My Brave Pony Starfleet Magic: Season III

by DakariKingMykan

Episode 22: Part 1: A Royal Starfleet Wedding

Sombra was most pleased to have gathered all the energy from his previous invasions, and revealed to Melantha why he wanted it…

The Crystal Heart, despite still being incomplete, would still be able to produce a little power, and combined with the energies he had collected he would finally be able to produce a suitable body for his spirit to inhabit. He would no longer be bound to his spaceship, and would be free to attack United Equestria himself, but this changed nothing with his original plans. He still wanted and needed the last shard to make the heart complete, though Melantha didn’t know why… she merely carried her orders and helped her king prepare.

“Excellent…!” Sombra hissed as the magic and energies mixed together. “I only require one final ingredient; one that is pure in heart who can transfer the energy to me, and I know just who.”

His eyes glowed and an image of Starla appeared, much to Melantha’s confusion. “Forgive my asking, but why Captain Starla Shine? Why not simply seek any victim and be done with it?”

Sombra sniggered “Do you recall what I said some time ago, about the best way to attack our enemies? Where it hurts the most and causes the most suffering, right at the heart.”

Melantha caught on now. “So we wait…”

“And then we take, and then we destroy, and all will be just perfect.”

A few days had passed and there were no signs of Sombra, or even his ship, which really baffled everyone. He had all this power; what was he waiting for? Then again, he was also aware of Starfleet being prepared for him, or so.

…still, life continued for many.

Fratello and Professor Brain were happy to announce that a possible breakthrough was being made in their project. 

Ever since Lightning had defeated Harkin, there were little bits of magic burns on the suit or armor Lightning had worn for that battle. They took it and examined all of what little samples they could get from it, and discovered small bits of special teleportation properties Harkin, like all his comrades, had used to transport themselves hither and yon, including the possible entry gateway to Sombra’s ship.

“That’s wonderful.” said Celestia.

“When will we be able to see it in operation?” asked Grand Ruler.

“I fear that will not be for some time yet.” Brain regretted to say, and Fratello agreed. “After many failed attempts, and hardworking, we think we have to solution, but we only think we do. We haven’t had much to test on it with, and we dare not subject any living beings to it yet. The results may be fatal, and even if we were successful to get one onto Sombra’s ship, the chances are very slim of them ever returning.”

This concerned everyone, which meant further tests would have to be made, but at least they were getting a breakthrough. 

Even still, Goldwin searched the starry skies with his telescope and reported that he still couldn’t find Sombra’s ship anywhere. “He must gone deeper into space where we can’t see him.” He suggested “Or maybe he’s just waiting for the right moment to appear again.”

Everyone rested assured that Sombra would eventually show himself if he was to obtain the last shard of the Crystal Heart. Grand Ruler and Celestia were almost anxious for Sombra to show himself. Lately for some reason they weren’t sure why, but there was something about Sombra that seemed oddly familiar to them. 

…Something from their distant past before they were separated from each other.

Lightning was at the doctor’s, as ordered by his master, and Starla was there for support during his exams. Penny was ordered to further examine for any new developments of Lightning’s new powers that seemed to be blossoming; as evident by the constant pulsating of his horn followed by the suddenness of his energy and strengths rising.

Now, he was truly known to be an Enticorn, the question was how to tap into this power and unleash it. He didn’t know, even Grand Ruler didn’t know.

Now, Lightning was lying on the examining table as Penny lined up the X-ray scanner. “Hold perfectly still.” Lightning did as he was told, and Penny took his X-Ray. The pictures came out clear but nothing to indicate anything too unusual. “Well, Penny…?” Lightning asked with hope in his voice, but Penny shook her head “I’ve done all I can, but I can’t figure this out either. Sorry.”

“It’s all right, Penny.” said Starla “We’ll figure this out somehow.”

Penny smiled “Invite me to the wedding, ‘kay?”

Lightning chuckled “…Consider yourself in the front row.”

As Lightning and Starla left, they both were feeling excited. They had decided to reschedule their wedding and get it over with while Sombra was out of the way. “It won’t be long now.” he said to his fiancée. Starla giggled and blushed “I’m so scared and excited at the same time. I love it!” 

“Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go!” and they headed off for New Canterlot, to the royal palace to help everyone with preparations. It was much easier getting things set up this time as all the previous plans were just put on hold since the cancelation, which meant the wedding would be held in a just a couple of days.

The role of Mare of Honour now belonged to Cadance, and she was happy to accept. Everyone else still had their roles and chores to do, and Rarity was working non-stop night and day to finish Starla’s dress, and Lightning had not permission to see it this time, whether she was wearing it or not.

Fratello was excited to be able to attend a royal wedding, it made him sad that he wasn’t able to be there for his sister’s wedding to Shining Armor, and maybe he could have helped against the Changelings first invasion. He gazed down in shame. “And to think… I actually feigned allegiance with those beasts!”

Celestia placed a hand over her nephew’s shoulder “You did no such thing, my boy.” she said “All that happened was the work of evil forces, but you were never truly evil yourself.”

Fratello still found it so amazing how everyone was just accepting him and letting him into their lives so easily, and it made him feel less miserable, and least with him being in a robot’s body, he could really help out plan the wedding to the stars…

As everyone worked, and did their preparations over the next couple of days, they broke out into a song and dance while they worked.

(Skip to 5:13)

At the point, Lightning and all the male members of the party began to dance and groove to the rock music as the colorful lights blinked about. “…Take it, Lightning!” shouted Shining Armor and Lightning leapt out into the center and really began to bust some serious and excited dance moves. During his routine he leapt way, way up high in a powerful Grand Jete and shouted for joy “I’M GETTING MARRIED!!”

While at the same time, the girls were all doing the same thing, dancing and frolicking about with such glee and excitement. “PARTY!!” cried Pinkie, and the girls hoisted Starla way up, and she gazed up at the sky and shouted with all the happiness in her heart “I CAN’T WAIT!!”

With all the preparations complete, there wasn’t much to do now but wait until the big day. The royal hall was all decked out, and many of the guests were already arriving in New Canterlot at the train-station and settling into their hotels in the village for the night before the big day.

Those who couldn’t make it to Canterlot themselves, Grand Ruler and Celestia had been practicing a special spell which would enable everyone to see the ceremony, via magical images right from their very own towns. 

The star-gazers reported there was still no sign of Sombra’s ship anyway, which did relieve but also worry everyone. Everything seemed perfect… too perfect and easy! Many already had their suspicions that the ground was getting ready to crumple beneath their feet, but things were all set and the members of the wedding party were, again, going to stand up and show that they weren’t scared, at least not about that.

Lightning stood at his window gazing out at the night, too excited and nervous to sleep. Beside him on a headless mannequin was his wedding attire. It looked just like the one Shining Armor wore for his wedding, only it was white instead of red. It also came with a matching pair of white pants, and had all of Lightning’s medals and ribbons on it, as well as the blue sash and gold doublets at the shoulders. Of course a special transformer insignia was there just in case he would have to transform.

It still amazed him of how much his life was going to change for him tomorrow… again! True had undergone many extreme and dramatic changes, but none were ever like this.

Krysta woke up and saw him. “Lightning, shouldn’t you be sleeping? You’ve got a big day ahead of you tomorrow.”

“I know, you don’t have to keep telling me.”

Krysta flew over and stood on the windowsill near him. “You don’t have to worry. There’s no sign of Sombra. Everything’s set up and everyone’s here…”

“Not… everyone…” Lightning cut in. Krysta already could tell he was a having a small grievance about Twilight. “It’s not just her; I wish my parents could be here, and maybe even give me some pointers of what it’s like to actually be married.”

Having lost his parents at such a young age, Lightning never got to learn and understand about the joys of being married. True, he had seen how many married couples got along, preferably Grand Ruler and the queen, but he was still nervous and asking himself if he would really be a good husband to Starla.

“Dumbest nonsense I’ve ever heard.” said Krysta “I know what it’s like living with you, and I loved every second of it. It was kind of like we were married.”

Lightning chuckled at that funny thought. “Case in point, you were already married before I knew you. You just forgot.”

Krysta rolled her eyes. “All I’m saying is you and Starla will be fine. You’re crazy about each other, and you both believe in fighting for freedom and justice. You may have a few arguments here and there, but what married couple doesn’t? Besides you’re always quick to make up.”

“Okay, enough, enough…” Lightning giggled “I guess I am ready…” and he let out a huge yawn “Ready for sleep that is. Good night, Krysta.”

Krysta snuggled into her little bed on the table. “Good night, Lightning.”

The next morning, everyone was up and busy. Grand Ruler, Celestia, and Luna were all dressed in their fanciest royal attires. “Yes, I think that will do.” Grand Ruler said as he looked himself over and added some extra sparkle dust to his mane to make the space stars within twinkle brighter. He wanted to look his absolute best seeing as how he was going to be performing the ceremony, as Lightning and Starla were his officers, and it was the Starfleet tradition.

“I think you look fine…” said his queen as she stepped out fully dressed in her robes. He gazed at her lovingly and gently got down on one knee and kissed her hand. “You look beautiful, just as the day I married you.”

His wife smiled. “I’m so happy today, I hope nothing goes wrong.”

Princess Luna came out fully dressed as well. “Here they are…” she said as she held Castor and Lelani dressed in their tiny little suit and dress for the wedding. “Aw, don’t you two look precious.” Celestia cooed and she gently played with the children, and they playfully giggled and clapped their little hands showing they were excited.

Grand Ruler chuckled. “Ah, this is a proud, proud day.” he said with pride. “I wonder how Lightning is feeling.”

Lightning was up and dressed in his wedding attire, and stuck his head out the window and took in a huge whiff on the morning air. “Ah…!” he sighed, and he also could see the many ponies and creatures gathering into the palace for the wedding, while others remained outside to watch the visuals and await the arrival of the newlyweds after the ceremony to grace them with their live presence.

There was a knock at the door, “En-ter…!”

It was Shining Armor Spike, and the other boys from Lightning’s team, all dressed in their formal attire. They all complimented how each other looked handsome and spiffy, but easily, Lightning was the most handsome. “It’s almost time now.” Shining Armor said “You alright, Lightning?”

“Are you kidding, I’ve never been so nervous in my life. I’d almost rather intercept 30 incoming projectiles than go thorugh this.”

Shining Armor understood; a case of the wedding jitters.  He felt the same way before his wedding to Cadance.

“You’re going to be just fine, Lightning.” Buddy Rose said.

“Yeah, we’ve spent so much time preparing. Let’s not ruin it all now.” added Artie.

Rhymey nodded and said…

“This is your very special day,
And we are here for you all the way.”

The twins agreed and teased everyone by giving hints about the special fireworks show they promised everyone at the ball after the ceremony. “Well, come on then… what are we waiting for.” Spike said almost impatiently. The others chuckled, and Lightning gazed at his reflection in the mirror one last time. “Let’s go!”

As he left his room, he and other others felt music filling the air, 

…and they all just broke out dancing along the halls and they made their way down to the royal hall. 

Lightning loved how his wedding suit seemed so much lighter and made it easier to flex as he did his moves.

On their way, they dashed right past the room where the girls were finishing getting dressed.

Rarity had made new gowns for them all, each corresponding to match their armor colors. Cadance had on her royal attire and had her mane done up the traditional crystal headdress style. “It’s not every day one gets to be a Mare of Honor.” she giggled.

Pinkie couldn’t stop bouncing and crying with glee. “Wedding day…! It’s Wedding day…! Oh, this is going to be sooooooo great! Hee, hee…!”

“Pinkie Pie, do try and settle down.” said Rarity “I did work long and hard on these new gowns for us all.” She admired her silver shiny dress in the mirror, and deep down she almost felt like a bride rather than a bridesmaid.

“Oh, I’m so nervous I feel I have butterflies in my stomach.” cried Fluttershy.

“That’s a hoot. You’re not the one who’s getting married.” said Rainbow.

“No… I am.” Starla said as she came out from behind the curtains, for all the girls to see, and they all eyed her in awe. She looked simply gorgeous…

Rarity had spent a lot of time remodeling Cadance’s old wedding dress to fit Starla and give it a humanoid shape. Now, it had a full skirt that completely surrounded her and softly hugged her narrow waist as the golden ruffles rung all the way around, and the long train had been shortened. The large pink bow in back had been removed. It had long sleeves, and golden shoulder pads like on Celestia’s traditional royal garbs. He veil was longer and ran all the way down to the floor just toughing the train, and it was held in place by a silver tiara, with a heart-shaped fire ruby in the middle, gracefully on her mane which was styled the same way Cadance had hers styled for her wedding as it seemed the most appropriate and correct to do, seeing as she gave her the dress, and to finish it all off she still had a transform-insignia as well as all her medals and ribbons on the left side just below her shoulder.

“Well… what do you think?” she asked shyly.

Rarity overdramatically gasped twice “Darling! You look simply wonderful! Oh, prettier than diamonds. Softer than silk, I’ve done it again!”

Applejack chuckled “Heh, heh, heh… try and calm down there, Rarity.” She gazed at Starla “But she’s right, honey. You look fabulous.”

“Lightning is going to die when he sees you.” teased Rainbow.

“I hope you don’t mean that literally.” said Starla “I’d hate to be a widow moments after my wedding.”

“Oh, you’ll be just fine, Starla.” said Cadance “You and Lightning are some of the toughest ponies I’ve ever met, and you’ve never let anything really stop you before. Why should this be different?”

Starla smiled, "All I want is to be happy with Lightning."

She walked over to the window and basked in the sunlight that illuminated her gown; made it and her veil sparkle

She began to remember all the times, from the moment she met Lightning for the first time, and all the wonderful things they shared that lead up to this day.

She began to sing how she felt and how she would spend the rest of her life loving him.

(6:22... I prefer THIS audio pitch)

When the song ended, all the girls felt like crying right away, and the wedding hadn't even started yet.

“Well, let’s shake a leg.” said Applejack, and the girls cheered for joy and headed out, leaving Cadance and the bride to go over some last second checks.

Cadance noticed that Starla seemed a little sad. “I just wish Twilight was here.” she said. Cadance knew how she felt and wished it to. “She is here, and I bet she’s very happy for you.”

Starla smiled weakly. “Um… Princess… I… I was wondering.”

“What is it…?”

Starla admitted she was feeling a little nervous, and even though she wasn’t Twilight, and it was her special thing with Cadance. “Do you think… we could do your happy for luck?”

Cadance smiled “Sure, I’d love that. Ready?”

Starla nodded and they went at it…

The girls giggled. “I do feel better now.” Starla said.

“Me too…” Cadance said “Come on… it’s time.”

The wedding wouldn’t officially start until the royal trumpet fanfare sounded. Many of the guards and most senior Starfleet officers stood at the edges of the aisle. Goldwin, dressed in a nice suit and a top hat, had already ushered everyone in to take their seats, or stand on the sidelines. “Gee, what a big crowd. I bet they can hardly wait either.” he said.

“I would agree, this day is very exciting-- most exciting.” said Brain.

“Every joint in my body is squeaking with excitement.” added Fratello. Literally his joints were squeaking, so Brain gave him some oil.

Lightning was standing tall and proud near the arch atop the small stair flight. Shining Armor stood next to him, as did all the other boys; except for Spike who was in the wedding march.

Lightning stood tall and proud just as he was taught too as he felt every eye in the hall gazing at him, but the guys could tell he was so nervous it was as if he had forgotten how to move or even blink his eyes… which was really how he felt. “Don’t be scared, Lightning.” Shining Armor whispered.

“I’m not.” Lightning said “Right now I’m a mixture between excited, scared, happy-- I don’t know what it is… but I’m going to do this.” That’s when the trumpet fanfare sounded signaling it was time. Everyone quieted down and the music started!

Grand Ruler Celesto softly levitated down from above with Queen Celestia at his one side, and Princess Luna at the other, and the three landed gracefully at the arch by the altar. Lightning and everyone else bowed to them. Grand Ruler clapped his hands once, and the long roll of red carpet began to unroll, merrily making its way past all the guests and the big doors at the end opened wide. First, the captain and six of the royal guards emerged and walked down the aisle, taking their positions at the end, followed by Krysta, the fairy queen and her husband King Topaz, and some of their loyal servants she had brought from their home world, flew along over the aisle and sprinkled fairy dust everywhere to brighten up the place. Spike came out next gracefully carrying the rings on the pillow like he had before with such experience, and all five of the Cutie Mark Crusaders followed him sprinkling flower petals everywhere.

Lightning winked at the girls, and they winked at him back.

Then Cadance walked out and everyone bowed to her as she passed, and the girls followed behind her until all of them took their positions by the arch. Then, everyone turned to gaze down the aisle as the second set of doors opened wide and there she was...!

“Whoa...!” Lightning softly sighed under his breath as he gazed deep into her eyes from that far away, and she gazed at him as she slowly proceeded down the aisle. Everyone gazed at her in awe almost as if she was royalty, but she wasn’t. Still, the lancers tipped their lances as she passed, and the Starfleet ponies saluted, but her eyes never left Lightning’s just as his didn’t leave hers. Shining Armor had to give him a tiny nudge telling him to start going down the steps to take her.

Lightning did so, and slowly descended the stairs. When Starla approached him, as they were both officers they traditionally saluted to one another, but their smiles just kept growing. “You look beautiful.” he said to her. “So do you.” She answered as Lightning took her hand and they proceeded up the steps to the altar, under the arch, and the music stopped and everyone took their seats.

Grand Ruler cleared his throat. “Inhabitants of United Equestria… Officers and allies of Starfleet… Friends all over…! On this most exciting occasion, we are gathered here today to bear witness to the joyous union of these two officers as they take the magical journey of matrimony.”

Lightning and Starla both kneeled down as their ruler tapped them with his hands. “Admiral Lightning Dawn… Captain Starla Shine… you kneel before me now as two individuals, whom have battled against many hardships and helped to keep our world, our galaxy safe, and your love for each other has grown stronger even through toughest of times; a love that has never been unnoticed by all the friends you have made, those you have helped, and all those who have gathered here to bear witness to this union. There are also those who have loved you, but unfortunately are no longer with us in the land of the living, but they are watching over us now and are bestowing their blessings upon you and us all on this fine day.”

As the ceremony continued, the guards were continuing to maintain a constant watch for any unusual activity, when suddenly, there it was… Sombra’s ship and it seemed to be heading straight for them! The guard gasped, but his partner insisted they not sound the alarms yet, nothing had happened yet, and maybe they could finish the ceremony in time.

By this time, Starla and Lightning were asked to stand, look into each other’s eyes, and repeat their solemn vows to one another, while holding each other’s left hands and saluting with the other.

The guard was growing nervous and desperately wanted to press the alarm, but his partner still insisted not to. “Let them finish!” but the guard wasn’t going to wait any longer.

Grand Ruler gazed amongst the crowd and had to ask, though this felt pointless, “If anyone here knows why these two ponies should not be joined… speak now.”

Lightning and Starla gazed around, but no one said a thing. Some were even playfully turning their heads away proving they had no wish to put a stop to things. To put a stop to a marriage as this would be beyond the most serious of crimes. Everyone shared a slight chuckle. 

Then, as Grand Ruler prepared to begin the final phase of the ceremony, the rings, which Spike seemed ready for, Grand Ruler opened his mouth to speak… and the alarms went off!

The crowds gasped in shock and began to mutter in panic, and suddenly the skies grew dark. “No…! No!!” growled Lightning. Starla felt her nerves coiling into anger and upset “I don’t believe this!”

Suddenly the doors burst wide open and the windows shattered, even Twilight’s memorial window, much to Celestia’s extreme anger, and the shadowbolts rushed in in such vast numbers. “Guards, to-arms!” shouted Celestia!

Lightning and Starla were outraged. “All I wanted was to get married peacefully!” Lightning murmured. He gazed up with a blaze of fury in his eyes, “Starfleet Magic!” he transformed and leapt down to join in the fight.

Starla was still disappointment and hurt. “You okay, sugar?” asked Applejack. The young bride shook her head as her eyes flooded with tears but mixed with fury as well. Then she angrily roared and leapt up high off the stairs “Starfleet Magic!” and she transformed too, and the rest of the gang did as well and leapt into action to drive the shadowbolts away, and keep the guests all safe.

"Whoa, she's turned into a bride-zilla!" cried Spike. The others gave him a stern look, "What?"

Grand Ruler and Celestia shielded all the guests within magical barriers to keep them safe, and joined in the fight themselves.

The fighters fought well…

Buddy Rose and Applejack lassoed two shadowbolts, and whirled them like balls on chains knocking down all others in their path.

Dyno and Myte didn’t dare use any of their powers to damage the palace anymore, and merely fought side-by-side punching and kicking the baddies away and shouting angry Spanish words at them.

Shining Armor was given a lance and fought alongside Artie as he wielded his staff, but no matter how hard the forces fought, the shadowbolts just seemed to keep right on coming, stronger than ever!

“There’s so many of them!” cried Fluttershy.

“How do they just keep coming like this?” asked Pinkie.

“Keep on trying!” shouted Rainbow as she dashed forth and bowled through a whole gaggle of enemies.

One of the shadowbolts fiercely pounded at the barriers scaring the guests, but then felt someone tapping his back. He turned just in time as Starla punched him hard right in the face. “That was for crashing my wedding!” Both she and Lightning were really raving mad and fought so fiercely, but the shadowbolts just kept right on coming, and no one dared to use any super attacks while inside the palace for fear of causing extreme damage and harm to many, force fields or not!

The battle just never seemed to end, and the forces were starting to grow tired after a bit, and then things got worse when Melantha appeared laughing and pretending to cry “Forgive me, but often cry at weddings.” she mocked.

“…YOU!!” Starla roared and she leapt up to fight her in midair, but as she was tired from her fights with the shadowbolts, not to mention badly losing her temper. 

Melantha punched, kicked and slammed her down on the ground hard. “Starla…!” cried Lightning as he dashed over to help his bride. “TOXIC SLUDGE!” shouted Melantha and she spat her sludge right onto Lightning’s visor, blinding him long enough for the shadowbolts to advance on him, and more of them advanced on Starla in her weakened state and took her as prisoner. “Help, Help!!” she cried.

Everyone tried to rush in and save Starla, but they were tired form fighting so long, and Melantha and other Shadowbolts knocked them all away. Grand Ruler and Celestia were the only ones with enough fight left in them, but Melantha finally gained the ultimate upper hand and poised her Doom Trident at the helpless Starla, threatening to skewer her if anyone tried to make a move.

“You let her go this instant!” shouted Celestia.

“Oh, believe me your majesty, I fully intend to, as soon as you relinquish the final shard of the Crystal Heart to King Sombra. This is his ultimatum.”

“More like blackmail!” snapped Grand Ruler “No deal!” Many of the others agreed with him, and even Starla did herself, knowing fully well what dangers could occur if such.

“Oh, but you will give it to us.” Melantha turned to face Lightning “Especially if you wish to ever see your little bride again, Admiral. What will your heart do then?” 

As much as Lightning knew he couldn’t give up the shard, he didn’t want to lose Starla either. Melantha could see how the whole playing with the heart strategy was working perfectly, and saw this as her chance to leave. “You have three hours to decide. The shard or the girl…?”

“Get her!” shouted Grand Ruler, and everyone dashed forth, but Melantha and her shadowbolts had already vanished taking Starla with them. Her voice echoed as she vanished… 

“Lightning!” and she was gone.

“No!” shouted Lightning. All the shame and outrage swarmed through him like a plague. “…STARLAAAAAAAAA!!!”

To Be Continued…

(Promo)