//------------------------------// // Chapter 4 // Story: Equestrias Forever // by Pentatonic //------------------------------// Equestria ? In the throne room of Canterlot Castle, the unicorn behind the destruction of so many worlds sat planning her next move. She had just returned from her latest trip and was taking time to adjust to all the magic she had absorbed from it.  Soon she would select another world and be that much closer to her goal. At that point another pony entered the room. She had an orange coat and when she spoke, her southern drawl was incredibly evident.  Her name was Applejack. She had been a simple farmer before she was recruited for this crusade. “Beta team came back, master. I reckon you’re not gonna be happy.” She proclaimed. Her master didn’t even look up. “They were unable to acquire the Rager?” She nodded slowly but was surprised to see that her master didn’t seem to be upset at all. “I’m not surprised they didn’t succeed.” She said. “Getting ahold of Saddle Rager would’ve been very useful but the true purpose of the attack was to distract them.” Applejack was about to ask what she meant when another pony suddenly appeared out of nowhere. She had a deep blue coat and wild red mane. On her flank was a fedora and shades. “This is Inside Scout.” The Master explained.  “I sent her along with the team to find out more about our enemy’s plans.” “I was able to find and memorize the list of ponies they’re looking for.” The Master smiled. This information would give them an advantage. She had no intention of underestimating Tsunami and his team and she already knew what to do with the list of ponies she now had access to. Applejack stepped forward. “Begging your pardon, master, but if you think this Tsunami Blue is a threat to you, why don’t you stop him right away?” “Tsunami is very dangerous. Even at my current level of power I believe I would find him difficult. But with the information I now have, we can hinder him long enough for me to gain all the power I need to finish him once and for all.” Normally, the Master was the picture of composure. But Applejack could hear the contempt that entered her voice when she spoke of him. It was more than just the fact that he was trying to stop her. But she knew better than to ask. Some subjects were better left undiscussed. Applejack left the room as Scout began recounting the information she had gathered.     -     - Equestria 2364 Tsunami had just finished explaining everything. Before him sat an unusual trio. One was a kind faced pegasus named Fluttershy with a yellow coat and pink mane. The story had terrified her and what was being asked of them frightened her even more. Next to her sat a draconequus, a mishmash of different creatures and a master of chaos known as Discord.  He found the story amusing but disliked the idea of a pony trying to make everything normal. Between them was a young earth pony with a pink coat. Her mane was purple and white, and her eyes had swirls in them. This was Screwball, the daughter of Discord and Fluttershy. She was also the one Tsunami wanted. “But I don’t understand.” Fluttershy said, her voice quivering a bit.  “She’s just a child. Why does she have to be the one to go with you?” Discord stepped forward. “Really, you’re all making too big a deal out of this. Let me handle it. Whoever this pony is, I can turn her into acorn just like that.” “Unfortunately, not.” Interrupted Tsunami. “She’s learned how to counter chaos magic. If you faced her, she’s destroy you just like she did the previous two versions of you she’s already faced.” Discord sulked. He didn’t like knowing anyone was more powerful than he was. He also shared his wife’s concern for their daughter.  Then a thought came to him. “Wait. If she can’t be beaten by chaos magic, why do you want Screwy?” “Her chaos power will be useful in other ways but that’s not why We want her help.” Tsunami explained. “She has the best qualities of both of you.  She has your power and creative mind but she also has Fluttershy’s kind heart and strong character.  It’s that combination that I think can help us save all these worlds.” Discord seemed to be considering this but Fluttershy was still very reluctant. In her mind, she began coming up with reason after reason not to let this happen. Before she could express any of them, however, Twilight stepped forward. “I know I’m not the Twilight from your world.” She started. “I don’t know what traits I share with her but I can say that I consider you one of my closest friends no matter what world you’re from. I promise you, I will never let anything happen to your little filly.” Fluttershy could feel tears welling in eyes. She knew Twilight meant what she said. But still, this was her only daughter. How could she just let her go on such a dangerous journey? “Can i say something?” Another voice broke through. It was Screwball herself who had been sitting quietly, taking all the overwhelming information in. But now she felt she needed to speak for herself. “You guys always taught me that I should help other ponies whenever I can. How can I not go with them when there are so many ponies who need help?  I have to do this.” While she still hated to see her daughter in such a dangerous situation, Fluttershy couldn’t help but feel proud of her bravery and caring.  Finally, she nodded in agreement.  Screwball joined the others who turned to Tsunami. He remove the transportation device from his saddle bag and passed it to Twilight. “You’ll find all the information on the next target in the transporter. Find her and I’ll join you. I need to speak with Discord and then I’ll use a second transporter to go for our sixth target.” Rainbow looked at him, confused. “Why are you going for this one alone?” “Because the more of us there are,” He began. “The harder it’ll be to keep track of each other. My target is Queen Chrysalis.”