud Pie and even Limestone Pie enjoyed eating their sweet buns, and even for Maud's little Boulder. Saber Dragoon, Marble Pie and Big McIntosh have their own chats with each other.
"I'm guessing we all want to wish each other a happy Hearth's Warming?" Saber Dragoon asked in amusement.
Marble Pie nodded, "Mm-hmm!"
"Eeyup." Big McIntosh nodded in agreement. He then held the mistletoe a top of Saber Dragoon and Marble Pie, "Mistletoe!"
Both Saber Dragoon and Marble Pie blushed in reddish, not only embarrassment but love and joy. They both laughed happily as they leaned and kissed each other's lips happily and passionately.
Granny Smith, Igneous Rock and Cloudy Quartz learned each other's languages.
"Eh, lemme see here, uh..." Granny Smith said happily as she tried Pie's Traditional Language, "If thou ask-eth me, uh, thou two art, eh, okay-eth in my book."
Igneous Rock smiled as he tried Apple Traditional Language, "Yee-haw."
Both Cloudy Quartz and Granny Smith clapped their hooves in approval.
Applejack opened her present - turned out to be a giant boulder. Pinkie Pie approached as she greeted her cousin.
"Happy Hearth's Warming!"
Applejack smiled, "Happy Hearth's Warmin' too, Pinkie Pie."
KNOCK! Everyone looked surprise and shock. Who could that be?
Limestone Pie opened and found a group of strangers, "Who are you? How did you know this place?"
Pinkie came as she gasped in surprise and shock, "Lord Virtue! Prince Kindy! You're here!"
Virtue Dragon and Kindy weren't the only ponies were here. Blade Dragoon, Warpath Temper and their children - Rogue, Terrastrikean armored darker greenish Pegasus with a brown short mane and tail tied with sash, and Jasmine Jade Cherry a young mare with long black mare and tail with two flower bun-pin on both sides dressed in her greenish Chinese Cheong Sam, Sparkle Shield and Heavy came as well. Skysoar and Dragonspear were there as well.
"Dad? Everyone?" Saber Dragoon asked in surprise and shock. He continued, "What are you doing here? And how did you know I'm here?"
"It's the only place you go during Hearth's Warming, son. I noticed it a lot," Virtue Dragon explained calmly. He cleared his throat, "But that's not important. We're here because we want to celebrate our Hearth's Warming together."
"Yeah. It wouldn't be much fun without you!" Warpath Temper exclaimed happily.
"Wait? You all were waiting for me?" Saber Dragoon asked in surprise, "I thought it was just for royalty, blood-related and sworn brotherhood only. So, I wasn't included."
Blade Dragoon chuckled in amusement, "My dear boy, that is the past, this is present. After what you have done before and for our home, we decide to include you in our group for Hearth's Warming."
"Really?" Saber Dragoon asked in surprise.
Kindy nodded, "Yes. We are the family."
"So may we?" Virtue Dragon asked calmly, "I did adopt you because you were like me. We have no family but these ponies are."
Saber Dragoon thought for the moment before smiled happily, "Why not? Come on in! It's time for Hearth's Warming!"
Warpath Temper chuckled in amusement, "Who wants Apple Cider?! They're way better than my wines!"
"Do not forget about Winter Sweet Dumpling!" Blade Dragoon added.
Pinkie Pie yelped in disgust, "Eew! Not that food again! They're not sweet!" Everyone glared at her for disrespectful. She chuckled uneasily, "No offense. Just eat them if you like it..."
Everyone laughed and cheered wildly and happily. Saber Dragoon's family entered the scene.
Virtue Dragon chatted happily with Granny Smith and Pinkie's Parents about the tradition. Saber Dragoon told Rogue and Sparkle Shield about his new girlfriend - Marble Pie who is still shy in meeting them. Big McIntosh was challenging with Terrastrike for hoof wrestling, same goes for Limestone Pie and Heavy. Warpath, Blade Dragoon, Skysoar and Dragonspear enjoyed their Apple Cider drinks. Maud Pie, Apple Bloom, Kindy and Jasmine chatted with each other about Hearth's Warming while eating Ma's Winter Sweet Dumplings. Applejack, Caramel, Pinkie Pie and Cheese Sandwich sang their Hearth's Warming song for everyone to listen.
Happy Hearth's Warming...
END...
Review and Suggest...
Main Casts:
Ashleigh Ball: Applejack
Andrea Libman: Pinkie Pie, Cloudy Quartz
Will Friedle: Saber Dragoon
Ingrid Nilson: Maud Pie, Limestone Pie, Marble Pie
Minor Casts:
David Kaye: Caramel
"Weird Al" Yankovic: Cheese Sandwich
Tabitha St. Germain: Granny Smith
Michelle Creber: Apple Bloom
Peter New: Big McIntosh, Igneous Rock
Cameo:
Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle
Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon
Kira Tozer: Nyx
Cathy Weseluck: Spike
Jess McCartney: Lance Justicestrike
Dave B. Mitchell: Virtue Dragon, Blade Dragoon
Steve Kramer: Warpath Temper
Steve Staley: Kindy Dragon |
My Little Pony Mystic Season 1 | Episode 21: Scare Master | 31 October 20XX before Hearth's Warming...
"Ooh... How could I forget about Angel's carrots?!" Fluttershy exclaimed in concern, "Of all the time, why does it have to be Nightmare Night?!"
Fluttershy arrived at the Town of Ponyville, where ponies are setting the Nightmare Night up for tonight. The only event had scared and frightened her the most because of ghostly balloon, spider props from stall, monsters design such as a skeleton unicorn and even...
Foals: Nightmare Night, what a fright!
Give me something sweet to bite!
Foals gave their vampire fang props in front of Fluttershy. She gasped in shock as she quickly flew off at once. They shrugged as they continued singing.
Both Granny Smith and Big McIntosh were carrying and putting the haystacks into the cart. And just before they could do anything, they noticed the cart shaken very hard. They looked and checked underneath of cart as they found a familiar character quivered in fear.
"Fluttershy?" Granny Smith asked in surprise and shock, "What're you doin' out and about? It's Nightmare Night, remember?"
"How could I forget?" Fluttershy remarked frightfully. She turned and noticed a haystack, "Oh, I don't suppose I could borrow a few pieces of hay from you? I forgot to stock up on food for Angel, and you do seem to have quite a lot."
"We need it for the Apple Family Haunted Maze," Granny Smith explained before going into her spooky voice, "The scariest maze that there ever was. Who knows what lurks inside?"
Fluttershy yelped, "Oh, I'm sure I don't. I'll find Twilight, then."
"Are you sure you don't wanna try it? There's a lot of mystery and strange things happening from the maze..."
"No thanks!"
Fluttershy galloped at once as she doesn't want to know about the Haunted Maze. Granny Smith was confused of it while Big McIntosh remained silent and annoyed of his grandmother's dumbfound and confuse looks.
Fluttershy arrived at the Castle of Friendship. Hearing the thundering and seeing dark clouds above the castle, it scared her a lot. Just before she entered the castle, she heard growling. She looked up at the moon glowing and shinning before her. It revealed the serpentine demon with anthripods mouth-like. It growled for the moment before it screeched wildly.
Fluttershy yelped in fear as she quickly hid behind the tree at once. She breathed heavily while standing still as she prayed the monster's gone for good. As she took a peek on her left side, she found no shadow from the moon. As she returned to her hiding, she sighed in relief.
As she emerged to her left, she encountered the same shadowy beast before her! Fluttershy screamed in fear while cowering in fear.
"Please, don't hurt me! Please, don't!" Fluttershy pleaded fearfully. Just before anything happen, the creature licked her face for few times. She was surprise and shock as she looked up. She found Dragoking growled happily while looking at her. She gasped, "Dragoking?"
Dragoking meowed happily as he nuzzled Fluttershy's head gently.
"Don't scare me like that. I hate Nightmare Night," Fluttershy remarked. Dragoking chuckled a bit. She sighed, "My friends are inside, right?"
Dragoking nodded. Fluttershy sighed as she went and entered the Castle of Friendship.
Fluttershy walked across the hallway within Castle of Friendship in search for Twilight Sparkle. As she continued walking, she heard the hoof stomping and the shadowy form of hunchbacked on the walls. It make her to scream in fear. As the shadow slowly became small, it revealed Spike dressed in his conjoined twin dragon costume.
Spike scoffed, "You think it's scary now, just wait until it's done."
"That's okay. I'll take your word for it." Fluttershy remarked nervously.
"Hey, wait a minute! It's Nightmare Night and you're here and not holed up in your cottage! Does this mean what I think it means?"
"That I foolishly forgot to stock up on food for Angel and had to go out to get him something but got spooked in town so I came here hoping Twilight had some lettuce I could give him?"
"Oh. I thought maybe you decided to come out with us tonight."
"Goodness, no! I couldn't be out tonight. I just couldn't."
"Technically speaking, you already are out right now."
Fluttershy looked surprise, "Oh. I guess that is true."
"So what if you stayed out a little longer with your friends? I know they'd be super excited." Spike suggested. Fluttershy looked reluctant and concern. He continued, "You would make them so happy if you joined in. They wouldn't believe their eyes! Come on, Fluttershy, what do you say?"
Fluttershy thought for the moment before she sighed in concern. What was her answer?
Within the library, Twilight and her friends were telling the ghost story but they weren't alone. Shadow Dragon, Lance Justicestrike, Shiroi Bai and four Cutie Mark Crusaders were there as well. They laughed happily for telling the ghost story, though not best or scary one but it's fun for them.
A sudden call spooked Twilight and her friends as the lights got turned on. They turned to the entrance where Spike and Fluttershy have entered.
"Fluttershy, what are you doing here? Is everything okay?" Twilight Sparkle asked in concern.
Nyx nodded in agreement, "You usually stay at home until the Nightmare Night is done."
Fluttershy smiled, "Everything is fine. In fact, it's more than fine. I've decided to join you in your Nightmare Night festivities."
Rainbow Dash scoffed in amusement, "Seriously? You? Out? Tonight?"
Scootaloo giggled, "That's something..."
Lance nodded, "You don't have to do this if you feel uncomfortable about it."
"Yeah. Nopony's forcing you," Shiroi commented calmly, "We know you hate it a lot."
"Every Nightmare Night, I shut myself in my cottage and refuse to come out until morning. But it's just like when I was afraid to sing in front of anypony." Fluttershy admitted in shame, "If I hadn't given it a try, I never would've found out how much I enjoy it."
Applejack smiled, "And we'd have missed out on how great you sound."
"Fluttershy with us on Nightmare Night?" Rarity smiled, "Why, that's positively the most wonderful news I've heard in ages!"
Sweetie Belle clapped her hoof, "Hooray for Fluttershy! She's gonna join with us for Nightmare Night!"
Pinkie Pie squealed, "You can get dressed up in a costume with us and play Nightmare Night games with us and eat candy apples with us!"
Apple Bloom added happily, "Don't forget the best part. Goin' through our family's corn maze!"
Nyx, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo squealed happily about it. Fluttershy quivered and shivered in fear and worry about it. Twilight and her friends realized that she's not ready of it.
"Uh, only if you're up for it." Applejack added.
"Oh, I am! I am ready to take on Nightmare Night!" Fluttershy smiled happily. She hummed in concern and realization, "What about your friends? Aren't they joining with us?"
"No. They all have got other things to do from their home especially Terrorcreep - he's having Nightmare Transcendent Power," Shadow Dragon explained. Everyone looked at him. He sighed,
"Most of Vampire Ponies and even other Nightmare-Type creatures are going through that process for not only replenish their immunity against the light but also transcending their prowess. Other than that, they have to let their inner demon go wild for that night. And therefore, it's best that you don't to go near him when he's transcending until tomorrow."
"Ooh..." Fluttershy sighed in concern, "I was hoping he would be there for me..."
Twilight Sparkle and all of her friends went to Rarity's Carousal Boutique. They're dressing and putting their costumes up for the event. Rarity was helping Fluttershy finding the costume but found too scary for her to wear such as Mummy, Headless pony and Vampire fruit bat. Rarity worn her costume - a mermaid pony or Seapony.
"You see, Fluttershy, the beauty of Nightmare Night is that you don't have to dress up as something scary." Rarity explained calmly.
Fluttershy hummed in concern, "I hope you give me a good one. Because If we encounter something terrifying and need to get away quickly? All those layers could slow me down, or worse, make me trip!"
"Oh, don't worry, Fluttershy. I'll get a good one," Rarity said calmly as she pushed clothes aside one-by-one. She found a black slimmed dress and a decorated mask. She turned and passed it to Fluttershy, "Now this is a real stunner! I call it 'Masquerade'! Just a simple black dress underneath but with this ornately decorated mask!"
"Actually, I don't want the mask. It can just be so difficult to see out of."
"But this one has eyeholes."
"W-What about being able to see what's to the left or right of me?"
"I suppose your vision would be somewhat obscured. It's your first Nightmare Night out and about, and we do want you to be comfortable."
"What if I just wear the dress?" Fluttershy suggested.
"Oh, sure, dear. That's... fine." Rarity said in agreement.
As Fluttershy entered the dressing room for dress up, she muttered in concern about her friend. Upon hearing some doors were opened, Rarity turned her back. She gasped in surprise and amaze as she was looking at her friends' costumes other than Spike since he got his costume.
"Oh, my! Look at all of you! My costumes fit you to a T!"
All of her friends dressed with their costumes - Pinkie Pie dressed as an 80s roller disco dancer, Twilight Sparkle as Greek soldier, Rainbow Dash as an astronaut, Applejack as a lion, Shadow Dragon as black armored Japanese Samurai with a cape, Lance Justicestrike as futuristic cop pony, Shiroi Bai as mystical wizard elf-pony, Nyx as Optimus Prime, Apple Bloom as Platypus, Scootaloo as Wonderbolt and Sweetie Belle as countess lady.
"Hey, Nyx! What in the Equestria is that?" Apple Bloom asked in surprise.
Sweetie Belle nodded, "Yeah. I'd never seen this before. I don't think it's part of history."
Nyx smiled, "This is Optimus Prime. I got this idea from Human Realm. He's my favorite hero, even though he's a Giant Robot Autobot."
"That's so awesome!" Scootaloo exclaimed happily.
"Oh yeah? Try this!" Nyx exclaimed proudly. As she laid down, her costume slowly transformed and reconfigured together into the form of truck-like. Everyone awed in amazement. She continued, "It transform! Awesome, isn't it?"
"YEAH!" Cutie Mark Crusaders agreed, "How did you do that?!"
"Nyx really likes Optimus Prime, doesn't she?" Shadow Dragon asked in amusement.
Twilight Sparkle smiled and nodded, "She does. He's very special and inspired hero to her."
Nyx giggled happily as her suit transformed back into her regular suit, "Metalgear helped and built me a special suit. And it works. I can transform like Optimus Prime!"
Fluttershy emerged from her dressing room. She dressed in her plain black slimmed dress. Ponies were surprised yet concern of what they just saw.
"Hey, Fluttershy, where's your costume?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"I'm wearing it." Fluttershy explained. Everyone but Rarity looked confuse. She continued, "I'm going to a masquerade ball. Without the mask."
"Oh, that's great! Isn't it great?" Twilight Sparkle asked her friends about it.
Twilight Sparkle looked at her friends while giving them a weak smile, signaling them not to criticize Fluttershy's costumes. Everyone chatted and nodded in agreement as well as commented about how good it is. Fluttershy smiled happily to see her friends accepted her.
Shadow Dragon took the picture on Nyx since she wanted her friends from Human Realm to see it. Twilight Sparkle paste it on the Communicator Book in delivering it straight to Sunset Shimmer.
At Sugarcube Corner, everyone then played the 'Pin the Horn on Nightmare Moon' game. Rarity finished hers. Pinkie Pie helped tied blindfold around Rainbow Dash's eyes while the daring pony prepared holding the horn pin.
"I figured I'd save the really scary games for next year when Fluttershy's more used to it." Pinkie Pie remarked happily.
As Pinkie Pie spun Rainbow Dash around and around, everyone cheered happily and sang 'Round and round and round you go, where you stop nopony knows'. Pinkie Pie stopped Rainbow Dash from spinning. The daring pony jumped over as she shown her ninja moves before landed on the ground before the wall. Rainbow Dash pinned the horn on Nightmare Moon's muzzle.
Rainbow Dash smirked as she removed her blindfold. She turned to Fluttershy, and so does everyone. It's her turn to play the game. She then gulped in concern and fearfully.
"Fluttershy, is there something wrong?" Nyx asked.
"Well, um, it's just that if I'm blindfolded and somepony were to leap out in front of me," Fluttershy asked in concern, "I'd never have the chance to defend myself."
Everyone looked reluctant about what Fluttershy. They were upset that she still wouldn't play, and even Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo.
"That's fine, darling. You don't have to do anything you don't want to." Rarity said calmly.
Shiroi nodded, "Yeah. Like we said, you don't have to force yourself in playing this game.
"We're just glad you're here." Twilight Sparkle commented.
"We don't have to finish that game. I have another one I know you'll love!" Pinkie Pie said happily as she poured the bucket of apples into basket of water, "Bobbing for apples!"
"YES! My favorite game!" Lance exclaimed happily.
Fluttershy gulped in concern while shivered and quivered in fear, "What happens if, when my head is deep down in the water, some kind of scary monster appears? How would I even hear to know I was under attack?"
"I'm guessing she doesn't like it," Shadow Dragon said in concern.
Spike sighed in upset, "That's no fun, at all."
Nyx nudged Spike's stomach, "Come on, gSpikeys! Cut her some slacks! She's not used to it. She's trying, okay?!"
"Well... In that case, time for candy," Pinkie Pie cheered as she headed to counter. She took several colored doddle bags from the counter, "I made candy bags. Each bag has been made with each of you in mind, complete with each of your favorite candies!"
Everyone but Fluttershy commented happily about eating candies. They then take their own bags as they're ready to eat their food. Fluttershy still looked concern, scared and reluctant.
"Huh?! What the?!" Pinkie exclaimed in shock as she opened her bag. She found hers empty, "My candies?! They're gone!"
Twilight Sparkle and her friends checked their bags as they found theirs too are empty!
"Who ate all the candies?!" Pinkie Pie demanded angrily.
SNORE! Shadow Dragon heard the noise. He turned to the small clothed table. As he approached it, he opened lifted the cloth up. He found three familiar dragons sleeping on the floor. Twilight and her friends checked it out as well.
"I think we found the culprit," Shadow Dragon said in amusement.
Pinkie Pie groaned, "What. Have. You. Done. To. My. CANDIES?!"
Drake Trio yelped as they got up. They saw the angry Pinkie Pie in front of them. They screamed in fear. They quickly ran away at once before they get caught. Everyone groaned in annoyance as they hated someone eat their candies.
"Never mind, I'll prepare the next set. I still got loads of them," Pinkie Pie said happily.
Pinkie Pie then poured the candies into bags. Everyone but Fluttershy took their own bags and enjoyed eating them.
Fluttershy gulped, "Well, it's just... What if when I'm eating one of these chewy taffies, my mouth becomes glued shut and I can't scream for help?"
Everyone remained silent as they shown their upset and disappointed again. Each game they want to play, Fluttershy gave some excuses of how dangerous it is or even how fragile she is.
Shiroi sighed in concern, "This isn't working..."
"Oh, goodness. We've only just started to celebrate Nightmare Night together," Fluttershy said in shame, "and I'm already taking all the fun out of it, aren't I?"
Everyone remained silent as they don't want to badmouthed about Fluttershy's weakness and reluctance about Nightmare Night and its games.
Fluttershy continued, "I really wanna do this. But there's just so many things that terrify me about tonight. I couldn't possibly predict what might upset me."
"Unless you were the one doing the scaring!" Twilight suggested thoughtfully. Everyone looked at her in surprise looks. She continued, "The thing you hate is being scared, but if you're the one doing the scaring, then..."
Fluttershy gasped, "Then I can help you all have fun and I can still be a part of Nightmare Night!"
Twilight asked hopefully, "So you like that idea?"
"I think I do! And I don't want to get ahead of myself, but I think I have the perfect idea for how I'm gonna do it!" Fluttershy smiled happily as she exited Sugarcube Corner. She gave her friends spooky face and voice, "Meet me at my cottage in an hour."
As soon as Fluttershy left, everyone smiled happily as they're glad to make her happy and comfortable. Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo looked unconvinced about it, and even Shadow Dragon.
"Twilight, are you sure? I don't think she can pull that off..." Shadow Dragon said in concern.
Twilight Sparkle smiled, "Don't worry about it. I'm sure Fluttershy will figure something out. After all, behind her shyness lies some true strength as your father quoted."
As Twilight and her friends were on their way to Fluttershy's cottage, they stopped by the side of Everfree Forest. They saw something from the area.
SCREECH! Everyone got frightened and freaked out as they saw some Mystic Soldiers guarding against strange creature inside the cage - a giant mutated demonic humanoid bat-like. Twilight Sparkle and her friends were in deep shock and surprise of what they were watching.
"Is that-?' Shiroi asked in concern.
Shadow Dragon nodded, "Yes. That's Terrorcreep. He's now in Nightmare Transcendent. He'll return to normal by dawn."
"But what's with the cage?" Rainbow Dash asked in concern.
Shadow Dragon sighed, "He wanted to make sure that he doesn't go wild and kill his own soldiers and innocents. It's the only way."
"I'm just glad Fluttershy didn't see this. She would be heartbroken," Twilight said in concern.
Twilight Sparkle and all of her friends have arrived at Fluttershy's cottage. As they knocked the door, it opened. They all saw a large table with several chairs only, along with teapot and teacups.
"Welcome to Fluttershy's tea party!" Fluttershy said in spookiness.
Both Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo looked annoyed about what Fluttershy just said while others remained quiet and calm. But they know what they have to do - play along with Fluttershy's. As they entered and take their seats, Fluttershy began her 'scary tea party' such as warning about 'no sugar', nopony complimented Rarity's dresses, asking for cucumber sandwiches, angry cardboard guests and even about over-scheduled to get kitten home.
But it doesn't make any of them scared, not even Spike or Cutie Mark Crusaders. Fluttershy saw everything. Their reaction have made her upset and concern about it.
"Why don't you look terrified? You showed up to a party and everypony was extremely disappointed in you. Can you imagine anything more upsetting?"
"It was a really good try, darling, but the scares at Nightmare Night are of an entirely different nature." Rarity commented.
Twilight Sparkle nodded, "It was really creative, though. I never would have thought of... all this."
"Oh, I'm just not cut out for this. Just go on without me." Fluttershy said in upset. Everyone looked concern and worry about her as they didn't want to leave her behind. It's unfair for only them, but also herself. She sighed, "You have to. This is the night you look forward to all year."
"We could... stay here?" Lance suggested.
Nyx nodded, "Yeah. It wouldn't be much fun without you."
"Yeah..." Cutie Mark Crusaders agreed,.
"It's okay. I really want you all to have fun. This is how I spend every Nightmare Night. Please go. I'll be fine." Fluttershy insisted as she opened the door.
Twilight Sparkle and her friends sighed in shame as they walked and leave Fluttershy's home at once. All they can do is prayed for her to be alright for Nightmare Night. Poor them...
At Apple Farm, Twilight Sparkle and her friends have arrived at the Apple Family Haunted Maze where the fun begins...
"Oh, yeah! I can't believe we're finally doin' this!" Spike cheered happily.
Lance smirked, "Let's see what they have in store for us."
Just before Twilight and her friends could enter, Granny Smith lowered her hood down as she revealed scared and weird horse's face-like. They screamed in shock. They then laughed happily as they entered the maze.
As they walked across the hallway of maze, they could hear some screaming and laughter. Lots of ponies enjoyed the Haunted Maze very much. Twilight and her friends came across some scary obstacles such as mummified Big McIntosh, white bones-like sticks and glowing eyeballs in the dark cave. They all exited the cave. It was fun and great.
SNAP! Applejack yelped in concern of what she just heard. Everyone turned and looked at her.
"Hey, sis. What's wrong?" Apple Bloom asked in concern.
Applejack sighed calmly, "It's... It's nothing. Maybe just my imagination. Let's keep on walking."
"Then, what's that?!" Spike exclaimed in concern as he pointed up.
Everyone looked up as they found a giant shadowy bat-like on the glowing moon. It the flew straight down at once. It then landed on the ground hard. It revealed a familiar creature in front of them. It then screeched wildly.
"No..." Shadow Dragon said in concern.
"It's Batcreep!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed in shock. Everyone looked at her. She shrugged, "You know? Terrorcreep became Batcreep. It's kinda sound fun."
"Forget fun! RUN!" Rarity exclaimed in fear.
Twilight Sparkle and her friends quickly run at once while Terrorcreep or Batcreep charged and chased after them. And each time they make the turn, they got blocked and stopped by Batcreep. They continued ran as fast as they can.
Rarity got tripped by her fin as she fell to the ground hard. Sweetie Belle and Spike turned and helped her up. As Batcreep came close to them, they screamed in fear and worry.
A sudden tapping and running around the maze alerted Batcreep to turn. He snarled. He looked up and found some floating moaning wildly above him. He screeched wildly as he tried to swung his claws at them off. Missed, they dodged the attacks while moaning at him. Rarity, Sweetie Belle and Spike quickly escaped when Batcreep got distracted by ghosts.
"Fluttershy had a point with the layers on the dress." Rarity remarked.
As Twilight and her friends continued run as fast as they can, they got blown by heavy wind. They then got tripped and fell into the hole hard. They all moaned and groaned painfully as they slowly got up together. They looked up as they found the hole sealed by something...
Twilight Sparkle lighted her horn up as she checked on everyone if they were okay or not. They answered by nodding that they're alright.
"Dad, why didn't you beat Terrorcreep up?" Lance asked in concern, "That could solve the problem."
Shadow Dragon sighed, "I can't. He's not himself because he's in Nightmare Transcendent. But what I don't understand is how did he escaped his cage."
"And I don't think he's smart enough to trick the guards to free him," Shiroi said in concern.
Shadow Dragon shook his head, "No... I don't think he did. In his Mutated Bat Form, he's nothing but a wild animal."
"So, all we can do is wait until dawn for him return to normal," Nyx asked in concern. Shadow Dragon nodded in confirmation, made her groaned, "Just great..."
"Forget that!" Twilight Sparkle said in concern as she turned to Applejack, "Which way are we supposed to go now?!"
"Uh, I don't know! I don't know what's goin' on!" Applejack said in concern. Everyone but Apple Bloom looked at her in concern and scared. She continued, "Alright, I got to admit I didn't know about any of this especially Batcreep. Something ain't right."
"Do you think it's Granny Smith and Big Mac behind this?" Sweetie Belle asked in concern.
Scootaloo gulped, "If it is, I think I should take a break from their crazy frightful night."
"I don't think so," Apple Bloom said in concern. Everyone looked at her. She gulped, "I heard Granny Smith's voice up there. I don't know why we're down here! This is really scarin' me now!"
Hearing what Apple Bloom had said, Cutie Mark Crusaders and even herself chattering their teeth in fear. Everyone looked in concern as well.
"What's next?" Spike asked in concern.
THUMP! Everyone yelped in concern as they looked up and found the hole they came in has been unsealed. But just before they could do anything, Batcreep landed on the ground. He screeched wildly at them.
"That's not good!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed in concern, "We're gonna get our blood drained!"
Nyx gasped, "Not just that! Another monster!"
Everyone looked at the behind of Batcreep as they found a humanoid fish monster-like entered the scene. He growled and roared wildly like ready to rumble. Batcreep got the attention as he turned and screeched at the monster.
"I don't think I want to know that!" Shiroi exclaimed in concern.
Rainbow Dash screamed, "RUUUUUUUUUN!"
As both Batcreep and Fish Monster charged in, they both battled each other fiercely and wildly. Twilight Sparkle and all of her friends quickly turn and make run of it while screaming in fear!
As they keep on running, they slammed straight into something sticky! They found themselves stuck on giant spider's web! They all screamed and shouted in fear about it. How will they escaped now?!
Suddenly, more growling and roaring noise sounded. Twilight Sparkle and her friends looked up and found both fish monster and Batcreep were still fighting with each other fierce and wild. Twilight Sparkle quickly used her teleportation spell on her and her friends. They escaped from spider's web while both monsters got tangled and stuck on the web. Twilight Sparkle and her friends made their escape now.
Upon arriving at the end of cave, they exited the entrance. But instead at the Haunted Maze, they're on the hill's edge above the maze. How did they get here?!
SCREECH! Twilight Sparkle and her friends turned and found Batcreep standing before them. He licked his mouth like ready to feast on his enemies. But just before they could do anything, everyone heard the maniacal laugh. They looked on the hill's small tree. A strange female figure was upside down, tangling on the tree branch. She dropped to the ground. She hissed wildly while revealing herself to be a Vampire Pony.
And just before anyone could do anything, she charged and attacked Batcreep. Both swung their hooves at each other fiercely and wildly on each other's face. As Batcreep jumped on the Vampire Pony, she landed on her back. She then held and bounced him off before landed on the ground. She snarled while growling at him, making him whimpered in fear. She sighed in relief before turned to others. She was in shock and pain. Everyone hugged each other as they whimpered in fear and worry. They were all scared.
"Oh, my!" Vampire Pony said in shock and shame. She moved away from Batcreep as she emerged from the shadow before the ponies. She revealed that she's in Vampire Pony costume. She continued, "I'm so, so sorry. Can you ever forgive me?"
"Fluttershy?" Everyone asked in shock.
"It was you the whole time?!" Shiroi asked in disbelief.
"I can't believe it!" Twilight Sparkle said in shock and surprise. She gulped before smiled, "That... was..."
"THE BEST THING EVER!" Cutie Mark Crusaders and Pinkie Pie cheered wildly and happily.
Rainbow Dash chuckled in amusement, "It was way more terrifying than the most terrifying thing I could have thought of!"
"You out-nightmared the scariest part of the corn maze!" Applejack remarked in amazement.
"How did you do all this?! Did you free Terrorcreep?" Shadow Dragon asked in surprise.
"That was Terrorcreep?" Fluttershy asked in shock as she turned and looked at the unconscious Batcreep or Terrorcreep. She gulped, "Oh, my! What have I done?!"
"It's not your fault, Fluttershy. I told everyone to keep the secret because we don't want you get heartbroken by his appearance and prison," Shadow Dragon admitted his fault. It made him realized, "How did he escaped his prison?"
"After you left, I realized that I wasn't ready to give up on Nightmare Night. So I decide that I could try to make the maze even scarier for my friends at Haunted Maze," Fluttershy explained. She sighed in shame.
"We were on our way to Haunted Maze. Then, we saw the cage from Everfree Forest. We thought the soldiers were torturing that poor creature, and they refused to free him. So, I gave them some beating. But what I didn't know it's wild and dangerous. It attacked me. But my little critters helped and drove him off. It then headed straight to-!"
"Haunted Maze!" Cutie Mark Crusaders exclaimed in unison.
"You were all danger because of me. So, I quickly make a plan to save you by scaring him off." Fluttershy said in shame. She smiled while looking at her animal friends, who were sitting on Dragoking's head emerged from the ground,
"Angel was the scary figure that kept scurrying after him in the maze. Birdies were the ghosts to distract him. Dragoking is the one who blew the wind and block the exit with a rock, so Terrorcreep won't attack you. Fuzzy Legs made the sticky wall that made it difficult for him to see and move. And, of course, Harry was the especially scary monster."
Angel the Bunny, Birdies, Fuzzy Legs the Spider and Harry the Bear nodded in agreement about the event. Dragoking chuckled as he too agreed that he joined the fun, which annoyed Shadow Dragon a lot. His pet sure have funny way to scare him and his friends.
"I'm so sorry for this mess," Fluttershy said in shame while approaching Batcreep, "Now I have to tend his wounds now."
Twilight Sparkle shook her head, "Fluttershy, you don't have to apologize about this. You didn't know about it. But wow! That was inspired!"
Everyone cheered and commented happily of how great her Nightmare Night tricks works, even though she unintentionally freed Batcreep from his prison. Flutetrshy smiled a bit but frowned as she turned and looked at Batcreep before others. She sighed.
"We could celebrate Nightmare Night together every year. But the truth is I really don't want to." Fluttershy admitted as she removed her costume. Everyone was in confuse and concern about it. She continued, "I've also realized something. You all may love Nightmare Night and I may be good at being a part of it, but it's no fun for me to see my friends feel like they're in danger, even if I know they're not. I really don't like it. It's just not my cup of tea."
Pinkie Pie and Cutie Mark Crusaders giggled and made spooky sound, "Spoooooooooky tea?"
"No. Just regular tea. We do lots of fun things together, but I'm afraid this just isn't gonna be one of them." Fluttershy said in shame. She then smiled, "Actually, I'm not afraid. I'm perfectly fine with it."
Instead of upset and disappointment, Twilight Sparkle and her friends smiled. They know Fluttershy. They decide not to make or force her to join Nightmare Night, even though she's no longer afraid of it anymore...
"Then we are, too." Twilight Sparkle smiled.
Fluttershy sniffled happily as she galloped towards her friends and even animals. She gave them a hug as they hugged her back. Terrorcreep or Batcreep joined as well, instead of his angry looks...
Fluttershy sighed happily, "I don't know why I doubted myself for a second. Now this is what I call a perfect Nightmare Night."
Fluttershy was having her tea party with all of her animal friends at her cottage. And even Terrorcreep or Batcreep joined as well. He was more civilized and calmer than before as he enjoyed drinking his cup of tea. He smiled and meowed happily as he nuzzled her face. Fluttershy giggled as she patted Batcreep's head...
In Human Realm during Nightmare Night or Halloween, Sunset Shimmer was dressing up as the Black Spider-Girl. She and her two friends are going to Flash Sentry's Halloween Party. She heard something ringing. She turned and picked the book. She looked at it. She then awed happily.
"Well, what do you know?" Sunset Shimmer said in amusement, "They're gonna love this one especially Optimus Prime. They've gotta see this!"
"Sunset! Hurry up! We're gonna be late!" Wheelie called from downstairs, "I don't wanna miss some bathing pool!"
Sunset Shimmer giggled as she put her Communicator Book in her bag, "Coming!"
Sunset Shimmer met up with both Wheelie and Brains at ground level. Both of them got into her bag while complaining of why she's taking so long. She replied that she got special message from Twilight Sparkle and Nyx to show... END
Review and Suggest...
Main Casts:
Andrea Libman: Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie
Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle
Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon
Ashleigh Ball: Applejack, Rainbow Dash
Tabitha St. Germain: Rarity, Granny Smith
Cathy Weseluck: Spike
Michelle Creber: Apple Bloom
Claire Corlette: Sweetie Belle
Madeleine Peters: Scootaloo
Kira Tozer: Nyx
Jesse McCartney: Lance Justicestrike
Hayden Panettiere: Shiroi Bai
Minor Casts:
Dee Bradley Baker: Dragoking
Frank Welker: Terrorcreep/Batcreep
Cameo:
Peter New: Big McIntosh
Benjamin Diskin: Boomer
Rob Paulsen: Rob
Vin Diesel: Grunt
Rebecca Shoichet: Sunset Shimmer
Tom Kenny: Wheelie |
My Little Pony Mystic Season 1 | Episode 22: Mind Your Tempt | Twilight Sparkle and her family emerged out from Castle of Friendship. Twilight Sparkle took a deep breathe before walked down the stairs. Lance, Spike and Nyx looked boring and annoying. She must have done something wrong to them or rather something bored them to death.
"Worst long weekend ever..." Lance complained. He grunted upon looking at the sun, "Damn the sun. It's blinding my eyes."
Nyx nudged Lance's chest hard, "Quit your complaining. So it's been a little while since we've seen the sun."
"A little while?" Spike asked in annoyance before grumbled, "We've been in that library for three straight days! All just for 'book-sort-cation'."
"Yes, but they were three very productive days!" Twilight Sparkle admitted while smiling to her children, "It's not like we missed anything."
"What the heck is that?!" Lance asked in shock.
Twilight Sparkle and her children looked up and found two spiral-like twisters. They're heading straight to the Sparkle Family. The family quickly ducked down at once as the twisters passed them while crashed to the ground hard.
As Twilight Sparkle and her children slowly getting up, they turned to their back to find out of what crashed to the ground. Rainbow Dash and Discord were standing still and looking at them.
"Hello, Twilight! Hi, Spike!" Rainbow Dash and Discord greeted happily.
"Hi, Rainbow Dash. Good to see you, Discord." Twilight Sparkle greeted uneasily, "Did you rehearse before you found us?"
"What makes you think we practiced?"
"Come on, Rainbow Dash. What's going on here?"
Rainbow Dash snickered and laughed happily, "Sorry. Me and Discord are just messin' around. Like we do."
"Since when?" Nyx asked in surprise.
"Oh, Twilight. We simply had a momentous time together these past three days. You could say it was..." Discord commented as he transformed into a snake, "...'hiss-terical'!"
Both Rainbow Dash and Discord laughed in amusement and happily. It makes Twilight and her family very uncomfortable and concern.
"I don't get it," Lance asked in concern.
Nyx shrugged, "Me neither."
"Kind of an inside joke from this weekend. You wouldn't really get it unless you were there." Rainbow Dash explained in amusement. Twilight and her family were still uncomfortable about it. She sighed happily,"Well, uh, catch you later, Twilight!"
Discord laughed in amusement, "Catch you later, Twilight."
As Rainbow Dash flew off, Discord started running very hard that could dug the dirt out of ground before he disappeared before everyone's eyes.
"What was that?" Lance asked in concern.
Twilight Sparkle nodded, "That was strange, right? Since when have Rainbow Dash and Discord had inside jokes?"
"Since sometime in the last three days, I guess." Spike remarked in annoyance.
Nyx nudged Spike's chest, "Hey! Nopony made you join me and mummy on her book-sort-cation."
"I'm jokin', I'm jokin'!" Spike corrected.
Lance hummed, "So, what's next?"
"Let's check on Rarity. Let's see what she's up to," Twilight Sparkle suggested, "And hopefully, we can find out of what your father has been up to for last three days especially today. He never mind-linked with me or even send me a scroll. He's up to something. I can feel it."
Lance, Nyx and Spike remained silent as they were all worried for Twilight Sparkle. They haven't seen Shadow Dragon or Dragoking for three days since they began their 'book-sort-cation'.
At the small squared building, ponies were cheering wildly and happily as they were watching the fighting arena. They were betting on two best fighters in arena. Nezha Vengito was among them. He hasn't been seen for nearly a year since the end of Third Mystic War. Dragoking was outside of the building as he was watching the arena.
Shadow Dragon was battling with Martial Artist Unicorn. The latter fought fiercely at the former by punching and kicking for few times but only missed and blocked by him. The Martial Artist gave Shadow Dragon a hard punch on chest, making the latter pushed back very hard.
Shadow Dragon grunted, "Come on! Is that all you've got?!"
Martial Artist groaned as he charged and attacked Shadow Dragon with everything he has. As Martial Artist continued attacking, he slowly getting tired and exhausted. Shadow Dragon gave Martial Artist punches thrice before kicked him off hard. Ponies went wild as they threw the bits at Shadow Dragon as he won the arena.
Shadow Dragon was outside as he was putting some bags of money on Dragoking's back. Nezha Vengito approached him.
Shadow Dragon glared at Nezha, "What are you doing here?
"I could ask you the same thing," Nezha asked in amusement. Shadow Dragon remained silent. He continued, "You haven't lost your fighting spirits, even though you said you're done with it. You wanted more. You want to keep fighting. After all, you're the warrior."
"Shut up."
"Deny all you want, but you're still a warrior from your heart. That's what you always will be."
"Shut up!"
"Fine... But what will your girlfriend say when she sees this? You know she won't be please about it," Nezha commented in amusement. Shadow Dragon narrowed his angry eyes while remained silent. Nezha smirked as he turned and walked away, "Good luck with your life, my old rival..."
As Shadow Dragon remained and anger at Nezha, Dragoking growled in concern as he lowered his head close to his master. Shadow Dragon turned and patted Hydragoon's head gently. He wondered if he should continued or not...
As Rarity was busy in making dresses on manikins, Twilight and her family entered Carousal Boutique. Its door bell attracted Rarity to turn and check on front door.
Rarity gasped, "Twilight! You've returned from your book sorting sabbatical! All that organizing has done wonders for your complexion!"
"Thanks! It was very relaxing." Twilight Sparkle thanked happily, "And we were able to clear a shelf for those old-fashioned books you wanted to donate."
Rarity scoffed as she levitated the ball to Twilight Sparkle, "They're not old, darling. They're vintage, and they're over there! I've even included my favorites by former Canterlot designer to the stars Rococo Froufrou!"
"Twilight! This makes twice I'm seeing you in one day! Aren't I lucky?"
Twilight and her family yelped in surprise as they turned to their back. They found Discord is with Fluttershy. Wasn't he with Rainbow Dash?
"Hi, Twilight! Hi, Spike! Hi, Lance! Hi, Nyxie! How was your book-sort-cation?" Fluttershy asked.
"It was good!" Nyx answered happily.
Fluttershy giggled, "Orange you glad you did it?"
Suddenly; she, Rarity and even Discord laughed in amusement together. It made Twilight and her children very uncomfortable. Usually, Mane Five never actually have a great time with Discord except for Fluttershy.
"Orange you glad! Oh, Fluttershy, you're a card!" Rarity laughed happily.
"You do seem to be turning a shade of..." Discord commented but gasped, "orange!"
Fluttershy got turned into an orange. Three of them laughed in amusement and happily. Discord peeled the pedicel out as the orange peeled out while Fluttershy emerged from it. Twilight and her family were still confused and uncomfortable about it.
"I don't get it," Lance asked in confusion.
Spike shrugged, "Me neither."
Rarity smiled, "Oh, sorry, darling. You see, we were at Sweet Apple Acres and, uh, ooh, how to explain..."
"Well, let me try and paint her a picture, dearest." Discord interrupted as he transformed into the form of Bob Ross with art block and painting tools. He was painting Sweet Apple Acres, "You see, we were all at Sweet Apple Acres, and I ended up turning the trees into the most--"
Discord returned to his normal self, "Oh, who am I kidding? I simply can't do it justice. You really had to be there."
"We would've invited you to come along too, but we didn't want to interrupt your organizing. We know how important it is to you." Fluttershy added.
"And I'm sure it was much more important than the fun that we had." Discord laughed in amusement.
"I appreciate that..." Twilight Sparkle said uneasily, "Speaking of books, I should get these on the shelves."
Fluttershy and Rarity laughed happily as they were watching Discord juggling the turning from apples to oranges. Twilight and her children felt uneasy and concern about this.
Shadow Dragon and Dragoking were walking across the Ponyville while looked around in making sure he wasn't spotted by Twilight Sparkle or any of her friends.
"That was tough fight for three days," Shadow Dragon remarked in annoyance. He rubbed on his cheek gently. He hissed painfully, "Well, it better be worth it. I darn hate doing nothing."
Dragoking growled in concern at Shadow Dragon. The hero hummed in concern as he knew what his pet was wondering. He had a bad feeling that Twilight Sparkle won't be happy.
Suddenly, they heard someone talking. Shadow Dragon used his Summon Stone to put Dragoking back in, avoiding the bags of money to be seen or heard. They headed off and checked on whose voice belonged to. They spotted Twilight Sparkle and the children were chatting while walking across the street.
Twilight Sparkle hummed suspiciously, "Rainbow Dash bonding with Discord, Rarity finding something he did genuinely funny..."
"Must've been some weekend." Shadow Dragon joined in. Twilight Sparkle and her children noticed him. He smiled, "Hey there."
"Where have you been for the weekend?"
"Visiting my friends and family. Nothing much."
"So, I heard. Something's off with my friends. They'd never been supportive with Discord."
"Somepony sorry she missed it?"
Twilight Sparkle huffed, "Very funny. Of course not."
"Look whatever it is, I'm sure you have nothing to shame that you're jealous. Just tell me." Shadow Dragon insisted. Twilight Sparkle remained silent and quiet for the moment. Her children looked concern about her. He sighed, "Come on, Twilight. Tell us, so we can help you."
Just before Twilight Sparkle could explain, they heard the loud laughter. It came from Sugarcube Corner!
Twilight Sparkle and her family went into Sugarcube Corner to find out of what's really going on. They found Applejack and Pinkie Pie were laughing hysterically and wildly. And at the same time, Discord was at counter, eating his cupcakes.
"What the heck?" Lance asked in shock.
Nyx nodded, "I know. This is getting weirder. Something's off."
"Not to mention, he's everywhere today, isn't he?" Twilight Sparkle asked in concern.
"What is Discord up to?" Shadow Dragon asked suspiciously.
"We had just finished our soup, and then Applejack said," Discord said in amusement. His head turned into Applejack's head as he imitated her, "Peanut butter hoof? Yuck, not even with jelly!"
Applejack and Pinkie Pie then laughed in amusement and hysterically.
"I don't get it," Shadow Dragon said in concern.
Pinkie Pie laughed, "It was hilarious! I wish we'd taken a picture for you!"
"Oh, well, this should do!"
Discord jumped to the center. He was wearing the peanut butter bottle as his shoes. He then began danced happily while tapping the bottles at each other. Applejack and Pinkie Pie laughed in amusement and happily. Twilight Sparkle and her family were still uncomfortable and confused.
"I still don't get it," Shadow Dragon said in concern.
"Well, seems this has become quite the..." Discord said in amusement as he tried to take the bottles out. But instead, it poured the peanut butter out. He then laughed, "sticky situation!"
Applejack and Pinkie joined the laughter as well. Discord took the bottles out.
Applejack turned and looked at Twilight Sparkle, "Aw, shucks, Twilight. We haven't even asked how your weekend went."
Twilight Sparkle sighed, "It was fine!"
"And yet you look so glum. Does somepony need a huggy-wuggy?" Discord taunted in amusement,
"I am not glum. I'm glad!" Twilight Sparkle insisted, "I'm glad you all had such a good time together. Having inside jokes can really create a lasting bond between friends."
"I'm just sorry that all this bonding happened while you were holed up in your castle."
Applejack smiled as she patted Discord, "Heh. Oh, don't you worry about Twilight. Bet you were in hog heaven organizin' all them books. Again."
"I'm sure I had just as much fun as the rest of you." Twilight Sparkle smiled in amusement.
At the Castle of Friendship's Meeting Chamber...
"I can't believe I missed out on all that bonding!" Twilight Sparkle complained as she was sitting on her chair.
Spike was chewing his rubies, "I knew it! You are jealous!"
Nyx nodded, "He does have the point about it."
"I'm the Princess of Friendship. I don't get jealous." Twilight Sparkle protested calmly, "I'm sorry I missed out because sharing that experience would've helped me with my Princess of Friendship duties!"
"Come again," Shadow Dragon asked.
"If our friends could enjoy three full days with Discord that much, it must have something to do with the specific things they did together!" Twilight Sparkle said thoughtfully, "If we could find out what those things were, it could be a real breakthrough in the science of friendship!"
"You're not planning something silly again, aren't you?" Spike asked in concern.
"She is," Nyx hissed.
Twilight Sparkle squealed happily, "This is gonna be so much fun!"
"Sure, it is," Lance remarked sarcastically.
"I can't join with you," Shadow Dragon said. Everyone looked at him. He gulped nervously, "I've got something else to do. I'll see you later. And Twilight, please don't do something stupid."
"Me? Please! I know what I'm doing," Twilight Sparkle said while rolling her eyes.
Shadow Dragon sighed, "That's what worries me."
On the next day, Twilight Sparkle gathered both family and friends at the park. She planned to recreate the event that Mane Five and Discord had enjoy for three days.
"Thank you for coming. I wouldn't have asked you here if it wasn't important." Twilight Sparkle said calmly, "I want to know how these funny moments you shared came to pass. I can use this data to help advance friendships all over Equestria."
"Well, I like the sound of that!" Applejack smiled of approval.
Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash and Rarity chatted and nodded in agreement.
"Perfect. Let's start with the snake." Twilight Sparkle instructed.
"It started when we were helping Granny Smith with her garden..." Discord began his story, "And then Rainbow Dash saw a snake!"
"I think it was a garden hose." Fluttershy insisted.
Rainbow Dash smirked, "It was a hose snake. Super deadly."
"I recall it bein' a large stick that looked like a hose that," Applejack added, "in turn, did in fact resemble a snake."
"Point is, we galloped away." Pinkie Pie exclaimed wildly and happily, "And it chased after us!
Lance gave his raised left-eyebrow, "Say what?"
"Is this some kind of joke?" Nyx asked in concern.
"We literally trotted for our lives. Isn't that hilarious?" Discord laughed happily, "I guess you had to be there."
"I do need to be there." Twilight Sparkle smiled. Pinkie Pie and Discord dressed as Marty McFly and Dr. Emmett Brown while posing in traveling back to time. She groaned, "Absolutely not! Time travel is not something to be messed with. We simply need to recreate everything that led to these jokes."
Discord smirked, "Oh, what a brilliant idea! Shall we begin with the lunch date that kicked off the glorious weekend you missed out on?"
Twilight Sparkle nodded in agreement. Discord and Mane Five led and guided Twilight Sparkle and her children to their beginning of inner jokes. Unknown to any of them, someone was spying on them, hiding behind the bushes.
"Time Travel? Hmm..." Mysterious Voice asked in amusement, "Could this be what Amon has been talking about? If it is, I can't wait to use it."
At the Fighting Arena...
Shadow Dragon grunted as he was beaten to the ground. He looked up and found stronger and bulkier than Bulk Biceps. He roared in anger as he stomped his hooves on Shadow Dragon, who rolled away and away from the strong armed stallion. As Shadow Dragon got up, he quickly jumped on the pole. As strong arm stallion charged straight at the Mystic General, the former jumped over and gave the latter a body slam to the ground hard. Shadow Dragon took the wrestler up and thrown him to the wrestling arena's ropes. As the wrestler got bounced back, Shadow Dragon gave the former a hard arm slam to the ground.
The crowds went wild again as they threw both bits and flowers at Shadow Dragon. Shadow Dragon held his right hoof up proudly.
Shadow Dragon was settling the bags of money on Dragoking's back. He was counting on the Equestria Bits. Nezha Vengito approached him again.
"I know you're hotheaded and spirited fighter, but-" Nezha chuckled a bit, "I'd never thought you'd be so greedy as the Cruez."
Shadow Dragon groaned, "Shut up. I have my own reason."
"Really? Struggled to fit in your new peaceful life? Secretly fighting with the martial artists and wrestlers at arena? Earning bits for yourself? What else reason you do have?"
"Like I said, I have my own reason."
Nezha scoffed, "Whatever. One day, you might get into a big fight, Shadow Dragon. And if that happens, what will your girlfriend say about this?"
Shadow Dragon stopped at once as he gave into his thoughts about what he should do with Twilight Sparkle and others if they learned about his involvement with fighting especially earning the bits. He sighed in defeat and calmly.
"That won't happen," Shadow Dragon said firmly, "Nothing will..."
Nezha smirked, "Let's hope so. Good luck for tomorrow night's fight. You're gonna need it. "
Nezha Vengito disappeared through the puff of smoke. Shadow Dragon remained silent for the moment while Dragoking growled in anger and annoyance. They both hated Nezha Vengito a lot but hated to admit it that he could be right about keeping secrets from Twilight Sparkle and her friends. One day, they might get into troubles sooner than later.
Twilight Sparkle and her friends were at the restaurant. They were sitting down on the red cloth table. Twilight Sparkle was writing down on her notes to find out of how and what makes Mane Five and Discord weekend so much interesting.
"Remember, One change to the equation could ruin the experiment," Twilight Sparkle said, "Alright, so you sat down at the table, and then what happened?"
Lance hummed, "She's really specific on her work, doesn't she?"
Nyx shrugged, "Well, that's her, alright. She loved everything to be exact and perfect but no mistakes. Hopefully, we don't go through the my mummy's panic wild mode again when she turned everyone into crazy loving ponies over Mr. Smartypants. It was very crazy."
"What?" Lance asked in surprise.
Spike chuckled in amusement, "It's a long and funny story."
Twilight sighed, "Can we get on it?"
"Certainly," Discord said in amusement.
Mane Five and Discord explained about what really happen last three days about their bonded weekend day, though they make several changes such as red tablecloth, cloud in ice-cream shaped, and even the soup at the right temperature until they reached to the part where Discord got his feet stuck on peanut butter bottles for dancing happily. Mane Five laughed happily for it while Twilight and her family were still confused and uncomfortable about it.
"No? Nothing?" Discord asked in surprise.
"Are you sure there's not something you've missed?" Twilight Sparkle asked uneasily.
"Well, I don't know about the rest of you, but I feel we've been pretty exhaustive in our attempts to recreate every single detail of our previous encounter." Discord commented in tired manner.
Mane Five chatted and nodded in agreement.
Lance sighed, "I think it's best we forget about this. It's not really that important."
"He's right. And I'm tired too," Nyx yawned.
"But it is really important that I figure this out. It's for the good of all Equestria!" Twilight Sparkle insisted.
"Well, there is one last variable that we haven't accounted for." Discord said in concern before looking at Twilight Sparkle, "You!"
"Me?"
"You weren't there observing us. No matter how hard we try, we can't possibly recreate our weekend of fun exactly as it happened because you'll always be watching, and you weren't there."
Everyone sans Twilight Sparkle hummed in concern and thoughtfully of what Discord had said. He could be right. It was Twilight Sparkle's fault for not being there and even want to recreate the occurred event perfectly when everyone is done with it.
Discord added, "It has only served to prove that moments of levity and bonding between friends simply cannot be recreated so that others might share in the experience."
Lance hummed in concern, "Discord makes the point, I guess. If we wanna be there, we just have to be there before miss it."
"Yeah. Spend too much time on library," Spike remarked. Nyx gave him a glare. He yelped, "Just kidding! Just kidding!"
Nyx sighed, "I guess mummy's friends just enjoy their time with Discord. We just missed it."
"Oh, don't worry, darling. I'm sure there'll be plenty of other chances for you to share in the kind of-" Rarity giggled happily, "-frivolity we had with Discord while you were away."
"Yeah, and I'll bet they'll be just as hissssss-terical!" Rainbow Dash laughed happily.
Everyone laughed happily as they began walked away and returned to home. Discord gave a sly smirk as he walked pass Twilight Sparkle and her children. Applejack noticed his smirk. She turned to Twilight Sparkle who was looking down in sad. The cowgirl felt that she should comfort the princess since they're both close friends and sister-figures as well.
At Castle of Friendship on night time...
Twilight Sparkle was trotting around the library as she was thinking about Discord and Mane Five being friends. Lance, Spike and even Nyx were sleeping now. Shadow Dragon got into the chamber where he spotted his girlfriend was still thinking. He knew one thing - Twilight Sparkle refused to believe or even denying that she's jealous.
"Twilight? Are you alright?" Shadow Dragon asked.
"I'm not buying it. Not for a second. There is definitely something else going on here!" Twilight Sparkle muttered, "Even if I'm not able to laugh at what happened, I should be able to figure out why they find it funny. Why they think they had this amazing and hilarious time together. But I can't figure it out! It doesn't make sense!"
"Some things just can't be explained."
"Not to me. Our friends think something great happened to them while I was away, but no. It was something awful!"
"Twilight, I don't think that's really spell the reason."
"Spell?" Twilight Sparkle asked in realization She gasped, "If we don't break the spell they're under, who knows what terrible things could happen?!"
"Twilight, you're being ridiculous! Discord never used the spell on your friends. If he did, I would have sensed it."
"Maybe, you didn't. But I know it is! And I'm gonna prove it!"
"You want proof? Here it is! You're jealous of them for having fun without you! All this is just to cover your stupid denial to prove that you're always right!"
"No, I'm not! I just want to look after my friends!" Twilight Sparkle protested. Shadow Dragon huffed. She hummed suspiciously while glaring at him, "Then, what about you? What you've been up to after past five days? I don't supposed that you have something more interesting?"
"What are you talking about?" Shadow Dragon asked fearfully.
"Don't try to lie me. I sent message to your dad and other friends. They told me that you didn't visit them! And not to mention; I heard rumors that there was the champion won every fighting arena. You wouldn't be involved of it, didn't you?"
"What? me? Don't be ridiculous!"
"Just admit, mister, you like fighting than just peaceful life. That's why you get into fighting arena - all for the fight."
"No! That's not true!"
"Yeah, right. You may think about loving me and some peace and quiet but you were missing those glory days as the hero, didn't you?"
"Get over yourself, Twilight! You're the one who talk. Couldn't admit that you're jealous of your friends' hangout with Discord."
"Hey, I'm just being honest to myself and especially to you! You enjoy fighting and money than me!"
"You're crazy!" Shadow Dragon shouted.
Twilight Sparkle shouted back, "You're a liar!"
Shadow Dragon and Twilight Sparkle gave each other a glare for the moment. Shadow Dragon was the first to walk away, followed by Twilight Sparkle. He headed to his room while she headed out to find Zecora. Applejack noticed it as she sighed in concern about it. She had the bad feeling about this...
At Zecora's Hut...
"Zecora, what do you think? Can you undo Discord's magic?" Twilight Sparkle asked.
"In what way can you tell that they are indeed under a spell?" Zecora asked curiously as she was working on her
"They're having fun with Discord, that's why!"
"Ah. A friendship with Discord is truly a shock. But who says it is something that we must block?"
"Trust me, they would never laugh like that unless something magical was involved. It's not that funny. I know funny."
Zecora sighed as she passed the bottle of potion to Twilight Sparkle, "Alright. This potion will break the spell, then you will be able to tell."
Twilight Sparkle smiled in relief and happy. As she was about to turn, she found Applejack standing on the entrance.
"Applejack, what are you doing here?" Twilight Sparkle asked, "Aren't you at home for resting and sleeping?"
Applejack sighed, "Twilight, I saw everything. And believe in me, what we did before is real and not spell. Discord really is our friend."
"Are you sure? Coz I still think Discord is behind it."
"Twilight, look at my eyes," Applejack said calmly. Twilight Sparkle looked at her gentle and calm eyes. She continued, "What do you see, Twi? Did you see I was under a spell? Did you see I would lie to my best friend after everything she has done for me and my home? Did you see me just to ignore helping you? Did you see me for not being honest?"
Twilight Sparkle looked closely at Applejack's eyes while thinking carefully. Her cowgirl friend shown to be firm, calm, caring and even honesty.
"No, you wouldn't," Twilight Sparkle said in defeat. She sighed, "You were right, Applejack. And I was wrong. I'm so sorry."
"It's okay, sugarcube. It's okay."
"I wasn't there. I missed out. And seeing you having all these jokes I wasn't a part of and couldn't understand made me..."
"Jealous?"
"No. The Princess of Friendship can't get jealous."
"Sure you can, Twilight, and none of me or our friends begrudge you for it. I'm sorry if me and girls made you feel left out."
"You didn't do anything wrong. You're allowed to share things that don't include me."
"And you're allowed to feel a little jealous about it. You just have to be able to admit it and not try to make us recreate everything that happened when you weren't around."
Twilight Sparkle giggled in amusement, "I guess you're right. So, we should head back and tell the girls how I feel."
Applejack smiled, "Ya, we better. We actually want you be there but Discord suggested not to. Next time, we bring you along."
"Wait? What?" Twilight Sparkle asked in shock. Applejack turned to her. She continued, "You want me to be there? Discord convinced you and others not to?"
"Well, yeah. He said not to disturb you because you were busy with your weekend. So, I don't see..." Applejack stopped as she realized what and why Twilight Sparkle was in shock. She remarked in anger, "Why that no good snake!"
Twilight hissed, "I know. I can't believe it either."
Zecora approached as she took the bottle away from Twilight Sparkle. She smiled a bit.
"If the joke is on you done by him, why not bring joke on him back? There's an old saying to return a favor to him - payback." Zecora said in amusement.
Twilight Sparkle and Applejack thought for the moment. They both realized of what Zecorad had said. They both turned and looked at each other. They both smiled. They're gonna like this plan.
In the early morning...
Shadow Dragon and Dragoking were walking across Ponyville Street. They have arrived at the fighting arena. Dragoking growled in concern while Shadow Dragon patted his pet gently.
"One last fight," Shadow Dragon said calmly, "Then, it'll be over."
Dragoking waited outside while howling proudly, Shadow Dragon entered the arena where everyone were cheering wildly and happily. He continued walking down the red carpet as he headed straight to the ring. He then spotted a familiar rival standing before him.
"So, you're my last opponent?" Shadow Dragon asked in shock.
Nezha smirked, "Yes. I've been waiting for a long time. It's time to find out why come back to fight during peaceful time."
"I'm not gonna tell you anything."
"I'll have to force you the hard way."
DING! Both Shadow Dragon and Nezha charged into the battle as they both fought very hard. The crowds went wild. The final showdown begins!
In the early morning at Castle of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle and Applejack called all of their friends and even children at the meeting chamber. They explained to theirs about what Discord did for the last six days. Mane Six and even three Sparkle Children nodded in agreement as they decide to trick him.
"Hi, Twilight! The gang mentioned we'd all be hanging out together today!" The familiar voice called. Everyone turned to meeting chamber's entrance. Twilight Sparkle gave Discord a glare. He continued while dancing in his peanut-butter bottles, "Yeah! The peanut-butter-hoof gang!"
Everyone remained silent for the moment while glancing at him. Discord was surprise as he thought they would like his joke.
"Is there something you wanna tell us?" Twilight Sparkle asked. Discord was confused. She continued, "Like why didn't you invite me to hangout?"
Everyone glared at Discord.
Discord chuckled uneasily while turned his mouth upside down, "You knew? Well, I didn't think that they should interrupt you. But now I see that we should have. Oh, I feel just terrible."
"You don't look like you feel terrible." Pinkie Pie remarked.
"You didn't suggest not inviting Twilight because you wanted to make her feel left out, did you?" Applejack demanded.
"Of course not. That whole jealousy thing was just a happy accident."
Discord chuckled as he pained his greenish paint on the art block of gentle Twilight Sparkle into angry and mad jealousy mare.
"Certainly we can all agree that Princess Twilight learned a valuable lesson here - that even she can have feelings of jealousy, that she should recognize said feelings rather than trying to pretend that she doesn't have them."
Twilight Sparkle and her friends gave Discord an annoying glare.
"Mm-hmm. Did I get the tiniest bit of glee out of watching her try to recreate our weekend of fun in the name of science? Oh, most definitely! But what's important here is that it was never my intent to make Twilight feel jealous. That's something that the old me would have tried to do."
Discord took an orange out and asked, "Orange you glad I've changed?"
Everyone remained silent for the moment while looking at him. Discord was in shock and concern. Why aren't they laughing at him?
"Orange! Like the ones at the Applejack farm! I-I mean, from this weekend!" Discord asked as the oranges fell. Everyone remained silent for the moment. He then transformed into a snake, "No? Nothing? Really? I thought you'd find this hisss-terical!"
"...Yes, no. Discord, I think these jokes have run their course." Rarity said in not amusement.
"Only way we'd find them funny now is if you put us all under some kind of spell!" Pinkie Pie joked.
Twilight Sparkle giggled, "Come on, you'd have to be a complete crazy pony to think he'd do something like that! What are you gonna say next, Pinkie? That we all have to drink some weird potion to break the spell?"
Everyone the laughed in amusement. It made Discord shock and confused about the jokes they make.
"I-I-I don't get it. Somepony want to tell me what's so hilarious? Anypony? Hello?!" Discord demanded. Everyone ignored him. He continued demanding as he shrunk himself into small figure, "I'm talking to you! You! And-and you and you! W-W-What's funny about spells? I mean, really, I don't get it, I feel left out and I feel really bad about that..."
"Sorry, buddy. Guess you had to be there." Spike remarked in amusement.
Lance chuckled, "Yeah. This one is hisss-terical!"
Nyx giggled happily, "Sounds familiar, Discord?"
Discord moaned in upset and disappointment as he looked down. An orange appeared before him. He grabbed it before looked up. He found Twilight Sparkle standing before him. She's actually forgiving him.
Discord magically appeared in his normal size as he hugged all the ponies. They all laughed happily and hysterically about the joke and fun they had. They were relief of it.
"Now, that's done. There's someone I owe to apologize," Twilight Sparkle said calmly.
Everyone turned and glared at her. What did she do this time?
Twilight and her friends arrived at the fighting arena where they saw the crowds went wild for the fight. Dragoking was outside watching the event since he's too big to fit in. They even found Shadow Dragon and Nezha Vengito fought each other fiercely and determinedly.
Nezha gave a swift kick on Shadow Dragon, who dodged down while rolling to the front. Nezha turned and gave a thrust punch on Shadow Dragon, who quickly gave the kick on the Ultimate Mystic Warrior's face hard. They both fell to the ground hard. They both got up at once before charged at once. Both swung and struck punches and even giving a swipe kick at each other while blocking and dodging them for few times. They then launched at each other's faces very hard before they got pushed aside very hard. Both charged again but got clashed as they held each other's hooves.
"I see you haven't lose your touch," Nezha remarked in amusement, "It could have make me bore to death. It will be glory for me to taste of your defeat."
Shadow Dragon groaned, "Too bad. I'm not here for glory!"
Nezha and Shadow Dragon charged at once as they both punched and kicked at each other fiercely. As they were about to make another punch, Shadow Dragon dodged down before gave Nezha an uppercut before kicked his chest off hard. Nezha grunted as he dropped to the ground. Shadow Dragon charged in as he rammed his rival hard to the ground. Nezha moaned and groaned painfully.
The crowds went wild as they all threw all the bits and flowers at Shadow Dragon. He breathed heavily as he waved at them.
Nezha scoffed as he slowly get up, "So, you've won? What will you do next for your reason?"
"I have my own reason," Shadow Dragon answered as he collected the bits from the manager. He walked all the way up to the stairs. He found Twilight Sparkle and her friends standing before him. He sighed, "Finally got over your silly pride."
Twilight Sparkle nodded, "Yeah, I did. And I'm sorry too. You were right about me. I was nearly doing something stupid. I was lucky to have someone be there for me. Applejack deserved it."
Shadow Dragon nodded in understanding, "Yeah. And I'm sorry too for the argument and hiding the secrets that I'm bored with peaceful life. I'm a warrior who lived to fight."
"I know. But why do you need the money for?" Twilight Sparkle asked.
Shadow Dragon smiled, "Oh, you're gonna love this one."
Twilight and her friends were filled with surprise, shock yet amaze. Nezha Vengito worn the disgust and disappointed looks before he disappeared through the black smoke. Shadow Dragon was passing some bags of money to a few orphanages. Dragoking played with the fillies and colts playfully and happily. The managers and caretakers thanked him happily for charity and donation.
Shadow Dragon returned to the group, who remained silent for the moment. He smirked, "What do you think?"
Twilight Sparkle smiled, "It's great. But seriously, fighting arena to earn the bits?"
"Hey, I'm the warrior. I lived for the fighting, even though I enjoy peace."
"I guess I can't argue with that. But please, no more lying again?"
"No more lying. Promised," Shadow Dragon nodded.
Twilight Sparkle and Shadow Dragon hugged happily and passionately. Everyone awed happily as they were glad to see the couples are back together again.
END...
Review and Suggest...
Main Casts:
Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle
Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon
John de Lancie: Discord
Minor Casts:
Jesse McCartney: Lance Justicestrike
Kira Tozer: Nyx
Cathy Weseluck: Spike
Ashleigh Ball: Applejack, Rainbow Dash
Andrea Libman: Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie
Tabitha St Germain: Rarity
Sean Schemmel: Nezha Vengito
Brenda Circhlow: Zecora
Cameo:
Kelly Sheridan: ??? |
My Little Pony Mystic Season 1 | Episode 23: The Nature War | Fluttershy was flying straight to Castle of Friendship while her Cutie Mark glowed brightly. This means one thing...
Just before she could enter the castle, Twilight Sparkle opened the door at once. She looked very exciting and happy. Twilight Sparkle quickly grabbed Fluttershy and teleported to the hallway at once. The princess giggled happily.
"Isn't this exciting?!" Twilight Sparkle asked happily as she shown her Cutie Mark glowing.
"Oh! You were called, too! Thank goodness. I feel so much better going with a friend." Fluttershy commented.
"I was about to come and get you, but then I got distracted." Twilight explained happily as she and Fluttershy entered the meeting chamber. The area is filled with tons of books and information. She giggled happily. "Ever since the map called us, I've been doing a ton of research."
"Ever since the map called us? But that happened five minutes ago." Fluttershy asked in surprise.
The familiar voice grunted, "Yeah... Trust me on this, Fluttershy. She's always want to prepare for this."
Fluttershy turned to her left as she found both Rarity and Rainbow Dash emerged from the tons of books. They both looked mess up. They approached their friend.
"Rainbow Dash? Rarity? You were both summoned as well?" Fluttershy asked in surprise and shock.
Rainbow Dash grunted, "Yeah. We were at Twilight's home to talk about some charity event next week. And the next, the map call us."
"Let us not forget that, Twilight started do tons of research for some possible friendship problem," Rarity added in amusement.
Twilight Sparkle giggled, "I wanna be one hundred percent prepared! I mean, I'm the Princess of Friendship. How would it look if I couldn't solve a friendship problem?"
"I'm so lucky I'm being sent with you." Fluttershy smiled in relief as she approached to the Cutie Map. She asked, "So, where are we all going?"
Twilight Sparkle smiled as she looked at her Cutie Mark and Fluttershy's at Smokey Mountain while Rainbow Dash's and Rarity's at the Land of Ma's southeastern area - Chinese Palace and towns on large land and small islands along with large pond-like and some rivers.
"Fluttershy's and mine are at the Smokey Mountains! Rarity and Rainbow Dash will be at Land of Ma's Southern Region - Water Tiger Kingdom."
"Oh, I've never been there before." Fluttershy remarked as she looked at Smokey Mountains.
Twilight Sparkle smiled as she shown the book about location to Fluttershy, "Neither have I. And there isn't a lot of information on them. All I could find was this. The Smokey Mountains harbor the most beautiful valley in all of Equestria between its two majestic mountain peaks."
"That's gorgeous. And where there's nature, there's a ton of animal friends!"
"I can't wait to get started! I'm a little nervous since that's all I could find. I usually like to be a bit more prepared."
"You seem pretty prepared to me."
Rainbow Dash groaned, "Hey, egghead. What about Water Tiger Kingdom? What's awesome about that? Better hope it's not historical stuffs again."
"Well, this place looked very majestic and beautiful. And not to mention, it has lots of water," Rarity remarked amazement as she looked at Water Tiger Kingdom.
Twilight Sparkle turned to Water Tiger Kingdom location, "The last and third kingdom for Land of Ma - Water Tiger Kingdom. These warriors are the experts on using both fire attacks and military navy especially training and working together with the sea creatures. And believe in me, these guys are not to mess with. They won't let anyone take their home without the fight."
Rainbow Dash whistled, "Wow. I so not want to get on their bad sides."
"Indeed. If I'm not mistaken, this is where Aquastroke and Shorty Thinking lived," Rarity asked in amusement.
Twilight Sparkle nodded, "Yes, they are. Since we're done discussion, we'd better get going. What do ya think our friendship problem's gonna be?"
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes in annoyance, "Oh give me break..."
Fluttershy smiled, "I'm sure we'll find out when we get there."
Rarity nodded, "Fluttershy's right. Let's get there and find out. Hopefully, Seekcurse doesn't cause another chaos again like two previous kingdoms..."
Through the use of air balloon, Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy flying straight to the Smokey Mountains. They landed on the forest area near to two large mountains. They then flew straight to the area while the Princess of Friendship carried the heavy bags of books.
"Twilight, do you really need to bring the books?" Fluttershy asked.
Twilight Sparkle blushed in embarrassment, "Sorry I've been a little skiddly-bopty-boo. But I just want to be prepared for the problem. I can't believe this is finally happening!"
Before any of them could do anything, a pumpkin fly passed both of them, which shock and scared them. Both Fluttershy and Twilight Sparkle looked down as they found it wasn't the same Smokey Mountains from the book they read and saw.
A plain short hill that has Oak Trees is filled with a broken and ruined farm and its vegetable field while a tall mountain with alder trees replaced by a strong wooden fortress-like. Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy noticed the pumpkins continued shooting from the farm straight to the fortress for multiple times.
"What in Equestria is happening?" Twilight Sparkle asked in concern.
Fluttershy hissed fearfully, "It's nothing like your book said it would be!"
"Oh, boy. I'm feeling very unprepared." Twilight Sparkle said fearfully, "Where do we even start?"
Fluttershy looked at the farm where the pumpkins came from, "Maybe by figuring out where the flying pumpkins are coming from?"
As Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy flew straight to the farm area, they spotted an old mare with funky long mane and tail as well as hvaing goofy teeth dressed in her old her vest with orange scarf ordering her family manned and fired the canon of pumpkins at the fortress. The pair quickly landed on the ground while approaching the elder.
Twilight Sparkle cleared her throat, "Um, hi. Hello. Excuse us, but what are you doing?"
"We're pumpkinin' our neighbors!" The Mare Elder answered.
"Yes, but, um, why are you... 'pumpkining' your neighbors?" Fluttershy asked in concern.
"Well, because the McColts are just plain rotten." The Mare Elder answered rudely before realized something, "Hey, wait a tick. Who are you two?! You're not spies for the McColts, are ya? Are ya sure you're not with that stupid bat pony or ugly mare?"
Twilight Sparkle shook her head, "I am Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship. And I am here to solve your friendship problem."
Fluttershy smiled, "I'm Fluttershy."
The Mare Elder bowed, "Ma Hooffield. Pleased to meet ya, but you're wastin' your time. We don't have a friendship problem. We have... a McColt problem. And there's absolutely no friendship there."
Twilight Sparkle hummed, "Well, maybe there could be if we figure out what the McColts did to make you so mad."
"Oh, they done so many things." Ma Hooffield explained unhappily, "Why, just today, they shot pebbles at our farmhouse an' wrecked it. See, we're not very good at buildin', so all it took was a little pebble. But still!"
As Twilight Sparkle hummed in concern, she looked through her Friendship Experienced Book. Fluttershy spotted the pumpkin house was placed inside the canon. She even saw the mice in it. She quickly grabbed it before the Hooffield Family Member manning the canon. She placed near to the bush for the little ones' safety.
"I know what to do." Twilight Sparkle said happily, "We're gonna talk with these McColts and hear their side of the story. Once we have all the facts, we can put an end to this using reason and rationale."
Fluttershy smiled, "Good plan. Could you please call off the pumpkining?"
Ma Hooffield groaned in annoyance. And just before she could gave the order, the Hooffields screamed in fear. She turned and found more canons blown up. With them destroyed, a familiar figure wearing a hat and black coat emerged from it along with other two. Ma Hooffield gasped in shock.
"You?!"
Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy gasped in surprise, "Terrorcreep, Mrs Heart and Mighty Heart?! What are you doing here?"
"Funny, we could ask you the same thing," Terrorcreep asked in amusement.
"We're here to solve the Friendship Problem," Fluttershy answered, "And you?"
Terrorcreep sighed as he glanced at both Ma Hooffield and Mama Hearts glaring at each other. Mighty Heart was calming his mother and neighborhood mother down from fighting.
"Mama's issues."
"Mother, please," Mighty Heart said in concern, "Let's forget about this and enjoy our camping."
"Hush! This mare has gone too far!" Mama Heart exclaimed in anger.
Ma Hooffield huffed in annoyance, "Not my fault because somepony don't know the meaning of 'stay out of my property'! This is war, not your picnic!"
"IT'S CAMPING, Stupid Pony!" Mama Heart exclaimed in anger. She turned to Twilight Sparkle, "Twilight, do something with this garbage mare! She ruined my Mother-Son's camping trip! Today was very special for me and my son!"
Twilight Sparkle sighed, "What happen?"
Terrorcreep shrugged, "I was just doing my job. Mama Heart asked me to deal with these crazy ponies before they cause some problems."
"Smokey Mountain was a perfect place for me and my son to spend some quality time. We've been doing this every year on early Spring. It was supposed to be peaceful," Mama Heart said calmly before turned glared at Ma Hooffield, "Until this garbage mare and her family ruined everything especially destroying this place! Every year!"
"You're at wrong place and wrong time! Your fault, ugly mare!" Ma Hooffield exclaimed in anger, "Now get out of my property!"
Just before the mothers could do any damage, Mighty Heart came in-between the mares, "Stop! Everypony, please! I'm sure Princess Twilight Sparkle can fix this."
Twilight Sparkle nodded, "Sorry, Mama Heart. I'm sure Hooffield didn't mean to cause some problems because of misunderstanding with McColts. We'll get to the bottom of this. And please, Ma Hooffield, don't pick a fight with Mama Heart. She and her son are just having camping trip. I promised."
Mama Heart and Ma Hooffield huffed in annoyance while looking away.
Mighty Heart bowed, "Thank you, Twilight. And please hurry, I don't know how much long can this go on."
Fluttershy patted Mighty Heart, "We will."
Terrorcreep sighed, "I'd better go with you. You're gonna need some bodyguard. From what I heard, McColts don't play nice."
Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy shrugged as they flew off to McColts' Fortress, along with Terrorcreep joining them.
As Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy and Terrorcreep arrived at McColts' Fortress; Terrorcreep rammed and destroyed the main gate, causing the family members armed their canons. Terrorcreep whistled as his pet Naughty the Vampire Bat and his friends charged and attacked McColts from manning the canon. He then armed with his twin axes, ready to attack.
"Terrorcreep! We're not here to fight. We're here to talk," Fluttershy exclaimed in anger, "What were you thinking?"
"I was trying to look after you." Terrorcreep explained.
"I know but you're scaring these ponies, they think we're the enemies. They won't let us talk now."
"Because their leader was talking with Shadow Dragon and his family."
Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy gasped in surprise and shock. They looked up as they found Shadow Dragon and Tao talking with the dwarf Earth Stallion Pony with navy mustached and bearded worn a tall gray hat and a blue overall pants.
"Please, Mr. Big Daddy McColts, can't you stop for one day?" Shadow Dragon asked in concern, "My family really need this camping trip. It's very important."
Tao whacked Shadow Dragon's head, "Son, you're wasting breathe on somepony who is extremely stupid and no respect of pony's property!"
"Now you listen here, you no good old wizard," Big Daddy McColts exclaimed in anger, "I ain't gonna stop fighting until the Hooffields are gone! And this here is McColts' Property, not yours or anypony! Now get out!"
Tao groaned while summoning his flying cards, "You wanna piece of Tao?!"
"Father, please! You're making things worse!" Shadow Dragon said in concern, "We can go other place for camp."
"Shadow Dragon?"
Shadow Dragon and his father turned to the entrance, along with Big Daddy McColts. They found Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy and Terrorcreep standing on the entrance route.
"Twilight? What are you doing here?" Shadow Dragon asked in surprise.
"Solving Friendship Problem. And speak on Mama Heart's behalf," Twilight Sparkle answered calmly, "And you?"
Shadow Dragon sighed while shaking his head as he was looking at both Tao and Big Daddy McColts glaring at each other.
"We were spending some camping trip until this happen. Now I'm solving my father's problem with Big Daddy McColts. My family were here for camping trip. I was hoping Lance and Nyx were here together but they've got friends to hangout."
Tao gave a whack on Big Daddy McColt's head, "This stupid pony has no respect on Tao's camping trip. He ruined it every year's early Spring! Tao hates it! Tao wants give him some piece!"
"Well, whoop-dee-do! We don't get a lot of visitors because we're in the middle of a giant feud with our..." Big Daddy McColt explained angrily before glared at Hooffield's home, "Terrible neighbors!"
Shadow Dragon sighed, "See? This is big problem to deal with."
"Well, actually, that's why we're here - to solve your problem with the Hooffields." Twilight Sparkle smiled, "To help McColts become friends again."
"Twilight, you're wasting your breathe!" Tao exclaimed in annoyance whole giving a glare at Big Daddy McColt, "This barbarian give excuses about not doing anything wrong to Hooffield especially about their home, transports and foods got messed up!"
Big Daddy McColt groaned, "Well, it's true, you ol' no good billy goat! A whole week's worth of food rollin' down the mountain. Us McColts are mighty fine builders, but we don't know the first thing about farmin'."
"Likely story, McHenYuChun (Very Stupid)!"
"I'm telling ya the truth! We have to travel a ways away to buy our food. Now, we'll be stuck eatin' the pumpkins the Hooffields launched at us. But it'll get old!"
"That is why you're stupid!"
"Why I oughtta-!"
Shadow Dragon came and stopped both Tao and Big Daddy McColts from fighting while Twilight Sparkle looked through her book. The McColt Family Members were eating some rotten and bad shaped pumpkins. A squirrel wanted to eat but scared to do it. Luckily, Fluttershy gave the food to it.
Twilight Sparkle hummed as she read the book, "Have you tried meeting at a neutral location, talking about your problems, and really listening to each other?"
"What?! No!" Big Daddy McColt answered angrily, "They'd sooner launch their dinners at us than listen to us."
Tao huffed angrily, "Well, if somepony hadn't cause the trouble in the first place..."
"Well, they'll listen to me. I'm an impartial third party." Twilight Sparkle said calmly as she flew into the middle. She magically enhanced her voice into loudspeaker, "Attention, Hooffields and McColts! I'm not on anypony's side, but I can see you're both wasting time and resources on being mean to each other. Ponies are supposed to help each other and be kind. So let's stop this senseless fighting!"
Twilight Sparkle returned to the group as she gave her confident smile to them. Shadow Dragon, Terrorcreep and Tao looked doubtful and concern about it.
"Twilight, these ponies never listen. They rather rely on hooves than ears," Shadow Dragon said in concern.
"Oh, yeah. They should be in peace any minute now..." Twilight Sparkle said calmly. A tomato hit on her head, making everone yelped in concern. She yelped, "Or not."
Tao screamed, "Aiiiieeeeeyaaaaahhhh! Dragon Hope! Flying tomatoes!"
Everyone looked up as they found more tomatoes flying straight to their area. They all quickly take cover from the attacks. Twilight Sparkle and her trusted friends hid within the cabin at once.
"So much for potential friendship solution number twenty-eight." Shadow Dragon remarked in concern.
Fluttershy hummed as she looked at Hooffield's Farm, "I guess we should find out why the Hooffields are launching tomatoes now."
"We should split up while using Mind Link for contact," Terrorcreep said calmly, "And that way, it would be easy for us to communicate and learn more of what's going on."
Shadow Dragon nodded, "Alright. You and Fluttershy go back to Hooffield and stop those idiots. We'll standby with McColts. And father, don't screw it up."
"Huh? Why and how on Equestria could I screw if I don't have a screwdriver," Tao asked in annoyance. Shadow Dragon groaned in annoyance, making him yelped in realization, "Oh. Expression. Sorry."
Twilight Sparkle sighed, "Let's do it now."
At Hooffield's Farm, Ma Hooffield ordered her family to 'tomater sligshot' at McColts' Fortress while Mama Heart and Mighty Heart were in shock.
"What are you doing?!" Mama Heart demanded in anger, "Did you not listen?! She stopped this senseless fighting!"
Mighty Heart nodded, "Please stop! You're wasting time and resource for no reason!"
"Oh, is that what she was hollerin' about? We thought the McColts rubbed her the wrong way. So we tomatered them for her. My mistake." Ma Hooffield said sheepishly yet calmly. Mama Heart and Mighty Heart groaned in annoyance. Ma Hooffield turned to her family, "Stop the tomater slingshots!"
Hooffield Family stopped the attack. Fluttershy and Terrorcreep arrived at the farmland.
"What happen?" Fluttershy asked, "Why would Hooffields attacked McColts?"
Mama Heart huffed angrily, "The Hooffields are stupid. They still want to pick a fight!"
"My mother meant they heard wrongly," Mighty Heart corrected his mother's insult into better one. He sighed, "At least, it's over."
Terrorcreep gasped, "No, it's not! Take cover!"
Fluttershy's team looked up as they found hay bales flying and shooting straight at Hooffield Family's side. Fluttershy's team quickly hid behind the bushes. The hay bales hit on Hooffields.
Ma Hooffield groaned in anger, "Reload the tomater slingshots! We're gonna paint their mountaintop red!"
Ma Hooffield and her family loaded their tomater slingshots and fired back at their enemies. Terrorcreep's team used Mind-Link in contacting and chatting with Shadow Dragon's team about Hooffield-McColts situation.
Within the limbo or mind realm, both sides of team gathered for chat but unfortunately...
"You?!" Mama Heart and Tao asked in shock, "What are you doing here?! What am I doing here?! I was camping with my son but that idiot ruined my holiday! Really?!"
Tao whistled, "I'm shock..."
"Yeah. Who knew?" Mama Heart said in surprise, "We do have some in common."
Terrorcreep sighed, "What the hell was that? I thought McColts won't attack when Hooffields stopped theirs!"
"Unfortunately, McColts retaliated," Shadow Dragon explained, "Honestly, these ponies won't listen to reason but to fight."
"We have to do something," Mighty Heart said in concern, "The last thing is my mummy get into a fight with sensei."
Shadow Dragon nodded, "Yeah. Both can be easily tempered."
"HEY!" Mama Heart and Tao exclaimed in annoyance.
"Either way, we need to deal with this situation now," Terrorcreep said in concern.
Fluttershy sighed, "We need to think of another one. And soon. This fight is really affecting the animals around here."
Mighty Heart nodded, "And it's destroying the nature as well."
Shadow Dragon turned to Twilight Sparkle, "Twilight, I hope you have some plan to deal with it."
"Not to worry. I'll just, uh..." Twilight Sparkle said uneasily as she looked her book, "...find the root of the problem and work from there."
Everyone hummed in concern of what Twilight Sparkle had said. They prayed that they can find the answer about Hooffield-McColt Feud now.
Fluttershy's Team (Herself, Terrorcreep, Mama Heart and Mighty Heart) talked with Ma Hooffield about the problem while Twilight Sparkle's Team (Herself, Shadow Dragon and Tao) questioned Big Daddy McColts about it. Unfortunately, the answer they were looking for is much more complicated than they realized...
Both team regrouped at the central zone as they have discussion about the information and details they have gotten from Hooffields and McColts. It does not make the team well.
"So the only thing they have in common is that they both want to win a fight, and neither of them know what it's over." Twilight Sparkle said in concern, "How can I end this feud if I don't know what it's about?"
Shadow Dragon turned to Tao, Mama Heart and Mighty Heart as he asked, "Do you know what really happen before? I was banished for a long time."
Tao shook his head, "No. Ever since you got exiled, I stopped coming for Smokey Mountains camping until you returned, Dragon Hope."
"My son and I just moved to the middle for camping every year's Spring," Mama Heart explained firmly, "And unfortunately, their ancestors were there and start fighting for no good reason. In every place of Smokey Mountains we find to camp, we get attacked!"
Mighty Heart sighed, "We asked their ancestors stop fighting but they instead continued their feud. It's impossible to stop them."
"Not even me can scare them off," Terrorcreep said in concern.
"Ooh! Maybe somepony just needs to say they're sorry." Fluttershy suggested.
Twilight Sparkle gasped, "That's a good idea. And friendship solution number forty-eight. But we can move it up."
The rest of their friends gave in thought while looked at each other. They nodded in agreement with Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy about the plan. It's better than nothing...
Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, Mama Heart and Mighty Heart talked with Hooffields about their 'apology plan' while Shadow Dragon, Terrorcreep and Tao did the same thing with McColts.
For the moment later, Twilight Sparkle's team managed convinced Ma Hooffield to apologize to McColts. The Hooffields even brought the large giant carrot cake-like. They're all heading straight to McColts' Fortress.
"I'm so glad you agreed to do this. This apology cake will go a long way to making amends between you two." Twilight Sparkle said in relief.
Ma Hooffield rolled her eyes while muttered, "Yeah, yeah. All of it."
Mama Heart groaned, "I've got the bad feeling about it."
As Twilight's team reached their destination, Shadow Dragon's team brought the McColts out for discussion with Ma Hooffield.
"Well?" Big Daddy McColt demanded in annoyance.
Ma Hooffield sighed in annoyance as she explained, "I've come to apologize to ya, McColt. I even brought an apology cake here too. Consider it a gesture of goodwill from us to you."
"Think of this as more than just a cake. It's the first step in the long road to forgiveness." Twilight Sparkle added.
Fluttershy nodded, "Nothing says 'let's be friends' like a cake that says, 'Let's be friends'!"
McColts awed in amazement and happy upon looking at the cake. Twilight Sparkle and her friends smiled happily as their plan is coming into fruition. And just before any of them could do anything, the top of cake got splashed as three Hooffields emerged from it.
"What the?!" Mama Heart exclaimed in shock.
Tao gasped, "Aiiiieeeeyaaaahhhhh!"
Ma Hooffield screamed, "FOR GLORY!"
And just before Hooffields could do anything, Big Daddy McColt charged and rammed the cake on Ma Hooffield to the ground. He then blew his trumpet out loud. He turned to his family members.
"McColts! Assume Delta Force formation!"
McColts gathered and formed the triangle formation, forcing Ma Hooffields and her three family members to run away. McColts gave chase after their enemy. While Hooffields arrived at the central zone, Ma Hooffield gave the signal to others in firing the foods at McColts. McColts responded the attacks by using the doors as shield from the attack.
With both Hooffields and McColts at central zone, both family began a big fight with each other. Twilight and her friends arrived before Ma Hooffield.
"Ma Hooffield! How could you?!" Twilight Sparkle demanded.
"Wait. Were you serious about apologizin'?" Ma Hooffield asked in shock. And just before Twilight's team could respond, She pushed them aside while shouted angrily, "Why in Equestria would we do that? We didn't do anythin' wrong!"
Big Daddy McColt groaned in anger, "What're you talkin' about?! You done so many things wrong!"
"Not as many as you!" Ma Hooffield shouted back.
Both Ma Hooffield and Big Daddy McColt attacked at each other fiercely and violently while their own family members joined in as well.
Seeing how both Hooffields and McColts reacted to each other, Twilight Sparkle walked away before sitting down on the road track. Her team followed and checked on her.
"Um, Twilight? We should probably get back there." Fluttershy said in concern, "I mean, if you need a break, that's fine, but I really can't do this without you."
Twilight Sparkle sighed, "I don't know if we can do this at all. Even if I make things right, they're just gonna fight again."
"So, that's it? Give up?" Shadow Dragon asked in shock. He groaned before make her look at him, "You can't just give up!"
"But what can we do?! You, Tao and even Mama Heart were right. They won't listen to reason. It's pointless."
"Maybe. But that doesn't it's over. We're missing something - something that make the family to fight each other. There's gotta be somepony or something who seen it and knows about it."
Mama Heart huffed, "Easy to say than done. Nopony has ever been to this place than the Hooffields and McColts. I sincerely doubt these ponies bother to help us."
Tao nodded, "This Dragon Lady is correct! It's a waste of time to talk with these ponies. We need someone who lived here for a very long time."
"Oh, you poor things!" Fluttershy said in concern as she saw how hungry the animals are. She commented in concern, "There isn't enough food here for you!"
Mighty Heart passed some cookies to the animals while feelings the latter, "They're freezing too! Due to this mess, there weren't much shelters for them to use."
"I don't get it. This was supposed to be the most beautiful valley in all of Equestria." Twilight Sparkle said in concern while looking at Smokey Mountains, "What happened?"
Terrorcreep hummed, "I suspect those idiots are responsible for this since all they could think is fighting. They don't even care for anything else."
"Make sense," Shadow Dragon agreed as he armed with his Darkness Blade, "Enough is enough!"
Just before any of ponies could respond, a squirrel whispered to Fluttershy. It make her shock to inform others about it. They have the same reaction as well. They know what they have to do.
As both Hooffields and McColts continued battling for a long moment, they stopped as they heard some stomping and growling noise. They turned to the back as they found a giant Hydragoon roared angrily and fiercely. They all screamed in fear as they quickly returned home at once. Hooffields were stopped by Terrorcreep, Fluttershy, Mama Heart and Mighty Heart. McColts were halted by Twilight Sparkle, Shadow Dragon and Tao.
"What are you crazy?! We've gotta run!" Ma Hooffield and Big Daddy McColt exclaimed in shock.
Shadow Dragon smirked as he turned to Hydragoon, "Nice work, Dragoking. That should stop the fight."
Both Hooffields and McColts were in shock yet anger and upset as they were about to argue. Dragoking roared in anger. Terrorcreep and Shadow Dragon armed with their weapons while Tao, Mama Heart and Mighty Heart armed in Martial Art Position to attack. Twilight Sparkle armed with her magical Unicorn Burst to fire.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you," Terrorcreep said in amusement.
Both Hooffields and McColts stand down at once as they knew that they do not want to mess with the wrong ponies. Fluttershy flew to the middle as she began her explanation.
"Before you keep fighting, there is something you should know!"
Backstory...
"Long ago, there were two best friends - Grub Hooffield and Piles McColt. When they found the valley between the Smokey Mountains, they knew it was something special. So they made a promise to each other to protect and preserve the valley for all its adorable furry inhabitants."
During the old days, the funky farmer Grub Hooffield and the firm gentle builder Piles McColts arrived at Smokey Mountains. They were all amazed and happy to see it especially its inhabitant animals and nature. They smiled happily as they all agreed to do one thing - protect and preserve the nature.
"But they disagreed on how to go about it. Grub wanted to start by planting crops so that everypony would have something to eat. But Piles thought it would be better to start by building a shelter to protect them against the cold and wind. The two ponies were unable to come to an understanding, so Piles went ahead and built a shelter anyway, exactly where Grub was gonna start his farm! Grub was upset, so he tore down Piles' shelter so he could plant his crops!"
Grub Hooffield desired of farming and making foods for animals while Piles McColts wanted to build a shelter for them as well. When Piles McColts began building a shelter. Grub Hooffield spotted it - exactly same place he wanted to plant his plants. Grub Hooffield kicked very hard on the unfinished shelter down, making Piles McColts upset and angry.
"They kept fighting back and forth, until it turned into a feud!"
Both Grub Hooffield and Piles McColts argued with each other as they began to take their own territory to stay and build their own work. Grub Hooffield took eastern hill while Piles McColts occupied western hill. But each time they were minding and working on their own work, they sabotaged and attacked each other's tools and works.
Both Hooffield and McColts battled with each other fiercely while moving to the top of mountains as the years have passed by. Their simple disagreement slowly become a feud and competition to be winner on Smokey Mountains.
"The valley suffered from the constant destruction, until finally the Hooffields and McColts moved to separate mountains. Even then, the valley and all the animals in it continued to be caught in the crossfire."
Backstory ends...
"You see? By fighting, you're destroying the very thing that brought you here in the first place! So it's time you both put your differences aside and come together!" Fluttershy said angrily, "If not for yourselves, then for the sake of these cute and cuddly guys!"
Fluttershy's friends nodded in agreement about the mess Hooffields and McColts have make. Both family looked shame, upset and disappointed about the mess they had made on their home, the inhabitant animals and nature of Smokey Mountains especially Ma Hooffield and Big Daddy McColt.
"Aw, shucks, we never meant to hurt you little critters." Big Daddy McColt said shamefully.
Ma Hooffield nodded, "Yeah, we're sorry!"
The animals chittered happily while nodded in agreement. Fluttershy smiled in relief as she understood about it.
Fluttershy smiled happily, "They say they accept your apology."
Dragoking growled angrily. Shadow Dragon lowered his hoof down gently gesturing 'to stand down'. As Hydragoon moved away, both Ma Hooffield and Big Daddy McColt approached to the river for discussion and truce.
"Ma Hooffield? We promise we won't fight you no more." Big Daddy McColt suggested.
Ma Hooffield nodded, "Us too, except we promise not to fight you. I suppose it doesn't matter who's right. We're both wrong."
"That's one thing we can agree on." Big Daddy McColt smiled.
Big Daddy McColt and Ma Hooffield spitted out on their hooves while shook them. The animals and even their own family members cheered wildly and happily.
Twilight Sparkle teleported to the center, "This is wonderful! I am so proud of you two!"
"Aw, thanks, princess." Ma Hooffield bowed before she bragged arrogantly, "Though I would just like to point out that I was the, uh, first to admit I was wrong."
Big Daddy McColt huffed in anger, "That may be, but I promised not to fight first. That counts for more!"
"Oh, yeah?!" Ma Hooffield demanded in annoyance.
And just before Ma Hooffield and Big Daddy McColt could argue more, they both got their heads whacked. They turned to their back as they found Mama Heart and Tao wielding their handbag and stick like ready to strike. Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, Shadow Dragon, Terrorcreep and Mighty Heart, and even the animals gave the angry glares and noise at them both.
Ma Hooffield and Big Daddy McColt gulped in concern and worry as they know the ponies' and animals' angry looks and noise.
Ma Hooffield sighed, "Oh, all right. We don't have to speak animal to know what y'all are sayin'. Truce?"
"Truce," Big Daddy McColt nodded.
Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy and their friends smiled in approval. They were glad both Hooffields and McColts finally put their difference aside and worked together to rebuild not only the forest and nature but also each other's farmyard and shelter.
The Smokey Mountains restored to its true self, and even built the water fountain with Grub Hooffields and Piles McColts to honor their wish and dreams, as well as the reminder of their mistakes about destroying the nature.
"Woo-hoo! Ain't that a pretty sight?" Big Daddy McColt exclaimed happily.
"Sure is!" Ma Hooffield nodded as she turned to Twilight Sparkle, "The McColts are gonna help us rebuild our homes! Good ones this time."
"And the Hooffields are gonna help us grow some crops!"
"Thanks for teachin' us that friendship is so much better than winnin' a silly argument."
Mama Heart huffed, "Hopefully, you two don't start some stupid fight and ruin my camping trip! I'm looking forward for next year's Spring."
"Or mine," Tao added happily, "And this time, the whole family of mine and Twilight's are coming too for next year. Tao look forward for this."
"Promised!" Ma Hooffield and Big Daddy McColt exclaimed proudly.
Ma Hooffield and Big Daddy McColt turned and have their own picnic with their own family. They were having some great time.
And just before anyone could do, Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy looked at their Cutie Marks as they found theirs glowed and rang loudly. Everyone knew one thing - mission accomplished.
"Yay! I told you we'd figure it out." Fluttershy said happily.
Twilight Sparkle nodded, "We did, and we didn't need my friendship portfolio to do it. We just needed each other."
Shadow Dragon sighed, "Well, that we're done with this mess. We can proceed our camping. And no fighting, you two. We're here to relax."
Tao and Mama Heart huffed in annoyance, "Tattletales."
"Sounds good enough," Mighty Heart agreed.
Terrorcreep smiled, "Yeah. It's far away from my home especially the sun will be killing me. So, it's best I stay low until night or tomorrow."
"Hey, may we join in? It's gonna be long home from here," Twilight Sparkle asked.
Fluttershy nodded, "Yeah. Besides, I loved to see more about Smokey Mountains."
Shadow Dragon smiled, "Sure. Why not?"
Twilight Sparkle and her friends headed off to the hot air balloon's landing area where they were having their own camping after some crazy feud between two family. And now they enjoyed their day off...
END...
Review and Suggest...
Main Casts:
Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle
Andrea Libman: Fluttershy
Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon
Matthew Mercer: Terrorcreep
Minor Casts:
Ellen Kennedy: Ma Hooffield
Peter Kelamis: Big Daddy McColt
Sab Shimono: Mystic Tao
Amy Hill: Mama Heart
Noah Nelson: Mighty Heart
Cameo:
Tabitha St. Germain: Rarity
Ashleigh Ball: Rainbow Dash
Dee Bradley Baker: Dragoking |
My Little Pony Mystic Season 1 | Episode 23.5: The Spirit of Tiger's River | After the brief of Cutie Map's, both Rainbow Dash and Rarity took their leave from Castle of Friendship. They were all heading straight to the last and third of Three Kingdom at Land of Ma - Water Tiger Kingdom. And unlike using the train to travel, they used the boat to reach their destination with the help of boat driver. They were now at the narrowed in-between mountains.
Rainbow Dash groaned, "Remind me why we're using the boat? We could have use the train or fly faster of getting there."
"Well, based on what Twilight Sparkle's book-" Rarity read the book, "The Tiger of Wuhu River - When travelling to the Realm of Water Tiger Kingdom, you must travel through boat or ship to enter the realm. Flying or using the train to reach destination makes no exception."
"That's the dumbest thing I ever heard. And why would this kingdom do this?"
"Well, now, darling; don't look at me. I have no idea. But apparently, they're the naval expert on transport, sea animals and even military. And if I were you, Rainbow Dash; I would not both insulting and complaining to them. Like Twilight said, the Water Tiger Kingdom take it to their pride."
Rainbow Dash sighed, "Fine. So, how long are we getting there?"
"Won't be long, darling. We're almost-!" Rarity was interrupted as she gasped in surprise. She was looking at front direction, "-there?!"
Rainbow Dash was confused as she turned to the front. She gasped in shock as well. Both her and Rarity saw the Water Tiger Kingdom and its majestic water... or used to be. Rarity and Rainbow Dash found the large lake of the kingdom were at its very low rather than full portion like the water is sucking up.
As Rainbow Dash and Rarity were passing by, they saw the Water Tiger Battleships were disorganized and messed, and even the soldiers looked dried up, tired and exhausted, and even lazy. The fish and its other kin suffocated heavily like they were losing the air due to the lake is not deep or wide enough for them to live and go underneath for it.
"Deja Vu..." Rainbow Dash remarked in surprise, "And I thought Griffonstone is the worse place to go."
Rarity looked closely at the area while hummed in concern, "This is very strange. The lake is not very deep as the book said. I wonder what has happen here. And why are the soldiers being lazy?"
"I heard rumors. It is said that the mysterious sorcerer has cast the spell in draining the water away. He claimed that the Emperor of Water Tiger Kingdom must step down for him to rule or forever let ponies suffered and died of droughts," Boat Driver said mysteriously, "But the Emperor refused as he will find and hunt the sorcerer down to bring back the lake. It has been like this for nearly two weeks."
"Two weeks?! My gracious! They were able to survive it?" Rarity asked in concern.
Rainbow Dash was stunned and shock, "That was awesome. But who is this sor-sorce-whatever?!"
"Nopony knows. But legend speaks that this sorcerer knows and killed his older brother..." Boat Driver said calmly. Rarity and Rainbow Dash turned and looked at him as they were in shock and concern. He continued, "One who build the foundation of Water Tiger Kingdom at this very place - honoring both his deceased father and ancestor. Now, Emperor Courage Tiger is trying to protect and save it from his enemy all by himself."
Both Rainbow Dash and Rarity looked at each other in concern and shock about it. Boat driver chuckled in amusement.
"After all, it's just a story..."
Rainbow Dash snorted, "Yeah, if it does sound like one..."
"Indeed. And something tells me that this isn't just the water. It's more like Seekcurse's plot," Rarity said in concern.
"I don't even want to know. What the-?!"
"HUH?!"
Both Rainbow Dash and Rarity spotted the old light crimson Pegasus stallion with short white mane, mustache and beard in his tiger armor with cape. He moaned weakly yet dreadfully while looking dread. Both of them yelped as they shivered and quivered in fear and worry.
"Stop... Him... Stop... My son... My daughters... Save them... Save home..."
Rainbow Dash and Rarity screamed in fear. The boat driver yelped in concern as he quickly shook them up. they quivered and shivered in fear before they turned and looked at him.
"Are you alright? You seem like you saw a ghost?" Boat Driver asked in concern.
Both girls were surprise and concern as they turned and looked to the front. They found the mysterious ghost they saw is gone. What just happen?
As the boat arrived at the Tiger Harbor, Rarity and Rainbow Dash got off if while landed on the docks. They even paid to the boat driver while thanked generously and kindly. They then walked away. The boat driver smiled darkly and mysteriously like he's been expecting this.
Rarity and Rainbow Dash walking across the docks as they were reaching to harbor. They saw lots of ponies moaned and dehydrated heavily and painfully. The ponies of Water Tiger Kingdom didn't drink enough water, taking a bath or swimming, and not even taking the shelter from the sun. Both Rarity and Rainbow Dash felt sorry for them a lot as they wished that there was another way to help and save the kingdom.
"Poor them," Rarity said in concern and pitifully, "I wouldn't want to imagine of what happen to our home if we ever lose water."
Rainbow Dash nodded, "Yeah. But do you know what cause this? Think Princess Celestia's sun cause this mess?"
"I doubt of it. Princess Celestia knows that well. And in fact, the Emperor would have informed her about this. But I have the feeling that we will get the answer sooner or later."
"Yeah. I'll bet of that."
Rarity and Rainbow Dash have arrived at the harbor. They both yelped in concern as they spotted a Pegasus stallion with brown goatee, brown short mane in bun with crown and short tail in his earlier 30's worn while worn the crimson and golden armor standing before them. He moaned and grunted dreadfully.
"Save my brother... Save my sisters... Save home... Save Family..."
Rarity and Rainbow Dash squealed fearfully as they hugged each other tightly while quivered in fear. For the moment later, someone patted them. They looked up as they found a group of ponies surrounded them. The ponies looked concern and worry for them. Like before, they didn't see the ghost because it's gone.
Either way, Rarity and Rainbow Dash headed off at once to the mainland's market. They spotted a familiar pony who is with two ponies - a light peachy Pegasus with a short brown mane and tail while her Cutie Mark was a Tiger Claw and Chakram and black scarred Earth Pony with torn and wounded wings worn the darker black with red highlights pattern and his Cutie Mark is Scar Symbol with Katana. Three ponies were helping civilians with some drinks for the latter to drink.
Rarity gasped, "Shorty Thinking!"
Shorty Thinking turned to the front. He gasped in surprise yet relieved as well. He trotted towards his allies.
"Rarity! Rainbow Dash! Am I glad to see you here. What are you doing here?" Shorty Thinking said in relief. Just before Rarity and Rainbow Dash could respond, he held his left hoof up, "Don't answer that. The Map called you here?"
"Yes," Rarity nodded, "And we know the problem now."
"And these ponies?" Rainbow Dash asked in annoyance. The scarred general gave a katana neared to her neck, making her yelp, "Hey! What's the big idea?!"
The scarred general growled, "Disrespectful to the princess."
"Easy, Scarblade. She didn't mean it unintentionally," Shorty Thinking said calmly. He turned to Rarity and Rainbow Dash as he introduced his friends, "As you know of scarred general - Scarblade, this is Princess Tigress - Princess of Water Tiger Kingdom and Wife of Emperor Virtue Dragon from Western Dragon Kingdom."
Tigress sighed before giving Shorty Thinking a nudge, "Knock it off, Shorty. I told you before not to call me that. I rather ponies especially my friends - old and new - call me my name. And I welcome you to my home, Rarity and Rainbow Dash."
Rarity and Rainbow Dash bowed humbly, "Thank you, your highness."
"Stop calling me that. Come on, get up," Tigress said in annoyance as she helped Rarity and Rainbow Dash up. She smiled, "I always look forward of meeting you two in ponies. I heard a lot about you from my little sister. She really have some good friends like you especially Rainbow Dash. I'm so happy for it."
"Sister?" Rainbow Dash asked in surprise.
Tigress giggled in amusement, "I don't believe it. She forgot to tell you about us. I guess she also hate being called 'princess' too, silly Aqua."
"Wait! Aquastroke is your sister?! Really?!" Rarity asked in surprise. She turned to Rainbow Dash, who shrugged in not knowing about it. She continued, "I didn't know that. I'm sorry for being disrespectful to her."
"It's okay. In fact, we don't really care about royalty. And besides, Aqua is my adopted sister. But it's the same." Tigress smiled, "But anyway, thanks for coming here. We need some help now."
Rainbow Dash hummed, "Brother going insane and worry to deal with sor-ce-whatever issues?"
"And it's not just water problem and saving ponies but others were worry sick about his safety and health?" Rarity added.
"Most of it." Tigress smiled as she and her guards guided hew new best friend to her home, "Wow, you're good at this."
"You could call it 'gut's telling'," Rainbow Dash remarked in amusement.
Rarity giggled, "Or mostly like to call 'we experienced and seen this before' instinct."
Scarblade, "Behave, outsiders. The Emperor is not in good mood now."
Both Rarity and Rainbow Dash yelped in concern and fear about it, Shorty Thinking chuckled uneasily while comforted his friends calmly.
"Don't worry about that. He didn't mean it - some of it. Just behave."
Rainbow Dash groaned, "Great..."
Tigress and her allies guided Rainbow Dash and Rarity across the markets before entering the Tiger Fury Castle which is large and consists of beautiful garden-like with several majestic ponds with some flowers and lotus pods. Servants and gardeners were checking and planting them well. Rarity and Rainbow Dash awed at the sightings well.
As they all arrived at the palace, they heard some loud argument and fighting from the palace. Somepony just stormed out. He revealed to be a young light reddish Pegasus with brown short spiky mane, tail and his chin had a goatee. He worn the crimson robe and armor while his Cutie Mark is Ferocious Tiger with two claws. He was walking down the stairs as he was wielding his sheathed sword.
Tigress and her allies stopped as they shown worry and scared. Rarity and Rainbow Dash noticed it as they turned and looked at the stallion. They suspected that is the Emperor of Water Tiger Kingdom - Courage Tiger.
Courage Tiger stopped as he glanced at his sister and friends, who just arrived. He looked shame and upset yet hurt to see them here. He groaned as he turned and headed off at once. He was exiting the area via east gate.
Tigress sighed in upset, "Not again."
"What happen?" Rarity asked in concern.
"Another argument again," Tigress said in concern, "Ever since the water starting depleting from that very day, Courage and Aqua got a big fight with each other about stopping that sorcerer and saving the kingdom. They have been at this for two weeks. They never stopped."
Scarblade growled, "Unless that treachery sorcerer is stopped, the family will break up..."
"Yeesh, that sounds really bad," Rainbow Dash said in concern.
Rarity nodded, "Indeed. Does Courage Tiger listen to his family and friends?"
"He did," Shorty Thinking admitted in concern. He sighed in shame, "Because of that sorcerer return, he has been ignoring everyone and focusing on hunting him down for his kingdom and family. It's the hardest thing he ever did."
"Okay, wanna tell us of who the heck is this sorcerer guy?" Rainbow Dash demanded, "He sounds like a big deal."
Rarity nodded, "Yes, we want to know about him."
"We will. For now, we need to check on Aquastroke. And hopefully, she's not angry or upset," Shorty Thinking said in concern.
As Rainbow Dash, Rarity and her friends entered the palace; they found Aquastroke kicking and punching and smashing the tables, walls, artifacts. The advisors and generals yelped in concern as they quickly ran away as fast as they can. The old unicorn pony with white long goatee and short mustache dressed in his crimson Grand Advisor robe and head-wear turned to Tigress.
"Grand Advisor Wiserton?" Tigress asked in concern, "Did my sister gone berserk?"
Grand Advisor Wiserton nodded fearfully, "She certainly is now! You have to quell her rage at once! His Lordship is getting stubborn and more foolish than before. What was he thinking?!"
Grand Advisor Wiserton yelped while screamed fearfully as he and his colleagues were running at once. Rarity and Rainbow Dash looked worry and concern, and even for Water Tiger Officials as well. They all approached Aquastroke, who was breathing calmly and gently.
"You know you don't have to destroy everything just to vent your anger issues," Tigress remarked in amusement.
Aquastroke turned while sighed in upset, "Sorry. Sometimes, Courage can be pain to my flank. I was so angry like wanting to punch on his face."
"I know. I have somepony who wants to see you," Tigress said happily.
As Tigress moved aside, Aquastroke gasped in shock and surprise as she was looking at both Rainbow Dash and Rarity. She squealed happily as she trotted and gave them both a big hard hug while they both yelped in pain. She quickly departed while apologizing to them about it. She then asked about their arrival at her home. They explained about their reason, which make her shock and concern about it. Tigress quickly suggested her friends to sit down for discussion
As everyone were taking their seats; Tigress and Aqustroke were seating on their throne couch, Shorty Thinking and Scarblade were sitting on left side - military seats, and Rarity and Rainbow Dash sat on middle before the royalty. They all were about to begin their discussion. Tigress told them to wait for one more. Who?
They heard some grumbling. They turned to their back as they found white humanoid bulldog with brown patches worn the crimson heavy Chinese armor-like entered the throne chamber.
"Forgive my lateness, princess; I was playing a chess with my old friends," The Diamond Dog exclaimed happily, "And my, they're stubborn like little foals. Ha-ha!"
Tigress smiled, "Good to see you here, gramps."
"I'd prefer call myself 'Anchor', your highness," Anchor said in annoyance yet playfully.
"A Diamond Dog?! You have a Diamond dog in your army?!" Rarity asked in concern. Everyone turned and looked at her in concern yet annoyed. She giggled uneasily, "I have an uneasy relationship with them especially how they treat me."
Rainbow Dash nodded, "They even make her whinny and complaining till those dogs gave up. Hahaha! That was so hilarious."
Anchor growled in annoyance, "And you think like them? You'd think I'll force you to work for me?"
Rainbow Dash and Rarity yelped in concern as they have no idea of how to respond it. Tigress and Aquastroke giggled happily while others remained silent.
"Don't worry about gramps," Aquastroke said calmly, "He can be trusted. He's a good loyal Diamond Dog."
Tigress nodded firmly, "He's our godfather since the day he joined my father's cause. He has always been with us for a long time till he passed away. And believe us, he will never ever betray us or even let us down from the fight."
"The princess is right. General Anchor have made a great military contribution to our cause." Shorty Thinking said calmly.
Scarblade nodded, "He's our lord's trusted and loyal advisor and general."
Rainbow Dash and Rarity hummed in concern about it as they both sighed. They reluctantly trusted Anchor since they trust both Aquastroke and Shorty Thinking a lot, despite he being a Diamond Dog. Rather continued with the same subject, they have to focus on the important one.
"So, wanna tell us about what the heck just happen?" Rainbow Dash asked in concern.
Rarity nodded, "Indeed. It sounded like you and the Emperor Courage had a big fight."
Aquastroke groaned while slamming, "That idiot! He still want to hunt that stupid sorcerer by himself again! And not only that, he even ordered me and the rest to stay put and help ponies! The worse is... he called me a 'little girl'! When he comes back again, I'm gonna knock some senses on him very hard!"
Anchor sighed, "Our lord feels responsible, princess. After what happen to our lord's brother by that sorcerer, he couldn't let anyone interfere him and his hunt."
"But Courage shouldn't do thing by himself. It's stupid and selfish..." Tigress said in upset, "He can rely on us to help him hunt that monster down. We should have been there!"
Scarblade sighed, "That is not our decision, your highness."
"Can somepony tell me - who is this sorcerer?!" Rainbow Dash demanded in annoyance.
Members of Water Tiger Kingdom looked concern and worry while looking at each other. They all sighed in defeat as they knew what they will do next.
"It happens long ago. After the death of Claw Tiger, Brave Tiger - Courage, Tigress and Aqua's older brother became the leader and looked after the clan. He decided to retake his home Wuhu River back from the corrupted leaders," Shorty Thinking explained calmly and concern.
"Most praised him as hero, but other sees him a demon," Scarblade said darkly and angrily, "Governor Fearstroke is one of conspirators. I disposed of him."
Anchor sighed in concern, "One day when he was alone hunting down some demons, he encountered the mysterious white sorcerer. And just before anything happen, the sorcerer attacked him, wounded him and poisoned him! But a few conspirators attacked him at once."
"We were lucky that we were just few meters away from him," Tigress said painfully before pouring tears out, "But big brother... He was hurt badly! We took him back to get healed. But he died. He's gone. All because of that monster!"
Aquastroke nodded angrily while clenching her hooves on the ground hard, "Yeah! Courage Tiger took over. He gave the order to find and hunt that sorcerer down by any means of necessary. We searched for him everywhere but found nothing, like he disappeared. We haven't heard of him for a long time... Until today..."
Rainbow Dash groaned, "I can't believe it! It's so uncool!"
"Indeed. They call Brave Tiger a threat because he conquered Wuhu River?" Rarity asked in disbelief, "How dare they?! They should be called a threat, instead of him because they're the corrupted ponies!"
"But who is this guy? Is he helping Seekcure to mess this place up?" Rainbow Dash demanded.
Aquastroke gave her angry looks, "No. He was alone. Seekcurse wean't even there. That pony who performs Dark Magic and did terrible things - poisoned my brother and evaporating the water. His name is Unalaq..."
Rainbow Dash and Rarity looked concern and worry of what Aquastroke has said especially the looks of others. They realize what Courage Tiger was doing - he's not only trying to save his kingdom, he wants the revenge on Unalaq for the murder of his older brother.
"So, what are we waiting for?!" Rainbow Dash demanded, "We've gotta go now! There's no telling what bad happen to your brother!"
Rarity nodded, "Indeed. Unalaq may have something up on his sleeves in dealing with him."
"We would have, but..." Shorty Thinking sighed, "Our lordship won't let us help him. And I didn't place a tracker on him. He could be anywhere."
Anchor hummed in concern, "At least, he has two generals with him now. Both Riverstrike and Hammerod are with him. I hope the lord isn't furious with the decision we have made."
"We must find him," Scarblade said firmly and concern, "We must protect him."
"And we will. I know how we find him," Rarity said calmly and firmly.
Tigress, Scarblade and Anchor looked concern and confused of what Rarity had said. Both Shorty Thinking and Rainbow Dash smiled as they know what she was talking about because they had seen what she is capable of...
Deep in the forest, Courage Tiger was riding his Dragon Mount along with his 20 soldiers. But he wasn't alone. He has two generals - Riverstrike the white unicorn pony with long brown mane and short tail worn the crimson Chinese Armor and cape while Hammerod the crimson Pegasus worn the heavy crimson armor and falcon's helmet. They were following him. He wasn't please of it.
"I cannot believe you disobey my order," Courage said angrily.
Riverstrike sighed, "My lord, please understand us. We don't wish you to get harm especially what happen to your brother. I promised him that I will look after him."
Hammerod nodded, "As do I. Please, my lord, do not let hatred blind you. We don't want to lose you. Your brother wouldn't want you die for him."
"Unalaq murdered my brother! And I'm not willing to forget it!" Courage exclaimed in anger while turned to his generals. He groaned while clenching his Tiger Sword, "What right do you have to stop me avenging my brother?!"
Both Riverstrike and Hammerod remained silent while looking concern and feared at their emperor. They don't want Courage Tiger to get blinded by his vengeance as well as getting himself hurt by Unalaq, just like what happen to Brave Tiger.
"My lord. We're not preventing you to avenge Lord Brave Tiger's death," Riverstrike said calmly, "But we cannot let you handle this by yourself."
Hammerod nodded, "Indeed. Please, let us help you. Once we captured him, you will decide his fate. We are the swords and shields for you, my lord."
"Riverstrike... Hammerod..." Courage Tiger said in surprise. He sighed in shame as he bowed, "Please forgive my behavior. I didn't mean to snap at you."
"We know. But please, remember why we're doing this, my lord," Riverstrike said calmly.
Hammerod nodded, "It's not just vengeance for Lord Brave Tiger, it's the ponies and kingdom we must save, my lord."
Courage Tiger sighed, "I know. And thank you for reminding me again. Let us go and hunt Unalaq down."
With his generals nodded in agreement, Courage Tiger smiled as he continued leading his army head on. They continued searching and hunting Unalaq down before he could cause some damages to his home and others. Courage Tiger turned to the front but gasped in shock as he was looking at the same ghosts Rarity and Rainbow Dash have encountered.
"Father? Brother?" Courage Tiger asked in surprise and concern.
"Go back... Go back..." The elder ghost pleaded, "Your sisters... Need you... They need you..."
The older ghost nodded firmly, "Courage... Go back... Go back... Don't do it..."
And just before Courage Tiger could do anything, he got shaken by his shoulder. He turned to back as he found Riverstrike holding his shoulder. Courage Tiger turned to the front but found both ghost gone. Was he dreaming?
"Are you alright?"
"I saw them..." Courage Tiger replied in concern and confused, "I saw my brother and father..."
Riverstrike gasped, "Lord Claw Tiger and Brave Tiger? How?"
"I don't know. I could be dreaming. I've been like this last two weeks. They just keep to me and ask me to go back. Why?"
"This is strange. This could be omen or message from the heaven. I believe they're trying to warn you about the danger, my lord."
"Maybe... But I'm not stopping. Unalaq must be stopped."
As they continued traveled down the forest route, Courage Tiger and his generals noticed something odd on the area. It's getting foggy yet darker than before. They couldn't help but felt like they had been and experienced this before. They did recalled this happened during Brave Tiger's hunt. They had the feeling he'll appear sooner than later.
"I've been expecting you, Emperor..." The sinister voice said darkly. Courage Tiger and his army looked up as they found a brown unicorn with white long mane and tail dressed in Taoist Robe-like. He smirked darkly, "We meet again, little cub."
"Unalaq!" Courage Tiger snarled as he clenched his sword tightly, "I finally found you. I can finally avenge my brother's death. Your head is mine!"
Unalaq smirked darkly, "Unfortunately, that have to wait. My partner and I have some use of you. You will be the one to bring our little friends here."
"Wh-What?!" Courage Tiger asked in concern.
And just before Courage Tiger and his warriors could do anything, Unalaq opened his mouth as he launched the dark mists. It covered them. They all coughed heavily as they were suffocating by the dark mist like they were poison. All of them fell to the ground unconsciously.
Unalaq smirked, "Just as we plan, partner."
Boat Driver emerged from the tree while approaching his partner, "Well done, Unalaq. This will suffice of what I needed. They will come for him. And when they do..."
"I will finish the Water Tiger Kingdom for good. The nation will be freed from their tyranny," Unalaq finished the sentence darkly.
It looks like Courage Tiger and his team are in danger and trouble...
At the Tiger Fury Palace, Tigress gave the order to her generals to gather the army by 40 of them and prepare to march. She and her team including Rarity and Rainbow Dash have to find and rescue Courage Tiger and his unit before they find Unalaq.
As everyone were preparing to march, a unicorn was trotting towards Shorty Thinking - a crimson Unicorn with black curvy mane and tail and her Cutie Mark is two brownish gears and a wrench worn the black mechanic suit with crimson shoulder plate and armor while wearing electronic gloves.
"You're not actually planning to leave me behind, aren't ya?" The Unicorn asked in amusement.
Shorty Thinking turned as she smiled, "Asami? What are you doing here?"
Rarity and Rainbow Dash noticed Shorty Thinking turned to Asami as they both were chatting. Rarity groaned in annoyance while her left eye twitching. Rainbow Dash whistled innocently as she knew what happen next especially she was getting jealous when somepony was trying to steal her.
Asami smiled, "Isn't it obvious? I'm going with you."
Shorty sighed in annoyance, "For the last time, you're not going with me. It's too-!"
"Dangerous," Asami asked in annoyance before sighed in disappointment, "I'm getting irritated by your worries for nothing. And I'm not a kid anymore. So, don't treat me one."
"But still-!"
"I can handle it. You trained me. You taught me. You helped me. And above all, you loved me. Can't you at least let me joined you?"
Shorty Thinking hummed in concern before sighed, "Alright. But stick with me. Don't make me regret the decision."
Asami smiled before hugging Shorty Thinking while kissing his cheeks, "Thank you so much!"
Rarity groaned angrily while her face was burning and her ears were steaming out. Rainbow Dash hissed in concern as she flew closely to Aquastroke before poked her.
"Hey, Aqua, who's that mare sticking with Shorty Thinking?" Rainbow Dash asked while pointing at Asami who was talking with Shorty Thinking.
Aquastroke looked at Asami before smiled, "That's Asasmi. And she's my BFF and Shorty's-!"
"He has the girlfriend?! The nerve of him!" Rarity groaned in annoyance, "How dare he lied to me! I don't care how important she is to him, he and I are gonna have a talk! For now, I'll be quiet until he apologize to me!"
Aquastroke looked confuse and concern, "What's with her?"
Rainbow Dash shrugged, "Jealous Rarity again..."
"Okay, everyone! Let's get moving!" Tigress ordered firmly, "We have to find my brother now!"
As Tigress trotted off, her army followed her from behind. They were on the move to find and rescue Courage Tiger and his unit now!
As Tigress and her army were walking and passing through the forest while searching for Courage Tiger and his unit, Rarity remained silent for the moment ever since she saw Shorty Thinking and Asami being together. This make everyone worry and concern of her. Asami approached Rarity.
"Hey. You must be Rarity. It's nice to meet you. I'm Asami," Asami introduced herself. Rarity remained silent. She whistled, "Wow... I didn't know you were good at silent type. Shorty Thinking told me that you loved to talk a lot, mostly about fashion. But it's good because it's your passion. My passion is building the machinery, just like Shorty. He and I share some common."
Rarity groaned in annoyance. Shorty Thinking looked concern of it as he approached her, "Rarity, is there something you want to tell me?"
Rarity huffed in annoyance, "Why don't you apologize to me?"
"For what?"
"You know what you did, mister!"
"Huh? What are you talking about?" Shorty Thinking asked in concern. Rarity went in silent. He looked confuse and worry, "Rarity, please! Just tell me!"
Asami sighed in concern, "You didn't tell her about me, did you? I have the feeling she's got issue of girls being with you."
"No, she shouldn't be that because you're important to me," Shorty Thinking said in concern. Asami gave him a glare. He sighed, "I was planned to introduced you to her when she came to my home. I didn't expect it's now."
"Terrific. I'll just have to tell her by myself," Asami said in annoyance, "Stallion... You're worse than Blazefist."
Rainbow Dash approached Aquastroke and her team as they were focused on searching and looking for Courage Tiger and his unit. She noticed Aquastroke's angry looks as she had the feeling that her best friend is still furious with her brother's decision of going solo to hunt Unalaq down.
"You're still mad at him?" Rainbow Dash asked in concern.
"What do you think?!" Aquastroke demanded in annoyance, "Courage can be so... thickheaded moron! Sometimes, I wanna punch and snapped him out from being stupid. This isn't the first time he make stupid mistakes. A lot of times! He couldn't even asked us for our opinion! He always wants to solve the problem without fighting. But this?! This has gone too far now! Want to hunt Unalaq by himself now! Act like he's a tough hero!"
Tigress sighed, "We all mad at him too, Aqua. But there were things he made the right one - fighting against Imperial Phoenix Army at the Red Cliff thousand years ago, asking us to marry the enemies for peace and alliance and making alliance with my husband. So far, he did well."
Anchor chuckled in amusement, "Indeed! Lord Brave Tiger did say that Courage Tiger is always good at administrating the affairs. I believed that too. And he did listen to us for making a good decision - sometimes."
"It's his decision. We must follow," Scarblade said firmly.
Aquastroke huffed angrily, "Well, there are times that we don't because he thinks he knows what he's doing! There's one thing I hate the most is he treated me a kid!"
"Hey, he did to me once when he keep telling me to get married!" Tigress said in annoyance, "And believe in me, Aqua, I don't like his treatment either. It's like he'd never care about us at all!"
Rainbow Dash sighed, "Look. I don't like going to somepony's business but you girls got it all wrong. He does care for you. He just doesn't want you all get involved with his fight and problem."
"And what makes you think that?" Aquastroke asked in annoyance, "You don't my big brother like we do."
Tigress nodded, "Aqua's right. Courage is very stubborn and hard to talk with especially he won't tell us what's bothering him or why he's doing this by himself. There was nothing he can do to save Brave. We all feel guilty."
"That's because he doesn't want you all to get involved with it," Rainbow Dash explained. Water Tiger Warriors turned and looked at her. She continued, "Yeah, sure, he did silly mistake now but he don't want to lose you all. You're all his family. You're all his prize trophy. And he doesn't want you all be burden with his problem. After all, he's your big brother - looking out for his family."
"Huh... I'd never..." Aquastroke was stunned to say, "thought of it. Why didn't he tell us about this?"
Tigress smiled, "I guess he's too stubborn to admit it. He wants us to be safe from danger, just like how we think of him. After all, we're the fierce Tiger Family."
"Yeah, we are," Aquastroke smiled, "Thanks, Dashie. I owe you one."
Rainbow Dash scoffed, "It was nothing..."
Anchor laughed in amusement, "You know, Rainbow Dash, for a reckless warrior like you, you sure make a good advisor. Princess Aquastroke could use that since Princess Tigress already has one from her husband's."
Scarblade nodded while smiling, "We are proud to have you as Water Tiger's Ally."
"Thanks..." Rainbow Dash thanked happily. As she looked up, she spotted a strange pony standing before them, "Who's that?"
Water Tiger Warriors gasped in concern as they exclaimed, "Unalaq!"
"That's Unalaq?!" Rainbow Dash asked in disbelief, "He doesn't look like magical..."
Aquastroke growled as she summoned her Water Tiger Claws, "Maybe not. But he's the one who murdered my family!"
"Yeah! He's ours now!" Tigress exclaimed as she armed with her twin Chakrams.
Anchor, Scarblade, Shorty Thinking and Asami armed with their giant anchor-like weapon, katana blade, twin Tiger Blades and electrical gloves. Rarity and Rainbow Dash armed with their weapons, and so did the Water Tiger Kingdom Troops.
"I would put the weapons away, my friends..." Unalaq said darkly as he summoned a familiar group before the heroes, which shocked and scared them. Courage Tiger and his team were trapped in rings of darkness. He smirked, "Surrender now, especially you two."
"He's right..." The voice said calmly as he emerged from the tree. Rarity and Rainbow Dash were surprise as they were shock to see boat driver here. He then removed his hat while revealed himself to be Seekcurse, "Another meeting to meet."
"You're Seekcurse! I knew it was you!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed in anger, "The mess here spells your name!"
Rarity nodded, "After what you did to both Imperial Phoenix and Western Dragon Kingdoms, there is no doubt you would be targeting this place."
"Then, you wouldn't mind surrendering to us," Seekcurse asked in amusement, "You wouldn't want to lose your precious lord, now do you?"
Unalaq nodded, "Indeed. Don't make mistake like what happen to your Little Conqueror."
"NO! Attack him now! This is your chance! Avenge our brother now!" Courage Tiger exclaimed firmly while struggled, "I beg you! Don't give in! You must defeat him! Do not negotiate with them!"
Riverstrike nodded, "He's right! The fate of Water Tiger Kingdom is in your hoof! Save them now!"
"Avenge our lord! Avenge us! In the end, you're victorious, not them!" Hammerod insisted.
"Go on. Do it..." Unalaq said darkly.
As Water Tiger Warriors and even two heroines were tempted to attack both Seekcurse and Unalaq, they have no choice but to drop them. They can't risk the lives of their allies and Courage Tiger's life. They were too important to give up. Courage Tiger and his team groaned and hissed in anger as they had no chance to defeat their enemies now.
Unalaq smirked, "Seize them now."
The Phantom Soldiers and Terracotta Warriors appeared as they approached and apprehended the heroines and their allies with the rings of darkness. Unalaq and Seekcurse smirked in please. They not only defeat and capture Courage Tiger and his officers, but they also capture Rarity and Rainbow Dash. They're victorious now. The fate of Water Tiger Kingdom is in grave danger...
At the secluded yet ruined castle, both heroines and Water Tiger Warriors were locked inside of the dungeon. With the rings of darkness restrained the heroes, they cannot escape or use their power to destroy it. All they can do is nothing. They then encountered Seekcurse and Unalaq smirked darkly as their enemies were looking at them.
"Comfortable?" Seekcurse asked in amusement before chuckled, "I hope so because if it's not, you will get the better one - taking your Rainbow Powers. The last two powers will be mine."
Unalaq nodded in agreement, "While my partner has what he needed, I will finish what I have started - cleansing the kingdom for the greater good."
Rainbow Dash groaned, "Why are you doing this?! Isn't enough for you to get rid of their leader?! And now, you want to destroy their home?!"
"You're despicable! You're willing to sacrifice the innocent because they're part of Water Tiger Kingdom?!" Rarity demanded in anger, "Have you no heart?!"
Unalaq huffed, "You don't understand, do you? Their former lord - Brave Tiger - had cause great grief and despair upon it! He drive all of benevolent and noble leaders away! And the worse is he corrupt the innocent into his slaves. He's a true threat! The Wuhu River must be cleansed!"
"LIAR!" Aquastroke exclaimed in anger as she struggled and yelped painfully by the Ring of Darkness's power, "Brave Tiger is the bravest and kindest warrior we ever had! He is the one who saved the innocents and home from the bad ponies like you! You're the one who needed to be cleansed!"
Tigress groaned angrily, "Well said, sis! How dare you talk bad about our brother?! And the worse you did... You murdered him!"
"[Scarblade] Your crimes will not go unpunished. [Hammerod] You will regret for imprisoning us here! [Anchor] When we're out of here, we're gonna pound you to abyss of river! [Asami] We won't let you destroy our home?! [Riverstrike] You will pay for your insult to our lord! I won't forgive you! [Shorty Thinking] You will know our pain and our wrath!"
Courage Tiger snarled in anger, "Unalaq... I will not let you succeed it! I will stop you from destroying our home! I will defeat and kill you! I will avenge my brother!"
Unalaq scoffed, "All growling, but no bite. You will not succeed. First I absorbed the water, then I will create the large and powerful tsunami to engulf the whole kingdom into the sea eternally. Water Tiger Kingdom will be forgotten."
"Indeed. We should make preparation," Seekcurse said calmly, "Enjoy the stay."
Both Unalaq and Seekcurse immediately left the dungeon as they were preparing the ceremony for the assault on Water Tiger Kingdom. Rarity, Rainbow Dash and their allies remained at the dungeon as they went in silent while showing in concern and pain. Have they really lost? Will their home be destroyed?
"I'm sorry..." Courage Tiger said in shame. Everyone looked at him as they were confuse and concern of what he had said. He continued, "I've let you all down. The reason I didn't want to ask for your help is because I didn't want you all to be my burden or even want to lose any of you like how I lost my brother. I can't bear to see that again. Please, forgive my selfishness..."
Everyone remained silent and quiet for the moment as they were all surprised and shocked about his behavior and talk.
"Come now, that's rubbish talk!" Rarity insisted, "You shouldn't be ashamed of it especially letting someone to share that burden of yours."
Rainbow Dash nodded, "Yeah. You've made ponies so worry sick about you. Don't you think it's best to have friends and family with you? They'll always be there for you. So, appreciate it and let them help you."
"You mean it?" Courage Tiger asked in surprise.
"Courage..." Aquastroke said in upset tone, "You shouldn't talk like that or even handle this problem by yourself. We came to help you not because you're our leader, you're our family."
Tigress nodded in agreement, "Aqua's right, brother. You're very important to us too. And we don't want to lose you. Big brother wouldn't want this, now would he?"
Courage Tiger was in shock and surprise of what his sisters had said. Anchor, Hammerod, Scarblade, Shorty Thinking and Asami nodded firmly and calmly. Rainbow Dash and Rarity joined in as well.
Riverstrike smiled, "My lord, I hope you are convinced that all of us are in this together to defeat Unalaq and save Water Tiger Kingdom."
"Everyone..." Courage Tiger said in surprise before smiled weakly yet relief, "Thank you so much. I promised I won't be alone to handle it."
"That's really good, your highness. You should be happy to have them," Rarity said happily.
Rainbow Dash huffed, "You'd better be. The next time you pull the stunt of leaving others behind, I'm coming after ya and knock sense into you for Aqua! And believe me, what I hate the most is somepony left their own family behind to handle this mess alone! Got it?"
Courage Tiger yelped before chuckled uneasily, "Of course. Promised."
"I'm glad everything is alright," Riverstrike said in relief before looked at his Ring of Darkness. He struggled, "We need to do something with this! We have to stop Unalaq!"
"I agree! Our home!" Hammerod exclaimed in concern.
Courage Tiger groaned, "If only there's a way out of this-"
"Not a problem..." Asami said calmly. Everyone turned to her - she is free! They were in shock and surprise by her escape. She smiled as she took activated her electrical gloves, "I always kept the extra."
"How?" Shorty Thinking asked in surprise.
Asami smiled as she helped and electrocuting Shorty Thinking's Ring, "Let's just say - I know a thing or two about Ring of Darkness. By using electric power, the ring will dispersed. It's kinda like light beats darkness. So, I came in prepare, even though my first set were decoys."
Shorty Thinking smiled before hugging Asami, "That's my girl."
Rarity groaned in annoyance while Rainbow Dash whistled innocently. the white unicorn still got jealous issues on Asami. Asami freed all of her friends and soldiers from the Rings of Darkness. Anchor rammed and knocked the bars to the ground. Terracotta Warriors and Phantom Soldiers charged in to attack prisoners but instead got punched and attacked by Riverstrike, Hammerod, Scarblade and Anchor.
Hammerod get the weapons as he passed all of them to his allies. Water Tiger Warriors and even both Rarity and Rainbow Dash were armed and ready to battle.
"Everyone, we must stop the enemies at once! We will avenge our brother's death!" Courage Tiger exclaimed firmly. With his brave friends cheered, he announced, "Tigers of Wuhu River, to battle!"
Courage Tiger led his army out at once. They were all chasing after both Unalaq and Seekcurse.
"It is time. Water Tiger Kingdom will be cleansed..."
Both Unalaq and Seekcurse were at castle's top level as they were looking ahead - Water Tiger Kingdom. Unalaq was levitating as his horn glowed darkly. He dragged and pulled the water all the way back to his castle while summoning the rain down on it.
Water Tiger Kingdom ponies yelped, screamed and chatted in concern as their homeland's water gone and disappeared from their sights. They were worried and scared of what will happen next.
As Unalaq continued summoning and creating the large tsunami, Seekcurse looked at his Pandora Box - consisted of Mane Four's Rainbow Power, only two more left. Courage Tiger and his unit have arrived in time. They were armed and ready to attack.
"Unalaq! This ends now!" Courage Tiger exclaimed in fury.
Rainbow Dash snarled, "You're going down, jerk!"
Rarity nodded, "Whatever plan you're having, you won't succeed it!"
"On contrary, we are!" Unalaq said darkly, "Dispose of them!"
Both Terracotta Warriors and Phantom Soldiers appeared at once. Rarity, Rainbow Dash and their allies - Water Tiger Warriors charged into the battle at once.
The Water Tiger Warriors battled both Phantom Soldiers and Terracotta Warriors. Scarblade swung his katana in slashing and slicing the enemy into pieces. Anchor barked wildly as he swung and whacked his giant anchor at them hard. Hammerod swung his giant dual rod in knocking them down. Shorty Thinking fired his Flame Volley Blaster at them. Riverstrike was striking and swinging his sword at his enemies. Asami launched her powerful electrical gloves in shocking and knocking them hard. The soldiers of Water Tiger Kingdom also helped their leaders as well.
Rainbow Dash and Rarity attacked Seekcurse, who did was screaming, dodging and running away from the fight. Courage Tiger, Tigress and Aquastroke attacked Unalaq, who was protected by his force-field and Dark Thunderstorm Blast at them.
Rainbow Dash tried to strike and thrust his Magical Mystic Spear at Seekcurse, who dodged and avoided the attacks quickly. He even tried to avoid the blasts from Rarity's Diamond Gatling Blaster wrists. But both got distracted and attacked by Terracotta Warriors from engaging him. As Rarity and Rainbow Dash continued attacking and engaging the Terracotta Warriors, Seekcurse quickly opened his Pandora Box as it launched and grasped them tightly. It then electrocuted and shocked then as it was absorbing their Rainbow Powers. It even make them screamed in pain.
"I've got all of them! It's all mine now!" Seekcurse exclaimed happily and wildly, "Everything has gone according to my plan now!"
"THINK AGAIN!" The voice exclaimed firmly.
And just before Seekcurse could do anything, he got electrocuted and shocked. He fell to the ground hard while closing the Pandora's Box.
Rainbow Dash and Rarity were relieved that they were free, but they were on the edge of castle walls. Terracotta Warriors thrust their spears and pikes at her. Rainbow Dash struggled fighting back while trying to save her best friend. Rarity screamed fearfully as she was about to fall.
Anchor charged in and rammed all of Terracotta Warriors pieces aside hard while Asami charged in and grabbed her hoof in time while pulling her back. Rainbow Dash sighed in relief, and even Rarity felt that too. They both smiled at Anchor and Asami, who smiled back at them. Seekcurse grunted as he quickly get away before he get himself captured by his enemies.
"You're alright?" Asami asked in concern.
Rarity sighed in relief, "Yeah. You saved me. Thank you so much, darling."
Asami smiled, "No worries. I'm happy to help my friends and even my big brother's. I don't even want to lose Shorty Thinking's girlfriend."
"Brother?!" Rarity and Rainbow Dash asked in surprise and shock, "You're Shorty Thinking's sister?! You're kidding me!"
Asami sighed, "I knew it. He didn't tell you about me. Idiot..."
Courage Tiger, Tigress and Aquastroke continued attacking and battling with Unalaq. But he was still protected by force-field and even launching his Dark Thunderstorm Blasts at them. They dodged and avoided the attacks while striking and attacking back at him. And at the same time, he was chanting in pure darkness as he was creating the largest tsunami. He's almost done with it.
"We have to stop him!" Aquastroke exclaimed in concern.
Tigress grunted as she struggled in attacking at Unalaq, "But how? His sorcery is too strong!"
"We have to! Our home is depending on us!" Courage Tiger exclaimed firmly.
Unalaq huffed, "Give it up, fools. It's over now! There's nothing you or your friends can do. Water Tiger Kingdom is finished!"
"No, it's not!" Asasmi shouted firmly as she unleashed her electrical gloves in electrocuting and shocking Unalaq's force-field, "You're the one who is finished!"
Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Water Tiger Warriors surrounded Unalaq as they were all ready to attack and finish him off.
"BEGONE!" Unalaq exclaimed in anger as he fired his Dark Whips in launching and electrocuted his enemies to the ground hard, "I will bring salvation to this land! Water Tiger Kingdom must be destroyed! I will finish you off, just as I did to your father and brother!"
"WHAT?!" Everyone demanded in anger.
Unalaq smirked, "Yes. I did it. I was ordered by Noble Guild to finish Claw Tiger and retrieve the Imperial Seal back. I was so closed to finish him until your brother came after me. He almost finish me off if it weren't for interlopers from Central Jing. And now I will finish this off!"
"Damn you! You even murdered their dad?!" Rainbow Dash demanded in anger.
Rarity groaned, "You're monster!"
Unalaq smirked, "I'd prefer call myself - the savior. It's over now for you all."
"No, you are!" Courage Tiger exclaimed firmly as he struggled yet grunted painfully in getting up while approaching him. He groaned, "I will defeat you!"
Unalaq groaned as he tried to shock Courage Tiger, "Who do you think you are?!"
"I am Courage Tiger - Emperor of Water Tiger Kingdom! And I hereby sentenced you - death for high treason and murdered of both my father and brother! Take this!"
And just before Unalaq could do anything, Courage Tiger unleashed his Fury Tiger Slash in knocking him out and freed everyone from his Dark Whips.
Rarity then fired her Diamond Gatling Blaster wrists at him, weakening him. Rainbow Dash rammed and struck him to the walls before punching him very hard. Unalaq fired his Dark Balls at them off but they dodged and avoided the attacks. Hammerod and Anchor slammed their rod and anchor in knocking him hard for three times. Scarblade and Riverstrike charged and gave their swift slashes of their blades on his back for three times. Aquastroke and Tigress punched him for ten times before kicked him off.
And just before Unalaq could respond, Courage Tiger struck his Tiger Blade through the sorcerer's chest head on. Unalaq gasped and grunted painfully as he was slowly dying.
Courage Tiger groaned, "That's for my kingdom. This is for my family you have murdered!"
"Curse you..." Unalaq said painfully before coughed heavily, "Pitiful... It's too late now. Your kingdom will fall..."
Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Water Tiger Warriors turned to the front. They found the large tsunami wiggled as it straightly poured down hard as it was heading straight to Water Tiger Kingdom. Their home is in danger!
"We have to stop it!" Rainbow Dash asked in concern.
"There's not much time! We won't able to evacuate or stop it!" Riverstrike exclaimed in concern, "It's over..."
"No... It isn't. And I'm not gonna let my home be destroyed. Not on my watch!" Aquastroke said firmly as she stood up and positioned herself up in martial art skills like, "I'm gonna slow it down!"
"You can't! It will take lots of energy on you!" Courage Tiger exclaimed in concern, "Don't do this, Aqua!"
"I have to! Stand back!"
Aquastroke's eyes glowed brightly as she waved her hooves like she was trying to pull something back. As it responded to her will, the back of river tsunami slowly pulling back towards her. But it's still not enough to stop it. Everyone else looked worry and concern about it.
Tigress growled angrily while clenching her hooves, "Well, I'm gonna sit here and do nothing! Hang on, Aqua!"
"I won't lose my family again! Hold on, sisters!" Courage Tiger exclaimed firmly.
Both Courage Tiger and Tigress joined. They all helped Aquastroke in summoning and bringing the large tsunami's water back. They effectively have managed to bring half portion of tsunami back into normal state. But it wasn't enough as the other half portion is heading straight to the kingdom.
"This isn't good! What can we do? We're not powerful and magical as Twilight to handle this," Rarity exclaimed in concern.
Rainbow Dash groaned, "Come on, guys! You can do this! Don't give in!"
Everyone cheered wildly and determinedly at the Three Tiger Family to not give up while bringing the tsunami down to normal state.
As the trio continued doing it, two familiar ghosts appeared besides them. Everyone was in shocked and surprised of it. But nevertheless, the five family members worked together as they continued bringing the tsunami down swiftly and fiercely. As it almost reached the kingdom, the tsunami slowly dying down as it returned to normal state now.
The water flowed gently and calmly into the river banks of Water Tiger Kingdom. Ponies cheered wildly and happily that their home is safe from harm and danger. At the abandoned castle, Rainbow Dash and Rarity sighed in relief, and so does everyone else. The kingdom is safe now.
"No... I failed..." Unalaq said in shock yet painfully, "Curse you all..."
Unalaq draws his last breathe before closing eyes. Everyone looked at him as his body slowly disintegrate into ashes. It then blown up to the sky. He is gone. Courage Tiger, Tigress and Aquastroke turned to both Claw Tiger and Brave Tiger who smiled at him and his family.
"Father... Brother... It's really you..."
"Well done, my son. I'm glad you're alive," Claw Tiger said calmly
Brave Tiger smirked before gave a hoof bump on Courage's left shoulder, "I knew you can do it! I'm glad that you didn't get yourself killed. You almost had me worried."
"I-I... I couldn't have done it by myself. I have friends and family to help me," Courage Tiger said humbly.
Tigress giggled weakly, "Yeah, he can be hopeless and stubborn sometimes. That is why we're here for."
"We'll keep doing this," Aquastroke said happily.
"We noticed it. Thank you very much," Claw Tiger said happily.
Brave Tiger nodded, "Yeah. If it weren't for you all, he wouldn't have make this far. Thanks. And keep it up. And don't worry, we'll be watching over you."
"Will we see you all again?" Tigress asked in concern.
Aquastroke sighed, "We just met..."
"Please, don't leave us again..." Courage Tiger pleaded, "Can't you see how much we miss you both?"
"We know. But we have to go," Claw Tiger said calmly, "We can't stay here for too long."
Brave Tiger smiled, "But that doesn't mean we won't visit you. Don't worry, we'll come again. Promised. Take care. We all love ya."
"We will..." Courage, Tigress and Aquastroke said happily.
Claw Tiger and Brave Tiger turned to both Rarity and Rainbow Dash as they both gave the girls a wink. The girl replied that to them. The ghosts slowly disappeared from everyone's sights. Water Tiger Warriors bowed down in respect for the passing ones.
As Rarity and Rainbow Dash watched the event, they noticed their Cutie Marks glowing and blinking again. They smiled happily - mission accomplished!
"I guess we reconnect the family together - that's friendship problem," Rainbow Dash remarked.
"Indeed, it is. I'm glad everything is alright at the end," Rarity said happily. She turned to both Shorty Thinking and Asami. She smirked in amusement, "Why didn't you all tell me about this?"
"I kinda forget," Shorty Thinking admitted meekly, "Sorry about that. But I do have another sister named Ciel. She's now working for ZeekCrimson within Ultimate Mystic Warriors. At least, I didn't forget that one."
Asami scoffed, "Typical. Sorry about him. He maybe the smartest strategist and inventor at Water Tiger Kingdom, but sometimes he can be forgetful. So, let's try this again. It's an honor to meet you again, Rarity."
Rarity giggled happily as she shook Asami's hoof, "The honor is mine, Asami. I apologize for my rude behavior."
"Apology accepted. And one day, I would like to bring Ciel here to meet you. She would be happy."
"I can't wait."
Rainbow Dash approached to four Water Tiger Warriors, "You guys are so awesome especially you, Anchor! For a Diamond Dog, you're really loyal dog. I hope we can do this again, but not fighting part. Just for some sports."
Four Tiger Warrior smiled and commented, "Thank you very much. We are honored, Rainbow Dash."
Courage Tiger, Tigress and Aquastroke looked at their kingdom from distance. They were relieved yet pleased that everything is safe and sound.
"So, everything's alright?" Aquastroke asked in concern.
"Yeah. It should be fine for now," Courage Tiger said calmly. He turned to his sisters, "Tigress, Aqua... Thank you for everything."
Tigress smiled, "It's no big deal, brother. We're always help each other out, no matter what. After all, we're family."
"Besides, you should thank those two girls. They're the reason why we came here. They helped and convinced to come after you. They even told me not to resolve with anger," Aquastroke said happily.
Courage Tiger turned to Rarity and Rainbow Dash, "Rarity, Rainbow Dash; thank you so much."
"It's no big deal," Rainbow Dash commented.
Rarity smiled and nodded, "We're glad to help around, your highness."
"Now, that is done. Is everyone up for the drink?" Courage Tiger asked in amusement. Everyone laughed happily. He then laughed as well, "Come on. We do need to drink. After all, we have won the fight. It's the least we can do to honor these girls for the help! After this, we'll show the tour to our kingdom! Who's with me?"
Everyone laughed and cheered wildly and happily as they all turned and headed back to Water Tiger Kingdom. Their home is safe from danger for now...
END...
Review and Suggest...
Main Casts:
Ashleigh Ball: Rainbow Dash
Tabitha St. Germain: Rarity
Janet Verney: Aquastroke
G.K Bowes: Tigress
Gideon Emery: Courage Tiger
Skip Stellrecht: Shorty Thinking
Adrian Latourelle: Unalaq
Minor Casts:
George Grant: Claw Tiger
Yuri Lowenthal: Brave Tiger
Brian Dobson: Seekcurse
Kyle Hebert: Scarblade
Douglas Lee: Anchor
Matthew Mercer: Hammerod
Michael Sinternikilaas: Riverstrike
Seychelle Gabriel: Asami
Cameo:
Alan Tudyk: Grand Advisor Wiserton |
My Little Pony Mystic Season 1 | Episode 24: The Mane Attraction | Near to Apple Farm, Ponyville Town Ponies were setting the dome stage up for the important event - the charity event. They were led and managed by Applejack. The dome stage were filled with props such as apple-shaped trees-like, steps, speakers, light props, colorful rainbow banners. Twilight Sparkle and Apple Bloom have arrived as she was filled with shock yet amazed by it.
"Wow, Applejack!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed in amazement as she approached Applejack, "Are you sure you've never managed a concert before?"
Applejack blushed, "Well, it turns out doin' up a concert's the same as settin' up a rodeo."
Twilight Sparkle nodded, "And thanks to Pinkie's connections organizing the Ponypalooza Rock Concert, we've got quite a lineup for the Helping Hooves Music Festival."
"And don't forget about us," The firm voice called.
Both Twilight Sparkle and Applejack turned and found Saber Dragoon, Dragonspear and the iron masked brownish muscular yet fierce and wild humanoid twin-horned winged dragon with a rhino's horn-like approached them as well. Western Dragon soldiers and workers helped the Ponyville Town Ponies in setting up.
"My father did send me and some ponies to help you handling the charity events," Saber Dragoon said calmly, "And father sends regards and luck for it."
Dragonspear nodded in agreement, "Our lord enjoys helping innocent ponies especially poverty and poor. He'll be here by tomorrow. He wished to see the charity event with his own eyes."
The dragon growled, "I... Help... Virtue Dragon! Help... ponies... For charity..."
"Thanks, Saber and Dragonspear. " Applejack said calmly while looking at the humanoid dragon, "Though I don't understand why he's the only dragon doesn't speak well. He almost reminds of Grunt."
Saber chuckled in amusement, "That's Gutsy's way. He never been good at education especially writing. But there's one thing he's good at - war and strategy."
"Loyal... To... Our Lord!" Gutsy exclaimed proudly.
Dragonspear smiled as he patted Gutsy's back, "Sure, you are. We all are to our friends especially this princess."
Apple Bloom bounced happily, "I can't wait for it especially I wanna be part of concert! I wonder who will be coming here."
Applejack shrugged, "Who knows, Apple Bloom, I'm just glad that we have all the help we need to get it ready for charity. Whoever is coming here, she really does care for the fillies and donates the charity a lot."
"Everypony!" The familiar voice called. Twilight and all of her friends including Spike, Saber Dragoon, Dragonspear and Gutsy turned to the entrance where Pinkie Pie charged into the area. She breathed heavily yet happily before she said happily at once, "I have the most amazing news ever! It is totally gonna freak your frizz!"
Pinkie Pie sighed in relief, "It wasn't easy. In fact, it was terribly difficult. But I have managed to book the biggest pony pop star in all of Equestria as the main attraction of the Helping Hooves Music Festival!"
"Sapphire Shores?" Applejack asked.
"Sapphire Shores?! Please!" Pinkie Pie hissed in annoyance, "Sapphire Shores is merely the second biggest pony pop star in Equestria. I have booked the one, the only, Countess Coloratura!"
Ponies awed in surprise and amazement of what they just heard. Saber Dragoon, Dragonspear and Gutsy growled in annoyance upon hearing that name like they both met her before. And even Western Dragon soldiers and workers muttered and chatted in anger and annoyance about her.
"Who in the hay is Countess Coloratura?" Applejack asked in confusion.
The ponies gasped in shock and surprise of what Applejack had said, even Pinkie Pie whose mane and tail went up yet fuzzy and hairy literally. She never heard of Countess Coloratura?!
"My frizz has been freaked!" Pinkie Pie remarked in shock. She then quickly combed her mane and tail down into her normal funky style. She then approached Applejack as she demanded in shock and concern, "How-how-how-how-how have you not heard of her?! She's the biggest pony pop star in Equestria!"
"Don't know. Though I did know a gal named Coloratura when I was just a filly." Applejack admitted. She then laughed and snorted a bit, "Wouldn't it just be the funniest thing if that Coloratura and this Coloratura were the same Coloratura? Heh."
"Do you mean to tell me that you actually know Countess Coloratura?" Apple Bloom asked in shock.
"Well, I don't think it's the same pony, since my friend wasn't any sort of high-falutin' countess."
"Do ya remember her cutie mark?"
Applejack smiled, "Sure do. It had this super colorful bunch of musical notes that just shimmered in the light."
"No way..." Apple Bloom said in shock and surprise, "Applejack! Your friend and the superstar are really the same pony! They really are Countess Coloratura! Or she is. I confused."
"What?! That's impossible! No way!"
"Actually..." Pinkie Pie said nervously while rubbing her head. She gave the picture of this mysterious Countess Coloratura's Cutie Mark to Applejack, "Apple Bloom's right about that one."
Applejack gasped in shock of what she just saw, "Well, fancy that! That there's the very same cutie mark!"
"Do you have any idea the number of hoops I had to jump through to get her to perform at the festival?!" Pinkie Pie demanded in upset, "A whole lot of hoops! That pony is very demanding!"
"Nah."
"Yah!"
"Pinkie Pie's right," Saber Dragoon said firmly, "That pony is very demanding! And we're leaving at once! Good luck with that, ponies!"
"WHAT?!" Everyone asked in shock.
"If that spoiled mare is coming here, we will not be part of it!" Dragonspear said angrily, "Not after what she has done to us especially our lord and our ponies! She and her manager pressured our ponies to complete her outrageous demands and tasks for one day!"
Gutsy roared in anger, "Coloratura... Demands... Our foods... Our treasures... Our souvenirs... Mistreat... Us... Bad... Insult... Lord Virtue... DRAGON!"
"She did?!" Everyone asked in shock.
Apple Bloom shook her head, "That can't be right! Countess Coloratura maybe a bit of demanding, but she's not a bad pony. She's a good one. She did lots of charity especially having fun and contest with the fillies like me."
"Don't let her reputation fool you," Dragonspear warned firmly.
Saber Dragoon nodded, "Believe me. I told her off about her demands, and the next; she told me and my father off! So, we banished her from ever set her hooves or her behavior to our land again."
"That's a bit of harsh there, ain't it?" Apple Bloom said in concern.
Applejack sighed as she patted Apple Bloom's mane, "This was clearly some sort of misunderstandin', 'cause Rara was just as down home as me!"
"Rara?!" Everyone asked in shock and surprise.
Applejack smiled and nodded in confirmation, "Even that big name was too fancy for her, so I shortened Coloratura to 'Rara'!"
Flashback:
Nine years ago...
Applejack and her childhood friend - Rara who is an aquamarineish gray colored Earth Pony with twisted-like dark grayish indigo-dark indigo colored mix mane and tail with a stripe of moderate opal color, were having some fun and time together at Camp Friendship such as playing tug-of-war, swimming together and even singing the song together.
"We had the best time at Camp Friendship!" Applejack narrated, "Rara was just so easygoin'! We were like two apples from the same branch."
At the stage, both Applejack and Rara were themselves for the song. Applejack was playing her guitar while Rara prepared herself to sing. Camp Advisors were watching the event while the camper foals were busy with their own stuffs such as chatting, reading comic, eating popcorn and even playing cards.
Applejack narrated, "Rara and I prepared this song for the camp talent show. When we performed, she belted it out, singin' in the most colorful, clear voice I'd ever heard!"
Young Rara: Equestria, the land I love
A land of harmony
Our flag does wave from high above
For ponykind to see
Upon hearing her beautifully and harmonically voice, camper foals stopped their activities as they turned their attention to Rara. They were all shocked and surprised to hear it. As Rara continued singing, her Cutie Mark glowed brightly in pure golden. Applejack was shocked and surprised by it.
Young Rara: Equestria, a land of friends
Where ponykind do roam
They say true friendship never ends
Equestria, my home
With the sound of triangle played by Applejack, the music ends. The campers chatted and cheered happily for Rara being the best singer. Both Rara and Applejack hugged each other happily while sobbed with tears of joy.
"After camp, we wrote to each other for a bit, but... then we lost touch."
Flashback Ends...
Apple Bloom awed in amazement, "That's amazing..."
"Rara always did want to go to Manehattan to try and make it big." Applejack said happily. She gave frown yet concerned face, "But a demandin' diva? Saber, are you serious?"
"Do I look like I'm joking?" Saber Dragoon said in annoyance. He sighed, "Whatever happens between you and that spoiled mare is long gone. And believe me, Applejack, she's not the same pony you used to know."
Dragonspear nodded in agreement, "Indeed. Not after what she had done to our home, it's wise that you don't trust her."
"Beat... Her... Up!" Gutsy exclaimed in anger.
Applejack groaned in annoyance, "Just you wait, ya'all. Once Rara gets here, you'll see she's just a plain old pony like you and me."
Pinkie Pie gasped like something surprised, "I don't have to wait - she's here!"
Ponies were surprised and shocked of what Pinkie Pie had say. She pointed at the entrance. They looked at her direction. They saw a giant golden diamond-like carried by four dancers by their backs holding its poles. The visitors were heading to their direction.
As the dancers stopped, the giant diamond transformed into a giant golden throne chair-like with speakers as handlers where the mysterious pony was sleeping. As she got up, she walked down the steps. She worn make up with thicker eyelashes as well as wearing long whitish ponytail with purplish stripe mane and tail wig. She was dressed with the purple jacket while wearing the diamond bracelets by her neck and hoof. Countess Coloratura or Rara has arrived?
The Ponyville Town Ponies awed and cheered excitedly and happily while Western Dragon Kingdom Ponies grunted and groaned angrily about Rara's arrival.
"Rara?" Applejack asked in shock and concern.
Pinkie Pie squealed happily, "Countess Coloratura!"
"Clear the way! Stand back! Keep your hooves and tail to yourselves!" The angry voice demanded.
As the ponies moved aside, Pinkie Pie stayed still while looking very happy and excited. Svengallop the white Earth Pony with light short brownish funky and tail worn the manager suit knocked Pinkie to the ground while moving to the front. Countess Coloratura and her dancers followed him to the stage while not watching where they're stepping...
Apple Bloom squealed happily, "I can't believe she's here! Your best friend is here - Rara as the Countess Coloratura! She's finally here!"
"No... that can't be her." Applejack said in concern. She and Apple Bloom approached Rara from behind as she cleared throat, "Um... hi. Remember me? We met at Camp Friendship? I gave you the nickname 'Rara'?"
Countess Coloratura gasped in surprise like the words hit hers. She turned to Applejack with surprise looks.
"AJ?" Rara asked in surprise. Applejack smiled happily while nodded happily. She gasped upon looking at Apple Bloom, "This must be your little sister you wrote to me about. Apple Bloom, we finally meet!"
Apple Bloom gasped, "She knows me! Applejack, you wrote to Countess Coloratura about me?!"
Rara nodded happily, "AJ said you were the best little sister ever, Apple Bloom!"
Applejack smiled happily to see Rara actually remembers both her and her letter. And just before Rara could do anything, Svengallop whispered to her. She sighed and nodded in agreement. She gave 'Kiss' stamp on both Applejack and Apple Bloom.
Rara smiled, "Hoofsies!"
As Rara turned and approached to her other fans, both Applejack and Apple Bloom were in stunned and surprised. Rarity approached the Apple Sisters.
"Ooh, you got hoofsies from Countess Coloratura! Look! Ooh, she clearly thinks you're very special!" Rarity commented happily.
Apple Bloom squealed while bounced happily, "I know! Countess Coloratura gave me her hoofsies! I always want that! Thanks, AJ, for being her best friend! I can ask her, sing with her and talk with her about everything especially about you!"
Applejack hummed in concern yet suspiciously. She looked at Rara giving some hoofsies to her fans. She can't help that Saber Dragoon and his officers were telling the truth about her especially about her manager - Svengallop.
As the dancer stopped ponies from approached Rara, she and Svengallop have their own private chats.
"Now that's how you make an entrance! Big, bold, absolutely stunning!" Svengallop commented proudly. He grunted a bit, "Though it was muddied a bit with your interaction with that dusty farmpony. Do you actually know her?"
Rara nodded, "Oh, yeah, that's my childhood fillyfriend AJ! She was the one that started calling me Rara."
"Oh, yes, how cute and... common." Svengallop remarked in annoyance, "Of course, I was the one that started calling you Countess, and just look at how you've moved up in Equestria since then! Why, you've gotten everything you've ever wanted! And if I were you, I watch out for her."
"Why?"
"Remember the incident from Western Dragon Kingdom?"
Rara got shocked yet concerned about the incident being reminded, "It's something I want to forget it. What does it have to do with Applejack?"
"That," Svengallop said in annoyance as he pointed at Applejack and Apple Bloom were discussing with Saber Dragoon, Dragonspear and Gutsy about something. He huffed in annoyance, "She seems to be friend with those filth. And no doubt those ponies will tell your friends about the incident, she will ignore and abandon you, Countess Coloratura."
"No. She wouldn't. AJ wouldn't do such a thing to me," Rara said in concern, "She wouldn't..."
Svengallop sighed as he shown little concern and sympathy, "I'm sorry, Coloratura. She may against you or even me. Just watch out for her and her 'so-called' friends."
Rara hummed, "I hope you're wrong about this."
"Speaking of watch out, where is the pony Pinkie Pie?" Svengallop called in annoyance.
Pinkie Pie approached Svengallop, along with her wagon, "Ooh! I'm the pony Pinkie Pie, Mr. Manager, sir!"
"Do you have the water imported from Rainbow Falls that I requested for Countess Coloratura?"
"I have twenty glass containers full right here!"
"Hm. Let us confirm that you acquired the rest of the items that Countess Coloratura requested before she performs her run-through, shall we?"
"Ooh, we shall!"
Svengallop hummed as he looked and inspected the items from the wagon, "Floral arrangements from the royal Canterlot gardens... Chocolate eclairs made by Gustave le Grand... A selection of crystals from the Crystal Empire... Freshly picked cherries from Cherry Jubilee's farm separated red from yellow..."
Svengallop sighed as he approached Countess Coloratura, "Well, by some miracle, your requests have been reasonably met. So let us move on... to rehearsal!"
Rara sighed as she nodded in agreement. Both her and Svengallop headed off at once. Applejack witnessed everything. She was in shock and concern of it.
"You were right, Saber. The Rara I knew didn't hide behind a veil givin' out fake stamp kisses, sippin' up imported water, and needin' her cherries separated."
Saber Dragoon nodded, "Like I said, Applejack - whatever happens between you and her is long gone. I know it's hard to see our friends change."
Applejack hummed, "She's become a whole other pony!"
"Come on, sis. Don't get upset by her changes. Just be happy that you finally get to see her," Apple Bloom said happily, "Besides, you should Countess Coloratura moves! You won't believe it!"
"I... hate... her songs!" Gutsy exclaimed in anger.
"And so are we," Dragonspear remarked dryly, "I wouldn't waste my time with her if I were you. We should get moving. We're going home."
Applejack sighed, "Come on, ya'all. Don't be like that. She's not what you think she is. I know there's some Rara inside her. Believe me. Just give her a chance. I'll prove it."
Saber Dragoon sighed, "Fine. Don't make me regret this."
Apple Bloom giggled, "Trust us. You won't."
On the stage, Svengallop gathered, led and coordinated the dancers to their position. Dancers on both sides of stage while Rara on top of the steps. With everyone in their positions, he gave the signal to others to begin their rehearsal. As the lights blinked and smokes burst out, Rara began climbing down the steps as she was shaking her mane and singing in pop style.
Rara: Time for the spectacle
Time for the show
The lights are bright and the colors glow
As Rara reached down, she gave her left hoof raised up and sang her last line prolonged. The fire popped and exploded to the sky, fan blew her tail and mane up and colorful lighting shoots everywhere.
Rara: I'm not just anypony
I think you know
The time is now, it's about to blow!
The dancers emerged from their hidden positions as they began dancing wildly and professionally. Rara continued singing and dancing calmly, with light flashing and blinking, as well as smoke continued burst out.
Rara: Razzle dazzle
Glitz and glam
Turn it all up, it's a spectacle
Razzle dazzle
Glitz and glam
Turn it all up, it's a spectacle
As more of lighting shooting and flashing for few times, Rara continued singing and dancing briefly. The dancers continued dancing a lot. The unicorn fired his beam on her throat as she gave the loud and prolong vocalize.
Rara: Give me more
Razzle dazzle
Glitter eyes, big surprise
Lights, cameras
The dancers emerged from their hidden positions as they began dancing wildly and professionally. Rara continued singing and dancing calmly, with light flashing and blinking, as well as smoke continued burst out. At the last moment, she stood firmly while her right hoof up.
Rara: Razzle dazzle
Glitz and glam
Turn it all up, it's a spectacle
Hear the applause
Here to impress
Not just a pony, I am the Countess!
Ponyville Town Ponies cheered wildly and excitedly. Western Dragon Kingdom Ponies muttered and chatted with each other about Rara's song especially their three generals. Applejack was in shock and freaked out as she couldn't believe of what she heard and see. This is not the same Rara she used to know since Camp Friendship.
As the workers and dancers taking break, Svengallop approached Rara as he commented and remarked arrogantly and proudly.
"Oh, my shining star! Thanks to the sparkling costumes, dazzling choreography, and brilliant vocal effects that I designed, your performance was spectacular, Countess Coloratura!"
"Oh," Rara laughed a bit, "thank you, Svengallop!"
Applejack saw everything as she groaned in annoyance, "Correct me if I'm wrong here, but that feller isn't actually complimentin' Rara. He's complimentin' all the bells and whistles he's piled on to make her Countess Coloratura."
"You're correct about that one. Wanna know why Countess Coloratura famous," Saber Dragoon asked in annoyance. Applejack nodded. He continued, "She relied too much on effects, lighting and full of nonsense technology. It shows her that she doesn't have the skills at all."
"Aw, come on Saber. Don;t be like that," Apple Bloom said calmly and concern, "All those kind of elements take tons of work for her performance. Without them, Countess Coloratura wouldn't exist."
Applejack sighed, "If you ask me, that wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing."
Saber Dragoon nodded, "I know what you mean."
At the stage, both Rara and Svengallop continued chatting with each other. Rara sighed in tiredness and exhaustion from rehearsing.
"Oh, if we're all done here, I'd love to go back to my trailer and rest, Svengallop."
Pinkie Pie approached and reported, "Actually, right now you're scheduled for your meet and greet with the schoolponies!"
Svengallop groaned as she whispered to Rara, "Ugh. I can totally get you out of meeting with the schoolponies, Countess."
Applejack was in shock before she groaned in annoyance and anger. Apple Bloom also felt her older sister's anger as well. They don't like Svengallop's attitude especially commanding Rara to do what he wants right for her.
"Absolutely not," Rara exclaimed firmly, "My favorite part of any event is meeting with the schoolponies!"
Applejack smiled as she approached Rara, "The schoolponies'll be so happy to hear that, Rara!"
"We will appreciate that much, Countess Coloratura," Apple Bloom said happily.
"Thank you" Rara smiled. As she followed the Apple Sisters, she spotted three familiar faces that she never want to see. She greeted dryly, "Nice to see you three again."
"Like wise, Countess..." Saber Dragoon said in annoyance.
Dragonspear nodded, "Hopefully you behaved well, Coloratura."
Gutsy growled angrily, "Watching... You..."
Apple Bloom groaned, "Are they serious?"
Applejack sighed in annoyance, "Why am I not surprised?"
Applejack guided all of her friends to the barnyard where the schoolponies were waiting and exciting to meet Rara or Countess Coloratura. Svengallop gave his annoying yet unpleasant glares at Applejack and Apple Bloom.
Near to barnyard, Rara gathered all of the schoolponies at the small stage while Photo Finish took the photos of them both. She then began announced about the event.
"Ponyville schoolponies! As part of the Helping Hooves Music Festival, I'm holding a contest where some of you will get a chance to sing with me onstage at the concert tomorrow! Sound fun?"
The foals cheered wildly and happily. Rara smiled happily to see little ponies loved her and her ideas. She then asked them of who wants some hoofies. Applejack smiled in relief and happy. Apple Bloom approached her as she was relieved to see her older sister happy.
"I'd take it that you're happy to see Rara you used to remember?" Apple Bloom asked happily.
Applejack nodded, "You bet, Apple Bloom. This is real her. It's her that you should meet."
"But... I got everything you requested!"
Applejack and Apple Bloom looked shock and concern of what they just heard. They turned to the Sweet Apple Acres's entrance where Pinkie Pie and Svengallop chatting and discussing with each other.
"That was for Countess Coloratura! This is for me! And what I want is premium oats!"
Pinkie Pie gulped as she held the plate of oats out, "Oh! Well, we have lots of tasty oats right here in Ponyville!"
Svengallop groaned as he threw hers aside hard, "I would not feed those to a chicken! I want top-of-the-line Appleloosan oats! Next, it appears that we are surrounded by apple trees. Bring me five hundred pre-peeled, pre-cored apples, and I want those things in twenty-four hours!"
Pinkie Pie gasped fearfully, "But that's impossible!"
"Do you want me to pull Countess Coloratura from your little podunk charity show?! Because I will!" Svengallop exclaimed in anger.
As Svengallop walked away, Applejack and Apple Bloom emerged from the bushes as they all shown very angry and upset about it. They then approached heartbroken and shocked Pinkie Pie. Saber Dragoon, Dragonspear and Gutsy came towards them as well.
Pinkie frantically exclaimed, "Applejack! Svengallop just made all of these new demands and he said--"
Applejack interrupted, "I heard, Pinkie. But don't you fret. I'll talk to Rara and fix things right up."
"And you'd think she'll help us to deal with him?" Saber asked suspiciously yet concern.
"You heard what happen! There is no way Rara could demand that much! Svengallop is the pony who makes the outrageous demands, not her."
"But still-!"
"No! I have to tell her about Svengallop. Hopefully, she give him some piece of her mind! I can't let him do what he wants especially manipulating her! She's my friend!"
"Applejack is right, young lord. Perhaps rumors were wrong," Dragonspear said in concern, "Master Skysoar did warn us that we should be worry about her manager, not her. We misjudge her."
Gutsy growled, "Svengallop... Must... Pay..."
Saber Dragoon sighed, "Alright. We'll do your way, Applejack. Don't make me regret this."
"Trust me. You won't regret it," Apple Bloom said firmly.
Applejack smiled in relief as she and Apple Bloom led and guided three officers of Western Dragon Kingdom to the stage. Rara continued chatting and giving the foals some of hoofsies. Nyx was the last pony to get it. Twilight Sparkle and Shadow Dragon were behind of her. Rara gave the hoofsies to both Nyx and Twilight Sparkle.
"Hoofsie for you and your mummy too, Nyxie."
Nyx giggled happily as she looked at her cheek that covered by red hoofsie, "Thank you very much, Countess Coloratura. I have her hoofsie on my cheek!"
Twilight Sparkle smiled while patted Nyx, "It's so hard to believe that you and Applejack were friends once before. It's an honor to meet you."
"The honor is mine, your highness. I'm thankful to be part of charity event," Rara thanked and bowed humbly. She then spotted Shadow Dragon behind her. She gasped, "Shadow Dragon? Is that you?"
Shadow Dragon hummed in surprise while looking closely at her, "Rara?"
"You know each other?" Twilight Sparkle and Nyx asked in surprise.
Rara smiled and nodded happily, "Yes, he was my mentor! I met him when I was at least 16 or 17 years old during my stay at Manehatten. While I was practicing my singing, I met Shadow Dragon and Dragoking at Central Park."
Shadow Dragon blushed a bit, "That's true. After hearing her voice and seeing her lyrics, I decide to train her to be professional singer. She really has some potential to be one."
"And not to mention, we both became the couples. It was the best."
"Huh? You dated Countess Coloratura before me?!" Twilight Sparkle asked in shock. Shadow Dragon blushed as he looked away. She giggled in amusement before giving him a nudge, "You sly fox. Why didn't you tell me that you dated the pop star?!"
Nyx nodded, "Yeah! We could have gotten free tickets, merchandise and hoofsies without paying the price!"
"If I did, you'd be jealous. And the last thing I want is your temper," Shadow Dragon blushed in embarrassment. Twilight Sparkle rolled her eyes in amusement while Nyx giggled. He continued, "But nine months later, things change when Svengallop came. I warned her about him and his 'promises' but ignored it and go with him. I was upset and angry with her. So, we both broke up."
Rara sighed, "Yeah. That's true. We never see each other for almost 5 years. But worth it when I finally became a star."
"To become a true singer, you must use your true talents to perform, not hide behind the tricks," Shadow Dragon said firmly and disappointingly, "For what you have done till now, that's not even your skills. You haven't change a bit."
Rara smiled while shaking her head, "And you're still the same stern teacher and boyfriend I used to love and have fun with. Either way, I hope you enjoyed your happiness with Princess Twilight. Take care of him, your highness. He tends to get into some fights."
"I will," Twilight Sparkle smiled before looked at Shadow Dragon, "You and I are gonna have a long talk and fun especially your past relationship with Countess Coloratura."
Nyx nodded in agreement while bounced happily, "I want to know how you and her became the couples, just before you met mummy!"
Shadow Dragon sighed, "Oh boy..."
As Twilight Sparkle, Shadow Dragon and Nyx left; Applejack and her friends approached Rara to have a talk.
"Uh... Hey, Rara, you mind if I talk to you about your manager?"
Rara smiled, "Sure, what about him?"
Applejack sighed, "Well, while you were meetin' with the schoolponies, he was demandin' all sorts of stuff from Pinkie Pie."
"Svengallop works very hard as my manager, AJ, so if he needs some things when we're on the road, I don't see anything wrong with that."
"Well, do you see somethin' wrong with him tellin' Pinkie that if she doesn't get those things by tomorrow, he'd pull you from our charity festival?"
"What? But he knows how important charity is to me, and leaving the festival would completely ruin my image!"
Applejack hissed in concern, "I'm afraid Svengallop doesn't give a pickled pippin about your charity work."
Apple Bloom nodded in agreement, "She's right about that."
Rara shook her head and protested in denial, "That's not true! Svengallop has always supported me in all my interests. You're just saying those things because you're jealous!"
"Jealous of what?" Applejack demanded in anger, "A pony who hides behind a veil so thick she can't see when somepony's usin' her? No, I'm not jealous of that, Rara!"
"I am not Rara! I am Countess Coloratura!" Rara snarled, "And while we may have been friends when we were young, we have clearly gone in different directions! I wouldn't be surprise that those barbarians told you about the incident."
"What?! Did you call my friends barbarians?!" Applejack demanded in anger.
"Yes! Because they blamed and accused of me for making lots of demands! They even kicked me out from their homeland. We need the supplies for the trip, making music and album especially charity event! How could I help them if I don't have those supplies. They told you, did they?"
"They did. But I'd never want to believe it because Sevngallop is the one who make the mess!"
"Don't you dare blame him for this, Applejack! I don't want to hear this anymore. Now if you excuse me, I've got more important work to do than this. Goodbye, old friend..."
Rara turned and walked away from her old friend. Applejack then gave a upset and pained looks. Apple Bloom and others looked concern and worry about it. Applejack has lost her childhood friend...
In the next morning, Applejack and Pinkie Pie were peeling apples off the skins. They have no choice but to complete it before Svengallop threatened to pull Rara or Countess Coloratura from the charity event. Apple Bloom did nothing but watch the event. She was in pain and upset to see her older sister and Rara fight with each other due to Svengallop's manipulation.
Saber Dragoon approached Apple Bloom, "Apple Bloom, I'm sorry for everything. I was wrong to misjudge Countess Coloratura over the outrageous demands."
"I know," Apple Bloom said in understanding, "There must be something we can do to help AJ and Rara. I don't want to see them fighting each other!"
Dragonspear hummed before gasped in realization, "There is! The pouch! Master Skysour gave it to me before we left. He told us to open it when Applejack reached critical point."
"Open... It..." Gutsy exclaimed.
Dragonspear took and open the pouch. He then open the folded note into whole. He and all of his friend read it carefully. They then looked at each other for the moment. They smiled and nodded in agreement. That could work.
Saber Dragoon and Apple Bloom approached Applejack, who continued peeling the apples out.
"You okay, AJ?" Saber Dragoon asked in concern. Applejack remained silent for the moment. He sighed, "Look, I'm sorry for what happened yesterday. I really do."
Applejack sighed, "It doesn't matter. Rara wouldn't want to talk with me since she thinks Svengallop is always right. No point to talk her out."
"So, that's it? You're gonna give her up?" Apple Bloom asked in upset. Applejack looked at her. She continued, "Just because you had one fight with her doesn't mean you should quit or forget about it! She needs you, AJ."
"But Apple Bloom-!"
"The last thing you want is her to be laughingstock! Everypony will never ever look up to her again. Nopony, not even that jerk Svengallop would bother to help her. But you do. You and her are friends."
"Apple Bloom..."
Apple Bloom sobbed tearfully while hugging Applejack, "Please, Applejack; don't you dare give up that! Please, help Rara..."
"Your sister's right." Saber Dragoon said firmly, "You can't let Svengallop manipulating her. She can't see it. She needs us. She needs you."
Apple Bloom wiped her tears off while showing her firm face, "So, are you gonna help her or not?"
Applejack thought for the moment. She then gave the firm and proud looks. She then nodded firmly. Saber Dragoon, Apple Bloom, Dragonspear and even Gutsy smiled in relief. Applejack turned to Pinkie Pie.
"Sorry, Pinkie, but there is no way I'm lettin' that lousy Svengallop use my friend like that!"
Pinkie Pie was in shock and concern as she fell behind the peeled apples hard. Applejack headed off at once while her friends followed her. They have to find and convinced Rara about Svengallop's true nature before it's too late...
Applejack and her friends approached to the big stage, where Rara was leading and instructing ponies handling the stage and preparation for tonight's event.
"Countess Coloratura!" Applejack called.
Rara looked surprised and amazed as she turned to her best friend, "Wow, AJ, you said my real name."
"I said your new name, but I saw the real you hangin' out with those schoolponies yesterday. And I know somepony that'd prefer if you stop doin' those little events."
"Ugh, not this again."
"Come on now. You've just got to give me a chance to prove what I'm sayin' is true."
"Please, Rara, let AJ help you. You and her were best friends." Apple Bloom pleaded, "She would never lie to you. You've gotta believe in her."
Saber Dragoon nodded in agreement, "You trust Skysoar, don't you? He's the only pony who believed in you as innocent. Prove us that you are by trusting us and AJ."
Rara hummed a bit before sighed, "And just how are you going to do that?"
Applejack smirked, "Do exactly what we say. We'll see if that Svengallop truly has your best interests at heart."
Saber Dragoon nodded, "Skysoar's plan never fails. Listen carefully..."
Saber Dragoon and Applejack explained the plan to Rara about it, which she reluctantly to follow it as she's still unsure about Svengallop and his outrageous demands since he was her friend and manager when she began her music career. Either way, she has to see it with her own eyes.
As ponies were setting the props up for the event, Rara called Svengallop. Svengallop came from her right side of stage.
"Here I am! Did you need something?" Svengallop asked calmly.
"Yes, I was... considering..." Rara said reluctantly yet fearfully. She gulped as she hated doing it, "m-maybe cancelling the contest with the schoolponies...?"
Svengallop gasped in surprise yet relief, "Countess, this is wonderful! I've been waiting forever for you to cancel that pointless schoolpony contest."
"You... have?" Rara asked in shock.
"You do it at every charity event, and it does absolutely nothing to promote the Countess Coloratura image that I built! Consider it cancelled."
Rara was in shock and upset to hear what Svengallop had said. Applejack, Apple Bloom and even Shadow Dragon were right about him. He doesn't really care about schoolponies' contest without asking her or even pleaded her to re-considerate it.
"Pinkie Pie!" Svengallop called. Pinkie Pie trotted straight before him. She breathed heavily after spending a long time in peeling the apples' skin out. Svengallop smiled proudly, "We are making some adjustments to the show. Follow me!"
As both Svengallop and Pinkie Pie moved back to the backstage, Rara nodded in giving the signal to Applejack and Apple Bloom. They both nodded before turned to Twilight Sparkle and Nyx as they waved their friends to move out.
As both Alicorns flew in midair while following Svengallop and Pinkie Pie to the backstage, they used their magic in recording the event as the Earth Ponies began to have chats.
"Cancel the contest for the fillies and schedule me a spa treatment. Now that I don't have to oversee a rehearsal with those brats, I have time for the works!" Svengallop said happily. He then gave Pinkie Pie a glare, "You know the drill! Deliver, or the diva ditches your dippy charity!"
Pinkie Pie gulped fearfully as she nodded in understanding. Svengallop smiled happily as everything has gone exactly of what he wanted.
He returned to the stage to have a word with Rara. And just before he could do anything, a familiar voice and scene appeared on the blank screen. Both Western Dragon Kingdom and Ponyville Town Ponies chatted and muttered angrily about Svengallop's behavior and threat. Rara was even angry and furious about his behavior.
"So that's how you've been managing things?" Rara demanded.
Svengallop huffed as he brushed the claim off, "Yeah, so? What's the problem?"
"The problem is, is you've been using my name to intimidate ponies to get what you want! Your demands is the reason why Western Dragon Kingdom banished us from going to that land again! All because of your greed!"
"But I work incredibly hard for you! I deserve everything I get!"
"But not because you scare ponies into thinking I won't perform for their charities otherwise! I would never do that to my fans! Which is why you should have known that I would never cancel the schoolponies' contest!"
Svengallop groaned angrily, "Hmph. All this charity and schoolpony contest nonsense is just remnants of that boring little Rara I met back in Manehattan!"
Rara groaned angrily as she lifted her face cloth up, "Unlike my old teacher, Shadow Dragon understands the real me more than you! He always taught me that showing charity and kindness have rewards - happiness! He trained me to be good singer with heart and passion! All you can think of is yourself! He was right about you! Therefore, I no longer need your service!"
"Ha, that's a joke! I made you somepony while he wasted your time to perfect your skills! What can you even do without me?" Svengallop exclaimed in annoyance, Good luck, Countess Coloratura! Good luck."
"That's all we need to hear." Saber Dragoon said firmly as he and his Western Dragon Kingdom soldier surrounded Svengallop. He took the scroll out and announced, "In the name of Western Dragon Kingdom, you are under arrest for using rude behavior, blackmail and threaten the innocent and mostly - insult the Emperor!"
Dragonspear nodded firmly, "And don't worry, you're not going to prison... yet. Without Countess Coloratura's protection, we all would like to have a word with you."
Gutsy chuckled in amusement as he grabbed Svengallop by neck, "Crush... You..."
Svengallop gulped before chuckled nervously, "Can we talk this out? Please? I can do anything! Please, don't hurt me!"
"Take him away," Saber Dragoon ordered.
As Gusty dragged Svengallop away from ponies, the former manager screamed fearfully. His soldiers followed him. They all would like to give Svengallop some piece of their mind. They all began beating him up very hard and fiercely at the backstage. He continued screaming painfully.
Rara looked down in upset yet concern of what Svengallop had said. Applejack and Apple Bloom approached her for comfort.
"Oh, Rara, I'm so sorry."
Apple Bloom nodded in concern, "Are you gonna be okay for the concert tonight?"
Rara sighed, "Of course. After all, the show must go on!"
Night time...
"Oh, my gosh! Svengallop's right! This is gonna be a disaster! I'm gonna be terrible!"
Rara panicked as she found out that the dancers are not in their position, the props and special effect machines were not ready, and even herself not completely dress or even worn the make-up. She is doomed!
Applejack and Apple Bloom entered the backstage as they found Rara was panicking.
"So much of getting rid of Svengallop," Apple Bloom asked in concern, "Why do you need that jerk? He deserve the punishment for the mess he make."
Rara hissed in concern as she looked at the mirror, "Because Svengallop was in charge of everything! The lights, the visuals, the sound! Without Svengallop, I have nothing!"
Applejack sighed while shaking her head calmly. She approached and made Rara comfort.
"Now, now, don't go gettin' yourself into a tizzy there, Rara. Svengallop turned you into Countess Coloratura and acted like your friend so he could enjoy the perks that came with bein' a star. But the real perk of friendship is gettin' to see your friend bein' true to their self."
Applejack hugged Rara, "And Rara, when you're simply yourself, you're the brightest star I've ever seen shine."
Rara then looked at the mirror as she slowly gave in thoughts of what Applejack has said. She's right about it. Rara has an idea of what to do now...
Both Ponyvillw Town Ponies and Western Dragon Kingdom were gathered at the stage, even Virtue Dragon was there for supporting and sponsoring the charity event. They all cheered wildly and happily as Twilight Sparkle emerged from the curtains as she announced through microphone.
"Good evening, everypony! Welcome to opening night of the Helping Hooves Music Festival! Now it is my great honor to introduce you to our headlining act - Countess Coloratura!"
As Twilight Sparkle moved aside, the curtains unfolded. The spotlight turned on and aimed on Rara with her original hairstyle and tail dressed in simple black blouse and a transparent grayish skirt, as well as wearing silver Egyptian necklace. She was neared to the grand piano. She smiled.
"This song may be familiar, but yet, it's totally different. Kind of like me, Rara."
The ponies were in confuse and shock as they chatted and muttered with each other, and even Virtue Dragon wasn't aware of it. As Rara began playing the piano calmly yet professionally, she sang harmonically and passionately.
Rara: I'm here to show you who I am
Throw off the veil, it's finally time
There's more to me than glitz and glam, oh-whoa
And now I feel my stars align
As Rara continued singing, the unicorns slowly glowed their horns with a sparkle of star.
Rara: For I had believed what I was sold
I did all the things that I was told
But all that has changed, and now I'm bold
'Cause I know
With the cue given, the stage lightened up beneath the curtain. The conductor and his orchestra played their instrument in supporting and boosting Rara's singing and playing the piano.
Rara: That I am just a pony
I make mistakes from time to time
But now I know the real me
And put my heart out on the line
Four Cutie Mark Crusaders nuzzled and touched each other's faces happily while listening to the song happily.
Rara: And let the magic in my heart stay true
Whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa
And let the magic in my heart stay true
Whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa
Just like the magic inside of you
Rara continued playing the piano, she emotionally sang her song with the tone of joyousness yet despair and relief.
Rara: And now I see those colors
Right before my eyes
I hear my voice so clearly
And I know that it is right
Rara went into determined and proud of singing the song. Her Cutie Mark glowed brightly and colorfully.
Rara: They thought I was weak, but I am strong
They sold me the world, but they were wrong
And now that I'm back, I still belong
'Cause I know
As Rara sang it out loud, ponies cheered wildly and happily for her including Applejack. She sobbed tearfully in both happiness and proudly to see her childhood friend finally revealed her true colors and true performances.
Rara: That I am just a pony
I make mistakes from time to time
But now I know the real me
And put my heart out on the line
During the performance, Rara also cried tearfully in joy and pride as she finally express her emotions in singing and playing the piano. She was relieved to have friends like Applejack.
Rara: And let the magic in my heart stay true
Whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa
And let the magic in my heart stay true
Whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa
Just like the magic inside of you
Just like the magic inside of you...
With the song ended, Rara smiled and bowed before the ponies. They all cheered wildly and happily, including Virtue Dragon and his ponies.
Rara used the microphone as she approached to the front to announced,
"Thank you, everypony! When I arrived at the Helping Hooves Music Festival, I had forgotten who I really was! But then an old friend reminded me what real friendship is about, and she told me that if I was true to myself, I couldn't go wrong!"
Rara then looked at Virtue Dragon, "To the Emperor from the West of Ma, I owe you a great apology for the misunderstanding and rude behavior of me. Please, forgive me."
"It is alright, Rara. I too owe you an apology," Virtue Dragon bowed down for the moment. He smirked proudly, "And I would like to make this up to you! Ponies, allow me to present you to make this event interesting - who wants to wreck Svengallop the Anti-Charity Pony?!"
Ponies and even foals cheered wildly and happily. Gutsy moved the hanging cargo to the front for the show. Svengallop revealed himself to be beaten up badly while he was hanging upside down. He moaned and groaned painfully. Saber Dragoon and Dragonspear moved to the front as they both held several kendo sticks.
Saber Dragoon held his kendo stick up, "Gather around, ponies! It's time for the special game - Wreck the Anti-Charity Pony! And who would be honor to this game is none other than Svengallop himself. Thank you for volunteer!"
Dragonspear threw sticks to the foals while blindfolding them all, "The one who gave him the best, hardest and most beats on Svengallop gets free Countess Coloratura merchandise and free candies! Come and join the fun! Another one will be fallen to our spears!"
Ponies cheered wildly and happily. Both adults and foals were all in offense positions. They're ready to attack Svengallop, even Gutsy joined the fight. Svengallop gulped fearfully.
"Wreck... Him!" Gutsy roared happily.
The ponies cheered wildly and happily as they used and wrecked their kendo sticks on Svengallop very hard and fiercely. He then screamed and pleaded for help painfully and fearfully, as well as begging that he will do anything as he wanted to get out of here. Ponies laughed in amusement about his whining.
Rara smiled as she continued her announcement, "Have fun in beating that Anti-Charity Pony up! And now, I have a very special surprise for her. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Nyx, come on up!"
As four Cutie Mark Crusaders got up on the stage, the spotlight turned on both them and Rara. They both then began to sing together, with both harmonically and passionately. The Flag of Equestria lowered down.
Rara and Cutie Mark Crusaders: Equestria, the land I love
A land of harmony
Our flag does wave from high above
For ponykind to see
Rara lend her hoof down for Applejack to grab. As Applejack grabbed hers, she was pulled up on the stage. Both Rara and Cutie Mark Crusaders continued singing.
Rara and Cutie Mark Crusaders: Equestria, a land of friends
Where ponykind do roam
They say true friendship never ends
Equestria, my home
With the song ended, ponies cheered wildly and happily for the performance. Sweetie Belle levitated the triangle up. Applejack played it once. Both her and Rara nuzzled each other's faces happily. Friendship till the end...
END...
Review and Suggest...
Main Casts:
Ashleigh Ball: Applejack, Rainbow Dash
Lena Hall: Countess Coloratura/Rara
Michelle Creber: Apple Bloom
Will Friedle: Saber Dragoon
Minor Casts:
Colin Murdoch: Svengallop
Terrence Stone: Dragonspear
Alan Shearman: Gutsy
Andrea Libman: Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy
Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle
Cameo:
Tabitha St Germain: Rarity
Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon
Kira Tozer: Nyx
Claire Corlett: Sweetie Belle
Madeleine Peters: Scootaloo
Dave B. Mitchell: Virtue Dragon |
My Little Pony Mystic Season 1 | Episode 24.5: Shadow of Princess Twilight | The familiar yet taller lavender Alicorn Pony with long horn, mane and tail has demonic greenish eyes with crimson pupil, and worn demonically armor with lavender cape and horned helmet while her Cutie Mark is sparkling star but with demon eye and five black stars has entered the dungeon. She walked all the way down the hallway while looking around of her surroundings - prison cells for all of Crystal Ponies.
Upon arriving at the end of hallway, she entered the restricted chamber. She was marching straight to the front. She took a glance at seven ponies trapped within the giant tube cells-like - Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity and Tailtech on right side while Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and Icy on left side. The front was her former lover as he was held tightly by chains from both sides.
"Look at how the mighty has fallen..."
"Twi... Twilight Sparkle..." Shadow Dragon moaned and groaned painfully.
Twilight Sparkle smirked darkly, "That name means nothing, Shadow Dragon. My true name is Midnight Sparkle - Queen of the Shadows and Wife of King Sombra..."
Shadow Dragon was heartbroken and pained to see her like that, "No... You couldn't! You can't be! You just can't!"
"I already am, Dragon General..." Twilight Sparkle said darkly yet amusingly. She turned to her former friends, "You all could have followed me, than none of this could have happen. I trusted you all. But you betrayed me at the end. Some friends you turned out to be."
Applejack grunted painfully while cried tearfully, "Twilight, we would never betray you! We have always been there for you! You've known us for long time! And now, you broke our heart..."
"[Tailtech] Twilight, snap out of it! [Icy] Don't you remember anything?! Don't you remember about your friendship?! Don't you remember your loved one?! [Fluttershy] Please, Twilight, turn back now! There's still time! [Rarity] Come back to us, darling! You can't let Sombra control you! [Rainbow Dash] You're our princess - Princess of Friendship! You're our best friend. You can't do this! [Pinkie Pie] I don't want evil Twilight! Bring her back!"
Twilight Sparkle gave dark yet unemotional glare at her own friends, "Like I said before, Twilight Sparkle is gone. The one who is standing before is Queen Midnight Sparkle."
Shadow Dragon and his friends were in shock, despaired and pained to see it. The Twilight Sparkle they used to know is gone...
"No..." Everyone asked in shock and pain.
Shadow Dragon grunted painfully, "You can't! You can't abandoned everything of what we all have been through?! Hasn't our friendship mean anything to you?!"
Twilight Sparkle scoffed in amusement, "Nothing but empty words when one refused to help another when she needed the most, just like what you did to me all those years ago. My scar hasn't healed since that day. I haven't forgotten or forgiven you for that!"
Mane Five was in shock and pained, "Twilight..."
"What about Nyx and Spike?! What would they say when they see you like this?! You're their mother!" Applejack asked in concern while cried in despair, "What about your family? They will be heartbroken especially Shining Armor and Princess Cadance. Their baby is coming out soon! She or he doesn't want to see how evil you have become! Twilight, please stop this! Come back..."
Mane Four, Tailtech and Icy pleaded, "Please, come home. We need you!"
Shadow Dragon hissed, "Please, Twilight, come home..."
Twilight Sparkle huffed in annoyance, "You're wasting time. She will never come back because she's dead. Nothing will change that."
Shadow Dragon groaned in anger and pain, "No. This can't be happening."
"Now if you excuse me, I must meet up with the king for important matters," Twilight Sparkle said darkly as she turned to the front. She was marching straight to the door. Before she could exit, she said calmly, "If you truly value our friendship, then reconsider and join my cause. Together, we will build the new world for our home. Goodbye..."
With Twilight Sparkle left the chamber, Shadow Dragon and rest of his friend were deeply scarred, pained and depressed. They really lost Twilight Sparkle to the return of King Sombra. She is now Midnight Sparkle.
"How could have this happen?"
Four days ago...
Pinkie Pie squealed happily, "Crystal Fair is coming! It's coming! I can't wait! I wanna be the clown again and especially I wanna play with the flugel horn! I've got some practice of it! And this time, they're gonna like it especially my best party ideas ever!"
Mane Six and their friends - Shadow Dragon, Lance Justicestrike, Shiroi Bai and Spike were using the Ponyville Express Train in travelling to Crystal Empire. They all were chatting and discussing with each other happily and calmly about Crystal Fair. They all can't wait to do it again ever since the defeat and death of King Sombra.
"Oh! I can't wait to get started with the fair," Rarity commented happily, "I'm dying to sell my new fashion dresses for the Crystal Empire to see and try! Crystallized and fashion - together - the best idea I've ever come up with! Hopefully, my boutique can be opened here, someday..."
"Well, either way, we're gonna make the best of it," Applejack commented, "I just hope those ponies love my Apple Recipe especially Apple Ciders. They're the best!"
"Oh yeah? I definitely in for the jousting! And this time, I'm gonna show more of my awesomeness! They'll love it!" Rainbow Dash commented happily.
Fluttershy hissed fearfully, "Ooh... I don't want to be part of that again. But I look forward for the animals especially petting zoo. It's my favorite place."
Spike rolled his eyes in amusement while chuckled, "Well, either way, I'm gonna tell another story. And this is so not involved with saving Crystal Heart from King Sombra or even saving Equestria Games, it's gonna be involved with me and my gang saving Twilight Sparkle from Drago! Now, that's the best! Right, Twi?"
No answers. Spike turned and found Twilight Sparkle was spacing out as she was looking at the window like something is on her mind. He'd never seen her like this unless it involved with problems or tests set by Princess Celestia.
"Twilight?" Spike said in concern. He hummed, "Something's off with her. She's never been like this."
Applejack noticed it as she shown her concern, "Yeah. I just hope it's not Shadow-Twilight argument again. If that happens, I would never forgive myself for not solving the argument in time again."
Spike shook his head, "Nah. I don't think so. They didn't have the fight again. Something's definitely wrong..."
Lance Justicestrike was looking at the window as he was staring at the sights of Crystal Empire's aura lights. He awed in amazement of looking at it. Shiroi Bai patted him for his attention. He turned to her while smiling. He then nuzzled her muzzle a bit.
"What's up, Shiroi?" Lance asked in amusement.
Shiroi smiled, "First time to go to Crystal Empire? Because it's also my first time too, Lance. It is said that Crystal Heart was powered by the love of Crystal Ponies for exorcise both evil and demons like Umbrum Ponies. Not only that, it gives light and blessings to the ponies if they shown their true hearts. I've always want to be part of crystallized. I want to feel its light."
"Yeah. That is so right, Shiroi. My mum often told me that story. And she said that she wants to see it with her own eyes. She wants to be touched by Crystal Heart. But she's gone..."
"I'm sorry about this, Lance."
"I know. But now, I've got some chance to make her dream come true. I'm gonna touch it for her. It's what she wanted."
"Well, you'd better behave yourself, Lance," Shadow Dragon joked as he joined in while patted Lance's spiky mane, "I was told that if you behaved badly and do something terrible, Crystal Heart will give you a big smack. And ouch, it will kick you out forever."
Lance groaned in annoyance, "Very funny, dad. But you've been there before, have you?"
"Nah... But Frozen Sage and her Ice Warriors did been there before. She was its Guardian before she became Mystic Councilpony of Ice. And believe me, she was very protective and loyal to it since that day. She takes that job very seriously."
"And she's back for it?"
"Eh, not exactly. But according to Twilight, Frozen Sage did try to relinquish all the stallions and colts for the protection of Crystal Empire, Crystal Hearts and even female ponies after some bad experience with her mind-controlled husband."
"Ouch... King Sombra?"
"Eeyup..."
"What happen next?" Shiroi asked in concern.
Shadow Dragon smirked in amusement, "Oh, you're not gonna believe in this one. Shining Armor and Flash Sentry challenge Frozen Sage for Crystal Empire's independence. They nearly got frozen hearts. But thanks to Twilight Sparkle and Princess Cadance, with the support of ponies and Crystal Heart, they managed to beat some senses to her. Those guys were saved by the Crystal Heart and Princess Cadance's power. She finally change her mind about it. She still watch over the kingdom because it was her home. If I was there, I would laugh at Shining Armor for getting frozen heart. He deserve it."
"Wow, your dad got some little issues with Shining Armor. Both must have really hate each other a lot..." Shiroi Bai hissed in concern.
Lance sighed as he shrugged, "Yeah. Uncle Shining Armor can be very protective for my stepmom or mom. He almost want to pick a fight with my dad."
Shadow Dragon huffed, "And I will pretend to ignore it."
"Too bad, Nyx is not coming here because she got some big project with her friend about Cutie Marks. Why would they stuck with that? I thought they're done with it. But she would have enjoyed her time with Princess Cadance especially her unborn baby. Kinda feels weird."
"Lance, Nyx just wants to get some bonding with Cadance's unborn baby. After all, she wants to prepare for that arrival. You do want to get to know more about your baby cousin, don't you? Princess Cadance is our family."
"Yeah, I guess so."
Shiroi scoffed a bit, "Either way, I also want to meet the Princess's baby. I like babies. They're so cute and cuddly as Nyx."
Lance chuckled happily, "She sure is, Shiroi. I too like the babies, like you, babe."
Shiroi giggled before pushed Lance lightly, "Oh you. You sure got some funny words to say."
Shadow Dragon rolled his eyes in amusement. He turned to the front as he found Applejack and Spike chatted in concern while looking at Twilight Sparkle being spacing off or got distracted by something else. He hummed in concern as he decide to find out.
"Something off with her," Shadow Dragon asked in concern. Applejack and Spike nodded in concern. He sighed, "I'll talk with her. I hope she's not mad at me about dating Rara. That was five years ago especially she was naive singer."
As Shadow Dragon approached Twilight Sparkle from behind, he asked, "You okay, Twilight? You're not angry about me and Rara dated, aren't you?"
Twilight Sparkle gasped as she turned to Shadow Dragon, "No. It's not that. I just have some terrible nightmares, that's all."
"Nightmares? You never had that before."
"I do now ever since I made contact with King Sombra. He almost convinced me, corrupted me and even seduced me to join his side. I haven't gotten over that ever since that day."
"Twilight... I'm sorry to hear that. What kind of nightmare did he put inside your head?"
Twilight Sparkle sobbed tearfully yet painfully as she explained,
"It was terrible and painful nightmare I ever have. I was having the usual day for reading books, spending some time with my friends and family until he came. He called himself Forest Mist. He befriend, trained me about Dark Magic, talked with me and loved me. I return that feeling for him. He then revealed himself as King Sombra. I was afraid and worried about him but he seemed nice and caring pony. I thought he cared and loved me. I was wrong - I was corrupted and seduced by his charm. I killed innocent lives. I was forced to run for my life to be with him. I even accepted his proposal. And the next, we both did it. We then invade the Equestria under our rule. And the worst thing I ever did - I killed them - all of the innocents, resistance, my friends and my family."
"Sweet Celestia..." Shadow Dragon remarked in shock and feared. He then held and hugged Twilight Sparkle as he gave her some patting, "I know what it feels like to be feared and guilty of the nightmares, something that you never want to do. I've been there before for 500 years."
Twilight Sparkle sniffled unhappily, "I'm sorry. I really am, Shadow Dragon. And now I'm scared than before. I'm worry that nightmare may come true. It's getting darker and scarier than before. This is not brief nightmare..."
"It will go away, Twilight. I promise you that. I won't let that happen. I'll make sure that your nightmare won't come true."
"I hope so. I really hope so..."
"We're here!" Pinkie Pie cheered happily.
Twilight Sparkle and her friends took the peek through the window as they spotted the Crystal Empire ahead of them. They're almost there now...
Twilight Sparkle have arrived at the Crystal Empire's Train Station. They found three familiar ponies standing before them - Shining Armor, his lieutenant Flash Sentry and bodyguard Red Arsenal.
Twilight Sparkle trotted and hugged Shining Armor happily, "Shining Armor, you're here! I thought you would be waiting at the castle, with Cadance."
Shining Armor scoffed, "Yeah, right! Like I'm gonna miss meeting you here in pony. Glad you and your friends can make it. We're gonna make the best of Crystal Fair for ponies to enjoy. This is gonna be like old times."
"Yeah, me too. I can't wait to start it," Twilight Sparkle said happily, "You can leave everything to me and my friends."
"Of course, sis. I always trust you on this." Shining Armor turned and glared at Shadow Dragon, "Hello, Shadow Dragon..."
"Nice to see you here too, Armor," Shadow Dragon greeted dryly, "I see you haven't change. You're still not trusting me."
"Not as much as I want to punch your face. Play nice or get beaten up."
"Whatever, Armor." Shadow Dragon remarked in annoyance. He turned to Flash Sentry, "Doing fine here, Flash Sentry? I hope this guy didn't pressure you to kill me. So, how's your Tiger Claw Strike practice going? It's what make who you are from inside, Sentry."
Flash Sentry saluted while chuckled in amusement, "No siree, Shadow Dragon. Shining Armor didn't give me that order, though he keeps mumbling about want to do it. But yes, I keep practicing it. It was hard, but worth part of my skills."
"Glad to hear it. I hope you're up for the next skills - Falcon's Quick Blade. It only works for Pegasus. Up to the challenge, lieutenant?"
"You bet I am, sir! I'm ready for anything. They don't call me 'Sentry' for nothing."
"Good to hear."
Lance Justicestrike gave the hoof bumps to Red Arsenal, "Long time no see, Red. Didn't know you'd get transfer in as their bodyguards?"
Red Arsenal scoffed as he returned the hoof bumps, "Well, Princess Celestia did send me here to supervise the securities and defense. She wants to make sure that Crystal Empire are in safe hoof. Believe me, never let your guard down for once. You'd might not know when the enemy comes and strike us down."
"I'll say. I just hope you're not complaining about Crystal Empire's place, are you?"
"Well, I almost want to hit those guards for lack of devotion and responsibility. Well, almost. Honestly, I'd never know how they able to defeat their enemies if their home ever get invaded."
Lance chuckled uneasily, "I'm pretty sure they're doing their best to protect home. They just need some guidance and help, which is why we're here."
Red Arsenal rolled his eyes in annoyance, "Well, they better put effort on it. They do not want to test my temper."
"Come on, everypony, Princess Cadance is waiting for us. She don't want any of us get left behind," Shining Armor joked.
Shining Armor led and guided his sister and others to the city of Crystal Empire at once. Hopefully, they can't wait to start and get the preparation done before next week. Crystal Fair is very important to Crystal Empire especially giving so much love and power to it for protection...
Shining Armor and his two lieutenants guided and led Twilight Sparkle and her friends all the way to Crystal Empire's Central Area. They spotted Princess Cadance, Icy and Tailtech were discussing with each other, as well as Crystal Ponies about Crystal Fair. They all approached to their friends at once.
"I know there's not much of threat at Crystal Empire now," Tailtech said calmly, "But we should set some sentry units for protection, just in case if there are some enemies show up."
Icy nodded in agreement, "And don't forget, my mother will be here soon."
"Okay, care to refresh my memory of why she should come," Princess Cadance asked curiously, "Not that I complain about it, just wondering why she never showed up, two years ago."
Icy smiled as she explained,
"Well, you see. At the Beginning, Mystic Guardian of Ice create the Crystal Heart for not only just power of light and protection, but also bestow the blessings and love on the ponies with pure heart. The first Crystal Princess and her Crystal Ponies found and made contact with it when they became the founders of Crystal Empire. And of course, they all have been blessed by Mystic Guardian of Ice. So therefore, both Crystal Ponies and Mystic Ponies of Ice celebrated Crystal Fair for once a year as the symbol of respect and love. And that's why my mom must come here."
"Hmm... Interesting. I can't wait. I just hope this is not gonna be another fight," Princess Cadance commented in annoyance. She turned and found Shining Armor, Twilight Sparkle and her friends coming towards him. She gasped as she approached them. She then gave Twilight Sparkle a hug, "Twilight! So glad to see you, sister-in-law!"
Twilight Sparkle hugged Princess Cadance back, "It's also good to see you too. How's it going?"
"Went well. We're right on the schedule. We just need to think of some stalls to take place on spacing area. I don't suppose you and your friends got any ideas?"
"We definitely do. While we're on our way to here, my friends got some ideas of taking the stall space - Applejack for her Apple Recipes and Ciders, Rarity for her fashions, Fluttershy for her animal tips especially petting zoo, Rainbow Dash's jousting, and of course, Pinkie Pie's music and party fair. That would be all."
"Glad to hear it, Twilight. I knew I can count on you for that."
Twilight Sparkle smiled happily, along with her friends who nodded in agreement with her about it. They can't to get started.
Shadow Dragon cleared his throat, "I don't supposed I can fill one space for my martial art lessons. After all, everypony did love Ma Fu."
"Of course, I do, Shadow Dragon. It's right near to the central area where you can get close to your girlfriend," Princess Cadance giggled before giving Shadow Dragon a wink, "As promised."
Shining Armor snorted in annoyance while glaring at Shadow Dragon, "And make some funny moves again on my sister, I'll be coming after you. Got it, punk?"
Shadow Dragon groaned in annoyance, "Yeah, I got it. Since when did I ever make some funny moves on her?"
"Eh... I don't know - three times - Yak's visit to Ponyville, Playing with your snakes and Jealous Problem with Discord? Ring any bells?!"
"Calm down, Shining Armor. That was just minor, not major. Get the differ, genius?"
"Are you saying I'm stupid?! I'm gonna knock you upside down, mister!"
"Gimme your best short, pretty boy! I've taken lots of guys than you are, nerd! Not one can take me down especially not you!"
"You ask for it, little punk! I've been in the Royal Guards when I was 18! And believe me, I've taken more guys that you are! You're not gonna beat me down!"
Shadow Dragon and Shining Armor snarled and gritted their teeth in anger while giving a glare at each other. Flash Sentry and Red Arsenal got into the middle as they quickly pushed two boys aside. Both Twilight Sparkle and Princess Cadance groaned in annoyance as they glowed their horns in magically push their lovers aside before the fights gets rough.
Tailtech groaned in annoyance, "When they ever gonna stop this?"
"I guess - never..." Icy said in annoyance, "It's no wonder my older sister hates having brother - too overprotective and annoying..."
Applejack sighed, "Hopefully, those boys get over it before Crystal Fair could get started."
Lance and Spike nodded in agreement, "You've said it."
Twilight Sparkle sighed, "Alright then, let's get started. We've got four days before the Crystal Fair. Let's do this!"
"YEAH!" Mane Five cheered wildly and happily.
"Oh, that reminds me!" Princess Cadance exclaimed in realization, "I have somepony to help you of organizing and handling the event. After all, I don't want you get stressed."
Twilight Sparkle sighed, "Oh, thank you, Cadance. I could use some more assistants. So, who is she?"
"It's he. His name is Clovis Calm," Princess Cadance smiled before she turned to her back. She gasped, "Oh! Speak of the devil, he's here."
Twilight Sparkle and her friends looked up as they found Clovis Calm approaching them. He's a silver Unicorn with yellow short and combed mane and tail worn the crimson shirt with gray vest while his Cutie Mark is quill, paperclip and ink. He bowed down before Princess Cadance and Shining Armor. He spoke in French Accent.
"Your highness. You summoned me?"
Princess Cadance nodded happily, "Yes, Clovis. I'm glad you've got here. So, how's the Crystal Fair going?"
Clovis smiled charmingly, "Went well as we had hope for, your highness. The stalls are in places. Sentries have tightened their defenses per Dr. Tailtech's suggestion. Crystal Ponies are happy and readied ponies for Crystal Fair. And best of all, Frozen Sage is still free for the celebration since Princess Icy worry too much for that."
"I wasn't worry! I just need to remind her. She sometimes forgetful," Icy reminded in annoyance.
Princess Cadance smiled while her eyes rolled in annoyance, "Anyhow, Clovis; thank you for your help. I'm assigning you to a new job - you will be assisting Princess Twilight Sparkle. And here she is. And she's my sister-in-law too."
Clovis Calm turned and found Twilight Sparkle stood before him. He gasped in surprise and amazed. He approached and bowed down before her. He then held and kissed her right hoof passionately for few times. It made her blushed but it also makes both Shining Armor and Shadow Dragon sick of it.
"Princess Twilight Sparkle, I am honored to meet you. And truly, you're the most beautiful and smartest mare in the world." Clovis Calm commented in amazement. He then slyly smirked, "Better than that white mule."
"Excuse me?!" Rarity asked in annoyance.
Twilight Sparkle blushed in embarrassment, "Oh... Please, don't say that. I'm not that most beautiful. I'm just pretty, that's all. But smartest? That I can't deny it. Thank you so much, Clovis. And I would be honor of you to be assistant."
Twilight Sparkle bowed down calmly before Clovis bowed down as well. She then turned to her friends and even Shadow Dragon as she began introduced them to him,
"I would like to introduce you to my friends - Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Spike, Lance Justicestrike, Shiroi Bai and of course, this is-!"
Shadow Dragon interrupted as he gave the glare at Clovis Calm, "I'm her boyfriend - Shadow Dragon. Try anything funny, I will hurt you a lot..."
Everyone but Shining Armor hissed in concern and worry as they didn't like that tone and have the feeling of his sudden rude comments. Princess Cadance, Tailtech and even Icy have seen it before - it wasn't pretty from 500 years ago.
"What an interesting relationship you have with Princess Twilight. Forgive me, great Mystic Pony," Clovis said calmly while rubbing his head gently.
Twilight Sparkle giggled uneasily, "What he means is... It's great to be friends. Just be gentle with me. And he would be honored for you to be assistant, right?!"
Shadow Dragon groaned in annoyance while glaring at Clovis Calm, who held his right hoof up. Twilight Sparkle grunted as she gave a nudge on his chest hard. He grunted in annoyance as he held and shook Clovis Calm's hoof gently.
"I am honored to have you here," Shadow Dragon said dryly yet annoyingly.
Clovis Calm smiled as he returned shaking on hoof, "As do I. And do not worry, I will be gentle with him as promised."
"You'd better..." Shadow Dragon grunted in annoyance.
Twilight Sparkle and her friends can't help but feel very feared and concerned about Shadow Dragon's giving chance to Clovis Calm being her assistant. All they can do is pray that he won't do anything stupid. But they also don't like something about her new assistant as well. He looked a bit familiar ti them as well.
As the assignment has been given by both Twilight Sparkle and Princess Cadance, her friends began working on stall preparation for Crystal Fair - Applejack prepared her Apple Family Stall, Rarity for her fashions, Fluttershy for the petting zoo, Rainbow Dash was training her jousting skills and Pinkie Pie for her party stall. Shining Armor, Tailtech, Red Arsenal and Flash Sentry were discussing about Crystal Empire's defense. Icy was teaching to Princess Cadance and Shiroi Bai of what to do when Mystic Ponies of Ice coming for Crystal Fair.
Twilight Sparkle and Clovis Calm were checking for the preparation of stalls and Crystal Empire's security, as well as making sure that Crystal Heart is secured at the altar. Spike followed them. They have to make sure everything are good and prepared for Crystal Fair. And at the same time, the princess have some chats with Clovis Calm.
"I must say, Princess, I'm truly impressed with your work. What you did for Equestria," Clovis said calmly before sighed, "It's truly remarkable. You have inspired all of us including me. We will follow your example."
Twilight Sparkle blushed in amusement, "Oh... You're just saying that. I'm just a pony, like everypony else. Nothing special."
"But to me, you are one. I'm willing to follow you to the end. You have my eternal loyalty and support."
"Gee, thanks, Clovis. You truly are charming, amazing, supportive and wise gentlepony I ever met. I wish my boyfriend could be like you."
"Thank you, your highness. Your compliments always warms and touch my heart. I am thankful of your blessings. It's not everyday I can get that especially from you."
"Stop it. Please..." Twilight Sparkle blushed in more reddish while covering her face by her left wing, "You're flattering me. I don't deserve such that praise especially the blessings. I just compliment. That's all."
Clovis held her left hoof and kiss on hers again, "I insist, your highness. Your blessing is important to me than anything else. Please, do not dissuade my praise for you. I beg of you."
Twilight Sparkle sighed while rolled her eyes in amusement, "Alright, Clovis. I won't dissuade your praise on me. You're really nice pony."
Spike groaned in annoyance, "Need I remind you that we've got some work to do?"
"Sorry, Spike," Twilight Sparkle said happily, "Come on, let's check on the southern part. Everything have to be perfect."
Clovis smiled and bowed, "As you wish."
As Clovis headed off to check on the stalls, Twilight Sparkle was about to move but stopped by Spike. She was confused while he looked worried yet upset.
"What is it, Spike? You're not upset about getting crystals for your lunch?" Twilight Sparkle asked in concern.
Spike grunted before he slapped on his face, "No! I'm not worry about that, Twilight. I'm worry about you and that guy!"
"Worry about me and him? Why?"
"Seriously? Whenever that Clovis compliment to you, you get blushed! It's like you really like that guy! I'm worry that you will dump Shadow Dragon for that stranger! You know how upset and angry Nyx can get when you try to date on some strangers."
"Spike, that is so not true! Clovis and I are just friends. I would never dump Shadow Dragon for somepony else. You should know that!"
"It's not the first time you said that. You once have crush on Flash Sentry before you dump him because of his Royal Guard's Duty."
Twilight Sparkle groaned, "I know that! But this time, I'm not gonna dump him just because I like Clovis. Shadow Dragon is the pony I loved! I promised you that!"
Spike sighed, "I hope you keep that promise..."
"Princess Twilight? Should we continue?" Clovis asked in concern.
With the princess nodded; Twilight Sparkle, Clovis Calm and Spike then headed to the south for check up on preparation.
Shadow Dragon continued setting his stall for martial arts training, he saw and overheard the events. He find it disgusted, irritated and annoyed by Clovis's charm on his lover. He doesn't like that guy.
Lance Justicestrike was playing with Dragoking by rubbing on his tummy, which ticklish him a lot. The Hydragoon meowed happily. Flash Sentry approached him as they have some chats about Shadow Dragon.
"Is your dad alright?" Flash Sentry asked in concern. Lance Justicestrike shrugged. He sighed, "I'm worry about him."
Lance looked at his father in concern, "Yeah, me too. I'd never seen him like this before. Do you think Clovis being close to Twilight Sparkle bother him a lot?"
"Maybe... We should check on him."
Flash Sentry, Lance Justicestrike and Dragoking approached Shadow Dragon, who was training and perfecting his Blazing Dragoon Style. He didn't seem to be bothered by their visits. They were very worry about him now.
"Hey, dad. Everything okay?" Lance asked uneasily. Shadow Dragon remained silent for the moment as he continued his practice. He sighed, "You're not upset about mom being closed to Clovis, aren't you?"
Shadow Dragon grunted in anger as he slammed his hoof on the ground hard, "Why would I be upset about that, son?!"
"Easy, Shadow Dragon!" Flash Sentry exclaimed in concern as he comfort his master, "Lance didn't mean it. He's just worry about you ever since Clovis began working close with Princess Twilight."
Shadow Dragon sighed as he turned and looked at his friends, "Sorry about it. I don't think he can be trusted. I sense some Dark Magic around him like he's been practicing it for a long time. I cam't help but get the feeling that he worked for King Sombra."
"What makes you say that?" Flash asked in concern, "King Sombra died when Spike returned the Crystal Heart to the altar for defense against the darkness. How could Clovis met him when he was busy invading the kingdom?"
"I don't know. But I do know that I have to keep her safe. If anything happens to her, I would have been responsible of it. I won't let that happen again." Shadow Dragon said firmly, "I've lost Iris Crystal because of Drake's charm and lies. I'm not gonna lose her again."
"With all due respect, Shadow Dragon; Twilight Sparkle has been through lots of danger and overcome them at the end. She even save the Equestria for more than three times. She's too smart to let anyone to trick her."
Shadow Dragon groaned, "I can't take the risk. She's vulnerable to emotion. It clouded her mind and judgment, which led her isolated from us and her own friends. Just like what Discord and Queen Chrysalis did to her. She told me of what happen when she was unicorn."
"Dad, are you sure about it? You're not jealous of Clovis, are you?" Lance asked in concern, "They seemed very close than what you and her did before."
"I'm not jealous of him, son! I'm just... I just want to make sure Twilight is safe from harm. That's all."
"Dad... I'm not saying I like Clovis. I also don't trust him. I sense it too. It's you that I'm worried the most. I just don't want you to get into trouble. You know how upset and sensitive Nyx gets when she sees you and her mom got into the fight."
"Don't worry about me, son. Nothing bad can happen. Whatever happens between her and Clovis... It's just business."
"If you say so, dad."
"It is, son. I meant it." Shadow Dragon said calmly yet angered, "I have to go. Dragoking, follow me. We've got some training to do."
As Shadow Dragon and Dragoking walked away, both Lance and Flash Sentry looked very concern about Shadow Dragon. They decide to talk with others about it.
Flash Sentry and Lance Justicestrike called Mane Five, Shiroi Bai, Icy, Red Arsenal and Spike. They were all discussing about Shadow Dragon, Twilight Sparkle and Clovis Calm. They found it concern and disturbing. Twilight Sparkle has love triangle between Shadow Dragon and Clovis Calm. And they don't really like it if she has it.
"I really don't like where this is going," Applejack said in concern, "Twilight's gonna hurt herself if she doesn't be honest to herself."
Fluttershy nodded, "Me too. There's gonna be some fight between stallions over her."
"Yes, And I hate love triangle!" Rarity said in concern, "It always makes the mare to have complex relationship between two stallions by looks or personality. And there's no telling what Twilight's gonna do about it."
Pinkie Pie giggled, "Why would you hate about love triangles? I mean I like pyramid from Anugypt, pizza, cheese, cakes and all kind of sweets that has love triangles!"
Rainbow Dash groaned, "Pinkie Pie, we're talking about Twilight's relationship with S.D. and Clovis. And it's very serious too."
Lance sighed fearfully, "I just hope Twilight didn't choose Clovis over my dad. Both of them were perfect couples especially they were chosen by the Elements of Light and Darkness. They ignored that."
"Yeah... There's no telling what Shadow Dragon's gonna do next," Shiroi said in concern, "Stallions will fight over a mare until one gave up or died. Neither of them will let her get taken away. It's a bad news."
Tailtech sighed while looking at Shadow Dragon training Dragoking, "We know. We have seen it before. It's not very good either."
Icy nodded in agreement, "Whenever Shadow Dragon see his girlfriend dated and seduced by another stallion, he'll go berserk. Just like what he did to Drake for being seductive and rude to Iris Crystal."
"That's the only thing we should be worry," Flash Sentry said in concern as he spotted Twilight Sparkle and Clovis Calm were having coffee at the cafe. He hissed, "It's Clovis. Shadow Dragon told us that there's something off with him. He has Dark Magic. He could be working for King Sombra."
Spike groaned, "I knew that I don't trust that guy! I don't know what he's up to! But nopony is gonna make her his girlfriend because she has one before him gets the chance!"
Everyone looked concern and feared about the discussion especially involving Clovis Calm.
Red Arsenal nodded, "We should do some research about Clovis. There's something not right about him. I'd never heard of him before from Canterlot. We need to make sure he doesn't get too close with Twilight Sparkle. And something tells me that Shadow Dragon could be right about him."
Everyone chatted and nodded in agreement about it. Lance hummed in concern as he hated for interfering his stepmother's affair but it's for her own good when it involved her love triangle. They also don't trust Clovis Calm when they never heard of him or get close to the princess.
"What should we do?" Lance asked in concern.
Red Arsenal cleared his throat, "Lance and Flash should look after Shadow Dragon. Rest of girls will look after Twilight Sparkle. Spike should keep an eye on her but also on Clovis. Tailtech, Icy, Shiroi and I will be doing some research on our little new friend. We have to make sure that Princess's relationship with Mystic General doesn't get out of hoof. They're both meant to be together as their Elements said. Light and Darkness are one and the same. Got it?"
Flash Sentry nodded, "Sounds like the plan. He's always up to the game, doesn't he?"
Lance smiled and nodded, "That's him alright. Let's do this."
"Yeah!" Everyone nodded in agreement.
Everyone went to separate ways and complete their mission now. They hope nothing goes wrong between Twilight Sparkle and Shadow Dragon...
At night time, everyone was asleep in their own home while Twilight and her friends slept at the Crystal Empire's castle. Dragoking was sleeping outside near to the castle. Within Sparkle Room, Shadow Dragon was on the bed while Twilight Sparkle was brushing her teeth from the bathroom. He was thinking about his girlfriend being too close to Clovis Calm, and his relationship with her.
As Twilight Sparkle exited the bathroom, she then slept on the bed as she began sound asleep. Shadow Dragon sighed as he decide to talk about it. He turned and faced on her. She gently patted on Twilight Sparkle's wings.
"Twilight, are you in love with Clovis Calm?"
Twilight yelped in surprise as she turned and looked at him, "What?! What makes you say that, Shadow Dragon? Don't tell me you're jealous?"
"Why does ponies keep saying that I'm jealous of that guy?! I'm not! I'm just worry about you. And I don't really trust him. He's up to something. Are you sure he can be trusted?"
"You worry too much, Shadow Dragon. As far as my concern goes, he can be trusted. He's not really bad pony."
"But still..."
Twilight Sparkle interrupted as she kissed Shadow Dragon's lips briefly, "I'll always love you no matter what. It will never change that. Our Elements spoke of it when we were chosen. Please, trust me on this. Clovis will never get between us."
Shadow Dragon thought for the moment before he sighed in defeat, "You're right. Sorry about that. I guess I just... I just don't want to lose you."
"It won't happen. Let's have our usual fun. At least, my brother's asleep," Twilight Sparkle winked happily.
Shadow Dragon smiled as he kissed on Twilight Sparkle's left neck for the moment in making her mourn happily. She then nuzzled on his left neck for the moment. He held and hugged her before rolled to his right while holding her on top of him. She then nuzzled and shook her bodies against each other passionately and happily. They even brushed and patted each other's mane gently. He then kissed her lips while interacting his tongues with hers.
Unknown to any of them, someone was spying through the door's keyhole. He then left,
For past three days...
In the morning, Twilight Sparkle woke Shadow Dragon up as they both had their breakfast with Spike, Lance and Flash Sentry. As they went out to make preparation for Crystal Empire, both lovers gave each other smiled and a long passionate kiss before they left.
As Twilight Sparkle and Spike were about to head off, they both found Clovis Calm stood before them. As he smiled, she smiled back at him. She was pleased of his arrival. Spike hissed in concern as he found it uncomfortable. They then headed off for their work. Shadow Dragon noticed it as he too found it uncomfortable yet angry when she was with him. He sighed as he had to let her do what she wants. He walked off at once. Both Flash Sentry and Lance followed him.
Twilight Sparkle and Clovis Calm enjoyed each other company during their working progress on management and organization for the event, as well as having some chats and break time. They both tested and played Crystal Fair's game, foods and even merchandises. They trained together in using magic and sometimes Dark Magic, even though she was against using it without Azure Phoenix's permission. They enjoyed lunch, tea and dinner. They also have their fun by playing the music, singing and dancing together passionately and happily. They chatted together about each other's past, friendship and even their relationship, which charmed Twilight Sparkle.
Spike was with Twilight Sparkle for whole time as he found her relationship with Clovis Calm is more disturbing and disgusting. He couldn't bear to watch her fallen for him while forgetting Shadow Dragon. Mane Five were also spying on the event as they have same reaction as Spike. All they can do is watch over Twilight Sparkle.
Shadow Dragon continued training and sharpening his skills as well as trained Dragoking, Flash Sentry and Lance Justicestrike firmly and seriously. But at the same time, he was frustrating and furious as he wanted to punch or kick something due to the rumors from Crystal Ponies about Twilight Sparkle and Clovis Calm being closed and together. It cost him to get into trouble with other ponies as well as Shining Armor about the damages. Flash Sentry, Lance Justicestrike and Dragoking were very worry about him.
Red Arsenal, Shiroi Bai, Tailtech and Icy were doing some research on more about Clovis Calm. They prayed that they can find some answers about the mysterious pony.
In the evening, Twilight Sparkle was inside of the dinning chamber. She was waiting for some ponies else to come. Mane Five and Spike entered the scene. She then gave them a glare. They asked her if there's something wrong.
"Do you want to tell me of why keep spying on me and Clovis?!" Twilight Sparkle demanded in annoyance and anger.
Mane Five and Spike hissed in concern about it. Twilight Sparkle found out of what they have been lately doing.
Applejack sighed, "Twilight, I have to be honest with you. I don't like how you and Clovis being too close. It's like you actually love him. You were rushing things, Twi!"
Spike nodded, "Yeah. You barely know him! You spend less time with Shadow Dragon. He is your first official boyfriend."
"We're really worry about you, darling." Rarity said in concern, "Having love triangle is the most dangerous thing the mare could have. Two stallions will fight over one mare they love!"
"You all don't trust me?! I'd never do such a thing! Shadow Dragon is the pony I love! Clovis is just a friend!" Twilight Sparkle demanded in anger. She groaned, "Great. Just like the Canterlot Wedding again! Thanks a lot to remind me of that!"
"Easy, Twi!" Rainbow Dash said in concern, "We're really sorry for that, okay? But this is different. We're really worry about Clovis! You barely even know him!"
Fluttershy nodded, "Everypony knows that you and Shadow Dragon are couples since Third Mystic War. Nopony is allow to do that. But Clovis didn't seem to care about it. He has lust on you."
Pinkie Pie hissed, "This does remind us about Judge Claude Frollo and Esmeralda. It's not a good thing, Twi! Really not good thing! I think you should stop seeing Clovis Calm now!"
Twilight Sparkle groaned in anger as she slammed her hooves on the table hard, "Get out!"
"But Twilight-!" Mane Five and Spike exclaimed in concern.
"GET OUT!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed in anger while her eyes shown demonic eyes, "Just leave me alone!"
Mane Five and Spike were shocked and heartbroken of what they just heard. Now they know what it feels to be rejected and abandoned by their own friends about their concerns. Ironically, they did to her before at Canterlot Wedding. They looked down in shame and upset as they apologized tearfully to Twilight Sparkle. They all ran off at once to while crying.
As soon as her friends left the dinning room, Twilight Sparkle's demonic eyes returned to normal. She worn concern, shock and heartbroken face. She found out that her friends ran off because of her insults and anger. She looked down in shame while crying tearfully and painfully for her action.
Clovis Calm came into the scene as he found Twilight Sparkle crying. He approached and hugged her in comfort. She hugged him back while crying. After minutes of calming down, they both had some dinner while chatting. Twilight Sparkle hummed calmly as she decide to ask.
"Clovis, there's something I need to know. May I know about you? How did you get into Princess Cadance's service? It must be lucky of you."
Clovis Calm sighed, "It's not a happy story, Princess. It happens long time ago. As you know Crystal Empire's tragic story well especially Spike saves the Day, I've lost my parents during that battle."
"I'm sorry to hear that."
"It's alright. I don't blame you or your friends. But I want to repay that debt to you by putting my service under Princess Cadance and you. It is what my family wanted, your highness."
Twilight Sparkle patted Clovis Calm's back, "We-I mean I appreciate that much, Clovis. Thank you so much for your effort and help for Crystal Empire. Your family are proud of you."
Clovis smiled as he held her hooves while looking at Twilight Sparkle, "Thank you so much for your trust in me."
"Wh-What are you doing?"
"I'm very sorry for your friends' leaving you behind. It must be tragic of you to be reminded of losing their trusts about what you know is right since your brother's wedding. And I want to help and ease your pain."
"It's okay. I'll be fine. I think I should apologize to them for the way I acted."
"For what reason? It's not your fault for trusting me. And believe me, I won't have anything to harm you."
"I know. But I should. They are my friends - very close and best one. I should see him too. He... He's getting lonely and sad because of me. They all cared for me so much."
"I don't think they're that important, princess," Clovis said calmly as his eyes shown his glowing greenish eyeball with crimson eye pupil at Twilight Sparkle's eyes. She then got hypnotized. He smirked, "Besides, I'm the only pony you love."
Twilight Sparkle moaned, "The only pony I love..."
Clovis Calm smirked darkly as he dragged and held hypnotized Twilight Sparkle tight. He finally has her. He was about to kiss her lips. Fortunately for the princess; Shadow Dragon, Flash Sentry and Lance Justicestrike arrived at the scene. The trio got shock of the event.
Shadow Dragon groaned in anger, "Get away from her!"
And just before Clovis Calm could do anything, Shadow Dragon rammed the organizer hard. Shadow Dragon gained the upper hoof by beating and kicking hard on Clovis Calm for few times.
Shadow Dragon cried in anger, "I've seen of what you're truly are! You are a serpent and traitor! I don't know what you did to her but I know she would never hurt her own best friends!"
Clovis Calm grunted painfully, "Just admit it. You were jealous of me because I spent more time with your girlfriend than your training! She never love you. Element of Light and Darkness were wrong about you two!"
"SHUT UP!"
Shadow Dragon slammed Clovis Calm to the ground as he began punching the latter to the ground hard. Flash Sentry and Lance Justicestrike went and checked on Twilight Sparkle, who got snapped out of hypnotize.
"Ugh... Wh-What happen?!" Twilight Sparkle asked in concern. She turned and found Shadow Dragon punching Clovis Calm to the ground. She gasped, "What?! Stop?! What are you doing?!"
"Don't you remember?! He tried to kiss you!" Flash Sentry exclaimed in concern.
Lance nodded, "Yeah! He seduced you! We were right about him!"
"No," Twilight Sparkle said in shock and pain. She held Shadow Dragon from punching Clovis Calm, "Shadow Dragon, stop! What are you doing?!"
Shadow Dragon got snapped back to reality. He then looked down and found Clovis Calm's face was bruised and bleeding. He got in shock and worried. It happened again. He quickly got up at once.
"TWILEY!" Shining Armor called as he and his Crystal Royal Guards bumped into the dining room. He looked concern and worry as he asked, "Twilight, what happen?!"
And just before anypony could say anything, Clovis Calm grunted painfully as he quickly explain.
"The assassins were almost on me! I was lucky that Shadow Dragon and his friends came and save me. I was very luck to have them," Clovis Calm said painfully.
Shining Armor hummed before glared at Shadow Dragon, "Is it true?"
Shadow Dragon grunted, "If what he said is true..."
Twilight Sparkle held Clovis Calm up, "Shining Armor, help me get Clovis to bedroom. He needs some medic now!"
Shining Armor nodded as he waved his Crystal Royal Guards in helping Clovis Calm. They held and moved him to the bedroom. Shining Armor watched the event as he noticed something amiss. Twilight Sparkle followed them. Shadow Dragon was about to apologize but instead, he got shot out by her glare in staying away from her.
As Twilight Sparkle and her Crystal Royal Guards left with carrying Clovis Calm to bedroom, Shadow Dragon looked away in shame and pain. Both Flash Sentry and Lance Justicestrike patted his back gently. Shining Armor sighed in disappointment before went after his sister.
At the altar, Shadow Dragon was sitting close to it while looking down in shame and upset. Lance Justicestrike and Flash Sentry were behind of him. They were concern for him. Upon hearing the door opened, the trio of them turned and found Twilight Sparkle emerged from castle's entrance.
Shadow Dragon approached Twilight Sparkle, "How is he?"
"Nothing that won't heal him." Twilight Sparkle said bluntly and angrily without looking at him.
"Twilight, I'm so sorry. I don't know what came over me."
"What's done is done."
"It's just that... I saw him kiss you!"
Twilight Sparkle hissed while glaring at Shadow Dragon, "I really regret letting him to do that. Shadow Dragon, you must know that you're the pony I've always love the most. It will never change. You'd never trust me. You're just like my friends."
Shadow Dragon sighed, "They told me what happen. They're just worry about you. You spend too much time with him than all of us."
"That doesn't mean all of us are not friends. I'd never gave up on that. I think it's best that none of you will come and see me."
"Twilight, please. Don't do this to me. I know I went too far. It's just... It's just... I just want to look after you. I've lost Iris because of me."
Twilight Sparkle poured her tears out in despair, "You can start just leave me alone. I need some time alone. I'm sorry, Shadow Dragon. I really am..."
Shadow Dragon sighed in defeat while crying in shame, "And I'm sorry too for everything..."
Shadow Dragon and Twilight Sparkle looked away as they began walked away to their own direction. She returned to the castle while he walked all the way to Crystal Empire's town. Lance Justicestrike and Flash Sentry looked at each other before sighed in disappointment as they followed Shadow Dragon.
Shining Armor saw everything from the entrance as he asked, "Twiley, everything okay?"
"No... I'm not..." Twilight Sparkle said in upset and defeat while heading upstairs, "I'm gonna check on Clovis."
Shining Armor sighed, "I'm sorry, Twi. I really am..."
Within the Twilight Sparkle's bedroom, Crystal Pony Medics helped and treated Clovis's injuries with some liquid medicine, despite not very serious. Twilight Sparkle came into the scene as she ordered the medic to leave them alone. She approached and sat close to him as she placed the wet cloth on his forehead. Clovis Calm moaned and groaned as he opened his eyes while looking at her.
"Are you alright? I hope Shadow Dragon didn't hurt you badly," Twilight Sparkle said in concern as she gently patted on his forehead with wet warm cloth, "I'm so sorry for everything. I don't know why my friends behaved like this..."
Clovis shushed gently as he put his hoof on her mouth, "It's okay, Princess. Don't blame yourself for this."
"But still..."
"That's enough. Just stay with me for the moment. I could use some company."
"Sure. I need some time alone. And-!" Twilight Sparkle was interrupted upon looking at Clovis's staring eyes at her. She gulped, "What are you doing?!"
"Ease your pain, my queen." Clovis said with strange eerily dark voice.
And just before Twilight Sparkle could do anything, Clovis kissed on her lips passionately. She moaned and groaned as she struggled in resisting his kiss for the moment. But slowly she gave in as her eyes slowly turned into greenish eyeball with her crimson demon pupil. They both continued kissing and nuzzling each other passionately and happily. He then held her flank and back tight against his body as he kissed and interacted his lips and tongue against hers. They both moaned and grunted happily.
Clovis gave a dark smirk, "All goes according to our plan. Now for the Crystal Heart.."
On the next day, Crystal Fair was ready for the event. Crystal Ponies were gathered at the fair as they were all celebrating and having fun while cheering and laughing happily. Princess Cadance and Shining Armor hosting the event. Twilight Sparkle and Clovis Calm were nowhere to be found among the crowds or the event.
Shadow Dragon, Mane Five and their allies were staying and sitting down at the park. They didn't want to be involved at Crystal Fair since Twilight Sparkle was furious and angry with them about Clovis Calm. The last thing they want is to lose their best friend so much.
"What has gotten to her lately, girls? I'm worry about her," Spike asked unhappily as he poured some tears out, "She would never lashed at all of us for one guy..."
Applejack sighed in upset, "I wish I knew, partner. I wish I knew."
"This is so uncool," Rainbow Dash commented.
Pinkie Pie nodded unhappily, "Twilight Sparkle's a party popper because of that jerk."
"I just don't understand why would she defend Clovis Calm so much," Fluttershy said in concern, "She barely known him."
Rarity nodded in agreement, "I agreed. And for some reason, Clovis looked familiar. Too familiar if you ask me."
Lance sighed, "Glad Nyx is not here to see this. If she is, she won't talk with her mom again."
Mane Five and Spike nodded and commented in concern about not inviting Nyx here due to Twilight Sparkle was being too close to Clovis Calm.
"Hey, you're okay?" Flash Sentry asked in concern. Shadow Dragon remained silent for the moment while looking at the event. He sighed, "I really sorry for everything especially Twilight Sparkle. Man, she's cold and dark ever since that guy show up. I so not like him... A lot..."
Shadow Dragon hummed in concern, "I know. She's been behaving differently than the usual ever since he showed up. But why? Why her? Something is not right."
"You bet something's not right," Tailtech said in concern. He and his team arrived at the scene. He continued while holding some papers, "And guess what? Clovis Calm doesn't even exist! We were right about him."
Everyone looked surprise and shock by Tailtech's claim about Clovis Calm's existence.
Icy added, "And not only that, there was none of Crystal Ponies never cast the Dark Magic before because they were too pure kind to use them. And the only ponies who could cast that are Umbrum Ponies. And I have the feeling Clovis is one of them."
Red Arsenal nodded in agreement, "We know what he really is. But question is who is he? How did he get here when they were all banished and trapped by Crystal Heart's power?"
"I think I know who did it," Shiroi Bai said in concern, "King Sombra! He's the Umbrum Pony. He's the only pony who escaped his imprisonment! But he's dead, right? Unless..."
Shadow Dragon gasped in fear, "Clovis is King Sombra! He set this up! He corrupted Twilight Sparkle by his nightmare spell, charming and seduction. And worse he ever did to her - he poisoned her mind! He wants her to be isolation! And I believe he's trying to free his kind from his imprisonment! Twilight's in danger!"
Everyone gasped in shock and concern of what they just heard.
"We've gotta Shining Armor, Princess Cadance and Twilight Sparkle about this!" Flash Sentry exclaimed in concern.
"Guys!" Shining Armor called as he and his wife entered the park. They both looked shock and concern. He exclaimed, "We've got bad news - Crystal Heart is missing! I send the guards to find it now! But the worst is I couldn't find Twiley or Clovis!"
Princess Cadance nodded in agreement, "Not only that, there's something off from the throne chamber's balcony. Something's going wrong over there."
Everyone gasped in concern and worry of what they just heard. They now know where Twilight Sparkle, King Sombra and Crystal Heart are. And the worst is about to happen...
Clovis Calm and Twilight Sparkle were at the Crystal Empire's throne chamber. They approached the throne chair while looking at the diamond. They both possessed the demon eyes while their horn glowed darkly and eerily. Princess of Friendship levitated the Crystal Heart as she placed it in front of the throne chair's diamond.
Clovis chuckled darkly while looking at Twilight Sparkle, "With Twilight Sparkle and her Element of Light being corrupted and under my control, we can finally stage the freedom for all of my kind. The Equestria will finally be ours!"
"Think again, Sombra!"
Clovis gasped in shock and concern as he slowly transformed into the form of King Sombra. He growled in anger as he and Twilight Sparkle turned to their back. They found Shadow Dragon, Mane Five, Spike, Flash Sentry, Lance Justicestrike, Red Arsenal, Shiroi Bai, Tailtech, Icy, Shining Armor and Princess Cadance stood and armed with their weapons. The heroes were ready to attack.
"So, you finally figure it out about my true identity," King Sombra said in amusement. He chuckled amusingly, "It's funny, you see. You all have suspicious about me but she ignored it because I'm too innocent and nice gentlepony. Just like what you all did to her from Canterlot Wedding."
"Why does everypony keep involving that event?!" Mane Five, Shining Armor and Princess Cadance exclaimed in annoyance.
Shadow Dragon groaned in annoyance, "Welcome to my world, guys."
"It doesn't matter because I'm gonna win this war," King Sombra snarled firmly, "Umbrum Ponies will be free from their accursed imprisonment!"
"Not if we stop you first, Sombra!" Princess Cadance exclaimed in anger.
Shining Armor nodded, "You're gonna pay for what you did to my sister! And believe in me, you do not want to see my angry face!"
"Let's get him, girls!" Applejack exclaimed in anger, "For Twilight!"
Everyone cheered wildly as they were about to attack, but Twilight Sparkle fired her Unicorn Burst in knocking all of them out. King Sombra's horn glowed darkly before slammed his hooves on the ground hard. He summoned the Dark Crystallized Imprisonment in trapping his enemies at once. Luckily, Shadow Dragon managed kicked Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, Lance Justicestrike, Red Arsenal, Shiroi Bai and Spike out.
Shadow Dragon quickly shouted, "Get out of here! Get Cadance to safety! Get some help now!"
Shining Armor and his uncaptured team were shocked and concerned about it but they have to keep Princess Cadance and her unborn child safety first. They all groaned in anger as they hated to leave their own team behind. They turned and quickly escaped at once. King Sombra chuckled evilly and darkly while Twilight Sparkle remained silent and smiling darkly.
"Now, let us begin the ritual," King Sombra said in amusement.
King Sombra and Twilight Sparkle turned to both Crystal Heart and throne chamber's crystal. And at the same time, both sun and moon collided together in creating the solar eclipse. It then fired at throne chair's crystal, which in turn fired Dark Magic on the floor. It created a giant portal-like. Everyone witnessed several greenish eyes as they were growling and snarling like animals.
"Right on schedule. Let the ritual begins!" King Sombra exclaimed darkly.
"I don't believe it!" Rarity exclaimed in concern, "I thought the Umbrum Ponies were trapped withing the Crimson Crystals form the snow wasteland?!"
Rainbow Dash hissed, "I get the feeling that crystals and diamonds can connect anything when it comes to magic especially the evil side!"
"This is not good..." Fluttershy said in concern.
"It's a disaster!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed in fear.
"Twilight, don't!" Shadow Dragon, Applejack and Spike exclaimed in concern and fear.
King Sombra and Twilight Sparkle chanted as their horns glowed darkly, "Oh, Element of Light and Crystal Heart, heed our prays! The Days of Enlightenment are over, the Days of Hatred began! Let the Umbrum Ponies freed from this imprisonment. Let them be freed to roam across the realm once again! Let them free to take what's rightfully theirs! The Age of Umbrum Ponies reigns again!"
"No!" Everyone cried in fear and concern.
With the chanting and horn glowed in darkness complete, both King Sombra and Twilight Sparkle fired their Dark Magic at the Crystal Heart, which slowly darken and corrupted. It then fired straight at the throne chair's crystal, which also got corrupted and darkened. It the affected the portals, which has golden bars-like shattered to pieces.
"Freedom is ours! Take Crystal Empire! All is ours!" Rhabia ordered darkly.
The thousand ghost-like of Umbrum Ponies poured out from the portals at once. They all snarled and growled wildly. They all charged out from Crystal Empire's castle as they all gave chase on Crystal Ponies. The locals gasped and screamed in fear as they all quickly ran away from the monsters at once. The Umbrum Ponies were terrorizing the Crystal Empire now.
Twilight Sparkle continued glowing darkly as she went through dark transformation - she was turned into a familiar dark Alicorn pony. Both of Element of Light and Magic were too corrupted and darkened. She then landed on the ground as she smiled darkly. King Sombra smiled proudly while Twilight Sparkle's friends were in shock, concern and pained.
"Welcome to your new world, Midnight Sparkle..." King Sombra said darkly.
"No..." Shadow Dragon said in concern..
Present...
"Damn it... This is all my fault. I promised her that I'll help her," Shadow Dragon said in guilty, "If only I had been with her from the start, none of this could have happen. I'm so sorry for everything, everypony."
Applejack sighed, "It doesn't matter because King Sombra will turn her into Queen of Umbrum Ponies with or without our protection! Besides, it's our fault too."
"But that doesn't mean it's gonna stop us from saving our friend and Crystal Empire!" Rainbow Dash said firmly.
Pinkie Pie nodded, "Yeah! Nopony gets left behind especially our best friend!"
"I agree! We may have left her behind once since that wedding" Rarity said firmly, "We will not abandoned her again!"
"We must help her now!" Fluttershy exclaimed in concern.
"How?! We're trapped!" Tailtech exclaimed in concern. He then heard a knock. He turned and found Icy smiled happily while knocking the prison walls. He yelped, "HOW?!"
Icy held her hooves up in summoning icy aura-like, "Princess with Ice Powers, duh?"
Icy freed Shadow Dragon, Mane Five and even Tailtech from their prison. They then discussed about what to do next especially saving Twilight Sparkle.
"We've gotta save Twilight now!" Spike exclaimed in concern, "And we have to stop Sombra too before he and his Umbrum Ponies could invade the Equestria!"
"They could be gone by now! We're too late now," Fluttershy said in concern.
"Not yet. My friends say that King Sombra is making preparation," Icy said firmly. Everyone looked at her. She continued, "Mystic Ponies of Ice, Ice and Crystals are connected as one especially Crystal Empire. So, I can see and hear everything. So, luckily, Twilight Sparkle is still at throne room."
"There's still time!" Tailtech exclaimed in realization, "We can still save her! Shadow Dragon, you can use Element of Darkness to save her! It's the only one!"
Shadow Dragon groaned before slapped on his face, "Tailtech, how on Equestria is that gonna work?! Element of Darkness is used to destroy the lives of thousands and cities to shreds! And the worst about it, it corrupted the good ponies into evil! How is that supposed to save Twilight Sparkle?!"
Tailtech sighed in annoyance, "FYI, that was used when you're evil. If it's used for good, Element of Darkness can restore corrupted one into true self. Plus, it can save and restore the life too. It's a vice-versa for the Element of Light."
"Oh... Sorry about that. I guess I forgot."
"Now you know how it works. We have to find and save Twilight Sparkle now!"
Applejack nodded, "It's time to save Twilight Sparkle now!"
Shadow Dragon and his team quickly galloped and headed to the throne room now. They have to save and returned Twilight Sparkle to her good side before she'll be stuck as evil forever...
At the Crystal Empire's Throne Chamber, the evil Twilight Sparkle was looking after the corrupted Crystal Heart on the pillow. She took her armors off as she was brushing her mane and tail gently and calmly. And at the same time, she was drinking her wine calmly and happily. She then read the magazine while laughing in amusement. She smirked darkly.
"I was wondering when you're gonna show up, imbeciles..." Twilight Sparkle said darkly yet calmly. She lifted her head up as she found her old friends stood before her. She giggled happily, "I thought it will take you for a minute to escape the prison. But I guess without me, you're really hopeless."
"That's why we're gonna get you back to our side," Applejack said firmly, "Sister..."
Twilight Sparkle huffed in annoyance, "I haven't heard that since the Canterlot Wedding Day! You all have betrayed me! I'd never forget that day!"
"Oh, Twilight..." Rarity said in concern and upset, "We didn't mean that."
"Yeesh... How long ponies keep reminding that stupid past?!" Rainbow Dash demanded in annoyance.
Pinkie Pie shrugged, "Probably because fans were heartbroken by how we answered and reacted to her. Yeesh, that was harsh of them on us."
Fluttershy sighed, "Please, Twilight. Let us help you. There's still to fix this."
"Too late, traitors!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed in anger as she unleashed her Dark Repel Spell on her own friends in knocking them hard. She armed and readied to attack, "It's time for my revenge."
"I really hate where this is going," Tailtech said in concern.
Shadow Dragon groaned, "Everypony, get ready! Take her down, so I can try to restore her true self! And whatever you do, don't hurt her too hard!"
Icy sighed, "Easy to say than done, Shadow Dragon. Here she come!"
Twilight Sparkle charged at her friends with her powerful Shooting Star Destroyer. She tried to ram and knock her friends out. They all dodged and avoided the attacks swiftly and quickly.
Applejack charged as she rammed against the princess, who responded by pushing the cowgirl back for the moment. Twilight Sparkle levitated Applejack up and thrown straight at the throne chair hard. Rainbow Dash used her back legs kick on Twilight Sparkle, but missed as the latter slide down before kicked on the former's stomach hard. The princess got up as she gave multiple punches on daredevil Pegasus's chest for few times before kicked her off. Rarity used her Diamond Gatling Blaster wrist in firing at Twilight Sparkle, who teleported and dodged the attacks swiftly for few times. And just before fashion Unicorn could do anything, the princess appeared and fired her Unicorn Burst on her mane. It made Rarity cry unhappily.
Pinkie Pie cheered wildly as she fired her Party Canon on Twilight Sparkle. The Princess of Friendship was annoyed as she levitated both of them in slamming them hard to the ground for few times like hammering a nail to the wood. Fluttershy gave a hard slap on Twilight Sparkle's face very hard. The princess gave a glare at shy pony, who shivered and quivered in fear. Twilight Sparkle unleashed her monstrous and demonic face at Fluttershy. The shy pony screamed and cried unhappily and fearfully.
"That was cold, Twilight! Really!" Icy exclaimed in annoyance as she fired her Ice Beam in freezing Twilight Sparkle up. She sighed, "This is for your own-!"
Icy got slammed to the ground by Twilight Sparkle, who managed to teleport out from the ice cube. Tailtech fired his Typhoon Blaster at her, who summoned the Force Field while approaching him. And just before he could do anything, she gave him a big slap.
"Twilight! This is between you and me only." Shadow Dragon said firmly as he positioned himself in Blazing Dragoon Style, "Don't make me hurt you."
"Too late, pretty boy. You just make this pretty princess angry now!" Twilight Sparkle snapped angrily, "And I'm not happy of what you did to me especially hurting my Sombra! I'm very grumpy!"
Shadow Dragon groaned, "Mares. Why do they always get so emotional about the argument?!"
"You need to do some research about girls," Pinkie Pie said in annoyance.
Twilight Sparkle screamed in anger as she jumped and gave the flying kick at Shadow Dragon, who quickly dodged by flipped and whirled on midair to the ground. She charged in as she landed multiple punches on him, who blocked and deflected them for few times. And just before he could do anything, she swiped the kick on him to the ground. She jumped and stomped on him but missed he rolled over for five times. He kicked via back leg on her face. He then gave the Nerve Punches on her chest and legs for the moment. Twilight Sparkle groaned as she struggled standing up. And just before he could do anything, Twilight Sparkle fired her Unicorn Burst on him to the ground.
Twilight Sparkle levitated Shadow Dragon in front of her as she's slowly crushed him by squeezing him by levitation.
"Any last words, my handsome prince?" Twilight Sparkle asked slyly.
Shadow Dragon sighed, "Sorry for doing this, sweetheart."
Just before Twilight Sparkle could do anything, Mane Five grabbed and held her very tight. Tailtech and Icy helped Shadow Dragon up. Shadow Dragon summoned blackish aura-like on his right hoof while chanted humbly in Cantonese.
"I will sayve you! Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao! Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao! Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao! Restore Spell!"
As Shadow Dragon's hoof glowed gentle of dark aura, he slammed his Restore Spell on Twilight Sparkle's chest hard. As Mane Five held Twilight Sparkle tightly, she screamed in pain. As his Restore Spell made contact with her Cutie Mark as well as Element of Light, hers glowed and shined brightly as the shooting star. The darkness aura within her body purged and poured out. The evil one returned to her true self of light. Twilight Sparkle returned to good side.
As Twilight Sparkle was about to fall down, Shadow Dragon grabbed and held her tight. Everyone gathered and surrounded the couples as they wondered if she was alright. Twilight Sparkle opened her eyes while moaning dizzily.
"Twilight?! Are you alright?" Shadow Dragon asked in concern.
Twilight Sparkle moaned, "Just my pride. What happen?"
Just before any of her friends could do anything, they yelped in pain as they got blasted by the Dark Crystal Spell hard. Both Twilight Sparkle and her friends looked up as they found King Sombra and his dark spiritual Umbrum Ponies entered the scene. And just before Shadow Dragon and his team could do anything, Umbrum Ponies quickly chained the prisoners while the king levitated and have the Crystal Heart in his possession. King Sombra groaned in anger as he glared at Shadow Dragon and his allies.
"It seems I have underestimated you all," King Sombra remarked in annoyance, "But not this time. Execute them now!"
"Stop!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed. Everyone turned and glared at her. She continued, "If you want to execute these rebels, do it in public. This will not only make the Crystal Empire yours but also draw the rest of rebels out. Make them surrender to you. And that way, we can invade the Equestria."
Shadow Dragon and his allies were in shock and heartbroken while King Sombra smirked in amusement. Twilight Sparkle is still evil?! Has she truly gone?!
King Sombra smirked, "An excellent idea, my queen. I knew I can count on you. Take them out to the altar. Await for my arrival!"
"Yes, King Sombra!" Umbrum Ponies hissed.
The Umbrum Ponies guided the heartbroken former friends out.
King Sombra licked his tongue while looking at Twilight Sparkle, "Shall we?"
King Sombra approached and gave Twilight Sparkle a long passionate kiss for the moment. She then returned the kiss to him. Both of them held each other's heads while continued kissing and interacting tongues each other. Twilight Sparkle gasped in realization as she stopped and pushed him from kissing him at once.
"What is it, my Midnight Sparkle?"
"It's Twilight Sparkle, Sombra," Twilight Sparkle said firmly. King Sombra was in shock and surprise. She sighed, "Yes, I'm freed from your Switch Heart Spell, thanks to Shadow Dragon. And it's good thing that Umbrum Ponies aren't here to manipulate you."
"What do you mean?! How dare you lie to me about my kind manipulate me?! The only ponies who ever did that to me is Princess Amore and her Crystal Empire especially Radiant Hope. She was the only friend I can count on. In the end, she betrayed me. And I was banished to Tarturus for two thousand years!"
"She didn't betray you! She was trying to stop you! And she's trying to save you too!"
"That's a lie!"
"No, it's the truth, Sombra! Radiant Hope really want to save you! During that battle, Frozen Sage wanted to kill you personally for what you have done to her life. And the only way to save you is to get banished. It was Royal Sisters' idea. They all hoped that two thousand years of banishment will help and restore your sanity about your decision. They hope you can turn over the leaf."
"But still..." King Sombra hissed in anger as he glared at his reflection from mirror, "It doesn't change anything that I'm the monster while she's the princess. Nothing ever change our destiny. Nothing ever will."
Twilight Sparkle sighed in pain, "I'm afraid. That never happen for Radiant Hope. She never become the Alicorn Princess."
"What?! No! That's not possible! It can't be!"
"It is, Sombra. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna told me what happen to her after I read your journal. Radiant Hope was heartbroken and pained to continue her studies to become the Princess. She left and travel across the Equestria to find the spell that can turn you into a real pony."
"No... What happen to her? Did she succeed it? Where is she now?! Is she alive?!"
Twilight Sparkle shook her head painfully, "Radiant Hope is gone. Nopony knows what happen to her when she came across the snow wasteland. But the rumors spread that Umbrum Ponies have her..."
"WHAT?! IMPOSSIBLE!" King Sombra exclaimed in anger and shock, "WHY?! How dare them?! How dare they lied to me?!"
"I don't know, Sombra. But I'm sure you will find the answers," Twilight Sparkle said firmly, "Let me ask you - are you going to continue your dark destiny or honor Radiant Hope's memory? She would have wanted you do something good for ponies to prove that you are not monster."
King Sombra was touched and shocked, "Twilight..."
"I need to know one more thing, King Sombra," Twilight Sparkle said in concern. She sighed, "Did you really like me or just use me as your pawn for your conquest? Because for four days, when we were together, you acted like you really meant the words to me with your honesty, sincerely and charmingly."
"No," King Sombra answered, "I really like you, Twilight Sparkle. You remind me so much of Radiant Hope. That is why I wanted you so badly to be with me. Not lust, but with pure love. I'm sorry that... I hurt you badly..."
Twilight Sparkle was surprised and speechless by him. King Sombra really like her and regretted of everything that hurts her a lot for isolating herself from her friends and boyfriend...
"Sire! It is time," Umbrum Guard called.
King Sombra hummed in concern as he entered the dilemma of whether he should learn the truth about Radiant Hope or not. He looked at Twilight Sparkle, who remained firm and calm, she gave him a nod indicating him to do it. He hummed a bit for some thoughts. He sighed in defeat as he must know the truth about what happen to his old friend...
At the Crystal Empire's altar, Umbrum Ponies have not only gathered at the location but also brought both prisoners and locals to witness the execution of Mane Five, Shadow Dragon, Tailtech and even Icy. The shadowy pony soldiers held and blocked the Crystal Ponies from trying to cross the line or even attacked them.
The heroes were chained to the ground as King Sombra and Twilight Sparkle emerged from the castle. They both had the Crystal Heart in possession. Umbrum Ponies cheered wildly and happily for their king. Crystal Empire were now in feared and shocked of what happen next if the heroes were executed. King Sombra held his hoof in holding the Crystal Heart high in ceasing his kind to be silences.
Rhabia hissed in amusement as she began announcement, "Shadow Dragon and his accomplices, you all have been found in guilty for attempt of assassination on King Sombra and manipulation on Queen Twilight Sparkle! The sentence - death! All will be turned into stone"
Crystal Ponies cried in anger and agony about sentencing the heroes whole blaming at King Sombra for everything especially manipulating Twilight Sparkle. Nevertheless, King Sombra and Twilight Sparkle remained silent for the moment. While she feared her friends' and lover's safety, he wondered about the truth he may find.
Rhabia turned and glared at Shadow Dragon and his friends.
"The time has come, rogues. You all have stand at the brink of Tarturus. However, I have one option that can save you from this. Serve us and your beloved queen or the stone?" Rhabia asked slyly.
Shadow Dragon spitted his mucus at her face. Mane Five, Tailtech and Icy remained firm and angry at Umbrum Ponies. Rhabia growled in anger while shook it off. She growled in annoyance as she continued her announcement,
"Prisoner Shadow Dragon and his accomplices refused to recant. These action will not be tolerated and not to be ignore! And therefore, they must accept our judgment! For justice! For our kind! And for our own salvation! It is our sacred duty to send these unholy demons back to where they belong! Your majesty, execute them!"
Crystal Ponies gasped and screamed in shock and feared of what they just heard. Umbrume Ponies cheered proudly and wildly. Shadow Dragon and his friends held each other's hooves as they were ready to embrace their darkest hour. Twilight Sparkle looked feared and shocked of the event as she looked away in unable to watch the event. But King Sombra did nothing?
Rhabia looked surprise and shock of his mood and action. And just before she could ask, King Sombra gave her a glare.
"Tell me the truth. What happen to Radiant Hope?!" King Sombra demanded in anger. Rhabia and her Umbrum Ponies yelped in concern and fear as they remained in silent about the name. He growled, "What happen to her?! What did you do to her when you all have her?!"
Rhabia hissed, "Sire, it's not time to talk about this! I don't know how but-!"
King Sombra interrupted, "NOW! You will answer to your king!"
Rhabia hissed in fear, "Thousand years ago, Radiant Hope came upon to our home. We invited her to join our crusade. We were about to convince her to join us through our disguises. But she use her magic on us and home for lighting. She tried to escape from us before we could explain our reason. She fell into the abyss."
"She died?!" King Sombra asked in shock and pain. He roared in anger, "Why didn't you save her?! Why didn't you help her?! I thought I trusted you!"
"We did! We tried! But that is not important! Twilight Sparkle-!"
"Radiant Hope was my friend! She was my love! And now she's gone because of you! Why was I created in the first place?! Why must I suffered this painful fate?!"
"You were created to bring our salvation! Deliver our revenge to these wretched ponies! All must face our judgment, Sombra! We are the rightful creatures to rule this land, not these foolish weak links, just like your pathetic friend! She's nothing pathetic, useless and delusional mare who believed you to be good stallion! She was wrong about you! She may have defied her destiny to meet her end. You will not defy it! You will always be the monster, just like us!"
King Sombra was heartbroken and shocked as he looked down and cried. Crystal Ponies were in shock, and even Shadow Dragon and his friends were surprised of it.. They never thought that the tyrant king like him could cry.
Rhabia hissed, "You're useless! That foolish mare have made you soft! I relived you from command, Sombra! You're no longer use to us now!"
"No. You're wrong..." The mare said firmly. Everyone gasped. Twilight Sparkle armed with her magical powers, "You're wrong about King Sombra and Radiant Hope. If she defied her destiny, so can he! It shows that everypony can make their own destiny, not based on what ponies expected! Unlike you and your kind, he has a heart!"
Crystal Ponies and the heroes cheered happily to see that Twilight Sparkle was indeed freed from manipulation! She continued her announcement.
"Citizens of Crystal Empire! Umbrum Ponies have abused their own kindred for their personal gain! Deceived all of us behind the true story of King Sombra's sufferings! And now, they declare turncoat on their own king as well as invasion on our home an Equestria! Will we allow it?!"
Crystal Ponies shouted in anger and gave the battle cry as they refused to let their home or Equestria to be fallen under Umbrum Ponies. The Umbrum Ponies were in shock and concern of what they just saw. The locals are fighting back!
"Glad to hear that, Twiley!" The familiar voice cried. Everyone turned to the east as they found Shining Armor and his team have arrived at the scene. He continued, "We're here to help. And we brought more help!"
And just before anypony could respond, everyone witnessed the arrival of large army of Mystic Ponies of Ice led by Frozen Sage - a white Unicorn mare with blond gentle long mane and long tail, she wore green armor and a headwear and her Cutie Mark is a long sword, shield and a giant ice crystal-like. Crystal Ponies cheered wildly and happily while Umbrum Ponies screeched in fear and concern.
"Shining Armor! Cadance! You've made it!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed happily with her tears pourin out.
Princess Cadance smiled, "Glad we've made it! If Frozen Sage hadn't come in time, Crystal Empire would have fallen."
Frozen Sage armed with her long sword and shield, "Now it is time to take Crystal Empire back and defeat the Umrbum Ponies for good!"
"Everypony, charge!" Shining Armor ordered firmly, "FOR CRYSTAL EMPIRE!"
Both Crystal Ponies and Mystic Ponies of Ice gave the loud battle cry as they all charged and entered the battlefield. And just before Umbrum Ponies could do anything; the monsters got pushed, blinded, blasted, knocked out and killed by them. They even freed Shadow Dragon and his team as the latter joined the battlefield.
Shadow Dragon reunited with Twilight Sparkle before giving her a big hug, followed by Mane Five, Lance Justicestrike, Spike, Shining Armor and Princess Cadance as they all chatted and commented in relief. Flash Sentry, Tailtech, Icy, Red Arsenal and even Shiroi Bai were there as well.
Twilight Sparkle giggled, "What took you guys long?"
"The usual late plan of how to surprise the enemies," Shadow Dragon joked.
Shining Armor laughed happily, "You've got that right, buddy."
"What's the plan, Twi?" Applejack asked.
"Crystal Heart..." Twilight Sparkle said firmly while looking at King Sombra holding it, "We have to restore it. We have to put it back to altar. It should unleash powerful magic to defeat all of Umbrum Ponies for good."
Princess Cadance nodded in agreement, "I know how to restore it. Then, let's do it before it's too late!"
And just before anypony could do anything, they got hit and knocked by the dark powerful blast to the ground hard. Twilight Sparkle and her friends moaned and groaned painfully as they struggled in getting up. They witnessed the angry Rhabia glaring at them. She screeched in anger.
"You all have ruined everything! I shall make you suffer, especially you - Sombra!"
Shining Armor groaned, "Twilight, get to altar now! We'll hold her off!"
Rhabia charged and chased after Twilight Sparkle and her friends. Red Arsenal fired his Flare for blinding her. Shining Armor fired his Unicorn Burst in knocking her out.
Both Red Arsenal and Shining Armor fired their Explosive Arrows and Shining Star Strikes at her. Rhabia screeched loudly at them off. Shiroi Bai fired her Hikari Strikes, Rarity fired her Diamond Gatling Blasters, Fluttershy fired her Bat Spirit's Sonic Wave Attacks and Pinkie Pie fired her Party Canon at the spiritual pony off. She fired her Dark Magic in knocking the shooters out. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Lance Justicestrike and Flash Sentry charged in as they keep swinging their weapons at her very hard. Rhabia screeched in anger as she swung her tail at the fighters off. Shining Armor and his team continued holding Rhabia off as well as sometimes dodged her attacks when she fought back by magic and punches.
Twilight Sparkle nodded as she, Princess Cadance, Shadow Dragon and King Sombra headed off to the Crystal Empire's altar. Both Shadow Dragon and King Sombra battled with the enemies. Dragoking fired his attacks at the enemies. They were protecting Twilight Sparkle and Princess Cadance, were setting the Crystal Heart on the altar.
"Ready?" Princess Cadance asked.
Twilight Sparkle nodded, "Yeah. Let's do this!"
Princess Cadance and Twilight Sparkle chanted firmly, "Element of Light, heed our prays. Restore the Crystal Heart to its true self. Restore its Light! Restore its Hope! Restore its Faith! Save our Home! Defeat the Enemy! Let our enemies be perished forever!"
"No! I will not allow it!" Rhabia screeched in anger as she fired her Dark Magic Repel in knocking all of her enemies out including the Crystal Heart out from the altar. She roared in anger as she grabbed Twilight Sparkle by neck. She slowly strangled and chocked the Princess of Friendship to death, "I will make you suffer for everything! You will die!"
"No. All of Umbrum Ponies will die." The voice said firmly. As Rhabia turned, she gasped in shock and feared. King Sombra was near to the altar with Crystal Heart ready to place. He hissed angrily, "This is for Radiant Heart! It's time I make my own destiny!"
Rhabia gasped, "Noooooooooo!"
And just before anypony could do anything, King Sombra placed the Crystal Heart on the altar. As it spun, it glowed brightly and beautifully. Upon spotting the altar glowing, both Crystal Ponies and Mystic Ponies of Ice bowed down as their positive energy are transferring and channeling to Crystal Heart for more power. With so much energy, it blasted its powerful energy of light waves out and across the Crystal Empire.
It turned crystallized the ponies into their Crystal Modes. It also blasted and shattered all of Umbrum Ponies to pieces. They including Rhabia have all gone into oblivion as they all can't stand the Crystal Heart's light and power. The darkness aura within the city is dispersed and replaced by the aurora of rainbow lights across the Equestria.
With the Umbrum Ponies were defeated and killed, both Crystal Ponies and Mystic Ponies of Ice cheered wildly and happily as they have finally won the battle. But at its cost - King Sombra's body slowly disintegrating and burning. He slowly laid his back on the ground hard. Everyone gathered and looked at him. He then looked at Crystal Empire's fair. He sighed happily.
"We did it..." King Sombra said in relief and happy, "I finally get the chance to see the fair after so long of sufferings by its light. It's beautiful. I wish she was here to see this. This will be my last time to see it..."
Twilight Sparkle gasped, "Sombra! Hang on! There's the spell that I can-!"
"Don't, Twilight. I don't deserve it after everything I have done to you and everyone else."
"But..."
"Besides, someone is waiting for me. I think she waited for me too long."
Twilight Sparkle poured the tears out in despair and pain, "Sombra..."
King Sombra kissed Twilight Sparkle's left cheek, "Thank you, Twilight Sparkle. You have saved me from my darkest path. I will never forget it. Be happy with someone you had love."
And just before Twilight Sparkle could do anything, King Sombra's body disintegrated into ashes as they flew up to the sky. She and everyone cried and sobbed tearfully as they all lowered their heads down. Despite being the villain, he was a good stallion. It's what Radiant Hope had hope for and wanted him to be...
"What happen to him? Where he will be send to?" Twilight Sparkle asked in concern
Frozen Sage approached and answered, "Heaven, Twilight Sparkle. Despite the sins he committed, he finally found his redemption. Therefore, he deserve to be with Radiant Hope. He'll be fine."
Twilight Sparkle sighed, "I hope he's okay. I hope so..."
During the Crystal Fair, Crystal Ponies and Mystic Ponies of Ice celebrated their not only annual public holiday but also King Sombra's heroic action. He was even built as the giant Statue on the north with Radiant Hope. It's the moment he will not be forgotten...
Twilight Sparkle was alone at the park as she was waiting for someone. Her friends, family and Shadow Dragon had arrived at the scene as they all wondered of what's going on.
Twilight Sparkle sighed as she bowed down, "I called you because I owe you all a big apology. I'm sorry for everything especially how I react and treated you all. I'm so ashamed of my action and ignorance to you about Clovis being King Sombra. I hope you all can forgive me for this big mess."
Everyone remained silent as they were looking at her. Instead of upset or angry mood, they smiled in relief and happy.
"Forget it, Twi. It ain't your fault," Applejack said calmly.
Spike nodded, "Yeah. It's kinda ironic that we were the ones who ignore you in the first place about Cadance being impostor since the Wedding Day. So, we deserve that. Sorta..."
Princess Cadance smiled, "Well, either way, I'm just glad that everything is over."
Everyone commented in agreement about forgiving Twilight Sparkle about the mess especially commenting ironically about their mistakes from Wedding Day.
Shining Armor sighed as he hugged Twilight Sparkle, "I'm just glad you're okay and safe. I was so worried."
"Me too..." Twilight Sparkle nodded as she hugged Shining Armor a moment. She turned and approached Shadow Dragon, "Shadow Dragon, thank you for being there. And I'm sorry for it."
Shadow Dragon sighed, "No big deal. I'm just glad you're alright. I was so worried about you. I thought I lost you. But it's over now."
"Yeah... It's over for both of us." Twilight Sparkle said in shame. Everyone looked shock, confuse and concern about it. She was sniffling and crying in despair, "After what we've been through especially my mixing love for you and Sombra, I don't think we don't deserve each other."
Everyone gasped in shock and concern of what they just heard.
"What?! Why?!"
"I've been thinking of what King Sombra has said. Maybe he's right about us and the Elements. This... It's not really working. We weren't meant for each other. The Element of Light chose the wrong wielder."
"Don't talk like that, Twilight. Please. Don't say that. It's not your fault. I'm sorry for my behavior yesterday. I was just... I was just trying to protect you and save you."
"I know. And I'm glad too. But... We've argued so many times. It's for the best that we don't see each other. I need to clear things out especially my mixed feelings."
"But-!"
"Please, Dragon Hope... I don't want to hurt you again," Twilight Sparkle said tearfully, "The last thing I want is to hurt you badly. Please, do it for me, Dragon Hope. One last time..."
Shadow Dragon sighed as he nodded briefly with sadness. Both Twilight Sparkle and Shadow Dragon gave each other a long passionate kiss but cried tearfully. Everyone sighed in upset as they looked down in shame and pain. The couples departed while looked at each other sadly for the moment.
"I love you, Twilight Sparkle. I always do..." Shadow Dragon said in upset.
Twilight Sparkle sniffled, "I know. I always love you too."
Shadow Dragon nodded shamefully as he turned and was about to walk away. Lance Justicestrike and Flash Sentry approached him but he shook his head in not following him. They both were heartbroken and shock to see it. As he trotted off, Dragoking followed his master. During walking away from his friends and family, he shed some tears out in crying.
Twilight Sparkle sniffled tearfully to see her lover walked away. She was ashamed of breaking her relationship with him due to the event. She was not happy and proud of it. Mane Five and their friends sighed in upset to see her being heartbroken, pained and sad. Shining Armor approached and gave his sister a comfort hug.
Shining Armor sighed, "You know. I kinda like that guy..."
Twilight Sparkle sighed, "Too bad you've missed it."
At the outskirt of Crystal Empire, a familiar character along with Amon and Starlight Glimmer stood and watched the event. Da Ji smirked.
"Well, not exactly we had hope for. But we broke those two up," Da Ji said in amusement, "Twilight Sparkle is at her weakest point now."
Amon nodded, "Good enough. You've done well to serve as our spy. Everything goes according to our plan..."
"What's next?" Starlight Glimmer asked in amusement.
Amon smiled as he turned to his pupil, "Now for the final test. Defeat Twilight Sparkle. Ensure that this timeline will not exist. And above all, take your revenge. Seekcurse will help and guide you to accomplish your goal. Make sure you pass the test."
Starlight Glimmer smiled, "As you command, master. Twilight Sparkle will pay for what she has done to my work..."
END...
Prepare for Mystic Season 5 Finale - Cutie Remark Part I & II.
Review and Suggest...
Main Casts:
Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle
Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon
Robin Atkin Downes: Clovis Calm/King Sombra
Asheligh Ball: Applejack, Rainbow Dash
Andrea Libman: Flutteshy, Pinkie Pie
Tabitha St. Germain: Rarity, Rhabia
Minor Casts:
Cathy Weseluck: Spike
Jesse McCartney: Lance Justicestrike
Vincent Tong: Flash Sentry
Kate Higgins: Tailtech
Kristen Bell: Icy
Andrew Francis: Shining Armor
Britt McKillip: Princess Cadance
Hayden Panettiere: Shiroi Bai
Crispin Freeman: Red Arsenal
Dee Bradley Baker: Dragoking, Umbrum Ponies
Cameo:
Angelina Jolie: Frozen Sage
Stephanie Sheh: Da Ji
Jason Statham: Amon Blood Statham
Kelly Sheriden: Starlight Glimmer |
My Little Pony Mystic Season 1 | Episode 25: The Cutie Re-Mark - Part I | Twilight Sparkle smiled as she was standing near to her speech stand.
"If somepony had told me when I was a blank flank that one day I'd give a speech to a class at Celestia's School of Magic, I wouldn't have believed it, but..." Twilight Sparkle paused as she shuffled her cards in search for the right answer. Upon finding the right one, she resumed, "I hope that I have been up to the task, because I can tell that all of you are and that the future of Equestrian magic is in good hooves."
CLAPPED! Twilight Sparkle looked up as she found Lance Justicestrike, Nyx and Spike were clapping for her speech from the fifth level. She was preparing her speech for tomorrow even.
"Wow, hehe. That was even better than the first eleven times." Spike commented uneasily.
Lance Justicestrike sighed, "Can we go to bed now? I'm sleepy..."
"Eh, I don't know, guys." Twilight Sparkle said uneasily as she walked away from her speech stand, "I'd like to be able to get through the whole speech without looking at the cards."
Nyx climbed down as she nuzzled her mother's legs, "Come on, mummy! You can't be nervous about giving a speech to a bunch of magic students!"
"Oh, I'm not nervous, Nyx," Twilight Sparkle said calmly as she patted Nyx's mane gently, "but I do have to set a good example, especially for magic students. That's why this speech has to be..."
Lance Justicestrike and Spike sighed in annoyance, "Perfect?"
Twilight Sparkle smiled, "Exactly. Let's go through it one more time."
And just before Twilight Sparkle could do anything, Nyx poked her flank for the moment. The princess looked at her daughter.
"Is daddy coming?" Nyx asked hopefully. Twilight Sparkle gave a silent while looked away from her. Lance Justicestroke and Spike looked away as well. She looked shock and upset, "You didn't invite him? But mom-!"
"No more buts, Nyx," Twilight Sparkle said in shame. She sighed as she turned and looked at Nyx, "Your father and I agreed that we're done with our relationship. After what I have done to him four days ago, I don't deserve to be with him. Iris Crystal did something better than me."
"Twilight, that wasn't your fault! It's King Sombra's," Spike insisted in concern.
Lance nodded in agreement, "Yeah. He make you isolated and alone for him to rape and marry you. He even manipulated and turned you into evil Queen Midnight Sparkle. And of course, it's his fault for messing your relationship!"
"It doesn't matter. Because in the end, it was my fault and my action cause the break up," Twilight Sparkle said in shame, "I just don't understand one thing - why did Element of Light chose me? I'm nothing special."
"Yes, you are, mom! You saved Equestria for dozen times! You make lots of friends. You even taught everypony the meaning of Friendship and some lessons! And best of all, you and dad are connected because of the Elements!" Nyx insisted.
Spike nodded, "Not only that, you cared and raised all of us like a family. This is something that we won't forget."
Lance Justicestrike nodded firmly, "Please, don't talk like that, Twilight. I'm sure you and dad are meant to be together. My mom said there's always reason behind our action and our fate, like the Element of Light chose you because you deserve its blessings."
"Not to me. To me, it's the curse. If it's the blessings, both me and Shadow Dragon wouldn't have argued or even broke up in the first place." Twilight Sparkle said unhappily, making her children looking worry and concern for her. She sighed, "Sorry, kids; I need some air..."
Twilight Sparkle immediately left the chamber as she needed some time alone. Her children looked worry and concern about her. She must be still heartbroken and pained since the breakup. Lance Justicestrike looked at his pocket watch's photo frame of his present family as he shown concern and upset. Spike squatted down in sadness and concern. Nyx turned and looked up as she prayed for her father to be safe from harm especially his sufferings.
As Twilight Sparkle walked across the hallway, she came across the portrait of Iris Crystal and her parents. She sighed in concern and shame as she was looking at the former princess.
"Why did the Element of Light chose me? Why couldn't you make it alive? Why do we even meet and fall in love in the first place?" Twilight Sparkle sniffled and cried tearfully, "What's the point of this..."
In the next morning, the both seniors and juniors of Princess Celestia's Gifted School for Unicorns have gathered at the large hall. Twilight Sparkle was giving her speech about the Cutie Marks. Her slide on blank screen revealed Cutie Mark Crusaders sharing the same Cutie Marks. Lance Justicestrike, Spike and Nyx were sitting on the fifth level of seats as they were handling with the projector slides, along with Moondancer, Minuette, Lemon Heart and Twinkleshine.
As Twilight Sparkle came across the picture of herself, Spike and her friends, she smiled happily as she gave the speech.
"I can speak from my own experience that the power of Cutie Mark Magic is very real, and in the instance of my friends and I, it can be traced to a single event!"
Twilight Sparkle then showed the pie chart of herself and her five friends about the Cutie Mark especially involving the Sonic Rainboom.
"Without Rainbow Dash's race to defend Fluttershy's honor, this rainboom wouldn't have happened. Fluttershy might never have discovered her love of animals. Applejack might never have realized that she belonged on her farm. And Pinkie Pie might never have decided to leave hers. It must be hard to imagine Rarity without her sense of fabulousness. But it's even harder to fathom what my life would be like. Without this rainboom, I might not have gotten into magic school."
Twilight Sparkle smiled and continued her speech as she looked at the students including Starlight Glimmer, sitting behind of her three children.
"Celestia wouldn't have taken me on as her pupil or sent me to Ponyville to meet my friends. And the most powerful thing about Cutie Mark Magic that I found is the connection I share with them."
Twilight Sparkle stopped at once as she realized of what she just saw. She returned to the place but found nothing. She then looked around of the area in search of the pony. She could have sworn that she saw Starlight Glimmer.
"But, um..." Twilight Sparkle said uneasily as she quickly shuffled her cards in search for the right answer, "The real question about... Cutie Mark Magic is... who it seems to affect."
"I have a question!" Minuette called. Twilight Sparkle turned and looked at her childhood friend. She then asked, "How are you and your pals get connected with the Elements of Harmony? It must be blessings for your friends a lot especially you and Shadow Dragon for hooking up well! The Elements of Light and Darkness are awesome special!"
Unicorns chatted happily about the subject that Minuette has brought up. They all wanted to know how the Elements of Harmony works for connecting with Twilight Sparkle and her friends especially Shadow Dragon.
The subject makes Lance Justicestrike, Spike and even Nyx uncomfortable and concern especially Twilight Sparkle, who never want to talk or hear about it. She struggled yet nervously about answering the question. She gulped uneasily.
Twilight Sparkle declared, "That'd be all, everypony! I still have no clue about it yet. Quite busy lately for me! I'll be sure to answer that question when I found one."
Everyone awed in disappointment and upset about Twilight Sparkle's excuse. Lance Justicestrike, Spike and Nyx sighed relief about Twilight Sparkle almost want to lose her temper. Even though she skipped it, she still harbored guilty about it.
After the speech from the school, Twilight Sparkle and her family returned to their home. And at the same time, she told them about her sudden glimpse on Starlight Glimmer. They were all shocked and concern about it.
Twilight Sparkle nodded fearfully, "I was sure I saw her, Spike. But when I looked again, she was gone! I'm just worried what she could be up to."
Spike hummed in concern, "Nothing good, I bet. I heard she wasn't very happy the last time you three saw her."
"No, she wasn't," Lance Justicestrike said in concern, "She got some nerve for forcing everypony in her village to have the same cutie mark. That wasn't right."
"Well, it's better than Seekcurse," Nyx said in concern, "He almost caused Three Kingdoms in chaos - making ponies disappeared to doubt Azure Phoenix and Imperial Phoenix Kingdom, both Apes and Western Dragon Kingdom attacking each other, and even making Water Tiger Kingdom lose its water."
Twilight Sparkle nodded, "I know. But we haven't seen Seekcurse or Starlight Glimmer after our mission. I'm worry they might up to something..."
"And now I had the feeling that they're both coming back for revenge." Spike said in concern. But his chest got nudged by Lance Justicestrike and Nyx. He was confused as they pointed at the shaking Twilight Sparkle. He yelped, "Uh, or they were just really interested in your speech!"
Twilight Sparkle sighed in concern, "Honestly, Spike. I'm not really sure what I saw. I just hope those two stay away from my home or my friends. I just hope they didn't take advantage on Shadow Dragon when he's in depress and pain."
"But as long as we have them, I know everything will be all right." Nyx insisted happily.
Lance Justicestrike smiled as he gave Nyx a noogie, "We've overcome the worse. There's nothing we can handle it."
Spike nodded happily, "Yeah! Friendship is Magic!"
Twilight Sparkle smiled, "You're right. Thanks, guys. Come on. Let's go home..."
Twilight Sparkle and her family made their way back to the Castle of Friendship for resting now. Unknown to them, two shadowy figures were looking at them from the balcony before they disappeared into the castle's door.
Within the Castle of Friendship's Library, Twilight Sparkle and her children put their stuffs within. They then had their chats while passing by the Metal Ponies across the hallway. They were heading straight to the Meeting Chamber.
Nyx and Lance Justicestrike noticed something strange about Metal Ponies. They seemed to be off while standing still. They never been like this before.
"Is it me or are Metal Ponies been quiet? Too quiet..." Lance Justicestrike asked in concern.
Nyx nodded in concern, "Yeah. They didn't get themselves shut down, did they? Usually Metalgear told us of what they're doing before this..."
"Maybe. Maybe he's just tired and sleepy. So, he and his friends gone into their hibernation mode," Twilight Sparkle remarked happily. She giggled a bit, "Just like I was just more stressed about that speech especially about Element of Light and Darkness."
Spike smiled, "Yeah. That sounds better than Starlight Glimmer and Seekcurse coming back with an evil plot for revenge."
Twilight Sparkle giggled happily as she opened the meeting chamber's door, "Well, when you say it like that, it does sound kinda silly."
Lance Justicestrike, Spike and Nyx yelped in concern, "Or it's totally true!"
Twilight Sparkle was confused as she looked to the front. She found Starlight Glimmer sitting down on her chair while Seekcurse was eating his Hayburger. Metalgear was neared to them as he looked like he was shut down.
Starlight Glimmer smirked in amusement, "Welcome home, Twilight!"
"Now, Starlight! Finish her," Seekcurse said in amusement.
Starlight Glimmer used her magic to levitate a scroll before firing a magic beam to it. Letting it rise up, she continued to grin. Then magic light blue aura surge around the scroll, before zapping something down to the council table as everyone watched. Then in a much surprise notice, the entire map of Equestria was displayed...
Twilight Sparkle and her children approached the Cutie Map. They were all in shock and concern. The map usually appeared, only when six ponies' Cutie Marks glowed and appeared on it for mission and troubles.
Twilight Sparkle groaned, "What are you doing, Starlight?"
"And what the hell did you do to Metalgear and other Metal Ponies," Lance Justicestrike demanded.
Nyx nodded, "If you hurt any of our friends, we'll make you pay!"
Starlight Glimmer laughed in amusement, "Nothing serious. I used the Blackout Spell on Metal Ponies for long hibernation mode. And we've done nothing wrong to your friends yet. I'd tell you, but I don't want to ruin the surprise!."
As the scroll lowered down, Seekcurse crushed and throw it aside, "Yes. Won't be needing that anymore. The Dawn of New Age is upon us. Your time will cease to exist!"
As both Starlight Glimmer and Seekcurse laughed in amusement, Twilight Sparkle and her children were armed and ready to attack. But instead, the swirling rings-like emerged from the map. As the wind blew on everypony, the sphere portal-like with sounds and images of time and clocks appeared.
Starlight Glimmer levitated herself and Seekcurse as they were flying straight into the portal. And the next, the portal disappeared. Twilight Sparkle and her children approached the map at once.
"What the heck was that?!" Lance Justicestrike asked in concern.
Nyx hissed in concern, "Where'd she go?"
Twilight Sparkle gulped while looking at the map, "I don't know, but I think we better find out!"
Spike spotted the crushed scroll as he approached it, "I guess we could start with this."
Twilight Sparkle, Lance Justicestrike and Nyx gasped as they turned to Spike, "Spike, no! Don't touch that!"
As Spike touched the scroll, the portal reappeared above the map. It then dragged the screaming Twilight Sparkle and her children into it. Next, it disappeared from ponies' sights. With that, Metalgear's empty body fell on his back hard.
Shadow Dragon entered the chamber, carrying both flowers and chocolate box. He looked around as he found nopony inside. He sighed in disappointment and upset.
"Who am I kidding? She doesn't want me..."
Twilight Sparkle and her three children screamed in fear as they hold each other tightly. The scroll dragged them though the long time vortex-like. As the portal appeared before, they landed on the road street hard. They all moaned and groaned in annoyance and pain. They stood up slowly as they found themselves in the familiar area.
"Cloudsdale?" Spike asked in concern, "Starlight and Seekcurse don't even have wings! Why would they come here?"
Twilight Sparkle hummed in concern, "I don't know, Spike, but it looked like they could fly with just magic! Keep your eyes open. We don't know what she has planned."
Lance Justicestrike gasped upon looking at something shock and surprise, "Like that?!"
As Lance Justicestrike pointed at four familiar Pegasi talking at the Junior Speedsters Camp's site, Twilight Sparkle and her two children took a peek. They all were shock and surprised. They saw Rainbow Dash was defending Fluttershy from Hoops and Dumbbell.
"What the hell?" Nyx asked in shock and concern.
Twilight Sparkle was in shock and concern as she asked, "Did Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy look really young to you? And I didn't see a cutie mark. You don't think..."
Spike gulped, "...We traveled back in time to when Rainbow Dash raced the bullies who made fun of Fluttershy and performed her first sonic rainboom?"
"No way! That's impossible!" Nyx exclaimed in concern and shock about it.
"Only Star Swirl the Bearded could do something like that, and even his spell just went back a week!" Twilight Sparkle said in concern, "How could Starlight do more than the greatest wizard in Equestria?"
"I don't know..." Lance Justicestrike said in concern but noticed Spike's holding the scroll, "But that is the answer. Spike, give it to Twilight."
As Spike showed it to Twilight Sparkle, she looked through it. She gasped, "Star Swirl's spell! Oh, no!"
"That's bad?" Lance Justicestrike asked in concern.
"I don't like it," Nyx said in concern, "Whatever Starlight Glimmer and Seekcurse are planning, it can't be good."
"Come on, let's go!" Spike said happily. Twilight Sparkle and her two children were confused and concerned. He continued, "To watch the race. I don't wanna miss the rainboom!"
"But what about Starlight Glimmer and Seekcurse?" Nyx asked in concern.
Lance Justicestrike smiled as he patted Nyx's mane gently, "We'll keep lookout for them both. If they show up, we'll strike them down!"
Twilight Sparkle nodded, "Great plan. Come on! It's about to start!"
"What happens after we've changed history?" The familiar voice said calmly. Twilight Sparkle and her family looked back as they found a figure emerging from Time Portal. She continued, "In my case, you're about to find out..."
"Flare Tiger?!" Twilight Sparkle and her children asked in shock and surprise. Flare Tiger smiled. They asked, "What are you doing here?!"
"Helping you to stop Starlight Glimmer and Seekcurse. They're here to change the past - they want to get rid of you and your five friends. And I have the feeling it's about to happen."
"Got it. We'll keep an eye on them. Thanks for the warning."
"Glad to help. I'm coming with you. You might need some time expert on this."
Twilight Sparkle and her family hidden behind the clouds as they watched the race where Rainbow Dash performed her sonic rainboom. Just like how it goes, Fluttershy fell to the land of Equestria while Rainbow Dash determined to win the race by powerful speed. As she was diving down, her body gone energetic with colorful auras like she was about to perform it.
Unknown to any of the ponies, Starlight Glimmer emerged from the clouds as she was armed with her magic. Seekcurse clapped his hooves happily.
"It is time," Seekcurse smiled.
Starlight Glimmer fired her Stop Spell in stopping Rainbow Dash from performing her sonic rainboom, allowing Hoops to win the game. Twilight Sparkle and her children were in shock and concern.
Without her rainboom, her past self and other five won't have not only their Cutie Marks and abilities but their destinies change - the animals ignored Fluttershy, Applejack remained at Manehattan, Pinkie Pie continued working on Rock Farm, Rarity thrown the big rock away and Twilight Sparkle failed her exams including Spike remained inside the egg.
"What just happen?!" Spike asked.
Flare Tiger hissed in concern, "It has begun..."
Lance Justicestrike groaned as he pointed at Starlight Glimmer and Seekcurse, "There they are!"
"I can't believe it! They stopped Rainbow Dash from performing it!" Nyx exclaimed in anger.
Twilight Sparkle and her children flew towards their enemies. They were armed and readied to attack while Starlight Glimmer and Seekcurse remained calm and relax like they're not afraid of little mice.
"What did you do?!" Twilight Sparkle demanded.
Starlight Glimmer smirked, "You are about to find out."
And just before Twilight Sparkle and her family could say anything, the portal appeared above them as it dragged and pulled them into it. Flare Tiger went after her family via summoning and entering her Time Portal.
"Easy peasy," Starlight Glimmer commented happily. She turned and found Seekcurse glared at her, "What?!"
Seekcurse groaned, "You were supposed to kill Rainbow Dash and her friends, not stopping the rainboom! They'll be back to stop us, once they realized the truth about their present time."
"Let them try. Unlike you," Starlight Glimmer snarled, "I don't kill innocent ponies especially my enemies' past selves. Amon told me to pass the exam. And I will do it for him!"
Seekcurse groaned, "You're gonna regret that decision of yours, Glimmer. Mark my word..."
As the portal appeared, Twilight Sparkle and her children fell and dropped to the Cutie Map table very hard. They all moaned painfully as they slowly getting up. Flare Tiger emerged from her portal.
Flare Tiger gasped, "Oh no. The timeline has changed..."
"I don't know what Starlight and Seekcurse are up to yet," Twilight Sparkle said in concern, "but we'd better figure it out before it's too late."
Lance yelped in concern, "Um, guys? I think it already is."
Twilight Sparkle and her two children looked up. They gasped in shock and concern. They found themselves in the empty yet open field, with the Castle of Friendship vanished. Something is wrong...
Twilight Sparkle hissed in concern, "The map pulled us back, but whatever Starlight did in the past changed things here!"
"But why? And how did we get here? Where's here?" Spike asked fearfully.
"More like when." Twilight Sparkle answered in concern and worry. Her children looked at her. As she levitated the scroll up, she explained, "Starlight altered Star Swirl's spell, then somehow used it on the map to travel into the past and change something! Once she did, the map pulled us back to the present!"
"So we're back where--" Lance Justicestrike gulped, "I mean, when we started?"
"That's not what mom meant, Lance," Nyx said as she shook her head. She was looking at the Cutie Map's strange landscape and landmark, "Everything's different. The map doesn't even make sense anymore! The Crystal Empire takes up half of Equestria!"
Flare Tiger nodded, "We're in another timeline - dark and pure evil."
Nyx and Flare Tiger were right. Everyone were looking at the Cutie Map - corrupted and dark version of Crystal Empire has conquered most of Equestria.
"Plus there's the whole missing castle thing." Spike added in concern.
"Something's definitely not right around here..." Lance Justicestrike said in concern, "So, what's next? Standing here won't solve anything..."
Twilight Sparkle nodded, "Right! This is too big to handle on our own. We need to find our friends and get help!"
"Grandma Twiley, you might not like this." Flare Tiger said in concern, "Your friends are not same ponies you used to befriend with."
Twilight Sparkle sighed, "We have to try, Flare. We need some help now to figure this out."
Twilight Sparkle and her family headed to the Ponyville Town in search for their friends. But they found something shock and different about their hometown. The trees and grasses looked dead. Most of the broken and ruined residents and homes were on locked down including Rarity's Carousal Boutique and Pinkie Pie's Sugarcube Corner turned into some sort of bakery. And strangest thing is ponies never come out. Something bad has happen here. And only one pony who could help them...
Twilight Sparkle and her family arrived at Sweet Apple Acres. But Something shock them even more - the farm has turned into a factory. They even took a peek within the barn, where they saw all the apples poured into a giant pot, which mashed and boiled them into soup-like before placing within several tin cans. What is going on?
And just before Twilight Sparkle and her family could do anything, they spotted a familiar pony rolling and moving the barrel out. She worn the war attire-like.
"Applejack?!" Twilight Sparkle called in surprise. She the hug confused Applejack happily and passionately, "It's so good to see you! We couldn't find Pinkie or Rarity or Fluttershy or Rainbow Dash, but I just knew you'd still be here!"
Applejack depart Twilight Sparkle from hugging her, "Of course I am. This is my home. But who in tarnation is Pinkie Bow and Flutterdash? Or you for that matter?"
Twilight Sparkle was in shock and concern, "You... don't know who I am?"
"Nope. Honestly, the only name I recognize is Rarity, but she left for Manehattan years ago." Applejack sighed in concern, "Last I heard, she went to help with the cause like everypony else - the war against King Sombra and the Crystal Empire."
Twilight Sparkle and her children asked, "What?!"
Applejack was in shock yet suspicious, "Where have you guys been?"
"I know this is hard to believe, but you and I and those other ponies I mentioned are friends!" Twilight Sparkle explained. Applejack gave suspicious and concern looks at her. She grunted, "I'm telling you the truth! And if you come with me, I'll prove it."
Applejack was still skeptical and concern about it, and yet she can't help but to trust and believe in her. She turned to Lance Justicestrike, Nyx and Spike; who nodded in agreement. She sighed in concern as she followed them.
Twilight Sparkle and her children guided Applejack to their vanished Castle of Friendship especially the Cutie Map Table. Applejack was still shock and surprised about it.
"Well, I'll admit. I've lived in these parts my whole life and I've never seen this before," Applejack remarked, "But I still don't see what this has to do with you and I bein' friends."
Twilight Sparkle sighed as she explained, "There were two ponies - a mare named Starlight Glimmer and stallion called Seekcurse used this map to travel through time and change things in the past. For some reason, the map's here but everything else is different!"
"Different how?" Applejack asked in concern.
Nyx pointed at Crystal Empire and its expansion territories, "Well, for one thing, where we come from, there's no war with King Sombra."
Lance nodded in agreement, "Maybe you could tell us how the war started, then we can figure out when everything changed!"
"That's easy enough." Applejack sighed in upset as she recalled the news from both radio and newspaper,
"When the Crystal Empire returned, it brought King Sombra back with it. And it didn't take long for him to free his kind from the prison. He even force every one of his subjects to fight for him against Equestria."
At Throne Chamber, King Sombra chanted as he was magically corrupting the Crystal Heart in destroying the Umbrum Ponies' imprisoned seal from the small crystal. He and his kind gathered and forced all of Crystal Ponies to don demonic armors. He then led his army to invade the Equestria.
To defend her home, Princess Celestia led the Equestria Army to battle against King Sombra's Army, including scarred and heroic Rainbow Dash, two stern stoned Pie Sisters - Maud and Pinkie Pie. Fluttershy, Rarity and civilians prepared the supplies and attires for the recruited and listed ponies to join the battle against King Sombra. It has taken them for years to finish the war.
Applejack sobbed tearfully and painfully, "And even with Princess Celestia leadin' the charge, it still takes every last pony in Equestria doin' their part, workin' day and night, to keep up the fight."
Twilight Sparkle and her children were in shock and feared to hear the story Applejack has given. It broke their hearts.
"I just can't believe it! We stopped King Sombra! You and me and all of our friends!"
"But we aren't friends. At least not here." Applejack reminded Twilight Sparkle. The Princess of Friendship looked down in pain and upset. She noticed the sadness and pain Twilight Sparkle and her children had. She sighed, "Look. I hope all this helped, but I really need to get back to cannin' those apples."
Twilight Sparkle nodded in understanding as she covered herself on the table. She then began crying. Applejack looked sympathy and heartbroken as she couldn't help but feel sorry for her about her timeline.
"Applejack, what about the Mystic Ponies? Surely Frozen Sage wouldn't let King Sombra take the Crystal Empire, without the fight," Lance Justicestrike asked in concern.
Applejack gave her raised eyebrow, "What makes you think they help us? They're nothing but mare's tale."
"Oh... We're sorry to ask," Nyx said in shame and concern, "You just... You just take care of yourself and Apple Bloom."
Applejack sighed as she walked away, "If only I could have been stronger and braver to take care of her..."
Nyx gasped in shock and concern of what she just heard. Applejack lost her younger sister during the War against King Sombra. She felt guilty and heartbroken to ask that question as she watched Applejack walking away from them.
Flare Tiger sighed in shame and concern, "I'm sorry, everypony. I really am."
"I feel so stupid..." Nyx said in shame.
Lance Justicestrike held and hugged Nyx, "Shh... It's not your fault. Don't blame yourself. None of us know about this."
Spike sighed as he looked at Twilight Sparkle, "So, what's next?"
"I DON'T KNOW!" Twilight Sparkle cried and screamed in despair and pain. Her children gasped in shock and concern of her reaction. She broken in tears as she tried to wipe them off, "How could this have happen? I've fail my friends. I've lost them all..."
"Don't give up now! We still can fix this!" The familiar voice called.
Twilight Sparkle and her family gasped in shock and surprise. They turned to their left as they found two ponies emerged from bushes.
Nyx gasped as she jumped and hugged Jade Adventure, "Jade! You're here! How?!"
"Remember the Book of Ages?" Jade asked happily. Nyx nodded happily. She continued, "When I touched its page, it gives me immunity from the time changes. So whatever happens change from the past, it won't affect me."
"That's awesome. If only we could have that for our best friends..."
"I'm sorry. I wish I could have given them some immunity."
"It's okay, Jade, it's okay," Twilight Sparkle said calmly as she wiped tears off. She turned to Blackwitch, "Lady Blackwitch, is there something you have come to tell me?"
Blackwitch nodded, "It's not over yet. You still have a chance to stop Starlight Glimmer and Seekcurse. You can restore the timeline."
"But how? The only thing we know for sure is that Starlight and Seekcurse stopped the rainboom. I can't travel back in time."
"Perhaps. Perhaps not," Blackwitch said calmly. Twilight Sparkle looked at her. She continued, "Look around here. Flare Tiger is the Time Walker with Element of Time and Space. The Cutie Map is still here, connecting to the Tree of Harmony. It's still here as it sense the danger. By combining both the map and the upgraded version of Star Swirl the Beaded's Time Spell-!"
Twilight Sparkle gasped as she brought Time Spell paper out, "I can travel back to time to stop them both! Blackwitch, thanks!"
Blackwitch smiled and nodded in agreement. Just before she or her friends could do anything, they looked around as they found themselves surrounded by King Sombra and his army.
"What the heck?!" Lance Justicestrike asked in concern, "I thought they were at war with Princess Celestia!"
Blackwitch snarled, "He has help. The servant of Qin is here!"
"As promise, King Sombra, we've found your first beautiful mate," The dark familiar voice said.
Twilight Sparkle and her friends gasped in shock as they saw and found Seekcurse chatted with King Sombra. What's he doing here?!
King Sombra approached a worried and frightened Twilight Sparkle, just like before. He smiled in amusement yet happily as he held and touched her left cheek.
"Such beautiful mare I ever seen..." King Sombra complimented in amusement, "You reminded me of myself and my beloved wife. I've long to have her on by my side. And now I have it!"
Twilight Sparkle snarled as she gave him a big slap, "Get away from me! Don't you dare touch me again!"
"Amazing... Feisty, aren't you? I like it when we're on bed together..."
"I have one word - no! I have someone I want to be with!"
"Like Shadow Dragon you broke up with?" Seekcurse asked in amusement. Twilight Sparkle was stunned and shocked about it. He chuckled, "Don't worry about it. I already find your happiness - right here. He is your king and husband from now on."
King Sombra smirked in amusement. And just before he could do anything, Flare Tiger and three children armed and readied to fight. Twilight Sparkle armed as well.
King Sombra chuckled, "Just like their mother, very feisty. I look forward to make you as my salves while the Princess will be mine and mine alone."
"Leave her alone!" A familiar voice called.
And just before anyone could do anything, King Sombra and his army got crashed and knocked very hard to the ground by couple of barrels. Applejack charged into the battlefield. Twilight Sparkle and her friends were in shock and surprise to see her to come back for them.
"Applejack?" Twilight Sparkle was surprise and happy. She quickly fired her Unicorn Burst at three incoming Crystal Guards from attacking Applejack. She approached Cowgirl Pony, "You came back!"
Applejack smiled a bit, "I saw King Sombra and his soldiers here. I don't know how they get here but there's no way I'm gonna let him hurt my friend!"
Twilight Sparkle smiled in relief to see Applejack come to her and her family's rescue. And just before King Sombra and his guards could do anything, Blackwitch summoned the Force-Field in protecting them from the attacks. She then noticed Seekcurse quickly thrown black powder in summoning the portal. He quickly escaped it.
"Damn it! There's no time. Twilight, you have to go back to your past and stop Starlight Glimmer now!" Blackwitch exclaimed firmly, "If you do encountered Seekcurse, give mental link to Jade. I would like to give him piece of my mind!"
"But how?!" Nyx asked in concern, "Is that even possible?!"
Jade smiled, "Don't worry about it! We maybe on different timeline, but that doesn't mean we're not connected!"
Applejack nodded, "Go, Twilight Sparkle. Bring my family and my little sister back. I believe in you. You're my best friend."
Seeing Applejack's firm eyes, Twilight Sparkle and her family nodded in understanding and firm. As the portal dispersed; Blackwitch, Applejack and Jade Adventure in her Battle Mode charged to the battlefield. Twilight Sparkle used Time Spell in summoning the portal. They then entered it as they headed back to Rainbow Dash's past. They have to stop Starlight Glimmer and Seekcurse to bring the peace back!
As the Time Portal appeared on Cloudsdale, Twilight Sparkle and her family emerged from it. They have returned to the past.
Twilight Sparkle smiled, "All we have to do now is find Starlight and--"
ZAP! Twilight Sparkle and her family got trapped and frozen within the crystal. It was thrown and landed on the puff of clouds. Starlight Glimmer emerged from the cornered camp via levitation spell. She approached them.
"Sorry to disappoint you, but I created that spell to send myself back in time. So even when you cast it, I still get sent back here. It wasn't difficult to change Star Swirl's spell. He'd already done the hard part. But figuring out I could use the map to go to any time or place and pull you along with me?" Starlight Glimmer giggled a bit. She then gave a glare at Twilight Sparkle and her family, "I knew you'd try to stop me. You're so predictable. Why else would I leave the scroll behind?"
Twilight Sparkle and her family grew fearfully and scared of what Starlight Glimmer was planning. They had the feeling that it's really about her revenge. She then landed above on the crystal hard.
"My village was a sanctuary of equality, where nopony's cutie mark allowed them to feel superior! It was a special place," Starlight Glimmer exclaimed in anger as she stomped on the crystal in submerging beneath clouds very hard, "and you and your friends took it away!"
Twilight Sparkle and her family can't help but feel sympathy to Starlight Glimmer. She really cared and loved her village and friends so much, even though she forced them to get rid of their Cutie Marks.
"Now it's my turn to take something special from you!" Starlight Glimmer said slyly, "Without the rainboom, you and your friends will never form your special cutie mark bonds! Cutie marks for cutie marks! Sounds like a fair trade to me!"
Twilight Sparkle and her family grew fearfully and worry of what Starlight Glimmer is gonna do next. To add insult to injury, she said these five words...
"Who will save you now?"
Starlight Glimmer gave a soft tap, forcing the crystal drop and fell off from the clouds' grip. It was falling straight to the Equestria's ground.
Twilight Sparkle quickly used her Unicorn Burst in shattering the crystal to pieces. They all are freed. Nyx held Spike on her back. Twilight Sparkle and her family quickly fly back to Cloudsdale. They have to stop Starlight Glimmer before it's too late.
And just before any of them could do anything, they spotted Rainbow Dash trapped within the crystal. Starlight Glimmer gave a dark smirk at them. This means one thing to their shocks. They got dragged and pulled into the portal again!
As the portal appeared, Twilight Sparkle and her family fell and dropped to the ground very hard. They have returned to the present or rather another alternate timeline. The Cutie Map revealed the crimson version of Equestria, with Qin Dynasty flags placed on most of the land.
Twilight Sparkle groaned in anger, "We have to get back to the past and stop Starlight Glimmer! I feel sorry for her. I really do. But it's not getting her anywhere."
"Right now, we've got bigger things to worry about," Flare Tiger exclaimed in concern.
Before Twilight Sparkle and her children could ask Flare Tiger, they got cornered by both Qin Soldiers and Terracotta Army. They were led by Han Zero, the unicorn Azure Phoenix and Imperial Phoenix Army, which consist of One-Eyed Anger, the fat Earth Pony with black mane in bun shape and short tail worn the armor and blue vest - Bullhound, Blazefist and Laxtinct.
Twilight Sparkle gasped, "Han Zero?! Lord Azure?!"
Azure Phoenix snarled, "Silences, Western Pony. All the ponies from the West must be captured and brought to justice! Seize them!"
And just before Twilight Sparkle and her family could do anything, Terracotta Soldiers grabbed and locked them in chains and Anti Magic Necklace.
Han Zero huffed, "Take them back to Imperial Ponyville Fortress!"
Twilight Sparkle and her family were in shock and concern about what Han had said. As Azure Phoenix and Han Zero marched out, Anger and Bullhound pushed the prisoners to move out. The ponies made their way to Ponyville or rather Chinese Ponyville-like Fortress.
Twilight Sparkle and her family witnessed the new terrible fate of the alternate timeline - ponies from Equestria Ponies including their friends were forced to work for the Ma Ponies as slaves, laborers, dancers, servants and concubines. If any of them disobeyed or resist, they all get decapitated or shot to death. Twilight Sparkle and her family were horrified and shocked by the event. It's even worse than before.
Han Zero and Azure Phoenix headed straight to the Ponyville Town Hall or Keep of Fortress. Virtue Dragon, Claw Tiger and their army (Blade Dragoon, Warpath Temper, Dragonspear, Skysoar, Brave Tiger, Courage Tiger, Tigress, Anchor and Riverstrike) were waiting. The generals bowed before Han Zero and Azure Phoenix for their arrival.
Twilight Sparkle grunted as she quickly speak, "Lord Azure Phoenix! Please, listen to me! You have to let us go! The fate of Equestria and Ma rest on us!"
"I don't know how you know my name..." Azure Phoenix snarled as he turned and glared at Twilight Sparkle, "Why should I after what Royal Sisters had done to me and Han especially their plan?!"
"What are you talking about?!" Lance Justicestrike demanded in anger as he was pushed back by One-Eyed Anger and Blazefist. He continued, "My grandmother and Aunt Luna will never do such a thing to you!"
"And you are?" Azure Phoenix asked suspiciously.
Lance Justicestrike sighed, "My name is Lance Justicestrike - son of Princess Iris Crystal! She is your daughter as well as Princess Celestia!"
Ma Ponies gasped in shock and concern as they all chatted and commented about Lance Justicestrike's claim. They couldn't believe it, even for Azure Phoenix.
"How... How is it possible?" Azure Phoenix asked in shock and concern.
Han Zero hissed, "I... I thought... I thought..."
"Lord Azure... What happen?" Twilight Sparkle asked in concern, "What happen here?"
Azure Phoenix breathed and panted heavily as she dropped his four knees down. The Ma Ponies approached and wanted to help but he waved them not to do it. He slowly stood up while looking at them a firm face with his guilty, pain and sad looks.
"They... Your grandmother, Luna and my children..." Azure Phoenix said painfully before burst in tears, "They're gone... They're gone because of me!"
"WHAT?!" Lance Justicestrike asked in shock and concern. He startled and panicked, "No. No! No! You're lying! My mom... She can't be dead! She can't be!"
Nyx grabbed and hugged her older brother in comfort while looked at Ma Ponies, "How?"
Han Zero sighed, "After we managed to bring the Immortal Pill to the Emperor, Seekcurse told us that Royal Sisters have been sent to assassinate him. And so... And so..."
Azure Phoenix sighed heavily, "Forgive us..."
As Azure Phoenix and Han Zero bowed down and burst in tears, Ma Ponies lowered their heads down in shame and pain. Twilight Sparkle and her family were in shock, despair and pain to hear the story.
Twilight Sparkle snarled in anger, "Seekcurse... Curse you for everything!"
"Twilight, remember the time travel?" Flare Tiger asked. Twilight Sparkle turned and looked at her. She continued, "We can save them! We have to stop both Starlight Glimmer and Seekcurse."
"You're right," Twilight Sparkle nodded as she turned and looked at Azure Phoenix and Han Zero, "My lord, you have to let us go. I know it's hard to believe but we can save them. We can change this for better. Please..."
Azure Phoenix and Han Zero slowly stopped their crying as they raised their heads up. They both looked at Twilight Sparkle and her family's eyes - firm and honest. They both looked at each other. They sighed in concern yet reluctantly. They know what they have to do...
Azure Phoenix and Han Zero freed Twilight Sparkle and her family. The Princess of Friendship and her family led the Ma Ponies back to the Cutie Map. They explained to Ma Ponies of how and what really happen from the original timeline. Ma Ponies were in surprise, shock and concern about as they chatted.
"Do you think it will work?" Azure Phoenix asked in concern.
Twilight Sparkle nodded, "Yes. If we can stop them both, everything will return to normal. And I promised you that the Princesses and her children will live."
Han Zero nodded, "Make Seekcurse paid for his deception. Make sure our loved ones are alive."
"I will," Twilight Sparkle nodded in agreement. She gasped, "Seekcurse!"
Han Zero, Azure Phoenix and their loyal and brave soldiers armed with their weapons while surrounding and protecting Twilight Sparkle and her family. They found Seekcurse standing before them. But he wasn't alone. They were all surrounded by millions of Qin Dynasty soldiers.
"You're not getting away from us that easily," Seekcurse said darkly. He smiled in amusement while looking his surroundings. He sighed happily, "I regret for killing the Emperor from my time. And now, I have righted my wrong! Qin Dynasty is the true empire of Equestria!"
"I hate you a lot, Seekcurse," Nyx snarled in anger.
Lance Justicestrike growled in anger, "You'll pay for what you did here! I'll kill you! I promise you for that!"
Azure Phoenix nodded, "My wife died because of you!"
"Yeah. We're gonna make you suffer for this," Han Zero exclaimed in anger while holding his sword, "Twilight Sparkle and her friends will bring the true timeline back!"
Seekcurse smirked in amusement, "We shall see. KILL THEM ALL!"
With Seekcurse's order, Qin Dynasty Army charged right at Twilight Sparkle and her allies. Han Zero, Azure Phoenix and their allies cried as they retaliated by fighting back.
Azure Phoenix turned to Twilight Sparkle, "Twilight, quickly! Go to the past now! Stop Starlight Glimmer! Bring our home back! You're our hope!"
Han Zero nodded, "Tell them we're sorry that we couldn't be the better lover for the princesses."
"I will..." Twilight Sparkle said in pain and shock.
"I will not let you-!" Seekcurse stopped as he spotted Blackwitch and Jade appeared besides Twilight Sparkle and her friends. He growled, "Another time... Another time!"
Seekcurse quickly summoned the Time Portal as he escaped. Blackwitch groaned in anger before yelped in pain. Jade and Twilight Sparkle helped the witch up.
"What happen?!" Twilight Sparkle asked in concern.
Blackwitch groaned, "Each time the original timeline changed from its path, new alternate timeline appeared and wounded me. I'm not strong enough to hold too many dark and painful alternates!"
Jade Adventure nodded, "You have to go back now!"
"We will. We're gonna change the present back the way it was," Twilight Sparkle said firmly as she cast the Time Spell, "That's the promise."
Flare Tiger nodded, "Let's go now!"
As Han Zero and his loyal army battled against the Qin Dynasty Time Portal appeared above. Twilight Sparkle and her family entered the portal. Blackwitch and Jade disappeared from ponies' sights...
Twilight Sparkle and her family returned to the past as they began their search and hunt on Starlight Glimmer before she could do any damages. They then spotted her talking to Fluttershy, Dumbbell and Hoops at the camp site. What is she up to?!
"Just remember how you'd feel if someone said those things to you." Starlight Glimmer said calmly. She turned and found Twilight Sparkle and her family arrived. She smiled, "About time. I was just reminding these two colts how hurtful teasing can be."
Twilight Sparkle and her family yelped in shock and surprise of what they just heard. Starlight Glimmer actually defending young Fluttershy from being bullied?! But this could prevent the important event occurred!
"Of course! In a world where everypony is unique, some are bound to feel more special than others." Starlight Glimmer said in amusement, "But that isn't a license to be cruel, is it?"
Twilight Sparkle gulped, "No, of course not..."
Starlight Glimmer smiled in amusement, "Oh, isn't it a shame we don't live in a world where everypony is equal? No one would ever tease anyone there! Wouldn't that be nice?"
Young Dumbbell, Fluttershy and Hoops nodded in agreement. Three of them smiled at each other while giving a hug. They then left the camp at once. Twilight Sparkle and her family glared at Starlight Glimmer.
Twilight Sparkle growled, "I know you only convinced those bullies to not tease Fluttershy to stop the rainboom!"
"Oh, that's not true. I convinced them not to be bullies because everypony should be equal." Starlight Glimmer scoffed while giving a glare at Twilight Sparkle and her family, "Stopping the rainboom is just a bonus."
Twilight Sparkle and her family growled in anger as they really getting irritated by Starlight Glimmer's persistence and tricks.
"This isn't over yet!" Nyx exclaimed as she flew off.
Twilight Sparkle and her family followed Nyx as she was chatting with Rainbow Dash, who was flying around the camp. Starlight Glimmer smirked in amusement as she watched the event.
"Hi!" Nyx greeted. Young Rainbow Dash greeted Nyx. She continued, "I hear you're pretty fast!"
Young Rainbow Dash scoffed, "Pretty fast? Please! I'm even faster than that!"
"Okay, so, um, hey, you want to race?"
"Yeah sure! I definitely-!" Young Rainbow Dash yelped as she noticed Nyx's appearance, "Wait. Are you an Alicorn?"
"Come on, I thought you were fast!"
Twilight Sparkle and her family nodded in confidence and firmly. It makes young Rainbow Dash uneasily and scared about the race with a little Alicorn.
Young Rainbow Dash gulped, "Uh, actually, I just remembered I have somewhere I need to be."
Nyx yelped, "Okay, listen. You don't have to race me. I just need you to fly fast enough for a sonic rainboom!"
"What?! I can't do that! Nopony can! It's not even a real thing! It's just an old mare's tale!"
"But it's not! I know it's not! We've seen you do it! In the future!"
"Ooookay..." Young Rainbow Dash said uneasily and fearfully, "I'm gonna go now."
And just before Twilight Sparkle and her family could do anything, young Rainbow Dash immediately escaped from them. Nyx sighed in shame and upset. Twilight Sparkle and her family gave the little Alicorn a comfort hug.
"I tried, guys. I'm sorry," Nyx said in shame.
Twilight Sparkle shushed gently on her daughter, "It's okay. You did your best, Nyx. That's what counts."
"Yeah. No one said it's easy," Spike said calmly while patted Nyx's mane.
"We were so close if Starlight Glimmer hadn't ruin our chance," Lance Justicestrike exclaimed in anger. He turned and glared at Starlight Glimmer in her Levitation Spell. He growled, "Damn you, witch! I'm gonna make you pay!"
Flare Tiger nodded, "Do you have any idea of what you have done?!"
Starlight Glimmer smirked, "Gee, what's the matter? Couldn't convince her to do the impossible? That's too bad."
And just before Twilight Sparkle and her family could do anything, Time Portal appeared and pulled them into it!
Twilight Sparkle and her family exited from Time Portal as they landed on the ground hard. They were surrounded by forest. The Cutie Map's color is now in greenish. They moaned and groaned as they all got up from the ground.
Twilight Sparkle hissed in anger while looking at Time Spell, "This is gonna be harder than I thought. We'll have to try again! I don't want to live in either awful future we saw!"
Spike gulped, "I don't think you'll have to!"
Lance nodded in agreement, "Coz we entered the new future, mum!"
Twilight Sparkle turned to the front. She and her family yelped in shock as the spears were aimed at them. They were held by Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and some of ponies worn the greenish painted tattoos-like on their bodies. And they're not very happy and pleased ponies.
Twilight Sparkle gasped, "Pinkie? Fluttershy?"
"Silence, changeling!" Pinkie Pie ordered angrily.
Fluttershy hissed, "All servants of Queen Chrysalis found in these woods must be... destroyed!"
Twilight Sparkle and her family gulped in concern. This does not bode well for them. What they will do next now? Can they stop Starlight Glimmer from stopping sonic rainboom occurred?! Will the friendship be connected and united as they had once?!
"This can't be good..." Flare Tiger said in concern.
Prepare for Final Episode...
Review and Suggest...
Main Casts:
Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle, Blackwitch
Jesse McCartney: Lance Justicestrike
Kira Tozer: Nyx
Cathy Weseluck: Spike
Kelly Sheridan: Starlight Glimmer
Brian Dobson: Seekcurse
Jennifer Hale: Flare Tiger
Minor Casts:
Ashleigh Ball: Applejack, Rainbow Dash
Douglas Rye: Azure Phoenix
Alessandro Juliani: Han Zero
Stacey Chan: Jade Adventure
Robin Atkin Downes: King Sombra
Cameo:
Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon
Andrea Libman: Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie |
My Little Pony Mystic Season 1 | Episode 26: The Cutie Re-Mark - Part II | After three loops of time travelling; Twilight Sparkle and her family have arrived at the unknown forest. It is where they encountered the green tattooed ponies including Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, who were all armed and aimed their spears, pikes and swords at them. The ponies suspected Twilight Sparkle and her family being the Changelings.
Flare Tiger groaned, "The Changeling's Future! Why does it have to be a complicated tricky monsters like then?!"
Twilight Sparkle yelped, "Wait! We're not changelings! We're ponies! And he's a dragon!"
"A likely story! Do something dragonish!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed in anger. As she aimed her spear at Spike, he gave a small Dragon Smoke out on her. She wheezed, "That works!"
Fluttershy growled as she armed her spear, "The servants of Chrysalis will do anything to save their evil skins!"
"Fluttershy! Pinkie Pie! Please, don't!" Nyx pleaded frantically, "We're really ponies! You have to believe in us!"
Lance Justicestrike nodded, "Is there anything we can prove that we're ponies?!"
"Stop!" The familiar voice called. Everyone looked up. On the tallest tree's branch, Zecora with longer mane and tail worn the greenish tattoo and shaman armor stood before them. She jumped and landed on the ground, "If they are changelings we'll soon see. Though I think they're not what they appear to be."
"Zecora!" Twilight Sparkle and her friends cheered happily.
As Zecora approached Twilight Sparkle and her family, she took her coconut cup of green pain out. She then painted on all of their bodies.
"Beneath this salve, no changeling hides, for it reveals the truth inside."
As everyone waited for the moment, Twilight Sparkle and her family glowed in white yet pure light. The ponies gasped in shock and surprise of what they just saw.
"What does it mean?" Pinkie Pie asked in concern.
Zecora hummed thoughtfully before she smiled, "The meaning is far worse, I see, for it is we who should not be."
Twilight Sparkle nodded, "I think I can explain."
"I'm sure you can, but let's not talk here." Zecora said firmly yet concern. She turned to her back, "Chrysalis and her army will soon draw near!"
"Zecora! How can we be sure that they can be trusted?" Fluttershy asked in concern, "What if it's decoy or bait?! I... I... I-!"
"I know, my dear. I'm sure some explanation they can provide to us. And I believe they are our only hope to restore our home and defeat Chrysalis."
"But still, Zecora-!"
Zecora sighed as she patted Fluttershy's mane gently, "Have faith, my dear. Remember his last words, Fluttershy. Do not let his sacrifice be in vain. Do not lose hope."
Fluttershy sighed in defeat about 'him', "Okay... I'll try..."
Zecora and her Resistance led Twilight Sparkle and her friends all the way into the forest. They were all headed straight to their resistance base.
"The changelings took over not long ago. Though I'll wager in your world that isn't so." Zecora asked curiously.
Twilight Sparkle nodded, "Chrysalis and her army tried to take over Canterlot, but my friends and I stopped her. That includes Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie."
"Huh?! We stopped Chrysalis and her army?! Really?!" Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie asked in shock and surprise.
Zecora hummed calmly. "Those friends as you know them are not here, alas. But tell me how all this came to pass."
Lance Justicestrike groaned in anger, "Starlight Glimmer and Seekcurse, the ponies who traveled back in time to stop my friends and me from ever coming together!"
"And it is these friends you have in life that keep Equestria free from strife?" Zecora asked in concern.
Twilight Sparkle sighed, "I guess so. But this is the third time I've come back and this world is even worse than the last two! If Starlight keeps doing the same thing in the past, how could the present be so different?"
"Ah, Time is a river, where even the tiniest changes seen-" Zecora said calmly as she stomped her left hoof down on the river in changing its direction to northern part, "-can lead to a cascade of effects downstream."
Pinkie Pie huffed, "I'll bet my hoof that Starlight and Seekcurse want you get the worst present ever in your life!"
Fluttershy nodded, "Pinkie's right. They don't want you all go back to your time. They want you all out for good."
Twilight Sparkle and her family hummed in concern about this. They have get back to the past and stop Starlight Glimmer and Seekcurse.
After moving the bushes aside, Zecora and her Resistance Army led Twilight Sparkle to the resistance base. It consists of some ponies and huts. They all marched into the area.
"This part of the forest is dark and damp, but it's done well to hide our camp." Zecora said calmly.
Lance Justicestrike whistled, "Cozy..."
"You bet it is," Spike nodded.
SHRIEK! Twilight Sparkle's Family and Zecora's Resistance Army looked up as they found Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Rarity rushed all the way to the base. They were all messy and beaten up badly like they have escaped from the battlefield.
"Please! You have to help us!" Rarity pleaded fearfully.
Rainbow Dash nodded, "The changelings attacked Ponyville! We barely escaped with our lives!"
Twilight Sparkle and her family were in relief and happy to see three friends safe from harm. They were about to move but blocked by Zecora, who gave them a suspicious glare.
"The only changeling attack I see is the one that come here looking for me!" Zecora demanded in anger, "Isn't that right, Chrysalis?!"
Applejack smirked as she approached to the front, "It's taken quite a while to find you, Zecora."
As Applejack sinisterly laughed, the greenish light appeared on the ground. She then transformed into a familiar face. She continued laughed evilly and maniacally.
"Chrysalis!" Twilight Sparkle snarled in anger.
Queen Chrysalis laughed in amusement, "What a lovely village you've chosen to stage your little resistance. It looks absolutely delicious!"
"How did you know this place?!"
"I have a help from within."
The Resistance Army turned and glared at Twilight Sparkle and her family. And just before they reacted, Flare Tiger fired her Unicorn Burst at the hut. As it fell to pieces and ground hard, Seekcurse was holding couple of pigeons, paper and inks.
Twilight Sparkle and her family gasped briefly as they all groaned in anger upon looking at him. Zecora and her Resistance Army had the feeling that he is one of the bad ponies their friends were talking about.
"I believe there's word for being found out - busted?" Seekcurse said in concern. He quickly ran towards Queen Chrysalis. He cleared his throat, "As promised, your beautiful highness; I have brought your successor - Twilight Sparkle!"
"You sure did well, my loyal servant." Queen Chrysalis chuckled in amusement.
Queen Chrysalis approached and held Twilight Sparkle's face. She then gave a lick on the princess's face. Everyone were disgusted by her doing, and even Twilight Sparkle. She chuckled in amusement,
"What a great amount of magic and love you have for everypony you loved, Twilight Sparkle. You would make a fine Changeling Princess among my army. But you remind me of Princess Cadance and Shining Armor. They all have lived up to their usefulness."
"You what?" Twilight Sparkle asked in shock. Queen Chrysalis smirked. She screamed in anger as she pushed the Queen of Changelings hard, "You kill my brother, my sister-in-law and my parents?! You monster!"
Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie quickly stopped Twilight Sparkle from attacking. Lance Justicestrike, Nyx, Spike and Flare Tiger stayed close to her. Zecora and her Resistance Army marched to the front as they all armed with their spears.
"Oh, come now, Zecora. You're vastly outnumbered." Queen Chrysalis said in amusement. With the signal given, Rarity and Rainbow Dash transformed into Changeling Elite Guards. The large vast army of Changeling have arrived and landed on the ground as they all armed and ready to attack. She smirked in amusement, "I know you don't want your charges hurt. Come quietly to the dungeons of Canterlot and I promise to leave the others alone."
"Why would she ever trust you?!" Fluttershy demanded.
Twilight Sparkle nodded, "Fluttershy's right. Even my friends agreed to surrender, you planned to kill them. Just like what you did to my family!"
Nyx growled, "You'll never get away with this!"
"On the contrary, I already have," Seekcurse smiled in amusement, "You all have nowhere to go. Rest assure, my dear friends. You will die!"
"Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, defend our hope now, at all cost!" Zecora whispered firmly to Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie. She turned to Twilight Sparkle, "Race to the map while we hold off their attack. Stop Starlight and Seekcurse. Put the whole world back on track!"
With Twilight Sparkle nodded, she and group of her trusted ally turned and trotted off at once. Zecora and her Resistance Army armed and readied with their spears at Queen Chrysalis and the Changeling Army.
Zecora growled in anger, "We'd never surrender to a creature like you! For the Equestria!"
With Zecora's yelling, she and her army of Resistance Ponies cried wildly and determinedly as they all charged straight at Queen Chrysalis and her Changelings Army. The zebra rammed at the Changeling Queen very hard but instead, the latter fired her Hatred Burst Spell on the former to the ground. Resistance Army swung their spears, pikes and swords in attacking the Changelings Army hard and fierce.
Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie trotted to the front as they swung their spears in knocking and defeating the Changelings hard. Twilight Sparkle and her family followed them from behind. As they almost reached to the Cutie Map table, they all got surrounded by Seekcurse and the army of Changelings.
"Give it up..." Seekcurse said darkly while armed with his sword, "You have nowhere to go now."
"Oh yes, she is!" The firm voice cried. Seekcurse turned to his back. He and the Changelings got blasted off to the ground. Jade Adventure in her Battle Mode held and carried the weakened Blackwitch to the front. She smirked, "If she had some backups!"
Seekcurse got up and found Jade Adventure and Blackwitch stood before him. He screamed in fear as he quickly summoned the Time Portal. He quickly escaped it.
"He got away..." Blackwitch said painfully, "We have to stop him before he could done some serious damages..."
Everyone nodded in agreement as they all quickly head towards the Cutie Map Table. Twilight Sparkle and her family climbed on top of the table. And just before they could start anything, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie looked at them for one last time.
"When you change the time, you'll bring my family and Terrorcreep back too, right?" Fluttershy asked in concern. She sobbed tearfully, "I've lost them when Changelings attack my home. Terrorcreep risked his life for me."
Pinkie Pie nodded, "Mine too. I want my mom, dad, Maud, Limestone, Marble, my brother-in-law - Saber Dragoon and my boyfriend - Cheesy back! I miss them a lot! I want to see them again!"
"Wait! Saber Dragoon married Marble Pie? Seriously?" Lance Justicestrike asked in surprise.
Nyx shrugged, "Who knew? Maybe one day, that may come true."
Twilight Sparkle hugged both Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie passionately, "I will bring your family and your lovers back. I promised. I'm not gonna let you down."
"We know," Pinkie Pie smiled, "You're our best friend. And no way, you're gonna let those meanie ponies win and ruin our future."
Fluttershy nodded, "We believe in you. You're our only hope."
"Hope..." Twilight Sparkle said in shock and surprise. She hummed, "Why me? Why do ponies believe in me as hope. Why does Element of Light still choose me?"
"Mummy! Now's not the time to think about Element of Light! We've gotta go now!" Nyx exclaimed in concern.
Spike nodded, "Yeah! Zecora and others can't hold the Changelings much longer!"
Everyone saw Zecora and her Resistance Army struggled in fighting back against Queen Chrysalis and her Changelings. A group of the attackers flew and charged at Twilight Sparkle and her friends.
"Go now!" Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Jade Adventure and Blackwitch shouted.
Twilight Sparkle summoned the Time Portal as she and her family quickly entered it. Blackwitch and Jade Adventure quickly summoned another Time Portal as they quickly escaped. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie charged and battled with the Changeling Army.
Twilight Sparkle and her family have returned to the past. And as they landed on the plane road track, Twilight Sparkle summoned Magical Barrier in deflecting the sudden attack. They found Starlight Glimmer on the puff of clouds. Twilight Sparkle unleashed her Magical Blade Beam in slashing Starlight Glimmer. The pink unicorn moved to her right as the Magical Blade Beam slashed the cloud in two.
Starlight Glimmer smirked in amusement, "Not bad, but it's gonna take a lot more than that!"
Twilight Sparkle groaned, "Lucky for you, there's more where that came from!"
"YEAH!" Nyx exclaimed in anger as she entered the Battle Mode, "You're gonna feel our pain and anger, Starlight Glimmer!"
Twilight Sparkle and Nyx engaged and attacked Starlight Glimmer by firing their Unicorn Gatling Bursts. Starlight Glimmer summoned her Magical Barrier for defense and deflection. And just before Lance Justicestrike and Flare Tiger could do anything, they spotted Seekcurse hiding behind the camp site.
"There he is! He's mine!" Lance Justicestrike exclaimed in anger as he summoned his Dual Blades, "I'm gonna kill him!"
"Grandpa Lance, wait!" Flare Tiger exclaimed in concern. Lance Justicestike took off. She groaned, "Why do I even bother?! I'm coming!"
Seekcurse yelped in concern as he quickly ran off, "Come and get me, brats!"
As Lance Justicestrike slammed his Dual Blades on Seekcurse's hiding area - post box, the eunuch quickly rolled over to his left. Flare Tiger fired her Fury Strike Blast on his chest. Seekcurse quickly got up and ran away. Both Lance Justicestrike and Flare Tiger gave chase.
Starlight Glimmer unleashed her Magical Beam Blade in slashing and cutting the flying rings and pillars. Both Twilight Sparkle and Nyx dodged the attacks. They both fired their Gatling Unicorn Bursts at her, who deflected the attacks by Magical Barrier. Twilight Sparkle and Nyx continued firing their Unicorn Bursts at Starlight Glimmer, who fired her Unicorn Bursts back at them. And at the same time, they dodged and used Magical Barrier for defense.
Both Flare Tiger and Lance Justicestrike chase after Seekcurse. They tried to land a blow on him. But each they did, he managed to hide behind the objects and buildings, dodge and avoid the attacks before ran off at once.
The Pegasi Foals including young Rainbow Dash, Hoops and Dumbbell noticed the fight. They were awed in surprise and amazement as they headed to the area for watching the fight.
Twilight Sparkle, Nyx and Starlight Glimmer ceased from the offense and defense. Lance Justicestrike, Flare Tiger and even Seekcurse stopped their cat and mouse game. They were all tired and exhausting.
"Guys! We've got a problem!" Spike exclaimed in concern.
Twilight Sparkle and her family turned to Spike, who had point at young Rainbow Dash and other Pegasi watching the fight.
Twilight Sparkle yelped as she flew towards young Rainbow Dash, "What are you doing? You have to finish your race!"
"No way! This is way more exciting!" Young Rainbow Dash exclaimed happily while eating her popcorn.
Starlight Glimmer scoffed, "See? You can't stop me no matter what you do."
Seekcurse panted, "She's right. Give it up. You will... Never... Ever... Go back home..."
And just before Twilight Sparkle and her family could react, the Time Portal appeared above them. They all got dragged into it.
Young Rainbow Dash groaned in disappointment, "Aw, man."
As the Time Portal appeared, Twilight Sparkle and her family fell to the ground very hard. They all groaned and moaned painfully. They all slowly got up. They all noticed something strange and suspicious on the next alternate timeline - night time of Equestria?!
Lance Justicestrike gulped in concern, "That's strange."
Twilight Sparkle nodded in concern, "Why would the map bring us back to a different time of day than when we left?"
Nyx gasped in concern, "You don't think-?!"
"It is, Nyx. We're entering our worst nightmare future..." Flare Tiger said in concern.
Spike yelped in concern, "Um, maybe we should discuss this later!"
As the rest of his family members looked at him, Spike pointed at the deep of Everfree Forest. A group of Timberwolves emerged from the area. They were all looked hungry and ready to prey on Twilight Sparkle and her family.
Twilight Sparkle looked at her family members - they were all looked tired and exhausting including Nyx returned from her Battle Mode to her normal filly mode. They're out of energy now. All they can do is run away from the wooden wolves before they get killed. As they ran all the way across the hallway of forest, they came across the familiar yet perfect shape of castle.
Twilight Sparkle gasped, "The Castle of the Two Sisters!"
HOWL! Twilight Sparkle and her family yelped in concern as they all quickly escaped and headed to the Castle of Two Sisters. They entered it. They're safe from danger for now.
Suddenly, the torch across the hallway lighted up. The Castle of Two Sisters' hall looked different than the ruined shape - it has night royal theme. Twilight Sparkle and her friends take a tour on the castle. They climbed on the stairs as they found a familiar pony with bun mane and tail style donned the Nightmare Maid Uniform, who was handling the tapestry.
"Rarity?!" Twilight Sparkle and her family asked in shock and relief.
Rarity grumbled as she took and levitated some of tapestries down, "The castle isn't open for viewings today. The tapestries all need changing. Again."
Spike charged and hugged Rarity, "Rarity, it's me!"
"I don't socialize with dragons." Rarity remarked in annoyance, "Especially when they all are made as the warriors, not civilized like us!"
Spike whimpered unhappily. Nyx approached and hugged Spike in comfort and calm. Lance Justicestrike groaned as he was about to attack but stopped by Flare Tiger. She shook her head that it wasn't Rarity's fault. He groaned in defeat.
"Rarity, you have to listen to me! The future of Equestria's at stake!" Twilight Sparkle called. Rarity gave the suspicious glare at her. She continued frantically, "I have to get back to the map so I can stop Starlight and Seekcurse from changing the past, because every present I come to is worse than the last!"
"Time travel, you say?" The voice asked in amusement.
Twilight Sparkle and her family yelped in concern as they faced to the throne chamber and its surroundings. They realized that the castle not only has its night theme, but has the portraits of Nightmare Moon or Princess Yue and the Demon Lords. They even noticed Rarity bowed down before the throne chair. The familiar pony smiled as she slowly revealed herself.
"Now that's something I would like to see." Nightmare Moon said in amusement.
As Nightmare Moon laughed in amusement, her large number of Nightmare Guards and Shadow Razors also appeared as well. They all surrounded Twilight Sparkle and her family.
Nightmare Moon huffed as she climbed down and glared at her enemies, "Tell me how you came by this magic to travel through time."
Twilight Sparkle and her family remained silent as they can do was stare at their enemies.
"The princess asked you a question!" The Commander of Nightmare Guard demanded in anger. She removed her helmet. She revealed herself to be Rainbow Dash with a mohawk manestyle. She continued, "And unless you wanna end up in the dungeon, you'll tell her what she wants to know!"
Twilight Sparkle and her family were in shock and feared as they couldn't believe in their eyes that both Rarity and Rainbow Dash are serving under both Nightmare Moon/Princess Yue and her Demon kind...
"Nopony in my kingdom but me should possess a magic powerful enough to change time." Nightmare Moon said suspiciously.
"Your kingdom?!" Spike and Lance Justicestrike demanded in suspiciously.
Nyx yelped as she quickly nudged her brothers' chest, "Guys, not a good move!"
Nightmare Moon asked in amusement, "Who else?"
"Um..." Spike said nervously, "Celestia, of course!"
Rainbow Dash, Rarity and the group of Nightmare Guards yelped in concern of what they just heard. Nightmare Moon remained silent for the moment before laughed in amusement. Twilight Sparkle and her family didn't like where this is going.
"That weak pathetic Celestia has been imprisoned in the moon for years! But it is no less a fate than she'd sentence me to!" Nightmare Moon said darkly and amusingly, while looking at the moon that has Princess Celestia trapped within it. She smiled, "And thanks to me, my Demon Brethren are free from their imprisonment, and so do I now from that weakling Luna."
"You-You disposed Princess Luna?!" Nyx demanded in shock and concern, "Who are you?!"
"My true name is Princess Yue - daughter of Tso Lan and younger sister of Dark Xing. We all each have our own domain to rule. And nopony could ever resist and defeat us." Princess Yue said in amusement. She huffed as she gave the glare at Twilight Sparkle, "Enough of this! Now, reveal to me the source of this time magic!"
Twilight Sparkle was in dilemma and concern about this of thinking. She sighed in defeat as she nodded in agreement. Her family gasped in shock and concern.
"We have no choice, guys." Twilight Sparkle said in concern. She turned to Nightmare Moon, "I can take you to it, but you'll have to get past the timberwolves."
Princess Yue scoffed, "I am one of the Demon Lords of Equestria. Do you think I can't deal with timberwolves?"
"No. I know you can."
"And if you were thinking of trying to escape-" Princess Yue asked suspiciously as she levitated both Nyx and Spike up. She then chained them tightly. She smirked in amusement, "-it would be very unfortunate for your friend."
Twilight Sparkle hissed in concern of what she just saw. Lance Justicestrike and Flare Tiger groaned in anger. But they all have no choice but to obey her.
Princess Yue turned to Shadow Razor, "Send word to father and other Demon Lords. We have found a way to ensure our rule and control of Equestria - forever..."
With Shadow Razor nodded in agreement, he submerged his shadow and disappeared. Princess Yue then led both her Nightmare Guards and prisoners. They all passing through the Everfree Forest in finding the Cutie Map table. Princess Yue fired her Nightmare Beam in destroying and deposing all of Timberwolves.
Lance Justicestrike, Nyx and Spike turned and glared at both Rainbow Dash and Rarity.
"Rainbow Dash! Rarity! How could you all serve that monster?! Why?!" Nyx demanded in anger, "Would Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle be proud to see you like this?!"
Rainbow Dash screamed in anger at frightened and worried Nyx, "What would you know about them?! Scootaloo got hurt badly because of me! And there is no way I'm gonna risk losing hers and my family's life for me!"
"I agree!" Rarity nodded in agreement, "My parents raised their voice against the princess! They both got executed. Sweetie Belle is the only sister I have to look after. I must serve Princess Yue for her! She's the only family I have."
Spike groaned, "And you'd think this will help and protect them? Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo will never see you as sisters but monsters for serving Yue! You have to help us now!"
Both Rarity and Rainbow Dash grunted upset as they looked away yet shamed. Lance Justicestrike groaned in upset.
"Listen to me," Lance pleaded in concern, "If Yue and Demon Lords use that Time Spell and get to the past, you will lose your family forever! But we can save them! Please, trust us..."
Rarity and Rainbow Dash were surprise and shock as they looked at each other for the moment. They wondered of what is right for their family.
As the ponies reached to the Cutie Map table, Princess Yue gave an amusement glare at it. Flare Tiger approached Twilight Sparkle. The tiger pony looked very worry about the princess's choice and plan.
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Flare Tiger asked in concern.
Twilight Sparkle nodded, "Trust me. I know what I'm doing."
"How does it work?" Princess Yue asked.
Twilight Sparkle sighed, "Two ponies from my time used this spell to travel back and change the past."
"And now you will give this spell to me! With it, I will ensure that the Elements of Harmony are never found and my reign lasts forever!"
"But it won't."
"What?!"
"In my world, my friends and I found the Elements and used them to defeat you! And I will do everything in my power to bring that world back!"
"Foolish pony..." The dark and sinister voice said darkly. Both Spike and Nyx yelped as they both lifted up and got squeezed painfully. Twilight Sparkle and her friends looked up. They found Demon Lords and Successors have arrived at the scene. Tso Lan continued, "Would you risk the children's lives now? Foolish pony. Did you really think you could fool me?"
Twilight Sparkle, Flare Tiger and Lance Justicestrike snarled in anger upon glaring at the Demon Lords' arrival and even Seekcurse was here as well.
"You knew we would be here?!" Lance Justicestrike demanded in anger.
Seekcurse smirked, "What can I say? I loved making surprises. Any expectation you can make?"
"Expect this!" The voice exclaimed in anger.
Seekcurse yelped in concern as he quickly summoned Time Portal and escaped. And just before Demon Lords could do anything, they got frozen as the statues. Rainbow Dash brought both Nyx and Spike down. Rarity quickly broke the chains out in freeing the children out.
Both Blackwitch and Jade Adventure appeared before them. The Witch of Time has gotten worse than before.
"Thanks you," Twilight Sparkle said happily. She gasped, "This isn't good. Jade, you need to take Blackwitch to somewhere safe for her to get healed."
"Easy for you to say. Gotta go now!" Jade Adventure exclaimed in concern, "Make it a quick. Time Freeze last a minute!"
Both Jade Adventure and Blackwitch disappeared from the ponies' sights. Twilight Sparkle and her family climbed over the table. As she summoned the scroll out, both Rarity and Rainbow Dash approached them.
"Wait! You're saying that going back to past will change this?" Rarity asked in concern.
Rainbow Dash hissed, "So, we don't have to work for the Demons again?"
Twilight Sparkle and her family nodded in agreement, "Yes. We will bring everything back to normal. Your sisters will be safe from them for good."
Rainbow Dash sighed, "That's good to hear. Go and kick the bad mare's flank!"
"That's great to hear darling," Rarity said in relief. She turned to Spike, "My friend. I'm sorry for the insults. I'm not use to one because of Shendu and his Demon Dragons. They abuse the Equestria Dragons badly."
Spike held Rarity's left hoof as he gave her a kiss. She blushed a bit. As Twilight Sparkle and her family stood firmly on the Cutie Map table, they gave one last look at Rarity and Rainbow Dash.
"We promised you. We'll bring that world back!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed firmly.
Rainbow Dash and Rarity nodded firmly. As Demon Lords slowly breaking free from their Time Freeze status, Twilight Sparkle summoned the Time Portal at once. She and her family escaped through the portal. Demon Lords roared and screamed in anger.
As Twilight Sparkle and her family returned to the past, Twilight Sparkle fired her Crystal Frozen Beam at Starlight Glimmer from jumping over from cloud puffs. She's now trapped withing the crystal as she dropped to the cloud hard. Twilight Sparkle and her family approached her while giving her a glare.
"Now more than ever I know how important it is to stop you!" Twilight Sparkle snapped in anger.
Starlight Glimmer groaned in annoyance as she fired Unicorn Burst in breaking the crystal to pieces. She gave a sly smirk.
"Well, good luck!"
As Starlight Glimmer flew off at once, she chase after young Rainbow Dash. Twilight Sparkle and her family followed them. She then gave a hit on young Rainbow Dash's leg hard from losing balance in flying. Time Portal appeared and dragged the family into it.
Twilight Sparkle and her family landed on the Cutie Map, where they witnessed Lord Tirek in unleashing his Destruction Power Beam across Equestria. They all quickly returned to the past to stop Starlight Glimmer.
In the past, Twilight Sparkle fired her Crystal Frozen Beam at Starlight Glimmer, who moved back. It hit Rainbow Dash, when she was chatting with three foals - Fluttershy, Hoops and Dumbbell. Starlight Glimmer clapped her hooves at them.
Twilight Sparkle and her family transported back to present, where Discord and his mischievous chaos magic reign the Equestria, as well as making Royal Sisters clown. They quickly returned to the past at once.
As Twilight Sparkle and her family returned to the past, they found Starlight Glimmer helping in levitating young Fluttershy flying through hoops while Hoops and Dumbbell followed her. Starlight Glimmer gave Twilight Sparkle and her family a sly smile.
Twilight Sparkle and her family returned to the present, where they witnessed Flim and Flam Brothers destroyed the forest and turn Ponvyille into factory. They quickly returned to the past.
Twilight Sparkle and her family were about to attack Starlight Glimmer, but found Seekcurse were about to murder young Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. Starlight Glimmer jumped and punched on him as they both accidentally knock young Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy off the clouds. Twilight Sparkle and her family got dragged into Time Portal.
Starlight Glimmer sighed as she gave the glare at Seekcurse, "I told you before - I will handle it! Honestly..."
"Shut up, brat!" Seekcurse said in annoyance, "I'd never understand why Amon entrusted her for the mission..."
Twilight Sparkle and her family screamed as they dropped to the platform hard. They slowly get up from the table. They looked at the Cutie Map, where they witnessed darken version of futuristic and metallic Equestria and Mystic Realm with several Dark Mystic Flags. They even found Canterlot City were some kind of metallic military base. Equestria Ponies were forced to obey, follow and given their belongs up to Dark Mystic Ponies. They were in shock and concern.
"Oh no! This is Dark Mystic Future!" Flare Tiger exclaimed in concern.
Nyx squeaked fearfully, "I got a bad feeling about this! And I don't like it."
"Me neither! I don't even want to know what happen during the Third Mystic War!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed in concern.
And just before Twilight Sparkle could prepare her Time Scroll, her Cutie Mark glowed and blinked for few times. Her eyes narrowed in shock, she even felt a heartache like she can sense someone so familiar closing by. She turned to her children, who looked worry and scared.
"Guys... Did you feel that?" Twilight Sparkle asked in concern.
Lance Justicestrike nodded, "Yeah. I felt that too. Dark... Rage... Hate... Anger... I'd never felt that kind of emotion before."
Nyx gulped in concern, "I don't like where this is going. Where is that coming from?"
"Behind us! Look!" Spike exclaimed in concern.
Twilight Sparkle and her family turned to their back as they found a large door slowly open in two. They then found a dark figure appeared before the gate. He worn the dark black Chinese Armor with light black cape, a dark Samurai Kabuto Helmet with breathing demonic Dragon Oni Mask. He breathed heavily as he summoned the Darkness Blade.
The mysterious figure slowly emerged and approached Twilight Sparkle and her family. An armored metallic version of Houndkiller and 13 newly armored and masked Dark Mystic Troopers emerged out from the door.
Flare Tiger gasped, "No... It can't be..."
"It was foretold that you would be here." The Mysterious Dark Warrior said calmly, "Our long-awaited meeting has come at last."
"Who-Who are you?!" Twilight Sparkle demanded in concern.
"I am the world's worst nightmare. I am the Slayer of all the Mystics. I am The Emperor's trusted Enforcer and General-in-Chief of his Dark Mystic Empire. My name is Darth Tempest Wrath. We've been expecting you, Wielder of Element of Light."
"I don't know how you figure that part out. But there's no way we're gonna lose to you!"
Darth Tempest Wrath breathed heavily, "We shall see. Take care of the rest, Colonel."
Houndkiller saluted, "As you wish, seize them! The rebels must be captured alive!"
Twilight Sparkle and her family quickly armed with their weapons as they were now engaging Dark Mystic Ponies. Nyx entered her Battle Mode. Twilight Sparkle used her Star Sparkle Sword against the mysterious Darth Tempest Wrath and his Darkness Blade. Lance Justicestrike used his Dual Blades against Houndkiller and his Gauntlet Knives. Flare Tiger, Nyx and Spike hid behind the crates as they fired their Fury Strike Blast, Night Beam and Dragon Flame at the Dark Mystic Troopers in firing their blasters.
Houndkiller thrust his Gauntlet Knives at Lance Justicestrike, who blocked and deflected the attacks for ten rounds. As Lance jumped and kicked Houndkiller's face, but grabbed and thrown to the ground hard. Houndkiller jabbed his in wounding Lance Justicestrike, who rolled over for three times. Lance then swiped a kick on Houndkiller to fall before the former kicked the latter hard. They both got up as they swung their blades at each other.
As Flare Tiger fired her Fury Strike Blasts and Tiger Fierce Claws at the enemy troops, Nyx and Spike helped cover her by firing Night Beam and Dragon Flame at them off.
As both Twilight Sparkle and Darth Tempest Wrath were armed with their blades, the dark warrior stroke his sword by brutal force at the princess who quickly blocked it for the moment. As they both departed, he gave her a Dark Force Push. She yelped as she stood firmly and strong. She swung her sword from top, bottom and side, but all deflected by him. As she thrust her blade, he moved back and grabbed her hooves tightly with his bear right hoof. As he held her up, he thrown her straight to the crate hard.
Nyx spotted it. She armed with her Moon Blade as she charged in. But instead, Darth Tempest Wrath glowed darkly as he gave her a glare. She yelped as she felt her body crunched and crushed like someone is pulling her strings. As Darth Tempest Wrath gave a glare at both Flare Tiger and Spike, Nyx moved towards them as he was controlling her to kill them.
"You have much more to learn, little one," Darth Tempest Wrath said darkly, "Never challenge the dangerous opponent such as me."
Nyx groaned in pain as she struggled in resisting his control. She's almost on Flare Tiger and Spike, who just finished defeating last three Dark Mystic Troopers. As she held her Moon Blade up, both of them yelped in concern and surprise.
Twilight Sparkle groaned and moaned as she slowly got up. She gasped in concern upon looking at the event. She screamed in anger as she levitated her sword and swung it at Darth Tempest Wrath, but he blocked it quickly. Nyx was freed from control while returned to her filly mode. Flare Tiger and Spike came and helped her up.
Lance Justicestrike and Houndkiller continued swinging their blades at each other as well as deflecting the attacks for few times. As Lance gave the X-Strikes Blade at Houndkiller, the latter fell his back down before kicked on the latter's face hard. He got up and thrown Lance at Nyx and her friends to the ground. Houndkiller whistled as more of Dark Mystic Troopers coming out from the entrance.
Twilight Sparkle continued swing her Star Sparkle Sword at Darth Tempest Wrath, who blocked and dodged the attacks thrice. They both then struck their blades at each other thrice before they get clashed for the moment. As they departed, Darth Tempest Wrath gave a Dark Force Push on her to the ground. He held his sword aiming at her neck, shocking and scaring her.
"You're beaten! It is useless to resist." Darth Tempest Wrath said darkly. He continued, "Don't let yourself destroyed as my former comrades did!"
Twilight Sparkle groaned in anger as she quickly deflected his sword aside. And just after Darth Tempest Wrath slammed his sword on the ground, she dodged to her right and swung hers on his right shoulder hard. He yelped in pain in holding his injury. As she swung her sword on his head, he dodged down quickly. Darth Tempest Wrath gave her a large scar on her chest in making her scream in pain.
"TWILIGHT!" Lance Justicestrike, Nyx, Spike and even Flare Tiger gasped in shock.
They quickly came and assist Twilight Sparkle at once. They helped and carried her up to back slowly at the edge of platform. Nyx used her Heal Spell on her mother's large scar. And at the same time, they glared at Darth Tempest Wrath and his minions.
"There is no escape. Don't make me destroy you," Darth Tempest Wrath said darkly, "Twilight, you have yet not realize of your importance especially your allies. You have so much potential for using the power of Element of Light. Join me! And I can teach you of how to use it. With our Elements of Light and Darkness combined, we can end this destructive conflict and bring order to the both realms!"
"I will never join you!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed firmly.
"Neither do we!" Spike exclaimed in anger.
Nyx groaned, "How did you know of all these stuffs?! You and this timeline shouldn't have known about us!"
Lance groaned, "Where the hell did you get the Element of Darkness?! What did you do to him?!"
Darth Tempest Wrath hummed in concern, "So, you have no knowledge of what happen to your former love interest, do you?"
"I don't need to know," Twilight Sparkle said angrily while glaring at him, "I know you stole his Element of Darkness! You killed Shadow Dragon!"
Lance Justicestrike, Spike and Nyx nodded angrily and firmly, "Yeah! You, monster!"
Darth Tempest Wrath shook his head as his protection lenses disappeared. He revealed his golden eyes with serpentine pupils.
"No. I am him - your love interest."
Twilight Sparkle and her family were in shock and concern of what they just saw. Flare Tiger looked away in shame and pain. They couldn't believe in their eyes and ears. He couldn't be! Darth Tempest Wrath could never be him!
"No... No..." Twilight Sparkle said in shock, pain and despair, "That's not true. That's impossible!"
Lance Justicestrike shook his head in denial, "No! You can't be him! You can't be!"
"I don't believe you!" Nyx exclaimed in shock and concern. She jumped and hugged Lance. She cried, "You can't be our daddy we loved!"
Spike frantically quivered, "He's lying! Please, tell me he's lying!"
"Search your feelings especially your Element of Light's power," Darth Tempest Wrath breathed slowly while looking at them with his calmness eyes, "You know its true..."
Twilight Sparkle and her children used their Magical Sense especially using her Element of Light to look through Darth Tempest Wrath. With a gasp of shock and fear, they couldn't believe it with their eyes, ears and hearts. All they could do is...
"Nooooooooooooooo!"
Twilight Sparkle and her three children cried and sobbed tearfully in pain and despair. And they also screaming in fear and shock. Flare Tiger looked at them in concern and worry. It can't be him! It can't be!
"Twilight Sparkle, come with me," Darth Tempest Wrath said calmly, "I can help you and the rest reach your potential. Together, we will rule both realms as one family! It is the only way."
Twilight Sparkle and her family were in dilemma and concern. They all wondered if they should follow him or not. They really care and love Shadow Dragon so much, yet they were heartbroken and shock to believe he is Darth Tempest Wrath.
VROOM! Everyone looked up and found three metallic gunships-like flying and lowering down. The unknown guerrilla troopers from gunships fired their blasters at Darth Tempest Wrath and his minions. Darth Tempest Wrath deflected and blocked the blasts with his Darkness Blade for few times while his minions quickly take cover and fired back at their enemies.
As the gunships landed, the troopers emerged and fired their blasters at the enemies. Five black armored soldiers quickly grabbed and helped Twilight Sparkle and her friends into their gunships.
"We've got them, partners! Let's get the heck out of here!" The cowgirl pony worn the red scarf mask, cape and dark orange armor suit exclaimed firmly, "Move it! We've gotta get out of here now!"
"Come on, you apes!" The mare in her blue Gundam Pilot suit and her futuristic pilot's helmet with spiky com-link like wings screamed wildly. She was piloting pinkish futuristic and robotic Marauder Armor Suit in firing her enemies. She whistled out loudly and wildly, "Do you want to live?!"
A few of guerrilla troopers quickly get inside their gunships. They then lifted off as they all quickly escaped from the battlefield. Darth Tempest Wrath breathed heavily as he glared and glanced at the gunships flying away from the area.
Houndkiller approached Darth Tempest Wrath, "My lord, I will mobilize the fighters and troopers at once."
"That won't necessary, Colonel," Darth Tempest Wrath said calmly. He turned and glanced at the Cutie Map Table, "The Emperor must see this. We have found the important artifact. This will bring us not only victory, but also my family including both of her."
After their daring escape, three metallic gunships continued flying away from the Canterlot Base. Twilight Sparkler and her family were recovering from the shocking event especially learning the darkest truth behind Darth Tempest Wrath's true face.
"How could this have happen?" Twilight Sparkle asked in shock. She continued sobbed, "What has happen to him?"
Spike sighed, "I wish we knew, Twilight. I wish we knew..."
Flare Tiger bowed down before Twilight Sparkle and her family, "I'm sorry, guys. I really am for this."
"Flare Tiger, did you know this?" Lance Justicestrike asked in concern.
With Flare Tiger sighed in shame while looked away, Twilight Sparkle and her family were in shock and concern of what they just saw. She actually knew about this, and yet she kept the secret from them?!
Nyx screamed as she walloped her hooves on Flare Tiger's chest, "Why didn't you tell us?! Why didn't you?! If you did-!"
"You all wouldn't able to fight him back and get back to the past in time!" Flare Tiger snapped in pain and upset.
Twilight Sparkle and her family were in concern and surprised by her reaction. She then sobbed tearfully and sadly.
"But how could I? How could I just tell you the truth?! You all will be heartbroken and pain to think or fight back ever since you and Grandpa had a break up. So, I couldn't do it... I just couldn't..." Flare Tiger bowed down to the ground, "I'm sorry. I really am..."
Twilight Sparkle and her family looked at each other as they all feel guilty and shame. They then approached and gave her a comfort hug. She hugged them back while crying.
"Sorry to interrupt your chatting," The meekly Pegasus Trooper in her yellowish angelic metal suit and falcon's helmet interrupted, "We're almost there now."
The tough Pegasus with masked visor worn the cyan armored soldier suit nodded, "Yeah. Our leader wants to talk with you. She wants to know more about you and that table."
"And don't forget to behave," The Unicorn with spider-like helmet worn the whitish sleeveless spy suit and hoof gloves spoke calmly, "Leader needs to be respected."
As the gunships dived down, Twilight Sparkle and her family gasped as they recognized the familiar town, where their saviors or rebels resides now - Ponyville Town. They have the feeling that they're about to find out...
Upon landing on the hanger base, the ponies emerged and came down from their gunships. They then met up with a cyan Alicorn worn the blue suit and silver metallic armor, pinkish visor and sharped twin earphone-like. It's somepony Lance Justicestrike haven't seen for a long time.
"MOM!" Lance Justicestrike exclaimed happily.
Everyone gasped in shock and surprise of what they just heard and saw, and even their rebel leader Iris Crystal. She poured her tears of joy out.
"Lance?" Iris Crystal asked in shock yet relief. Both mother and son trotted towards at each other before giving a big warming hug. And at the same time, they both cried tearfully yet joyfully. She smiled, "You're here! You're alive! I missed you so much!"
Lance sobbed tearfully, "I missed you too, mom!"
As Iris Crystal and Lance Justicestrike continued hugging, everypony awed happily while smiling as well, even for Twilight Sparkle and her family. As five mysterious soldiers removed their helmets and masks, they surprised the family a lot.
Twilight Sparkle, Spike and Nyx gasped, "Applejack! Rainbow Dash! Pinkie Pie! Fluttershy! Rarity! You're alive!"
And just before the mares respond, Twilight Sparkle and her family jumped and hugged their friends happily and passionately. Applejack and her team were in confuse and shock about it, and yet they felt heartwarming from the ponies. Flare Tiger smiled happily to see the event.
Everypony departed from their hugging at once. Iris Crystal wiped and dried her tears off as she and her team asked.
"How?"
Twilight Sparkle sighed in concern, "It's a long story. But we'll explain."
Iris Crystal and her team nodded in agreement as they led their guests for a tour across Ponyville Town. Twilight Sparkle and her family were in shock and surprised about the town. They witnessed ponies and their activities - training for combats and target practice, teaching foals with school lessons, working with daily jobs, healing injuries, repairing their war vehicles, chatting and playing like friends and family, and more.
Twilight Sparkle and her family explained about their struggles and battle against Starlight Glimmer and Seekcurse, as well as restoring the present.
Iris Crystal hummed, "That explains everything especially my son's alive. I shouldn't have known about this."
"What do you mean, Princess Iris Crystal? Do you know what happen during Third Mystic War?"
"Call me Iris Crystal. And trust me, Third Mystic War is a a disastrous and terrible event we ever had. Dark Mystic Ponies won the war while my mother, Aunt Luna and even Mystic Ponies were all killed. Both Mystic Realm and Equestria Realm are now under his control."
"HOW?!" Lance Justicestrike, Nyx and Spike asked in concern.
"Shadow Dragon..." Iris Crystal said painfully and tearfully, "During his exile, Swipestrike and his assassins captured him. Guildenstern manipulated, tortured and turned him into a mechanical monster for destruction and chaos only. Not only that, Dark Curse and his Dark Mystic Force captured and drained Tree of Harmony's power. They weaponize it as the weapons. They destroy our Mystic Ponies, home, friends, family and loved ones. I even lost you, Lance - your past self."
Twilight Sparkle and her family were in shock and concern of what they just heard. They turned and looked at Mane Five, who had pained and despaired looks as well as having ears dropping. They couldn't believe that Dark Mystic Ponies were willing to go that far to win and conquer both realms.
"So, I built the Rebellion to fight and resist Dark Mystic Empire. I've managed to rescue and recruit ponies including your friends under my banner. We have managed to make some major strikes on their operations, bases and even save the towns from control." Iris Crystal said firmly. "But they strike us back so fierce and hard. We've lost so many soldiers and heroes, even some bases. Now Ponyville is the Rebel Alliance's only base and last stand to survive."
Mane Five nodded as they commented, "[Pinkie Pie] Yeah, who knows when they come and finish us? [Fluttershy] I'm scared and worried that we won't survive the next fight. [Rainbow Dash] That doesn't mean we're gonna give the fight up. [Rarity] Indeed. We must defend our home at all cost. [Applejack] Yeah, we're not gonna sacrifice anymore ponies' lives for us again especially our family."
Twilight Sparkle and her family looked down in concern yet shame and guilty. If only they had brought Shadow Dragon with them, then this present won't have this kind of future.
"I'm so sorry, everypony..." Twilight Sparkle said in shame. Everyone looked at her. She continued, "If Shadow Dragon and I haven't broke up, then this future wouldn't have existed. I feel so responsible and shame about this."
Lance Justicstrike, Spike and Nyx said in concern, "Mom..."
"It won't make any differences," Flare Tiger said in concern, "Because in the end, future becomes darker and worse than before if Starlight Glimmer and Seekcurse keep stopping us! We have to keep on trying to stop them."
"Flare Tiger's right. It makes no differences at all if Shadow Dragon's with us or not," Iris Crystal said firmly. Twilight Sparkle and her family looked in concern and worry. She continued, "But that doesn't mean we're giving up. The Cutie Map is our only hope to change this mess. We have to get it back and drive our enemies away from it."
"But how? It's impossible," Fluttershy asked in concern.
Rarity nodded, "Indeed. It's not like the Dark Mystic Ponies would be so polite to give it back to us."
"Or even give us a letter! Look!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed in concern as she pointed up. Everyone looked up as they found an owl dropped the letter diving straight on her hooves. She yelped, "I don't like it! This could be bad news!"
Iris Crystal took and opened the letter. She read it. She looked concern and worry. She turned and looked at Twilight Sparkle and her family members. Everyone don't like her looks.
"They want all of you," Iris Crystal said in concern, "They want you teach them to operate the Cutie Map or they will invade and destroy us and Ponyville."
Everyone gasped in concern and shock about the threat.
"They can't be serious?!" Pinkie Pie and Rarity demanded in shock.
Rainbow Dash groaned, "As if! Who do they think we are?! There's no way we're gonna give our rescued ponies up for them!"
Applejack snorted, "Yeah. If it's the fight they want, then they will get one."
"I agree. We will never give our ponies up, even though some are strangers," Fluttershy commented firmly, "We will fight to our end."
"No." Twilight Sparkle said in concern. Everyone looked at her. She continued, "We have to surrender for your safety and protection."
Everyone gasped in shock and concern of Twilight Sparkle's choice. She want to surrender to Dark Mystic Ponies?! She can't be serious!
Twilight Sparkle's family protested, "But Twilight-!"
"We have no choice, guys," Twilight Sparkle interrupted as she looked at her friends and Iris Crystal, "Look! These ponies have suffered enough from Dark Mystic Ponies' assaults and attacks. There's no telling what kind of tactics Dark Curse may cooped up to break our spirit."
Iris Crystal hissed, "There has to be another way! It's too dangerous! Besides, you all won't have the chance to travel back in past to stop your enemies!"
"I know. But nothing is important than keeping ponies safe and alive. That's the duty of princess."
"But still..."
Twilight Sparkle patted Iris Crystal, "Don't worry about us. We'll find the way to get to Cutie Map and change everything back to normal. We promised. So, don't give your hope up. It's not over..."
Twilight Sparkle's family members thought carefully before they nodded in agreement about it. Iris Crystal and her Rebel friends didn't like it but reluctantly agreed to let Twilight Sparkle and her family to do it and achieve their mission. They can't give their hope up.
"I hope you all know what you're doing. Dark Mystic Ponies will never let the enemies get off and win easily," Iris Crystal said calmly, "Stay alive, my friends.
Twilight Sparkle nodded, "We will. We will bring our future back. We promised."
"Yeah! We won't let you down!" Lance Justicestrike, Spike, Nyx and Flare Tiger exclaimed firmly.
Everypony came and gave Twilight Sparkle a comfort and passionate hug for luck. They hope everything will be alright at the end...
Darth Tempest Wrath was standing still at the front of Canterlot Castle's Main Gate. He was breathing through his breathable mask as he's calm and firm. He looked up and found the metallic and cyborg version of Dragoking approaching and walking towards him. The metallic Hydragoon groaned like he has something inside his mouth. He spitted four familiar ponies.
Twilight Sparkle and her family groaned in annoyance as they quickly dried themselves from greenish slime and acid.
"Good work, Dragoking," Darth Tempest Wrath said calmly. Dragoking bowed down humbly. He then led Twilight Sparkle and her family across the Canterlot Town. Dragoking followed him. He spoke, "The Emperor has been expecting you."
"I know..." Twilight Sparkle said in concern yet firmly.
"So... You accepted the truth."
"We all accepted the truth because you are once Dragon Hope - my boyfriend, even though I call you Shadow Dragon."
"That name no longer has any means to me."
Flare Tiger sighed, "Return of the Jedi scene. Gotta love that scene."
Lance Justicestrike shook his head in denial, "It's the name of your true self! And you want it to be forgotten! Everypony may think you as a monster. There's still good in you. The Emperor hasn't turned you into monster."
Nyx nodded, "If you are a monster, you would have kill us in the first sight."
Darth Tempest Wrath breathed heavily, "Is that so? Did you truly believe that, my friends?"
"Of course," Twilight Sparkle said firmly, "Please, come with me."
"Tao... Dragon Kick... Blazefist... My comrades... And even my own wife and son in this timeline have once thought as you do," Darth Tempest Wrath said calmly. He turned and gave them a glare, "What makes you think I will turn back from everything I have done? They all have betrayed and banish me to exile! And look at this results before you! I'm nothing but a monster."
"You're wrong," Nyx protested, "They and us love and care for you so much. We were all forced to do things we hated a lot. Believe in me. I know how it feels - forced to be a Nightmare Moon."
Lance nodded in agreement, "Please, dad. Let go of your hate. Come back to us now."
"Yeah. Whatever the Emperor said to you, it's not true," Spike pleaded, "He can't be trusted. He's the reason why you've lose so many friends."
Twilight Sparkle nodded, "Come with us. We can help you, Shadow Dragon."
Darth Tempest Wrath sighed, "No. I can't. It is too late for me now."
Twilight Sparkle and her friends looked shock and upset to see and hear it. They looked down in defeat. Darth Tempest Wrath nudged them to move on. They all heading straight to Canterlot Castle.
Darth Tempest Wrath and his prisoners entered the throne room, where the Emperor Dark Curse sitting on his throne chair. The grayish armored Dark Elite Guards were guarding him. They approached the throne chair. Dark Curse smirked in pleasant and amusement.
"Welcome, Twilight Sparkle and her family from original timeline," Dark Curse said in amusement, "We've been expecting you. How long has it been since my greatest defeat from the true war?"
Flare Tiger yelped in concern, "I didn't expect that..."
"Wait-! What?!" Spike exclaimed in shock and concern.
Nyx hissed, "He knows us and original Third Mystic War?!"
"Well, I always thought that it was exaggerate when he's ten steps ahead of everything," Lance Justicestrike said in concern, "I'm guessing he really is."
Twilight Sparkle groaned, "I don't know how you know your original timeline and us, but you won't get away with this!"
Dark Curse smirked in amusement, "Twilight Sparkle, you of all the ponies, should know that I don't take 'no' for answer. Denying my request will bring terrible consequences. So, tell me - are you willing to take such risk?"
Twilight Sparkle looked concern before looked down in defeat, "Alright, I will show you of how to use it especially Time Scroll. But you knew it, didn't you?"
"As I was expecting, Twilight Sparkle. Well done," Dark Curse said in amusement. He turned to Darth Tempest Wrath, "Now my apprentice, send your force to destroy the Ponyville Resistance at once."
"WHAT?!" Twilight Sparkle and her family members exclaimed in shock.
"Did you honestly think that I would leave small details alone especially their assaults on my base? Fools! I will not let them escape and interfere my plans!"
Twilight Sparkle groaned in anger. She summoned her Sparkle Star Sword out. As she charged right at Dark Curse, Darth Tempest Wrath moved to the front of her. He blocked her attacks for the moment.
Dark Mystic Soldiers quickly engaged the enemies at once. Nyx entered her Battle Mode as she fired her Night Beam at them. Spike helped Nyx by firing his Dragon Flame at them. Flare Tiger and Lance Justicestrike summoned their Tiger Claws and Dual Blade in attacking the enemies.
Twilight Sparkle groaned, "Move aside, Shadow Dragon! I'm gonna finish and defeat Dark Curse! I can't let him destroy your wife and my friends!"
"Shadow Dragon is dead. I destroyed him." Darth Tempest Wrath said darkly and angrily, "And I will destroy all of his precious and important ponies especially his wife."
"Then, you leave me no choice. I will avenge him!"
"Revenge is not the Princess's way. You should know that."
"I maybe a princss, but that doesn't mean I'm gonna let you and your master do as you please!"
Both Twilight Sparkle and Darth tempest Wrath deflected their blades at once. She kicked on his head but missed. She dodged down as he swung his Darkness Blade over her head. She swung her Sparkle Star Sword at him but deflected aside. Making a around her to strike, he blocked the attacks. He then pushed hers on aside as he swung his on her head twice but missed. She fired her Unicorn Burst on him hard. As he recovered, she slammed hers on him but blocked. He swung his back at her. Twilight Sparkle and Darth Tempest Wrath both then clashed their swords at each other hard while giving a glare for the moment.
As they departed the clash, Darth Tempest Wrath swung his sword fiercely and quickly at Twilight Sparkle, who blocked and dodged the attacks for ten rounds. They both continued swinging their attacks at each other for few times. They then had the clashed for the moment. She then sensed something amiss within him. And just before he could do anything, Twilight Sparkle fired her Rainbow Light Blast on him. Darth Tempest Wrath breathed calmly as he looked and glared at her.
"Shadow Dragon, you hesitated," Twilight Sparkle said in surprise and concern, "I can feel a conflict in your heart and Element of Darkness. You didn't want to do it at all. I knew there's good in you."
Darth Tempest Wrath scoffed, "Foolish girl. You're delusional and blind."
"If I am delusional, then why did you spare my and my children's life? And above all, you had the chance to kill Iris Crystal when she appeared before you! I don't believe you will do it."
"You have underestimated my Element of Darkness. Like I said before, you have much more to learn. If you will not join me, then you will meet your destiny."
And just before Twilight Sparkle could do anything, Darth Tempest Wrath unleashed his Dark Lightning Strikes on her. She screamed in pain as she was thrown straight through the left entrance door hard. She fell to the ground.
"MOM!" Lance Justicestrike, Nyx and Spike exclaimed in shock and concern.
"Come on!" Flare Tiger exclaimed in concern.
Flare Tiger and the children quickly defeated the Dark Mystic Troopers out. They then trotted off and helped Twilight Sparkle up. They quickly ran at once. Darth Tempest Wrath marched into the area. He breathed heavily as he searched for them at the Elements of Harmony Chamber.
"You cannot hide forever," Darth Tempest Wrath said darkly. He found silence within the room. He continued as he searched, "Give yourself to me now. It is futile to resist. It's the only way to save your friends."
Twilight Sparkle and Flare Tiger hid behind the cupboard while Lance Justicstrike, Nyx and Spike hid underneath the table. They all wondered if there's anyway to stop and save Shadow Dragon from being Darth Tempest Wrath. And at the same time, they all wished to be home with their friends. Twilight Sparkle hissed as she thought that joining him is the only way to save them.
"Yes, I can feel it, Twilight Sparkle. Your Element of Light betrayed you. Your feelings for your them is strong especially from..." Darth Tempest Wrath hummed in amusement, "Your children? So, not only you adopted my son as yours but also the dragon and your half-blood demon child. Your feelings have now betrayed them too."
Lance Justicestrike, Spike and filly Nyx quivered and shivered in fear as they hugged each other tightly. They don't like what's on Darth Tempest Wrath's mind of dealing with them. The table got thrown aside. They looked up and found Darth Tempest Wrath stood before them.
"If you will not turn yourself to me," Darth Tempest Wrath said darkly. As he levitated Nyx up, he smirked beneath his mask, "Perhaps, they will. Starting with Nyx Midnight!"
"Dad, no!" Lance Justicstrike, Nyx and Spike cried in shock.
Thought of seeing her children turned into monsters ran her mind, Twilight Sparkle screamed in anger as she emerged from the closet. She charged and swung her Sparkle Star Sword at Darth Tempest Wrath. He got surprised by her appearance as he deflected it aside. Through her blind rage, she continued swinging and striking sword at him, as he was forced to block and deflect the attacks for few rounds.
Flare Tiger came out and helped the children. They then followed both Twilight Sparkle and Darth Tempest Wrath fighting all the way to the throne chamber. They witnessed the princess fired her Unicorn Burst in knocking the Dark Mystic General to the ground. She slammed her sword against his for few times to the ground hard. As she swung his aside, she decapitated his hoof. Darth Tempest Wrath screamed in pain. Twilight Sparkle panted as she aimed her Sparkle Star Sword at him. She had him now.
Dark Curse laughed in amusement upon looking at the event. He stood up and approached them. Flare Tiger and the children looked worry and scared for Twilight Sparkle now. What will she do next?!
"Good. Good..." Dark Curse remarked. Twilight Sparkle and her family turned and looked at him. He continued, "Your hate has made you powerful. Now, fulfill your destiny. Take both Element of Darkness and his place at my side, Herald of Corrupted Light."
As if his words hit her, she look a glance at Darth Tempest Wrath's state, as well as he frightened children. She recalled of what happened when she was evil Midnight Sparkle especially what hate and anger do with her. She sighed in defeat as she had her sword disappeared.
BANG! Everyone looked up as they found Iris Crystal, Mane Five and some rebels entered the scene. The latter have managed to infiltrate and defeat the Dark Mystic Troopers. The rebels were in shock and concern of what they just saw. Twilight Sparkle has defeated Darth Tempest Wrath as she is now facing the Emperor of Dark Mystic Empire.
"Never. I will never turn into evil again. I've made that promise," Twilight Sparkle said firmly as she held and hugged her three children. Flare Tiger stood besides her. She gave the glare at Dark Curse, "I am the Princess of Friendship, as well as Wielder of both Element of Magic and Element of Light. I will not bow before you, Dark Curse! I will save Shadow Dragon"
Everyone gasped and awed in shock yet amazed and inspired by words. Dark Curse was even angered and furious by it. He held his hoof as he unleashed his Dark Lightning Strike on Flare Tiger and three children. Twilight Sparkle quickly shielded them. However, they still inflicted with pain by his attacks.
"If you will not join me, then you will be destroyed!" Dark Curse exclaimed in anger, "Now Princess of Friendship and her descendants, you all will die!"
Iris Crystal gasped, "Leave them alone!"
And just before Iris Crystal and her rebels could do anything, Dark Curse summoned his levitation spell in trapping them. They struggled in getting out from it. He continued unleashing his Dark Lightning Strikes on Twilight Sparkle and her family.
Darth Tempest Wrath slowly get up. He witnessed his master destroying the princess and her family while they screamed in pain. Deep within his heart; he felt conflict, shock, pain and sadness. He even has strange memories that involved good times with Twilight Sparkle, her family and other friends. Why would they resist him? Why would they believe they can save him? And above all, why he did care and sympathy about them?
He never had sympathy and a heart since the day he became Darth Tempest Wrath. But one mind he can't bear to ignore about the ponies - he loved them so much...
Darth Tempest Wrath took his Darkness Blade out. He screamed wildly as he charged straight at Dark Curse, who is still firing his Dark Lightning Strikes at Twilight Sparkle and her family. He screamed in pain of feeling lightning attacks that surge through his body. Close to his target, he thrust his blade through the Emperor's chest hard. Dark Curse yelped and screamed in pain. As he pulled his sword out, the Emperor fell on his back hard. Darth Tempest Wrath also fell to his back.
Twilight Sparkle and her family quickly get up and approached wounded Darth Tempest Wrath. Iris Crystal and rebels, who got down from the levitation spell, approached them as well.
"Twilight... Iris... Help me take this mask off..." Darth Tempest Wrath asked painfully. He coughed heavily as well as spitting blood out. Everyone looked worry and concern about it. He continued, "Do not worry about it. I wish to see your face, one last time..."
Everyone looked at each other as they wondered if it's good idea. Nevertheless, both Twilight Sparkle and Iris Crystal helped and removed the helmet and mask off. The ponies saw the burnt and scarred form of bald Shadow Dragon with his gentleness crimson eyes. Both mares cried and sobbed tearfully as they held and hugged him.
"Thank you so much..." Shadow Dragon thanked calmly. He coughed heavily, "You were right... You were right about me... Go now... Leave me..."
"No... We can still save you," Twilight Sparkle pleaded.
Iris Crystal nodded, "Don't give up. You just started come back to us. Hang on!"
Shadow Dragon smiled weakly, "I know... I know... But... This is goodbye. I'll be with you... I... I love you... I always do... Goodbye, my family..."
And just before ponies could do anything, Shadow Dragon gave his last breathe as he had his head fell. They were in shock, pain and despair to see him like it. They lowered their heads down in sign of respect for the death. Shadow Dragon is gone...
"Why? Why is this happening?" Twilight Sparkle asked in pain and shock. She cried tearfully, "Why?! Why must we suffer like this?!"
Iris Crystal sighed as she hugged Twilight Sparkle, "I can't be honest for all the answers. There's something we have to fight for, even if it means making a great sacrifices. We all know the risk. We were afraid of it and yet we still do it."
"Why?"
"Because we have hope, Twilight Sparkle. We'd never surrender. We'd never run away. And we'd never give up. We keep fighting until our hope has finally realized. That's what keeps us going for our home, freedom, friends and family. We owe it to you, Twilight Sparkle."
"Me?! Why?! I'm nothing special. My friends felt the same as I do."
"Yes, you are, Twilight Sparkle. You think Element of Harmony and Element of Light chose you and your friends because you're powerful. strong and smart?" Iris Crystal shook her head while smiling, "No, it's because you'd never give up on the fight, your friends and ponies you love. That's what makes you and your friends special."
"I... I'd never knew." Twilight Sparkle said in shock. She sighed, "Even if I am, I still couldn't stop Starlight Glimmer and Seekcurse from ruining this..."
Iris Crystal smiled, "Have you try talk with her? Talking with her will help you find the answer."
Twilight Sparkle and her family members were in shock and surprise of what Iris Crystal had suggested. They looked at each other for the moment. They wondered if talking with Starlight Glimmer is a good idea.
At the platform, Twilight Sparkle and other ponies gathered at the platform.
"I'm gonna miss you, mom," Lance Justicestrike said tearfully while hugging his mother, "I'd always love you with my heart, no matter how many years or dimensions are."
Iris Crystal smiled, "I know. Take care of your father and your new family."
With Lance nodded, both him and his mother continued hugging. Both Nyx and Spike sobbed tearfully. Flare Tiger hugged them in comfort. As Lance Justicestrike regrouped with his family, he and his family members were ready to go back to the past. Iris Crystal and Mane Five looked at them with sad and upset looks. This is goodbye.
"We'll get our future back. We'll make sure that this kind of future will never exist again," Twilight Sparkle said firmly. She sighed, "We'll meet again. I promised."
Iris Crystal smiled, "We know. Take care of Shadow Dragon and others."
Twilight Sparkle nodded, "I will. Goodbye, my friend."
Iris Crystal and Mane Five waved and said goodbye to Twilight Sparkle and her family. The Sparkle Family summoned the Time Portal as they entered and traveled back to past...
Twilight Sparkle and her family returned to Rainbow Dash's past. They stood before Starlight Glimmer on the track. They're ready for her now.
Starlight Glimmer smiled, "Up for another race-ending fight, Twilight?"
"No. I'm here to talk with you," Twilight Sparkle said calmly.
"Oh, puh-lease. What is there to talk about, Twilight? It's pointless. I'll keep you and your friends from getting your cutie mark connection at all cost! I'm all in game!"
Nyx hissed, "We could be stuck doing this for all eternity!"
Twilight Sparkle nodded in agreement, "What you're doing goes way beyond cutie marks! Everything we do here in the past - even the smallest change - can snowball into an avalanche of trouble for the future!"
"Oh, next I suppose you'll tell me that 'the fate of all of Equestria hangs in the balance'!" Starlight Glimmer asked in annoyance.
Lance Justicestrike groaned, "It does!"
"Spare me your overblown ego!" Starlight Glimmer huffed, "No group of friends, not even Princess Twilight's, is that important!"
And just Twilight Sparkle and her family could do anything, Starlight Glimmer fired her Unicorn Burst at young Rainbow Dash out from the race. The Time Portal appeared again.
"I don't know how important other ponies' friendships are to the future," Twilight Sparkle said in concern. She jumped and grabbed Starlight Glimmer, "but I can show you what the world is like without mine!"
And just before Starlight Glimmer could do anything, the Time Portal dragged all the ponies into it!
Twilight Sparkle and her group have arrived at their present - barren wasteland. Starlight Glimmer was in shock, scared and worried about what she was seeing.
"Where are we?!" Starlight Glimmer demanded, "There's nothing here!"
"The future. Or rather, the present," Twilight Sparkle answered. She sighed, "I wish I could say I was surprised. But every world I come back to is worse than the last. I don't know why my friends and I are so important to Equestria, but we are."
Starlight Glimmer groaned, "I don't believe you!"
"Come on, Starlight, look around!" Spike insisted in concern.
"Compare this to previous future we've been, we've lost so many of our friends," Nyx said in concern.
Flare Tiger explained, "Everything in the past affects the future, even the tiniest act. And what you're doing leads here."
Twilight Sparkle nodded, "I know I can't stop you, but I thought showing you this might change your mind."
"Change my mind?" Starlight Glimmer demanded as she turned and glared at Twilight Sparkle and her family, "You don't know anything about me! I was perfectly happy before YOU, your FAMILY and your FRIENDS ruined what I built!"
"I don't know what happened that led you to make your village without cutie marks," Twilight Sparkle said in concern, "and I'm sorry my friends, family and I had to take it away."
Lance Justicestrike groaned, "Sorry? Why would we even want to feel sorry for her after everything she had done to us and all the ponies?"
"Take it easy, Lance." Nyx patted Lance Justicestrike's shoulder gently, "I'm sure she had her reason of why she did in the first place."
Starlight Glimmer groaned in anger, "Fine! You want to know what happened to me?! I'll show you!"
Starlight Glimmer summoned the Time Portal as she led Twilight Sparkle and her family into it. They were now travelling to the past...
As the Time Portal opened, Starlight Glimmer arrived at the unknown village, along with Twilight Sparkle and her friends. They were confuse and concern about the resident area.
"Where are we?" Twilight Sparkle asked.
"That map of yours is connected to every part of Equestria, and this part is my home." Starlight Glimmer explained as she led her enemies to her old home. They saw her younger self playing with Books Towering with orange unicorn with red gentle spiky mane and short tail with light stripes. She continued, "Sunburst and I did everything together. In fact, I don't remember us ever being apart. Until today."
As the young Starlight Glimmer levitated the book out from lowest part, the tower began to fall on her. Sunburst quickly stopped it by levitating them. As the books spun around him, he magically put them back on book shelf in one second. He sighed in relief.
Suddenly, a light flash on his flank. Sunburst looked at his flank. He cheered happily as he got his Cutie Mark - sunburst symbol. He trotted off and told the ponies about it. His family and friends cheered for him. They then took and carried him across the villages. The young Starlight Glimmer then sobbed tearfully.
"And just like that, my friend was gone. His family recognized his magical talent and sent him off to Canterlot. I never saw him again. Until I met somepony who share my hatred..."
By evening, it rained. The young Starlight Glimmer continued crying outside of her home. A familiar character approached her while covering her with an umbrella.
"Young filly, why are you crying?" Amon Blood asked.
Young Starlight Glimmer sniffled unhappily, "My... my friend is gone. He meant everything to me. Now I'll never see him again."
"What is your name?"
"St-Starlight...Starlight Glimmer..."
Amon Blood held his left hoof in front of her, "Come with me, Starlight Glimmer. I will help you get what you wanted especially disposing the Cutie Marks. You and I aren't different."
Starlight Glimmer sniffled as she took his hoof. Amon Blood grabbed and carried her on his back. They both exited the village as they headed towards to somewhere else.
"Amon Blood - a friend, mentor and the only father I could have - helped and trained me to be the best magic user in Equestria. He's the one who taught me of how to use Cutie Mark Removal Spell," Starlight Glimmer explained, "And he was right. Cutie mark is a curse. It takes any friends I make away like Sunburst! He even told me that everypony is equality without power, magic and wings. I believed in him. I will make that ideal comes true."
"That's ridiculous. A cutie mark can't take your friends away." Twilight Sparkle said in concern.
Nyx nodded, "Yeah! I got mine earlier but I chose to be with my friends until they get theirs. Nothing bad happen to me or them."
"Yeah, Amon is wrong about everything especially their cutie marks," Lance Justicestrike said in concern.
Spike sighed, "Do you want to know what is equality? It's about friends always being there for you no matter what happen. Just like us."
Starlight Glimmer groaned as she wiped her tears off, "Not everypony's lucky enough to get her cutie mark at the same time as her friends! How dare you insult Amon?!"
Starlight Glimmer then summoned Time Portal as she and her enemies entered it at once.
Arriving at Rainbow Dash's Past; Twilight Sparkle and her family landed on the lowered cloud platform while Starlight Glimmer was on top of it.
"You don't know what it's like to lose a friend because of a cutie mark. But once I stop the rainboom, you will!" Starlight Glimmer exclaimed in anger. She teleported the Time Scroll away from Twilight Sparkle and her family. She smirked as she began tearing the scroll, "And when I destroy this scroll, there'll be no way for you to change it!"
As Starlight Glimmer began tearing the Time Scroll, Twilight Sparkle and her family were in shock and concern. Flare Tiger growled in anger as she grew tired about this. She teleported herself before Starlight Glimmer and gave the unicorn a big slap very hard.
"ENOUGH! Listen to us for once," Flare Tiger exclaimed in anger. Starlight Glimmer groaned in anger as she was about to tear the Time Scroll apart. She continued, "Starlight, you're wasting time and effort of getting rid of it. We will always get back here and stop you!"
"What do you mean?!" Starlight Glimmer demanded, "Who are you?! I'd never seen you before!"
"I am descendant of Princess Twilight Sparkle and Shadow Dragon. I'm from the future. And I'm also Time Traveler. I travel through time - past, present and future. So, what you're doing now is completely wasting."
"What?! You're serious?!"
"Yes, I am," Flare Tiger answered. Starlight Glimmer yelped in shock. She sighed, "But you were right. We don't know what you went through! But you can't do this. We've seen where this leads, and so have you!"
Starlight Glimmer groaned, "I only saw what you showed me! Who knows what'll really happen?"
Twilight Sparkle shook her head, "No, Flare Tiger is right. We've seen it a dozen times! Things don't turn out well in Equestria without my friends!"
"Ugh! What's so special about your friends?! How can a group of ponies that are so different be so important?!"
"The differences between me and my friends are the very things that make our friendship strong!"
Starlight Glimmer poured her tears out, "I thought Sunburst and I were the same. But we turned out different, and it tore our friendship apart!"
"So try again! Make new friends!" Nyx insisted.
Lance Justicestrike nodded, "And if something that you can't control happens that changes things, work through it together! That's what friendship is!"
"And it's not just our friendships that are important to Equestria! Everypony's are!" Twilight Sparkle said in concern while looking around of ponies chatting and playing together. She continued, "When yours ended, it led us here. But just imagine all the others that are out there waiting for you if you just give them a chance!"
Starlight Glimmer was in shock yet touched by warmhearted, relief and compassionate words from Twilight Sparkle and her family. She even looked around of her surroundings. She saw many ponies - young and old - chatting, playing and many more activities they do.
Starlight Glimmer doubtfully yet worriedly asked, "How do I know they won't all end the same way?"
"I guess it's up to you to make sure they don't." Spike answered calmly, "Trust us. We can help you."
Flare Tiger nodded, "She don't call herself 'Princess of Friendship' for nothing. Please, let us help you."
As Twilight Sparkle held her hoof up, Starlight Glimmer looked at hers before turned and looked at young Rainbow Dash and young Hoops were still racing. She was in dilemma for revenge or let Twilight Sparkle and her friends to help her. She sighed calmly as she knew what she wanted. And just before she could do anything, she screamed in pain like something just hit her.
Twilight Sparkle and her family quickly grabbed and held Starlight Glimmer at once. They noticed a knife on her back. Time Scroll fell right on Seekcurse and his Terracotta Soldiers.
"Pathetic..." Seekcurse said in annoyance, "It looks like I'm gonna have to finish this up by myself. I will start with tearing this paper!"
"No, don't!" Spike exclaimed in concern. He yelped in realization, "Oh yeah! I forgot! Flare Tiger can help and send us back here."
Nyx sighed, "You'd think, Spike?"
"WHY?! Why did you attack her?!" Twilight Sparkle groaned in anger while healing Starlight Glimmer's injuries. She continued, "She's your friend!"
"She's not! Because she is too weak to do what is necessary to achieve victory! Unlike me, I'm willing to go through it! Starting with you and your friends, Princess, you all have been a thorn to my side for too long! I will destroy Equestria's Hope once and for all!"
"Why?! Why are you doing this, Seekcurse?!"
"During Qin Period, everypony mistreated me like a garbage! Nopony came and help me! My own friends betrayed me including Han for his Princess Luna! And I nearly lost my head because of those Equestria Filthy Princesses! They're the reason why I'm ruined! They're the reason why I betrayed the Emperor! And they are the reason of losing my chance to get the power! All I ever want is to top of pyramid! And now, I'll make them pay! I will give them and their precious Equestria and Mystic Realm of what they deserve!"
Starlight Glimmer grunted in pain while looking at him, "All this... For revenge?! And you're willing to kill the innocent lives?!"
"Indeed I am!" Seekcurse smirked in amusement.
Seekcurse turned and glared at Rainbow Dash going to perform her sonic rainboom. He then summoned five portals via black marbles. It revealed where her friends were before sonic rainboom occur. But Terracotta Army were there and hidden behind the walls, rocks and even among the crowds. They all had earphones as they were armed with their weapons.
"My soldiers are in position of six location including here! With Rainbow Dash's scream of death, they will kill the rest including Princess Twilight's!" Seekcurse laughed evilly and manically, "Without you or your friends, Equestria will be Qin's forever! And I will be back in my power!"
Seekcurse armed with his bow and arrow that attached with Star Swirl's Time Scroll. He's aimed his target at Rainbow Dash as she almost reach to the ground. His Terracotta Army were ready to attack as well.
Twilight Sparkle groaned, "We're not gonna let you get away with this, Seekcurse!"
And just before Twilight Sparkle and her friends could do anything, Terracotta Army blocked their way. Seekcurse turned and readied to fire at her.
Seekcurse laughed evilly, "Say goodbye to your home forever!"
Twilight Sparkle and her family screamed, "Nooooooooooo!"
"I've lost my friend once..." Starlight Glimmer grunted in pain as her horn glowed, "I'm not gonna go through this again! Time Freeze!"
Starlight Glimmer fired her multiple Time Freeze at Seekcurse and his Terracotta Army. They were all trapped from moving. Spike quickly charged and grabbed
"Wow! Did you do that?! Amon?" Twilight Sparkle asked in surprise. Starlight Glimmer nodded nervously. She whistled, "You're full of surprises, Starlight Glimmer."
Seekcurse groaned and muttered, "I'll get you for this, traitor!"
"Think again, Paradox!" The angry voice shouted. Everyone looked up as they found tired and exhausted Blackwitch carried by filly Jade Adventure. She panted heavily, "By the order of Jade Emperor, you are to be executed for committing serious & dangerous crimes for not only destroying lives, but also defying and destroying Mystic Ponies. You are to be erased for good!"
"Why not kill him?" Lance Justicestrike asked in concern.
"Is that extreme?" Nyx asked in concern.
Blackwitch sighed, "Because he consumed Immortal Pill. It is made by herb, ginger's root, carrot, orange, Purity of Water, Hydra's slim, Mystic Crystal's Shard, Magical Dust and even Dragon Blood Stone. He is not only an immortal but also able to regenerate. And the only to do that is to erase him - starting today and its timeline onward!"
"No! You can't!" Seekcurse exclaimed in shock.
Blackwitch had her eyes glowed in yellow, "Yes, I will! Time Erase!"
As Blackwitch's eyes glowed darkly, she fired them at frozen Seekcurse. For the moment the light dispersed, Seekcurse's left hoof slowly turned into dust. It slowly infected his body. He gasped in shock. Twilight Sparkle and her family were in shock of it.
"No! No! Noooooooo! This can't be happening!" Seekcurse screamed as it almost reaching his head, "All I ever want is to be at the top of pyramid! Nooooooooo!"
As his head just turned into dust form, the wind blew them off. Terracotta Army from Mane Five's location including Cloudsdale broke to pieces as they all disappeared in dust. Everyone was in deep shock of it. Seekcurse was erased off. He's gone.
BOOM! Twilight Sparkle and her friends witnessed Rainbow Dash unleashed her sonic rainboom again. They were amazed and touched by it so much. Time Portal appeared on top of them.
Twilight Sparkle sighed as she gave Starlight Glimmer a comfort hug, "It's over. Let's go home..."
Time Portal dragged all of the ponies into it as they're now returning to the present...
As Time Portal opened, Twilight Sparkle and her group dropped to the ground hard. Time Scroll was levitated for the moment as it blasted on Cutie Map, which slowly restored it into normal state. It then entered the portal, which slowly dispersed into a bright light. The scroll is gone.
Twilight Sparkle and her family looked around as they found that they have finally return home!
"One Castle of Friendship - check!" Spike exclaimed happily as he gave a kiss on the floor. He looked up and found Shadow Dragon, Mane Five, Dragon Strike Force and group of Metal Ponies entered the area. He smiled, "One group of amazing friends - check!"
Twilight Sparkle trotted towards Shadow Dragon as she gave him a long passionate kiss. Though surprise, he's willing to give in for a long one. Everyone awed happily in watching the event.
Lance Justicestrike chuckled, "And one amazing boyfriend and dad back - check!"
Nyx nodded, "Yeah, it looks like we're home!"
Twilight Sparkle and Shadow Dragon departed as they both blushed while giving lovely looks at each other.
"What was that?" Shadow Dragon asked in amusement. He cleared his throat, "Not that I hate it, I missed it a lot. But does that mean-!"
"Yes, Shadow Dragon, we're back together." Twilight Sparkle said happily.
"Arrest her!" Metalgear exclaimed in annoyance. He and his Metal Ponies held Starlight Glimmer with metal cuffs. He continued, "You are under arrest for attempt to murder of Princess Twilight Sparkle! And not to mention, you shut me and my comrades down!"
Shadow Dragon, Mane Five and Dragon Strike Force gave the glare at Starlight Glimmer. Starlight Glimmer looked away in shame. They don't like her of what has done before.
"Uh... What's she doin' here?" Applejack asked in annoyance.
"Easy, Metalgear," Twilight Sparkle said calmly, "It's kind of a long story."
Metalgear and his Metal Ponies were looking after Starlight Glimmer outside of Meeting Chamber. Twilight Sparkle explained to her friends and Dragon Strike Force about the adventure she and her family members went through. Her friends were in shock and surprised by it.
"My god..." Shadow Dragon said in shock, "I'd never thought I would become so evil and deadly as Darth Tempest Wrath."
Jade scoffed as she was in her filly mode while taking care of tired Blackwitch, "You have no idea..."
Lance Justicestrike sighed, "I'm just glad that I'm done with time travelling! I'm so damn tired."
"Me too..." Nyx agreed, "And it also gives me a big headache."
"Actually, it's not that bad. You'll have to get use to it. Who knows? You might get the hint of future," Flare Tiger giggled. Lance Justicestrike, Nyx and Spike gave their hopeful looks at her. She sighed, "I said a hint, not entirely. This could led you to disasters. It's best that you do what usually do in your daily life."
Lance Justicestrike, Nyx Midnight and Spike groaned in disappointment by Flare Tiger's denying their requests.
"I mean, I knew my rainboom was awesome," Rainbow Dash said in surprise, "but I never thought all of Equestria depended on it!"
Pinkie Pie added, "Or on us!"
"I think it's more than that." Twilight Sparkle said, "Friendship connects all of Equestria, and undoing one group of friends made its magic less powerful. And we represent the symbol of hope to Equestria because we defeat the enemies and save it for dozen times especially we provide our morality and lessons about friendship to ponies."
Shadow Dragon nodded, "I have to agree with that. My father and Azure Phoenix said the same thing. We're all glad that you and your friends are the one."
"I can't believe y'all were able to travel through time like that." Applejack said in shock.
Pinkie Pie nodded, "That Starlight must be pretty magical!"
"She obviously has more talent for magic than almost anypony I've seen." Twilight Sparkle said in shock and amaze, "My magic couldn't stop her. I had to convince her to stop on her own. Once I realized that, everything fell into place."
"To think that the Dark Mystic Revolutionary Leader Amon was the one who taught her everything," Shadow Dragon said in shock and concern, "Usually, Dark Mystic Ponies wouldn't bother to help mortals because they're beneath them."
"Well, if I have to guess, Amon and Starlight Glimmer must have share the same ideas about cutie marks and power," Lance Justicestrike said in surprise, "They want to get rid of it for peace and equality."
Nyx sighed, "Be glad that Starlight Glimmer abandoned it and helped us."
Applejack hummed in concern, "But if she's as powerful as all that, we can't just send her on her way, can we?"
"It's bad idea to send her back to Amon Blood," Rarity said in concern, "He maybe her mentor and father figure, but there's no telling if there's any failure when you're Dark Mystic Revolutionary Warrior."
"I agree. There's no telling what he will do to her," Shadow Dragon said in concern.
"Actually, I kind of have something else in mind." Twilight Sparkle said calmly. She turned to Spike, "Go and call her. Please, tell Metalgear loosen the metal cuffs. Seriously, I think he's over sensitive about being shut down!"
Spike called Starlight Glimmer to come in as well as asking to remove the cuffs out. Metalgear was annoyed but he obeyed. Starlight Glimmer gulped a bit as she was nervous, scared and worried about her judgment. Nevertheless, she entered and bowed in respect to Twilight Sparkle and her family.
"I know there's no excuse for what I did, but I want you all to know that I'm ready for whatever punishment you think is fair."
"I've been thinking a lot about how badly Equestria fared without just one group of friends. Because even when one friendship dies, the results can be disastrous." Twilight Sparkle explained. Starlight Glimmer looked down in shame, "And that's why I've asked you here. If you're willing to learn, I'm willing to teach you what I know. You'll have the power to make Equestria an even better place."
Starlight Glimmer was in shock and surprised by Twilight Sparkle's generosity and forgiveness. She turned and looked at others. They all smiled calmly and happily. They all forgive her, and even grumpy and annoyed Metalgear and his Metal Ponies.
Starlight Glimmer hissed as she asked, "How do I start?"
Twilight Sparkle smiled, "Starting is easy! All you have to do is make a friend! And you've got seven of them right here."
Twilight Sparkle and her friends surrounded Starlight Glimmer. She smiled happily and relief that she was given a chance for redemption and making friends with them, as well as learning more from Twilight Sparkle.
Starlight Glimmer recalled her bad memories from her past about losing a friend, as well as get trained by Amon Blood to be the best magic user and accomplished his ideal of equality. She shook her head in not wanting to remember. She found Twilight Sparkle and her family stood besides her.
Starlight Glimmer: I never thought that I would find a place
To step right in and start again
I never thought that I could just begin
Right where I left off and make a friend
Twilight Sparkle and her family led Starlight Glimmer all the way out of Castle of Friendship. Mane Five, Dragon Strike Force and even Black Omega Squadron and Cutie Mark Crusaders waiting outside. Flare Tiger, Jade Adventure and Blackwitch were there as well. Their friends gave the warmhearted greet, smiles, hoof shake and hug to Starlight Glimmer.
Twilight Sparkle: Don't ever think that it might be too late
You don't have to wait, there's no mistakes with the friends you make
A friendship's only made of what you bring
And if you do it right, you can do anything
Twilight Sparkle, her family and friends including Starlight Glimmer marched and sang together happily and passionately about friendship. Starlight Glimmer smiled as she can't wait to start.
Starlight Glimmer and Mane Six: Just use your eyes
This time, no lies
Just don't disguise
Who you are inside
Starlight Glimmer went through Mane Six's home and learned more about it. At Carousal Boutique, Rarity and Shorty Thinking helped and gave the black gown design with diamonds for her. Sweetie Belle and Spike cheered and clapped happily for it. At the cottage, Terrorcreep and Fluttershy gave her the introduction to animals. Rainbow Dash with Scootaloo on her back, and Aquastroke were racing, along with Starlight Glimmer through her levitation spell.
Applejack, Apple Bloom and Saber Dragoon were doing apple bucking, along with Starlight Glimmer. She even baked the cakes with Pinkie Pie and Laxtinct. Starlight Glimmer studied together with Twilight Sparkle, Nyx, Tailtech and Icy through various books. She even watched Shadow Dragon and Lance Justicestrike trained Black Omega Squadron on using martial art skills. Dragoking licked Starlight Glimmer's face, which ticklish her a lot while patted him gently.
Starlight Glimmer and Mane Six: Because your friends are always there for you
You don't have to be the same for friendship to be true
Because your friends are always there for you
Around the world, it's still the same
Together you have more to gain
There's nothing that a friend won't do
Twilight Sparkle and Starlight Glimmer travel to her form village, where she make some amends with Double Diamond, Party Favor, Sugar Belle and Night Glide. They all forgave her for her 'deception'.
Starlight Glimmer and Mane Six: Everywhere you go
Friendship there will grow
When you find it, it's the key
Friends can change the world, you see
Ponyville Town Ponies gathered at the center as they all cheered wildly and happily. Twilight Sparkle and all of her friends marched to the center while waving to them. For the first time in her life, Starlight Glimmer finally smiled with pure happiness.
Starlight Glimmer and Mane Six: Everywhere you go
Friendship there will grow
When you find it, it's the key
Friends can change the world (ah-ah)
Friends can change the world (ah-ah)
Friends can change the world, you see
At unknown laboratory, Dark Mystic soldier reported to Amon Blood about Starlight Glimmer and her mission. Dark Mystic Revolutionary Warrior asked his soldier to leave him alone. He sighed in defeat as he took the photo frame up. He saw picture of himself and young Starlight Glimmer hugging and smiling happily at the beach.
"To think that you were obsessed with equality ideal and revenge, you were able to free from it." Amon Blood said calmly. He took his mask off in giving a breathe. Instead of disappointment, he gave a proud smile, "Well done, my daughter. You're not alone. You finally found your happiness and friends. However..."
Amon Blood put his mask up. He turned and looked at the box of Six Rainbow Lights. He headed to the operation room. He witnessed cybernetic form of Guildenstern and his scientists working on healing other five Daemon Generals within cooling tube canisters, including fully healed form of Dark Curse. Dark Lord of Dark Mystic Ponies was still asleep and breathing.
Amon Blood placed it on the control keyboards's hole. Six of Rainbow Lights traveled through long tubes into Dark Curse's veins. He then glowed darkly and eerily while his body was shaking very hard.
"You are now fighting against me, my master and his army of Dark Mystic Ponies. I hope you're prepared for this. There is no turning back..."
As six Rainbow Lights pouring into Dark Curse's cooling canister tube, he growled softly within it. He opened his eyes - crimson pupil of serpentine and blackish eyeball.
"I have return..."
Twilight Sparkle was at her library as she was preparing the list of Friendship Lessons. Shadow Dragon entered it. He approached and hugged her from behind. He gave her a gentle rub on her belly and chest. He gave her a kiss on neck, cheek and lip. She giggled happily.
"I miss that a lot," Twilight Sparkle said happily. She turned and gave her boyfriend a passionate kiss by cheek, "But I mostly miss you a lot."
Shadow Dragon smiled as he nuzzled her neck gently, "Yeah, me too. I'll try my best to be... gentle and supportive with you. And hopefully, I'll be your perfect boyfriend."
"I don't need you to be perfect. I just need you to be there for me and talk with me about discussion and ideas. We may argue a lot. But I can deal with it."
"Good to hear it. And you know what I'm gonna do next?"
"No..." Twilight Sparkle giggled while blushed, "What?"
"This!" Shadow Dragon exclaimed happily.
Shadow Dragon gave a rub on Twilight Sparkle's belly in ticklish while kissing on her neck and cheek passionately. She giggled happily before turned and jumped on him to the ground. They both held and hugged each other passionately as they both rolled from both sides for the moment. He held her to the ground as they both gave each other a long passionate kiss.
BUZZ! Both Twilight Sparkle and Shadow Dragon stopped as they looked up and found the Communication Book buzzing and glowing. They realized Sunset Shimmer is calling. As they checked on the message she sent, they both gasped in shock and concern.
"Oh no! That happen three days ago when I was at Canterlot for speech! Autobots, G.I. Joe and the Humans need my help! I've gotta go now!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed in concern as she opened the Mirror Dimensional. She turned and hugged Shadow Dragon, "I'll be back for dinner and our usual."
Shadow Dragon nodded, "I know you will. Take care, Twilight. I'll be waiting."
Twilight Sparkle smiled as she departed from the hugging. She charged straight into the portal to help her friends from Equestria Girls Realm...
Within the time and space flow, the statue of humanoid elf with black cloak was flowing and floating around it. Both Lelouch and Celtic approached it from its back. They stopped at once before it. Lelouch placed the ball of Light and Darkness clashing with each other into the elf's body.
CRACK! A piece from statue's left eye dropped and fell to the ground. His eye opened and revealed the crimson pupil of serpentine and blackish eyeball. He growled softly.
Celtic gave a kiss on Lelouch's mask, "It is done, my love."
"Indeed. Welcome back to the living, eleventh brother," Lelouch said darkly while bowed.
"I'm free?" The Mysterious Statue #11 asked in surprise. He chuckled in amusement, "Indeed, I am! The Manipulator of Time and Space has return!"
SEASON 5 END...
Review and Suggest...
Main Casts:
Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle, Blackwitch
Jesse McCartney: Lance Justicestrike
Kira Tozer: Nyx Midnight
Cathy Weseluck: Spike
Jennifer Hale: Flare Tiger
Kelly Sheridan: Starlight Glimmer
Brian Dobson: Seekcurse
Minor Casts:
Stacey Chan: Jade Adventure
Ashleigh Ball: Applejack, Rainbow Dash
Andrea Libman: Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie
Tabitha St. Germain: Rarity, Princess Yue/Nightmare Moon
Kathleen Barr: Queen Chrysalis
Brenda Crichlow: Zecora
Kelly Hu: Iris Crystal
James Earl Jones: Darth Tempest Wrath
Lathan Gaines: Dark Curse
Cameo:
Matthew Mercer: Tso Lan
Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon
Dee Bradley Baker: Dragoking
Jason Statham: Amon Blood Statham
Derek Stephen Prince: Metalgear
Johnny Young Bosch: Lelouch
Kate Higgins: Celtic
Ian McDiarmid: Mysterious Statue #11 |
Surviving in a Strange Two Legged World | pre | "I don't think I've seen you leave this room at all today," said a female voice from the doorway.
Spike looked up. A nurse pony had entered. She had one of the purest, whitest coats he had ever seen, with a mane the color of the brightest of Sweet Apple Acre's red delicious apples. She was very beautiful. Okay, maybe not as beautiful as Rarity, but who could top that? She was definitely a close second though.
"I don't know," Spike replied with a sigh, "I just don't feel like doing anything."
The nurse walked over and began checking Twilight's pulse.
"I don't think I'm the only one who could tell you that it's not healthy. It's okay to be sad, but if you sit here and obsess over it, it'll drive you crazy."
The nurse looked right into Spike's eyes and smiled. He felt his heart give a slight flutter.
"Yeah..." he replied, temporarily tongue-tied.
"My name is Carmine Quartz. I take it you're Spike?"
"Yeah, how'd you know?"
"Everypony in the Crystal Empire knows who you are, Spike," she laughed, "You really didn't think we'd forget the baby dragon that saved us from slavery, did you?"
"That was mostly Twilight. I only brought the crystal heart she found to Princess Cadence. I didn't really do much."
"Nonsense. What you did was outright heroic, and the crystal ponies honor their heroes. There's a lot of us who are really grateful. I'm one of them," she finished with the slightest blush.
Spike blushed in return; Carmine was really pretty. And really nice. And understanding. He watched her with growing interest as she finished recording Twilight's medical data. He noticed how tenderly she treated Twilight. Truly this pony had a heart as soft as her touch.
"I've never seen anything like this in the entire time I've studied medicine," she said, "It's really is... strange. We haven't really been told much other than to keep an eye on the patient and call the doctors if something is amiss. This must be some kind of weird weapon to do this to somepony. What is it?"
As she asked, her hoof brushed gently against the handle of the dagger. Spike was hesitant. He wanted to tell this nice mare everything, but he didn't want to disobey Celestia. She usually had her reasons to make the rules she did even if he couldn't understand them.
"Princess Celestia doesn't want anypony knowing about it," he explained cautiously, "I'm not really supposed to talk about what I know. I want to tell you, I really do, but I can't."
"It's okay," she replied, rubbing Spike's head with her hoof affectionately, "I don't want you to disobey the Princess. How about this? My shift's about to be over. Why don't you come with me and we'll go down to the crystal library and find you something a bit more entertaining to read?"
She said this as she looked down at the book Spike had been staring at for the past two hours. As much as he hated leaving Twilight, she was right. He was going to go crazy like this. Not to mention he hadn't eaten anything since Twilight was hurt. Maybe going out would help ease his mind a little bit, especially if he was going with this pony.
His stomach suddenly gave a loud gurgling noise, protesting his lack of appetite. Carmine laughed.
"Why don't we get you some breakfast while we're out?" she suggested, "It'll be my treat, although I daresay you could probably eat for free anywhere in the crystal empire once they see that it's Spike the hero dining there."
Spike blushed and nodded in agreement. He followed the friendly mare as she left the room to leave the castle. ***
Applejack looked out over the expanse of Sweet Apple Acres. It was almost identical to the place she called home in Equestria. It really was a comforting sight after that last night of chaos. She beckoned to Rainbow Dash as she headed down the dirt road to the farmhouse. Fall was in full swing with the leaves of all the apple trees beginning to turn red and yellow along their fringes.
"Come on, AJ. Let's hurry up and get down there. I'm tired as a pack mule walking from Manehatten to Los Pegasus. Let's get in there and get some shuteye already."
Applejack rolled her eyes, "We all don't even know these ponie... - people. (Gosh darn it Ah gotta stop that) What makes you think their gonna let some strangers just trot on into their home and pass out in their beds?"
"Well, for one, you're Applejack. You practically live here already. We'll just go in, everypony will recognize you, and they'll just let us..."
"Rainbow! Don't ya think maybe they'll be a little startled when another Applejack just waltzes in their house? Ah mean, the other Applejack'll know about the portal, but nopony who wasn't there when Twilight came won't have any clue. Y'all better let me do the talkin'. Ah don' think you have the... tact for this."
"Tact! You calling me untactful?! I'll have you know that I can convince anypony to do anything, anytime!"
"Like how tactful y'all were with that police officer?"
"...Alright, you can talk."
By this time the girls had reached the Apple family farmhouse. AJ could hear voices coming from the kitchen window (at least, it was a kitchen window at her farmhouse). She took a deep breath and knocked on the door with an awkwardly balled fist. After a moment, the door opened to reveal whom she could only assume to be Big Macintosh.
He started to smile welcomingly as his eyes fell upon Rainbow Dash, but his green eyes widened in alarm and confusion when he noticed the humanized Applejack.
"Ee-what?"
He threw closed the farmhouse door in panic, and the girls outside could here running and shouting inside.
"Well that went over well."
"Shuddup, Rainbow."
AJ pressed her ear to the door to hear what they were talking about inside, but it was no use. Besides hearing the hushed tone of harsh whispers, she had no idea what they were doing.
"What do we do now? You want me to knock?"
AJ thought about this. Big Mac hadn't seemed to be shocked when he saw Dash, so maybe he had assumed that she was this world's Rainbow Dash that had come for a visit. Maybe it would be easier to have her convince them everything wasn't amiss. She was about to suggest this, but the door opened a few inches, distracting her.
Standing in the crack of the doorway, a full foot shorter than the pony-girls, was a girl with soft yellow skin and long red curls.
"Look, we don' want any trouble," she said, "Ah don' know what's goin' on here, but we know y'all ain't Applejack. Ah just called her cell, and AJ's been at the farmer's market all mornin'. Jus' go an' we won't have to call the police."
Rainbow Dash was about to respond, but seeing the aggressive look on her face, Applejack cut her off.
"Look, Applebloom... It is Applebloom, right?"
"...Yeah."
"Ah know this is probably kinda weird, but we really need your help. Rainbow an' I... we're in trouble. If y'all would jus' give us a chance, we can explain everything."
Applebloom looked hesitant. Before she could respond, Applejack could hear Granny Smith calling at her from inside the house.
"It's okay, Granny! Ah'll be there in a minute."
"Look, Ah don' know what y'all's game is," she continued, "But we don' want any part of it. Please go."
Applejack thought quickly for a solution. They needed someone to vouch for them.
"Applebloom," she pleaded quickly, "If we can talk to Applejack, Ah'm sure we can clear this all up. Just let us have a few words with Applejack. Where is she?"
Applebloom thought for a minute, and then took out a small black rectangle from her pocket. She pressed on the surface of it briefly and handed it to Applejack.
"What the hay is this?" demanded Rainbow, "We asked you where to find Applejack! Why'd you give us this thing?"
"Hello?" spoke a barely audible voice. It seemed to be coming out of the box in AJ's hand. She held it tentatively up to her face. On the surface of it were the words "Applejack - 0:05" and a picture of the human Applejack.
"Uhh... Hi?" responded AJ with uncertainty. She didn't know quite what to do, so she held the phone in a position where she could both see the picture of her doppelganger and have half the phone to her ear at the same time.
"Who is this?" demanded the voice in the box in a familiar voice, "What're y'all doin' with mah sister's phone?"
"This may seem weird but..." Applejack started, still staring at the picture.
"Ah can't hear y'all. Speak up!"
Applebloom sighed impatiently. She grabbed the phone and shoved it onto Applejack's face in the correct position.
"An' Ah though we were behind the times..." she muttered.
"Uh... Applejack? This may seem weird," explained the pony AJ, "But this is, uhm... Applejack. Ah need your help."
The phone was quite for a moment.
"Is this some kind of joke?" the human AJ responded.
"No, listen. Do y'all remember 'bout a year ago when a girl called Twilight came through a portal by your school?"
"...Yeah?"
"Well, she's in trouble, and we could really use your help. Ya see, apparently there's a copy of everypon... - everyone on both sides of the portal, and Ah guess... Ah guess Ah'm your copy. Twilight's in a whole heap of trouble. We really need to talk to you."
The phone was silent for a few moments. AJ's heart sank. Ah guess she didn't believe me...Suddenly, she got a response.
"Ah'm not sayin' Ah believe you, but if Twilight really is in trouble, then Ah'll help. Y'all just stay right where ya are. Ah'm gonna close up shop here and Ah'll be down there lickity-split. Give the phone back ta Applebloom."
She did as she was told.
"Yeah... Really?... Well what do Ah do until then?... You sure?... Alright, bye..."
Applebloom put the phone back in her pocket and pointed to a swinging bench on the porch.
"Applejack says y'all can sit there until she gets here. Ah'm gonna head on back inside. Jus' sit still until she gets here, an' don' try anything funny."
The two girls sat down on the bench. Applebloom eyed them suspiciously as she backed away toward the door, never turning her back to them. Quick as lighting, she ducked back inside then slammed the door.
"Nice people," Rainbow commented sarcastically.
"Now don't be that way, Rainbow Dash. If they're anything like the Apples in Ponyville, then you won't find friendlier folk. They're just protective of their kin is all. In all honesty, Ah probably woulda done the same thing if some weird Applejack copycat appeared on mah doorstep outta the blue. Ah'm sure when we talk to Applejack, we'll get this all cleared up and they'll be able to tell us how to find the other Twilight."
"Yeah, I guess..."
They sat in awkward silence for a few minutes, the chilly autumn air making them more and more uncomfortable as time went on. Applejack just wished the portal would have been decent enough to give her a jacket. She looked over at Rainbow Dash. She was a lot skinnier, so AJ was sure that she would be absolutely shivering by now, but that was not the case. She simply looked bored and annoyed.
"Y'all ain't cold?"
"Nah, I'm good. I'm used to flying at high altitudes through wet clouds all day. I don't get cold that easily."
"Yeah, well I'm not. The least they could go is give us a blanket or somethin'."
"Just try to think about something else. What was up with that weird box thingy Applebloom had?"
"Ah honestly have no idea. Although to be honest, Ah remember that police officer talking into a box earlier. It's just all too much to take in at once."
"Yeah, the sooner we get out of here the better," Rainbow Dash agreed, "I'm just going to go ahead and contribute everything I don't understand to pure bucking magic. That's what works in Equestria."
"Yeah, Ah guess. Maybe Applejack can explain it."
"Doesn't it get weird referring to her like that?"
"Like what, sugarcube?"
"You know, calling her Applejack?"
Applejack smiled, "It sure does. Ah expect everything's jus' gonna get more confusin' from here on out." ***
"How do you think Applejack and Rainbow Dash are doing?" asked Fluttershy.
"I'm sure they're doing just swimmingly, my dear," responded Rarity, "In hindsight, I think we picked correctly when we sent them. When it comes to thinking with a clear head, there's no better among us than Applejack. And there is no braver pony in Equestria than our very own Rainbow Dash."
"I sure hope they find the other Twilight soon!" said Pinkie happily, "I bet they will! I better start getting a party planned, just in case they come back soon. In fact, when Twilight wakes up, I'm going to throw the biggest party I've ever had! I'm going to invite Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor and Princess Celestia and Princess Luna and Zecora and Lyra and Bon Bon and Derpy and Braeburn and Background Pony #11 and..."
"Ok, dear," interjected Rarity wearily, "I think we get the idea."
Pinkie Pie made a motion as if she were zipping up her lips and sat quietly staring at Rarity. Rarity, in turn, did her best to ignore her. Fluttershy giggled slightly. It was never boring around Pinkie Pie.
The three mares sat back in their seats on the train. They had boarded a few hours previous on the ten o'clock train back to Canterlot station. Fluttershy sighed as she stared out the window. The scenery on this ride was always so pretty. She sometimes thought that she would ride the train just to watch the scenery go by. Rarity could usually keep herself entertained by gossiping or drawing more fashion designs, but Pinkie Pie could never sit still for long on such rides. Doing nothing was never one of her strong suits.
Rarity did her best to not pay attention to Pinkie staring at her, but it soon ground down her nerves. She needed a distraction.
"Speaking of Lyra Heartstrings," she started, "Have either of you girls noticed how often she's been over at Twilight's house socializing? I haven't really asked Twilight about it. A lady never asked about what isn't her business, after all. I just hope they aren't doing anything... uncivilized in there. Do you think...?"
"I think it's cute..." Fluttershy asserted quietly. Rarity looked at her with a raised eyebrow, but did not press the issue.
"They're not having sex, if that's what you mean," said Pinkie. Rarity flinched at the word 'sex'.
"Then what are they doing?"
"Lyra is talking with Twilight about the world beyond the mirror. It's like some kind of obsession of hers."
"And how do you know that, dear?" asked Rarity curiously.
Pinkie smiled, "Oh, I have my ways..."
Rarity opened to mouth to ask what these ways were, but thought better of it.
"So, Fluttershy, what do..."
BANG!
The train rocked violently, shaking the girls out of their seats. Looking around, Fluttershy could see the other passengers were... wait, where were the other passengers? She usually kept to herself, so she didn't even notice how weird it was that they were the only ones on that train car. Rarity waved down the attendant at the head of the car.
"I beg your pardon, sir, but can you tell us what the hay just happened?"
"We're about to enter the Galloping Gorge, ma'am," he responded in a bored voice, "There was probably a rock that rolled onto the track."
"That was unlike any rock I've ever experienced..."
"What about Tom?" Pinkie interjected.
"Would you mind checking with the conductor?" continued Rarity, ignoring her, "I have a lot of orders I need to complete, so I really can't afford to be delayed."
The attendant rolled his eyes and swore under his breath. He walked lazily to the front car. With an annoyed glance behind him, he opened the door that connected the car they were in to the car in front of them. He was about to walk out and into the next car when he let out an audible cry.
They had been disconnected with the rest of the train!
"Hey!" he called back to the three mares behind him, "Did you..."
A pair of hooves grabbed him! He looked up in horror to see the shape of a dark robed stallion that had suddenly appeared in the open doorway. The stallion pulled at him with incredible might and flung him out of the moving train car onto to ground below.
By now the three mares had realized what was going on. They looked up in horror at the robed pony. He had a dark grey coat underneath his black robe, and on his head rested a dark brown fedora. He wasted no time, galloping up to the Ponyville ponies.
"If you don't do as I say right now, you will die," he stated in a gruff voice, "Follow me, quickly. Keep your heads down."
The mares looked at each other questioningly. Rarity could feel that there was something not quite right with this stallion. As she opened her mouth to ask him a follow-up question, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie did as he said and followed him to the rear of the train car. Rarity groaned and followed suit. If they get us killed, I'm never forgiving them.
The stallion pushed open the door of the car with much effort. Even though the train was slowing down, the ground still sped along below them with alarming speed.
"Jump!" shouted the stallion.
Pinkie Pie jumped without another word. She formed a perfect cannonball in the air and giggled and she hit the ground rolling. Rarity looked with some fright below her. Under normal circumstances, she would have never attempted something so hazardous to her perfectly styled mane, but concern for her friends overrode these vapid concerns. She took a deep breath and jumped in a graceful arc.
"Go! Jump!" shouted the stallion at Fluttershy.
Fluttershy looked down at the ground below her and emitted a soft meep. She closed her eyes. The ground was moving so fast.
"Come on, move!"
"I... eek...can't."
The stallion groaned and grabbed a hold of Fluttershy. With a great thrust from his back legs, he threw both of them from the moving train. He rolled gracefully upon the ground, yet Fluttershy scrapped painfully upon the dirt and wooden tracks beneath her, coming to a very painful halt. Rarity and Pinkie galloped up to them, concern on their faces. Blood leaked out onto the desert floor beneath them as Fluttershy grasped at the severe scrapes on her body. Rarity had had enough - she wanted answers.
"Now can you tell us what..."
BOOOOMM! The train car they had just been on not seconds before burst in a hail of fire and shrapnel! ***
Applejack and Rainbow Dash had fallen asleep on the swinging bench upon which they had been seated. After all, they hadn't slept since the night before Twilight was put in a coma. They had been able to stay awake while they had been moving, or when they were waiting nervously in the holding cell, but sitting still on the bench rocking back and forth became more than they could take. It had been especially hard on Rainbow Dash; she was used to working hard followed by napping hard. This had been the longest day she thinks she'd ever had.
Applejack stirred slowly out of deep sleep to a faint rumbling sound. Opening her eyes, she saw a rusty old carriage making its way down the dirt road toward the farmhouse. It was kind of like the one the police officer used, but larger with a bed in the back that was currently full of apples. The door on the right side swung open and out stepped someone who was very familiar to Applejack.
She looked almost exactly as AJ did. Blue jeans, white work shirt, brown Stetson, hair tied together at the end. The only difference was that this Applejack wore a dusty brown bomber jacket on top. She looked curiously at the two girls sitting at the porch and smiled in bemusement.
"So you're the crazy, drunken Applejack Ah been hearin' so much about?" she asked lightheartedly as she stepped up onto the porch.
Pony-AJ looked at her curiously, "Whatta y'all mean?"
"Well Granny Smith got a call that Ah was drunk and engaged in all sorts of debauchery last night. Lucky for me Ah was sittin' at the table at the time or Ah might've got chewed out somethin' fierce. We all had assumed Filthy Rich mistook me for someone else, but Pinkie ran off like a crazy person after that."
"Now that you mention it, Pinkie did tell us that. She bailed us outta jail this mornin'."
"Jail? Now what where y'all doin' runnin' around drunk ruinin' mah good name for?"
Pony-AJ looked down at Rainbow Dash. She was still sleeping even through the whole conversation.
"Uhm, well, ya see... we weren't exactly drunk. Rainbow Dash was... well... she was naked."
Human-AJ looked at her with disbelief, "Now what were y'all doin' runnin' around naked for?"
"Ah wasn't naked, just Dash," Pony-AJ blushed, "Ya see, where we come from, most of the time ya don' really wear clothes. Nobody really told us that."
Human-AJ threw back her head and laughed a loud, hearty laugh. She walked up and sat on the wicker chair sitting next to the swinging bench.
"Ya know, Ah wasn't really sure whether y'all was tellin' the truth to begin with, but nobody can make up a tale like that one. Besides," she said, staring at Pony-AJ, "Ah've never seen anything quite like this. If Twilight hadn't appeared last year, Ah would probably have gone in and yelled at Granny Smith for not tellin' me about mah long lost twin."
Pony-AJ let out a sigh of relief. She could feel that Applejack would be willing to help them.
"You're lucky, ya know?" continued Human-AJ, "Ah might've throttled ya right here myself if Ah found out y'all was runnin' around showin' off mah goods around town. Though Ah must say, Ah'm kinda sorry Ah missed the show..."
She looked over at the sleeping Rainbow Dash with a strange look in her eye. Maybe it was because she was so similiar, but Pony-AJ knew exactly what she was thinking. She looked at her with shock. What? Human Applejack is...?
"Wait a second..." said Pony-AJ, her eyes wide with disbelief, "Are y'all tellin' me you're a... fillyfooler?"
The other Applejack raised an eyebrow.
"If y'all are callin' me a lesbian, and I'm assumin' that's what y'all are sayin', then no. Ah don't get out much, alright? Ah work hard, Ah do my share for both the farm and mah family. Ah don' really have time for romance or any of that stuff. A girl can crush on who she wants, when she sees who she wants, ya know what Ah mean?"
Pony-AJ thought about this. True, like the human version of herself, she didn't spend a lot of time thinking about love. When she was a filly going to school, there was a colt or two that she crushed on, but there's never been anypony she's ever thought of as more than that.
"Then why did y'all say that about Rainbow?"
"Didn't ya hear me? Ah said Ah like who Ah like. Your Rainbow Dash ain't the only one in town, ya know. It's kind of hard to explain... Look, we can talk about this later if you really want. Ah like Rainbow Dash, just not this Rainbow Dash. Damn, that sounds strange to say."
"Applejack," Pony-AJ responded with a smile, "This is all strange."
"Tell me about it. Ya have no idea how odd it feels lookin' at you right now. It's kinda weirdin' me out, actually. Anyway, Ah bet y'all are starved. How 'bout ya wake up your sleepin' buddy there and we all get some good old fashioned country breakfast?"
"That sounds awesome."
Both Applejacks looked down at the figure on the bench. Rainbow Dash lay in the same position she had been, but with one eye cracked slyly open. She slowly sat upright and stretch out her arms above her head.
"Uhh... Were you listening to our whole conversation? How long've you been up?" asked Human-AJ nervously.
"Since you mentioned food. What are we waiting for? Let's go get some grub."
Rainbow Dash jumped off the bench and led the two other girls inside the house as if she lived there. Pony-AJ looked at her counterpart trying to wordlessly convey apology. She got a smile in return, and she knew exactly what that meant - Rainbow Dash is Rainbow Dash, no matter what world she was in.
Sitting on the furniture in the living room was the rest of the Apple family. They all looked up with trepidation at the two Applejacks entering their home. Before any of them could say anything, however, Human-AJ explained.
"Now Ah know what y'all are thinking, and Ah understand. It's outright freaky having two of us here, but Ah'm telling you right now, there's a good reason. However, right now they're our guests and we're gonna give 'em a taste of Apple family hospitality. What say y'all help me cook up a real country breakfast?"
"I don't know if I'm goin' crazy or senile, but I'm not about to let anybody go hungry in my house. But I do expect an explanation later," agreed Granny Smith proudly as she shuffled off into the kitchen.
"Applebloom, why don't y'all keep our guests company while Big Mac here cooks up his famous apple flapjacks?"
"Eeyup."
Big Mac followed Granny Smith into the kitchen as the younger girl grunted without commitment. Human-AJ, not seeming to noticed, went to help the rest of her family in the kitchen. A period of unpleasant silence followed with only the sounds of cookware rattling in the kitchen to break the din. Applejack and Rainbow Dash sat on the couch across from Applebloom, who was trying her best to avoid their gaze. The sheer level of discomfort eventually became too much for Applejack, so she thought she'd engage in some pleasant conversation to put the girl at ease that they were just your average, easygoing people.
"So... ya every have trouble with them hand things?" she asked Applebloom pleasantly, "Cause I tell ya, half the time I jus' stick everything in mah mouth so Ah can actually keep a hold of it."
"I know, right?" agreed Rainbow Dash, "I mean, first you have to balance on your hind legs, then you can't even fit anything in your tiny snout. I don't know how these hu-manes do it."
"You're joking, right?" Applebloom responded with a slight sneer.
"What?"
"Are y'all making fun of me?" she asked angrily.
Applejack was taken aback. She was expecting for everyone to be confused, but not hostile. She looked over at Rainbow Dash for some help, but she seemed to be more interested in the smells and sounds coming out of the kitchen.
"Nah, Ah'm not making fun of ya. I'm jus' tryin' to be friendly is all."
"Don't bother. Ah don't know whatcha did to make my sister believe you, but Ah know if there's obvious and suspicious folk about, then there's probably somethin' obvious and suspicious goin' on."
"Applebloom, Ah can explain..."
"Don't bother. Just do what you came to do, but Ah'll be keepin' an eye on you."
Applejack stammered, temporarily unable to form words in her head.
"Soups on, everybody!" called a voice from the kitchen. Rainbow Dash jumped from the couch and in one bounding stride dived into a kitchen seat. Applejack was more restrained, but she couldn't deny how hungry she was, either. Applebloom watched her with suspicion as she sat down at the table next to Rainbow Dash.
"Y'all ain't gonna join us?" asked Pony-AJ to the human family sitting around her with empty plates.
"Don' worry about us none, sugarcube," replied her counterpart, "We ate earlier this morning. It is about ten after all. Jus' go ahead an' eat up. You can tell us everything that's going on afterward."
Rainbow Dash didn't even bother listening to the conversation. She was already eyeing her food with a ravenous desire. All her favorites were there, including pancakes and maple syrup, hash browns, toast, apple butter, apple strudel and apple juice. There were two things she didn't recognize though - a cup of black liquid and thin brown strips. She chose to ignore those and ate like a starving child. AJ wasn't far behind. They poured syrup greedily onto their pancakes and dunked their toast into the apple butter. Rainbow Dash dove face first into the plate, swallowing the food so fast she barely lifted her head up. Applejack tried to be a little more presentable. She knew that humans typically used their hands for everything, so she figured that would hold true to food as well. She picked up a syrup-laden pancake with her bare hand and took a nervous bite out of it.
"Uhm... y'all ain't gonna use utensils?" asked Applebloom with a raised eyebrow.
They looked up, Dash's face still in her plate. Applejack blushed slightly and gently sat down her pancake. So that's was what those metal things were for...
"I'm good!" cried Rainbow as she continued gobbling up the food on her plate. Applejack tenuously picked up the knife in her fist and speared a pancake uncertainly. She was suddenly aware of all the people sitting around them watching them.
"Don't worry about it, y'all," said Human-AJ, "There'll be time later to worry about niceties like proper fork use. Just don' let Rarity see you do that."
Applejack didn't need any more convincing. She dropped the knife and finished eating her food along with Rainbow. All except for the strange black drink and brown strips.
"What's this?" Rainbow asked, poking at the strips with her finger.
"That there's bacon. Y'all never had bacon in the pony world?"
"Nope," responded Pony-AJ, "What is it?"
"Jus' eat it. It's good."
She picked up the bacon strip with some trepidation. Both Applejack and Rainbow Dash bit off a small piece. Their reactions couldn't have been more different.
"This is uh... good," stated Applejack with a half-hearted smile, "It's kinda salty, though. And greasy."
"This. Is. So. Cool!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she downed piece after piece, even finished Applejack's share. Everyone else in the room looked at her with shock and amusement and she grabbed the drink she hadn't touched before.
"Is this like bacon too?" she asked. Before anyone could answer her, she downed the whole cup in almost one gulp.
"No, that's coffee," Human-AJ responded as Rainbow Dash finished Applejack's cup too, "Ah wouldn't drink that much, though. You'll probably be awake for the next two days with that much."
Human-AJ and Big Macintosh exchanged looks. After a few moments, Rainbow's pupil's contracted and she began shaking uncontrollably in her seat.
"You ok, there, sugarcube?"
"Dear Celestia, this stuff is awesome. I feel like I could buck million clouds in a minute. No, in ten seconds flat. You got any more of this coffee, huh? Do ya? Do ya?"
"Uhm, Ah think y'all had enough," Human-AJ responded, "Besides, Ah think y'all owe me an explanation about why you're here and what's going on with Twilight."
The rest of the family looked expectantly at the two pony-girls. Applejack sighed. This was going to be a long story. |
Surviving in a Strange Two Legged World | 4 - Cougars Find Rarity Irresistible | The figure cloaked in shadow passed through the mirror on the Equestrian side of the portal. She breathed a sigh of relief - there were no guards or anyone else around. She took a slight step forward but stumbled, falling on all fours. Right, I'm a pony now, she thought to herself.
She started off with trepidation down the crystal hallways of the palace. Something wasn't right; this wasn't Canterlot Castle. Had the mirror been moved? This wasn't going according to plan at all.
She tried the best she could to move through the expansive hallways without making too much noise or running into any guards. She sighed with frustration - she was hopelessly lost. Seeing a large window in the corridor ahead of her, she rushed to it to get an idea of where she was. What she saw didn't fill her with confidence. Outside was a large, relatively flat land filled with building made out of some kind of crystal. This definitely wasn't Canterlot. What was more, the window was a good two stories above the ground below. She was going to have to find a flight of stairs.
A faint light and sound of shoed hooves clacking against the floor made her heart rise into her throat. She couldn't get caught - not now. She started to scurry in the other direction before seeing a guard patrolling on the other side of her as well. Quickly making up her mind and taking a deep breath, she charged at the window, shattering through it and plummeted toward the ground below. ***
Rarity looked around. They were presently located on a dry tundra. The only features in sight were the train tracks upon which they had recently rode and the Galloping Gorge in the distance. It was very similar to the Ghastly Gorge that Rainbow Dash held her silly pet contest, but was infinitely colder and bleaker. The evidence of the northern autumn cold was present all around them - from the biting chill in the air to the grey frost-bitten grass crunching beneath their hooves.
"Where are we?" asked Fluttershy, as if reading her mind.
"Maneitoba," responded the mysterious stallion as he began to walk off toward the Galloping Gorge. The three mares followed.
"Maneitoba?!" Rarity demanded as she hurriedly trotted up to the stranger, "I don't think you understand my situation. I have very important orders I need to be working on. I simply cannot afford to waste time in all this... wilderness."
The stallion turned around briskly and stared straight at Rarity as if he couldn't believe what he had just heard.
"Look babe, I don't think you really appreciate what's happening here. You have no idea how lucky you are. So why don't you just shut your jaw before I have to clamp a muzzle on it?"
"Humpf... Well I never... Babe?!" Rarity blustered angrily.
Pinkie Pie giggled at her friend as she hopped along the stallion leading them.
"So that was pretty cool how you saved us from an explosion and stuff, huh? So why'd you do it? Who's after us? Was it that guy you threw under the train?"
The stranger stopped and rubbed his chin with his hoof.
"Huh, I guess I did throw him under the train, didn't I?" he pondered without interest, "Wasn't really paying attention at the time. We need to get a move on, though. It'll be dark in a few hours and we have a lot of ground to cover, so it would be a real blessing if you could keep your yap shut."
Pinkie was not to be so easily silenced, however.
"So where are we going? Is it a long way?"
The stallion threw his head back in frustration.
"I said SHUT IT!"
Fluttershy and Rarity jumped at the sudden outburst, but Pinkie just smiled happily at him as she continued hopping along. It seemed a minute was a little too long for her however.
"Can't I ask you one question?" she asked innocently, "Oh wait, I just asked you one. So can I ask two? No, because that was two. Okay, four?"
"If I answer your question, will you shut up?" he responded gruffly.
"Of course!"
"What do you want?"
"What's your name?"
"Dartmoor Bronc," responded the stallion, "Now be quiet. The pegasus is bleeding, and this is predator country. I need to pay attention to my surroundings."
Fluttershy emitted a meek sound at Dartmoor's mentioning of her. It was true that she had suffered scraps from exiting the moving train in such an ungraceful fashion. Upon being injured, she had thought that she might not be able to walk. However, it seemed that no functional part of her leg was seriously injured. Rarity had generously given her scarf to wrap her injured leg in, but by now it was beginning to bleed through. As the terrain upon which they walked began to slope downward toward the gorge, her injured leg suddenly buckled from pain causing her to fall flat on her face.
"Uhm... excuse me..." she called softly after the three ponies ahead of her. Rarity looked back and saw her helpless friend on the ground.
"Stop!" she called to Pinkie and Dartmoor. Without looking back, he groaned in disgust.
"Did you not just hear me yelling at the filly with the ADHD problem just now? Keep your voice down!"
"Oh, I'm terribly sorry, Dartmoor," responded Rarity, putting as much disdain as she could muster into pronouncing his name, "But Fluttershy can't go on like this. We need to stop."
The stallion groaned in annoyance as he walked back to them. With a single effortless movement, he hoisted the injured Fluttershy onto his back and walked onward. Rarity was taken aback - she had never seen that kind of strength from anypony before, not even Applejack.
"You coming, sweetheart?" he called back to her, "Or you need me to engrave you an invitation?"
"Oh, I have one right here!" cried Pinkie Pie as she materialized a pink card.
"Don't call me sweetheart," demanded Rarity angrily, ignoring Pinkie.
"Whatever..."
"No, you're going to listen to me," demanded Rarity angrily as she trotted up to him, "If we're going to be traveling together, then I'm going to have to set some ground rules. First, I am a lady, and you will address me as such..."
"Absolutely, your highness," Dartmoor replied snidely, "Maybe next time I should throw you from the train instead..."
"Excuse me? What was that?" demanded Rarity.
"Nothing. How about this ground rule? You shut the hell up and I don't let any predators eat you. Now if you don't mind, barring any more interruptions, we need to make it to the gorge. If you're nice, I'll explain everything when we get to where we're going."
Rarity swore under her breath. She was starting to regret jumping from that train. ***
"Well that's quite a tale..." said Human-AJ as Applejack finished her story. The rest of the Apple family stared at them in a state of disbelief. It was indeed quite a tale, something that those who didn't personally experience the effects were not wont to believe.
"Wait... so why did Twilight stab herself?" asked Applebloom.
"Well ta be honest, I don' rightly know. The princess didn't really explain that part. Ah assumed it had ta be something ta do with that dagger thing... What was it called again? Rainbow Dash?"
Rainbow Dash, however, was busy staring at a bag of coffee beans hungrily.
"Huh?" she said, finally looking up.
"Ah said, what was that dagger thingy called?"
"Right. I think it was... the Killer... no, that's not right. Oh yeah! The Kīla of Gothmog!"
Rainbow Dash went back to inspecting the bag of coffee. When she thought no one was looking, she carefully opened the bag and removed a bean.
"Yeah, so Ah think that's what happened," continued Pony-AJ, "Either way all Ah'm concerned about is getting the human Twilight back to Equestria so she can remove that thing."
"Ya don' wanna do that, sugarcube," said Human-AJ suddenly looking over as Dash, who was about to put a coffee bean in her mouth, "They don' taste all that great like that and it'll give ya a stomach ache besides."
Dash ate it anyway once Human-AJ looked back toward her counterpart.
"Have ya ever considered that maybe that dagger is doin' more ta Twilight than y'all realize? Ah mean, it already had some sorta control over her mind. How do ya know it hasn't... affected her some way?"
Applejack shifted in her seat uncomfortably. She hadn't considered this.
"Ah trust Princess Celestia will know what ta do about that..." she responded eventually, "She always seems ta know what ta do about anything."
"Then that's good enough for me," Human-AJ responded, standing up, "Ah figure there's about three more days of apples left ta harvest. If y'all will help me out, then we might get 'er done by evenin'. After that, Ah'll spend all the time Ah have helpin' y'all out. That sound fair, Granny Smith?"
Everyone looked toward Granny Smith, who was already asleep.
"It's alright by me," Big Mac said, "But it's gettin' late. We better get started."
Everyone followed him out of the farmhouse without another word. When Big Mac spoke, people listened. Even Rainbow Dash didn't complain about the unpleasant aspect of upcoming work, although she did grab another handful of roasted coffee beans.
Big Mac jumped into the pickup the girls had seen the human Applejack pull up in not two hours earlier. Following her lead, Pony-AJ and Rainbow Dash jumped into back of the truck. Applebloom got into the cab with Big Mac.
"Ah have ta say, Ah've never liked ridin' in these carriage things..." Pony-AJ said nervously.
"But you've only done it once," reminded Rainbow, "And that was after we'd been arrested. You've never gotten the chance to."
Applejack was about to argue when the gears of the truck ground as it set into motion. She gripped onto the side of the truck as the wind started sweeping past her hair. Admittedly, the ride in the police car was unsettling mostly because of the circumstance they were in, not because the ride itself was necessarily unpleasant. But this was a whole different story altogether. She felt so much more exposed out in the bed of the truck watching the trees fly by them. Applejack was an earth pony, meaning the fastest she had ever travelled was when riding on the Friendship Express (which by human vehicle standards, was fairly slow). It didn't help that they were travelling on a dirt road, complete with rocks, ditches and hills that created a bumpiness that accentuated all the fearful thoughts in her head.
"Woah, this thing is pretty cool!" shouted Rainbow Dash over the wind, "It's kind of slow, though. I could fly way faster without even trying!"
"That's 'cause we're on a hilly part of the farm right now!" responded Human-AJ, "We're probably only doin' about 10 miles an hour. Wait till we get to the smooth section connectin' the two orchards, then we'll really fly!"
Applejack didn't like the sound of that. She was having a hard enough time not screaming as it was. She wanted to protest this planned speed increase, but she was afraid if she tried to talk they'd hit a bump and she'd bite off her small human tongue. Rainbow Dash turned toward her and said something with a huge smile on her face, but all AJ could do was nod with a green tinge. Human-AJ took off her Stetson and sat on it. Without quite understanding why they were doing this, Pony-AJ did the same.
"Alright, Big Mac, hit it!" yelled Human-AJ as she banged on the glass of the truck cab. As if knowing beforehand what she was planning, Big Mac shoved his foot down on the accelerator. Applejack could hear the sound of the old farm truck's engines rev, and the sudden lurch as they sped up.
"Awesome!" cried Rainbow Dash as she threw her hands up in the air.
Thirty. Forty. Fifty. The truck was quickly picking up speed as they flew down the (admittedly much smoother) dirt road. Applejack could feel the force of drag as her hair whipped in the wind, tangling itself into a plethora of knots. She was really grateful she had decided to remove her hat, or it would have been lost to the roaring wind.
Rainbow Dash, on the other hand, couldn't get enough. Caffeine was flowing through her veins, making her highs higher than they had ever been. Usually when she went fast like this, she had to fly. This took away from the experience slightly as she had to spend a part of her concentration on exerting herself to keep flapping her wings. This, however, was amazing.
"Alright, y'all! Wait till ya get a load of this!" shouted Human-AJ, although she was barely audible over the sound of the wind.
Big Mac accelerated at the base of a hill, and didn't let up until they were over the crest and cruising down the other side. Applejack had the most unpleasant lurch in her stomach, like she was falling. The last time she had felt like this, she was falling in panic to the earth below while visiting Rainbow at the Wonderbolt's academy. The sudden flashback of the stress and fear of that event were too much for her. She closed her eyes as tight as she could and instinctively grabbed onto Rainbow Dash, burying her face into Rainbow's chest and holding on for dear life. Rainbow looked down at her friend and recognized the cause of the pale girl's shaking hands.
"Uhm, AJ?" she called to Human-AJ, "Can we slow down? I, uh... I bumped my... knee."
Human Applejack looked at Rainbow Dash curiously and banged again on the cab window. Big Mac slowed down until they were going the same pace they had been before they came to the smooth part of the road. Pony-AJ breathed a sigh of relief before realizing, to her embarrassment, that she was clutched onto Rainbow's shirt. She let go and looked up sheepishly at her friend. Knowing Dash, she would never hear the end of it. However, Rainbow Dash just smiled down soothingly at her; it was a look that she didn't give often.
"Alright, y'all, here we are!" called Human-AJ, hopping down from the truck. Big Macintosh and Applebloom exited the cab, and the pony-girls soon jumped off as well.
Looking around, Applejack was surprised. There were hardly any apples here! There had to be only fifty trees left with apples on them, at most. They even had baskets already aligned underneath them. She laughed to herself - this would be too easy.
"Why don't y'all just let me handle this," she said with a laugh, "Ah'll be done in an hour."
She walked over to the nearest tree, got down on all fours, and with a great effort from her tiny legs and arms, gave an impressive buck to the trunk of the apple tree.
Nothing happened.
She tried again with all the power she could muster.
"What the hay is goin' on here?" she fumed, "It's gotta be these stupid tiny fore legs!"
"What the hell are you doin'?" questioned Applebloom bluntly.
"Applebloom! Y'all watch your mouth," admonished Human-AJ. She turned to her counterpart, "Look, sugarcube, Ah don' know how y'all harvest apples in the pony world, but we don' have any fancy way of doin' it around here. Take this."
She handed her a small duffle bag with a strap on it. AJ took it with confusion.
"So how do y'all do it here?"
"Well, ya just gotta climb up into the tree an' pick the apples an' put 'em in those there bags. Ah think there's a ladder around here somewhere..."
Pony-AJ sighed. This was going to be a long day. ***
"You need to be very quiet as we pass through this area - mountain lions all around."
Fluttershy looked up. They were in the middle of a cold, barren canyon. On the sides surrounding them were various sized caves, even darker and more intimidating now that the sun had set and the last remnants of daylight were retreating. She has had experience with a great many animals in the past - squirrels, eagles, weasels, foxes, even bears. But she had never come across any mountain lion before; they simply didn't live anywhere near Ponyville. She could feel uncertainty starting to well up inside of her.
"Uhm... excuse me, sir?"
"Don't call me sir. Just Dartmoor."
"Uhm, ok... Dartmoor?" Fluttershy quickly corrected herself, "Have you ever seen a mountain lion before? What are they like?"
"I've seen quite a few, but in Maneitoba they only live along Galloping Gorge. Around here, they're pretty nasty. There's not a lot of wildlife in the area, so they eat what they can."
"I know!" shouted Pinkie, "I'll just give them some cupcakes! Nopony can be hungry after eating a box of my special rainbow cupcakes!"
"They don't like cupcakes, crazy nitwit," sighed Dartmoor, "They like pony!"
"But that's why I'm using the rainbow..."
"Just keep quiet!" hushed Dartmoor, "The more noise we make, the more likely we'll attract unwanted attention. Look, just to be safe, we'd better come up with a game plan."
He stopped for a minute, sizing up the three mares around him. He first pointed at Fluttershy, who flinched.
"Okay, you there, the injured pegasus. You're going to stick with me if we get attacked. Chances are, you can't run very fast like you are and if you did, the mountain lion would chase you down as soon as you tried once they'd smelled the blood. You two..."
He pointed at Pinkie and Rarity.
"...the Ritalin pony and the attention who..."
"Excuse me!?" Rarity cut him off.
"You two are going to run as fast down the gorge as you can. Try to stay hidden. If you eventually hear me calling for you, then we lived. If you don't, then we died and you'll probably die from exposure or another mountain lion. Are we clear?"
"Okie dokie lokie!"
"Wait, that's your plan?" asked Rarity incredulously, "Just run and hope we don't die?"
"Unless you want to try discussing it with a very hungry mountain lion, then yes."
Rarity opened her mouth as if to argue, but realizing she didn't have much of a point, closed it.
"How much longer until we're there?" asked Fluttershy quietly.
"I would guess another two hours or so."
"Where are we going again?" asked Pinkie Pie at the top of her voice. All present company winced as her voice echoed off the canyon.
"Just keep quiet and maybe you'll live to see!" whispered Dartmoor angrily. Pinkie took the hint and didn't question him anymore.
The twilight had by now receded with the sun, and the only thing left to light the ponys' way was the waning moon. It was quiet and eerie; the only sounds were the whipping winds and the patches of frozen grass occasionally crunching beneath their feet. Fluttershy shivered. All ponies present were visibly shaking in the sub-zero temperatures with the exception of Dartmoor, who seemed to be used to it. Even Pinkie, usually the very essence of energy and activity, was reduced to timidly walking behind him, too cold to do anything more. A light snow started falling around them, merely a flurry, but it helped to solidify in their minds the situation they found themselves in. Fluttershy instinctively got as close as she could to Rarity, getting some small ounce of comfort from her body warmth. Rarity nuzzled her comfortingly, but she could feel her chattering teeth.
A soft swooshing sound could be heard above them. Fluttershy looked around curiously. None of the others had seemed to hear it. Working with so many small animals had given her a gift of noticing small sounds. There was definitely a pair of wings following them. Emitting a slight squeak of fear, she walked a little faster to try to catch up to Dartmoor. She didn't want to call out to him (she doubted she could if she tried), afraid to rouse the suspicions of the thing flying above them. Was it a pegasus, or perhaps something more sinister? She couldn't quite tell over the sounds of the wind.
"Uhm, excuse me..." she said to Dartmoor as quietly as she could, "I think there's something... What I mean is, there's something flying behind..."
"I know," he interrupted, "Don't draw any attention to it - I don't want anything else seeing. I have it all under control. Go back and act natural."
His words did little to calm her, but her actions did arouse the attention of the other two mares. When she was back next to Rarity, she hissed a question in her ear.
"Fluttershy, dear, what's going on?"
"Dartmoor says he wants us to act natural."
"Act natural about what, d-d-darling?" Rarity's teeth chattered in the cold, interrupting the flow of her normally precise speaking pattern.
"About the thing following us."
"WHAT?!"
Fluttershy flinched at the volume of her shouted response. Dartmoor froze, looking back at them with furious eyes. All Rarity could go in return was grin sheepishly. He walked up angrily toward them, apparently about to chew them out. He opened his mouth...
A great roar rang out, echoing through the canyon!"
He closed his mouth, looking about tersely. The three mares grabbed each other, shaking this time in fear. They couldn't tell from where the roar originated, but they could tell what it meant - danger.
"RUN!" shouted Dartmoor, as he took off in the direction they had been traveling. It took the three Ponyville ponies a moment to register what was happening, but they were off as fast as their little hooves could carry them. The last time they ran with hearts as stricken with fear as they were now was when they first arrived at the Crystal Empire, and were chased by King Sombra. That time they were only a few hundred feet from safety. That time Shining Armor had stopped to save them. Fluttershy winced. That time she didn't have an injured leg.
They could hear thundering footsteps behind them. Something was following them. Something big.
Fluttershy felt a pain in her hoof as it impacted upon a large rock. She felt herself flying toward the ground with all the momentum she had been galloping with. Pain coursed through her body for a second time that day as she tumbled along the frozen plain.
Dartmoor heard the sound of the falling pony, and quickly reversed direction to go save her.
"Keep going! Ayden will watch you!" he shouted at Pinkie and Rarity as he ran past them. They stopped hesitantly, as if debating whether they should go back for Fluttershy. "Go! I'll save her, I promise!"
They seemed to be satisfied with that response, and kept galloping forward. Meanwhile, Dartmoor had reached the injured pony and stood over her, staring at a shadowy figure that lurked just beyond Fluttershy's range of vision.
"Get up!" he hissed at her quietly, "If you want to live, get up and stand behind me."
With a great effort, she shrugged off her fear and painfully struggled to her feet. As she looked to where Dartmoor was now staring, her pupils constricted in fear and she emitted an unconscious gasp. Illuminated by the faint light of the moon, she could just barely make out the figure of a large cat.
It snarled and hissed at the ponies before it. She could see its dagger-like teeth, easily able to pierce the throat of any pony unlucky enough to be its target. The light of the moon reflected off its eyes, which glowed yellow with thin, catlike pupils.
"I want you to do exactly as I say," whispered Dartmoor, "This thing doesn't want to kill us; it wants us to go away."
Fluttershy had some trouble believing that as she looked into the cat's venomous eyes.
"Wh-What?"
"It's protecting its litter!" he hissed back, "A mountain lion that wants to eat you wouldn't roar first. Now just back away slowly, but don't look away. And whatever you do, don't run!"
It was all she could do to listen to his advice and not bolt in the opposite direction as the mountain lion. He began backing away with her, and to her surprise, the creature didn't follow. They continued backing up slowly and cautiously, her heart still beating furiously, until they could neither see nor hear the predator. Dartmoor turned around and walked toward where Pinkie and Rarity had gone. Fluttershy let out a sigh of relief. She knew she hated dragons, but mountain lions had to have become number two on her most feared animals list.
"That was too close..." Fluttershy mumbled after several minutes of catching her breath.
"We're not out of this yet, toots," responded Dartmoor, "We've made too much noise. Can you walk?"
"Uhm... I guess so."
"Good. We have to catch up to the others, fast."
Dartmoor started walking even faster, and even though Fluttershy wouldn't admit it to him, she was starting to feel woozy. After a few minutes, she started lagging so far behind that she could barely make out his grey tail in the distance. She was about to call out to him, when a bloodcurdling scream cut through the night!
"Rarity!" ***
Harvesting apples in this world had been hard work. Not hard work like it was in the pony world - that was hard work in that it was exhausting. This was hard work as in boring. Rainbow Dash couldn't handle more than ten minutes at a time before she started jumping wildly out of the apple trees, either to elicit a cheap thrill or imitate the lost feeling of flying. Either way, Applejack was mildly surprised that she didn't break anything. True, she had been through much worse crashes as a pegasus, but the limbs they bore now seemed so... fragile.
"Alrighty, y'all," Human-AJ called out, wiping a bead of sweat from her brow, "Ah think that'll about do it."
She glanced at the pickup truck they had driven there this morning. The bed was full to the brim with baskets of apples. Applejack was about to ask how they would be getting back, but Human-AJ seemed to have read her mind.
"Looks like it'll be a cramped fit. No big deal, it's not that long of a trip."
Big Macintosh opened the rusted driver side door and hopped in behind the wheel. Human-AJ opened the other door and motioned Applejack to take the middle seat. She did as she was told and crawled in next to Big Mac. She looked back at her counterpart with a raised eyebrow. There was no way that all five of them would fit on this bench seat. Four maybe, but what was she thinking? Was Applebloom going to lay on the floor under their feet? To her surprise, her counterpart was looking back at her with a mischievous smile.
"Hey Rainbow Dash!" Human-AJ called over her shoulder.
Rainbow Dash came running up, still covered in dirt from a day's worth of jumping out of trees and rolling down hills.
"What's up?"
"We're leaving, sugarcube. Go ahead and climb in."
Rainbow did so and sat in the seat next to Applejack.
"Now how are we all gonna fit in like that?" asked Human-AJ with a smirk, "Ah'd say we'd have to sit in each other's laps to fit, wouldn't you, Applejack?"
Applejack looked at her counterpart in horror, but Rainbow didn't seem to catch the... intimate connotations of what was requested. Without another world, she scooted over and planted herself in Applejack's lap. AJ gasped as she felt the weight on her thighs. Dash wasn't heavy, but she was surprised at how soft she was. She knew what pony plots were like, and they weren't like this. They were hard - all bone and muscle. Right now, Rainbow felt soft - and warm. As surprisingly pleasant as this was, Applejack still felt awkward and nervous. She didn't know where to put her hands. Should she hold on to Rainbow? That seemed like the natural place to put them in this position, but it felt like it would be overly personal. She settle on laying them by her sides.
Human-AJ jumped in the truck unceremoniously, making it rock slightly as she did. She fastened her seat belt and called out to Applebloom, who had been watching the whole situation wordlessly.
"Come on, Applebloom, time to go?"
"Ah'm not sittin' in your lap. Ah'm twelve years old for Pete's sake!"
"Oh, come on now, sugarcube. Rainbow Dash here is sittin' in someone's lap, and she's twen... Actually, Ah don' rightly know how old she is in pony years. Just get up here, we'll be back in a few minutes."
"Ah think Ah'll walk back."
"Now, Applebloom!"
Applebloom groaned and with flamboyant frustration crawled into the cab of the truck. She threw herself down onto her sister's lap with as much force as she could in an obvious attempt to goad her sister on, but she wasn't falling for it. A metallic grinding sound let out as Big Mac shifted the aging truck into first gear, and they were off.
The trip was not as scary as the trip to the orchard. Applejack assumed that was because she didn't feel as exposed, or maybe it was because they weren't going as fast. It was, however, more awkward. Rainbow Dash was bouncing up and down in her lap due to the unevenness of the dirt road, making Applejack feel very uncomfortable. Dash, it seemed, didn't think anything unusual of it. She sat on her lap with a bored look on her face, obviously disappointed that she wasn't riding in the back this time. Looking over, she saw Applebloom sitting on Human-AJ's lap, arms crossed and a frown on her face. Her sister, however, was looking at her counterpart while wearing a knowing smile. When she saw Applejack looking at her, she shifted her eyes down toward where Rainbow Dash's rear now sat and gave her a subtle wink. She blushed and looked away. What is that crazy human doing?
After a short ride, they were back at the farmhouse. Big Mac drove the truck into the adjacent barn and put it in park. Almost before the truck had stopped, Applebloom had opened the door and jumped out, ignoring her sister's protests. The rest of them shortly followed suit. Applejack gave a small sigh of relief as the uncomfortable ride ended. Her lap quickly started to cool as Rainbow's warm posterior vacated it. She was exhausted and hungry after having spent an entire day working after being awake almost the whole night. Rainbow looked to be even worse off than she was, her caffeine high finally starting to come to an end.
"Alright, y'all," Human-AJ told them, "Why don't ya go get yourself a hot shower while Ah get supper started."
"Wait, shower?" Rainbow asked, "I uh... I usually just fly through a cloud to get cleaned off. Is there anyway..."
"Sorry sugarcube," Human-AJ laughed as she opened the front door for them, "Y'all are a might dirty after all that horsin' around ya did today."
"Horsing around? I find that off..." Dash started.
"So y'all are getting' a shower," Human-AJ said with a twinkle in her eye, "If ya need help, Ah'm sure Applejack here wouldn't mind..."
"She don' need help!" Applejack exclaimed loudly. So loudly, in fact, that everyone started looking at her, "Ah mean, yeah, Ah'll show her how the water works an' everything."
Applejack led Rainbow upstairs to the bathroom, taking for granted that it really wasn't her farmhouse. It was true, they were very similar, but there were little things here and there that were a little different. Instead of lantern hangers, this house had little bulbs that used some sort of magic to emit light. The bathroom was no different. The counter was littered with things both foreign and familiar to Applejack. There were toothbrushes and soap, but also a strange object looking somewhat like a razor, but had a cord leading directly into the wall. She shook her head. If she spent all her time trying to figure out everything about this world, they'd never get anything done.
"Alright, you're going to have to help me with this one, Applejack," Rainbow called as she inspected the spigots of the shower, "I mean, I've taken showers before at friends' houses, but usually there was just one knob to control the water..."
Applejack walked over to look at it. The knobs looked old and battered, one of which looked like it had fallen off and had a kitchen cabinet knob glued in its place. The other one simply had a large 'H' on it. She shrugged.
"Ah don' know what that other one was for, but Ah'm assumin' you just turn the 'H' one. Ah'm guessin' that's for humans, and the other one must be for Winona or somethin'."
"Sounds good to me. You going to wait here until I'm done?"
Applejack blushed, "Naw, Ah'll be waitin' outside. Jus' hurry it up. Ah'm mighty hungry - and tired."
"You and me both, sister."
Applejack walked outside the bathroom and closed the door behind her. She heard Rainbow turn on the water. Good, Ah got the right one.
"This is awesome!" called Rainbow after a minute, "It's like somebody's heating up the water as I shower. Man, I have to say, this world may be weird, but they have some pretty cool stuff."
Applejack smiled. It had been a long time since she'd had a hot bath. Usually somepony had to heat up the water on a stove and prepare the bath for you - something a simple farm pony didn't get often. She really only got hot baths when she was a guest of one of the princesses. But boy howdy, could she use one right about...
"Ahhhh!"
She jumped up. Rainbow was screaming. Without even thinking, Applejack ripped open the door to see what was wrong.
Rainbow Dash stood right outside the shower, naked, dripping wet and red as a lobster. Seeing her naked friend, Applejack blushed and put her hat over her face.
"That was the hottest water I've ever felt in my life," Rainbow Dash panted before looking at her friend, "What? What's wrong with me? Why aren't you looking at me?"
"Well, um, Rainbow... You're naked."
"So? You see me naked all the time. You saw me naked last night, for crying out loud."
"Yeah but..."
Applejack couldn't finish her thought. How was she supposed to explain to Rainbow that she was embarrassed to see her human body naked? There was no way she would understand. Hell, AJ couldn't really understand it herself. There was just something about it. Something embarrassing. Something that made her nervous. Something she... liked. She gulped as the thought hit her.
"But what?" demanded Dash.
"I... uh..." she stammered, not knowing how to explain, not sure if she wanted to.
At that same moment, like a little guardian angel coming to save her from embarrassment, Applebloom rounded the corner into the bathroom.
"What's goin' on? Who was yellin'? Is..."
She froze when she saw Rainbow Dash standing naked in the bathroom. Blushing, she covered her eyes with her hands.
"Put some clothes on you crazy woma... perso... whatever ya are!"
Rainbow Dash shrugged and grabbed a red towel off the nearest hanger and wrapped it around herself.
"Hey!" cried Applebloom as soon as she looked, "That's mah towel! Ah guess Ah'm gonna have ta go out an' burn it now."
Applejack chose to ignore this comment, "Rainbow Dash said the water jus' kept getting hotter. Is y'all's shower broken or somethin'?"
"Did ya turn on both knobs?"
"No, just the 'H' one."
"Well duh. Y'all just turned on the hot water by itself."
Applejack facehoo... facepalmed. She should have known that was what 'H' meant. Applebloom turned on both spigots in equal amounts and felt the water.
"There. Now hurry up. Dinner'll be ready in a minute."
She left without another word. Rainbow jumped back in the shower and Applejack took her place sitting outside the bathroom door. After only a minute, Rainbow called out that she was done.
"Didya use soap, sugarcube?"
"Dammit!"
Applejack smiled. Even though she had only known Rainbow for a few years, she felt like she knew her so well. It was just like her to take shortcuts, or forget things altogether. In most ponies, she would find this to annoying and sloppy, but with Dash, it felt more... endearing. It was cute. Even when being outright lazy, she couldn't help but feel secretly amused. A little bit.
"All right, I'm done," said Rainbow as she exited the bathroom in Applebloom's towel, "Should I put my old clothes back on, or..."
"Go talk to Applejack. She might be able to set ya up with somethin'."
After Rainbow went downstairs, Applejack took her turn in the bathroom. She fumbled with the buttons on her dirty blouse, being unused to such things. Pony clothes didn't normally have buttons (being very difficult to fasten with hooves or teeth), and she was no expert at the subtle art of hands, either. After a few minutes of struggling (a lot of that spent on trying to unhook her bra), she stood in front of the bathroom mirror naked. It was the first time since coming to the human world that she really got a chance to look at her human form in detail.
She had to admit to herself, she was kind of attractive. (Boy that felt weird to admit). She was fairly muscular, but not unattractively so. Her breasts were quite a bit bigger than those of the thin, athletic Rainbow Dash, but she didn't see how that affected anything. She turned around and looked over her shoulder at her backside in the mirror. She smiled. Yeah, this was weird, alright. It's one thing to change the very basics of how one moves and looks, it's another to become attracted to a weird alien species.
Not that weird, she reminded herself. Twilight had talked over and over about that Flash person she met. The human, not the pony. She hadn't been the least bit interested in the pony Flash Sentry when she talked with him later. It was something about the human form that she was attracted to, that AJ was attracted to... Maybe humans were just the most attractive species on the planet. They probably think so. It's not like any of them would be caught dead fantasizing about ponies...
Smiling, AJ stepped into the pleasantly warm shower and let all her worries wash away. ***
Rarity and Pinkie Pie fled from the sound of the paws thundering toward them, as Dartmoor had instructed. The ground thundered under their feet as they galloped through the canyon wasteland. When they could no longer hear the beast behind them, they halted, panting. It was especially hard on Rarity, who often did not find the time to work out. Besides the fact it was icky. Such frivolities were not on Rarity's mind right now, however. The only thing filling either pony's thoughts was the well-being of their friend.
"Do you think we should go back?" asked Pinkie Pie with uncharacteristic anxiety.
"Well, even though that brutish Dartmoor fellow said to wait for him, I do not feel so trusting. I mean, how well do we really know him?"
"Ooh, didn't he say something about an Ayden?"
Rarity looked around. They stood right next to a cliff that led up to higher ground around five yards above them. As far as they could see, there was nopony in sight.
"Maybe we were supposed to meet him?" continued Pinkie with uncertainty in her voice.
The state of their situation was grim. If they went back, they probably wouldn't be any help to Fluttershy anyway. If they waited and something happened to Dartmoor and... well, their chances of survival were slim. Even if something had happened, maybe they would be able to care for the wounded, or find something on Dartmoor that would let them know where they were going. The choice seemed clear - they had to go back.
"Come on, Pin..." Rarity trailed off as she saw something in the distance. Pinkie Pie apparently saw it too, because she immediately began hopping excitedly. Dartmoor approached them, followed by a walking but obviously injured Fluttershy. A wide grin broke out on Rarity's face. She started following Pinkie over to them.
Something jumped on her, pinning her to the ground!
She let out a bloodcurdling scream. A mountain lion, bigger than any cat she had ever seen, was on top of her, crushing her chest. She felt razor-sharp claws dig into her sides.
"Rarity!" Fluttershy screamed.
Fluttershy and Pinkie froze, unable to move due to shock and fear. Dartmoor galloped as fast as he could toward her, but he was still a hundred feet away. Rarity felt and smelled the hot breath of the beast as it growled in her face. She winced, knowing that any moment the beast would use its powerful teeth to rip into her throat. She closed her eyes as tight as she could, expecting the end...
WHAM!
The mountain lion screamed and rolled off of Rarity. As she opened her eyes a sliver, she could clearly hear the screeching cry of a falcon echoing through the gorge. Swift, powerful wings beat against the wind as the bird flew high in preparation for another dive. The beast shifted its focus from Rarity to the circling bird, hissing as it eyed it as a house cat might eye a bug.
Dartmoor caught up with the scene just as the falcon swooped down once more upon the big cat. The bird's lethal talons made contact with its face just as its claws clipped the falcon. The falcon cried out simultaneously with the mountain lion. Quick as a flash, Dartmoor bucked the cougar with a kick that would surpass even Applejack and sent the cat flying several feet onto its side. He jumped on it and bit the back of its neck, causing it to roar with pain. Without pause, Dartmoor placed both fore hooves around the cat's massive head and jerked. A resounding crack could be heard through the canyon as the mountain lion's neck broke. The beast fell limp as it died.
Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy, who had been watching the whole scene with amazement and horror, snapped out of their catatonic state and galloped over to Rarity. She lay on the ground, but they could see the faintest hint of a smile on her face. They both breathed a sigh of relief to see their friend was still alive.
"I could use a little help," Rarity said weakly with a complete absence of her usual pompousness. Pinkie Pie immediately picked her up, and with Fluttershy's help, placed her onto her back.
"Ayden!" Dartmoor called. The injured bird slowly flapped over to him. He held out a hoof and the falcon landed on it. It emitted a weak cry, and Dartmoor checked its wings.
"You're just scratched there, buddy," he said, relieved, "That was too close."
Fluttershy noticed Ayden now, and rushed over to him.
"The poor thing!" she cried, tenderly brushing its feathers, "Is he going to be okay?"
"He'll be fine," Dartmoor responded gruffly, "We have to the safehouse now. It's only about half a mile away. You there, hyper-pony, you think you can carry her that far?"
Pinkie nodded quickly as Rarity gripped her fur and groaned.
"Let's be off then. Hopefully that body will keep the other cats distracted until we get there."
Fluttershy looked back of the corpse of the monster cat that had nearly eaten her friend. She shivered at what Dartmoor had just implied. As much as she was glad that Rarity was going to be okay, she couldn't help feel sorry for it. First the train attendant, then this mountain lion; he seemed to make a habit out of killing anything in his way. She was beginning to question his character. How much did they really know about this guy, anyway? Could they really trust him?
"Hey, hurry up!"
She looked over her shoulder and saw the others had started off. She winced a little as she dashed ahead to catch up with them. They had no choice but to trust him, for now. ***
Shining Armor finished giving the standing orders to the night captain and sent him off. He opened the door to his enormous and regal bedroom, and took off his princely attire. His wife was already in bed reading a book.
"Everything go alright?" Cadence asked without looking up.
"Yeah," he responded distractedly, "I have something to tell you, by the way. You might want to listen to this."
She finished the paragraph she was on, placed a marker in the book and set it down, giving her husband her undivided attention.
"What is it?"
He breathed a deep sigh, "I just got done talking to one of our informants. It appears that we have a spy among us."
She gave a small laugh, "Of course we do, dear. This is a new kingdom, with new, inexperienced rulers. I'd be surprised if there wasn't a nation that had a spy in the capital."
"No, that's not it. I mean, you're right, we are surrounded by spies. But this one's different."
"Different how?"
"Different because of whom they are spying for. I mean, Princess Celestia briefed us about them and everything, but I didn't know just how active they were."
"You don't mean..." Princess Cadence looked up in shock. ***
Flash Sentry lifted his head from the bedroom chamber door. Looking around, he was relieved to see there were no guards in the vicinity at that time. He walked away casually with an unreadable look on his face. |
Surviving in a Strange Two Legged World | 5 - Pork is Good, but Beef is Better | Applejack shifted comfortably in the clothes her human counterpart had provided her. Truth be told, the tight blue jeans and uncomfortable wire bra had been starting to get to her. These clothes (flannel pajamas, she had called them) were amazing. She could start to see why Rarity was so fascinated with clothes all the time.
"Can Ah turn around now?" grumbled Human-AJ, who had been sitting on the bed in her room, "It's not like ya have anything Ah hadn't seen before."
"Yeah, heh. It just feels weird. Ah don' know how to explain it. It's just somethin' about this body where it feels like Ah'm... exposed when Ah'm not wearin' clothes. Must be not havin' fur."
"Well you're jus' gonna have ta get used to it, sugarcube. Ah hate ta say it, but in this world, girls undress in front of each other all the time."
She looked up into Pony-AJ's eyes and smiled.
"Ya jus' don' know how bizarre all this is, seein' myself like this. Ah don' suppose it's as bad for you, since ya aren't used ta seein' yourself all upright and such."
"Ah suppose it isn't. Ah guess we should be getting' down ta supper, huh?"
"Yeah, Ah suppose so."
Applejack followed her downstairs into the kitchen. The rest of the Apple family and Rainbow Dash sat there quietly. In fact, Rainbow Dash seemed to be struggling to keep herself awake. Her head started drifting downward as she fell asleep, only to jerk back upwards as she suddenly awoke. She continued this bobbing motion as her down strokes led her dangling hair dangerously close to her food. Human-AJ stepped over and lifted her head up.
"Ah think Ah should sit next ta sleepin' beauty here," she said with a small smile, "Unless she wants ta eat her supper off of her own face."
"Huh?" Rainbow asked, dazed, as she half opened her eyes.
"Now Ah done told ya what would happen if you had all that coffee. Let's hurry up an' get you fed and get ya off to bed."
"Sounds good," she replied.
Applejack took the seat in between the Applebloom and her sister and looked down at the meal before her. She recognized mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli, but the large brown chunk on her plate was completely foreign to her.
"What the hay is this?" Rainbow asked rudely, mimicking AJ's thoughts as she poked at her brown thing.
"That there is a prime cut Sweet Apple Acre's steak. Only the best around!" responded Human-AJ proudly.
"We never grew no steaks at the Sweet Apple Acres in Equestria."
"Really? Well about twenty years ago mah ma and pa had to branch out due to an apple famine, so we added a small ranch to the farm. Ah'm surprised y'all never did the same."
Applejack was about to ask what a ranch was before the whole table was distracted once again by Rainbow's eating habits. She proceded to pick up her steak in her bare hands and ripped a chunk out of it with her teeth, causing the others at the table to simply stare at her.
"Hey, this stuff is pretty good! I have to say, you human-things may be all haywire and backwards, but you do have some pretty cool food," she said through a mouth full of steak. After swallowing a bite that had been way too big, she continued, "What is this stuff anyway? Is it like bacon?"
"Y'all don' know what steak is?" asked Applebloom incredulously. The two pony-girls shook their heads.
"Well, steak is beef, and bacon is pork."
"You're going to have to talk normal at us, sugarcube," responded Applejack as she took a small bite of her own steak. It was a little greasy for her tastes, but it wasn't horrible. The closest thing she could associate it with was tomatoes. Tomatoes with a really weird texture. Kind of.
Even Big Mac was looking over at them now, curious as to how two young women could be so confused about a steak. He took a bite of his own medium-rare cut. Tasted good to him.
"Beef means, uhm, cow," said Human-AJ.
"Ya mean like some sorta cheese?"
"No, Ah mean cow meat."
Applejack dropped her fork. Both the girls looked over at the Apple family in shock.
"WHAT?!"
"What's the matter?"
Rainbow sputtered, as if unable to find words to say. Applejack tried her best to enumerate their problems without being rude to their guests.
"Uhm, s-sugarcube? We don'... what Ah mean ta say... Ah mean... Ponies are herbivores."
Human-AJ's eyes grew wide in realization, but Applebloom was unfazed.
"So?"
"'So'! Ah mean, this coulda been Mooriella or somethin'. Did y'all even know this cow?"
"Of course we did, Applejack," responded Human-AJ in attempted placation, "She was one of our herd. She was... actually, Big Mac slaughtered this cow. Which one was it, Mac?"
Big Mac looked uncomfortable, clearly not wanting to become involved in the discussion.
"One of the older brown ones, Ah think."
"But didya ever know her?" demanded Applejack, "Didya ever ask her what she liked, what she didn't like?"
The other AJ's brow creased, "Ah think you're confused there, sugarcube. Cows don' talk."
"They don't?" asked Rainbow Dash with mild interest as she tore off another chunk of steak with her teeth.
"Rainbow!" yelled AJ, appalled.
"What, I can't help it! It's good!"
"Look at that thing, Rainbow! It's practically bleeding!"
"No it's not, look. It's just pink in the middle."
"It doesn't matter if..."
"Look Applejack," Human-AJ started desperately, trying to avoid a fight, "Ah'm real sorry Ah didn't realize how wrong it was of me ta give y'all meat. Don' be angry at Rainbow, it's mah fault. If you're still hungry, Ah'll getcha some fresh taters and greens."
Applejack sighed, "Nah, Ah'm good. Ah think Ah'll just head off ta bed."
"Are ya sure, sugarcube?"
"Yeah. Ah'm not really sure where y'all want me ta sleep, though..."
"Well, there's only one guest room, so..."
"Ah'm not sleepin' with Rainbow, so don' even start!" accused Applejack angrily. Her counterpart seemed taken aback. Even Rainbow Dash looked up from her steak in confusion.
"Ah wasn't gonna suggest that. Ah was jus' gonna say y'all can sleep in mah bed. Ah'll take the couch."
"Ah ain't gonna steal your bed from ya," Applejack responded with a sigh, "So Ah'll..."
"Hogwash!" interjected Granny Smith. Everyone looked over at her in surprise - they had though she was asleep again. "I'm not lettin' no guest of the Apple family sleep on the couch!"
"It's ok, Granny Smith..." Applejack responded with a half-hearted smile.
"Nonsense. You'll be riskin' insultin' us if ya refuse Apple hospitality!"
Applejack smiled slightly; this Granny Smith was just like her pony version back home.
"Alright, Granny, Ah'll take the bed."
Applejack pushed her chair back from the table and headed upstairs slowly. After she was gone, Human-AJ turned to Granny Smith questioningly.
"Y'all wasn't even awake ta even hear who she was or why she's here."
"I'm getting' too old to worry none about the details. All I know is if they need help, I'm not gonna leave no friend o' my granddaughter's blowin' in the wind. Besides," she smiled, "Ya can't go doubtin' an honest face quite like that one."
Applejack smiled at the compliment. She looked around and saw that everyone left at the table was finished, with the exception of Rainbow who was eyeing the departed Applejack's steak hungrily.
"Y'all can have it, sugarcube," she said as she pushed the plate toward Rainbow, "But be sure an' eat your veggies too. Y'all are bound ta get a stomach ache if all ya eat is meat."
"Yeah, yeah," Rainbow Dash said as she completely disregarded her advice.
"Well Ah guess we better get ta bed ourselves. Long day tomorrow an' all."
The rest of her family agreed and took their dishes to the sink. Applejack had another reason to excuse herself though - she and her pony counterpart were long overdue a talk. Under the guise of getting clothes and a pillow from her room, she headed upstairs.
She tentatively paused before knocking on her own bedroom door. Ah hope she's not too steamed. Shutting her eyes for a moment, she rapped quickly on the door.
"Come in."
Human-AJ walked in to see her clone sitting on the edge of the bed, frowning slightly and apparently lost in thought. She looked up as Human-AJ walked into the room, her expression stony and unchanged.
"What do you need?" she asked trying to feign politeness, but her voice had a harsh edge to it nonetheless.
"Ah just wanted to talk there, sugarcube," responded Human-AJ with a comforting smile, "Well, that an' apologize."
Applejack raised her eyebrows.
"Ah'm just a dunderhead, is all. Ah shoulda known that y'all wouldn't want to eat meat. Ah'm sorry Ah offended you."
Applejack sighed, "Nah, it's okay. Ah guess I was just, shocked is all."
"Then what's got ya so upset?"
"Jus' thinkin', is all. Ah mean, we're stuck here. What if we can't find Sunset Shimmer? What if she doesn' know how ta get us back before the six months is up? Don' get me wrong, Ah'm mighty grateful y'all are puttin' us up like this. Ah know Rainbow is too. But what if we're stuck here for six more months? Ah wouldn't expect ya ta tolerate us that long. Not to mention how bad Twilight might be getting'."
Human-AJ smiled and pulled her new friend into a comforting hug.
"Don't y'all worry about it. We're not about ta let y'all jus' stumble about someplace ya know nothin' about. And Twilight's mah friend too. Ah promised Ah'd help you out, and Ah always keep mah word," she smiled, "We'll jus' have ta figure out a more permanent sleepin' arrangement."
"Thanks, Applejack."
Human-AJ grinned, "You have no idea how weird it is ta here you call me that."
"Ah think Ah do."
She gave Pony-AJ one more hug before heading toward the door.
"Sleep tight, sugarcube."
As she reached toward the doorknob, she heard her counterpart call out to her.
"Actually, there was one more thing Ah wanted ta ask ya."
Human-AJ turned around, "Shoot."
"Why do y'all keep insisting on puttin' me an' Rainbow in compromisin' situations?"
Human-AJ blushed, "Well Ah guess... Ah guess it's just 'cause it... it's like wish fulfillment."
"Wish fulfillment?"
"Yeah, well... You remember how Ah told you Ah kinda fancy the Rainbow Dash in this universe?"
"Now that you mention it, ya did say y'all were gonna explain all that ta me."
She sighed. This wasn't something that was easy to talk about, but she did promise, after all.
"Alright, Applejack, Ah'll tell you. But ya have to promise to keep it between us, alright? An' no laughin' at me!"
Pony-AJ nodded.
"Alright. Like Ah told ya before, mah datin' experience is non-existent. Farmin' just keeps me so busy Ah never really entertain the idea of romance. Not that Ah think about it too often, mind you, but Ah know it'd never work out.
"Rainbow Dash is the opposite. Ah'm sure y'all know it as well as me, but that girl loves attention. She's always surrounded by admirer's, an' Ah seen her arm around some strapping young lad more'n once. She an' Rarity talks about it from time ta time, an' Rainbow always says she jus' likes ta play 'em along. Ah don' know how, but Ah know she's tellin' the truth."
"Course ya can tell. Y'all are the Element of Honesty, after all."
"Huh?" Human-AJ questioned, "Element of whatsit now? Is that the thing..."
"Nevermind. Ah'll tell ya later."
"Okay, then. Anyway, we were all at one of Pinkie Pie's parties one day, this was about a year ago, mind you, but Ah was jus' sittin' around, bein' a wallflower like normal, when Ah went ta the restroom and stumbled on Rainbow."
"Ya mean...?"
"Naw, nothing like that," Human-AJ laughed, "She was in there... kissin'. Kissin' another girl. Lightning Dust, Ah think her name was. Ah was just so surprised, Ah closed the door an' couldn't think. Ah had always assumed Rainbow Dash ta be straight. It was confusin'. And then Ah sat back down where Ah was an' started feelin' stuff Ah never felt before."
"Really? Like what?"
"Like jealousy. Ah had no reason ta be jealous 'cause of Rainbow Dash, it's not like Ah fancied her at the time. Ah wasn't even sure if Ah could fancy a girl, myself. Ah just thought that she deserved better than that Lightning Dust girl. The more Ah thought about it, the angrier it made me. Lightning Dust was better'n me at everythin' Dash admired - sports, runnin', braggin'. They jus' seemed like such an obvious match..."
"Then what was the problem?"
"Ah'm sure ya know how Rainbow can get ta braggin'. That girl has a head bigger'n Goliath's left testicle. Pardon mah French."
"Who's this Goliath? What's French?"
"He was... never mind. Ah know ya get my meanin'. Anyway, Lightning Dust is like ten times worse. She's the kind of player who'll make the team lose cause she's too proud ta pass the ball cause she wants ta score the goal herself. Ah knew Dash could do better, but Ah also knew Ah couldn't compete with this girl."
"So what didja do?"
"Nothin'," replied Human-AJ sheepishly, "Ah was too shy ta say anythin' ta her. She figured out that Lightning Dust was no good on her own eventually. She even got her thrown off the team. But Ah still had feelings for her, as much as Ah knew Ah shouldn't."
"Why haven't ya told anyone about it? Doesn't it bother ya?"
"It sure does, sugarcube. But Ah think it's just not meant ta be. After we graduated, all Rainbow could talk about was joinin' the navy so she could be part of that flying aerobatic team with the fighter jets... what were they called again? Blue Angels? No, that's not it... Oh yeah, the Wonderbolts!"
Pony-AJ couldn't help but laugh. Rainbow Dash is Rainbow Dash, after all.
"Anyway, Ah know that Ah'm always gonna be workin' on this farm. It's where Ah've always known Ah wanted ta be, so Ah'm not gonna burden myself or Rainbow Dash with an inconvenient romance. Mah family's pretty traditional too, an' Ah don't want them ta have ta deal with somethin' Ah know'll make 'em uncomfortable. Ah'll jus' keep it ta myself, like always."
A long silence followed the end of her story. Both Applejacks just stared at the floor, unsure of what to say. Eventually, Human-AJ got up to leave.
"Ah'm a might sorry about bein' so pushy with you and that pony Rainbow," she said softly, "Ah should know better than ta think pushin' you two together would make me happy. Ah won't do it again."
"It's okay," smiled Pony-AJ, "Ah can't really be that sore at ya after that story. If ya ever need someone ta talk to in the future, you can always talk ta me. Ya know Ah'll understand ya."
The other Applejack laughed, "Yeah, Ah guess so. Better get some sleep there, sugarcube. We'll be gettin' up pretty early tomorrow ta start lookin' for this Twilight. Dash'll probably be asleep on the kitchen table by now. Better go help 'er off ta bed."
She left with a smile and quietly closed the door behind her. Applejack laid her head back on the comfortable pillow. It had been a full two days since she got to sleep in a proper bed and maybe because of this, this bed was about the most comfortable thing she had ever laid on. Before she knew it, she was fast asleep. ***
After what seemed like forever, Dartmoor finally led the three mares to the safe house. It was little more than a cave in the side of Galloping Gorge with a rickety door built into the entrance. Had she been in better condition, Rarity might have complained loudly at the garish nature of their sanctuary, but all three ponies were glad to finally be out of the exposure of the dangerous landscape.
The inside of the cave was not furnished any more than might be expected from the appearance of its entrance. There was two couches that surrounded a small fireplace, and the faint outlines of cots toward the back of the cave. Pinkie Pie immediately went toward one of the mildewed couches and gingerly laid Rarity down upon it. She let out a groan as her body sank into the worn cushions. As much as Fluttershy was worried about her friends, she also began to feel the pain and fatigue now that their journey was over. She gingerly sat in the spot on the couch next to Rarity and let out a small sigh.
"Dartmoor! Dartmoor Bronc! How did everything go?" cried out a voice from the back of the cave as a figure got up from one of the cots.
"Agister," nodded Dartmoor curtly, "Everything is fine. Only a few complications..."
As if in response to his statement, the group could hear the distant roar of a mountain lion from the canyon they had just been in. Fluttershy unconsciously shook in fear. The unicorn known as Agister walked over to her with a warm smile and put a hoof on her shoulder.
"Now, now, my dear, there's nothing to be worried about. I've been in this cave for about six months now, and never once has a mountain lion ever got close to getting in here. Besides," he lowered his voice, "Between you and me, I don't think a ten story tall dragon would be able to stand against Dartmoor over there when he gets in a mood for violence."
Fluttershy looked up at the stallion. He had an old, wrinkled face and a greying beard, but his eyes were kind, and Fluttershy knew she could trust him. She smiled back meekly. He turned his attention to Rarity.
"And what happened to you, young miss?"
"A mountain lion attacked her!" cried Pinkie in response, "And Fluttershy and me were all like 'AAAGH!' but then Dartmoor jumped on his and was all like 'CRACK!' but Rarity went all 'OWW!' but now we're here," she finished her speech while acting out all the appropriate actions.
"You killed another one, Dartmoor?" Agister rolled his eyes, "I keep telling you if you keep them alive there won't be any meat to keep attracting more!"
Dartmoor shrugged his shoulders and lazily fell back on the couch. He pulled out a bottle of bourbon from underneath the seat cushion and proceeded to take swigs from it with little interest in the conversation. Agister wasn't letting him off so easy.
"Please tell me that was the only thing you killed tonight!"
"Ooh! He also threw the train attendant under the moving train!" Pinkie volunteered.
"Dartmoor! Seriously?!"
Dartmoor shrugged again, "Seemed like a good idea at the time."
Agister let out an exasperated groan, "We have quite enough attention on us without you killing everypony you come across! Ugh... There's no getting through to you. Come now, my dear," he said as her turned his attention to Rarity, "Let's see about getting you patched up."
He went back to one of the cots in the rear of the cave and returned with a large roll of gauze. He inspected Rarity closely, something she would not normally let a strange pony do, but she wasn't in a state to protest.
"It's not so bad, luckily the punctures don't go as deep as your lungs, I think. We just need to disinfect..."
He grabbed the bottle of bourbon from out of Dartmoor's hooves...
"HEY!"
...and poured it on a freshly ripped piece of gauze. Next he rubbed it briskly into the wounds through Rarity's red-stained coat. She winched, but she didn't say anything. Dartmoor started throwing a tantrum and cursing wildly.
"I DON'T KNOW WHY I KEEP YOU AROUND YOU USELESS SAGGY MANTICORE SCRO... "
"Let's wrap you up now," said Agister, ignoring the raging stallion behind him, "We're going to need to get you to a real doctor soon, but I think this will do for the time being. Celestia knows Dartmoor usually comes back with worse injuries than this, but he always heals up pretty good on his own. Now your turn..."
He turned and smiled at Fluttershy. She instinctively recoiled.
"It will only hurt for a second, young filly, now let's..."
"SHE DOESN'T NEED THAT BOOZE AS MUCH AS I DO! SHE CAN GO SUCK YOUR WRINKLY OLD PARASPRITE-SIZED D..."
"Just ignore him!" advised Agister with exasperation as Fluttershy drew back in fear, "He gets cranky when he doesn't get his fix. It was the last bottle anyway, so I don't know what he expected..."
As soon as he poured the alcohol on the gauze pad, Dartmoor ripped the bottle out of his magic aura and guzzled down the rest. He slammed back into his seat on the other couch and grumbled about ruining a good night of drinking. After Agister was done patching up Fluttershy, he took a seat between Pinkie and Dartmoor on the other couch and sighed.
"How bad was it, Dart? As bad as we feared?"
"Worse, I think. Somepony wanted these fillies dead."
"Dead? But that doesn't make sense. How do you know?"
"There was a bomb on the train. Somepony besides us knew they were coming."
"A bomb..." Agister put wearily held his head in his hoofs for a minute before remembering the three mares that were also present.
"I'm sorry ladies," he said softly, "You must have had a very long night. There should be enough cots in the back for all of us. Please make yourselves at home. We can talk in the morning."
"No!" shouted Fluttershy, startling everypony present. She quickly realized her tone of voice and rebounded to her normal soft mode of speech, "I mean... if it's okay with you... I think we won't be able to sleep very well until we know what's going on."
"Dartmoor did promise us!" Pinkie reminded. Rarity nodded in agreement.
"You did?" Agister asked with a smile at the corner of his mouth, "Well then you better make good on it..."
"Fine," Dartmoor groaned, "But you owe me a new bottle of bourbon when we get to town."
He sat up half-heartedly and cleared his throat.
"Oh!" cried Pinkie as if suddenly realizing something, "Here you go! I found this!"
She pulled an unopened bottle of the same brand of bourbon that been emptied only minutes before. A confused look arose on everypony's face as he reached out to take it. As he was about to grab it in his hoof, he paused hesitantly.
"Wait, where were you keeping this? You don't have a saddlebag..."
"Oh, I just found it."
"It's best not to try to understand Pinkie," explained Fluttershy quietly, "It's made ponies go insane before."
Dartmoor shrugged and took the bottle. He guzzled down a quarter of it in one long pull and went on with his story a little more enthused.
"I'm sure you all remember the death of King Sombra - of course you do, you were there. It was a very confusing time for the whole Crystal Empire. I mean, imagine, one day you're slaves to an evil asshole, then some so-called goddess princess pony bitches come and have some sort of fight with him. The next thing you know, you're sucked into a shitty time warp thing and you wake up a thousand years later, but it feels like tomorrow. Some new royal assholes are declaring themselves your prince and princess and a bunch of entirely-too-happy ponies are trying to throw you a carnival, but you're too concerned about the brutal beatings you got yesterday, which was really a thousand years ago."
The three mares looked to Dartmoor in some confusion. He was taking steady swigs of his new drink as he talked, and it showed. He looked like he was wavering a little bit and his words were slightly slurred, but he seemed to still have a firm grasp on his state of mind and his cognitive faculties. He just couldn't get the words out right. Or make any sense.
"Let me take over," Agister cut in apologetically; Dartmoor shrugged and took another drink.. He looked over toward the three mares and continued, "Anyway, the empire came back and King Sombra was destroyed. As confusing it was to all the crystal ponies who were recently reawakened, it was more than enough to drive them into ecstasy and pledge allegiance to the alicorn who had declared herself their ruler.
"However, not everypony was happy about the change. One man does not a government make, after all. King Sombra had ministers, bureaucrats, soldiers... All of which Sombra treated very well, like any good despot would. Several of his old cronies have gotten together and formed a secret society of sorts - The Black Crystal Disciples. These are evil ponies, to say the least. Even now they're scheming ways of resurrecting their old master."
"Is... Is that even possible?" asked Fluttershy fearfully.
"We think so," he continued gravely, "We don't know all the details, but we know it has something to do with the Elements of Harmony - with you ladies. We had thought they would try to kidnap you and use you somehow. That's why Dartmoor followed you when we heard through a spy that you were in the Crystal Empire. We thought they would try to kidnap you, but from what Dartmoor's said about the bomb, it appears that they want something far worse. Right now our greatest priority is to keep you six mares safe."
The group sat silent for a few minutes, interrupted only by the soft sound of Dartmoor continuing to imbibe. Rarity shifted painfully in her spot, able to softly speak a question that was on all three mare's minds.
"Pardon me, sir. Agister was it? I don't believe you've told us how you and this... other (cough) gentleman fit into all this."
Agister smiled softly, "Yes, you are quite correct, miss. I do apologize. You may not know this, but the land upon which you know lie was once sovereign Crystal Empire territory. The whole empire didn't disappear with Sombra, you see, only the capital city did. Princess Celestia took no time in annexing the parts of the empire still extant after the king's defeat. My ancestors were - are - the very ponies now residing in the Crystal Empire city that you all saved. As the centuries passed, the crystal ponies that had not been banished began interbreeding with the Equestrian ponies, and over time we lost our characteristic shimmering coat.
"After Sombra was defeated a thousand years ago, many of the survivors of his tyranny knew that he would one day return, and a group formed with this one solitary cause - to watch for signs of his return, and stop it through any means. This group became a secret society of its own, and my father was a member, as was his father. It is my entire purpose in life to ensure that Sombra will never again exercise his iron rule upon anypony. We are kind of a counter to the Black Crystal Disciples, I suppose, although our numbers have dwindled through the years. Dartmoor here joined up about a year ago, and he has been an invaluable ally, even if his methods are slightly... very brutal."
Dartmoor responded to this with a loud belch as he emptied the rest of the bottle Pinkie gave him. Agister facehoofed and shook his head in exasperation.
"Now if that's all your questions, I think we'd better get to bed." |
Surviving in a Strange Two Legged World | 6 - Insulting Random Strangers | Rarity awoke in the middle of the night. The dull ache in her sides had been plaguing her sleep all evening. Nightmares of both vicious, oversized mountain lions and Twilight's funeral ensured that any sleep she was able to acquire was far from restful. Groaning in frustration, she slowly climbed out of the cot. Even with a fire roaring, it was far from a comfortable temperature - they were in the back of the cave. It seemed only fit she wait out the remainder of her restless night closer to the fire pit alcove.
Without looking toward her other companions, who, she assumed, were fast asleep, she slowly lowered herself in front of the makeshift fireplace and tried to curl up on the uncomfortable manila rug there. It was terribly scratchy and not the least bit soft, but at least it was warm. She felt the hot gusts of the fire's breath wash over her face. The flames danced and flickered as they enacted their ritual of turning wood to white ash. There was a stack of firewood in the far corner that she assumed somepony had hauled there from quite a distance, as she didn't see any trees in the cougar-filled canyon. It must have taken quite a bit of bravery to haul wood through a predator infested place such as the Galloping Gorge, and there was only one among them that would do it. Actually, he didn't so much have bravery as he completely lacked fear. Such a strange character...
She let out a great sigh. She knew it was quite an unladylike noise, but she wasn't in the company of anypony. There was just a lot weighing on her mind. Twilight's fate of course hadn't left her thoughts. She knew that if anypony could find her counterpart in that other strange world, Applejack and Rainbow Dash were the ones to do it, although she'd be loath to admit that to them personally. She spent a moment wondering what the two of them were doing. Had they found the other Twilight yet? Maybe they've run into the other Rarity. Knowing... well, herself - she'd be sure to help the two of them blend in better with that other world. Hopefully they were on their way back right now. She let out another sigh. Hopefully Pinkie, Fluttershy and herself would be heading back soon as well.
Agister hadn't mentioned what they would be doing today, she assumed it was nothing. They had a hard enough time getting to this hideout themselves, and that was with a guide that knew exactly where it was and apparently could kill mountain lions singlehoofedly. She couldn't see how they would be able to leave so easily with one pony scraped up and one pony having a difficult time even walking. The thoughts of missing orders from important customers still weighed on her mind, but the newly revealed existence of some mysterious, malevolent force had taken the forefront of her thoughts. The safety of Twilight was now her primary concern. She knew the princes and princess would do their best to protect her, but did they know about the Disciples?
"Something bothering you, sweetheart?"
Rarity nearly jumped ten feet in the air. Swinging her head around wildly, she saw Dartmoor laying lazily on one of the couches. How had she missed him?
"What... How long have you been laying there?" she asked in shock.
"Pretty much all night. I can never sleep that well with other people around. Or when I'm hungover."
Rarity didn't know quite what to say. She hadn't expected to hold a conversation so late at night. Or so early in the morning. She couldn't tell which.
"Don't... don't call me sweetheart," she blurted out, unsure what else to say.
"Whatever you say, Princess Priss."
"No, just..."
"I'm pulling your leg, babe," he laughed, "I'm from Assateague, down near Baltimare. It's just part of the accent to address fillies affectionately, regardless if I know them or not - or if they're perfect princesses or whiny little bitches."
"Are you...?!" she started furiously.
"Just ignore it," he sighed, "I'm not used to social niceties, see? Agister gets on me for it, but it'll take a damn miracle just to get me to care enough to learn, saying nothing of learning it. You never answered my question."
"What question?"
"What's bothering you?"
"Oh..." she replied without commitment. He was right, there was a lot on her mind, but he wasn't exactly the one she wanted to vent to. She would much rather talk to one of the other girls (alright, Fluttershy), or even that Agister fellow. But this brute? She sighed in exhaustion. An ear is still an ear, right?
"I suppose I am, well, worried. My dear friend, Twilight Sparkle, has met the most unfortunate fate, and..."
"You're talking about the Kīla of Gothmog, right?"
Rarity's jaw dropped, "How did you know about that?! Princess Celestia insisted the only ones who could know were the royals and Elements of Harmony such as myself. How..."
Dartmoor laughed, "You think secrets are that easy to keep? Surely a gossip such as yourself should have known better."
"A gossip!" she sputtered, "How did you... I mean, what makes you think I'm a gossiper? I would never..."
"We have spies everywhere," he laughed, "Everyone worth knowing something about, we know something about them. As the new Elements of Harmony, you six fillies are some of the most important ponies in the empire. I'm sure the Disciples know quite a bit about you as well. Their spies well outnumber ours, after all."
Rarity felt a chill, "You mean, these Disciple ruffians have been... stalking me?"
"I'm almost sure of it. You think every customer you've had were there to buy dresses? You think everypony at Pinkie Pie's parties were really interested in dancing and playing foals' party games? You think everypony who glanced at Sweetie Belle as she did that ridiculous crusading had purely innocent intentions?"
"You've been stalking Sweetie Belle?!" shouted Rarity in a furious rage. Her cheeks were inflamed with passion - nopony threatens her family.
"Calm down, lady!" Dartmoor whispered loudly, looking back to the figures sleeping on the cots, "We're the good guys, remember? We aren't watching your sister as much as we're watching the ponies watching her, get me? So relax, we got it under control. We've got some of our top people in Ponyville right now. We don't want anything happening to any of you six, you're too important."
"Yes, good job with that," Rarity spat indignantly. She still wasn't pleased with knowing these... ponies were watching her sister.
"Hey, we had no idea that they found the kīla! Believe it or not, we don't know much more about it than you guys do. Agister's tearing his beard out trying to figure out why it would make Twilight stab herself!"
Rarity fell silent. Any feeling of anger she had was quickly replaced by sadness as she was abruptly reminded of the cruel fate of her friend. Dartmoor, while completely lacking any social grace, nonetheless knew when he went too far. There was an uncomfortable silence in the dank cave, interrupted only by the heavy breathing of the sleeping ponies on the cots in the back. Eventually, the silence began to eat at her. As unpleasant as her companion was, it still helped her to have something to distract her wandering mind. Silence was not something Rarity was used to, so she tried once again to stir conversation from the uncouth earth pony.
"So... if I may be so bold, why did you join with Agister and his group again?"
Dartmoor had a strange look on his face, somewhere between thoughtful and bored, "Do you know about what happened on Assateague Island thirty years ago?"
"No, I'm afraid not."
"Well, I'm not going to get into it, but it was bad. I was just a young colt at the time, when the chaos started, like the devil himself took a interest in my village. Agister was much less grey at the time, worked in the government. I heard he used to report to Celestia herself, actually. Anyway, he was there on that day, and he just happened to come across me. He saved my life, and I never got to thank him for it. He wanted to take me in, adopt me. I was in no right state to live a normal life after... Assateague. I lived my days in the wild. I learned to hunt, to kill, to survive. I found Ayden abandoned when he was a fledgling about ten years ago. He's really been my only friend, the only one I've talked to. I traveled from Manehatten to Los Pegasus, Vanhoover to the Southern Badlands. I rarely talked to a pony, but I did do business with buffalo from time to time. I mostly dealt in forbidden goods, fur, drugs, dangerous magic artifacts - that sort of thing. My life was as simple, and simultaneously as complex as a life could be. Anyway, around the time the Crystal Empire reappeared, he found me.
"I don't know how Agister found me; nopony ever found me before unless I wanted to be found. He asked me if I could help him, if I would join the resistance. I never forgot what he did for me, thirty years ago. I signed on right then. I don't really care about the Crystal Empire, or King Sombra, or none of that. All I know is that Agister is the only pony who was ever kind to me, and I'm not about to leave him blowing in the wind when times are so dangerous."
He stopped speaking abruptly, and Rarity almost expected him to say more. It seemed like Dartmoor wasn't in the habit of telling stories, or even talking to other ponies, but Rarity had understood what he meant. She felt a tinge of sorrow for the stallion in front of her. Equestria was a relatively peaceful place, and there weren't a lot of ponies who had to deal with kinds of tragedy and isolation this pony had gone through. The name "Assateague" was vaguely familiar to Rarity, but she didn't quite remember its significance.
"I'm afraid I'm not quite familiar with Assateague Island. Would you..."
"No," said Dartmoor sternly, "That's not something I talk about. If you have to know, ask Agister later. It's getting late, you should probably try to get to sleep."
Rarity knew when to quit while she was ahead, even if her curiosity dictated that she continue to pester. She laid her head down on her hooves in front of her hooves, but it seemed sleep would evade her that night. Not because of her injuries, but the unrest of her mind. ***
Applejack awoke at the crow of a rooster. For a moment she forgot where she was in the haze of early morning sleepiness. The crow of the rooster meant there were trees needing bucking. She sleepily rolled out of bed and landed on all fours, but something wasn't right. Her forelegs were way too small.
Oh yeah, Ah'm a human, she laughed to herself.
She shook the sleep out of her eyes and slowly pulled herself up in a standing position. She wasn't used to standing up all on her own from a kneeling position quite yet, so she used the bed for support. She slowly crossed the room and opened the bedroom door. An absolutely delicious smell wafted in from the hallway. She inhaled deeply and smiled. Somebody was making breakfast. She walked over to the door she knew belonged to the guest bedroom and rapped loudly on it with her fist.
"Rainbow! Wake up, breakfast is ready!"
A barely audible grunt, full of sleepy laziness, met her ears.
"Oh for cryin' out loud, Ah'm comin' in!"
She walked into the bedroom to see an startling, if amusing, sight. Rainbow was laying on her bed with her head facing the foot of the bed. Her knees were pulled up to her chest in a fetal position with her face pressed into the mattress. Applejack wondered for a minute how she could breathe. Turning on the light, she jumped back with a familiar frenzy of adrenaline when she realized that Rainbow Dash was, once again, naked.
"Gosh durn it, Rainbow!" Applejack cried as she averted her eyes, "How many times have Ah told ya, ya have to wear clothes here!"
"All the time?" mumbled Dash into the bed.
"Yeah, all the time! Ah don' wanna keep worryin' about stumblin' in on ya buck-ass naked all the time. Thank Celestia you're plot's facin' the other way!"
All Rainbow Dash did in response to this statement was mumble slightly as she shifted in her position.
"Ah don' even want ta think might happen if the other Applejack stumbled in on ya like this! The poor girl's confused enough as it is without ya showin' off your parts ta anybody unfortunate enough ta..."
"What?" asked Rainbow, looking up, "What's she confused about? I don't have anything she doesn't have. I mean, I think so. I'm not really sure how human-people's bodies work, but there..."
"Never mind," responded Applejack quickly, "Forget Ah said anything. Just make sure ta get dressed before ya come down ta breakfast. Celestia knows ya already scarred poor Applebloom for life."
She saw Rainbow Dash smile sheepishly as she closed the door behind her. She could barely hear the sounds of her rolling out of bed, so she turned around to go downstairs for breakfast. To her surprise, as soon as she spun around, she found herself standing nose to nose with her counterpart.
"Ya know," Human-AJ said, "Ya really know how ta have the worst timin' in the world. Ah was just about ta wake you two up for breakfast. How come Ah never get to stumble in on..."
"Applejack," said Pony-AJ as she held a hand up to her mouth, "Shuddup. Y'all have issues."
She could feel the other Applejack's lips curl into a smiled underneath her hand. She just sighed and made her way down to the kitchen, ensuring Human-AJ didn't try to take a peek into the guestroom. Apparently the two of them were the only ones who were up. She went to sit down in her usual spot to see the plates already had food on them. She had waffles, applesauce and cheese grits. She looks to the plate sitting at Rainbow's usual seat and noticed a generous portion of bacon alongside the rest of her fare.
"Go ahead and eat up," said Human-AJ, smiling at her, "We're gonna be takin' a trip around town ta talk to everypony Ah know. Ah'm sure somepony knows where we can find Twilight."
"Y'all just can't use that box thingy ta talk ta her," asked AJ through a mouth full of waffle, "Applebloom was able ta talk to ya yesterday, and y'all weren't anyway around!"
"That's because she knew mah number, sugarcube. If Ah don't know Twilight's number, Ah can't call her."
"So let me get this straight. Y'all have to remember everypony's numbers and their names? What the hay is the point? That's just confusin'."
Human-AJ laughed, "Naw, Ah don't really remember anyone's numbers. The phone does that for me."
"Ya mean that phone-thingy jus' up and knows people's numbers? Then ask it what Twilight's number is!"
The other Applejack opened her mouth to explain all the things that were wrong with that statement before promptly closing it. The pony-girl had a good point. Why didn't they try to find Twilight online?
"Ya know what, sugarcube? Ah might jus' do that."
Applejack ate in silence as her counterpart messed around with her phone for a few minutes. The smile on her face slowly straightened, then became a complete frown by the time she turned off the phone in annoyance and looked up.
"Not a durn thing. Nothing in Google, no Facespace. Ah mean, no Facespace for cryin' out loud! Even Granny Smith has a Facespace, although she uses it mostly ta post embarrassing picture on our pages."
Pony-AJ had no idea what she was talking about, "So what does that mean?"
"What it means, sugarcube, is that this is gonna be a lot harder than it seems. Ah just hope one of the other girls knows somthin'."
As Human Applejack was talking, Rainbow Dash entered the kitchen and flopped down in her breakfast chair. There were bags around her eyes, her hair was a mess, and Applejack was pretty sure she had her pants on backwards (though she had to admit, she wasn't exactly and expert on pants either). She was wearing another one of the human AJ's outfits, and it was noticeable. There were huge stretches in the fabric where her chest was, something that didn't go unnoticed by the cloth's owner.
"Sorry about that sugarcube. Ah guess Ah fill out a little more'n you do. We can pick you up somethin' downtown when we go if ya want."
Rainbow shrugged sleepily.
"We can't really afford to get ya that much, though. Ya may want ta stop by Rainbow's - our Rainbow's - place and see if she'd help ya out a little in that department."
At this, Rainbow's eyes lit up. She looked up eagerly, any semblance of exhaustion gone.
"Really? We're gonna stop by the Human-me's place? That's just... awesome! Man, I wonder what her house looks like. I mean, I don't think it's made out of clouds, but if she's just as awesome as me, I bet it's just as cool. I wonder..."
"Hold up there, sugarcube," Human-AJ laughed, "Ah doubt Rainbow's even up yet. Ah need ta give 'er a call a little later. Right now we need ta focus on getting' stuff done. Ah don' think Sugar Cube Corner is open quite yet, but Carousel Boutique usually opens pretty early. Fluttershy probably..."
"Uhm... excuse me? Did somebody say my name?"
All three girls looked up in bewilderment to the side door. A girl with long pink hair, half hiding her face, stood at the screen door that opened to the outside. Both Applejack and Rainbow Dash knew immediately who she was from both her appearance and manner of speaking - the human Fluttershy. A loud barking noise accompanied her entrance, and a dog very familiar to everyone present bounding in the door. She jumped up on the human Applejack and immediately began licking her face.
"Durn it, get down, Winona," Human-AJ laughed, "I plum forgot y'all were bringing her back today."
"Yes," smiled Fluttershy, "She's doing much better. I think it was... meep!"
Fluttershy had entered the kitchen enough by now to notice Rainbow Dash and the doppelganger Applejack. Her eyes went wide while her pupils simultaneously shrank as she jumped behind Human-AJ.
"What the... Oh, you're worried about them?" asked Human-AJ, "Well, shoot, this ain't a easy story ta tell. Ya remember when Twilight came ta our school last year?"
Fluttershy nodded weakly.
"Well, these folks are from the same place as Twilight. They're jus' ponies who're just like us. That's Rainbow Dash, as ya probably coulda guessed. And the pretty one there is known as Applejack. There's probably another Fluttershy over there too. Anyway, Ah'm glad ya stopped by. Ah forgot y'all were bringin' Winona back today. Why stop by so early?"
"Oh, uhm, I have to go to class later," she said quietly.
"Fluttershy here works as a receptionist at the local vet," explained Human-AJ, "She's also goin' ta school to be a full-fledged veterinarian, although Ah think that's jus' insultin'. Our Fluttershy is good enough ta be a vet right now if she wants to."
Fluttershy blushed at the compliment.
"Our Fluttershy's pretty good at animal stuff too, ya know," said Rainbow, "There was this one time, with this giant dragon..."
"MEEP!"
"...and she just gave it a hay of a talking to and zoom! - that dragon flew away faster than any pony in Ponyville. Besides me, of course.
"So anyway," she continued, "What were you Applejacks talking about when I came down? I never got to ask."
"Oh, Ah was jus' saying how Ah couldn't find Twilight on mah phone. Y'all never heard of a Twilight around town, have ya, Shy?"
Fluttershy shook her head, "Sorry, no."
"Wait, hold on a minute," interjected Rainbow, "What's this phone thing you said you were searching? Huh?"
"It's called a cell phone, sugarcube. It pretty much has anything you'd ever want to know on it," Human-AJ explained as she handed the phone to Rainbow.
"So what do people use it for?" asked Applejack.
Human-AJ shrugged, "Mostly ta look at pictures of cats and get in arguments with strangers."
Applejack's mouth hung open as she stared at her counterpart. What? Twilight Sparkle would kill - torture, maim and kill - to get her hands on something like that (well, she's think about it anyway). And the human's use it to look at pictures? Maybe humans weren't smart as they appeared.
"Cool!" cried Rainbow Dash, "You mean I can just like, insult a random stranger on this thing? How do I do that?"
Human-AJ sighed, "Just touch the little box that say 'Umeagle'."
Rainbow Dash stuck her tongue out slightly as she concentrated on using her new found power. The Applejacks turned to Fluttershy, who withdrew slightly at the renewed attention.
"Ya got any ideas 'bout where we should start lookin'."
"Uhm, have you tried Pinkie Pie? She knows a lot of people in town, maybe..."
"Hey," interrupted Rainbow loudly, "What's ASL mean?"
"It means 'age, sex, location'," replied Human-AJ with a sigh, "They just want ta know a little about you."
"Oh..."
"Ah think Ah agree with ya," said Applejack, turning her attention back to Fluttershy, "She might be our best bet. Even if she don' know Twilight, she might know someone that know her. Ah really shoulda asked her when we saw 'er the other day, but Ah guess we were too worried about gettin' somewhere ta sleep."
The girls nodded in agreement. Everybody finished the food on their plates as Fluttershy waited patiently, rubbing Winona's tummy. Dash grabbed bacon strip after bacon strip, frowning at the phone. Eventually, she growled and threw it back at Applejack. Everyone present raised their eyebrows, but knew better than to say anything. Eventually, breakfast was finished and Human-AJ put all the dishes away. She sighed as she saw that yet again, Rainbow Dash had refused to eat all non-meat items on her plate.
"Ah guess it's about time ta get goin'..." she said as the dishes were washed.
"I have to go to school now," announced Fluttershy, "I'll try to come back later this evening, if that's okay with everybody?"
Applejack answered in the affirmative as the four girls walked to the front door as the chilly autumn air greeted them. Fluttershy got into her small hatchback as the other three made for AJ's turck. As they walked toward the truck, Human-AJ looked down at the last Umeagle conversation on her phone and chuckled.
You are now connected with a random stranger. Say hi!
Stranger: ASL?
You: mare, pegasus, ponyville
Stranger: R U srs
You: huh
Stranger: male, dragon, fudgeumama land
You: dragon, really? how big are you?
Stranger: 20 inches and thick
You: wow, thats sad. i know a baby dragon whos bigger than you.
Stranger: thats not what your mom said last nite
You: that doesnt make sence
Stranger: i bet your moms easy
You: Are you calling my mom easy to beat!!!
Stranger: lol. No, your dad does that.
You: no way. noponys faster than my mom
You: except me
Stranger: LOL!!
Stranger: UR lame
Stranger: suck my balls
Stranger has left the chatroom. ***
Spike rolled over in his bed and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. Where was he, again? Oh yeah - in Twilight's room at the Crystal Palace. He closed his eyes to try to get some more sleep, but as desirable as it sounded, he couldn't quite get there. His eyes were tired, but his mind was not. He groaned and opened them once more, revealing a tray of delicious looking food in front of him - a cheese and ruby omelet, toast and a glass of apple cider.
"Wow!" he exclaimed sleepily.
"Do you like it?" a voice to his left asked. He looked over to see a white pony with rose red hair looking after Twilight.
"Carmine!"
"I thought maybe you'd like a little something different today," she smiled as she wrote something down on a clipboard, "The palace chef and I went to school together as foals, so I asked him if he had anything other than the usual pony fare."
Spike took a bite of the omelet. It was one of the most delicious things he's had in a long time. All of the food he could normally get in Ponyville was typical of a grazing animal - hay, flowers, grains and some fruit. A dragon could survive on such food, of course, but it was hardly desirable.
"I didn't even know ponies ate eggs," he said though a mouthful of food.
"They don't," she said as she sat down next to him, "but being a capital city, we have a lot of food fit for foreign dignitaries. I don't think any gryphons, for example, would be caught dead eating a daisy sandwich."
"Is this... Sweet Apple Acres cider?"
"Yep! It's more popular than you'd probably have guessed. Shining Ar... I mean, the prince loves this stuff. Actually, I think the chef might have pulled this out of the prince's personal stash. He might.... Well, he owed me a favor."
"And you used it to get me breakfast?" Spike asked incredulously.
"What can I say?" she blushed slightly, "You looked like you could use a pick-me-up. You've been doing nothing but sitting in your bed reading those old books we got at the library. It's like you've been possessed by Twilight..."
She suddenly trailed off as she had said something she didn't mean. She looked over at Spike nervously, as if waiting to see if he got upset.
"It's ok, Carmine," he said, "I know you didn't mean it. I know her soul is right where it belongs. I just know it."
He cast a look over at Twilight's motionless body on the bed. Carmine breathed a sigh of relief, her faux-pas overlooked.
"Do you think she can hear us?" he asked.
"Maybe," she started thoughtfully, "In a normal magic coma, the patient can hear and see everything she would normally, but would be unable to move other than to perform basic bodily functions, like breathe. But with this thing," she cast a glance at the Kīla of Gothmog, "I can't really say for sure. Its power is unlike anything we've seen in either magic or medical literature. So there's a chance she can't but If you want to talk to her, that could certainly help. I can't imagine what the poor thing must be going through, unable to talk or move."
Carmine looked over at the ornate grandfather clock on the opposite wall of the guestroom.
"It's about time for my shift to be over. Nurse Agate should..."
She stopped suddenly, her eyes attentive and ears perked.
"What..." Spike began.
She held a hoof to her mouth to shush him and crept toward the guest room door. There were sounds of shouting in the hall beyond the shut door. A faint sound of clashing metal. An explosion.
Almost as Carmine reached the door, it burst open on its own as a pegasus stallion with a shock of blue hair leapt into the room. He was all too familiar to Spike.
"Not you..."
"Who are you?!" demanded Carmine.
"I'm a guard. Flash Sentry," the stallion panted, "Someone's attacking the palace! Whatever you do, stay here! No matter what you hear outside."
"Now wait a minute, the..."
Flash had slammed the doors shut before she could utter another word. Spike and Carmine Quartz looked at each other in utter shock and confusion. A great thud resounded from the door of the guestroom as it seemed Flash had shoved something heavy in front of it. Carmine immediately ran and tried opening the door.
"It's no use!" she shouted, "They open outwards!"
"What are we going to do?"
Carmine looked around desperately before her eyes rested on a window. She flew toward it and threw it open with all her might. The crystal paving below them was an intimidating forty feet below. Shouting erupted from beyond the guestroom door, and both her and Spike spun their heads in fear at the ever closing sounds of battle.
"We have to jump!" she said with iron determination.
Spike simply nodded his head, trusting everything to the only friend he had right now.
"Help me get Twilight on my back," she said as she tried pulling the comatose mare off the bed. A great thud landed against the door behind them. Spike froze with fear just as Carmine managed to ease Twilight onto her back. The alicorn laid in an awkward sideways angle due to the dagger still protruding from her stomach so Carmine had to continuously shift to ensure she didn't fall off.
There was a thud at the door, as if something - or somepony - was thrown against it.
"Grab that sheet Spike," she said. Spike did nothing but stare in fear, "Spike! Snap out of it!"
Spike shook his head to clear the cobwebs, but all he managed to do was make himself dizzy. He somehow shifted into autopilot as he ripped the top sheet off the bed. He wanted to think, to process what was going on, to come up with a plan, but it appeared his brain was unable to perform any function of thought. He made to hand the sheet to Carmine.
"I can't tie knots!" she exclaimed, "I don't have claws! Quick, use the bed sheet to tie Twilight to me."
Spike hesitantly got to the task and tied Twilight to her back. Truth be told, he usually didn't have a lot of reason to tie knots in the library, and it had been a year since Twilight had taught him how. He wrapped the sheet around her and started tying the corners in big bows under Carmine's stomach. The door banged again as he heard the unmistakable sound of scraping. He knew what that meant - somebody was moving the obstacle that was holding the door shut.
"Hop on, hurry!" cried Carmine in panic. Spike jumped on top of the covered bulge on her back that was Twilight and held on tight. Carmine galloped to the window sill and jumped on the ledge.
"What are you doing?!" asked Spike desperately, looking down to the drop before them and then promptly shutting his eyes, "You'd have to be a pegasus or a unicorn to make it!"
"Hey, wait!" called a voice behind them. Flash Sentry had appeared in the open doorway. He rushed toward the three on the window sill, but Carmine gave a mighty buck. It landed squarely on Flash's face, painfully knocking him back.
"Close your eyes and hold on!" shouted Carmine.
Spike shut his eyes as tight as he could as Carmine pushed off from the window sill with all her might. Spike felt the terrible sensation of weightlessness as they rapidly approached the ground below them. ***
Shining Armor felt a metal-clad hoof strike the side of his face. Laughter echoed around him. He was in his throne room, but it was almost unrecognizable. The brightly colored banners laid ripped upon the floor. His normal crystal guards were missing, having been replaced by what appeared to be street ruffians. A unicorn stallion with a great scar on the left side of his face stood in front of him. He briefly shook the pain out of the hoof he had just used to hit Shining.
"I said, where is Twilight Sparkle?!"
All he got in return was a sarcastic smile from the Prince.
"Fine! If you won't tell us, maybe we can get your wife to tell us!" the scarred stallion screamed, "All of you, come on. We're moving this party to the king's armory."
As the rest of the ponies in the room began moving toward the combined armory and torture dungeon, the unicorn leaned close to Shining Armor. He whispered so that nopony else could hear - "How much do you think we can stretch Cadence on the Rack until she breaks? I bet those prissy little wings will rip off first..." |
Surviving in a Strange Two Legged World | 7 - Two Girls, One Cup Size | The farm truck followed the small yellow hatchback down the dirt road to the gate of the farm. Rainbow had insisted that she ride in the bed of the truck once again so, as she put it, she could 'feel the wind in my mane'. The Applejacks knew better than to refuse. They could hear her happily jumping around and seeing how far she could lean over the edge before pulling back and giggling. Applejack and her human counterpart turned to smile at each other.
"Ya know, Ah can kinda see how ya find her so cute," Pony-AJ said quietly.
The other Applejack smiled, "Yeah?"
"But if you ever tell anybody that, Ah'll buck ya where it hurts."
Human-AJ smiled mischievously, "Sounds like fun. Ya plannin' ta invite me back ta mah bed sometime?"
"What? No!" Applejack recoiled, "Ah didn't mean 'buck' like that! Y'all have some serious issues. Maybe you should see a counselor, or somethin'."
Her counterpart laughed, "Ah'm jus' pullin' your leg, sugarcube. No offense, but you're not mah type."
She breathed a sigh of relief, "Ya had me goin' there for a minute."
Applejack sat in silence for a minute contemplating what the human farmer had just said. She was about to ask her something when Rainbow Dash banged on the back of the truck cab.
"Go faster!"
The girls in the truck laughed as Human-AJ downshifted and gunned the engine. There was a sudden lurch as the truck pulled forward, the sound of the pistons pumping only barely louder than the sounds of their friend's cries of delight. AJ let the truck coast as she pulled onto the highway offramp towards town.
"Ya know, it's kinda weird..." started Pony-AJ.
"What is it, hun?"
"How ya say Ah'm not your type. You'd think that since Ah'm like you in so many ways, that Ah would be," Human-AJ gave her a curious look, causing her to blush and quickly explain, "Ah'm not hittin' on ya or anything, Ah'm jus' curious. Ah'm not gonna date you, that'd be too weird. But if Ah would, why wouldn't you? Ah mean, we're both hard workin', honest, dependable. And Dash's jus' the opposite..."
"First of all, Ah don' think most people would go around datin' themselves like that. You'd have ta be some kinda narcissist. Second, no offense sugarcube, but Ah just don't get that spark with you. If y'all are like me, ya probably haven't never dated before."
"Nope."
"But ya probably wouldn't jus' date anyone, either. Ya have ta feel somethin' for them, somethin' more than them jus' bein' good marriage material."
"Yeah, Ah guess you're right."
They rode silently down the highway for a few moments, deep in thought. It was strange how the two of them were so similar, and yet so different. They had the same family, same friend, same home, same general personality. It seemed that the catalyst that had set in motion AJ's crush on the human Rainbow Dash was simply observing her kissing someone else. Why wouldn't that have happened in Equestria?
Well, she answered herself, whenever Rainbow Dash was around Lightning Dust, she had been in an inaccessible training camp in the clouds. In this world, they had been on the school sports team together. Wait, did that mean that her Rainbow Dash had... with Lightning Dust? Her insides shuddered unconciously. Would her Dash really do that? With Lightning Dust of all ponies? That boastful, uncaring, brash... Wait, why did she care? Why was she so upset about it? It didn't concern her, right?
She tried to push the nagging feeling out of her mind, but as much as she tried, she couldn't help but feel concern and slight panic at the thought of the possibility. She had to get her mind off it.
"So, uh, how's the family takin' us being there?" Pony-AJ asked, grasping at straws for ideas for a conversation to distract her mind.
"Oh, you know the Apples. They're always happy ta help anyone in need, especially Granny Smith. And Ah don' think there's anything that can happen that'll faze Big Macintosh shorta someone tryin' ta break down his door with an ax."
"...and Applebloom?"
Human-AJ sighed, "She's havin' a little trouble adjustin'. It's not your fault, sugarcube, she's just bein' a teenager, always so dang nab troublesome."
"Teenager?" asked Applejack in genuine confusion, "What does that have ta do with anything?"
"Don't ya have teenagers where y'all are from? Ya know - think they know everythin', super emotional, think the world is unfair and out ta get 'em? Well, most of 'em anyway."
"Naw, not really. Foals grow into adults pretty quick-like, at least for ponies. Ah really don' know what y'all are talkin' about."
"Well, when humans go between being a kid and bein' a full grown adult, they go through all this emotional stuff. They get all ornery and they think the end of the world's happenin' ta them every day, but they can't grasp that they ain't seen nothin' of the world yet," she sighed, "We all go through it at some point or another. Don't let her get ya down, AJ. She'll come around eventually. Jus' try ta be nice and don't let'r get your goat. Ah'll try ta talk ta her."
"Thanks, Applejack."
"Don't mention it. What're friends for?"
After a few moments, they had pulled up in front of the Carousel Boutique. It looked quite different than the one AJ was used to in Ponyville. This one was built into the massive storefront that lined the street a few blocks down from the high school. The storefront window was completely filled with mannequins of humans wearing various dresses and other outfits that had undoubtedly been made by Rarity herself. Applejack took this time to thank the powers that be that the pony Rarity was far, far away right now, lest she bore them with various details of stitching and form with disturbing exuberance. Craning her neck as she stepped out of the truck, she was unable to catch any sight of the occupant within, the windows being too obscured by displays. Human-AJ and Rainbow Dash soon followed suit.
"You should've been back here with me, AJ!" elated Dash as she grabbed her shoulder, "That long smooth stretch of road..."
"The highway."
"Right, the highway thingy - man, we were going so fast down that, I thought I was going to blow right out the back! Do you think I can operate the driving circle next time, Unpony Applejack?"
"Sorry, sugarcube, but Ah'm afraid drivin's for humans only. Not that Ah don't trust ya with heavy, fast moving machinery, but..." she stopped when she noticed the crestfallen look on Rainbow's face, so she changed tack, "Hey, maybe later Ah'll let ya drive the tractor when we get back. It's plenty big and loud."
"Whoa, I bet its fast. Right?"
"...Sure. Next ta a snail."
"Awesome!"
Human-AJ had grasped on the door handle of the boutique, but had absentmindedly frozen as she was talking to Rainbow Dash. She turned to open the door, but apparently thought better of it, turning toward her counterpart with a sheepish look on her face.
"Ah don't mean ta be rude or anything, AJ, but Ah don't think it'd be best ta jus' waltz inta Rarity's shop with the two of us like this. She's a bit of a... drama queen, ya know?"
Applejack thought for a minute before nodding and letting Human-AJ and Rainbow Dash enter as she waited in the frosty autumn air outside.
A gentle chime rang out as Rainbow Dash and the human Applejack entered the Carousel Boutique. They looked around at the ornate dresses lining the walls, the humble carpeting and the changing stalls outlined in lace fabric.
"Welcome to the Carousel Boutique, where everything is unique, chic, and magnifique!" called a familiar voice from the door leading to the backroom, "I'll be right with you, darling."
The two girls waited patiently, sitting on a bench as Rainbow Dash looked on with mild amusement at the displays of dresses on the walls. Within a minute, Rarity entered the showroom and smiled upon seeing her friends. She wore a long purple dress and a cream blouse, her hair done in its usual style and a modest pattering of makeup upon her face.
"Applejack, Rainbow Dash! And what might be the cause of this pleasant surprise?"
"Howdy, Rarity! Well, ya see, we were jus' lookin' for a little bit of help, wondering if ya've seen..."
"Rainbow, darling!" exclaimed Rarity, her eyes bugging slightly, "What ever happened to your ensemble? If I didn't know better I'd say..."
She stopped, her mouth hanging open as she stared at Rainbow Dash. Her eyes gazed over the t-shirt with the overly-stretched chest area, the navy blue sweat pants that were currently being worn backwards, and the red apple decorated flip-flops that currently adorned her feet. She shifted her gaze poignantly toward Applejack, currently at an unusual loss for words.
"I... uh... did..." Rarity started, before contenting to gawk with open mouth at the pair of them.
"Uhm, you alright?" asked Rainbow Dash, looking over to Applejack for reassurance.
"Why are you wearing her clothes?" asked Rarity hesitantly, as if unsure if she wanted to hear the answer.
"I stayed over at her house last night."
"Oh," Rarity's eyes continued to stay wide open, and her lips were stuck in the position of the 'O' sound she had just uttered. Applejack finally realized the implications of her peculiar actions, although she had not the presence of mind at the moment to do more than let blood rise to her cheeks. Rarity recovered slightly more quickly and delicately tried to phrase the question on her mind.
"So uhm, darling? Did you... did you sleep in her bed?"
"Oh yeah," Rainbow smiled, innocently unaware of the implications that arose from this statement, "It wasn't as comfortable as my usual bed, but at least it was warm."
"Uh-huh. Well, I'm very happy for you two, and I'm sure..."
"Now wait just a gosh-durned minute!" demanded Human-AJ suddenly, recovering, "It wasn't like that, she stayed in the guest room. And..."
"W-wait a minute!" sputtered out Rainbow as she realized what Rarity was insinuating, "You think that I... whoa whoa whoa. This is Rainbow Dash we're talking about, remember? Coolest mare in Equestria? There's no way I'm going around dating a human!"
"Uhm, what?" Rarity asked stupidly, momentarily forgetting her usual genteel vernacular.
"Let me explain," answered Applejack, placing a hand over Dash's mouth to halt her response, "This is gonna get a little weird."
"Believe me, darling, we've already passed through that territory."
"Alrighty then, Ah'll keep this short. Remember when Twilight came through that portal thing?" Rarity nodded. "Well, she also said that there's copies of all of us in that pony world. Well..."
"Don't tell me," Rarity stated in shock, "She's not the real Rainbow Dash."
"Oh, she's real alright," Applejack said with a smile as she poked Rainbow in the stomach, eliciting an annoyed 'Hey!', "She's just not the Rainbow Dash you know and love." Rarity scoffed slightly. "Speaking of which, go get 'er, Dash."
Rainbow Dash let out a barely audible grumble at being ordered around as she shuffled off to fetch the other AJ. Rarity stood immobile in the same stance she had been, stuck somewhere between doubt and shock. Applejack smirked; it wasn't often that Rarity was left at a loss for words. Within moments, Rainbow returned with the pony Applejack, thereby confirming to Rarity that she had gone completely insane. The corners of her mouth turned up into an unsettling grin the likes of which would have made Tardy-Twilight envious.
"Hello there, Applejack. You know Applejack, I presume? Wonderful, now I simply have to go out in public naked, start flying, and telekinetically sew all my dresses together and all my nightmares will be complete!"
"Uh, nice ta meet you too," responded Pony-AJ, casting an inquisitive glance at her companions.
"Do ya need a moment?" inquired Human-AJ with concern as Rarity's eyes glazed over.
"No, darling, I'll be fine. I just... I need to do something familiar to let my mind adjust," she turned toward Rainbow and smiled, "Let's get you some decent attire, dear."
She grabbed her by the arm and escorted her forcefully into a changing stall. Rainbow looked back at her companions, imploring them for help. If this Rarity was anything like her Rarity, then this was not going to be awesome. Or cool. Or radical.
"Jus' try ta be frugal, will ya?" Human-AJ asked, knowing frugal was not an accurate descriptor of Rarity, "Ah've only got about forty dollars Ah can spend."
"Nonsense, darling," she called back from beyond the curtain, "This will of course be gratis. It's only suiting to show such otherworldly guests some classic human generosity."
"Hey!" cried Rainbow as the shirt she was wearing was purposefully tossed out of the changing stall, followed shortly by the rest of her outerwear.
"Oh my," the Applejacks heard Rarity say softly, "You're, uh, wearing Applejack's underwear, too. Let me take care of that for you."
She quickly exited the stall, pulling the curtain closed behind her. She cast a curious glance at the two AJ's, and opened her mouth as if to ask which one of them gave Dash their underwear and why. She seemed to suddenly realize that perhaps she'd rather not know the answer, and proceeded into the back corner of the store without a comment. She carefully made a selection of a full set of black lingerie suitable for an evening gown, including garter belt and sheer stockings. Human-AJ opened her mouth hesitantly.
"Sugarcube? Ah don't think those're the best ones ta pick out. Ah doubt this Rainbow'd be likin' that style too much."
"Definitely not," assured her counterpart.
Rarity sighed with exasperation, "But how is she supposed to look dazzling in one of my creations without proper stockings?"
"Ah don't think y'all should be goin' for a dress straight off. Try givin' her what our Dash'd like."
"Yeah, sounds good," called Rainbow's voice from the changing stall, trying and failing to sound nonchalant.
"What is her obsession with that girl?" whispered Human-AJ to her companion.
"Ah don' rightly know. It's like the first thing she asked Twilight as soon as she got back. Maybe she thinks she's finally found someone who'll understand her, Ah don' know."
Rarity in the meantime was going through a rack of underwear when she suddenly stopped, brow furrowed.
"Rainbow, darling, What is you bust size, by the way?"
"Huh?"
"The size of your chest, dear."
"I don't know. Small, I guess?"
"That's not what I'm looking for. There should be a tape measure in the changing room with you. Be a dear and measure yourself, please."
"Uh, ok."
Rarity waited patiently as they heard shuffling sounds in the changing stall. After what was entirely too long, Rainbow called out her findings.
"Sixty-six!"
"Excuse me?"
"I said sixty-six little line thingies."
Rarity cried out in exasperation, "Don't you know how to measure your bust?!"
"Ponies don't have boobs, sugarcube," reminded Human-AJ delicately.
"Uh, fine. One of you go help her."
The reaction of the two Applejacks couldn't have been more different. One of them shouted "Alright!" with a smile on her face, while the other shouted "No way" with equal volume yet tinged with nervousness. They looked at each other, toward the dressing stall, and then back at Rarity.
"You have ta do it," implored Pony-AJ, "Please?"
Rarity sighed, "If you insist. This is probably just a dream anyway, right?"
She strode up to the curtain, and with a deep breath, deftly pulled it aside and entered. Human-AJ craned her neck to see what there was to see beyond the curtain, but was held back by her pony counterpart. Rarity emitted a yell, presumably from seeing her longtime friend completely naked, but was quick to re-enter the showroom. She closed her eyes and shuddered as she shook her hands rapidly as if to throw off some invisible contamination.
"34 A," she said with an attempted smile that turned out to be more like the grin of a madman. She quickly retrieved a pair of blue panties with matching bra that were embroidered with a streak of rainbow colored lightning striking down from a cloud. She tossed them over the curtain, apparently unwilling to see again the sight that would haunt her nightmares tonight. Human-AJ couldn't help but crack a smile.
"Anyhow, we didn't really come here ta get Rainbow a makeover," said Applejack, trying to break the uncomfortable mood in the room, "We actually wanted ta ask you a question."
"Ask away, darling," responded Rarity distractedly as she shifted through various pants hanging from the wall.
"Have ya ever seen a Twilight here? Besides the one that came through the portal that one time, Ah mean."
"Hmm... no, I'm afraid to say that I have not. Although," she said as she picked out a t-shirt, "I do remember Pinkie Pie mentioning something about a Twilight Sparkle once. Perhaps you should inquire with her?"
The two Applejacks looked at each other, "Whelp, Ah guess we know where we're goin' next."
Rarity went over to hand the clothes she picked out to Rainbow through the curtain - a pair of designer jeans, a band shirt, a rainbow colored belt and a pair of sneakers. Within a minute, she was dressed and back out into the show room. Pony-AJ gawked subtly. Rarity sure did know her stuff; Rainbow looked ten times better than she had in those other clothes.
"Ah must say," said Human-AJ slyly, "Ah think Rainbow'd approve. Ya look just like her now. Good job, Rares."
"Oh, please, it was nothing," Rarity said, waving her hand, although nobody missed the smug smile on her face, "Now I just need to pick out a proper purse to match, and after that maybe the other Applejack would be inclined to..."
"Uh, actually Ah think we should get goin'. Time restraints and all that."
Rarity couldn't hide her disappointed look, "Maybe another time then?"
"Don't worry," called Applejack as they exited the store, "Ah'm sure we'll be seein' ya again."
"And thanks for the clothes, human-Rarity-woman!" |
Surviving in a Strange Two Legged World | 8 - Death by Cupcake | Daylight peeked into the cave from around the wooden door at the entrance. Rarity shifted uncomfortably. She had finally gotten some sleep in the wee hours of the morning, but it had been far from rejuvenating. Nightmares haunted her - horrible nightmares involving miniature limbs sprouting from the hooves on her forelegs and then being forced to feel up Rainbow Dash with them. It made absolutely no sense; she should probably see a psychologist as soon as she got home.
Soft sounds echoed from the back of the cave as Agister got up and awoke the other two girls. Fluttershy's eyes slowly fluttered open from a deep sleep, while Pinkie Pie just jumped out of bed with unnatural morning enthusiasm. Her sheets somehow landed perfectly back on the cot to look much like it had before anypony got into it. As Agister offered Fluttershy a drink from his canteen, Pinkie Pie immediately set out to bug Dartmoor.
"Hey, there, Mr. Bronc! So what're we doing today? We fighting more cats? I think I can help as long as they stop map-hacking. I mean, how did it know Rarity..."
"Unnnhh..." Dartmoor groaned from the couch as he pushed a ratty cushion over his face.
"Excuse me, darling," called Rarity from her spot next to the fireplace, "But this stallion is hungover, possibly drunk, and extremely violent. Why don't you come over here and help me up?"
"Okie, dokie, lokie!"
Pinkie Pie hopped over to where Rarity laid and quickly brought her to her hooves with unpleasant enthusiasm. Rarity winced as her blood flow began to return to her legs and the punctures in her chest let out a dull ache. She stumbled to the couch and laid back down, albeit as lady-like as she could muster in her present condition. Fluttershy came over and sat next to her friend and provided an affectionate nuzzle.
"So what are we doing today, Mr. Bronc?" Pinkie asked yet again, either forgetting or not caring about Rarity's advice. Dartmoor let out another groan as he sat up on the couch a little more.
"Look, kid, just call me Dartmoor, okay? And we're not doing anything. I will be scouting the area, and you will be sitting here very quietly. Comprende?"
Pinkie saluted, "Quiet, got it! But how quiet do I have to be? By quiet do you mean I can't SHOUT AT THE TOP OF MY LUNGS? Or does it mean I have to use my inside voice?"
"Just..."
"But what kind of inside voice should I use? Should I use the inside voice that I use in Twilight's house? Because that's a library, and it has a totally different inside voice than Sugarcube Corner, which..."
Dartmoor groaned and threw himself back down onto the couch, hooves pressed to his face in exasperation. Agister, who by this point had sensed the possible outburst from the violent earth pony stallion, decided to intervene.
"Pinkie, dear," he called, "I heard you're a baker..."
"I totally am!"
"Then why don't you come help me make breakfast?"
"That sounds super fun!"
Pinkie hopped away from Dartmoor and over to the makeshift fireplace, where crates of foodstuffs rested. Agister then turned his attention to Fluttershy and Rarity.
"Fluttershy, dear, you know how to take care of wounds, correct?"
"Oh," Fluttershy responded, slightly shocked at being addressed directly, "Uhm, yes. I mean, I've done it for a lot of animals, but I've never treated a pony before."
"I'm sure you'd be just fine at it. Why don't you go help Rarity change her dressing and get a shower?" he pointed over toward an area at the back of the cave, "That rope opens a valve to an underground spring. You won't find fresher water in all of Equestria."
Rarity's eyes lit up, "I've heard of the springs in Maneitoba. Some of the most luxurious spas in Canterlot use it exclusively..." Despite her pain, Rarity made it over to the shower area before Fluttershy and looked back impatiently at her.
Agister smiled at her enthusiasm. He trotted over to Dartmoor, who was still shielding himself from the annoyance with his hooves.
"Hey, Dart," he said softly as he levitated something over from his cot, "Normally I'd say you deserve this headache, but you got to be in top shape with the elements here. Take what you need and go scout."
Dartmoor chanced looking up at the object levitating in the yellow aura before him. It was a half pint of Pride of Canterlot vodka. He took it in his hooves and drank it like a starving child.
"I've got to go make sure Pinkie doesn't destroy our rations," Dartmoor noted, "You need to get up, go get Ayden, and make sure there's no one watching us."
Dartmoor nodded as he finished off the vodka. He lazily got up from the couch and steadied himself on his hooves as Agister went to help Pinkie Pie. He gingerly rubbed his temples, and reached over to grab his hat...
The door rattled.
He stopped and listened. Somepony was trying to open the door. He looked around briefly. Nopony else in the cave seemed to notice. He crept up to the door. Quietly, he undid the lock. The door started to open...
Dartmoor jumped on pony on the other side. He was directly on top, forelegs around the pony's neck, back legs around the barrel of his body. Shoving his rear legs backward, he pushed the other pony's hind legs out from under. The pair of them fell to the ground. He had the other pony's trachea in his arms. He pulled tighter, as the other pony fought desperately to loosen the grip...
"Dartmoor! Stop killing for a minute!"
Dartmoor looked up. Agister and the three mares were staring at him with wide eyes. He maintained his grip on the intruding pony in his grasp and looked down. It was a forest-green pegasus stallion, and was vaguely familiar. He resumed choking out the pony.
"I don't want ponies thinking I'm incompetent, so I'm going to kill him just to make sure."
"Damn it, Dartmoor! This is Sly Hoof! He's in the resistance; remember you met him a few months ago?"
Dartmoor released his grip slightly, "You sure?"
"For Celestia's sake, yes!"
He let the poor pony go. Sly immediately gasped for breath and massaged his throat.
"Damn it, Bronc!" he choked out, "Do you have to do this every time I come here?!"
Dartmoor shrugged listlessly, "I'm usually drunk. I guess you're just not that memorable."
Agister levitated Sly up and set him gingerly on the couch. The three mares watched the whole scene play out, all the while eyeing Dartmoor nervously.
"I'm alright, I'm alright," Sly Hoof said as Agister bustled about with medical supplies, "I daresay I'm used to it," he gave an ugly look at Dartmoor, who looked back impassively, "Anyway, I just came to bring a message, then I gotta get out of here."
"A message?" Agister asked as he put down a bottle of aspirin, "From whom?"
"From our contact in the castle," Sly sighed, "The Disciples have made their move."
Everypony present looked on in shock as their eyes widened.
"Yeah, they've taken the castle, as well as the prince and princess. They did it real quiet-like. I don't think anypony outside the castle knows yet, but if they don't they're going to find out eventually."
"Princess Celestia must be notified at once!" Agister exclaimed.
"Yeah, I'm flying there as soon as I'm done. There's another issue, however. Two, in fact."
"Yes?"
"First off, I visited the houses of a few of our members. All empty."
"Maybe they saw what was happening and went into hiding?" Dartmoor suggested.
"I don't think so. Their houses were ransacked. I've really got a bad feeling about this..."
Agister sighed, "Alright, we'll deal with that as we come across it. You said there was something else?"
"Yeah, there is. I was able to establish one thing from the castle before I made a run for it. The Disciples don't know where the Element of Magic is."
The three mares gasped, holding a hoof to their mouth. Rarity sat down in shock. Agister's brow furrowed.
"She wasn't in the castle?"
"No. She was one of the first things they went after, but she wasn't in her room when they got there. Celestia knows she couldn't have run off by herself."
"Do you think...?"
Sly shrugged, "You got me on this, boss. Obviously, Grimm didn't say much about it to me. He's already suspicious enough."
Agister sighed heavily, "Alright then. We were about to have breakfast. You should join us; I know how long it takes to get to Canterlot from here."
Sly nodded. Agister turned to Pinkie Pie, who had been uncharacteristically quiet through the whole conversation, "We better get to cooking, Pinkie. I have a feeling we're going to have a long day ahead of us."
Agister and Pinkie Pie quickly got to making breakfast as the others sat on the couch in silence. Sly rubbed his throat and threw irritated glances towards Dartmoor, but they weren't noticed. After ten minutes, the air became so heavy with uncertainty that Rarity felt uncomfortable. She turned toward the newcomer.
"So, Mr. Hoof..."
"Just call me Sly."
"Okay then. Sly, what part do you play in this... organization?"
Sly didn't respond immediately. He looked over toward Dartmoor, who in turn looked toward Agister. Agister did not notice, as he was finishing up breakfast. Dartmoor shrugged.
"She's fine," he said gruffly.
"On your head, then," Sly shrugged back, "I'm a guard at the castle, and a member of the Disciples."
Rarity and Fluttershy both gasped and held their hooves up to their mouths.
"Oh, come on," he rolled his eyes, "Do you really think I would say that in front of Dartmoor of all ponies if it was something to be worried about? The guy's a single-minded death machine."
"We... are aware," Rarity responded.
"Anyway, yeah, I'm a double agent, but I think that role's come to an end. I wasn't on the watch bill today, and the Disciples kindly didn't tell me about the coup. It was really only a matter of luck that I heard about it. I have a feeling they were planning to off me as soon as they seized power."
"I'm so sorry," Fluttershy said softly.
"Ah, buck it. I'm glad to be rid of those guys. Grimm was starting to be a real pain in the ass anyway."
"Grimm?"
"Yeah, Grimm Shado. You don't know of him?"
The two mares shook their heads.
"He's a mean son of a bitch," Dartmoor took over, "He was Sombra's head cabinet minister during his reign. This guy was a bad-ass unicorn, never seen another one like him. And before you say it, yes, he's way stronger than Twilight Sparkle. Not only does he have about thirty years on her, but he's evil as sin. He never limited himself based on if other ponies got hurt, so he's well practiced with a dark side of magic no decent pony would ever dream of touching. Not to mention the fact that he was mentored by the king himself, who was more than a match for any Equestrian princess."
"But..."
"Elements of Harmony, toots. And we don't have those right now, remember?
Rarity had one more question she was burning to ask.
"And Spike? Did you hear anything about any dragons? He would be young, of course, not much more..."
Sly shook his head, "Sorry. I don't know anything about Spike."
Rarity nodded grimly as Pinkie Pie brought over plates of food. For rations obtained from a wooden crate stored in a cave, it wasn't that bad - corn muffins, cream of wheat and rehydrated apple juice. The six ponies ate in silence. In what Rarity was fairly certain was record time, all plates were empty.
"Well, I better get going," Sly Hoof said abruptly as he unfurled his wings.
"Are you sure you have to leave so soon?" asked Rarity as she batted her eyelashes, "We really don't have any sophisticated stallions around her; Agister excluded of course. Wouldn't you..."
Sly smiled apologetically, "Sorry, lady. I'm a coltcuddler. You understand."
With that, Sly proceeded out the door and took flight toward Canterlot. After they watched him leave, Dartmoor leaned over with a sneer and whispered in Rarity's ear -
"He's not really gay." ***
"So let me get this straight. If Ah fall outta an apple tree an' break mah leg, I'm gonna end up owin' the hospital all this money?"
"Eeyup. Unless y'all got insurance, then you can go ta the hospital or the doctor whenever ya want and all your medicine is paid for an' everything."
"Well that sounds more convenient than an' apple tree buckin' machine. What's the issue?"
"It costs abou' four hundred a month."
"Holy moly! Well what if ya just want ta go ta the hospital when Ah'm in deep trouble? Ah mean, if Ah gotta go ta the doctor, then Ah'll just pay the doctor."
"That costs about a hundred a month."
"Well that's not so bad. Why..."
"President Obamare made that illegal."
"Dammit! Ah tell ya what, we gotta figure out how ta get outta here lickity-split; Ah'm startin' ta agree with Rainbow. You're world's an apple pie without any sugar. It looks nice an' everything, but as soon as ya gotta eat it, it don't taste like it's supposed ta."
"Eeyup. We're here, sugarcube."
The truck pulled up to the Sugarcube Corner. It was bustling with activity during the lunchtime hour, with people lined up almost out the door.
"Ah shoulda figured we'd get here too late," Human-AJ groaned as she stepped out of the truck, "Dang nab it, Rarity. Why does it take so damn long to get a set of clothes from that woman?"
Applejack slammed the passenger door shut just as Rainbow Dash jumped down from the truck bed. They had seen this version of the store once before - when Pinkie had let them out of jail. It had been very early in the morning then, and they never really appreciated the amount of activity this establishment garnered in this world. Everyone from businessmen wearing three piece suits to high-schoolers on a lunch break apparently went to Sugarcube Corner. This might take awhile.
Human-AJ held the door open as the two pony-girls entered. The voice of the bubbly pink-haired girl was immediately noticeable above the din. Craning her neck, AJ could see Pinkie at the front of the long line manning the cash register. She sighed.
"How the hay are we supposed ta have a word with her?"
"Looks like we gotta get in line here, sugarcube. Ah suppose it is about dinner time anyhow."
"You mean lunch?" asked Rainbow Dash as she joined the other two girls in line.
"Naw, sugar. Ah don' know how y'all do it in Ponyland, but here in 'Murca, the country folk call lunch 'dinner' and they call dinner 'supper'. That's cause when you're workin' the farm, ya want the big meal in the middle of the day and the small meal at the end."
"Huh," Rainbow responded without interest, "What kind of grub do they have in this place, anyway."
Human-AJ laughed, "Ah doubt they have any steaks or bacon," Dash's face fell, "But they might have some deli sandwiches and they have a whole bunch a coffee..."
"Coffee?" Dash's eyes lit up, "Come on, line, get a move on!"
The line, however did not listen to her. All they got were annoyed stares. Applejack grinned back sheepishly.
"Sorry, y'all. She's, uh, new ta... all this..."
After a few minutes, the girls moved up to the front of the line. Luckily, they appeared to have arrived at the end of the lunch rush, and there were only a few people behind them. When Pinkie Pie caught sight of the trio, her eyes lit up.
"Hey there, Rainbow Dash! And Applejack! And Applejack! What brings you guys here?"
"Actually, Pinkie, we're just here ta get some lunch and ask you a question."
"Okie, dokie, lokie! What can I get you? A cake? A cupcake? A rainbow cupcake?"
Rainbow Dash pushed past the other girls and slammed her hands down on the counter.
"I want a coffee, like, a big coffee. And whatever is the steakiest, baconiest thing you have on the menu."
"Okay, a quart of espresso and a super-duper quintuple decker burger with a side of heart attack."
"And Ah'll have a daisy and daffodil sandwich."
Pinkie furrowed her brow, "We don't have any of those. If you want to wait, I can go out to the florist and get an arrangement and put it on some bread for you..."
"Oh, uh, nevermind. Ah'll just have a cupcake."
"Alrighty!" Pinkie smiled. After Human-AJ made her order, the three sat at an unoccupied table and awaited their food. Looking around, Applejack noticed the casual and friendly decor of the place. The entire store was covered in vibrant shades of pastel colors befitting an ice cream shop, and the walls were covered with personal pictures of the Cakes and their employees. There was a picture of the Cakes getting married, a picture of them holding their twins in the park, a picture of Pinkie and...
"Hey y'all," Applejack said quietly, "Take a look at that..."
Hanging on the wall of Sugarcube Corner was a picture of all five human girls with a sixth - a girl with radiant yellow and red hair, sporting a smile even wider than Pinkie.
"Is that..."
"Yup, that's Sunset Shimmer," Human-AJ remarked, "She really was a sweetheart after she got her priorities straight. The six of us were thick as thieves for the rest of high school."
"What happened to her?"
"She went off ta college, wanted ta be a scientist of some sort. Ah think she wanted ta study how that magic portal thingy affects our world. It's all over mah head, really."
Rainbow's eyes lit up, "Then she probably knows how to get back! Where is she? Let's go find her."
Applejack shook her head sadly, "Ah don' rightly know which college she went to. She could be on the other sideah the country by now. Y'all probably be best ta ask Fluttershy; Sunset and her were the closest. Ah wouldn't be surprised if they still talked."
"Here you go!"
The three girls looked up to see Pinkie's smiling face as she held a tray of food. They greedily dug into their dishes, oblivious to how hungry they were until they saw the delicious looking meals on their plates. Pinkie took a seat next to them and stared at them with a grin as they ate. This did not take too long.
"Dear Celestia, this espresso stuff," Rainbow elated, "This is... this is even better than coffee!"
Pinkie giggled, "That's because it's super coffee, silly. Normally I wouldn't give anyone this much, but I know how tolerant you are of caffeine."
"What?"
"Anyway," Pinkie continued, ignoring her, "I have a super big favor to ask of you guys. Today's been really, really busy, and we're all out of cupcakes. Would you mind giving me a hand? I'll let you taste the batter..."
"Uhm... Pinkie?" Human-AJ started, "Aren't you curious as ta why there's two of me?"
Pinkie shrugged, "Nope, and I'm not curious why Dashie's up this early, either."
"Well, she's not sugarcube. This is a different Rainbow Dash. We were actually gonna head over ta Dash's place in a few."
"Cool!" Pinkie cried, "So you have time to help me make cupcakes then!"
"Actually..."
"Come on, silly-willies!"
"Pinkie grabbed Rainbow and one of the Applejacks and pulled them to the kitchen as the other customers looked on in confusion. The other Applejack sighed and reluctantly followed her.
Pinkie Pie immediately began bustling around the kitchen, grabbing ingredients and comparing them to her recipe list.
"Dashie, could you get me a two cups of sugar, three cups of flour, and half a cup of cocoa? They're over there on that shelf..."
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and went to get the desired ingredients. The two Applejacks glanced at each other. Now might be the only time they would be able to speak to the hyperactive girl.
"So, uh, Pinkie? Y'all been doing well since graduation?"
"Only super-duper! The Cakes are going to let me be assistant manager after the current one leaves for college this winter."
"That's good. You remember that one girl, Twilight Sparkle, that went to our school for a little while?"
"Of course! I remember all my friends."
"Ah'm sure ya do. Y'all haven't happened to see another Twilight around, have ya?" Applejack winced slightly. That question came out a little crazier than she'd wanted.
"Oh, you mean Human-Twi? Of course I have. Well, I did once. She was at a party."
"A party?"
"Oh, yeah, it was super fun! There were so many kinds of cupcakes! Chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting, chocolate cupcakes with vanilla frosting, blueberry cupcakes, mega-cupcakes, cupcake vodka..."
"Pinkie! We're talkin' about Twilight, remember?"
"Oh yeah! Twilight's favorite cupcake was the..."
Applejack facepalmed. This was going to take longer than she thought.
Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash was trying to find the ingredients Pinkie had asked for. This wasn't particularly easy, considering massive doses of caffeine were currently pumping through her bloodstream, making her hands shake and her head spin. Three cups of flour. What was the difference between bread flour and all-purpose flour? Gluten-free flour? She didn't know what gluten was, but it didn't sound very cool. Gluten-free will do. Sugar. There was brown sugar, powdered sugar and white sugar. How many cups was she supposed to add again? Remembering made her brain hurt. She'll just add one of each. Lastly there was chocolate, right? Hmm... there weren't any containers marked "chocolate", just cocoa. Were they the same thing? She didn't think so. Here's a metal container full of little grey granules. That should do.
"Alright, Pinkie. All your stuff's in the mixy thing."
"Super! Thanks, Dashie!"
Pinkie took a little red bottle of food coloring out of a cabinet and poured a generous amount into the bowl.
"We're making red velvet cupcakes today, so we need lots of red flavor."
Applejack raised an eyebrow, "Uhm, Pinkie, Ah don' think..."
"Yep, lots of red. That's not my secret ingredient, though. But that's a SECRET," she shouted the last word, making all three girls jump.
Human-AJ coughed uncomfortably, "Pinkie, remember we were talkin' about Twilight?"
"Oh, yeah. So I told her, 'Vanilla icing is good, but cream cheese icing is really what...'"
"Darn it, Pinkie! We want to know where she is!"
"Oh, why didn't you just say so?" Pinkie said as she put the batter in the oven, "I only talked to her once - that was at a party about six months ago. Come to think of it, she wasn't really talkative, almost like she didn't like making friends. Or parties. Hmph."
"Do you know anything else about her?"
"No, not really," Pinkie said, rubbing her chin, "But Rainbow Dash was also at that party. She talked to her for a while. She might know something."
"Then Ah guess Ah know what we're doin' next. Mind ya, we were fixin' ta do that anyway."
"Tell Dashie I said hi," Pinkie said sadly, "I don't get off until six. But here, I promised you that you could taste the batter..."
Pinkie held up a spatula with a wide grin on her face. Hesitantly, Applejack took it and gave it a lick.
"Hmm... tastes funny."
"That's weird," Pinkie frowned, "I thought I did everything perfect. You put the right ingredients in, right Rainbow?"
"Yeah, the flour and the sugar and that chocolate stuff," she responded pointing at the metal can.
Pinkie's eyes went wide. Applejack gulped. Slowly, Pinkie turned the can around to reveal the label Rainbow had missed -
"Party Cannon Gunpowder."
In slow motion, all four girls looked at each other in panic, then at the oven...
BOOOOM!
The force of the blast threw everyone to the floor. The oven door shivered half off its hinges. The cupcake pan was nowhere to be seen, and the entire kitchen and all its occupants were covered in deep red cupcake batter.
"God damn it, Pinkie!" Human-AJ screamed, throwing her hat to the floor, "If brains were dynamite, you couldn't blow your own damn nose. But you sure as hell can blow up a kitchen. Why on God's green earth would you store gunpowder next to the baking supplies!?"
"Where else would I put it?" Pinkie replied with a batter-covered smile.
At that moment, Mrs. Cake ran into the kitchen. Her eyes widened and her mouth fell open at the sight before her. The first sight to catch her eye was a panicked, caffeinated Rainbow Dash covered in a sticky red substance.
"Oh, Pinkie. Not again!" ***
"That is absolutely unacceptable. This is our friend we're talking about, and we are going to help, whether you approve or not!"
Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy stomped their hooves on either side of Rarity. All three of them were glaring daggers at Agister and Dartmoor. The two stallions glanced at each other.
"You know babe, if I wanted to keep you here, I could..." Dartmoor started.
"Don't you pull that with me!" Rarity shouted, eyes glittering dangerously, "You know just as much as I do that you can't. What are you going to do, tie us up and let us die of starvation? We are not staying here."
"That's right!" Pinkie interjected.
"Ladies, please listen to reason..." Agister said.
"Uhm... I don't mean to be rude, but if you think we're not going to help our friends when they're in trouble, you can just go... go and... go and clop yourselves," Fluttershy finished with a whisper.
All ponies present were taken aback at Fluttershy's sudden assertiveness. Rarity's jaw hung open, while Agister stuttered inanely. It was a good minute before anypony could come up with words again.
"Well, I'm glad we settled that!" Rarity smiled, "So what's the plan, gentlecolts?"
Agister sighed, "We're going to board the next train going to the Crystal Empire. It's going to take a few hours to get to the tracks, so if we hurry, we can stowaway on the two o'clock."
"And it's going to be a royal pain in the ass getting on that thing," Dartmoor added, "So if any of you don't think you're up to it, you better stay here. I'm not coming back for you if you miss the train, and it's a long, puma-filled walk back here."
Fluttershy shuddered slightly, but the look of resolve on her face didn't waver.
"Come on, then, if you're going to come. Just don't say I didn't warn you." ***
Spike looked around. They were in some kind of warehouse made of purple crystal. Carmine was laying down on the floor next to him, panting from the exertion of running all this distance from the palace. Twilight was still tied to her back with a sheet, and was still unconscious.
"Where are we?" Spike asked quietly.
"This was a granary from the time of Sombra. The food in here has already been used or is spoiled, and the princess never reopened the place, so nopony ever comes in here."
"Why not?"
"She thought it would bring back... unpleasant memories. It was scheduled to be demolished, but apparently in the managing of a lost empire, that's pretty low on the priority list."
Carmine pulled herself up on her hooves and walked over to a stack of burlap sacks. She laid a few down on the hard crystal floor. Spike understood what she was trying to do and untied Twilight, letting her settle down on the makeshift bedding.
"What are we going to do now?" he asked.
"We're going to have to wait for Princess Celestia to show up with reinforcements. I don't know how far the news of the attack have spread, but I'm sure somepony loyal to the princess found out. Until then, we'll just have to hunker down and wait."
"Just wait until Celestia gets ahold of these guys," Spike laughed to himself, "I hope they like cheese, because they're going to be spending quite a while on the moon."
"Yeah, that's what's bothering me."
Spike looked at her with a raised eyebrow, "What do you mean?"
"These guys know they're not going to be a match for Celestia and the Equestrian army, even without the Elements of Harmony. I mean, when you look at the strategic aspect of it, I don't know what Grimm was thinking?"
"Grimm? Who's that? How do you know so much?"
Carmine sighed, "Spike, there's something you should probably know about me..." ***
Rainbow and the Applejacks had to stop at the farm to wash their clothes and get a shower to cleanse themselves of the day's previous mishap. Only two hours behind schedule, Applejack's pickup truck pulled up in front of the high rise building that was the human Rainbow's home. Rainbow Dash jumped out of the truck bed and looked up in awe at the gargantuan building.
It was about time she paid herself a visit. |
Surviving in a Strange Two Legged World | 9 - Assateague Island | The cloaked figure snuck through the streets of the Crystal Empire. She had asked a nearby pony where exactly she was, and that's what they told her - the Crystal Empire. She had managed to get away from the palace without getting noticed, her unicorn magic saving her from impacting the ground below. The streets through which she now walked were unlike any she had traversed before. Great structures made from megalithic slabs of solid gems made up the buildings, and its denizens sparkled as if made from the same material. Asking a few more crystal ponies, she had ascertained the location of the train station. All she had to do now was figure out when the next train to Canterlot was, and how to get a ticket without any pony money.
Arriving at the small train depot on the outskirts of the city, she made her way up to the ticket booth. An old, bored looking crystal stallion sat there reading the latest issue of "Neighsweek".
"One for Canterlot?" the cloaked pony asked.
"Next train to Canterlot arrives at five," the attendant said emotionlessly without looking up from the magazine, "Twenty bits."
She levitated out all the money she had brought with her from her saddlebag. She had about seven hundred dollars in twenties and a handful of smaller change. She had no idea what the exchange rate between dollars and bits was, and she didn't think the attendant would even entertain the idea of doing math. This was of course assuming Equestria even knew what dollars were. She sighed; maybe she could try something else. She tossed a bundle of nickels on the counter.
The attendant, still without looking up, scooped the faux-bits into a drawer and handed her a ticket. Only three hours to wait. ***
Four ponies laid in exhaustion on the floor of a train car, panting and gasping for breath. A fifth peered down the car, intently looking for any bystander that might have witnessed their little gambit. It appeared to be safe; nopony else was in this car.
"Oh my... oh my goodness," Fluttershy coughed out.
"Is everypony okay?" Agister asked as he pulled himself to his hooves.
Everypony present nodded. They had made it onto the two o'clock train, but only barely. Fluttershy had almost missed the train entirely and had been reduced to hanging onto the end guardrail by her hooves before Agister pulled her up with his magic. They found themselves in the train's caboose, where stacks of crates crowded the small car.
"Get up," Dartmoor commanded, "We have to get to the passenger cars and blend in before anypony comes back here."
The others did as he asked and tiredly followed him to the door. They passed through several cars before they came to the rear compartment car.
"We're going to want to split up here, don't want to put all our eggs in the same basket. This compartment's empty, so Agister, you take this one and I'll scout further down the train."
"What about us?" asked Pinkie.
"Ugh..." he responded as if their presence was an unnecessary headache, "The unicorn can stay with Agister. It'd cause less suspicion if we're not in some haphazard inter-racial group."
"I do have a name, you know," Rarity grumbled.
"Alright, we'll see you when we get off at the Crystal Empire," he finished, ignoring her. Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy followed him as he passed into the next railcar. Agister gestured to the empty compartment.
"After you, my dear."
The two unicorns took a seat in the comfortable bench seats of the car. It was a relief to finally be where they needed to be and not worry about the plan. They were all safely aboard the train; all they had to do now was get to the Crystal Empire. There was still a lot on Rarity's mind, but at least she could relax for the time being. Looking up, she saw Agister gazing at her.
"How are you holding up, my dear? Dartmoor wasn't too rough with you when we boarded?"
Rarity scoffed, "I don't think that stallion knows the meaning of gentle, but I appreciate your concern. I think I'll manage."
"That's good. I'd get some sleep if I were you. I'll stay up and watch the door."
"I don't think I can, to be quite honest. Besides the fact that we are illegally on board a train, I'm a tad too worried about Twilight and Spike to sleep."
"That's understandable," Agister smiled kindly, "Would you care to talk awhile to keep your mind occupied? I daresay there's little else to do."
"Oh, I don't know. I don't think..." Rarity's eyes suddenly lit up as she remembered what she'd been meaning to talk to Agister about, "Actually, there is something I was curious about. Do you know anything about Assateague Island?"
He jerked suddenly, his eyes wide in surprise, "And why would a young lady such as yourself want to know about Assateague for, hmm? Have you been talking to Dartmoor?"
"Well... Yes," she admitted uncomfortably, "If you don't want to tell me, I'd understand. It's just Dartmoor said I should ask you."
Agister sighed, "Normally, I don't like talking about it, but if Dartmoor told you to ask me, then I suppose it's okay. However, you must give me your word you won't speak a syllable of this conversation to anypony else. What I'm about to tell you is a highly classified government secret."
"I promise."
Taking a moment to position himself on the train seat, he took a breath and began his story -
"A long time ago, before you were even born, I was senior administrator of the Department of Magic Anomalies. It's a secret government office that studies rumors of magic artifacts we don't know anything about. We usually go investigate these rumors, ascertain if the artifact in question poses a danger to Equestria, and then report our findings to the princess. Usually it's nothing more than a lone witch-doctor claiming to have distilled chaos into a potion, or some other such nonsense. Whenever we come across something dangerous, we seize it and store it in the Starswirl the Bearded section of the Royal Canterlot Archives, where only the princess and a select few ponies can study it.
"One day, thirty years ago, we got a report of a magic artifact hidden in a remote village on Assateague Island, to the south east of Baltimare. This island was, in fact, not technically part of the Equestrian Empire, so it made the act of seizing any dangerous artifacts more complicated. I informed Princess Celestia of this. This is where I made a fatal mistake."
"Mistake?"
"Yes. The Department of Magic Anomalies is an independent branch of the government, so I usually reported to nopony except the princess herself. I was careless that day, and I did not notice that there was somepony else in the room - Lord Umber, the prime minister at the time."
"Was the prime minister not allowed to hear what you said?"
"It wasn't that he wasn't allowed to, it was just that it was unwise to tell him. Umber was a nationalist, and had been long trying to convince Celestia to annex Assateague Island. Now that he knew there was potentially something dangerous there, he had the ammunition necessary to convince the House of Nobles to declare an invasion. Of course, I didn't know this at the time, and I don't think Celestia expected him to make such a heinous move, either. She told me to go to the village and attempt to attain the magic artifact diplomatically."
"What happened?" Rarity asked breathlessly as she covered her mouth with her hooves.
"Well..." ***
I went by myself to Assateague. It was a diplomatic mission, after all. In all reality, I was expecting that everypony there would tell me they had no idea what I was talking about. I was correct. Nopony knew anything about a mystical magical artifact that resided there. All I had to do was go back to Canterlot and inform the princess, and she would decide the next move. That's almost what happened, before I came across somepony.
A young foal approached me. It was abundantly clear that he was nervous, and it immediately garnered my attention. He looked scraggly and malnourished and in my mind, there were two possibilities. Either he was concerned about an outsider appearing in such a small, isolated village, or he was having issues with his family. I decided that kindness was the proper response in either case.
"Hey, mister. You know what the time is?"
I pulled out my pocket watch, "It's a quarter past noon. Why..."
I turned back to the colt, but he was gone. He was gone along with my coin purse. Needless to say, I was more than a little upset. I spotted the little street urchin dodging around crowds of ponies, and I quickly gave chase. I was a lot younger then, and infinitely more fit. I was about to catch up with him, but then he stopped.
He was caught in a green magic aura.
"Does this belong to you?" a snide voice asked.
Looking up, I saw a dark robed unicorn, the owner of the entrapping magic. Lord Umber.
"My lord," I greeted, bowing, "What brings you to Assateague?"
"Duke Agister," the prime minister greeted in return, nodding imperceptibly, "I've come looking for you. You are to vacate this hamlet immediately. That is an order."
I raised my eyebrow, "With all due respect, your lordship, I am the head of the Department of Magic Anomolies. I report only to Princess Celestia."
Umber sighed, "Yes, for all official duties. However, under Equestrian law title eleven, code 178, all civilian nobility are subservient to commissioned officers in a war zone," he leaned closer and growled, "This order comes from the commanding officer of this occupation. Leave now."
"War zone? Occupation? What are you talking about?!"
Umber didn't respond. He pulled my coin purse from the street rat and threw him to the ground with force, knocking the wind out of him. With one last smug smile cast in my direction, the prime minister teleported away.
I had no idea what was going on, but I knew I had very little time. The princess would never authorize a war so easily, and it was likely that Umber had the House of Nobles declare it in a secret session without her knowledge. I had no idea what to do. There was no way I could find the princess in time to stop this, and if I didn't leave the city, I could be arrested - or worse.
Doing the only thing I could think of at the moment, I picked up the colt who had stolen my purse and placed him on my back.
"I need to get you home," I told him, "What's your name?"
He appeared to be about to complain about my sudden interest, but exhaustion and pain quelled those thoughts. He simply replied, "Dartmoor."
"Alright Dartmoor, where do you live?"
"Over by the..."
A great fireball erupted from the house next to us! We were both thrown away from the blast with great force as heat seared our fur!
"What the...?!"
A colossal armored unicorn knight strode casually around the corner. He wore the silver armor of the elite Equestrian mage-knight division which completely covered his body, making him appear as a walking metal instrument of death. Before I had the chance to do anything but get up, the knight cast another spell that caused another cottage to burst into flames.
There was screaming. There was the deafening sound of magic blasts from more knights out of our line of sight. A great wind blew by us as a battalion of pegasus soldiers circled the skies above us like vultures above a dying pony.
I grabbed Dartmoor once more. He immediately struggled against my magic.
"Stop! We have to get out of here!" I yelled at him.
"Not without my parents!" he yelled back. I was having an extremely difficult time holding on to him, and the degree of effort I had to put into the spell was draining my energy.
"Where do you live?" I gave in.
"Turn left!"
We dashed through the streets, the young earth pony clinging onto my back. We dodged fireballs and swooping pegasus soldiers and fleeing townsfolk before we arrived. We were too late. His house was already an inferno.
I felt his grip release, and he slid off my back landing heavily on the ground. He made no attempt to get up, and laid on the ground in tears as he stared at his home and family in flames. It was the only time I've ever seen Dartmoor cry.
He fought me as I took him in my magic again. He struggled, but his will was utterly broken. We escaped the city. As I later found out, we were the only two survivors of the Assateague Massacre. ***
After Agister finished his story, Rarity could only stare at him, mouth open and eyes wide in shock. He slouched back in his seat, suddenly feeling very old and very tired. It was several minutes before either of them could speak again.
"So what happened to the village?" she asked with a tear in her eye.
"It was gone. Lord Umber completely wiped it out. Celestia heard about what he was doing far too late. She came to Assateague, but everypony was dead by the time she got there. All she could do was place Umber and the ponies involved in the massacre under arrest and declare a memorial service."
"So... Dartmoor's parents...?"
"Yes, them too. I tried to adopt him, to take him back to Canterlot with me. However, seeing what the Equestrian army had done to his home, seeing the evils of the world - he didn't want any part of it. He ran away from that place and never went back. I suppose he's told you the rest. He became a vagabond and a smuggler, and even to this day he hates the Equestrian government with all his heart."
"What happened to Umber? Surely Dartmoor doesn't blame Celestia and the whole government for what one pony did..."
Agister smiled, "He doesn't care. I've told him exactly what happened, and he barely listened to a word I said. His heart's full of hate. Hate and sorrow. I'm actually surprised he agreed to help us when I asked him. I suppose he's more loyal to me than I would have first thought.
"As for Umber, he was tried and found guilty of war crimes. The last I heard, he had died in prison. The magic artifact, whatever it might have been, was never found. I was so distraught by the events I had witnessed, I resigned my position at the Department of Magic Anomalies immediately. I spent the rest of my years wandering the country, helping ponies wherever I could. I could say that the cosmos might feel fit to forgive me for my part in initiating the massacre - I don't know. My conscious, however, will never forgive me for as long as I live."
Rarity was speechless, a single tear making its way down her cheek.
"If you don't mind, I need a little time alone," Agister said as he laid back in the seat, emotionally drained, "We should be at the Crystal Empire in an hour." ***
Rainbow Dash rode the elevator up to the seventeenth floor of the high-rise with the two Applejacks. Great bursts of adrenaline pulsed from her stomach. She had been wondering about the human version of herself ever since Twilight had first told them what had happened on the other side of the mirror. She didn't have wings, but she was the best in the world at kicking a ball around. As weird as that had sounded to her, she still was entranced by the thought of the human version of her being the best at something, even something as stupid as kicking a ball. It made her reflect on what exactly would make her unique. What would make her the best, if she hadn't been born with wings? What would she have done if she had been in a similar situation to Human-Dash? Could I say she's just as awesome as me?
"I'd like ta try somethin' a little different this time, if y'all are up to it..." Human-AJ suggested.
"Like what?
"How bout we give ole Rainbow Dash a little prank of our own?"
"That sounds awesome!" smiled Rainbow, breaking away from her thoughts, "What's the plan?"
"Okay, here's what we'll do. You girls hide behind the corner. Ah'll go an' knock on her door. Five minutes later, Ah'll pretend Ah gotta use the little girl's room and hide. Then Applejack here'll knock on the door."
The two pony-girls smiled. This was going to be good.
"Five minutes later, you'll do the same thing and Rainbow'll knock on the door. While Dash is answerin' the door, me and AJ will come back inta the room."
Rainbow laughed, "Man, she won't know what's going on."
"When she's as confused as a peach tree in an apple field, we'll let 'er in on the joke. You girls ready?"
Applejack and Rainbow giggled and hid behind the corner, straining to hear what was going on as Human-AJ knocked on the apartment door. A few moments later they heard a very familiar voice answer -
"Hey, what's up, Applejack!"
"Nothin' much, Dash. Just though Ah'd drop by on mah old friend."
"Then get in here. I was just about to..."
The sound of their voices abruptly halted with the sound of a closing door. The two girls looked at each other and smiled.
"You know, I never really thought of you as the pranking type, Applejack."
"Ah'm not. This is all Human-AJ's idea; she's probably tryin' ta impress yer clone over there. There's just so much about this world that's different, she and Ah are different too. You're probably pretty different than that Dash in there also."
"We'll see. I want to ask her what it's like to drive those car thingies around. I bet she can drive one faster than anypony here."
"Anybody, sugarcube. Ah don't really think..."
"Has it been five minutes yet?" Rainbow interrupted her.
"Ah don't know. Ah'll go listen at the door so Ah can hear when she goes inta the other room."
Applejack walked over to the apartment door and put her ear to it. After a few minutes, a smile crossed her face and she stood up. She raised her fist and rapped smartly at the door, to be answered a moment later. Rainbow craned her head to pick up the conversation without being seen.
"Hey, uh... Applejack," Human-Dash started after a moment of uncertainty, "Did you leave? I thought you just..."
"Nope, Ah just thought Ah'd drop in on my old friend. How's it goin'?"
"Uh, I... uh..."
"Well are ya just gonna stand there or you gonna invite me in?"
"Yeah, sure. Come in. This is weird."
As soon as she heard the door close, Rainbow rushed to it and pressed her ear to it to try to listen to one of the best pranks in history.
"You want some apple juice?" she heard Human-Dash say, "You just had some, it's right there on the table, but I guess I'm imagining that, too."
"Uhm, sure."
Rainbow heard footsteps as she assumed Rainbow Dash was getting the aforementioned drink.
"Thanks, sugarcube."
"Don't mention it. I guess since you were a ghost, you probably don't remember what I said about the Wonderbolts."
"'Fraid not."
"Read it and weep," she said followed by a brief pause, "I just got this in the mail. I got accepted to the Naval Academy! I'm going to be a pilot!"
Human-Dash squealed and jumped for joy while pulling AJ into a hug.
"Well, uh, congratulations, Rainbow."
"Thanks! I knew I would get in. There's no way they could have declined me, as awesome as I'd make their sports teams. Not to mention I'm already an ace pilot."
"Pilot?"
"Yeah, you know how I've been taking flying lessons with Spitfire?"
"Oh, yeah?" Applejack replied. She had no idea what she was talking about.
"Yeah, I'm getting pretty good at it. I don't know why you don't want me to take you flying. Maybe as a 'congratulations' present?"
"Yeah, uh," AJ laughed nervously. Apparently Human-AJ didn't fancy the idea of this girl flying her around. She didn't either, come to think of it, "Maybe Ah'll jus' get you somethin' else instead..."
"Like what? How about a congratulatory kiss?" Human-Dash asked with a teasing voice. Rainbow Dash gasped on the other side of the door, and Applejack didn't appear to be any less surprised.
"Uhm, well... Ah... Ya see... Ah gotta go to the bathroom..." she said, extremely nervously this time. A flurry of footstep followed, and Rainbow could only assume she ran to the bathroom as fast as she could. It was her turn.
She took a deep breath, hand trembling and butterflies raging in her stomach (although, in all honesty, that could just be the caffeine). She knocked at the door.
The door opened.
Standing in front of Rainbow Dash was her human counterpart. Both girls' eyes went wide at seeing each other for the first time. They were identical in skin tone, hair coloration, facial features - everything except their clothing. Rainbow was wearing the clothes Rarity had given her earlier that day while Human-Dash wore a set of Wonderbolts sweat clothes. They stared at each other for a good ten seconds before Human-Dash finally broke out of her reverie. She said the first thing that came to her mind -
"Uhm... You want to come in?"
Rainbow nodded and followed her into the apartment. It was modestly furnished with a large living room with a kitchen nook and a hallway to the right leading to several shut doorways. Both Rainbow Dash's sat down on the loveseat while one of the doors opened revealing both Applejacks. They were wearing identical grins and sat down opposite from them on the sofa. They looked at Human-Dash with expectant smiles, undoubtedly waiting for her to stutter in confusion and ask what the hay was going on.
That never came.
"You know, Applejack," Human-Dash started, "I realize that you're happy I got into the academy and everything, but you didn't have to go and hire me a stripper."
Everyone's faces turned from smile to shocked confusion in a millisecond. Unable to respond, the Applejacks sat there in surprise as Human-Dash got a glass of juice and handed it to Rainbow. Rainbow took a sip instinctively while still staring at the athlete with wide eyes.
"Anyway, I know what's really going on here," Human-Dash continued with a smile, "And it'll all be over in a few minutes."
"Uhm... What didja think is goin' on?" asked Human-AJ in confusion.
"Well, obviously you're all figures of my imagination. You're just the work of the acid I dropped an hour ago."
"Wait, WHAT!?"
"Yep! Although I guess since my imagination got me such an attractive girl, I might as well enjoy it before she disappears."
Human-Dash leaned over toward Rainbow, who suddenly felt very uncomfortable. Hovering with a smile an inch from her face, she quickly closed the distance and gave her a long, wet lick up the side of her cheek.
It's super effective! Rainbow Dash is now paralyzed!
"Hold on, hold on!" shouted Human-AJ as Human-Dash pulled back from her counterpart's face, "We're really here! Look, we were trying ta prank ya, but we didn't know you were on drugs! Look, these girls are actually ponies from another world, and... Wait, this isn't helping, is it?"
Human-Dash shook her head, "Like I said, you'll disappear in a few minutes anyway."
"Why do ya say that, sugarcube?" Applejack asked with concern.
"Because everyone knows the only thing that can get rid of hallucinations is hallucinogens. I figured that out once when I was high. So I spiked all your drinks with three hits of LSD."
"WHAT?!"
"Now if you'll excuse me," she continued, turning back toward Rainbow, "I have a stripper to enjoy before she's gone."
"Wait, stop, stop!" cried Human-AJ desperately, "We're real... we're really real! Aw, shit, what are we gonna do now? We gotta go to the hospital. No, they're gonna want ta know where we got it. Ah'm gonna be in so much trouble!"
The two pony-girls just sat in stunned silence. They had no idea what this 'LSD' was, but if it was making Human-AJ curse like that, it must be bad. They looked at each other in alarm. What were they going to do?
To their surprise, Human-Dash just burst out laughing. She rolled over onto the floor, holding her sides as the three girls looked on incredulously, momentarily too shocked to speak.
"Oh, man, you should see the looks on your faces," she said through bursts of giggles, "Rainbow Dash is still the best prankster in the world! I had you guys freaking out so hard!"
"Wait, what?"
"Pinkie Pie called an hour ago and told me what was going on," she explained as she got back up onto the loveseat, wiping a tear from her eye, "She wanted to know if I could come to her 'Welcome to Earth' party for you two. I thought you guys might pull something like this, especially if there's another me with you, so I turned the tables. I don't even have any acid on me right now."
All three girls breathed a sigh of relief.
"Well shucks, RD," Human-AJ laughed, "Ah shoulda known better than ta try ta one up you on pranks. So Pinkie explained who we all are and such?"
"Yeah, although I can't really tell which one of you is the real AJ."
"I'm the original."
"And I'm the Applejack that was a pony," AJ added.
"So this sexy thing must be pony-me..."
Rainbow Dash blushed, "Yeah..."
"'Metallicolt'," Human-Dash read off her counterpart's shirt, "That's a good band. You like them?"
"Actually, Rarity gave me this shirt. I've never heard of them before."
"What! We're going to have to fix that. If you're going to be running around being awesome, then we'll have to adjust your taste in music."
"Anyway," Human-AJ interrupted, "We actually came by ta ask you a question, Dash."
"Shoot."
"Well, these girls came here lookin' for somebody. Have ya ever seen Twilight Sparkle? Not the one that came through that portal, mind you, a different one."
"Now that you mention it, I have," Human-Dash responded, rubbing her chin, "She was at a party once. I thought it was a little weird that she looked so much like that pony-girl Twilight, so I started chatting her up. She didn't really talk much. All that she said was she lived on the other side of town and she came to the party with Sunset Shimmer."
"Sunset Shimmer?"
"Yeah, I guess they're friends or something. I gave Twilight my number, but I guess she lost it. You might want to talk with Fluttershy about all this; she's the closest with Sunset."
"Gosh darn it," Applejack fumed, "This is turning into a confound wild goose chase."
Human-Dash shrugged, "Sorry about that. I'd offer to come help you, but I've got to leave for flying lessons with Spitfire in an hour."
"It's okay," Human-AJ said, "Ah guess we'll be headin' back ta the farm for now. Ah'll give Fluttershy a call."
"Cool. I guess I'll see you guys later."
Rainbow Dash and the two Applejacks headed for the door. However, just as they were about to cross the threshold, Human-Dash called after them.
"Yo, pony-me!"
"Yeah?" Rainbow asked, turning around.
"You're supposed to be just like me, so you like flying, right?"
"Only more than anything!"
"Nice. You want me to take you flying human-style tomorrow?"
Rainbow's eyes lit up, "Really?"
"Sure, it's cool. I'll pick you up tomorrow morning, alright?"
"Oh-my-gosh oh-my-gosh oh..." Rainbow Dash suddenly realized how uncool she was being and quickly adjusted her attitude, "I mean... yeah, sounds awesome."
Human-Dash smiled, "It's a date, then." ***
"The guard hath indicated you wish to report unto us dark tidings, citizen."
"Yes, princess," Sly Hoof bowed deeply before the darkly colored alicorn.
"Speak, then."
"The Crystal Empire is under attack, my liege."
"Under attack? Is it the Black Crystal Disciples?" Princess Celestia asked.
"It is."
"I see. What is your name, my little pony?"
"Sly Hoof, your majesty."
"Thank you for bringing this to our attention, Sly Hoof. I'm sure you must be tired from your journey. Please, go to the guard's quarter and get some food and sleep. We shall handle it from here."
"Thank you, princess."
As the pegasus departed, Celestia turned to her sister. They exchanged worried looks. They both knew this could happen, but they hadn't expected the Disciples to be so brash.
"I must go and help Cadence," Celestia started.
"Nonsense, my sister," Luna countered, "Let me go in your stead. Equestria needs you here, on the throne. I am more than capable of leading the army."
"But..."
"I won't hear another word of disagreement. You have my word, I will ensure to bring swift punishment to the usurpers. Princess Cadance and Twilight will be made safe. I promise you, sister."
Celestia sighed, "Very well. Fly to Fort Ticoltderoga. There are two thousand soldiers stationed there. Take them and besiege the Empire. I will send the Royal Equestrian Army to reinforce you from Canterlot."
Luna nodded, "Don't worry, 'Tia. I'm sure she'll be fine."
Celestia smiled weakly at the affection. "I know. I trust you."
As she watched Luna take off toward the north, Celestia thought about the manner by which the Disciples attacked them. Grimm Shado was a master strategist; there was no way he was playing all his cards. Something definitely didn't feel right. ***
"What do you want!? I told you, I don't know where Twilight is!" Shining Armor cried through tears.
Grimm Shado released the wheel of the rack. A smile crossed his face as the scar over his eye wrinkled into a sinister sneer.
"But you wouldn't tell us even if you knew, am I correct?"
"Just stop, please. Put me up there instead. Cadence has nothing to do with this!"
"Oh, but I disagree. Cadence is the one who returned the crystal heart. She is the one who defeated our lord. She is the imposter who had the insolence to sit on our king's throne."
"Just... stop. I'll do anything."
Cadence panted as tears ran down her cheek. All four legs and both her limbs were clamped into the rack. A trickle of blood ran off her right wing where the rack had stretched the skin to the breaking point and ripped out her feathers. One of her eyes was bruised and swollen from where she had been struck. A metal clamp adorned her horn, preventing her from performing any magic. In spite of all this, an angry smile danced across her face.
"Is this it?"
Grimm looked back over to her, a shocked expression slipped onto his face for a brief second, before turning back into a smile.
"Of course not, my dear. I wouldn't want you to get a false sense of disappointment about Crystal interrogation methods, seeing as how you're our 'princess'."
He turned to a grimy henchman at the door, "Get the thumbscrews," pausing, he turned to smile at Shining Armor, "The big ones."
"Anything..." cried Shining Armor weakly.
"There is something you can do," noted Grimm ponderously as he rubbed his chin, "I daresay that fool Sly Hoof has probably made it to Canterlot by now. If we had some... protection, we'd be a little less inclined to be so desperate to complete our plans right away."
"What do you want me to do?"
"Cast your protection spell. Keep the Equestrian army and anypony else out of Canterlot. Do this, and I won't have to rip this bitch in half," he smiled.
Shining Armor sighed, exhausted and weary in defeat.
"Fine." ***
The train pulled to a halt at the station outside the Crystal Empire. Fluttershy silently followed Pinkie Pie and Dartmoor as they disembarked. It wasn't a smooth process, and many other passengers pushed their way to the front, making them the last to leave the train. This was something that did not go unnoticed to Dartmoor, and Fluttershy guessed the only thing keeping him from murdering his way to the front of the line was the unintentional interference of Pinkie.
Standing on the platform, they saw Rarity and Agister get off one of the rear cars. The three of them galloped over to reunite their group.
"Okay, we're all here?" Agister said as he did a quick head count, "Let's get to the city quickly, then. The less attention we attract out in the open, the better."
They started to follow him off the platform, while Fluttershy trailed slightly behind. They pushed around the ponies trying to make their way onto the train. It was strange how nonchalant these pedestrians were, considering their homeland had been invaded by the followers of a malevolent dictator. Apparently word of the attack had not left the castle. Fluttershy was about to call after the group to slow down when she bumped into something, falling down.
She looked up at the figure she had bumped into. It was a mare in a black cloak so encompassing she could only make out her face when they were sprawled on the ground next to each other.
"Oh, um, sorry," Fluttershy started before she got a good look at the cloaked figure, "Wait... don't I know you?"
"No!" the cloaked figure stated in panic, "No, you must have me mistaken for somebody else..."
The cloaked figure quickly got back on her hooves and rushed into a train car. Fluttershy was in momentary shock. Somebody?
"Hey!" called Dartmoor from a long distance in front of her. She had forgotten she had been following him to the city. She got back up on her hooves as quickly as she could and hurriedly chased after them. That is, until she stopped dead in her tracks at the sight of the Crystal Palace.
A great blue beam of magic erupted from the top spire, rocketing toward the sky. As it reached a great height above the city, it started to splay out and downwards. It was going to cover the city in a giant magical dome.
"HURRY!" shouted Agister. The four ponies ahead of her started galloping at full speed toward the city. Fluttershy followed as quick as her hooves could take her. The blue magic bubble was closing toward the ground now. Five hundred feet above her. Four hundred. Two hundred. Right above her head.
WHAM! Fluttershy slammed into the side of Shining Armor's protective spell.
She fell back on her haunches from the recoil as she saw the shocked faces of her friends on the inside of the bubble.
Fluttershy was stranded. |
Surviving in a Strange Two Legged World | 10- Applejack's Mistake | Carmine sighed, "Spike, there's something you should probably know about me..."
Spike looked at his new friend with hesitant curiosity. What could she possibly have to say that would merit this anxiousness from her? How does she know so much about what's going on? He took a seat next to Twilight on the cold crystal floor of the warehouse and listened politely as she began.
"The truth is, I'm not just a nurse. I'm also a spy."
Spike gasped.
"Yeah, I know how that sounds. But please listen; we don't have a lot of time. You see, there was this group that formed right after the empire returned, called the Black Crystal Disciples. They formed a plan to bring back King Sombra."
"Is that even possible?"
"They didn't know at first. But then they found something - the Kīla of Gothmog." She cast her eyes over toward the dagger embedded in Twilight. "It was designed by a dark god - Gothmog - thousands of years ago. Like you know, anypony it pierces is pinned until the one who cut them releases them. But it had another function. You see, whoever it pins is actually stuck between worlds, between life and death. They can form a sort of bridge between this world and the afterlife and allow the dead to cross back into the world of the living."
"You mean it can bring dead ponies back to life?"
"Yes," Carmine responded grimly, "But it isn't free. To resurrect a soul requires the payment of a soul - the soul of the one who is entrapped."
"So Twilight...?"
"Yes."
Spike held his head in his claws. He had never really stopped to wonder what other ramifications Twilight's misfortune may bring. He had always just assumed AJ and Rainbow Dash would bring back the other Twilight, she would free her, and they could all go back to Ponyville and continue everything like it once was. Why couldn't things ever be simple? This was a lot to take in, and he felt weary and exhausted well beyond his years.
"So this group - the Disciples - they're planning to use Twilight to bring back King Sombra?"
"Yes. As far as I can tell, they need three things to accomplish that - the kīla, a very powerful unicorn to perform the spell, and something called the Altar of the Gods. The unicorn they would use to perform the spell would obviously be their leader - Grimm Shado. He's the only one I know of that's powerful enough."
"And the Altar of the Gods?"
Carmine sighed, "I don't know. I can be very good at being sneaky, but I never overheard them talk about it other than mention it briefly. I don't know what it is, and I don't know for sure if they've found it. I hope they haven't, but I don't think they would have started with their plan like this if they haven't."
Spike was in shock, but even so, there was one question he noticed Carmine hadn't answered.
"You still haven't told me what all this has to do with you..."
"Well, I wasn't supposed to tell you," she started, "But we also weren't planning for the Disciples to attack, either. There's actually a group, a very old group, that's dedicated themselves to ensuring Sombra never returns. They call themselves the Resistance. I'm a part of it.
"They're led by a unicorn named Agister. He got me a position as Twilight's nurse, and told me that no matter what, make sure that Grimm never got a hold of her, or you."
"Well, I guess that explains that," Spike said, "I guess the only question left is what to do now."
"Well, if you look at what they need to perform the resurrection, there's two ways to stop them," Carmine responded thoughtfully, "One is to kill Grimm, which would require an army, really. I've heard stories of him killing hundreds in the span of minutes back during Sombra's reign.
"The only other thing is to free Twilight. And I think you know the only way that can happen."
Spike sighed. He did know. The fate of all of Equestria was in the hands of two mares who weren't even in the same universe as them. He hoped that Rainbow Dash and Applejack had found the other Twilight. He wondered what they were doing right now. Have they found Sunset Shimmer? Were they figuring out how to reopen the portal? Were they gathering an army?
He could only wonder. ***
"And did you see her apartment? It was a total pad! She had the..."
"It was a pigsty, sugarcube."
"Yeah, but it was an awesome pigsty! She had the beer cans all arranged like some sort of art, and..."
"Could we stop talking about the human Rainbow for a few minutes?" asked Applejack wearily. Rainbow had foregone her usual position in the truck's bed on the way home so she could enamor her companions about her human counterpart, talking mostly about how radical she was, but she occasionally taking a break and discussing her coolness, instead. After what felt like hours, they pulled up to the farmhouse and hopped out.
"I think somebody's got a crush..." Human-AJ smirked.
"What! I do not..." Rainbow responded indignantly, but the uncertainty in her voice betrayed her.
"Oh come on, she asked you out on a date!" Applejack retorted with annoyance.
"Nah, she was just saying that. I mean, I'm Rainbow Dash, remember? I would never date a hairless flesh-thing. Right?"
If she had sounded slightly unsure before, she definitely showed it this time. Applejack groaned in frustration. She was feeling incredibly irritable, but she had no idea why. Was it because Rainbow was obsessing over that obvious troublemaker? Was it because she was tired of hearing about her? Well, it certainly wasn't because she was jealous... right? She pushed the thought from her head.
"What's the game plan?" she asked Human-AJ, desperate to change the subject.
"Well, Ah called Fluttershy, but she says she's gonna be busy all night. Ah guess we have some time ta kill. Is there anything y'all wanted ta do?"
"Yeah," Rainbow responded brusquely, "You promised me I could use the tractor thingy..."
Human-AJ smiled, "Yeah, Ah guess Ah did, didn't Ah? Well come on then, let's go get 'er."
She led them to the barn and pulled open the gargantuan doors. Both pony-girls gaped at the metal behemoth waiting inside. It was twice as tall as either of them, and its dirty yellow frame of thick steel stood resilient before them. It was more intimidating than anything they'd ever seen in Equestria. Well, maybe except a dragon. Human-AJ collected a green container from near the door and proceeded to empty it into the tank of the vehicle.
"What's that stuff?" Applejack asked.
"What, this here? Diesel. It's what makes things go. Y'all don't have engines where you come from?"
"Well, it's really weird. The train that goes from Ponyville ta Canterlot runs on its own, but the train that goes from Ponyville ta Appleloosa is pulled by ponies. We don' really have any vehicles besides that."
"What about those Harvest Day Parade floats?" Rainbow reminded.
"Oh yeah. Ah don' rightly know how those work. Now that Ah think about it, why don' we just drive those around everywhere?"
"Sounds like yer technology's pretty inconsistent," Human-AJ remarked as she coaxed the tractor to life.
"Ya don' know the half of it."
Human-AJ slowly drove the machine out of the barn. AJ marveled at how loud and powerful it was. Maybe humans were completely useless at bucking apple trees, but if they had marvels like this, who cared?
"Alright, Rainbow, jump on up here!" the human girl called. Rainbow giggled with glee and climbed onto the large machine as quickly as she could, jumping into the operator's chair and eying the controls hungrily.
"Alrighty. This here's your accelerator. Push that with your foot ta go faster," Human-AJ instructed as she pointed out the different controls, "This is your brake. That makes ya slow down. Of course, you got your steering wheel, but Ah'm sure ya already know what that does."
"What about all these?" Rainbow asked, pointing at an array of levers and switches around the driver's seat.
"Those operator the bucket and such. Don' worry about those. Just concentrate on not crashin'."
"Don't worry. I'm an expert at not crashing."
Both Applejacks exchanged bemused smiles at this statement. Apparently no matter what world she's from, Rainbow Dash had a penchant for collisions.
"Just don't hit any of the buildings, sugarcube."
Human-AJ jumped off the tractor and stood beside their counterpart. Tender smiles crossed their faces as Rainbow pushed the accelerator carefully, biting her tongue in concentration.
"She's somethin' else, ain't she?" noted Human-AJ.
"Yeah, she is," responded her counterpart, gazing at the girl in question, who was now pushing the gas pedal as hard as she could, attempted to jump a small hill.
"You like 'er, don't cha?"
AJ flinched, "What? Where'd ya get that idea?"
The human smiled slyly, "Ah see the way ya look at her. Ya ain't exactly bein' subtle, ya know. That and how dang downcast you've been since we left Dash's place."
"Oh," AJ responded sullenly, still looking at Rainbow, who had crossed over the hill at a snail's pace, not so much jumping it as crushing it. Her eager smile had been replaced with an unsatisfied frown.
"Now don't go hatin' on mah Dash, sugarcube," the human farmer continued, "She can't help the way she is. She jus'... well, she likes attention. Ah'm sure your Rainbow is the same way."
"Yeah, but she doesn't go askin' out ponies the first day she meets 'em! Why would she even be attracted ta someone who looks jus' like she does?"
"Ah don' know," Human-AJ responded, rubbing her chin, "In all honesty, Ah though she was just jokin' when she said 'It's a date'. Ah wouldn't get too upset about it, AJ."
"Ah can't help it."
"There is one thing you can do, ya know..."
"What's that?"
"Ask her out before someone else does."
"But Ah'm not even sure if Ah like 'er like that!"
"Then ya better make up yer mind, quick," Human-AJ advised as Rainbow jumped off the tractor and headed over to them with a deep frown.
"This thing is stupid," she pouted, "Fluttershy can run faster than that dumb tractor!"
"Well Ah'm sorry, sugarcube," Human-AJ responded with a faint smirk.
"Why can't I drive the truck? At least it can go fast!"
"Ya can't drive the truck without a license, hon. That's outta mah control."
Rainbow's face fell.
"But Ah do know of somethin' else that might work..." she finished with an evil smile. ***
"Wow. He's so big."
"Are ya sure Ah should be riding him?"
"Aw, he don't mind, sugarcube. Jus' jump up on him and give him a good slap on the ass; he'll take over from there."
"Ya want me ta jus'... touch a strange pony like that? Ah don' even know his name!"
"They're horses, not ponies," Human-AJ answered with a smirk, "The one ya got there is Tex. And Rainbow, yours is Slugger. They're pretty well-trained, so ya shouldn't have any problems. Ah guessing you two have done some horseback ridin' in your day?"
"Uhm..."
"My dad gave me a piggyback ride a couple of times..." Rainbow said, knowing full well that these were two completely different situations.
"Well it ain't that hard. Go on, get on up there."
Applejack looked at her horse. It was one of the strangest feelings she ever had. She didn't suppose Human-AJ would be so cavalier about this if she came to their world and was asked to ride giant, mute humans. Tex turned to look at her and whinnied. She carefully stroked his mane and allowed herself to relax. Human-AJ suddenly grabbed her, and with a great heaving effort, she was lifted up onto the horse.
Rainbow was already on her horse, and was looking down at it uncomfortably, unsure as to what to do. Human-AJ jumped with ease onto the back of her horse, an orange coated stallion. She rubbed his neck affectionately and turned to the other two girls.
"His name's Braeburn, 'cause he's a dunderhead like mah cousin," Human-AJ smiled, "The cows are out ta pasture, so we're gonna go real slow when we get ta that direction. These are good horses; all ya gotta do is squeeze 'em a little bit with your legs, and they'll start off."
Applejack looked down at Tex, still feeling strange about the awkward way she was mounted atop the stallion. She did as she was told and the horse started to move, instinctively keeping pace with Human-AJ's and Rainbow's. She grasped the reins loosely, trying to keep in mind what she would want if some human was riding her.
Dern humans and their legalized slavery.
They rode off as the sun began turning a deeper and more saturated color in its daily descent below the horizon. AJ wondered momentarily how these humans maintained a consistent solar cycle without magic or Princess Celestia. Probably diesel.
The human girl rode slightly ahead of them so as to be just out of earshot. AJ saw her cast a knowing smile back at her, and its message seemed obvious - 'now's your chance to talk'. She racked her brain for something interesting and engaging to talk to Rainbow about.
"So, uh... this is kinda weird, ain't it?" AJ started awkwardly. She could have facepalmed right there. "Kinda weird"? Well wasn't that eloquent? What was wrong with her? She never had problems talking with Rainbow before.
"Yeah," Dash responded distractedly as she was trying to get her horse to stop veering off to the right.
"Are ya pressin' inta him with your leg?"
"Oh." Rainbow stopped applying pressure to the side of her horse, and it returned to a straight path, "I knew that."
"Is everythin' alright, Rainbow?"
"Yeah, it's just... I don't know. Weird," she said with very un-Dash-like uncertainty, "I just have a lot on my mind, I guess."
"Like what, sugarcube?"
"Nothing..." she mumbled back, blushing slightly.
Applejack's heart froze at that moment. Maybe she didn't have any evidence beyond her mind trying to justify her own fears, but she knew what Rainbow was thinking about - the human Dash. She remembered her conversation with Human-AJ, and she wasn't quite sure whether she felt that way about Rainbow, but she did know one thing - she sure as sugar didn't want her being with that human girl.
"Something wrong, AJ?" Dash asked, looking over at the farm pony with concern.
"Oh, it's nothin', RD," AJ said as she flashed her best fake smile. She really didn't want to talk to her about this right now, even if it was killing her inside to be misleading. Her mind hastily came up with distraction.
"Hey, Rainbow," she said with a sly look, "Ah'll race ya ta that tree over yonder..."
Her friend's eyes lit up, "You're on!"
Both of them kicked in their legs against the horses, who responded by bounding forward into an impressive gallop. It was all the inexperienced girls could do to not fall off of their rides. They barreled past Human-AJ, who called after them. Neither girl could understand her from the rush of wind in their ears or the adrenaline pumping through their veins.
The tree was a half mile in the distance, and AJ was starting to pull ahead. Rainbow furrowed her brow and whipped the reins of her horse. The horse ran faster, panting, sweat beginning to form on his coat. He slowly caught up to the other horse.
AJ looked behind her and saw her opponent catching up. All previous thoughts of unease and doubt left her mind as she concentrated fully on the competition. A great smile was plastered across both girls' faces as they reveled in the thrill of the race.
Rainbow stuck her tongue out as she passed Applejack. She responded by digging her feet into the sides of her horse and leaning forward, urging it to catch up. Come on, ya durned horse. Ah could run way faster'n this if Ah was still on four legs.
She felt almost like this race was a competition for Rainbow's heart itself. Of course, if she'd thought about it, she'd realize that didn't make a lot of sense, but things were so much easier when they were a physical competition of strength and skill rather than an emotional competition of words and social tact. AJ smiled. I bet I'm way better than that ole human Dash at handlin' a stallion...
Wait a second, that didn' sound right...
They both crested over the last hill before their destination to receive an unpleasant shock. The valley between them and the tree they were racing to was full of cattle!
The livestock before them looked up in panic at the two horses barreling down on them. Both Applejack and Rainbow Dash pulled up at the reins instinctively as the horses skidded into an emergency stop. Both girls were flung from their horses and landed on the side of the hill. They both rolled down through the mud and rock until they came to a rest thirty feet from where their mounts had stopped.
AJ coughed out a mouthful of dirt and grass as she quickly sat up and cast a worried glance over toward her friend. She rolled over and groaned. A surge of panic pulsed through AJ's chest.
"Rainbow! Rainbow, are you okay."
"No..." she replied flatly, "I would have won that race. Stupid cows. I'm totally going to eat them for revenge later."
Applejack laughed in spite of herself, "Ah don' know 'bout that, sugarcube. Ah had..."
She trailed off as a horse galloped over the hill toward them. Human-AJ expertly brought the horse to a sharp halt next to them and dismounted with a worried look on her face.
"Are you alright?" she asked anxiously before seeing them smiling sheepishly back at her, "What the hell do y'all think you were doin'!? Didn' ya hear me say the cows're out ta pasture?"
"Sorry..." started Applejack.
"Ugh, it's fine," Human-AJ responded, "Y'all are lucky ya didn't start a stampede, 'cause you'd be spendin' the rest of the night helpin' me track 'em all down. Come on, now. We better get back; it's gettin' late."
The two pony-girls pulled themselves to their feet and started toward their horses.
"Oh, no ya don't," Human-AJ called after them with a smile, "Ah don' think Ah rightly trust ya with horses anymore. Y'all are walkin' home!" ***
Applejack lay uncomfortably in her bed after a delicious country dinner. It wasn't the bed itself that wasn't comfortable, but her mind. There was too much to think about, too much to consider. It had been a very long day, beginning with enjoying breakfast with Fluttershy and ending with riding giant ponies. Her thoughts and feeling changed immeasurably during the day, as well. In the morning, she felt the same as she always had, looking forward to a day of hard work. There was nothing more simple or satisfying as that. At the end, her mind was full of jealousy and doubt.
Yes, she could finally admit it. Even if she wasn't sure that she had feelings for her friend, she was definitely jealous of that human girl. Jealous of how everyone around her seemed to like her, even though she's everything AJ doesn't value. AJ is careful, Human-Dash is reckless. AJ is modest, Human-Dash is a bigger braggart than the pony version. AJ values hard work, everything just seems to drop into Human-Dash's lap. AJ is chaste, Human-Dash is a...
"Hey, Applejack. Can I come in?"
She looked up. Rainbow Dash, dressed in orange pajamas, was visible through the cracked open door. AJ sighed. She wasn't sure she was in the right mood to talk to her right now, but it wasn't in her to be rude. It wasn't Rainbow's fault she was upset.
"Sure. Come in."
Rainbow entered the room and quietly shut the door behind her. She walked over and sat gingerly down on the foot of Applejack's bed. If AJ had been in a more sound state of mind, she would have wondered about Dash's departure from her usual demeanor. However, the only thoughts currently running through her head were frustration and resentment.
"Look, AJ," Rainbow started, "I've known you for a long time. And I can tell when something isn't right..."
"It's nothin'," she grumbled.
"It's not nothing! Look, I know this whole world is kind of strange and messed up, but if there's anypony who can understand that, it's me. And you've been avoiding me all evening!"
"Jus' drop it, Dash. I don' wanna talk about it."
"Is it because the other Rainbow Dash pranked us? She was just..."
"Don't you bring her up!" Applejack's temper flared at the mention of the human girl.
"Jeesh. Alright. You know, she's really not that bad..."
"Of course. Ah forgot. She's jus' a goddess on two legs to ya, isn't she? So how long you gonna make her wait tomorrow before ya let 'er buck ya?"
Rainbow stood quickly with a look of resentment, "What? What is your problem!?"
Applejack jumped out of the bed as well. She felt great satisfaction about taking out her feelings on her friend, even though she knew in the back of her head that it was wrong. The logical side of her mind screamed that she was being mean and unreasonable, while the emotional side ignored it.
"So how long have ya been a fillyfooler, huh? How come you never told me? Or am Ah jus' not that important to ya?"
Rainbow's cheeks grew red, "I'm not a fillyfooler!"
AJ could feel something about Dash's demeanor, maybe it was the power of the Element of Honesty, but there seemed to be something dishonest about her answer. So Dash was going to lie to her now? She sneered as her anger built more.
"Oh yeah? Is that what you told Lightning Dust at that academy of yours? Did ya tell her ya weren't a fillyfooler as you were moanin' her name?"
Rainbow's eyes went wide. The look on her face quickly shifted from anger. She was hurt, offended. Applejack felt it, and her sneer fell. She immediately regretted those last words.
"Rainbow, Ah..."
"I don't know why it matters to you," Rainbow said with tears starting to form in her eyes, "And I don't know who told you about that. But I never slept with Lightning Dust. I had a crush on her, alright? She was the only pony I ever met who flew as good as me. I kissed her once, but then I found out what kind of pony she was."
Applejack stammered, suddenly filled with sorrow at how much she hurt her friend's feelings.
"I thought you were my friend, Applejack," Rainbow Dash said, tears streaming down her cheeks, "If I upset you this much, then I'll just leave you alone from now on."
"Rainbow, wait..."
She wasn't listening, however, and quickly strode across the room and slammed the door shut. AJ stood staring in shock. Great job, ya durned idiot. She fell back onto her bed and buried her head into her pillow miserably. Tears started pouring out of her eyes. Normally, she would fight them; she was stronger than that. But the misery that flowed through her mind was unbearable. The tears came, and the sobs followed soon after.
Why does she have to be so honest? Why couldn't she just keep her big mouth shut? Why couldn't she just say that nothing was wrong and make it sound believable? Sure, she'd still be miserable and upset, but at least Rainbow wouldn't be. It's not like yelling at her accomplished anything.
They had fights before, of course. It was usually when their ego's got in each others' way. Like when they had that stupid race. Or when they chose different sides in the Appleoosa incident. But it never felt this personal before. And it never hurt this much.
Knock. Knock.
Someone was at the door. She quickly tried to compose herself and wipe the tears away. She wasn't sure she wanted to talk to Rainbow right now; she didn't know if her heart could take it. She turned over reluctantly to say as much, but it wasn't Rainbow at the door.
It was Applebloom.
AJ raised her eyebrow in confusion, "Applebloom? Ah don' know if Ah feel up ta talkin' right now..."
"Ah heard you guys yellin'," she responded as she came in, "Didja have a fight?"
Applejack sighed. If Applebloom heard them, then there was a good chance the whole house did. She really didn't want to explain this to everybody.
"Yeah, a little one. Why don't ya get off ta bed, then, Applebloom? It's gettin' late."
"You like her, don't ya?"
Applejack was taken aback, "What?"
"You have feelins for that pony Rainbow Dash."
"Aren't ya a little young for all that?"
"Why do y'all keep thinkin' Ah'm a little kid? Ah'm twelve!" Applebloom responded indignantly, "Besides, Ah understand. Ah'm bisexual, ya know."
Applejack was very taken aback, "Now Ah know y'all are too young for that. What makes you think you're... that, anyway?"
Applebloom suddenly looked very sheepish, "Ya promise ta keep it a secret?"
AJ nodded hesitantly.
"Alright. Well... Ah kissed Sweetie Belle once on a dare."
"WHAT!?" If this Applebloom had... She was going to have to have a word with her younger sister when she got home... She shuddered at the thought.
"It doesn't matter," the younger girl shook her head, "Ah'm here ta talk about you. Do you like Rainbow or not?"
AJ hesitated. That was a question she wasn't even willing to answer for herself. Did she like Rainbow like that? Was that why she was so jealous? She though back to all the times she had been around her friend. Hoof wrestling in the fields. Friendly competitions. Rainbow chasing her after she had run away to Dodge Junction. Was it really an expression of feelings deeper than friendship? Did she really care about Rainbow? About her happiness? About her safety? About her feelings?
"Yes," Applejack responded.
"Then ya need ta tell her," Applebloom responded seriously, "Ya can't let her go off with this Rainbow all upset at you. Ah know the human Rainbow Dash. She's... she gets around. Ya need ta tell her ya like her, or she'll never get ta choose between ya."
"Ya think Ah should go tell her?"
"Yep. But not now. You're both still upset. Tell her before she leaves tomorrow."
Applejack thought briefly about this, "Okay."
"Good," Applebloom smiled, "Well Ah better be off ta bed. Ah got school tomorrow."
"Hold on," the pony-girl called as she opened the door, "Why are ya bein' nice ta me all of a sudden?"
She shrugged, "Ah'm still really weirded out bah you, Ah gotta say. But Ah'm not gonna let that get in the way of love."
"Thanks, Applebloom."
"Yup!"
Applejack laid back in her bed as the younger girl closed the door. She had to get some rest - she had something important to do tomorrow.
As hard as she tried, restful sleep eluded her. |
Surviving in a Strange Two Legged World | 11- Those Are Not Handles, Rainbow Dash! | "You're Sly Hoof, right?"
Sly Hoof raised his head up from his dinner of hay and vegetables to get a look at the questioner. Having just taken the seat across from him at the long wooden table was an off-duty guard. He removed his helmet to reveal a shock of blue hair. He looked at Sly with curiosity, who groaned with annoyance; he really didn't want to talk to any of these Canterlot ponies.
"And what makes you think that?"
"My buddy Jasper was on duty outside the throne room and said some pony named Sly Hoof brought a message about Equestria being attacked. You're not a guard, but you're in the guard quarter. It was you, wasn't it?"
"I don't know if I should..."
"Oh come on!" the guard insisted, his eyes lighting up, "If it's true we're going to hear about it anyway, so just tell us."
Sly looked around to see they were the only two in the vicinity. The guard did have a point - rumors were about to spread like wildfire, anyway. Nopony would know that he contributed to them. The least he could do was ensure they had accurate information.
"Alright, fine. The Crystal Empire's been attacked."
The guard eyes widened, "Really? How bad?"
Sly shrugged, "I don't know. I left as soon as it happened."
The guard leaned over onto the table and rested his head on his crossed forelegs.
"Holy hay. My brother's in the empire right now. He's a guard at the castle. I hope he's alright."
Sly raised his eyebrows, "Really? So was I. What's his name?"
"Flash Sentry."
He racked his brain. The name was definitely familiar...
"Pegasus? Blue hair? Kind of dull?"
"Yeah, that's the guy," the guard said emphatically, "You know him? Is he alright?"
"I don't know. I never really knew him; I just know of him."
"Well, tell me what you know. Chances are we're all about to head up there, anyway. Oh, the name's Bolt, by the way."
Sly lazily returned Bolt's hoof-bump, "The only thing I really remember about the guy is that he was court martialed once for inappropriately flirting with every mare in the castle, including the princesses. He was exonerated for being so damn bad at it."
Bolt smiled slightly, "Yeah, that sounds like him. I actually just got a letter from him. He said big things were in the works, that he was going to come across a lot of bits soon. I have no idea what he was talking about, probably another of his stupid get-rich-quick schemes or something."
Sly frowned. Not that was interesting. A castle guard was going to come into a lot of money right before his castle was invaded? He wondered what was going on there. Maybe he should tell somepony...
"I better get to bed, I've had a long day," Sly said, still frowning.
"Oh, yeah, sure," responded Bolt, "You can use my bunk; I'm about to go on watch. It's right over there."
Sly went to the bed indicated and threw himself onto it, exhausting seeping from his tired bones. Something was definitely strange about all of this...
Before he could think further about it, he was asleep. ***
Applejack rolled restlessly in her bed, desperately trying to achieve the restful sleep that she hadn't gotten that night. Sure, her eyes were closed, and she dreamed, but her brain would jolt awake what seemed like every few minutes, and thoughts of how horrible she had treated Rainbow Dash permeated both her dreams, thoughts, and emotions.
There was a great rumbling outside her window, causing her to sleepily blink her eyes and mumble something even she couldn't understand. It sounded like a huge engine, even bigger than Applejack's truck. She wondered for a moment where it was going. Ugh. Stupid sun, why did it have to shine straight into her eyes?
Wait...
Applejack jumped out of bed, panic suddenly taking her heart. She overslept! Not even bothering to change out of her pajamas, she threw open the bedroom door and bounded down the stairs, almost falling over her awkward two feet. Someone was in the kitchen. She leapt through the doorway, momentarily forgetting about the linoleum floor.
Human-AJ was in there alone at the sink. Her eyes went wide as Applejack tried skidding to a halt, but only ending up sliding across the floor in her socks. Her feet gave out from under her, and she fell back, slamming into the floor with a resounding thud.
"Woah there, sugarcube," Human-AJ laughed as she helped AJ up, "Don't they got friction in that pony world o' yours?"
"Rainbow Dash? Did she leave yet?!"
"Ya just missed her. Rainbow just came and got her. Why do ya ask?"
Applejack hung her head. She was too late.
"Now don't get all down like that," Human-AJ said as she turned back to the dishes, "She'll be back. Pinkie's got that party tonight, remember?"
"Yeah, Ah know, but..."
"You're worried about her and Rainbow?" she asked wisely, turning around and wiping her hands on a dishtowel. AJ nodded silently, still looking dejectedly down at the floor. "It'll be alright, they're just gone for the afternoon. Ah'm sure mah Rainbow'll be too busy flyin' the plane ta worry too much about your Rainbow. Before ya know it, she'll be back here and you can say whatever it is ya need ta say."
"That's not all," Applejack said sadly, "We... well, we kinda had a fight last night. Actually, it's probably closer ta say Ah was..."
"A giant horse's ass?" suggested Human-AJ with a slight smile.
"Ah don' know if Ah should take offense ta that or not, but yeah."
"Don't worry too much, sugarcube. Rainbow... yeah, she can get emotional, but Ah don' know of a more loyal friend on planet Earth - or where ever you're from. She may be sore at ya, but if you're really sorry, she'll forgive you."
"Thanks, AJ," Applejack smiled at her new friend, "Yer the best."
"Ah shucks," Human-AJ waved her off, "It's nothin'. Ah just hate ta see a pretty face like yours lookin' so down."
Applejack blushed slightly, "Are ya sure it's Rainbow that's full of herself?"
Her counterpart gave a mischievous look, "All Ah'm sayin' is if you were a horse, Ah'd ride you."
AJ groaned, "Alright, seriously, y'all need ta stop with that... weird - thing - you do."
She laughed, "Ah'll stop as soon as you stop makin' it so easy. Anyway, we don' have a lot ta do this mornin'. Why don'tcha go watch some TV while Ah call Fluttershy?"
"TV? No thanks. Ah don' think Ah rightly trust it. How do Ah know it's not watchin' me back?"
"Because... Ah don' know. Ah'll watch it with you in a sec, let me give 'Shy a call real quick."
She took out her cell phone, made the call, and held it up to her ear.
"Hey, Fluttershy, it's Applejack... Yeah... Didya ever get a chance ta talk to Sunset Shimmer?... Ya didn't?... Well why don't ya come over and we can go talk to her together... Oh... oh... Well, you're comin' tonight, aren't ya?... Well you can tell that asshole... Fluttershy, listen ta me... He's a bastard, 'Shy... Fine, fine. Yeah, go ahead... I got it. You know Ah'm worried about you... Okay. Good bye."
Human-AJ put the phone back in her pocket and sat heavily down on a kitchen chair with a great sigh.
"What's the matter, sugarcube?" AJ asked.
"It's Fluttershy. Well, it's that damn boyfriend of hers."
"Fluttershy's got a boyfriend?"
"Yeah, and well... he's not a good person. Ah don' know if Ah feel right talkin' about it - it's kinda personal. He treats her bad, and she defends him."
"Why?"
"Ah'll... Ah'll talk about it later. It's a real tender point for us - meaning me and 'Shy's friends."
"It's alright," AJ responded, although she was deep in thought. She briefly wondered if every girl on Earth had to deal with this kind of trouble, or maybe it was just every human in general. Maybe this was why it was such a messed up place. She never missed home quite so much.
She missed her farm. She missed her friends. She missed her family. And... she missed her Rainbow. ***
Rainbow Dash was flying. Well, maybe she was still on the ground, but she was going faster than she ever had in this world, and there was even less to support her than when she was in the bed of Applejack's truck.
She sat on the back of the motorcycle, leaning into Human-Dash and clutching her waist in her arms. She was wearing Human-Dash's helmet - the human girl had insisted on it. It didn't seem very cool, but then again, if anybody knew cool, it would be Human-Dash, right?
The human girl turned around and shouted something to her through the force of the wind. She didn't understand a word of it, but she nodded anyway. After a minute, they pulled into a gas station and stopped next to a pump. Rainbow pulled her helmet off with enthusiasm.
"Why the hell didn't you tell me you had such an awesome... bicycle-ey thing? Man, and I thought the truck was cool. Does your flying machine look like this, too?"
"Nah," her companion responded, "But man, if plane-cycles existed, I'd get one in a heartbeat. I was so freaking excited when I got those blue wings when Twilight was here; I thought I was going to be flying everywhere. It must be awesome..."
"You have no idea. There's this one move - the sonic rainboom - I'm the only pony in the world that can do it. It's so awesome, in this one competition all my other moves were... well, I got nervous. Anyway, I did the sonic rainboom and that won me the competition. I got to spend an entire day with the Wonderbolts!"
"Sweet," responded Human-Dash distractedly as she went to fill up her tank, "Why don't you go inside and get some snacks or something. Here, take my credit card."
Rainbow hesitantly took the card. It was made out of some sort of plastic. Stupid human world and their stupid plasticky things. Shrugging, she headed inside.
It was a place unlike any she'd seen in Ponyville. Normally, if you wanted food, you had to either pay big bits at a restaurant or go to the market and pick up some fresh produce from one of the farmers' stands there. Then, you had to fly all that stuff all the way home and cook it. It was really boring, and boring meant uncool. Here, everything was already made. Potatoes were fried and put into little bags for you. Cakes were cooked and encased in plastic. And... dear Celestia, what was that?
Beef jerky.
Rainbow's knees went weak. You mean you could buy meat already cooked and ready to eat? She didn't have to wait for Applejack to make dinner? Holy hay. And so many different kinds - original, sweet & spicy, teriyaki, habanero, garlic, pepper, nirvana... She got two of each. No, three. Well, she didn't know how much this 'credit card' thing was worth... Okay, two.
Three.
She gathered them all up in her arms and took them to the register. Huh, the clerk wasn't there, she must have gone to the restroom or something. Seeing a basket filled with coins like at AJ's cider stand, Rainbow deposited her payment and giddily ran out of the store.
"Christ, girl... like jerky much?" Human-Dash quipped as her counterpart deposited an armful into the motorcycle's saddlebag.
"Nopony... I mean, nobody told me they sold meat in packages," Rainbow said, flinching slightly at her mistake. It's not cool to say 'pony' here, Dash, got to make a good impression.
"Yeah, they sell all kinds of packages here. Hop on."
Rainbow put her helmet on and jumped behind her, grabbing her around the midsection. For some reason, she felt Human-Dash stiffen up, and she stopped the action of starting the ignition. With a very curious look on her face, she turned around and faced Rainbow.
"Uhm... Why aren't you holding my waist like before?"
Rainbow let go of the girl in front of her and took off her helmet.
"I don't know... Why does it matter?"
"Well, if you're going to start being frisky, then you should probably wait until we're not... in public."
Rainbow simply responded with a confused look, turning her head to the side.
"You really don't get it, do you?"
Rainbow shook her head.
"You were grabbing my tits."
"Yeah, I thought they seemed like pretty good handles. So?"
Human-Dash facepalmed. "Alright, I can see you don't know anything about this. Look, on Earth, you don't just up and grab a girl's tits, okay?"
"Why not?"
"Because... god damn it, just don't. Ask Applejack about it, okay? She's the motherly type."
She reached over toward the key, glad to be finished this dumb conversation. Before she could start the bike, however, Pony-Dash bombarded her with another question.
"What about a boy's tits?"
"Ugh. Boy's don't... well, I guess if they're fat... I mean... Just don't grab anyone's tits!" she sighed, rubbing her temples wearily, "Look, hot stuff, I get that you don't understand human anatomy yet, but you can't go around groping girls like that. I'll tell you all about human birds and the bees later, alright?"
Rainbow nodded back, sheepishly. She had thought that was a perfectly reasonable question. Now she went and made a fool out of herself. You're such an dunderhead, Dash. She made a note to never mention that subject in front of her counterpart again. Putting her helmet back on, Rainbow reached around with trepidation and gingerly placed her hands on Human-Dash's waist. Just as she was about to start the bike, she turned around -
"Hey, can I get my credit card back?"
"Huh? I spent it, remember?" ***
"Will 'til you see this plane. She's awesome," Human-Dash said as she fiddled with the lock of the hanger. Rainbow looked around at the small municipal airport. There were only about half a dozen hangers and one runway. Apparently the air field wasn't that busy in the morning on a weekday; they were the only ones there besides the air traffic controller. Human-Dash had said he was in charge of making sure 'planes don't crash into each other'. She didn't see why they needed one - in Equestria, if she was about to crash into another pegasus, that pegasus would swerve out of the way. It should be the same here.
"Got it," Human-Dash said finally, pulling off the lock and opening the door, "Check it out!"
Inside the hanger was a cyan recreational aircraft, big enough to seat two people. Rainbow Dash was enthralled. It was bigger than Applejack's truck, with a spinning blade on the front and little wheels to get it across the ground.
"This is yours?" she asked with wide eyes.
"Nah, it's my dad's. But he lets me fly it."
"All by yourself? Then why's there two seats?"
Human-Dash suddenly looked very unsure, looking down at her feet as she drew shapes into the concrete with them.
"You can keep a secret, right?"
"Yeah..." Rainbow answered, curious.
"Alright. You see, you probably don't know this, but you can't fly without a license. The thing is - I don't have one, so I'm not technically allowed to fly unless Spitfire's here."
"So when does she get here? I'm kind of interested in talking to her, too."
"She' s not coming," Human-Dash said flatly.
"She's not?"
"No. But don't worry, I've flown this plane by myself plenty of times. Old Barney up in the control tower overdoses on his meds every day, and he's usually out cold in the mornings. All I have to do is make sure to get the plane back with no scratches and fill the tank back up, and no one's the wiser. So what do you say - you in? You cool enough?"
"Hay yeah, I'm cool enough!" Rainbow responded brashly, making sure no one got the impression that she was possibly... uncool.
"Alright, then. Climb in while I do some preflight checks."
She did as she was told and got into the plane's passenger seat. There were a vast amount of lights and dials and meters and levers in front of her. And she had thought the tractor was complicated. Human-Dash walked around the plane, looking at certain parts for reasons Dash wasn't sure of. After a few minutes, she hopped in beside her counterpart.
"Alright, sexy, you ready to get this show on the road?"
"Totally!"
"Let's go then."
She flipped a few switches in front of her, bringing the small plane to life. The lights turned on, the needles on the meters spun around until they reached their appropriate positions, and after a moment, the engine sputtered and churned into action.
Human-Dash shut the door on her side, and Rainbow followed suit. Operating controls various controls the pony girl didn't understand, she eased the plane expertly out of the hanger and lined up on the runway.
"Control, N136BF - Request permission for takeoff, over." she said into the radio.
No response. Human-Dash smiled.
"Control, N136BF - Your mother has large genitals, over."
"What did you say that for?" Rainbow asked.
"Barney's asleep again. Normally, Spitfire has to take the plane off the runway before she goes up to the tower to yell at him, but I find it's usually more efficient to insult his mom and go anyway. It's fine. If he wakes up and sees we're gone, he'll just check to see that I've filed a flight plan and then go back to sleep. You ready for takeoff?"
"Hay yes. Let's go."
Human-Dash pulled out the throttle carefully as the engine revved and the propeller spun so fast that it couldn't be seen anymore. They pulled forward along the runway, excitement welling forth from Rainbow's chest. The human girl pulled out the throttle as far as it would go and both girls were thrown back into their seats as the plane lurched forward. She operated some more controls, adjusting the elevators and the plane slowly began to leave the ground.
The plane quickly gained altitude as Rainbow looked out toward the ground below her. It was the feeling she'd been missing ever since she got here - the weightless feeling, the amazing view, the high speeds - everything but the wind in her hair. The plane leveled out as Human-Dash turned to her companion.
"I'm going to get away from the city, then we'll do some tricks. How does that sound?"
"Totally awesome."
"Cool."
They sat in silence for a few minutes as Rainbow looked out the window toward the ground below. The lull gave her time to think. There was so much to think about - how things were going back home in Equestria, what had happened to Twilight, whether her human self really was cooler than her... As much as there was to think about, however, she found her mind kept going back to what had happened the previous night.
Why had Applejack been so hostile? It was so unlike her. The Applejack she was used to was calm, honest, friendly. Certainly not above getting frustrated every once in a while, but she had never taken it out on her friends so... meanly before. And it came absolutely out of nowhere. One minute she was trying to talk to her to make her feel better, the next Applejack was saying some really nasty stuff, and accusing her of... things.
"Something the matter?"
Rainbow turned to her counterpart, who was looking at her in concern. Maybe she just needed an outside opinion, somebody who knew AJ. Or knew an AJ.
"It's just... has Applejack ever gotten really mad at you?" Rainbow started uncertainly.
Human-Dash rubbed her chin thoughtfully, "I guess. I never really gave it much thought, though."
"What kind of stuff did she get mad at you for?"
"For being a mischievous bitch, mostly," she smiled, "Although I've never seen her so mad as that one time when I was going out with Lightning Dust..."
"Lightning Dust?" Rainbow shouted, amazed, "That's what my AJ was mad at me about... I think. What happened?"
"Applejack was mad at you, huh? It happens. Anyway, she caught me and Lightning making out at one of Pinkie Pie's parties and got in a hissy fit. Really, I should have been the one who got pissed off - we were about to have some awesome kinky bathroom sex before she interrupted."
"What!?"
"What?" Human-Dash asked innocently.
"You had... sex with her?"
"Yeah, didn't you?"
"NO!" she shouted, before lowering her voice with a sheepish look, "I mean, no. I kissed her once, but I would never have sex with her. She was kind of... mean."
"So?" Suddenly, a look of realization came upon Human-Dash's face, "Wait a minute, are you a virgin?"
"No," Dash responded quickly.
"You are, aren't you?"
"I'm not! And besides, ponies don't have sex that much, not like you humans do, apparently."
"If you're not a virgin, then who have you had sex with?"
"gasdhsdfkj..."
"What was that? You said Big Mac?"
"No! I said Gilda!" Rainbow quickly covered her mouth in horror - she had never told anyone about that before.
"Gilda, huh? Yeah, I did her too. Why her and not anyone else?"
"Well, I was kind of dating her in junior flight camp," Dash explained, resigned, "She pressured me into it. I was kind of so wowed by her coolness and confidence, I never saw what a jerk she was."
"Gilda's alright. She just gets jealous really easy."
"She's alright?" she asked incredulously, "Didn't you see what she did to Pinkie?"
"Did to Pinkie? I mean yeah, Gilda was kind of a dick to her at first, but then Pinkie threw a big party for her and they got drunk together and became the best of friends. What, that didn't happen in pony-world?"
"No. Gilda kept getting pranked by... well, it was by me, but it was an accident. Then she yelled at Pinkie and I got mad at her. Ponies usually don't drink that much, either. It sounds like your Pinkie likes to get drunk a lot."
"Oh, yeah," Human-Dash laughed, "She's a real party animal. Gotta love her, though."
"Yeah..."
"So anyway, what are you going to do with Applejack?"
"I don't know," Rainbow responded at the change of subject, "This has never really happened to me before."
"Do you want my advice?"
"Duh."
"Be a loyal friend. When we get back, give her a chance to explain herself. She probably had a reason to be angry, even if it's a dumb one."
She thought about this for a second, "Yeah, I guess you're right."
"Of course I am. What do you say we do a couple of flips to get your mind off of it?"
Rainbow's eyes lit up, "Awesome!" ***
Fluttershy stared in horror through the translucent blue magic at the shapes of the four ponies on the other side. She felt a thud as Pinkie Pie tried fruitlessly to slam through the force field, a very unPinkie-like frown on her face. Fluttershy simply sat in shock.
Agister ran up to the blue aura and shouted something indecipherable, placing a forehoof against it. She cautiously walked up and put her ear up to it to try to hear what he was saying.
"Go to the train station!"
Right, the train station. There should still be ponies there, and maybe a train will arrive to take her back to Ponyville so she could hide under her bed.
No, Fluttershy. Your friends need help. You need to be brave.
Rarity and Pinkie Pie sadly came up to either side of Agister and placed their hooves on the dome next to his (Dartmoor just started walking away). Fluttershy gulped and placed her hoof on top of their's on her side. A tear started sliding down her cheek, as emotion started welling up in them all. Pulling up every ounce of determination inside of her, she plastered a resolute look on her face and turned around, heading toward the train station. The three ponies inside the city watched her go before turning around to catch up to Dartmoor.
As she reached the train station, she saw a small group of ponies all staring at the orb around the city in shock. They were commuters, tourists, businessponies. All were as frightened and startled by the sudden change in the city as Fluttershy was. Not one of them knew what the cause of the protective shield was, and only Fluttershy knew the city was under attack. As soon as they saw her approach, they all ran up to her.
"What happened!?"
"Did you come from the city?"
"Is there something wrong with the princess?"
Fluttershy shrank under the attention. She instinctively looked back for her friends, but they were already on their way towards the city on the other side of the shield. Trying her best not to run away in fear, she turned toward the crowd of ponies.
"Uhm... I don't know what that is. I'm t-trapped here too."
Seeing that this newcomer didn't know anything, the crowd turned back to talk amongst themselves. Fluttershy didn't join them, but instead went to sit upon a bench. What was she going to do now? She pulled into herself, shivering against the northern autumn cold. She wasn't as warmly dressed as a lot of other ponies here. If a train comes, she might have to get on it just to keep from freezing to death.
A shout from the crowd drew her attention. The eyes of all the ponies were drawn to the blue bubble. It rippled and shook as a hole opened up in the shield. Three rough looking crystal stallions passed through, the hole closing behind them. They approached the train station, the crowd moving toward them, poised to ask further questions. Fluttershy had a bad feeling about these ponies, and quickly hid in the ticket booth.
"Alright, all of you get onto the platform!" one of them called with an authoritative voice. The commuter ponies did as they were told while eying each other nervously. The three stallions encircled them and directed them roughly toward the station as Fluttershy watched through a crack in the door of the ticket booth.
The crystal stallions laughed as they closed the door of the station, locking it with chains and a padlock. All the ponies that were at the station when the shield was erected were now locked inside, except Fluttershy.
"Hey, Shade, what're we gonna do with 'em when we're done here?"
The pony called Shade shrugged. "Beats me. Probably let 'em starve, or Grimm'll enslave 'em. I don't really care. Come on, we got work to do."
Fluttershy watched as they made their way toward the train tracks, pulling something out of one of the pony's saddlebag. Working quickly, they distributed it over the tracks and galloped quickly back to the station. Fluttershy flinched in fear as they kneeled right next to the ticket booth where she hid.
BOOOM!
An explosion rang out, shaking the station and everypony in it. Rocks and dirt were ejected up from the destroyed tracks, showering the entire area. Fluttershy dived under the counter the cash register was on where she continued to hide, shaking.
"Why'd we do that, boss?"
"I already told you idiots," Shade said, "Grimm expects the army to arrive here. He's having us blow up all the tracks from here to the gorge to slow 'em down."
"Is that it, then?"
"Yeah, the other team'll get the rest. We were mainly sent to take care of anypony still at the station. Speaking of which..."
"I like what you're thinking."
Fluttershy heard hoofsteps approach her. The door of the ticket booth opened. Three sets of hooves clopped across the floor, drawing nearer to her hiding spot.
"Empty the register," Shade said, "Just remember not to tell anypony about this; this is the king's property, after all."
The other two stallions chuckled greedily as the register opened over Fluttershy's head. A trinkle of coins could be heard as bits were poured into saddle bags. That's when the stallion closest to Fluttershy called out, freezing her heart with fear -
"Hey, what the crap is this?"
Shade walked over to the stallion who had made the statement. Apparently they were looking at something out of her view.
"'In God We Trust, 2012'," read Shade, "And there's some kind of monkey in a wig on it. I have no clue. What's it say on the back... Oh, of course. A damn buffalo. Those prairie dwellers are counterfeiting. Sombra damn it."
He threw the nickel on the floor where it landed next to Fluttershy's hoof.
"Just throw that crap away. Let's get out of here. We need to stash our loot before I report back to Grimm."
"I don't know..." one of the ponies said stupidly, "I kind of like it."
"Then knock yourself out," Shade shook his head, "Just hurry up."
A set of hooves approached Fluttershy's hiding spot. She shrunk back as much as she could as the stallion's knees bent as he reached down to pick up the discarded nickel. Please don't see me. Please don't see me. Please don't...
His eyes went wide as he looked straight into hers! A pair of hooves grabbed her and threw her out onto the floor of the ticket booth!
"Hey boss! I found another one!"
The pony known as Shade walked back into the booth and looked down at her with a wide, crooked smile.
"Well, well. Looks like she thought she could hide from the Black Crystal Diciples. Throw her in with the rest of... wait."
Shade's pupil's shrank and his mouth fell open as his eyes settled on Fluttershy's cutie mark.
"Holy crap. This is one of them 'elements' Grimm was talking about!"
"Huh?" his henchman asked dumbly.
"Yellow fur, pink mane, butterfly cutie mark... this is one of the Elements of Harmony! Grimm Shado is offering a five thousand bit reward for one of these!"
The two other stallions grabbed her brusquely, their eyes full of greed. Shade led them out of the ticket booth as they turned toward the Crystal Empire.
"Screw the small change," Shade said, "We're taking this bitch straight to Grimm!" ***
This seemed to be the place. Flash Sentry snuck up to a large crystal building and crept around it through the shadows. The street lanterns lit the crystal ponies traversing the streets on either side of the alleyway, and the great blue aura of the magic shield above them twisted and warped the starry sky as if they were in a giant, domed aquarium. There was an open window hatch above him. He spread his wings, and effortlessly flew up into the windowsill.
He was glad he had left his armor in the barracks. As useful as it might be in a fight, there was no way he could have made it up here without being heard. He peered down into the dark of the warehouse inside, at first not making out anything other than the faint outline of rows of crates.
Then he heard a snore. It was coming from beyond a high row of crates several yards in front of him. He chanced making a little noise and flew as quietly as he could into the building. Landing softly on top of the crates, he peered down toward the source of the noise.
Three figures. One very small. And in one of them...
The Kīla of Gothmog.
Flash could have kissed himself. Well, maybe not, but if he were a woman he would accidentally repeatedly bump into himself.
He snuck quietly out of the warehouse, smiling. He finally found them. ***
Applejack had no idea what to make of this television thingy. She had thought that maybe it would involve movies of people bucking apples, or maybe a good western novel. It seems that she underestimated the sheer inclination of humanity for strangeness.
"Here we go! It's the lean, green, ninja team. On the scene, cool teens doing ninja things. So extreme, out the sewers like laser beams. Get rocked with the shell-shocked pizza kings..."
"Ah don' get it..." AJ started, "So they're kinda like me - they're other critters that turned human... but why are they all deformed and green and whatnot?"
"Don' try ta understand it, sugarcube. It don' make a whole lotta sense. Actually, this is supposed ta be a boys show, but apparently all the girls around Applebloom's age watch it instead. It's her favorite show."
"Really? Then what do the boys watch?"
"A girl's show."
"What? Which one?"
"That one cartoon, the one with the colorful female hooved critters goin' around savin' the world and whatnot... Ah can't seem ta remember what it's called..."
"'Animal Farm'?" AJ guessed.
"Yeah, I think so. Anyway, it's getting' ta be evenin'. Fluttershy told me ta call Sunset about now, so let me get on that. Enjoy your Kung-fu Frogs."
"Ah think they're turtles."
"Whatever. Ah'll be right back."
AJ continued to watch the show as Human-AJ went to the kitchen to make the call. She turned the TV volume up so she could hear it over the sound of the conversation (a skill she had just learned, and was getting very good at, if she did say so herself). Now the turtles were fighting a giant talking fish with metal legs. Now they were talking to a rat wearing a robe. This was way too weird. If anypony in Equestria ever invented the television, she would have to remind herself to ask Celestia to send them to the moon. She switched the TV off as the human girl came back into the room.
"Sunset's comin' to the party tonight," she announced as she looked down at her watch, "Which is gonna be in about two hours. Speakin' of which, Rainbow Dash said she was gonna be back bah now. Ah'm gonna have..."
As if in answer, a ring erupted from the phone in her hand. She looked curiously at it, which quickly turned to confusion.
"Unknown number. Hold on, sugarcube. Ah'm gonna take this."
"Hello?... Yeah, this is Applejack... Oh, hey, Spitfire. Ah suppose ya landed... SHE DID WHAT?... You're kiddin' me... Yeah, Ah will. Ah'll let the other girls know. Thanks for tellin' me... Bye."
Human-AJ looked toward Applejack with wide eyes, shock etched in every feature of her face. When she spoke, it was as if even she didn't believe what she was saying -
"They lost contact with Rainbow's plane. They're missing." |
Surviving in a Strange Two Legged World | 12- Humans Suck | Rarity slowly walked with the other ponies toward the city sparkling in the starlight. Her eyes trailed the ground as they walked, her mind full of worry and uncertainty. This was one of the most dangerous adventures they'd ever been on, even more so than their original saving of the Crystal Empire. At least that time they had all been together, had all worked together, and had their friendship to overcome Sombra's evil. It seemed like this time she was losing friends left and right - first Twilight, then AJ and Rainbow, and now Fluttershy. At least she knew that Fluttershy was okay; she could take the train back to Ponyville while they traipsed about in enemy territory. Lucky her.
Dartmoor walked several paces ahead of her, although 'walk' was a bit of a misnomer - 'crept' would have been more accurate. He stayed low to the ground, occasionally placing his ear to it and listening. His head shot back and forth with a frequency that would make most ponies dizzy, as he took in his surroundings as rapidly as possible. It was like he was in his natural environment - that of danger, risk, and uncertainty. Such was an unusual state for any pony to be in, even more unusual for a pony to revel in. She thought back to the story of his childhood that Agister had told her on the train. Truly this must have been a mind-warping event. If there was any pony in Equestria that needed to be shown friendship, it was the earth pony stallion in front of her. She had to try, at least.
"So what's the plan, darling?" she asked as politely as she could.
"The plan is you shut up so I don't have to talk to you. And also so we're not heard. But mostly so I don't have to talk to you."
"I'm just trying to be friendly!" she huffed, "Why don't you ever talk to anypony?"
"Look lady, this is just a temporary thing for me, alright? We stop this cult, then I go back to doing what I've always been doing. I don't need any help, I don't need to talk, and I don't need friends."
"Well that's just ridiculous. Everypony needs friends."
"I don't. Now please, I'm trying to listen."
"Very well, but we should talk later. I'm very interested in getting to know you, and I know that my friends would like you if you ever gave them a chance to get to know you, too."
"Fine. Whatever will shut you up."
Rarity sighed in exasperation. Maybe there was no getting through to this pony. Maybe he really didn't like knowing others. They certainly didn't seem to share any interests. At least she had interests outside of murdering and drinking. Then again, maybe that was an excuse to hide whatever his true feelings about the world were. Maybe if they had met under different circumstances, he would behave differently. War and strife were certainly reasonable excuses to make a pony act antisocially. Maybe she'd have to catch him off-guard.
"Agister told me about Assateague."
Dartmoor halted for the briefest part of a second, but quickly recovered. He glanced back to see that Pinkie and Agister were out of earshot, then looked listlessly at Rarity.
"That right?"
"Yes he did. And I wanted to let you know that I understand. I..."
"You understand, huh? How did your parents die?"
"Oh, uhm, that is to say, they're still alive."
He snorted, "How did I know? It's always the ponies who've never lost anything that think they can understand those who did."
"I'm not..."
"Look babe, thanks for the sympathy or whatever, but that happened thirty years ago. I think I'm good now."
"It may have happened thirty years ago, but that doesn't mean it didn't affect you. And I may not understand any of it at all, but I just wanted to tell you that... I don't know. I just want to be your friend."
"And why would you want that?" he sighed, "Have you even met me? You think that the few bodies you've heard about hold a candle to how many I've stacked up in the past? And I can't imagine you like drunkards."
"I don't. And I don't even know what to think about the... ponies." She shuddered at the thought. "But that doesn't mean you're worthless, or that you don't deserve any friends."
For the briefest moment, much less than a second, Rarity thought she saw something she hadn't seen before - one corner of Dartmoor's mouth turned up the tiniest bit. She could have imagined it; she probably did imagine it. Nonetheless, it filled her heart with pride and sentimentality to know that there was a possibility that she made this mirthless pony smile for some brief period of time.
"What're you two talking about?" Pinkie asked happily behind Rarity. She turned around. Apparently they had been talking for so long that the other two ponies had caught up.
"Nothing. Come on, let's find somewhere to hide out for tonight," Dartmoor replied. The others followed him as they entered the fringes of the city. ***
Applejack sat at the kitchen table. There were people all around talking about something, but she didn't care. She stared down at the creamy black drink swirling in the cup before her. Human-AJ had insisted she have something to drink, but this tasted just as bad as the usual coffee, except it burnt as it went down her throat. The human girl had called it "Irish", whatever the hay that was. Probably some weird made up human word, like "twerk". (Human-AJ had told her to ask Rarity what that meant sometime.) Whatever. Still, she drank it, if only because there was nothing else she could do, and the coffee reminded her of Rainbow.
"Ah'm surprised that that man didn't say anything to ya abou' coming here, Fluttershy."
"Oh..." Fluttershy looked down, obviously not thrilled at the topic. "He did, but I told him that I had to."
"Ah hope ya told him you were a grown woman an' could make your own damn decisions."
"I, uhm...I-don't-know-I-don't-want-to-talk-about-this-anymore."
AJ slammed her cup down on the table. Why the hay were they talking about boyfriends and assertiveness when her Rainbow Dash was missing!? Wait a minute, did she just call her 'her Rainbow Dash'? That's right, another voice said, She is yours. And she'll be alright. When she gets back, you're going to tell her how you feel and everything will be just fine.
"Are you gonna be okay, sugarcube?" Human-AJ asked, looking over in concern. Applejack was suddenly aware everyone in the room was looking at her, but that didn't alter her emotional instability or her feeling of helplessness.
"What are we going ta do about Rainbow!? Has everyone forgotten? We're all jus' sittin' around on our asses waitin' for Celestia knows what ta happen when we should be out there lookin'!"
The others just looked on sadly at this poor displaced girl with tears in her eyes. The Apple family, minus Applebloom (who was out with her friends), sat around the table with her, Fluttershy stood with Human-AJ, Pinkie Pie sat in a chair in the corner, uncharacteristically silent, bottle of alcohol in hand. Human-AJ walked over and gently laid her hands on her counterpart's shoulders.
"I know you're hurtin', Applejack. Heck, so am I. We all are. It's jus'... we can't do anything - the world's just too dang big ta run around lookin' for 'em. We'd get ourselves lost if we tried. We all care a whole lot for Rainbow - both Rainbows. Spitfire, who even Rainbow Dash says is the best pilot she knows, is out lookin' right now, and she promised ta let us know as soon as she found somethin' out."
As hard as the other girl tried to calm her down, Applejack couldn't help but still feel resentful. It felt like if this had happened in Equestria, the entire town would be completely engrossed with helping until they were found.
"What about Rarity, huh? She's not even here!"
Human-AJ exchanged an uncomfortable glance with Fluttershy. "Rarity had a... previous commitment. Ah did give her a call, though, and she's real worried about Rainbow, too."
"What the buck is she doin' that's so dang important?!"
"She's, uh, in Manehatten showing off her clothes..."
"WHAT!? One of her best friends is missin', and Rarity's worried about clothes?"
Human-AJ gulped, looking even more uncomfortable than before. "She's been waitin' for this opportunity for a while, sugarcube. She, uh..."
"All she cares about is her clothes," Applejack cut her off.
"Now don't go judgin' the girl like that. She does care abou' Rainbow, she just needs ta get her priorities in order. Ah tried ta talk ta her, but she can get pretty crazy about her fashion stuff."
Applejack could only shake her head. This world was even more messed up than either of them could initially assess. Humans were slaves to selfishness, to their own damn hormones. If there was anywhere that didn't understand friendship, it was here.
"Ah don' know, Applejack," AJ started sadly, "This place is jus' all backwards. Rarity is obsessed with her career, Rainbow needs attention, Fluttershy is bein' used, Pinkie drinks too much, and y'all are jus' satisfied with livin' the rest of your life alone on the farm, never once tryin' for anything more. This place is jus' messed up, and there ain't nothin' right about it."
Human-AJ got down on her knees next to AJ's chair and pulled her into a hug. The pony-girl was initially shocked to feel arms reaching around her and feeling the human's head lay against her chest. Instinctively, she returned the hug. She could hear Human-AJ's slow, depressed breathing, and the show of affection calmed her down. The other people in the room remained silent, although seeing the two identical girls come to a silent understanding seemed to have a cathartic effect on them as well. After several minutes, Human-AJ let her go and looked into her eyes.
"This is a strange two-legged world we live in, sugarcube," she said with a husky voice and teary eyes, "Ya don' really live here, you just survive." ***
"So what do we do now, boss?"
"Shit, I don't know. Maybe Grimm's busy or something. We should probably wait here," Shade responded as he pushed against the unyielding magic shield. It wasn't letting anything pass through, pony or object. It was supposed to let members of the Disciples through, at least.
"I don't know, Shade. It's November in the Crystal Empire - it's gonna get cold real quick. Maybe we should start a fire?"
"How about that train station?" asked the other henchman, "They got heat in there."
"Yeah, and also two dozen angry ponies who'll jump us in our sleep, idiot," Shade responded wearily, rubbing his head. He thought hard about their predicament, and there was only one thing he could think of to do. There was a cave in these mountains he used to play in as a child fifteen years ago. Actually, make that a thousand and fifteen years ago. It was better than nothing. "All right, you bums. We're heading for that mountain range. Take the prisoner and tie her wings behind her back."
"Oh, that's okay. I don't really fly that well anyway."
"Yeah, sure. A pegasus that doesn't fly. Next you'll be telling me the fastest creature in Equestria is an earth pony. Or that there's a unicorn willing to give up her magic to turn into an alien."
"Actually..."
"Just tie her up."
The henchmen did as he asked, taking a length of rope from their saddle bags and tying her wings tightly around her barrel, much like Applejack had done to Rainbow Dash years before for the Running of the Leaves. One of them took the ends of the rope and held it in his mouth, leading Fluttershy along like a dog on a leash. The henchman brutally yanked at the rope, causing her to stumble and fall painfully to the ground below. The three stallions giggled as she got back up on her hooves.
"All right, let's go," Shade laughed.
He led then away from the city toward the nearest mountain range, which was in the opposite direction as the train tracks. Frozen grass crunched beneath their feet as the cold of the night set in. The only source of light soon became the blue glow of the protective shield behind them. Fluttershy stumbled along, hooves already tired from the long trek she had taken both that morning and the day before. The Disciples were mirthless in their silent demands that she keep up, often jerking on the rope whenever the line went taut. Once she fell to the ground at their tug, and instead of waiting for her to get up, they simply dragged her along against the painful rocks of the frozen north.
Within an hour they reached their destination - the Crystal Mountains. They stood at the foot of the towering spire before them, briefly resting before taking the long, dangerous trek up the winding path directly ahead. Fluttershy had only seen one place in Equestria that compared to this - the mountain that Canterlot stood on. It seemed almost unreal how drastically the colossus shot up from the plains.
"Alright, here's the plan, numbnuts. You guys know where the cave is, right?" The other two nodded. "Alright, you take her up there. Hang out there until I come back. I'm going to go meet up with another group and see if we can't get into that damn bubble. While I'm gone, get the bitch to tell you where the other elements are."
Fluttershy gulped. The other two eyed her with an unreadable look as Shade turned back toward the city. Stumbling once again at another tug of her rope, she was pulled along the rocky mountain trail. The two crystal stallions began talking about what they were planning to spend their money on, a conversation that she paid little attention to.
Things couldn't get much worse than this. Pinkie and Rarity were trapped in a blue bubble, Rainbow and AJ were trapped in a strange alternate world, and Twilight was trapped in her own body. None of her friends knew where she was, and she was absolutely helpless to help any of them. She thought about her home back in Ponyville - Angel, the little chicken coop, the family of foxes that lived by the river...
She was alone. She was alone and there was nopony around to help her. She hung her head in desperation, letting her senses take in the world around her. The soft wind, the rustling of the grass, the beating of a small pair of wings...
Wait... ***
Click here for the clop version of this section
Rainbow Dash shook her head. A great pain behind her eyes caused her to grimace. Slowly, she tried to piece together what happened. Wait, what did happen?
She was still in the plane, but they weren't at the airport. They were on the edge of some kind of forest. They had attempted some kind of trick, a trick Human-Dash had assured her was something she'd done a million times before, but it had gone all wrong. Wait, what about Human-Dash? She looked to her left toward the human girl. She was still buckled in, but she was slouched over in her seat.
"Hey! Hey, Rainbow!" she tried calling, but the words got caught in her throat. She painfully lifted her arm and tapped her. Nothing. Panic began to set in, and with a great burst of adrenaline that overcame her injuries, she unbuckled her seat belt and leaned over toward her friend, grabbing her in panic. She quickly put her head into her chest, hoping against hope that she would hear something.
Human-Dash's heart thumped.
Rainbow gasped a sigh of relief and unstrapped her from her seat. There was a large gash in the human girl's forehead, and blood ran down her face and matted her rainbow-colored bangs. She tried the pilot side door, but it was warped and jammed from the crash. Trying the door on her side was equally as ineffective. There was only one way to get out of this - through the smashed windshield.
If she tried to crawl through it in its current state, she would get cut to bits. If she learned anything from the survival courses she attended at the Wonderbolt Academy, it was that she had to stay as healthy and injury free as possible. A couple of cuts from the glass, even minor ones, could get infected. She began the laborious process of carefully picking up shards of glass and depositing them away from the windshield, all the while her panic over her friend's well-being causing her to want to ignore the dangers and dive out. Piece by piece, she slowly started to get rid of all the glass, but there were still shards attached to the frame of the plane. She tried to carefully rip them off, but they were held on there with glue, or something.
"Hey there champ - it might be easier if you used pliers," a weak voice whispered.
Joy erupted from her heart as she rapidly looked to her left. Human-Dash had regained consciousness! She immediately stopped what she was doing and threw herself onto the human and pulled her into a colossal hug, causing her to wince.
"All right, all right, easy. I'm a little bruised. I'm surprised you're not worse off yourself," she said, pushing the enthusiastic pony off of her, "There's a small toolbox behind your seat. Get some pliers out of there and finish getting rid of that glass, will ya?"
Rainbow did as she was told, grasping the strange metal instruments in her hands. She'd seen Twilight use pliers before, but she didn't pay much attention to how she used them. Such an awkwardly shaped tool was effectively useless to a non-unicorn, but she used the best of her intuition to complete the task.
"Cool," Human-Dash praised when she was done, "Get the green duffel bag out from behind the seats and climb out."
Rainbow dug around behind the seats, finding a green military-style bag about four feet long and one feet wide. She wondered what the purpose of such a large bag on such a small plane was. She felt around briefly, trying to gauge the nature of the contents. There were several lumps, some hard, some soft, but she had no idea what they were.
"It's the emergency bag," the other girl said, as if reading her thoughts, "Go on out."
Rainbow pushed the bag out of the now glassless windshield and deftly followed. The bruises that she had ignored in her panic began to make themselves known again, and such acrobatics in such a strange body would have been difficult either way. As soon as she was out, she turned around to see Human-Dash struggling to get out of her seat and get to the passenger side window. Obviously, her wounds were much more limiting that her counterpart's.
"Hold on a minute..." Human-Dash said, grabbing a plastic bag by her feet and handing it through the window. Rainbow curiously opened the bag to see what was so important. Contained inside was about five pounds of beef jerky. Good thing she got three. Reaching into the plane, she pulled her friend out with great effort. After they were both free of the wreckage, they laid out on the nose of the aircraft for a few minutes, panting - still trying to absorb what had just happened. As Human-Dash held her sides and winced as the bruises rioted through her brain, Rainbow took the opportunity to observe her surroundings.
They were at the edge of a meadow. A trail of upturned earth led to the downed plane. She didn't quite remember exactly what had happened at the time of impact, but apparently Human-Dash had attempted to land in the meadow. Unfortunately, she didn't have enough room for a complete landing, and they had impacted against a large tree at the edge of a forest. Thankfully they had been going slow enough, and their lives didn't end as broken forms around the trees limbs. However, the question still remained as to what they were to do now.
"We need to get a fire going," Human-Dash said unexpectedly, as if reading her mind, "Hopefully somebody's going to be flying around looking for us, so we need to light a big fire as possible in the middle of that field."
"Fair enough," Rainbow responded. Helping her counterpart down off of the plane, they set out across the grey, frozen grass into the field. The sun was quickly setting and the cold was starting to become unbearable. As used to it as Dash was, being a creature that regularly frequented the upper layers of the atmosphere, there was something about this body that was not as tolerant.
"This should be good," Human-Dash said after they had reached the middle of the field, "How about you get some wood. I'll put up the tent."
Rainbow nodded in assent, and turned toward the woods before the human girl called her back -
"Hey, Rainbow Dash!"
Rainbow turned around curiously to see a concerned and serious look upon her counterpart's face.
"We're going to get out of this, alright? It'll all turn out okay. We have each other, right?"
"Right."
Human-Dash regarded her companion's stoic response. While she could take most things in stride and something so simple as a plane crash didn't really cause massive amounts of stress, she didn't know if she could say the same thing about her counterpart. Throwing down the tent poles she had been inspecting, she turned to run after Rainbow.
"Hey, wait up!"
Rainbow turned around and waited for Human-Dash to catch up to her. "Weren't you hurt in the crash?"
"Hey, you know me," the human laughed as she unconvincingly hid her wincing, "Up for anything. But if I collapse, make sure I look cool for when my body's discovered."
"You'll be fine," Rainbow responded uncertainly, slowing down to walk side by side with her friend, "Right?"
"Oh yeah, this is no big deal. Just think of it as an unplanned camping trip. You've been camping before, right?"
"Yeah, all the time," Dash responded as they reached the edge of the woods by the downed plane, "The last time I went camping, I went with AJ and Rarity and their sisters and..."
"Scootaloo?"
"Yeah, how'd you know?"
"Alternate universes, remember?"
"Oh, yeah," Rainbow said absently as she bent over to pick up some firewood. Human-Dash regarded the pony-girl with a curious look; it was almost as if she was trying to hide her discomfort, something either Rainbow Dash typically didn't do. Rainbow wore her heart on her sleeve, whether it was the usual pride or the rarer trepidation.
"Are you okay, Rainbow? You're not mad at me or anything, right?"
She sighed. "No, I guess not. I mean, we all crash."
"Then what's the problem?"
"Who said I had a problem? I'm cool," she retorted confidently before quietly adding, "Totally cool..."
"Bullshit, Dash," the human smirked, "You don't have to hide stuff from me. You know that, right? If you're scared, you can tell me."
"I'm not scared! I'm just... look, if you had come to my world, and you didn't know how anything worked and you lost your wings - or, like, your hands or whatever - and then you were stranded and..."
Human-Dash very suddenly wrapped her arms around her, pulling into a comforting hug. Rainbow, initially shocked by this sudden show of affection, relaxed and let herself be held. The emotions of the day came flooding to the surface like a breached dam, and her eyes watered.
"...and Twilight just bucking stabbed herself. Just out of nowhere! What the hay am I supposed to think? And here I am lost in the middle of nowhere while she's--I don't even know. I'm supposed to be the Element of Loyalty, and I feel like I'm not really giving it my all. I should be out there, pounding on doors and demanding to see Twilight. And... I don't know."
Human-Dash tightened her hold on her friend. She may be a flirt, but she would never abandon anyone she cared about when they needed her, and right now Rainbow Dash needed her. The pony-girl rested her head on her shoulder, and she whispered encouraging thoughts in her ear.
"I'll be there for you, Dashie. We're going to find our way back, and then all our friends will be there for you too. Come on, let's get this wood back to the campsite." ***
Rainbow Dash stirred sleeplessly under her Mylar blanket. The emergency kit had contained a small tent and a blanket, but didn't feel fit to provide them with a pillow. The uncertainty of their situation combined with the physical discomfort grated at her mind. This was supposed to be easy - go to the human world, meet up with the human Twilight, and bring her back to Equestria to save her Twilight. How had it gone so wrong? How did they get so distracted? She could only wonder what Applejack was thinking about right now. Was she worried about her, or was she still mad?
"Something worrying you, hot stuff?"
Rainbow looked turned to look at the figure lying next to her. The human Rainbow was awake, concern in her large maroon eyes. This girl really cared about her, and if she was honest with herself, she really needed someone to lean on right now.
"I think you're cool and everything. I mean, like, really cool. I know I fell apart back there in the woods, and... I don't know. I'm just all messed up, I guess."
"Look, Rainbow Dash," she whispered into her ear, "I don't care that you're afraid. Hell, I'm a little nervous about being stranded in the middle of nowhere, too." She pulled the pony-girl closer, softly brushing across her ear with her lips. "At least I'm not here alone..."
Rainbow turned and looked into the half-lidded eyes of the girl that looked just like her. Her brain was silent; conscious thought completely escaped her, but she knew exactly what was going on. The human's fingers ran ever so softly down her back, sending shivers echoing through her body, even as she pulled her closer. Without thinking any deeper about it, Rainbow closed her eyes and allowed their lips to touch. |
Surviving in a Strange Two Legged World | 13- Equites Ex Machina | Fluttershy tried her best to get a good look at the figure flying above them without drawing attention to it. Luckily, the two henchponies that were leading her weren't terribly perceptive. It was definitely too small to be a pegasus. It was about the size of a crow, but it was difficult to tell in the faint light of the stars.
She tripped and fell. She needed to pay more attention to where she was going - they were on their way up a steep path carved into the side of a cliff, and she didn't have her wings to save her if she fell. The stallions leading her along weren't paying the least bit of attention to her, either.
The mountain cold blew in her face, bringing with it a flurry of snow off the ground. The Crystal City, surrounded in its protective bubble, sparkled well below them in the distance. The sound of the wind momentarily obfuscated her hearing, and when it slowly died down, she realized in panic that the gentle sound of beating wings was gone. The sky was as clear and starry as she had ever seen it, and completely absent of her winged friend and soul source of hope. Maybe it wasn't Ayden after all.
They approached the opening of a very small cave, almost invisible until they came close to it. It was less of a cave and more of a crevice, a small slit between two large boulders. The pony holding her leash yanked harshly at it, pulling her over to him.
"Get in there, and don't get any ideas."
Fluttershy silently obeyed, shaking from fear and cold as she squeezed into the entrance. She was thankful for her slender form, as bigger ponies (such as her captors) would have a much harder time entering. She could hear groaning and heaving behind her as the other two entered.
The cave itself was as small as the entrance suggested. It was hardly any bigger than her living room, and there was nothing inside save a small burlap bag that she assumed was full of food. The henchponies sat down in exhaustion on the cold stone floor, looking as weary as Fluttershy felt.
"Hey, what do we got for grub anyway?"
"I don't know go ahead and check. I think Shade put that bag there not too long ago; it should still be good."
"Hey you!" the darker coated stallion addressed Fluttershy brusquely, "Bring that bag over here."
Fluttershy did as she was told, dragging the sack over to them with much effort. They dumped its contents onto the cave floor, revealing some hard biscuits and several ratty blankets.
"Sombra damn it," one of them mumbled, "Can't Shade get anything better than this?"
The other only shrugged as he doled out the blankets and bread between the two of them. They took the food and painfully took a bite, chewing with disgusted looks on their faces as apparently their mouths weren't sufficient to moisten the unpleasant fair. Fluttershy unconsciously shivered as the frosty air worked its way through her.
"Uhm, excuse me, sirs? Would you, if you don't mind, that is, let me have a blanket?"
The dark coated pony looked at his companion. "Did Shade say that Grimm wanted her alive? I don't remember."
The other one rubbed his chin inquisitively. "I don't know, but he did say he wanted her to talk." He turned his attention to Fluttershy. "So how about this, pegasus - you tell us where we can find the other element things, and we'll give you a blanket."
Fluttershy looked between them, panic beginning to set in. She was incredibly cold and hungry, but if she knew anything, it was that she would never give her friends away.
"Oh, I'm really very sorry, but I can't do that. Could you give me a blanket anyway? I mean, I'm sure that if we talked and got to know each other, we could put aside our differences and become friends. Maybe if..."
She was cut off by the raucous laughter of her captors.
"Yeah, that's not going to happen. I don't know how it works in Equestria," the lighter colored stallion said, putting as much contempt in the last word as he could, "But here in the Crystal Empire, the only thing that matters is our devotion to our god and leader, King Sombra. Nice try, though. Let us know when you decide you're cold enough to talk."
Fluttershy shivered again as the two turned back to their repast. She was beginning to feel very desperate now. She was in a cave in the mountains with two ponies that didn't care if she was alive or dead, and nopony even knew that she was missing. There was only one thing to do - she had to escape on her own. She began to think as hard as she could - what would Rainbow Dash do if she were in this situation? She sure wished the headstrong mare was there right now, or even any of her other friends. They were so much braver than her. Rarity had even escaped a similar situation with diamond dogs, but Fluttershy didn't know if she had the courage to deliberately annoy her captors, or if they'd even care.
Maybe if she could get out of the ropes binding her without the two Disciples seeing, she could slip out of the entrance crevice and fly away before they could squeeze out to capture her. But where would she go? She couldn't go to the city due to the protective bubble. The train station currently was full of friendly ponies locked inside, but apparently the tracks were being destroyed as she sat there. It was far too great a distance for her to escape the Frozen North on her own without succumbing to cold and hunger. No, she was trapped. But she knew one thing for sure - she would rather die here in this cave than betray any of her friends. Ice flew through her veins at the thought. That could very well be the case. She needed a savior, an equites ex machina.
"Damn it, these blankets suck!" shouted the dark coated stallion, "Why couldn't Shade have left some firewood or something?"
"I thought I heard him say he did once. Maybe he left it outside."
"I didn't see any when we got here."
"We could have missed it. Why don't you go out and check?"
"Screw that! It's bucking cold outside! Send the bitch."
"What, and have her run away? You're an idiot."
"I'm still not going out there."
I'll do it, then, if you're going to be such a foal about it."
He angrily got up and dumped the layers of blankets on the floor. Muttering to himself, he walked over to the crevice and squeezed himself though. The other pony continued to bite off crumbly chunks of hardtack, waiting for the lighter stallion with disinterest. After a moment, a wild shout sounded from outside the cave. Both Fluttershy and the Disciple still inside rushed to the entrance, pushing through the crevice into the snowy cold outside.
The stallion was standing on the edge of the cliff, staring out toward the crystal city with his jaw hanging open. Fluttershy attempted to discern what he was looking at as her eyes adjusted to the light level. When she saw it, her eyes went wide much like her captors.
Surrounding the bubble that enclosed the city were hundreds of campfires and thousands of ponies - it was an army.
Fluttershy almost jumped for joy despite herself. So Sly Hoof had gotten the message to Canterlot!
"Holy shit, what the hell's going on here?!" the dark stallion exclaimed. His companion could only continue to stare in shock. After a moment of silence, he continued to prod for answers. "Are those Grimm's boys, or..."
"No, you idiot!" the lighter stallion shouted in exasperation, "There aren't that damn many Disciples! Buck, this is bad. Grimm might be able to handle that many, but we are totally screwed out here. What the hay are we going to do?" His eyes wandered around, as if the solution could be found in the snow. Suddenly, they came to rest on Fluttershy, and the smallest trace of a smile crossed his face. "New plan. From now on, this is our hostage. If those Equestrian asses don't let us escape, we threaten to kill the filly."
"Good plan! I'll get the..."
He was interrupted by the cry of a falcon above. All three ponies looked up as a bird dived toward them. Taken by surprise, the two disciples pushed past each other to get out of the way of the dive-bombing bird. It pulled up immediately before reaching them, hovering between them and Fluttershy.
"Ayden!" she cried out as relief washed over her.
"It's just a damn bird!" the lighter stallion called out as the shock of the bird's appearance wore off. "Get her back in the cave!"
He leaped toward Ayden, who quickly flew out of the way. He turned around, a look of determined menace on his face, ready to do away with the annoyance for good. As he and the falcon exchanged lunges with each other, the other stallion grabbed Fluttershy's leash and pulled her back toward the cave. Even though she resisted, the strength of the larger stallion was too much for her, and she found herself being dragged through the snow.
"Ayden!"
The bird let out another cry, turning its attention toward the pony dragging her. As it attempted to dive toward him, the other Disciple intercepted it in midair. He held its wing in his mouth before dropping it to the ground and stepping on the bird with a hoof, holding it painfully in place, a triumphant smile dancing across his face.
"Bucking bird," he said, panting, "Take her inside. I'm going to crush this thing and be done with it."
"No!"
The bird cried out in pain as the stallion slowly applied more pressure to its tender ribs. Just as it seemed that hope was lost, a violent wind overtook them, causing the two Disciples to look around for its cause. A bluish fire rode across the sky, approaching them with tremendous speed. Both stallions momentarily forgot their captives as they watched the fire approach ever closer. The wind picked up into a veritable hurricane as the figure landed before them on four hooves.
Looking angrier and more powerful than Fluttershy had ever seen her stood Luna, Princess of the Night. She towered over them, bearing down on the two disciples with a venomous stare. Her eyes were aflame with the same color as her mane, and she was dressed in full battle armor of dazzling silver. When she opened her mouth, pure rage echoed across the mountain as she addressed the two Disciples in her most menacing royal Canterlot voice -
"THOU SHALL NOT HARM MY FRIEND, BEASTS AND FOUL HEATHENS!"
With an enormous eruption of power from her horn the likes of which Fluttershy had not felt before, she cast her enemies off of the side of the mountain cliff, sending them screaming through the night toward the ground below. Fluttershy could not help but hide her eyes at the display of power and justice before her, even as the flames extinguished themselves from Luna's eyes.
"Are you alright, my little pony?" she asked in as comforting a voice as she could.
Overcome with emotion, Fluttershy cast herself at her savior, wrapping her front hooves around her neck and weeping softly. Luna seemed uncertain at the display of emotion, and awkwardly patted the pegasus's back.
"We are glad you are well, friend Fluttershy," she said, "We had heard from this creature of the skies that thou didst need our assistance."
Almost as if by mention of its name, Ayden cried softly by Fluttershy's feet. She scooped up the falcon in her hooves, checking meticulously for any irrevocable damage. She breathed a sigh of relief to see that he was not in mortal peril, but she was nonetheless filled with concern when she diagnosed a broken wing.
"The poor dear," she started sadly, "He saved me, and now he can't even fly..."
"Takest him with thee as we fly back to base camp in yonder valley," Luna gestured down toward the city, "There you will find medical supplies for thy friend. Dodst thou feel well enough to accompany us there?"
"Yes, yes I think so."
Luna used her magic to unbind Fluttershy's wings. She spread them, and beyond feeling slightly cramped, she felt like she could make the several miles if she took it slowly. Luna nodded and took off toward the city. Fluttershy cradled the injured falcon in her hooves and deftly followed. ***
Rainbow Dash blinked her eyes sleepily. Her surroundings were illuminated with a serene blue aura as the light of the full moon streamed in through the translucent tent. The ground beneath her was hard and rocky, but she was unusually warm underneath the thin silver blanket. Groaning, she lifted herself into a sitting position. Her neck and back ached more than she had ever felt before, her human bones not receiving the support they were accustomed to. As the exhaustion seeped out of her consciousness, she became aware of two things - she was alone and she was naked. Why was that again?
The latter fact was a lot easier to explain. The previous night's activities flooded back into her mind, and a smile forced its way upon her face. If she were to go back in time a week and tell past Rainbow what she would be doing with a human, she probably would have bucked herself in the face.
No, not that kind of buck. Get your mind out of the gutter, Dash!
She found her clothes piled in the corner of the tent and quickly pulled them on. They were uncomfortably cold, having spent the entire night outside the warming protection of the space blanket. She crawled over to the entrance to the tent, fumbled briefly with the zipper, and pulled it open.
"Morning, sexy!" called Human-Dash from the firepit in front of the tent. Dark bags sat under her eyes and her hair was touseled more than usual, if that were even possible. Rainbow walked up to her lazily and dropped heavily beside her. The other girl wasted no time and wrapped her arm around her waist, pulling her closer.
"What time is it?"
Human-Dash looked toward the displacement of the moon. "Early morning, I think."
"How long have you been up?"
"Not that long. I couldn't really sleep on those damn rocks, and your pillow was a lot more comfortable than mine."
Rainbow blushed. "Sorry about that. I guess I just can't learn not to touch your boobs, huh?"
"No sweat, champ," Human-Dash said, kissing her on the cheek, "If you remember, I said don't touch a girl's boobs in public, and this is about as private as you can get. Hell, I probably wouldn't even be wearing clothes right now if it weren't so cold."
"You can do that? Applejack kept getting me for being naked, so I thought humans had to wear clothes all the time!"
"Nah. What's the fun in that?" the human smiled slyly, "You just have to figure out when the best time is, the time when you can make everybody's jaw drop."
"Wait, so humans like it when other humans are naked?"
"Yeah! Why wouldn't they?"
"I don't know. Everybody kind of acted weird whenever I got naked."
"You got naked? In public?" Human-Dash laughed, "Who saw?"
Rainbow thought for a minute, recounting her first day in the human world. "It was Applejack, Applebloom, and Filthy Rich, I think."
"Well, that's easy to explain," Human-Dash responded offhandedly, "Applebloom's a kid, so you probably disturbed her. Filthy's a pervy old man, so you probably blew his mind. And Applejack... I don't know, I haven't quite figured that girl out. You're Applejack might be different, but the Applejack here on Earth is a prude. I've never seen her with a man, but when she caught me and Lightning making out she went all agro, so I don't think she likes girls, either. I wonder what she's going to say when she hears about us."
She looked over at Rainbow Dash expecting her to laugh with her, but she merely stared at the fire.
"You're worried she's going to be upset," Human-Dash interpreted.
"Yeah."
"Don't be. You're like me, so Applejack's like Applejack, and Applejack would never turn her back on a friend. I bet she's out there looking for you right now, galloping around the wilderness on horseback like a cowgirl in a wild west movie."
Rainbow smiled at the thought. It was true - even if Applejack would be upset, she was still her friend, and she would come through. Then they would go back to Sweet Apple Acres, Sunset and Twilight would be there, and they would be on their way back to Equestria before she knew it. They would turn around and wave goodbye to their new human friends...
"Hey, can I ask you something?" she suddenly said.
"What's up?"
"Are we like... I mean, are we marefriends now?"
Human-Dash smiled. "I don't know what that means, but I can guess. I don't know, I haven't thought about it. Do you want to be?"
"I don't know..." Rainbow replied thoughtfully, "We did just kind of--you know."
"Yeah, we did. I'm totally down for another round, if that's what you're asking."
"No, not right now. I'm talking about long term."
"It'll be even better long term. I've been thinking about it, and I'm going to get a saddle and harness and ride you around my apartment; it'll be awesome and kinky."
Rainbow Dash blushed. "Hey! I think I should be offended by that!"
"What, you never done roleplay before?"
"No!"
"Whatevs. It'll be new to me too - I've never had an actual pony to do that to, and putting a bit in your mouth is just icing on the cake."
"Rainbow Dash! I'm trying to be serious!"
"What?" Human-Dash asked in confusion, "I am being serious."
"No, that's not what I mean! I want to know if we're in a serious relationship, or if that's even possible."
"Well, as I always say when it comes to love, 'As long as they're both attractive, love will shine through'. And quite frankly, I don't know how much more attractive a couple could possibly get."
"I was actually talking about the whole 'I'm a pony, you're a human, and we live in two different worlds' thing."
"Oh, I haven't thought about that," Human-Dash responded sheepishly, "I guess, I don't know, I could come visit you?"
"Yeah, that might work. But you can only come, like, three days out of every six months, unless Sunset knows a way to keep the portal open."
"Yeah that would suck," the human replied nonchalantly, pulling Rainbow close to her side, "But hey, it's better than nothing. Maybe I'll come by to see you fly."
"Yeah, and maybe you can see how not to crash."
"Hey, it's not my fault! There was a random air current I wasn't expecting."
Rainbow laughed. That sounded just like something she would say. She sat for a few moments in silence next to her friend, allowing herself to be warmed by the small fire in front of them. It was definitely disconcerting being lost in such a strange place in a strange world in a strange body, but at least she wasn't alone. She was about to ask Human-Dash what they planned to do next when her stomach rumbled. The other girl smiled and got up, walking over to the tent. After a minute of scrounging through the tent, she returned and dropped the bag full of beef jerky into Rainbow's lap.
"Here you go, champ. Don't eat too much right now; we have to make it last."
After a minute of fumbling with the plastic packaging, she got to the meat and tore off a chunk with her teeth. It wasn't like the steak she had at Applejack's. It wasn't juicy, instead being hard and chewy, but it wasn't unpleasant, and a lot better than most pony food she knew of. She chewed her breakfast in silence along with her counterpart. As she finished the salty snack, her thirst made itself known. She looked over toward Human-Dash, intending on asking about water, but the other girl was apparently ahead of her. She held up an olive canteen, which she took thankfully. After quenching her thirst, she asked the question that was on her mind.
"So what's the plan on getting out of here?"
"Well, I searched through Spitfire's emergency bag before you got up this morning, and I got good news and bad news."
"What's the good news?"
"The good news is that there's an emergency radio in there that will broadcast our position to anyone looking for us."
"And the bad news?" Rainbow asked, not sure if she wanted to hear the answer.
"I took the batteries out of it last year to put in, uh, something of mine. Don't look at me like that! I never thought I would actually crash, alright? All we have to do is wait for somebody to spot us. It shouldn't be more than a couple of days."
Rainbow could only shake her head. |
Surviving in a Strange Two Legged World | 14- Where a Bunch of People Visit Applejack | The cloaked pony got off the train in Canterlot. She spent a moment looking around, trying to get her bearings. There was definitely something wrong, and a quick reconnoiter of the area highlighted what it was - there were extremely few ponies around. Very few ponies, and absolutely no royal guards. She had to find out why; the last thing she needed was for something to go wrong now, when there was so much at stake. She quickly flagged down a nearby aristocrat, who seemed incredibly miffed at the interruption, and yet hesitant to outright ignore such a strange and intimidating looking pony.
"Excuse me. Can you tell me what's going on? Where is everybody? Why are there no guards around?"
The aristocrat sniffed with a condescending air. "The reason the train station is empty is that the Equestrian rail system has been momentarily shut down. And there are no guards because the princess has sent them to the Crystal Empire to deal with the emerging crises there. Now if you don't mind, I really must be going."
He sniffed once again and thrust his nose into the air. He trotted off without a glance back at her, obviously relieved to be done with the disturbance. Crystal Empire? Wasn't that where she just was? What could possibly be happening there? She rushed down the almost barren city street.
As she passed by the Canterlot denizens, they looked up in panic to see who could be so hurried and brazen to make so much noise in such a sensitive time. Several ducked behind benches and trash cans, while others rushed into their houses in panic. She ignored them. Things seemed to be going downhill quickly around here, and she needed to find the pony she was looking for.
After running halfway through the city, she came upon a humble townhouse in a poorer section of town. She stopped in front of it, panting from her exertion. She could run a lot faster as a pony, but she sure did get tired out quicker. She tried to breathe easy - it would do no good to be breathless while trying to have a serious conversation. After a few minutes, she trotted up to the front door, and gave a resounding knock with her hoof.
Nothing. She knocked again.
After a moment, the door opened a crack. She tried to look to see who it was she would be addressing, but the darkness in the house didn't allow her.
"Can I help you?" a nervous stallion said from inside the house. The cloaked mare hesitated. Stallion? Something was wrong. Maybe the pony she was looking for had moved?
"Uhm... I'm sorry. I think I'm looking for the pony who used to live here. Do you know where I can find..."
An enormous eruption sounded behind her, shaking the ground and knocking her over!
She looked around wildly. Ponies screamed and the sound of fighting could be vaguely heard in the distance in the direction of the palace. The city was under attack! She looked in panic back to the door of the townhouse. The stallion had stuck his head out of the door, his eyes wide in panic and momentarily shell-shocked. She needed to find this pony, now more than ever.
"Hey!" she called, trying to get the stallion's attention, "Where is..."
"Ponyville!" he yelled back before quickly slamming the door in her face. Ponyville? Wasn't that the small farming village at the foot of the mountain? There was no way she would be able to get anyone else's attention now that the city was under attack, so she supposed she would have to get to that village and hope it's the same one. Luckily, stealth was something she was fairly good at.
She crept through the streets away from the sound of fighting. Ponyville was her next stop. ***
"This is gonna seem kinda weird, but this here is Applejack." Applejack's human counterpart gestured toward her in introduction. AJ curtly shook hands with the fiery-haired girl. She knew instantly who it was from Twilight's descriptions of her - Sunset Shimmer. While her physical appearance was quite to her expectations, her demeanor was not. Past tales of social hijacking and scheming of invasions brought to mind a very assertive personality. This was not the case. Apparently the very act of acquiring friends was sufficient to deflate her ego, as well.
"Hi. Nice to meet you," Sunset responded quietly, not quite meeting Fluttershy levels of timidity, but close. "I'm sorry to hear about your friend."
"Thanks, sugarcube, but we're all missing a friend right about now." She turned to Human-AJ. "What's the news on that, by the way? Ya said y'all were talkin' with Spitfire..."
"Yeah, she's on her way over here now. We're all gonna get together and figure out what the game plan is." As she spoke, it was apparent to all that her voice and her face reflected a hidden sadness, a sadness that was thinly veiled behind confident words.
AJ knew that sitting around worrying about the two Rainbow Dash's wasn't the best way to overcome their anxiety, even if it seemed that her brain could do little else. However, years of careful management of the farm had taught her to look and plan ahead. She wouldn't let her mind tell her that Rainbow was doing anything but waiting for them to find her with a huge smile on her face. Rainbow was fine. She was fine and they had to look ahead for what they were to do after they had rescued her. And there was one person in the room that they had tirelessly tried to talk to for several days - and she was currently sitting on the couch across from her.
"Sunset?" she started. The girl looked over toward her inquisitively. AJ took that as an indication to keep going. "Did, uh, did Applejack tell you about why we're here?"
"She said that Rainbow and the Equestrian Rainbow went missing. I told her that planes were incredibly dangerous without the necessary safety precautions that..."
"No, Ah mean why we're even in this world ta begin with?"
Sunset looked down, deliberately avoiding AJ's eyes. She sighed deeply and answered without ever looking up. "I... I realize that it's my fault. If I had never come through the mirror last year, then no one would have to be stuck here, and your friend--"
"Hey, Ah'm not mad at ya, if that's what you're gettin' all emotional about. In fact, y'all might have unintentionally done us all a huge favor. Ya see, somethin' strange has happened in our world, in Equestria. Twilight - y'all know Twilight, right?" Sunset nodded her head. "Well, she got herself stuck in some sorta magic thingy. I don' really understand any of it, but the only way ta get her out is ta get the Twilight of this world ta help her."
Sunset's expression slowly warmed as Applejack told her that she didn't blame her for their being stuck in this world. However, her face transformed back into a frown at her explanation. After several moments of rumination, she shook her head.
"You're talking about a phurba, aren't you?"
"A... whatsit, now?"
"A phurba," Sunset explained, "It's a type of ritual dagger that binds a soul to it whenever it pierces a pony's skin."
"Yeah. Yeah, that's it! Y'all know about those? Ah mean, we asked Princess Celestia about it, and even she didn't know what it was at first. She called it the Kīla of Gothmog."
"I'm not familiar with that one in particular. In fact, the only reason I know what a phurba is to begin with is that a strange pony asked me to steal a reference book about them from the Starswirl the Bearded section for them."
"Maybe y'all better start from the beginning..." AJ suggested. Any information she could get and report back to the princess would be helpful. Everyone else in the room appeared to be vaguely paying attention, if hopelessly lost (except for Granny Smith, who was asleep in her easy chair). She didn't blame them - if they had all started talking about how a light-globe worked, she sure as hay wouldn't be able to follow. She had a hard enough time trying to pay attention when magic was discussed.
"Well, around the time I was researching the magic mirror for the princess," Sunset started, "I started to get... disillusioned with her. I was planning on running away to this world where she couldn't find me. Unfortunately, I was really unprepared for it, and I felt like maybe Celestia knew what I was planning. I felt like there was a rush to get here before she caught me and threw me in the dungeon or worse - lectured me.
I didn't really know how to prepare; it's a bit of a flaw of mine. I figured if I got enough money together, I could buy anything I wanted when I got here. I couldn't ask the princess for the money because she'd want to know what I was spending it on, so I was stuck. That's when a cloaked pony met me in an alleyway in Canterlot. I couldn't see their face, and their voice was so androgynous I couldn't even tell if it was a mare or a stallion. They offered to pay me a thousand bits to get them a book from the restricted section of the library called 'The Greatest War'. So I did."
"What did the book say?"
"I don't know. Most of it was in a language I didn't recognize. The only part I could read was some notes in the margin about phurbas. I already told you that part.. It was incredibly old and most of the letters were so faded you couldn't read them. The cloaked pony gave me the money and I fled here that very night. It wasn't until I got here that I realize bits were completely worthless. I tried to buy some bread only to have the cashier tell me they didn't accept gold coins. Luckily some guy offered to buy it for me in exchange for my useless bits."
At this, every human in the room turned toward her, at a loss for words. AJ simply smiled.
"Well that was nice of him. But Ah think you were fixin' ta tell me about Twilight?"
"Oh yeah. Sorry. She's still in the city for the time being. She goes to the state university, but I think she'll be here for another two days for Thanksgiving break. I don't know how easy it'll be to convince her to come to Equestria with you, though. She doesn't really believe in magic. I can get you her number if you want. We might be able to convince her to meet up before she goes back to school. It'll be easier to convince her to go with you when you leave in six months if she already knows who you are."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa," exclaimed Applejack, "We're tryin' ta get out of here as soon as possible, not six months down the road. There is a way ta do that, right? I mean, y'all can jus' yell 'Open Sesame' or somethin', right?"
Sunset Shimmer shook her head. "Sorry. I've studied this portal for a long time before I came here. There might've been a spell to open it that I haven't found yet, but you'd have to be on the Equestrian side to try that. Either that or you could try using a spell if you had an Element of Harmony with you. You did think to bring one, right?"
"Element of Harmony?" Applejack repeated, panic beginning to set into her chest, "Now why in Celestia's name would we bring one of those? Twilight said the only thing that saved Equestria the last time an Element got into the human world was that no one competent got ahold of it. No offense, sugarcube..." she added with an apologetic smile.
"None taken. Unfortunately, I'm afraid you're stuck here. At least for the time being."
"No, it can't be. Twilight needs us! We promised everypony we'd come back as quick as we could! We..."
"Sugarcube..." Human-AJ said, pulling her counterpart into a comforting hug, "We already talked about this, remember? Y'all will have friends here, and a place ta stay. Ah promised you that. But we gotta get our priorities in order. We need ta find Rainbow Dash first. Then we can look into our options. Sunset ain't goin' anywhere, right?"
Sunset shook her head, "Nope. I'm going to the city college, so I'm going to be living in the dorm for the next couple years."
"See? We'll figure somethin' out. Chances are Twilight's still in the exact same place ya left her, being takin' real good care of by all your other friends. Everything'll turn out fine."
The doorbell rang. All heads turned toward it, momentarily immobilized from the sudden interruption. After a moment, Human-AJ got up and let the person in - Spitfire. Applejack had only seen the pony Spitfire a few times--at the best young flier's competition, at the gala with Soarin as the only customers of the night, and as the drill instructor at the Wonderbolt's Academy. Her mannerisms were much more like the latter, appearing gruff and frustrated, yet exhausted. She wore jeans, sunglasses, and a leather jacket. She placed the sunglasses on top her head as she entered, revealing dark circles under her eyes. She flopped down in the only empty seat, next to Big Mac.
"Nothing," she groaned, "I circled around the path in her flight plan twice, but there's not even a hint. Not that I was expecting much. She just made a photocopy of one of the plans I filled out for her training, and that fat idiot in the control tower didn't even look twice at it. I swear, that girl can sure drive you to drink."
"Oh! Here you go!" said Pinkie quickly, handing Spitifire a handle of vodka that she had once again materialized out of nowhere. She took it without thinking and gave the younger girl a curious look.
"Didn't you just graduate high school? How on God's green Earth do you keep getting these?"
Pinkie shrugged, and gave her a subdued smile. Spitfire simply shook her head and set the bottle on the floor.
"So what's the plan, Ms. Spitfire?" Applejack asked.
"You don't have to call me..." she started, before doing a double take. She raised her eyebrows as she looked quickly back and forth between the Applejack that had asked her the question and the one that had let her into the farmhouse. "What..."
"It's a long story," Human-AJ smiled, "It'd probably be easier to say she's mah long lost twin."
Spitfire shrugged. "Whatever you say. Anyway, I've searched her planned route, so I'm not sure exactly where she could be. I took the next couple days off, so I'm going to do some passes over some of the areas where we practiced flying in the past. If this is her first time flying on her own, then it's unlikely she'd just fly out randomly."
"Ah don' know. She can be pretty adventurous sometimes."
"That's true, but if I just started searching everywhere I could spend the next few months flying and still not cover all the area she could have gone. And--" Spitfire sighed, too tired and emotional to continue. She held her head in her hands. Everyone else in the room knew to give her some time - it had been an emotional day for them all. After several minutes, she leaned back in her seat and wearily spoke. "I just don't know about that girl, sometimes. She wants to join the military, but she has no discipline. She's only been flying twice a month for the past year, and she decides she's good enough to go out on her own without a license and do tricks. I'm worried about her, I really am, and I love Rainbow, but sometimes she drives me god damn crazy."
"Story of our lives, sugarcube," Human-AJ said with a weak smile, "I know y'all must be exhausted after bein' out all day. You're welcome ta stay as long as you need to; we got a bed if ya want ta stay the night. Tomorrow me and mah, uhm... twin, will go with you."
Spitfire nodded. Big Mac got up off of the love seat to give her room to lay down. She did just that, and he went to the kitchen to start supper. Within a few minutes, she was asleep.
Human-AJ let out long breath, exhaustion and worry still readable on her face. She slouched down in her own seat on the sofa and leaned her head on Fluttershy's shoulder. A small 'meep' escaped from the girl's mouth at the sudden contact, but the look of surprise on her face was quickly replaced with motherly concern. Pinkie sat on the other side of Fluttershy, no longer drinking, but looking equally worried. It was funny, actually. AJ didn't have much experience with alcohol, being somewhat taboo in Equestria, but from what she did know, drinking an entire bottle usually resulted in drunkenness. It appeared like Pinkie was immune to alcohol. Maybe she acted so drunk all the time that imbibing just made her act more sober.
Applejack smiled serenely. She had the most caring, most interesting, greatest friends a girl, or pony, could ask for. She reflected on how the Pinkie from back home must be doing. She had said she was going back to Ponyville along with Rarity and Fluttershy. They must be getting along with their old lives by now, anxiously awaiting a royal messenger to tell them that she and Rainbow had returned.
Rainbow... What if they didn't find her? What if she had to return to Equestria without her? What would her friends say? Would they blame her? She did let her go off with that human girl, after all. And she did say some pretty mean things to her before she left. Maybe Rainbow was still upset about that, which made her take even more risks than she normally would have. Was this all her fault? She couldn't help but feel like it was, no matter how illogical the arguments were. And the human Applejack, her friend. She was devastated. AJ could understand that - after all, the human Rainbow Dash had been her friend, no matter how much AJ didn't care for her. Her friend and something a little more, just like her Rainbow was to her.
The door swung open and slammed against the wall. The sound of raucous laughter from three preteen girls brought all those present out of their melancholy detachment.
"Holy crap! You were right, Applebloom! There really are two Applejacks!"
Human-AJ was the first to recover from the sudden burst of energy into the room. "Sweetie Belle! What would Rarity say if she were here to hear you say that?"
"Lighten up, AJ," Pinkie Pie said lightheartedly, "It's super adorable how she can't curse without squeaking. Like a Squeekie-Belle!"
Sweetie Belle blushed, but everyone else in the room smiled.
"So where's Rainbow Dash?" Scootaloo asked, looking around the room.
"Yeah, where is Rainbow Dash?" Applebloom echoed, "Ah didn't even tell Scootaloo about our other visitor yet - I was gonna surprise her."
"What do you mean?"
"Hold on, hold on," Human-AJ shouted over the din, "Why are y'all three here, anyhow?"
"Don't ya remember, sis? We're havin' a sleepover tonight!"
"Y'all never told me about that..."
"That's cause you'd've said no."
"...so who told ya y'all can sleepover tonight? Pinkie Pie was supposed ta throw a party before, well--"
"Big Mac did! Right, Big Mac?"
"Eeyup," he replied from the kitchen door.
"Gosh darn it, Mac," Human-AJ complained, "Didn't ya think it was weird she was askin' you instead of me?"
Big Mac simply shrugged while Human-AJ sighed in exasperation.
"Alright, look girls, the fact is ya can't sleep over tonight, anyway. I'm afraid I have some bad news."
All excitement was instantly sucked out of the atmosphere as the three young girls looked at Human-AJ with concern. She took a deep breath, thinking about how she should tell them before deciding that honestly was the best policy, as usual.
"Rainbow Dash went flyin' without Spitfire today, and she... she went missing."
Scootaloo dropped her bag. All three girls gasped.
"Is she okay?"
"We don' know."
"Which Rainbow Dash?" Applebloom asked worriedly.
"Both of 'em, Ah'm afraid."
"Wait, what?" Scootaloo asked, finding her voice. She looked between Applebloom and her sister. Her eyes suddenly found Pony-AJ sitting on the couch in the back with Sunset Shimmer, and her eyes lit up in realization. "No way! You're telling me there's two Rainbow Dash's?"
AJ nodded. "We came through the portal together. Everything was goin' fine until... until we heard. Spitfire here's been flyin' around all day tryin' to find her." She gestured to the figure still sleeping on the couch. "No wonder the poor thing's so worn out."
"What are we going to do?" asked Applebloom with concern.
"Well, Spitfire notified the authorities, so they know she's gone. Ah guess we're gonna go with her to look for them when she gets up. Until then..."
"I know where they are," a voice quietly said.
All head turned toward Scootaloo. She blushed slightly from the attention.
"What?" everyone cried in unison.
"I know where Rainbow is."
"Then what are ya waitin' for? Spit it out, girl!"
"She made me promise to never tell anyone, but I guess if she's missing, it's okay. She took me up flying once by ourselves to show me some tricks. She said that she always goes to the same place, 'cause she liked the wide open field there and there's no houses or anything and..."
"Where is it?" Human-AJ asked with increasing impatience.
"Past the mountains to the north. I might be able to show you where if I was in a plane."
Without even asking, Pinkie Pie jumped on top of Spitfire in a position that AJ was sure would be considered lewd. She shook the pilot to wake her, although 'shake' probably wasn't an adequate descriptor. 'Vibrate' probably would have better matched Pinkie's motion. The sleeping woman jumped up quickly, looking around at the cause of the frackus.
"Huh, what's..."
"Come on, sugarcube," Applejack cried as she grabbed her arm, "We're gonna go get Rainbow." |
Surviving in a Strange Two Legged World | 15- The Worst Marketing Decision Ever | Rarity tried to keep up with Dartmoor, she really did. It was all but impossible. The stallion was darting between dumpsters and bushes, fences and carts like a protagonist from a bad spy movie. Either he had no idea what he was doing, was a seasoned master at what he was doing, or he was trying to evade the hyper pink pony trying to babble at him. Rarity decided that it was most likely the latter.
"All I'm saying Mr. Dartmoor is that if we want to find Twilight, we just call for her. I mean, Twilight always comes when I call for her. Although usually it's because I'm giving her an invitation, and who wouldn't want invitations? That gives me an idea! TWILIIIIGHT!"
"Shut up! Damn it, just shut up! Shut up. Shut up. Shut up. Shut up!"
"Why? I thought we were looking for Twilight. Plus, I was bored."
As they stopped to bicker, Agister and Rarity caught up to them at the head of a dark alley, wheezing rapidly. "Pinkie, dear," Agister coughed out, "Please don't shout for Twilight. If a Disciple heard you, they'd come investigate."
"Then how are we going to find Twilight?"
"I suggest... phew, let Dartmoor worry about that."
"But what if he wants help?" she asked, turning to Dartmoor and smiling brightly.
"No."
"Aw... lame!"
"Why don't you help Rarity, Pinkie?" Agister said, "I'm sure she's still a little sore from that mountain lion attack. Maybe she'd like some company?"
Rarity's eyes widened. "Oh no, that's really not ness..."
"Okie Dokey Lokie!" She leaped toward Rarity, somehow sliding under her in a swift motion and somehow lifted her into the air. The unicorn cried out as Pinkie roughly pressed against her wounds.
"Put me down!"
"But then I wouldn't be helping." Pinkie frowned.
Agister facehoofed and shook his head. "Pinkie, please just... I mean, how about you walk with me for a while?"
Pinkie nodded happily and darted out from under Rarity, leaving her suspended in the air. Only Agister's quick use of magic saved her from falling. Pinkie rocketed towards his side, and looked at him with a smiling wink that hinted at all the balloon-filled horrors he could be in for. He sighed and set Rarity on the ground.
"Very well. Rarity, you and Dartmoor trail behind. We'll go on ahead."
Dartmoor frowned. "I'd rather scout ahead..."
"Would you like to go back to our old arrangement, instead?"
He glanced over at Pinkie, who winked. He blanched. "No. Absolutely not."
Grumbling about "stupid, happy, interfering ponies", he let Agister and a bouncing Pinkie pull ahead. As Pinkie's voice faded into the distance in front of them, Rarity nervously glanced over at Dartmoor.
"If I might ask a question..."
"We'd better move out, too," he interrupted.
"Oh, well alright."
He didn't walk particularly fast this time, perhaps because he was keeping pace with Pinkie and Agister in front of them. Agister seemed to have resigned himself to his fate and simply let the party pony bounce and babble beside him.
Rarity decided to try again. "There was something I was wondering about..."
"No time for talk."
She stomped her hoof and pouted. "This is starting to get quite ridiculous. How can I be expected to travel with you--to help you--if I can't even get in one word edgewise?"
"It seems you just got in a bunch of words, big mouth."
"I... hmpf! That is the most... how uncivilized!"
"It seems to me this is a pretty uncivilized place. Tell me, have you noticed anything since we got here?" he responded lazily.
"I suppose that... I don't know. What are you talking about?"
"When's the last time you saw anypony else?"
"Now that I think about it, we haven't."
"Exactly. You've been to the empire before, right? How often have you seen the streets completely deserted?"
"Why, never."
"There's a curfew of some sort. My guess is that the Disciples have revealed themselves since that big-ass blue bubble showed up. And of course, even a hollow-headed drama queen like yourself should know what that means for us."
Rarity puffed out her chest in indignation and opened her mouth for another retort, but slowly deflated. "There's really no reason to keep insulting me, darling. If you don't like me, then please let me know so I can fix it. We're both trying to achieve the same goal, after all."
"Well, if you're going to be all reasonable, it takes all the fun out of it."
"So you're being a jerk because you find it fun?" she said incredulously, her jaw dropping slightly.
"Duh."
"Well I never..."
"Now you have. Look lady, you've been trying to talk with me constantly. What do you want? Just tell me and then we can stop with this chatty shit."
"I... I suppose I'm just trying to be friendly."
"Mission accomplished. You're friendly."
"Why aren't you?"
Dartmoor shrugged.
"Is it because of Assateague? I can understand how that would affect a pony."
He shook his head in exasperation. "So Agister told you the story? The whole story?"
"I believe so."
"Then you remember how he came across me in the first place?"
"I believe he said that you picked his pocket."
"Exactly. I was a bastard before anything bad happened. My life was changed by what happened, yeah, but it's not an excuse, or even a reason, for how I act. Ponies are always thinking that if something bad happens to somepony, then it's an excuse for their flaws. It's not. The truth is that I was planning to live as a vagrant long before the massacre ever happened."
"Why would anypony want to do that?"
"It's just how I am, toots. I'm a misponthrope."
"There's never been any pony whose company you enjoyed? You've never had a friend?"
"Don't need one."
"If you've never had a friend, how do you know that you wouldn't enjoy having one? Friends are simply the best!"
Dartmoor sighed. "Look, I just know, alright? It's not in my lifestyle to need a friend."
"I used to think the same thing. When I was a bit younger, my dream was always to be a part of the elite fashion circles of Equestria. I wanted the fame, I wanted the attention, I wanted to namedrop my famous friends in front of lesser ponies to impress them. It wasn't until I met Twilight that I realized that being a friend wasn't about the status they gave you; it was about the happiness you gave each other. Maybe your mental picture of a friend is similarly misguided, Dartmoor."
Dartmoor walked in silence for a moment, always keeping an eye on the two ponies fifty feet in front of them. He would occasionally stop to put his ear to the ground, or to sniff the air. Rarity hung her head with a pout. She was hoping that maybe if she confessed about her own problems with making friends, it might open him up. Now he was just ignoring her.
He suddenly stopped and looked at her with a raised eyebrow and a neutral face. "If I agree to be your friend, will you stop bugging me about it?"
"Of course, darling!"
"I don't have to go through any ceremony or some dumb crap, will I?"
"Absolutely not, so long as we don't tell Pinkie."
"Sure, fine, whatever."
Rarity squeed and threw her arms around the stallion. "Oh, this is simply the best! You're going to love having a friend!" Dartmoor turned his head and gave her a deadpan stare. Rarity released him and shifted nervously. "Heh, heh."
"Come on, we have to catch up to those two. I think Agister's had about all he can take."
The two of them quickened their pace to catch up with the other two ponies. Agister was now sitting down with his head in his hooves as Pinkie jumped excitedly. Rarity could only shake her head. As she doubled her pace to meet them, she felt a hoof catch her in her chest, stopping her in her tracks.
"Quiet," whispered Dartmoor urgently, "There's someone there."
He gestured toward a lone pony walking down the street that was perpendicular to their alley. Rarity watched with bated breath, feeling something familiar about this figure. They waited to see if the pony would continue down the street, but it turned down the alley between them and the other two ponies in front of them.
"Stay here," Dartmoor hissed. He crawled with incredible expertise after the intruder. Rarity watched as the intruding pony approached Pinkie and Agister with markedly less stealth. Craning her neck, she tried to hear what was transpiring as the pony approached closer and closer to her friends. He very obviously bumped into Pinkie.
"Oh, excuse me," the pony stated loudly, "Don't I know you from somewhere?"
Wham! Dartmoor leaped on the intruder, pinning him to the ground. Rarity ran toward the scene as Pinkie and Agister looked on with confusion. As she got closer, she could make out the stallion more clearly. He was a pegasus wearing an Equestrian guard uniform, with an orange coat and a shock of blue hair. She reached the scene and immediately recognized him--he was the one who bumped into her the night Twilight was paralyzed!
"Who the hell are you?" Dartmoor hissed, punching the pony in the face with an iron-clad hoof.
"Ow! That hurt!"
Dartmoor punched him again. "What is a pegasus doing in the Crystal Empire? Talk!"
The pony started crying. Agister looked on with some concern; if they didn't intervene, he might end up killing him. "Perhaps we should let someone with a little more... tact ask the questions?"
As Dartmoor turned toward him with skepticism, Pinkie pushed him off the pegasus and took his place pinning him to the ground.
"Oh! I'll do it! I'm good at interrogations. What's your name, criminal scum?"
The pony groaned. "Flash Sentry."
Pinkie slapped him in the face. "What's your problem, huh? Why do you steal waifus?" *slap* "Why don't you have a developed personality?" *slap* "You're the worst marketing decision ever!"
As Pinkie raised her hoof to slap him again, Agister pulled her off of him with his magic.
"Pinkie, dear, I don't think you're asking the right questions. Or any questions that make sense, in fact." He turned toward Flash and picked him up off the ground. "The question that was asked of you earlier does need to be answered--what are you doing here?"
"I was going to the palace," Flash answered between sobs.
Agister raised his eyebrows. "The palace? We were under the assumption that the palace was attacked..."
"It was."
"Then why are you going there?"
Flash looked away, rubbing his sore face. Dartmoor groaned in frustration and pushed him up against the crystal wall of the building next to them. "Answer him or I'll start asking the questions again!"
Flash sobbed. "No, not you..."
Dartmoor punched him again.
"Okay, okay, I'll answer, just stop hitting me! It hurts..."
"Then talk."
"The new leader promised anyone who could find Twilight Sparkle would get ten thousand bits."
"And?"
"I found her."
Rarity glared daggers at the beaten guard. "So you were going to sell our friend to these Disciple ruffians for money!?"
"Well, I didn't want to at first. After all, I've bumped into her more than any other mare here, and that makes her really special. But then I realized that ten thousand bits is a lot of money. I mean, that's almost a million!"
Agister sighed. "Alright, Flash Sentry. Here's what's going to happen. You're going to lead us to Twilight Sparkle. You're going to be docile, and you're not going to try to escape. If you try anything funny, then Dartmoor here is going to do what he does."
Flash cast an anxious glance at Dartmoor, who was smiling evilly. He nodded.
"Very well. Dartmoor, release him."
The earth pony reluctantly complied. Flash wiped a tear from his eye and slowly started traipsing back the direction he had come from. The other four ponies followed with restlessness. They had found a clue to Twilight's location! It was a better start than they had expected.
Dartmoor took position beside their captive, keeping him firmly in his peripheral vision. Pinkie quickly jumped to Flash's other side, marching like a prison guard. The four ponies walked down the street with their captive, his eyes nervously darting toward Dartmoor. After several minutes, he seemed to decide that he wasn't going to be hit again. He turned his head the other direction and cast a glance toward Pinkie Pie.
Faking a stumble, he swerved and bumped into her. "Excuse me," he said, "We've got to stop bumping into each other like this..."
Dartmoor punched him in the face.
"Can I please kill him?" ***
Rainbow Dash pulled into herself, trying in vain to hug herself warm. She just wanted the sun to rise already. Although in the cold of autumn, it wouldn't provide too much comfort. Still, something was better than nothing. Human-Dash just continued staring into the fire, absentmindedly biting into a strip of beef jerky.
"You know, in hindsight, I probably should have put where we were really going on that flight plan I filed."
"You didn't?"
"Nope."
"Why not?! They would have found us by now if you had, right?"
Human-Dash nodded. "I don't know. I guess I was afraid that Spitfire would come back and see it. But then again, she would have seen the plane was gone and that I forged her signature on it, anyway."
Rainbow opened her mouth to make a snide comment, but then slumped her shoulders. What good was getting angry going to help right now? "I guess you know better next time."
"'Next time'?" said Human-Dash bitterly, "There's not going to be a next time. They already know we're missing. They already know I flew the plane without a license. There's no way I'll be able to get one now." She dropped her head into her hands. "I'm not going to be a Wonderbolt, Dash! My future's over!"
Without thinking, Rainbow pulled her human counterpart into a hug, allowing her to sob silently into her chest. She rubbed her head awkwardly and thought about how horrible a realization it was for her friend. She couldn't even imagine having lost her dream. Sure, she made a decent living at her weather control job, but it was just that--a job. It didn't make her happy; it kept her alive. She didn't even know if Human-Dash had a job.
The human shook her head and pulled herself up, wiping the moistness out of her eyes. "Sorry, pony-girl," she said hoarsely, "I guess I panicked there for a second. That was pretty uncool."
"Eh, it happens."
"I'm going to have to come visit you now, it's the only way I'll be able to fly again. You think that I'll turn into a pony when I get to Horseworld?"
"Equestria," Rainbow corrected, "And yeah, I think so. I actually really want you to come see me. I've got a badass house in the clouds. And you can see how the pony Wonderbolts fly. It's a sight."
"Yeah, I bet."
"But we have to get out of this jam first."
"Well, then what's the plan, cute stuff?"
"Honestly, I'm not sure. I guess the first thing to do is find some water."
"It's a start, but it's probably best to wait here until we can actually see."
"Yeah. Heh."
"So..." Human-Dash raised an eyebrow. "You wanna do round two?"
Rainbow opened her mouth to respond, but was interrupted by a yawn, which was itself interrupted by her chattering teeth. "I would, but I'm way too cold."
"Yeah, I guess. We'll just have to get around to that when we get back. Speaking of, I have a question to ask you."
"Hmm?"
"I don't suppose it's that comfortable living at AJ's. I mean, it's not that big of a place, and somebody's probably sleeping on the couch, and... I guess what I'm trying to ask is, you want to stay with me while you're here?"
Rainbow's eyes grew wide. "You mean stay with you in your apartment? In that huge building?"
"Yep."
"That would be so cool!" Rainbow gushed, "Is it cool with your dad, though?"
"Dad's on deployment. He's not getting back for a couple months, so he won't even know you're there. Thank god, cause I'm not looking forward to the ass-chewing he's going to give me for crashing his plane."
"Is... Would he be okay with me staying there?"
Human-Dash shrugged. "Who cares? What he doesn't know won't hurt him."
"I don't know, Dash. That feels kind of wrong."
"Do you want to or not?" The human girl looked over at her lookalike with a skeptical eye, as if questioning her new friend's coolness. Rainbow's moral objections began to wilt under the gaze, and she gave a nervous laugh.
"I'm just kidding. Of course I'll live with you, but we have to get home first."
"Glad to hear it."
The two girls looked toward the fire as Human-Dash absently poked at it with a stick. It was rapidly burning down, and their pile of wood had long since been utilized. The sun had not yet made its ascent known on the horizon, and the crickets held chirping matches all through the tall grasses of the field. Rainbow Dash watched the last flames of the fire die into embers and thought.
She asked me to live with her. Soooo cool. The coolest girl I've ever met, and she wants to live with me. Does that mean she really does want to be marefriends? Obviously, no one would ever live with somepony else unless they were serious. Then why had she dodged the question earlier? I have to find out for sure.
"Hey, Rainbow..." she started.
"Yeah?"
"If I ask you a question, will you promise to be a hundred twenty percent serious when you answer?"
"As long as you don't ask me if I think you're fat."
"Dash! Seriously!"
"Ugh..." Human-Dash shook her head. "You need to chill out, pony-girl. Sure, I'll be serious. But that doesn't mean I can't refuse to answer the question."
"When you..."
"You could stand to lose ten pounds."
"Oh, come on!" Rainbow threw her hands up in exasperation. "I'm going back to sleep."
"Aw, don't be like that. You're the same size as me; there's no way you're fat."
"Just forget it. I shouldn't be worried about that stupid crap right now, anyway. Just forget I said anything. Wake me up when the sun rises, I guess."
With a sympathetic look in her eye, Human-Dash got up and strode over to her. She grabbed the pony-girl in a bear hug, eliciting the smallest noise of surprise. After a moment, she relaxed and returned the comforting embrace.
Human-Dash pulled away slightly and looked her counterpart in the eyes. "Look, Rainbow, I'm sorry. I guess I'm a little stressed, and I was trying to laugh my way out of it. I should have listened to you. Now, what is it you wanted to ask me?"
"Remember when I asked you if we were in a relationship?"
The human nodded.
"Well, you..."
Rainbow stopped, looking around. A distinct whirring sound seemed to be coming from the horizon, like a skilled pegasus flying at top speed. Human-Dash heard it as well, and she quickly broke the embrace and ran toward the sound.
"They're here! Dash, they're here!"
"What? Who's here?"
Human-Dash spun around, eyes gleaming and smile wide. "Spitfire! That's her copter, I'd recognize that sound anywhere! Quick go blow on the fire, get it as bright as you can. This could be our only chance!" She leaped toward the survival bag and pulled out a large flashlight. Lighting it, she swung it around and dashed into the field, laughing like a mad woman.
Rainbow's heart beat into her throat. Rational though did not register in her mind, only the vague awareness of hope, adrenaline, and that she was dashing toward the fire. Practically falling on her hands and knees, she hyperventilated into it, trying to pump as much oxygen as possible into the dying embers. As the light grew with each exhale and dimmed with each inhale, she could only find strength to desperately scream a mantra in her mind--
Please see us! Please see us! Please see us! Please see us... ***
Captain Phalanx prostrated himself before Princess Celestia. He was a behemoth of a stallion, whose height and muscles had few rivals across the kingdom. His underlings often called him "Captain Hernia", due to his habit of screaming himself hoarse at the smallest infraction. However, there were few as dedicated a soldier as he, and Princess Celestia could think of nopony more suited to replace Shining Armor as the captain of the royal guard.
"Rise, captain," she instructed, "Report."
"Yes, your highness. There's been an attack in the east side of town by a group of unknown assailants. They have collapsed the entrance to the mountain caverns, and have taken several civilians hostage."
"Where are they now?"
Phalanx shifted uncomfortably. "That's the thing, your highness. We're... not exactly sure."
"I see. What other information can you give me?"
"There were no guards in that area of town at the time of the attack, and witnesses to the attack vary in their estimation of the size of the opponent. Estimates vary from half a dozen to two dozen or more. Civilian hostages are estimated to be about a dozen, your highness."
"Very well. Send two regiments of guards to the town to protect the population."
"Two regiments, Princess?" Phalanx looked up in disbelief. "But that would only leave one left to guard the castle!"
"The security of my little ponies is my number one priority, captain."
"Permission to speak freely!"
"Very well."
"Keep all the guards in the palace! Your security is my number one priority. The Royal Equestrian Army is only one day's march from here. Send word to recall a division of pegasus knights to Canterlot if you must, but the Royal Guards are sworn to protect your highness at all costs."
Celestia sighed. "No, captain. That is invariably what the attackers are vying for. This is clearly a diversion from the real crises, which is in the Crystal Empire. You will do as ordered. Is there anything else, Captain?"
"No, princess," Phalanx sighed.
"Dismissed."
Phalanx saluted and left with his chief of staff. Celestia fell back on her throne, wearily resting her head on her hooves. These cultists were planning something, and for once, her intelligence operations couldn't uncover their full intentions. Their plans seemed so clumsy, so lackadaisical. Why take over the Crystal Empire when the military might of Equestria was so superior? There were no walls around the city, and its climate would be too cold to withstand a siege in any case. No, there was something else going on here.
Celestia had never met Grimm Shado when he was Sombra's prime minister, although she heard he had a reputation as a shrewd tactician and a sadistic pony. She had attempted to find him when the empire returned, but he had vanished. After all this time, it appeared he finally came up with a plan. If only she understood it. Did it have something to do with the Kīla of Gothmog? Perhaps he had been the one to incapacitate the Elements of Harmony with the attack on Twilight.
No, that didn't make sense. Nopony, not even the Princess of the Sun herself, had the kind of power to control the mind of another pony, especially an alicorn. There was something else going on here, something deeper. She had to figure out what they were planning before it was too late... ...
Unknown to Princess Celestia, the door to a side office stood cracked open. A smiling pegasus pony shut it and prepared his next move. Grimm was right; Celestia was predictable. She was doing exactly what they wanted her to do.
Sly Hoof alighted to the nearest window and took off toward the mountain summit. When the king returned, he would be rewarded with all the gold and slaves he could ever use. ***
Applejack stared anxiously out the window. Forests and plains and hills and houses flew by underneath them. According to Scootaloo, this was the direction that the human Rainbow often flew in. The teenage girl was riding next to Spitfire, her head drooping in sleepiness and exhaustion. The plane was actually surprisingly roomy for its size, seating four people. She and Human-AJ sat in the small seat in the back, scanning the ground as well as they could out of their tiny windows. Scootaloo had said that they weren't at the location yet, but Spitfire had insisted they search the entire time, in case they had crashed before they arrived at the field.
AJ felt her stomach lurch as the word resounded in her head--crashed. It was such a horrible word, a word that seemed to set her on edge whenever it concerned Rainbow. It was true that fatal pegasus crashes were rare in Equestria, but they weren't in Equestria. In this place, it was apparently the exception rather than the rule that crashes were survivable. The atmosphere of panic that had pervaded the air around her new friends had infected her, infected her with fear and sadness. It's a natural thing to imagine the worst when the worst is a possibility, even if one expects the best, no matter how slim the chances. Applejack's heart had a hidden confidence, even if her face showed nothing but tiredness and fatigue.
She felt a set of fingers wrap themselves around her hand. They were warm and firm, and she felt a steady groundedness in them. She traced the hand that was holding hers up to its source--her human counterpart. Human-AJ gazed at her in sympathy, and she squeezed her hand reassuringly. The roar of the helicopter prevented any talking, but the non-verbal solidarity that simple hand-holding conveyed was equally effective, if not more so. Applejack smiled back and turned back toward the window, resuming her vigil over the land below.
Wait... what was that? She bolted upright in her seat and stared at the ground with intensity. She could have sworn she just saw a flash of light. As the helicopter flew by, she craned her neck to better see the area where the light had shone.
Nothing. The plane flew past the meadow. AJ sank back into her seat in disappointment. Still, she couldn't help the nagging feeling in the back of her head that there was something down there. She leaned up and yelled in Spitfire's ear.
"Ah saw a light!"
"Probably our lights reflected on a puddle!" she shouted back.
"Can we circle around? Please?"
Spitfire rubbed her face in weary exhaustion, but did as the farmpony requested. The helicopter banked and circled around. Next to her, Human-AJ sat up and silently asked a question with a curious glance--"Why are we turning around?" In reply, Applejack simply gestured wildly at the ground, trying to encourage her counterpart to watch.
As they passed over the meadow a second time, Spitfire operated the searchlight in a sweeping motion. Even Scootaloo woke up to look, with alert, yet baggy eyes. They scanned over acres of empty grass, each passenger frantically watching for a rainbow. Seconds agonizingly ticked by...
"Look!" shouted Scootaloo suddenly, gesticulating wildly out the front window, where the searchlight just barely illuminated a dark mass by the treeline.
"It's a plane!" screamed Human-AJ with excitement as she saw what Scootaloo was pointing to. Mile-wide grins were exchanged around everyone in the helicopter as Spitfire took it in for a landing.
The rotor began to quiet and slow as the ground came ever closer. Heart bursting with ecstasy, Applejack ignored all fear and logic in her mind and pushed open the door when the landing struts were a few feet off the ground. She leaped out of the side in a single bound, ignoring the surprised shouts of those within. Not anticipating the momentum of her jump, she stumbled as she painfully hit the ground, rolling to a stop at the feet of a person.
She gazed up into the face she had been dreaming of seeing since their fight two nights previous. Ignoring scrapes and bruises, she leaped to her feet and threw her arms around Rainbow.
"Oh Celestia, Rainbow! Ah was so worried... so worried. Ah'm awful sorry about that argument the other night. Ah'm just so glad you're okay!" Intoxicating emotions still pumping through her veins, her overpowered mind willed her to do something she would have never dreamed of doing in a sober state.
She pecked Rainbow Dash on the lips.
Rainbow didn't reciprocate. Not that AJ expected her to. Not that AJ would expect herself to even do that. With heat exploding onto her face, she pulled away and looked up at Rainbow sheepishly.
"Heh heh. Sorry 'bout that, sugarcube. Ah... Ah don' know what Ah was thinkin'."
Rainbow merely stood there and stared at her. She reached up and idly touched the tip of her finger to the lips AJ had just kissed. Then a smirk appeared as she found her words again.
"Woah there, cowgirl. I would have never expected that out of you! Holy crap! Maybe I should go missing more often!"
Applejack's heart seized. "Hold on a minute. Are you my Rainbow?"
"I guess I am now," she chuckled.
AJ stamped her foot. "Y'all know what Ah mean! Are you the human or the pony?!"
"Well, me and the other Rainbow are both human--I know, I checked. But I was always human. So are you the sexy AJ I know or the sexy AJ I don't?"
"Durn it, you! Y'all shouldn't... Ah mean... Jus'...Buck! Where the Tartarus is pony Rainbow?"
Human-Dash gestured toward a darkened area of the field. "Last I saw her she was blowing the fire, but I guess it went out. Guess I have to give her another lesson about getting blown."
"Ah don' know what the hay that means. Jus'... get outta mah way."
AJ pushed past the smirking human, her emotional state suddenly shifting from overly excited to overly embarrassed. She ran in the direction that Human-Dash had pointed, as a dark shape could quickly be seen rising above the field. Seeing their tent, Applejack sprinted forward, thoughts of seeing her friend once again in the forefront of her mind. She reached it, heaving, and glanced inside. Nothing. She turned around and saw the barely visible coals of a campfire, with an unconscious figure lying next to it.
"Rainbow!" AJ shouted in panic.
She sprung towards the figure and placed her head to her chest. Still breathing. She breathed a sigh of relief and gently shook the pony-girl.
"Huh?" Rainbow Dash muttered as her eyes fluttered open, "Dashie?"
"What? Nah, it's me, AJ."
"AJ?"
Applejack lifted her friend up and held her, and Rainbow's cognitive faculties returned steadily. She gazed into AJ's face and smiled.
"I knew you'd come."
"Shucks, sugarcube. Ah'd never leave ya hanging out here with that hooligan. Are ya alright?"
"Yeah, I think so," she said as she pulled herself into a sitting position, "I guess I hyperventilated when I was trying to get the fire back up. Oops."
"Don' worry about it none, Dash. As long as you're safe."
"Stupid human body. I probably could have restarted this dumb fire in ten seconds if I were still a pony."
"Yeah..." AJ responded absently, gazing at her friend, "By the way, Ah wanted ta tell you something."
"What's that?"
"Ah'm a mite sorry about that fight we had the other day. Ah guess Ah just let my human hormones get to me, or somethin'. Ah don't know. All Ah know is Ah acted a fool."
"To be honest, AJ..." Rainbow started. Applejack's heart froze, and she shut her eyes in panic. This was it. This was the big chewing out that she deserved. She breathed in sharply, expecting the worst. "...I had completely forgotten about that." AJ let out a huge breath and grinned.
"Water under the bridge, sugarcube?"
Rainbow Dash smiled. "Water under the bridge."
AJ leaned over and pulled her into a bone-crushing hug. Rainbow groaned. "So uncool."
"Aww, hush it, you." AJ pulled her closer, just loving the feeling of having her friend back.
"Holy crap!" a voice called, "You were right, Applejack. There's two Rainbows!"
The two pony-girls pulled apart and looked up at the intruder. Scootaloo stood there gawking along with a very tired Spitfire. The human AJ and Rainbow Dash also approached, laughing and smiling.
"Okay, is that everyone?" Spitfire asked, rubbing her eyes.
"Yeah, that's it," replied Human-AJ.
"Alright, which one of you is the real Rainbow Dash?"
"That'd be me," Human-Dash said hesitantly. Spitfire turned to face her.
"You have any idea what a chewing out you're getting later?"
"Yeah..."
"By me, by the police, by your dad, and probably this young lady as well?" she shouted, pointing at Human-AJ.
"Hell yeah, she is," the farm girl grumbled.
"Yeah..." Human-Dash said again.
"Well then, let me say first that I'm glad you're alright," Spitfire said, allowing herself to smile, "Come on, I want to get you to the hospital before I murder you." |
Dysphoria, Arc 2: Ponyville | pre | "But I can't yell at you..." she said, eyes downcast. "It's not your fault if you feel the way you do, and you aren't doing it for anything bad... Twilight was just being a good friend to you. I can't fault either of you for that."
She took a deep breath.
"I still don't approve, though. I think it's unnatural, I think it's wrong."
She stared at Rose with a cold glare. "You need help."
She let her gaze stand for a second before allowing it to drop.
"And yet, it's really not my place is it? To approve or disapprove," she said. "If you think you're a mare, then I have no authority to tell you that you aren't. I can't tell you what you feel isn't real, or isn't right... No matter how much I disapprove of it." She absentmindedly stared at the staircase as she continued.
"You're also not the only one with secrets or quirks. Not by far. And in my experience, those quirks can be the most wonderful thing about a pony. It often is what makes them shine, and those quirks are as much a part of them as anything else about them. It often is who they are."
There was a pause, allowing Rose to speak without interrupting.
"So what does this mean?" Rose asked.
Again, Bon Bon measured her words before answering.
"It means that I won't tell anypony your secret. It means that I won't report you, or yell at you, or do anything against you." This calmed Rose a bit.
Bon Bon continued.
"I haven't known you for long, but all I know about you is that you're a good pony who has not done anything to deserve being ostracized. I don't approve of your choice, and I don't think I ever will. But I can at least promise that I won't judge you for how you live your life."
"There's a lot that I'm not sure of still, and a lot I disagree with. But I still want to be your friend."
As Bon Bon finished speaking, Rose could not help but smile.
"I'd like that Bon Bon. Thank you."
The conversation that followed was a lot more relaxed, with each of the mares talking about their plans for the week before agreeing to meet for lunch two days from then. After saying their goodbyes, Rose left.
Bon Bon came back inside and closed the door, sitting on the couch while thinking of her conversation. She felt good about herself but was also confused, going over the conversation she had just had. She was so lost in thought that she did not notice Lyra had come downstairs until she wrapped Bon Bon in a gentle hug.
"You were listening?" asked Bon Bon.
"Every word."
"Did I do things right, Lyra?"
Lyra smiled softly before responding.
"You did fine, Bon Bon. I'm extremely proud of you."
Lyra nuzzled Bon Bon's neck, both enjoying the warm embrace, and quietly hoping that the moment would never have to end. |
Dysphoria, Arc 2: Ponyville | 4. Employment, or Lack Thereof | 4. Employment, or Lack Thereof
Rose was in a foul mood as she looked over the pages she was reviewing at Sweet Apple Acres. Her job today was simply to check over the status of tools, decide which tools should be replaced, and in what time frame they should be replaced, in order to get the most use out of their current equipment without having it break at a time when they really needed it. Unlike the tasks Rose had undertaken for the farm in the past, this was of minimal importance. At worst, she would find that there is no way to ascertain a replacement schedule, meaning that tools would have to be replaced when they broke and not before. At best, this would increase profits and farm workability by a small fraction of a percent. To put it bluntly, this work was meaningless. However, it was not the pointless task she was currently engaged in that upset her, but what it represented.
At this moment in time, this was the most crucial task that she could do, having long since fixed all the major problems in the farm and optimized the farm's operation to its full capacity. In a week, there would literally be nothing else she could do for the farm ever again. Work would not even resume once the planting season started, since Rose had optimized the year-round working of the farm, and had taught Applejack how to deal with unforeseen problems in the same way she would. By this time next week, she would need to have a new job.
Rose sighed, taking a break from figuring out a "general rusting rate constant" to use as an average to examine her thoughts.
If she was honest with herself, Rose was not really upset that her employment at Sweet Apple Acres was coming to a close. From the very beginning she had known that this was a temporary deal and she had been very aware that every completed task brought her closer to the end of that temporary period. She loved working at the farm and having the Apples as her bosses, but she was emotionally and cognizably prepared to leave. No - what really bothered her is that she was running out of time without another job lined up.
Rose had started searching for a new job about three weeks back, trying to get something lined-up in advance. However, she had found that work was hard to come by. Or rather, work that she was qualified for. Ponyville was a small town, and as such most businesses were small, little family-run stores; still, Rose had managed to find a few job openings, to which she applied. The problem then was that there was very little demand in Ponyville for a writer or scribe. Instead, most jobs were geared towards earth ponies (since their strength and their sturdy frames made them ideal for construction jobs), or required specialized knowledge (like knowing how to design carts and the such). What had originally been a minor setback turned into a major problem once she reached her last week, still jobless.
She went back to work, using a placeholder percentage for the rust constant. Eventually she figured out a tentative schedule for the replacement of plows. Next she had to figure out if it really was worth the extra three bits to buy an oak-handled rake as opposed to a reinforced plywood one, but that was tomorrow's problem to tackle. For now she went to inform Applejack that she was done for the day before spending yet another day looking for a new job.
"I know I shouldn't stress out so much," Rose thought. "But I don't really have that many bits saved up. If I don't have a job by next week, I'll only have enough money for about a month before I run into extra problems."
"You doing ok, sugarcube?" Rose was snapped from her thoughts as she heard Applejack call out. She was sitting in front of the barn with Rainbow Dash a few steps to her right. They both eyed her with concern.
"Yeah, just coming to let you know that I'm done for the day," said Rose.
Both of her friends looked unconvinced.
"You still ain't found another job, have you?" asked Applejack.
"No I ain't... um... I mean, no I haven't."
Applejack giggled, but Rainbow Dash looked confused.
"Wait? Why is she looking for another job? Is she quitting?" asked Rainbow Dash.
"Oh, I never told you? Her job here was temporary. Physical strength ain't her thing so she's been helping fix things around the farm, but after a while you run outta things to fix," responded Applejack. "That's where she is now."
"Yeah," Rose continued. "So I've been looking for a job everywhere but I'm not qualified for the few jobs available in town."
"Why not get a government-assigned job?" asked Rainbow Dash.
"Well, when I went to check they told me that they didn't have any open positions. They told me that they would need clerks and the like once Winter Wrap Up ran around to take care of all the paperwork, but that it was pretty slow until then."
Rainbow Dash looked off in the distance lost in thought. Applejack and Rose simply stared at her. After a few minutes she spoke.
"Applejack, what exactly do you mean by 'helping fix things around the farm', and is Rose good at it?"
Applejack was stunned for a second before answering.
"Oh, well, she looks for problems in how we run things and fixes them. Looks at our operation, who we sell to, when we sell, the harvest process, things like that, and she calculates the best way to make things more efficient," she said. "And she's really good! She's made us a killing in profits and the quality has not dropped one ounce. Our cider season was the best one we had in years."
"Is she good enough that she could use you as a reference and you would give her an awesome review?"
"Yes Rainbow Dash," Applejack said, sounding a little annoyed. "What are you thinking?"
Rainbow smiled.
"I'm going to get her a job as a weather pony!"
"Um, what?" Rose asked, having been quiet for the entire exchange.
"A weather pony; it's what I do. We control weather and help during emergencies. It's technically a government job but we operate separately and independently."
"But Rainbow, I'm not that strong and I'm not that great of a flyer."
"That's the thing, you don't have to be!"
Neither Applejack nor Rose spoke, so Rainbow continued.
"There are lots of jobs that the weather ponies do. I do one of the more physically demanding ones because I'm an athlete, but there's more to us than ponies like me," she said. "Someone needs to direct weather formations, know when to schedule a rainy day or clear skies, and don't even get me started on dealing with the Everfree."
"What about dealing with the Everfree?" asked Rose.
"Well, when a freak storm comes in, we have very few minutes to ascertain the situation," explained Rainbow Dash. "Our commanders have to figure out what the problem is, how to fix it, and then command the rest of the team to deal with the weather. This takes a lot of quick thinking and strategizing. We may be the ones attacking the rouge weather, but if we're attacking at the wrong place or in the wrong way, it doesn't matter how good we are or how many there are of us: the storms win."
Rainbow Dash seemed to have another thought, and turned to look at Applejack.
"Besides, you said she was really good at finding problems with how things are run and finding efficient solutions," she said. "I can think of a million problems that the weather team has in chain of command and procedures alone! For example, remember that storm on Rose's first day here?"
Rose and Applejack gave Rainbow an incredulous look before responding.
"Vaguely," they deadpanned.
"Oh, right," Rainbow said, realizing her mistake. "Anyway, yeah, that storm came out of nowhere and spread very quickly from the Everfree, covering Ponyville. But we still should've seen it coming. Even if the heads up had been a few minutes before it hit, we should've seen it. Instead, we found out about it once it was here."
She turned to look at Rose.
"If you're as good as Applejack says you are, I'm sure you could figure out a system so that we don't get blindsided again."
Rose looked at Rainbow Dash. She understood her logic and everything Rainbow said made sense to her. However, there was one concern Rose had to clarify before she allowed herself to get excited. Applejack beat her to it.
"Rainbow, can you really just hire somepony out of the blue like that?" Applejack asked.
"I can't," Rainbow said. "But my boss can. We do it all the time. Since we are independently-run, we can hire anypony to fill any need the weather team has. That's how we get away with hiring Derpy every time we need some extra muscle. I can vouch that there is a need for somepony to fix problems with efficiency and procedure. If you can vouch that she's perfectly qualified for the position, I don't see it being a problem."
She then turned to face Rose.
"I'll go talk to my boss and bring an application by your place tomorrow. You still have to fill it out and apply for the job, but that's just a technicality. As soon as everything is turned in, you can count on yourself having a job as soon as you finish your last day here at the farm."
Rose was speechless, but it only lasted for a moment.
"Thank you sooo much Rainbow Dash, I'll fill it out as soon as I get it!"
Four hours had passed since Rainbow Dash had dropped off the application, but as Rose sat at her work desk, the application in front of her remained empty.
She had fully intended to fill it out right away. In fact, that was the reason why she had spent four hours sitting at her work desk. However, she had not expected to find herself stumped. And yet that is exactly what had happened.
Problems started with the first section of the application.
Write your Legal Name:
"Huh," she had thought to herself. "Hadn't expected that..."
Having never actually filled out a job application before, she was pretty surprised to find that question. The more she thought about it, the more that surprise turned into panic.
"Well, I can't tell them my legal name," Rose thought. She still did not know how her disappearance from Canterlot had been dealt with by her parents. For all she knew, she could have been declared dead, or maybe was said to be at home sick with some incurable ailment. In either case, suddenly appearing on a government job application in Ponyville would probably attract some attention. Even if nopony knew that she had disappeared in Canterlot and the application was never seen by anypony outside of Ponyville, every pegasi in Equestria had probably heard of the Rhyme family, being one of the oldest of the few noble families of pegasi in Equestria. One of them suddenly working a weather job in Ponyville would probably turn into gossip. Putting her legal name on here, even if only as a formality, meant that there was a high chance of getting outed by the pony who files the paperwork, or by the rest of the team once the gossip spread.
"But I can't just lie, can I?" Rose asked herself.
After a moment of thinking she decided that this question needed to be thought out. She was at a very high risk of getting outed by this, but she did not want to lie. She'd have to come back to it once she answered all the easy sections. "On to the next."
Gender:
___Male ___Female
"Huh."
And so she sat, staring at the second section on the job application and pondering about things that never seemed so real until she had to deal with them face-to-face. The first section was easy enough to fix. All she would have to do was change her name legally and she would only have to deal with her connections to Canterlot if they asked for any aliases. Even then, she could probably omit any connection to the Rhyme family. She would be ok.
This, however, presented a whole new set of problems.
"What gender am I?"
She knew what answer they wanted. Biologically she was male. She had been born a colt. If she got a physical she would be treated and checked as a male. If she got arrested she would be placed in a prison for males. It was a pretty simple answer to figure out.
"And yet," she thought, "I'm not male."
She felt like a mare. No - she was a mare. She lived her life as a mare. This was who she was. But was this what she was? She let her gaze drop as the insecurities sank in.
"Can I really be female when my body is not?" she asked herself.
She stared at the two options. One she wanted to be more than anything in the world, but would never be able to reach. The other she tried her hardest to avoid, but could never quite escape. She was torn by the disconnect between her mind and body, cursed to exist in between the two boxes, and in between the struggle. Anger rose in her.
She got up.
Walking around the house, she stopped in front of the mirror. Her reflection stared back at her. She was wearing a gray cardigan over a white shirt and some dark pants that flared out at around her back hooves. She was the only pony she knew that wore clothes every day, and she probably would continue to do so even if she did not need to. But that was the thing: she needed to. Without her clothes she would be immediately recognized as a stallion. Worse still, without her clothes, she would not be able to stand to look at herself.
She stood in front of the mirror for a second contemplating a thought. She knew it would be a bad idea, but after a while, she carried it out anyway. She removed her clothing and stared into the mirror.
Staring back was now a stallion that could never be confused for a mare. Despite not being very bulky, the stallion had a broad slightly muscular collarbone. His shoulders were wider than a mare's. His eyes were full of misery. Rose turned her body to her side, and the reflection did the same. The stallion's back was fairly straight, lacking that curve that all mares seemed to have. His waist was far from narrow. His shape was most definitely male.
The stallion moved awkwardly in front of the mirror while the mare observed his body from every angle. This was her body: the body she was unable to change, and the body she hated.
Tears rose to her eyes as a cold anger gripped her. She felt ugly; no... that word was too mild. Disgusting; repulsive; hideous; those were better words. Another was powerless.
Regardless of how hard she tried, she could not force herself to see any beauty in the reflection in front of her, just a collection of flaws. Mistakes... she was a mistake.
She began to shake, tears falling freely from her eyes now, but she could not stare away. Her stomach was not right, what fat she had was deposited in the wrong places... This was not a mare.
She thought back to the two boxes; they mocked her. They excluded her. They judged her.
She judged herself.
Anger was now fury. She stomped at the floor, closing her eyes, trying to avoid her reflection.
"I'M JUST A JOKE AREN'T I?" she yelled at the empty house. "A MISTAKE, I WAS BORN A MISTAKE! HOW IS THIS FAIR?"
There was no way to change a stallion into a mare. She had done research, read through books, and tried everything to come up with any other answer. But there was none; it was the truth. This was unchangeable. She could never be a mare.
"WHY? WHY CAN'T I BE NORMAL?!" she cried. "WHY AM I SO MESSED UP?"
She would always be in the middle. She would always be an outcast, a freak. She was beyond thoughts now, just emotions. Hatred, fear, doubts; these were the things her world consisted of. There was nothing more. There was nothing else.
She stared at her reflection, the source of her distress. The stallion looked back with judging eyes.
"DON'T STARE AT ME!"
She raised her hoofs to smash the stallion, but the impact never came. Instead, she caught herself staring at a face with tear-stained cheeks and red eyes. She recognized this face. It was the face of a pony so broken that nothing mattered anymore, and yet not broken enough that she could not feel pain.
It was her face.
Rose collapsed softly in front of the mirror.
"Why can't I be normal..."
She sobbed the night away.
Rose woke up the next morning, and was surprised to see her reflection in the mirror. She was not surprised at her reflection, more so surprised that the mirror was still intact. Regardless, she got up, showered, and got dressed. Afterwards she made herself breakfast and after eating it, she returned to her work desk, finding the blank application exactly where she left it. She also noticed the a few smudged letters on the application, as if the paper had gotten sprayed with a few drops of water.
Too tired to remember if she had been crying or not when she got up from the desk, she proceeded to fill out the application. This time she had no existential crisis, she did not question her identity, and she was not concerned about being outed. Those things required energy and concern, neither of which she had enough of to be bothered with. Instead, she just filled it out with the information she knew they wanted, even if it was not who she was. After she was done, she looked it over.
"It still doesn't feel right," she thought. "Besides, unless the pony that I turn this into is also the pony that walks me through orientation, they will not be expecting me. They'll be expecting a stallion."
It was amazing how clearly somepony could think when they were emotionally exhausted. It took only seconds for Rose to come up with an answer.
"Well, since I'm going to be outed anyway, I might as well do this thing properly," she said bitterly. "I'll write a letter explaining my situation and attach it to the application. If they're going to figure out I'm trans, they might as well hear it for me."
"I really need to watch my emotions more," Rose chided herself. She was flying through the air wearing a dark green vest with dark grey shorts, and rushing towards her destination.
True to her word, Rose wrote a letter explaining that she was trans and how this affected her responses on the application, among other things, and dropped it off without letting a single worry cross her mind.
Those worries would appear in the days after the application had been submitted. In fact, each day she put between her and her emotional breakdown also increased the amount of worry over the very rash and reckless decision she had taken.
"I can't believe I came out to my boss before even meeting them," she said. "I am so stupid."
A few days after she turned in the application she got a letter saying she had gotten the job, and that she was to show up for her first day two days after her final day at Sweet Apple Acres. One would think that having gotten the job would ease her nerves, but if anything, the opposite happened, with the growth of panic and self-deprecation going from a linear growth, to an exponential one.
"I mean, I'm surprised you didn't just decide to wear a shirt that said 'Hi, I'm trans' for your first day on the job," she said.
She then looked up, seeing the main building for the weather ponies.
Today was her first day.
Rose finally arrived, landing softly on the cloud. She then walked up to the receptionist desk and signed in. After waiting for a few minutes she was approached by a mare with a lavender-blue coat and a jasmine mane.
"Hello, my name is Cloud Kicker," she said, "You must be... Evening Rose, correct?"
Rose nodded.
"Great, please come this way."
Cloud Kicker led Rose down a hallway and into a small room. The room consisted of a large table, a few chairs, and a screen for film projection. The room was completely empty except for Cloud Kicker, Rose, and a stallion standing on the far corner of the room. He was white and slightly smaller than normal stallions, but he carried himself with an air of importance. He was holding a clipboard.
Cloud Kicker glanced at the stallion nervously before addressing Rose.
"Well, here we are. As I said, I'm Cloud Kicker and you have been placed in my team. I talked to Rainbow Dash so I'm aware of your abilities and what your assignments are going to be, but before you can go out and help improve the weather team procedures, you should probably learn how things around here work." Cloud Kicker glanced at the stallion again, before getting the projector set up and starting the first movie. Rose did not know who this stallion was or why he was there, but she knew enough to figure out that he was someone you wanted to be on your best behavior around.
The majority of the day was spent watching instructional videos about the working of the weather team in various capacities, and an in-depth explanation of how things work. The white stallion was never introduced, but he was in the room for the whole thing, writing on his clipboard from time to time.
Finally it was time to go outside and meet the rest of the team.
The entire weather team was assembled to welcome Rose into their group. Rose could see Rainbow Dash waving from her place in her division. There was a lot of chatting before Cloud Kicker drew in everyone's attention.
"Ok ok, settle down," she said. Instantly there was silence. "Now, the reason we called this meeting is simply to introduce you to the newest member of our team, Ms. Evening Rose."
"Miss?"
It was quiet, barely audible, but Rose heard it. However, instead of looking for the source she kept looking ahead. She noticed the white stallion again, writing on his clipboard.
"She will be working under me in the tactical division, and will be helping make revisions to some of the procedures we have in place, specifically in how we monitor and attack rogue weather. In any case, I want you all to give her a warm welcome."
"Her?"
Once again, it was barely more than a whisper. It was almost indistinguishable from the various voices welcoming her to the team. But she had heard it.
She could not help herself; she looked for the source.
She was easy to spot. There was a pink pegasus slightly on her right, with a cold glare in her eyes, a scowl on her face, contempt in her stance. She knew... somehow, she knew.
Rose turned to look forward again, focusing on the stallion writing on the clipboard.
"Ok," Cloud Kicker said. "Now, there's one more thing we need to talk about involving our performance on the last quarter."
She then turned to look at Rose. "You can go home if you want; this is stuff you don't really need to know about."
"Oh ok," Rose said, "Thank you."
Rose then flew home, thinking of the pink mare with disdain in her features.
"She knows about me," thought Rose. "Somehow she knows."
However, as she continued to fly home a thought struck her.
"No," she said. "Cloud Kicker introduced me as a mare. The entire weather team knows me as a mare. Even if that one pegasus has suspicions, there's no way for her to check."
She found herself smiling as she went home.
"I have a job as a weather mare," Rose thought to herself. "I may be forced to live my life in between the boxes, but at least the weather team will see me as the mare I am and nothing less. That's a start."
The white stallion with the clipboard moved to stand next to Cloud Kicker. She nervously took a step away from him, giving him center stage. The entirety of the weather team present was quiet and awaited for him to speak. After all, it was not often that the head of the entire weather department showed up to address his workers.
"This institution," he began, "is built on the idea that anypony can serve their community. In the old days it was a responsibility for pegasi to control weather in the most responsible and beneficial manner for all. Now it could probably be regulated by magic, like it is in Canterlot, Manehattan, and other such cities. However, we don't do that, because controlling the weather for the benefit of the community is no longer just our responsibility. It is our privilege."
"That means that nopony is turned away if they are willing and able. That means that despite whatever else may be going on, that pony can serve their community. However, aside from ensuring that every pony that wants to serve is able to do so, we also want them to be able to serve without being discriminated against and without them feeling unsafe."
He turned to look at the pink pegasus.
"We will not tolerate any discrimination against any of our employees, regardless of reason. And so, that's what I came to talk to you about, to ensure intolerance won't be a problem."
He took a deep breath.
"As you may or may not have noticed, our new employee Evening Rose is a transpony..." |
Dysphoria, Arc 2: Ponyville | 5. Sour Notes | 5. Sour Notes
According to the clock at the station, the train was only twenty minutes late. However, time was very relative in this kind of weather. For some, twenty minutes easily stretched into eternity in the midst of the winter climate. A cold breeze chilled the skin, forcing ponies to pull on their scarves and jackets as they tried to maximize every small degree of warmth their inner temperature provided. The clouds were gray and endless in stark contrast to the hay roof overhead, a depressing gloom befalling the land. For these ponies, the minutes ticked slowly because every second that passed by was a second keeping them away from the warmth and shelter. Rose was not one of these ponies.
Winter was Rose's favorite season for a variety of reasons. The most practical of these was that she did not feel like she stuck out as much as she did the rest of the year. Being the only pony that always wore clothes tended to bring a lot of unwanted attention but, during this season, she was not alone. As she looked around she noted that everypony around her was wearing a jacket, earmuffs, and/or a scarf. She was indistinguishable in her black jacket from anypony else, and she loved it. The second reason was far less practical.
Rose found that there was a certain magic to found in winter if one knew where to look. The cold, though a nuisance to some, forced ponies together in their efforts to stay warm, coloring their cheeks with the softest of blushes in the hue of young love. She let out a warm breath into the icy atmosphere, watching with glee as it turned to a misty vapor. For Rose, the twenty minutes shortened into seconds. There was too much beauty to see and not nearly enough time.
Rose looked to her right, eyeing her companion. The white unicorn shivered in a poufy jacket that was the same color as her natural coat. The hood of said jacket covered most of her mane, but a few stray blue strands managed to sneak through. At this moment she was trying to defog her purple shades.
Ponyville had really calmed down in the recent month. Maybe it was because of the cold weather keeping ponies inside, or maybe it was just because of the time of year itself which kept ponies busy with their projects and preparations, but it seemed like less and less ponies walked around each day. The market, for example, was completely deserted when Rose had walked through it earlier that day. She had just finished work and was about to reach her home when she noticed Vinyl locking the door to her own house.
"Hey Vinyl!" Rose shouted. "Heading out?"
Vinyl looked around, unsure of whether or not she had actually heard somepony calling her, before she noticed the purple-maned pegasus.
"Oh hey Rose, yeah I have to go to the train station," Vinyl said. "A good friend of mine is coming to Ponyville today. She said she'd stop by my place once she got in town, but I kind of want to go meet her at the train station instead."
Rose noticed the slight blush on the dj for which the weather was not responsible, and, after giving her a knowing look, decided to not press the issue.
"Well I won't keep you then," said Rose. "Maybe I can meet your friend later?"
She began to turn towards her home when Vinyl stopped her.
"Hey! Do you want to come wait with me?" asked Vinyl.
Rose thought for a second, deciding she did not have anything better to do, and agreed, following the cheerful unicorn all the way to the train station.
"There we go!" said Vinyl, snapping Rose from her thoughts. "Sorry about that, but it was getting to where I could not see anything. Now, what were you saying?"
"It's quite alright," said Rose. "I was just saying that then when I went to work the next day, the pink pegasus was nothing but nice to me."
"Yeah, I bet. Airheart can come off as a mean pony at first, but she's very kind underneath it all," said Vinyl. "I'm glad you're liking the new job."
"Me too. Aside from that awkward first day, it's been wonderful."
Rose then looked down the track and saw an approaching train. "Hey Vinyl, the train is here."
Vinyl looked down the track and allowed herself a small smile. Rose studied her. Although Vinyl did not show much emotion, Rose could tell how excited she was from the way her muscles tensed, the way her breath was hurried, and from the slight tremor in her voice when she said, "About time."
Rose looked back at the train, wondering what kind of pony could fill Vinyl with such glee. However, as the train stopped at the station, Rose realized that she knew nothing about the pony she was meeting. She had made such a point to not embarrass Vinyl and to drop the subject, that Rose had never even learnt the visiting pony's name.
"Well, I guess I'll find out soon enough," thought Rose. "But still, I could ask a few questions."
"Hey Vinyl," Rose began. "So where's your friend coming from again?"
"Oh, she's a famous cellist from Canterlot," said Vinyl. "But Ponyville is like her second home. She's been really busy with her concerts this year; otherwise she would've visited sooner."
Rose, however, was no longer listening. She was weighing her options.
"I could run," she thought. "I could fly away. Vinyl would be confused and maybe a bit hurt, but I could explain later and it won't be a big deal as long as I leave before..."
She never finished her sentence.
Rose had turned around to check if the coast was clear when she noticed that the doors of the train had been opened, and in the middle of the exiting crowd, Rose saw her. The mare had a dark grey mane, a light grey coat, and a purple scarf that matched her treble clef cutie mark. She was pulling a blue suitcase.
"Octavia, over here!" yelled Vinyl waving her arms.
Octavia recognized the sound of someone calling her. She then noticed the purple shades, her face breaking into a grin. She began to walk towards her friend when the crowd parted, revealing the pony to Vinyl's right.
Octavia stopped.
Both Octavia and Rose stared at the other with confusion in their eyes. Still, there were slight differences in their expressions. Rose showcased anxiety and fear. Octavia displayed anger and something else Rose could not put her hoof on.
Rose wanted many things at that moment. She wanted to run away. She wanted to say something. She wanted to cry. However, she did none of these things. Instead, she stood rooted in place, rendered completely mute.
Time showcased how relative it could be by stretching seconds into years. Neither mare moved. Neither mare blinked.
Vinyl, unaware of the tension growing on that train station platform, continued to wave at her friend while calling her name.
"Octavia, I'm right here!"
This broke Octavia out of her stupor; she quickly corrected her features, erasing any trace of the rage and discomfort that had previously occupied her face. She walked towards Vinyl with a serene smile on her face.
"Vinyl, it is soo good to see you! Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe I told you I would be stopping by your domicile as soon as I got to Ponyville."
It was very slight, but Octavia stopped in a way that put Rose outside of her peripherals, shutting her out of the conversation. Rose noticed, but was in no position to say anything about it.
"Nope, nothing to correct," said Vinyl with a smile. "I just got tired of waiting for you. I'm not at your beck and call, you know?"
"Really now? Sorry, I do forget that sometimes, seeing no evidence as such," said Octavia. "Now, should we get going? I'm afraid my little scarf is not going to be enough for this weather and my jackets are all in my suitcase."
"Sure thing," said Vinyl. "But first you have to meet my friend, Evening Rose. Rose, this is my old friend, Octavia."
Octavia turned to look at Rose as if just noticing she was there while Vinyl stood behind her. Octavia's violet eyes gazed with such malice that Rose had to struggle against the instinct to step back. Octavia's voice, on the other hoof, betrayed no such sentiments.
"... Evening Rose, is it? Charmed." said Octavia.
Rose was slow to react.
"...Yes, a pleasure to meet you."
Rose saw that same look flash through Octavia's face again. It had only been for a second, but it was there. It seemed familiar, but she still could not quite place it.
"Well, let's head back then!" Vinyl said as she started marching away from the station, once again oblivious of the sentiments of the two ponies she left behind. After a second, Octavia turned and began walking after Vinyl, glancing back once at Rose before speeding up to catch her friend. Rose took a deep breath before following.
Once she caught up to the two mares, she walked next to them in silence. Vinyl was filling in Octavia on the changes in her music career since her last visit when they arrived in front of Rose's home.
"Hey Vinyl," said Rose. "I'm going to go ahead and head in."
Vinyl turned to look at her.
"Oh ok, sorry if we were ignoring you for a bit there," said Vinyl apologetically. "Tons to catch up on."
"No no, it's ok, I completely understand. I'm just tired is all," responded Rose.
She chanced a glance at Octavia and saw nothing on her features. No anger, no hatred, and no trace of that indiscernible emotion from earlier. Rose gave her a quick nod, which Octavia politely returned. She then turned to Vinyl again, saying goodbye before letting herself indoors.
Despite her best efforts, Rose could not sleep. Her room was dark due to the closed curtains, but a few stray streaks of orange light from the setting sun managed to seep through the small gaps where the curtains failed to cover the window. Rose wanted to blame her inability to sleep on her circadian rhythm failing to be fooled by her attempts to recreate the darkness of night but, if she was honest with herself, she knew there was a much more likely explanation.
"I saw Octavia today," she thought to herself.
Next to the bed was a scattered collection of notebooks, traveling notebooks from her years growing up in Canterlot. She had pulled them out to revisit the few good times she had chronicled, but she found that the notebooks were not needed. The specter of bygone days that had greeted her today had brought those memories to the forefront of Rose's mind, and it was those memories that drove away sleep. Well, those, and the look Octavia gave Rose at the station. A look of anger, of hatred, and of something else. She turned on her side, determined to find a way to sleep, when she heard a knocking at the door.
Rose turned to face the doorway of her room but made no move to get up. No one knew she was home; whomever it was would just assume she was elsewhere and go away. She noiselessly sat up, gripping her covers for comfort as she waited.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Besides," thought Rose, "the only ponies that know for sure that I'm home are Vinyl and Octavia, and I told them both that I was tired and therefore would be obviously asleep. They couldn't blame me for not answering the door if I were asleep."
Knock. Knock. Knock.
It was louder this time.
Rose held her breath, and did not allow herself to move. Her heartbeat was deafening, but she did nothing to correct it. All she could do was act like she did not exist.
"I know you're in there and that you're awake, coward," yelled a voice from outside. "Now open up."
Rose sighed; she could not ignore her any longer. Rose walked down the stairs and opened the door.
Octavia, wearing a light grey jacket and her purple scarf, looked up as the door opened. Her posture was detached and her expression was unreadable, but her eyes were intense as she stared down the black pegasus.
Rose simply stared at Octavia with a look of concern and worry. She was not surprised to see the cellist there, but that did not mean she was not intimidated. This reminded her of the last time she had had that thought and she hoped that this conversation would end with similar results. However, looking at Octavia, she doubted it.
The two mares stared at the other in silence until Octavia came inside the house, stepping by Rose without having been invited and not speaking a word. Rose noiselessly followed her into the house, closing the door behind her.
Octavia walked around the bottom floor, examining the living room and kitchen. She took special notice of the pictures on the wall, the keepsakes on the shelves, and the mirror by the stairs. She seemed confused by the mirror's presence. Finally, Octavia made her way to the furniture in the living room and took a seat by the table. Rose sat on the opposite side.
"So," began Octavia, "this is where you ended up, is it? Slant?"
Rose winced at the name, but Octavia did not seem the least bit concerned.
"Oh, you don't like ponies using your name? Slant Rhyme is your name right?"
Rose looked up. There was anger in Octavia's eyes, but that other emotion was there again.
"Or how about I call you Script? Do you remember that one? You came up with it, asked me to call you that!? Or are you not that pony either?!"
Octavia's voice was trembling; with what Rose could not be sure.
"But no, I suppose now you're this Evening Rose, a stray from nowhere in particular trying to live as a MARE no less."
Octavia broke her stare, instead looking at the table.
"What happened to you, Script?" Octavia said in a very soft voice.
Rose opened her mouth but no sound came out. She wanted to explain what happened, to justify herself in some way, but she could not. Rose took another look at Octavia's eyes and lost all will to talk.
"No," said Octavia. "You don't have to explain. I think I can piece things together from this. It actually explains a lot of things."
Rose found herself recovering her voice.
"Like what?"" she asked.
Octavia turned to glare at her.
"Did you know everypony in Canterlot is still talking about you? Even now? Your disappearance has all of Canterlot guessing as to what happened to you."
Octavia closed her eyes.
"Your parents say you're very sick. That's why no one has seen you. They say that you are in critical care and would be staying indoors until further notice. No one was allowed to go see you, not even me." Octavia said that last part with unrestrained bitterness in her voice. "Something didn't add up though. Why wouldn't I be allowed to be there when you were fighting for your life? Why did your father seem more angry than upset? Why did your brother seem so distant and detached? Something was wrong. Then I thought to our last conversation."
Rose thought back as well; she could remember it clearly.
"All the pieces told a story different than the official one and I put them together. I figured out that things probably got too bad at home. You couldn't take it anymore and you ran away. And yet, there was one piece I could not figure out. What did you have going on that was so secret that you couldn't tell me? What secret was so bad that it would make you run away? And what was so important and immediate that you left without talking to me, without warning? Why would you leave me behind?"
Octavia looked at Rose with that emotion on her face, except this time Rose knew what it was. It was hurt.
"Now I know," said Octavia. Tears flowed freely from her eyes.
Rose went up to her side and held her tight and spoke.
"Please know that if I could've told you I would've. I'm very sorry, Muse."
Octavia was startled by the use of her old nickname, but it was not long before the tears started again, with each pony weeping into the mane of the other. After a few moments, Octavia pulled her head back from Rose's shoulder, staring at Rose's eyes. She then moved forward until their lips met.
There was a familiar warm and softness there that Rose permitted herself to enjoy. However, Octavia broke the kiss, allowing confusion to take hold.
"Octavia..." Rose said. "Do you still...?"
"No," Octavia cut her off. "I haven't since we went to school together and besides, that was not meant for you," she said with steel in her voice, "that was meant for Script."
Tears formed in Octavia's eyes again as a painful memory resurfaced in her mind, but she fought them back. Instead, she talked.
"I thought I'd never see you again. Most of me thought you had run away, but part of me thought you might have died. You might as well have been dead..." Octavia closed her eyes again, as if doing so would spare her the memory. "You were gone, I thought I lost you... and I'm not dumb enough to allow myself to have the same regret twice."
"However, I did lose you, didn't I?" Octavia turned to look at Rose. "Script really is dead."
Rose did not answer. She did not know how. There was much she wanted to say or correct, but now was not the time. The silence allowed Octavia to gather herself.
"And do not think this changes anything;" said Octavia. "I'm still mad at you for leaving. And even if you really couldn't tell me before you left, you've had plenty of time to write to me since then. You really hurt me, and I'm not sure I can forgive you."
She then scoffed as a thought occurred to her.
"You know, for a very long time I've felt nothing for you but anger and contempt," she said. "But honestly, all I feel for you right now is pity. I pity you for what you've lost, and what you've left behind. You've picked a hard life for yourself."
Octavia gave a sad smile and spoke with the softest voice she could muster. "I hope all the sacrifice was worth it to that stallion I grew up with."
"Mare," said Rose, finding her voice.
"Beg your pardon?"
"Mare. You said 'that stallion you grew up with'; it should be 'that mare' instead."
Octavia looked at Rose for a long while before responding.
"I guess it should."
An awkward silence befell the household as the two mares tried to make sense of the situation. There was too much uncertainty to think properly. The lines that separate friends, acquaintances, and strangers blurred into one smudged blur as both of them struggled to find the next appropriate word to say. Octavia was the first to do so.
"Well, I guess I should go back to Vinyl's," Octavia said, turning to leave.
"Please stay?"
Octavia turned with confusion in her eyes at the purple-maned pegasus with the downward glance.
"Just a bit longer? I'll make hot chocolate, and we can sit and talk. Really talk, like we used to."
Octavia gave a sad smile in spite of herself.
"I'm not sure it's that simple to patch things up," Octavia said. "But I'm willing to try."
Rose went and made hot chocolate while Octavia went and found two chairs, placing them next to each other. The two mares then sat, enjoyed their drinks, and talked for hours until it was really time for Octavia to head back to Vinyl's for some sleep.
A great storm had severely damaged the bridge that connected them, and despite whatever they did, the bridge would never be quite the same. Regardless of this, they gave it an honest effort. It would be tough to rebuild over the damage, but the two had history behind them to pave the way. They had been best friends once before; they figured they could do it again. |
Dysphoria, Arc 2: Ponyville | 6. Between Happiness and Sadness | 6. Between Happiness and Sadness
Octavia and Vinyl shared a hug at the train station. Octavia had arrived thirty minutes early for her train back to Canterlot and had already checked her luggage in. However, she had opted to wait the extra time on the platform rather than in the warmth of her compartment in order to postpone farewells to the last possible moment.
"You have got to come to Canterlot sometime, Vinyl. It'll be months before I can come back to Ponyville but that does not mean that's the next time we have to see each other," said Octavia.
"Yeah, I know. I'll try. If anything I'll go just to yell at your boss for keeping you in Canterlot from the Summer Sun Celebration till now."
The two mares let the hug go, having had finished their goodbyes, and Octavia turned to look at Rose, who had been awkwardly standing to their right.
Rose looked at Octavia as if asking for an indication of what to do since she was still unsure of where they stood in their friendship.
She did know that they were friends; the few days Octavia had spent in Ponyville had seen to that. At least once a day during her stay, the two mares had sat and talked for hours. Rose had told her the entire story from their last conversation in Canterlot to Octavia's arrival in Ponyville while Octavia went more in detail about what had occurred in Rose's absence. The two then reminisced on their school days. Slowly but surely the flame of their friendship rekindled and flared.
However, there were a lot of problems that could not be fixed in a single weekend. Octavia carried months of resentment, which would take time and energy to work through. Also, while she acknowledged and accepted Evening Rose, she could not help but grieve the loss of Script, the stallion with whom she had fought the world and would see no more. She knew that Script was not completely gone, that not everything had changed, but it would take some effort to come to grips with that. Effort she was willing to give.
As it stood, Rose and Octavia were friends, but only time would tell how close their friendship would be.
Octavia took note of the insecurity and raised a hoof, beckoning for Rose to come closer. Rose complied and smiled as she was pulled into a hug.
"It was really good to see you Rose," said Octavia. "I know you won't want to come and visit, but I expect to see a few letters from the 'new friend I made in Ponyville', you hear? No more dropping off the map for months. I know where you live."
"Ok ok, Tavi," said Rose. "I'm glad I got to see you. I'll write to you soon."
Octavia broke away from the hug, waving goodbye one more time before heading into the train. Vinyl and Rose stayed at the platform in a silent vigil until the train left. Soon, when they were the only two ponies still at the station, they took their leave.
Rose could not help but notice how downcast Vinyl looked as they walked back towards the market. The usual feistiness of the blue-maned dj was gone, and she looked more tired than Rose had ever seen her.
"Miss her already, huh?" asked Rose.
Vinyl turned her head to face her as they walked.
"You have no idea."
"I wouldn't know about that, but anyway; why don't you move to Canterlot with her?"
"Canterlot society and I don't really quite mix," said Vinyl, "I go there to perform quite a bit, but every time I do I find myself rushing to get back. I'm trying to convince her to move to Ponyville with me though, since it's where she was born and she likes the area, but there's not really a hall for her to perform in, so it probably wouldn't work."
The two walked in silence for a bit but Rose was not sure what type of silence it was, so she broke it.
"She does like you," said Rose. Vinyl looked at her, shocked.
"What! She does!" continued Rose. "I know how nervous you are around her, trying to win her affection. I'm just letting you know, you have it."
"And how would you know?" asked Vinyl, showing a little more interest than she meant to.
"Because she used to look at me the way she looks at you. Because I had years of experience in your position. Because I'm not blind." These were all things that crossed Rose's mind but she did not say. She stayed in silence looking for a more tactful answer.
"She has certain tells. The quick nuzzle when you two hugged, for example; she's too proper to do that, no matter how close friends you are, unless she likes you. Or the fact that she decided to stay at your place while she was here."
"It was cheaper for her to stay at a friend's than to rent a hotel room," responded Vinyl.
Rose stared back at her with an amused look on her face.
"Does Octavia strike you as a mare who would give up the comfort of having her own space to save money?"
"Um... no..." responded Vinyl.
Rose smiled.
"She told me once that she hated few things more than staying at somepony's house because she always felt like she was violating their space. Even if she was welcome, she was a guest and a visitor, and that irked her. The only way she would willingly stay at somepony's house," Rose paused for effect, "was if it felt like home."
Vinyl blushed.
"I wish I had known you two had known each other since you were fillies, I would've asked you for all sorts of advice," said Vinyl.
Rose smiled again.
"You seem to be doing ok on your own."
The rest of their trip back to the market square and to their own homes was done in comfortable silence, and Rose could not help but notice the cheerful pep behind every one of Vinyl Scratch's steps.
Once inside her home, Rose started boiling water for enough vegetable soup for two ponies. Once the water was boiled she added the ingredients and lowered the heat to allow the soup to simmer. Afterwards she went upstairs to her work desk, pulling out some parchment and one of her quills. She began to write.
To: Octavia
Told you I'd write!
I hope your trip was pleasant.
Also, you should consider moving in with Vinyl.
(Just a random thought and not at all because I enjoy when Vinyl is looking nervous)
Write back,
-Evening Rose
Rose stared at the parchment, focusing on how funny it would be when Octavia got home to find the message there rather than focusing on how awkward it was that she was talking to Octavia about her possible future marefriend.
"Wouldn't be the first time."
Rose headed downstairs and outside, depositing the letter for Derpy to pick up during her coming shift. Then she headed inside and sat on a chair, having done all she needed to do, alone with her thoughts.
It all started well enough, with her thoughts centering on the past weekend. It was good to see Octavia again, and despite everything that happened, it really did look like they would be the friends they used to be. It was also good to see that she had finally managed to move on. This relieved a huge weight of guilt that Rose had not even realized she had been carrying. Octavia deserved somepony that could make her happy. Rose's thoughts eventually settled on Octavia's departure.
"I know you won't want to come and visit, but I expect to see a few letters from the 'new friend I made in Ponyville', you hear?"
"No, I guess I won't..." thought Rose. She looked out the window, seeing the same grey clouds from earlier. Rose had never really thought of returning to Canterlot; she could not after what happened, but it always seemed like it was something out of her control. That's not what Octavia said, though. She did not say 'I guess you can't come visit' or 'I guess you won't come visit', she had said 'you won't want to' instead. Was she right?
Rose thought back to the conversation she had with her on Octavia's first day back. It had ended in a weird sort of way.
"I pity you for what you've lost, and what you've left behind. You've picked a hard life for yourself."
Had she really picked it? She knew she had not picked being trans. She would not be if she had any choice in the matter. But had hiding in Ponyville been a choice? After she recovered she could have gone back, told the police, done something. But she did not. Had she chosen exile?
"What did Octavia call it?" thought Rose, trying to remember. "A sacrifice?"
"I hope all the sacrifice was worth it."
What had she sacrificed? Her old home of course, but... that had been taken away. Her friendship? Rose had not even thought of Octavia since she arrived at Ponyville. All of Canterlot seemed so shut off from her, and yet, had that been because she chose to shut it off? Octavia was right: she could have easily written to her, explained the situation, asked for information, but she had not. She had forgotten Canterlot, imagining what was going on in the city without ever attempting to check, forgetting about the one friendship that had any worth to her in her past. Had she chosen isolation?
"If so, to what end?" Rose asked herself.
Why would she choose to sacrifice as much as she had? Was it to leave the past behind her? To forget? To try to live her new life as a transpony...
"No!" she shouted out loud. That was not the end of the thought, but she had been shaken by her own choice of words.
"Not my life as a transpony," thought Rose. "My life as a mare. I am a mare."
"Am I really?"
Doubt crept in with the old question that resurfaced from time to time.
"With my body?" she thought. "Can I really be a mare? Not even my friends see me as such."
She stopped for a second, caught unaware by her own thought. She had never had that thought before, and she was not quite sure from where within her mind it had come, but it was not wrong.
"Every friend I have knows I'm trans," she thought. "And as loving, and accepting, and supportive as they are, they don't see me as a mare, they know what I am."
She thought back to the application she had filled out and cast a glance at the mirror by the stairs.
"Cursed to live between the boxes."
A knock at the door distracted her from her thoughts.
She walked to the door and opened it, immediately brightening as she saw her guest.
Airheart and Rose laughed, having finished their dinner. The empty bowls sat stacked at the edge of a table, with the soup's serving dish near empty, as was the salad's serving dish that Airheart had brought with her.
"And then she said, 'I just don't know what went wrong', as if she hadn't done it on purpose!" Airheart said, starting another bout of laughter.
Rose struggled to regain her breath enough to speak.
"I bet... I bet Rainbow Dash learnt something... about taking muffins that don't belong to her!" Rose finally finished.
"She would've had she known what she was getting punished for. Or that she was being punished and this wasn't Derpy being herself," responded Airheart. They each took in a deep breath.
"Well, I guess I should be going," Airheart said, grabbing the rest of her salad. "I have work tomorrow morning and so I should go get some sleep."
"Of course; knowing Rainbow you'll need all the energy you can get," said Rose while walking her out.
Once they arrived at the doorway Airheart gave Rose a quick hug before saying her goodbye.
"I had a lot of fun, Rose. Thank you for having me."
"It's no problem at all! We need to do this more often, though," replied Rose.
"Indeed we do," said Airheart. "Also, I want to apologize for how I treated you on your first day on the job."
Rose looked at her inquiringly.
"There's no need."
"No, there is," replied Airheart. "Look, I treated you badly because I wasn't ok with who you were. In fact, the only reason I went up to you on your second day was because I felt like I had to after we got that talk about your situation and about not discriminating against you and being considerate. But...Once I got to know you, I realized that I was being stupid for judging you just because you're trans. You're an awesome pony and I'm really sorry I judged you for however briefly I did."
Rose was near speechless but managed to say a few words.
"That's ok, Airheart... I forgive you."
Airheart gave Rose a quick smile before heading off.
"See you on your work day!"
"... Yeah, see you."
Rose went back inside and closed the door, letting the implication of what she had just heard wash over her.
"She knows," thought Rose. "They all know..."
Tears began to form in Rose's eyes.
"Perfect..."
The night sky glistened with starlight as Rose walked down the backstreets of Ponyville, her hoofsteps disturbing the otherwise serene quiet. There was no moon tonight and the wind was cold and bitter, rustling against Rose's jacket, her scarf flowing in the draft. She was feeling the cold soak through her clothing, the icy wind slicing at any exposed bit of flesh, but she still considered the harsh conditions perfect for two reasons. The first was that it would keep other ponies in their homes and far away from her. The second was that it complimented her mood.
Rose had spent about thirty minutes in her home reflecting on what Airheart had revealed.
"What do you know?" she asked herself.
"All of my friends know I'm trans. I was excited because I made one friend that didn't. Turns out she did. Turns out the entire weather team knows. There was a meeting of some sort telling them about me and to be nice to me. That means that every single one present at that meeting knows. Based on how Airheart acted, they weren't told the meeting was a secret, or that me being trans was a secret. That means that they could've told anypony they know in town about it." She paused to think before realizing the last thing she knew. "Anypony could know."
Rose had struggled to make herself more visible recently, talking to strangers and being friendly. They had been friendly back; there were no weird stares, no confusion, just the conversations between the pony she was talking to and a mare. She had taken it as a sign that she was passing, that things were fine, that they thought her a normal mare. She was living her life as a mare. And yet, the meeting had been about a month ago, meaning that every pony she had talked to since then knew or could know.
She snarled at herself. She knew it was dumb to think this way, making a difference between those who genuinely believed her to be a mare and those who were accepting, supportive, and indulging. But it mattered to her. It made all the difference in the world. She wanted to not be stuck between the boxes; she wanted to be a mare, and now she would be cemented as an "other" in the minds of those in Ponyville.
She would not be Evening Rose the mare; she would be the transpony named Evening Rose.
She felt the walls closing in as she glanced into the mirror.
"I need to leave," she said. "I need to leave before I do something I regret."
And so she had left her home to try clear her mind, but she could not escape her thoughts. All through Ponyville she found ponies walking around, all of them waved. Rose had made it a point to talk to the residents of Ponyville, trying desperately to finally join the community as one of its own. Every pony she saw waving was one she had talked to in the past month, after the meeting.
"How many of them know? Do all of them? Do none of them? Do they see me as a mare? Or are they just 'understanding' and nice?" These were the thoughts she thought to herself as she walked. After a few minutes of it, she had gone home.
Now it was different; she could walk in solitude without any reminders of what she faced, just the dark bitter cold. She could handle that.
She walked around aimlessly for hours in the night, stopping occasionally to look at the stars, or cry, or sit depending on what she felt like doing at that minute. Eventually though, she began to calm down.
"Rose, you're being stupid," she said, exhausted both physically and mentally. "Yeah, things aren't how you want them to be, but you can't freak out again. Things are ok for you here, even if everypony knows."
With her rage gone, she finally began to feel the full force of the wind, chilling her bones. She took a backstreet, and headed home. Or at least she would have had her path not been blocked.
"What do we have here?" said a grey stallion was standing in front of her. He seemed to be an earth pony but Rose could not be sure. Due to the darkness she could not see his back to check for wings, nor see any identifying cutie marks.
"It's a little late to be walking around don't you think?" He got closer.
Rose tensed up, readying to flee. That was when she noticed a pegasus landing behind her.
"Don't try to run now, I really don't want to hurt a filly," he said.
The earth pony laughed.
"Filly? Oh, you haven't heard about this one then?" Rose turned to stare at the earth pony; there was a grin on his face.
"This one is not a mare at all, are you, freak?" Rose tried to place the face; if he knew about her she might have met him, but the darkness made it hard to see and she did not have much time.
"Oh, well, then I have no problem hurting you," said the pegasus.
Rose steadied herself. The earth pony charged but she easily avoided him by flying above him. The pegasus, however, flew on top of her, kicking her to the ground. Rose hit the ground hard, quickly recovering and turning around. The pegasus was nearby and Rose charged at him, turning at the last second and delivering a well-placed kick to the pegasus' face. The earth pony charged again, hitting Rose in her middle. She landed on her back and saw the pony about to stomp on her chest. She was faster, though, and turned out of the stomp, hitting him in the stomach in the process. However, the pegasus had recovered, tackling her from behind and pinning her to the ground. The earth pony came to stand next to her, spitting at her face.
"You know, we just wanted to take whatever bits you happened to have on you, but now we find we're going to need to teach you some respect," he stomped down hard on the ground right in front of Rose's face. Rose struggled but was unable to move.
"We are not the type to let some drag queen transvestite thing take a shot at us without learning a lesson," he continued. "Less so, some girly little fairy like you..."
There was steel in his voice as he finished his sentence, raising his hoof above Rose's head and preparing to strike down. Rose looked up at him; he was bleeding.
"At least I did some damage," she thought as she readied for the strike. Then she heard a sound.
Looking up she saw the earth pony lying on floor struggling to get up. In his place was a muscular beige earth pony with a brown mane. The new pony charged at the pegasus, throwing him off Rose and onto the ground. Rose got up, ready to fight, but new stallion moved in front of her.
"You two! You are to pick your sorry flanks up, leave, and pray we never cross paths again," he said.
The two assailants looked confused, angry, and... scared. Yes, Rose recognized fear in their eyes. She studied the stallion in front of her. She had at first noticed that he was muscular, but there was something else about him, something about the way he stood or the way he had charged two stallions like it was nothing. This stallion knew combat.
"You're seriously going to defend that gelding behind you?"
"I'm going to defend her from the likes of you."
The two assailants looked at each other, then ran away.
The stallion took a deep breath and relaxed, turning to look at Rose.
"Are you ok, miss?"
"Yes, yes I am," said Rose. "Thank you for your help."
"Don't mention it. You were doing ok by yourself," he said. "If it'd only been one of them you wouldn't have needed somepony else."
"What's your name?" asked Rose.
"Oh, I'm Granite Boulder," he responded.
"Well, I'm Evening Rose. I cannot thank you enough, whether you want the thanks or not," she said.
"Again, don't mention it."
"Well, I should be getting home. Have a fine evening."
Rose began moving home when she was called back.
"Wait!" Granite said.
"Yes?"
"Would you go on a date with me?" |
Dysphoria, Arc 2: Ponyville | 7. The Date | 7. The Date
Due to the vast quantity of stuff at the Carousel Boutique, Rarity did not often play hostess to a lot of visitors. Today was an exception. Upon hearing the news, Rarity had invited her group of friends to gather at her place, allowing no room for arguments against the idea. As such, Rarity and her six friends could be seen, surrounded by the vast assembly of textiles, discussing the most recent gossip. One within the group had a date.
To say that Rarity had invited the entire group was a bit of a misnomer. True, she had sent invitations to five of the six ponies requesting their presence. The sixth, however, Rarity had more or less ponynapped from her home near the Market Square, which she excused by saying it was for "old time's sake".
Despite the forceful way in which she had been made to agree, Rose found herself thankful for Rarity's generosity. Few friends would offer to help you prepare for your first date, but only one would go to the lengths that Rarity would.
Alongside the group were eight mannequins each clothed in a Rarity-approved dress. Three of them were dresses that Rose already owned, brought along at Rarity's request. The rest were new designs by Rarity that she was willing to give to Rose free of charge to ensure her night would be perfect. And so the friends debated on which one would be the perfect dress, settling on the green dress Rose had received the first time she and Rarity met.
Next, Rarity started preparing Rose's face for her makeup while Fluttershy got to work on her mane. The rest asked questions.
"So he saved you and to repay him you have to go on this here date?" asked Applejack.
"I don't have to go on the date," responded Rose. "It's not like he said, 'hey, to repay me you have to go on a date with me'. It was more of an afterthought and, I don't know, I like him. I figure it might fun."
"Oh, it's all just sooo romantic! What I would not give for a mysterious stallion to sweep in to rescue me, battle for my honor, and then gently inquire as to whether or not I could go on a date with him for a night out in the town," said Rarity.
"I don't know, Rarity, I just don't get why you'd go out with somepony you don't know," responded Rainbow Dash.
"Somepony explain to me why I can't throw a party!" yelled Pinkie.
"Because Rose here needs to get ready for her date. You can throw a party later. And Rainbow Dash, that's the point of dates; you get to know somepony and then you decide whether to make them your very special somepony or not."
"I thought it was backwards: first special somepony, then dating."
"Think about it, Rainbow: how would that make any sense?"
"What I find interesting," Twilight interjected, "is that Rose likes stallions."
All eyes focused on her, with a confused expression on the faces of their owners.
"What I meant to say is," Twilight stammered, "I've been doing some research on the whole transpony thing to better understand it, and I found that gender identity and orientation are separate. One doesn't affect the other; I find it interesting because despite being trans, I thought..." Twilight stopped looking around at the still shocked faces of her friends. "I'm sorry, I'll stop."
Rose let out a laugh.
"It's ok. You're right though, they are completely separate. I just happen to be bi and while I'm mostly attracted to mares, I don't know... he's cute" Rose said blushing slightly.
Twilight smiled at having found correct information.
"Anyway," said Rarity. "Tell us darling, what have you two got planned for your special date?"
Rose giggled.
"It's not all that special; we're just going out to dinner, taking a walk in the park by starlight, and then heading back to his place for dessert." There was a slight blush appearing on the cheeks of her six friends so she ran through what she had just said again.
"NO! NO NO NO, NOT LIKE THAT!" yelped a very red-cheeked Rose. "He said he was going to get some ice cream that we could eat while we talked, nothing more!"
Everypony sat in an awkward silence for a few minutes looking embarrassed and uncomfortable. Everypony that is, except for Applejack.
"Now sugarcube, I don't want to offend you or nothing but are you sure that he knows about your situation?"
They all turned to look at her, and then back to Rose. It was after all, a good question.
"I think he knows. I mean, he defended me from the two ponies while they were talking about it. In fact, that's kind of why they attacked me... so he has to know."
"Alright, if you're sure. I just want you to be safe, that's all," said Applejack.
"It's ok, Applejack, you brought up a good point," said Rose, eyes wide and lost in thought. "I hadn't even thought about it. I guess that's something I have to keep in mind from now on..."
She was silent for a few moments while trying to figure something out.
"There's really no right time to tell somepony, is there? Not really first date conversation if the pony doesn't know already..."
Rose said, barely above a whisper, "I don't expect things to go too far tonight, but I'll bring it up just in case before they do."
Doubt started to creep in.
"Maybe I'm way in over my head. It was stupid, accepting."
"None of that now!"
The voice had been barely audible, but it still quieted the room. The group turned to look at Fluttershy.
"You look beautiful, you're a great mare, and you're just nervous," she said. "I agree, you should tell him before things get serious, but you should not psyche yourself out. If he doesn't like that you're trans, then he doesn't deserve you."
Rose looked at her, feeling her nerves calm down.
"Thank you."
Rose had thanked her friends a lot for their help before Granite had come to pick her up, all of them having had walked with her to her home. However, she made a mental note that she needed to thank them even more next time she saw them.
Rose had never felt more beautiful in her life, or happier. Her dress was perfect, her hair was perfect, and the night was perfect. Granite, as composed as he tried to look, had stared awkwardly for two minutes (mouth agape) when he picked her up. Even now, Rose could see him taking quick glances at her and then his surroundings, as if unsure of whether or not this date was really happening.
It was.
The date itself had been quite wonderful. The food had been exquisite and their conversation even more so. During dinner, Rose talked about some of her funnier experiences in Ponyville, while Granite talked about his experiences in the Guard Reserve. When the checks finally came out, Rose paid for her own dinner, but only after a twenty-minute debate and solely because of her quicker reflexes.
Whereas the dinner had been a fairly verbose event, the walk that followed was quiet. Both ponies walked with their eyes to the sky, watching the stars. There was still no moon, but that did not make the night any less striking. The cold from the past night was there too, but where last night the cold had been a harsh dealer of bitter wind, urging ponies to stay at home, tonight it was a gentle friend, nudging the two ponies together as they tried to consolidate whatever warmth they could muster.
Eventually, they arrived at his home.
Granite lived in a one-pony house in the outskirts of town. The house was smaller than Rose's, but far homier, with tapestries on the walls, rugs, and more furniture than a few chairs and tables. The ponies came in, taking off their overcoats. Rose went to sit on the couch while Granite went to get the ice cream.
"I know what you mean now, no wonder Luna was as mad she was a thousand years ago," said Granite. "I would be too if I put that much work into something and everypony ignored it."
"I know, right? I'm always amazed when I go out at night and there's nopony out there," said Rose while Granite sat next to her, placing the ice cream on the table in front of them. "I always feel like I discovered a treasure that no one else can see."
"I'd love to see it with you again," said Granite. "Though maybe when it's not so cold out."
"I don't know," said Rose, smiling as she scooted closer to him. "I kind of liked it."
Granite looked shocked for a second but relaxed, moving his front leg so that Rose could lay her head on his shoulder.
"Oh, in that case, yeah!" said Granite, "Blood circulation is for wimps anyway."
Rose let out a quick giggle.
"Here you are complaining about the cold as we're about to eat ice cream," said Rose.
Granite gave her an amused smile.
"This is completely different," he responded. "For starters, I have things to keep me warm. A roof, walls, blankets..." he made a point to stare at her, "you."
Rose felt a chill roll down her back as she stared into his eyes. She could feel heat coming from her face and knew she was blushing, but she did not particularly care. She nuzzled into his chest.
For a while they ate their ice cream in silence, except for the occasional comment. It was a warm silence, and more than comfortable: it was affectionate. After the ice cream was finished they continued to sit there, making small talk, both knowing that the date had to come to an end at some point, but neither wanting to be the one to break the spell.
"You're so wonderful," Rose said, nuzzling into his neck. "I wish I didn't have to go home just yet."
"You don't necessarily have to."
Rose looked into Granite's eyes, seeing both a touch of confidence, and a mountain of nervousness. However, nervous as he was, he held her gaze.
"You're beautiful when you blush."
Rose had not noticed she was blushing, but, if she had not been, she certainly was now. Very slowly Granite inched forward until their lips met. It was a restrained kiss: Granite did not want to overstep his boundaries, or at least it was restrained until Rose kissed back. Both ponies got lost in the kiss, letting instincts take over, feeling nothing but warmth.
Granite laid Rose on the couch, kissing her neck as one of his hooves traced along her side. They kissed again, this time without restraint, just a want for closeness. Rose savored it until the kiss was gone, moving again to her neck.
She wanted nothing more than to let him continue, to do more and to get lost in the sensations. She did not want to think, but she had to.
Softly, gently, and with a twinge of regret, she used her hoof to guide Granite's face away from her neck. She sat up, and Granite, albeit confused, followed suit.
"Is something wrong, Rose?" he asked. She could see the concern in his eyes, which made it all the harder to continue.
"No, nothing's wrong," Rose said. "This is wonderful. You are wonderful."
"We were moving too fast, weren't we? I'm sorry; I got carried away and..."
"Shhh..." Rose said gently. "You're fine, it was fine. In fact, it was more than fine, and I wanted it to continue."
"Then?"
Rose sighed.
"It's just," she said. "Look, if we're going to get... physical, there's something I want to clarify first."
"Okay?"
"When you saved me last night, did you hear what they were calling me?"
"Yeah, they called you a drag queen and a transvestite," he said, anger flaring in his eyes.
"And do you know why they called me that?" she asked tentatively.
"Because they are insensitive, idiotic, disrespectful, ignorant specs of dirt," Granite said, his anger tainting his voice. "I shouldn't have let them go; I should've done something."
Rose could not help but smile.
"See, I assumed you already knew but I wanted to make sure you knew I was transgender before anything happened," said Rose. "You have no idea how much I've been worrying about..."
"...What?" he interrupted.
Rose's throat tightened as a horrible thought came into her mind. However, it was too late to backpedal.
"I mean, I figured you knew I was transgender, but I was asking to make sure just in case..."
"You're a stallion?"
Rose winced at the word and then turned to look at him. Gone was his smile. Gone was his nervous demeanor. All that remained were shock and disgust.
"You mean to tell me I was with a stallion all night?" he said in a strained voice.
He got off from the couch, pacing around the living room as he made a gagging sound.
Rose tried to salvage the situation.
"I thought you knew. When you protected me, you..."
"I thought they were picking on a mare that looked stallionish," he said in desperation. "Not giving a freak what he deserved."
Repulsion quickly changed into anger as he got closer to her again.
"You tricked me," he said in an accusatory tone. His voice was short and strained from the barely-contained rage.
"You're going to pay for that."
Before she could make sense of the situation he turned around, bucking her in the face and sending her tumbling over the couch. She watched from the floor as Granite began to walk around the couch and towards her, only, it was not him.
Walking in front of her was her dad.
She could not move, she could not fight; her body was in shock. Her dad grabbed her by the throat and punched her in the stomach. She closed her eyes in pain and, when she opened them, it was Granite holding her by the throat. He kept punching her in the face and the stomach repeatedly as she struggled to breathe. She could barely hear anything over the pain, but she caught a few sounds.
"I can't believe this, and I kissed you!" he said, making gagging noises again. "You will pay for this."
He threw her across the room at a wall. The impact was hard. She landed on the floor.
She attempted to pick herself up but could not. All she could do was raise her head. She saw her dad walking towards her again, the look of anger and disgust in his eyes, that same one that still haunted her dreams.
He kicked her again, this time on her side, slamming her against the wall. She turned to look and it was Granite again. With barely any effort, he threw her again, onto the middle of the floor.
She landed on her back.
Her body was limp and both her mane and coat were stained with dark blood. Her vision was blurred, partly because of her tears, and partly because she was losing consciousness. She looked up to see Granite stalking up to her and position his hoof above her head, ready to stomp down. She blinked. Her father raised his hoof, fury in his demeanor. She closed her eyes.
Rose tried to beg, but no sound came out. Her throat hurt and it was hard to breathe. Her instincts told her to open her eyes and look for a way out, but she would not. She did not dare open them to see if it would be her dad or Granite who would end her life.
Suddenly there came a sound, like someone blowing a door off its hinges. She opened her eyes but the world was already starting to fade. She heard a muffled shout of some sort. She tried to turn to look at its direction but she could not because, at that moment, her world faded to black. |
Dysphoria, Arc 2: Ponyville | 8. Family | 8. Family
A small black pegasus jumped off a cloud, opening his wings. He could not fly, though, and he plummeted towards the ground until a larger pegasus caught him.
"You almost had it this time, Slant."
"Do I have to keep trying? What if I get hurt?"
"Slant, I'm your father, and as long as I'm here I won't let anything hurt you."
Rose headed out from her home with Granite, leaving the rest of the group behind.
"So, Fluttershy," Applejack said turning to look at the pink-haired mare. "You're really not worried about her?"
Fluttershy gave the question a moment's thought.
"Are you going to follow her on her date regardless of what I say?" she responded.
"Pretty much."
"Then no, I'm not worried."
Applejack then turned to Rainbow Dash.
"How about it, Rainbow, want to tag along?"
"You read my mind."
And so the two friends set out to follow Rose.
For the most part, following them had been a fairly easy affair. The two ponies were distracted enough with each other, so they did not notice the orange mare or the cyan pegasus watching them from a slight distance. The hardest part of this was keeping an eye on them without intruding on their privacy. This had been easy enough at the restaurant when they had been eating in a room full of ponies. It was different when it was just the two ponies walking alone in the park.
Applejack and Rainbow Dash felt wrong spying through something so intimate. Rose and Granite were not doing anything weird or sensual, but it was still their moment to have in the privacy of night. As such, Applejack stayed hidden in an area of the park while Rainbow hovered on a cloud. Neither could see the couple, but if there was trouble, they would be able to hear it.
Eventually Rainbow spotted the two ponies heading towards a house in the outskirts of town. She signaled to Applejack and the two followed, watching as the two ponies they were following went indoors.
The two mares did not know what to do at this point, so they went to the side of the house to think. They could not really hear anything going on, so they were just about to go home when there was a loud thump against the wall they were sitting by.
"Did you hear that?" whispered Applejack.
"I don't know, it sounded like something big got thrown against the wall."
They looked at each other.
"Do you think something's wrong?" asked Rainbow.
"I don't know; whatever got thrown sounded like it got thrown real hard, though."
They walked to the front of the house, standing by the door. They could hear a few muffled sounds, but nothing that raised concern.
"AJ, I think you should kick the door down. You could knock it straight off its hinges," said Rainbow Dash, rather frantically. Applejack was looking nervous.
"I don't know, Rainbow... What if it's a misunderstanding?" she said. "We need more reason before..."
There was another loud thump. The two looked at each other in horror.
"Rainbow, step aside."
Rainbow Dash moved out of the way, readying herself to fly in. Applejack positioned herself, turned away from the door, and kicked it down. As Rainbow had suggested, it flew off its hinges.
Rainbow wasted no time. She flew in looking for Rose and Granite, both of whom were in the middle of the room. She noticed that Granite was about to stomp Rose's face.
"What do you think you're doing!" yelled Rainbow as she tackled Granite, sending him flying against a wall. Applejack rushed in. Granite pushed Rainbow off of him, landing one hit on her face. Applejack tackled him and then turned to give him a well-placed kick in the stomach. Granite grabbed her by the tail and threw her away, just as Rainbow delivered a kick to his face. She continued pounding his chest and stomach in a rage.
Applejack opened her eyes, saw Rose in front of her, and took a good look. She yelped in horror.
"Rainbow, I need you here, NOW!"
Rainbow Dash stopped attacking the unconscious stallion and rushed to her friend, eyes widening as she noticed Rose's condition.
"Oh no."
Rose's mane was more red than purple now, as a small puddle of blood formed around her. Underneath her ripped dress were purple and red bruises. She seemed to have a few broken bones in her ribcage from the difficulty with which she was breathing. There were red marks on her throat. Her tear-soaked face was sporting a broken jaw. She was unconscious.
"Hey, I was visiting a friend next door and I heard a lot of noise when I came out. Is everything o... Oh my goodness! What happened!!?"
Applejack turned to the new arrival with panic on her face.
"Bon Bon, Rose is in trouble. We need help."
A small pegasus heard crying.
He walked through the house looking for the noise, ending at his parent's bedroom.
He walked in, seeing his parents sitting on their bed.
"Mommy, why are you crying?"
The pegasus was confused; his mom was crying but she was smiling at the same time.
"You're going to have a baby brother, Slant."
"I am?"
"Yes, and it's going to be your job to care for him and protect him and guide him."
"Like you and Dad do for me?"
"Yes son, like we do for you."
Applejack had instructed Bon Bon to stay by Rose's side while she and Rainbow Dash went to get help. Their plan was for Applejack to alert the ponies that needed to be alerted while Rainbow Dash went to get help from the hospital. They would send someone out to pick up Rose and take her to the hospital, which is where Applejack was telling the ponies to meet.
The whole thing had been nerve-wracking. Seeing Rose like this kept a constant stream of tears running down Bon Bon's face, which was mixed with panic whenever Rose had stopped breathing. Applejack had mentioned something about a broken rib, which prevented Bon Bon from doing any type of CPR for fear that she might make things worse, meaning that all she could do was sit there and hope she would start breathing again; thankfully, she did.
She had sat there in fear and terror, staring at her friend. A friend that might never wake up.
She suddenly found her reservations about Rose being trans reproachful.
"This is a pony, a life," she said. "Nopony deserves this."
She wept freely until the paramedics arrived, stepping outside to avoid being in the way. She watched as they lifted Rose onto a low-flying cloud, speeding her away to the hospital. She was about to follow when she found herself in a deep hug.
Lyra hugged Bon Bon for what felt like an eternity, with both mares weeping softly onto the other. Eventually they broke away.
"I came over as soon as I could," said Lyra.
"Good, saves the time of going to get you," Bon Bon responded. "Let's go, we need to get to the hospital."
Lyra shook her head.
"Not yet, we need to tell the others," she said. "You tell Derpy; I'll tell Vinyl."
Beep Beep... Beep Beep... Beep Beep...
"What's that noise? Where am I?"
"You're in the hospital, son."
"Why?"
"You got sick... You got very sick."
The pegasus watched as his father cried at his bedside.
"It's ok, Dad, it's ok."
"Yes it is, because you're ok."
Vinyl was standing alongside Lyra at Rose's bedside. Her purple shades were normally a fashion accessory and nothing more. They did not boost her confidence, they were not prescription glasses, and they were not something she hid behind. She had nothing to hide. At least normally.
This day, however, staring at her friend as she struggled against her injuries for each arduous breath, Vinyl would not take off her glasses for Princess Celestia herself. She needed something between herself and reality.
Rose was hooked up to a lot of machines. There was a tube going down her throat to help her breathe, an IV hooked up to her arm, and a lot of bandages. To Vinyl, this did not look real. No pony could survive this kind of carnage. No pony would hurt somepony else this badly.
And yet, this was real, and it scared her immensely.
The door opened, allowing Derpy and Bon Bon inside. Bon Bon went straight to Lyra's side while Derpy stared in shock at her friend. Vinyl noticed that Derpy had not brought Dinky with her.
"Good," she thought. "No filly should know that the world can do this to a pony."
Shaking slightly, Vinyl approached Derpy.
"Hey, Derpy..."
"Yes Vinyl?" Derpy had tears in her eyes and Vinyl felt bad for what she was about to ask, but it needed to be done.
"Look, I know you're just as good a friend to her as the rest of us, and I know you want to stay here as much as we all do. But I have this letter I need to send to Octavia," Vinyl said, pulling out a letter, "She's a friend of Rose's too, and she needs to know what happened. I'd deliver it myself but I'm not a pegasus, and I want to make sure she gets it as soon as possible..."
"Hand it over," said Derpy with determination on her face.
"Thank you, Derpy."
"There's a catch though," Derpy said, staring into Vinyl's shades. "You'd better not dare leave her side until I get back."
"You've got it, Derpy."
"What if none of the other colts and fillies like me?"
"Don't be ridiculous Slant; of course they'll like you!"
"How can you be sure?"
"Because we love you."
"That's not fair! You guys are my parents; you're supposed to love me!"
"Doesn't change the fact that we do, and we always will."
The flight to Canterlot was rough but Derpy had motivation. She did not feel the cold wind as she flew, nor did she feel the ache of her wings from forcing them to travel as fast as she was traveling, or for as long a distance. All she could feel was anger that someone had hurt Rose as badly as they had, and fear that she would not be there by the time she got back.
Once in Canterlot it was easy enough to find the Concert Hall in which the Canterlot Orchestra was scheduled to perform. It was still early for the show, and therefore there were no lines and no security. Derpy went inside, spotting the cellist as she carried her instrument on stage.
"Octavia! I have a letter for you but we need to hurry!" yelled Derpy.
Octavia looked at her in confusion but took the letter regardless.
"Ditzy isn't it?" asked Octavia. "I do believe we've met but only briefly. Is everything ok?"
"Just read the letter," said Derpy, feeling anxious about not having left yet.
Octavia opened the letter and read it, eyes widening as she reached the bottom. The conductor of the orchestra called to her.
"Octavia, is everything alright?"
"No, it is not. I'm leaving for Ponyville on the next available train."
"But you just came from Ponyville."
"This time it's an emergency," she responded.
The young pegasus was being dragged along by his mother.
"I cannot believe you would run off like that, Slant."
"I'm sorry I made you mad, Mommy."
"Mad? I'm not mad, Slant. I'm upset. I turned around and you weren't there anymore. I thought I lost you! Please promise me that you'll stick with me from now on. Please?"
"Ok, Mommy."
"Good. I don't want to lose you."
The train ride to Ponyville had been a long and silent journey indeed. Nopony ever took the late-night trains and Derpy had insisted on flying back to get there as fast as possible, so Octavia rode the train on her own with only her worries to keep her company.
As she slept on the train ride she had a nightmare of the day that Script disappeared from Canterlot. She would not fall asleep again until after she knew that Rose was ok.
The train arrived in Ponyville in the morning, with Octavia getting out and rushing to the hospital. This time there were no ponies waiting for her at the station, but she knew where to find them.
As she got to the hospital she immediately found Vinyl and approached her. The two embraced in a hug. There was no need for words. As she broke the hug, Octavia noticed tears dripping past the cover of Vinyl's shades. She'd need to fix that too, but there was something she needed to do first. Stepping into the room, she relieved Pinkie from her post. She stared at her friend.
She had prepared for this image on the train. Vinyl's letter had been really explicit as to what she could expect to see, and as such, she had prepared for this. And yet, nothing could have prepared her for what she saw. Tears fell freely down her face.
"No, you're not allowed to leave me like this again," she wept. "I already lost you once, I cannot lose you again."
Rose was immobile and unconscious but Octavia continued.
"I know you prefer Rose now, but to me you will always be Script. The one that was there when I needed you. And I need you right now, Script. I need you to wake up, and smile, and make a dumb joke about how uptight I am or how I cannot play the cello. I need you to know that I forgive you for what happened, it wasn't your fault. Any of it. I need you to know that even though I decided that I would never date you back in school, I never stopped loving you. I need you to know that I was being stupid and dumb and I'm sorry..."
Octavia's voice cracked with the strain of fear and emotion.
"But more than anything, I need you to stay..." she sobbed. "I don't want to lose you."
"Dad, why do you care so much about belonging to the Rhyme family?"
"Huh, I thought you would know the answer to that already, Slant."
"Well, I guess I do. It's a noble family that's been around since the start of Celestia's reign, full of famous writers and prestige... But you bring it up all the time... is it really that important?"
His dad smiled.
"You missed the most important part of all, Slant."
"What is it?"
"That it's our family."
The pegasus looked confused.
"Family is a special thing, Slant. Your family will always love you, they will always take care of you, they will fight for you, and they will be there for you with whatever you need. You can always rely on family. The reason that the Rhyme family is so important is because of the ponies in that family. It's not about the titles; well, not completely. The majority is simply that I'm proud to be there for your mom, your brother, and you."
"So family is who's there when things are bad?"
"Family is who's there when things are bad, and makes them better."
Rose slowly opened her eyes, wincing at the bright light she saw. She was in a white room with a lot of machines, one of which was beeping. She was in a hospital.
"Perfect," she thought to herself. She began to remember the incidents from her last conscious night, tears beginning to form. Then she looked down.
Surrounding her bed was a collection of eleven ponies, all of them asleep. Closest to her was Octavia, who was actually resting her head on the bed. Next to her were Vinyl and Derpy. Bon Bon and Lyra were sitting in the corner of the room with Bon Bon's head resting on Lyra's shoulder. Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity were sleeping on the floor while Applejack, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash slept on a few cushions. They all looked like they were getting the first sleep they had gotten in ages and, if she was not mistaken, they all had tear stains on their cheeks.
"For however long I've been out," Rose figured, "they were probably here by my side."
She could not help but smile.
"Ow," she said softly. "It hurts to smile."
Octavia shivered as she woke up, turning her head to check on her friend, sitting up when she realized that the friend she was staring at was staring back.
Rose did not want to wake anypony in the hospital, and therefore was content to greet each pony as they woke up on their own time. This proved a good system until Pinkie woke up, at which point everyone else was woken up by the party pony.
Soon everypony gathered around, filling Rose in on what happened while she was unconscious. The story started with Rainbow Dash and Applejack following her on her date, for which she would be eternally grateful, and ended with Octavia arriving at the hospital, with each pony piping in whenever they came into the story.
"What about Granite?" Rose asked.
The room became instantly colder at the mention of his name.
"He's been transferred to Canterlot where he will be tried by the Princesses themselves," said Twilight.
"How much did you tell them about me," asked Rose.
"Everything I'm afraid," said Twilight. "I would've kept things to myself but you never know what detail might be important. I did tell them that you did not want any conflict with your family and would rather not have to go to Canterlot to testify. She promised to use what I told her in her private court and nowhere else, so you're safe."
"Yes, we're just sorry you had to go through any of this at all," said Lyra.
"I am too, but I feel like I learnt something. I just can't figure out what it is," said Rose. "Whatever it is though, it's important."
Twilight turned to Rose.
"I know it may seem silly, but one of the things that help me focus and work through things like that is when I write my letters to Celestia," said Twilight, "It helps me glean what's important and how I got there. You could always do something like that, even if you don't send it."
Rose smiled at Twilight.
"Thank you, Twi," she said. "I think I'll give it a try."
Dear Princess Luna,
You may not know me, but my name is Evening Rose.
This is not my legal name, something which I'm working to change as soon as possible, so you won't be able to find me in the registry. I could give you my old name, but it isn't who I am, and I'd rather the real me be the one to write this letter. Besides, if I hear correctly, you and your sister did hear about me recently.
Twilight suggested that I write Princess Celestia a letter about some of the things I've learnt in Ponyville as a way to clear my thoughts. I like the idea but I'd rather write to you instead. Whenever I've been hurt, lonely, or scared, it's been your nights in which I've found comfort. The stars, the moon, and a midnight breeze are pretty much my roommates by now from all the times I've turned to them for advice and reprieve, and as such, I feel like pouring my soul out to you is far more natural.
Before I tell you what I learnt though, I feel I should let you know a couple of things about me.
First, I moved to Ponyville during the summer, running away from my old city.
Second, I'm a big fan of your work.
Third, I'm a transpony.
That last one is probably one you don't hear often, and I must confess that I don't know if you and your sister have any thoughts on the matter, but based on Twilight and her friends, I'll assume hope you don't have any major problems.
As I said, I ran away from home because I wasn't accepted as a transpony. The move was hard, and even when I arrived I had a hard time trusting ponies. Everyone seemed like a danger to me. However, slowly but surely, I have adapted and learnt a few things in the process.
The first thing I learnt is that there is boundless good and beauty in this world, but there is also boundless spite and hate. I'm currently writing from a hospital bed in which I'll be for a few weeks before I'm transferred to another bed for a few months because of the latter. Still, it is important to remember that the bad doesn't outweigh the good, or even match it.
It may seem like it does when you are facing your death at the hands of someone ignorant or hateful, but that's because it's in the moment. Outside of that moment I can see the countless ponies I've befriended, a community filled with ponies that may not understand but at least support somepony's right to be happy. Sometimes one loses track of that, but it doesn't mean it's not there.
Now, that's not to say things are not difficult; one bad thing may not outweigh all the good but depending on what it is, it can be the only thing that matters. It doesn't even have to be some ultimate evil type scenario; most of the time it's our own insecurities.
For example, I'm finding that it's bothering me more and more that I don't think I'll be able to truly be a mare. I can't change my body, and everyone I know knows me as trans. I'm no longer ashamed of being trans like I used to be, but it's still not something I aspire to live as. I want to be known as a mare, not a transpony, and the despair I feel when I realize how impossible that journey is can often be insurmountable. To be honest, I'm not even sure I'll get past it. I'm not sure I'll be ok.
However, I have a great network of friends that have already and continue to push me onwards, and here's where the other lesson I learnt kicks in.
I used to think that I lost my family when I left home, and that as many friends as I made, it would be a loss that I'd have to carry with me. I couldn't have been more wrong.
My friends have proved in the past few days how much they're willing to give of themselves for the ponies they care about. Regardless of how much distance there is or of any arguments there may be, friends will put it all aside when one needs them most, and that makes them family more so than blood relations or having the same last name.
"Family is who's there when things are bad, and makes them better."
I don't remember who I heard say that but it rings true, and I have a very large family indeed.
Your faithful subject,
-Evening Rose |
Dysphoria, Arc 2: Ponyville | 9. Epilogue? | 9. Epilogue?
So, that's Arc 2 of Dysphoria. What did you think?
I feel like my writing is getting better, and even though there were less chapters, they were longer and I got to really explore the characters. However, you may have thought my writing was awful and clunky, and that's ok too.
So, what happens next?
Well, as I said during the last Epilogue? I planned Arcs 1 and 2 alongside Arc 3.
If you're reading this, then that means that the first chapter of Dysphoria, Arc 3: Canterlot (otherwise known as "Rose finally becomes an active character!") is up and you should go read it now!
As I have also previously explained, Arc 3 will be more of an Adventure piece taking place in Canterlot, exploring some of the time bombs that I set up in this arc. Not only that, but I mean it in regards to Rose actually getting to do things. In Arcs 1 and 2 she was passive in that things happened to her and that her existence (not actions) changed those around her. In Arc 3, she makes choices, acts on them, and takes her life into her own hooves!
Should be fun right?
Well.. at least I'm excited...
The one thing I should mention is that, since I'm still trying to figure out the best time to post schedules to get people that haven't already read the story to look at it, I will be tweaking my release schedule a bit.
I'll still update at least every Monday and Friday, but I will do so at 6pm EST rather than 5.
I hope it's not that much of an inconvenience.
Oh, and I also said I'd explain what made chapter 5 so special right?
While I was writing Chapter 5, something interesting happened. Normally I plan and outline the story in advance. This involves writing the characters, the events, and their importance for me to fill out later.
Octavia was originally supposed to be just a character that shows up, exposes on things in Canterlot, disapproves of Rose, but then gets over it. However, when I was writing the chapter things felt wrong and I revised it multiple times, making severe changes until that chapter was less about Canterlot, and more about Octavia's relationship with Rose and how that had changed. I realized that it was more important to explore how an old friendship deals with this rather than adding exposition, because anything else felt wrong for Octavia.
The is my first instance of a character telling me what to do, and it was awesome. However, it left me in a corner.
I was now basing their relationship on something deep that I had not explored, leaving a huge void to be filled in.
And so I did.
This is me announcing that after I'm done with the story proper, there will be an extra Arc that serves as a prequel to the series. I already outlined the whole thing in a lot, and I do mean A LOT, of detail (the outline is 47,293 words).
Dysphoria, Arc 0: Octavia will be a story about the relationship between Octavia and Slant Rhyme as they grew up in Canterlot society. It will include a bit of romance but will mostly be a story about two friends helping each other through their emotional and mental struggles. The story will have Octavia as the main character, which is exciting for me because she's quickly growing into my favorite.
I'll also still be writing the side fics I said I would in my last Epilogue? and other new ideas I get. However, as I said last time, I'm putting most of my focus on finishing the Arcs.
So, to recap:
There is an Arc 3, go read it now!
There will be an Arc 0, go get excited!
I'm working on side fics the second I'm done with the Arcs.
New content at least every Monday and Friday at 6pm EST.
If you want to keep up with it all you need to favorite, follow, and stalk.
Oh, and please share the story? Only if you think it's worth sharing though.
Thank you for reading,
-thedarkprep
P.S. If you have any questions about anything trans-related or you just want to talk about it, please don't hesitate to send me a private message. I'd love to help. |
The Silent Saviors | pre | "So be it then," Rich muttered to himself, "Let's ride!"
The two left the scene and never looked back.
They had been traveling for two hours, and so far, Twilight had not spotted anything yet. The pegasi scoured the ground from their vantage points in the sky and they still found nothing. They were well into the desert, but nothing was found. The only thing that was found were tracks from a cart going through the plains, but the trail had ended as soon as they had reached the desert. She was worried that nothing would be found and that the dogs escaped unpunished. Rainbow Dash was getting bored with all the walking, or in her case, flying, and no bad guys had appeared for her to beat the snot out of.
"Uhhhhhh... Are we there yet?" Rainbow Dash asked Twilight.
"We get there when we get there, Dash,"
"But this is taking forever!" Rainbow Dash folded her front hooves.
"Well, what did you expect, Rainbow? That the dogs would just magically appear and present their behinds for you to kick?" Twilight felt exasperated with her friends attitude.
"Yes?"
"We found something!" A pegasus scout yelled to Celestia from the sky, "Over the sand dunes, Majesty!"
Twilight, Rainbow, and Celestia quickly galloped over the sand dune they were on to find am awful, horrific site. Dead dogs were everywhere, strewn about the small valley in various positions and configurations. Some had large holes in their heads, chests, and arms. Many had diagonal slashes up their chests and into their necks. But when Twilight sighted Rock, that's when she tossed her cookies on the ground. His left leg possessed a massive hole near the femur, with the bone barely clinging to the rest of the body by a thread. A dried pool of blood had gathered all around the body and made the area stink. His right leg had a similar hole in it, while not as big and finally, his head had one as well, but even smaller. Flies darted in and out of the dog's mouth and wounds, laying their eggs and eating the rotting flesh as the heated desert sun cooked it under its gaze.
"What happened here?" Twilight said as she got up from the ground and collected herself.
"Obviously, someone got to the dogs before we did," Celestia muttered back.
Even Rainbow was quiet as she observed the gruesome sight in front of her. No longer were the flashes of battle and glory racing across her face. Only disgust occupied her now.
"Princess! We have the food! Most of it is still here!" a private called out to Celestia.
Celestia walked over to where the cart full of Ponyville's food supplies rested. Sure enough, most of the things that were taken were still present and accounted for.
"I want logistics to count what we have lost and the dog causalities. I want clues as to what has gone on here. Bury the bodies and clean the place up," Celestia ordered.
Celestia and Twilight walked about the camp, observing the corpses and looking for clues. A unicorn guard came up behind them, holding a brass casing in his magic.
"Princess, I think we might have something. All around this campsite are these strange metal casings. They are almost everywhere. Here, take a look," he handed the casing to Celestia, who took it in her magic's grasp.
Celestia observed the casing and squinted to make out any markings. It smelled exceptionally foreign, like fireworks after they had been shot off. Grayish coloring painted the rim of the hollowed metal in a random and explosive pattern. She turned the cartridge to the bottom and squinted her eyes to make out the writing.
Springfield Armory 45-70 cal.
The last observation she made was a small bend in the metal in the back. It was perfectly centered and looked like it was struck by a pin. She gave the metal back to the guard. "Gather as many of these things as you can. I want them analyzed back at the castle."
"Yes, ma'am!" the guard gave a salute and hurried off.
"What could have done such a thing to these dogs, Princess?"
"Only a monster, Twilight."
The ride back to the forest was silent. Coal refused to speak to Richard as they rode on through the plains. Richard prodded and tried to start conversation, but failed ultimately each time. Rich was afraid he was receiving the silent treatment.
"So, nice weather out today, huh?" Rich said. He turned his head up to the sky, "Not a cloud in the sky."
He received no reply.
"So did I ever tell you about the time I pranked a telegrapher with a fake telegram?"
No reply.
"You feeling alright?"
Nothing still.
"Please, Coal, Please. Talk to me again," Richard pleaded with Coal.
Coal only turned his head slightly towards Rich, but looked back at the path once more.
"Please! Tell me what's bothering you!" Rich pleaded once more.
He was met with silence, until Coal finally spoke to him in a very long time.
"Why are you so cruel?" Coal asked plainly. "Do you have no respect for the life of other things?"
"Yes, Coal, I do. I just got carried away," Richard replied back, rubbing his back neck.
"But you always get carried away! I saw you torture a dog until he was screaming at the top of his lungs for you to spare him. I've seen you do many bad and terrible things, but that is easily one of the worst things I've ever seen you do. It's always endless violence with you!" Coal shouted back.
Richard looked to his side and said nothing.
Coal stopped walking, turned his head back, and looked Rich in the eye. "Just promise me, Rich. Promise me that you will never do something like that ever again,"
"I... I promise, Coal."
"Thank you. C'mon, let's get back to the forest."
The two said nothing more. |
The Silent Saviors | Discoveries and Confrontations | Our two heroes finally reached The Endless Forest, which is what Richard dubbed it on the ride back.
"Never thought I would be happy to see this forest again," he shook his head and smiled.
"Same," Coal replied and walked through the tree line.
The two walked through the forest at a steady trot in no particular direction, listening to the chirps of the sparrows and robins as they went about their business.
"So what do you think our options are right now?" Richard asked.
"What do you mean?" said Coal as he jumped over a fallen tree.
"Well, what do you think we should do? We aren't in America anymore. That's for sure. So what exactly should our course of action be?"
"Maybe we can make contact with the ponies. They seem nice enough," Coal ducked under a low hanging vine, with Richard doing the same.
"I don't know about that, Coal. Remember that small yellow one with wings? We know they talk. So that one probably ran her mouth all across town talking about us. Personally, I don't believe we are exactly dressed to look like we are friendly," Richard looked at his dark apparel, Coal's menacingly black coat, and his rifle.
"Yeah, guess you're right. We might be seen as a threat to their safety. Maybe we can just camp out in this forest and try to figure out what's going on. Try to see if we can get back home," Coal said.
"Sounds like a plan. Let's find that river again. Although, maybe camp in a different clearing this time," Richard added.
"What? I thought you liked wooden abominations in your sleeping area," Coal flashed a s**eating grin.
"I ought 'a turn you into glue, Coal," Richard rolled his eyes.
Coal laughed, and they were off.
"What the hay is this thing?" Twilight mumbled as she peered into the hollow tube. She had been trying to study the cylindrical tubes they had taken from the site and exploit its secrets, but she had found out next-to nothing. She set it down on the lab table and stared at each of the cylinders they had collected. What were these things and what was their purpose? No leads had been found as to what they were or where they came from. No clues of what had done all those things to the dogs came up. The only things they had found were weirdly shaped hoof-prints that led towards Ponyville, but disappeared upon reaching the beginning of the plains. She sighed and decided to head out of the lab. She would look at them again another time. Before leaving, she grabbed a clipboard with her data on it, put out the candles, and left the room.
She entered into the hallway of the castle and looked towards the throne room. Celestia had Twilight and her friends taken to Canterlot to analyze the data taken from the site. Closing the door to the lab, she heard the throne room door open to reveal Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. They both stepped out of the throne room, with Celestia coming over to Twilight and greeting her with a hug.
"Hello, Twilight. Have you been able to find anything about those metallic tubes?" she asked.
"A bit, Princess. Here's what I have," she levitated the clipboard to her face and read. "There were blackened residues inside of the tube that I swabbed and analyzed. The results came back identifying it as carbon and some kind of fine black powder of some sort. The casing is made out of brass. Aside from that, I wasn't able to determine much else," Twilight levitated the clipboard down and looked up at the Princesses.
"May I see these tubes, Twilight?" Luna asked.
"Yes, of course. Right this way," Twilight beckoned the Princesses over to the lab.
They filed in through the decorated door and walked to the lab table carrying the cartridges. Luna levitated one up to her eyes and studied them.
"I am just as baffled as to what they are as you are, Twilight Sparkle. We have found no suitable leads on who did it, so I was hoping these things could help us in our search. I suppose I was mistaken," Luna put down the casing and turned to see Twilight's friends filing in.
"Hey girls," she nodded towards their general direction and greeted them.
"Hey Twi! Whatcha lookin at?" Rainbow Dash.
"The Princesses and I were studying the brass tubes we recovered from the massacre, in hopes of finding out who or what did it and where to find them. Here, why don't you guys have a look? See if I missed anything," Twilight levitated the tubes over to the girls.
Upon seeing them, Fluttershy let out a huge gasp and ran to hide behind Rainbow Dash, shaking all the while.
"Fluttershy, what's wrong?" Twilight looked behind her to Fluttershy.
"Those tubes. I've seen them before,"
"Where? Do you have any information about them? What are they?" Twilight smiled in a goofy, studious grin only achievable by a massive nerd.
"No, but I know who they belong to. Twilight, do you remember that creature from the Everfree that saved me I told you about?"
"Yes, I remember. But what does it have to do with these?" Twilight levitated the tubes back down on the table as Pinkie and Rarity began to study them.
"When its thunder stick went off, it would flip this switch on the top and these things would pop out of the back of the stick. It was so... scary," Fluttershy backed out of Twilight's shadow and returned to her original position by the door.
"It appears we have found our lead, Luna," Celestia said.
"Apparently so. What do you suppose we do, Celestia?" Luna looked up at her sister.
"I appreciate what this creature did for our ponies in Ponyville. However, we don't know if it will attack the town like the dogs did. So, I was thinking of sending a platoon of guards there for extra safety until we find out more information about this thing," Celestia looked back to the tubes once more.
"Sounds like a logical course of action, 'Tia. Let's do it," Luna replied.
"Good. Girls, I think it be best that you be on your way to Ponyville again. We will send the guards tomorrow and they will arrive the day after tomorrow. However, I think we shall accompany you to Ponyville, to reassure our ponies that we will protect them. You all don't mind chariots right?" Celestia turned to Twilight.
"Not at all, Princess," Twilight nodded.
"Then let us all be off."
"My next move has gotta be dinner," Richard looked down at his grumbling stomach as he sat in a small clearing by the river they had decided to set up camp in. He rose from his spot near the shore and grabbed his rifle and ammunition.
"You going hunting?" Coal looked up from his grazing with a mouthful of grass between his teeth.
"Yup. I'll be back in a bit. Stay safe, Coal," he jumped over a log and sprinted off.
Richard ran through the forest, rifle firmly grasped in his calloused hand. He figured he would start closer to the town and work his way through. Perhaps not to find game, but really, just to spy out the town and try to figure out just what situation he was thrown into. He mantled over a rather large fallen tree and noticed something odd about this one. This one had pulled up from the ground, with its roots sticking out, and multiple cracks lay throughout the trunk. A large crack lay in the middle of the tree, as if something had stepped on it or had been knocked into it. Just above where the tree lay was a massive paw-print that could easily fit one of the ponies into. Richard perspired a bit at the sight of the print. Whatever had made this was huge, and he really didn't want to cross paths with it anytime soon.
Note to self, avoid this area from now on. Rich decided.
Richard continued on his way to the edge of the forest. Eventually, he came to his destination, which sat at the edge of the treeline and became plains of grass. In his sight stood the town of Ponyville, with all the bustle and life of any town. Still a really dumb name... he thought to himself. He decided to climb a tree to achieve a better vantage point and came to rest on a sturdy and firm pine branch. And thus, he began his stalking.
From what he could see, most of the ponies were doing what any other townsfolk would be doing. Retrieving water from wells, buying supplies at shops, some were tending to crops near the outskirts of the town. However, the sky was oddly active with the winged ponies. Richard stared in awe as they effortlessly moved clouds out of the late afternoon sky and away from the sun. One was walking on it and conversing with another one of the winged ponies. Note to self, winged ponies control weather and walk on clouds. Not like this place is any more weird. Why am I even surprised? he thought to himself.
At of the corner of his eye, he saw three large flying objects descending out of the east. He turned his gaze to it and was further baffled by this land's distinct middle finger to physics. Three chariots were coming out of the sky, with two winged ponies in golden and silver armor pulling them. In the backs of each of the chariots were three ponies, each looking different then the other. I'm no scientist, but shouldn't they be falling out of the sky right now?
The chariots came down into the town square and settled by the fountain. The occupants stepped out from the back and gathered by the now enlarged crowd that came to meet them. The ponies of the air even flew down to the ground to see what was going on in the square. If they care an awful lot, then I probably should too. Rich climbed down from the tree and ran through the plains. He came to one of the buildings in the square and climbed up to the roof. With no winged ponies in the air, he was sure that he wouldn't be spotted. He peaked over the roof's edge and watched one of the ponies step forward. It was massive in comparison to the others, easily to his shoulders, not including the horn. A shining ivory made up its coat with its mane in many different colors flowing freely in the air. And most weird of all, this one happened to have both a horn and wings. Some sort of hybrid maybe? Many of the ponies all faced towards this new arrival and bowed to it. Looks like royalty. He huddled himself in his hiding spot and began to listen to the pony's words.
"Ponies of Ponyville! I bring good news to you! The dogs that attacked the town have been slain and the food that was taken has been restored to its rightful owners!"
Cheers and applause rang out of the crowded square. The white one waited for them to settle once more before continuing.
"However, there might be a new threat to the town once more. We have reason to believe that a new dangerous and deadly creature has taken up residence in the Everfree forest. We believe that it was singlehoofedly responsible for the slaughter of the dogs."
This was received with groans, gasps, and worried glances to the white pony.
"This creature is believed to be very technologically advanced. We know that it carries a stick in its hand that can kill anything from a very far range. So from this point forward, I am instating a no-travel zone in the Everfree forest. Nopony is permitted to travel through its bounds without a guard escort and permission from Mayor Mare. This is for the safety of the town and your safety. Luna and I are also stationing two platoons of guards here to provide extra protection to the town. Rest assured! We have everything under control!"
The ponies gave a collective cry of relief and settled themselves once more. Richard slumped down from the edge of the roof, laid himself back on the thatch, and adjusted his hat. They knew about him. What could have tipped them off to him? Did he leave footprints? Did someone hear him? Was Coal's hooves too lo-- Richard was stunned as he remembered what he had left behind. His spent casings. He had left his spent cartridges all around the sand dunes and never bothered to pick them up. They merely had to find them and connect the dots.
The ponies looked about ready to wrap up their meeting, so Richard left in a hurry so as not to be seen. He would have to be more careful with when he went out for food. Nice as the ponies may look, he didn't want to find out how they would react to him, specially the ones with horns. Evening was starting to come, so Richard decided once again to detour to the cottage by the path. He felt conflicted once more as he was stealing from the owner. Not only that, with enough of the animals taken, one of the ponies would notice. He would have to stop eventually.
He arrived at the cottage and began to spy out the animal coops again. Might as well get another chicken again. But as he approached, the animals got wind of him, and started to flip out. He ran through the maze of coops, rushing clumsily towards the chicken coop. He reached it and jumped over the enclosure to grab a hen. But over on the side of the cottage, he heard voices. Pony voices. Quickly, he tried to snatch one of the chickens and make his escape. The chickens, however, had all gathered themselves in their wooden home and hid themselves away. He turned himself and spied two ponies turning the corner of the house. He was too late. The two ponies turned their heads and gasped at the sight of him. One was purple, with a horn jutting out from its head. The other, Richard surprisingly saw, was the smaller yellow one that he had saved from those wooden abominations.
Richard wasted no time and bolted for the forest, mantling over the metal caging of the chicken coop. The yellow one became scared and ran off towards the town. The purple one, however, gave chase to him, and was charging something on her horn. Whatever it was, Richard did not want to be receiving it, so he renewed his dash and ran faster as he strapped his rifle to his back. Looking forward, he saw a massive, sparkling purple barrier spontaneously appear in front of him, blocking his way. Acting quickly, he turned his shoulder to the wall and body-checked it. The shield faltered away and broke from Richard's assault. Another one appeared as he neared the treeline. He came to it and punched it with all his might. It too fell away from his attack, and he sprinted onward. The purple pony, however, refused to let up and sprinted even faster toward him. It was in full gallop, and it being a horse, it was only a matter of time before it caught up to him. As Rich reached the treeline, he rolled on the ground, pulling his rifle out while rolling, took up a crouched position, and fired his rifle into the pony's leg. Instantly, the pony fell, crying out in pain as it plummeted towards the ground. Richard could see one of the winged ponies flying through the sky towards him, so he began his run again and ran further into the forest. He had to find Coal and tell him about what happened and what he had learned.
Richard disappeared into the forest, running all the way, hoping he hadn't injured the pony too badly, and never looking back. |
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