The alarms sounded and the ponies all panicked as they ran for shelter before the barriers activated. A fierce monster, sent by Stammadon, was roaming the streets.

He was an anthropomorphic Rhino-like creature, with thick grey skin like armor, and not only was he big and strong, but his huge horn could smash through walls like they were nothing, and even unleash a terrifying attack…!

“HORN BLASTER” the monster shouted, and fired burning waves of energy from his horn making massive explosions, knocking many ponies off their feet.

The monster chuckled, “Feel the strength of the mighty Rhinotaur!” and he revved himself to charge at a house that was shielded by a barrier, “RAMMING RAMPAGE” He charged forth hard, and slammed right into the barrier. Naturally, he couldn’t break through the magical energy and was ricocheted off.

“You think that I am stopped?!” Rhinotaur bellowed, and he charged again, and again, and again, and the barrier was actually starting to weaken, which panicked all the evacuees inside.

Rhinotaur laughed, “Now I’ve got’cha!” and he revved up to charge again, only to suddenly be bombarded by powerful blasts. “Hey!”

Her turned round and saw Lightning standing there with his arm stretched out. With him were Starla, Krysta, Spike and Rhymey, along with their wives respective droids.

“That’s enough of your troublemaking!” sneered Lightning “Either come quietly, or else!”

“Ha!” scoffed Rhinotaur “I choose “else!” and he revved up again, “RAMMING RAMPAGE”

The fighters all scattered off as he passed by. “I’ve never seen a Rhino move that fast before!” said Fluttershy.

“Oh, no you don’t!” shouted Krysta, and she conjured one of her double-portals so the blast went into one portal and was reflected back out the other, hitting the monster hard “Ouch! Whoa! that burns!” he groaned

Rhinotaur turned red with rage, “Now I’m really steamed!” and he rushed forth again.

“STARLIGHT ARROW” Starla fired a perfect shot from her bow, but the arrow didn’t even fazed the monster, and he still charged forth.

“Let me try,” said Spike “DRAGON FLAME-WHEEL!” and he rolled forth in his burning wheel, but the monster just knocked him out of the way like a baseball and kept on going!

Starla, Rhymey and Rarity tried their magic, the monster was shrouded in aura, but nothing else happened.

Fluttershy, grunted and her droid leapt up and over onto the monster’s huge head!

“There’s only one way to deal with a bad rhino!” Fluttershy called, and she covered the monster’s huge eyes with her hands.

He skidded to a halt and began to buck about and fuss crazily, shaking Fluttershy’s droid all over.

At home, Fluttershy could barely battle with the controls. “I can’t hold on!” she cried “I’m going to fall off!”

Finally, her droid was flung off like a catapult, and she tumbled about in midair, making her dizzy to watch through the visor. “I think I’m going to be sick!” she cried.

“I guess we’ll try the old fashioned approach.” said Lightning, and here powered himself up making his aura flare, and rushed forth towards the charging beast.

“I’ll smash you to bits!” the monster roared at him, but at the last second, Lightning ducked flat on the ground just as Rhinotaur dashed directly over him.

Lightning then thrust his fists upward… POW!!! Right into the monster’s huge gut, sending him soaring way up high, “Get him!” Lightning shouted at the others.

BAM!! Rhymey kicked the monster to Rarity, and she shoved him hard to Spike-- back and forth like a beach ball, and naturally the monster couldn’t charge at them while in the air.

“Look out!” shouted Fluttershy, and everyone scattered about as the monster blasted about like crazy! Some of the blasts went into the air and exploded harmlessly, but others hit the ground, striking the barriers around the houses, others struck the ground making big explosions damaging the ground and destroyed outside objects that were not shielded.

One of the explosions happened just outside a house where Swift Star, the discouraged cadet, had taken refuge along with other members of his family and a few neighbors as well.

He had been watching the battle through the windows ever since. “Come on, Lightning! You can do it.” he muttered under his breath.

Watching Lightning and his team fight really inspired him, but at the same time still brought out his insecurities of his own strength. What he wouldn’t give to be as good as they were, and he could help fight off that ugly monster and more.

His father placed his hand on his shoulder, “It’ll be okay, Swift.” he said “Commander Lightning and his team know what they’re doing.”

Swift nodded and smiled a weak grin, but suddenly he heard the sound of someone screaming for help outside!

There was one pony, a little filly and the daughter of Swift’s family’s neighbor was still outside. She was on her way to school that morning when the monster struck, and she failed to make it to any shelter before the barriers kicked in, especially since she was trapped by a load of fallen rubble, sealing her in a hollow she couldn’t break out of.

Lightning and his team were far too busy fending off the monster to help out, and all the sentries were busy patrolling the area to keep others a safe distance away from the danger zone, except for one guard who had heard the child scream and rushed in to help.

“Hang on kid!” he called as he used his powerful strength to break the rubble apart and free the little filly.

He scooped her in his arms and planned to get her and himself to safety, but before he could…

“HORN BLASTER” Rhinotaur fired another blast from his horn straight at Lightning.

“UNIFORCE!” Lightning countered with his own power, intercepting the blast. The two forces collided, resulting a big explosion that shook the grounds, and sent a few flaring bits of debris flying about.

The two ponies just lay there in the streets, vulnerable to anymore shelling or dangers, and without much official help in sight.

It was completely against all regulations, but Swift knew he had to act, and dashed for the door.

“What are you doing?!” his father yelled, but he was already out the door and ran right through the barrier-- the barriers only stopped things from coming in, not going out!

Though he was only a Starfleet Cadet in training, he had strength and speed enough to get both ponies to safety.

BAM!! Lightning was punched hard up into the air by Rhinotaur. He straightened himself out, and that’s when he could look far across and see Swift rushing towards the two fallen ponies in the streets. He watched him pick them up and rush them far out of the village to safety.

“Lightning, watch out!” shouted Starla, which snapped him back into the battle, and he saw the monster leaping right up to attack him again, “HORN BLASTER”

As the monster fell back down to the ground, Krysta prepared a trap for him, “Get ready…!” she hollered to the others and conjured a double portal.

The monster fell through one portal in the ground, and emerged out the other, high in the sky. He began to plummet down to the ground hard and with no solid ground to run about in, the fighters now had the advantage.

“I’ll blast you for that!” Rhinotaur roared, and he prepared to charge up his horn for another blast.

“Not this time,
…monster slime!” growled Rhymey, and he and Spike both charged in with their sword ready…!

They both took a slash and chopped that horn right off the monster’s face. “Oh, no!!” cried Rhinotaur.

Starla then used her magic to halt him right in the sky, “Oh, yes!” she hollered, and she armed her bow and fired her finisher, “GALACTIC PROJECTILE!”

KAPOW!! Her blast hit the monster hard, making him explode in midair and imprisoning him within a sphere.

Most of the team cheered for joy that the monster was beaten. The droids leapt into their arms of their respective husbands, and Krysta flew around in circles. “That fixes another of Stammdon’s creatures. Eh, Lightning…?

But Lightning had already flown back down to the place where he saw that lone pony helping the sentry and Honey Bun. He was long gone by now, and Lightning hadn’t seen which house he had come from, but he was certain he had seen that pony someplace before.

“Lightning…?” Starla called to him as she and the others came down from the sky. “We better go, remember we have a meeting with their majesties in the palace.”

Lightning snapped himself back into reality, remembering that’s why he had come in the first place, but the monster held him back.

The other couples had come to New Canterlot simply to do some shopping for their expected babies. Rarity especially wanted to buy some exotic fabrics to make baby clothes out of, “I could start a whole new trend.” she fantasizes “I could call it “Infant Illustrations” The latest fashion style for newborns, infants, crawlers, and walkers.

“Easy, honey.” said Spike “We don’t want to take too long. Remember, your droid is supposed to be used for Starfleet business.”

“Well, we should go then,
All the sooner we’ll be home again.” said Rhymey.

So the groups parted ways, but Lightning continued to look back at the streets where he saw that pony, “Who was he?” he wondered.

Meanwhile, on Ainzul, Tan Shi scoffed, “Looks like Rhinotaur couldn’t toe the line either. So much for your idea…”

“Whatever.” said En Shi “At least he got more power for Stammadon, which leaves me to focus on what really matters.”

The others all sighed, “Not this again,” grumbled Kara Shi. Even Tan Shi rolled her eyes, “En Shi’s quest for the perfect mate, and I thought she was over it.”

En Shi felt a offended, “I wouldn’t expect you two to understand, but I can’t help it. I’ve tried many things before-- warfare, conquest, raiding, strengthening-- and now… I really don’t see the harm in having a go at falling in love. ”

She gazed down at reflection the pool of water in the wicked koi-pond, and she smirked at herself, “Besides, am I not attractive?” she winked at her comrades, Kara Shi actually blushed and tried to deny it, while Tan Shi hardly budged at all.

“Well, regardless of what either of you think,” said En Shi “I believe I am entitled to have a special someone by my side, but I won’t just settle for anyone. I’m looking for the perfect one that will meet my every desire and every expectation.”

…While Rai Shi watched the whole thing, and then reported to Stammadon, “Master, it would appear that En Shi is being back to her old pursuit of a lover.”

Stammadon snuffed “En Shi’s petty quest is of no concern to me, as long as she remains loyal and truthful to our cause; to annihilate Starfleet, and be the strongest rulers in the galaxy.” He stood from his throne, “…And by this time, despite our army’s failure, we have gathered plenty of power from fear of weaklings.

Rai Shi’s eyes widened, “You are certain you are being wise? Starfleet are no ordinary foes.”

Stammadon stepped down snickering “…This body I possess, combined with my great strength and growing powers, it couldn’t hurt to try.

“Good!” hissed Stammadon “Round up the others, and wait until you are needed.”

Back at the royal palace, Lightning, Starla and Krysta met with their majesties in the briefing room.

Lightning sighed, “Not good. I’ve gone over many files of cadets and those even thinking of joining the academy. I don’t think they’re what I’m looking for.”

Celestia was sympathetic with him, “I understand how you feel, Lightning, and believe me it could take a while to find the right pupil. I remember every pupil I ever chose, and I chose them out of great consideration.”

She remembered deeply all the apprentices she ever had, including Sunset Shimmer, and even Twilight Sparkle, and remembering Twilight brought on that little bit of sadness over missing her.

“I just hope I can find one soon.” said Lightning “After that battle this morning, it’s clear that Stammadon’s getting stronger. His monsters are getting a little harder to beat with all the fear he absorbs.”

“Yes, I’ve noticed this myself.” said Grand Ruler “Our cadets could sure use your training an apprentice as a good example, and even still it pleases me…

…the fact that you are taking all things I have taught, and all that you have learned from your own experiences to pass them on to those who need it as much.

Lightning felt flattered, and his wife smiled at him and placed her hand over his.

“Well, why don’t you go watch the cadets at their training?” suggested Celestia “It might help you find who you’re looking for.”

After the meeting adjourned, Lightning, Starla and Krysta headed down the halls to watch the training together. When suddenly they could hear shouting coming from Captain Shaina’s office.

“I had a friend who was in trouble!” protested a young voice, “Not to mention one of the sentries was in danger too! If I hadn’t acted, they could’ve been really hurt or destroyed.”

“So you, an invalidated officer, disobeyed regulations, threw yourself out into danger, could’ve been destroyed on the spot, because of one friend and one total stranger?”

The trio were almost mystified at the tone of voices, but the shouting seemed to stop.

“All right…” they heard Shaina “You are forgiven, this time, and you’re right: perhaps I would have, but from now on, I don’t want you just jumping the gun like that. You’re not properly trained to engage in strong battles or enter danger zones on a whim.”

With that, the cadet was dismissed and left to go prepare for training, and as he walked down the hall Lightning recognized him almost immediately, but he had already gone before Lightning could call out to him, but luckily Captain Shaina was coming out of her office.

“Swift Star.” replied Shaina “Violated Code 642 and entered the danger zone on impulse. Oh, and get this: He’s actually the cousin of that scum traitor, Striker.”

Shaina scoffed “If I were that creep I’d stay hidden. If it wasn’t for him, Stammadon wouldn’t be free and coming at us. The APBs already have a huge bounty on his head for his capture.”

“…I’m aware of that.” Lightning cut in “But Swift Star… I’d like to see his profile.”

Shaina then went back into her office and gave him the file. Then she left to go train the cadets.

Lightning looked down at the file with a great sense of curiosity expressed on his face. Starla and Krysta noticed this.

Soon, they were watching the cadets training in the dojo from the window, with Goldwin watching them too. “I often watch the cadets training, but I often wonder what it’d really be like to try it.”

Suddenly, there were the distant sounds of crashes and groans from the dojo below, as the cadets screwed up once again and fell all over each other, much to Shaina’s irate, and the gang’s disappointment.

Lightning looked down at Swift, and saw he was visibly frustrated, almost like he really wanted to give up, which he practically did. Lightning had read the reports in Swift’s file. He was really unlike most potential candidates Lightning had already seen.

Soon, the Cadets were dismissed again, and Shaina was far from pleased by their poor performances. Lightning saw all the ponies head home and was ready to head on down to address Swift in person… but suddenly, the alarms sounded inside the palace, followed by the warning alarms outside, forcing all citizens to once again take shelter from imminent danger.

Lightning and the others could see from the window, it was Stammadon’s minions, all four of them, had appeared in the village area.

Swift, who was near the area didn’t heed the alarms and ran straight for the danger zone.

“Let’s go!” shouted Lightning, and he and the girls flew out the window; Starla fired a small beacon of light into the sky hoping the other fighters would see it…

As Lightning and Starla flew towards the danger zone, they nodded at one another and transformed…

Swift was only near the danger zone and trying to help others get to safety, due to what happened to Honey Bun that morning. “Come with me!” he called to others as he directed them into the nearest buildings, “Hurry up! The barriers will activate!”

The streets were nearly empty of civilians while the villains were getting closer.

Lightning turned face him, “We’ll take it from here, son. You just get inside.”

Swift nodded, and got inside the nearest house, graciously let in by the owners who had let a few others in.

“Lightning…!” called a voice from up high, it was Spike and the rest of the group. Spike and Rhymey had already transformed.

“We saw the beacon as soon as the alarms sounded.” hollered Rarity “Shame, I was on the verge of buying the perfect fabric.”

The team all huddled together and that’s when the Four Shi’s stood snickering at them.

“Is this all we will be having, just you?” Rai Shi teased “How unfortunate.”

En Shi snickered “What kind of question is that? We’re here to destroy; simple as that.”

“Yeah,” Kara Shi cackled, and he held up his sword “So who wants to go first?”

The fighters looked ready to brawl. Rhymey and Spike drew out their swords. Rhymey spoke severely to the villains…

“I urge you to go back from when you came,
If you stay you will only get certain Maim.”

The Shis snickered and Tan Shi hissed “You don’t realize yet, do you? There is one more you haven’t accounted for yet.”

The fighters were confused, but that’s when HE came leaping in, and landing thunderously at the head of his group of minions, glaring at the fighters and practically growling like a lion.

Swift Star was watching the fight from the house nearby, and he was ever so shocked. “That’s my cousin, Striker!” he cried, and he noticed how different Striker looked-- paler, fiercer, worse than anything he had ever been the way he acted at the academy, and that black armor and cape he wore. “Something isn’t right here.”

The ponies scanned him with their visors, “Oh, my!” cried Rarity “The evil energy readings are off the charts.”

Striker only snickered at him, “The one you call “Striker” is no more. I am now filled with the evil of Stammadon!”

The fighters were horrified at this, and Stammadon enjoyed it, “Your shock makes me grin, but I am here to do battle. Fight well, for I am going to destroy…!”

He threw off his cape and clenched his fingers, cracking his knuckles. His eyes gave an eerie glow, and he let out a menacing roar that sent shockwaves through the air, making the fighter back step a few paces.

“Only thing we can do-- we fight.” said Lightning “That may be Striker’s, but we can’t just do nothing about it. We have to protect the villiage.”

“Maybe, if we fight him long enough, we can try to get through to Striker… if he’s still in there.” said Fluttershy.

“Good idea.” said Starla, but she really wasn’t so sure. The way Striker was, it was obvious Stammadon has some tight grip on him.

Rhymey, Spike and their wives droids rushed into action, leaving Lightning and Starla to face Stammadon themselves.

Rai Shi struck, and Fluttershy’s blocked with her arms. “”Oh, no you don’t!” she growled, and aimed to punch the big ape, only for him to catch her fist in his arms, “Even as a machine, you are being no match for me.”

POW, he punched her hard, sending her tumbling back, but Fluttershy managed to straighten the droid out. “Okay, time to get serious!”

En Shi fought against both Spike and Rhymey, only for a few moments, to merely check them out. “No, neither of you will do. You’re not my type.”

“TUSNAMI” En Shi unleashed her tidal wave, forcing the boys to leap out of the way.

WHAMM!! Rarity came in and kicked her hard in the face, knocking her over. “No one insults my friends or my husband!” Rarity growled.

En Shi glared furiously at her, and the two ladies began to brawl like crazy, taking hits, getting hit. What a sight.

Rhymey and Spike tried to rush over to help, but were intercepted by Kara Shi holding out his sword, and Tan Shi extending her claws.

Spike took a swing at Tan Shi, and she leapt up high and over him. She then turned to swipe at him, but Spike swung his free claw catching hers.

Tan Shi scoffed, “Feel the strength of the mighty tiger!” and she pulled him back hard and did a perfect twist around, kicking him hard in the side, but as Spike flew off, “DRAGON BREATH” he blasted his flames straight for the evil tigress, forcing Tan Shi to leap up high into a tree, missing the shot.

Tan Shi and Spike both roared at each other like the Tiger and Dragon they were, and leapt for each other again.

Rhymey and Kara Shi’s blades clashed and clanged hard. Rhymey was actually able to keep up with the little shrimp and his amazing speed and stealth.

“Think you’re pretty tough, huh?” sneered Kara Shi “Just because you’re so big and strong you think you have all the answers and I got none because I’m short.”

Do you have a problem about being small?
Or is it you have something against the big and tall?”

Kara Shi seemed furious, and rather than dish out his problem, he leapt up high, and his sword began to glow, “MASTER CUT!” and he zoomed down straight at Rhymey, who blocked the attack with his own sword.

The glow from Kara Shi’s sword became brighter and stronger, resulting in an explosion, throwing the two swordsmen across the field, but neither of them was willing to give up yet.

Swift didn’t watch any of those battles at all from the house; he was so fixated on his cousin staring Lightning and Starla down, like cowboys ready to draw.

Stammadon snickered wickedly, “I’ve waited for this. Now I will show you how strong I really am.”

“Striker, listen to me!” said Lightning “You’ve got to try and fight him off!”

“SILENCE!!” growled Stammadon, and he lunged forth, going right past the two ponies, not even touching them, and yet…!

POW-POW!! Both Lightning and Starla felt as if they had been hit by a wrecking ball.

Lightning and Starla both got up, “What happened?” asked Starla “He didn’t touch us.”

“He didn’t have to.” said Lightning “He moved so quick those burning shockwaves exploded at the right place, so it felt like he hit us… but with the very air itself.”

“And that,” hissed Stammadon “Is only a small sample of my incredible strength.” His horn began to glow. “STRIKING FORCEWAVE”

Lightning and Starla just barely leapt up high in the sky and out of the way before being blasted a forceful wave so hard that it make the very ground shake, even the other teammates and the minions felt it and fell to the ground. Fluttershy and Rarity almost lost the signals to their droids.

En Shi nodded “His great strength, combined with Striker’s body and magic sure make him a top contender, wouldn’t you say?”

The team did not find this amusing, and continued to fight with the minions as best they could.

Krysta couldn’t bear this any longer, “I think it’s time to call in the cavalry!” and she flew off towards the palace.

Lightning and Starla leapt down from the air and were still horrified by how powerful Striker seemed to be for someone with only five years of training.

Starla felt a bit nervous, but Lightning whispered to her, “…I bet he’s got one fatal weakness, and I think I know what it is.” He whispered softly to her.

They both glared at Stammadon and charged up their auras. Starla’s mane fluttered in the waves.

Stammadon only snarled at them, “So, you still choose to fight? So be it!” he let out a monstrous lion’s roar and leapt at his opponents for another strike, but this time they simply sidestepped, letting him run past them and the air-explosions didn’t hit them.

The trio then dashed at one another, brawling like wild animals-- punching hard, their fists collided together with ever so much force, Lightning and Starla felt the slight tingle of pain hit them as did Stammadon.

Swift saw everything, and he couldn’t believe his eyes. “Striker’s really gone mad.” he said to himself

The other fighters saw the fierce brawling. “We gotta try and help them!” said Spike.

“Agreed.” said Rarity, but the minions wouldn’t hear of it and intercepted them all preventing them from assisting. “You will be going nowhere!” hissed Rai Shi “FIST OF FORCE”

“HAIL STORM” shouted En Shi and she bombarded the other fighters with sharp ice pellets, making sparks fly.

Tan Shi and Kara Shi nodded at one another, and leapt in clawing and slashing at all the fighters multiple times.

Starla fired her shot straight for Stammadon, but he actually caught the shot in his hand, and the shot vanished in a burst of sparkles.

Both Lightning and Starla’s combined forces merged together heading straight for the villain, but Stammadon leapt up high, and came crashing down at them in a high-jump kick. Lightning blocked him with his arms, and the force of the impact nearly drilled him into the ground.

He flicked Stammadon off of him and then rubbed his sore arms while panting furiously.

Stammadon stood strong, with only a few slight injuries and dust marks on his face. “I don’t understand! What am I doing wrong?” he thundered.

Lightning smirked “You may have Striker’s body, but it’s still strange and unusual to you. Just because you have his body and his strengths doesn’t mean you can use it properly.”

Stammadon was suddenly enveloped in bright magical aura, cast by Grand Ruler Celesto and Queen Celestia, and joining them were tons of guards all aiming their magical lances at him and strengthening the hold.

“MASTER!!” the minions shouted, and suddenly all four of them were held in strong aura fields.

Krysta fluttered down to Lightning and said “Thought we could use help on this one.”

Lightning smiled and nodded proudly at her, and then up at their royal majesties. They nodded down at him.

Their majesties were afraid of this “Their energy…” Grand Ruler groaned “It’s unlike anything we’ve ever felt.”

She and her husband both poured on more power, as did the guards to try and ultimately detain the villains. Lightning and the other alicorns helped, giving some of their own magic.

“It’s working!” cried Fluttershy as she scanned with her visor “Their energy is actually draining…Very, very slowly.”

She was right. The others scanned the power levels and they were dropping at such a slow rate, it was hardly down two percent, and all the ponies couldn’t stand the strain, not even their majesties.

Stammadon snickered, and saw his chance. He clenched his fists hard and concentrated all his evil energy, finally let out a huge, thunderous roar which actually shook the aura field.

Stammadon roared again, and he actually broke free from that field in such a shockwave that spread across the village, knocking every single pony, even their majesties, off their feet and out of the air, which also released the minions.

Stammadon levitated himself in midair, glowing with dark flaming aura. “Simple fools!” he growled “I am Stammadon! The strongest being in any world! My massive power existed long before any of your pitiful powers were.

You won’t get the best of me that easily, but your destruction shall have to wait for another time. I have plans to take care of!”

As he vanished out of sight, heading back for Ainzul, he called for his minions, “Come, all of you!”

Lightning angrily clenched his fists and pounded the ground hard, “We HAD them… but we couldn’t get them! Not even with an army at our side.”

His friends all huddled around him, comforting him, and expressing their own outrage.

Their majesties stood, and felt the same outrage, but didn’t wish to lose their cools as it wouldn’t help. “Stammadon is unlike anything we’ve ever seen.” said Grand Ruler “There must be some way to best him!”

When Stammadon and the others got back to their temple on the mountain, Stammadon addressed his minions “Apparently my fighting skills are not all on par with my strength, as I had feared. This body I inhabit does present its holdbacks.

But I will train hard, and I will strike again. In the meantime, I expect you all to carry on my will for me.”

Stammadon then sat comfortably on his throne, “I am… I will be… the strongest of all.”

The next day, everyone had a good night’s rest, and they had much thinking and planning to do to outwit Stammadon’s forces.

In the meantime, life continued, and the cadets were still training… and they were still flopping. Many were still shaken up by the events of the battle the other day, others were still misguided by their lack of motivation, no matter how much the instructors tried to tell them otherwise, it’s as if the cadets just wouldn’t listen or couldn’t take to heart any of their messages.

As the cadets all filed out planning to leave to for home, he heard them all grumbling.

Lightning sighed at all the negativity he was hearing, but he never saw Swift Star come out from the locker room with the others.

Swift was the only one left in the room, having just changed out of his training gear and wearing normal clothes. He had been badly shaken ever since he discovered his cousin was brainwashed by Stammadon, and it made his performance in training even worse that day. “That’s it!” he said out loud “I’m going to quit, that’s final.”

Lightning heard him from and stood at the door “…You don’t really mean that, son.”

Swift nearly leapt out of his clothes, and then saw who it was, “Commander Lightning?”

Lightning didn’t answer, and just went through the file he was holding. “Swift Star: Sixteen years old…

He closed the file and looked at him, “You seem like you have a lot of potential, son. Why give it all up?”

Swift hated to say this in front of a pony he idolized, “I guess I’ll just never be any better. I try and I try but I just end up getting nowhere.”

Swift hardly knew what to say at first, but then he grabbed his training bag and headed off with Lightning.

“Tell me,” said Lightning “Why did you want to join Starfleet? It’s a dangerous business. You put your life on the line, battle bad guys, risk getting yourself destroyed all the time.”

Swift finally answered “Well, I wanted to become stronger; be more like you. I consider you and your team idols sir. Your battle strategies we read at the academy were so inspiring…”

“That’s fine and dandy,” Lightning cut in “But it seems to me that’s your problem: you lack proper motivation, proper understanding.”

“Thanks!” grunted Swift “In case you hadn’t forgotten, just found out my cousin’s in the possession of an evil alien master.”

The two stopped and sat on a bench in a park. “You said you wanted be like me,” said Lightning “Well, I’m flattered, and that’s a fine motivation, but it’s not the correct one.

The real reason you or anyone would want to join Starfleet is always the same: To protect and serve. To fight to protect the innocent from evil, and to maintain order, justice and peace for those you care for and more.”

Swift sighed “We are all taught that on day one at the academy, and… begging your pardon sir, but what are you saying?”

Lightning hated what he was about to say, “Try not to take this too personal son, but you were right; you’re not going to get any better…”

Swift looked indeed offended, but before he could say a thing or react, Lightning said “…Not the way you’re going at it.”

“I was just like you, Swift Star.” Lightning said “I was weak, not much to hope for or gain, I didn’t have any magic, but then fate gave me a chance, but only if I was willing to take it and make the best of it.

I trained under the guidance of The Grand Ruler, and gradually thanks to his teachings and my experiences, I found out I could do many things, and look at me now; the big time hotshot commander.

Now I find out that you and all the other trainees are complaining that you’re not like me, and never will be. Quite frankly that’s more disgusting than flattering.”

A moment of silence passed, and both Lightning and Swift looked up into the sky.

“Well,” Lightning said “I think what you need is some serious tutoring son, and I’m willing to give it to you.”

“That’s right.” Lightning said “I’m offering a chance I don’t think you can pass up, but it’s up to you. So consider your options.

You can’t ever be like me, but give me a chance… and you just may find out that you really do have what it takes, just on your own.”

Swift didn’t know what to say at all, and Lightning gave him his card with his address on it, “Think it over, son. Then again, I could always find someone else.”

He sat pondering, and even got up walking around looking at all the sights and thinking of all he had seen and done, especially knowing what danger his cousin, Striker, was in now.

I train and try, and hope for the best,
And in the end it’s all a big flop
I slip and I fall, and a stumble about,
Getting further away from the top
I look deep inside for the answer,
All I see is a great long dark.
A hallway that’s empty, and questions a plenty
It’s all a big question mark.

What do I do?
Should I take it or leave it,
What do I do?
How can I believe it?
That there is a chance knocking on my door
There’s way that I could be so much more

Now my cousin is captured by a monster
And the thought is too much for me to bear
I’m getting slower and worse, how can I end my curse
Take the offer and ask it right there…

What do I do?
I know I’ve got the chance
What do I do?
Should make just one more stance
That there is a chance knocking on my door
There’s way that I could be so much more

What do I do?

After much contemplating and realization, one day he made his way to Lightning and Starla’s home in New Ponyville.

In our next episode: A famous Rock Group heads to New Ponville, while at the same time, Cadance and Shining Armor are visiting. This gives Data Stream and Megadox the idea to turn the rock concert into a sonic disaster. Mykan and the Data Squad must fight to the rescue, but must also avoid revealing their secret to others.

Can the Data Squad successful prevail once again?

Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!”

(Next Episode: “Sonic Symphonic”)

My Brave Pony: Starfleet Magic Season VIII

by DakariKingMykan

Episode 6: Strength In-Sized