//------------------------------// // Solutions abound // Story: The Magic and Mysteries of Friendship // by The Stainmore Phoenix //------------------------------// Stanier Five smirked as their prisoner was loaded in a hidden cell. Once done, he walked over to a hidden “shanty”, where a large group of ponies waited. “Right then lads, it's Hardball time.” “Excellent,” said a voice from within the confines. A large group of ponies stood up and stretched, before stepping out into the sunlight. One of the group was a large, armored Changeling. They watched from the shadows before taking up positions and even identities. The smaller Changelings took up the identities of Applejack, Amplitude and Fluttershy. “Be careful,” Stanier warned. “These bull headed fools are going to try something.” “Something?” asked one of the thestrals. “Yes, Bladed Star,” Stanier replied. “What sort of something?” another pony asked. “Something criminal, my dear, dear Chickpea.” “Smooth criminals,” came a sarcastic tone. “Watch it Skyla. I know you and your partner in cheek are the royal daughters of Celestia and Sombra. I'd push you, but I've got too much respect for you.” “True, but where's dad?” “He's out there somewhere, banished by the other Sombra. I can try to find him, but I have a better feeling he's closer than we think,” Stanier pointed out. They agreed and moved out. One of the Changelings took up the form of Applejack and made herself well known. The others hidden themselves well and watched from the shadows. It seemed to be forever, but soon, too soon for everyone's good, the bulls were back and aiming to cause more trouble. “Well, there goes the farm.” “Don't say that yet.” “Zip it you two.” Silence fell and they watched the bulls. They had axes and all sorts of fire starting equipment. It dawned on them that these characters were going to burn the city to the ground. “Party time over.” They rushed from the shadows and tackled the bulls. Soon, it became a full blown battle, everyone vying for control of the situation when a voice behind them growled out..... “Just what is going on here?” They blinked. A dark slate gray unicorn, with pitch black mane and ruby Cutie Mark stood there. To everyone there, he wore kingly regalia and stood tall. “Just who are you, fatface?” one of the bulls demanded. “King Sombra III, Ruler of the Crystal Empire, aide to the Royal Princesses of Equestria and head of the police in these lands,” the new comer said. Of course, vulgar words were used. Sombra said nothing, but pointed to the sheriffs that were behind them. “The sheriffs that reside here are ready to run you in for disturbing the peace, kidnapping, extortion, attempted vandalism with intent to commit harm....the list goes on. Want to add to it harming royal students and a prince and princess?” Sombra asked sweetly. They charged at him and as if he was a straight out of a Power Ponies comic, handled them as though he was some kind of superhero. Once they were beaten and sitting, stars and canaries dancing around their heads, the sheriffs arrested them and placed them behind bars. After that was done, he was shown into where the leader was kept and after worming Chili Pepper's location out of him, he walked out. “I need four fearless volunteers,” he said. He got them in four out of the five Thestrals. The five disappeared and soon found what they were looking for and returned with a rather battered earth pony. “They had him in a cavern hidden from view so they could make trouble and he wouldn't stand in their way,” Sombra said. “I see,” Amplitude replied. “I'll send a doctor as soon as I can,” Sombra replied. They thanked him and headed out, catching the next train to Ponyville, where things would go even more wrong.