Can the Elements of Harmony stop the Eater of Worlds?
Everything was normal. The sun was shining, the ponies were bustling, and life was all over the place. However, the arrival of a strange, silver humanoid changed everything. Now it's up to Twilight and her friends to find out who the creature is and why it came here. Little do they know that the creature's presence signifies the coming of an incredibly powerful being. And he is hungry.
(All characters from Marvel and MLP are my re-imaginings. I own nothing.)
It was a warm sunrise in Ponyville. The birds were chirping their songs, the sun was shining over the land, and Twilight Sparkle was in bed at the royal castle in Canterlot. She was sound asleep, snoring loudly. Saving Equestria was a tiring job, as she was currently showing. It was time for the sun to rise. Twilight slowly opened her eyes and yawned. She woke up to see Spike sorting out scrolls and pens.
"Good morning, Twilight!" Spike chimed. "What would the 'Princess of Equestria' like to have for breakfast?"
Twilight smiled. She got out of her bed, then started brushing her mane. "Good morning Spike." She replied. "Why are you asking me what I want for breakfast? You know that I get my meals from the Royal chefs."
"I know. It's just that moving to the royal castle still needs some getting used to."
"Try having wings that you weren't born with." Twilight smiled. "So, what's on the to-do list?"
"Well, let's see," Spike checked. "We have a scheduled appearance at the Crystal Empire, tax speech,-"
"Wait, the Crystal Empire?"
"Yeah. Word travels fast Twilight. Your brother wanted to congratulate you personally."
"Splendid!" Twilight put down her brush and clapped her hooves. "After everything that's happened, I just wanna see my brother again."
Spike nodded. "Also, you promised a picnic with your friends. Remember?"
"That's right," Twilight recalled. "Well, it looks like we'll have to have it at the Crystal Empire."
"Great! I'll get our things ready." Spike started to grab clothes and stuff them in suitcases. Twilight smiled and rolled her eyes.
"Well, I guess I better start the day."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Are you sure you want to go Twilight? With everything that's happened and the six keys, are you sure you don't want to stay here?"
"No thanks, Princess Celestia. Canterlot is not the only city in Equestria. Besides, the keys could be somewhere in the Crystal Empire."
Princess Celestia nodded in agreement. The train station was empty due to the royal's presences. The Elements of Harmony were at the station also, waiting for the train.
"Okay. Be sure to stay safe. All of you." Princess Celestia nuzzled Twilight.
"Don't worry! We always look out for each other!" Rainbow Dash interrupted. Twilight gave her an annoyed look. Rainbow smiled nervously. Twilight then turned to Princess Celestia.
"We will Princess. We will."
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"Herald, I hunger once again..." A loud voice boomed in the cosmos. A silver, humanoid being levitated on a silver board next to the voice. "But Master," the silver being concurred. "I have searched far and wide, but to no avail. I have not found a source of nourishment for you to consume."
"You think I don't know what you do? I know that you hide and protect those planets in which intelligent beings live on."
"But Master-"
"Now, find me a sedation to my hunger in the cosmos now, for I feel the worse to come."
The silver being sighed. "But Master-"
"No buts, my herald, for even now my sister, Death, approaches nearer to me..." The voice commanded him.
"Yes...my Master." The silver being said, with sorrow. He then flew with great speed towards the cosmos, in search of his master's next meal. Little did he know, that his search would not take long.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The train came to a stop. The snow blew hard against the land. All that could be seen was a sea of white.
"We have arrived at the Crystal Empire! Please grab your items and personal belongings. Have a nice day!" The train conductor announced.
"Welp, this is our stop!" Applejack told the Elements.
"I cannot wait for our picnic Twilight! I just love going to the Crystal Empire!" Rarity sung.
"I like the way my mane gets all 'crystally'!" Pinkie Pie chirped. Rarity looked at Pinkie with a surprised look.
"Me too..." She whispered.
"Girls. We're not just here for fun." Twilight told them. The Elements turned to her in attention. "The Crystal Empire could possibly be a location for one of the six keys."
Rainbow walked closer to Twilight. "But I thought we were gonna have a picnic Twilight."
Twilight blinked. "Oh. Right. Well, we need to search for the keys AFTER our picnic."
They all nodded in agreement, then grabbed their suitcases. They left the train and started walking towards the Crystal Empire. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The silver being soared through the stars. I must find a planet for my Master to consume... He thought to himself. He surfed on, until something caught his attention. Something unusual, and not common in the galaxy. He flied towards the anomaly, and found an amazing sight. There, was a planet, with a star and a moon orbiting around it.
Strange... The silver being thought. "My Master, I believe I have found something. It's not like anything I have ever seen."
"What is it, my herald?" The voice questioned.
"I have found a planet with it's sun and moon orbiting around it, rather than the planet orbiting the star."
"I see..." Said the voice with slight interest. "Go forth and perform your analysis of the planet."
"Yes, my Master." The silver being replied. "I shall go." He then flew towards the planet, in a streak of bluish light.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Twily, what's wrong?"
The voice of her brother shook Twilight Sparkle out of her trance. "Sorry Shining Armor. It's just that...ever since we saved everypony from the seeds Discord placed on the Tree of Harmony, and discovered the existence of the six keys, I've just felt that with everything I know so far, I still have more to learn."
Shining Armor held Twilight close. "Don't worry Twily. Everything you need to know will soon come to you. In time."
Twilight smiled at him. "Thanks Shining Armor."
"So, how's it like? Being a ruler?"
"Well, it's not quite as difficult as I thought," Twilight smirked. "I've read just enough books to know the protocol. Plus, I've had a little experience with the guards as well."
"So have I," Shining Armor replied. "I hope that I am able to lead this region with honor and fortitude, should the time come."
"Hey guys! Come over here! The picnic is ready!" Shouted Rainbow Dash from a distance.
Twilight Sparkle turned to Shining Armor. "I guess we should get over there." Shining Armor nodded. He and Twilight left, as Twilight gave one more glance to the sky. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The streak flew through the air at blinding speed. The snow zoomed past him, as he journeyed through the Frozen North. "I have found nothing so far. I seem to be at the north region of the planet." He carried on, deeper into the storm. "Perhaps this planet is a barren, snow-filled globe..." Suddenly, a faint image of a castle started to appear. "Wait, what is this?" He pondered. "It appears to be a...kingdom of sorts." He flew closer to the image. "Perhaps this does indeed have life. I shall invest-" Suddenly, his board hit the magical barrier. He flips off the board, launching him through the air. He landed, through the mirage, in a park. Unconscious, the board also crashed next to him.
Nearby, a yellow pegasus with a pink mane saw him crash down. "Oh my!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"What is it Fluttershy?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Somepony crashed...over there!" She exclaimed.
Twilight stood up. "Somepony crashed?"
Fluttershy nodded. "But...it didn't look like a pony..."
Twilight raised her eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"I-I don't know..."
"Let's go check it out y'all!" Applejack chimed. "Whoever or WHATever this is, it needs our help."
"Applejack's right," Twilight agreed. "Let's go."
The ponies galloped towards the crash site. There they saw it. A strange, metallic, ape-like creature next to a silver surfboard. The creature seemed to be unconscious, as smoke was rising from both of them.
"Where do you think it came from?" Rarity asked.
"I don't know," Twilight said. "But it looks hurt."
"I'm going to get some medics," Shining Armor spoke. "Cadence, come with me." Shining Armor and Cadence began to make their way towards the kingdom.
"Do you think it'll be okay?" Fluttershy asked.
"I hope so! That way, I can throw a Welcome-to-Equestria-please-don't-let-Galactus-eat-our-world party!" Pinkie chirped.
Everyone stared at Pinkie. Their faces were a mix of confusion, bewilderment, and bemusement.
"Pinkie, ah swear, one of these days..." Applejack started.
"Look! It's getting up!" Spike shouted.
The ponies averted their gaze towards the silver being. It was slowly starting to gain consciousness. It opened it's eyes, waking to the view of the colored equines in front of him. He stood up, emotionless towards the ponies. So there is life on this planet... The being thought.
Twilight was the first to speak. "Hello! I'm not sure if you understand me, but my name is Twilight Sparkle. I welcome you to Equestria on behalf of our race." Twilight came closer. "May I ask what your name is?"
"My name?" The being asked.
"Hey! Check this out!" Pinkie shouted.
The being turned to see one of the pink equines attempting to mount his board. No... The board then sent an electric charge to her, sending her flying. She landed a few feet away from the crash site.
"Oh no you didn't!" Shouted Rainbow Dash. She launched herself at him. The being barely evaded her dive. "Nopony hurts my friends and gets away with it!"
"Rainbow, wait!" Twilight intervened.
The being ran towards his surfboard. He mounted himself on it, then launched into the air. "Not so fast!" Shouted Rainbow Dash, as she began to give chase to the being.
This creature chasing me is surprisingly quick. The being thought to himself, as the cyan pegasus was right on his heels. "Life confirmed. The inhabitants of this planet are a variant species of equines."
"Look buddy, I don't know why you're talking to yourself," Rainbow addressed him. "But that doesn't mean you can attack my friends!" Rainbow flapped her wings harder, increasing her speed. She was just at his side. A Sonic Rainboom oughta knock him out! Rainbow started to flap even faster, a small cone started to form around her front hooves. Almost...there!
The being started to notice her in front of her. The creature is picking up speed. He realized.
Come on! The cone then broke, creating a Sonic Rainboom. The shockwave spread out.
I must increase my speed if I want to avoid hitting the blast radius. The being crouched down, as he went into light-speed. He left behind a blue streak, knocking Rainbow Dash into a tumble.
Rainbow struggled to stay in the air. She looked at the silver being, who was a far distance away from her. "What are you?" Rainbow asked herself. "Why did you come here?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Shining Armor bursted into the hospital, breathing heavily. "I need medical assistance!" He ordered. "ASAP!" The first-aid response ponies quickly came to him.
"You go with them, Shining Armor. I'll contact Princess Celestia." Shining Armor nodded, as he started to order the ponies around. Cadence entered the family restroom and locked the door. She then cast a spell on the mirror, creating a visual portal between the restroom and Canterlot. Princesses Celestia and Luna were there, darkness behind them. "Celestia. Luna."
The princesses turned to Cadence. "Cadence...why are you in a bathroom?" Celestia asked.
"Yes. It was the only place of privacy I could find." Cadence replied. "Listen, do you remember when you told me that secret when I was a young mare?"
The princesses nodded. "Yes. What about it?" Celestia asked.
"The Silver Surfer has arrived."
Princess Celestia closed her eyes. "It has begun..."
Pinkie Pie lifted her eyelids slowly. She gave a little groan, as she started to regain consciousness.
Twilight heard her stirring and went to her. "Pinkie! Are you okay?" She asked, worriedly. "Is anything broken?"
Pinkie sat up on her haunches. "I don't think so," She slowly got up on all fours. She then gave a smile. "Nope! Nothing is hurt! I'm a-okay!"
Twilight sighed in relief. "Good."
"Where'd everypony go?" Pinkie Pie chirped.
"They went to follow Rainbow Dash. It's just me and Spike here. We stayed to help you."
"Yeah!" Spike spoke. He then lowered his voice. "How did it feel? Did it hurt?"
"Oh, no! Not much! It just felt like goosebumps traveling up and down my body!" Pinkie said, as she started nodding her head slowly. "Up and down! Up and down! Up and down!"
"Well, we're glad you're okay." Twilight said, as she turned to Spike. "Spike, take a no-"
Suddenly, a scroll appeared in front of Twilight then dropped to the ground. "Huh. Whaddya know. A letter from the Princess," said Spike. He picked it up and started to read it. "Dear Twilight, it has come to my attention that something has occurred while you were at the Crystal Empire. In light of these events, an emergency meeting has been called. Bring you and your friends to Canterlot immediately. We may be needing your assistance. Sincerely, Princess Celestia."
Twilight grabbed the scroll using her magic. "I guess word travels fast," she concluded.
"You could say it travels at the speed of sound!" Pinkie Pie chimed.
"Pinkie! You and Spike go and tell the others to get ready to leave."
"Okie-Dokie-Loki!" Pinkie saluted, then hopped off with Spike to join the others.
I guess I better get Cadence and Shining Armor too. We'll probably need all the help we can get. Twilight thought to herself. Her horn glowed a purple aura, then she disappeared, teleporting to the hospital.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cadence opened the door to the hospital bathroom. Her husband was there, with a squad of EMTs ready behind him. "Cadence, are you alright? You've been in there for a while." He asked, worried about her.
"I'm fine," she replied. "I just needed to-"
Suddenly, a popping noise was heard, as a flash of light illuminated the lobby. There, standing in the middle of the EMTs, was Twilight Sparkle. "Twily!" Shining Armor moved towards his sister. "How is your friend? Is she okay?"
"She's fine, Shining Armor," she answered. "Thankfully, there's no need for emergency crew."
"I see."
"I came to tell you that the Princess needs our help." She handed the scroll to Shining Armor, who took it and began to read. "Apparently, they've heard about our encounter with the silver being, and are calling us back to Canterlot for an emergency meeting." Twilight looked at Shining Armor as he read. "I think it would be better if you and Cadence come along with us."
Shining Armor rolled up the scroll when he finished. He gave Twilight a sad look. "You know we can't do that Twilight. Me and Cadence have responsibilities to take care of here in the kingdom."
Twilight sighed. "I guess you do." She said, gloomily.
"Trust me," Shining Armor reassured. "I would love nothing more than to help my little sister with royal affairs, but I just can't at the moment." Shining Armor then nuzzled her, giving her comfort. "But whatever the task, whatever the mission, I know you are able to overcome it Twily. I will always believe in you."
Twilight smiled. "Thanks, Shining Armor. I can always trust in you."
"Hey. What's a BBBFF for?" He said. Twilight and him shared a hug for a moment, then split apart.
"Good luck Twilight. We believe in you." Cadence said, as she bid her farewell when she left. You're going to need it... She thought, worryingly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Rainbow Dash! Where are you!"
Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy were looking for her in the skies, searching for any trace of her. Earlier, they saw parts of a distant Sonic Rainboom and started following the trail.
"Rarity! You don't have to yell so loud! Especially not next to me!" Applejack complained.
"Well! I'm sorry if I hurt your precious ears looking for our friend." Rarity huffed.
"Umm, guys..." Fluttershy tried to intervene.
"What are you sayin'? That I don't give a hoot about our friend?" Applejack said, with anger in her voice.
"Umm, guys..." Fluttershy squeaked.
"Not at all," Rarity argued. "I'm just saying it would help tremendously if you helped me search for her. I haven't heard YOU calling for her." Rarity accused.
"Guys, Rainbow is-"
"Now hold on a minute! I AM helping you guys search! Ah'm looking all over the sky for her, instead of yelling out like a chicken running from a timberwolf."
"Guys, Rainbow is over-"
"WHY I NEVER!" Rarity huffed. "First of all, I do not, in any form or way, sound like a chicken! Secondly-"
"Guys, Rain-"
"Hold on, sugarcube," Applejack interrupted. "There's Rainbow Dash!" She pointed toward the horizon, as they saw a cyan pegasus with a familiar multicolored mane, hovering over them.
"Hey guys," Rainbow "Why did you all follow me?"
"We thought you would need some assistance." Rarity answered.
"Yeah...assistance..." Fluttershy whispered.
"Are you alright Dash?" Applejack asked.
"I'm fine," she responded."But I'm a bit...confused."
"How so, darling?" Rarity asked.
"When I did the Sonic Rainboom, I thought I could knock him out," Rainbow recollected. "But it didn't even phase him! He just went...faster!" Rainbow crossed her front legs. "He just went through it like it was just a puff of smoke!"
"Interesting..." Applejack replied.
"Guys! Guys!" The four turned to see Spike and Pinkie coming towards them. Spike stopped in front of them, trying to catch his breath. "I came to tell you-" he started panting wildly."I came to tell...I came to tell you that-"
"All of us need to go back to Canterlot, ASAWPCBPRN!" Pinkie finished for him.
They all stared at her, except for Spike, who was still catching his breath. "Yeah! What she said..." He breathed out.
"ASA what?" Rainbow asked.
"As Soon As We Possibly Can But Preferably Right Now!" She answered.
"Oh." Rainbow understood.
"Go back to Canterlot? But why?" Rarity asked.
"Apparently, Twilight got a letter from Princess Celestia that said we all have to go back to Canterlot for an emergency meeting!" Pinkie informed them. "I think it might have something to do with the Silver Surfer."
"The Silver what?" Applejack asked.
"The Silver Surfer! I named him that because he's silver and he rides a surfboard! Silver Surfer!" Pinkie began repeating the name, as she jumped around them.
"Great. She's giving it a name now." Rainbow said, with a tone of exasperation.
"Welp, y'all heard her. The Princess wants us to return back to Canterlot immediately. Let's mosey on out y'all!" Applejack said, prompting the ponies to start heading their way back to the train station.
"Wa-wait!" Spike said, still out of breath. "Just let me...catch my breath..."
Applejack sighed, then approached him and knelt down. "Here, hop on sugarcube."
"Thank you... AJ." He wheezed, as he climbed onto her back, traveling with them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"We were warned that the Surfer would return," Princess Luna told her sister. "We were not told, however, when."
"Or what to do for when he comes." Celestia added.
The royal sisters were in the throne room, their guards placed outside the door. "We must find a way to stop the Surfer, dear sister. The last time he came to our world, he nearly destroyed all our defenses. Had it not been for that Watcher-"
"A Watcher?" Princess Celestia asked Luna. "What is this 'Watcher'?"
Luna closed her eyes, beginning to tell her sister the story.
"A thousand years ago, when you banished me to the moon," Luna said, pained by the memory. "Nightmare Moon was still in control of me, but I could still see through my eyes. What I saw was an ape-like creature, with an abnormally large cranium." Luna looked at Celestia. "Nightmare Moon also noticed him. He never talked back, but he was always watching Equestria. We called him 'the Watcher'." Luna said, as she started to recollect. "Our parents told us of a being similar to him..."
"I see." Celestia said, understandingly.
"Shall I send the Surfer a subconscious request?" Luna asked.
"Yes, my sister." Celestia told her. "It is imperative that we start negotiations with the Surfer."
Luna nodded, then closed her eyes, now searching for the Silver Surfer.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The train screeched to a halt once it reached Canterlot. "We have arrived at Canterlot!" The conductor boomed.
"Finally," Rainbow said, relieved for the trip to end. "I hate being cramped in enclosed spaces."
The six ponies grabbed their items and quickly got off the train. The sight of the glorious Canterlot castle glimmered as dusk approached. Twilight and her friends left for the castle, leaving Spike to care for their luggage. They ran as quick as they could towards the castle. "Once we're there," Rainbow asked. "What is it that we need to do?"
"Princess Celestia wants you guys to stand outside the doors of her quarters." Twilight answered. "Since I am now a princess, I will join her and Luna in the meeting with the alien."
The castle was now in their view. They stopped to rest, when Applejack spoke. "Well, good luck Twilight." Applejack said. "Just remember, whatever you do, we're with ya, a hunner' percent."
Twilight smiled. "Thanks Applejack. Thank you all." She glanced at the castle. "I can teleport from here. Spike!" She called the dragon.
Spike grunted and wheezed, then finally landed behind her, dropping all the luggage to the ground. "Hold on!" He coughed. "Whoo! I need to get more exercise..."
"Spike," Twilight commanded. "Come with me."
"Alright..." He said, still panting. He got on top of her, as she started her spell. She then disappeared, leaving the rest of her friends with their luggage.
"I wish I had the Power Cosmic like Silver Surfer!" Pinkie rang. "That would make carrying these bags and suitcases MUCH more easier!"
Rainbow shook her head and smiled. "Oh Pinkie, you're so random!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The surfer stopped next to a tree. He hovered above the ground, then sat down on his board. "I have an energy based barrier surrounding a kingdom. This barrier protects the lifeforms from the frigid temperatures of the outside." The surfer looked at his surroundings. He saw the large, transparent castle in the distance. He decided to rest for the moment. The surfer closed his eyes, and started meditating. In the middle of his meditation, however, a female voice cut in to his consciousness.
"Surfer...are you there?" the voice asked.
"Who is this?" the surfer communicated telepathically. "And how were you able to access my subconscious?"
"My name is Princess Luna, of Equestria." The voice continued. "I am one of the leaders of this world. I used a dream message spell to contact you."
"Contact me?" he asked. "For what reason?"
"Me and my sister, Princess Celestia, are requesting a meeting with you." She said. "We want to negotiate with you on matters involving our kingdom. We invite you to the Royal Castle in Canterlot for our negotiations."
"Very well," The surfer agreed. "I shall meet with you and your sister. But how shall I find this Canterlot?"
"I will place a magic beacon over the castle. It will be viewable to anypony looking in the sky. You should be able to find it."
The surfer then opened his eyes and looked upwards. There, in the sky, was a large, glowing blue sphere that pinpointed a location far away. "That is my destination. I shall now go to meet with the inhabitants." The surfer ascended his surfboard up. "This will be the moment to tell them of their fates."
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Twilight reached the main door for the throne room. Spike jumped off of her back and stood next to her. "You stay outside and wait for the rest of the girls to arrive. I'll be inside with the princesses."
"Okay Twilight." Spike saluted.
Twilight smiled, as she entered the throne room. Spike stood outside and waited for the rest to arrive. He leaned on the door, crossed his arms, and waited. And waited. And waited. Spike sighed, as he started whistling. Suddenly, a high-pitched, female voice shocked him. "HIYA SPIKE!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed.
Spike yelped and fell to the floor. He rubbed his head and looked up to see the pink Earth pony smiling at him."Hey Pinkie," Spike said to her. "Where are the others?"
"Right here!" A voice behind him said. He turned to see Rainbow Dash hovering next to Rarity, Applejack, and Fluttershy. "So, where's Twilight?"
"She told me to wait outside with you guys while she has a meeting with the princesses."
"I see," Rarity understood.
"Can't say this ain't familiar." Applejack said. "One moment we're all in the Crystal Empire, the next we're all back in Canterlot, waitin' for Twilight to come out."
"I wonder what she's talking about in there..." Fluttershy spoke.
"I dunno, but I think it might have something to do with that surfer thing we encountered earlier."
"That silver menace," Rainbow said angrily. "It hurt Pinkie Pie."
"Not really!" Pinkie chirped. "It was just a small shock, but I'm a-okay!"
Rainbow huffed in contempt for the surfer. "Sure..."
The door then opened, as Princess Celestia exited out with Twilight. "All of you, please come in. I have the feeling we will need the Elements' involvement in this." They all stared at each other for a moment, then entered in with the princess.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"This meeting is important for the fate of all of Equestria," Twilight explained. "Princess Celestia felt that we could help in a crisis like this."
"Crisis?" Applejack asked. "Twilight, what are you talking about?"
"Well, you know that silver being we encountered earlier today?" Twilight responded.
"The one I chased?" Rainbow asked.
"Yes. Well, he's not the one we should focus on."
"Whatever do you mean, darling?" Rarity asked.
"You see-"
"The surfer has arrived..." Luna interrupted.
Everypony turned to the balcony. There, in the moonlight, was a blue streak approaching the castle. It quickly got closer, until it was over the balcony. Descending slowly, the surfer hovered slightly above the ground. He levitated in front of them, with the same emotionless stare on his face. "I am here. Now, what is it that you want to discuss?"
"What I want to discuss is why you hurt my friend and just ran away?! That's just not right, buddy!" Rainbow said angrily.
"Rainbow Dash, please." Twilight said, trying to calm her down.
"No! This guy has a LOT to answer for, and one way or another, he will answer for his mistake!"
"I did not mean to injure your companion," the surfer replied. "Your friend was messing with an object out of her ken."
"Ken? I don't know anypony named Ken." Pinkie intervened.
"Now, about these negotiations..."
"Right," Twilight said, silencing Rainbow. "We called you here to talk about your arrival to Equestria."
"We know about your master, Surfer." Princess Celestia added. "We know what he does to planets like ours."
"Wait, what? Who is this 'master' she's talking about Twilight?" Rarity asked.
"The Silver Surfer is a scout for a universal force. This force threatened Equestria a long time ago. From what Princess Celestia knows, this force is bent on world domination."
I'm afraid that is incorrect...
Luna raised a brow. "What do you mean that is 'incorrect'?"
Silver Surfer looked at Luna. "How did you-"
"We are still psychically connected, Surfer. I can read your thoughts, even when you're awake."
"I see..."
"What is it you're not telling us, Surfer?" Princess Celestia inquired.
"My master is not after world domination." Silver Surfer told them. "He's after something more larger than that."
"What's that?" Twilight asked.
"Your assumptions are misguided. My master is not after the domination of your world." The surfer then paused. "He's after this planet's energy."
"What do you mean he's after this planet's energy?" Luna asked.
"He intends on consuming your world."
Everypony gasped when he said that. They were all shocked by the surfer's explanation. Princess Celestia was the first to speak. She spoke with a genuine hint of fear that was tangible. "Your master wants to...consume our planet?"
"Yes," The surfer confirmed. "It would be wise to spend your remaining time on this planet around friends and family. There's no use in fighting against it."
Everypony was too stunned to speak. Fluttershy started crying, causing the others to hold her in a hug. Twilight couldn't believe it. Their planet? Her home? Eaten! And there was nothing she could do about it. Nothing but stay with her friends and family as her world falls around her. Helpless to stop it. Unable to do anything. Suddenly, Twilight gave Silver Surfer an angry glare. "No," Twilight defied. "We will not let this happen..."
Everypony stared at Twilight. The surfer furrowed his eyebrows. "You do not understand. Nothing can be done. Your planet is doomed."
"No, YOU don't understand." Twilight retorted. "Do you really think we would simply just let your master do what he wishes without a fight?" Twilight turned to her friends. "I have accomplished many things in this world, all thanks to something truly powerful. Something that evil will NEVER overcome." Twilight turned back to Silver Surfer. "And that is Friendship."
"I agree with Twilight." Celestia stepped forward. "We will not go down easily. We WILL do anything to stop this threat." Princess Celestia stared at him. "Now, we can avoid all of this conflict if you go back to your master and make him turn away from Equestria."
"No," the Silver Surfer responded. "I cannot do that."
"Perhaps I didn't make myself clear," Princess Celestia said, with anger in her tone. Her eyes changed to a glowing white. Her horn was emitting an aura around it. "You WILL go back to your master and leave Equestria alone."
The surfer levitated a few feet more. "No. I cannot do that."
"Then you leave me no choice..." Celestia then pointed her horn at him. "Let this be the first blow of defiance!" She immediately fired a bolt of her magic at the Surfer. He got hit, which knocked him off his surfboard.
"Quick! He's off his board! Attack!" Rainbow shouted. They all charged towards him.
Every planet... The surfer got up from the ground to defend himself. Twilight attacked first, firing a bolt of magic at him. Silver Surfer dodged the attack, then shot a beam of Power Cosmic at her. She barely managed to avoid the beam, as her friends charged him.
"Take this!" Rainbow said, flying towards him at breakneck speed. The surfer grabbed her just before she impacted him and threw her at Rarity and Applejack. His incredible strength knocked the three of them against the wall. They laid, unconscious, on the ground.
"Hey! That's SO not nice!" Pinkie exclaimed. She pulled out her party cannon and aimed at him. "NOpony hurts my friends!" She fired her cannon at him. Immediately, Silver Surfer sent his surfboard in front of the cannon. The blast imploded, blinding Pinkie. "AAAAH! I CAN'T SEE!"
Fluttershy was fed up with her friends being hurt by him. "That's it, Silver Surfer. I didn't wanna do this, but you left me no choice..." Fluttershy closed her eyes and sighed. She then opened them and gave him The Stare. Her eyes stared straight into him, attempting to bore into his soul.
"Your stare," Silver Surfer spoke. "It reminds me of a similar stare that Zarathos has. However, like his stare, yours does not affect me either."
Fluttershy broke her Stare and yelped. She then crawled away from him in fear. Twilight shot another bolt of magic at him, hitting him this time. He was knocked back into a wall. Twilight, Celestia, and Luna then surrounded him, pointing their horns at him. "Like we said, we will not go down without a fight." Twilight told him.
Suddenly, before they fired, his surfboard came and sweeped him away. He floated outside the balcony, then turned to them. "I told you that I cannot stop my master. You would be foolish to stand up against him. Do as I have suggested. You'll find it more comfortable than the choice you are currently taking. Either way, your time in this universe is coming to an end very soon." He then left, speeding off in a blue blur.
"This is far from over." Celestia said. "We need to stop him AND his master."
"We need to know more about his master before we can even think about stopping him." Twilight responded. "But how are we going to know about him, now that the surfer is gone?"
"The surfer may be gone physically," Luna smirked. "But he is not gone mentally..."
"I believe we may be able to maintain contact with the Surfer" Princess Luna told them.
"What do you mean?" Twilight asked.
"Luna used a telepathic spell on the Surfer," Princess Celestia explained. "The spell connected his consciousness with hers."
"Since we are connected, tracking him down is not too difficult." Luna added. "Also, I can read his thoughts."
"Amazing..." Twilight said in awe. "So, you can tell us where he could be?"
"Yes." Luna replied. "Right now, he is outside of Ponyville, in the Everfree Forest."
The Elements gasped in unison. "The Everfree Forest?!" Twilight asked. "We need to find him immediately! The Everfree Forest is too dangerous for him to be there alone!"
Rainbow raised a brow. "Too dangerous for him? Did you just see what he did to all of us? He took all of us down in ten seconds flat!"
"Rainbow is right Twilight," Rarity spoke. "That ruffian effortlessly pushed us aside as if we were nothing! I believe that the Everfree Forest should be more afraid of him."
"Even so, we have to follow him. Nopony threatens Equestria and gets away that easily!" Twilight responded. "We've got to go to the Everfree Forest and take him down."
"But darling, how?" Rarity asked.
"All of you will not be alone," Celestia answered. "Seeing how it reacted to our attacks, it would be wise to go altogether."
"Yes," Luna added. "I will be able to guide all of us to the Surfer as well."
"Then what are we waitin' for?!" Rainbow Dash cut in. "C'mon everypony! We've got a Surfer to wipe out!" Rainbow Dash said, motioning for the door.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The surfer floated over the strange land.
The vegetation is quite unusual for this area, he thought to himself. It is more self-sustaining than the other foliage I have encountered. The treetops block out their sun's rays, shadowing this forest into darkness..."
The surfer trudged on, getting deeper and deeper into the forest. A shadow blurred through the foliage from the side of him. The surfer continued on, until he found refuge near a tree. He stopped there, taking a moment to observe his surroundings.
Terrain is akin to a dark, wooded area with marsh-like qualities. The surfer concluded. Suddenly, a howl was heard nearby him. The surfer turned to the source of the call. At first, he saw nothing in the brush. Then, a pair of glowing eyes appeared from inside the bush. Growls could be heard from around him, as the number of eyes grew. Hostile creatures detected. They are in a circle formation around me.
From the bushes, a pack of timberwolves emerged and starting circling around the Surfer. They growled, as they eyed him curiously. The Surfer prepared himself for an attack. Then, the leader of the pack pounced on him. The timberwolf barely left a mark, as he bounced off the Surfer's body. The other Timberwolves looked at the leader, as he fell to the side. He shook his head then growled at the Surfer.
"I have no time to squander with you creatures." The Surfer said. "Leave me at once."
The Timberwolves paid no attention to his demand, as they all attacked at once. Some bit his arms and legs, while others tried to claw his body. However, nothing they did could damage the Surfer. The Surfer grabbed on of the wolves attacking his leg and tossed him aside. The wolf slammed into a nearby tree, yelping in pain. The Surfer then swung the other wolves off his other arm with one swift movement, leaving two confused wolves with him. He levitated a little over them, as he charged up his beam. Suddenly, the leader of the pack recovered quickly from nearby the and launched himself at the Surfer. Almost immediately, he was burnt to a crisp by a beam of blue light. The wolves turned to see the remnants of their pack leader on the ground. All that was left was a pile of smouldering ashes. They all stared at the Surfer in fear, then ran away as fast as they could away from him. The Surfer brushed off the pieces of ash from his shoulder and continued on into the forest.
"A wooden-based species of Canis is another lifeform that is on this planet." Silver Surfer said. "They appear to function a lot like the wolves of Earth, hunting together in packs..." As the Surfer listed his observations, a pair of blue eyes watched him go deeper into the Everfree. With a buzz of his wings, he flew away.
"It seems to have passed our trap." The changeling recapped. "I must inform my queen immediately"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Elements and the Princesses entered the Everfree forest. They were shocked to find the remains of a lone Timberwolf, reduced to nothing but a pile of ash.
"This creature was incinerated." Celestia spoke. "The Surfer is very powerful. We must be extremely careful in capturing it."
The ponies then traveled deeper into the forest, looking for any clue of the Surfer's trail.
Suddenly, Rarity spotted something off in the bushes.
"It looks like something was here recently." She said.
Twilight went to investigate. In the bush, there was a small space that appeared to be a lookout, surrounded by leaves.
"Whoever was here must've already left." Twilight concluded. "We should look for more of these," she decided. "Maybe the ponies who used these might be able to tell us something about the Surfer."
"Good idea." Celestia agreed. "We must split up in order to find these secret lookouts."
She then turned to face the ponies.
"Applejack, Rarity, you two shall check the east."
AJ and Rarity gave each other bemused looks.
"Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, you two will check the west."
"Okie Dokie Loki!" Pinkie sang.
"Rainbow Dash, we want you to be the aerial scout. Inform us if you see anything out of the ordinary."
Rainbow saluted. "Will do!" She then launched into the air, leaving a rainbow trail behind.
"Twilight, you and your assistant keep going forward."
Twilight looked back at Celestia.
"But what about you Princess?" She asked.
"Me and Luna will stay here to further investigate this area." She replied.
"You and the others can rendezvous back here." Luna added.
"Alright," Twilight sighed. "We'll be back as soon as possible." Twilight assured them.
"We know you won't fail Twilight." Celestia replied, smiling at her.
Twilight nodded, and headed off towards the center of the forest.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Silver Surfer was now deep in the Everfree Forest. The thick fog covered the ground. He stopped near a crevasse and began to overlook it. He got off his board and sat on the edge. Knowing that one of the rulers of the planet can read his every thought, he began to speak out loud instead of recording his thoughts in his mind. Still, it didn't really matter if she could read his thoughts. Her magic will prove to be futile against his master's hunger.
"There seems to be a separation of this forest from the rest of this world. The creatures seem to fear it. This shall make a suitable temporary refuge."
The Surfer was observing his surroundings. The fog blocked most visibility in the chasm. The forest was alive with sounds of the wilderness. Suddenly, the Surfer heard a sound from nearby him. He looked to his right.
"Odd...it appears that the bush over there just moved." he said, realizing its change in position. He looked away, focusing his attention back on the chasm. Again, he heard more rustling sounds, this time more audible. He looked all around him to see an army of bushes completely surrounding him.
"Peculiar... "
Suddenly, a loud buzzing went off around him, as strange, insect-like creatures were around him. The Surfer narrowed his eyes at the organisms.
Intriguing. These creatures look quite similar to the equines I have encountered upon arriving. However, they have traits more closer to insects than equines. This planet does indeed have different sentient races intermingled within it.
One of the changelings finally spoke to him. "You are in Changeling territory, strange creature. All intruders are to be taken to our queen for sentencing."
There is more than one monarchy? Interesting... Silver Surfer thought to himself.
"You are completely surrounded. Resistance is futile." The Changeling spoke.
If I am to know more about this "Queen of the Changelings", I must go along with them. After I gain the knowledge I need, I shall then warn them of their oncoming doom.
"Very well," Silver Surfer replied. "Take me to your designated location."
The changelings confiscated his board and hovered next to him, as they guided him towards their destination: The Hive.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Oh no..." Luna gasped.
"What is it sister?" Celestia asked.
"It seems that the Surfer...has found the Changeling Queen."
Celestia's face grew dark. "We must gather the elements, immediately."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Silver Surfer saw nothing but rock and the light from the torch fire. The cave in which they entered in was small, meaning that he had to crouch to get in. He knew he was getting close, since he could hear the buzzing growing increasingly louder. Finally, they reached the entrance. Two changeling guards stood beside the slab of stone that covered the entry. After one of the changelings talked to the guards, they started to move the stone aside, revealing a spectacular sight. The Surfer observed a giant, insect kingdom, with a giant citadel in the center. The walls were in the shape of honeycombs, as changelings gathered infants from their pods.
Changelings appear to be quite similar to bees from Earth. I hypothesize that their ruler is in the citadel in the center of the hive.
The changelings ushered the Surfer further into the Hive. He could see many buildings, all nearly the same shape, size, and color.
Unlike the equines topside, the changelings do not have any form of recreational ideals. Like bees, they work until their inevitable deaths.
The changelings finally got him to the citadel, where they met two more guards at the doors. After a short conversation, the guards opened the doors and let them in. The throne room was a dark, shadow-filled area with a honeycomb floor. Sitting on the throne was the Changeling Queen, looking bothered and upset.
"Well, what'd you bring me this time?" She asked the group. "Another intruder?"
"Y-yes, your majesty." A changeling replied.
The Queen sighed. "Alright, let us see the intruder." She put so many in her dungeon, she lost interest in these cases long ago. However, when she looked at the intruder, her jaw nearly dropped. It apparently was a large, silver ape, with no fur on it whatsoever. She was in awe. Whatever this thing was, it radiated power. She snapped out of her stupor and cleared her throat. The she gave the being a stern look.
"I am Queen Chrysalis, ruler of the Changelings. You have intruded into changeling territory. State your business."
The Surfer looked at the changelings with vacant eyes.
"I came here to learn more about this planet's inhabitants." He told her. He then looked at her. "I also came here to give you a warning of the end that is to come."
"It would be wise to mind your tongue creature." Chrysalis said spitefully. "You are in my kingdom, and I will not tolerate disrespect."
"I have not come here disrespect anyone. I came here with a warning about a higher power above the skies."
"Above the skies?" Chrysalis raised her brow at this. "Like, not of this world?"
The Silver Surfer nodded.
Queen Chrysalis contemplated, then made her decision.
"Come with me Surfer. I shall show you something."
The Silver Surfer watched, as Chrysalis headed to another tunnel with two guards. He then followed her. They walked down the tunnel, torches lighting the way.
"We've been in hiding underneath the Everfree forest ever since our humiliation at Canterlot by Twilight Sparkle and her brother's wife, Princess Cadence." Chrysalis spoke. "For about a year, we've remained isolated, growing in numbers. When we first recolonized, we were few, and weak. We had a starving population, for I couldn't feed my subjects the love they needed."
"Love?" Silver Surfer questioned. "Your species survives off an emotion?"
"Yes. For that reason, some call us parasites. Others call us vampires. But we're just beings who will do anything to survive. We fear death."
Chrysalis looked at Silver Surfer.
"Do you fear death, Surfer?"
"I am unaffected by the notion."
Chrysalis chuckled. "You are quite a monotonous one."
"I have heard that before."
Chrysalis told the guards to open the locked door in front of her. The guards put in their keys, then opened it. There, standing in the middle of the room, was a blue, glowing object.
"My changelings found this precious gem on a scout mission."
Silver Surfer looked closer, then his eyes widened.
The object was cube-shaped, and radiated power from beyond.
"That is the object of our salvation," Chrysalis told him. "For weeks, my most intelligent changelings have studied it, trying to find out what it could do. We eventually did find out by an accident."
Chrysalis came over next to Silver Surfer.
"One of the changelings grew desperate. He had been starving for days, and decided to try and consume the cube. He bit right into it, and the cube glowed brighter. We thought he would die, but instead, he was feeding off of it. That's when we realized that this cube can be used as a form of sustenance. Our hive has since then grown rapidly. We are now stronger than ever, due to experiments that were done. We took some of the power from the cube and merged it with our bodies. We were made much more durable, more stronger, and we can now heal faster and regrow any limb that has been severed."
Chrysalis smirked.
"Of course, we can regrow limbs only if we will it. Not much you can do if you are headless. We learned that the hard way."
Silver Surfer was surprised at seeing the cube. It radiated with great power.
"Since then, it has caused extreme changes to our species and our kingdom." Chrysalis continued.
"That is why we call it 'Extremis'." she finished. "It is a gurantee for a successful future for a new world."
Suddenly, a guard ran in.
"Queen Chrysalis!" the guard yelled. "The Elements of Harmony are in our tunnels."
Chrysalis's eyes grew wide.
"What?! THEY are here?"
"Yes your majesty."
Chrysalis growled.
"Take the Surfer to a safe location. Leave me here."
The guards went to the Silver Surfer.
He looked at them, then began to follow them.
'I will be able to learn more about these changelings.' he thought, as he walked with them.
When they were all gone, Chrysalis went to the cube. She looked at it, seeing her reflection and admiring it's glow.
"Let's see how those meddling ponies do," she placed her hooves near the cube.
"Against the future."
She then touched it, as power began to flow into her. Her eyes changed from green to blue, as she grew more powerful.
She began to laugh loudly, as the cube glowed brightly in the dark room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Great! We've been spotted!" Rainbow spoke.
The tunnels were complicated, and dark. It reminded them of the time that Diamond Dogs kidnapped Rarity. Except in this case, the bad guys probably won't be as willing to give up easily.
Things went bad quickly when a guard saw them and began yelling.
"C'mon girls!" Twilight said, running. "Follow that guard!"
The six ponies ran behind Twilight, as they followed the yelling. Yhe changeling's yelling muffled however, as the source came from a hole in a wall.
"A secret entrance..." Twilight said.
"Alright everypony! We're going in!" she increased the hidden entrance's size with her magic, as the ponies followed her.
They kept going, with Twilight leading the way. Finally, they saw light at the end, and rushed faster.
They opened the hatch and were taken by surprise at the sight.
There, they saw a large underground hive, buzzing with activity. They looked around, seeing changelings flying dronely. They looked a bit different this time, a little bit more radiant. Twilight then saw a changeling running away quickly.
"There he is! Get him!" Twilight said.
The ponies began to run after him, catching the attention of every changeling they passed. Soon, guards noticed them, and began to chase them.
"Twilight! We've got changelings on our tails!" Applejack shouted at her.
Twilight looked behind them. Sure enough, there were guards flying after them.
"We've gotta lose them. Everypony split up!"
The ponies then split, as Twilight continued chasing the changeling. The guards fell for it, chasing after each seperate ponies, no longer focused on Twilight.
Twilight charged her horn, ready to take down the changeling. He turned a right, and so did Twilight.
Finally, she blasted her spell, hitting the changeling. The spell knocked him off his feet, and stopped him. Twilight finally caught up to him.
"Where is the Queen?" she interrogated. "How many of you are there?"
The changeling smiled.
"I won't tell you, but they will."
Twilight followed his line of sight to see two an entire squad of changelings surrounding her. She looked past them, and saw even more changelings with ger friends. She scowled.
'How could I've been so stupid?' she thought to herself. 'Leading my friends here instead of going back and calling for help from the Princesses...'
"Looks like you and your friends are a bunch of butterflies in a wasp' nest." the changeling sneered.
Twilight glared at him, as she was ready for a fight. Suddenly, a hard object smacked her in the back of her head. She fell down, and began to lose consciousness.
The last thing she saw was her friends yelling at her, before she blacked out.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Twilight woke up to a horrible sight. There she was, her friends surrounded in cocoons around her. In front of her, the changeling queen stood, smirking.
"My my, why if it isn't Princess Twilight Sparkle? What pleasure do I have for your visit to my kingdom?"
Twilight scowled at her.
"You...I thought we had defeated you."
"Why, yes you did Twilight." Chrysalis said. "Well, technically your sister-in-law did, but that doesn't matter now. What matters now is that you are now my prisoner."
Chrysalis smiled.
"I'm sure your precious Princess Celestia would do anything for her fellow princess's safety."
"She would NEVER negotiate with you Chrysalis, and I wouldn't allow her for my sake." Twilight retorted. "Equestria is too valuable to fall to ponies like you."
Chrysalis laughed.
"Fall? Oh no Twilight, Equestria wouldn't fall. There's just going to be some MAJOR social changes, when my changelings feed off all the love that exists. You ponies are adaptable though, aren't you?"
"If you wanted to co-exist among us, we would actually understand and be willing to listen to you Chrysalis." Twilight spoke. "Unfortunately, you chose to seek your goals through force rather than diplomacy. Nothing good ever comes from violence."
Chrysalis smiled.
"Since you are now an alicorn, I can see that you are stronger than before." Chrysalis spoke. "How about we test that theory about violence?"
Chrysalis then attacked with a quick spell.
Twilight barely dodged, as the attack hit a changeling behind her.
The changeling yelled in pain for a short moment, then dissintegrated instantly.
Twilight was surprised about the attack. Usually Chrysalis's magic was green. However, she seemed to be glowing blue now, and her magic was of the same color.
Chrysalis laughed. "You like my new look? Well, I hope you like this too!"
She started charging an attack, ready to fire at Twilight.
Twilight decided to bring up a bubble shield around her, preparing to prevent damage to herself.
Then, Chrysalis blasted her with a beam of pure blue.
The beam broke completely through her shield, hitting Twilight with force. Twilight yelled in pain, as the energy coursed through her, launching her back a few feet.
Her friends gave muffled screams, as they were forced to watch the ordeal, unable to move at all.
Twilight slowly began to get up. Thankfully, her transformation into an alicorn granted her the same god-like durability as the Princesses. However, durability could only last for as much as it could take. The powerful attack Chrysalis gave her was certainly much more powerful than what she used to be. Even in her alicorn state, Twilight grimaced in pain.
Her ribs were broken, as she struggled to stay up. Chrysalis smiled.
"Surprised? Our race have gotten stronger over our years in exile. And now, with this newfound power," Chrysalis walked towards Twilight. "I will rectify a wrong that I did long ago."
Twilight snorted in anger, as she attacked Chrysalis with a magic beam of her own.
Chrysalis chuckled, as she hit Twilight's beam with her own. It easily overpowered Twilight, and burned Twilight to the ground.
After screaming in agony, Twilight opened her eyes. Her fur was smoking, thankfully nothing was burned. However, the feeling of the burn was not prevented. Twilight weakly looked up at Chrysalis, who was now standing above her.
"Now, if you don't mind, I believe it is time for you to die." she said, as she aimed her horn at Twilight.
They say that the Princesses are immortal. Twilight didn't want to find that out right now.
Suddenly, the wall busted down, revealing a silver being on a surfboard, carrying a blue cube.
"Wha-" Chrysalis was blasted with cosmic power and sent through another wall before she completed her word. The changeling guards tried to overwhelm the surfer, but he blasted each of them away. He looked at Twilight, lying down in pain.
He then blasted the cocoons that held her friends. They fell down to the ground, as they coughed and began to move again.
"I will admit, I had doubts about this choice that I am about to make. However, I realize that you attacked me as a desperate tactic to save your world."
Silver Surfer then dropped the cube next to Twilight.
"Perhaps there is still hope for you all. I leave you with this object of great power that these changelings call 'Extremis'. Perhaps you can be able to stop my master with it's help. Besides, this object would be better handled in the hands of individuals that have good intentions."
Silver Surfer then blasted a hole in the roof, letting daylight flood the hive.
"Goodbye, Twilight Sparkle of Equestria." the surfer said, levitating to the newly made hole. "And good luck..."
The surfer left, as Twilight's friends ran to her.
"Twilight! Are you okay?" Fluttershy cried.
"Yes Fluttershy, I'm fine..." Twilight began to stand up, before groaning and falling back down.
Rainbow lifted Twilight by her shoulder.
"I think I have some ribs broken. I can't fly out of here."
"That's not good." Applejack spoke.
"Umm, guys. We should probably get outta here! Changelings are coming from everywhere!" Rainbow said.
They all looked around and saw changelings beginning to fly towards them.
"I'll have to teleport us all out of here!" Twilight said.
"What? Twilight, you've never tried that before. Are you sure that-"
"We don't have a choice Rarity!" Twilight cut off. "I have to do this."
The changelings began to get closer, their buzzing growing louder.
Twilight focused as hard as she can, sweating bullets.
"Twi! They're right on top of us!" Rainbow yelled.
"Almost....got it..."
The changelings all surged up above them, then dived at them in a combined assault.
Twilight yelled, as all six of them embraced each other. Suddenly, they disappeared. The changelings hit nothing but empty floor.
Twilight managed to teleport them just outside the Everfree Forest, all of them landing safely on the ground. They all cried, and hugged each other, grateful to be alive.
That was when Twilight noticed it. There, across from them, was the cube. It glew brightly, attracting the attention of the six mares.
"What do you think it is?" Fluttershy asked.
"I don't know..." Twilight said, as she limped towards the cube.
"But whatever it is, it might just save our world."
"It is a shame that innocents had to be injured" he proclaimed. He looked away, then flew off towards the horizon.
'I feel like I should help these equines somehow, but based on my recent observations, they do not appreciate my presence here." He pondered to himself.
He flew to an isolated area in the Everfree.
'Perhaps I should go encounter the equines directly if I want to progress with them.'
He spots a tree, seeing it as an adequate spot.
'For now, I shall meditate over it...'
He levitated down below the tree, and stayed there, carefully thinking about his plan.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The moon rose above Canterlot, as the princesses and the Elements have rendevouzed back together.
The Elements were all walking towards the throne room, conversing with each other.
"What do you think it does?" Rarity asked, marveling at the cube held in Twilight's magical aura.
"I don't know Rarity. Whatever it is, it's emitting a powerful energy off of it. I can feel it radiating in my magic." Twilight responded. "It feels very similiar to the attacks Chrysalis used on me."
"You mean the ones that nearly... killed you?" Fluttershy whispered.
"Yes..." Twilight responded. "Maybe this cube has something to do with Chrysalis suddenly being stronger."
They entered the throne room, seeing all three of the other princesses, along with Shining Armor, discussing amongst each other. They turned and saw the Elements.
"It is good that you are all here." Celestia said. She looked at Twilight, worry in her face.
Twilight walked in front of her friends to meet Celestia. They nuzzled together.
"Are you alright Twilight?" Celestia asked. "I heard about the event between you and Chrysalis."
"I'm fine Princess Celestia," Twilight replied. "Just a few broken ribs, but I'll heal."
"I'm glad to hear it." Celestia smiled. "I wouldn't know what to do if you were..."
Celestia paused, frowning.
"If I was what, Princess?" Twilight asked.
Celestia shook her head, smiling again.
"Never mind. Let's just talk about your mission."
"Did you all manage to capture the Surfer?" Luna asked.
Twilight grimaced.
"I'm sorry Princess Luna, but we were not able to apprehend him."
Celestia sighed.
"Maybe this mission is out of your power..."
"What do you mean Princess?" Twilight asked.
"The last time we've seen the Surfer, it took both of our parents to sacrifice their lives to save us all." Celestia said, remembering painfully. "They were the strongest of all alicorns when they were living."
Twilight suddenly remembered about the cube.
"Princess, I might have something that could help us."
"What is it Twilight?"
She rummaged through her satchel, and pulled out the cube. It glowed blue, as the Princesses stared in awe.
"What...is that?" Princess Cadence asked.
"I have no idea what it is," she said. "But it gives off a power like no other. I found it in the changeling hive we were in."
"Wait, there is a hive in the Everfree?" Luna asked.
"Yes, and from what we've experienced, the changelings are now stronger than ever. Apparently, they've managed to feed off the energy of this cube. That's why they were stronger when we met them."
Twilight gave the cube to Celestia, who started examining it.
"The surfer gave me it, telling me that the changelings called it 'Extremis'."
"What a weird name." Shining Armor spoke. "Why name it that?"
"I don't know. But I have an idea on how we could use this Extremis to our advantage."
Celestia put the cube on a nearby pedestal.
"Tell us your plan Twilight." Celestia said.
"I believe if we find a way to combine the Extremis with the Elements, we could fight against the surfer's master."
"How do you propose we do that?" Luna inquired.
"I don't know yet," Twilight responded. "Whatever that thing is, it's not of this world. It might take days, even months. Time we do not have." Twilight said.
Suddenly, the doors opened to the throne room. Everyone turned to see an old, white 'stached janitor wearing familiar shades, whistling a tune from the headphones he was wearing.
"Anyways," Twilight continued, putting aside the short distraction.
The janitor started mopping the floor around the throne room, paying no mind to their conversation. Then he saw something peciliuar. A blue cube on a pedestal next to Princess Celestia.
"Oh what's this?" he spoke. "Some sort of magic puzzle cube?"
Twilight then looked at the janitor.
"Hey! Don't touch that. It's a very powerful cube of extraterrestrial origin that we are using for saving the entire-"
Twilight didn't finish his sentence, as the janitor took the cube and twisted it. The cube then miserably shattered into dust.
"Huh," he said. "That's gonna be a hard one..."
The stares that the janitor received would've been palpable, if he wasn't wearing his headphones.
"Do you...do you know...what you've done?" Celestia asked him in disbelief.
The janitor didn't hear, as he picked up the dust and put it in his trash bin.
"WE ARE SPEAKING TO YOU!" Luna yelled at him in fury.
The janitor blinked, as he could've sworn he heard something. He took off his headphones and looked to see 10 very angry ponies and a dragon glaring at him.
"I'm sorry, what were you saying again?" he asked obliviously.
Twilight was practically in a blinding rage.
"What were we saying? WHAT WERE WE SAYING?!" she yelled.
The janitor raised a brow.
"Uhh, yeah?" he replied.
"YOU NINCOMPOOP! Do you realize what you have done?!"
"Look, if this is about my cleaning, please don't be harsh. This is my first day on the job after all."
Twilight's vein started throbbing in her head.
"You...you incompetent.....bone-headed-"
"Whoa whoa whoa your majesty! Let's just take a moment and calm down..." the janitor interrupted.
Twilight was fuming now, ready to burst. She hated whenever things didn't go to plan, especially if the plan could've saved Equestria.
"Breathe in...then out..." the janitor inhaled then exhaled. Then he repeated the process.
Twilight was gnashing her teeth.
"You just doomed our whole planet to the Silver Surfer's master!" she yelled.
The janitor's attention was caught at the mention of Silver Surfer. He raised a brow, then chuckled.
"Ol' Galactus huh?" he laughed.
"This is no laughing matter custodian," Celestia deadpanned. "I could send you to the dungeon for this."
"Hold on sweartheart," the janitor said, digging through his jacket. "I think I got something for you.."
The janitor then pulled out what looked like some rolled up comics out of his pocket.
"What are those?" Cadence asked.
"Consider them history books" he smiled.
He handed them to Celestia, who reads the title.
"Origins of Galactus #1?" she said curiously.
She skims through it, faacinated by the artwork and storyline. She chuckled.
"Looks like we have quite the historian here" she said.
"No ma'am I'm just a janitor"
Celestia passed the comic to Twilight, as she began studying it.
The janitor shrugged, as he began to leave the throne room.
Before he could leave, however, a pink mare stopped him.
"I've never met a pony like you! My name is Pinkie Pie, what's yours?"
The janitor gave her a weird look, then exhaled.
"Just call me Stan."
Pinkie raised a brow.
"Stan? That's a silly name for a pony."
"I know. That's why I'm not a pony."
"What?" Pinkie said, confused. Then she gasped.
"Are you a changeling?!"
Stan shook his head.
"Nope. I'm just a janitor."
"Oh..." Pinkie said.
Stan then walked out of the throne room, singing some song about some guy "living on the edge" and "spinning webs" under his breath.
"Well, I'll make sure to make you a 'Hello New Janitor Party' soon!" Pinkie exclaimed.
Stan didn't hear her though, due to his headphones being back on.
The ponies all exchanged the comic within themselves, all finding as much information as they could. A plan soon started to take form, as they began to talk amomgst each other. A plan that could save them, their families, and all of Equestria.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Where is my Herald!?" a booming voice resounded in the cosmos.
"He should have found some planet by now!"
The voice, who was sitting on his ship, flipped a switch on his giant seat.
"So be it Surfer," the voice spoke. "If you refuse to give me the signal, I shall find you."
