//------------------------------// // Act 1: You're One of Us // Story: My Brave Pony Starfleet Humans STARPOPS // by DakariKingMykan //------------------------------// ACT ONE Two days later… It was summer time, and school was out, most of the students from Canterlot High were enjoying life, partying in the city. Some had even left Mystic Island and headed for the mainland to visit friends. Others however, were spending the first few weeks of their summer at a brand new camp called Star Camp. It was founded and established by millionaire, businessman, ex-astronaut, Celesto Grandruler; Chairman of the School Board, and owner of half of the things on Mystic Island, including Canterlot High. He set it up the camp as summer program for all the kids he helped, a chance to help them fit in with others, and discover their talents and just have a good time. Sadly, he was not there at present. Despite being a retired astronaut, for he had received a call from NASA. There was trouble on the International Space-Station-- several glitches in the computers, and a few damaged sections of the construction-- things that only he knew better than any other and only he could effectively repair. So he was forced out retirement, and was now onboard the station supervising and assisting with repairs. As he worked, he gazed through his helmet at the lovely sights of space around him and the Earth below, and thought silently “It’s so lovely out here; I wish you could be here with me, Celestia.” For now, he had to concentrate, knowing he would be returning home in a few days. The camp was in the care of Celestia, his wife of two years, Principal of Canterlot High, and her younger sister, Luna. There were many activates at the camp, why they seemed to have practically everything from arts-and-crafts, to rock and pop sessions, but easily, the part she loved the most was the horse trails, where the kids could go riding. Whenever she was off-duty, she went riding a few times, having finally worked up the nerve to reclaim her old passion and spirit for riding like the former champion she was. Her sister was very proud of how far she had come; having being a former ill-tempered woman, now a well-respected principal, head-counselor and lady. Aside from them, the camp a few Junior Counselors as well, such as Sunset Shimmer, who was working a summer job at the camp. She had really come a long way since she was defeated by Princess Twilight Sparkle, and although some still feared her, or acted strange around her knowing she was an interdimensional alien-pony from another universe… …many others had seen how far she had come, and that she only meant to do good now, and was every inch the delightful person she wasn’t before. She was walking about on her rounds, making sure everyone was keeping out of trouble, and stopping to lend a helping hand wherever it was needed. She saw Applebloom, Sweetie Bell, Scootaloo and Daphne Dill all working on a painting together. “Looking good, girls.” she said. The girls smiled and thanked her. Then she passed by the inner basketball court where the Canterlot team was busy practicing their drills, when suddenly the ball headed straight for the door, and she caught it. “Whoa, awesome catch.” said the Captain. Sunset smiled and tossed the ball back to him like a pro. All over the camp Sunset lent a helping hand, and was thanked and praised for her efforts, and yet… deep down it still bothered her --all the horrible things she did and how badly she treated others-- she never moved on from it She sat on a rock near the athletics fields feeling glum. She could see some of her friends—Rhymey-- his real name was William-- with a wooden sword in his hand, and wielding it like a pro to deflect tennis-balls being launched at him from a machine. Then there was Starla Shine, the girl who everyone said looked exactly like Rarity, but with little differences-- longer hair, lighter skin tone, and even a different voice and attitude. She was at the archery set-up, her every shot was a perfect bullseye, into a heart-shaped target; she had set up, with a picture of Lightning Dawn, in human-form, on it. Sunset knew who Lightning was by now, and was shocked at first when she learned he, too, was a pony-creature from the dimensional universe… and how badly she treated him when he was at Canterlot high. Suddenly, a single rose was held out in front of her. “Rose for your thoughts?” said Buddy Rose. She smiled sadly and took the flower form him, but she didn’t feel better. “Dang, chica…” said Dyno “You look bluer than a wet weekend.” “Are you thinking of… you-know-what again?” asked Myte. She gazed up at him innocently “Is it that obvious?” Artie came along with a painting clutched in his arms and said “A picture’s worth a-thousand words.” And he showed everyone his panting was of a very sad Sunset, and she was sitting on a rock in the rain which conveyed her mood. “It looks good…” she said looking straight up at him. “Really I mean it…” Artie’s cheeks turned red “Thanks… I like painting pictures for you.” Sunset felt a little nervous. The others were already well aware of what was going on. Over the past two years, Artie seemed to have developed a bit of a crush on Sunset, after seeing how much she changed, and he often painting pictures of her… by request only… and it flattered her. Just then, Councillor Celestia and Vice- Councillor Luna came out onto the grounds. “Good morning, campers.” Celestia said into a megaphone “I am very pleased that so many of you have participated here at Star Camp this summer, and as reminder, at the end of the week, we will hold a Star Camp Musical Showcase to welcome you all here.” The campers cheered loudly with excitement. “This is a program my husband, Mr. Grandruler, put together as an event to raise money for charities. Anyone with musical talents may participate. You can sing a song that you know, or one that you made up. So practice hard, and keep up the good work, because I feel this will be the most exciting thing since the events of two years ago.” Naturally she referred to the attack of the Crystallites, and then… it was Sunsets rampage. Being reminded of this made many of the campers look towards Sunset, those who did not trust her gave her severe looks of anger, and suspicion. Some even gave her the “Watching You” gesture All this made her feel worse, and her friends felt sorry for her. … Later on, Sunset was with the entire former Starfleet gang in one of the music rooms, with them were Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Rhymey’s long-steady girlfriend, Fluttershy, all of them were setting up a band they called “Rainbow Rocks” which they had formed some time ago at Canterlot High, and now were struggling to come up with a new song for the showcase. “Sunset, don’t let them all get to you.” said Starla “Besides, it was all two years ago.” Applejack chuckled nervously “Sorry, girl, but I don’t think it quite works that way.” Sunset sighed “I can never really let it go. I mean… it was so awful, the way I acted and what I became.” “You were, awfully mean back then.” said Fluttershy. “Fluttershy!” snapped Rarity. “No, she’s right.” said Sunset “It still amazes me that all of you forgave me so easily.” Rhymey patted her shoulder and said… “You did do lots of horrible stuff but now you’ve changed, and don’t wish to be rough We’ve seen the kindness, and the good things you do Who wouldn’t want to be friends with you?” Sunset felt touched. “You really mean that?” The others all nodded, and Sunset felt really warm inside, and a tear fell from her eye. Buddy Rose then nodded at Rainbow Dash telling her and the gang to start playing a pop-rock song that they all made together. The Rainbows played the song, but it was the Starfleet gang who sang it. The song started out slow and somber [Starla] The heart’s feelin’ heavy, and the eyes have got tears Feels like the world is giving you scars [Buddy] What’s done is done, baby, so face up to your fears Feel the light and the warmth from the stars. [Artie] Some say that you’re a baddie, and you’ll never do better. But they’re the ones all washed up and wetter [Rhymey] We’ll help you find what you’ve been looking for You won’t feel so sad anymore. The Rainbow Rocks began to play wild and loud as the main chorus played, and all the Starfleet gang sang. As the music played, they all transformed, magically donning their pony ears, wings, tails, and the Starfleet gang each sprouted a unicorn horn on their heads. [Dyno] Feelin’ the flow, let bad feelings go [Myte] No need to cry or fret or fuss [All] Friends of the best not like the rest [Myte] Don’t let your heart become a bust. [All] We’re here for you, and know our friendship’s true [Buddy and Starla] …You’re one of us! (One of us…) *Repeat; Slow fade* Sunset’s tears were cascading down her face, but her smile was growing. [Buddy and Starla] …You’re one of us! (One of us…) *Repeat; Slow fade* The Rainbows then played a small instrumental solo, and the Starfleet gang began to dance like professional pop singers, and even kept in perfect formation. [Dyno] Feeling the flow, let bad feelings go [Myte] No need to cry or fret or fuss [All] Friends of the best not like the rest [Myte] Don’t let your heart become a bust. [All] We’re here for you, and know our friendship’s true [Buddy and Starla] …You’re one of us! (One of us…) *Repeat; Slow fade* In a huge finish, the song was over, and everyone transformed back. “I still can’t believe that happens when we all play and sing.” said Pinkie “It’s so cool.” “Oh, I simply must find ways to accessorize our appearances.” said Rarity “Oh, what if I made new costumes, or what would go nice on those pony ears?” The others all rolled their eyes at how typical she was acting. “Still, it’s almost frightening this happens because we were all touched by alien magic.” said Artie. “Like how when Princess Twilight Sparkle share the magic of her crown with us.” said Rainbow. “Yeah or when Lightning Dawn made us all super fighters, when we faced against Flash and his mother.” said Starla. “Did you just say my name?” asked a voice. Everyone looked to the door and saw none other than Flash Sentry. All of them felt a bit awkward. “Oh, hi Flash…” said Pinkie “We were just talking about the time you were…” she stopped when the Spanish twins dashed over and covered her mouth, and warned her to zip it! Flash was confused, and the others acted sly. “Oh, well… I just came to pick up my guitar for band practice.” said Flash “By the way, I heard you guys playing together, and maybe you should all form a really big group. You’re awesome.” He then turned to head out the door “By the way… um… have any of you heard any news about… you know… like I’m saying maybe she…” “Princess Twilight Sparkle?” said Applejack “Sorry, Flash, but it’s been two years, I don’t think she’ll ever be coming back to this world.” Flash felt a bit down inside, really missing a girl he really liked. “Okay, I get it, but listen… if you guys hear anything… let me know?” Everyone promised, and then he left. Sunset felt a bit down, remembering how she and Flash use to be an item, despite her bossiness and being mean and all that, and she was just using him to be more popular. She was, however shocked to have learned from the other that he was a former evil Crystallite, who once tried to destroy everyone. When Lightning defeated him two years ago, the evil power was separated from Flash, resulting in him losing his memories of his former life. The memories of this held by the others remained a guarded secret, which Pinkie Pie had nearly blown. “What did we tell you before, Pinkie?” said Buddy. “I’m sorry, I just forgot.” said Pinkie. “Mal movimiento*Bad Move* Pinkie, we can’t let him remember his past.” said Dyno. “He might regain his powers…” said Myte “And if that happens, Ay’-Ay’-Ay’!” He had a point too; the things that Flash and the Crystallites did was hardly too much compared to what Sunset did, and the Starfleet gang actually went up, up into space as well. Still, everyone remembered to keep their promise to let Flash know a thing, and then dropped the subject. “Did you hear what Flash said?” said Sunset “Maybe he’s right; both your groups are awesome. You should form a group altogether.” The others all thought it over, and the idea wasn’t at all half bad. “Let’s do it then.” said Rainbow, and everyone else agreed. “Now we need to come up with a name. Something that’s cool and doesn’t sound lame.” said Rhymey. Everyone scratched their heads, unable to think of a thing. “How about Rainbow Rocks II?” said Rainbow, but the others all frowned. “Rainbow, we need something that describes all of us.” said Artie. “Just a thought.” said Rainbow They thought and they thought, but they couldn’t come up with a name, and decided to let it ride a bit. “I wish Lightning was here.” said Starla “If anyone could help us with a name it’d be him.” The others shared her wishes, except the part where they knew her ulterior reasons for wanting to see him again. She had been showing several signs of obsession ever since he had left and went back to his home world. “Oh, Starla…” said Fluttershy “I know it seems hard, but you have to get over it.” “She’s right, sugar-cube.” added Applejack “Lightnin’ ain’t coming back anytime soon either, and even still--” “I know. I know...” Starla cut in “He and I can’t be a thing. You’ve only told me like a–billion times. Still, I can’t help but wonder if things could’ve been different.” All the others could only sigh and feel Starla was hopeless. “Well, I have to go.” said Sunset “I have to welcome some new campers today. See you guys later.” Artie kept his eyes on her until she was out of sight. The others noted his feelings showing. “What’cha waitin’ for, boy?” Applejack teased “Just go on and ask her out or somethin’.” “Meh… I don’t think I can.” said Artie. “Aw, looks like someone’s a little shy.” teased Rarity. “It’s not really shyness…” said Artie “I mean, I want to give it a try, but… does she want to?” “He’s got a point.” said Buddy “Two years and she’s still a little distraught.” Fluttershy and Rhymey remembered when they were both too shy to talk to each other, until he started sending her love poems. “I understand how you feel, guy. But my only advice is to just go and try.” said Rhymey “You should, Artie.” said Fluttershy “You won’t know until you do.” The others all gave him their support and urged him on, but Artie still remained unsure. “I’ll think about it.”