“Hey Sour Sweet, you all ready at that end?” a lab coated Lemon Zest shouted as her classmate finished preparations on a large machine in the basement of Crystal Prep Academy.
The pink haired girl merely turned to her with a smile. “You've asked that about a hundred times now. And the answers been the same every time.” After a moment of awkward silence Zest opened up again.
“So is that a yes?”
Sour blinked several times with an annoyed look on her face before answering. “Yes.” The two got everything cleared as they prepared to power on the device. “I'm so glad Principal Cinch put us in charge of constructing this dimensional portal. Heaven forbid she should do it herself.”
“Yeah but imagine how cr..cr..crazy this is gonna be.” Lemon sang as she looked over a notebook. “With this copy of Twilight's notes and what we were able to get ourselves we'll have a sweet personal portal to Equestria and all that mad stuff we saw at the Friendship games.”
“Uh-huh,” Sour commented nonchalantly as she aimed a laser like device suspended from the ceiling at an arch across the room. She quickly put the pair of goggles on her forehead over her eyes and gestured for her partner to do the same. “Ready?”
“Ready.” Lemon twisted several nobs on the control panel she was manning as Sour turned the machine on. The device began to hum and lights began to flicker as it powered up. “All systems are a go.”
“Initiating portal test,” the freckled girl flipped a switch that started up the laser, which fired a beam into the center of the arch, causing it to come to life as well. The connection of the two devices caused a molecular distortion in the arch as a blurred vision of what looked like another world came into view.
“Aw dude, it's working. This is gonna rock so hard!” In her excitement, the rocker girl jumped up and accidentally hit several carefully calibrated nobs. A moment later and the portal was now unstable as the machine began to shutter and small spurts of electricity began to appear on the surface. “Oops.”
“Oops?!” Sour shouted as she attempted to get the machine back under control before rushing over to Zest's position, shoving her out of the way to fix the problem. “Is that all you have to say? I've got half a mind to.....” Before she could finish her sentence a beam shot out of the portal, ricocheting off several surfaces before hitting Sour Sweet square in the mouth. Finally, the machinery burnt out and both the portal and laser shut down.
“Oh man. Please don't be dead.” Zest cried as she shook Sour Sweet. The latter opened her eyes and awarded her friend a slap to the face.
Getting to her feet and with an angry look about her, Sour prepared to rip into the girl for the mishap. “You are so incredibly...” she stopped as a bright light flashed from inside her mouth. Moments later what appeared to be a scaly purple arm reached out of the light, stopping Sour from doing anything but let out a muffled screech as she ran around the room in a panic.
“Don't worry,” Zest attempted to reassure as she pulled out her phone. “I know just the person to fix this.” She dialed the usual number and waited as her classmate continued her manic attempts to do anything to end the traumatic experience. “Hey, what's up Bon Bon?” Lemon carried on a conversation with the girl, seemingly forgetting the whole reason she called.
Meanwhile, Sour stopped for a moment out of pure exhaustion as the arm had stopped flailing. It opened it's hand and felt around the unfamiliar area before feeling the disturbed Crystal Prep student's face. After a few seconds of confirmation the hand balled into a fist and began to punch the girl causing her to once again dart across the room, communicating only in muffled screams. Unaware of what's happening behind her, Lemon was well into her discussion.
“Sounds like fun. Wish I was there. Principal Cinch has got us doing this lame experiment, so boring.” Zest paused as she heard the sound of wood being broken. She turned to find the door leading up from the basement shattered into pieces and her compatriot in the fetal position in the far corner with a black eye, nervously humming to herself rocking back and forth. “Where's my head at today?” putting the phone back to her ear she made sure Bon Bon was still on the line. “Hey Bonny? I screwed up again!” She cried as the girl on the other end winced from the sudden rise in volume.
About an hour later Bon Bon arrived at the school to analyze the situation. “And you didn't think to tell me that Cinch had you building a portal to another dimension?”
“I know how you like surprises.” Zest's comment only awarded her an angered gaze from the other girl as the secret agent scanned the basement with a hand held device. She spotted something blue on the basement floor and moved over to it.
“You think something came through the portal?”
“Well not the portal exactly. More like through Sour's mouth by what she said.”
“And where is she exactly?”
“Psychiatrist. As if he doesn't have enough on his plate already.”
Bon Bon continued to scan the strange items that appeared to be scales of some sort. “Please don't turn red, please don't turn red.” she seemingly pleaded with the device only for it to flash a red light as a confirming beep sounded. “Dang it. Well looks like we got ourselves a code 5-V.”
“I'm on it.” Zest confirmed as she activated her holo-watch. A few seconds later she appeared wearing a tight leather body suit, complete with whip and thigh high boots.
The other girl slapped a hand into her face from sheer embarrassment. “I said 5-V not B. Why do we even have that code?”
Later that Week
Late one night at Sunny Flare's family estate, the Crystal Prep student was fast asleep in her bed, exhausted from a day out with some of her friends. She found it strange though that both Lemon Zest and Sour Sweet were markedly absent. The former was no great surprise, but Lemon never skipped out on a day of fun.
“Sis, sis, wake up.” She found herself jolted awake by a nasally little voice as a pair of hands rocked her awake.
Opening her eyes she saw the face of her annoying twelve year old brother, a boy with similarly colored skin to hers and dark red hair. “Bellflower, what in the name of dad's antique wig collection are you doing in here at...” she stopped to take a look at the clock on her nightstand. “three in the morning?”
“I think there's a...a ghost in the house.” he said with clear fear in his eyes.
Flare moaned heavily, rolling her eyes as she sat up in the bed. “For the last time, there are no ghost, phantoms, specters, spooks, apparitions, spirits, incorporeal beings, poltergeists, wraiths, little girls who climb out of your television or door to door salesmen. All myths.”
“Well I think that last one is...”
“Bleh-le-le-leh!” Flare blurted out as she shewed him out of her room. She rolled back over in her bad and attempted to go back to sleep. A few minutes later she heard footsteps in her room again. “I told you, there's no...” She froze as she witnessed a shadowy figure, smoke coming from it's nostrils.
She sprang out of the bed and fled down the hall into the Bellflower's room, surprising him with just how fast she came in. “You know, maybe your big sister should be a little more understanding about your feelings. So, just for tonight, I'll keep you company.” Immediately locking the door behind her, she grabbed an extra blanket from the closet and wrapped it around her as she took a spot on the carpeted floor, shaking as she nervously watched the door.
Later That Morning
“I'm telling you, you guys are gonna love this new spot,” Sandalwood said as he led Flash, Octavia and Curly Winds through a path in the nearby woods. “It'll be a great place to practice for the jazz festival next week.”
“I'm pleasantly surprised any of you know what it is.” Octavia responded as she picked up the rear of the group. “Still I'm glad you could help, what with Bulk having to call in sick.”
“Are you kidding?” Curly answered as he carried the girl's cello on his back. “I grew up on jazz music. It's got a life all it's own. Practiced all the time with my uncle for like five years on the violin.”
“So why have I never seen you in the jazz appreciation club?”
“It was jazz or football and my pops was really hoping I'd get an athletics scholarship.”
“Understandable.”
“You know what I don't understand? Why I have to haul this thing all the way up there.”
Octavia rolled her eyes as she walked along side of him. “If we are going to use this spot to rehearse I insist on making sure it feels just right.” Curly let out a sigh of discomfort much to Octavia's annoyance. “You know I could have asked Applejack, she wouldn't have complained.” she responded with a smug smile. “Oh I forgot, you two broke up. That must have stung.”
The comment warranted a quick and confused response from Flash. “You guys broke up? What happened?”
“She was emasculating him.”
“She was not! It's just I'm not used to a girl....”
“Who's stronger than you?” Flash finished as Curly shot him an angry glare. “Sorry.”
“Don't worry about it.” the athlete's head seemed to sink a bit as he kept on walking.
Surprisingly, Octavia placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “At least you still have your part-time chauffeur job for Mr. Rich.”
“Yeah, about that.”
Camp Everfree (Two Weeks Ago)
Curly, dressed in his uniform, pulled the limousine of the richest man in town into the camp and waited for his employer who exited the vehicle and no more than two minutes and twenty feet later, returned to the vehicle and signaled for him to drive. The young man rolled up the privacy window between the driver and passenger seats as he answered his phone using his headset. “Hey Wiz, what's up? Yeah, I was actually out at Camp Everfree. Saw everybody and it looked like a good time. But I spent a good half an hour driving all the way up here and the dude didn't even stay for two minutes. Basically owns the place and let some flower child run him off. What a loser.”
He stopped as he noticed a red light on the dashboard was on. The young man's face turned pale as he remembered that was to signify the two way speaker between the driver and passenger was on. Shuddering to open the visor he answered Wiz who was still speaking. “I'll have to call you back.”
Present
“So as well as becoming single I am now unemployed on top of that.”
Before the conversation could go any further they heard a shout from Sandalwood and raced ahead. They arrived to find the eco kid with a net over his head. He stood in front of his two captors. One was a girl with a sickly blue complexion and swampy blue hair who had an annoyed look. The other holding the handle of the net was a shorter boy with faded purple skin, his grayish blue hair in a bowl cut and freckles adorning either side of his face. The boy was also wearing a pack full to the brim with supplies.
“I got it! I told you we'd catch the thing sooner or later!” he said excitedly. His eyes were closed as he continued to yank on the net, completely oblivious to what, or rather who he'd caught.
“Quark,” the girl said in frustration. “That is not a dinosaur. That is a boy with dreadlocks and a rasta cap.” Quark ceased his efforts and opened his eyes to see who was actually caught.
“Oh, sorry about that.” he said as he lifted the net.
“It's cool bro.”
Flash and the others approached from a short distance away as the girl looked over the newcomers. “Hey, I recognize you. You're from Canterlot High, right?”
“That's us.” Curly replied.
“Cold Forecast,” she introduced herself before she turned her attention to her companion. “And the charming little fellow over there is Quark Fusion. We were at the Friendship Games when all that insanity went down.”
“I'm assuming you're Crystal Prep, yes?” Octavia chimed in and received a confirming nod from the girl.
After having been released, Sandalwood decided to inquire what was going on. “Wait, you said you were trying to catch a dinosaur?”
Forecast put a hand to her face in shame as Quark smiled and explained. “Yes sir. Our friend Sunny Flare said that some human sized lizard thing broke into her house last night and terrorized the place. After I surveyed the area I tracked the thing to these very woods.”
“And mister master trapper here thought he'd catch it with a spare butterfly net.” Forecast interrupted.
“You really believe a dinosaur, a creature extinct for millions of year, is running around this city?” Octavia commented. “You'll have to excuse me if I'm a bit skeptical.”
“Says the girl who was with us when the world was almost destroyed and we were about to be sent to a dimension of talking ponies.” Quark countered as Octavia gave a slight shrug in acknowledgment of the fact.
“Still, a dinosaur? And here of all places?”
“Makes sense to me,” Sandalwood responded. “Ever since Princess Twilight came here and all the things we've seen, a dinosaur is probably as normal as we're going to get from here on in.”
As the group debated the existence of a prehistoric creature roaming free, something had caught Curly's attention as he looked up nervously. “Everybody get down...slowly.” He whispered as he gestured for them to move closer to the ground. The others looked to one another before carefully complying with his words. A few seconds later they looked to the ground to see a large shadow cast over them that disappeared a moment later.
“Was that what I think it was?” Flash inquired as the others looked toward him.
“Yep, instant fame and fortune.” Quark didn't hesitate a second longer before racing off, net in hand, in the direction of the shadow.
“You simpleton, get back here.” Forecast demanded before she and the others decided to pursue him. They soon spotted him a short distance away as he ran into a nearby cave. As they reached the opening, ever single one of them stopped in their tracks.
“Okay so let's cut to the chase: Who's going in first?” Curly brought up the point everyone was thinking.
All three guys looked two each other and nodded in agreement before they broke into a game of rock, paper, scissors. The two girls slapped themselves as the three played out multiple rounds to a draw. “Is this really...” Forecast inquired before she was cut off by Curly.
“Necessary? Yes it is.” The three continued to draw each round before they heard a roar echo from the cave.
The trio ceased the game as a roar echoed from the depths of the cave. “Okay, we'll settle this another time.” Flash said as they raced in with the girls following close behind. Everyone pulled out their cellphones and used the light to guide the way as the sounds of voices got closer. They spotted a dim light coming from around a bend in the tunnel ahead. Immediately the entire group jumped out, ready to fight only to find Quark and what appeared to be a blue, human sized reptilian with wings, seated on rocks. Next to them were several makeshift torches that illuminated the area.
“Hey guys,” Quark said in a an excited voice. “Meet Dragon Lord Ember.”
Five Minutes Later
“And that about brings you up to speed.” Quark said after having given the full explanation to why he was conversing jovially with a talking dragon. The rest of the group was almost speechless before Flash opened up.
“So you're from Equestria too?”
“The Dragon Lands actually. Not really in pony territory.” Ember corrected still seated on the rock.
“Right. And you somehow ended up in our world a few days ago and you've been trying to figure out how to get back home.”
“That's about the gist of it.”
“Well why didn't you just go back through the portal?” Octavia decided to bring up what was certainly the most obvious solution to the problem.
“Portal?”
“Yes, it's a portal right to Equestria right at the base of our school statue. Twilight comes and goes as she pleases as well as all other manner of trouble.”
“Wait, Twilight? As in Princess Twilight Sparkle?” the dragon inquired as just about everyone gave a confirming nod. “She rights to me all the time. You're saying she comes this portal whenever she wants?”
“Pretty much.”
“Well then what are we waiting for?” Sandalwood asked. “We take her to the school, get her through the portal and problem solved.”
A buzz suddenly came from Forecast as she pulled out her phone, she and Quark sharing concerned looks as they turned to the others. “That might not be so simple seeing as how this is all over town now.” She showed them what appeared to be grainy, underdeveloped pictures of Ember that were currently being shared with about two hundred or so people just in the last few minutes. “It also says that there's a standing reward for anyone who can prove of your existence or capture you.”
“Well that puts a little hiccup in the straight forward plan.” Flash thought. “Sunset and the other girls are out of town for that charity event but I'll leave a message and hopefully she'll have a better idea.”
“And if there's another portal around letting creatures from Equestria come here we should definitely have it checked out.” Curly added as the others agreed.
“Ember, do you remember where the portal was that you came through?”
The dragon stopped to think for a moment. “Well it was in some sort of cellar and there was this screaming pink haired girl. I think I might have punched her a couple of times. I flew out of there and the outside looked like it was covered in gemstones.”
“Crystal Prep!” the collection of CHS students said in realization.
“That would explain what Principal Cinch had Lemon Zest and Sour working on in the school basement.” mentioned Forecast, “Though from what I heard that had a pretty explosive conclusion so that might not be our primary concern.”
Flash stroked his chin for a moment before speaking again. “I guess the best we can do is hide you out here until all this commotion dies down and we can get you home.”
Ember responded by simply leaning back against the cave wall and resting her eyes. “Take your time. Believe me, I'm in no rush to get back. It's actually pretty nice here.”
After getting everything settled the group decided what their next step would be. “Let's head back for today,” Sandalwood suggested to the group. “We'll bring you some food and anything else you need to make yourself comfortable for the time being.”
“I could stay with you tonight and keep you company.” Quark suggested as the others took surprised notice. “I mean I was planning on camping out here for the weekend anyway so I've got plenty of food and blankets and everything. That is if you don't mind of course.”
Ember gave the young man a light smile and patted him on the top of the head. “Sure, why not? Beats sitting alone in a cave all night.”
“Well now that that's settled,” Octavia said as she lightly clapped her hands together. “Vow of silence everyone until this ordeal is sorted out and we'll all meet back here tomorrow.”
“Can I leave this here? I really don't feel like lugging it back through the woods again.” Curly said as he pointed to the cello. Octavia in turn looked to Ember for an answer, the cave being her temporary residence after all.
“Okay by me. Nothing will happen to it while I'm here.”
Meanwhile, Forecast helped Quark unpack his things. “You're sure you've got everything you need?”
“Yes mom.” Quark said jokingly as he continued to unpack.
Not long after the others said goodbye and headed home for the day. The group soon parted ways and Flash, having finally dropped everyone else off, pulled his car into the driveway of his house. As he stepped out of his car he was greeted by none other than Lemon Zest who hopped down off the porch. “Flash my man. What's up?”
“Hey Zest, what brings you here?”
“Dude, have you seen this?” She whipped out her phone and showed him several of the pictures he'd seen earlier from Forecast.
“Yeah, I've heard about that but it's gotta be fake.” the rocker said as he attempted to play off the fact that he knew full well it was the opposite.
“No way dude. I saw the thing with my own eyes. Plus Sunny Flare said something busted into her house and scared the heck out of her and her little brother. Don't worry though 'cause me and Bon Bon are totally on it's trail. Just thought I'd give you a heads up in case you wanted in.”
“Sounds like fun but I've got practice with the band for the jazz festival.”
“Bummer. Still if you see anything suspicious around give me a call.”
“Will do.” the two shared a friendly hug before Zest put on her roller blades and headed for home. After she was out of sight Flash pulled out his phone and sent a text to Octavia, Curly and Sandalwood.
Later That Night
At the cave, Quark had finally made himself comfortable, having gotten his sleeping bag just the way he liked it as well as set out a plethora of snacks for he and Ember to enjoy. “Hey Ember, mind if I ask you a question?”
“Hmm?” she answered, her mouth filled with some of the chocolates the Crystal Prep student had set out.
“You said you were leader of the dragons, right?” she gave a confirming nod to his inquiry. “Aren't you worried about what will happen without you there?”
“Honestly, being Dragon Lord is not what I thought it would be. Every dragon in the land wants something. This one wants more gems, that one wants pillows, that wants a national belching contest!”
“Sounds stressful. Still, it must be nice to be so important, everyone coming to you for advice. It's gotta be better than just being forgotten in the background.”
“Meaning?”
“Sometimes I wish people would take me seriously. I mean, I'm smart for sure but that's about everybody at my school. If you don't shine the brightest in a particular field you're basically wasting your time. That was the whole reason I wanted to capture...you. So I could finally do something big to get me noticed so someone outside of Forecast could see how great I could be.”
“Ah, listen to me ramble on about nothing.” Quark brushed of his previous statement before pointing to a blue bag in the pile of snacks. “Hey, could you pass the chips?” The dragon complied.
As he reached for the bag she placed her claw over his hand. “Hey, I get it. I wanted to be Dragon Lord to show others too. You don't have to compare yourself with everyone else about how little like them you are. You just have to use what you have and then they'll see.”
“Thanks.” he said simply and the two talked about any random thing that came to mind well into the night.
The next morning Flash and the rest of the group headed back to the cave with the fresh supplies they'd promised taking great care to make sure they weren't followed. “Do you really think Lemon Zest of all people could actually find Ember?” Curly asked.
“Yeah, no offense but she's about as likely to discover our dragon friend as that pink haired girl from your school.” Forecast added as she carried her fair share of the food. The rest of the group stopped dead in their tracks as if they'd come to a grim realization. They proceeded to race full tilt to the cave. The girl was left in a state of confusion as she watched the others abandon her at a frantic pace. “Did I miss something?”
Not far from the entrance the faint sound of a cello could be heard coming from inside. “Wow, Octavia really is talented.” Sandalwood said as he stood with Flash and Curly.
“Hello, I'm right here.” Octavia herself pointed out right behind them. The trio stumbled for a moment before collecting themselves. “Does Quark play the cello by any chance?” Her questioned received a silent “no” from Cold Forecast as the group decided to approach with caution as they navigated the small tunnel way, not sure who exactly was playing the music. Arriving near the same dim lit area as the day before the group peered around the corner to find the cellist's instrument being played by the Dragon Lord herself.
“Uh, hey,” Ember said as she abruptly ceased playing the instrument, blushing slightly. “I hope you don't mind. I was just really curious as to how this thing worked.”
Octavia stood silent for a few moments. “No...it's fine but how did you pick up on that in just one night?”
Seated on the other side of the cavern, Quark humbly raised his hand. “You?” Forecast asked in astonishment. “You struggled to play the triangle in music appreciation class.”
“Well they say that those that can't do teach,” he said as he shrugged his shoulders. “And I can't do, so...”
“Hey give yourself some credit,” The dragon complimented as she rested the instrument back against the wall. “For someone who can't play you're one heck of a teacher.”
“I'll say,” Flash stated. “In fact that gives me an idea on how we'll get you home. That is if you don't mind hanging around a bit longer.”
Ember shrugged her shoulders. “Eh, doesn't matter to me.”
“What have you got?” Sandalwood asked as he and the others awaited Flash's explanation.
“The festival is being held on the school field which means that's where everybody's going to be. We being Princess Ember, disguise her and let her perform on stage with us. Then afterwards we slip out, head to the portal and we're home free.”
“I like it.” Octavia turned her attention to Quark. “Can you train her on any other instruments?”
“Don't see why not. Have any special requests?”
As the week went on the group continued to meet at the same location, although they did have several close calls with the determined Bon Bon and even more determined Lemon Zest. The night before the group were seated in the cave as they played a game of cards. “So you seriously broke it off because she was stronger than you?” Ember asked Curly who sat across from her at the folding table.
“Yes.” he said simply as he brought his cards up to his face in a futile attempt to hide behind them.
“You'll have to excuse me if I find that a bit ridiculous.” Ember looked over her cards as she eyed up her competition. “I mean the two of you have a bit in common from what you've told me but you let that come between the two of you? I get it, being strong is important to you but does it really mean more than her?”
As the group continued to play, just outside the cave Lemon Zest led Bon Bon on their continued search. “I'm telling you it all makes perfect sense. Reptilian creature with wings that breaths smoke. A dragon! And where do dragons live?”
Bon Bon let out a flustered sigh before answering. “I highly doubt it works like in the story books. I mean if it flew wouldn't it be more likely we'd find in the trees instead?” Before another word could be spoken the two could hear the faint sounds coming from the cave entrance.
“And you doubted me?” Zest prodded as the two entered the cave with flashlights.
“Got your net launcher ready?” The duo prepped the hand held devices as they followed the voices to their location. The two heard the voices clearly as they prepared to round the corner where the light source originated.
“I'm just saying, I have some experience with someone who put being strong over everything else.” Ember said as she sniffed the air for a moment and tensed up. Silently, she gestured for Flash, Forecast and Curly to get the lights. The three traded glances for a moment before complying with the unspoken request. Just as they blew out the torches, the two agents made their move as the room erupted in confusion.
“What's going on?”
“Who's that?”
“Help!”
“Watch the hands, buster!”
“Get off me!”
“Not groovy bro.”
“Mind your manners!” The last comment was followed by the thudding sound of a slap just before Lemon Zest activated her flashlight and the large group, minus Ember found themselves in one big heap.
“Um, hi.” Flash greeted as everyone tried to get out of the tangled mass and to their feet. “What exactly are you guys doing here.”
“We could ask you the same thing.” Bon Bon countered as she dusted herself off. “Why are you all sitting in a spooky cave for?”
“Well we were practicing for the Jazz Fest tomorrow,” Octavia explained as she gestured to the instruments in the corner. “And we found a nice, out of the way place to rehearse some new material. We all decided to play a few rounds of cards and I guess we just lost track of time.”
Sandalwood excitedly jumped in a second later. “Yeah, and the cave has this awesome aura around it.”
“I'll take your word for it.” Bon Bon said as she smiled lightly. “Well, sorry for interrupting. We'll just be on our way.”
“Still looking for that monster?” Forecast inquired.
“You know it,” Zest said confidently as she got uncomfortably close to the girl's face with an unnerving glare. “And we're close. I can almost smell it.”
Bon Bon responded by grabbing her by her ear and dragging her away. “Sorry about that. We'll leave you to it.”
“Ow, let me go!”
“Don't embarrass me.” The tan skinned girl scolded as her friend continued to whine all the way out.
After they were certain the two were gone Flash called out, “Alright, they're gone.” Immediately, several fireballs reignited the torches as the group looked up to see Ember clinging to the ceiling.
“Well that was closer than I would have preferred.” she commented as she descended via her wings.
“That's for sure. You don't think they'll be back do you?” Forecast asked as she helped pick up the chairs and cards that had been knocked down in the confusion.
“If I know Lemon Zest, we haven't seen the last of her.”
Flash's answer caused Quark to think about their next move very carefully. “Hmm, what if Ember stayed at my place for the night? I mean it'll just be til we get the Fest tomorrow morning and we won't have to risk anyone spotting us coming back up this way to pick her up.”
“That's not a bad idea,” Curly said as the others agreed. “We'll get everything ready tonight and meet at your place.”
“Sounds like a plan to me.” The group double-checked the outside of the cave to make sure the two had truly left the vicinity before heading out. Sandalwood gave most a ride home in his van as well as loading all the instruments inside as well. Quark and Ember respectfully declined as she flew them to his house under the dim night sky. “You know Quark was pretty quick to offer up his home to Ember.”
“Quark's got a good heart,” Forecast answered. “And besides that, his family's home is so large they'd never notice him sneaking a guest in.”
“Really?”
“The kid once snuck in and assembled an entire Mini Cooper in the basement and they didn't find out for about a week after, so I think he's got it covered.” She turned her head to face out the window as a light smile rain across her face. “And I think those two are really hitting it off.”
It took Flash and the others a few seconds to contemplate the last sentence, the guitar player being the first to respond. “Wait, does he have the hots for a dragon?”
“Does someone in this van have the hots for a pony princess?” the girl shot back at the rocker.
“I retract my previous comment.” he said simply as he sat back in his seat quietly for the rest of the trip.
The Next Morning
The group arrived at the school which was bristling with activity all around and pulled around back to unload all the instruments and equipment for the performance. Everyone filled out and began to get things ready as well as mingle with some of the other bands. “I don't know about this.” Ember said meekly as she refused to exit the vehicle.
“Trust us deary,” Octavia encouraged. “No one will be the wiser with that disguise.”
“If you say so.” She stepped out of the van, dressed in a trench coat and fedora, with a scarf wrapped around her mouth to conceal her mouth and a pair of sunglasses to complete it. Her tail was wrapped around the inside of the coat like a belt. The only drawback to the disguise was that her wings had to be uncomfortably tied under the coat to keep her from giving off a hunchback like appearance. “You really think this will fool anyone?”
“It will if we're all wearing the same thing.” Among all the equipment sat a trunk with a similar styled outfit for each of them. “Remind me to thank Rarity for pulling all of this together so quickly. Speaking of which, are they in place?”
Flash checked his text messages to make sure he'd heard back from Sunset's group. “Yep.” A few moments later one of the event coordinators came over to let them know they'd be up after the next few performances and the group headed off to get ready. The group was unaware that Lemon Zest had walked up to the locked van as she bent down and picked up a few scales that had fallen off of Ember.
The band eventually made their way to the stage and began to play as Forecast and Quark waited behind the stage. The later peered out from behind the curtain to see Lemon Zest conversing with Bon Bon in the crowd and gesturing toward the performers on stage. After a few songs, Flash and the others were well received by the crowd as the applause was almost deafening with calls for an encore performance. They headed back stage and were almost immediately informed of what might be going down out front.
“Don't worry, we got this.” Octavia reassured as she pulled out her phone and made a call. “Hey, we could really use your help on the next number.” Not five seconds after hanging up, Vinyl Scratch popped up back stage with an electric keyboard and gave a thumbs up. “Alright, we'll them distracted while you get Ember to the portal.”
Flash nodded in agreement as they prepared to sneak out the back.
“I'll take this one.” Forecast stepped forward to everyone's surprise. “What? You think I'm going to pass up the chance to sing?” The collection of Octavia, Forecast, Vinyl and Sandalwood made their way back out to the stage. With Forecast as lead vocals, the group performed their rendition of “Why Don't You Do Right” to the crowd's enjoyment.
The rotation of performers did nothing to fool Bon Bon who quickly realized what was going on. “Where are the others? Come on Lem...” She turned to her side to see that her partner was now gone. Turning her head, she spotted Flash and a few others slipping out the side as most everyone else was focused on what went on on stage. She forced her way through the thick crowd in an attempt to give chase. Halfway through, however, a glass of punch was spilled on her skirt.
“Oh my, I'm terribly sorry about that.” The apology came from none other than Rarity who was standing with Sunset and their other friends.
“Let us help you get cleaned up.” Fluttershy said as the others offered assistance as well.
“No, really, I'm fine. I have to get...” Bon Bon protested only to be cut off as Rarity took her by the arm.
“I won't hear of it darling. It's really no trouble at all. We'll get you cleaned up and into some dry clothes.” The girls dragged her off as she watched the group she'd tried to pursue vanish from sight.
Meanwhile, Flash, Quark and Curly reached the front of the school and were well in the clear with Ember just before they were taken by surprise as Lemon Zest lept seemingly out of nowhere and tackled the disguised Ember, knocking the latter's hat off. “Aha! I knew it. Dragon!”
“Zest?” Quark said in confusion.
“I got this.” Curly walked over, cracking his knuckles only to be subdued as well, in record time too. “Why does this keep happening to me?”
“Get off me.” Ember kicked the girl away but was quickly subdued by the girl's net launcher.
“Let her go!” Quark demanded as Lemon Zest stood triumphantly over her target.
“I knew you were hiding something. I thought you guys were my friends.” She shot a hateful glare at the two before she turned her attention back to the dragon at hand. “Whatever. Once I show you to Bon Bon she and everyone else are gonna have to start taking me seriously.”
“Listen Zest,” Flash stepped forward as the girl braced prepared to fight. “We're sorry we had to lie to you but we had to be careful who we talked to. If anyone finds out about Ember, who knows what they'd do to her.”
To everyone, including his self's surprise, Quark spoke up. “Listen Zest, I know you want to impress everyone that thinks you're just some ditsy party girl. A week ago I was trying to prove myself too. But I realize now that it doesn't matter what everyone sees me as. All that matters is how you see yourself. Please, Ember's just trying to get home where she belongs.”
Zest stood silent for a moment, switching her gaze from Ember to Flash and Quark before wiping a small tear from her eyes. She reached down and removed the net from the dragon as well as helping Curly to his feet. “Just go. Before I change my mind.” she managed to sniffle out as the dragon gave an appreciative nod.
“Well we'll see you around.” Flash said as they approached the portal.
“Thanks, it's been fun. I'll make sure Twilight gets this.” Ember held out an envelope given to her earlier by the guitarist. She then turned to address Curly. “And remember what we talked about. It doesn't matter who's better...”
“Just that I love her, thanks.”
Finally, she approached Quark. “Thanks for everything.”
The young man nervously rubbed the back of his head. “Don't thank me too much. After all I was the one trying to catch you in the first place.”
“I'm kind of glad you did.” The others were a bit surprised as she gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Remember, don't ever sell yourself short. And if you're ever in Equestria feel free to stop by the Dragon Lands. I can always use the support of...a friend.” She gave him a wink before she walked through the portal.
Quark stood motionless for a short time, his face flush red as Flash walked up next to him and playfully punched him in the arm. “Welcome to my world. What do you say we head back to the show? By the sound of things, Forecast has a pretty strong stage presence.”
“She always did.” Quark said with a smirk as Flash, Curly and he headed back to the school. “Hey Zest you coming?”
“I'll catch up.” She waved to them as the three headed back to the festivities before she sat down on the front steps of the school. A short while later Bon Bon emerged from the building wearing a fancy powder blue dress and took a seat next to Lemon Zest, the other girl giving a raised eyebrow.
“Don't ask,” she said plainly as the two stared out at the street. “So I take it we won't have anything for the report?”
Zest chuckled as she looked over to her partner. “No such luck.”
“Oh I wouldn't say you have nothing to show for your efforts.” a voice said softly as the two saw Sour Sweet come from the concert. The girl, sporting a pair of sunglasses, a few bandages on her face and a surgical mask over her mouth politely handed an envelope to her schoolmate.
“What's this?”
“Oh nothing really,” Her sweet demeanor quickly changed to an angered look as she continued. “Just the bills for my doctor, dentist and psychiatrist visits for the next three months! And they better be paid on time.”
Opening the envelope Zest scanned the costs which caused her to widen her eyes in terror. “You have insurance. Why can't I just handle the co-pay?”
“That is the co-pay.” The response caused Zest to nervously yank on her shirt collar and turn back to Bon Bon. “So I was wondering...”
“Ugh, fine.”
One Week Later
“Are you leaving for your big meeting daddy?” Diamond Tiara asked as she walked with her father to the front steps of their large home.
“Yes Diamond honey, it shouldn't take long.” Filthy Rich said as he fixed his cuff links.
“And thanks for giving Apple Bloom's friend, Curly another chance.”
“Uh-huh.” he said simply as he stepped into the limousine that had been waiting for him. “You know where to go.”
“Yes sir.” Curly said cheerfully over the intercom.
“Rather upbeat today aren't we?”
“Well my girl whipped me in an arm wrestling contest before shift.”
“And that's something to be happy about?”
“Well it didn't used to be and I was a pretty sore loser about it. Thing is, I got some advice from a good friend that winning's not all that matters, especially when you risk a relationship.” The car pulled out of the lavish estate and headed out toward it's destination. “Once I got over that everything fell into place. And let me tell you sir,” The privacy window rolled down as Curly turned toward his boss, the young man's face covered with kiss marks. “I think me and her are gonna be alright.”