Two months since the School of Friendship's opening, it has become not only successful school but also the center of new education for the students from far and wide to come and enrolled in it. Twilight and all of her friends have did their best to teach and educate the students, with all the knowledge and experience about the friendship. And at the same time, they make some time to perform and work on their real job, with the help from Shadow Five to take over and work on them. Everything seems to be well for them and their school.
At Fluttershy's Cottage, the wedded couples – Fluttershy and Terrorcreep were sleeping peacefully and quietly on their king sized bed in the master bedroom after they helped Rarity look after the 'Rarity for You' Boutique when the white unicorn was involved with fashion designs at Canterlot, along with her close aides. Oddly, Mystic Vampire Pony groaned in pain and frustration as he was struggling and moving around crazily and wildly on the bed.
"Execute… Yes, my emperor… Kill them! Every one last of them! Good soldiers follow orders! Terrorcreep! Don't! Don't do it! Please! Noooooooooo! What have I done?!"
Witnessing his nightmares, Terrorcreep screamed in shock and fear as he gotten up from the bed. He panted heavily yet exhaustingly. This alerted Fluttershy to get up as well.
"Terrorcreep, are you alright?" Fluttershy asked in concern.
Terrorcreep breathed slowly and calmly, "I'm alright. Just a bad dream." Feeling ache on his head, he groaned in pain while rubbing it gently, "And a headache too."
Fluttershy sighed as she gave her husband a kiss on cheek, "Try to sleep and not to think hard."
Terrorcreep nodded in understanding, "Of course."
Both Fluttershy and Terrorcreep tucked themselves into the bed, going back to their sleep peacefully and quietly. As they were sleeping, the Mystic Vampire Pony groaned in pain, still feeling a headache.
Within the Dark Forest, the army of Demon Successors continued recruiting and training themselves, keeping themselves fit. They even raided and stolen supplies and animals from pony farms and markets. They have been hidden in the forest of darkness for the last three years. There was no word from their leaders as well.
Hak Xing and the rest of her cousins met up and gathered inside the main camp. They were now having some discussion for their next plans. They even made contact with their parents as well. They were not pleased with their children's progress.
"Over three years since we have given order," Shendu snarled dryly, "You have yet made any progress of conquering the Equestria or even capturing the traitor!"
Tso Lan growled a bit, "Shendu's right. So far, you have failed us miserably and achieve nothing at all."
"Indeed." Bai Tza hissed in anger, "And you were not able to find a way to free us from this prison realm!"
Po Kong cried out in fear, "I can't stand it! It's too bland and boring here!"
Hsi Wu grumbled, "Not to mention, we have to take up to her attitude."
Frustrated and annoyed with her past failures, Hak Xing remained calm and kept composure as she bowed humbly, "Forgive us, father. Rest assure, we are not finished."
"Is that supposed to be a joke?!" Dai Gui demanded angrily.
Tchang Zu growled, "Dai Gui's right! You have repeated that statement for too many times! And you were unable to produce the results!"
Xiao Fung growled, "This is tiresome and frustrating."
"Hey, relax. We'll get it done. Count on it!" Drago exclaimed firmly.
Gusty nodded, "This time, it'll be different and better. We're not gonna fail this time."
"Yeah. Have we ever let you down?" Song Wing asked cockily.
Demon Lords were very skeptical and doubtful of their children's words. Mei Kai approached and bowed humbly before her, "Mother, please trust us. We will succeed it. If we can locate the artifact, we will set you free."
"Free… Free… Free…" Avalanche giggled happily.
Voltscar and Quake groaned, "Idiots."
Still skeptical and doubtful, the Demon Lords reluctantly yet frustratingly chattered and muttered over Demon Successors' statements. They all nodded firmly in agreement.
Tso Lan turned and glared at Hak Xing, "Do not fail us again, daughter. Go and finish your mission."
"It will be done, father," Hak Xing said firmly and humbly. As the communication portal closed, she turned and looked at her cousins. While clenching her fist, she declared, "It is time to reclaim the artifact. It will help us accomplish our very first objective!"
"Ladies and gentle-demon, the Demon Successor are back in action, baby!" Drago cheered wildly and proudly, sounding his cousins to cheer out loud. He scoffed, "Do I make some dramatic entrance or what?"
Coiling her tail around Drago, Mei Kai gave a deep kiss to his lips. She smiled, "You're such a sweet, baby. Love it."
Drago chuckled as he held Mei Kai close to him, "And you know how to steal my heart, baby. The usual night?"
"The usual night," Mei Kai teased playfully.
Drago and Mei Kai gave each other a deep passionate long kiss, with sound of moaning pleasantly. The rest of their cousins groaned in frustration and disgust with the scene.
"I'd never get over this," Song Wing commented.
Voltscar groaned in disgust, "Disgusting..."
"Tell me about it..." Quake agreed dryly.
Narrowing her determined eyes, Hak Xing declared, "By dawn, it will be our time to shine."
On the next day, Twilight and the rest of their friends continued helping and teaching the students on friendship studies and various kind of activities they're good at. Though everything seems to be fine, Terrorcreep is still suffering some headaches and often hallucinated with nightmares he has from last night. This often scared and make some students scared and uneasy about him.
At the teacher lounge, Twilight and the rest of her friends were taking a break from teaching the students and the real jobs they have. They were all chattering happily with each other while enjoying their lunch, though Saber, Laxtinct and Pinkie were having eating nachos competition.
And at the same time, Terrorcreep groaned in pain, feeling some headache on his head. He rubbed it hard as much as he can. This made Fluttershy concern and worried.
"You still have a headache?" Fluttershy asked in concern.
"Yeah," Terrorcreep confirmed, though still feeling pain. He hissed a bit, "I'll be fine."
Not convinced, Fluttershy suggested, "Since Shorty's here, you might as well ask him for medication. He might able to help you out."
Though annoyed yet understood his wife's concerns, Terrorcreep nodded, "I'll get it. Don't worry."
"Alright, listen up, ponies!" Lockdown called out. Everyone turned and looked at him. Ever since he quit his old job, he became discipline teacher to the School of Friendship. He now worn beige shirt, brownish jacket and dark chocolate tie. He continued, "Got more good news. Our students' study performance and results have improved and getting better. And not to mention, we're getting more positive review over our school. Heck! They even asking for some teaching tips and advice for friendship problems. Just two months, the ponies and creatures really want to enroll here."
Everyone cheered while giving the round of applause over the news. Twilight smiled, "Wow. I can't believe this is happening."
"It sure is," Blazefist agreed, "And I don't suppose that Neighsay is not happy about this."
Lockdown scoffed, "Obviously. That guy doesn't know when to quit. He keeps on rambling about how bad it is for letting the creatures in and be the students."
"Again?" Laxtinct asked in annoyance.
"No kidding," Rainbow agreed, "Even after what has happen from 'Battle of Canterlot City', that guy's still a jerk to other creatures."
Applejack nodded, "Yeah. I would like to see him get his flank get kicked when Twittermites zapped some shocks on him. See if he ever gets real help from anyone else."
"Calm down, everyone. No need to bother about him," Saber said firmly while eating his burrito, "We got the results. We should be happy about it."
Tailtech smiled, "Saber's right. As long we get some supports and reviews from the world, School of Friendship won't be closing down."
"Not to mention, keeping Neighsay out from here," Shadow Dragon said proudly.
Twilight sighed, "One thing for certain, it is very good for this year. Nothing could go wrong."
BAM! The door is opened in two. Rexstrike and his two Royal Guards marched in at once. Everyone turned and looked at them, with surprised looks.
"General Rexstrike?" Shadow Dragon asked in surprise.
"General Shadow Dragon," Rexstrike saluted firmly. He then noticed everyone was staring at him. He even spotted lunch on the table. Realizing of what's going on, he looked awkward and embarrassed a bit, "Sorry. Didn't realize that you were having lunch."
"Well, we're almost finish with it. I don't suppose that you're here for your kid's enrollment?" Twilight asked curiously.
"Uh, no. I'm still single. Didn't have time for date and family, unfortunately." Rexstrike said awkwardly. He cleared his throat a bit, "Anyway, I've bring news. This involved of Demon Successors."
Everyone gasped in shock and concern. Rarity spoke in concern, "Oh my... Haven't seen them for a while."
"Rarity, we only met them once from the Applewood Derby," Pinkie commented, "Plus, they're bad guys for Cutie Mark Crusaders and Freedom Fighters. Kinda like Dark Mystic Ponies are our bad guys. Shouldn't they handle them?"
"Pinkie!" Everyone scolded Pinkie.
"What?!" Pinkie asked in confusion.
"Still, I'm surprised that they're still alive," Shorty commented in surprise, "I mean Storm King and Dark Lord have launched the invasion on Equestria. I expected them to get killed or return home."
"Guess not," Aqua said in concern with crossed her hooves, "Looks like they finally show their faces. Wonder what they're up to?"
Rexstrike passed the file reports to Mane Eight and Dragon Strike Force. They're looking at it.
"Recently, we've received some reports that Demon Successors are attacking some antique shops across the Equestria. They're now invading Manehattan!" Rexstrike explained firmly, "We don't know why they went there, but it's not good."
"That is odd," Icy said in concern, "What do you think they could be after?"
"No idea. But we're gonna check it out," Twilight said in concern. She turned and looked at Starlight, Sunset and Lockdown. She spoke, "Starlight, Sunset and Lockdown, watch over the School. We'll be right back."
Starlight, Sunset and Lockdown saluted firmly, with nodded of understanding. Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force finished their lunch. They got up and exited out of the lounge, along with Rexstrike and his unit.
At the sudden moment, Terrorcreep yelped in pain as he dropped his legs to the ground hard. He felt his headache again. Spotted him on the ground; Shadow Dragon, Fluttershy and Saber halted at once. They approached and checked on him. They helped him to stand up.
"Terrorcreep! Are you alright?!" Fluttershy asked in concern.
Terrorcreep grunted a bit while rubbing his head, "I'm fine. Just a headache."
"You sure?" Saber asked, "I don't think it's a 'headache'. Maybe you should set this one out."
Shadow Dragon nodded, "He's right. I'll call Shorty to check on you."
"I said I'm fine!" Terrorcreep snapped firmly. He grunted a bit, "Besides, you all need the help to fight off the Demon Successors."
Though they're not convinced with Terrorcreep being 'fine'; Shadow Dragon, Fluttershy and Saber knew he was right about fighting off the Demon Successors. They reluctantly agreed and let him join them.
The Manehatten Citizens were screaming, panicking and running for their lives. And at the same time, Manehattan Police were engaging and attacking Demon Successors, who were fighting back and repelling them off.
Hak Xing, using her Gravity Power, levitated and thrown the police aside. Drago and Mei Kai unleashed their Demon Dragon Flame and Water Shoot at them off. Using their Earth and Thunder Powers, Quake and Voltscar are engaging them, Avalanche was playing them like they were his toys. Inside the old antique ship, Gusty and Song Wing were interrogating the shop keeper over the artifact they were looking for.
Kicking a Police Pony aside, Drago groaned, "How long do we need to get the answer? I'm getting impatient, you know!"
"Until Song Wing and Gusty got what we're looking for, we will wait and deal with these imbeciles!" Hak Xing scolded Drago, "Stop complaining and do your job, idiot!"
Drago growled angrily as he was about to attack his eldest cousin, "I'd like to kick your ass, right about now!"
"Drago! Focus on the mission! Forget about her!" Mei Kai exclaimed at her 'boyfriend', "Besides, scaring them is much fun than dealing with Xiao Yue and her friends. They have been on my bad sides for too long!"
Quake chuckled happily as he continued punching and knocking ponies off, "Agreed, cousin! At least, we're having fun here!"
Song Wing and Gusty emerged out from the antique shop. They approached to Hak Xing. The bat demon spoke, "Bad news! That fool doesn't have it!"
Hak Xing groaned, "Another dead end! The sources told us that the antique shop should have the artifact we seek!"
"On contrary, cousin, the shopkeeper did give us the hint," Gusty said calmly and amusingly. Hak Xing turned and looked at him curiously. He smiled, "He said that we should seek the Restricted Section from Canterlot Library. It has the answer we seek."
Voltscar growled in frustration, "You're kidding me?! "I hate research!"
"So do I," Quake growled in annoyance.
"Stop complaining, fools!" Hak Xing snapped angrily and annoyingly, "We have the mission to perform! We must find that artifact now! And we will free our family from their prison realm, no matter what!"
"Sorry to disappoint you, Hak Xing." Twilight said firmly, alerting Demon Successor to turn and found Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force stood before them. The Princess spoke, "But you're not gonna break your family out from the prison! Coz we're gonna stop you!"
"Princess Twilight Sparkle…" Hak Xing said amusingly, "It's been a while since the Applewood Derby."
Twilight glared at Hak Xing, "Feeling's mutual. Whatever the artifact you're looking for, we won't let it happen."
Hak Xing scoffed, "Don't be certain. Demon Successor, engage the enemies!"
Shadow Dragon turned and looked at Rexstrike, "General, you better get the police out of here! We'll deal with them!"
"Will do!" Rexstrike saluted. He turned and looked at Manehattan Police Chief, "Chief, you'd better clear your force out now! Move it!"
Manehattan Police Chief saluted as he and Rexstrike quickly ordered and gathered the rest of the police forces to move away from the fight. Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force charged and engaged Demon Successors.
Hak Xing levitated and thrown couple of wagons at Shadow Dragon and Twilight. The Alicorn Princess quickly levitated and moved them aside, allowing her husband to charge and attack the eldest Demon Successor, who swiftly and calmly dodge and evade the attacks for few times. She then unleashed Dark Beam to blast him off. She was about to unleash her Blackish Blade at him. Twilight jumped to the front as she summoned the Barrier to block and repel her off. She then blasted her Unicorn Burst and Sparkling Star Burst at Hak Xing, who grunted in pain while summoning the Barrier to block it off for the moment. She then deflected and knocked it back at them off. Twilight and Shadow Dragon managed to recover from it. Just before they could do anything, she dashed in as she unleashed Night Beam to blast them off but not before Shadow Dragon launched his Darkness Spheres at her, which thrown her off guard. Summoning Blackish Blades, Hak Xing charged and struck them at Twilight and Shadow Dragon, who summoned and used their Star Sparkling Sword and Darkness Blade to block and strike back.
Drago unleashed his Demon Dragon Flames while Mei Kai summoned Dragoon Tsunami out. Blazefist and Aqua jumped in front as they both launched and combined their Megastorm Phoenix Flame and Hydro Cannon into hydro beam-like with twisting blazing flames around it. Both sides have clashed at each other for the moment. The attacks are completely powerful yet equal as they unable to push each other. While Drago and Mei Kai were distracted, Rainbow charged and rammed them off, allowing Blazefist and Aqua to boost up and blast their attacks to thrown them off.
Armed with Earthquake Punches, Quake roared angrily as he thrown couple of punches at Applejack, who firmly and determinedly to block the attacks as much as she can. And at the same time, Saber went around while unleashing and swinging his Zen Air Slashes at him. Pinkie and Laxtinct were panicking and running for their lives as Avalanche was chasing after them as he wanted to play with them. Gusty unleashed his Gas Burst Blast at Tailtech and Icy barely dodge and evade the smells while firing their Typhoon Blast and Ice Beam at him. Song Wing protected him by unleashing her Sonic Screech and Wing Cutter at them. She was about to unleash her Wind Storm but got knocked and rammed by Shorty and Rarity, who used their Volley Flame Blaster and Diamond Gatling Blaster at her. She barely dodged and summoned her Wing Cutter at them.
Fluttershy and Terrorcreep barely dodge and evade Voltscar's swinging his Lightning Sword for couple of rounds. He slammed his at her. He came in and blocked the Dual Thunder Axe against the attack for the moment. A sudden headache, he yelled in pain. This allowed Voltscar to slam and knock Terrorcreep against the wall. He was about to finish her off. He suddenly got rammed by Rainbow. Both of them engaged a fierce fight with each other for couple of rounds.
Fluttershy approached and checked on Terrorcreep, who is recovering from the attack. Still feeling a headache, he groaned in pain, feeling headache as he whammed on his head firmly.
"Terrorcreep, are you alright?" Fluttershy asked.
"I'll be fine... Just a headache." Terrorcreep grumbled.
"Terrorcreep, I think you should sit this one out. I'm worried that you might have a tumor on your head."
"I told you before-!"
"Look, you need to rest first. As soon as we're done with this fight, Shorty will check on your condition. Hopefully that you'll get better."
"Sigh… Fine. I'll stay put."
"Alright. Don't push yourself too hard!"
"Don't worry, Fluttershy. I'll be fine," Terrorcreep grumbled. Fluttershy activated her Animal Ruby's power of Rabbit Speed and Elephant's Enduran as she went and help Rainbow to fight off Voltscar. He yelled in pain, feeling his head hurt a lot, "Damn it. Still hurts. What the hell is wrong with me?"
"Good soldiers must follow order... Good soldiers must follow order..."
Terrorcreep yelped in shock and confusion upon hearing strange voice in his head. He asked, "What the hell?"
"Good soldiers must follow order... Good soldiers must follow order..."
As he kept on listening to strange voice in his head, Terrorcreep's eyes widened in shock yet trance as if he was hypnotized. He spoke robotically, "G-good soldier must follow order… Good soldier must follow order... Good soldier must follow order..."
Still trapped in trance, Terrorcreep turned and looked around of his surroundings as if he was searching and going after something. He turned and found Shorty and Rarity were firing their blasters at Song Wing, who was flying and dodging the attacks.
While repeated the same chant, Terrorcreep slowly got up while armed with his Thunder Dual Axe. He slowly approached to them from behind. Shorty and Rarity were busy shooting and blasting their blasters at her. At that very moment, Terrorcreep raised his left axe up while glaring at Rarity.
As Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force continued battling the Demon Successors, they're all halted upon hearing the loud scream of pain and agony. They turned and found Rarity got her back cut by Terrorcreep's swinging axe. They're all in deep shock and disbelief of what they just saw.
"No!" Fluttershy said in disbelief.
"Rarity! "Nooooooo!" Shorty screamed in concern. Terrorcreep raised his axe, preparing to strike her down. He groaned, "Damn it, Terrorcreep! Stop!"
Shorty jumped and rammed Terrorcreep off. Both of them were fighting and rolling wildly. Fluttershy and Rainbow quickly abandoned the fight as they went and checked on Rarity.
"What the hell was that?!" Laxtinct asked in concern.
"I don't know. But Terrorcreep's gone rogue!" Blazefist ordered firmly, "Abort mission! Contain him now before he could hurt someone else!"
Agreeing with Blazefist's command, both Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force aborted the mission and turned their attention on Terrorcreep and Shorty were fighting with each other.
Seeing his enemies turned their back on him, Drago armed himself with Fireball Shots. He was about to throw fireballs at them. Hak Xing quickly grabbed and held him.
"Leave them now!" Hak Xing commanded firmly.
Drago growled, "You're kidding me?! I wanna get rid of them for good, so I can feast on her stupid wings!"
Tightened her grip on her dragon demon's claws, Hak Xing growled, "I said 'leave them now', Drago! That is an order!"
"Damn the order, bitch!" Drago snarled at her.
"Drago, for once in your damn life, obey the command!" Song Wing snapped angrily, "Play smart!"
"She's right. We're outnumbered! Look!" Gusty exclaimed in concern as he pointed his finger out. Drago looked up ahead, where Rexstrike and his Royal Guards arriving at the scene. He continued, "You wanna try that?!"
Frustrated and annoyed that he lost his chance, Drago growled, "Fine."
As Rexstrike and his Royal Guards arrived at the scene, they were about to fire their blasters. Hak Xing roared out loud as she unleashed Teleportation Smokescreen on her and her cousins. The Royal Guards fired their blasters at the blackish smoke. As soon as the smoke dispersed, Hak Xing and her cousins disappeared from sights.
"Damn it. They've got away!" Rexstrike exclaimed in frustration.
Terrorcreep growling angrily as he was strangling Shorty by neck. He chocked painfully, "T-T- Terrorcreep! S-Stop! Stop it!"
"Good soldiers must follow order… Good soldiers must follow order…" Terrorcreep said trancelike yet dryly while strangling Shorty, "Good soldiers must follow order…"
Shorty was suffocating to near death. Just in time, Laxtinct swung and slammed his Earth Fist on Terrorcreep's head, knocking him out. Blazefist, Shadow Dragon and Saber quickly grabbed and held him to the ground hard. Shorty coughed heavily yet weakly, trying to breathe properly. Tailtech and Icy checked on him now. Aqua quickly used her water power to heal Rarity's back.
Fluttershy looked at Terrorcreep, with shock and hurt looks. She cried and sobbed in tears. Rainbow approached and patted her best friend for a comfort.
"Terrorcreep… Why?" Fluttershy asked in concern and fear.
As the entrance opened in two, the mysterious black armored commander marched into the unknown chamber. The door closed at once.
"Reporting for duty, sir," Mysterious Commander reported firmly.
"Good, you are here, commander. Punctual and on time as always," Mysterious Commanding Officer spoke firmly, "We have a mission for you."
"What is it?"
"One of them seems to be malfunction. He's already engage the enemy."
Mysterious Commander hummed, "What should we do?"
"You already know the answer." Mysterious Superior said darkly and firmly, "Dispose of the subject. Let no witnesses live. I want this to be kept in the dark until the time is come.
"Yes, your majesty..." Mysterious Commander agreed, "I'll take care of it."
At the Manehattan Hospital, Terrorcreep groaned in pain yet agony while slowly opening his eyes, regaining his consciousness. He then found himself strapped to the patient bed.
"What the hell?! What the hell is this?!" Terrorcreep demanded angrily. He growled, "I'd swear if this is one of Laxtinct's bloody ass joke, then I'm gonna-!"
"Calm down, TC. Don't blame my brother. He has nothing to do with it," Blazefist said firmly as he and his friends surrounded him. He continued, "It's about you."
"What about me?" Terrorcreep asked in confusion, "What is this about?"
"You don't remember?" Shadow Dragon asked in surprise.
Terrorcreep was confused and uncertain. Shorty snapped angrily yet firmly, "You almost killed Rarity! That's what?!"
"And here's the proof!" Rarity exclaimed in fury as she revealed her back with a scar, "It doesn't look good for my fashion! I look hideous!"
"W-What?! Why would I do that?!" Terrorcreep asked in uncertain, "I have nothing against her except she criticized my suit. That was given by my mother!"
Rarity groaned, "Well, you do need some change of wardrobe, you know."
"The point is that we all saw what you did! So, you're gonna tell us of what's going on!" Blazefist said firmly, "What has gotten in you?!"
Fluttershy pleaded, "Terrorcreep, please tell us. Is this about your tumor?"
"Tumor?!" Everyone asked in shock and concern.
"Why in the name of Claw Tiger didn't you tell me?!" Shorty asked angrily, "I could have treat it!"
"A bit off from the subject, you know?" Saber commented dryly.
Pinkie nodded with tears, "Well, I've seen this before. It was scary and hurtful to watch one of my favorite clones to die! I hate seeing heroes died! I hate it."
Feeling his head pain again, Terrorcreep groaned in pain, "My… Headache… It hurts! Still hurts!" He screamed in agony, "Voice! I'm hearing them! They're inside my head!"
"Voice?" Twilight asked in concern.
Terrorcreep yelped in pain as his eyeball went up for the moment, entering the trance while chanting and muttering dryly and firmly. This shocked and alerted everyone else.
"I don't like where this is going!" Rainbow commented in concern.
Icy hissed, "No kidding! I'm now more worried about what he's gonna do next!"
His eyeball returned its original position, Terrorcreep groaned before looked up and glared at his own friends. His eyes are now in trance. He growled while glaring at Mane Six. He yelled wildly and angrily, trying to break free of himself from the patient bed. This scared everyone off.
"Okay! That is freaky!" Pinkie and Rainbow exclaimed in fear while hugging each other tight.
Tailtech nodded, "No kidding! What is wrong with him?!"
"I don't know," Shadow Dragon admitted in concern, "Something's not right with him. He would never act like this."
Laxtint quivered in fear, "You'd tell me. He's way creepier than before!"
"No idea. But I'm gonna find out." Shorty said firmly. He approached and checked on Terrorcreep's face, "I'd never seen him so aggressive before. He's usually so calm and collective."
"Oh, Terrorcreep." Fluttershy said in concern.
"What caused him like this in the first place?" Aqua asked. She gasped in concern, "Oh no! Don't tell me that he's suffering T.P.L.S.!"
"T.P.L.S.?!" Mane Six asked in concern.
"Doesn't that spell 'Time to Party for Laughter and Smile'?" Pinkie asked hopefully.
"No, Pinkie. It stands for 'Trapped in Past Life Syndrome," Tailtech corrected, "A very rare disease that affected Mystic Ponies to suffer and trapped living in the past life while unable to focus on present timeline. They think themselves to be incarnation."
"Meaning?" Rainbow asked in confusion.
"It means Terrorcreep thinks himself to be a 'Ruthless Strategist' Incarnation for serving under Arthur Warfate from the 'End of Three Kingdoms Era'," Shorty explained in concern, "If we don't do something about it soon, he might not only hurt other but killed himself if he followed the history to the letter."
"What the heck?!" Rarity asked in shock and concern.
"You have to do something!" Fluttershy pleaded.
"I hate to break more bad news," Rexstrike said firmly, "We still got Demon Successors on the loose! I've already interviewed with the shopkeeper about what they really after. According to him, he told them to head to some restricted section at Canterlot Library."
Twilight gasped, "Oh no! They know the restricted section?! We can't let them get away!"
"But we can't just leave Terrorcreep like this especially he has the tumor in his head," Fluttershy exclaimed in concern.
"I will stay behind to treat his tumor," Shorty said firmly, "Hopefully, the syndrome is not severe for me. In the meantime, you all should focus on dealing with Demon Successors now."
Blazefist nodded, "Yeah. We will."
"I'll stay here as well," Saber said firmly, shocking the group. He continued, "Shorty could use some help to hold Terrorcreep down while he works on his surgery."
"I wanna stay too," Fluttershy volunteered while looking at Terrorcreep. She sighed, "He's my husband."
"If she stays, then I'll stay. Somepony gotta make sure that jerk doesn't hurt her when I'm around," Rainbow said firmly.
"Alright. Watch yourself," Twilight said firmly.
"And if he gone rogue, don't hold back. Take him out," Shadow Dragon said seriously, "Terrorcreep wouldn't want his wife to get killed by him."
Though they do not like the idea of hurting and killing Terrorcreep; Shorty, Saber, Fluttershy and Rainbow nodded firmly that they will do it. The rest of Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force headed off to find and hunt down on Demon Successors, with the help of Rexstrike and his Royal Guards.
Unknown to anyone else, the mysterious black armored commander is hiding behind the edge of wall, watching at the event. She sighed firmly and calmly, determined to complete her mission.
At the Canterlot City, Demon Successors have drove out most of the librarian and students from Canterlot Library. They even defeated and knocked out the Royal Guards. Thanks to Quake's sense of smell, he has located the restricted section. Hak Xing used her Gravity Powers to ripped the book shelf out, revealing the entrance.
Demon Successors marched and entered the entrance, which led them straight to the underground restricted library section. Hak Xing smirked amusingly yet proudly upon looking at the library section.
"Perfect… Truly perfect…" Hak Xing commented with pride, "I am certain that one of these books will lead us straight to the artifact."
"Better hope that it doesn't waste our time," Drago grumbled angrily and annoyingly.
Mei Kai giggled a bit, "I am certain that it won't. Our parents especially my mother will be proud of our accomplishment. We will succeed!"
Quake groaned, "Quake hates research…"
Demon Successors began looking through and searching for specific books from bookshelves. Hak Xing was using the archive mechanical catalog, searching for specific artifact. Drago grumbled whenever he's unable to find the specific book. While flying, Song Wing was looking at the top part of the bookshelves. Mei Kai and Gusty were reading some books. Avalanche grumbled and muttered as he was eating some books. Quake and Voltscar snored loudly and wildly as both of them were sleeping. They've been at their work for 2 hours.
Quake groaned as he woke up, "What are we looking for?! This is a waste of time!"
Drago grumbled in agreement, "Tell me about it!"
"Don't be such a brat, idiots!" Song Wing snapped angrily, "We have to find a very specific artifact."
Hak Xing nodded firmly and calmly, "Affirmative. With it, we can finally free our parents from imprisonment. The world will know the return of Demon Lords!"
Gusty hummed while reading the book, "Still, do any of you realize something odd about that vampire?"
"Is that supposed to be mean something?" Drago asked in annoyance.
Remembering what has happened, Song Wing hummed suspiciously, "It means this vampire seems to be different than before."
"I still don't understand at all," Voltscar growled a bit.
"It doesn't matter. As long those ponies do not interfere with our plans, then we will succeed our mission! The artifact will be ours!" Hak Xing said while looking through the archive mechanical catalog. She gasped in surprise as she has located what she was looking for, "Gusty! Song Wing! Mei Kai! Locate 'Ancient Mystic Artifacts'!"
As commanded; three Demon Successors look through the books, searching for a specific book. Spotted 'Ancient Mystic Artifacts' Book, Song Wing quickly open and read them through. She gasped in relief and happy.
"I've found it!" Song Wing called out. Demon Successors turned and looked at her. She reported, "I know where the artifact is!"
"Excellent. The Pan'ku Box will be ours!" Hak Xing exclaimed with pride. Suddenly, the door burst in two. Twilight and her friends arrived at the scene. She smirked, "You're too late, princess. We have what we need."
And just before anyone could do anything, Hak Xing summoned her Teleportation Smokescreen on herself and her cousins. They all have disappeared and teleported now.
"Damn it! They've got away again!" Rexstrike cursed in frustration.
"Okay. What's exactly they're after?!" Pinkie asked in frustration, "Can't the bad guys just give us a hint for once in a lifetime?!"
Twilight approached to the archive mechanical catalog as she was checking on it. She read it out, "Ancient Mystic Artifact?"
"What is that?" Shadow Dragon asked.
"That book is about Mystic Ponies' ancient artifact," Twilight explained firmly and seriously. She looked scared and concern, "I've got a bad feeling that they might know where to find what they're looking for. We don't even know where to go."
"Great. This is so not good," Applejack exclaimed in concern.
Blazefist hummed thoughtfully, "I think I might know where we can look for."
Back to Manehattan Hospital, Terrorcreep was gagged and strapped to the patient bed. The doctors and nurses lifted and moved him to MRI Scanner. He grumbled and muttered angrily while struggling to free himself. The nurses quickly injected the sedative serum on his system, making him numb and calm down. The doctor began pressing some buttons, initiating the machine to scan on his head now.
Shorty, Saber, Rainbow and Fluttershy were inside the control room, along with the medical staffs. They all can't help but pray and hope that Terrorcreep's alright and that tumor he has suffered isn't severe as they thought.
"Thank you for helping us to scan on him, doctor," Shorty thanked the Head Doctor.
Head Doctor nodded, "Of course. It's the least I can do for Dr. Black Jack helping us cure one of Rarity's important friend – Ms. Coco Pommel especially making Midsummer Theater Revival happening again."
"Well, it was Coco did the work," Saber corrected. He turned and looked at Terrorcreep, "Doctor, what really happen to him?"
"To be honest, I thought it could be PTSD. It happens to most of brave soldiers and even Royal Guards to get stress and hallucinated from terrible war they have suffered," Head Doctor answered firmly and calmly. He sighed, "If it's tumor, then it should have weakened him and make him dizzier, not make him aggressive and violent."
"I agree with you, doctor," Shorty agreed, "But I only hope it's not T.P.L.S. Because if it is, then it is very serious."
"How bad this T.P.L.S. is?" Rainbow asked in confusion yet worried.
"Very bad. And it is very beyond for me, Mystic Healers and even Dr. Black Jack to save and bring him back from incarnation past life." Shorty said seriously, scaring Fluttershy and Rainbow. He sighed, "I can only hope the condition isn't severe for me to save him."
"Please. Please, make sure he's alright, Shorty," Fluttershy pleaded.
Shorty smiled warmly, "Don't worry. I won't let him down."
BEEP! Everyone was alerted by the control panel's alarm. They all turned and looked at the computer screen, which revealed the X-Ray Forms of Terrorcreep's head and brain system on all sides.
"Anything?" Saber asked.
Head Doctor hummed firmly and calmly, "Everything seems fine. I don't see any tumor on his head. And I'm not certain of how T.P.L.S. mark looks like either."
"The large blackish patch on the center of the brain. Usually, it's very easy to spot," Saber answered. He hummed in concern, "And so far, I don't see anything on it."
"Not yet. Something amiss around his mind," Shorty disagreed as he observed carefully on the X-ray.
Spotting something on the right side of brain, Shorty used the computer mouse to select and zoom in to the specific area. The screen digitally revealed the clear shot of the photo. It made some beeping noise.
Everyone was shocked by the revelation of X-ray photo they just saw. It revealed the small and strange reddish part on brain's logical side.
"Oh my," Shorty remarked in shock and concern.
"What?! What is it?!" Saber asked in concern.
"I think I've just found out what's going in his head. And it's not very good too." Shorty said in concern. He looked closely on the brain X-Ray picture, "This is definitely not a tumor or T.P.L.S. either for sure."
"So, you think this thing caused Terrorcreep to go crazy or something?" Rainbow asked in concern.
"Could be," Shorty admitted, "We need to start the surgery now."
"Wait!" Fluttershy asked in concern, "If you remove that thing, will he be back to normal?"
Shorty hummed thoughtfully, "I certainly hope so. We're gonna find out what and why made him mad in the first place."
"Yeah." Saber agreed, "Still… I've got a bad feeling that we might not like what we're finding."
"Agreed. But we need to know," Shorty said firmly, "Doctor."
Head Doctor nodded, "Yes, sir! To the operation now!"
Head Doctor and Shorty marched out at once as they met up with the rest of medical staffs. They're moving and guiding the sedated Terrorcreep to the operation room for surgery. Saber, Fluttershy and Rainbow followed them from behind.
Unknown to them, the mysterious black armored commander was behind the cornered, watching the event. She lighted up her horn as she turned into invisible. She's now going after them.
With the guidance of 'Ancient Mystic Artifact' book that they have stolen, the Demon Successors have found and located the Pan'ku Box. The ancient artifact was located at Hall of Unity, Mount Metazoa. The historical landmark was where the Convocation of Creatures event held, and also the alliance and peace between various creatures made from last year's September.
Arriving to the location, Demon Successors entered the Hall of Unity's entrance. Following the historical flyer's map, they climbed up the stairs to third level. They have now entered the exhibition hall, where ancient artifacts and antiques were kept and displayed for visitors sightseeing. Gusty gasped while happily looking around of the exhibit. The rest of his cousins were annoyed and bored about it. Hak Xing remained firm and calm as she was very focused on her mission than the exhibition.
"Oh my goodness! Look at this place!" Gusty exclaimed happily. He drooled happily, "This place is amazing! I'm in heaven!"
Song Wing groaned a bit as she closed her cousin's mouth to prevent more drooling. She commented, "You're drooling again, Gusty…"
"Boring…" Avalanche grumbled.
"Never understand why you like this kind of stuffs, Gusty," Drago remarked dryly and annoyingly, "It's so boring…"
"Hey!" Gusty exclaimed in annoyance.
"Stop fooling around!" Hak Xing exclaimed dryly and firmly, "We must find and retrieve the Pan'ku Box before those fools come and ruin it!"
Demon Successors nodded firmly and determinedly. They all split up to search for the artifact. Drago and Mei Kai were looking around jewelry cases, which the she tried all of them out while he checked and commented on how they fit for her. Song Wing was flying around the exhibition while playing some ancient instruments for fun. Gusty was busy checking and reading some historical books. Avalanche was eating and chewing some artifacts and souvenirs. Quake and Voltscar grumbled impatiently as they moved and destroyed them to search for the artifact.
Hak Xing arrived and entered the China Exhibition, which was filled with has ancient paintings, armors, pottery and many more artifacts. While searching in the chamber, she sensed something amiss. Something pure good magic. She turned to her left, where she spotted some strange object at the end of corner. She approached towards it. She found a blue colored octahedronal puzzle box with truncated upper and lower vertexes, has red diamonds above the yellow octagonal mark centered on each of the box's four faces.
Sensing pure magic around the box, Hak Xing smirked proudly, "Yes! I have found it! Cousins, come to me!"
Arriving to the China Exhibition, Demon Successors regrouped and reunited with Hak Xing. They're all looked and stared in awe at the Pan'ku Box.
"Is this it?" Quake asked impatiently.
"It has to be! It must be!" Voltscar grumbled, "I hate wild goose chase! This better worth the time!"
"This is it," Hak Xing confirmed, "I can sense it. The pure good magic around it."
"That's good and all. How the hell we can get it?" Drago asked in annoyance, "After all, it won't let us touch and hold on."
Mei Kai took out the metallic strange box-like, "That is why I brought the Anti-Magic Container. It will prevent both good and evil magic from harming us, and also contain it within."
"Good, Mei Kai. Extract it," Hak Xing commanded firmly.
And just before Mei Kai could began to extract the artifact out, she and the rest of Demon Successors halted their progress, sensing a presence in the area. They all turned back and found Twilight and her friends stood before them.
"So, that's the artifact you were looking for," Twilight said firmly.
"What does that artifact do again?" Applejack asked in concern.
"That Pan'ku Box is both the tracker and the key to open and close the Demon Lords' Portals," Blazefist explained seriously and firmly, shocking his friends. He nodded, "Yeah. That is what they were after. If they solve the puzzle, they can find and locate new portals to open and free them."
"Oh shit! That is so not good!" Laxtinct exclaimed in concern.
Aqua nodded firmly, "No kidding! The last thing we need is more enemies to deal with than Dark Mystic Ponies."
Shadow Dragon hissed, "Not if we stop them first!"
Hak Xing growled in anger, "You will not stop our progress! We are closed! Demon Successors, attack! Do not let them ruin our first victory!"
Demon Successors gave the loud battle cry. They all charged and attacked Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force, who retaliated and fought back against them firmly and fiercely. They're now fighting over the Pan'ku Box.
The medical staffs have moved sedated Terrorcreep to the operation room. Saber, Fluttershy and Rainbow were sitting on the bench, outside of the chamber.
The medical staffs then transferred him to another patient bed, where they have placed many medical and surgery tools to use and perform surgery, along with the Mystic Vampire Pony's Brain X-Ray photos acted as reference and guidance for their work. They even placed the sedated breathing mask on him, making sure him remained numb and sleeping for the operation. All of them including Shorty have now worn their surgeon uniforms and masks around their mouths. They're all prepared to perform surgery on him.
"Doctor, we are ready," Nurse Pony reported.
"Good." Head Doctor said firmly and calmly, "We can start the operation. As long as the patient has sedative breathing mask on him, we can proceed with surgery. Slow and steady."
"Good. The last thing we need is him go rampage on us," Shorty said firmly and determinedly, "I am certain that red patch must be responsible of making him go rampage."
"Indeed. Whatever it is, we have to remove it before it could cause damage to his brain or worse, creating a tumor in his brain." Head Doctor said in concern. He then commanded, "We shall begin now. Begin the operation."
And just before the surgeons could do anything, one of them yelped in pain, feeling something zapped on his back. One-by-one, most of them got hit and shocked by unknown attacks. This shocked and alerted Shorty, Head Doctor and Nurse Pony. They looked around to find the attacker, but found no one. Both of them got stunned and lost conscience before they dropped on the floor.
Shorty hissed in concern as he quickly to grab his Flame Volley Blaster. But instead, it got blasted and away from him. He hissed in concern while looking around of his surroundings. Suddenly, the mysterious attacker deactivated her cloaking ability and revealed to be Mysterious Commander.
"What the?! Who are you?!" Shorty demanded.
Mysterious Commander spoke firmly and dryly, "Make certain that there will be no witnesses."
"W-What?! Are you responsible for Terrorcreep's condition?!" Shorty asked suspiciously.
Mysterious Commander scoffed beneath her mask "Maybe. But you won't get any answer from me when you're dead!"
And just before the Mysterious Commander could finish him off, someone just charged and rammed her off against the wall. It revealed to be Rainbow as she started punching on the commander. The latter punched back. Saber and Fluttershy have also entered the chamber as well. They helped Shorty up.
"Who's your new friend?" Saber asked in concern.
"No idea. But she's no friendly either," Shorty answered firmly, "And I suspect that she's responsible for inserting something inside Terrorcreep's brain!"
"What?!" Fluttershy asked in disbelief yet fury.
"Tell me that you have a shortcut to get that thing off?!" Saber asked firmly.
"I do. But it's going to be risky!" Shorty exclaimed in concern.
Armed with his Twin Dragoon Sabers, Saber said firmly, "Do it quickly! Rainbow and I are gonna hold that commander off. Fluttershy help Shorty with surgery!"
Fluttershy nodded firmly, determined to save her husband. She and Shorty turned their attention to Terrorcreep as they prepared the surgical tools and equipment. They're about to start the surgery now. And at the same time, Saber charged and assisted Rainbow, who is struggling to fight back against the Mysterious Commander.
Rainbow threw couple of punches at the Mysterious Commander, who firmly and swiftly deflect and block the attacks while strike back at her for few times. The daredevil Pegasus got exhausted and wounded a bit. The commander quickly gave a swipe kick on her face to fall down. Before she could finish her off, Saber jumped and crossed his Twin Dragoon Sabers in Cross Formation at Mysterious Commander, who barely leaned back and evaded the attacks while kicked him off by guts. He grunted a bit but managed to recover as he resumed swinging and slamming his swords at her. Barely dodging the attack, she quickly grabbed and used the pole to block them and also fighting back against him. Both of them are equally matched in their fighting skills.
As Rainbow slowly recovered from the exhaustion, she quickly summoned and used her Mystical Magic Spear before charged to the battlefield. Saber swung and slammed his Twin Dragoon Sabers on her, the Mysterious Commander has her pole's end to block and flip the attacks off before kicked him off. She turned and charged straight at Shorty and Fluttershy, trying to stop them perform the surgery. Rainbow came and deflect the attack off. She and Mysterious Commander have a fierce duel with each other for couple of times. They both have the fierce clash for the moment until Saber jumped in to kick it off. They both engaged a fierce fight against the Mysterious Commander, who remained firm and determined to fight back.
Fluttershy had make sure that Terrorcreep is sedated and numb from the sedative breathing mask. Shorty has prepared the medical equipment to begin surgery. Using his advanced driller-like device that shoots out twin lasers, he slowly and cautiously drilled through the skin and skull on his left side of head. The shy pony was disgusted and scared by the scene as she looked away.
After drilling a hole on his sedated friend's head, Shorty quickly placed a rectangle suction device-like on the head's hole. With the push of a button, the suction device vacuumed something out from his head. He removed his device before using a sewing laser device to sealed Terrorcreep's wounds.
"Did you get it?" Fluttershy asked as she turned and looked at Shorty.
"Yeah. Yeah, I did," Shorty confirmed. He shown the suction device, which consisted of strange reddish organic cell-like device. He continued, "I got the little bug out."
"What is it?" Fluttershy asked in concern.
Shorty hummed, "No idea. I'm gonna study and find out."
The Mysterious Commander blocked and held off against Saber's and Rainbow's weapons. She spotted Shorty holding the suction device containing of the 'tumor' within. She gasped in shock and concern. Firmly and strongly to push her pole to throw them both off, she quickly unleashed her Electrical Shock Blast at Shorty.
Fluttershy spotted the attack as she quickly pushed and moved the scientist aside. He accidentally dropped the device in midair. The shock blast hit and destroyed the device. And at the same time, they accidentally knocked the sedated breathing mask off from her mask. They both recovered from the fall.
Spotting the destruction of 'mysterious tumor' he has found, Shorty screamed in shock, "Nooooooooo! I needed that!"
"You needed to stay alive, fool!" Mysterious Commander said firmly as she charged up her powers, "I won't let any more witness alive!"
Just before she could unleash her Thunderstorm Power Beam, the Mysterious Commander got whipped by the Crimson Lightning before struck thrice and then thrown off against the wall.
Everyone looked surprise and shock by the attack. They all turned and looked at Terrorcreep, who panted heavily yet exhaustingly, armed with his Crimson Lightning power.
"T-Terrorcreep? Are you alright?" Fluttershy asked in concern.
"Y-Yeah. I'm alright." Terrorcreep panted a bit. He groaned a bit while rubbing his cut on left side of head, "What a headache. What did I miss? And please, not a single bloody joke from Discord. That idiot owed me a strawberry drink."
"A lot," Shorty answered in concern.
Saber and Rainbow armed and aimed their weapons at Mysterious Commander, who just recovered from the attack and sat down straight.
"It's over!" Rainbow said firmly.
Saber nodded, "Now tell us what is really going on?! What was that thing you destroyed?! Why get rid of us for being witness?!"
Mysterious Commander scoffed as she quickly smoke bombs, creating smokescreen to blind everyone within the chamber. They coughed a bit while smokescreen slowly dispersed and disappeared, revealing her to disappear in sights.
"Damn it. She got away," Rainbow grumbled angrily.
Saber groaned, "Yeah. We'd never get some answers about this."
"Well, I'm glad that my husband is alright," Fluttershy said in relief as she gave him a warm hug.
Terrorcreep sighed as he hugged her back, "Still, what really happen?"
Fluttershy gave a gentle kiss on his cut, "Don't worry. I'll explain everything."
Picking up the damaged reddish organic cell-like device, Shorty hummed thoughtfully, "Hmm… Maybe there's still a chance to analyze it…"
Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force continued battling and fighting off Demon Successors, who got frustrated and annoyed as they're losing the fight to them.
Hak Xing unleashed her Twin Dark Beams at Shadow Dragon and Twilight, who armed and blocked both Darkness Blade and Sparkling Star Sword against the beams for the moment. At that very moment, the Mystic Earth Pony summoned and used the Shield of Darkness to block and deflect back at her. The Demon Successor of Moon quickly levitated to the midair but got thrown and knocked off by couple of crates. As she got recovered, both of them unleashed and combined Chaos Hyper Blast and Sparkling Star Burst to knock her straight against the Pan'ku Box case. The artifact caused powerful electrical surge to wound her a lot.
Drago and Mei Kai surrounded both Blazefist and Aqua, who have each other back to back and facing at them. They both unleashed Demon Dragon Flame and Water Torpedo Blast at the couple. As they're getting close to them, both Blazefist and Aqua smirked and nodded firmly. The blue Pegasus unleashed the Hydro Cannon with Surf Ability for strong defense around them both. Her husband activated his Firestorm Phoenix and blasted two sides. Combining with Hydro Cannons, they both formed powerful tornado-like beam, pouring and ramming Drago and Mei Kai. They both recovered but got hit on guts by Blazefist's Fire Punch and Aqua's Ice Punch. They both knocked out.
Song Wing unleashed both Sonic Screech and Wing Cutter at both Rarity and Shorty. The white unicorn summoned and used her Diamond Bracelet's Barrier Form, followed by her boyfriend shooting and blasting his Flame Volley Blaster at her. The Bat Demon-like swiftly and quickly dodged the attacks while firing back at them. He quickly and struck his Razor Leaf at her, cutting and wounding her before unleashed and slammed his Vine Whip in knocking her off. Rarity unleashed her Diamond Bracelet's Beam of Light to knock her out.
Voltscar summoned and unleashed his Thunderstorm Strike at Rexstrike and his Royal Guards. They quickly hid behind the crates while firing back at him. However, due to his strong armor, the reptilian demon withstood the attack. The general gave some thoughts on how to beat him. He then noticed a grenade on his belt. He got out from his hideout as he charged and rammed straight at Voltscar, who quickly punch him five times before kicked him off. As the reptilian warrior was about to unleash his Thunderbolt Blast, he heard some beeping noise. He looked down and found the grenade was beeping and blinking, shocking and scaring him. Just before he could react, it exploded and knocked him to the ground.
Applejack and Quake charged and engaged a fierce fist fight with each other for couple of rounds. They both then held each other for the moment while groaning in frustration and determination to fight. The cowgirl feigned her exhaustion, allowing him to push and slam to the ground. This allowed her to fall on back and kicked him over to the large set of knights, knocking him unconscious. Gusty unleashed Gas Burst Blast at both Icy and Tailtech, who got thrown straight against the wall. He then unleashed Poisonous Frog's Slime at them both. They barely dodge and evade the attacks. Icy quickly fired her Frozen Shards at him. He yelped to dodge and evade the attacks but got rammed and knocked out by Tailtech's Bullet Punch. Avalanche roared at both Pinkie and Laxtinct. And just before he could do anything, they then performed circus activity, making him giggled and clapped happily to watch them.
Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force gathered and moved Demon Successors to one area. Pinkie was playfully and happily holding Pan'ku Box.
"You're beaten," Twilight said firmly, "This time, we're gonna send you all to that place."
Shadow Dragon nodded, "Yeah. You're not gonna threaten our family and ponies again."
Hak Xing groaned before screamed in frustration, "So close! So close! I… I can't afford to fail my father again! I refused!"
"Honey. Get use to it. You've already fail the moment you and your pals came here," Applejack commented.
"Yeah! No shame to admit that you've lost!" Pinkie giggled happily.
Demon Successors continued glaring and snarling at Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force. Just before anyone could do anything, couple of strange grenades rolled towards them. They all unleashed powerful electrical shocks on them all, knocking them out. Suddenly, a large portal appeared and slammed on Demon Successors.
The portal reappeared and launched Demon Successors out from it. They all groaned and grunted in pain before getting up from the ground. They all looked at Pan'ku Box in front of them.
"W-What the?!" Mei Kai asked in shock.
"How the hell did we end up here?" Song Wing asked in confusion.
"So, you have finally did it?" Bai Tza's voice asked in surprise yet proud. Demon Successors looked and found Demon Lords in Communication Portals, staring and looking at them. She continued, "For the first time, you have completed your mission!"
"It seems we have underestimated you," Shendu commented.
Dai Gui chuckled, "You all have finally step up to this. Well done!"
Demon Successors were still dumbfounded and confused over the problems. Hak Xing asked, "H-How? We were defeated. We almost lost!"
"Is that so?" Tso Lan asked curiously, making Hak Xing bowed to the ground in defeat. He spoke, "There is no need for you to bow down in shame and defeat. Bow humbly with pride looks, daughter. You have done well."
Shocked and disbelieved, Hak Xing looked up and spoke, "But father-!"
Tso Lan interrupted firmly, "I am well aware that you and your cousins might fail again. That is why he came."
"He?" Drago asked suspiciously, "Who's he? Who saved our ass?"
"Over here, dragon boy," The mad yet calm voice called. Demon Successors turned and looked back. They found and looked back. He revealed himself to be Ripper. He chucked a bit, "Nice to see you here!"
"What the hell?! What is this?!" Quake demanded.
Voltscar growled, "Why is this psychopath fool here?!"
"He helped you escape. You should appreciate that, son!" Tchang Zu growled.
Po Kong nodded, "Indeed. If not for him, you all would be send here instead! This realm is still horrible! So little food! It's driving me mad!"
"Yes," Xiao Fung agreed humbly and calmly, "After all, it was he, who deliver the information to you for learning and finding that artifact across. It was he, who has helped you to escape! From now on, he shall be your informant and assistant. And also, he's the only pony, who can solve and open the portal when the time is right."
Demon Successors were skeptical and suspicious about Mystic Pony helping them with their mission. By their parents' order, they have reluctant and have no choice but to obey and follow the order.
"One question that puzzle me," Gusty said suspiciously while looking at Ripper, "Why? Why help us now?"
Ripper smirked, "Let's just say that it's time for a new era. An era, where mortals are supposed to obey and serve immortals like us. Back to the real old school. My contact wanted the way it was. Screw the modern days. It's bloody mess up."
Demon Successors were intrigued and impressed by Ripper's proposal. Hak Xing commented, "Sounds promising."
"Sounds fun," Drago remarked in amusement.
"I assume that you all agreed to this?" Hsi Wu asked.
Demon Successors looked at each other as they all smiled and nodded firmly. Hak Xing smirked, "We accepted. Tell your leader that we agreed with his proposal."
Ripper chuckled, "Will do. Now let us crack the puzzle box."
"Can Avalanche asked," Avalanche asked dumbly. Everyone looked at him. He asked, "Can we have some snacks? I'm hungry."
Everyone facefaulted in annoyance and frustration with Avalanche's usual hunger over food. Nevertheless, the Demon Successors and Demon Lords are now in league with Ripper and his mysterious contact for making new era.
After removing the tumor from Terrorcreep's brain, he was placed in patient ward for resting and recovery as he was still suffering some headache. Fluttershy, Rainbow, Saber and Shorty told him of what really happened to him. The rest of Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force have returned to Manehattan Hospital for a visit and check on him.
After listening to their story, Terrorcreep was disbelieved and confused about today's event. He hissed while rubbed his head, "I still can't remember of that event, other than a big headache."
"Well, at least, you didn't go crazy and rampage like your old pony," Laxtinct joked. He got his head whacked by a kettle. He yelped in pain, "That really hurt!"
"Hope you're okay alright now," Fluttershy said sincerely and calmly.
"I still feel the worse, but I'm alright now." Terrorcreep said calmly. He sighed in concern, "Still… I have a strange nightmare."
"Nightmare?" Shadow Dragon asked in confusion, "That's something. The only nightmare you have is losing your mother. Thought you got over it."
"Not that. It's something else… Something worse…" Terrorcreep said in concern and fear, recalling the nightmares he has suffered.
Nightmares…
The large numbers of Mystic Ponies marched across the Equestria including Ponyville. They have burnt down and destroyed most of the cities, and even slaughtered and executed many innocent Equestria Ponies. Armed with his Dual Thunder Axes, Terrorcreep approached to an injured pony, who revealed to be none other than Fluttershy.
Fluttershy gasped in fear, "Terrorcreep, don't do this!"
"Good soldier must follow order." Terrorcreep muttered in trance. Raising his axe up, he spoke darkly, "The Mortals will fall..."
Fluttershy screamed in fear, "Nooooooooooooooo!"
Nightmares Ends…
After recalling the nightmares, Terrorcreep sighed in shame, "Just like how you described it. Damn it. It hurts…."
Fluttershy approached and gave her husband a gentle nuzzle, "It's okay, Terrorcreep. The nightmare is over. You'll be okay."
"You've been through a lot. When we reach home, both of you will take leave for a week," Twilight said calmly.
Terrorcreep sighed, "Sure. Thanks."
"Well. Glad today's nightmare is over," Rainbow commented in relief.
While the rest of their friends chatted happily and calmly, both Shorty and Saber can't help but feel uneasy and worry that they're not through with it especially they have the damaged reddish organic cell-like device in their hooves.
As soon as they and their friends returned to home, both Shorty and Saber headed off straight to the former's secret laboratory, making sure that no one including their own friends find out what they're up to. They have been in two days of researching and studying the damaged chip, hoping to find the answer. Eventually…
His computer screen revealed the information behind the damaged chip, though some parts looked corrupted and damaged.
"Oh my…" Shorty said in concern and fear.
"What? What did you find out?" Saber asked.
"Based on the data I've salvaged, I'm afraid that Terrorcreep's nightmares and the event we've been through might be serious. And not to mention, this is the conspiracy against both Equestria and Mystic Realm," Shorty explained seriously and firmly. Saber looked concern. He continued, "According to this data, this inhibitor chip will activate and make the pony in trance, so they can proceed and complete their mission, with no remorse or hesitation. Military, innocent or neutral; the pony will kill their target."
"You're kidding me?!"
"I'm afraid not, Saber. Once this 'Operation' is initiated, Mystic and Equestria will be in danger."
"Damn it." Saber cursed while slammed his fist against the wall, "This is not good. Whoever invent and insert the chip inside Terrorcreep is clearly has the motive against Equestria. And I have my own suspicious."
Knowing what Terrorcreep was talking about, Shorty nodded in agreement, "No kidding." He then gave some thoughts of the previous event, "And I don't think it's just Terrorcreep to have this chip in his head. It's all of us!"
Saber looked shock and concern, "T-That can't be good."
"We have to warn the Council now!" Shorty exclaimed in concern.
"No!" Saber disagreed. Shorty looked shock and disbelief. He continued, "If Terrorcreep's chip malfunction, the assassin was sent here to eliminate him or destroyed the chip. It's clearly that he doesn't want to find out about this. Because if we do, he will get rid of us."
"It's the reason why we should make the report now!"
"No. We don't have enough of evidence to make report. And not to mention, we don't even know if it's him. If we make one wrong move, we not only put ourselves in danger but our family and friends."
"Then, what should we do?!" Shorty asked in concern.
Saber sighed, "For now, we lay low and pretended that everything's fine. We also should make some contingency plans to save ourselves and our team if the operation initiated. Hopefully, our friends can figure it out."
Thinking over Saber's plan, Shorty sighed, "I suppose it will have to do. I believe that I have another way to save us too if we ever regroup and gain upper hand. I still think we should make report."
"I supposed you're right," Saber said in agreement, "I know who can help us with this."
Shorty smiled in relief, "Glad you see it in my way. I should prepare some necessary tools. And hopefully, I'm correct with secondary contingency plan."
Saber nodded, "Let's get started."
Failing to complete her mission, the Mysterious Commander returned to the command and meet up with both her commanding officer and superior over it. She bowed to the ground firmly and seriously.
"You have failed, commander," Mysterious Superior remarked dryly.
"I know, sir. I deserved to be punished now," Mysterious Commander said firmly.
"That maybe so. However, this is a minor setback," Mysterious Superior said firmly.
"But sire, what if they discover the truth behind this?" Mysterious Commander asked in concern.
"What could they possibly do?" Mysterious Superior asked curiously and amusingly, surprising the commander. He continued, "Even if they did discover and removed the chip from their brain, this will not stop the operation. They're not the only ones to have them. If they think that they can get more allies to their side and stop this, the Grand General and I have made many alternate plans including Ripper 'gone rogue' and assist his new friends to distract and prevent them succeeded. I am confident that Operation: Trump will continue until the Equestria will be nothing but ashes. Mystic Ponies will reclaim what belongs to them."
Mysterious Commanding Officer nodded, "Indeed. They can try all they can. In the end, they will fail."
Giving some thoughts and concerns, Mysterious Commander questioned, "Sire, are you certain that you're willing to go through with it?"
"I am. I will avenge my family and their honor. I will restore true order and peace. I will reverse the damages that my grandfather and former Emperor Avatar have done. Mystic Ponies will regain and reclaim what is theirs," Mysterious Superior said firmly. The lights turned on and revealed the true mastermind. Nezha continued, "Nothing will stop my revenge. I hope you will continue your part, Commander Tempest. After all, it was Grand General Death Tactic recommend you to this important mission. He helped you to restore what you have lost. Failure will not be tolerated."
Two figures have revealed themselves to be both Death Tactic and Tempest Shadow. They both bowed down humbly to the ground.
"As you commanded, my emperor," Tempest said firmly and humbly, "I-I will do my best."
"I am confident that you will," Death Tactic said calmly while patted Tempest's back. He continued, "You may be Twilight's Commander of her Friendship Guards, but do not forget where you truly belong and the mission. You are the Grand Commander of the Army and also Ultimate Warrior of Stealth."
Though indebted to Death Tactic for saving her and restore her horn, Tempest was conflicted on spy mission involving of Twilight, who has saved her from Storm King and willing give her second chance to become a friend. However, she cannot ignore her true allegiance and superior's commands.
Tempest said firmly, "Do not worry, your majesty, I will not fail."
Nezha hummed suspiciously yet reluctantly, "Do not fail me, commander…"
"And also, we would like you to bring our latest spy in as well," Death Tactic said firmly and calmly, "Dr. Wong has succeeded his assignment. She will help you and Bella with the mission."
"Golly! That's nice of you to say that. But don't worry, I won't let you down!" The cute yet squeaky voice reported.
Tempest groaned with her rolling eyes, "This is going to be my nightmares…"
END…
Review and Suggest…
Main Casts:
Andrea Libman: Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie
Ashleigh Ball: Rainbow Dash, Applejack
Matthew Mercer: Terrorcreep, Tso Lan
Will Friedle: Saber Dragoon
Sam Riegel: Shorty Thinking
Emily Blunt: Tempest Shadow
Secondary Casts:
Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle
Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon
Tabitha St. Germain: Rarity
Josh Keaton: Blazefist
Christy Carlson Romano: Aquastroke
P.J. Bryne: Laxtinct
Kate Higgins: Tailtech
Cristina Vee: Icy
Dee Bradley Baker: Rexstrike
Vanessa Marshall: Hak Xing
Michael Rosenbaum: Drago
Hynden Walch: Mei Kai
Kevin Michael Richardson: Quake
David Sobolov: Voltscar
Charlie Schlatter: Gusty
Cree Summer: Song Wing
Jeff Bennett: Avalanche
Minor Casts:
Sean Schemmel: Nezha Vengito
Lars Mikkelsen: Death Tactic
James Sie: Shendu
Mona Marshall: Bai Tza, Po Kong
Frank Welker: Dai Gui
Clancy Brown: Tchang Zu
Corey Burton: Xiao Fung
Andre Sogliuzzo: His Wu
Alec Newman: Ripper
Patrick Warburton: Lockdown