At the Twilight was having discussion with Lockdown and Blazefist about the field trip. To their surprise, the door was opened and revealed Sunburst himself to enter. He looked very excited and happy than his calm demeanor.
"Sunburst?" Twilight asked in surprise.
"Princess Twilight! You won't believe what has happened to me!" Sunburst exclaimed happily and excitedly. He then held up his cape, revealing his glowing cutie mark. He smiled, "My cutie mark is glowing."
Twilight gasped before squealed happily, "No way!" She turned and looked at Lockdown and Blazefist. She cleared her throat, "We'll discuss this another time. I have the feelings others will be there."
Lockdown and Blazefist nodded firmly as they have been dismissed and left the Castle of Friendship. Twilight then took and guided Sunburst to the Friendship Council Chamber. At the same time, they were discussing and chatting as well.
"Princess Twilight, what an honor this is! I-I mean, it is, right?" Sunburst said excitedly and frantically, "I'm called for a friendship mission?"
Twilight smiled, "You sure are. And it must be a special one, just like Flash."
Just as Twilight and Sunburst entered the chamber; they found Starlight, Lance and Shiroi were already there. Three of them were looking at the Cutie Map. Though the couple looked thrill and excited yet curious, Starlight wasn't thrilled about it.
"Starlight! You mean we've both been called? This is great!" Sunburst exclaimed excitedly and happily. He then noticed Starlight's disappointed looks. He asked, "Aren't you excited? You and me on a mission together! Plus, we get to go on our fifth date!"
"I was…" Starlight admitted sheepishly before showing her nervous and uneasy looks. Sunburst was confused. She then looked at Cutie Map. She explained while pointed at the location she disliked, "Just... not so excited about where."
Looking at where Starlight's pointing, Sunburst looked disbelief and annoyed to ask, "Sire's Hollow?"
Starlight confirmed, "Yep. Home."
"Oh. Great." Sunburst grumbled in deflated tone.
"What's wrong with going back to your old home?" Lance asked in surprise.
"You don't want to know," Sunburst and Starlight grumbled angrily.
"What about you two?" Twilight asked. Lance and Shiroi pointed at the Cutie Map. She was stoked as she was looking at vast landscape of desert with city buildings and trees. She gasped, "Zebrat? Zecora's old home?"
"Looks like it. We're going to Farasi. Who knew?" Lance commented, "Can't wait to see some wild animals."
"Careful. I heard they terrorized ponies," Shiroi teased playfully, making Lance uneasy. She cleared her throat, "Anyhow. I supposed that we ask Zecora?"
"You should. She knows her home more than anyone." Twilight said calmly. She turned and looked at Sunburst and Starlight, "Look, I don't know what's your issue with your home, but you have Friendship Mission to solve. So, just get there and solve it. Got it?"
Sunburst and Starlight sighed, "Got it…"
Unknown to Twilight and her friends, a group of seven shadowy figures were eavesdropping on the conversation. Who are they? What are they up to?
Starlight, Sunburst, Lance and Shiroi have set out for their Friendship Mission. Lance, Shiroi and their guide – Zecora head to Zebrat, Farasi. Starlight and Sunburst boarded into the Ponyville Express as they travel and headed straight to their childhood home – Sire's Hollow.
Inside the Ponyville Express, both Starlight and Sunburst have been silent ever since they left Ponyville. To think about Friendship Problem at Sire's Hollow has made them very uneasy and worried about it.
Starlight sighed, "It's not that I don't want to go home. It's just that whenever I do, my dad treats me like a filly. Like nothing's changed since I was a foal."
"Huh…" Sunburst said in surprise, "mom actually does kind of the same thing."
"Really?" Starlight asked in surprise.
"I don't even have to go home. She sends me letters constantly asking about my plans for the future." Sunburst complained in annoyance. He then imitated his mother's behavior, "'You're a grown-up pony, Sunburst! You need a plan!'" He sighed in frustration, "I haven't been home in a while either."
Starlight hummed curiously, "Hmph. We'll just have to explain to our parents that we're on an important friendship mission so they can't bother us."
"Do you really think that will work?" Sunburst asked in concern.
"Nope!" Starlight answered dryly.
"Do you really hate your parents so much?" Ocellus's voice asked in surprise and concern.
Bella's voice scoffed, "Parents issues always the problem."
Kindy's voice sighed, "I know the feeling well."
Alerted by three voices, Starlight and Sunburst yelped in shock and surprise, "What the-?!"
Starlight and Sunset turned back and found Ocellus, Bella and Kindy were hiding behind their seats. Three of them smiled nervously and uneasily while waving to them. The couple couldn't believe in their own eyes of what they just saw. And just before they could make the demands, the train's brake made a loud hiss while blowing whistle as it has arrived the destination.
Rather than scolding the students now inside the train, Starlight and Sunburst decided to have discussion outside. They climbed down from the Ponyville Express before it headed off at once. They both gave the firm glare at three nervous students.
"What are you three doing here?!" Starlight demanded dryly, "You were supposed to be in science class."
"We were!" Ocellus admitted firmly, earning Starlight gave suspicious glare at her. She gulped fearfully, "It wasn't mine and Kindy's fault. Bella and Heatwave dragged me and some of my friends out because they're bored with it."
Starlight groaned in annoyance, "I shouldn't have known. Bella…"
"Come on, Counselor Starlight! Professor Shorty's class is so boring! We're having hard time to understand his theories and research. That literally makes no sense!" Bella complained, earning both Starlight and Sunburst to glare at her. She gulped in fear, "No offense?"
"So, why are you all here?" Sunburst asked dryly.
"Ever since Silverstream got back from home; she told us about how CMC solve Friendship Problem, having adventure and beating the bad guys." Bella explained happily and excitedly, "So, Heatwave and I thought why don't we join them for our extra-curriculum and also making up with bad grades."
"Really?" Starlight asked in annoyance.
"I told you this is a very bad idea. They're not happy about this," Kindy commented dryly as he and Ocellus glare at nervous Bella. He turned and looked at Starlight, "You're sending us back now?"
Though tempted to send the students, both Starlight and Sunburst knew that it would take too much of time to wait for the train to return and send the students back. It would be best to have them around than letting them to get into trouble again…
"Fine. You can stay with us for your extra curriculum," Starlight said firmly, "But no funny business especially from you, Bella."
Everyone looked at Bella, who was whistling amusingly. Sunburst sighed, "Well, let's get going. Hope you enjoy history and geography field trip class since you can't handle the science class."
Starlight added, "And when we get back you three and your buddies are going for the detention!"
Ocellus, Bella and Kindy smiled uneasily but also nodded nervously as well. But at the same time, Ocellus and Kindy gave the brief glare at their classmate for getting into trouble again.
"So, what are you gonna do with your parents?" Bella asked curiously.
"For one thing, you all are not allow to tell them about our pasts because they don't know," Starlight said sternly and firmly.
Sunburst nodded, "Affirmative. The last thing we want is lecture and distraction."
Just as the couple and their students were walking by some beautiful garden and long walls, the young ones all awed and marveled at the scenery. Bella looked bored and annoyed about it.
"It's beautiful…" Ocellus commented while sniffing out on some flowers. She even ate a golden petal. She hummed in satisfied tone, "They taste good too!"
"I didn't know Changelings eat flowers," Kindy commented in surprise.
Ocellus giggled, "Emotion of love and positive feelings aren't the only thing that we eat or share. Flowers too. They're pretty."
Bella giggled, "I wonder how Smolder felt when she has too much flowery food."
"She'd be getting sick especially when it comes to Dragon Sneeze Tree," Ocellus joked, making Bella giggled a bit.
"Glad you like it much," Sunburst said calmly and sincerely. He sighed, "The great thing about home is it always stays just how you le—"
THUD! Sunburst got his head slammed by something very hard and metallic, alerting everyone to stop at once. Just as he was recovered, he and his friends looked up and found a large metallic gate stood before them.
"Where did that come from?" Starlight asked in surprise.
"You mean the gate wasn't here before?" Bella asked in surprise.
"No. It wasn't," Starlight answered in surprise.
Just as Sunburst opened the gate, The Automated Voice greeted, "Welcome to Sire's Hollow!"
"Convenient…" Kindy commented in amazement.
"Wait a minute." Ocellus called out as she transformed into her yellow nerdy Earth Pony form, confusing everyone. She then explained, "I don't want anypony there to see my real self."
"Don't tell me that you're worried about ponies judging Changeling," Kindy asked in concern.
Ocellus nodded sheepishly and nervously. Bella scoffed as she held her friend close to her, "Well, if they're gonna mess with you, then they're gonna have to get through me first!"
Ocellus smiled warmly, "Thanks. But, I'm gonna have to stay in this form. I don't want cause troubles."
Bella sighed, "Whatever you say, Ocelly. Trouble always follow us."
Just as Starlight, Sunburst and their students marched and entered Sire's Hollow; they looked around of their surroundings of the city. They then come across to an advertiser named Ever Essence, who was holding the perfume.
"Essence?" Ever Essence asked gently.
"Essence of what?" Bella asked curiously.
"You tell me." Ever Essence answered playfully as she pressed the perfume's button by mouth. It sprayed on Bella's face, making her choked and coughed heavily. She smiled, "So, what do you think?"
Bella coughed heavily, "What I'd think?! I hate perfume especially it's made of 'chocolate'. It is, right?"
"Chocolate definitely!" Ever Essence confirmed sincerely and happily, "And all of the benefits with none of the drawbacks."
"Chocolate!" Ocellus exclaimed happily. She quickly grabbed the perfume bottle as she pops its lid off. Just before anyone could ask, she quickly drank and sipped the perfume's essence. This shocked and alerted them all. For the moment, she spat out in disgust. She groaned, "This taste awful!"
Ever Essence sighed while taking the bottle away from her, "That is because it is not for drinking."
Ever Essence trotted sincerely and happily, returning to her Perfume Shop, which has a small stall with set of perfumes outside. Starlight, Sunburst and their students approached to her.
"Didn't this used to be a fruit stand?" Sunburst asked.
"I don't know what it used to be." Ever Essence said sincerely, "The Sire's Hollow Development Committee determined what it is."
"The Sire's Hollow Development what?" Sunburst asked in shock and disbelief, "Where do ponies buy fruit?"
"You can get a fruit smoothie two doors down." Ever Essence answered calmly while pointed at the Fruit Smoothie Shop.
Kindy hummed thoughtfully, "I could use some drink."
"Me too!" Ocellus agreed. She turned and teasingly looked at Bella. She giggled, "You're buying us our drinks."
Bella gasped and groaned, "Hey! I am so not, Ocellus!"
Three students cheered happily and wildly as they're heading and entering the Fruit Smoothie Shop for getting their own drinks. Sunburst and Starlight looked around of their surroundings. They looked uncertain and confused.
"All the shops are different. Everything's changed!" Sunburst said in shock and confusion.
"Not everything." Starlight disagreed in annoyance as she spotted and pointed at her left direction – terrace shops with curved crimson-colored rooftops and towers-like. She commented, "That's the same as it ever was."
After the students managed got their own smoothies – strawberry, avocado and banana, they regrouped with their teachers and headed off to the terrace shops and checking them out. They approached to the bookstore. Just as they were about to enter it, the door was opened and blocked by two ponies.
Raspberry Latter spoke up, "Sorry. Our bookstore's been declared a site of historical significance by the Sire's Hollow Preservation Society."
Minty Mocha nodded in agreement, "You'll have to experience the books from here." Her friend levitated and placed the stanchion post in front of the entrance. She continued, "That's why windows are see-through."
Just before Sunburst could ask, the librarians quickly returned and closed the door, shocking and disheartened him a lot.
"Well, that was rude," Ocellus commented in annoyance.
Bella scoffed while crossed her hooves, "And not to mention, it's stupid. Who comes up with that idea?"
Kindy hummed in concern, "First the Development Committee, and now the Preservation Society. What are they trying to do?"
"That's a good question," Starlight said in agreement and concern, "What is happening around here?"
"I'll explain it to you, sugarplum!" A calm and lighthearted voice spoke. Starlight, Sunburst and the students turned back. They found a dark purple male Unicorn with dark greenish and lime colored curvy mane and tail, he has golden flame-like Cutie Mark worn beige colored uniform, crimson vast and yellowish tie. He chuckled a bit while touching and rubbing Starlight's face, "You are just as cutesy-wutesy as ever!"
"Uh… Who is that?" Bella asked in annoyance.
"Uh-oh…" Sunburst said in concern.
"Dad!" Starlight muffled angrily as she pushed his hooves aside. The students were stunned by her revelation of mysterious stallion. She spoke, "Quit it! What is going on?"
Firelight smiled happily as he explained, "Oh, just a father wanting to preserve our town's rich history for his little pumpky-wumpkin!"
Almost Sunburst and the students stifled the laughter, Starlight groaned in annoyance, "Dad, you promised no 'pumpky-wumpkin's in public especially right in front of my boyfriend!"
Firelight gasped, "What?! Sunburst's your boyfriend?!"
"Yeah. He is my boyfriend," Starlight commented firmly. Firelight looked uneasy and worried. She hummed suspiciously, "Dad, is there a problem with him dating me?"
Firelight looked uneasy as he muffled nervously, "Uh… No… Just as long as his mother don't use him to hurt you, chipmunk cheeks."
Starlight scoffed, "That's ridiculous, dad. Sunburst doesn't always agree with his mom all the time like saying that I'm being a bad influence to him."
Firelight hummed suspiciously, "I see… Good thing that you didn't trained by lunatic Amon. What a troublesome scary pony."
Starlight looked uneasy and nervous as she laughed a bit, "Yeah. Good thing."
Firelight also noticed three students as he asked, "And who are these three?"
"These are students from the School of Friendship." Starlight answered calmly, "This is Bella, Ocellus, and Kindy."
"Ah, nice to meet you three. My name is Firelight." Firelight introduced himself. He then whispered quietly to the students, "I'm Starlight's papa."
Bella scoffed a bit, "Yeah, we saw."
Three students approached to Sunburst to have some secret discussion about Starlight and her secret.
"I didn't know Counselor Starlight has a biological father." Ocellus commented in surprise, "I thought she was an orphan and then adopted by Amon."
Kindy nodded in agreement, "Not to mention, why would she lie to her own father about her being part of Amon's Revolution Group?"
Sunburst hissed while tapping his hooves, "Yeah. Let's just say that Firelight is very distrustful and dislike Amon for being too close to her, and acted like a better father to her. And he's very jealous of Amon a lot."
"So, her dad has no idea of what she has done?" Bella asked amusingly, making Sunburst sighed while shaking his head. She giggled, "Family drama much?"
"Really?" Ocellus asked in annoyance.
"I feel sorry for her…" Kindy said in concern.
Sunburst sighed, "Just keep quiet and tell him nothing. The last thing Starlight ever wants is her father being heartbroken to find out that she chose Amon over him. And of course, I don't want him to kill me for not being her good boyfriend."
"Right…" Three students agreed playfully.
"Back to the real topic. You're preserving the whole town? That's crazy!" Starlight exclaimed in disbelief.
"That's exactly what I told him! I said, 'Firelight, you're crazy!'" The female voice shouted. Everyone turned to left, where they found an amber colored female Unicorn arrived at the scene. She has dark orange and maroon colors of gentle combed mane and tail and her cutie mark is sunny cutie mark wearing a pearl necklace.
"Okay. Who is that?" Bella asked in annoyance.
"Mom?" Sunburst asked in surprise, shocking the students.
"Hi, Sunburst! Good to see you finally coming home and visit me," Sunburst's Mother or Stellar Flare exclaimed happily. She approached to Sunburst as she explained while showing her long scroll of plans, "Our village needs the same thing you do, Sunburst – a clear plan for the future. That's why I started the Sire's Hollow Development Committee. And I've got plans for this little town. Big plans!"
Firelight was annoyed as he spoke up, "Listen here, Stellar Flare! I'm not gonna let you turn our historical heritage into Las Pegasus!"
Stellar Flare snapped angrily, "And I'm not gonna let you turn it into a museum!"
Firelight and Stellar Flare glared and growled at each other angrily. This surprised and shocked the group.
"W-Wait. Are you two fighting over this?" Starlight asked in surprise and concern.
"Like having a friendship problem?" Sunburst asked.
"Oh, there's no problem." Stellar Flare disagreed.
Firelight huffed, "Because there is no friendship!"
Sunburst hummed, "Well, the good news is we know why we're here."
Bella whistled, "Sounds like fun. Glad we ditch the school."
"Really?!" Kindy and Ocellus asked in annoyance.
Few meters away from the Sire's Hollow City, an abandoned yet burnt and ruined farmland was filled with some of Dark Mystic Troopers and Chimera Berserkers. Inside the old abandoned yet crisped farmer's house, there was a basement, where Guildernstern and Ghoul Acolytes were researching and experimenting on their project, involving the Elements of Harmony shards and several blueprint designs.
Climbing down the stairs, Amon has arrived at the basement, meeting up with the mad scientist. He has not placed the mask on his face, revealing scarred and burnt marks around his.
"Good to see you around, Master Statham," Guildenstern greeted warmly yet sinisterly with a chuckle, "So, I assumed that there is no interlopers and stragglers around here."
"No, Guildenstern. No one has come here since the day 'Vengeful Ghost of Sire's Hollow' was born. And the folklore was created and passed down for generation," Amon answered calmly yet stoically. He sighed while looking around the surroundings, "I have never thought that I would return here after so long."
Guildenstern chuckled amusingly, "You miss home so much, do you, Vengeful Ghost of Sire's Hollow?"
"After what has happened to me from 300 years ago?" Amon asked calmly yet annoyingly while looking at his mask. He huffed dryly while clenching it tightly, almost causing to have small cracks. He continued, "No, I do not. However, the Dark Lord sent us here for a mission. We shall complete it."
"Indeed." Guildenstern agreed calmly. He turned and looked at one of his Ghoul Acolyte, who was making report to him. He groaned in annoyance, "And also, there's been report that Starlight is here for Friendship Problem. Clearly, another interference from Tree of Harmony again."
Amon nodded dryly and firmly, "Leave that to me, Guildenstern."
"Are you certain that you want to deal with her?" Guildenstern asked amusingly.
Amon narrowed his angry yet determined eyes, "Trust me, Guildenstern. I will."
Both Firelight and Stellar Flare continued glaring at each other. This made both Sunburst and Starlight uneasy and concern about the latest Friendship Problem to deal with. The students noticed the counselor and her boyfriend haven't made the move.
"Aren't you gonna do something?" Ocellus asked in concern.
Bella nodded, "Yeah. The Friendship Problem won't solve by itself."
"And they're your parents too," Kindy added.
Sunburst sighed reluctantly, "They have the point. Let's just get over it."
Starlight cleared her throat, attracting two ponies' attention. She explained, "Sunburst and I were called here to do a job, and it looks like you two are it."
Firelight and Stellar Flare looked surprise. Sunburst's mother asked, "You mean your success depends on us?"
Sunburst sighed while nodded sheepishly. Firelight smiled warmly and happily as he asked, "And you have to hang out with us the whole time you're here?!"
Starlight nodded nervously, making both Firelight and Stellar Flare smiled happily about it. They also looked away from each other as they disagreed with the ideals they have for Sire's Hollow.
"Well, I'll hear what you have to say." Stellar Flare said firmly and calmly, "But every plan I've made for this town is perfectly reasonable."
Firelight scoffed dryly, "Good luck convincing me my preservation efforts don't make sense."
Starlight and Sunburst sighed in annoyance and frustration with their parents' stubbornness. Ocellus, Bella and Kindy looked at each other as they shrugged a bit about it.
And so, Starlight's group followed both Firelight and Stellar Flare, checking out their ideals and see which one is suitable for Sire's Hollow. However, they find the ideals and execution of both Development Committee and Preservation Society seemed to be 'ridiculous' and 'nuisance' to them such as opening the gate with automated annoying voice greeted repeatedly, the bookstore was treated as museum and forbidden anyone to read and buy the books, testing out the perfume that almost annoyed and nearly drive Bella mad; Starlight, Sunburst and the surprisingly students find the smoothies to be distasteful, and lastly the ridiculous preserved yet hardened 'ancient pony grains', which shocked and made uneasy to the students.
Nearly spent a whole day understanding and analyzing both Development Committee and Preservation Society's ideals and progress, Starlight's group including Firelight and Stellar Flare met up at the water fountain site. They're having discussion about the ideals for Sire's Hollow.
"I hate to say it but you two got some crazy but dumbest way to do for Sire's Hollow," Bella remarked rudely, prompted both Ocellus and Kindy to nudge her chest. She grunted a bit, "Would you quit it?!"
Ocellus sighed, "Truthfully, she has the point. The first and second time we tried with fruit smoothies; they taste the worst."
"And not to mention, preserving bookstore and 'ancient' bread are not good either," Kindy added as well.
While looking at the baker Cracked Wheat struggled to push the wagon with heavy ancient bread, Firelight hissed in concern while rubbing his head, "Maybe my preservation efforts were a little over the top."
Stellar Flare gulped while looking at Ever Essence tried the perfume on frightened Raspberry Latter and Minty Mocha to run off. She commented, "And I might have been trying to turn the town into a shopping mall."
"Ya think?" Bella asked annoyingly. She then noticed both Ocellus and Kindy were about to nudge her. She grabbed and held them, "Don't you dare!"
"Well, whatever direction the town takes from now on, how about we work together on it?" Firelight said humbly as he held his hoof up.
After some thinking, Stellar Flare smiled as she raised and shook her partner's hoof, "Deal!" She turned and looked at her son. While combing Sunburst's mane, she spoke happily, "Sunburst, you should move closer to Ponyville. From what Firelight told me, you're dating his daughter. So, it would be good to stay close with her. I'd be happy to have her in my family. She would make a good future wife to you. And of course, after this success, I'm sure the Princess of Friendship will want to send you on more missions."
"That's not really how it works." Sunburst disagreed. He then pushed and moved Starlight and students away from his mother. He spoke nervously, "Oh, look at the time! We should get going now that we solved the friendship problem, right, Starlight?"
Starlight halted at once as she spoke, "Yeah... The thing is, I don't think we did solve it." She then looked at her cutie mark on flank. She explained, "When we solve a friendship problem, our cutie marks are supposed to glow.
The students looked shock. Ocellus asked, "You mean the parents' problems are not the problem?"
Bella groaned, "Or maybe, Cutie Map is just dumb."
"Bella!" Ocellus scolded Bella.
Starlight shook head in disagreement, "Unlikely. Cutie Map wouldn't send us for goose chase without a reason. It must be something else..."
Firelight awed calmly and playfully as he patted Starlight's face, "Don't be disappointed, puddin'. Your papa will work this out for ya."
The students stifled the laughter a bit. Starlight sighed, "Heh. My papa wasn't called by the map in Twilight's castle. I was."
"How are you gonna explain this to the princess?" Stellar Flare asked in concern and fear, "What's your plan if she fires you from friendship quests? Or worst! What if she forbids you to have relationship with Starlight?!"
Sunburst muttered in annoyance, "Mom! She doesn't—! It-It's not—!"
"Use your words, Sunburst." Stellar Flare gently scolded Sunburst, making him groaned in anger.
"I guess you two weren't the problem we were sent to solve after all." Starlight commented in uncertain tone.
"So now you don't even know why you're here?" Stellar Flare asked in concern, "Ah! We have to figure this out before we run out of time!"
Sunburst sighed in annoyance, "Mom, there isn't a time limit."
"So you're here for an extra long visit?" Firelight asked in surprise. He laughed heartily while hugging him warmly, "You can stay in your old room, punkie wunk! It's just like you left it!"
"So, what's her room like?" Bella asked playfully.
"Is it friendly? Cutesy? Or maybe, very studious as Princess Twilight?" Ocellus asked hopefully.
"Nope!" Firelight answered humbly. He smiled teasingly, "Her room is gothic and skull crunching Rockstar! She liked Rockstar KISS! And it's good thing that she doesn't have some lunatic Amon's posters, trophies, merchandise and gears in there. I hate to see that."
"DAD!" Starlight exclaimed in annoyance.
Bella and Ocellus were deeply stunned and shocked as their eyes widened and opened their wide mouths. Kindy hissed, "I believe the term is 'Mind Blown'?"
"Yeah…" Bella and Ocellus answered in stunned.
Starlight hissed as she whispered to both Sunburst and students, "We need to find this friendship problem now!"
Sunburst nodded nervously, "Yeah. Make it quick!"
"You really can't stand them, do you?" Kindy asked in uncertain tone.
"Now, I know you have your little job to do, but Stellar and I know the town a lot better than you two." Firelight said humbly and calmly.
Stellar Flare nodded in agreement, "That's right! Neither of you have been home in ages. You're gonna need our help to succeed!"
Starlight and Sunburst hummed in uncertain yet thoughtfully. She answered reluctantly, "I guess that makes sense..."
Firelight and Stellar Flare laughed happily and heartily, making Starlight and Sunburst annoyed about the idea.
"I already have some ideas!" Stellar Flare exclaimed happily while revealing the long scroll.
Firelight nodded happily while revealing his long scroll, "Me, too!"
Sunburst groaned, "I think I liked it better when they were fighting."
"So, what's leave us to do?" Bella asked curiously and teasingly.
Instead of following the teachers for solving their problems, the students were placed and sat inside the bookstore's small table. They were having juice to drink.
Bella groaned, "I cannot believe that they ditch us here…"
"Well, you did make fun of teachers, you know?" Ocellus asked in annoyance.
"Either way, I don't know what is worse." Belle complained in annoyance, "Their parents being stupid or don't care of what our teachers needed to do with Friendship Problem."
Ocellus shrugged while drinking her strawberry juice, "I have no idea..."
Kindy hummed thoughtfully as he was eating the cake, "To be honest, I don't believe their parents or whatever are the friendship problems."
Bella looked at Kindy oddly as she asked, "Uh, Kindy, has anyone told you that you make literally no sense?"
Kindy hummed thoughtfully, "Actually, Pinkie understands me the most."
Ocellus sighed while facepalmed on her head, "I'd take that as a no."
Bella groaned before slammed on the table, "So boring! Where is the excitement? Or fighting some bad guys! Saving the world! I need that kind of action!"
Ocellus sighed in annoyance, "I'd prefer not to have that. The last thing I want is to lose my head."
Spotted something at the alley, Kindy asked, "Hey. There's something at the alley."
Bella and Ocellus turned and looked at the alley. They spotted Starkiller was looking around of his surroundings.
"Starkiller?" Bella asked in surprise.
"You know him?" Ocellus asked.
"Yeah. One of the Ultimate Warriors and he's the Dusk," Bella answered calmly, "But what the heck is he doing here?"
"Shopping? Sports?" Kindy asked curiously.
Bella shook her head, "No. Ultimate Warriors never come to Equestria for shopping and sports, unless they're on the mission. I think he has one."
Ocellus gulped in concern, "Why do I get the feeling that we're going to do this?" Bella smirked amusingly, making her nervous and uneasy. She groaned, "Sorry I asked."
Starlight returned to her old home, with her father. Inside the library, Firelight was using the chalk to write down on the chalkboard about Sire's Hollow and its history as well.
Firelight smiled as he explained, "Okay! Now that I've explained how Sire's Hollow was founded, we can start to explore all the possible friendship problems that might have developed over time."
Starlight shook her head in frustration as she explained, "I appreciate the history lesson, Dad, but I need to find the problem now. In the present."
"Aw, now, hon-bun. How are you gonna do that without all the backstory, huh?" Firelight asked sincerely yet playfully, making Starlight annoyed. He smiled a bit as he brought and wrapped old baby blanket around her head, "Oh! Of course! I know how hard it is for you to sit still and focus, soooo... would it help you pay attention to hold on to your bwankie?"
Starlight was annoyed by her father's treatment towards her. Added to the worst, Firelight brought the glass of milk and two cookies before her. This angered her to groan in frustration.
As for Sunburst, he was following Stellar Flare as she believed that she might 'help' him to solve the Friendship Problem. He doubted it very much due to her has no idea of what and how 'Solving Friendship Problem' works.
"Now, you've had a little setback." Stellar Flare said calmly and humbly, "But don't worry. I know exactly what you need to do."
"Make a plan?" Sunburst asked in annoyance.
Stellar Flare smirked proudly while showing up her long scroll, "Already got one! Step one – interview the suspects. Step two – use your talents to solve the issue. Step three – get the Princess of Friendship to send you on more missions!"
"Mom! It does not work like that!" Sunburst protested in annoyance.
Just as Sunburst and his mother arrived at the market stall; they found Ever Essence, Raspberry Latte and Minty Mocha. Stellar Flare moved and nudged her head a bit, pointing at her son. Though they're confused and uncertain, she cleared her throat out loud while pointed at her son. They got alerted before nodded understandingly.
"Thank goodness you are here!" Ever Essence acted poorly to complain and glare at both ponies, "These two ponies refuse to use my essences."
"Maybe because we don't like to cover our natural scent!" Raspberry Latte answered poorly while raising her armpit to Ever Essence, who responded to cover her muzzle.
Stellar Flare was annoyed and irritably to glare at three ponies, making them annoyed and frustrated to play along.
Minty Mocha poorly acted back, "And she refuses to buy our books."
Ever Essence, Raspberry Latte and Minty Mocha poorly acted and responded, "Surely this is a friendship problem."
Stellar Flare smiled uneasily at her son. Sunburst groaned in annoyance as he scolded her, "Ugh! It needs to be a real friendship problem! You can't just make one up!"
Sunburst turned and walked away from his mother. Stellar Flare was annoyed to turn and glare at three ponies, "This is what happens when we don't rehearse! Ugh!"
After finding out Starkiller at the Sire's Hollow town; Bella, Ocellus and Kindy left the bookstore and went after him. As they were following the Ultimate Warrior, they can't help but wonder of what his mission is and what is he going after. Eventually, they have already left the town's outskirt.
Starkiller was now looking around the forest, searching for specific item. Bella, Kindy and Ocellus were hiding behind the bushes, keeping their eyes out on him. They noticed something off about him. He is now wearing some demonically yet metallic skull armor-like and even the mask. He even made some unusually beastly growl and breathing heavily.
"Starkiller…" Belle said in concern, "What's he doing here?"
Ocellus gulped in fear, "Whatever it is, I don't like it. Not one bit."
"Do any of you noticed something amiss about him?" Kindy asked in fear. Looking at Starkiller's appearance, he quivered while gulped in fear, "I'd never seen him wearing an armor that is so scary."
"Yeah…" Bella said in disbelief and concern, "In fact, I don't remember him wearing it before."
"You don't suppose that he was badly injured during one of his missions," Ocellus asked in concern.
Bella hummed thoughtfully, "Not very sure. My brother never told me anything including his missions and his everyday ruling the Mystic Realm, even though I wanted to help him out."
"Really?" Ocellus asked in shock and disbelief, "What kind of brother is he? He's such a jerk."
Bella yelped and waved in concern, "What! No! He wasn't like that, Ocellus! He's a very nice and strong brother I ever had. In fact, the only brother I ever had."
"Oh… Your mother and father were killed during the Human War. I forgot about that."
"Oh no, Ocellus. I don't have parents when I was a little girl. And plus, Nezha adopted me to be his family after his parents died.
"Oh." Ocellus said in surprise with the blink of her eyes, "That's kind weird to adopt you. I mean he was an adult. Shouldn't he adopt you as his daughter?"
Bella shrugged, "I have no idea. To be honest, not everyone ever understands what's really going on in my brother's mind. I do know one thing about him. He's very brave, strong, noble and also very caring brother I ever had."
"Caring brother? I have hard time to believe it…" Kindy said in concern while carefully looking at Starkiller, who was approaching to the farm. He hummed, "Does anyone what this place is again?"
Ocellus hummed thoughtfully and calmly, "If I remember correctly, this place belongs to the Vengeful Ghost of Sire's Hollow." Both Bella and Kindy looked at her. She explained, "I read 'The Facts and Fictions Documentary Book'. This farm used to belong to the peaceful and humble family. They've work on farming peacefully for years until the bandits came and destroyed them for not paying them. However, one of the farmers survived and slaughtered the bandits at once. And then next thing you know, he disappeared. But his legend lives on as anyone with bad intention dared to enter his land shall be haunted and slaughtered by the vengeful spirit. Hence, he was called 'Vengeful Ghost of Sire's Hollow'."
"And you think the legend is real?" Bella asked sarcastically.
Ocellus shrugged a bit, "Well, it has to be."
Kindy hissed in fear and concern, "I think we're about to find out!"
The students looked up and found Dark Mystic Troopers and Chimera Berserkers emerged out from their hidings. They all aimed their blasters and blades at Starkiller, who remained firm and calm yet breathing heavily and darkly as he was armed with his Twin Crimson Lightsabers.
"That does not look good…" Bella commented in shock and concern.
"No! That's the worst!" Ocellus said in concern as she spotted Amon emerged out from the farm house. She gasped, "The mask… The appearance… It's him! The Vengeful Ghost of Sire's Hollow!"
Bella gulped in fear, "No way…"
"Ultimate Warrior of Dusk… What an honor to see you here…" Amon said humbly yet amusingly. Starkiller growled a bit. He hummed, "That is unusual looks of yours. I didn't expect you to wear the mask."
"Must… Find… It…" Starkiller growled softly.
Amon hummed, "The Soul Gem? Is that why you're here?" Starkiller snarled a bit. He continued, "Don't be surprised. Hiring our Demon Changeling is foolish. Your leaders should know that. But better yet, they don't care as long as they get what they want, right?"
"Hand it… To me…" Starkiller demanded dryly.
"I will tell you this, Warrior. I don't have it," Amon said firmly and calmly, "But you wouldn't believe a word of a Revolunist."
"All I see is Terrorist…" Starkiller said darkly and angrily. He armed himself while glaring at Amon, "Are you ready to die?"
"Go and try." Amon said humbly and calmly, "I guarantee you that you will not survive and win this."
Starkiller growled a bit before howled out loud, prompted the Dark Mystic Soldiers and Chimera Berserkers to charge and attack him. The Ultimate Warrior retaliated and strike back against them. He swiftly yet firmly blocked and deflected both blades and blasts before swung and struck down his blades at them.
And at the same time, he also fought and battled against Amon, who firmly evaded the attacks while punching and kicking back at him. This annoyed and angered Starkiller to go mad and fought back. Both of them fought and battled against each other fiercely and determinedly.
"This is so not good…" Kindy said in fear, "We need to tell Starlight and Sunburst now!"
Ocellus nodded fearfully, "No argument here!"
Bella groaned, "Can't we just-?!"
"NO!" Ocellus and Kindy shouted angrily and annoyingly.
Bella pleaded and begged to stay and watch the fight but both her friends just dragged and pulled her away from the fight. They're returning to Sire's Hollow as fast as they can.
"Starlight? Sweetie?" Firelight called out while looking around at the town square, "I found a really old town bylaw that nopony agrees on. Apparently, we're not supposed to prance or canter after dinnertime. Could that be the problem? Silly-filly?"
As Firelight was headed off to another section, Starlight sighed in relief as she was hiding behind the water fountain. Just as she was about to leave, she found Sunburst was quivering moving back quickly like he was hiding.
"What are you doing?" Starlight asked in surprise, alerting Sunburst a bit.
Sunburst sighed, "Hiding from my mother. She started making up friendship problems for me to solve."
Starlight scoffed in frustration, "My dad won't even let me talk to anypony, in case they're 'strangers'. I'm a grown mare!"
Sunburst sighed, "We're never going to find the friendship problem with them around, let alone solve it."
"Counselor Starlight! Mr. Sunburst!" The voice called out, alerting and scaring Starlight and Sunburst off.
Both Starlight and Sunburst turned back and found three students were running towards them. They both gestured their shaking hands and shushed quietly, begging them not to call them, not wanting their parents to find them. Unfortunately, it was too late for them as the parents are behind them now. The students have just arrived at the scene.
"There you are!" Firelight and Stellar Flare exclaimed happily.
Starlight and Sunburst yelped in fear, "Oh no!"
As the parents dragged out their children from their hideouts, Firelight continued reading his book and explaining about his theory to Starlight, "...And then, I thought the best way to look for a friendship problem in the present was to look back in our town history even farther!"
"Dad!" Starlight angrily exclaimed with groan.
Stellar Flare spoke with her son, "Now, I know you don't want me to make up a problem, but what if I start one?"
"That's not how this—!" Sunburst was interrupted by Stellar Flare's hoof.
"I mean, nopony ever became a success by following all the rules, right?" Stellar Flare asked amusingly, angering Sunburst. She turned to Firelight, "How are things on your end?"
Firelight smiled, "Couldn't be better! New leads and such!"
"Guys...?" Starlight called impatiently.
Stellar Flare smiled happily, "We really are providing excellent assistance, aren't we?"
"Guys!" Sunburst called in frustration.
"I dare say our children should be grateful for our help." Firelight exclaimed happily.
Their arrogance and ignorance have tested their patient for the last time, Starlight and Sunburst shouted angrily and annoyingly, "Guys! We don't want your help!"
To their shock, the disbelieved Firelight and Stellar Flare turned and looked at their children. Both Starlight and Sunburst are very angry and annoyed, making three students uneasy and worried.
Bella blinked in shock, "Wow. Family Drama."
Ocellus hissed in concern, "This might not end well..."
"I'm sorry. You don't want our help?" Stellar Flare asked in disbelief.
Firelight chuckled uneasily, "That's... That's ridiculous! What reason could you possibly have for that?"
Starlight snapped angrily at Firelight, "Because you're driving us crazy!"
"Oh, really? And just how am I driving you crazy?" Stellar Flare demanded.
Sunburst snapped angrily while showing all the plans his mother has made, "By always coming up with plans! I don't need a plan! I mean, maybe I do, but it'll be mine, not yours!"
Hurt and disheartened by her son, Stellar Flare choked up sadly, "Well... I'm sorry for trying to help!"
Stellar Flare then cried out loud while running off sadly. Firelight can't help but feel sad and worried for her. He then spotted his daughter approaching him.
"And you're not any better!" Starlight snapped angrily, "I'm not a filly! I'm a grown pony with a job to do, and I'll do it on my own!"
Firelight looked down in shame, "Well. I'll let you get to it then."
"Counsellor Starlight! You can't talk to him like that!" Ocellus exclaimed in concern.
Bella nodded angrily, "Yeah! He's your dad! So, what if he's not the best dad, at least, he's not Amon doing lots of bad things like you did!"
"Bella!" Ocellus and Kindy exclaimed in panicked tone.
Firelight was stunned by Bella's statement. He asked, "What did she mean 'doing lots of bad things like you did'? What did you do? Has that masked lunatic done something to do with you?"
Starlight gulped in fear, "Dad, I was hoping that you didn't hear this. But I'd better show you of what happened." She summoned her holographic displays of her past sins for her father to look. He was in deep shock and disbelief. She quickly answered fearfully, "But now I've changed, and I've proven myself to be a better pony. I'm proud of what I am, and I want you to be proud of me."
Instead of his usual friendly and happy smiles, Firelight was very angry and disappointed as he glared at his daughter.
"Proud?! Proud?! I can't be proud of my daughter for not only ignoring my concerns and warnings, but also chose the lunatic masked pony over me! And you think he's a better father and teacher than me! You know what actually hurts me the most?!" Firelight exclaimed angrily, scaring Starlight, Sunburst and the students. He continued with tears of hurt and anger, "I have to disowned her since she doesn't think of me as a good father. And I wouldn't want my family legacy to be made of mockery and ruined by you! So, I hope you're happy of being disowned by me!"
Firelight cried tearfully as he ran off. Ocellus and Kindy gave the glare at Bella, who smiled uneasily and sheepishly about her mistakes. Though she was relieved that her father finally backed off from interfering her work, Starlight was upset and sad that she has humiliated and hurt him for choosing Amon over him more than he done to her.
"Starlight, I am very sorry," Sunburst apologized while comforted Starlight.
Starlight sighed, "If only I have spent more time with my dad, then none of this wouldn't happen."
"I don't think it would make any different especially how we talk to them," Sunburst said in concern.
"Sorry to ruin your sad family ending! But we're got more important things to deal with!" Bella screamed in concern, "We got Starkiller and Amon here at Sire's Hollow!"
"WHAT?!" Starlight and Sunburst asked in disbelief and shocked.
Kindy and Ocellus nodded fearfully, "It's true."
"Guess we have to amend with our parents later," Starlight said firmly and determinedly, "Time to find out what those two troublemakers up to."
Sunburst gulped, "Do we need to? I'm not a good fighter! And I don't have a weapon or a tank to fight back!"
Starlight smiled, "Sunburst, just leave the fighting to me and the students."
"Is that a good idea?" Sunburst asked in concern.
"You'd be surprise," Starlight remarked sarcastically.
Arriving to her destination, Starlight marched and entered the abandoned farm house's lobby. She looked up and found Amon, whose face is revealed, standing on top of staircase.
"Impressive. You've defeated the units…" Amon commented calmly, "So, how's your reunion with your daddy?"
"Sour…" Starlight remarked dryly with her narrowed angry eyes, "Never thought I would see you here again."
"Neither do I. We both know what we're about to do."
"Yeah, I do. I'm sorry."
"For this?" Amon asked curiously, assuming his apprentice referring to the fight he and Starlight were about to engage.
"No. I'm sorry that you have to come here, despite it was your home. And I know this was where your real life ends badly." Starlight said sympathetically, "It's where you become Amon for equality revolution, Bender Ethan Quality."
Amon narrowed his angry eyes, "I no longer go by that name, daughter."
Angered by Amon's calling, Starlight answered dryly, "I am not your daughter either. I am the daughter of Firelight!" She sighed sadly with tears, "I regret for all the things I've done before especially to my own dad. I want to make amends so badly with him. To tell him that no matter what, he will always be my father in my heart. I just want him to be proud of me that I'm a grown mare."
Though touched, Amon spoke firmly and sternly as he placed his mask on the statue, "If you amended with your father, then you will face and defeat me! Claim that mask as the proof that you truly love your father. Show me that you truly are grown mare. Prove me, my apprentice."
Starlight narrowed her determined eyes, "Bring it, Master! No worries, no magic. Just a fair fight."
"Good. That's all I need to hear, my dear," Amon said humbly.
Amon and Starlight firmly positioned themselves in fighting position, preparing to face and defeat the opponent. They both charged in as they engaged a fierce duel with each other. Both of them swiftly and firmly swung and struck punches at each other for couple of times, as well as blocked and deflected the attacks. Starlight struck her punch at Amon, who blocked it before kicked her off. He then struck couple of punches on her, injuring and bruising her a lot. He then kicked her off. As he approached and prepared to finish her off, she thrust her horn to injure and scar his face before kicked him off. She then swung a punch on his guts before struck two to three punches before gave a swift kick on his face.
Amon and Starlight continued battling with each other. Sunburst, Ocellus, Bella and Kindy managed to sneak inside. Sunburst climbed down the basement. Three students headed off to the west hallway.
Ocellus, Bella and Kindy were walking across the west hallway, searching for Starkliller. Thanks to her shapeshifting ability, the Changeling managed to trick the Dark Mystic Ponies by talking and distracting them, allowing Bella and Kindy swiftly to knock them out at once. They have arrived at the library, where they found two more soldiers were guarding the entrance.
Just before Ocellus could do anything, Bella charged in as she swiftly and firmly killed them slit through their throat, killing them out.
Ocellus groaned, "Really? Would it be better if we just knock them out instead?"
"Ocellus, we're at war against these guys. If you show mercy, then you'd be dead. No matter what, beat and kill them. That's how the war works." Bella answered dryly, "Believe me. My brother and I have fought them for a long time."
Ocellus wasn't convinced and distasted it. Kindy approached and patted her back, "I'm afraid Bella's right. The Dark Mystic Ponies will use chaos and destruction, kill anyone and destroy anything to create new order and world. They have no kindness and sympathy to anyone but power and control. When that time comes, you have to be ready."
"And don't worry, I'm not gonna let my first best friend to get killed," Bella said firmly.
"I'm your first best friend?!" Ocellus asked in surprise, "Really?"
Bella nodded of confirmation, "Yeah. Never had friends in my life other than my brother, trainers and officers. Plus, who's gonna help me with my training, creating some cartoons and give a big hell of lectures about studying?"
Ocellus giggled playfully, "Sure, why not? Appreciate it very much."
"Can we focus here?" Kindy asked while pointed at the door, "I rather not stay here too long."
The girls nodded in agreement. The students opened the door at once. They found the defeated yet badly injured and wounded Starkiller was chained to the ground. And to their shock and fear, they're looking at his true face – heavily scarred and marks of crimson on his two burning eyes. He roared angrily and painfully.
"By the Dragon's Scale! What happened to his face?!" Kindy asked in fear and anxiety.
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Ocellus asked in fear and concern.
Bella gulped, "No. But he's the only one, who can help us now."
Starkiller growled a bit, "B-Bella…"
"Yeah, it's me," Bella confirmed firmly while approaching to the cage, "We need your help now."
After managed to pass by Amon and Starlight duel, Sunburst climbed down the stairs, leading him to the basement. He has arrived and entered Guildenstern's laboratory, which shocked and disgusted him to see some horrifying plans, researches and experiments.
"Oh my! I don't know what is worst? Facing my mom's wrath or dealing with sickening ghoul's works?" Sunburst said in disgust with groan. He then approached to the drawer, where he found the blueprint involved with the Elements of Harmony, ancient darker Dark Stones and the vial of blood. He hummed thoughtfully, "What in the name of Equestria is this? What is mad scientist planning with the Elements?"
"I'm afraid I can't let you know!" the sinister voice answered with a chuckle. Sunburst gulped in fear for hearing it. He slowly turned his head and found Guilnderstern. The mad scientist smiled gleefully, "Hello there…"
Completely paled and shocked, Sunburst screamed and panicked in fear. Guildenstern tried to grab him but he swiftly grabbed and thrown blueprints on his face. He ran off at once. The ghoulish scientist still went after him.
"Now I know why Starlight scared of you!" Sunburst screamed, "Hell! I even afraid of you! You're the worst!"
"That's nothing new, boy!" Guildenstern mocked. The Ghoul Acolytes appeared and surrounded Sunburst at every corner, preventing him to escape. He chuckled gleefully, "It appears that you're surrounded. There is no escape, little boy. Now, I can finally experiment on my little pet's boyfriend. Time to see what make you tick."
Sunburst gulped while quivered in fear, "I don't think you want to see what I made of! After all, I'm too soft for your science experiment!"
Guildenstern smirked, "That's what makes you interesting…"
Just as he raised his staff up high and prepared to attack Sunburst, he got blasted by Death Beam. The Ghoul Acolytes looked back from the stairs, where they found the attackers. The students were attacking and defeating the Ghoul Acolytes. Kindy unleashed his Wind Storm to blow the ghouls away, allowing Bella firmly and swiftly defeated them via using her Mantis's Blade Strikes. Ocellus helped and saved Sunburst while moving him away from the fight.
Just as Sunburst and Ocellus were making their way out, Guildenstern appeared in front of them. Just before he could unleash his demonic powers on them, Starkiller kicked him before unleashing powerful Thunderstorm Strikes on the mad scientist to fall down the stairs. And at the same time, he also attacked on both ghouls and laboratory. This shocked and alerted Guildenstern.
As the mad scientist panicked and tried to save his works especially Elements of Harmony project, Guildenstern screamed angrily, "Imbecile! You ruined my work!" He turned and snarled at his enemies, "You will pay for this, maggots! Mark my words!"
Starkiller roared angrily as he jumped and struck his punch straight at Guildenstern, who phased through him. He landed a powerful punch against the wall. Guildenstern raised and slammed his Soulless Death Staff to the ground, unleashing smokescreen. This blinded almost everyone at once.
As soon as the smokescreen dispersed, both Guildenstern and his Ghoul Acolytes have disappeared, along with their science projects. This shocked and worried Sunburst and the students.
"Where the hell they go to?" Bella asked in shock.
"Escaped. Not to mention, Guildenstern took the projects too," Sunburst said in concern while staring at the drawer, "Why would Dark Mystic Ponies be interested in the Elements of Harmony? Were they tried to replicate and recreate the Dark Rainbow Powers?"
"Didn't the Dark Lord try that before?" Ocellus asked in confusion.
"Yeah, he did during Third Mystic War. He was defeated by Mane Six and Dragon Strike Force's Rainbow Powers," Sunburst nodded in confirmation. He sighed in concern, "But when I looked at the plans, I don't think it involved of Dark Rainbow Powers again. It must be something else."
"What is it?" Ocellus asked in fear.
"I don't know. But I have the feeling that it could be the worst thing we're about to face," Sunburst admitted in concern. He then looked around of his surroundings. He asked, "Where's Starkiller?"
Kindy shrugged while pointed at the wall with a hole in it, "Don't know. He was there a second ago!"
Sunburst approached to the wall for inspection. He looked at the hole closely, hoping to find some answers in it.
"Whatever it was, he got it," Sunburst said in concern, "I have the feeling he's here for Soul Gem again."
"What is Soul Gem, Mr. Sunburst?" Ocellus asked.
"I have no idea." Sunburst admitted in concern before hummed thoughtfully, "Maybe Starlight's father might know something about it."
"Counselor Starlight! We've forgot about her!" Kindy exclaimed in concern.
Starlight and Amon continued fighting with each other determinedly and relentlessly. They both launched couple of punches and rapid kicks on each other but they blocked and deflected the attacks as fast as they can. She jumped up while swiping the kick on his head. He moved back before grabbed and swung her around of his surroundings before thrown her off against the door. He approached her slowly and firmly. She pounced and tried to land some punches on him but he blocked and deflected the attacks swiftly and calmly. And at the same time, he firmly punched her face thrice, hitting on limbs for six times and then kicked her straight against the stair.
Amon approached to Starlight calmly. She struggled to get up and face him again. She screamed angrily as she charged and attacked Amon. Instead, he kicked her back to the stairs. He held his hoof on her to the ground.
"How disappointed. I was expecting more from you," Amon said dryly, "So, how can you ever face Firelight now?"
Starlight snarled a bit, "Shut up!"
"No matter how hard you tried, Firelight would never be proud of you. He would never be happy for you. To him, you are nothing but a little hopeless and spoiled girl. That is why you abandoned him and chose me."
"Shut up!"
"Starlight… I truly pity you the most. What kind of father is he if he cannot support or even believed in his own daughter to do what she can? He can't even accept who she is and let her be happy with hers."
"Shut up!"
"I am truly relieved that he disowned you, so it proved me that he doesn't have what it takes to be a good father. Unlike me, I made you who you are. I am the father you truly wanted the most. A better father than he can never become."
Though angered and furious by Amon's insult, Starlight remained calm and thought of what he has said. She knew he was right about her and her father, but she missed something else. She slowly and firmly got up to face him again.
"Maybe you're right. I've always thought of you as a father. More than Firelight." Starlight admitted firmly with tears. She sighed firmly, "But he is still my father by blood while you're just my mentor. I chose not to talk with him because I couldn't stand with him embarrassing me. But it was my fault as well, I should have talked with him and tell him how I felt. And maybe, he and I would been closer. I love him very much, just as he loved me too! You can never take that place, Amon."
Amon narrowed his firm eyes, "Show me how much you love your father! Prove to me!"
Starlight and Amon charged towards at each other again. Just as they began punching and kicking at each other, she swiftly and calmly dodged and evaded the attacks by him. Just he launched a punch on her, she managed to block and grab his before kicked him hard. She approached towards him. Just as he swung couple of punches, she blocked and deflected the attacks before punched back for couple of times. Both of them continued punching and kicking at each other for few rounds.
Just as they launched punches on each other's, they swiftly moved back for the moment. Armed with their punch, they screamed out loud as they charged and landed on each other's. Starlight dodged the attack before punched on his face, which thrown Amon straight at the staircase. Sunburst and the students have just arrived at the scene. They were shocked and surprised by it. They also commented happily to her.
As Amon slowly got up from the ground, Starlight and her group armed themselves for the next fight. Instead of continuing the fight, he grabbed and thrown the mask at her. Everyone's surprise by Amon's gesture.
"Well done, daughter," Amon mocked as he summoned Dark Mystic Portal. While slowly and calmly entered the portal, he spoke calmly, "Now show this to your true father. Let him know that we're not together again…"
The portal disappeared at once. Starlight and her group sighed in relief that the fight.
"Well, good news is that we've taken care of the bad guys," Bella commented.
Ocellus sighed, "Bad news is that they've got away."
"More bad news is that we have to smooth things over with our parents on top of finding and solving a friendship problem." Starlight said in shame and guilty while looking at Amon's mask, "I doubt my dad would forgive me after I've shown him the memory…"
Sunburst groaned, "Don't remind me…"
Kindy hummed thoughtfully, "Have you guys actually that the friendship problem is your relationship with your parents?"
"Gimme a break, Kindy," Bella grumbled, "How can parents be 'friendship problem'?"
Ocellus gave some thoughts, "Actually, he's right. From what I've learned from Silverstream and adventures Headmare Twilight and her friends been through, friendship problem is not necessary 'friendship' but rather the ponies and their relationship with each other and the world. So therefore, the problem has been Counselor Starlight, Mr. Sunburst and their parents from the start."
"Seriously?!" Bella asked in disbelief.
Starlight and Sunburst looked shocked and disbelieved of what they just heard. They facepalmed and facefaulted to the ground. They both groaned angrily and annoyingly as they couldn't believe that they didn't realize about it from the start.
Back at Starlight's Old Home; Firelight, hurt and sad, was wiping off his theories from the chalkboard, with his daughter's old blanket. Starlight has returned and found her father in the library. She was accompanied by Kindy.
"Dad?" Starlight Glimmer called, surprising her father,
Refused to face his daughter, Firelight greeted in hurt yet dry and angry tone, "Hello, Ms. Glimmer. How is your friendship problem search going?" He whimpered a bit, "I only ask as an interested observer, since I know you are an adult who's capable of doing things without help from anypony else especially the jealous and useless father like me. I'm sure Amon helped you out."
"Actually, it's she kicked Amon's flank," Kindy corrected.
Firelight was surprised as he turned and looked at Starlight. She approached to him while showing her mentor's mask, "Yeah. He sort of advise me to kick his ass to prove that I really love you more than him."
"Huh… I did not expect that. I thought he was gonna adopted you to be his daughter and become 'Equalizer' for 'saving the world'." Firelight commented in surprise, "For once in my lifetime, I'm glad he gave a better advice to you. So, does that solve your friendship problem? Stellar and I weren't really helpful after all."
"Well, we haven't actually solved it." Starlight disagreed. She looked at her father sincerely. She pleaded, "And I don't think we can. Not without you."
Firelight was surprised by Starlight's gesture and asking. He couldn't help but smiled warmly that his daughter has finally asked him to help her problem.
Stellar Flare was at the Perfume Stall. While writing down on her notepad, she then tested one of the perfumes on herself. She yelped before coughed in disgust over the scent she has smelled.
"Pungent. Ugh." Stellar Flare coughed. She then found Sunburst, Ocellus in her Earth Pony form and Bella approached to her. She asked dryly and annoyingly, "Oh. Did you come by to be driven crazy by more of your mother's plans?"
"No, I came to apologize." Sunburst answered calmly.
Stellar Flare huffed in upset tone, "Well, it's going to take more than an apology to make up for telling me you don't want my help finding your friendship problem."
Sunburst smirked as he answered, "Oh, I'm not sorry for that. The students already figured out what the problem is."
"This is a terrible apology." Stellar Flare commented in disbelief.
"Well, you did start the mess," Bella commented, prompted Ocellus to nudge on her elbow.
Ocellus cleared her throat and explained, "What Mr. Sunburst and Bella meant is that we know the problem, but it requires some important assistance, Mrs. Flare."
Sunburst nodded in agreement, "Well, if you come with us and help fix it, I'll give you a better one."
Stellar Flare was touched and relieved that Sunburst has finally asked for her help. And hopefully, she doesn't want to mess it up again.
Starlight, Sunburst and their students brought their parents out to town square. They can begin the discussion about the friendship problem.
Starlight smiled and explained, "Usually, Twilight or one of our other friends gets called to a place with a friendship problem to fix."
"Thanks to our students," Sunburst said calmly while pointed at the students, "Starlight and I realized we came here to fix a friendship problem we already had."
Starlight approached to Firelight, "I'm sorry I've been avoiding coming home, Dad. And not to mention, I chose Amon over you. But you can't keep treating me like a foal."
"I'm sorry, sugarbun." Firelight apologized humbly but stopped realized of his mistake as he found Starlight was annoyed. He sighed in embarrassed tone, "I just know how hard things were for you when you left home. And of course, I'm worried that you might go into a wrong crowd like that lunatic masked pony. I guess I wanted you to feel safe, like... when you were young."
Touched and understand her father's concerns, Starlight said calmly, "Dad, I know I've made some mistakes, and I'll probably make a bunch more. But I learn from them. I think that's what growing up is."
"I guess you're right. I have to learn to treat you as a grown mare, not a little girl. And of course, doing my best to give you advice you need," Firelight said humbly and calmly as he gave his daughter a warm hug, "Starlight, forget what I've said about disowning you. I'm proud to call you, my daughter."
Starlight smiled as she hugged her father back, "Thanks, dad. I'll always love you too."
Sunburst apologized humbly to Stellar Flare, "I'm sorry I never told you how much your plans bothered me, and I know you just want me to succeed. But I need to do that on my own."
Stellar Flare sighed as she sadly looked at her son, "I remember how lost you were when you flunked out of magic school. I thought as long as you had a plan, you'd never feel that way again."
"You don't have to worry, Mom. I need to find my own way." Sunburst said humbly and calmly as he hugged his mother, "And I definitely don't feel lost anymore because I have my own girlfriend."
Stellar Flare sighed, "Hopefully you and her have good life."
As the parents and children were having tender moment of hugging each other, they then soon find out their cutie marks were glowing brightly. Starlight and Sunburst smiled proudly and happily as they have solved the friendship problems. The students awed happily to see it.
"I loved happy endings!" Ocellus said tearfully and happily. Just as she blew her nose, she accidentally transformed back into her true form. The ponies gasped in shock and surprise of what they saw. She blushed in red while waved, "Uh, hi!"
Firelight and Stellar Flare looked at Starlight and Sunburst as both of them laughed uneasily and nervously about it. They have some explanation to do.
Starlight and her group made their way to the train station, accompanied by Stellar Flare and Firelight. They explained about Ocellus being a good Changeling, which both parents have warmed up to her.
"The glowing cutie mark is such a symbol of accomplishment." Stellar Flare commented, "I don't suppose there's a way for you to get it to glow all the time."
Sunburst chuckled a bit, "Pretty sure it doesn't work that way."
Starlight nodded in agreement, "Not unless we solved a friendship problem every few seconds, and I kinda hope this one will be it for a while."
Firelight hummed thoughtfully, "You know, it seems to me your map is saying we're not just your parents. Heh. We're your friends, too."
"Told ya!" Kindy and Ocellus exclaimed happily.
Starlight giggled a bit, "I guess so."
"So if I promise to treat you less like a little filly and more like a friend, will you visit more?" Firelight asked hopefully.
"Absolutely." Starlight answered happily as she hugged her father.
"And if you start to drive me crazy again," Sunburst threatened playfully at his mother, "I'll tell you instead of never coming home."
"That's lovely of you to say, dear." Stellar Flare nodded in understanding. She hummed thoughtfully, "But you know, I can always visit you."
"Stellar, you're a genius!" Firelight exclaimed happily, "How do you feel about a road trip?"
Stellar Flare smiled as she held couple of scrolls out, "I might have a few plans for that."
Starlight and Sunburst looked shock and concern before facefaulted to the ground hard. The students giggled playfully about them.
"Say, Kindy, how did you know it was their parents being Friendship Problem?" Ocellus asked in surprise.
"Because I have the same problem with my family too," Kindy admitted shamefully yet upset tone, surprising his friends. He continued, "I'm never gotten along well with my father. And not to mention, I'm jealous of my brother and cousins. I'll never be good as them."
Ocellus and Bella were in shock and surprise. They couldn't believe in their own ears and eyes. They approached and gave Kindy a comfort hug, making him surprise yet relieved.
"To us, Kindy, you're a good friend," Ocellus said humbly.
Bella nodded, "If you need anything, you call us to be there and help you out. It's what friends do."
Touched by his friends' words, Kindy sighed as he gave his friends comfort hug, "Thank you, guys. Thank you very much."
"We're friends, duh," Bella commented.
Ocellus nodded, "Indeed, we are."
Starkiller has managed to escape and returned to Golden Jade Palace. Inside the throne chamber, he bowed humbly to the ground as he presented the greenish-colored Soul Gem of Azulong before his master. Nezha, sitting down on his throne chair, smiled proudly yet calmly, along with Death Tactic. They both are pleased with the results.
"Well done, Starkiller. Four down, nine more to go…" Nezha said in pleasant tone.
END…
Review and Suggest…
Main Casts:
Kelly Sheridan: Starlight Glimmer
Ian Hanlin: Sunburst
Devyn Delton: Ocellus
Steve Staley: Kindy Dragoon
Myrna Velasco: Bella Anime
Minor Casts:
Trish Pattendon: Stellar Flare
Adam Greydon Reid: Firelight
Jinjara Mitchell: Ever Essence
Dolores Drake: Raspberry Latter
Jennifer Copping: Minty Mocha
Sam Wither: Starkiller
Michael Fassbender: Amon Blood Statham
Neil Ross: Guildenstern
Cameo:
Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle
Jesse McCartney: Lance Justicestrike
Hayden Panettiere: Shiroi Bai
Sean Schemmel: Nezha Vengito