//------------------------------// // The Masquerade Ball // Story: Bakugan Legends of Equestria // by KnightGomora1994 //------------------------------// It was a brand new day in Wardington, bright blue skies, peace and quiet- "UGH! How annoying!" or so we thought... Runo was on her daily stroll through the park, and she had her Bakugan with her. "How come Dan's stupid Bakugan Ball talks and you don't?" she asked her Bakugan. She's been trying to get it to talk ever since she found out Dan told them about Drago. "Well? How come?" she asked as she stopped running through the park. "Oh come on, if you're inside there, at least say something. Pretty please with sugar?" and once again, the Bakugan was silent. (At least it wasn't followed by mean comments, followed by more silences.) "SAY SOMETHING!" she yelled at the Bakugan Ball. Suddenly, the wind around her started to pick up, she was startled at first. "What's... going on...?" she asked as she looked around. Then out of no where, a strange Brawler arrived. Runo looked to him surprised how he just randomly appeared. "Where did you come from...?" she asked as she noticed his attire. He wears a purple and blue visor mask made out of either plastic or glass (it seems to function like a Bakupod). He also wears a white cape-like coat. It is buttoned by straps on its chest however towards the waist it is unbuttoned. At the waist if you look carefully you can see part of a blue shirt and two cross something that seem to go together. Underneath the jacket, there is what appears to be armor on his upper chest. The belt has a circular belt buckle. He had blonde hair that is styled upwards. He was also wearing boots with small heels at the bottom. These boots have straps and buckles on them as well. "A Battle Brawler..." she noticed him hold up a Bakugan Card, and she knew what this meant. But she wanted to make sure she wasn't mistaken. "Are you challenging me to a battle? Because if you are, lets get this party started." she challenged him as she pulled out her Bakugan Card. "Didn't catch your name." "I never said it... call me Masquerade." the brawler introduced himself. Both Runo and Masquerade flipped their Bakugan Cards as they began to glow, opening a Pocket Dimension Battlefield. Later during their battle, Runo screamed as a Darkus Bakugan, with a skull looking face attacked her. And just like that... the battle was over. At Dan's house, Twilight and the girls were settling in, without Miyoko's say so of course (Dan is in so much trouble.) But they can learn to manage. "So, what do ya'll think of Dan? I mean sure he's a good kid and all, but do you think hiding us in his room without his parents knowing is a good thing?" asked Applejack. "I know its wrong to lie Applejack, but he has very good reason to." said Twilight. "If Dan's parents found out we're not ordinary ponies, I don't think you want to imagine what would happen." "You make a good point darling, but we all know we can't stay in his room forever." said Rarity as she was doing a few touch ups to her make up. "Most of all, this room of his could use a little more color." Fluttershy was looking at some of Dan's Bakugan, but she soon turned to her. "Dan seems to know what's best, I mean so far he's been kind enough to let us stay here. And I'm pretty sure he wouldn't be too happy if you did something to his room." she said knowing Dan might get really upset. "Fine, fine... but I still think it could use more color." Rarity exclaimed. Spike was reading one of Dan's comics. "Wow, Dan sure has some pretty interesting comics, I mean they're way different from the ones in Equestria." he said fascinated by the comic. He then looked to the others curiously. "So why do you think that card brought us here?" he asked them. "I don't know Spike, but I have a theory that Dan might be the answer. It brought us here for a reason, and we need to wait until Dan gets home so we can find out what it is." said Twilight. "Well lets just hope Dan gets back home soon. Cuz I don't want to wait around until his mo-" Applejack soon noticed something. "Wait a minute..." she looked among her friends. "Purple, Yellow, White, Pink, Orange... no Blue? Where's Rainbow Dash?" she asked them. "I think she sneaked out the window while we weren't looking." said Fluttershy as Twilight's eyes widen. "You've got to be kidding me!" yelled Twilight unaware the door had opened. "Of all the times, she had to pick now to sneak out?!" she questioned her friends angrily, she soon noticed their eyes wide as dishes. Twilight looked at them confused. "What? What is it...?" she asked them. "Uhhh Twi... I don't think hiding is an option anymore..." said Spike worriedly. Twilight raised a brow and turned around, only to find Miyoko standing behind her. Miyoko's arms were crossed as her brows were narrow at the five ponies and the baby dragon. "Seems Dan was hiding something after all..." she said. The Mane Six (and a half) were shocked the see she found out. "We're doomed..." said Pinkie, and to be more precise, Dan is gonna be the one that's doomed. Meanwhile at Dan's school, Rainbow Dash was sneaking around, trying to find Dans Classroom. She snuck up to Dan's Classroom and see's him showing off Drago. "Hey let me see that!" said a student. "That is so cool, is that the Bakugan Ive been reading about on the web?" asked another student. "Ta-da!" yelled Dan as he held up Drago. "Feast your eyes on the one and only Drago guys!" he boasted proudly. Rainbow Dash was watching him as a sweat drop was running down her cheek. "Sheesh, and my friends say I have an ego?" she asked herself. The students asked him to make it talk, but one student walked up to Dan with a smug look. "Or maybe you just made the whole thing up Danny!" said the student. "I'll prove it to you alright?" he said as the students egged him on. Rainbow Dash knew this was gonna go sideways real fast. "Don't do it Dan, come on, he's just gonna give you and everyone the silent treatment." she said mentally as she watched Dan. Dan held out Drago to prove everyone wrong. "Okay, okay I'll show ya already. You ready Drago? Its show time, Bakugan... stand!" he yelled holding him out, and like Rainbow Dash predicted, nothing happened. The students saw it as the moment entered an awkward moment. "Maybe its busted." said one of the students. "Huh?!" he felt shocked as he looked at Drago. "Come on Drago, say something! Bakugan Stand!" he tried again, and nothing happened. "Bakugan Stand! Stand! Stand! Stand! Stand!" he tried multiple times, unaware the students backed away. Rainbow Dash was started to feel sorry for him. "Jeez Dan, you're hopeless..." "You're embarrassing me Drago." he whispered to his non-responsive partner. "Hey Dan, forget Drago..." said the student as Dan looked to him. "I was just wondering if you remembered to do your homework?" asked the student. "Yeah, because if you didn't, Ms. Purdy will be all over you." said another student. This definitely got Dan in panic mode. Even Rainbow Dash noticed it. "Oh no!" the scenario began running through his head. "Uh-oh... I forgot! I'm so done for!" he panicked as he set Drago onto his desk as he ran to the other students. "Maybe there's still time! You've gotta help me or its detention for life!" he started begging the students for their notes, unaware Drago was watching. "Ha! What a pathetic human, if he thinks I'm here for his personal amusement, he's sadly mistaken. I have a more important mission, to stop Vestroia's destruction." said Drago as he tried to move in his new form. "Too... much... resistance..!" he struggled to move, but then... "Yes... yes!" he started to move. "Must... gather... strength...!" he rolled for a bit but didn't get very far. Then suddenly... "Students!" the classroom for opened, revealing Ms. Purdy. A very strict, and very mean teacher in Dan's school, she is wearing a light pinkish dress, from Jacket to skirt. And is wearing a white button-up shirt, she also wears glasses, though her eyes aren't seen. She wears her hair in a bun style down to her shoulders. "Did you not hear the bell?!" she asked the students with a stern expression on her face. All the students freaked out from the sight of her. "IT'S MS. PURDY!" they quickly ran to their desks, one of the students tripped over and knocked Drago off of Dan's desk. Drago bounced on the ground and started to panic seeing the students feet coming towards him. "Must resist being crushed!" he tried dodging the students feet but was being kicked around. He bounced away catching Dan's attention. "Drago!" he went to catch him, but Drago was flying around uncontrollably. Dan tried to catch him as quick as he could. "Stop! Wait please! Drago!" he chased him around. "I'm trying! I'm trying! Hurry! Catch me, I'm going to be sick!" said Drago feeling nauseous. But before Dan could catch him, Drago landed right next to the one person Dan didn't want to be near. Drago landed right next to Ms. Purdy. Dan screamed to the top of his lungs as Ms. Purdy picked up Drago. "Who's responsible for bringing marbles into my class room? Hmmm?" she asked as she looked around but her sights looked directly at Dan. "Daniel!" she yelled. "YES?!" he stood firm as Ms. Purdy gave him a look. "I'll see you after class. DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?!" she asked as Dan was getting scared out of his wits. "YES MA'AM!!!" he screamed knowing he was doomed. Drago and Rainbow Dash were watching as Dan freaked out. Drago groaned in annoyance. "How did I get myself into the predicament...?" he thought to himself knowing he was gonna be stuck with him. Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash was trying so hard not to laugh. But given the situation, she went to the roof and burst out laughing. "I wish I had a camera!" she laughed so hard she couldn't breathe. Half an hour rolled by, and Drago was stuck in Dan's desk while Ms. Purdy was teaching class. "Somehow I must learn a way to move freely in this realm, but I have to hurry. Because Vestroia is in danger, Naga is behind its destruction and I must stop him. But first... I must find him." he mentally said in his head, but before he could make a plan. Dan grabbed him and started brushing him with a toothbrush. "Man.. all that rolling around on the floor sure messed you up little guy." he continued scrubbing unaware Drago was talking. "There, now you're starting to look like new again. All shiny and junk." he said while continuing to scrub Drago. "I'll bet you're wishing I'd do this all day, and if you'd just talk to me, well maybe I might-" before he could finish, Drago opened up shooting a scowl at him. "Cease your scrubbing human! I am not your toy!" he yelled at Dan. Dan jumped from it. "Whoa! You scared the crud out of me!" he nearly jumped out of his seat but calmed down in a minute. "But I knew it, you could talk." he turned to the other students to get their attention. "Listen up guys! He can talk, my Drago just talked to me! Did you here?!" Rainbow Dash watched as she noticed Ms. Purdy getting angry. "He just told me he isn't just some toy-" before he could finish. "Daniel, that is quite enough..." Dan froze a bit and turned to her. "Can you hear my voice...? Well young man...?" she asked him. Dan began to panic. "Y-Yes Ms. Purdy..." he gulped hoping its not what he believed it to be. "I want you to listen very carefully..." a moment of silence filled the room... till all of a sudden... "DETENTION FOR THE REST OF THE SEMESTER!!!" she yelled at Dan. "NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!" Dan screamed. Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash was beginning to tear up. "I think I'm gonna bust a gut..." she flew back up to the roof and bursted out laughing. "Oh man, I'm really starting to feel sorry for Dan right now." she said while laughing. After school, and an hour of detention, Dan was walking home with Rainbow Dash. "You watched all of that?! Why didn't you stay at my house?!!" he asked her feeling frustrated. "I'm a Pegasus Pony, I need to be in the air, not cooped up in your room." she explained. "Besides, watching you embarrass yourself was worth it." "Oh haha, very funny. I just hope the girls are having better luck hiding than you are." he said as he approached the door and opened it. "Hey mom, I'm ho-" when he walked in, he saw Pinkie Pie performing a clown act for his mom and dad. His jaw literally dropped to the floor. Meanwhile his mom and dad were getting a good laugh out of it. "I must say Pinkie, you really are a funny pony. A little rambunctious, but really funny." said Miyoko trying to catch her breath. "Yeah, if only we met before." said Shinjiro while laughing, trying not to bust a gut. Rainbow Dash watched the scene knowing there was no point in hiding anymore. "Well... looks like the secrets out." she said as Dan was still shocked. Miyoko soon looked to him. "Oh Dan, welcome home." she welcomed him with a smile. "WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!!" Dan asked them. Twilight stepped up to tell him. "Its my fault, when we found out Rainbow Dash sneaked out, Miyoko walked into your room and found us." she admitted with a guilty expression. Miyoko walked up to him and touched his shoulders. "Daniel, you didn't have to hide this from us. We would have understood the situation if you just told us." she said with a warm smile to her son. "Besides, who are we to judge you?" asked Shinjiro, Dan thought for certain they were gonna be mad at him, but given the fact Pinkie Pie was able to bring a smile to their faces. He had nothing more to worry about. "Well, glad you guys got to know one another. But I better get up to my room, Ive got some stuff to do." he said as he made his way up stairs. "We'll come too." said Twilight as she followed him, but before she and her friends went any further upstairs. She turned around to face Dan's parents. "It was nice meeting you both." she said as she resumed her advance upstairs. Miyoko smiled knowing Dan found some really special friends. Meanwhile in Dan's room, he set his bag down on his bed in frustration from Detention. "So you got detention for yelling out in class?" asked Applejack as she sat down on the floor leaning against Dan's bed. "Yeah, and it was all because of him." said Dan as he pointed at Drago. "So thanks for wrecking my life Drago! All you had to do was talk!" he yelled at Drago for getting him in trouble. "Aw man, I wonder if all the other Brawlers out there have such a stubborn Bakugan." "I doubt it, from what I heard from the students in your class, they don't have a talking Bakugan." Rainbow Dash explained to her friends. Twilight rubbed her chin as she was lost in thought. "Its possible that Drago is more unique than the others." she said to them. Dan looked to her curiously. "Unique? Are you sure?" he asked her. "Well the vision I had also showed Drago right beside you, and its possible you two were meant to meet each other." she explained to him, unaware Drago was listening. "That makes sense when you think about it... by the way, have you guys figured out why you were sent here?" he asked her. "We have a theory, we believe that you're the reason we're here." Twilight explained to Dan. "Me...?" he asked her. "Well like I said, its only a theory... but the vision I saw is somehow related to you, and Drago. If destiny brought you together, we believe you're our only chance to get home to Equestria." she said trying to explain it to him. "Well I'm not sure about that. But even if its true, I don't know what kind of help I'll be to you guys." he said as he felt unsure. "I know... but if that's the reason, then we have to understand as to why." said Twilight as the rest of the Mane Six nodded their heads. "Well I'll take your word for it..." he turned to the computer and logged on as screens pop up. "Okay, we're logged on... now to check on my friends... hey guys how's it go-" before he could finish his question, Runo popped up with an angry face. "FINALLY!!!" she yelled as Dan screamed and fell to the floor. The Mane Six was surprised by it, and helped Dan up. "Runo darling, what on Earth was that for?" asked Rarity with a worried tone. "Well Rarity, I hope Dan realizes that its all his fault I lost a Bakugan Battle today!" she explained to the unicorn with a harsh tone. Dan got back up still feeling pain. "Come on Runo give me a break would ya? What are you talking about?" he asked her feeling confused. "This creep Masquerade came along and totally clobbered me!" she told him still holding a strong glare towards him. Marucho soon appeared on screen to explain everything. "He's been winning battles all over the world." he explained to everyone and everypony. "Not to mention, every chat room Ive checked is full of kids talking about Masquerade." Alice explained as she and Julie appeared on screen. Rainbow Dash flew in front of the camera. "So what's his deal?" she asked Dan's friends about Masquerade. "He's won every single battle he's been in, and kids everywhere are losing their Bakugan like crazy. This is serious." said Julie feeling worried. Applejack looked to Runo knowing she might already have the answers. "So Runo, did he get yours?" she asked the blue haired brawler. Runo sighed as she looked down. "Uh-huh... my precious Terrorclaw is gone for good." she said feeling sad. "We have to do something Dan." said Marucho knowing that Masquerade had to be stopped. "Don't worry guys, you can count on me. If that dork comes anywhere near me looking for a battle, I'll win everyones Bakugan back. Including your Terrorclaw Runo." he said as Runo was surprised by what he said. "That masked morons going down!" Runo could only smile at her friends bravery. "Awesome..." she said softly. "Oh Dan, I wish I could just hug you!" said Julie. "Me too..." Alice agreed. Dan stood up as he was feeling pumped up. "I don't care how good this Masquerade dude is! I'm gonna put my own Bakugan on the line and show him!" he said only to shock his friends, and the Mane Six. "Hold it! Hold it!" cried Spike as he jumped up. "Do you even hear yourself?!" he asked him feeling shocked. "Spike's right! What if you lose too?!" asked Julie feeling the same way as Spike. "She has a point Dan, if you lose, you'll lose your Bakugan as well." said Twilight. "But, I won't..." he said unaware of what rank Masquerade was at... that is until... "Do you know what he's ranked at?" asked Runo. "The latest update on the web puts him bang on at Number 01!" said Marcuho, only to get a shocked expression from Dan and the Mane Six. "Yoooouuuu have got to be kidding!" said both Dan and Rainbow Dash filled with shock and surprise. Dan couldn't believe it, Masquerade being Number 01? That was just plain crazy. "That's impossible... the best Bakugan Battle Brawler should be Shun..." he said knowing it was true. "Who's Shun...?" asked Pinkie Pie feeling curious. Dan didn't want to talk about it, for he was more concerned about Masquerade. "Something is weird here... I have got to fix it." he shut his eyes and held his head in the air. "No matter the danger, no matter the risk, no matter the enemy, I will march into battle with my head held high, and return victorious! This is my quest to follow that-" before he could finish his speech... "Um, Dan...?" Alice interrupted him... "Now what?!" he asked her "One question... how are you going to challenge Masquerade if you don't even know where he is?" she asked him only to catch him off guard. Rainbow Dash leaned closer to him with a smirk. "Didn't think that one through, did you?" she asked him with a smug grin. Dan was about to answer, but he couldn't think of anything at all. "Right... Yeah well, that is a good question..." he said only to hear the Mane Six groan and hoofpalm themselves. Twenty minutes rolled by, and Dan finally figured out a way to contact Masquerade. If he made a recorded message on his computer, and sent it to him, he'll be able to battle him. But it turns out... getting the right message was a lot harder than he thought. "Hey Masquerade, Dan here! How's about a little battle?" he said but realized that was terrible. "Aw man that bites..." "Yeah it does, have you ever sent a message before?" asked Spike as he crossed his arms. "Like you're one to talk, you guys don't have technology." said Dan as he looked back to the camera. "How about this...? Hey Masquerade! I'm sick and tired of you bullying brawlers, so you're going down! That is if you're man enough to challenge me! Well are you?!" he asked as he got closer to the camera. "Are you going to keep hiding behind that little mask of yours like the total poser you really are?! Your Bakugan are mine, you understand me?!" he said as he pulled away from the camera. "The names Dan, and I'm challenging you to a battle! I'm the new number one in town!" he boasted unaware Drago opened up. "Ha, you're kidding..." he said feeling unamused of Dan's confidence. "Quiet, can't you see I'm just bluffing the creep Drago? You gotta trick him to come out and play." he explained to him. "Whoa! He's talking!" said Spike as he backed up. "Finally! We get to hear him rather than get the silent treatment!" said Pinkie as she bounced around. "Listen to me everyone..." he curled back into ball form and rolled to the computer. "I am not a toy..." he said with a stern tone as he looked to the computer screen. "In your realm you see me only as a token trinket to battle for your pleasure... I ask you, is this all just a game to you...?" he asked Dan, only to get a response he wasn't expecting. "Hello! This is the greatest game ever! I love everything about the Bakugan, it makes me feel alive, in control. And the best part is... I love winning." he said to Drago. "What wrong Drago, are you saying you don't like to battle? I thought that's what you were programed for. I'm not getting this..." he said to him, only to see Drago curl up into ball form. "Bakugan... is more than a game..." said Drago as he fell asleep. Twilight looked at him and turned her attention to Dan. "I think Drago's right Dan, what if there really is more to the Bakugan?" she asked Dan. "What more could there be? I mean all I know about the Bakugan is that they're the most amazing thing that has ever happened to all the kids in this world." said Dan. "I know you think they're just toys, but what if the Bakugan are really alive?" she asked him with concern. "What if they're just like you humans, that have lives of their own?" she asked as she looked towards Drago. Dan looked to him as he thought about it for a moment. "I... I never really thought about that..." he looked down feeling something in his heart, he wasn't sure as to what it was. He knew deep down in his heart... Twilight was right. Applejack walked up and touched his forearm. "I know you're feeling confused partner, but believe me... its not easy trying to accept the truth." she said to him trying to lift his spirits. "Sure this world is different from Equestria, but if there is a reason we're here. We'll find out together, and maybe facing this Masquerade might help give us the answers we're looking for." she said confidently. Twilight smiled at her. "She's right, maybe this battle will help us understand the reason we're here." she said as she looked outside. (Parody of Big Brother Best Friend Forever) Twilight; This world is so different, so strange and so confusing Can't even pronounce the words that they're using Dan looked to the young Alicorn. To his surprise, she was singing out loud, he was amazed and somewhat confused. "Um, Twilight...?" Twilight; I've seen all there can be But it appears that now I see There is yet, so much I have to learn "Is she singing...?" Dan asked the girls. "Eeyup!" replied Applejack. Dan was surprised by her response, he listened to famous Pop Stars a lot. But never before had he heard a voice like Twilights. Twilight; But despite all of my confusion This is the start of a revolution Soon, the rest of the girls joined in surprising the young brawler. Ponies; A new world, a new best friend Different as night and day, I know on you I can depend Twilight; Your Bakugan ways are so strange Ponies; A new world Twilight; Nothing wrong with a little change Ponies; Only you I can depend Twilight; We all have hopes, we all have dreams We're more alike than I realized, it seems Ponies; A new world, a new best friend Different as night and day, I know on you I can depend Twilight; Whatever dangers we will face them all Cause together we'll never fall We've found a new best friend... Forever Ponies; And we will face anything... Together Dan was amazed by their rhythm, so was Drago even though he didn't want to show it. The Mane Six smiled for they knew that helping Dan was the right thing to do, and Twilight had a brilliant way to help Dan with his message to Masquerade. She pulled out a piece of paper and took a pencil and started writing a hand written message to help him. She finished it and levitated it to him. "Here, this could help." At a hidden lair, Masquerade was sitting at his computer, and he found a message from Dan Kuso. He played the message to see what it is. "Hey Masquerade I know you're out there. So if you're listening, what do you say you show yourself and we have a battle? Winner takes all, and the loser walks away with nothing." Dan declared, this definitely caught Masquerades attention. "But I warn ya I'm good, my Dragonoid and me are gonna blow your doors off. No body bullies the brawlers and gets away with it! So here's the deal pal. Tomorrow after school, underneath the railroad bridge at Pondale Avenue, that's where its going down. And you better show up you freak, do I make myself clear Masquerade?" Dan asked as Masquerade only smirked at the video. Back at Dan's house, Dan was looking outside his window starring at the stars while the ponies slept. Twilight however woke up to find him awake. "Dan? What are you doing up?" she asked him curiously. Dan looked to her wondering the same thing. "I can be asking you the same thing." he saw her giving him a look, he sighed and looked out. "Ive been trying to think over what you said about the Bakugan being living creatures. Its just hard to wrap my head around it." he said feeling unsure about it. Twilight sensed it and leaped onto his bed and sat next to him. "I know its hard, but believe me. If anyone can find the answers, its you." she said to him with a warm smile. Dan was surprised by her words. "You sure...?" he asked her only to receive a warm smile. "Of course I am, I mean sure you're bit of a hot head when it comes to brawling." she admitted to Dan only to receive a scowl. "But deep down, you're a really kind and generous person." she smiled at him and got a smile in return. "Thanks Twilight..." "Don't sweat it, now get to bed you. We have to get to the Railroad Bridge tomorrow after school." she said to him, and Dan knew she was right. "Sure thing, as long as you stay clear of the battle." he said wanting to make sure she and the others stayed safe. "Trust me, we will." she said to him reassuringly. Dan smiled at her and started to yawn. "Well, good night Twilight..." he said as he fell asleep. "Good night Dan, good night girls..." she said to them as she fell asleep in Dan's bed. Meanwhile Pinkie Pie woke up to say goodnight. "Good night Twilight. Good night Dan. Good night Drago. Good night Applejack. Good night Fluttershy. Good night Rarity. Good night Spike. Good night Rai-" before she could finish... "GO TO SLEEP ALREADY!!!" yelled Rainbow Dash as she plugged her ears with cotton. Pinkie winced from it and fell asleep. Twilight watched them and smiled, she went back to sleep to prepare for tomorrow. Meanwhile in Canterlot, Shining Armor and Princess Cadance walked into the throne room to see Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. The Princesses of the Sun and Moon looked to the young married couple, and knew that there was bad news. "Have you found them yet...?" asked Princess Celestia feeling concerned, and her fears were met with a small head shake from Shining Armor and Cadance. "We're sorry Princess Celestia, but me and Cadance have looked all over Equestria, we checked every place we could think of in Ponyville." said Shining Armor with a sad expression. "We even looked in the Crystal Empire, they're no where to be found." said Cadance with a worried tone. Luna looked to Celestia with a very worried expression. "Do you think Chrysalis has something to do with this...?" she asked her sister. But Celestia shook her head in response. "It couldn't be Chrysalis, because if it was, we would have discovered her Changeling Spies." she said to reassure her sister, but then... the doors opened revealing a hooded figure. Celestia looked to the stranger but had a good feeling as to who it was. The stranger walked to the two Princesses, but Shining Armor got in her way. "Don't take another step!" he warned her as his horn began to glow. "Shining Armor, no..." Celestia called out to him. "Its alright, she's not a danger to any of us." she said as she walked down from her throne and walked to the unknown mare. "I can assume you know where my student and her friends are...?" she asked her. "I do..." she said as she levitated the card. "Destiny has chosen them to embark on a brand new journey... so you don't have to worry my dear. They are in good hands as we speak." Celestia nodded to her, but she couldn't help but wonder... "But of all the times... why now...?" she asked her stilled worried about her student. The strange mare looked down with a sad expression in the darkness of her hood. "The prophecy has begun to unfold." she said as Shining Armor spoke up. "What Prophecy...?" he asked her curiously. "I cannot explain... only that Twilight and her friends must unite the Six Warriors that were foretold to rise up." she explained to him. She then looked to Celestia and Luna. "I have faith in your student and her friends... just as I have faith in you two." she smiled under her hood as she turned away and walked out. Celestia smiled watching her leave, then she remembered something from a thousand years ago. "By the way... a friend of yours says hello..." she informed her as she stopped. She smiled happily that he hadn't forgotten her. "Thank you for informing me..." she said and proceeded to walk out the door. Luna looked to Celestia curiously. "Who is this friend you were speaking of sister...?" she asked her eldest sister. "I don't know... but I'm certain she's knows... don't you...?" she asked the strange mare as she walked. A warm smiled formed across the strange mare's face without them knowing as she walked out. The next day after school, Dan was running down the road trying to get to the Railroad Bridge. "Come on, come on! Get out of the way!" he ran passed a few people trying to reach his destination. "Move it! Heads up, coming through!" he said as he ran passed a few people. "This is gonna be sweet, I'm so pumped. He won't stand a chance." he thought to himself as he quickly made his way to the Railroad Bridge. Twilight and the girls were waiting for him while trying to stay out of sight, but they didn't have to hide for long. Dan showed up just in time. "Where have you been?!" asked Rainbow Dash for she was feeling impatient. "Come on, keep your feathers together. I almost took a wrong turn, that's all." he said defensively as Rainbow was close to clobbering him. Twilight was able to stop her from doing so. "You're lucky you made it in time... because we've been keeping an eye open for Masquerade." Twilight informed him of the situation. "I think you mean both eyes!" said Pinkie with her eyes wide as saucers. Dan arced his eyebrow at her and looked to Applejack. "Is she usually like this...?" he asked. "You have no idea..." she replied to him with her eyes half open. Dan looked around for Masquerade. "So, is he here? He better show up..." he said as he walked with the Mane Six, but he soon saw someone. "Huh? You're here...?" he asked curiously to who it is... then out of no where... "We've been waiting for ya." said Akira as he came through the doorway. Shuji turned to face him. "Its too bad your buddy Masquerade didn't show up." said Shuji with a grin. Dan freaked out and fell to the floor. "NOT YOU TWO AGAIN! I don't have time for you! Now why don't you two beat it...?" he tried to ask them as nicely as he possibly could. "You owe me, I demand a rematch. So pull out your cards, and lets get this battle underway punk." he said as he pulled out his card. "Ready or not...?" Dan only gave him a deadpanned look, knowing history is gonna repeat itself. "Give me a break... this is a complete waste of our time. Well... might as well get this over with." he said as he pulled out his card. "You want a piece of me?! Well come and get it!" "Yeah, okay!" said Shuji. "BAKUGAN... FIELD OPEN!" said both brawlers as the Mane Six also entered the Battlefield. "It's on!" they yelled out, Twilight even had a piece of paper and a pencil ready, which wasn't surprising to Rainbow Dash. "Really? You have to make this a learning moment?" she asked her with her eyebrows arced. "If we're going to be in this world, we need to learn how the battles work here. I for one would like to learn more about the Bakugan. They're just so fascinating, they resemble much of the creatures in Equestria." she explained. "Now that you mention it, it does seem that way, doesn't it?" asked Spike as he watched the battle. Two battles were won by Dan, Shuji's Ventus Robotallion and Gargonoid were both defeated. The Mane Six cheered for Dan's two victories. "Nice work Dan! I have to admit, these battles are crazy. But they're still awesome!" said Rainbow Dash. "Thanks, but I still have one battle left." said Dan as he looked to Shuji. "I can't believe you beat my Robotallion and Gargonoid!" he said as he began to fume. "Hate to break it to you Shuji, but beating you isn't rocket science." he said as a smirk formed over his face. Rainbow Dash crossed her hooves together with a similar smirk. "So you ready to lose your next Ventus Bakugan? Because they're gonna be his!" she boasted out. Shuji only got more angry at what she said. "We'll just see about that you flying rat, BRING IT!" yelled as he grabbed his next Bakugan. Dan was confident about his next move, so he pulled out Drago to fight in the next battle. "Okay Drago, finish this for me. Bakugan Brawl!" he yelled out as he threw Drago onto the battle field. "Bakugan Stand!" Drago opened up as flames circled around him. The Mane Six watched in awe as a pillar of flames rose from the Battlefield, and from the heart of the flames. Drago emerged from the fires he came out of, roaring out as he surprised Shuji. "A... A Dragonoid...?" he asked in disbelief. Drago looked at himself surprised but finally realized. "Ah, when he releases me, I can move around freely in this world." he said as he looked to the Battlefield. Dan held up an Ability Card. "Here it comes Drago, Ability Card Activate!" he yelled out as he tossed the card. It burst into flames forming a Fire Wall around Drago. Drago's eyes widen seeing it as he glanced to Dan. "But my Fire Wall won't be affective against a beast with Wind Attributes." he said as he folded his wings and descended to the ground. This surprised Dan and the Mane Six. "Drago, what are you doing? We're right in the middle of a battle!" he said to him, only to get a snarl from Drago. "I don't take orders human!" he said as he growled. Rainbow Dash was surprised but shot a glare at him. "What?! Get in there big guy!" she yelled at him, unaware Shuji formed a sly grin on his face. "This is the opening Ive been waiting for. Bakugan Brawl!" he yelled out as he threw out his next Bakugan, which was a Ventus Falconeer. "Bakugan Stand!" Falconeer landed on the Gate Card and reverted to his true form. "Falconeer Power Level 320 G's" said Dan's Bakupod. Twilight looked at Serpenoids power level seeing it was higher than Falconeers. "His power level is lower than Serpenoids, you can beat him Dan." she said confidently. "Hey, I might be low on power, but his Dragonoid is useless against my Falconeers Wind Attribute!" he said as he pulled out two ability cards. "And just to be safe, I'm gonna amp it up a notch! Ability Activate! Jump Over! And Correlation between Ventus and Pyrus!" he yelled out as a tornado swirled around Falconeer. "What?!" Rainbow Dash panicked as Falconeer made it over Drago's Fire Wall. "He jumped over the Fire Wall?" asked Fluttershy with a surprised expression. "Get back!" yelled Dan as Drago and Falconeer began to fight each other. "The only way to fight Fire, is to use a little Wind. You thought your Dragonoid had a lot more power than my Falconeer? Wrong! Fire is trumped by Wind!" Shuji explained with a smug grin on his face. "Falconeer Power Level Increase to 400 G's." said the Bakupod. "Not good, Drago what do we do?!" asked Applejack as she started to panic. Drago roared out as Falconeer swooped down and tackled Drago. "Faloneer! Our fight isn't with each other!" said Drago as he struggled with Falconeer. "I fight using my instincts Dragonoid!" said Falconeer as he went to strike him. Drago snarled at him and dodged his attack and threw him off. He growled fiercely at Falconeer as he stood ready. "Come to your senses! It is Negative Energy that drives you!" he said to him, but his words fell on def ears. Falconeer screeched and bite down on Drago's neck causing him to writhe in pain. "Drago!" Dan yelled out to him worriedly as Fluttershy looked away from it. Drago knew there was no chance of reasoning with Falconeer. So he had to do something about it. "You leave me no choice!" said Drago as he roared out causing the Fire Wall to close in on both him and Falconeer. The Fire Wall forced Falconeer back into Ball Form, as he landed next to Shuji. "The Fire Wall's smothered to the wind." said Dan as the flames around Drago went down, Drago looked to Shuji with an intense glare. He then reverted back to Ball Form as the Pocket Dimension Battlefield disappeared returning them to the real world. Dan smirked at Shuji. "You lose..." "Again." said Rainbow Dash with a smirk. "WHY DO YOU KEEP DOING THIS TO ME?!!" Shuji asked as he whined, even Akira knew for a fact he lost. "Aw man, look what happened to ya. Didn't I tell ya, but no~! Mr. Big Shot wouldn't listen! And now look what happened to ya!" said Akira only to get a scowl from his older brother. "Can it Akira! I'm going home to mommy!" he ran off crying. "Hey!" he yelled but turned to Dan and the Mane Six. "Catch you guys later slick!" he ran off to follow him. "If you wanna lose, why don't you guys give me a call?" said Dan as he watched them leave. "I'll have to admit, I'm almost feeling sorry for Shuji." said Twilight as she put her notes away. "Yeah, almost... but I'm not, because of the fact he called me a flying rat. I should have clocked him when I had the chance." said Rainbow Dash still annoyed at what Shuji called her. "Well its nothing to get all worked up about Dash." said Applejack as she tried to calm her down. "Hey Drago, way to pull off the win. To be honest, I was getting a little nervous back there." Dan said to him, only to find out he's giving him the silent treatment... again. "Oh the silent treatment again? Well this time I'm not falling for it." "I for one was really worried about you Drago... that is... if you're okay with it." Fluttershy asked nervously to the Bakugan. Drago stayed silent for a moment. "I appreciate your concern little pony, but you don't have to worry. I'm perfectly alright." said Drago with a soft tone to reassure the timid Pegasus. Only to receive a blush and a soft smile from Fluttershy. "O-Oh... thank goodness..." she tried to hide it behind her mane. "Aw come on, you give her a response, but not me-" before he could finish his question, he sensed something from the dark hallway. He looked to it hearing foot steps starting to feel really tense. "I'm looking for Dan Kuso..." said a voice that came out of the hall. Dan looked at the hall as a figure walked out of it. "That you Masquerade...?" he asked hoping it was him. And from the darkness of the hall, Masquerade has arrived. "Whoa, that's Masquerade...?" asked Spike "He doesn't look that bad." said Rainbow Dash as she arced her eyebrows at him, but Twilight was getting a different vibe from him. "Don't underestimate him Rainbow... there's something about him I don't like..." said Twilight feeling worried. She looked to Dan hoping he will be alright. "So, you decided to show up and I decide to put a face to the name. Well Masquerade... I hear you've been stealing my buddies Bakugan. How come?!" he asked Masquerade with anger in his voice. But instead of answering Dan, Masquerade instantly pulled out his Field Card. Dan knew by the smug grin on his face, he was serious. "We put a lot into organizing this game... and there's no way I'm gonna let you, or anyone mess it up. It stops here Masquerade!" said Dan with a determined look. Masquerade smirked as he held his card. "Its time to battle Dan... ready...?" asked Masquerade. Twilight was starting to get the feeling that this battle might be different from before. "FIELD OPEN!" Dan and Masquerade yelled out as they and the Mane Six enter the Pocket Dimension Battlefield. Dan and Masquerade prepared themselves for battle. "Gate Card set!" they yelled as they threw out their gate cards. letting them grow onto the battlefield. "Okay Dan remember to concentrate. Don't let your anger get the best of you." Twilight advised him. "Right, concentrate." but Dan soon noticed Masquerade pull out a card he never saw before. It had the skull of a dragon on the front of it. Masquerade held it out and dropped it onto the battlefield. "Your move..." as the card landed on the Battlefield, it disappeared sending a strange wave of energy. The Mane Six felt it as a cold chill went up all their spines. "Whoa... what was that...?" asked Rainbow Dash feeling scared out of her wits. "I don't know sugarcube... but that was the creepiest feeling I've ever felt." said Applejack as she shuddered from what she felt. Dan looked to them curiously. "What are you girls talking about?" he asked them "We just felt a strange flow of energy when Masquerade threw down that card." Twilight explained to him "What you felt was negative energy, its formed from the Silent Core." Drago explained to her "The Silent Core?" Fluttershy asked him curiously "It is the source of all Negative Energy, and Naga did something to disrupt the balance in Vestroia." said Drago as he glared knowing Naga might have made that card Masquerade threw down. But what its for... he did not know. "What ever he threw down has the girls spooked... I have to be careful." Dan thought to himself. He reached and pulled out his Serpenoid and threw it out. "Come on Serpenoid do some damage! Bakugan Stand!" Serpenoid landed on the card and transformed into its true form. It looked to Masquerade and hissed at him. Masquerade slowly rose his hand into the air with his shooter around his wrist. "Bakugan Brawl!" he yelled out as he shot his Bakugan to the same card Serpenoid was on. It opened up revealing a skeletal looking Bakugan, it then transformed into its true form. Its name was... "Reaper stand!" yelled Masquerade as Darkus Reaper revealed himself. Reaper's form resembles a humanoid skeleton having deadly wings for agility in battle, and sharp, devil-like horns on its head. His form frightened the Mane Six, mostly Fluttershy. "Reaper power level 370 G's, Serpenoid power level 320 G's." said Dan's Bakupod. Dan was determined to defeat him. "Gate Card Open now!" he called out as his Gate Card glowed boosting up Serpenoids power level. "Serpenoid power level increase to 620 G's." said Dan's Bakupod. "Aw yeah! How do you like that Mr. Bone Jangles?!" asked Pinkie Pie with a smirk on her face. "Alright Masquerade, time to put up or shut up! Let's see you trump that bad boy!" said Dan as he provoked Masquerade and Reaper. Big mistake though... "Ability Card Activate... Dimension 4..." said Masquerade as his card glowed. The flames around Serpenoid were put out instantly. Dan shielded himself from the flames feeling surprised. "What was that?!" asked Rainbow Dash with shock. "Just one of my many pets, its an ability card called Dimension 4." Masquerade explained to her as Dan looked to his Bakupod. "Serpenoid power level dropped to 320 G's." said Dan's Bakupod. Dan and the Mane Six panicked as Reaper leaped into the air and charged at Serpenoid. "Serpenoid!" cried out Dan as Reaper swung his scythe at him, striking him down. Then out of no where, a portal opened in the middle of the battle. And Serpenoid was sent into another dimension. Fluttershy covered her ears from the painful screams Serpenoid made as tears formed in her eyes. "Oh no... he took my beast right out of the battle." said Dan as Reaper reverted to ball form and returned to Masquerade. "What incredible power..." said Drago, but when he looked to Fluttershy. He knew that hearing Serpenoids screams were more painful than anything. "I can't believe he could do that..." said Twilight. "Bakugan Brawl!" yelled Dan as he threw out Saurus. "Bakugan Stand!" he said as Saurus turned into his true form. Saurus growled at Masquerade as he prepared for battle. "Bakugan Brawl!" he shot out Reaper to battle again. "Bakugan Stand!" he said as Reaper emerged through the dark void. "He's using the same Bakugan? Why?" asked Applejack. "I don't know, maybe its because Reaper must be his most powerful Bakugan." said Twilight as she wrote down notes. "Ability Activate! Saurus Glow!" yelled Dan as he tossed the Ability Card boosting Saurus' power level. "You beat my Gate Card, but you won't be able to override the power of my ability card." said Dan feeling confident, but Masquerade let out a sly grin. "Double Dimension... Activate!" he unleashed a new Ability Card to lower Saurus' power level. This shocked Dan and the Mane Six. "Aw man, he shut down the power of my Ability Card!" said Dan as Reaper went in for another kill. He struck Saurus down with his Scythe sending him through the same portal he sent Serpenoid through. "No! Saurus!" he watched as Saurus disappeared through the dark portal. Fluttershy held her ears down as tears ran down her cheek. "Make it stop... please! Make it stop!" she cried out "No fair! I want my Bakugan back!" yelled Dan "Yeah! Give them back you freak, or I'm gonna make you pay!" Rainbow Dash threatened him "Here, here!" said Rarity as she joined in "Sorry, but no can do... once the Doom Card is played, the Battle is over." said Masquerade as he grinned at them. "The Doom Card?" asked Twilight curiously but at the same time afraid. "NOT THE DOOM CARD! I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT THAT IS!!!" yelled Pinkie Pie as she panicked for no reason. "Yes miss, the Doom Card. Once you throw it down, it over powers all cards. Sending the defeated Bakugan into another dimension for eternity." Masquerade explained to him, Dan couldn't believe it. "You're kidding!" "The Doom Dimension...!" said Drago as he figured it out immediately. "The what now?" Rainbow asked him "He's right everyone... a Bakugan can never return from the Doom Dimension." he explained to them as his rage began to build. "There we meet our eternal demise... nothing is feared more." "I don't believe it... this guy is crazy!" yelled Rainbow Dash. "Now I know how your stealing everyones Bakugan! But the question is... why are you wrecking our game Masquerade?!" Dan asked him filled with anger. But he soon heard Masquerade chuckling. "Dan, Dan, Dan... who ever said that this was just a game? Every single battle is real." said Masquerade with an ice cold tone. It frightened the Mane Six, but it frightened Fluttershy the most. Dan looked to her about to help her calm down, but he soon saw Drago glowing. "Drago?" he watched as Drago growled angrily at Masquerade, but knew what to do. "Gate Card set!" he threw out his Gate Card and grabbed Drago. "Come on Drago, this is our one shot at it!" he yelled as he threw out Drago. At the same time Masquerade threw out Reaper, and both Bakugan collided with each other as they both reverted to their true forms. Drago roared at Reaper in anger, and charged at him about to bite down on him. But Reaper blocked it with his scythe. "Why are you doing this?! Do you realize what's happened in Vestroia?!" Drago asked Reaper filled with rage. "That does not concern me!" said Reaper as he released Drago's jaws from his scythe. He went to strike him down, but Drago managed to dodge it. "Of course it does!" Drago exclaimed as he went to scratch Reaper with the talons on his feet, but Reaper blocked his attacks. "I am a soldier! And in this dimension, I am free to team up with a human!" said Reaper as he swung his scythe at Drago. "Then I can inherit infinite power!" "You fool!" yelled Drago as he swung his tail at him, but Reaper leaped over it with the help of his demonic wings. "I've had enough of you! Its time to send you to the Doom Dimension, Dragonoid!" yelled Reaper as he leaped into the air. Dan, Drago and the Mane Six panicked for what was about to happen. "Drago look out!" yelled Rarity as Reaper went in for the kill. "Have a pleasant journey!" said Reaper as he struck Drago, resulting in something he did not expect. Drago's entire body began to glow as he started to growl at him. Masquerade saw it surprised sensing Drago's power. "What...?" "Drago! Gate Card open! Activate Firestorm!" yelled Dan as Drago's power shot up. "We're down to our last card... this is it..." he was about to activate it, but Drago roared out as his power surrounded him in a red aura. "What's wrong...?" "What's he doing?" asked Spike as he shielded himself from the heat of the flames. "If I have to guess... finishing this battle." said Twilight. "ULTIMATE BOOST!!!" yelled Drago as he unleashed all his power upon Reaper. The entire battlefield began to overload, the Mane Six panicked from it but Dan managed to shield them. Reaper was defeated, and in a blinding flash of light. The entire battlefield disappeared, and they returned to the the Railroad Bridge. Dan looked to the Mane Six seeing they're okay, but he had to make sure they were. "You girls okay?" he asked them worriedly. "We're okay..." she said trying to reassure him, but she soon looked to Fluttershy seeing how terrified she was of what happened. "But I don't think Fluttershy is..." Dan looked at her feeling very worried, but soon his realized something. "Drago? Drago where are you?!" he looked for him and soon found him on the ground. He picked him up and cleaned the dirt off him. "Drago..." "I spared him for you..." said Masquerade as Dan looked to him. "Why...?" he asked him curiously. "You realize I could have captured your Bakugan... but I decided to gangst. Its been a slice Dan, later..." he said as he was about to walk away. "Wait! I can beat you! I know I can!" said Dan feeling determined to defeat him. "Yeah! So give him a rematch!" yelled Spike "Bakugan is not a mere game kiddo... there are other dimensions and powers involved. Its a battle that can lead to the destruction of the entire world." said Masquerade "For real...?" asked Dan as Rainbow Dash walked up. "You can't be serious..." she said in disbelief "And the only way to stop it... is for you to defeat me." he turned to them with a smug grin. "This is crazy..." said Dan still feeling shocked of what he said, Masquerade chuckled and walked away into the darkened hallway. He soon pulled out Reaper. "So human, that was a Dragonoid. I wonder if he fought at full power...?" he wondered "No clue... and unfortunately he didn't possess what I'm searching for. But I will remember young Dan Kuso and his Bakugan Drago." said Masquerade with an ice cold tone. "And those ponies? What should be done about them?" Reaper asked him "I think I'll make other plans for them." said Masquerade as he let out a dark chuckle. Meanwhile with Dan, he was still on his knee's after facing a draw. "Man, oh man, oh man... this bites...!" he said in frustration. "Its okay Dan, the battle was only a draw. And the good news is, you got to keep Drago." said Applejack as she tried to lift his spirits. "Girls, I have a feeling we just found out the reason we're here." said Twilight as she still felt the dark aura from Masquerade. "Indeed, they way he treated those poor Bakugan..." Rarity looked down and looked to Fluttershy who was still crying of what happened to Saurus and Serpenoid. "And our dear sweet Fluttershy..." she wrapped her hooves around her to comfort her. Dan and Drago looked to her with deep concern, and knew one thing. Masquerade made a big mistake. "He took my Bakugan... and made Fluttershy cry..." he soon punched the ground in anger. The Mane Six were surprised by his action. "I will beat you Masquerade...!" he said as he grit his teeth. At night fall, Dan and the Mane Six had returned home to tell everyone what happened. Runo couldn't believe what she was hearing. "You're kidding... he took two of your Bakugan, but spared Drago?" Runo asked in disbelief. Dan nodded at her knowing it was hard for her to believe. "Not only that... he and Reaper scared Fluttershy for life..." he said still feeling pain in his heart. Runo felt it just by looking at him. "So... is she going to being alright...?" she asked feeling concerned. Dan didn't know how to respond, but Twilight walked up to the screen. "I'm afraid she hasn't spoken since the battle... she won't eat, and she won't come inside." said Twilight as she and the Mane Six looked down feeling sorry for the poor filly. "Dan, have you tried talking to her?" Alice asked him concerned. "I... I know I should but... she's hurting really bad, and I'm afraid I'll say the wrong words." said Dan as he was worried him might screw up. Alice soon got an idea. "Tell me, when you were a kid, what would your mother do if you're feeling sad or alone...?" she asked him hoping to get a good response. "Well... she would hold me in her arms... and..." something came to his mind as he jumped out of his seat. "That's it! I know how I can help her!" he yelled as he ran out. The Mane Six were surprised how well he thought it through. Meanwhile outside, Fluttershy was sitting outside looking down at the grass. She hadn't budged ever since the battle, she probably wouldn't be the same mare after what she heard and saw. Dan walked up to her and sat next to her. "Fluttershy... you okay...?" he asked her, but Fluttershy didn't respond. He became more worried about her but he was determined to help her. "Fluttershy, talk to me... tell me what's going on..." he pleaded to her. But rather than stay silent, Fluttershy lunged at him and hugged him at his waist letting her tears fall. "Don't battle him again... please... I can't bear to see another innocent Bakugan sent to the Doom Dimension!" she said as she cried out to him. "I can still hear Saurus and Serpenoids cries... its unbearable..." she cried out as she held Dan. Dan knew battling Masquerade would be too dangerous, but he couldn't stand to see Fluttershy like this. He soon wrapped his arm around her surprising the young mare with something she didn't expect. (You'll be in my Heart from Phil Collins) Dan; Come stop your crying It will be alright Fluttershy looked to him surprised, Dan soon took her hoof and held it tight. Dan; Just take my hand And hold it tight I will protect you From all around you I will be here Don't you cry He smiled at her to help lift her spirits, Fluttershy blushed a bit from it. But her hoof softly gripped Dan's hand. Dan; For one so small, You seem so strong He wrapped his arms around her, just like how a brother would to a younger sibling. Dan; My arms will hold you, Keep you safe and warm This bond between us Can't be broken I will be here Don't you cry A small yet warm smile was beginning to form on Fluttershy's face as she listened to his song. Dan; 'Cause you'll be in my heart Yes, you'll be in my heart Dan gently petted the shy filly's head as a soft smile formed across his face. Dan; From this day on Now and forever more You'll be in my heart No matter what they say You'll be here in my heart Always Fluttershy smiled at him and gently nuzzled against his chest, Dan smiled at it knowing he did something right for a change. Meanwhile the Mane Six were watching with bright smiles on their faces, although one of them was bursting into tears, and it was Rarity. "That was so beautiful..." she said as she let her tears fall ruining her mascara. Applejack gently placed her hoof on her shoulder. "Easy there Rare, you're gonna ruin your make up if you cry." she said to the fashion designer. "Oh you're right, but I'll take my chances this time." said Rarity reassuring the country pony. Meanwhile, Twilight was smiling at how Dan showed how much he cared about his friends. Whether it was human or pony. Back in Equestria, the mare who appeared before Princess Celestia was standing in front of the Tree of Harmony. Suddenly a familiar orb of red energy appeared behind her. "I was wondering when you would appear." she turned to face an old friend of hers. "Apollonir..." "Sorry I took so long milady." he apologized to her. "But I had urgent business to handle." he informed her. "So its true... the Silent Core was stolen?" she asked him curiously. "Yes, and the Infinity Core has gone missing." he informed her of what happened, she became worried about it. "This is worse than I thought... without both Cores, Vestroia, and the Human World will be in great danger." she then looked to him with an important question. "What's become of Dan Kuso and the girls?" she asked him "They had a close call, but Dan Kuso was lucky he didn't lose Drago. But tell me... are you certain it was wise to involve Celestia's prize pupil and her friends?" he asked her "They may not seem like it... but they're strong." she informed him as she looked to the Tree of Harmony. "I know they can help save both Vestroia, and the Human World." Apollonir looked at her but nodded at her choice. "I pray that you're right... Solaria..." said Apollonir as he disappeared. As he left, she smiled under his hood, and looked to the stars. "I know I am... I have complete faith in them. And so should you... old friend." she smiled as she gazed at the stars, and turned back to the Tree of Harmony. She looked at each of the Elements of Harmony, sensing something within them. Something that will aid Twilight and her friends in the future.