//------------------------------// // A Cloned Creation // Story: Martha and Skits 2: The Cloned Emperor // by Zenitram Nadroj //------------------------------// Back in Ponyville, Starlight and Sunburst sit with their friends. The group are amazed and congratulate the two. “Oh, my gosh.”, Twilight says. “I never thought you two would take this to the next level.” “I agree. You two must have really missed each other since you've been separated.”, Spike says. "Yes.", Starlight says as they look at each other. "We sure have." “When are you planning the wedding?”, Rarity asks. “The wedding is in three days.”, Sunburst says. Pinkie gasps so much she puffs up like a balloon. “Oh, my gosh. We need to send invitations to the citizens of Ponyville, Canterlot and the Crystal Empire to their wedding. And we need to prepare the castle with all kinds of flowers, ribbons and glitter. Rarity needs to make the wedding dress, Dashie needs to create the sonic rainboom, AJ needs to make refreshments for the feast, Flutters needs to gather birds for the music and I need to prepare the wedding cake. I just don't know how we're going to be able to prepare all of this in just three da-”, she says before having her muzzle covered. “Calm down, Pinkie.”, Applejack says. “We've gotten Cadance and Shining's wedding together in just one day. How hard can it be to just prepare a wedding in three days?” “Oh, good point.”, she says muffled. “Well what are we waiting for? Let's gather everypony and get ready.”, Rainbow says. They all leave the castle and set off to gather the patrons and preparations. The group finally arrives in Canterlot to see the two princesses along with somepony they did not expect to be with them. “Queen Chrysalis?”, they all say. “Well hello, everypony. It's an honor to see all of you again.”, the queen says. “We weren't expecting to see you here.”, Starlight says. “Come on. Why wouldn't you expect to see your new friend?” “Uh, because we're still trying to get used to your reformation.”, Thorax says. “So, what brings you here?”, Trixie says. “I came to become more acquainted with the princesses. What brings all of you here?”, Chrysalis asks. “We came to tell the princesses a big announcement.”, Sandbar says. “Oh. And what's that?”, Celestia asks. “Me and Starlight are getting married.”, Sunburst says. “Oh, my goodness. Congratulations, you two.”, Luna says. “When's the wedding?” “In three days.”, Fluttershy says. “Perfect. That should give us enough time to spread the word.”, Celestia says. “Us?”, Chrysalis asks. “You mean I can help too?” “Of course. We wouldn't be fair friends if you didn't give us some help.”, Luna says. “Well what are we waiting for? Let's get going.” They all set off and announce the wedding of Starlight and Sunburst. Later, the group all gather back at the castle and prepare the plans. “So where exactly are we gonna have the wedding?”, Shining asks. “We're having it at the Crystal Empire.”, Sunburst says. “Really?”, Cadance asks. “Of course. What better place than Sunburst's current residence?”, Starlight asks. “Mommy, I think that's a great idea.”, Flurry says. “I mean this kingdom has everything a wedding needs.” Cadance thinks and takes her daughter's suggestion. “You're right, sweetheart.” “Alright. Let's get everything ready.”, Chrysalis says. Outside of the window is a mysterious hooded figure watching their plan. It suddenly runs out. It finds a good hiding place to take off its hood. It was Neighsay and he was very furious about their plan. “Now they're inviting non-pony creatures to a pony wedding? This world has gone completely insane.”, he says. “I will not allow this. I have to put a stop to it.” He then runs off to prepare his scheme. In the Wagstaff City zoo, the family arrive to go sightseeing. They first come across the lions den where they see the lion cubs playing with each other. The cubs run to the barrier and meet Martha and Skits. They all meow at the dogs. “Hi, Leonard, Hi, Phillip, Hi, Molly.”, Martha says. “How are you all doing?” They all meow in response. “Gosh. It's hard to believe that it's been a whole year since they arrived.”, Helen says. Skits barks. "Oh, good point, Skits.", Martha says. “What did Skits say?”, Helen asks. “Oh, Skits was asking if a year living in the zoo is enough time to take them back.” “Sorry, Skits. But they're not old enough to go back to their original home yet.”, Carolina says. “Well how old do they have to be for them to go back to their home?”. Martha asks. “On our last field trip. We learned that full grown lions can be ten to fourteen years old.”, Carolina says. “Fourteen?! That's ninety-eight dog years!” They then face the cubs again and look at them with sympathy. They walk off and continue. "Fourteen years until they're full grown. I know this place is more accommodated than in the Savannah, but still. They have to be more accustomed to their own environment." Skits then remembers something and barks quietly to Martha. “What is it, Skits?”, she quietly asks. Skits barks to her and she understands. “You're right. Jeffy said all of the animals are able to leave the zoo whenever they want. So maybe we can be able to take them back to their old home without waiting.” “What was that?”, Helen's mother asks them. “Oh. Nothing.”, she responds. They continue walking and the dogs look at each other and wink. They walk to the other animal exhibits and inform the animals their plan in secret. When their trip ends they exit the zoo and the dogs confront each other. “Alright, Skits, do you remember the plan?” He nods. “Let's just hope that none of the security guards notice us.” At the building, the patch of fur becomes fully grown. The machine then starts to break and become compressed. They all start to become nervous. "Uh, Pablum, did you ever think about how big that emperor was?", Weaselegraft asks. "Actually, Otis...no. No I did not." The machine then explodes flinging all of the men, woman and dog against the walls. They open their eyes and are in disbelief at what they see. The machine has successfully created another monster. “It... It worked. We've successfully created a clone.”, Pablum says. The monster groans as he opens his eyes. “Wha...Where am I?”, the monster says. “Welcome to Wagstaff City, Your Highness.”, Weaselegraft says. “Your Highness? Am I some sort of ruler?” “Wait, he doesn't know?”, Kablooey asks. “It seems that since he was created in this lab, he must have no memories from his real self.” “Science is very complex.”, Stubble says. “It's not complex.”, Bumblecrum says. “'Complex' means consisting of many different and connected parts. It's just a clone of a monster. Nothing more.” “Now listen carefully.”, Fildgemarker says. “You are Emperor Keretomatus. You have been lost for a year and we managed to save you.” “We brought you here for a reason.”, Weaselegraft says. “And what's that?”, the monster asks. “You see, we are in danger and lost all of our hopes and dreams and we need you to help us.”, Pablum says. “Here's what we need you to do...” Back in Equestria, Keretomatus stares out in a balcony with two shadows with him. Suddenly he starts get a massive headache. His shadows rush to him. A shadow growls in concern. “I feel some sort of powerful aura.”, the emperor says. He then checks the kingdom and realizes. “Wait. It's not coming from Equestria.”, he says. “It's coming from...the other world.” The shadow growls again. The emperor feels the other world and his eyes snap open in disbelief. “What? That's impossible.” The minion growls. “This aura. It feels...exactly like my aura.”, the emperor says. The minion is in disbelief and growls for an explanation. “I don't know how it's possible, but if we don't figure out what's emitting this aura, that world as well as this world will be in deep trouble. You, gather the citizens and tell them to meet in the throne room. We must prepare for what's to occur.” The minion bows and leaves the room. “Those creatures are in danger. What could possibly be possessing the same aura as myself?”