//------------------------------// // Ch. 1 - A New Team // Story: Equestria World, Book 2: The Rise of Harmony // by Gear Works //------------------------------// It’s been a week since Canterlot High won the football championship, and Jack and his new friends took this time to relax before going back to work again. It was Saturday, and everyone who knew about Jack’s gift were meeting at Jack’s home while his parents are at their businesses. But this time, they were able to gain a few new members who were willing to help: Sandalwood, Micro Chips, and Bulk Biceps. Over at Chrysalis’ new mini house, Rarity, Coco Pommel, Trixie Lulamoon, and Lemon Zest were looking over the place with Chrysalis. At the front porch, Fluttershy, Tree Hugger, and Sandalwood were mediating. Inside the garage, Coach Iron Will, with Flash Sentry, Thunderlane, and Soarin, were looking over the tools that Jack’s family had so that they can work on Ms. Shimmer’s car tomorrow. In the living room, Cadence was with Shining Armor, who was still recovering from his injuries. Rainbow Dash, Roseluck, Vinyl Scratch, and Octavia Melody were with them to keep them company. But in the backyard, it was more intense than ever. After their time apart, Jack Diamond was sparing with Indigo Zap. But this time, they were testing their powers to see where each one stood. Coach Spitfire and Coach Fleetfoot were watching over them, trying to get an idea of what each one possessed. Applejack decided to help Sunset Shimmer in her new training. Bulk Biceps volunteered to assist with holding the training pad for Sunset to apply the blows to. So far, it was a work in progress. But our story begins in the kitchen area. While Pinkie Pie was busy baking some cookies, Twilight Sparkle, Moon Dancer, and Sugarcoat were busy looking over Star Swirl’s book to get a better idea of the powers that they possess. Across from them was Lyra Heartstrings, Sweetie “Bonbon” Drops, and Micro Chips, looking for clues online as to the whereabouts of the Dark Star Organization’s place of operations. Nurse Redheart was also there, looking through medical records on her tablet in hopes as to how members of Crystal Prep have been gaining these powers. “I don’t even understand,” Nurse Redheart said. “I’ve looked through every possible case and can’t find anything that could explain how you acquired these gifts.” “I’ve tried every theory to mind, but I can’t find a reason that we have these gifts as well,” replied Sugarcoat. “Sugarcoat, there has to be a way that some students have these gifts and others don’t. And we can guess genetics would play a part of this,” explained Twilight. “Just because women would naturally carry this gift than men doesn’t give us a reason that genetics would be a part of this,” explained Sugarcoat. Moon Dancer replied, “Girls, focus! We have to take any ideas we can get if we plan to solve this mystery.” Moon Dancer looked at Lyra and Bonbon and asked. “Any info on finding out what happened to the Dark Star Organization?” “Nothing,” replied Bonbon. “We’ve looked through possible sites and can’t find anything that would talk about Dark Star, or the Equestrian Knights.” “We even checked any black-listed sites and found nothing,” added Lyra. “Maybe not,” replied Micro Chips. “I’ve found something that might be a lead, but it doesn’t say any specific names. Someone on a conspiracy theory site talks about the Axis nation having a shadow group that experimented on people for their own weapon research, but couldn’t complete their job because of some black ops group that got in their way. Military forces deny any knowledge of a military group that helped them in the Great War.” “What replies did you find on there?” asked Twilight. “Just a moment.” Micro Chips skimmed through the replies on the post, looking for something that stood out. “Some think it was Navy Seals or a bunch of citizens with a death wish. A few think it’s just a ghost story that someone made up. But there’s one reply that really stood out. It says, ‘There are some secrets that are best left unknown. You might end up erased.’ My guess is that someone knows more about this and wants to leave it buried.” “Is there a name that we can look up?” asked Moon Dancer. “RadiantHope94. And the post was made earlier in the springtime.” Micro Chips decided to look up the user name’s profile to get some more info. “It looks like this was the last post that was made, because the user hasn’t been online since that time. And all this user has done was post replies. Never created any post.” Nurse Redheart was curious about the user name and started a search on her tablet. This got Sugarcoat’s attention. “You know something?” “Maybe,” replied Nurse Redheart. “The name sounds familiar. Someone that was brought up but my fellow nurses that I worked with. I’m trying to look up the nurse database for that name.” She looked through the database of registered nurses, but found nothing. Then decided to look up student nurses and got a hit. “Now I remember the name. Radiant Hope. Born in 1994. Could explain the user name. Top rank student in Equestria University’s medical department.” There was a brief pause as the next batch of details worried her. “Looks like she was to graduate in the spring, but was a no-show for her final exams.” Twilight asked, “Does it say why?” “Not really,” replied Nurse Redheart. “Let me try something.” Bonbon started to do a search on Radiant Hope, and was able to find a news article. But she was shocked at what the article was about. “This news article I found said that she died in a car accident overnight. But look at the picture listed in the article.” Bonbon turned her laptop around to show it to the other girls. The picture only showed the metal frame of a car, which was burnt, down the hill on the side of the road. “I’m guessing something happened while she was out at night, and died in the car fire,” explained Moon Dancer. “That’s just it. There was nothing left but the frame of the car and several metal pieces. No human remains,” explained Bonbon. “They could have been turned to ashes, which was lost in the mess,” explained Twilight. “The heat would have to be extreme for that to happen,” explained Sugarcoat. “Most car fires would still leave human bones behind.” “That’s what I was thinking,” said Bonbon. “Bonbon, let me see when the article was posted.” She turned the laptop around so that Micro Chips could look at the posted date. “This happened days after the replied post was made.” “You think there could be a connection,” asked Lyra. Twilight started to think for a moment. “Maybe. Let’s keep that in mind for the meeting later on. Maybe it’s a lead we can look into.” Back outside, another car pulled up and parked on the curb where the other cars were parked. Driving the car was none other than Sunny Flare. And with her was a close friend of hers, Sour Sweet. They got out of the car and looked at the only completed house that was in the subdivision. “Is this where Coach Fleetfoot told us to meet?” asked Sour Sweet. “Well, besides the small house next to it, I think so,” replied Sunny Flare. Another car drove up and parked behind it. A man and a woman came out of the car. The man went to the trunk to get some items out while the woman walked up to Sunny and Sour. “Sunny Flare? Sour Sweet?” “Yes,” replied Sunny Flare. “Ms. Raven. I’m Principal Celestia’s secretary.” She extended her hand to shake each of their hands one at a time. “You must be here for Jack’s meeting.” “You’re on Jack’s team?” asked Sour Sweet. “More like watching over the team,” said the guy behind the trunk. “Can you help me for a moment.” Sunny Flare went over to help him. When she got there, she saw some video equipment in the trunk. “Name’s Doctor Whooves. Can you help me carry this gear to the house. We need it to get in touch with the others for the meeting.” “What is it?” asked Sunny Flare. “Video projection unit. It’s something Professor River Song gave me for something like this,” replied Dr. Whooves. “She’s the one who stepped in during that challenge after the game a week ago,” said Sunny. “Yep. And we’re glad that it ended peacefully. Now we have some work to do,” replied Dr. Whooves. Dr. Whooves and Sunny Flare grabbed the gear and begin to carry it to the house, while Ms. Raven grabbed the laptop that was in the bag and walked with Sour Sweet to the house. When they made it to the front porch, Sandalwood got up and opened the door for them, in which they thanked him in return. They set the gear on down, and the doctor began getting everything set up. Ms. Raven put the laptop next to the gear and made her way to the kitchen, with Sunny Flare following her. Sour Sweet just took a seat on the floor next to the couch. “So, how’s the shoulder?” Sour Sweet asked Shining Armor. “It’s healing nicely,” he replied. “In a few weeks, I should be out of this sling and have it moving again.” “Just as long as he’s ready for baseball season later in the spring,” Cadence added. “This is the time for him to relax and heal.” “Well, at least you don’t have to worry about Brick Wall,” Sour said. “And not because you’re graduating, but turns out that his family is moving to Baltimare in a month. They plan to have him finish up the semester, but they were displeased with his action on and off the field.” “One less worry for Jack, that’s for sure,” explained Shining Armor. Roseluck looked at Sour and said, “You’re not like were you were before.” “That’s because I’m taking meds for my bipolar disorder,” explained Sour. In the kitchen, Ms. Raven and Sunny Flare joined the others to see what progress they made. “Anything new?” asked Ms. Raven. “Nope. Just a bunch of dead ends,” replied Twilight. “But we might have come across a cover-up story. But we won’t know until we discuss it with the others,” explained Bonbon. “Sunny, there’s something I wanted to show you.” Moon Dancer got up and grabbed the book, turning to a certain page she had tabbed. “Sugarcoat was explaining to me about the Soul Rage that Sour experience, so I thought you should see it.” “Soul Rage” When a person is pushed to their mental limits, it could cause them to go into anger. Their strength, speed, and reflexes are multiplied to a great amount, but it blinds their powers from sensing danger. This rage can only be contained if someone or something important to them can help calm their soul. “So this what she experienced that one time,” Sunny said. “We’ve been friends for a long time, and I was always there for her whenever she had one of her outbursts. That could explain why I was able to calm her down.” “She should be glad to have you by your side,” said Nurse Redheart. “By the way, Sugarcoat tells me that she’s on some meds?” “The therapist said that it could be schizophrenia, but it’s very rare in her case,” Sunny explained. “She’s taking lithium pills to help control it for now.” “Let’s hope it keeps on working,” said Indigo Zap, as she and the others walked inside. “How was training?” asked Twilight. “Tiring,” replied Jack. “I hope the data from the armbands that you gave us help.” Jack and Indigo took off their armbands and handed them to Micro Chips. He took the data chips and inserted them into a small device that was connected to his laptop. It started to translate the data so that Micro Chips and Nurse Redheart can understand. “All the levels seem the same to me,” explained Nurse Redheart. “I don’t see anything out of the ordinary between both of you.” “Maybe we’re looking at it the wrong way,” Applejack explained. “We tried physical and mental training, and it’s like how anyone can usually train. There must be another way of explaining how you got these strange powers.” “I have to agree with Applejack on this,” Sugarcoat explained. “Going through the basic research can only lead to more questions, unless you were to think outside the box, then we may never know the answers that we are seeking.” “Maybe it’s magic,” said Pinkie Pie. “Pinkie, I can hardly see it to be magic,” replied Twilight. “I don’t know about that, Twilight. We did enter the Realm of Souls and saw things that were hardly real,” explained Sunset Shimmer. “Maybe we need to do what Sugarcoat says and think outside the box.” “I agree with Sunset. You can work out and build up strength, like me,” as Bulk Biceps flexed his arms. “Or you can run as fast as you can, like Flash. But what I can see with Jack is out of the ordinary. No human can move like Jack and Indigo did today.” “Something tells me that Principal Celestia is not going to like the lack of results we’re finding,” said Ms. Raven. Back outside, Chrysalis, Coco, Rarity, Trixie, and Lemon left the small house feeling like they made some accomplishment in their work. “As soon as you have power installed, you’ll be ready to move in,” explained Rarity. “Yea. Then you can be rocking it big time, dude,” Lemon added. “Well, I thank you for helping out with what can be done. I’m sure we can get the lighting done another day,” said Chrysalis. As they were walking to the house, they noticed a big white truck drive up to the house. On the side of the truck said “Manehattan Zoo”. A familiar face stepped out of the passenger’s side waving. “Hey Rarity.” “Derpy! What are you doing here?” asked Rarity. “Oh, this guy stopped by the post office where my dad works and wanted directions to Jack’s place. So I offered to take him here. I think this area isn’t in the GPS,” explained Derpy. The guy stepped out of the driver’s side, carrying a clipboard. Coco was able to recognize him. “Mr. Keeper.” Coco started running up to him as he looked to see who called out his name. “Coco Pommel,” he replied. Both of them hugged each other before letting go. “It’s been over a year since I’ve seen you.” “It has,” replied Coco. “What brings you all the way over here.” “Well, I’m here to deliver a special package to Jack Diamond. Does he live here?” Mr. Keeper asked. Before Coco could answer, there was a loud growl coming from the back of the truck. “Oh my. Is that a wild animal in there?” asked Rarity. Coco looked and said, “Is that…hold on, and I’ll get him for you.” Coco started to make a mad dash inside the house and into the kitchen. “Jack, there’s someone to see you. I think you’re going to be impressed.” Jack rushed outside through the garage to open the garage door. Everyone followed to see what was going on, expect for Cadence, Shining Armor, and Dr. Whooves. Jack was surprised to see who was waiting for him. “Mr. Keeper. What brings you here.” “Making a special delivery for Double Diamond and the gang,” he replied. “There’s someone who misses you a lot since you left.” Mr. Keeper walked up to the truck and opened the side door, allowing a white tiger to leap out and tackle Jack to the ground. Everyone was in shock, except for Coco. The tiger went up to his face and started licking it like crazy. “OK Whiteblaze, that’s enough. Now get off of me, OK?” The tiger got off of him so he could sit up. Jack started to scratch behind the tiger’s ears. “Did you miss me?” “I think that’s a yes in my book,” Mr. Keeper replied. “The boy was wondering why you never showed up these past few months. I don’t think he could understand the reason for you moving here.” Coco walked up to the tiger and said, “Do you remember me?” The tiger looked at her and smelled her. Then he gave her a big lick on her face. “Oh gross.” “Looks like he does remember you,” said Jack. “That’s not how I wanted him to respond,” said Coco. “Well, if you don’t mind, but I need you to sign some papers saying that he belongs to you.” Mr. Keeper walked up and gave Jack his clipboard and pen. Jack signed the papers and handed the clipboard and pen back to him. “Double Diamond was able to cover the cost for his shots and transport, so you can thank him when you get a change.” He looked around and saw the big group of people around. “Forgive me for asking, but were you having a party?” “Just a…get-together, that’s all,” replied Jack. “Yea. His school won the football regional championships and he was listed as the MVP of the game,” said Coco. “Really?” replied Mr. Keeper. “Bet is was nothing like the big game that was held in Fillydelphia. The Dragons were behind at halftime, but made a big comeback in the second half. Our QB threw a hail mary pass to make the game winning touchdown.” “Really? You mean they beat the record? Who was at quarterback in the game?” asked Jack. “Blaze Lionheart. He really pulled his weight around the team and was the MVP of the game himself. Mane Coast Academy couldn’t be any prouder. Well, I need to head on back. Got to make sure the zoo runs smoothly.” Mr. Keeper walked to his truck and closed the side door. As he was making his way to the driver’s side door, he stopped and said, “One more thing. I know that Ponyville doesn’t have a vet for wild animals, but I was told that there was someone who works with animals really well.” “Oh, that would be Fluttershy,” replied Twilight. Fluttershy just waved back. “Well, I hope things work out for you and Whiteblaze.” Mr. Keeper and Derpy got back into the truck and started to drive off, giving Jack one more wave goodbye. Before anyone could respond, another car pulled up and parked at the curb on the other side of the street. It was a familiar dark sedan that everyone knew so well. “How do you think we’re going to explain this to Miss Luna?” asked Coco. “We just tell it like it is,” replied Jack. Miss Luna appeared from the driver’s side while Mrs. Harshwhinny appeared from the passenger side of the car. They both noticed that there was a white tiger on the driveway next to Jack. Luna spoke in a loud voice. “OK. What’s a white tiger doing all the way out here in this town?” Jack got on his feet and said, “Master Luna, say hello to Whiteblaze.” “Whiteblaze?” replied Luna. “That’s not a pet tiger you have there, right?” “Actually, he’s practically family,” replied Coco. “His parents rejected him back at the Manehattan Zoo. So me and the knights were able to nurse him ourselves,” explained Jack. “Well, Jack did most of the work,” Coco corrected. “He’s gotten attached to him since then.” Luna walked forward, saying, “Well, as long as he’s not a problem around here.” She extended her hand to Whiteblaze, and he sniffed it before placing his paw on her hand. “Well then, welcome to the team, Whiteblaze.” “Ah, how cute.” Everyone looked back to Luna’s car to see a girl who just came out of the back seat door. “Gilda!” yelled Rainbow Dash. “What’s she doing here?” “I’m here to help your precious little team,” Gilda replied as she walked forward. “Mrs. Harshwhinny decided to have her on our team,” explained Luna. “She might have surrendered her gang to Sunset, but we can use them to assist us in places we can’t get to,” Mrs. Harshwhinny explained as she joined the group. “Just like the gang in Manehattan who helped us.” “Consider them your Black Ops group,” Luna added. “And I’m aware of your ‘gift’, and I’m sure everyone can agree with me on this. Power like that can be dangerous in the wrong hands,” explained Gilda. “Noted,” Jack said. “Just remember, you pull any stunts on us, and you might be Whiteblaze’s next meal.” Gilda raised her hands and said, “No problems there.” “Then welcome to the team.” Gilda and Jack shook hands. “Fluttershy, you think you can handle a tiger well?” asked Twilight. “Well, I did help a baby bear one time, which his parents were grateful in what I did. A tiger shouldn’t be a problem.” Fluttershy walked up to Whiteblaze, kneel down, and rub his back, which gained a response of a purr. “See. No problem at all.” Sour Sweet walked up to them and said, “I’m sure he can be very helpful.” As she went down to pet him, Whiteblaze responded with a growl and a swipe of his claws. Sour was able to pull her hand back to miss getting scratched. “Or maybe not.” Fluttershy started at Whiteblaze and said, “Now, now. She’s our friend, OK?” “That’s not like him to act that way unless he feels threaten,” said Jack. He knew something wasn’t right and wanted to test a theory that he had in mind. “Sunset, why don’t you pet him.” “Me?” Sunset said looking confused. “Are you sure?” “Just go with me on this,” said Jack. Sunset went with Jack’s suggestion and approach him, extending her hand out nervously. Whiteblaze sniffed her hand and placed his paw on hers. “OK. Indigo, you do the same.” “No problem.” As Sunset walked back, Indigo walked up to him. But Whiteblaze started to growl before she could extend her hand, causing her to walk backwards. “OK. Now it’s a problem,” said Indigo. “You’re right. That would be strange for him to act this way,” said Luna. Jack tried to think of a reason for Whiteblaze’s actions, but was drawing a blank. Then he remember Applejack talking about thinking outside the box. “Can anyone think of a way to sense what makes one person different from another?” Everyone looked at each other trying to find an answer. It was Tree Hugger who spoke up. “A person’s aura.” Jack started to think about what she just said. That’s when an idea came to mind. “Master Luna. A person’s aura emits a different color. Is it possible that I can see it with soul knowledge?” Luna placed her hand on her chin. “Maybe. Since you returned from the Realm of Souls, your powers have grown. It’s worth a shot.” “Tree Hugger, I’ll need your assistance.” Tree Hugger was in her mediation stance. Jack planed to tap into her and see if he can see the aura from others, if it was possible. Tree Hugger closed her eyes and began to mediate. That’s when Jack placed his hand on her back, closed his eyes, and began using his soul knowledge powers. When he opened his eyes, he could see different colors coming from each person. Tree Hugger did the same and was surprised to see it more clearer than before. “You seeing what I’m seeing?” asked Jack. “Yes. This is, like, groovy,” replied Tree Hugger. “Explain to me what each color means, staring with Rainbow Dash.” “The red aura means that she’s energetic. It’s proof that she is full of energy and ready to take on, like, anything.” “How about Applejack?” “The orange aura means vitality. She has a lot of stamina in her and is willing to do all the hard work. “What about Fluttershy?” “The pink aura tells me that she’s sensitive, but has compassion in her as well.” “I know there are others colors, but I want you to focus on one of the Shadowbolts this time,” explained Jack. “OK.” Tree Hugger decided to focus on Indigo, and her mood started to change. “This energy. It’s like…it’s…strange…mysterious…evil. It’s…it’s…IT’S…” She started to panic and tried to shake it off. That was when Jack decided to sever the connection, causing her to nearly faint. Sandalwood and Nurse Redheart rushed over to her. “You OK?” asked Nurse Redheart. Tree Hugger tried to regain her balance. “I…I think so.” “We better get her inside,” said Sandalwood. “Bulk, can you help us?” Bulk Biceps went over and carried Tree Hugger in his arms. Both he, Sandalwood, and Nurse Redheart started to go inside. “Did she called us evil?” asked Sour Sweet. “I think she did,” answered Sunny Flare. “Could this explain Whiteblaze’s actions towards us?” asked Indigo Zap. Jack started to think. “Maybe. We better go inside and see if Dr. Whooves has everything ready. I want to talk to the others about this.” “Agreed,” said Twilight. “We have a few things that need answering as well.” Everyone started to go inside, except for Jack, Luna, and Whiteblaze. “Jack, you seem to handle the issue well,” said Luna. “I remember Applejack saying that we need to think outside the box. But I have a feeling that we’re dealing with something that isn’t normal. And it has Dark Star written all over it.” Jack looked at Whiteblaze and said, “Think you can handle what’s to come?” Whiteblaze responded with a roar. “Good. Because we’ll going to need all the help we can get.”