//------------------------------// // With A Chance Of Awesome // Story: My Little Mages: Duration Disruption // by Foxhelm //------------------------------// Back in Rainbow and Scootaloo’s cabin, Rainbow was still on her bed, sighing in sorrow. “You really know how to mess things up, don’t cha Crash?” She asked herself. “What is wrong with me? Am I that much of an adrenaline junkie?” She sighed, “Maybe that’s why Scoots liked watching the Washouts and wanted to join them, they’re so much like me.” She then looked to the ceiling, “Huh, guess Lightning and me ain’t so different.” Just then she heard a knock on the door. Rainbow got up reluctantly. She knew it wasn’t Scootaloo, she had a key to the room. “Coming,” she said with no emotion. Once at the door and it opened, Rainbow saw Sci-Twi, “Listen Rainbow we need to talk.” Sci-Twi started, the fear in voice hinting to the current state of things. However before Sci-Twi could get started, Rainbow raised her hand, “Before you say anything, Sci-Twi, I've had a lot of time to think about yesterday.” The elementalist stated. She took a breath “And I spent the better part of it wishing I could make it up to you and everyone else.” She paused as she looked Sci-Twi squarely in the eye, “Because I ruined everyone's trip for nothing.” She confessed with a breath, “There's no baddie to fight! Nothing evil afoot at all! The only villain trying to ruin things was me. I know you jumped through a ridiculous amount of hoops to arrange this for Sunset’s birthday and I messed it up. I’m sorry, I don’t expect you to forgive me.” Sci-Twi smiled. “Glad you’ve learned your lesson,” she said a little too quickly as she dashed into the cabin and behind its window, “and I’m sorry to undermine this great moment of character development, but have you looked out your window?” Rainbow shook her head and looked where Sci-Twi was pointing. “Okay so we have some bad weather,” Rainbow commented not getting what Sci-Twi was trying to say. Sci-Twi then showed Rainbow a barometer, “That can’t be right, if we’re in a high-pressure area, why would we be in the middle of a storm.” “Fluttershy thinks it’s a storm elemental and Sunsets believes its consciousness is the same as the Storm King guy you faced.” Sci-Twi exposed. “Wait for what?” Rainbow asked as she was starting to follow, but not quite. Sci-Twi grabbed Rainbow by her wrist, “Honestly, you have got to be the densest person I’ve ever met. We need an elementalist and you’re the most powerful one on the ship. So let’s go!” Sci-Twi panicked as she ran out of the cabin bringing Rainbow along with her. Back on deck, the others were casting the few ranged spells they had access to, but nothing seemed to work against the Storm King in his new form. The elemental seemed to be laughing at the pitiful attempts to assault and batter it. In turn, it increased the howling of its winds and attempted to strike the ship. However, its lightning was blocked. And back and forth this went on until Sci-Twi and Rainbow arrived at the deck. It was then that Sci-Twi pointed to storm with a frown of ‘Now do you see it.’ Rainbow looked past Sci-Twi and saw the massive Storm Elemental attacking the ship. Rainbow stared at the monster in complete befuddlement. “How long has that been there?” “About fifteen minutes now,” Sci-Twi explained, “To paraphrase what I said before, Fluttershy told us it’s some kind of storm elemental and Sunset surmised that it was created by the mental remnants of a villain you’ve fought before. The Storm King?” Sci-Twi spoke his name as if worried she said it wrong. The corners of Rainbow mouth sank as a worried expression spread across her face. She had heard tales of elementals and the damage they were able to bring when she was being trained to be an elementalist, but never in her life did she think she’d ever see one. The fact it also was carrying the face of a once thought dead enemy, who had an obvious axe to grind here, did not help in alleviating her feeling of dread. “So... what’s the plan…” she asked with a gulp. “Princess Twilight teleported to get something called the Staff of Sarcanas as a means to disburse this storm elemental,” Sci-Twi informed. “But there has to be something else we can do in the meantime,” she added as she went onto the deck. Rainbow, however, remained behind. For her want of action, this was not what she was expecting, but at some level, she had asked for this. “Well, Crash, you made this bed,” she gulped. “Now sleep in it.” However, before Rainbow stepped back on the deck, Twilight teleported back with the staff. “Got it.” Twilight declared as she took the staff with both hands and pointed the crystal at the center of the elemental. “Now it’s time to end this,” Twilight said as the crystal started to glow. The Storm King turned its attention to Twilight and even if he didn’t seem to recognize Twilight or the staff, he did see a threat and sent a half dozen bolts of lightning at Twilight, shocking her. As everyone was utterly transfixed and left agape at what befell her, Twilight’s arm went back throwing the staff into the air. Twilight fell to her knees and everyone rushed towards her. As all that happened, Rainbow stepped onto the deck and caught the staff. She felt something emit from it and enter into her. She felt her hair start to float and her wings start to beat. She couldn’t explain it, but she knew what she had to do and that she had everything she needed to do it. She smirked as the looked at the Storm King in his new form. “It's hero time!” she said and flew into the wind and ascending to what seemed to be the eyes of the storm elemental. Once Rainbow was in front of what seemed to be the face of the Storm King immediately gaining its attention. The elemental’s face began to contort and change into an expression that resembled confusion. The weapon she was holding somehow was familiar to him. The girl holding it also seemed familiar. The elemental turned its eyes towards the ship and suddenly notice five other colors besides the rainbow before him. Blond? Two shades of purple? Two shades of pink? Memories began filling his mind, memories of six sorcerers who had stolen that weapon from him, who aided Tempest. Rage like the elemental had never felt before filled its being. The wind picked up and growled out its next words. “Staff? My Staff! You stole! You destroyed me!” His gaze shot from Rainbow towards ship then back toward the elementalist again. “YOU! THEM! TEMPEST! YOU DESTROYED ME!” Rainbow smirked, “Taste the rainbow, mother fucker!” she shouted as she shot bolts of energy from the crystal of the staff that made of the seven colors that made the visible light spectrum. The elemental cried out in pain and shock that he could be injured. As Rainbow flew she bobbed and weaved, making herself harder and harder to hit. No matter how hard the Storm King tried to swat her, Rainbow seemed like a hornet, able to avoid her foe’s blows and stinging all the while. The elemental roared over the sound of crashing thunder. “I DESTROY YOU! DESTROY THEM! DESTROY TEMPEST! I… DESTROY… EVERYONE!” the Storm King howled in protest as he failed to swat her. “Sorry, but forecast update, clear skies,” Rainbow then dove right into the elemental’s face as it opened it’s maw. Everyone gasped as the Storm King then shut it’s maw around Rainbow as they feared the worst. However before anyone could even shed a tear, there was a massive rumble within the elemental. Then a massive explosion of the seven colors of the rainbow that destroyed the clouds that formed the body and ended the storm, with only Rainbow and open skies for miles around. Rainbow was partially charred in her clothes, hair, and skin, “with one hundred percent chance of awesome and being twenty percent cooler.” she tried to pat herself on the back. Yet before she could do anything else she started to feel herself start to fall. However, she was caught by Indigo. Once the two were safely on the deck, Rainbow the collapsed. “Better get them to the infirmary.” Applejack said as she picked up both Rainbow and Princess Twilight. As they all turned they saw that other patrons of the cruise had come to see what happened, some with recording devices. “This ain’t gonna build up Rainbow’s ego, at all.” the paladin bemoaned with an eye roll. Rainbow groaned as she started to move. As she opened her eyes, “Well look who decided to join the living.” She heard. Rainbow then opened her eyes to see Applejack setting in front of her and the bed she was on. Rainbow groaned again as she sat, “And it’s a good thing, we can’t seem to get rid of you that easy too.” the paladin added with a chuckle. “How long have I been out?” Rainbow asked as she started to get out of the bed. Applejack bobbed her head in thought for a couple of seconds, “About four hours, give or take twenty minutes or thereabout.” the paladin replied as she got up and walked to Rainbow. “Twilight already got a clean bill of health half an hour ago,” she added as she patted Rainbow on the shoulder. Rainbow then placed her hand on Applejack’s arm, “Listen AJ, yesterday I screwed up big time and I’m sorry about everything, from making your seasickness worse…” she trailed off before she looked down. There was a moment of silence before she felt the palm of Applejack’s right hand smacked her across the face. “You’re confession accepted and penance performed, Ah forgive yah.” The paladin said as she turned to leave. Rainbow rubbed her swollen cheek, ‘I deserved that,’ she thought to herself before she too left, after getting checked by the physician on staff. Not long after she arrived back at her cabin only to find the Scootaloo had let Pinkie, Lemon, Sour, and Fluttershy in. Rainbow gave a slight sigh, “I should have seen this coming.” Rainbow muttered to herself. She took a breath, “I know I messed up your day yesterday and part of your trip.” She turned her focus toward Fluttershy and Sour mostly, “I was wrong to accuse that rabbit and scare off all the animals in the petting zoo.” She then dipped her head in remorse, “I’m sorry.” She then raised her head and turned to Lemon and Pinkie, “I was so eager for action, I murdered the cake you two wanted to try. I am sorry.” Fluttershy was the first to speak as she saw the faint outline of Applejack’s palm still on Rainbow’s face, “Looks like Applejack was a little rough.” the druid said as she gently placed her hand on the swollen cheek. She then pulled Rainbow into a hug. “You’re gonna have to sit Angel for a week, but I forgive you,” she said. The druid then stepped aside as Sour stood up. She walked up to Rainbow and took a breath. She clenched her fist and was about to strike Rainbow. But she stopped just right at Rainbow’s nose, she then flicked Rainbow’s nose. “Ow,” Rainbow said as she turned and rubbed her nose. Sour then smiled, “Next time you see me petting an animal, leave the area.” she said with a sanguine smile. “I forgive you.” Sour then stepped to the side as Lemon got up and walked up to Rainbow. She took out her earbuds, put them into Rainbow’s ears and pressed a button on her mobile music player and blasted foghorns into Rainbow’s ears once. Lemon took the earbuds out. “We’re good now. But next time you see I am enjoying a piece of cake, sit in the corner.” Lemon then also stepped to the side. Which only left Pinkie. Rainbow sighed, not sure what to befall her. Pinkie got up, walked over to the cabin’s refrigerator and pulled out six plates, each with a slice of the triple choco-berry blasted butter biscuit bundt cake, she then pulled out six forks. She began to pass them around, but stopped at Rainbow, “Are you sorry?” the jester asked as shut one eye and brought the open one extremely close to Rainbow’s face. “I Pinkie promise, cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” Rainbow answered as she performed the ritual, “I am sorry.” Pinkie then smiled and gave Rainbow the slice of cake. “All I needed to hear.” Elsewhere, on the deck, Princess Twilight stood at the railing as she watched the ocean as the ship cruised along. She was silently joined by Flash, “I don’t know if I should be impressed or concern about girls, tackling a storm elemental on a ship in open water. So many things that can go wrong.” the sentry chuckled getting her attention. Twilight gave a slight laugh, “You know the two aren’t mutually exclusive ideas.” she commented as she elbowed him. “Besides at least we were doing something other than brood in our cabins.” Flash shook his head, “I wasn’t brooding, I was thinking about Sci-Twi’s and Sunset’s request. And I believe I figured something out.” The two then turned to face each other, “It would be a lie to say I don’t want it, but it’s not a decision I can make alone,” Flash then reached into his pocket a small box. “This isn’t exactly when or how I wanted to do this...” Twilight took Flash's other hand, "Then don't." she said as she cut him off. "If it's not the right moment, don't force it." she added. Flash blinked a couple of times, "Did Miss Freak-Out-Aria just imply that I should let it be?" Flash asked in bewilderment. Twilight gave a light nervous laugh as she looked away slightly, "I need to learn to not panic over everything." Flash too had a small laugh. The two then looked into each other's eyes and smiled. From Flash's vantage he saw a bit of the sunlight glimmer in Twilight's eyes. It was the one sight he would do what ever to always see. "Maybe, but perhaps instead I should sieze the day." he said. He then dropped to one knee. Twilight was left utterly speechless as all she could do was watch what Flash was doing, “Princess Twilight Sparkle,” Flash started. “They say that home is where the heart is, you don’t have to make me you’re home, but if you would be willing to be mine…” Flash trailed off. “Wow this is so corny.” he joked. He then cleared his throat as he opened the box to show a ring with the main gem that was cut to look like a merger of his and her aura marks, “I can’t imagine greater happiness.” Twilight covered her blushing face as tears of joy started to form in the corners of her eyes. She then started to nod before she squeaked, “yes”. “Yes.” she reiterated as she removed her hands and nodded before she held her left hand. “Yes, I’ll marry you.” Flash then took the ring out of the box and slide the ring up her left ring finger. Elsewhere among the ship’s hallways, Rarity was walking until she spotted Ragamuffin. “Oh, Captain,” she said to get his attention.  Ragamuffin obliged, “Miss Rarit-y, thank heaven you’re alright!” he said with a clear smile. He then coughed in an attempt to compose himself, but anyone could see that he was extremely glad to see her. “So ‘ow are you?” he asked. Rarity smiled before she turned to look slightly away and gave a groan, “A little annoyed that we held up last night and the whole storm elemental matter, but there is a highlight that made the last day worth it.” Rarity finished as she turned her gaze back to Ragamuffin. Her eyes sparkling like gemstones, a slight blush on her cheeks, slowly her eyelids opened and closed as if batting.  Ragamuffin pulled slightly at his unbuttoned shirt collar, “Well, it’s meh job to make sure my passan’ers ‘ave cruise to remember.” he managed to get out without stammering. Rarity took a step forward and placed her right hand on Ragamuffin’s chest, aligned with his heart, “You’re dealing with an enchantress, oh captain, denial is so out of season.” She then placed a kiss on his lips and a piece of paper in his shirt pocket. Rarity then took a step back, “I look forward to catching your Riverdance performance tomorrow night.” Rarity said before she started to walk away. “Wait, Miss Rarit-y.” Ragamuffin called to her, unspokenly asking her to stop. Rarity did stop and turned to face Ragamuffin only to realize that he hand leaned towards her and his lips met hers. It was short, lasting a second before Ragamuffin broke it, “I ‘ope you enjoy the s’ow.” he whispered as he managed to slip a piece of paper into her hand. “I ‘otc’a ‘et ‘oin’,” he said before he started to leave. However, as he turned to leave he stopped as he felt Rarity grabbed his left hand. As he turned to look at Rarity, “I thought you were a gentleman, you know it’s rather rude to tease a lady, a gentleman would make sure she is thoroughly satisfied.” Before Ragamuffin could protest, Rarity took his radio, “Which channel is the first mate on?” she asked. “Two,” Ragamuffin answered. “First mate, this is the Captain’s radio, we need some information, when is the captain’s next shift at the wheel?” Rarity asked into the radio. “Um… he just left and technically he’s still on call.” the voice on the other end responded in a tone that was a mix of nervousness and confusion. Rarity rolled her eyes before she spoke into the radio, “Well, he is the cabin, but when does he relieve you at the wheel?” she asked trying to clarify. “I’m relieved by the second mate in eight hours, the captain relieves her eight hours after that.” the first mate said after what seemed to be a minute of silence. Rarity smiled, “Thank you.” she singsong as she returned to Ragamuffin the radio. She then leaned close to him and whispered into his ear with a sultry voice, “Well, captain, my captain, are you a gentleman?” she asked as she batted her eyes at him. Ragamuffin rubbed the back of his head and neck, “Well, I ‘ave plenty of time until meh jig.” he pointed out before he lowered his hand and gave Rarity a closed-eyed smile. “Wo’,” he called out as before he knew it he was in front of Rarity’s cabin. Rarity then knocked on the door, “Sweetie Belle, are you in the room?” she asked. They waited about a second or two and when there was no response, Rarity opened the door. However, before they could enter the cabin, Twilight flew up to the cabin, “Rarity, you won’t believe it, Flash proposed!” the demigod said as she showed the ring. Rarity smiled, “That’s wonderful news, darling, we should get all the girls and celebrate, but,” the enchantress then coughed as she tilted her head towards Ragamuffin and then towards her cabin. Twilight blinked in confusion. Rarity sighed, “Darling, you know I wouldn’t ask for you to not be my friend, but maybe you should ask Princess Celestia for tips on how to read the room.” Ragamuffin coughed and the two turned their focus to him, “It mi’t not be any of meh business, but t’ere are six days left on t’e cruise so per’aps anot’er time, Ms. Rarit-y.” He said with a smile of understanding. Rarity was about to reply. “To parap’ase, ‘Sisters before boy-toys’.” he stopped her. Rarity smiled and hugged him with a peck on his cheek. The two women then left to inform their friends. Ragamuffin shrugged his shoulders and elected to head to his cabin to get some sleep. A couple of hours later, as the stars blanketed the sky, Twilight, Flash, et al, were gathered on the deck near the pool all around a table and they had all said “Cheers!” as the clunked their drinks together as they celebrated Flash's and Twilight's engagement. As they each gave their congratulations to Twilight, she knew that she and Flash knew there was a conversation that they needed to have with Sci-Twi and Sunset. As the group’s party continued, Twilight pulled Flash, Sunset, and Sci-Twi aside. As the four sat down, “So now that we’re engaged,” Twilight started, “there is still the matter of your proposal to Flash.” Before the other two could speak, Twilight raised her hand to silence them. “Let me continue,” she said before she shut her eyes and took a breath. She remains silent for a second longer, “Too be honest, I don’t like the idea of Flash marrying someone other than me, but you two should be happy.” She took another pause. “So here’s my counter offer, Flash and my wedding will be first, I decide when he marries you both and I have priority of his time.” After a couple of seconds of thought among the three others, “So basically, you’d have primary custody.” Sunset surmised. Twilight gave the comment Sunset made some thought. “Yeah, I guess I would.” she consented. She then turned to Flash, “Do you object to that compromise?” she asked. Flash only shook his head with a smile. Twilight then turned back to Sunset and Sci-Twi. “So…?” she asked. Sunset and Sci-Twi turned to each other and seemed to have a silent conversation between them. After a couple of seconds, the two turned to Twilight, “I think that’s fair.” Sunset answered first. “I currently see no better terms, I agree,” Sci-Twi said with a closed-eye smile. The four then took another swig of their drink, “So about the rings to signify our engagements?” Flash asked as he pointed to Sci-Twi with his left index finger and to himself with his right and then shifted his hands so that his right index finger pointed to Sunset and his left to him a couple of times. “Let’s celebrate this moment for now,” Sunset commented and the lot agreed. Epilogue Seven days later, after Twilight et al had returned, the demigoddess opened the doors to the Castle of Friendship. But her mind was elsewhere as she hummed ‘Once upon a dream’ as she flew about the castle to her room. As she flew by Spike’s room “So how was the cruise?” Spike asked as he turned his attention to her from the comic book he was reading. Twilight turned looked into the room and showed her left hand, “Flash proposed, I’m engaged! I’m gonna tell, Mom, Dad, Shining, and Cadance!” she then bolted to just that. Spike looked to the stack of mail which he brought into his room. He was about to get up and give her the letter from Princess Celestia, but he elected to shrug and returned to his comic book, “I’ll give it to her in the morning.”