Mane Seven and Dragon Strike Force have successfully found and retrieved eight Elemental Elements of Harmony. Since then, Dark Curse and his Dark Mystic Ponies haven't been active or even launch assaults and invasion on either Mystic or Equestria Realm for months. It was quite suspicious and odd yet relief.
Whatever the case they were doing, the team and their allies must be prepared for anything their enemies could throw at.
At the Dark Mystic Palace's Throne Chamber, the Dark Lord has summoned one of his best lieutenants for important discussion.
"You summoned me, my lord?" Amon asked calmly.
"Yes, I have. Do you know why I summon you?" Dark Curse asked calmly as he turned his attention to Amon from looking at the throne chair. The masked warrior remained silent yet calm and firm. He narrowed his eyes darkly at him. He continued, "I have an important mission for you to perform. Or rather, you must complete your vow. You know what I'm talking about."
Suspecting of whom Dark Curse's referring to, Amon did make a vow that he will fight and defeat Starlight Glimmer. However, he has made no effort to do so by making excuses that he was sick or assisting his allies for 'preparation'. He looked down while refused to look at his master.
Dark Curse narrowed his eyes of suspicious and dark, "Then, I'm giving this order. Finish what you were supposed to do!" Amon remained firm and silent for the moment. The Dark Lord growled in anger as he hated his subordinate's disobedience and silent. He grabbed and chocked Amon's neck angrily and darkly. He snarled at him, "Amon, you have tested my patient for the last time! Finish her once and for all!"
Amon grunted in pain, "My lord, please! I still believed that she can be turned! I know she can!"
"You believed so, why?"
"She and I share the common bond... I was her... I was her mentor, friend and a father she needed the most. Please, let me convince her again. I beg of you..."
Dark Curse snarled as he put Amon down, "This will be the last chance. Either she joined us or died..."
Amon coughed a bit, "I will make that happen, my lord."
"You better, Amon. I expect no delays and failures..." Dark Curse said darkly and calmly.
On the next day, Starlight was waiting at the Ponyville Train Station as she was walking around excitedly like something's coming here for a visit. She jumped and galloped happily. And at the same time, she took a peek on train's tracks. But so far, the train hasn't arrive...
"Oooh!" Starlight said happily. She turned to the train station counter and asked the receptionist, "Excuse me. When does the noon train from the Crystal Empire arrive?"
"Uh... noon?" All Aboard answered in confusion.
"Heh. Right. Sorry." Starlight apologized. She then explained to some ponies about her excitement, "I'm just a little excited because my friend Sunburst is coming. He's my oldest friend. I mean, we've known each other practically forever. We have tons in common. We both love magic and games and jokes – everything, really. Now that I think about it, there isn't a pony in all of Equestria I have more in common with."
Suddenly, the train's whistle blown and sounded, alerting Starlight to turn her attention to train track, where the train has arrived to the station. As the train halted, it opened its gate and let the Crystal Ponies out. Starlight waited for Sunburst to come out from it as well. However, she didn't see him. She suspected that he either miss the train or unable to come at all.
And just before Starlight could leave, she heard a pony's familiar voice calling her, "Starlight."
Starlight gasped as she turned to her back and found Sunburst stood before her. He even levitated three suitcases. She smiled and hugged her childhood friend, "Sunburst! You made it!"
As he departed from hugging, Sunburst continued, "Of course! I've been looking forward to this visit for a long time."
Sunburst and Starlight levitated and moved some luggage to the wagon. And to her surprise, she accidentally dropped one of them on the wagon and revealed itself some couple of books.
"Whoa. How long are you staying?" Starlight asked curiously.
"Uh, just a... little reading for the train." Sunburst said uneasily and embarrassingly.
Starlight chuckled a bit, "Same old Sunburst." She levitated and packed some books into the suitcase. She continued, "It's going to be so great spending time together. Just like old times. You and me doing the stuff we like – games, magic..."
"Antiquing."
"What?"
"Antiquing. You know I like antiquing." Sunburst said happily. Starlight looked confuse and uncertain. He smiled and continued, " Historical knickknacks, ancient relics... Oh! You are so lucky! Ponyville is antique central!"
"It is?" Starlight asked in surprise.
"How have we never talked about this? We are going antiquing, and you are gonna love it!"
"Okay. Let's drop your stuff off at the castle first."
Sunburst nodded happily as he and Starlight moved out at once, while bringing along the wagon of some suitcases. However, unknown to the group, Amon was spying on them from the bushes. He has to do whatever it takes to get her back on his side or forced to kill her. He has no time to lose...
"This is so great!" Sunburst exclaimed happily as he and Starlight entered the antique shop. He continued while looking at the ancient relics and antiques. He smiled, "Who knew I'd be the one showing you the cool sights of Ponyville?"
"I'm a little surprised myself." Starlight admitted in surprise.
While looking around of the antique's shelves, Sunburst came across to the box of bricks. He levitated and shown them before Starlight.
"Wow! What a difference between the hoof-molded bricks and the extruded ones, right?" Sunburst asked happily and excitedly. Starlight smiled nervously. He then looked up and gasped as he was looking az, "Oooh! Check out all these chandeliers! Sometimes, the crystals have magical properties."
Starlight cleared her throat, "Oh. Oh, that's cool. How do you—?"
"Sunburst!" Twilight's voice called, attracting both Sunburst and Starlight to turn their back. They found Twilight approached them. She smiled, "I'm so glad you're here!"
"In the antique store?" Sunburst asked.
"In Ponyville! Starlight's really been looking forward to your visit." Twilight complimented. She sighed, "Though I'm glad you're in the antique store, too. I'm usually the only one."
"That's crazy!" Sunburst exclaimed happily, "Who doesn't like antiquing, right?"
Starlight chuckled nervously, "Right."
Twilight gasped as she came across to the large ancient map on glass case, "Oooh, look! An ancient map of Equestria made by the Mighty Helm."
Sunburst nodded happily, "Without the help of unicorn magic, Pegasus flight or even Mystic Ponies' technologies, the Earth ponies of the Mighty Helm were able to map the entire coast of Equestria."
"Coooool..." Starlight remarked uneasily.
And so the trio of unicorns continued their tour and looked around the antique shop, they come across to several ancient artifacts such as hat rack stand, seashell necklace and the artistic filly iron statue. Both Twilight and Sunburst were excited and happy to look and check on the antiques while Starlight wasn't. She was there to support and be happy for her old friend.
As the unicorn trio moved to the cornered shelf, Sunburst noticed Starlight's uninterested and disappointed looks. He can tell that she doesn't like it.
"You don't have to pretend to like all this stuff." Sunburst said calmly.
"What? No!" Starlight protested in concern, "I do like it. I mean, if you like it, I like it. Besides, we've almost looked at everything, right?"
"Oh, wow! You have got to see this Saddle Arabian vanity!" Twilight called out to her friends.
Sunburst made the horse's noise as he galloped towards Twilight. Both of them checked and looked at the Saddle Arabian's antiques. They then complimented about it.
Starlight hummed in concern while looking at the shop's interior design, "This shop looked a lot smaller from the outside."
Twilight, Starlight and Sunburst made their way back to the Castle of Friendship, where they can check out more about the antiques. Just before they could enter the castle, the trio heard a roar, which surprise them. The unicorn trio went to the back, where they found Shadow Dragon was facing at Dragoking. The Mystic Pony armed with his Darkness Blade while the Hydragoon readied with his five heads like they're about to start the fight.
With the wind blowing gently on both Shadow Dragon and Dragoking, the leaf broke off from attaching to the tree's branches while slowly descending to the lake. The Mystic Pony gave a loud battle cry as he charged at the Hydragoon, who rotated their heads wildly while firing both Frozen Curse Beam and Mystic Dragon Flame. The fiery and icy powers combined and created the form of steam, which blinded the young warrior.
As Shadow Dragon was still charging while remained vigilant, three heads came out from the fog as they lunged into eating him alive. Luckily, he quickly and swiftly cutting their heads off before climbed up on his head. He walked on long neck as he headed towards his target. As the steam slowly dispersed, Dragoking's heads were armed with Hydro Canon, Storm Gale and Electrical Thunder Surge. They fired and combined their powerful attacks into thunderous and watery tornado-like in blowing and injuring him off.
As Shadow Dragon was thrown off, he quickly recovered and landed on the ground. He armed with his powerful Darkness Oblivion Beam. He stopped as he found Dragoking has his ten heads armed with Elemental Attacks. They're about to unleash powerful attacks on their targets. Shadow Dragon slammed his Darkness Blade on the ground, unleashing the blackish yet nightmarish fog-like in covering him. Just before they could do anything, they sniffed on the blackish fog, causing them to sneezed wildly and sickly. Their visions got blinded and blurred, along with their smell and hearing.
While Dragoking struggled to recover from the surprise attack, Shadow Dragon took his chance by climbing on top of his monster and jumped up high. He gathered enough energy to fire his powerful Darkness Oblivion Beam. As if it has sixth sense, the beast looked up and unleashed the Elemental Attack, which countered and dispersed the attack.
Shadow Dragon landed on the ground as he faced at Dragoking, who recovered his senses and turned at him. The Hydragoon has his heads surrounded him while armed with their Elemental Attacks. The unicorn trio looked worry and uneasy about the situation. Instead of attacking, they both smiled and laughed happily. Shadow Dragon patted his best friend's head gently, which make Dragoking responded by nuzzling him.
"I almost got you! I really do, bud!" Shadow Dragon exclaimed proudly, making Dragoking laughed happily. He smiled, "But seriously, you got all your heads in the game and fuse some elemental powers together to deflect the attacks. Good job, Dragoking."
Dragoking purred and bowed humbly before his master. And at the same time, he has his nine heads submerged into his body. Shadow Dragon bowed humbly to his friend as well. The Mystic Warrior approached to the large barrel-like. He opened its door, allowing the barrel to pour out the large amount of fish. Dragoking hissed happily as he began eating his food.
The unicorn trio were impressed and amazed by Shadow Dragon and Dragoking's fighting performance. They all gave the applause to them, surprising Shadow Dragon to turn and greet them especially him giving Twilight a deep passionate kiss. They departed from the kiss.
"So, how's your antiquing?" Shadow Dragon asked amusingly.
"Quite fun! Too bad, you missed it a lot," Twilight said amusingly as she shown the barrels of ancient relics and antiques. She smiled, "We've bought lots of them."
Shadow Dragon scoffed, "You don't say." He then spotted Sunburst approached to Dragoking while looking at the beast carefully as it was chewing fishes happily. He called, "Be careful! You wouldn't want to make him mad when he was having his lunch."
"Right! If you disturbed the Hydragoons from their meal or hunt, then they will set their eyes on new targets instead until it's inside the stomach. Unless he finds a way to amends the mistakes, that pony will never escape him," Sunburst explained calmly and happily. He surprised Shadow Dragon. He smiled, "I know. I studied that under archaeology class. I've always wanted to see the real-life Ancient Beast. And I didn't expect to see a mighty King of Ancient Beast!"
"I'm impressed. You like Ancient Beasts, don't you, Sunburst?"
"Indeed, I am. My favorite is the intelligent and skilled Draufganger. They're very cunning and resourceful creatures, but also humble and honorable as well because..."
"They don't attacked the weakened or cowardly creatures. The Draufganger would rather died than tricking and cheating on battle."
"Exactly. But imagine if any Ancient Beast won the fair duel with those Ancient Wolves especially the alpha of pack-!"
"They would ally and join the strongest beast or herd, as both patrols and guards. They will die to fight for and protect their pack from harm. No matter the cost!"
Sunburst gasped, "That's amazing! I didn't expect to have another pony to share the same interest as I am."
Shadow Dragon smirked, "I couldn't agree more."
"So, how did you tame Dragoking?" Sunburst asked curiously while looking at Dragoking, "I mean nopony could ever tame the beasts especially the most powerful beast among his species."
Shadow Dragon scoffed, "I wouldn't call it 'tame the beasts'. But the story of how I gained his trust and friendship is something worth telling. We both have been through a lot, thick and thin."
Sunburst gasped, "Tell me! I would love to know!"
Shadow Dragon smiled as he tell the story about him and Dragoking, which surprised Sunburst. They then both discussed and talked about several types of Ancient Beasts, which Twilight join in as well. They even talked about their previous adventures from Jurassic Land. Shadow Dragon even helped Sunburst to befriend with Dragoking, who became friendly to him as well. The ponies enjoyed talking and having fun about Ancient Beasts.
Though Starlight was happy that her friends got along well with Sunburst, she can't help but feel left-out and alone due to they have common bond of Ancient Beast while she doesn't have.
After chatting over the Ancient Beasts, Twilight and her group entered the Castle of Friendship at once. Both her and Sunburst were excited and happy that they wanted to checked and analyzed more on various antiques for both studies and fun. Shadow Dragon and Starlight sat down and watch them both doing. While the Mystic Pony enjoyed watching, the pink unicorn was unhappy and bored that her best friend spent more time with the princess.
After various items have passed, both Twilight and Sunburst came across to ancient greenish colored letter opener.
"Did you see this Palominian letter opener?" Sunburst asked happily.
"Wow!" Twilight exclaimed in amazement. She then showed an ancient quill with feather, "That goes well with this ancient phoenix feather quill! We could write to each other!"
"Pen pals!" Twilight and Sunburst exclaimed and laughed happily.
Shadow Dragon laughed a bit, "As long the feather isn't a wild phoenix's, your ears should be fine."
"Well, my ears are fine," Twilight said happily and calmly while looking at the quill. She looked and analyzed it carefully before smiled, "I can conclude that it's clean one. Then, that means this one is domestic phoenix's."
Sunburst nodded, "You're right, Princess. Domestic Phoenixes always have their feathers cleaned, meaning ponies won't get deaf. Princess Celestia's a domestic type."
Starlight noticed the barrel, "So, what's special with this old-timey barrel?"
"The stuff I bought is inside the barrel. But I can't wait to see what it is!" Sunburst said happily, making both Shadow Dragon and Starlight surprised. He continued, "It's a blind buy. Sometimes shops get too busy to go through everything, so they load up a box or barrel and sell it without knowing what's inside."
"Buying one is sort of like a treasure hunt." Twilight explained happily.
Sunburst nodded, "Once I found a first edition History of Equestria in the original Olde Ponish."
"Hliet foresettan pliht!" Twilight said happily, confusing Shadow Dragon and Starlight whole amusing Sunburst. She cleared her throat, "It's an Olde Ponish saying. 'Reward prefers risk!'"
"Uh. I'm not sure that's the right one," Sunburst said in uncertain. Twilight shrugged. He gasped as he turned and looked at Shadow Dragon, "Maybe you can translate! After all, you guys invented Olde Ponish!"
"Sunburst, I'm Semi-Modern Pony and a martial artist, not Ancient Pony with silly old languages. You should ask my father about it." Shadow Dragon explained in annoyance and dried tone, "Plus, I flunked out from the school. So, I don't know any languages other than local, Chinese and Japonese."
Sunburst looked surprise and shock, "Right..." He then noticed Starlight being bored. He cleared his throat as he moved and packed up the antique in the box, "Why don't we look through this stuff later?" He looked at the hopeful and happy Starlight. He asked, "What do you want to do, Starlight?"
"Well, I don't know if you're gonna remember this, but..." Starlight said slyly as she brought the board game box out. It surprised and shocked Sunburst to look at her. She smiled, "Dragon Pit!"
Shadow Dragon gasped, "I used to play that game with some kids when I was wandering."
"I remember that game. You two used to play it?" Twilight asked in surprise.
Sunburst nodded, "Pretty much any time we weren't working on magic. I can't believe you found a copy!"
Starlight smiled happily that she finally got the perfect time to play the board game with Sunburst now. Four of them played the board game by rolling the die for their own dragon chess pieaces to march on its square boxes while evading from getting trapped. Three ponies have done theirs, Twilight did with hers by moving her purple dragon chess for one space.
"Sunburst would get so excited whenever his dragon got trapped," Starlight said amusingly, "he knocked the whole board over."
"That's adorable." Twilight commented playfully.
"Uh, well, it's an exciting game." Sunburst said embarrassingly, "But I have a little more control over my horn now."
Shadow Dragon snickered, "Could have fool me. You can never resist its temptation of fun."
Sunburst levitated and rolled his die. It landed on two, allowing his orange dragon chess piece to move two spaces. Starlight looked at the board game as she noticed it was shaking wildly.
"Uh-oh! Somepony's dragon's gonna get trapped!" Starlight commented playfully.
POP! The crystal crimson ball popped out from the volcano. It rolled down its hill as it was heading straight at Twilight's dragon piece. And nothing happens to hers.
Twilight sighed, "Doesn't seem so exciting to m—"
POP! The trap door activated and her purple dragon piece fell into the hole. Seeing her piece got trapped in the hole has surprised Twilight. It even made her to laugh, causing her accidentally used her levitation spell to flip and thrown the board game at her boyfriend's face. Everyone was in shock and surprise.
"Ow!" Shadow Dragon exclaimed in pain. He put down the board game. He glared at Twilight, who blushed in red. He groaned, "I hate it when that happen. Trixie did the worst than yours."
"Huh. I guess it is adorable." Sunburst commented.
Starlight laughed amusingly, "Eeyup. It is."
In the late evening, everyone turned in for some goodnight sleep. Starlight helped guiding and leading Sunburst to his guestroom, where he unpacked his clothes and books on table and closet. She also helped him out.
"I hope you're enjoying your visit so far." Starlight said calmly.
"Are you kidding?" Sunburst asked in surprise, "I mean, first antiquing, then Ancient Beasts and next was spending time with Twilight and Shadow Dragon?"
"Oh. Yeah. They're pretty great."
"Right? I mean, I know she's a princess and him being Mystic Pony, but I never thought they'd be so fun to just hang out with."
"Well, she is the Princess of Friendship." Starlight joked, making Sunburst to laugh and nod. She continued to ask, "So tomorrow I thought—"
Sunburst interrupted, "I suppose I'm just surprised at how well we get along." He sighed, "I don't have much in common with most ponies."
"You three are pretty similar. I don't know many ponies who are fluent in Olde Ponish or knowledgeable with Ancient Beasts." Starlight said.
"Exactly! I probably have more in common with Twilight and Shadow Dragon than any pony in Equestria or even Mystic Realm!" Sunburst exclaimed happily. Starlight gave uneasily nod about what he has said. He then yawned, "Anyway, I better get some sleep. Ponyville might be small, but there's a lot to do. Maybe we should ask Twilight what she recommends we see!"
"Um... sure." Starlight said uneasily.
"Great!" Sunburst said happily as he gave Starlight a gentle kiss by cheek. It surprised her. He then guided her outside. He smiled, "Good night, Starlight."
And just before Starlight could say anything, Sunburst shut the door at once. Though annoyed and upset that Sunburst didn't give her a chance to talk, she smiled happily while touching her left cheek, where Sunburst has landed a kiss. She might have the chance to spend more time with him if she gets the right idea to take him away from Twilight and Shadow Dragon.
Starlight sighed happily, "...Good night."
At the Castle of Friendship's outskirt, Amon was on top of resident's rooftop as he was looking at the castle, with his binocular. He found Starlight trotted and hummed happily. This has made him worried and uneasy.
Amon recalled the memories and moments he has shared with Starlight. The very first day he met her at her old home when Sunburst left for Princess Celestia's Gifted School for Unicorns but never reply to her. He helped and trained her through martial art skills and the trick of removing cutie marks. Both of them worked together to fight off the enemies while completing the mission. Whenever they have free time, they both rode the dragons wildly and happily or playing Dragon Pit. Those were good times for him.
Pity. Amon was forced to kill Starlight, unless he convince and persuade her to return and join Dark Mystic Ponies. He has to complete his mission.
"Starlight..." Amon said in concern.
On the next day, Starlight and Sunburst woke up early in the morning. She took and led Sunburst to Sweet Apple Acres for their hangout now. While Sunburst was exited and happy for visiting and checking out more on other places of Ponyville Town, though he was annoyed by mosquitoes and insects' bites on him.
"Remind me why we have to be early again?" Sunburst asked in confusion.
Starlight smiled, "Like you said, there's a lot to see in Ponyville. I've got a full day of stuff planned. Just you and me. And trust me, it's gonna be about all the stuff we have in common and how much fun we'll have today."
"Right..." Sunburst said uneasily. He then looked at the apple tree, "So, why are we here?"
"One genuine Sweet Apple Acres apple tree!" Starlight said happily, confusing Sunburst. She continued, "Because we used to drink so much apple juice as foals?"
"Uh, I don't remember that."
"Really? I mean, it was all we drank. Here. Try an apple. I bet that'll jog your memory."
Starlight approached to the tree as she gave it a hard kick, causing the apples to fall. And at the same time, one of the apples hit on somepeony's head, making her yelped in pain. Both Starlight and Sunburst looked to the back of tree. They found Trixie was looking dizzy and has the apple stuck on her horn.
"Trixie? What are you doing here?" Starlight asked in surprise.
Trixie groaned a bit as she recovered form minor headache, "Huh. I often seek the privacy of the orchard-" She levitated and transformed the apple into a teacup. "-to practice new feats of amazement." She groaned as she made it disappeared, "And also, I fell asleep."
And just before Starlight could explain why she and Sunburst were here, Trixie gasped in realization and exclaimed, "I don't suppose the two of you want to see a never-before-witnessed magical marvel?"
Sensing that Sunburst might want to check it out, Starlight tried to decline the offer. But Sunburst shouted happily, "Sure!"
Too late. Starlight sighed in defeat, "Why not?"
Trixie guided and led both Starlight and Sunburst to the backyard of Castle of Friendship. She was about to perform her new magic tricks for them to watch.
"Behold, visiting friend from Starlight's past, and be amazed by the Great and Powerful – and current best friend of Starlight – Trixie!" Trixie introduced proudly and happily, with the help of her fireworks.
Sunburst was impressed while Starlight was amused. Trixie cleared her throat as she levitated some chains and padlock to tied and locked her up like a prisoner.
"I give you... the Unicorn Escape!" Trixie exclaimed as she summoned the curtains for magic tricks. Starlight and Sunburst waited as she struggled of breaking free from the chains for the moment. She groaned in anger, "The Great and Powerful Trixie requires a little assistance."
Starlight and Sunburst yelped in concern. They climbed up the stage while removed the curtains aside. They found Trixie tangled up with the chains. She got herself trapped. Sunburst approached and looked at the magician's situation.
Sunburst hummed thoughtfully, "I know this trick. There's a special link, but I could never hold the chain up long enough to find it."
Sunburst began pulling out the chains as he tried to untangle and remove them. But unfortunately, that only make Trixie painful and difficult to get out of the chains as it became tighter. Both of them struggled to get out of the situation. It almost annoyed Starlight. The pink unicorn used her magic spells to teleport Trixie out of the chains. She put her best friend down at once.
Trixie sighed in relief, "Well, if I could do magic like that, I'd have a whole slew of new tricks at my disposal."
"I always liked close-up magic because I knew I could do it if I just practiced enough." Sunburst commented.
Sunburst approached to Trixie as he pulled the tangled cloths out of her mane. This made the magician giggled happily, but also annoyed Starlight.
And so, both Sunburst and Trixie worked and hangout together of performing magic tricks such as levitating and making the tangles cloths disappeared before reappeared from his fake hoof, shredding newspapers into pieces before putting back into one piece, shuffling and guessing the right card and finding one of three cup that hid the red ball. They enjoyed it very much, but not to Starlight. Once again, she felt left out and unable to spend her time with him.
"Starlight, why didn't you tell me how much Sunburst and I had in common?" Trixie asked happily.
"Gee. I don't know." Starlight remarked sarcastically.
Behind the bushes, Amon has seen everything as he too was annoyed and angered. He glared at Sunburst and muttered darkly, "Truthfully, you and her have nothing in common. You understand nothing of what she and I have been through. You don't deserve her."
After leaving Trixie, Starlight and Sunburst headed off for lunch. They're at the Cafe Hay. They both were eating their spaghetti and drinking some warm milked tea. They both enjoyed it very much. This time, Starlight can finally have some peace and quiet with Sunburst alone.
Sunburst hummed happily, "I have to say. This spaghetti is the best and delicious meal I ever had! Thanks, Starlight."
Starlight smiled, "No problem. I'm just glad that we have booked this place before it gets crowded."
"Tell me about it. I hate to imagine how crazy and hungry I get when I'm having an empty stomach."
"Yeah. I remember that much. You couldn't stop whining and complaining that you're gonna die of hunger without any food. So, we have to give you some couple of books for distraction until we get the food!"
"Hey, I resent that! And it wasn't very funny either."
Sunburst and Starlight laughed happily. They continued eating their spaghetti happily until a long yet tangled string of their spaghetti got them both close to each other. They accidentally kissed each other's lips, which shock and surprised two friends. They departed at once. They both blushed and burnt in red while looking at each other.
"Wow! That was cute of you two for eating spaghetti together," Flash's voice commented.
Sunset's voice giggled, "And not to mention, you're both more than friends. Almost looked like couples, you know?"
Sunburst and Starlight yelped as they turned to their back and found Flash and Sunset stood before them. They both were surprised by their arrival.
"Flash! Sunset!" Starlight exclaimed in surprise. She laughed a bit, "What brings you here?"
"Just finished our crazy training, and we're having our own lunch," Sunset joked, "Don't mind if we sit down?"
Starlight was about to say but Sunburst spoke, "Sure! Go ahead!" Flash and Sunset took their seats. He continued, "So, what kind of training were you doing, Commander Sentry?"
Flash scoffed, "Please, don't call me that. I'm not use to that title."
"Are you kidding me?! Have you forgotten of the war and battles especially teaming up with Shadow Dragon and Dragon Strike Force? And not to mention, you fought and beat Killerdestroyer!"
"Yeah. Kinda of true. But you help me beat that monster, remember?"
"Right, right, right. I keep forgetting that because I'm not a great fight, just an advisor and Crystaller, Commander," Sunburst joked, "So, wanna tell me what kind of training you and Sunset were working on?"
Sunset smiled, "I'm working on my magical offense. I'm trying my new skills - Phoenix's Fire. I'm having a hard time with basic magic and using four hooves for fighting."
"Cool. That's the advanced level of magic offense," Sunburst said in amazement, "But why would you have a hard time with basic magic and hooves?"
"Well, because I was a Human?" Sunset answered uneasily.
"Oh! Right..." Sunburst said in shock and realization. He gasped, "Of course, I've always wanted to ask that question. What and how this it feels like to be a human? How do you work with 'hands' and 'legs'? How do you feel when meeting your counterpart?"
Sunset sighed, "It's kinda fun and joyful to be human for one or three days especially using hands to hold, touch and move everything you want especially riding bicycle. And for meeting the counterpart and her boyfriend, it's kinda awkward and confusing but also fun too."
"And what about being a pony? Did you enjoy it?"
"Yeah, I did. It was kinda fun especially having magical powers and making some pony friends. I even have my boyfriend."
Flash blushed in red, "Thanks. I'm happy to help my girlfriend out with both magical and physical training. It's gonna be fun."
"Ooh! I could help too," Sunburst insisted happily, "I would be happy to learn more about human. This sound very intriguing. Wouldn't we, Starlight?"
Starlight grunted a bit of disappointment, "I guess..."
After the lunch, Starlight and her gang headed off to the Military Training Arena, where they helped teaching and training Sunset of using magical powers and even using hooves to fight the enemies. Sunburst taught her some basic magic offense via reading the books out while Flash trained and taught her about martial arts and basic fighting skills. And at the same time, three of them have some chats about 'humans', 'technology' and 'culture', which Sunset happily answered them back.
Three of them laughed and chatted for two hours. However, Starlight was upset and disappointed that her childhood friend and best friend got along well with each other.
"Wow... Starlight, can you believe it? Flash, me and even Sunburst got something in common," Sunset said happily, "We loved learning each other's species and did some training with both magic and fighting by hooves. I've gotta say. He's like a brother I've always wanted to have!"
Starlight sighed, "You don't say..."
After the training, both Starlight and Sunburst headed to the Everfree Forest for some exploring. However, ahead of them was two familiar teenage couples, who were having picnic. They both laughed amusingly and happily.
"Lance? Shiroi?" Starlight asked in surprise. Lance and Shiroi turned and looked at her. She asked, "What are you guys doing here?"
"Just having picnic." Lance said happily.
Shiroi nodded a bit, "Yeah. And then, we're gonna do some training about controlling my Demon Magic, hopefully it's doesn't do lots of damages."
"Demon Magic?" Sunburst asked in shock and surprise.
Shiroi sighed as she transformed into Kasai Songbird, "Yeah. This is my true form. And I've been using 'Shiroi' to avoid ponies get confuse and scared of me because of my powers. Probably you might not be proud of my powers."
"Are you kidding me? I've always want to see Demon Magic!" Sunburst said happily, "In fact, I'm happy to help you out."
Starlight looked surprise, "Sunburst, you don't have demon magic, remember?"
"I know. But we could help her out and test more of her powers," Sunburst said happily. He then noticed Lance's Duel Monsters Deck. He gasped, "Oh my gosh! You play Duel Monsters?! Is that Dark Magician? That card is very rare and awesome card I ever seen! I've always wanted that card!"
Lance nodded, "You bet! Have you heard of it?"
"Only that it's the best card game ever!" Sunburst exclaimed happily.
"It's better than the real-life version." Starlight giggled amusingly. He turned and looked at her. She continued, "Let's just say, it involves Discord putting Lance and his buddies in another realm where all of it was real, and MechaStahl and Majin Kiyomori showing up with monsters of their own, from what I heard."
Lance groaned, "Not the best experience. Wanna play?"
Sunburst squeaked a bit, "Do I?!"
"Here we go again..." Starlight commented in annoyance.
Once again, Sunburst has common interests with both Lance and Shiroi. He observed and tested Shiroi's Demon Magic, which caused a powerful yet devastating magic powers in one blast hitting the giant rock, powered up her Rage Powers, unleashing Demon's Dark Fire and Dark Water, speaking different languages and even Olde Ponish and even unleashed the darker side of Light Magic Powers as well. He then have some fun with Lance, who has proven challenging and fun for him to play with.
Starlight, once again, felt uneasy about Sunburst got more common with other ponies.
"Man, you're real fun, Sunburst. You know that?" Lance said happily.
Returning to the form of Shiroi Bai, she smiled, "Yeah. You understand us, like we have something in common."
"It was nothing," Sunburst commented happily, "I'm glad that I got to know you more."
"Yeah... I wonder how many more?" Starlight muttered in annoyance.
Starlight took Sunburst deep of Everfree Forest. She led him straight down to the familiar area, that hasn't been seen or sued since the incident of 'Too Many Pinkie Pies'. Nevertheless, Starlight happily explain to Sunburst of what the Mirror Pool does, which surprised and amazed him a lot.
Suddenly, two unicorns heard some tapping noise, which came from another long cavern. They headed inside as they were looking and checking around of their surroundings to find the source of noise. They arrived at the forked road, where they found Maud was lighting and tapping on the walls.
"Maud! How did you get in here?" Starlight asked in surprise.
Maud turned and answered in deadpan tone wile pointed at the right route, "This cavern's actually connected to mine."
"Uh, what are you doing?" Sunburst asked.
Maud answered in deadpan,"Tapping."
Sunburst looked surprise and confuse. Starlight spoke, "Maud isn't super chatty. I mean, you and I could sit around and talk all day, but she looks pretty busy."
Sunburst ignored Starlight as he approached and asked Maud, "Are you taking some kind of core sample?"
"Not exactly." Maud answered in deadpan while tapping on the walls, "I'm uncovering this section of strata for closer study. You might want to step back."
CRACKED! Sunburst yelped as he moved back at once. The wall crumbled and dropped to the ground. Maud, Sunburst and Starlight looked at the newly lavender colored large crystals on the walls.
Maud looked at the crystal and commented, "I'm studying this area's metamorphic—
Sunburst interrupted, "—foliation. Is this gneiss, phyllite, or slate? Wow. The pressure above must be pretty uniform to get the planar fabric to be this consistent."
"You know about geology?"
"Eh, I dabble. For example, by the speleothems in this cave, I kind of figured there was another way out."
"Because of the calcite deposits."
As Sunburst and Maud headed to another area for studying and analyzing new materials, Starlight sighed in defeat, knowing that her old friend has once again got common with her best friend. She decided to leave the area. Both of them looked around and dug out some new crystals and gems for them to study on. They enjoyed it very much.
Unknown to anyone, Amon was under using camouflage device to hide himself while watching the event. He has become angry and furious of how Sunburst ignored her and focused more on other things with her best friends. He has the plans to get her on his side.
Starlight was now at the Castle of Friendship's library as she was levitating and rotating the dragon chess pieces. She looked upset and disappointed. Twilight noticed her inside. She approached and checked on her student.
"Starlight? Where's Sunburst?" Twilight asked.
Starlight shrugged and mumbled 'I don't know' gesture, "Talk about the Ancient Beast with Shadow?Doing stage magic with Trixie? Working with Flash and Sunset with training progress? Having fun with Lance and Shiroi? Studying new rocks with Maud? You're here, so I guess you two aren't off translating some ancient Olde Ponish text."
"What are you talking about? Why would Sunburst be doing any of that? I thought he came to Ponyville to see you."
"I thought so, too, but it hasn't worked out that way. When we were foals, we had more in common than any two ponies in Equestria. But now, it seems like he's got more in common with my friends than he does with me."
Twilight shook her head in disagreement, "Oh. Everypony changes, but that doesn't mean there aren't still things you both like. You both love magic, right?" Starlight looked at her. She smiled and continued, "Sure. You're really good at it, and Sunburst practically knows every spell that ever was."
Starlight gave some thoughts of what Twilight has said. She gasped, "You're right! Thanks, Twilight!" She hugged Twilight, "You're the best!"
Twilight smiled, "Heh. I try."
In the Council Chamber, Starlight was writing down on the scroll as she was working on new magic. Sunburst arrived and entered the chamber. He looked worry and concern. He approached to Starlight and asked, "Starlight, what happened? Maud and I found some fascinating sedimentary stratum, but when I turned to show you, you were gone."
"Maud does have a way of making rocks really interesting, but I wanted to work on something a little more 'us'." Starlight said calmly and happily. Sunburst looked surprise as he took and looked at the scroll. She continued, "Just a little something I made up."
Sunburst gasped, "Whoa! You made up this spell? Just now?"
Starlight nodded. She levitated the scroll on midair before firing her magic blast, hitting it. It launched its magical powers in changing and turning whole chamber into a familiar living chamber - Starlight and Sunburst's childhood home.
Sunburst was amazed by its changes. Starlight fired the magic powers on it again as it turned both her and him into their young foals. It shocked and concern him a lot.
"Cool, right?!" Young Starlight asked happily as she pushed and moved Sunburst to the small table. She shown the Dragon Pit board on the table. She smiled, "ow we can play Dragon Pit! Just like we used to!"
Young Sunburst looked uneasy and worried, "Actually, I thought we could go with Maud and—"
Young Starlight interrupted, "I mean, nothing was better than just you and me playing this game when we were foals, right?"
"Starlight." Young Sunburst asked in concern.
Young Starlight, ignored his concerns, shown the red and blue dragon chess piece, "Do you what to be red or blue?"
Young Sunburst became annoyed and angered by Starlight's childish behavior and obsessed of playing Dragon Pit. He snapped n anger, "Starlight! I don't want to play the game at all!"
Hurt and upset by Sunburst's outburst, Starlight nodded in understanding as she fired her magical spells on the scroll. It transformed everything and even themselves to normal. Twilight
"What's going on in here?" Shadow Dragon demanded as he and Twilight entered the chamber.
"Nothing." Starlight answered tearfully while glaring at Sunburst, "I was trying to have fun doing the one thing I thought we still had in common, but I guess we don't even have that anymore."
And just before Sunburst could ask, Starlight ran off at once tearfully. Both Twilight and Shadow Dragon turned and looked at him. He looked confuse and concern as well. On the ceiling's window, Amon has seen everything. He immediately left the building at once.
"I don't understand." Sunburst said in concern, "Starlight and I have known each other since we were foals, but that doesn't mean we have to be foals to hang out."
"Uh," Twilight said in concern as she looked at the scroll, "Starlight does have a tendency to overdo."
"I mean, it is surprising how well I get along with all of her friends," Sunburst said calmly, "but she and I still have tons in common."
"Probably. That could be problem," Shadow Dragon said in suspect. Sunburst looked at him. He continued, "She doesn't have anything common with your interests, like us. I suspect that she must have felt left out and alone that you spent more time with other ponies than her."
"Just like me, right?" Twilight asked curiously, "I used to worry about Shining Armor spent less time with him because he's gonna have new family. But I realized that just because he moved out, doesn't mean that we don't get to spend some time together, whether we have common or not."
Shadow Dragon nodded, "And besides, she hasn't seen you for a long time since you left for Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. So, she wouldn't know what you want or like. You should spend some time with her before us."
Sunburst gasped, "You're right. I have to find her and apologize to her. Thank you."
Sunburst looked around and asked some ponies and friends whether they know where Starlight went o. He headed to the Everfree Forest as he has the feeling that she went to visit Maud for comfort. And just before he could reach to the area, something shot and stunned him to drop on the ground hard. He moaned in pain before looked up. He found Amon and his soldiers approached him.
Sunburst gulped, "Amon..."
"Sunburst..." Amon said dryly and darkly. The soldiers grabbed and held Sunburst up. He glared at him, "How dare you hurt Starlight? Why did you come here?"
Sunburst gulped, "Amon, please listen. I didn't meant to hurt Starlight's feelings. I... I was just a bit annoyed with Starlight's trying to make us like foals when we're already adults."
"My apologies, Sunburst. But I'm not very convinced that you feel sorry for her, at all. This isn't the first time, you hurt her. Many times, in fact!"
"W-What do you mean?"
"Did you know that when you first moved out to Canterlot for furthering your studies, she was already upset and pain to see you off? And what did you do before leaving?" Amon demanded in anger, "Nothing. Just left your hometown and never bother."
Sunburst hissed, "I didn't mean it. Honest. I thought she was-!"
"Did you also know that she wrote and sent many letters to you? And what did you do?! Nothing again! Did you realized that as she grow up, she waited for your return? And what did you do again? Nothing! And when she tried to visit and talk you again, what did you do again? You turn your back on and banish her! When your home is in grave danger, she asked for advice and help but instead, you turn your back on her!"
"Okay. That last part, I already make amends with her."
"It doesn't matter now. Unlike you, I was there for her. I helped, trained and comforted her like she was a daughter to me, unlike that worthless Firelight." Amon said darkly. His right hoof glowed darkly. The soldiers held Sunburst down. He approached and commented darkly, "I'm gonna do what I should have done. It would be best that you have died earlier, so she can become Dark Mystic Pony completely."
Sunburst, scared and worried, exclaimed, "What are you doing?! What are you gonna do?!"
"Make you suffer!"
Amon slammed his hoof in hitting Sunburst's head. It electrocuted and surged through his body, making him to have widened eyes of shock. He screamed in pain. After electrocuting the unicorn, the masked warrior kicked him off to the ground.
Sunburst hissed in pain as he got up and glared at Amon. He tried to use some offensive spells to fight him off, but nothing happens. It shocked and scared him.
"W-What did you do to me?!" Sunburst asked in concern.
Amon spoke, "Your magic is gone. Forever!"
"No... No... It can't be! This can't be happening," Sunburst said in shock and concern. He screamed, "Noooooooooooo!"
Starlight arrived at the scene. She gasped in shock and worry. She found Sunburst unable to produce his magic powers while Amon stood there and looked at her.
"W-What have you done, Amon?!" Starlight demanded. She gasped, "You removed his magic?!
Amon nodded, "I did. He must pay for what he has done to you. This is the last straw he has push me."
"Amon, how could you?! You can't just remove his magic because of one mistake."
"Mistake?! Mistake?! Starlight! How long must you keep lying to yourself? You and I know that you and him don't have anything in common! He doesn't want your friendship! You don't belong here!"
"You don't know him! I've known him since my childhood! He would never do that to me!"
"Really? Just like minutes ago at the Castle of Friendship?"
"That was my fault, not his. I thought that making me and him young again, so we can have great time to having fun with Dragon Pit. I was wrong."
"Starlight, haven't you noticed? You and him rarely see each other since that day. You know what it means...
"No... I don't! I don't want to!"
Amon raised his hoof up, "Please, come with me, Starlight. You don't have to be with him. Stay with me. We can be together again."
"Amon..." Starlight said in shock and surprise.
"Starlight, don't!" Sunburst shouted. Starlight looked at him. He continued, "I'm sorry for snapping you, and also not spending some time with you for many years. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I'd never wanted to."
"Sunburst?"
"Believe me, Starlight. I really do care about you so much. I wanted to spend more time with you, get to know what you wanted to do than just our common things and stuffs. And I'm very sorry for not being there for you when you needed the most. But please, don't go. If you do, I would never forgive myself for the mess I have caused."
"Sunburst, did you mean it?" Starlight asked hopefully.
Sunburst nodded, "Yes, I do. Don't do this. I love you!"
"Starlight, ignore him. Come back home with me," Amon said calmly, "I can protect you."
Starlight gave some thoughts of what Amon and Sunburst has said. She sighed, "Amon, I'm not coming home. This is my home. I'm sorry, Master."
Amon, shocked yet firm and calm, sighed, "So do I."
Just before Starlight could do anything, Amon charged as he launched some punches on her face and chest three times before kicked her off. She grunted as she fired her Unicorn Bursts at him but missed. He continued punching and kicking at her for few times. He grabbed and slammed her to the ground. He armed with his dark glowing right hoof.
Starlight gasped, "No! Anything but that! Please, don't!"
"I must end this!" Amon shouted firmly, "You should have join us when you have the chance, Starlight! I hate killing you!"
"Don't do it!" Starlight shouted in fear.
BOOM! Amon and his soldiers yelped in shock as they found Twilight, Shadow Dragon, Lance, Shiroi, Flash, Sunset, Trixie, Maud and some Ponyville Soldiers have arrived and attacked them by firing their magic offense spells and arrows at them.
Amon grunted in defeat. He turned and glared at Starlight, "Another time, Starlight. Another time."
Amon summoned the Dark Mystic Portal for him and his group to escape before they get caught and killed. Twilight and her friends have arrived and checked on both Starlight and Sunburst. They sighed in relief that they're alright.
Amon has returned to the Dark Mystic Palace's throne chamber as he make disappointed report to his master. Dark Curse remained calm and firm.
"Pitiful, but predictable." Dark Curse said calmly and firmly while sitting down on his throne chair. He smiled, "Perhaps, it wasn't wise of me to send you off to fight your foster daughter since you're too soft."
Amon looked up and glared at his Dark Lord, "My lord. Never ever mention Starlight as 'daughter' again. She is not one of us. The next time I see her, I will remove her magic and kill her for our cause."
Dark Curse smirked proudly like he was expecting it, "Perfect..."
Twilight and her friends brought Starlight and Sunburst to the guestroom for recuperating and healing. Luckily for them, Shadow Dragon asked his father to help and cure Sunburst to regain his magic powers, with the help of Dragoking's slime. Both Starlight and Sunburst were sleeping after crazy adventures they have been through.
Knowing that two of them need time alone to talk about the mess, Twilight cleared her throat as she gestured all of them to leave at once. They did so.
Sunburst and Starlight were alone in the bedroom. They woke up and looked at each other. They blushed in red a bit. They wondered of what they're gonna say to each other, hoping to avoid hurting the feelings as well.
"Sunburst..." Starlight spoke first, "What you said before... Did you mean it?"
Sunburst nodded, "I do. And I'm very sorry for not being there for you or even considerate your feelings at all. I was so selfish and cowardly pony. Amon was right about me."
"Sunburst, don't talk like that."
"Starlight, it's the truth. If only I hadn't left for stupid school and be with you, then you wouldn't be so insecure and worried at all."
"Even if you didn't, Amon would still be there and taken our home as base for his masters. Both of us would become evil ponies than being good ponies. So, none of this could happen."
"But still-!"
"Sunburst, I'm alright. I forgive you for snapping me out. I shouldn't be so focusing on specific common things we have done, instead try something new like making some new friends. I don't know why I got so worried about us not having anything in common.""
"Maybe. But I should spend some more time with you too. And it doesn't matter how long or how many ponies join the fun as long as we enjoy each other's company."
"Yeah, you're right," Starlight smiled happily. She climbed down and approached to Sunburst, "Sunburst... About what you said to me... I just want you to know that you..." She sighed, "You're the most important pony I ever cared in my whole life. No one could take that place...
"Starlight..." Sunburst said in surprise. He asked, "Did you mean it?"
Starlight nodded, "I love you, Sunburst."
"I know," Sunburst commented.
Sunburst and Starlight leaned towards each other as they gave each other a deep passionate kiss, causing their horns glowed magically and sparkling for the moment. They then departed while looking at each other for the moment.
"Wow..." Sunburst said in amazement.
Starlight blushed, "Yeah. Wow. So, what do boyfriend and girlfriend do next?"
"I don't know. Dragon Pit?" Sunburst suggested. He shown the Dragon Pit, "I might have the ideas of improvising it. Like making them into real life version. Lance's adventure gave me the idea."
"Hmm... That sounds great, but we can do that another time," Starlight said happily. She then looked at the barrel, "I was wondering of what's inside. I like to know."
Sunburst smiled, "Good thinking. I can't wait! But first, let me get you on the seat. It's what boyfriend do, my lady."
Sunburst helped and lifted his newly girlfriend on his best, making Starlight giggled happily. They both shared the same bed now. Both of them levitated and brought the barrel to them. They removed its cover and found lots of antiques including ancient yet old book that has symbols of twin swirls and five stars on it.
"What's that?" Starlight asked curiously.
Sunburst levitated and looked at the book's cover, "This looks like... But it can't be!"
Starlight looked confuse as her boyfriend opened it up and read some pages. She also joined with him to read them. They both slowly shown shock and worried looks as they couldn't believe of what they just read.
"How is it possible?!" Starlight asked in shock and concern.
"I know! We have to tell the princesses and our friends now!" Sunburst exclaimed in concern, "We've just found the book that belongs to the most important historic figure - Starswirl the Bearded! We might know what has happen to him now!"
Starlight nodded, "Twilight's gonna crazy when she's hear about this!"
END...
Review and Suggest...
Main Cast:
Kelly Sheridan: Starlight Glimmer
Ian Hanlin: Sunburst, All Aboard
Michael Fassbender: Amon
Minor Casts:
Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle
Matt Lanter: Shadow Dragon
Latham Gaines: Dark Curse
Dee Bradley Baker: Dragoking
Kathleen Barr: Trixie
Vincent Tong: Flash Sentry
Rebecca Shoichet: Sunset Shimmer
Jesse McCartney: Lance Justicestrike
Hayden Panettiere: Shiroi Bai
Ingrid Nilson: Maud Pie