Professor Brain had been harder at work than ever trying to analyze everything that had happened. The Grand Ruler and the Queen were with him and so was Goldwin; all of them still trying to grasp onto everything. Grand Ruler was especially amazed by the mega mode powers Lightning unlocked in the last battle. They all continued to watch images from the previous battle, and watched Lightning fight with his new powers.

“In all my travels across the cosmos, I’ve never seen anything like this.” Grand Ruler said, “And yet… it’s all Starfleet technology and powered. That's all that we can tell so far.”

“What about those voices?” Celestia asked “Do we know whom they belong to? Maybe it will tell us who gave us the powers and why.”

“I have run the recording through the systems many times, your majesty.” said Brain.

“I am most positive.” replied Brain “The scans and records have matched up the voices we’ve heard with every single creature that can speak on this planet, or even those in alliance with Starfleet, but none of which match.”

Grand Ruler sighed irritably, “No matches, no explanations, and insufficient data…! What do we have to do to get some answers?!” he shouted in frustration. The others gazed at him and blinked their eyes. He apologized; he just didn’t know how much more of this he could take. Celestia walked up to him and placed her hand warmly on his shoulder “Don’t worry, dear, we’re sure to have answers soon. They always turn up.”

Just then, there was a knock at the lab doors and Captain Shaina entered to deliver her report. “Your majesties, I regret to say, our whole fleets have circled the planet hundreds of times, but we can’t find a shred of a clue that will reveal the enemy’s base.”

At this point, even Celestia was already starting to lose her own patience with all the dead ends, but her husband repeated the same things she had said to him. “We’ll find the answers. We always do.”

“Send word to all Starfleet outlets on other planets.” Grand Ruler said to Shaina “It’s time we extended the search.”

If the enemy’s base couldn’t be found on United Equestria, it was possible they were coming from someplace else. “We’ll find them, even if we have to search every inch of the galaxy.” Grand Ruler said.

“Gee, that could sure take a while.” said Goldwin. Professor Brain and Celestia nodded in agreement.

Even with all these mysteries, and the recent attacks life continued for all; everyone still went to work and school, bills and taxes were paid normally; all this and many more were to help keep spirits alive. Besides, it wasn't like the people could spend all their days cowering in fear or hardly leave their homes. That would be pretty boring.

At the end of the day, the Grand Ruler Queen Celestia prepared to lower the sun, and Princess Luna would soon raise the moon to start the night. That time would occur shortly, for now it was early evening, and still a little bit of daylight left. Ponies were going about and doing their business, even at the Cake’s bakery and café. Pinkie Pie was not present as she was still out doing her patrol rounds as part of her Starfleet duties, but her bosses were more than understanding and managed to work the place themselves.

Pumpkin and Pound were a year old now, and standing on their own two feet, and even talking a little bit, but they were still very little and still wore diapers, and they were still changed round the clock. Mrs. Cake changed the diapers and tickled the kids little tummy. “Aw, who are happy ponies?” she cooed. She then proceeded to throw out the dirty diapers only to notice the garbage was overflowing with a pile of stinky diapers. She covered her nose at the awful smell. “Oh, I got it…” said Mr. Cake as he came in and scooped out the garbage bag, tying it up and draping it over his shoulders.

“Thank you honey-bunch.” said Mrs. Cake. Her husband smiled and replied “Anything for my three special ones.” Then he proceeded out back and loaded the bag into the dumpster, unaware that someone was watching him from the shadows around the corner.

“Well, that’s that.” Mr. Cake said, but as he turned to head back inside, he felt someone grab him from behind and pulling him away back into the darkness.

Mrs. Cake poked her head through the door “Honey…?” she looked all over the place “Sugar-puff?!” but there was no sign of her husband anywhere.

An hour later, it was finally growing dark as their majesties made the sun go down, but Lightning, Starla, and Krysta were at the café investigating a report that Carrot Cake was missing. Poor Cup Cake was in tears, as she tried to explain the story.

“You’re he went out into the back?” Lightning asked again, and Mrs. Cake nodded. She blew her nose and sobbed “I went out there, and I called for him, and I looked around… and he… he wasn’t anywhere!” she began to blubber deeply.

The friends hated seeing her so distraught, and Krysta escorted her back inside. At the same time, Pinkie Pie came crashing down, latterly, from way up high. “WHOAAAAAAAAAAOW…!!”

“PINKIE!!” shouted Lightning, and Pinkie zoomed right past him and Starla, barely missing them, and crashing to the ground. She just lay there flat on the ground with her tongue hanging out and stars going round her head. The other ran over to help her up “Pinkie, are you alright?” cried Starla.

Pinkie felt dizzy and sore as she got up. “Oh, even my mane hurts. I guess I still have to work on those fast landings.”

“That’s an understatement.” Lightning muttered. He told her what was going on, and Pinkie could hardly believe it “Why would he just disappear? He’s like a second father to Me.” she almost felt like blubbering herself. “What if he didn’t disappear? What if he just ran away? What if he doesn’t care about me, or Mrs. Cake, or Pound, or Pumpkin… or…”

Pinkie drew in a huge breath and let it out slowly, at that moment, Krysta came out form the café, “Poor dear’s absolutely hysterical.”

The others all sighed in pity for Mrs. Cake, and Starla was beginning to have a creepy feeling about all this. “You okay, dear?” Lightning asked. His wife looked up and said “I have this weird feeling there’s more going here. Remember how every time a new enemy seems to surface, there always seems to be a secondary enemy out there somewhere, also plotting against us.”

She had a point; the others also had this fear, but were hoping this time things would be different and that this was just some petty criminal plot for maybe a small ransom, but then Buddy Rose and Spike came along. They looked as if they were in a panic “Have you guys seen Applejack or Rarity?” Buddy Rose asked. “They were supposed to pick up the Cutie mark Crusaders, but they left and never came back.” added Spike.

Just then, the girls came up to the café escorted by an orange Earth Pony, a Scottish Mare wearing a plaid skirt and a matching cam on her head. “Ms. Argyle?” said Lightning

“Buddy!” cried DD as she ran into her big cousin’s. Buddy Rose was glad she was safe “Where have you been?” he asked. “Applejack and Rarity never came to get us.” DD answered.

“Aye, she’s right, Major.” said Ms. Argyle “When yon Captains Rarity and Applejack failed to pick up the wee girls from school, I saw them still sittin’ out on the cold steps and thought it would be prudent to escort them home m’self… what with the abductions and all.”

“Aye Commander. In case it’s new to you, word on the street is ponies have been vanishin’ without a trace, and without explanations.”

Sweetie Belle and Applebloom were very worried about their sisters. “What if… what if they got captured too?” Applebloom sniffled.

“I hope not.” added Sweetie “Rarity’s a good fighter and all, but sometimes I feel she can’t always get out of everything, ever since Twilight died I… I...”

“Don’t think that.” said Scootaloo “I’m sure there’s an answer to this, and we’re going to find out what it’s all about.”

“No, we are going to find out.” Lightning said “You girls are going straight home. Take them along, Buddy Rose.”

“I’ll go with you.” Spike said. “I left Opal home alone, and I don’t think Rarity would forgive me.” Then they all went off together.

Lightning clenched his fists and his head fell a little low. “Lightning, you okay?” asked Krysta. Lightning winced softly “Oh, sorry… I… I just felt a little down for a moment.”

The others knew it was because Sweetie Belle mentioned Twilight’s death, which really brought in the memories of him seeing it right before his eyes, and how she died in his arms. “Lightning, try to let it get to you.” Pinkie said.

“I won’t… It’s just that I really wish she were here now. We could really have used her help. I don’t know how much more of the mysteries we can take, but I just couldn’t bear it if someone else got hurt.”

Ms. Argyle sighed “You’ve got a true heart, Commander; always thinkin’ of and out for others.”

As Buddy Rose and Spike escorted the girls home, the girls were looking a bit down still wondering if Applejack and Rarity were okay. “Don’t worry girls, I’m sure they’re fine.” said Buddy Rose.

“I’m not, but I do believe in them, just as they believe in all of us, and that’s what keeps a lot of us going in the force.”

DD gazed up at her cousin with admiration. “I hope I can be just as you are when I enlist to the force.”

As they approached Carousel Boutique, a horrible sight met their eyes. A mare was being attacked by a mysterious figure; a pale grey Earth pony. He wore a black suit with a red cape and a high collar, a black top hat atop his head, and an evil looking mask across his eyes. “Quit fussing!” he roared “Give me what I want and I won’t hurt you.”

Spike and Buddy Rose cautioned the girls to stay down and out of the way, they hid behind a set of garbage cans, and then the boys dashed over. “Freeze!” shouted Buddy Rose. The stranger looked up but didn’t let go of the other pony. “A space alicorn, and a young dragon!” he snarled “Blah, I see no use for you two.”

Spike sneered at the stranger, “Put her down and get your hands in the air or…” he was cut off when the stranger held the mare tightly by the neck “...Or nothing! If either of you make a move, I will be forced to take extreme measures and… do away with her. Either way, I’ll get what I want.”

“Please… help me!” the mare cried. “Silence!” shouted the stranger, tightening his grip on the victim.

Buddy Rose gazed down at Spike “When he tries to make a run for it, you know what to do.”

Spike nodded and stood ready. Buddy Rose then gazed back at the stranger. “This is your last chance. Let her go and surrender.”

The stranger snickered softly. “Very well, if I have no other choice…” his hands began glowing, the friends all gasped in shock and watched as the glowing seemed to consume the mare, and in a bright flash, she was knocked unconscious, and the stranger began to run for it. “After him!” shouted Buddy Rose, and he and Spike began to give chase, taking a small second to warn the crusaders to get inside the shop and stay there.

As soon as the boys were out of sight, the girls came out from behind the garbage cans. “Did you see all that?” cried Sweetie Belle.

The girls all nodded. They then decided to bring the mare into the shop with them, not wanting to leave her lying in the streets alone after what they just saw, but as they moved in closer to help her up, they couldn’t help but notice the side of flank peeking through her skirt, and what the girls saw turned their bloods cold. “It’s impossible!” cried Scootaloo.

Buddy Rose and Spike chased the stranger down the streets. Buddy Rose fired two magical flares from his horn into the sky, warning nearby officers of the chase. Soon a whole swarm of ponies-- some were normal United Equestrians others were Space Alicorns-- joined in the chase and cornered the stranger in a dark, dead end alley.

“End of the line for you.” snarled Buddy Rose “You’re coming with us.”

The stranger grinned wickedly as he glared at all the ponies that had cutie marks. “You did just as I wanted you to.” he hissed “The Phantom of Magic always gets what he wants… always.”

Spike gazed up at Buddy Rose and said, “This guy is really starting to bother me.”

Buddy Rose agreed and ordered the officers to charge, and all the ponies dashed forward, but it was then discovered that this phantom was a skilled fighter, whose skills and strengths were on par with every officer. He swerved, and evaded their every move, and punched and kicked them hard.

Soon all the other officers were down for the count, leaving only Buddy Rose and Spike standing, but as they dashed froth to rush him, the phantom glared at them nastily, and his eyes glowed behind his mask, and Spike and Buddy froze on the spot. “What’s… happening?!” cried Buddy.

“I…can’t seem to move an inch!” added Spike. The phantom laughed and hissed “Amazing isn’t it; an Earth pony that can do magic like the more powerful ponies.” He approached them still sniggering. “I’d love to stay, but I have a full schedule to attend to. So, I warn you this once; Stay out of my business, because the next time I won’t be as merciful.”

He then gazed at the officers lying on the ground, the ones with cutie marks, and he zapped them in a bright flash of light, then he was gone, and Buddy Rose and Spike could move again. “He’s gone!” cried Buddy. “Where’d he go?” added Spike.

Lightning and the others saw Buddy Rose’s flare and were nearing the area where they were, when suddenly Pinkie caught a glimpse of something in the street. “Hey!” she cried as she flew down to investigate. “Pinkie…” Lightning hollered. He Starla and Krysta flew down to catch up with her, and they could see what Pinkie saw. It was Mr. Cake, lying flat in the road, along with several other ponies, and Rarity and Applejack, and they were starting to come round.

Rarity felt like a meteor had hit her head. “All I remember is going to pick up Sweetie Belle, and-- Sweetie Belle!”

Lightning calmed her down and told her the girls were okay back at her place. “What happened? You were going to pick her up and then…”

Rarity thought hard, but all she remembered was seeing this bright flash of light that struck her, and then everything went black. “I don’t know.”

Applejack had the same predicament, “I don’t know what’s wrong. I feel weaker than an old race horse with a busted leg.”

Rarity tried to use her magic to help her stand up easier, but nothing happened. Her horn didn't glow, no magic was cast. “Wha… what is… happening?!” she cried. She tried with all her might, but she couldn’t even levitate a small leaf that was on the ground.

Some of the other ponies, who were also unicorns, found they couldn’t use their magic either. Rarity wondered, and looked down her pants… and she gasped and screamed, and then she burst into tears. “No… No-ho-ho-ho… It’s not true…!”

“What’s wrong?” cried Starla, but she could suddenly see as Rarity’s flank was still exposed, and everyone gasped. “Rarity…!” cried Pinkie “…Your cutie mark; it’s gone!”

The other ponies checked their flanks, and all their cutie marks were missing, even Applejack and Mr. Cake were blank flanks. “Great Crumbling Cracker Barrels!” cried Applejack.

“I don’t believe this!” added Mr. Cake, and all the other ponies began to cry and panic in shock and horror. Lightning felt his head throbbing in pain with all the yelling.

“QUIET!!!” he shouted! Everyone froze on the spot, and Lightning urged them all not to panic as it wouldn’t help matters at all. “We’ll find out what happened to you all, but please… no more screaming!”

“Hey, look at this.” said Krysta holding up a small note she found on the ground. The others looked at it and it read…

I have gathered all that I need from these ponies. You have them back; it really doesn’t matter anyway, for you will all be doomed soon.

Heh… Heh… Heh…!

--The Phantom of Magic.

The others exchanged looks of concern with one another. “I knew it.” Starla said “There’s someone else out there now.”

Lightning pocketed the letter “We’ve got to get their majesties. They must know about this.”

Suddenly, there was a shine of light coming from above, and everyone could see their royal majesties, Grand Ruler Celesto, and Queen Celestia, along with Princess Luna as well. With them were Buddy Rose and Spike.

They all landed and everyone bowed to their majesties. Lightning gazed up, “Master, there is trouble…”

“You did?” asked Pinkie Pie. Celestia nodded “We had just made the sun set and were on our way back to New Canterlot, when we saw the flare from far, far away.”

Princess Luna cut in “I was preparing to head out on my nightly patrol duties when I also saw the flare. We all came out and arrived on the scene too late.”

Buddy Rose and Spike then explained how they cornered the phantom, but were unable to detain him, and they saw him steal the cutie marks and magic of some of the officers’ right before their eyes. He, Spike and the space alicorns were spared, but they didn’t know why. It was if the Phantom was only interested in Equestrian ponies.

“Well, one thing is certain now…” said Grand Ruler “With this phantom of magic roaming the streets, it means no place is even remotely safe.”

The others had a feeling they knew what this meant; a worldwide curfew would be instigated, more strictly than ever to ensure all ponies safety.

The others reluctantly agreed, and now they had a whole new mystery to solve. They knew of this phantom of magic, and they knew he was an Earth pony, but who was he really, and why was he stealing magic of other ponies. Most importantly, why didn’t he go after Buddy Rose, other space alicorns, or even Spike?

In his secret underground lair, the phantom unleashed the magic and cutie-marks he had absorbed into the walls all around him, which were laden with small stone tablets with pictures of cutie marks he had stolen from other ponies already. The new cutie marks, including Rarity’s and Applejack’s appeared on the walls, but many of the tablets were still blank. “All this magic.” he hissed to himself “The more of it that I gather, the closer I get to unlocking the ultimate power.”

There on the wall appeared a light silhouette in the shape of what looked like a monstrous centaur.

The phantom snickered wickedly. “With him by my side, there won’t be anyone who will stand in my way again.” His evil laugh echoed along the walls of his lair.

Far, far away in the New Crystal Empire, Cadance and Shining Armor had received a letter from their aunts and uncle about the situation, and they wrote back acknowledging the message and promising to do their part in the watch for the phantom, as well as keep an eye out for the Dark King and his minions.

They put up a strong force field around the empire and kept it well strengthened thanks to the new Crystal Heart that stood in the town square, where the old Crystal Heart once stood before being destroyed in the previous war.

For now it was getting late, and with the force field around the empire, the phantom wasn’t likely to come there. So Shining Armor and Cadance decided to head to bed.

“Sleep tight, my love.” His wife replied, and they pecked other softly before falling asleep in their shared bed.

Then, later in the night, Cadance began to twitch and moan in her sleep. The tossing and turning soon followed as she began to have a horrible nightmare…!

She found herself walking through a long and endless dark mist. “What’s happening? Where am I?” she asked aloud. Then suddenly she found herself in Canterlot on Equestria of old, long before it was destroyed and United Equestria came. She was being prepared for her wedding to Shining Armor, when suddenly Queen Chrysalis came and imprisoned her, allowing the changeling empire to storm in and begin their assault.

“Look closely, Princess.” said a male voice “Look at what you caused. All that had happened was your fault, as is it is your curse to be bad luck to those around you.”

“Oh, but you are!” said a female voice “You cause misfortune to everyone, particularly those you love most.”

Cadance was then shown images of her brother, Fratello, when he was taken over by the robots for trying to protect his younger sister. If it weren’t for her, it all could have been avoided. “No… it wasn’t my fault.” Cadance cried. Her fear was starting to show.

“Don’t deny it!” snarled the male voice “You are a jinx, a wicked omen, a walking disaster that spreads to everything she touches.”

“Yes, you are!” thundered the female voice. “If you stay around, you will bring nothing but more pain, more suffering and misfortune to all.”

Cadance began to see horrible images of all the others, her friends, her family, even her beloved Shining Armor all suffering miserably, being badly injured, or left in dishelved states, all because of the bad luck she brought.

Cadance couldn’t bear what she was seeing. It brought tears to her eyes, and she held her head in frustration crying out “No, No, it’s not true! It’s not true!”

“…Cadance… Cadance…!” Shining Armor called out as she soft shook his wife awake “You were having a nightmare.”

Cadance wiped her sweaty brow. “I’ve got to get some air.” she said as she hopped out of bed and moved by the open window. “Do you want to talk about it?” asked Shining Armor, but his wife shook her head “No, I’d rather not.”

Shining Armor felt that Cadance’s nightmare had to have been really bad. She had many nightmares before, but obviously none like this. Hopefully she would snap out of it, but Cadance herself wasn’t so sure it was merely a nightmare, but more like a warning.

In our next episode, the ponies are still baffled and confused of their new enemy and where they come from.

Nomed then shows himself again and unleashes a new Cardinal, but Lightning’s uniforce magic doesn’t seem to work as effectively on it, which leaves the fighters in a tight spot.

How will the ponies stand up to the cardinal this time, and how serious will Cadance’s nightmares begin to affect her?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Slither in the Dark”)

My Brave Pony Starfleet Magic: Season IV

by DakariKingMykan

Episode 3: Waking Nightmares