"You told...them?" Twilight asked shock clear on her face. Sunset gulped as sweat ran down her face. Twilight slowly backed away shaking her head, "But you promised we'd wait until I was ready."
"What are you two talking about?" Applejack asked.
The rest of their friends began looking at Twilight with concern. But to her they all looked like they were starting to surround her. Her breathing started to quicken as her eyes darted about. It felt like there were hands wrapping around her throat.
"Looks like they're coming to burn the witch." A voice whispered into her ear.
Seeing Twilight's nervous state Akiko quickly stepped up, "Twilight, let's just calm down. She didn't willingly give us the answers."
"And just what does that mean?" Celestia asked with a raised eyebrow.
Akiko sighed, "Okay, look, long story short I may have... beaten the crap out of your daughter."
"May have? That was one of the worst beatings I've ever seen," Vector cut in, "It was funny at first then it just got sad-"
"Vector!" Hikari and Sunset shouted with annoyance.
Vector looked to the shocked Celestia and the sighing Luna, who was pinching the bridge of her nose. Celestia's eyes had whited out and the only thing coming out her mouth were unintelligible grunts.
"I mean it wasn't that bad nothing got broken." Vector said with an awkward laugh and smile that was only met with silence. He leaned over to Bone Crusher, "Am I helping?"
"Not really." Bone Crusher whispered back.
Sunset groaned looking to Celestia and Luna apologetically. Luna looked to Sunset with a raised eyebrow, "Don't think I'm getting you out of this one young lady. But," She looked to the quivering form of Twilight Sparkle, "I think you have other problems to deal with. Isn't that right, Celestia?"
Celestia's response was a squeak coming from her slacked jaw. Luna sighed closing her sister's jaw and nodded her head to her niece. Sunset held a small smile nodding her head in response before looking to Twilight. The girl looked like she was on the verge of having a panic attack. Sunset made slow steps keeping her arms forward ready to embrace her friend in a hug.
"Twilight just breath. We're you're friends we'll help you get through this." Sunset said.
"Yeah if something is happening to one of us then it's happening to all of us." Rainbow Dash said with a smile. The rest of the girls nodded their heads in agreement.
Sunset felt more confident started as she started getting closer to her friend. Not catching the purple glow starting to take hold of everything. Lora's head perked up sensing the rise of aura in the room. The elder Elias quickly pulled herself from Akiko's shirt.
"Sunset stop!"
"Wha-"
Twilight's head shot up as her hair started to rise tears falling down a face that was a mix of anger and fear.
"GO AWAY!" She screamed at the top of her lungs throwing her hands out.
Sunset stopped in her tracks eyes wide with surprise at the girls sudden outburst. The room started shake as Twilight's hair rose up further. Suddenly everything was wrapped in a purple aura and rose off the ground. They swirled as if caught in a tornado before bursting apart. Vector quickly pulled Fluttershy and Pinkie behind himself. Fluttershy let out a small yelp as she watched the room come to life and rip itself apart.
Everyone started ducking as various objects in the room started being thrown around. It would have continued if not for Lora placing her hands in front of her they began to glow. A wall of green energy appeared in front of Sunset Shimmer blocking her from Twilight. Sunset could only stare at her friend as Twilight stared back at her with shaky eyes. The purple aura surrounding Twilight's hands died down. She stared back at Sunset with shaky eyes and heavy breath.
In that moment Sunset noticed a tear fall from Twilight's face before she turned and ran out the door. Sunset was about to chase after her only to run into the energy wall. "Lora, put this down."
The elder Elias panted putting her arms down and lost her footing. Akiko quickly held out her hands as Lora tumbled from her chest as the wall of energy in front of Sunset faded away. She wiped sweat from her brow looking to Sunset with concerned eyes. "She...is...distressed...something...going...on...in her mind." Lora said with labored breath.
"You okay?" Akiko asked rubbing Lora's back.
Lora rubbed her head looking to the concerned group with tired eyes. She nodded her head taking small breath. Although Sunset didn't pay much attention as she was heading out the door to follow Twilight. "I'm going after her."
"Correction: WE are going after her." Rainbow Dash said stepping up with a smile.
Sunset smiled back but shook her head, "Sorry, but I broke my promise to her so I need to be the one to talk to her."
"Sunset!" Rainbow was about to protest until Adagio stepped up. She walked over to Sunset breathing on her fist. The former unicorn flinched seeing Adagio preparing to hit her. Instead she of a hard punch Adagio lightly tapped her forehead with her fist. She opened her eyes to see Adagio smiling at her.
"She's right, she's a total idiot, but she's right." The older siren said she looked to Aria and Sonata, "Sonata stay out of trouble while I'm gone. Aria be on the look out for Twilight if she comes back before we do or didn't go that far."
Sonata giggled saluted her older sister. Aria gave Adagio a questioning look, "And just where are you going?"
"I'm helping this annoying pony find her friend. I...have an understanding of what she's going through." Adagio said she suddenly noticed Sunset getting ready to protest. Her eyes narrowed and she grabbed Sunset's kidney causing the girl to yelp. She looked at Sunset with a wicked smile as she began to squeeze, "You don't have a problem with that. Do you Sunny?"
"Not...at...all." Sunset said in between teary eyed grunts.
Aria sighed blowing hair out of her face, "Fine I'll look out for her. Besides these pains wouldn't let me hear the end of it if I just let their nerd walk past me."
Rainbow Dash was about to say something if Sonata hadn't jumped onto Aria's back with a happy squeal. She tightly hugged her cousin, who groaned in protest rolling her eyes. "I knew you'd start warming up to everyone, Aria."
Aria clicked her tongue as her face began to heat up. Applejack had a small smile as she nudged Rainbow Dash's arm. Rainbow rolled her eyes, "I still don't like her."
"Well what are we waiting for? Let's get going. Bone Crusher, you and Vecy help keep look out in case she didn't to far." Akiko said pulling on Hikari.
"The blame falls more on us than Sunset. We should also talk to her." Hikari said looking to a still shocked Celestia and slightly annoyed Luna. "I know we'll have a lot to answer for when we get back." Hikari said bowing her head in apology.
"I'll make sure she doesn't go to hard you. And I'll help keep an eye out for Twilight as well." Luna said.
Sunset smiled and quickly ran out the door, "Thanks Lulu and I'll make it up to you mom! Movies, dinner, whatever you want."
Akiko let out a small snicker before running after Sunset pulling Hikari with her. Adagio gave her siblings a small nod walking out the door with the others.
"Grounded for a month!" Celestia shouted having finally gotten out of her stupor.
"Glad you're awake, Sis." Luna said before looking at the girls, "Alright everyone let's try to stay calm. We should search some of the tents in case Twilight is hiding there. If you do find her try to keep her calm and also inform the rest of us."
"Yes ma'am." Everyone said.
They were about to start walking outside if the sound of muffled screaming caught their attention. They all turned their heads in the exact same direction. A confused Fluttershy looked around then behind herself before raising an eyebrow. "That wasn't me?"
"For once." Aria said rolling her eyes.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Sunset, Adagio, Hikari, and Akiko, with Lora on her shoulder, searched through the forest. Each of their eyes peeled for any signs of Twilight. Sunset was itching to start running around the entire forest looking for her, but each time it looked like she was starting to speed up Adagio pulled on her arm to slow her down.
"She couldn't have gotten too far so try to calm down." Adagio said.
"I know...I just..." Sunset was about to go on but Akiko softly pat her on the head.
"Relax Sunny she's your friend, right?" Akiko asked.
"Yeah but..."
"But nothing she'll listen to you." Akiko said.
"We know she will, Sunset." Hikari said with a smile.
"Thanks for the reassurance." Sunset said.
The bushes suddenly started to wiggle causing the women to stop. Sunset had a small smile on her face thinking that it was Twilight. She quickly ran to the bushes hoping to find her friend. Her face drooped when she saw the sight before her. A hawk sized moth being chased around by a purple puppy. Mothra chirped as Spike chased her around. It was hard to tell if the kaiju was playing with the puppy or not. Each time he got close Mothra would jump out of the way causing him to run face first into a tree.
He groaned slowly sliding back to the ground. Mothra chirped as she landed behind the puppy her antenna twitching. Spike growled as he looked her, "Laugh it up fur ball." Spike started to beat his paws on the ground snorting. Mothra rose her wings up bracing herself. Spike let a loud yip as he ran after her and Mothra let out a roaring chirp as she got ready to dodge him.
"Mothra!"
"Spike!"
Hikari and Sunset shouting confused the two causing them to face plant into each other. Spike and Mothra landed on their backs their eyes swirling. Mothra let out a groan as Spike moaned putting a paw to his head. "Totally won that."
"What are you two doing?" Hikari asked.
Spike and Mothra looked at each other before the puppy spoke up, "I was chasing squirrels around then this fur ball fell from the sky and got in the way."
Mothra chirped at him flaring his wings as her hair stood up on end. Spike made a scoffing noise snarling at her as he stood up, "You so did get in my way!"
"Enough!" Lora shouted causing kaiju and puppy to stop in their tracks.
"Spike, something happened to Twilight." Sunset said causing Spike to perk his head up in response. She quickly explained to him everything that had gone on in the cafeteria, "You think you can help us find her."
"Don't worry I've got her scent memorized." Spike said as he began sniffing the ground, "She's this way."
Spike took off sniffing the ground as he did so. The girls followed him along with Mothra, who flew beside Lora. The young kaiju let out small chirps to Lora. She nodded in understanding looking to Akiko and Hikari.
"Some good news. Kubo and Moll may have found Godzilla." Lora explained.
"Well at least there's some pressure off our shoulders." Hikari said.
"Yeah." Akiko said pulling on her hair in thought. Something felt wrong in the back of her mind. As they walked she couldn't help but notice a lack of certain things. The birds weren't chirping and there wasn't even a single bug flying around. Then there was what Spike said about the squirrels being chased away. Even if Mothra had scared them they wouldn't just disappear like this. This feeling in the air it felt just like that time in Mexico when they fought.... "Lora once they find Godzilla bring him here."
Hikari and Lora had wide eyes at Akiko suggested. Adagio turned her head to look at Akiko in confusion. When she looked at Sunset she breathed a sigh of relief when she found that the former unicorn was focused more on tracking down her friend. Akiko looked at them with a serious expression.
"Something's off about this place."
"I feel it too, Akiko, but do you think it requires Godzilla's attention?" Lora asked, "Don't you think Mothra is enough?"
The moth kaiju flew to her attaching herself to Akiko's side. She let out a small chirp twitching her antenna and bringing her head down. The G-team captain sighed rubbing her finger under Mothra's mouth. "It's just that..."
Spike suddenly started barking and took off like a rocket. Sunset followed him with a slight look of worry on her face. Leaving the others behind to let out groans of annoyance. She didn't focus on them Sunset kept her eyes on the small dog chasing his owner. The more she ran the denser the forest got. She kept thinking the right words to say to Twilight when she found her. What were the right words to say? She needed Twilight to know that wasn't trying to hurt her. But how was she going to say that?
Spike suddenly came to a stop at a clearing in the forest. Sunset nearly tripped over the dog if it hadn't been for her quick foot work. "Spike what are you..." She trailed off when she saw Twilight sitting against a tree with her head against her knees. She caught the sound of sobbing.
"Twilight?"
Twilight looked up, her face stained with tears, her eyes became wide when she noticed Sunset staring at her. She would have started running again if Sunset hadn't rushed her. She pulled her friend into a tight hug.
"I'm sorry." Sunset said.
"We should be the ones apologizing."
Sunset turned to find Hikari, Akiko, and Adagio standing behind them. Mothra landed next to Spike, who for some reason hadn't moved an inch. Hikari had an apologetic look on her face as she bowed her head. She then sent a quick glance to Akiko, who was standing next to her chewing on her lip in discomfort. The scientist elbowed her in the gut and pointed to the girls. Akiko sighed putting her hand behind her head. She took Lora off her shoulder and placed the elder Elias next to Mothra and Spike. She walked over to the girls stopping a few a feet from the girls. With a sigh she bowed her head.
"Don't blame Sunset," Akiko said, "I'm the one who beat the answers out of her. If it's any consolation Sunny did put up a fight to keep your powers under wraps."
Akiko gave a Sunset a small smile as she rose her head up. Sunset smiled back at her, but it quickly faded, "Yeah but this was still my..." A slim finger pressed against her lips.
"Learn to let other people take the fall." Adagio said with an annoyed sigh, "Stupid Pony."
Sunset let out an audible grumble as she pushed Adagio's hand away. Adagio chuckled before looking to Twilight, "What this stupid pony is trying to say is that you don't have to go through this alone." She rose her chin up slightly to reveal her scar, "Midnight and Kuro hurt all of us and dealing with our problems alone isn't helpful. Especially when we haves friends willing to help us."
She cast a smiling glance toward Sunset who returned it in kind. The siren then turned back to Twilight rubbing her arm as her face became red, "I still have trouble sleeping at night without Aki by my side."
"Really?" Twilight asked with wide eyes.
"Yeah." Adagio said.
Twilight looked around the welcoming faces of Sunset, Adagio, Hikari, and Akiko. She took in a deep breath holding her hand to her chest. A small frown on her face as she stared at Sunset. "I'm sorry for freaking out like that. I was just so overwhelmed by everything."
Sunset put her hands on Twilights' with a smile, "Hey it's like Adagio said we're here for you."
Sunset's hands suddenly began to glow and her eyes whited out as she let out a gasp.
_________________________________________________________________
It felt like a light was just shinned in her face. She could hear voices calling out to her but they were muffled. Sunset couldn't recognize where she was. She could still feel Twilight's hand in her grip, but she couldn't see her at all. She felt nervous yet Sunset didn't fully feel afraid. In fact this felt almost natural.
Her vision slowly began to clear, she was no longer in the forest. Twilight was no longer standing in front her she was in her room. It was much bigger than Sunset's in fact Twilight's bed room was the size of her apartment. In the large room Twilight stood in front of large mirror with tired and scared eyes as she looked at herself.
"There's nothing wrong with me." Twilight said to herself, "It's just stress."
It looked like something was about to happen, but there was another flash and Twilight was now standing in front of the lake. From what Sunset could make out it was just moments before the kitchen incident. Twilight looked even worse than before.
"That didn't happen, that didn't happen, that didn't happen..." Twilight kept saying to herself. Her teeth were chattering as she held herself. She stared at her murky reflection in the water. "What will the girls think if they saw that?"
The world slowly began to fade, although it liked there was more going on with this picture. She wanted to see more but it felt like she was being kicked out by another force.
_________________________________________________________________________
Sunset let out a small gasp as she blinked, and the world suddenly turned back to normal. A confused Twilight was staring at her along with the others. She let go of Twilight's hand holding her head.
"What was that?"
"Don't know your eyes just started glowing and you had this dumber than normal look on your face." Adagio said.
"I could see things like memories." Sunset said in astonishment as she looked to Twilight.
"Memories?" Twilight said with a look of surprise on her face.
"Yeah, just like what happened when I fell asleep." Sunset said.
"It looks like we've found your ability Sunset." Akiko said with a smile.
Sunset had a smile before looking to Twilight, "Twilight, I know things are weird right now, but the girls will help you. You've seen it yourself we're all getting these freaky abilities and just like everything else we'll get through it together."
Twilight stood still for a moment looking at Sunset and those around her. She gulped before taking a step forward with a determined look on her face. "I trust you, Sunset."
Sunset smiled back at her as a sigh of relief came out. It felt like a weight was being lifted from her shoulders. Her friend was happy, and it didn't look like she was as scared as she was before. The tears on Twilight's face seemed to be drying up as well as she walked toward Spike. She also had the bonus of obtaining her own ability. She could see other people's thoughts just like...
"Sunset." Lora's voice played in her head. Sunset was shocked to hear the elder Elias's voice in her head. "What did you see?"
"Lora? What are you talking about?" Sunset asked not being used to this sensation.
"When you saw Twilight's memories what did you see?"
"She was crying and was worried about her powers."
"Did you see anything else?"
"I don't know. It all happened really fast." Sunset explained as she noticed slight worry in Lora's voice, "Lora, what's going on?"
"Hey thanks for coming to find me, Spike." Sunset caught Twilight knelling to pet her dog. Her eyes widened when Spike started snarling at her and his hair began to rise up. He began taking steps back his eyes had a wild look. Twilight recoiled in surprise by this, "Spike, what's wrong?"
Spike's only response was to start barking wildly as Twilight tried to pet him again. Since knowing Twilight, Sunset had never seen Spike act this way around her. He was normally playful and sweet he would usually just bark when he was hungry or just chasing squirrels. But this was different this was primal. Each time Twilight went to pet him Spike would bark louder.
Akiko cast a glance toward Hikari with a raised eyebrow. Lora's voice suddenly began to chime in both of their heads.
"Akiko take the dog. We need to leave this place now."
Without questioning her Akiko moved in between Twilight and Spike. She hid her emotions with a small smile as she gently placed Spike her arms. "This forest is giving me a creep vibe must be affecting the little guy too. Ladies we found Twilight, so our mission is complete. Now let's get way out of this creepy forest." Akiko said.
Twilight nodded her head in agreement as she watched Spike be taken into Akiko's arms. However, the dog continued to bark and trash in her arms. The wild look in his eyes sent a chill down Sunset's spine. It was clear something was bothering him, but it was hard to tell what. Then there were the questions Lora asked.
Could there be something wrong with Twilight?
When she looked to Twilight, Sunset had to hold back a look of shock. Instead of a look of concern or worry for her pet. Twilight glowered at her dog. It was only for a brief moment until Twilight noticed her staring. Her face then flipped to one of concern or at least that's what it looked like she was going for.
"We should get Spike out of here. I think things are getting too weird for him."
"Yeah right." Sunset said with a smile letting Twilight walk past her. She stared at Twilight for moment before shaking her head. It was probably nothing things have just been weird lately.
As the girls started to move away from the forest a breeze hit them all. Akiko halted the group and Spike stopped barking. Now it was Mothra's turn to start acting out. The small kaiju began fluttering around the group in circles. She let out loud chirps toward Hikari and Akiko before talking off into the air. The sound of bending wood suddenly caught their attention. When looking at the treetops, they noticed they seemed to be moving in a particular direction.
"Please don't do this!"
The girls heard someone shouting. They stopped dead in their tracts feeling an intimidating pressure building around them. Even Spike went from barking to whimpering and buried his head into Akiko's arms. The forest felt like it was coming to life demanding them to leave.
Akiko, and Lora stiffened at this feeling. It was all to familiar to them. Like there was a beast growling in pure rage. Their minds began flashing back to their first mission in Mexico.
"Akiko." Lora said with a nervous gulp.
"Yeah." Akiko said her hair rising.
Sunset and Adagio stiffened at the sensation as well. They were getting a strange sense of Deja Vu. They were back to a world that was both old and foreign to them. It was a power that both had craved in the past.
"Sunset." Adagio said.
"Yeah." Sunset said.
"Anguirus." Akiko said.
"Equestrian magic." Sunset said.
They said at the same time then looked to each other. Adagio, Twilight, Hikari, and Lora had wide eyes. Twilight gulped as she moved her shaking head to look at Sunset and Akiko. A nervous smile edging across her face.
"I'm sorry I think things got mixed up when you two spoke." Twilight said looking to Sunset, "I mean I know we're all going through changes worse than puberty because of this magic stuff, that you know, changes people into ponies, angles, and winged demons. But what would be the odds of it being right here?"
She nervously laughed again before looking at Akiko.
"And Akiko I'm pretty sure you didn't say Anguirus. As in Anguirus, Anguirus, as in one of the strongest kaiju besides Godzilla himself. What would he be doing in Canterlot and the Everfree Forest of all places and why would he have Equestrian magic? It's not like he's a giant pony."
Sunset and Akiko hadn't taken their eyes off each other. The seconds felt like hours as they tried processing what the other had just said. Finally, Sunset sighed looking to Twilight her eyes full of fear, "Twilight I hate to say it, but this is Equestrian magic I can just feel it."
"Feel it? If we go any further into this forest, I'd be able to taste it." Adagio said as she instinctively reached for neck. She sighed realizing the thing she was reaching for was no longer there. "If I had known there was this much magic here, I would have come here instead of putting on that stupid battle of the bands."
"And haven't you noticed? It's not just Spike who's scared." Akiko said as she pointed her finger upward. Twilight followed it and found that large flocks of birds were flying into the air. They may have been high in the air, but Twilight could still make out that they were different species. However, they all had one thing in common. They were running. Not in a particular direction. Just away.
They heard the sounds of branches snapping making them snap out of their stupor. As the bushes began to rumble Akiko made a quick hand gesture for them to scatter. Without hesitation they quickly dove into the trees. They poked their heads out just enough to see who was coming. They were filled with pure shock when they saw the camp counselors walking out of the forest.
"Gloriosa and Timber?" Sunset whispered in shock.
"I sense aura coming from that woman." Lora said much to the shock of everyone.
They continued to watch over the camp counselors as it appeared Gloriosa was in an extremely agitated state. Timber looked like he was begging with his sister and was showing a small bit of fear of her as well. "The bank doesn't care about the camp or mom and dad. Filthy Rich doesn't care. No one in this town cares!" She practically roared her last sentence.
The ground began to shake causing the girls to either hanging on to a tree or each other. It took a lot for Sunset to suppress a surprised yelp as she fell flat on her butt. Once the shaking stopped, she received helpful hand from Adagio. Twilight was trying to steady herself the best she could after the shaking stopped.
"Was that an earthquake?" Adagio asked.
"We aren't near any fault lines." Twilight said.
"Because it wasn't that wasn't an earthquake." Akiko said as she stared at Gloriosa with dagger like eyes, "Anguirus is angry."
She watched as Gloriosa clutched her head with groan. She quickly shook it off continuing her walk although there was labor in her breathing. Timber quickly picked himself up following his sister to her destination.
"The only one who cares about this camp are you and me. Everyone else just cares about money. They wouldn't bat an eye if our camp was destroyed."
As Gloriosa started getting further away Akiko stepped out of her hiding spot. She looked at Hikari with serious eyes as she handed the frightened Spike to her then pointed to Sunset, Adagio, and Twilight. "Get them out of here. Lora and I will see what's happening."
"But..." Sunset was about to protest but Hikari held up her hand.
"On it." Hikari simply responded.
"Lora, tell Bone Crusher and Vector what's going on and to get the girls as far away from here as possible." Akiko said.
"Understood." Lora said as her body began to glow. She and Akiko started to walk off Sunset quickly broke from Hikari grabbing the G-team captain's arm.
"Akiko this is Equestrian magic I can help." Sunset protested.
"And it's my kaiju," Akiko said pulling her arm away, "Equestrian magic or not Anguirus is not something you can deal with. Or did you forget about New York?"
Sunset put her head down as Akiko's words hit her. She couldn't do anything against the giants that walked that night. Or the two who controlled them. She had never felt so weak then. Until a spark suddenly went off in her head. A small smile formed across her face. There was one other thing she did in New York.
"Yeah, I remember."
Sunset took a step back to Hikari. On a dime her heel quickly turned, and her body was a fluid motion as she felt her muscles tense up. In a burst of speed that would have surprised Rainbow Dash Sunset side stepped Akiko and ran into the forest. Surprising everyone as she left them behind.
"I'm gonna kill her!" Akiko shouted as her hair started rise up, she broke into a sprint as she chased Sunset.
"Sunset!" Twilight called to her friend and started to run after them.
"Hey wait a minute." Hikari tried grabbing Twilight but was to slow. She let out an annoyed groan before chasing after the girls. Leaving Adagio behind with just the trees.
"Okay I'll just head back to camp. Don't mind me." Adagio called to no one, "Yep just going to have a nice relaxing walk......In this giant forest......That looks the same no matter where I look...…. With a crazy woman and a giant monster lurking around."
Adagio's shoulders sagged and she sent a hard palm to her face. She groaned as she turned around and started chasing the others, "I should have never left the ocean!"
________________________________________________________________________
The birds flew away as the ground shook again this time Timber caught the sound of growling.
Unknown to him he was being watched by a certain unicorn. Sunset carefully hid behind the trees as Gloriosa and Timber continued to walk. She was shocked when she heard the normally chipper camp counselor sounding so aggressive. Every time she spoke, she practically roared.
"Filthy Rich saying he isn't a monster is the biggest load I've ever heard!"
Gloriosa stopped at her destination. The rock quarry. A smile strung across her face as she touched the rocks.
"But that's alright, because I've got this! Everyone knows how to beat a monster."
Timber felt his heart drop as Gloriosa turned around.
Sunset had to hold back a gasp when she saw Gloriosa's face.
Blood was streaming down her nostrils as a wide smile crossed her face. Her eyes held a green shine similar to her necklace as it began to glow. The rocks behind her started to move as the ground shook. There was a low a growl as the massive reptile broke free of his prison.
"And that's with another monster.... Isn't that right, Anguirus?"
Anguirus's eyes held a similar green glow to Gloriosa. The kaiju looked resistant as his body shook drool raining from his fangs. He reared his head back and let out a howl.
Sunset felt her legs shaking as she stared at the massive kaiju. She got an all to familiar feeling when she heard his snarl. Like staring into the hungry eyes of Varan as he started to chase her. However, where Varan looked predatory and eager to give chase to his prey, Anguirus looked extremely resistant. His shook as he looked down at the humans below him. Then there were his eyes. From all of the reports Sunset had read and the news programs featuring the kaiju his eyes were never a shade of green.
"Just like Gloriosa." Sunset said to herself.
Sunset stared at the camp counselor's necklace and the gems that made up the center. They pulsed with each movement of Gloriosa's hands. Sunset could feel the magic coming from each stone and it felt oddly familiar like when she would go on stage and perform with her friends.
"Oh my God."
Sunset turned to find the others had caught up with her. Twilight and Adagio looked about as nervous as her as they stared at the giant reptile. Akiko, Hikari, and Lora had looks of horror as they stared at Anguirus then to Gloriosa.
"It's worse than I thought." Lora said as she looked between Gloriosa and Anguirus, "She's trying to control Anguirus."
"I thought that was impossible." Hikari said.
"It's not impossible it's just extremely ill-advised. Just look at her," Lora said pointing to the blood streaming from Gloriosa's nose, "Anguirus is resisting and doing extreme damage to her brain. And each time Gloriosa uses this power in the angered state she's in it effects Anguirus's psyche."
Akiko had wide eyes as she stared at Anguirus. The twitching snarl of the monster pained her heart as her fist began to tighten.
"We have to stop her. Otherwise Gloriosa will die and Anguirus will be nothing more than a mindless beast." Lora said.
"It's her necklace." Sunset piped up causing Akiko to cast an angry glare toward her. She felt a chill run down her spine as she saw the G-team captain's hair starting rise. "H-h-her necklace has some kind Equestrian magic. That's what's controlling him if we get off of her maybe that might snap them out of it."
"Break the necklace free Anguirus in the process. Got it." Akiko said the girl's picked up the sound of her fingers popping, "And I'll break Gloriosa's nose for good measure."
Akiko started marching forward her eyes set on Gloriosa.
"Aki." Hikari said fearing for sister.
"Hikari, get them out of here." Akiko said without turning around.
"Don't think I'm not going to do anything." Sunset said about to grab Akiko's arm. To her surprise the G-team captain quickly whirled around nearly taking Lora off her shoulder. She grabbed Sunset's wrist causing her to wince as she applied pressure. Akiko glared at her causing the unicorn to shrink down.
Sunset gulped and found herself looking down in shame, "I-I just wanted to help."
Akiko stared at her for a brief moment then looked to the disapproving eyes of Hikari. "In a situation like this we need to have each other's backs." Hikari said, "What Sunset did was beyond stupid, but it wasn't without good intent. Besides it's not like we haven't dealt with a crazy nut running off."
Hikari had a small smile on her face as she thought about Kubo.
Akiko let out a calming sigh as she let go of Sunset.
"Sorry freaked out a little bit. Anguirus is just really special to me and seeing him like this is putting my head in a spin." She gave Sunset a serious look that held some confidence, "Look if you really want to help, I'm going after Gloriosa. If that necklace is really what's giving her power, then the minute I get it off of her I want you to grab it and take it back to the camp."
Sunset held a confident smile, "You're looking at the third-place holder of CHS's annual mile run."
"Oh, great putting all of our hopes on the bronze medal." Adagio deadpanned.
"I'd like to see you outrun Rainbow Dash and Applejack." Sunset said with puffed cheeks as she shot a look at Adagio. She then frowned slightly looking at the siren and Twilight, "Sorry for getting you two involved in this."
"Well friends can get you involved in crazy situations. Or at least that's what all my books about friends said," Twilight said before groaning, "I just wish this didn't involve running."
"When we get back, I'm locking you in a room with Aria." Adagio said with annoyance.
"Fair enough." Sunset said as she walked toward the girls, "Okay I'll grab the necklace you girls start running."
"Please tell me you know the way back." Adagio said as she got ready to run.
"Ummmm maybe?" Sunset said sheepishly with a nervous laugh. Adagio gave her an annoyed growl as she glared at Sunset.
"I remember." Twilight said getting confused looks from the former Equestrians, "What? I memorized the path I took with clear landmarks."
"Didn't anyone read the hands outs Celestia and I made before we came here?" Hikari asked looking between the Equestrians and Akiko. An awkward silence filled the air as all three nervously looked away. Hikari sighed rubbing Spike's heading both to soothe her nerves and calm down the frightened puppy. "Why do I even bother?"
"I'll make it up to you later. Now get ready to...."
"Get back!" Lora suddenly shouted.
Akiko jumped away just as the ground started to shake. The girls saw the trees starting move apart leaving them in the open and fully exposed to a smiling Gloriosa. Timber looked shocked to see them standing there his eyes focused more on Twilight as sweat started dripping from his face. Vines started coming to life snaking around them making the girls shuffle their feet nervously.
"I was wondering what all that noise was." Gloriosa said, "Didn't we say that the rock quarry was off limits? Looks like we have some rule breakers."
Timber stepped in front of his sister with pleading eyes, "All of you need to get out of here before...mhm!"
A vine wrapped around his mouth lifting Timber into the air revealing an annoyed Gloriosa. He kicked his feet desperately in the air looking to his sister. Gloriosa continued to look annoyed as she lowered her glowing hand. She slowly regained her smile looking at the group as she clapped her hands together.
"Sorry about that. I was in the middle getting Vector a new toolbox before something came up. Don't worry once I deal with it, I'll get it to him right away. Oh, and Fluttershy was talking about bird feeders I should pick up some bird seed on my way back. I've got this!"
Anguirus let out a loud snarl as he leaned his down to gaze at them. Staring into his eyes was jaw dropping for Sunset. However, she noticed that his eyes went from a green glow to a soft brown. They were full of pain, and she noticed that he was gazing directly at Akiko. The G-team captain held a small smile as she reached her hand out to touch him.
"Angy? Hey...Angy? You recognize me, don't you? I have your favorite perfume with me." Akiko said as she stepped forward.
Sunset noticed Anguirus shift a small grunt coming from the back of his throat. He and Akiko moved closer to each other. Akiko looked ready to touch his snout. Suddenly a pained look crossed his face as the green glow in his eyes snapped back. He rose back up his head shaking as a clearly forced and pained roar came from his throat. Akiko looked at him horrified before an annoyed groan came from Gloriosa.
"I told you that campers are off limits!" Gloriosa roared her hands glowing with her eyes. She grunted as her nose began to bleed.
Akiko snarled looking at Gloriosa like a wild beast. Her hair rose as her fingers began to curl into a fist, "YOU..."
"Have to stop!" Sunset got in between Akiko and Gloriosa. Her eyes were wide as she stared at the woman. "Gloriosa you're killing yourself and Anguirus."
"What?" Gloriosa looked at the girl confused.
Despite the protest from her friends and Hikari, Sunset approached Gloriosa. Keeping her voice as calm as possible when she spoke, "Gloriosa, please calm down." She gently held onto Gloriosa's hand, "You..."
Sunset gasped as her eyes began to glow. She saw everything that had gone on before they came to the camp. Her dealings with Filthy Rich, the orb of glowing magic leading her to the geodes that made up her necklace, Anguirus appearing, her unleashing him on Filthy's lawyer, and now her current plan.
When she snapped back to reality Sunset let go Gloriosa and took a step back. Her eyes were full of fear with what the woman was capable of.
"You....you made Anguirus attack that lawyer and cause the landslide!"
Everyone looked shocked at what the former Equestrian had said.
"How did you know that?" Gloriosa said not bothering to deny it.
"I can see things and I just saw what you were planning. You were going to unleash Anguirus on Filthy Rich! His office is in the middle of the city. Didn't you think about all of the people that were going to get hurt?!"
"The people?" Gloriosa said as she started shaking, "The PEOPLE?! The same people who went to this camp and are just going to let it get bulldozed?! Those people?! Because if that's who you're talking about then yeah I thought about them and how they can burn with the rest of this God forsaken city!"
Anguirus let a bone shaking roar as he looked to the mountains leading to the roads. The sound of crunching earth could be heard as his tail lifted off the ground. The massive ankylosaur started walking in the direction of the road.
"And Anguirus thinks so too!" Gloriosa said with a wide grin on her face as her necklace began to shine brighter, "Once Anguirus is done with Filthy Rich I think I'll have him visit the rest of his family and let them know what it feels like to be power...GAH!"
Gloriosa was cut off by a hard punch to the face by Akiko. The G-team captain's eyes had a burning intensity as she let a roar. Gloriosa skid across the ground near the entrance of the cave. She clasped her face letting out a muffled scream of pain.
"My nose! You broke my nose!" Gloriosa screamed.
"That's not the only thing I'm about to break." Akiko said popping her fingers as she stalked toward Gloriosa. She looked to Anguirus the massive dinosaur kept on a steady pace without any hesitation in his steps. A saddened look crossed her face before she looked to Lora.
"Do it."
The Elder Elias was engulfed in a green glow as she slowly began to hum. The sky started to come life with small flashes of light. Timber gave a muffled shout of surprise as he noticed small creatures flying in the sky. Gloriosa stopped groaning as her arms weakly held her up. Her eyes widened as a form started to take shape.
Sunset still couldn't help but feel amazed despite seeing this several times before there was still a strange sense of awe that came from the lights. Adagio felt the same although instead of awe the siren felt a warm comfort like she was waking up in the safe arms of her family. They felt completely safe in this light.
Anguirus stopped his war path to stare at the display of lights in the sky. A crocodilian grunt escaped his throat a strange familiar sense came to the dinosaur. He wanted to come closer to the light and let it wash over his body. Yet he couldn't he shook as he was forced to focus on his original target. He started back on his path only to be stopped by a loud chirp. A rainbow burst shot his spiked shell causing sparks to fly. His armor-plated tail beat the ground causing a mini earthquake as he turned to face his attacker. A gust of strong wind slapped the monster's face.
Orange and blue wings created powerful winds with six clawed legs cracking in anticipation. Antennae twitched upon a furry head with blue eyes glowing with power. Mothra let out a roar that echoed across the forest. She stared at the dinosaur wanting to keep his attention focused on her. Anguirus was a kind and gentle soul his normal interactions with her would revolve around him sleeping in the sun. Fighting off threats with a look of determination that the younger kaiju found inspiring. Or the friendly sparing matches he would have with Godzilla which she would join in the first chance she got.
Which is why it pained her to see him in such a state. Anguirus was huffing like a mad bull as his tail beating the ground. Drool fell from his fangs. He kept low to the ground flashing his spiked shell as a warning signal a low growl came from his throat.
Mothra called to her friend hoping to snap him out of his confused state. Only for them to fall on deaf ears.
Rage was completely taking over Gloriosa to the point she could hardly think straight. When she saw the giant moth, she didn't see the beauty that many saw. She could only see a threat to her camp and her home.
This rage started to shroud Anguirus's vision transforming the landscape around him. He was no longer standing in the Everfree Forest. He now stood in the cold, dark, and empty hollow earth. Standing before him was no longer the young kaiju that he once viewed as a friend, but the devil that used to call the underground her home. Two massive legs held a snake like body above the ground. Her tail swished brushing up dirt with each swish a forked tongue licked a triangular mouth that contained rows of dagger like teeth. Her white and gray scales clashed along her face making it appear as though her skull was protruding from her skin. Even though years had passed since his last encounter with the beast she still haunted his dreams. A constant reminder of what fear and evil truly looked like. She was his devil.
The Skull Devil.
Anguirus let out a thundering roar as he leapt in the air.
Mothra barely had time to register the attack. Before Anguirus could touch Mothra split herself apart. The ground shook as the dinosaur landed back to the earth. Mothra reformed in time to see Anguirus turning back to her with a snarl. Mothra's body to charge with power. She didn't want to fight Anguirus, but the humans she swore to protect were not to far off. She let out a challenging roar as her body followed with power.
She broke the sound barrier as her body overflowed with energy. Her flash dash landed directly into Anguirus's skull rattling the dinosaur. He grit his teeth as he was pushed back by the younger monster. Keeping up her attack Mothra fired an atomic burst from pointblank causing Anguirus to roar out in pain as his face smoked. He fell to his back exposing his under belly. Mothra took advantage of this and began firing mystic lighting into his soft under belly. Anguirus roared as the magic infused lighting sparked across his body.
Mothra didn't let up on her assault. To a human Anguirus sounded like he was in pain, but both she and the G-team knew they were roars of defiance. Anguirus was a kaiju known for his high tolerance to pain, whether it be strikes from the King of the Monsters or the King of Terror. The scar on his under belly was a testament of his will to fight. It was a deep scar, how he survived it is still up in the air. A fight gone wrong with Megalon gave birth to it leaving the kaiju on death's door. Yet he still managed to stand back up and fight back like a demon.
Which was what was happening know as his roars turned into a low growl. His lower body shifted and his back legs snapped to his head. His tail wrapped around his body. Mothra's lightning started bouncing off his spiked shell. Mothra stopped her attack as she stared at the ball of spikes. Her body started to glow with power as she began charging her next attack and thinking about what to do next.
Unfortunately, she didn't get the chance. For a brief moment Mothra saw the ball of spikes open revealing an angry eye staring at her sending a shiver through the young kaiju's body. The ground began to shake as Anguirus began to roll puffing out his spikes. Despite his size Anguirus moved like a rocket causing Mothra to beat her wings to push herself upward to avoid being hit.
Anguirus uncurled his tail while in mid roll. He slammed it into the ground and like an overgrown spring Anguirus launched himself into the air. With great power and speed, he struck Mothra with full force. The young kaiju roared in pain as large spikes struck her thorax. Causing blood to escape her mouth. The two giants fell back into the earth causing an earthquake.
Anguirus rose up small yellow drips of blood now decorating his spikes. He looked at his downed enemy finding her to be gasping for air. Anguirus stomped on the younger monster letting out a roar of rage into her face. Each time he roared it was like a crack of thunder. A crack loud enough to reawaken the young kaiju he stood under. Anguirus dove his head down jaws wide open ready to crush her head between his jaws. Something Mothra wasn't in the mood for.
Being around a short-tempered Godzilla since birth had done a number on Mothra's own temper. As in making it extremely short when attacked, even by one she viewed as a friend.
Her blue eyes flashed red as power began to build inside them. Using her front two legs Mothra grabbed the dinosaur's jaws snapping them shut. Her middle legs held down his front paws. She was saving this for her next encounter with Varan, but she didn't mind using doing it now.
Her atomic burst hit Anguirus point blank in the face. Instead of her normal burst attack the mix of atomic breath and magic energy shot out as a wave of pure energy. Anguirus let out muffled shout of surprise as the attack hit him. Her antenna twitched with a slight malicious glee like that of a child pulling a prank. She let go of Anguirus and the sudden freedom of his head and legs caught him by surprise causing Anguirus to trip over himself while the blast pushed him back.
Once he was off of her Mothra cut off her attack and she rose back up letting her wings shine brightly with energy. Anguirus, having regained his footing, shielded his eyes from the display of power. Once she was done Mothra roared still trying to call out to her friend. Anguirus roared back slamming his tail on the ground glaring at Mothra as the rage continued to course through his mind clouding his better judgement.
The two kaiju stared down at each other daring the other to back down with their own forms of intimidation. While this was going on the humans and Equestrians on the ground watched on.
"Why is it that whenever I'm around you things go crazy?" Adagio said.
"Luck of the draw." Sunset said.
"How are you two so calm right now?!" Twilight asked.
Sunset and Adagio looked to each other then to Twilight with a shrug.
"Use to it." They said in unison.
"STAY PUT!"
The girls turned when they heard Akiko shout. The G-team captain was slowly walking toward Gloriosa neither she or Hikari were paying attention to the dueling monsters behind them. They focused their attention on Gloriosa who was starting to get back to her feet.
"Gloriosa stay down and take off the necklace." Hikari pleaded keeping herself in front of the girls.
"You brought that monster to my camp." Gloriosa said looking at Mothra, "You brought it to destroy my home. You're working with Filthy Rich! YOU WANT TO TAKE EVERY THING FROM ME!"
"Gloriosa you're not thinking straight!" Hikari said, "We're not here to hurt you."
"Speak for yourself." Akiko growled cracking her knuckles.
"Aki!" Hikari shot at her.
"Gloriosa please take that necklace off. It's corrupting your mind." Lora said.
"I'M IN PERFECT CONTROL!" Gloriosa shouted rising back to her feet. She huffed as she looked at the women standing in front of her. Sunset gasped when she saw the Gloriosa's eyes turn pitch black and her pupils changing to a horrifying green. Adagio gulped as she could smell the magic radiating off of her.
A muffled scream came from Timber as he trashed and pulled at the vines that held him in place. He reached out to his sister trying to get her to notice him. Much to his luck she did see him as a look of concern crossed her face. But it was soon replaced with a wicked smile.
"Don't worry, Timber, I'll keep our home safe."
Muffled screams of protest came from Timber as he tried to free himself. Suddenly more vines started wrap around his body holding down his arms and legs. More started to wrap themselves around him before concealing his body in a cocoon made of plants. The last thing he saw was his sister smiling at him like a mad woman as her eyes glowed brightly.
Gloriosa looked to the women her smile still present as she waved her hand, "I just need more power!"
The ground spilt under Akiko's feet and a massive tree root shot out slamming into her. The wind was knocked out of her as she was sent sailing backwards.
"Akiko!" Hikari shouted in horror as she went to catch her sister.
Both women grunted as Akiko landed in her arms. Sunset was quick to brace Hikari in her arms the combined weight of the two women made her legs buckle. She grit her teeth ready to hit the ground hard, but to her surprise she fell into something soft and warm.
"And you say I'm heavy?" Sunset looked over to find Adagio gritting her teeth and holding the three steady. Her feet had carved a groove into the ground. Sunset held a smile on her face as she looked at the siren.
"Thanks girls." Hikari panted before turning to Akiko, "Aki?"
"I'm...fine." Akiko moved her arms from her stomach revealing a green aura wrapped around her. She opened her hands allowing Lora to take a breath and cancel her spell. "Thanks for the assist, Lora."
A panting Lora looked up at her holding up her thumb.
"She doesn't look so good." Twilight said looking over Lora.
"I'm fine," Lora said looking to where Gloriosa was standing, "We should worry about Gloriosa."
"She knows how to make a distraction." Akiko said standing back on her two feet.
Rumbling gained the women's attention as the battle between Mothra and Anguirus raged on. The two kaiju slammed each other into the ground shaking the earth. Sunset noticed how the fight was getting dangerously closer to the camp and looked to Hikari.
"They're heading right for our friends!" Sunset said.
"Sonata! Aria!" Adagio said with horror in her eyes.
"The only way to stop them is to stop Gloriosa." Lora said.
Barks started to come from the inside of the cave.
"Spike?!" Twilight said.
"He must have followed her in there." Sunset said.
"Okay, we are so giving him kibble when this is over." Akiko said as she started moving for the inside of the cave.
"Wait, what about Timber?" Twilight said looking to the cocooned boy in worry.
Akiko looked to the fighting monster before sighing, "We'll have to leave him here. Lora's right this ends once we stop Gloriosa. So let's make this fast."
Twilight looked at Timber with great worry until Sunset put her hand on her shoulder. She looked to her friend and found that she was glowing. Sunset's hair grew longer, and her ears turned equine. When she opened her eyes there was an intensity to them.
"Let's save our friends!"
"You're so annoying when you're fired up." Adagio said with a sigh although when she opened her eyes there was a similar intensity to Sunsets', "But if she thinks she can put my family in danger like that, then I'll tear that necklace off and shove it down her throat!"
"Well looks the votes are in!" Akiko said punching her hand into her fist.
"We are terrible role models." Hikari sighed as they walked into the cave.
Lora snickered before having a slight cough. When she brought her hand away from her mouth she had wide eyes from the sight. Blood resting in her palm. 'I don't have much power left.' She shot a small look to Twilight. 'We must end this before it's too late.'
………..
Cave
………..
The girls walked with cation as they listened to Spike's calls. Sunset could feel magic radiating off the cave walls all coming from one source at the very end. Adagio was doing her best to keep from drooling from how powerful the magic was. If small arguments in diners were fast food and a battle of the bands was a meal, then this was an all you can eat buffet.
"Girls remember it's the same plan as before. We'll handle Gloriosa and as soon that necklace comes off you take it and run." Hikari said.
The ground shook around them as the cries of Anguirus and Mothra echoed from outside.
"Although now we'll be running into a giant monster fight." Adagio said.
"Not our first time." Sunset said.
Spike's barking grew louder and the girl's noticed a light coming from the end of the cave. The girls found Spike to be growling at the edge of the cave. They didn't say anything as they approached the dog as they mentally prepared to fight. Sunset made sure to keep her legs loose to get as much speed as possible. It also helped that she was ponied up adding more muscle to her legs. Now she just had to worry about keeping Twilight and Adagio in pace with her. Adagio was pretty fast even for a human, but Twilight was.... 'Maybe Adagio can carry her?'
Akiko came to a stop and was shocked by what she saw. The inside of the cave was full diamond like rocks giving a soft glow to the inside. But what truly shocked her was in the middle of the cave a stalagmite that shined brighter than the others. On the top were five holes that looked as though something was torn from them. The only other color the rock had were red and purple geodes. That's were Gloriosa was standing with a wide smile on her face.
"Welcome campers! Today's activity will be geology!" Gloriosa shouted, "Does anyone want to look at these special rocks."
"Gloriosa you're putting yourself in danger!" Hikari shouted.
"Those geodes aren't from this world. They're corrupting you." Sunset said stepping up in front of everyone else.
"I haven't been clearer in my entire life." Gloriosa said, "I now completely understand how everyone in this town feels about my family. They want our forest, our camp, our home gone. Just to build more of their ugly city. But with Anguirus I can stop all that. He'll grind this city to dust and then I'll raise this forest back to it's original form."
"That's insane!" Akiko said, "Anguirus would never want that you're just forcing him!"
"Sorry to hear you think that way, but I've got this!" Gloriosa shouted grabbing the final geodes.
"No!" They all shouted.
Akiko rushed to stop her, but it was too late. A green fire formed around Gloriosa's hands and started wrapping up her arms. Her skin changed to a pale gray the resemble the bark of a tree. Her clothes burned away replaced with leaves that turned into a hardened dress around her body. The blood that was on her nose disappeared as it snapped back in place and her smile grew larger. She flicked her finger and the ground cracked around the girls. Vines snapped out to of the ground wrapping around the girls and held them in the air.
"Sorry to leave you girls hanging, but I've got some important business to deal with. The other campers are waiting after all, and I should give them my full attention." Gloriosa said as she started levitating. She looked at Akiko, whose arm was reached out still trying to grab her. The G-team captain growled as she tried breaking out of the vines. She put a hand on her chin with a confident smirk.
"Don't worry I'll take good care of Anguirus."
Akiko shot her a glare that could cut through a diamond. With that she let Akiko go and continued to levitate her way out of the cave. The girls screamed in distress as they watched Gloriosa place two large boulders at the entrance of the cave.
________________________________________________________
Anguirus came to a skidding halt as he glared at Mothra. The moth flew through the air her wings generating power as she let out a roar. Ideas followed through her head on how she could land a strong enough blow to keep him down. So far every attack she threw at him the armored kaiju would just power through it. The only realistic way she saw herself winning this fight was to simply hold out and wait for Godzilla to arrive. She brushed the thought out of her head immediately. She can't keep relying on him to bail her out of every battle. Also, this was Anguirus one of the few kaiju that Godzilla viewed as a friend. The emotional toll that would take on Godzilla if he saw Anguirus in this state was something she couldn't bear.
This was her fight and she had to see it through.
With a roar she beat her wings all six of her clawed legs splayed out electricity coursing through them. She let out a roar as she slammed into Anguirus. He grunted as her body crashed into him at high-speeds. With all the strength she could muster combined with as much energy she could pour out of her body. She slammed Anguirus into the ground while firing off her mystic lightning. If he was being controlled, then all she had to do was keep him down long enough for the humans to figure out the issue.
She flew off him a triangle forming on her forehead building with magic energy. Mothra fired a rainbow burst directly at Anguirus's head. If the torso wasn't going to work then the head would be her best target. Mothra kept up her assault with three solid strikes on the armored kaiju's head. Mothra stopped her attack huffing from the amount of effort.
As the dust started to settle, she was surprised to see that Anguirus wasn't getting back up. Smoke sizzled off his skull as a moan came from his lips. He was...down?
Mothra felt a bit of excitement running through.
She, did it?
If it was possible for her to smile, then then young kaiju would have had a large grin on her face.
She did it!
Mothra leaned her head back and roared in victory.
Unknown to her another was watching their fight. Gloriosa slowly made her way through the forest looking up at the moth.
"Awww poor Anguirus." Gloriosa said with a smile, "I know you can do better than that."
Her eyes flashed with a small smile as her yellow geode began to glow. Energy began to flow off her body as she watched Anguirus stir.
Mothra stopped her victory roar as her instincts warned her of danger. She noticed Anguirus's red aura flowing off his body begin to rise. He began to stir, and his eyes ripped open. The green glow in his eyes suddenly turned red as he rose to his feet a snarl coming from fangs. A raging shriek ripped from his jaws and shook the air. His red aura flared around him like a blazing inferno.
The smaller kaiju couldn't help but feel intimated by the display of power. Mothra found herself fluttering backward despite wanting to stand tall her body wouldn't let her. Her instincts were demanding that she run away.
Anguirus snarled lowering his body like a jungle cat ready to pounce. His powerful back legs propelled him forward as his front claws spread as he roared out a song of pure rage.
………..
Cave
………..
Sunset grunted as she struggled against the vines holding her down. Even with her strength enhanced the vines wouldn't budge. The others struggled as well; Akiko harder than the rest as she let out screams of rages as she tried breaking free. Sunset could see her muscle flexing as she tried breaking out.
"Akiko stop!" Hikari called, "You're going to hurt yourself!"
"Do you have any better ideas!?" Akiko shot back.
"Akiko please try to remain calm. You can't think straight when you're like this." Lora said as she dangled in place.
"She has Anguirus! She's going after Bone Crusher and Vector! How can I be calm?!" Akiko yelled.
"By having faith in them!" Hikari shouted getting Akiko to stop for a moment. Hikari let out a soft sigh looking over Akiko, "You're not the only one who's worried."
Akiko had wide eyes as she looked toward Adagio and Sunset. Adagio was struggling with her vines with wide eyes of worry her chest may have been covered, but the G-team captain could tell it was heaving. After spending a few nights with the siren, she could tell when Adagio was on the verge of a panic attack.
"Sonata, Aria." She spoke barely above a whisper.
Sunset was close to roaring like Akiko as she struggled with the vines. Her movements were full of desperations as well as her eyes. She tried breaking free but was left panting and grunting. Sweat was pouring off her forehead although it was clear it from her own fear rather than from her own struggles. Akiko's breathing started to calm slightly as she looked at the teenagers. Words started echoing in her head from familiar voice she'd rather not remember.
"Stay out of my head old man." She whispered.
She took a deep breath relaxing her muscles as she looked to the girls. "Sunset, Adagio! Calm Down!" Her voice echoed throughout the cave. The commanding yet calm tone of her voice caused the girls to stop moving. Their hard breathing was now the only thing bouncing off the cave walls.
"Deep breaths both of you. Everything will be all right." Akiko said with a soft smile.
"But our friends!" Sunset said.
"My family!" Adagio said.
"Will be alright." Hikari softly said, "Mothra is out there fighting to keep them safe and so are Bone Crusher and Vector. We have to stay strong for their sake. Freaking out in here won't get us anywhere."
"Yeah, I didn't help with that." Akiko said playfully sticking her tongue out, "Alright girls here's a little lesson about dealing with kaiju and a power crazed villain. It's not just about being strong sometimes you have to use your head."
Adagio and Sunset started breathing slowly trying to calm themselves down. Akiko smiled at that she then looked to Twilight to see how the other girl was doing. Much to her surprise Twilight was oddly calm about the situation. The girl was occasionally struggling, it looked more like was she was testing her bindings. Cation flags were waving in her head, something was off with this girl. But for now...
"Let's try getting out of these things." Akiko looked to Lora, "Think you can get us out of here?"
Lora was taking several breaths as her body started to glow, "Just give me a moment."
"Actually, I think I can help." A small voice piped up.
The girls were shocked to hear small footsteps coming from a small bundle of rocks.
"Spike?!" They all said in unison.
"The one and only." The small dog took a triumphant pose.
"Were you hiding this whole time?" Sunset asked.
Spike sheepishly laughed rubbing a paw to the back of his head.
"Yeah, with all the giant monsters and people turning into plants survival instinct kind of went into overdrive." Spike flashed his fangs, "But now I'm feeling a little better."
With a small growl he ran toward Sunset Shimmer and leapt onto her. His small claws gripped the vines he dove down snarling as he pulled at them. The snapping of the vines echoed throughout the cave. Sunset couldn't help but cheer the little pup on as his teeth started making short work of the plants. Sunset could feel her restraints getting looser a smile came to her face. Her arms started to break free, and Sunset shouted as tore off her restraints. She cracked her bones feeling lose again.
She pat him on the head with a smile, "Good boy Spike!"
She picked up a sharp stone as she walked too Adagio. "Think you can get Twilight and Akiko loose? I'll get Adagio, Hikari, and Lora."
"I'll help Akiko," Spike snorted as he glared at Twilight, "But I won't help her."
The puppy growled as he stared at his owner, "Why are you still with her?"
Sunset looked confused as she started cutting Adagio loose.
Twilight more so as she stared at her pet she tried smiling, "Spike what are you talking about?"
"Stop talking!" Spike growled as his hair stood on edge.
Sunset was shocked by Spike's sudden outburst. She'd never seen him so aggressive before, especially toward Twilight of all people. Twilight held the same shock as well before letting out a small laugh.
"Okay haha, Spike very funny. Now come over and help me."
Spike answered with a growl as he started backing away from her, "You're not Twilight."
Everyone with the exception of Lora had wide eyes.
"Come one Spike this is getting old. Now get over here and untie me!" Twilight's tone shifted and her voice became lower.
"How long are planning to keep this up?" Lora asked gaining Twilight's attention, "Animals may not be able to see aura, but they can still sense the evil in you."
Sunset looked to Lora confused. She was about to speak until Adagio suddenly grabbed her hand. The siren's panicked state suddenly came back in full force. Her knees started quiver and her breathing became more labored. "S...S...Sunset look at her face."
Twilight let out a small chuckle as her eyes started to change. Teal flames shot from them as her chuckle became a cackle. A wide smile crossed her face as she stared at Lora, "She did warn me that you were a killjoy, Lora."
"Twilight?" Sunset asked.
"The one and only!" Twilight said with a laugh as the vines around her body suddenly had raspberry glow. With a blink Twilight's binding ripped apart. She let out a content sigh as she began stretching. A wide smile crossed her face as she stared at the former Equestrians. "Just with a few modifications."
Sunset's heart started racing when stared at Twilight. Her features were all to familiar to Sunset. The unnatural fire resting on her eyes, the deranged smile, mixed with chilling laughter. The only thing missing were the massive pair of raven wings resting on her back.
"Sunset, I don't know what's going on, but you need to run." Hikari said.
"Don't worry I'm not going to hurt her." Twilight said while grinding her teeth, "Despite how badly I want to.... My mistress will not allow it. Considering the plan, she has for her."
"Mistress? I didn't know you swung that way, Twilight. Tell you what get me out of here and I'll be your mistress." Akiko said glaring at the girl.
Twilight ignored Akiko as her eyes focused Adagio. Her smile grew and her hands began to glow, "But she does have a promise to keep to the fish."
Adagio body became wrapped in a raspberry aura she screamed as she was suddenly pulled. Sunset held her hand tightly as Adagio was pulled. The siren looked into her eyes the desperation displayed in them was hard to miss. Sunset grunted as she held onto Adagio.
"You know what? Maybe she'll forgive me if I don't hurt you too bad." Twilight said lifting her finger.
A jolt of pain shot through her back. She screamed loosening her grip allowing Adagio to start slipping through her fingers. Sunset tried regaining her grip only for the sharp pain to come again. She panted dropping to a knee as Adagio slipped through her finger. Sunset could only watch as Adagio was dragged across the cave floor to an awaiting Twilight. She could barely think straight from the pain. She let a pain filled moan as she reached to her back pulling out a small pebble that was covered in blood.
The pebble was covered in Twilight's aura and floated from Sunset's hand. Twilight let out a malicious laugh as it floated around her. Sunset weakly stared at her friend as she gripped Adagio's hair.
"You know at first I was a little disappointed that this was all I could. I mean seriously the last time I had magic I could tear into another dimension. But it's amazing how science can make everything better." Twilight smiled as the small pebble danced in front of her, "If I normally throw this thing it probably wouldn't hurt that much."
Twilight took the pebble into her hand and threw it at Sunset. It bounced off her forehead landing softly on the ground. It regained an aura slowly rising in front of her. It began to shake, and Twilight's smile grew as she held up her finger.
"But if I constantly keep it in a state of motion. Messing with the velocity." Twilight made a flicking motion with her finger.
The pebble shot forward digging into Sunset's shoulder causing her to scream in pain. She fell to her back clutching her bleeding shoulder.
"I can turn it into a bullet." She smiled watching Sunset role on the ground.
"Sunset!" Everyone shouted.
Adagio tried to pull to get away, but Twilight yanked her hair back, "Easy fish cake. The fun is just getting started."
Twilight looked at the G-team who were currently struggling to get free as they watched Sunset. "Don't you hear her Lora? She's been calling you."
Lora glared at Twilight, "Let me talk to your mistress, Twilight."
Twilight chuckled with a shrug as she closed her eyes. The green flames around them turning into a dark shade of purple. Her smirk remained but it felt vaguely familiar. Twilight opened her eyes although know they were full of a darkness that only Lora knew of. Adagio stopped struggling as she stared at the girl in fear. When she spoke it was matched with another.
"Hello Lora."
"Midnight." Lora spoke with venom.
"Come now Lora don't say my name like that. It hurts my feelings." Midnight spoke with a mock pout before breaking out into a chuckle, "It's such a shame seeing you like this. I would have stepped in sooner, but that woman was too entertaining. Honestly, I haven't laughed that hard in..."
"Let the girl go now!" Lora said.
"Years." Midnight finished with a sigh, "How can a billion years pass and you still manage to be such a bore? Well you don't have to worry I won't be staying long."
"Well at least something good is happening today." Akiko said.
"You're lucky I want to kill you with my own hands parasite." Midnight said with annoyance.
"Ahhh, I didn't know you liked me so much." Akiko mocked a smile.
Midnight glared at the G-team captain ready to spit venom at the woman. A loud bark suddenly caught her attention. Spike came running at Midnight. The little dog's teeth barred as he snarled at her.
"Let Twilight go!" Spike shouted as he jumped at her.
"Interesting." Midnight said as she held up a finger Twilight's magic triggered, and Spike froze in the air. She looked over to Sunset, who was giving her a pained glare, "You girls truly live in a fascinating area. It's too bad Ganimes is going to destroy it. Or maybe I should just let Gloriosa do it for me and then of course kill her too I don't want people thinking I'm getting soft. Oh, but Ganimes is going to be so disappointed especially after just killing Godzilla. What a dilemma I'm in!"
Everyone had wide eyes at the last statement. Midnight smiled as she looked at Lora, "Lora, I know your aura is low, but even you should have sensed that beast being wiped out."
"You're lying," Sunset spoke up trying to stand, "Godzilla isn't dead."
Midnight let out an amused laugh before tossing Spike away. The dog yelped as he hit the ground and lying on his side motionless. With her free hand she grabbed Adagio by the throat. The siren screamed as Midnight looked her in the eyes.
"Don't worry Shimmer he won't be lonely." Smoke started come from Twilight's mouth, "I do have a promise to keep after all."
Adagio couldn't speak properly as Midnight held her close. The only thing she muster was a shrill cry as she looked for help. Midnight offered a cold laugh as she forced Adagio to face her.
"This girl's aura isn't as she strong as mine, but it can at least generate enough power that I can transfer one spell over to her. And what a spell it is."
Midnight forced her lips onto Adagio causing the siren to struggle. She let out muffled screams as she tried to push Midnight away. Tears ran down her face as Midnight continued to force herself on her. The seconds the kiss lasted felt like hours to Adagio until Midnight pulled away the smoke coming from her mouth now entering Adagio.
"All of this could have been avoided and now you must live with the consequences. Pay for your mistakes with a bloody fate. Let those you love, die for your cause."
Adagio began coughing as her eyes started to glow. Veins started to appear on her head as a sharp pain ran through it. Sunset looked to Adagio with concern as she began moaning. She started to reach out to her only to stop when the siren began to scream uncontrollably. Tears fell from her eyes as she kept screaming.
Midnight smiled as she watched Adagio.
"How do you like my spell? I call it: True memories. The last person I used it on lasted an hour before their heart gave out. But judging from your reaction I doubt you'll last the next five minutes."
"K...k....K...Kubo!" Adagio shouted through teary eyes as she continued to writhe in pain.
This warranted another amused chuckle from Midnight. She leaned down to Adagio's ear, "I'm sorry but your knight will not be coming to rescue you, She looked to Hikari with a smile, "He will not be rescuing any of you any longer."
With that she kissed the screaming siren on the forehead, "Goodbye Adagio Dazzle, I shall honor our agreement. As for you Sunset Shimmer I look forward to meeting you again. Although I do hope Miss Sparkle leaves you somewhat intact. Oh and Lora do be sure to keep your aura in check I don't want your body giving out. Well, it was a pleasure ta ta." Twilight closed her eyes and the purple flames started to disappear.
"No, you don't!" Sunset roared running at Twilight. She grabbed her by the shirt collar ignoring the pain it caused her shoulder, "You bring Twilight back now and undo whatever you did too Adagio! You hear me?!"
Twilight cracked a smile, "No."
Sunset heard something coming toward her. She could also hear the sounds of Hikari and Akiko screaming. Then there was the nothing but a searing pain running throughout her body. Sunset felt her vision getting hazy as her knees became weak. When she looked down, she noticed a sharp stone sticking out of her stomach. When she looked at Twilight the girl's eyes were back to a teal green flame, and she had a wide smile.
"But I can!"
Sunset could barely breath as she dropped to her knees. The pain was so intense, but the shock prevented her from screaming. Sunset could only let out a pain filled wheeze. Twilight paid her very little attention as she started spitting and gagging.
"My first kiss and it's with a fish." Twilight gagged looking to a screaming Adagio, "I thought you said she lost her voice? So how can she still scream like this." She kicked the siren in the stomach, "Just shut up and die already."
"Leave them alone!" Akiko shouted.
"What happened to that whole we have to stay calm speech you gave?" Twilight asked looking at Akiko, "What, now that you know your pet lizard and boyfriend aren't coming to the rescue you've given up?"
Akiko was doing her best to remain calm, but her rising hair and reddening eyes were giving her away. She was doing her best not to think that Kubo or Godzilla were dead. Hikari was the same along with Lora. The elder Elias had a shine in her eyes as she tried using what little power she had left to search for Godzilla.
"Please do whatever you want to us, but the girls aren't apart of this." Akiko said.
"Sorry but you've got the wrong person." Twilight said with a laugh as she casually leaned on Sunset, "You see I'm not Midnight I was just letting her talk through me. So quite frankly I don't really care about you that much. Sunset is my enemy, she's the one who stopped me before, so I want to see her suffer."
She grabbed the stone, that was currently impaled in Sunset's back. She hissed as Twilight gingerly pulled the stone in and out of her body. Twilight slapped Sunset's head, "Oh come on I missed all of your vitals, so you'll live."
Twilight looked back to Akiko, "As for you I could care less what happened to you. Although Midnight does want all of you to suffer as well. Hmm decisions, decisions what should I do? " Twilight tapped her chin with a large amount of exaggeration. She let out a loud gasp snapping her finger, "I know how to kill two birds with one stone."
With a swift motion she pulled the stone from Sunset's side causing her to scream in pain. She fell face first into the ground next to Adagio. She clutched her stomach shaking from the pain. Twilight twirled in the stone in her fingers causally flicking the blood off it. Some of it landed on Akiko causing her to shake from rage.
"Tell you what. Since Adagio is getting on my last nerve, I'm going to figure out how to get out of here. While you three can enjoy her final song. Doesn't that sound fun?!" Twilight said with a laugh she then grabbed Sunset by the hair forcibly lifting her up, "And just so you're not missing out, Sunny, I'll leave you hear too."
"Tw...Twilight....I... know...you're in there." Sunset managed to say.
Twilight looked down at her with a raised eyebrow before her cheeks puffed. She let out a mocking laugh clutching her side.
"Sunset, I'll let you in on a secret," Twilight said leaning next her ear, "You're the reason I'm like this in the first place."
She took Sunset's free hand, "Your powers work if you touch someone right?"
Sunset clenched her teeth through the pain before she let out a gasp and her eyes began to glow.
_________________________________________________________________________
"That didn't happen, that didn't happen, that didn't happen..." Twilight kept saying to herself. Her teeth were chattering as she held herself.
"Oh, but it did." A mocking voice said, "The witch has been outed and by our best friend no less!"
"Stop." Twilight whispered.
"Who could have seen that coming! Oh wait, me!"
"Stop."
"Sunset and the others were never our real friends. You were just a replacement for that other you."
Twilight heaved as she clutched her chest, "Please stop."
"Everyone hates you."
"SHUT UP!" Twilight finally screamed at the top of her lungs. The ground around her shook as dirt was pushed back by the power she gave off. Her screams turned into hard sobs as the girl dropped to her knees. Twilight covered her face as she cried into her hands.
"Wow! Didn't think you had that in you."
Twilight caught the sound of small clapping as she felt a presence looming over her.
"Look at me."
Twilight kept her face covered and slowly began to curl up into a ball. She caught the sound of tired sigh, "The turtle position of course. Geez you are high maintenance. BTW that didn't stop those girls from kicking the crap out of you in middle school."
She could feel a hand running down her head.
"Look I'm sorry if what I said sounded harsh, but deep down you know it's true. When those girls first met you they thought you were that pony and when they realized you weren't her...well you saw how disappointed Sunset Shimmer was."
Twilight sniffled in response getting another head pat.
"You were just her little preview until the real deal showed up. You remember that day right like looking into an awkward mirror." The voice let out a soft chuckle as Twilight felt fingers running through her hair, "You also remember how much Sunset lit up when she saw that other you right? When was the last time she looked like that when she saw you huh?"
"She's my friend."
"Then why did she rat you out huh? To a group of people who specialize in dealing with monsters no less."
"She said she was forced."
"Really and you believe that? Sunset is such a fangirl for those G-team guys. Do you really think she wouldn't do anything they say at the drop of a hat."
"Please...stop." Twilight whispered.
"Not this again. Look, you need to hear this sorry it's not to your liking, princess."
"PLEASE!" Twilight finally lifted her head up. She stared at the voice speaking to her. She was shocked to find that it was her, but it was not what was she excepting. The flames around her eyes were not present instead just green irises. Her black revealing dress was replaced with Twilight's normal clothing. Her wild hair was combed back into the ponytail that Twilight normally kept. Her wide smile that was normally full of madness was replaced with a somber look of understanding.
"Please just stop I...I...I'm just so tired. My head won't stop pounding. I want Spike, I want my brother, I want to go home. Please I just want to go home." Twilight begged she wrapped her arms around the girl in front of her. Tears falling down her face.
"Close your eyes, Twilight." The other her spoke, "Just close your eyes and I'll bring you home."
"Really?" Twilight spoke with a bit of hope in her voice. She pulled apart from her other self.
"I'm you, Twilight, and in this world, you can only trust yourself."
"Shinning Armor will be there and Cadence too. Mom will make something delicious for dinner." Twilight said with a smile as her eyes started to glaze over.
"Yes, they will, just close your eyes and you'll be with them." Herself said with a toothy grin as she moved in closer to Twilight.
"Home." Twilight whispered with a smile before closing her eyes allowing her other to move on top of her body.
Twilight lied motionless on the ground as the world seemed to pass around her. Until her eyes snapped open, and she let out a gasp. She looked at her hands testing her fingers making sure each one moved properly. She put a hand to her chest feeling her heartbeat. A smile crossing her face as her eyes became enveloped in flames.
"Welcome home, Twilight."
________________________________________________________________________________
Sunset had tears running down her face as she was dropped back to the ground.
"Seriously, thank you for spilling the beans to everyone. She was already starting to break so that little push really did it. Made taking over the driver seat that much easier." Twilight chuckled, "Although I was a little afraid that you would catch on when we first meet good thing you're so trusting."
Twilight then looked to Lora with the same evil grin licking her lips, "And Lora thank you for not exposing me either. I guess telling everyone about me while we were at the camp didn't pan out that well, did it?"
Lora had wide eyes as she looked at Twilight. That was her plan, but she hadn't even told Akiko or Hikari yet.
"Did you really think I hadn't caught those looks you were giving me." Twilight touched her head, "I didn't lose my brain power when I took over. I was already coming up with a plan to take this little pony and leave before Gloriosa showed up. I guess I should her thank too."
Lora looked down with a dejected look as Twilight laughed like a mad woman. She then dropped Sunset to the ground with little care. She began walking away to the entrance of the cave keeping up her laugh. Sunset watched her through teary eyes trying to reach to her friend. She slumped to the ground with a defeated look as the world started to echo and blur around her. The pain finally going through her body. She wanted to scream but her lungs were burning. She could hear Akiko and Hikari calling out to her. She then moved her head looking to the screaming Adagio next to her.
'She's here because of me.' she thought.
With a moan Sunset forced herself to crawl up to Adagio's face. Once she was there she gently pulled the siren's hand away from her head. She squeezed it trying attempting to get the pained siren's attention however Adagio continued to scream. Sunset watched in blurry vision a tear falling down her face as everything started to get dark. Adagio's screaming became distant as well as the G-teams calls.
"I'm so sorry."
Sunset managed to say before passing out.