//------------------------------// // Back To The Ghost Zone // Story: The Search for the Rogue Pony Prince // by JuneLuxray2 //------------------------------// As soon as they entered FentonWorks from the cellar, Maddie was waiting. "Hi guys! Rarity, are you alright?" she asked. Rarity smiled. "I'm fine. Thanks for asking." "How did y'all find out so fast what happened?" Applejack asked. "One of the guards delivered a letter from the princess. She explained what happened and where you were planning on going. Jazz and Jack are in the lab, putting some supplies in the Specter Speeder for the journey just in case. Come along." Maddie said. Twilight glanced at the humans as she walked towards the lab with the group. "I know I only cast the non-form changing spell on Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Spike, and I, but it always strikes me funny to see you as humans." she said. Danny turned to her. "Why's that?" he asked curiously. She shrugged. "I dunno. It's just so different from ponies. Again, skin, hair only on the head, two legs, no cutie marks, no wings, no horns, fingers...plus sometimes I wonder if I didn't cast the spell on us what we'd look like as humans." "Considering humans generally only seem to have hair that range from black, brown, blond, or red, I'd say we'd have pretty funky hair colors, especially myself." Rainbow Dash said. "Also, skin tones also only range between a few different colors as well..." She shuddered. "It'd be weird, let's just leave it at that. I think the only one who wouldn't be looked at funny by other humans would be Applejack." "I'm not sure whether I should be takin' that as a compliment or not..." Applejack said flatly. They quieted as they approached the lab. They saw Jack doing some quick repairs here and there on the speeder, and Jazz was bringing some supplies in and out of the speeder. They turned when they saw everyone coming down. Jack waved and grinned, and Jazz, done with bringing things in, approached the group. "Glad to see you guys. We're about ready to take off. However, Danny, the GPS system Dad's trying to install for the Ghost Zone isn't even close to being complete. So you'll have to guide us." she said. Danny shrugged and went ghost. Fluttershy grimaced. "We're...we're going back in there a-again..." she said nervously. Spike was curious. "We get to go in there finally? Awesome! I've always wanted to see it!" he said cheerfully. He petted Cujo on the head, who barked and then ran through the portal and disappeared into the Ghost Zone. Pinkie Pie hopped up next to Fluttershy. "Don't you worry, Fluttershy! Just remember a familiar song! When I was a little filly and the sun was going down..." "This again...?" Twilight muttered. "The darkness and shadows, they would always make me frown..." Pinkie sang, jumping over Twilight Sparkle without a care. "Apparently." Rarity said. The Fentons and Sam and Tucker stared at Pinkie, baffled. They listened to her sing for awhile, until she finally said- "So, giggle at the ghostie! Guffaw at the-" "Wait, wait, wait, you have a song that involves giggling at ghosts? What?" Danny asked, indignant. Pinkie smiled. "Yep! I just never sang it because you're not scary, Danny! You're also only half a ghost! And the last time we were in there we were going to make ourselves obvious to the ghosts when we were hiding if I started to sing!" she said cheerfully. Danny raised an eyebrow. "So I'm not scary?" There was a pause before everypony and person gave a "Nah." Fluttershy smiled. "No, and that's a good thing, Danny. You're fine the way you are." she said. Danny shook his head and floated over in front of the speeder. Jazz followed and place a small microphone headset in Danny's hand. "You can talk to us through here. We have the radio inside the speeder. One thing Dad did manage to finish." she said with a smile. Danny nodded and placed it in as the group went inside. When the door closed and the speeder began to rumble as it turned on, Jazz's voice ran clear into it. "Can you hear me?" "Loud and clear." "Can Danny hear us, too? Hi Danny!" Pinkie said cheerfully, yelling into the microphone. Danny winced and frowned. "Y-yes, Pinkie." "Yay!" "Uh, Pinkie Pie, I think you're being too loud. Maybe you should take it down a notch." Twilight Sparkle's voice rang. Pinkie paused before agreeing. Danny looked to his mom, who was at the driver's wheel, and nodded. He flew into the portal and the speeder followed. The ponies crowded around the window to look outside, with the exception of Fluttershy, who backed up against the wall in fear. "I've been here before, but I never like being here..." she murmured. "It's so fascinating still. There's so much I'd love to learn on it! But I doubt there's any books on it..." Twilight muttered. Rarity looked about. "It's endless, isn't it? I see no floor, nor at end to the sky, which is non-existent..." "Has anyone else noticed that the ghosts are avoiding the ship?" Rainbow Dash asked aloud. It was true. Every couple of seconds they spied a ghost who would glance over to the ship before fleeing. Once or twice one stopped and looked to Danny and appeared to be thinking about talking to him for a moment before it decided against it and fled. Danny frowned. "I have no idea why they're doing that. Usually there's at least one that tries to come up and says 'durr hurr I'm gonna be the ghost that finally defeats the ghost boy.' It's really weird. Heck, even I might expect a visit from the-" "Beware!" Sigh. "-Box Ghost." Danny finished. He paused as a familiar short, portly blue ghost flew up, waving his hands idiotically. "I AM THE BOX GHOST!" Rainbow Dash opened the window. "We all know who you are! Ugh, you're getting annoying. How often do you try to-" "Rainbow Dash!" Rarity snapped, pulling the pegasus back and slamming the window shut. Danny rolled his eyes. "He does this at least five times a day, I swear. Whaddya want this time, Box Ghost?" Danny asked, crossing his arms. The Box Ghost waved his arms. "I AM THE BOX GHOST! And I am the only one brave enough to challenge you at this time!" "Why is everyone so afraid of the speeder and I?" Danny asked. The Box Ghost paused. "Well, they were paranoid you had ponies with you again...everyone's began to group all ponies in the same pool after that incident." "Hey! Y'all can't group us in the same pool of evil! 'Sides, it's only one pony we're after right now!" Applejack snapped. The Box Ghost looked to her curiously. More ghosts began to approach, determining there was no danger at the moment. "And who is he or she?" he asked. Twilight Sparkle walked to the front of the speeder. "It's a he. He was responsible for all that happened before." Gasps and murmurs came from the ghosts. "His name is Prince Blueblood. He's a white unicorn with a blond mane and tail. He's very haughty. On his rump should be a compass rose. We're trying to capture him, as he's a treat to all. He's the only one you need to fear. If anyone is to spot him, let us know. I highly advise great caution around him. He has good magic skills that sometimes fail, and I have greater magic skill." Some ghosts began to back off at that. She shook her head. "No, don't be afraid. I am working to apprehend him. If any should find him here, keep an eye on him." The ghosts all nodded simultaneously. They flew off, ready to spread the word. Except for the Box Ghost, who floated silently for a moment. Danny raised a glowing green fist up. The ghost took that as a hint to go away. He shouted one last 'beware' before fleeing. Fluttershy broke the silence that followed with a squeak. "T-that was scary...at least it's over." Pinkie grinned and turned to her. "Just remember to giggle at the ghosties!" she said. Jack leaned back and wiped some sweat from his brow. "I was prepared to start attacking. Good job defusing the situation, son, and Twilight." he said. "Thanks Dad. Let's go." Danny said. They traveled for a little longer before Danny finally led them to a tunnel of ice. Jazz told him to wait. Everyone slipped on jackets, except for the ponies, who said they'd be fine. They entered the tunnel and soon found flat ground to park on. Everyone piled out of the speeder, but Fluttershy, the last to come out, shrieked and ran back inside and hid under a bench. Danny turned to see Frostbite and a few other Far Frozen staring in confusion at the ponies before grinning broadly. "Welcome, Great One and friends. We heard the roar of engines and spied you flying down." "Nice to see you, Frostbite." Danny said, walking up and shaking hands with him. Fluttershy pried herself from under the bench and peaked out. Frostbite looked to the group who was staring. "Might you introduce us to your servants, Great One?" "Servants?" Rainbow blurted stubbornly. Danny chuckled awkwardly. "Ah, you recognize my friends, Sam and Tucker..." he said, gesturing to his best friends. They waved. Frostbite smiled. "Of course! The Great One's advisers, best friends, and the young girl whom you call mate..." Danny and Sam blushed furiously. The ponies, Tucker, and Danny's family burst out loud laughing. Sam walked up beside Danny. "Ah, we're not together, Frostbite..." Sam said. Frostbite shrugged. "My apologies, then. I was mistaken." "Or are you?" Rarity giggled. She giggled further as Danny and Sam glared at her momentarily. "Anyhow, this is Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie. And that's Spike." he said. Spike groaned. "Do you have any gemstones? I'm hungry..." he complained. Twilight Sparkle frowned. "Spike! Ah, I'm sorry for-" "Not to worry, Twilight Sparkle," Frostbite said cheerfully, "Anything for The Great One's friends. We actually have a deposit of rubies we're trying to dig through; rubies aren't exactly a prized gem of the Far Frozen, they're more pestilence than profit. He may have at them. I'll lead you towards them soon." Spike's eyes excitedly lit up. Rarity frowned. Spike immediately caught it and looked up. "I'll save most for you, of course, Rarity..." he said, blushing. "I can only eat so much, after all..." Rarity smiled. "Oh, how generous of you, Spike! Sometimes I wonder why you don't have the Element of Generosity instead of I..." "The what of what?" Tucker asked. Rarity's eyes went wide. "Oh, goodness, I can't believe we never told them that story! We'll have to tell them after we're done with business." she said. Danny then turned to his parents and sister. "And you haven't met them yet, but these are my parents and sister..." He trailed off as his mom and dad approached and shook hands with the leader of the Far Frozen, who smiled proudly. "The Great One's family! I must say, it is an honor!" He bowed deeply. "Great One's parents, you have raised fine children." "Ah, what did Danny do to become Great One?" Jazz asked. "I second that." Rainbow included. Frostbite grinned. "He became the greatest hero the Ghost Zone and Earth has ever seen. I shall explain the story promptly!" He was about to talk, but Danny shook his head. "Actually, Frostbite, we're here to talk. It's in regards to the whole incident with the ghosts in the Zone being taken over. We know who's the culprit and we need to talk." Frostbite immediately sobered and nodded. "Come this way. We must hear of this at once."