EPISODE TWENTY
The gang was training in the New Crystal Empire, to give Cadance’s ninja powers a workout and understand more about them.
Lightning was trying the simulators again, hoping he could experiment his theory of controlling his Enticorn powers, but again, the simulators ran an error every time he tried and shut down. They just couldn’t handle such a test like that. “This can’t be happening!” he groaned.
“Lightning…” Shining Armor said.
“I know, I know-- don’t beat yourself up. I won’t.” Lightning sighed “But I still don’t feel any better.”
“At least you actually can train.” said Spike. He had been sitting on the sidelines all morning watching the others. The inquiries Lightning made about his problems were submitted, and Grand Ruler and Queen Celestia had not actually ordered, but requested Spike stay away from battles and duty until he could sort himself out.
Rarity, still unaware of the problems, as she was not called into business regarding Spike’s inquiries, felt sorry for him. “Oh, Spike, I do wish you’d just tell me what’s troubling you.”
Spike finally decided he couldn’t keep it to himself anymore. “I saw you and Thunder Cloud the other day.”
Rarity’s jaw dropped open a little. “You did?”
Spike nodded, and explained about what he saw.
“Oh, no, Spike, I was merely kissing his cheek.” Rarity said. She confirmed this by using her magic to show and image of the other day, and Spike could see for himself from a new angle than from where he stood, Rarity really did just kiss Thunder Cloud’s cheek. Still, not really too much of a relief.
Spike just got up and walked away.
“Gee, he looks bluer than a wet weekend.” said Applejack.
Cadance sighed as she hung her head low. “If there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s heartbreak. Really, I can’t stand it.”
Rarity was ultimately starting to really understand why Spike was upset. Now it was more understandable, only now she didn’t know what to do about it. “Maybe I should try talking to him.”
Buddy Rose placed a hand on her shoulder, stopping her. “Not a good idea, Rarity. Spike’s already upset enough. He doesn’t need things to get worse. Just give him his space.”
The others all agreed with him, and Rarity was forced to comply. “I’m sorry, Spike.” she said softly. She really did love him, but not really the full-fledged romantic way Spike obviously was hoping for…
…or was that really true?
True he wasn’t a pony, and he was only five years younger than she was, in normal years. Still, he had always been there for her, and she always counted on him with simple tasks and chores, and she never forgot the day she gave him his fire ruby, and the first day he admitted his feelings.
Nobody said anything. What was there to say? Spike and Rarity would have to work this out on their own, but it wasn’t going to be easy.
As for Spike, he was walking very sadly through town. His head dropped forward slowly as he kicked a pebble. Many of the Crystal Ponies saw him and recognized him as their savior of the empire when Sombra attacked the first time, and the savior of the Equestria games of old. Some of the mares thought he was cute, and a couple of the children asked for his autograph, but poor Spike could only gaze sadly at them, and then continue to walk away.
“What’s wrong with him?”
“He looks down.”
Suspended from duties, unable to transform, and Rarity, although he knew the truth now, the fact she confessed her feelings to Thunder Cloud, though he didn’t answer her yet, that really put up the bars telling him “You’ve lost”
He felt so useless!
He sat on a lonely bench in a secluded area, where no one else was near, and he sang a soft song, but he only sang the first verse, and then the music faded out.
Meanwhile, at New Canterlot Palace, all was quiet and peaceful… until…
…BOOM!!
The entire palace shook with the explosion that came from the laboratory. Goldwin rushed into the lab. Lots of smoke spewed out as he opened the door. “Professor Brain…” he called. He fought his way through the smoke, coughing. “Professor, where are you?”
Another cough was heard from ahead followed by a gagging voice “I’m here, Goldwin, ol’ chap.”
The smoke cleared, and the professor was all covered in dust, his mane was badly mangled and his glasses were dingy. “What happened, Professor?”
Brain cleaned off his glasses “I’m afraid that my experiments have not been going quite satisfactorily.”
Grand Ruler and Queen Celestia came into the lab. “What in universe is going on here?” snapped Grand Ruler. “Professor, you woke up the children with that explosion.” said Celestia “Thank goodness we managed to calm them down.”
“Oh, I am most sorry your majesties. It’s just that I had been trying hard day and night to perfect my time-experiment.”
For weeks, the professor had been working hard trying to perfect a time-warp that would allow them all to travel safely through time, into the future so hopefully they could find the enemy’s base and ultimately put an end to the war, but of course again, traveling forward in time was neither an easy move, and starting to seem not to be smart.
“Professor, we realize your ambitions to help, but I think this project should be shut down before you blow us all to pieces.” said Celestia. “Agreed…” said Grand Ruler “You’re meddling in cosmic forces that are not ready to be meddled in.”
Brain was reluctant to agree. “Oh, if only I knew what I was doing wrong.” he groaned.
“I only wish I could help out.” said Goldwin “But I can’t, and I don’t know anyone who can.”
None of them knew that the two cloaked figures were outside of the lab window, and heard everything. They turned to each other and nodded. Placing their hands together, they sent a soft light of magic through the glass, and in a flash it changed into two notes.
“What was that?” asked Celestia.
Her husband moved towards the window and saw the notes, one of which was a map of the entire galaxy, with areas that even they had not yet explored. “This is incredible!” he muttered “A whole series of star-systems and planets we’ve never seen before.” He also noticed that two of the planets, both on opposite sides of the galaxy, were marked with red X’s.
“What does the letter say?” asked Goldwin.
Grand Ruler read the letter…
“We know what the professor is doing wrong, and we can help perfect the imperfection, but we require vital ingredients that can only be found on the two marked planets on the star map. If you truly wish to complete this project and ultimately end this war, travel to the planets, and obtain the ingredients. Upon your return, standby and await further instructions.
Be warned, these planets are still unfamiliar to you in the present, and we are uncertain of how things are now in the present. If you take this mission, proceed with caution.”
“Good, heavens.” cried Brain “I find this interesting, most interesting.”
“But who sent us this?” asked Goldwin.
Celestia and Grand Ruler had a suspicion it was from those two mysterious figures; the same ones who gave Celestia the medicine, but had still not actually ever been seen. There was no second guesses, or even assuming.
“Send for Lightning Dawn and all his friends.” said Grand Ruler.
“Yes sir.” said Goldwin.
Lightning’s team was told of everything, and were they ever surprised. “Just venture off into unexplored space to pick up some ingredients?!” snapped Lightning “Are you sure this is legit.”
“We realize the risks involved…” Grand Ruler said “But we must accept this challenge.”
Celestia nodded and held the letter “Whoever these creatures are, they saved my life, and I feel we owe them this much and more. If they can help us defeat the emissaries from the future, we should trust them.”
“Yeah, but still… who are they already?” said Pinkie Pie “If we have new friends, why don’t they introduce themselves?”
“Easy, Pinkie.” said Artie, but actually he was just as curious and anxious to know about these two creatures as well.
“I think we need to focus.” said Starla “This mission is almost too risky to take.”
“And the planets are both so far away; on opposite sides of the galaxy.” said Rainbow “Why we’d be gone for at least a day or two, and we still don’t know much about those planets anyway.”
Lightning thought it over, but ultimately decided they should go for it. Split up into two teams and each head for one of the planets.
Their majesties smiled proudly.
Then they went over immediate mission plans. Krysta would have to summon a large army of her fairies to increase the powers of the space portal warp so the pathways could extend such a vast distance. This also meant that she would have to remain behind and wouldn’t get to go with the others as she would be needed to maintain the power flow.
As for Spike, still being suspended from action and powerless due to his distraught feelings, he already knew he couldn’t go. Rarity tried to comfort him. “I do wish you could come with us, Spike.”
“Nah, I’d just be a third wheel.” said Spike “Besides, if we got in trouble and I couldn’t transform, that would be even worse.”
He was really being brave and strong about this, which the others all admired.
The teams were selecting.
Heading for the first planet, Amasia; Lightning, Starla, Rhymey, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Artie. Lightning was in command.
And heading for the other planet, Zanadu; Buddy Rose, Artie, the twins, Rarity and Applejack.
And for extra precautions, their majesties assigned two additional members to each team. Cadance would be going with Lightning’s team, and Princess Luna would be going with the other team, and taking command of the expedition. A good chance for Cadance to use her ninja powers, if need be, and for both princesses to lend an extra burst of power to each team if they needed it.
With all that settled, Krysta set off to gather her fairies and brief them, and by the dawn the next morning, after everyone had a good night’s rest, it was time for launch. The teams were already, and all had lunches and water canteens packed with them. Shining Armor was there to bid goodbye and good luck to his wife. “Just promise me you’ll come back this time.” he said sweetly to her. Cadance looked her husband deep in the eyes and said ever so tenderly “…I promise.”
They shared a soft kiss.
The twins thought that was beautiful, and wiped the tears form their eyes, but they like all the others were never more excited or nervous; only Fluttershy was all nervous and wouldn’t stop shaking. “Fluttershy, calm down.” said Starla.
“I don’t think I can!” she squeaked.
“I don’t think I can blame her.” said Rainbow.
“Darn tootin’.” added Applejack “We’re goin’ deeper into space than ever before. Anythin’s possible now.”
“I would have to agree…” said Princess Luna “Who knows who or what we will find and discover? It will truly be an experience of a lifetime.”
Soon, Krysta and her team of fairies were ready, and on Krysta’s signal, they gave good bursts of power into the space ports, and not one, but two magical pathways were formed, each traveling the opposite direction from one another-- one to the east, and the other to the west.
The two paths stretched along their ways across the cosmos at incredible speeds, and connected to their destinations in mere moments. The journeys for the teams however would take an hour each to reach the other planets, because they were so incredibly far.
“That should do it.” Krysta said.
Their majesties nodded thankfully, and then gave everyone final warning and instructions. They were all to stay together and watch out for one another. “These are mysterious new planets we have not seen yet.” Grand Ruler said “Again, as you are all aware, anything is possible. Stay on extreme alerts, and try and stay out of trouble at all times.”
Everyone bowed to him gracefully, and the last thing that was done, both Grand Ruler and his queen combined their magic to give everyone the “Return Spell” The same kind Grand Ruler gave to his ponies on Unicornicopia. To return to United Equestria, all they had to do was stand together outside, and click their insignias three times.
“Good luck to all of you.” Celestia said.
They all bowed again.
“Good luck, Lightning.” said Krysta.
He winked at her.
“Good luck, Rarity.” Spike mumbled softly as he saw everyone leap through the portal, and vanish in a bright flash, and soaring across the magical pathways!
Spike sighed softly, and their majesties felt sorry for him, but this was his problem to sort out, not theirs. They still wished they could help.
A while later, Goldwin was using his telescope on super-mega zoom, and he couldn’t actually still see the teams soaring through space, but just as teensy little specks that grew smaller and smaller and vanished out of sight. “That’s it…” he said “I can’t see them anymore.”
“Which means they’ve now crossed into unexplored space.” said Grand Ruler “They’ll be seeing things we’ve never seen before, and my possibly not even know about.”
Celestia felt a chill of excitement run down her spine “Ooh, what I’d give to see what their seeing.”
“Me too.” added Shining Armor. He wondered what Cadance was thinking about everything right now…
Another while later, Lightning’s team landed safely at their destination, the planet Amasia, and what a sight to behold; there was lush and beautiful meadows, with beautiful blossoms, in the fields, tall and beautiful trees where the birds sang, and crystal clear springs with clean water where the frogs and fish played happily. “Oh, my!” cried Fluttershy “Have you ever seen such a beautiful place before?”
Pinkie Pie bounced merrily around, giggling like crazy, and saying hello to just about everything. “Hello flowers. Hello grass. Hello trees. Hello sky. Hello… little frogs.”
Starla and Fluttershy couldn’t help but giggle “Typical Pinkie Pie.” said Cadance
Suddenly, Lightning gasped “I don’t think it’s all that beautiful… look.” Everyone looked round, and could see behind them, another part of the planet seemed dark and gloomy.
“It’s pretty here, and it’s gloomy there.
Something must be wrong somewhere.” said Rhymey.
“Maybe we should investigate.” said Starla. Lightning and the others agreed. Keeping well in mind they had a mission to deal with.
Just then, a jackdaw came down from the skies, and snatched Cadance’s crown. “Hey, my crown!” she shouted as the bird flew off, and she took off after it. “Come back here with my crown!”
“Cadance…!” Lightning called, but she was already far off in the distance. “Let’s go after her!” and he and the others all took to the skies.
The bird, of course, couldn’t fly as fast as the ponies, and Cadance managed to hold it still with her magic, and take her crown back, and Lightning and the others caught up with her.
“That wasn’t very nice of that bird.” said Fluttershy.
“Why did it just take it your crown like that?” Starla wondered aloud. “I have no clue…” said Cadance, and I’m starting to think there’s something off about this planet.”
The bird then returned with a few other feather friends of his, determined to retake the crown. “I think we just hit a whole new level of weird.” said Pinkie. Everyone stood ready to fend for themselves, when suddenly a voice called out “Stop! Don’t hurt them.”
That’s when a charming wigged humanoid man approached them. He had angelic wings, short blonde hair, and pointy ears and was wearing white tights. The girls couldn’t help but drool at the sight of how handsome he looked making Lightning and Rhymey feel uncomfortable…
“Please, forgive my jackdaws. We were out looking for beautiful and shiny things, and I told them to bring back anything they could find.” he turned to his birds “Now you all apologize this moment.”
The birds acted apologetically, and the ponies forgave them. “I take it you’re all not from Amasia, are you?” asked the man.
“We’re members of Starfleet, from the planet United Equestria.” said Lightning. The man looked as if he were about to faint “United Equestria you say? How fascinating. I’ve heard stories about it, but that’s all I thought they were.”
“What’s your name?” asked Starla.
“Oh, do forgive me, my name is Soron, and I am but a humble sentry of our ruler, Princess Amandiva.” he then began to act all swoony and soft “Oh, she is but the fairest creature on all Amasia.”
“Ooh; sounds like someone has a crush.” chirped Pinkie. “I don’t think so…” said Cadance, she knew the real thing when she saw it, and Soron was defiantly in love.
“Is that why you and your birds are out,
And searching for pretty things about?” asked Rhymey.
“Oh, yes. You see, as our princess is very charming and lovely, she only likes the most beautiful things, and she doesn’t take kindly to those she deems unattractive. That is why our planet is divided into two equal parts.”
“What?!” snapped Lightning “You mean your princess lets what she likes live in comfort, and casts every else aside into darkness.”
“Oh no, she doesn’t cast anyone away. They chose to live apart from us. They seem to feel that our princess is… a bit too much.”
The ponies were starting to believe that.
“Anyway, what has brought you to Amasia?” asked Soron.
“We are in need of special items we were told we can get here.” Cadance said, and she offered him the list. “Yes, oh yes. The princess knows all about these. Come, I’m sure I can convince her to help you.”
The others were very skeptical about meeting this Amandiva, but seeing no other fast way to complete their mission, they went along with Soron.
The other group had landed on Zanadu, and first glances were even gloomier looking than what Lightning’s team had seen. They were standing in what appeared to be an old fallen down and gloomy town of old banged up houses, and dirty streets. “Look at this place.” said Buddy Rose.
“It’s so dreadful here!” cried Rarity, and then a couple of rats slinked by, frightening.
“It’s just a couple of rats.” said Applejack.
“I loathe rats!”
“Now, that will do…” said Luna “We are here on mission, perhaps we should try and locate someone.”
Rainbow Dash soared upwards to get a better view of the area, and almost at once she could see way up ahead; a large shimmering metropolis, with a giant palace in the center of town. The team decided to check it out.
Upon arriving at the entrance to the metropolis, they looked all around them. All the creatures were humanoid, but with long pointed ears, and many different sized heads. Some were large, some were tall and skinny, yet they all seemed to be rich, and going about their businesses with glee and happiness.
In the middle of town was a large golden statute of who was obviously the head of town; a large handsome, and rather muscular guy, and his name was imbedded into the statue’s pedestal “Our glorious leader; Sir. I.M Sylphesh.”
…A very weird and unusual name for someone.
Rarity’s eyes glittered like the diamonds she saw. “My stars… I feel I’ve just stepped into the heavens.” she cried.
“But this doesn’t make much sense.” said Dyno “Si, why is it so posh here, and so dreary behind us?” added Myte.
“Maybe, they just built this whole new city aside from the old one.” said Applejack.
As the friends pondered, they were being watched form way up above in the large palace by a mysterious figure. He could already tell they were not from Zanadu. He rubbed his fingers together sinisterly and snickering with a hint of greed in his tone. “I think I’ve found me another goldmine.”
He then sent out a small word over an intercom “Ensure our guests are welcomed into our world. The usual cost of course.”
The friends decided to venture forth and question the people for any information to find the ingredients they required, but the second they stepped into the city, and Buddy Rose cleared his throat to question the people, they were all approached by several well fashioned greeters. “Why, hello there.” said one of them “It’s not often we have newcomers from outside our world.”
Before any of the friends could even say a word, they were being pulled and pushed along. “I say, what is all this?” snapped Princess Luna.
“Please, come along…” said another greeter.
“You must be tired after such a long journey…” said another “Here on Zanadu, we wish to make all newcomers feel comfy and cozy.”
The friends tried to protest that they were just there on an errand, but they soon found themselves in the lobby of a large and expensive looking hotel.
Rarity could hardly contain herself from drooling in absolute astonishment. Even Princess Luna was impressed. It was just as glamourous and neat looking as the palace in New Canterlot.
Judging by the photos and statues of Sir Sylphesh, he was obviously the owner of the place. When asked about it, it was revealed that he ran every business, every district, absolutely everything on the entire planet, including the remains of the dilapidated part of the town outside, which was the result of people refusing to or unable to pay their taxes.
The friends felt that that was both bad, but also very weird as why people would refuse to pay taxes.
“This is all nice, but we are here on a mission.” said Rainbow.
“Nonsense, I’m sure you have plenty of time. For now, just relax, you’re our guests, and we want to treat you well.”
Before the friends new it, they were all shoved into one huge room in the hotel. They all could hardly blink their eyes. The room was almost indescribable.
Large four poster beds complete with soothing heat and comfy massage. Rainbow tried one of the beds, and she never felt so calm and relaxed before “Ah, yeah… that’s the ticket.” she sighed happily.
Applejack took a huge gander at the oversized refrigerator, which was practically overflowing with all the foods and drinks that anyone could ever dream of. “Well stuff me with vittles!” she cried, and she dove at the food, gulp it down like crazy, and suddenly, right before her eyes, more food seemed to materialize like magic. No matter how much she consumed, the fridge never seemed to get a bit empty! It was like having a complete and total endless supply of food, so they wouldn’t have to worry about starving.
Rarity found the best part of the whole room, inside the bathroom was a large hot tub, and she was already soaking in it “Ahh… this is marvelous.” she sighed, and she tapped the controls to make the water nicer. “I don’t think I care to ever leave here.”
Luna and the boys however weren’t convinced. This didn’t make much sense. The hotel seemed very nice, but why would they practically force them all into a luxurious suite and not even pay up front or anything. They didn’t have any money with them, or even knew the type of currency on the planet was.
“I feel like I’m wasting a fortune just standing here.” said Buddy Rose.
“I don’t like this one bit.” added Artie.
“Ah, relax, you guys worry too much.” said Rainbow “You should try the bed; it’ll numb all your troubles away.”
“Forget that…” Applejack said with her mouth full “Try some of this here prime rib. Mm-mm…!”
The twins sighed irritably, but about then, Rarity came out in a bathrobe, but she looked more troubled than relaxed. “Something’s wrong. I can’t seem to turn off the hot-tub.”
Buddy Rose came into the bathroom and tried the controls, but he couldn’t find an off switch. “Weird…” he said, and then he could hear a soft ticking sound “What’s that?” It was coming from underneath the foot mat. Rarity lifted it up to reveal a pay meter, slowly going up every second.
Rainbow Dash was still enjoying the bed, until she heard the same ticking sound from behind the pillows where she found another pay meter. “What’s going on here?”
“What in the hotel-bills?!” cried Applejack when she spotted another counter on the fridge. There was another one by the air-conditioner, one by the light switch, even one by the widow itself. “Fortunas Santo! *Holy Fortunes* We’re being charged by the second here!” cried Dyno.
“Let’s get out of here!” added Myte.
They all headed for the door, only to find it was locked tight, and then it got sealed off by a powerful metal barrier. “We’re stuck!” cried Rainbow.
They tried to blast and punch at the metal, but found it was too strong. They then decided to take the windows, but the glass was just as strong as ever. “There’s no way out!” cried Rarity.
“Well, then we’ll just have to make a way out.” Said Artie, and he charged at the walls and kicked them hard, but the walls were reinforced with a solid alloy. “OW! Ooch, ouch, ow, ow…!” cried Artie as he hopped up and down, holding his sore foot.
“Are you alright?” cried Buddy Rose.
“Barely.” said Artie “But it looks like we’re stuck.”
Princess Luna then noticed the ventilation grill on the wall. “No, we are not. Everyone come close to me.”
Everyone huddled near her, and then using the magic of her shadowy mane, she enveloped everyone into a stream of darkness they used to slink through the shaft and emerging safely on the roof of the building.
Loud alarms sounded, and guards began to race up the stairs searching for the escaped cheapskates. “Let’s get out of here!” shouted Buddy Rose, and he and others soared away as fast their wings could carry them.
The guards however had no means to fly, but began to shoot at the flyers with their ray guns. They missed their every shot and were forced to alert the ground forces.
Armed with powerful canons and missiles, the friends were forced to swerve and dodge all over the place. “This is crazy!” cried Applejack.
“What did I do to deserve this?!” Rarity whined.
They continued to swerve and dodge the projectiles and missiles, and they flew far off into the distance and to safety.
Later one of the guards was tasked with informing Sir. Sylphesh…
The greedy tyrant was in his office smoothing all his beloved money, while snacking on his monstrous feast, he was eating rather boorishly; making rude chomping sounds, and not even closing his mouth, when the guard came in. “Sorry to disturb you, my lord, I have very bad news.”
Sylphesh spoke with his mouth full, letting chunks of food spill everywhere “This had better be important. You know I hate to be disturbed while eating and counting my vast earnings!” While he shouted, bits of the food flew form his mouth and other the guard’s face.
The guard wiped the bits of food from his face, only when he told his master the ponies had escapes, “WHAT?!” Sylphesh shouted, and splattered more food on the guard’s face. “This is highly unacceptable!” shouted Sylphesh “I pay you and your comrades for good services, and this is how you do your job?!”
The guard tried to appeal, but his greedy master silenced him “I believe I have an idea of how we can get those penny pinching thieves; we’ll just have to involve a little scam.” He snickered sinisterly while mixing his bowl of rice.
Meanwhile, on Amasia, the friends were nearing their destination, while on the way they noticed many of the Amasians were just like them, the ponies. Some were flyers and had wings, some could do magic, but not with horns, and others were just plain ordinary creatures that could do neither. It was like looking at human versions of their pony race.
Very few were born with both wings and magic. Their princess was one of them, and one of many reasons why Soron was so infatuated with her. He even stopped along the way to pick some beautiful wildflowers he wanted to present to her, yet he looked them all over every inch to make sure they were totally beautiful, and smelled nice too. “Her majesty wouldn’t forgive me if I handed her these and they turned out wrong.” he said “I’d do absolutely anything to see her happy.”
The ponies thought he was being paranoid, but Cadance also saw this as another sign that he was infatuated with this princess, and obviously wished to court her. Soron even explained that the princess was searching for a perfect suitor, one that was equally as beautiful as she, and would be will to devote any and all things to her.
“I smell a diva here.” Starla whispered to the others.
Finally, they arrived…
The royal palace was very tall, straight, and more of a tower than a palace. “Oh, my goodness!” cried Fluttershy. The others all gazed in awe at such a beautiful structure. “Wow, even the Crystal Palace isn’t this beautiful.” said Cadance.
“Rarity would faint at the sight of this place if she were seeing this.” said Starla.
They arrived at the long paved pathway to the front-doors. The path was so clean and smooth that it shimmered in the sunlight, and the grass was so neatly fertilized and evenly cut.
The other sentries allowed Soron through, and suddenly the royal fanfare sounded, and a guard announced loudly “Presenting her royal majesty, and sovereign of all beauty, Princess Amandiva.”
Three attractive ladies came out, making way for the princess, and she was just as lovely as the people preached! Her skin was as white snow, long eyelashes, and voluminous brown hair that nearly ran to the ground and her angelic wings really added to her stunning appearance.
All the ponies couldn’t stop gazing at her with astonishment, and the sentries told them to show more respect and bow to her, as well as for Lightning to remove his cap.
The princess stuck her arms out wide and sighed “My, what a beautiful day. Wouldn’t you all agree?”
“Oh, yes your highness.” said Soron “But of course, only your stunning beauty and radiance overtakes that any day. To show my gratitude, I bring wildflowers that I picked especially for you.”
“Oh my…” Amandiva’s eyes sparkled as she waltzed up to Soron to accept the gift “Flowers are so beautiful.”
“Oh yes, my lady…” said Soron “Flowers are beautiful, but they also pale in comparison to your lovely self.”
Amandiva sniffed the flowers “Thank you very much, Soron. You do so much for me, perhaps I will consider…”
Soron’s eyes lit up with ever so much hope.
“Wait!” snapped Armandiva. Now she really seemed vexed. “What is this?! This flower has a petal missing off it, and this one has a speck of dirt still on it!”
Soron knew this meant trouble, and he tried to appeal that he checked the flowers, but the princess angrily threw the bouquet at him shouting “These are not beautiful, and therefore they are no use to me!!” she shouted.
The sentries and the ladies giggled at how foolish Soron looked, but Soron felt disheartened, and already the ponies didn’t like this girl’s attitude.
“So, who are these strangers?”
Soron stood “They are emissaries from United Equestria, your majesty; Major Rhymey, Captain Fluttershy, Captain Pinkie Pie, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. Oh, and that is Commander Lighting Dawn and his wife, Major Starla Shine.”
Amandiva took one look at the girls, and scoffed “Nice hairstyles, too bad they’re so passé.”
The girls felt insulted. “I don’t think there’s anything wrong with our manes.” said Fluttershy.
“Yeah, well I do, and I say they’re not beautiful enough! You got a problem with that?!”
Fluttershy was almost near tears and shook her head, squeaking nervously.
Rhymey was starting to lose his cool.
“That wasn’t a nice thing to say
You had no right to act that way!”
“Yeah!” snapped Pinkie.
Cadance calmed them down “Guys, remember we didn’t come here to pick fights, and everyone’s entitled to an opinion.”
“Except my opinion is always right.” snapped Amandiva.
Cadance clenched her fists trying to contain her own outrage, and even Starla and Lightning were losing their patience. “I thought I smelled a diva, yuck.” Starla mumbled, but one of the guards heard her and didn’t take kindly to it. “No one dares to insult the princess, he growled.” And he proceeded to slam her with his club, but Lightning grabbed his arm “Don’t you dare hit my wife!” he growled.
The guard wretched forcefully out of Lightning’s grip, and gave him a small shove, knocking his cap off.
“Oh, my…” Amandiva said as she gazed at Lightning deeply. Now that his cap was off, she could see how his dark brown mane showed off his golden horn, and how it really went well with his white coat.
She approached him softly, and her features had softened “Tell me Lightning Dawn, where did you get such a lovely horn?”
“What, my horn? It’s just something I was born with.” Lightning said.
Amandiva walked around Lightning in circles, eyeing him from head to toe. The more she gazed at him, the more infatuated she seemed to become. “So charming and beautiful...”
“Beg your pardon?” asked Lightning.
Starla could feel her anger rising. “Why are you even looking at him like that?” she snapped.
Soron had a sick feeling in his stomach. “My lady, please don’t tell me what I think you’re thinking?!”
Amandiva fluttered her eyes heavenly “Lightning, you shall become my husband.”
“Huh?!” snapped Lightning
“What?!” snapped Starla.
The others gasped, and Soron fainted, feeling crushed!
Meanwhile on Zanadu, the escaped ponies felt they had finally escaped from custody within the dilapidated town “That was way too close.” cried Buddy Rose.
“I change my mind. This planet is a dreadful rotten place.” cried Rarity “I just want to leave and go home.”
“We can’t leave yet…” snapped Artie “Not until we find what we came for; the ingredients.”
“Artie is right.” said Luna “Perhaps we can ask around this village for what we seek.”
“It’s worth a try.” said Applejack.
So they set off, but they did not fly, not wanting to risk being easily spotted if the guards were following them.
It was just as creepy as ever around the eerie town, and there were more rats and even large insects that weren’t found on United Equestria. Rarity almost screamed, but Rainbow covered her mouth “Keep it down!” she said sharply but softly.
Just then, they could see someone up ahead, a harmless lady, who seemed a little dishelved, due to the poverty, and was holding out a cup for money. The ponies approached her softly, but the lady took one look at them, and she screamed and ran out of sight like lightning.
“What was that all about?” asked Rainbow.
Buddy Rose spotted two men in the street. “Excuse me…” he called to them, but the men screamed and ran too. “What’s with them?”
Everyone the ponies approached reacted in the same way. Some were even crying in fear…
“Please, don’t hurt me.”
“Stay away from me!”
“Help, Police!!”
By that time, the guards spotted the ponies, and a big chase was on. They dashed here, and there, and all around and everywhere. They managed to give the guards the slip using Luna’s invisibility trick again.
“Will someone tell me what is going on around here?!” snapped Artie. He didn’t shout very loud, but the others felt the same way. Then suddenly, they could see why. There, on the wall near where they had hidden, were several “Wanted” posters, and horribly inaccurate drawings of the ponies, portrayed and labeled as “Hostile Criminals.”
Rarity choked on her breath trying to find words, but ultimately she tore the poster of herself to pieces. “This is an outrage!” she growled “A complete and total scandal!”
“Well not to them it ain’t.” said Applejack “Question is what do we do now?”
To Be Continued…!
(Promo)
In our next episode; Amandiva shows how incredibly nasty she is; blackmailing Lightning into consent by holding his friends lives on the line, and stripping them all of their extra powers.
Meanwhile, the others discover that to clear their names, they must take the battle straight to Sylphesh himself, after learning of the diabolical resources he possesses.
How can the two teams escape their predicaments without starting a war?
Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”
(Next episode: “Distant Disasters: Part 2”)