//------------------------------// // The Epilogue // Story: My Little Pony: Nakama is Magic // by Hotspot the 626th //------------------------------// The Epilogue Towards the Future with Uncertainty In the back alleys of Water 7 there was a bar once owned by former resident Blueno, who was really an assassin. When his mission was done, he up and abandoned the building not caring for whatever outcome that may befall on it. Though despite how little the Minotaur had cared for his establishment, it had garnered quite the reputation among the citizens of Water 7. Most decent folks wouldn’t go there, but certainly everyone else did. The lowlifes and rundowns who could only scrounge up so much money to afford only a few drinks. Nevertheless, it was their place in all but name. Even with Blueno’s absence, it continued its business. So that, even on this night, it was still alive with good cheer and drunken joy. Despite how small the building was, it had an amazing capacity to fit many creatures inside. Sometimes, even comfortably. Tonight, everyone had cause for celebrations. The citizens were in a roar about the announcement by their mayor of the alliance they had joined with Equestria, a paradise of friendships and harmony. And with them, the surrounding islands as well; since they all needed the sea train for a multitude of purposes. Thus, with the yolk of the Empire thrown off them, they felt a new sense of pride for their home. Not only the citizens though, but many Galley-La employees as well. Among them, the head foreman and even Iceberg himself. With this new alliance, new work was already being brought up from Equestria. Among them, the rumor of a new sea train to connect to the kingdom. Even the Franky Family was celebrating despite the tearful goodbye to their boss Franky and the uncertainty of their future. They had been given a great opportunity. Iceberg, head of the Galley-La company, had offered the whole family work to both support and watch over them in Franky place. They gladly accepted thus now they partied for the future. Only Mozu and Kiwi did not accept the offer, but not out of ill intentions. Since their favorite bar had become ownerless, they decided to step up and run it themselves. So now, “Blueno’s Bar” was now “Cutty’s Bar” in honor of their leader and benefactor. Thus, they too celebrated their financial gain. Lastly, there were some just having a good time. One such group was the pirate crew of the Golden Alicorn. They weren’t really celebrating anything, but with such a mood like this it was hard not to feel the joie de vivre; the “Joy of Life”. So they celebrated with everyone as well. Their own reasons didn’t matter; but, if they to pick one it would be for their new friends who had accomplished their goal and escaping the Black Navy’s ships. Of course, they knew they would have to do the same soon, but for now it didn’t matter. It was a time to celebrate. Every member of the Golden Alicorn crew was living it up, and there was no stopping it. That is, until a new face appeared. Approaching the head table of the pirate crew, there came a young unicorn mare of white coat and light-pink mane and tail. She was a surprisingly dirty looking pony; even wearing a tattered, brown cloak over her body and flank. Timidly, she approached the table, specifically where Captain Jack Silver was sitting at. Her presence had not gone unnoticed though. Before she could even attempt to gain his attention on her own, Jack turned to the mare. Though surprised, the mare asked out in a sweet, timid voice, “Captain Jack?” Jack nodded. “Aye, that’s me.” “Somepony wishes to see you in the back room.” Immediately, every member of Jack’s crew looked at Jack curiously. T-Cog was the first to ask, “Who’s wanting to talk to you, Cap’n?” The pirate captain shrugged. “Don’t know...” Jack then took a quick swig from his mug. After setting it down, he then told everyone grinning jollily, “But I’m going to meet them since they sent such a cute mare to get me.” Spike laughed out. “Dat’s our captain!” He hollered out. Immediately after, he was hit in the head by a thrown mug and fell over. Shimmer shouted, “Knock it off, ya blockhead!” A roar of laughter soon followed from the rest of the Golden Alicorn crew. Each and every member amused by the antics of their two crew members. Jack too laughed but only for a short time. He soon left with the mare while the rest of his crew continued on laughing in good spirit. The mare lead the old stallion around the bar and into a room. It was the storage room full of unperishable food and many cases of alcohol; however, there was no one else in the room. Despite this, Jack didn’t look the least bit surprised. “So,” Jack spoke up once the door was closed, “what do I owe the pleasure of having an audience with the Sun Princess herself.” The mare immediately giggled. “I see you haven’t changed a bit.” The mare spoke with the same mature and royal voice of Celestia. Stepping away from the door, she circled around the old stallion until she stood before him; a head or two shorter as she remained in her form. “What gave me away?” Jack chuckled smugly. “You should really try mixing up your disguise sometimes.” Oddly, Celestia looked disapproving at the suggestion. “I like this disguise.” She stated stubbornly. Immedaitely, Jack gave out a defensive shrug. “Just sayin’.” He then eased up, just as he was about to reiterate his question earlier. “But back to my question though, I’m surprised that you would visit me personally. Not that I’m complaining.” Smiling, Celestia nodded in understanding. “I was in the area for…‘diplomatic’ reasons…” “Ah-huh.” Jack said uninterested. “But as for my personal reason why, I just wanted to thank you for all you’ve done.” At this, Jack raised his brow with surprise. “You did hire me to look after them, your student and her friends…” He stated businesslike. “Only to observe, as I recall.” Celestia recalled assuredly, smiling. “Yeah, well, they made a private contract with me so I had to oblige.” Not convinced, Celestia pressured further. “And coming to their aide as they escaped?” Now, Jack smirked. “That, princess, was my respect for the young captain and your student. Couldn’t allow such a spirited and determined youths be snuffed out after succeeding in their goals.” Chuckling, Celestia then replied, “You really haven’t changed, Admiral.” “Captain…” Jack corrected sternly. Then, he grew sad as he stated, “I left that life behind.” Frowning, realizing she had touched a nerve, Celestia relented. She felt no need to bring back the painful memories for this stallion. She instead spoke gracefully, “Thank you, Captain, for all you’ve done.” At this, the old pirate captain lightly smiled; appreciating the gratitude. “No,” he replied back graciously, “thank you, Princess.” Then, Jack suddenly changed his mood. One far more cheery. “So,” he began enthusiastically, “would you also like to know what our friends, the Empire, have been up to these past few weeks?” Immediately, Celestia became serious. “Yes.” She stated. Jack thus began informing the princess. “There are rumors. Every full moon since after Nightmare Moon’s return of the same Pegasus flying from Equestria towards Las Noches, but never flying back. I’ve even seen it for myself. The same Pegasus taking a one-way flight to the capital of the Black Empire and never seen again until the next moon. Never a ship heading back to Equestria. As unlikely as that may be.” “What.” Celestia said concerned. “What’s more, recently, for the last month there have been ships – small ones – leaving Las Noches heading north into the Iced Sea. They never return either. Tried once to follow ‘em to see where it was going, but the Navy drove us off. We were able to see a general direction of where it was going. It was heading north by northeast.” “That would place them in the Frozen North.” Celestia hypothesized with suspicion. “Possibly.” Jack stated unsure. “Haven’t the foggiest idea why they would want to go there though.” Celestia began brooding with worry. “There are many things occurring throughout the world that we have no idea of, Jack. There are troubles in Equestria that are beyond my knowledge, the Empire is desperate to acquire dangerous and, and the Emperor seems to be planning something on his own. The whole world is starting to move, and I’m afraid that every action taken from here on is leading to something unavoidable.” Raising his brow with concern, Jack asked, “And what would that be, Celestia?” “…War.” Far away from Water 7 and most civilization, there lied the northern expanse of the world known to all as the Frozen North. Nothing but cold winds, frozen water, and never-ending bitter temperatures. To reach it, you’d have to either climb impassable mountains or traverse the iced sea that made sailing conditions treacherous to impossible. As it was beyond the timberline, nothing grew for miles around. As such, not many creatures lived this far north, and even fewer countries existed here. There was little value to this area as far as most countries saw it. Thus, no one had even explored this area of the world. No one wanting to risk their life and be left a frozen statue for all time. And yet to the contrary, there was a large group of creatures traveling through this unforgiving expanse at this very moment. Many within the group were ponies but there was quite a number of other creatures as well. All of them bundled top to bottom in black clothes and goggles. Slowly, the group trudged through the knee-high snow, trotting and walking carefully on uncertain ground. Should any unfortunate soul find the wrong spot, they would be met with an icy death. From there, they climbed tall and jagged mountains that seem to pierce the very sky itself. Thankfully, they only needed to climb part way up, and from there it was keeping to the edge of the mountain. They crossed each mountain until there were no more. From there, the group traveled down quickly, easily, from the range. Before them now was only a wide field covered in snow. What lied further was none of their concern; yet. At the lead, a filly unicorn, pulled out a map from his pack. Her magic glowed a light green as she held the map before her eyes. After a quick look, she commented, “This is the spot.” Her voice young and high-pitched yet surprisingly hardened. She then turned around to her troupe, pulling down her scarf to speak clearly. “Gentlemen…er, ponies. We’ve reached our destination. Congratulations.” The filly spoke out nonchalantly. She paused a moment as her group began cheering in joy and triumph. “Enough, the mission has only just begun.” The filly stated strictly. “Prepare the camp, and keep it close to the mountains. We don’t want the whole city to appear on top of us.” All the troop saluted to the filly. “Yes, Major!” They all said before following their order. As her soldiers went about their work, the young, commanding filly turned to look out into the open expanse. There wasn’t much to see other than snow and rocks; however, she knew otherwise what was out there. Not just wild beasts and unforgiving weather that could still potential hamper their mission. No, she knew there was a whole country further south of them; the kingdom of Equestria. If they find out about their mission, it would surely be war with their government, the Black Empire. It was concerning for her as a leader but not at all scared. Though the youngest, she was one of the most accomplished officers in the emperor’s army. They could handle this covert operation with ease. Not too far away from the group’s location, there was a crevice that dug deep into the ground. So deep it went that light could not reach the bottom. Or so it would seem; in fact, the darkness was moving like water. It suddenly began to ripple and move violently before something began to emerge from the ooze-like darkness. As the liquid black followed off, it revealed a ghastly, ghostly black unicorn head with a red-tipped horn and sharp teeth. The stallion’s eyes were a blazing, brilliant green with deep red irises with a dark purple aura flowing off the sides. Overall, he looked downright evil. Now completely formed, the ghost unicorn head looked up to the sky above and smirked evilly. He could sense the presence of something coming; his kingdom. “Cryssstal Empire…” Meanwhile, another battle was being waged. Somewhere in the Frozen North of Equestria on the western coast, far from the activities of those near the east shore, there was a large cavern in the side of a mountain. Deep within this natural structure there was a cold and decaying castle of pale purple stone. Suddenly, the old structure began to rumble and shake and break. A cruel laughter rang out from some evil female. Then, a dark light began bursting through the newly cracks in the upper levels of the castle. In a matter of moments, the whole upper castle blew up. No sooner after as the rubble began to fall a black cloud exploded out, and with it a scary figure with glowing red eyes and mouth appeared out like a giant. The figure looked feminine though not of something of this world. As she raised up her arms and hands, there within her grasps was a sphere with a two Earth ponies inside it in pain. One mare wearing a uniform of white and blue like a sailor uniform and one stallion in a black suit and cape. Not only them, there was also a crystal whose light was dimming as electricity surged through all of them. As they screamed out in pain, the shadowy, dark figure laughed out in evil joy at their torture. Below this figure, within the castle, a group of mares in varying colored sailor uniforms laid defeated and exhausted on the floor. By each one, there was a pen that matched their colors; broken. By one, an orange Pegasus with a yellow mane was a sword as well. They all looked up at the horrifying seen as they watched their comrades scream out in pain. Each mare attempted to move – to stop this cruelty towards their friends – but none could do so. It seemed hopeless as they were only able to do one thing. “Sailor Moon!” None of them realized though that there was something just behind them. A small pink staff with a golden crescent moon. It had been left behind from a previous battle, but at the moment it was completely forgotten. Almost. A cobalt blue magic aura glowed around the staff and then levitated it up. It floated up to the owner of the magic; a unicorn mare with grayish blue coat and a light azure mane. On her flank, he cutie mark was a crescent moon against a dark purple background that covered most of her flank. She looked to have been in a battle of her own as her coat and mane with dirty, tussled, and messy. There were quite a few bruises on as well, but she didn’t seem to care. Staring at the staff and then the sphere that contained the two ponies, the unicorn grew angry. “Let go of our friend!” The mare shouted loudly as she held out staff. The uniformed ponies looked back in surprise. They all gasped out, “Luna?!” As she spoke, she began to twirl and wave the wand around. As she did, it began glowing. “In the name of the moon, and by our name as guardian of the moon and its kingdom. We are Princess Luna of Equestria.” Confused, the orange Pegasus spoke out, “Luna?” “Moon Prism Power!” Elsewhere in Equestria, in a region called the Mysterious South – a not yet fully explored area within the kingdom – there were bursts of magic flashing across a forest. Flashes of light blue magic and brilliant green were exchanged; in fact, this green magic seem to appear more often than the blue. Yet, the blue magic released terrible and destructive magic that knocked down entire trees in the forest. Within the forest itself, a pink, winged pony flew expertly through the forest dodging each tree despite the lack of light. Behind this pony, several – a swarm, in fact – of pony-like creatures gave chase. Each one of these chasers giving a hiss and snarl as some shot forth the brilliant green magic. Fortunately, each shot missed its mark as the pony they chased effortlessly dodged each blast. As the pony flew in between the trees, they were also searching for an opening to fly through. Luckily, they found one. An immediate turn, and they mustered all their strength. Such an immediate action confused their pursuers. Flapping their wings as fast as they could, the pony stretched to reach the moonlight that showed her the way out. Then, just as they reached it, they had been blindsided and forced down. The moon’s light revealed the now crashing pony. Not just a Pegasus; the pony was an Alicorn. A young mare with a pink coat and a long mane and tail of violet with rose and pale gold streaks. Upon her flank was of course her cutie mark: a heart-shaped crystal between two gold laces. Her slim frame plowed into the ground hard, leaving an impact, and receiving much damage from it. She wasn’t alone though; beside her was a seal wearing a yellow, turtle shell around its upper body and back of its head. He lied right beside the pony upon his stomach, and was the first to move. As he lifted himself up, he only had to take one look around the glade to sense the immediate danger. Quickly, he got up and jumped next to the Alicorn. He began shaking and barking at the pony, urgently trying to get her to move. Eventually, she began to move. “I’m fine, Tau.” She told the seal in pain. Slowly, she began to stand back up. Around the two, blue glowing eyes began to appear from the darkness. It was soon followed by hissing and snarling. Immediately, pony and seal stood back to back. The Alicorn’s horn glowed with light blue aura while the little mammal held up its flippers like bawled fists. The seal looked almost like it would perform kung-fu. Both of them looked ready to fight. “Whoever you are,” the mare shouted out threateningly, “don’t think I’ll go down easily just because I’m a princess.” A creepy and insect-like feminine voice replied, “Yes, but only a princess in title.” From the darkness a figure approached the two. Slowly, she stepped into the light revealing to the astonishment of both the Alicorn and the seal. “Practically nothing compared to…” spoke the same voice from before only now coming from an exact duplicate of the Alicorn. Except, her magic glowed a brilliant green as did her eyes. “…a queen.” The duplicate Alicorn said now copying the other’s voice completely. Then, she shot forth a blast of her green magic at the two. Out in wide ocean, there is a stretch of the sea that all sailors avoid; the Florian Triangle. It is a mysterious part of the sea covered in constant fog as thick as pea soup. Every year, one-hundred ships disappear and are never seen again. Every sailor worth his or her salt knows of this place and of its rumors. “The Haunted Waters” some refer it as for many who tread even nearby this part of the ocean see and hear the most frightening things. “Kishishishi!” An evil laugh that echoed through the fog. Sending chills down any creature’s spine who was unfortunate enough to hear it. It was a laugh “of doom”, for when anyone heard it they disappeared. And those who did, they were never the same. “Yohohoho, yo-hohoho. Yohohoho, yo-hohoho.” And yet, another voice – melodic and gentle – can be heard singing a song in this area as well. Its source coming from a dilapidated ship set adrift endlessly. Some say, they can see a figure aboard. No one could ever see it clearly, but there had been one distinctive aspect that was always seen. Whatever poor creature was singing on that ship, it had a large afro. Finally, deep within Equestria’s borders by the ruins of a castle long since abandoned was a gorge that went deep down into the earth. A stairway lead downward into this gorge and further lead to a cavern underneath the castle grounds. Deeper into this cave was the glow of luminous plants that provided light for an otherwise dark chamber. Not just these but many large crystals as well. Marvelous as this all was, it was nothing compared to what lied in the center of the place. There, seemingly growing in this place, was a crystalline tree with long blue strands with snowflake-like crystal leaves. Its crystal trunk had the symbols of the sun and the crescent moon upon it with a large star just above them. From this star, several large branches stretched out to five empty, crystal-shaped spots. It is an extraordinary sight, a magical existence, and a one-of-kind monument; the Tree of Harmony. Suddenly, the tree began to glow. The empty spots began to glow five different colors: orange, light blue, red, purple, and yellow. Then, the star began glowing pink, the sun a pale orange, and the crescent moon white. The lights then pulsated out. Slowly at first, before quickly speeding up. Then, each previously mentioned symbol shot forth a light of their color towards the ground and combined them. They all together formed a large white disk. The disk then began to slowly rise up. As it did, it began leaving something behind. First came the hooves, then the bodies and clothes, and finally the heads. A total of four pony figures stood in the spot where the disk of light had formed; two of them with their horns glowing – one with yellow aura and another with a light turquoise. These figures were covered in the same light as the disk. Then, a ding-dong sound chimed, like that of a clock. Then, the disk shattered and the light around the figures disappeared. The magic from the two ponies then immediately ceased. The taller one then collapsed, exhausted but happy. “We…” breathed out the female pony that had the turquoise magic, relieved. “We did it…” The pony with yellow magic immediately rushed over to the pony. “Are you all right, sensei?!” She asked worriedly. The pony responded, “Don’t worry…” She then sat up and removed her hood, revealing her to be a unicorn as well as her slightly wrinkled face and graying purple mane with even lighter purple and grayer aquamarine. “I just need a few minutes, Mika.” She told the pony. “I’m not as young as I used to be.” The worried pony soon removed her hood as well. Like her sensei, she too was a unicorn. She had tangerine orange coat and red-brown mane. Her brown eyes still showed her worry, but she soon began to smile as she relaxed. Meanwhile, one of the other ponies was looking around suspiciously. “Is this really the past?” asked the male suspiciously. Sensei pony glared at the male pony derisively. “Of course it is.” She smiled confidently and stated assuredly, “Our spell definitely worked.” Then, she turned around. “Look.” The pony said as she pointed her light pink-purple hood to the tree. “The Tree of Harmony is glowing brightly like it had in days past.” Stepping towards the tree, the pony creature with small antlers marveled at the tree. “It’s so…” She then removed her hood, revealing that the antler were indeed attached to her head as well as her long pink mane and tail, and her coat was a yellow-brown with unique pink, petal-like spots all over her face and going further down to her body. “…beautiful,” She said amazed. Looking at the tree, the male began smiling as well. “Yeah…” He then removed his own hood, revealing his chocolate brown coat with a black mane. “Ooh!” Mika said as she took notice of the tree too, and was also impressed. “Pretty!” Though smiling herself at the sight of the tree, sensei-pony quickly became serious. “All right, guys, enough gawking.” She told the group. Giggling excitedly, Mika spoke out, “Yeah! We gotta save the future!” The two youths turned to the older pony. “Where do we start?” asked the male pony determined. “Right here.” Sensei-pony said assuredly, stamping her hoof on the ground. “If we can remove Discord’s plunder seeds that should be one less problem for Equestria to worry about.” All the youths cheered out, “Yes, ma’am!” “Then let’s get to work!” Spike: Wealth, Fame, Power. Gold Roger, the King of Equestria, had attained this and even more ruling over our fair kingdom. Twilight: But my brother, Luffy, is where this story focuses on. He left for an adventure that would stretch from Equestria and beyond. Luffy: And also! Twilight and her friends joined up with us too! All (Spike/Twi/Luffy): This is the story of friendship and adventure in the great Age of Friendship! XXX All (Mane Six plus Spike and Straw Hat 8): Come aboard and bring along~ all your hopes and dreams… Together we will find everything that we're looking for~… My Little Pony… My Little Pony… Ahh, ahh, ahh, ahh! My Little Pony! We’re always shining, running, forever! I used to wonder what friendship could be. Sharing the best adventures to together! Until you all shared its magic with me! Luffy & Rainbow Dash: Big Adventure! Don’t ever let a compass show you the way to go Just pick the route that looks the most exciting! Usopp & Pinkie Pie: Tons of fun! You’ll feel a joy inside that you can’t explain And that’s the treasure we must find! Sanji & Rarity: A beautiful heart. Wake up, wake up, wake up, wake up heartbeat! We are the one! Go ahead! Franky & Applejack: Faithful and strong. It doesn’t matter who or what’s standing in our way, We’ll make it through them everyday Chopper & Fluttershy: Sharing kindness So spread your wings and meet it in the sky, leave earth below Just follow its light and get going, go! Zoro & Spike: It’s an easy feat! Robin & Twilight Sparkle: And magic makes it all complete! And as we follow our dreams however crazy they seem We won’t stop until we reach the end so Franky & Nami: You have my little ponies Luffy & Twilight Sparkle: “Do you know you're all my very best friends?” We Are! We Are! On Cruise~! My Little Pony Nakama is Magic “New Straw Hat Pirates saga” WE ARE! END