//------------------------------// // 1: Unexpected Road Trip // Story: Road to Harmony // by Artthriller94 //------------------------------// In the magical world of Equestria, there lived many talking mythical creatures, which was mostly populated, and ruled, by talking ponies. They all lived together in harmony, and what protects this world are the Elements of Harmony. These consists of six powerful elements: Honesty, Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Loyalty, and Magic. All six elements are represented, and bestowed, on six different ponies that live in Equestria: Applejack, a hard-working earth pony, who enjoys working in her family's farm, Sweet Apple Acres, bucking on trees to harvest fresh apples. She represents the element of Honesty, since she gives an honest answer to anypony she meets. Next, Fluttershy is a very shy and timid pegasus pony, who takes care of animals. She treats any creature she meets with lots of kindness, so she represents the element of kindness. Now, Pinkie Pie, another earth pony, is very hyperactive, since she eats lots of sweets, and loves to throw parties all the time, even parties she makes up. Pinkie Pie represents the element of Laughter because of her way of making other laugh, and have a fun time. Rarity is a glamorous unicorn, and a fashionista who creates dresses in a boutique. She tends to have a flair for fashion design, and loves to be part of a royal status; but at the same time, she is a representation of the element of Generosity, because she gives a generous gift for anypony who need something special in their lives. If there is the fastest pony in Equestria, it is Rainbow Dash. She is a proud pegasi pony, who is in charge of controlling the weather in Ponyville. Rainbow tends to be a big show-off, so that she can be part of her favorite team, the Wonderbolts, but she does represent the element of Loyalty, since she is always there to help a friend. And finally, there is Twilight Sparkle, and her baby dragon assistant, Spike. Twilight loves studying, as much as she can, about magic, and learning many aspects of friendship. Once a unicorn, she has become an alicorn, a pony with a unicorn horn and pegasi wings, and crowned as the Princess of Friendship. All six of these ponies have been best friends ever since, and they know the importance of the Elements of Harmony. Without them, Equestria would be defenseless against enemy forces, that would try to take over it. Twilight and her friends have been in many adventures, defeating villains, solving friendship problems, and saving their world many times. However, there is another world that is similar to Equestria, but different in its own way. That world is the human version of Equestria, called Canterlot City, in which Twilight has been to. When her crown had been stolen by a unicorn named Sunset Shimmer, Twilight and Spike had to get her crown back, via a magical mirror, and understand the world of humans, while Spike had to get accustomed with his dog form. Strangely enough, Canterlot City's inhabitants are the same ponies in Equestria, but they walk on two legs, eat different foods, talk on smartphones, and most of them go to Canterlot High, a school where Twilight met the human versions of her friends. After Twilight defeated Sunset Shimmer, and retrieved her crown back, she appointed her new friends to look after Sunset, and teach her all about friendship. Ever since then, Sunset became a resident of Canterlot City, learning more about making friends. However, there was also a human version of Twilight Sparkle, who is the same as the pony version, but she wears glasses. Now, as a team called the Rainbooms, Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Spike go to Canterlot High together, having fun, and saving their world from any magic crisis. One day, all the classes at Canterlot High had just ended, as the students all rushed out to enjoy their vacation from school. Sunset Shimmer, on the other hand, stayed behind to sit down, and wrote a message on her book to Princess Twilight Sparkle. When Princess Twilight left the human world, she gave Sunset a magical book that can send her a message, and vise versa, just like texting on a smartphone. Dear Princess Twilight, she began, it has been quiet and peaceful around here, ever since we left Camp Everfree, and that me and my friends have gotten these cool geodes that gives us special abilities. Rainbow Dash has super speed, Applejack is superstrong, Rarity can control gems, Fluttershy can speak to animals, Pinkie Pie throws confetti that explodes, the human version of you can control magic, and I can see and feel what others have been through. But recently, I feel like doing something that would get me fired up inside. Something... exciting. Sunset paused for a minute, waiting for a reply from Princess Twilight. And in no time at all, she did respond. That's great to hear, Sunset. But what kind of exciting thing do you want to do? Sunset pondered, and wrote, Well, during the Friendship Games, I rode on a Motorcycle, a riding machine on two wheels, and I felt the adrenaline rush flowing through my body, as I pushed on to pass the other competitors, even though it was only a short time to solve a magic problem during the games. I want to race just a little more, on something that is... more faster, more stylish, more... awesome! Then, Sunset raised an eyebrow, then smiled and rolled her eyes. Oh great. I'm starting to sound like Rainbow Dash, am I? she finished. Yeah, kinda,' Twilight wrote back. Well, if you do find something exciting like that, tell me all about it. I'll write to you later. Sunset finished her message with a Will do, Twilight. See ya, and closed her book. Then, she gazed up at the sky, and thought of how cool it must be to race again. Los Angeles, California. A great, big city where everyone's dream can be achieved or dashed away. There are times when, at night, the quiet roads of LA are invaded by the sounds of V8 engines and turbochargers. American Muscle and JDM Imports lining up near sidewalks, roads unofficially blocked off with road cones, and the load roar of engines unleashed after the sound of the word “GO!” These are the usual street race activities happening every night on the streets of LA. Every Californian street racer knows that Los Angeles is the only playground worth tearing up the asphalt, and the most risky playground to be arrested by the sound of one word: cops. The load sirens and flashing lights from black and white-colored vehicles, and being chased around by them, are just enough to ruin a young street racer's dream of becoming famous, or even infamous. In this world of street racing, no one has ever been put in danger by mysterious magic, nor have they ever believed that there are worldly dimensions other than their own. However, one team of street racers did experienced these sorts of strange magic that had befallen on them, and saved another world, and theirs, from harm. They didn't choose to carry out this heavy responsibility, but they were determined, and clever, to do what is right for any universe. Three 16 years old teenagers, Charlie Johnson, David Jefferson, and Rachael Bailey, raced toward their high school, in order to get to class in record time. “Come on, guys. ” Charlie spoke through the C.B. microphone, “Don't make it easy on me!” Charlie drifted around the final corner in his supercharged, jet-black 1970 Dodge Charger and following behind him, in the Bomex body-kitted, lime-green 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse, was David. “You're not gonna' win this time, Charlie!” shouted David, as he shifted gear. “Oh, you know he's gonna win, David,” the voice belonged to Rachael, driving in her gloss-red 1997 Mazda RX-7, fitted with Veilside body kits. “And so am I!” Rachael soon passed David, and was closing in on Charlie's back bumper, when they finally see Los Angeles High, their high school. All three racers slowed down immediately, made a final right turn toward the school's parking lot, and they each picked an empty spot to park their cars. Every weekdays is always a race to get to school first. “I win. Again,” said Charlie, as he stepped out with a smirk. “Well, you don't have to be so smug about it,” Rachael grumbled, as she slammed the door of her car. “and I was about to win, too.” “Don't be so down, Rachael. You will beat him soon enough. It just takes a little bit of practice, and patience.” David assured, with an smile. Soon, they were down the school hallway to class. There were posters everywhere on every lockers saying “Magical Spring Prom: April 12th." April is only one month way, but only a few students are attending to it, due to the lack of interest. “So, this year's prom is going to be fantasy-based. No surprise there,” said Charlie, with a sigh. Rachael wasn't happy about this. “I'll pass. Dressing up in silly, fru-fru outfits are, totally, out of the question!” “You don't have to dress like that,” said Charlie. “But I'm not going, either. I don't need a date to go with to make this the best prom night ever. I just like to see others have a good time, that's all.” “I don't think I will attend it, too,” said David. “The entrance fee is always expensive, at least to those who can't afford it.” “Like you, David?” teased Rachael. David nervously chuckled. “Yeah, like me.” These are the common problems that prevents them to enter their school's prom night, not that they don't have anything else to do. Charlie had always wanted to ask a girl out on a date, but never had the confidence to do so, because he is sure that a girl would reject him if they already have a date, or a boyfriend for that matter. Rachael, on the other hand, likes to dress in something torn, or rebellious, in either black, red, grey, or in between those colors. She doesn't like all those dress that speaks out “cute” or “lovely.” As for David, his money was saved up to build his '95 Eclipse, so he can join Charlie's little street racing team, which consists of Charlie, Rachael, and himself. So, David is, currently, a little broke, but that doesn't seem to bother him, at the moment. Suddenly, the school bell rang, and all the students ran towards their classes. “I'll see you guys after school!” called Charlie, as he headed off to history class. After school was over for the day, Charlie, David, and Rachael, drove off to find a local street race to compete in. Now, street racing is, of course, illegal and dangerous, which causes accidents to somebody else, but to the three racers, it's nothing more than a way to help support their families for a better life, whenever they win a race or two. But tonight, things were about to get strange and different. Recently, there had been reports of a mysterious racer, driving a matte black hyper car, with a green flame paint job, sabotaging races all across L.A. This racer's vehicle, as the reports indicated, resembles a Lamborghini Veneno, and drives recklessly. The Los Angeles Police Department has had so much difficulty catching the mystery racer, that they decided to find and shut down every last street race, and arrest anyone that are involved. Unfortunately, our heroes aren't aware of all of this, since it just happened in the last six days. Presently, David's police scanner, equipped on his dashboard, sounded off. “10-4, we've just arrested six more drivers in the process, Lieutenant. Out on Rodeo Drive.” David knew this was trouble, and he quickly alerted his friends, through the C.B. “Where is this taking place, David?” asked Rachael. “At Rodeo Drive! Five blocks ahead!” responded David. “Alright, guys,” said Charlie, “let's get outta' here. Looks like tonight's not our night.” They attempted to pull over and turn around, but before they could, a black car weaved through the three cars, at 120 miles per hour. This surprised Charlie and his friends, and caused them to hit their brakes hard, fishtail, and stop right on their tracks. “Hey!” shouted Rachael to the speeding driver, who disappeared. “Watch where you're going, lunatic!” “That guy almost crashed into us!” exclaimed David. Charlie furrowed his eyes, in suspicion. There was something wrong about the black car, that Charlie saw just when it blew by him. It was shaped to be like the Lamborghini Veneno, but the real Veneno had metallic gray paint, with Italian colored stripes on the sides. The color and paint scheme, on this imitation, were all incorrect, but that wasn't all that Charlie saw. There was some type of black crown, with four greenish bubbles on the tips, painted above the rear fender. It looked familiar... “Charlie?” asked David, “What's wrong?” “That car,” replied Charlie. “There's something strange about the paint job, and I don't like it, at all.” David and Rachael were both confused. “Come on,” said Charlie, firmly, “let's head back to my place. I want to research something about that car.” His two best friends weren't sure about why the Lamborghini was so important, but they all got back in their cars, and followed Charlie back to his house. In his bedroom, Charlie turned on his computer, while David was looking at his friend's family pictures, and Rachael was laying on Charlie's bed, waiting for a result. Once the computer was up and running, Charlie quickly browsed on the internet and typed in “Queen Chrysalis” in the Google search box, showing images of a horned creature, with insect wings, and holes on its legs. “That's it!” shouted Charlie, getting the attention of David and Rachael. “What's it?” asked David. Charlie pointed his finger on one of the images on the screen. “Wait,” said Rachael, confused with what she is seeing. “Is that what's on that car we just saw?” “Kinda',” Charlie responded. “That paint scheme is the same kind of colors that Queen Chrysalis was shown in the end of “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic” season 2! Now, I don't know if the driver is Chrysalis herself, but I think the green flames are from her transformation spells whenever she changes...” Charlie couldn't finish his theory, when he saw the perplexed faces on his two friends. “Okay...” remarked Rachael, “that is a weird explanation, even for you, Charlie. But if what you're saying is true, why hasn't any of our other friends, at school, told us about this? They get involved with those street races mostly.” “Maybe they were too busy with all the gossip, to even remember telling us?” David pondered. “I don't know,” said Charlie, seriously, “but tomorrow, I'll talk with Sam Barrett, see if he knows anything about this.” “Then I’m gonna' talk with Lily Mavis. She always knows everything, and I mean everything,” said David. Rachael then sighed, “Well, that leaves Bobby Brant. I'll go talk to him tomorrow.” “Okay then,” concluded Charlie. “I guess this is our mission to find out about this mystery racer. We'll talk to every street gangs in L.A. and maybe they'll have some answers.” They all agreed to this, but what they will all experience tomorrow will change their lives forever. The very next morning, at school, Charlie, David, and Rachael did talk to their other street racing friends, Sam, Lily, and Bobby. Sam Barrett was a southern Texas ranch boy before he moved to L.A. to see what it's like to live in the city. He is always happy to meet new people, even when they make fun of his southern accent and his white cowboy hat. He drives a metallic blue and white striped, 1969 Chevy Camaro Yenko. Lily Mavis is a very hyperactive girl, who loves fun parties, makes people laugh, and mysteriously knows everything of what people talk about, and even what they don't know about. The only thing they DO know is that Lily drives a Veilside body-kitted, Warrior-Pink 2001 Honda S2000 convertible. Lastly, Bobby Brant is an intelligent, and artistic British blonde from overseas, despite the fact that he likes to show off his different attire he often wears to school. Surprisingly, he drives a C-West body-kitted, silver and blue striped 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R. His car is considered illegal to drive on the streets of America, but Bobby's father has somehow convinced the Department of Motor Vehicles to let his son keep it, as long as he doesn't get in trouble with the cops. Each three friends are on a team of their own, with Charlie and Sam as separate leaders. The two teams talked about the racer Charlie spoke about, but even Lily doesn't know anything about it. “Well, I guess we'll have to find this evil changling queen, and stop her from taking over our world!" shouted Lily. "Oooohhh! This is gonna' be...” “We don't know if it's really Queen Chrysalis, Lily,” Sam interrupted. “However, we can try to find whoever is driving that car.” “How are we gonna' do that? asked Bobby. “They could be anywhere in L.A. by now!” But before anyone could make a suggestion, the school bell suddenly rang. “We'll figure it out after class,” said Charlie. With that being said, the six racers split up for class. Presently, the sun was about to set in the horizon, as the two team of friends rode together, in single formation, to find the black racer; but so far, they have had no luck. They have traveled up and down the urban streets of Los Angeles, asking many street racing gangs a few questions, but nothing came up in their favor, except one gang told Charlie that they saw the racer cross the city limit on the freeway. “I guess that this guy, or girl, moved on to another city. I don't think we'll be seeing them again, for a while.” sighed Rachael, though the C.B. “Maybe, but I'll bet they'll be back, with their own team.” said Sam. "Maybe we should just forget all about them, and just have some fun, as usual." David suggested. “Well, in that case...” smiled Charlie, “why don't we have a little race to Hollywood Hills, for old time's sake? It's been four years since we've hung out there.” Ever since the first day Charlie, David, and Rachael met Sam, Lily, and, Bobby, they raced to Hollywood Hills, to see a meteor shower up close. Everyone agreed, and with no hesitation, they all raced and roared their way to the hills. It was about 2 miles from where they were, and in no time, they were on a straight line of road, with no traffic, or cops, anywhere. “Hey, guys!” spoke Lily, through her C.B., “Have you noticed that there's no one out here tonight?” David looked out of his window, “Yeah, you're right! I don't see anyone walking, or driving, on the streets!” “Man, it's like a ghost town here!” shouted Charlie, “It's almost like something just made everyone disappear!” Then, it happened. From out of nowhere, a big blue swirling dimensional rift appeared floating in the middle of the road, and all six drivers gasped. “HIT THE BRAKES!!!” exclaimed Charlie. No one said a word, as they all applied their brakes hard, but it was too late. Charlie's Charger was the first one through, then David's Eclipse, Rachael's RX-7, until there was no car left on the lonely road. When the portal closed, a particular matte black and green flamed Lamborghini Veneno drove up to where the six racers vanished. And from behind the driver seat, came a few evil giggles. The sun was setting on the horizon, when Sunset Shimmer and the Rainbooms were still at Canterlot High, discussing their casual plans for vacation. “I'm going to work on a new fashion line for display at the boutique, and I will need absolute quiet while I'm at it.” said Rarity. “That's alright, Rarity,” Applejack assured, “I'm gonna' work on the farm, harvesting apples with Big Mac.” “What about you, Rainbow Dash?” asked Fluttershy. “Nothin',” said Rainbow. “I'm not sure what I'm gonna' do. I guess I'll just be reading a new comic book copy of Daring Do.” “Well, I'm going to read the animals, at the animal shelter, a nice story to bed.” Fluttershy added. “Heh, I wish I could think of something to do,” said Sunset, with a sigh. “Why not, Sunset?” asked Twilight Sparkle. “Well, I wrote to Princess Twilight earlier ago,” Sunset began, “and I told her about our geodes, and what it would be like to race on two, or four wheels, and just race for fun. I felt that way during the Motocross trial at the Friendship Games, and I guess...” “You got the need for speed to race against someone out in Canterlot City tonight?” implied Pinkie. “Well...yeah. How'd you know?” asked Sunset, curiously. Pinkie just grinned. “Just a hunch.” Everyone rolled their eyes, as if what Pinkie said was obvious. “I'm sure you'll be able to get your own car, Darling,” said Rarity. “Then you'll give us a ride in it every once in a while.” “Yeah, totally!” Rainbow joined in. “And if you want, we can customize it to look fast, and awesome!” “And perhaps,” added Twilight, “I can setup the electronics components to make your car perform better.” Sunset smiled at that, “Thanks, girls. You're always there for me.” Soon, the Rainbooms walked home together, when they felt something behind their backs, and stopped at their tracks. It felt like something had just gave off a strange energy. A strange energy that feels a little cold, and tingling their senses. “Is it me, or does anybody feel something behind me?” asked Applejack, nervously. “Is it something scary?” asked Fluttershy, afraid to turn around. “Oooohhh,” said Pinkie, cheerfully, “It feels tingly!” “I hope it's a good kind of tingly!” shivered Rarity. Everyone turned their heads to see what's behind, only to find a big blue swirling vortex portal floating above the road, three feet away from where they were standing. Sunset couldn't believe what she was seeing, yet she saw something like this before. It was during the last round of the Friendship Games, when Twilight, the human Twilight, got corrupted with a lot of magic she wasn't ready for, and turned into a sorceress-like monster. She opened lots of rifts and almost destroyed her world, but Sunset was able to show her a different way, and change her back to normal. Now, there was another rift that had just opened, but not by Twilight this time. “Oh no!” Sunset gasped. “Not again!” “Is that some kind of rift?” asked Rainbow. “What do you think?” Applejack retorted. “Isn't that what we saw, back in the Friendship Games?” asked Fluttershy. Everyone looked towards Twilight. “It wasn't me this time!” whimpered Twilight, all nervous and shocked, “I swear it!” “And the last time a portal opened up, it was purple, not blue!” shouted Spike. “Then, how do we stop it?” asked Rarity. But before anyone could respond, they heard a sound of a mighty roar coming from the blue rift. The Rainbooms were now scared stiff, already thinking that there is a new monster coming into their world, to tear their city apart. Suddenly, in a split second, a black, classic muscle car soared out of the portal, slammed onto the pavement, and fishtailed to a stop, right next to the girls. At that moment, their jaws dropped. “W-w-what...the...?” Sunset whispered, shocked to see a muscle car jumping out of nowhere. “I...i...is that...a...?” Twilight stuttered. But she was quickly interrupted, as a green import car came out, then a red one, a blue muscle car, a silver import, and finally, a pink convertible, and they all stopped next to each other, and the Rainbooms. At this point, Rarity was about to faint, with her legs wobbling, and closing her eyes, but Applejack snapped her out of it. “Okay, calm down, Rarity,” said Applejack. “You're just imagining things...like us, I think. Let's all close and open our eyes, and then they won't be there anymore.” The rest of the Rainbooms followed Applejack's instructions, but when they did open their eyes, all six foreign cars, that they never saw before, were still there. Then, a young teenager stepped out of his black muscle car, and looked around his surroundings. He has black hair, dark brown eyes, wearing a black T-shirt, dark blue jeans, with a brown belt around his waist, and brown sneakers. Soon, five more teenagers stepped out of their cars, and when the boy turned to the Rainbooms' direction, he gave a surprised look on his face, and they all did the same thing. Everyone's heart was pounding a little faster, thinking of what to say to him, when at last, Sunset smiled and spoke nervously. “Uh...hi?” The boy was really Charlie, who simply just raised his right hand and gave a nervous chuckle, as if he's trying hard to respond back. “H-hi,” he finally said.