Lunaverse: Galaxy Rangers - The White Raven
Chapter 7
by Rixizu
Trixie grinned as she walked through Ponyville. The whole town was decorated with colorful streamers and flowers. After learning that Princess Luna planned to attend Trixie’s charity show, the whole town decorated Ponyville for the princess's visit. It was all lovely and Trixie was sure her mentor would love it. She spotted Bon-Bon watering some flowers and waved. Bon-Bon stopped what she doing and waved back. Trixie continued through town and froze when she spotted something out of place. Two ponies were trying to put up a banner. Trixie angrily stomped up to them.
“What the hay is that?!” Trixie growled. She pointed towards the sign. It read “Welcome Princess Lun”.
The two ponies gulped and shrunk at Trixie’s glare. “We ran out of room.” The earth pony mare with a mint green coat and a pink mane said nervously. The other, a red and yellow maned pegasus mare with an aqua coat nodded.
“I don’t care.” Trixie said severely. “Fix it! I will not have the princess come into town and find her name spelled wrong!” The two mares nodded quickly and disappeared with the offending banner.
Trixie wondered if maybe she was a bit harsh with them after they left. She thought that maybe the stress of the last few days had been getting to her. Pokey had mysteriously disappeared a few days ago. He sent his finding on DJ-Pon3 in a letter but didn’t come home. He said he had some extra investigating he needed to do. If Trixie wasn’t busy, she would be pulling him by the tail right now and forcefully carrying him back to Ponyville.
That lazy bum. He’s going to get it when he gets back. I am going to give him a triple workload to make up for this! Trixie thought with cruel satisfaction. Serves him right for disappearing like that. A thought hit her that he might have gotten himself into trouble. She quickly shook the thought away. He had more sense than that, right?
Trixie looked at the clock tower and saw it was almost eleven o’clock. It was nearly time for the princess to arrive. The show was at five o’clock tonight, but Princess Luna wanted to come early and see the silent auction. Trixie steeled herself for her teacher's arrival. It had been a month since she’d last seen the princess. She breathed in and out trying to calm herself down. She did not want to greet her mentor with a scowl on her face.
Trixie trotted up to Sugarcube Corner where the silent auction was being held. The Cakes generously volunteered to host the auction. Which was good because the bakery/youth center was the perfect size to hold it. Trixie could see Pinkie Pie and Mayor Ivory Scrolls chatting to one another. Pinkie waved when she approached. Trixie’s other friends were there as well. Carrot Top was speaking to well-wishers who were shaking her hooves and giving encouragements. She looked a bit haggard and her mane was a little frazzled. The stress of the last week had been taking its toll on the poor thing. Carrot Top’s mane was usually impeccably styled, yet today Trixie could see some loose strands of hair here and there. Carrot Top loved caring for her mane and did her best to make it perfect every single day. Which confused Trixie. Wasn’t she a farmer and that meant she rolled around in dirt all day? Trixie guessed styling her mane was a way for her to calm herself down and unwind after a hard day of work. To each their own she guessed.
Trixie waved back. She looked back at the clock. It was directly eleven now. As if on cue, the princess’s chariot came into view. It was a sleek and black thing that reminded her of a bat. It was a blue so dark it was almost black. Two thestrals pulled it, also called bat ponies. They were Luna’s royal personal guard. Not even Trixie knew for sure whether they were actually a different race of ponies, or it was just glamour magic used to change their appearance. Princess Luna liked being vague on the issue for some reason.
Princess Luna exited the chariot and addressed her subjects. Everypony bowed to their princess with the utmost respect. “Greetings my little ponies. You honor me well with your decorations and tributes.”
The mayor bowed deeply. “You honor us with your presence. I speak for all Ponyville when I say we are glad to have you our princess and protector.”
Princess Luna nodded. “Well met Lady Mayor Scrolls.” She turned towards Trixie. “Representative Trixie Lulamoon. It has been too long my student.” Trixie enjoyed the use of her full title. The use of her last name, not so much.
Trixie bowed. “So it has princess. We should catch up before the show tonight. Much has happened here as of late.”
“Indeed. I am looking forward to it.” Princess Luna said. She towards Carrot Top who was approaching them. “Greetings Miss Carrot Top. It is a shame what happened to your farm. You have true friends for them to go to such lengths to help you.”
Carrot Top blushed. “T-thank you Princess.”
“Let’s go inside and discuss this further. I wish to see what this silent auction has to offer and try out the legendary cupcakes of Sugarcube Corner I have heard so much about.” Luna turned towards Sugarcube Corner and went inside with her guards and Trixie and friends followed behind her.
“She’s not serious, is she?” Cheerilee whispered. “She’s a princess. What worth could anything in there have to her?”
"Right," Lyra commented, "all that's in there is just random junk ponies didn't need anymore."
"The princess likes to collect things," Trixie explained, "besides, you never know. There might be a hidden treasure in there somewhere."
“Oh, I see!” Lyra perked up. “There might be some lost ancient artifact of great magic power in there or something!”
"Something like that," Trixie said simply.
---
The inside of Sugarcube Corner had several long tables lined in rows that almost went from one end of the building to the other. On each table was what you would expect to see in a silent auction. Books, old toys, used appliances, baby stuff, jewelry, and various knick knacks. To the side was a section for used furniture. Ponies packed the place eagerly looking through what was available. Trixie could see Dinky and several of her friends looking through the toy section.
Ponies freaked out and bowed when Princess Luna came towards them, but she just waved them away to continue on with their business. She carefully inspected everything on the table in front of her. She suddenly turned towards a table a few hooves away and walked towards it something caught her eye apparently. Trixie’s friends watched with anticipation clearly interested in what the princess might want to bid on.
The princess stopped in front of a table of novelty items and clapped her hooves together in delight. Trixie’s friends craned their heads to see what the princess was so interested in. The princess pressed a button that was on a wall-mounted bass fish. The fish started moving about and started singing a bad recording of ‘Don't Worry Be Happy’. The princess grinned like a foal on Hearth’s Warming Day. When the song stopped, the princess grabbed a quill on the table and wrote down her bid.
Trixie's friends watched the scene in slacked jawed shock. The princess walked over to them with a grin on her face. "I see you found something you like princess," Trixie said not perturbed or surprised at all by what happened.
“Yes, I have.” The princess came closer to Trixie’s ears and started whispering. “I don’t think the pony that donated that knew the value of what they gave up. That was a Big Mouth Billy Bass the Singing Sensation. A very rare item. Only three hundred of them were ever made.”
Yes, but even if it is rare...does that mean it's actually worth something? Trixie thought. She decided to just nod. Princess Luna looked around the room again and found something else she liked and went towards it.
“What the hay was that?” Lyra finally said.
“The princess likes to collect novelty singing toys. Her room is covered with them.” Trixie explained.
"Everypony needs a hobby," Ditzy commented.
“I-I see.” Lyra stuttered. It seems that her view of the princess as a figure of dignity, class, and grace shattered by that one scene.
Throughout the next hour, more ponies entered the bakery and showed their interest in what was for sale. Princess Luna was now at a table in the bakery section of Sugarcube Corner enjoying a cupcake. Trixie and the rest of her friends were next to the princess having a lively discussion of their latest adventures. Lyra gave an energetic retelling of their battle with Corvus. The rest the Rangers throwing in comments and details Lyra missed. Trixie was explaining to the princess how she bravely stood Corona down and spit in her face. Princess Luna listened intently soaking in every word.
“Hmmm.” Cheerilee gave a pleased moan. “Who is that?”
Trixie turned to look and her jaw dropped. “What the hey is he doing here?!” She exclaimed in alarm. Everypony turned towards what Trixie was talking about.
Cheerilee crinkled her brow. “Is something the matter?”
Princess Luna stood up. “Duke Greengrass. It is a surprise to see you here.”
Duke Greengrass, his secretary Notary, and Vinyl Scratch trotted up to their table. “It’s nice to see you too princess.” The duke gave a gracious bow. “And you too Trixie Lulamoon as well as the other Galaxy Rangers.”
Trixie was surprised to see Vinyl with Greengrass. Does she have some sort of connection with Greengrass? Why didn’t Pokey mention this in his letter?
One look at Vinyl made Lyra fume, but she said nothing. Vinyl in return gave Lyra back a coy smile. Lyra started glaring at the DJ.
Trixie sighed inwardly. Is it possible for two ponies to become lifelong enemies only after a five minutes meeting?
“You’re Duke Greengrass?” Cheerilee said smiling. “You honor us with your visit.”
“I heard about this little charity event of yours. I found it the perfect excuse to get out of Canterlot and meet the famous Galaxy Rangers that have so selflessly protected our fair kingdom.” Greengrass grinned. “And I do so love to give to ponies in such hard times.” He walked up to an old pair of pruning shears on a table and wrote down what looked like a big number.
“T-thank you! I appreciate it.” Carrot Top bowed respectively. Greengrass nodded and gave a benevolent smile.
Oh, brother. Trixie did her best to not roll her eyes. Like you care about anypony but yourself. You only donate to orphanages to make yourself look good.
Princess Luna watched Greengrass with a neutral expression. It was clear to Trixie that the princess was also suspicious. “Your generosity will be much appreciated, Duke.”
“So who are your friends?” Ditzy asked.
"Oh! Where are my manners?” Greengrass said. “This Notary my secretary and longtime friend Vinyl Scratch.”
Vinyl gave a noncommittal wave and Notary just gave a slight nod of her head but otherwise showed no expression.
"Hiya!” Ditzy greeted not put down in the least than a cheerful introduction. “Come, join us. They have the best muffins here.” She motioned for Greengrass to join them.
Greengrass was about to say something, but a loud explosion stopped whatever he was going to say. It caused everypony to jump. It came towards the door.
Trixie turned towards the cause of the commotion and her jaw dropped. It was a monster. It was pony-like, but its mane was made of fire. Its body was red and metallic. The top of its hooves shot out flames that almost covered its legs.
“Oh dear. Isn’t it noon now?” Greengrass asked.
Trixie mentally facehoofed. She couldn’t believe she forgot all about that.
The monster shot flames at the tables holding the donations and they were lit on fire in quick succession. Ponies jumped and ducked out of the way. Thankfully nopony was hit by the shooting flames. It laughed maniacally.
“Oh come on!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. “We just fixed this place up!”
Trixie and her friends stood up. “Of all the times…” Trixie growled and got her morpher ready.
“No.” Greengrass held out a hoof. “Let us handle this.”
“Wha-what are you talking about?” Trixie asked baffled.
Greengrass pulled out something and thrust it forward. “It’s morphing time. Earth!”
“Yeah! Let’s do this!” Vinyl exclaimed. “It’s morphing time. Mercury!”
“It’s morphing time. Venus.” Notary said in a completely flat voice.
Around Greengrass was an explosion of light and Trixie used her cape to cover her eyes. When she lowered her cape, Trixie’s jaw dropped. Greengrass was covered in red Ranger armor. Notary was in yellow armor and Vinyl became the same pink ranger that attacked her a few days ago.
"It can't be," Trixie said almost in a whisper.
Greengrass moved in a blur. He pressed a button on his morpher and a spear appeared in his hooves. He jumped and dived at the monster. The monster freaked out and dodged. Greengrass’s attack split a nearby table in two. The monster, seeing this power, shot fire in Greengrass’s face. This stunned Greengrass for a second, but caused no real damage. It bolted towards the door and exited out of it.
Trixie recovered from her initial shock and motioned for her friends to follow her outside.
“I will suppress the fire and make sure the civilians leave here safely. “Princess Luna said from behind them. Trixie nodded her thanks and she and her friends ran outside.
“V-Vinyl was the pink ranger from before!” Lyra sputtered
“How did they even get morphers?” Ditzy asked.
Trixie scanned around went they left Sugarcube Corner. “I don’t know.”
It took a moment but Trixie finally spotted Greengrass and the other new Rangers. Greengrass was chasing the monster with Notary and Vinyl close behind him. They ran down the street in hot pursuit. The monster turned towards its pursuers and didn’t see the punch sent its way until it was too late. It crashed to the ground dazed.
Archduke Fisher shook his hoof after delivering that punch. “Sorry creature, but this is the end of the line.”
“It’s morphing time. Mars.” Fisher pulled out a morpher that looked like Greengrass’s.
"You have got to be kidding me," Trixie said, "really?"
Fisher thrust his morpher forward. He transformed into black armor. It was impressive and imposing looking.
“It’s over.” A new figure stepped out of the alley. He too had a morpher in his hooves. This time Trixie was not surprised by the appearance of Viceroy Night Light. At this point, why not? Would Vicereine Puissance be next? Maybe Princess Luna was a Ranger all along too?
“It’s morphing time. Jupiter.” Night Light new blue armor radiated power. Even from this distance, Trixie could feel it. It was oppressive. It told everypony they were in presence of a true king. Even the princess didn’t radiate this level of majesty and power. His whole body buzzed with electrical energy.
The new Rangers surrounded the monster. It cowered in fear. Greengrass pressed a button on his morpher. “Gaia’s wrath.” He swung his spear. Suddenly the earth erupted around the monster. It completely surrounded the poor creature. It screamed as it was swallowed whole by the earth. It was pulled into the ground and everything was silent. The ground that exploded was completely smooth again and if Trixie didn’t know better, it looked like nothing ever happened. Trixie gulped. That was a horrifying and disturbing way to go. The other ponies watching the scene didn’t cheer and celebrate like they usually did. They just stared in horrified fascination.
Trixie’s friends didn’t take the sight much better. Trixie wondered if she would have nightmares about that. Greengrass and the other unmorphed. Princess Luna watched the scene with narrowed eyes. Greengrass walked up to Princess Luna and bowed. The rest of the other new rangers did the same.
“I am sorry for the commotion. I hope you were unhurt my princess.” Greengrass said smoothly.
“No, I am well. But I am curious. Why was I not told about these new Rangers of yours?” Princess Luna said icily.
"Sorry princess, but that is my fault," Fisher said standing up, "I feared what would happen if this power fell into the wrong hooves."
"We were planning on tell you princess, but the issue of the monster made us reveal ourselves sooner than expected," Greengrass explained.
“What I want to know is why the most prominent members of the Night Court are even doing with these powers?” Trixie crossed her hooves and narrowed her eyes.
Greengrass raised his hooves in a placating gesture. “I admit it is a bit strange, but that is just how the dice rolled. We were all chosen by the gems.”
“Chosen?” Princess Luna asked.
“Yes, by the Planetary Gems. They are what fuel our powers.” Fisher said,
Princess Luna’s eyes widened. “Do you have any idea what those are? You must destroy them at once!”
"Princess, I understand your concern. I too was alarmed when I learned of their checkered past, but I feel they can be used for good.” Greengrass smiled. “We are under siege by your mad sister. Equestria needs heroes. This morning's incident proves that. Trixie and her other Rangers won’t always be here to save the day.”
“I assure you, princess. The gems are quite safe, and the morphers protect us from any influence the gems might have,” Fisher explained sounding quite pleased with himself.
“I can’t sit behind a desk while the country is in danger.” Night Light said stepping forward. “We Night Court members can’t just sit on our hooves and let these younglings do all the fighting.”
“This is awesome!” Ditzy exclaimed. She gave Fisher a big hug. Trixie would treasure the look on Fisher’s face for the rest of her life. Ditzy didn’t stop there and gave the other new Rangers hugs as well. They received the hugs awkwardly except for Notary who stayed completely stone-faced.
“I was so worried after what happened with Corvus, but with you guys helping us. Corona’s new super monsters don’t seem so bad.” Ditzy said brightly.
“Y-yes. You are absolutely right.” Greengrass said recovering. “If it is alright with the princess of course.”
Everypony looked at Princess Luna who stayed silent. “Very well.” She said finally. “It is an unusual situation to be sure, but new heroes would be welcome.”
“Splendid!” Greengrass exclaimed. Princess Luna just sighed. Trixie could tell she already regretted her decision.
Trixie could see Carrot Top sitting on the ground dejected. “Are you alright Carrot Top?” Trixie asked worriedly. She scanned the inside of Sugarcube Corner. It was a complete wreck. The tables were scorched and most the donations were completely destroyed. Almost nothing seemed salvageable.
Princess Luna trotted up to Carrot Top and placed a comforting hoof on her shoulder. “Do not worry my little pony. I will make sure personally that you will be reimbursed for all that has been lost this day.”
“Thanks.” Carrot Top said in a quiet voice.
"I don’t believe this. You have the worst luck Carrot Top.” Lyra said.
“Yes, strangely so.” Cheerilee rubbed her chin thoughtfully.
Yes. I wonder… Trixie thought. The problem was she had no proof. She would be sure to keep an eye out on Greengrass.
“Everything will be fine! With the Great and Powerful Trixie’s spectacular magic show and the reimbursement money, the new irrigation system will cost pocket change!” Trixie gave an exaggerated swing of her cape dramatically.
The rest of Trixie’s friends smirked at her antics. Princess Luna snorted in amusement. Nopony noticed the dangerous glint in Greengrass’s eyes who chuckled to himself.