//------------------------------// // Epilogue // Story: Lunaverse: Galaxy Rangers - Secret Agent Dinky // by Rixizu //------------------------------// Secret Agent Dinky Epilogue by Rixizu “I’ll get you for this!” Queen Chrysalis said baring her teeth. Dinky took an instinctive step back. “Mark my words Dinky, Ponyville’s streets will run with your blood one day!” “Get in the cart.” A policepony said pushing the ex-queen into the police cart. “Please tell me you‘re putting her in an inescapable dungeon far, far, far away,” Dinky said, mortified. She had never seen anypony that angry before and really hoped she’d seen the last of that monster. “Peace, little one.” Princess Luna stretched a wing around Dinky’s tiny frame like her mother did. It warmed Dinky’s heart and helped her calm down. “I will personally ensure she’s placed in the deepest cell in Tartarus.” “That’s a relief,” Dinky replied. Tartarus was the greatest prison in all of Equestria, guarded by the ferocious Cerberus, its famed three-headed guardian.  “Nothing has ever escaped that prison.” Princess Luna said with the utmost confidence. “As far as you know,” Trixie added. “Yes, as far as I know.” Luna scowled. “I will ensure she stays there.” Luna’s confident words gave Dinky some comfort, but she feared she’d spend the rest of her life looking over her shoulder. The fact the evil ex-queen could turn herself into anypony filled her with dread. “Don’t worry Mistress Dinky!” Scapula stood proud. “I will train hard so our evil ex-queen never threatens you again. Not a single day will pass by where you don’t have my protection!” “I rather you not do that, actually,” Dinky replied. Several other changelings made the same declaration of fealty. Banana Peel and her spider friends also pleaded to protect Dinky from the shadows. It didn’t exactly fill Dinky with comfort, but she appreciated the gesture. Thorax shook his head. “It looks like you’re stuck with us now.” “Yeah yeah.” Dinky sighed. “Anyway, who will rule you now? You don’t have a queen anymore.”  Cornicle brightened. “Princess Luna gave us a few pointers on that one. She suggested we have an election!” “An election.” Dinky blinked. “You mean like a mayor’s election but for like a whole country?” Cornicle nodded. “We’ve had enough of the monarchy and want a system that benefits everyling.” Princess Luna brightened. “It’s a process called democracy! Equestria will do whatever it can to help your election process.” “What a wonderful idea!” Miss Cheerilee said. “It means every changeling will have a voice in how their government is run. Important issues can be addressed without selfish nobles getting in the way. If changelings don’t like a leader, they can be voted out!” “A system without a court of nobles?” The concept sounded alien to Trixie. “But won’t this new system devolve into mob rule or something? The public is often fickle and doesn’t realize what they want!” “The system isn’t perfect, but it gives the people more power.” Miss Cheerilee replied. “Besides, aren’t you the one who always rails against the nobles and says they’re selfish and too powerful and needs to be thrown out.” “Well, yes,” Trixie admitted, “but this new system is crazy. I can think of like a million problems with it. One leader or party might gain too much power and seize control of the country. If not in name, then in spirit.” Miss Cheerilee considered this. “I suppose it will need a system that balances power and punished changelings that abuse it. Are you getting this down Cornicle? These are some great ideas.” “Sure am!” Cornicle wrote into a notebook Ditzy had provided. “Well said Miss Cheerilee.” Princess Luna said. “This new system has issues, but time and effort can correct them. My student, don’t give up on an idea because it sounds strange and alien to your ears.” Trixie waved a hoof. “I guess.” “It’s a wonderful idea Cornicle.” Princess Luna gave beamed. “I will be happy to meet with your new leader after your first election. We will have much to discuss. I wish for our people to have a powerful and beneficial alliance.” Cornicle bowed. “Thank you, princess.” “I’m glad that’s working out,” Dinky said. She didn’t really understand this political talk, but she figured it would work itself out. Things usually did.  “What concerns me is this!” Princess Luna pulled out the bottle Chrysalis used to become a giant. Dinky still could taste its horrible flavor in the back of her mouth.  “That’s Celestia’s seal!” Miss Cheerilee cried out in surprise.  “Chrysalis mentioned something about Corona helping her,” Trixie said.  “No way!” Dinky said. “Celestia’s good now. She wouldn’t help the changelings!” “Actually, I saw her approach our ex-queen.” Scapula said. “She’s the one who gave us the apple zombification potion.” Dinky’s heart sunk. How could Celestia lie like that? She was so nice and kind. Tears gathered as the betrayal struck her hard. Miss Cheerilee shook her head in disbelief disappointed by the revelation. Lyra, Carrot Top, and her mom were furious. Raindrops wore a hard frown on her face. Trixie, on the other hoof, tapped her chin thoughtfully.  Everypony jumped back in surprise as Princess Luna cackled in delight. “I knew it! Her so-called reformation was a total lie! My sister is evil through and through!” “I suppose so,” Dinky said lost for words at the princess’s odd unbecoming behavior. Everypony shifted on their hooves off-put by the princess’s manic glee. Shouldn’t she be heartbroken at her sister’s second betrayal?  “I’m not so sure,” Trixie said interrupting the awkward silence.  “What do you mean?” Dinky asked.  “Well, I don’t see what she gains from this invasion plot,” Trixie replied.  “Trixie, Corona aims to take over Equestria.” Princess Luna replied patiently.  “Yes, but she couldn’t control Chrysalis or her changelings.” Trixie paced to help gather her racing thoughts. “Chrysalis was ambitious, too ambitious. Once she took over Equestria, what’s stopping the queen from taking down Corona next? Chrysalis wasn’t stupid and was powerful enough.” “My sister was just overconfident.” Prince Luna replied. “You know her. “I am the Sun” and all that.” “I doubt it.” Trixie shook her head. “If I were Corona, the last thing I would do is empower a dangerous rival like Chrysalis. Besides, this whole thing doesn’t seem like her style. Normally she enjoys creating monsters totally under her control.” Princess Luna, for some reason, became impatient with her student. “Changelings saw her deal with Chrysalis and we have this bottle!” Trixie snorted. “Which a pony can fake.” “Well, I never saw Corona up close and she didn’t enter the anti-magic field surrounding our lands.” Scapula said. “I was on guard when she first approached us.” Dinky blinked. “The changeling lands have an anti-magic field?” “Yeah, the queen’s throne is made from an ancient stone of dark magic that soaks up all non-changeling magic.” Scapula said. “It protects our land from invasion.” Trixie grinned in triumph. “Ha! There’s no real proof!” Hey, Celestia might be innocent after all! Dinky brightened at this possibility.  Princess Luna growled in annoyance. “Why are you even defending Corona?! You’ve told many many times you didn’t believe her resignation!” Trixie shrugged. “I call it when I see it. Besides, all this so-called proof is a little too convenient for my liking. I bet a Night Court noble is trying to sabotage Corona’s reintegration into Court life.” “It never ceases to amaze me how paranoid you are Trixie,” Lyra said. Trixie blamed the Night Court for everything. “Trust me,” Trixie replied with a grave expression, “with the Night Court, you can never be too cautious.” “You are correct, my student.” Princess Luna seemed calmer though she still looked a little annoyed. “This matter will need further investigation.” “My kind will offer any aid they can,” Cornicle said. “I must be leaving.” Princess Luna levitated the evidence into a small plastic bag and gave it to a nearby guard. “This matter requires my full attention. If Corona is up to something, I will uncover it.” “Didn’t I just say it was a Night Court noble?” Trixie said annoyed. Princess Luna got into her chariot driven by two of her elite Night Guard batpony guards and Cornicle joined her. They chatted as they flew back to Canterlot.  “Speaking of paranoia, your password system failed really bad!” Dinky said. “The changelings found out your secret code and fooled me into thinking one of them was Lyra!” “What?” Lyra glared at Trixie. “This is your fault for making us repeat that stupid thing a million times.” Trixie waved a dismissive hoof. “That was never real. It was all a trick.” Everything blinked in bafflement. “What.” “Codes can be overheard or forced out of somepony,” Trixie replied, “they’re hardly reliable.” “Why did you make us learn it then?!” Lyra fumed. “Why dancing?!” “It was all a distraction.” Trixie beamed with pride. “When they’re distracted reciting the code and break dancing, I secretly cast a spell that can penetrate through disguise spells. Twilight helped me learn it. And I thought the break dancing thing was funny.” “What!” Dinky’s head throbbed at this revelation. Trixie’s stupid trick almost got them all killed! Dinky wasn’t the only one who looked like they wanted to strangle the Red Ranger. “What about everypony else, Trixie?” Lyra said barely holding back her anger. “I trust you guys,” Trixie replied, “I’m not so good with ponies, but I bet the rest of you could easily see through any imposter. Especially Ditzy.” “I’m glad you have such confidence in me, but your plan wasn’t a good one,” Ditzy said showing the patience of a saint.  Yes! What about me, Trixie? “I suppose you’re right,” Trixie replied, “I must think of something else clever.” Dinky facehoofed and rubbed her temples. Dear Luna protect us all! Dinky yawned as she walked home with her mom ready to get to bed after her long day. Everypony waved their goodbyes and Banana Peel went back to her home in the Everfree. Zecora stayed with the weather team to help distribute the cure. Scapula followed behind them ready to attack anything that threatened his new mistress. He wasn’t kidding about following her for life and no amount of persuasion convinced him otherwise. Dinky only sighed and accepted it. The sky darkened as pegasi set up a huge storm to spread the cure. According to Raindrops, Canterlot and several other pony towns also got the treatment. All apple zombies stood outside at the town square herded by Applejack and her family to receive the cure. Dinky waved as they passed them. “Hey Dinky! Ditzy!” Bon-Bon said trotting up to them.  “Is everything going to plan?” Ditzy asked.  “Yep, Raindrops says the storm begins in a few minutes,” Bon-Bon replied, “the town will smell like carrots for a few days, but it’s a small price to pay.” “We better get home quickly,” Dinky said, “I really don’t want to get rained on.” “Yes, I’d rather not wash carrot stench out of my coat,” Ditzy said laughing.  “Wait, could I talk to you for a second Dinky?” Bon-Bon asked. “Do you mind if I walk her home? This might take some time.” Ditzy tilted her head. “What’s this about? Is it about the tutoring lessons?” “Yes, I have a few new subjects I want to teach Dinky about and I want to train her in martial arts.” “As long as her grades improve, I don’t mind.” Ditzy waved goodbye and left. “Martial arts sound fun. It’ll be good for her.”  “You too, Scapula!” Bon-Bon glared at the changeling who shrank at her stare. “I can watch over her just fine.” “Fine.” Scapula pouted. “I’ll be outside if you need me.” “Goodbye Scapula!” Bon-Bon said with some force and Scapula complied slipping away somewhere. “What is this about?” Dinky eyed the older mare with curiosity. “Is this secret agent stuff?” “We’ll talk about it at my house,” Bon-Bon said and they walked in silence. They made it to Lyra and Bons’ house seconds before it started raining. The drops fell hard against the window. It was a heavier storm than Dinky expected. “Hey, Bons!” Lyra walked up and kissed her marefriend. “And you too Dinky? Another late-night study session or something?” “Something like that,” Bon-Bon replied. “How was Canterlot?” Dinky asked burning with curiosity. “How did the Gala training go?” Lyra shifted on her hooves. “It went okay.” “Did something happen?” Bon-Bon asked. “Well, I saw my old teacher Octavia, and it was great and everything, but well…” “Well, what?” Bon-Bon pushed.  “She did something I didn’t expect,” Lyra replied, “she wants to play the Symphony for Moon and Sun at the Gala. It’s commemorating Celestia’s return to the light.” Ditzy gasped in surprise. “Isn’t that song cursed? Trixie says anypony that tries to play that song meets a terrible fate!” Lyra snorted. “That isn’t true! You listen to Trixie too much.” “What are you talking about?” Bon-Bon asked. “What’s the Symphony for Moon and Sun?” “It’s an infamous unfinished song,” Lyra said, “nopony knows who wrote it. It was written mourning Celestia’s fall and the loss of celestial balance. It recounts how the sun and moon should dance through the star guided by their respective princess. It’s a beautiful piece and only the most experienced and skilled musician can play it. So far, nopony been able to create the perfect ending for it.” “According to Trixie, not only does Princess Luna hate it, it ruins the ponies who try to play it,” Dinky added, “it destroys their careers or something. Nopony really knows why. The last pony who tried playing it four years ago committed suicide after losing his career!” “He didn’t die!” Lyra replied. “Lucky for him, the building he tried leaping off was right next to the weather control office. He’s gotten therapy and is doing much better now! Trixie’s overdramatizing it.” “Lyra if you don’t think it’s cursed, why are you against her playing it at the Grand Galloping Gala?”  Bons asked.  “Well, infamous song aside, it isn’t like Octavia to make grand gestures like this.” Lyra sighed. “I don’t know. She didn’t seem quite herself.” “That is worrying.” Bon-Bon gave her marefriend a hug. “I’m sure she’s just under a lot of stress playing for the Gala and Equestria’s returned Princess.” “You probably right.” Lyra returned the hug. “I’ll leave you two alone to talk. I’ve got a tub of daisy ice cream with my name on it.” She left moments later after grabbing her favorite ice cream treat. “Dinky.” Bon-Bon let out a breath. “I’m sorry.” “Sorry for what?” Dinky tilted her head.  “When you asked to become an agent, I didn’t take you seriously,” Bon-Bon said full of anguish, “I barely taught you anything. I thought you would give up after I pushed you too hard. The fact I didn’t give you proper training almost got you killed! I didn’t prepare you for what Queen Chrysalis threw at you.” “It’s okay.” Dinky gave the older mare a hug. “I’m not sure I took it seriously enough either.” And really, how were they supposed to know about Queen Chrysalis attacking Equestria or Dinky playing a large part in stopping her?  “Well, I’ve been talking to my superior and she agrees with me that…” “That you should become an official agent in training and become a full member of the Royal Intelligence Service Corps!” A new voice said making Dinky and Bon-Bon jump in surprise. Dinky turned to find a plump burnt orange and light yellow maned pegasus mare standing behind them. “Boss!” Bon-Bon said startled. “Where did you come from?” The mare laughed and gave her subordinate a mischievous smile. “Nice to see that ten years behind a desk hasn’t diminished my skills as an agent.” “This is your boss?” Dinky asked bewildered. Of all the ponies she expected to become head of R.I.S.C, this was not it. She looked like somepony’s aunt. “Hello Dinky, my name is Apple Crème.” The mare said. “I’m happy to finally meet you.” “Hi,” Dinky replied, “you really want to make me a full-time agent?” Apple Crème nodded enthusiastically. “Of all my years in the agency, I’ve never seen a young pony as talented and resourceful as you. You have a great future ahead of you!” Dinky didn’t feel great. She’d won mostly through dumb luck and her friends.  “We’ll start your real training early tomorrow!” Bon-Bon said. “Get a good night’s sleep. It will be intense and tough and push to your very limit!”  “That’s great.” Dinky wanted to be happy. She’d finally gotten everything she’d ever wanted and yet she wasn’t. All she felt was coldness. Is this what I really want? Do I want to be a secret agent, truly? No, I don’t, do I? “Actually, um, I must refuse your offer,” Dinky said. “What?” Bon-Bon asked confused. “I thought you wanted to fight bad guys and save the day.” “Yes, you are super talented.” Apple Crème added. “You’re perfect for the job!” Am I though? During her adventures, she’d only felt miserable. She hated the fear, the fighting, the never-ending danger, the running for her life, and the consistent distress. Is that what she wanted in life? If she became an agent, her life would be nothing but danger and fighting. “Sorry, but I’m not suited for this life,” Dinky said. “I don’t know. I thought I wanted to be a super cool secret agent, but I didn’t realize how dangerous it was. I thought it was only a game not realizing how scary it really was. I just want a peaceful life. If that’s okay with you?” Bon-Bon gave Dinky a hug. “I’m sorry too. I didn’t realize how scary it was for you. You’re like your mother. You’re too nice for this line of work. You’re better suited to making friends than fighting enemies.” Apple Crème looked disappointed but accepted her answer. “Shame, but if this is what you truly want, I won’t stop you.” “Thanks.”  “If you change your mind, I’m always here.” Apple Crème said.  “I doubt that will happen.” Dinky saw the time. “It’s late, I better get going.” She waved Bon-Bon, Apple Crème goodbye and left the house. Not before borrowing an umbrella and used her magic to levitate it. She expected Scapula to join her on her walk home but found him nowhere in sight. Dinky shrugged guessing he was protecting her from the shadows or something. Not that she wanted a guardian, anyway. Dinky trotted along the street with a sense of melancholy. And I was so sure I’d get my cutie mark in Secret Agenting too. Oh well. Back to the drawing board. At this rate, Dinky was sure she’d never get her cutie mark. She wasn’t really great at anything. Maybe she should create a Blank Flank club with Apple Bloom and the other blank flanks. They could pool their resources to research cutie marks. It was worth a try. The storm died by the time she’d reached her house and folded her umbrella. She reached for the door when a powerful force pulled her away from her doorstop into an alley. “Thought it was over, eh?” A voice said and Dinky recognized it. It was the changeling that brought the Ursa Major to Ponyville. “How did you get free?” Dinky winced in pain as the magical levitated gripped around her throat. “I couldn’t rest until the one who ruined everything paid.” The changeling said. “And don’t think Scapula will come to save you. He’s out cold from a blow to the head.” Dinky struggled in his magic grip but it was too strong. She couldn’t even cry out for help for his magic grip held her throat that she could only manage weak croaks. “Please don’t do this.” Even talking hurt. “It’s your fault our glorious queen is trapped forever in Tartarus!” The changeling growled. “I have nothing! You’ve taken everything I’ve ever cared out away from me. I can’t go home my brothers’ shun me, I’m on the run from pony and changeling law! Making you pay will even the scales.” Dinky cried out as he tried to twist her neck into an unnatural angle. This changeling wanted to kill her. For the first time in her life, she’d knew real fear and worse nopony would run to her aid this time. This was it. “Please don’t do this!” Dinky pleaded and tears flowed with hesitation. It sounded pathetic in her ears, but she had nothing to lose. “Please.” Something about her tone made the changeling release his grip somewhat. Was there hesitation in his eyes? She didn’t see the pure hatred what Chrysalis had. “No, I must do this!” The changeling strengthening his resolve. “For the glory of Queen Chrysalis!” “But if you do this, you’ll be all alone,” Dinky said, “and running forever!” “What now?!” The changeling spat. “I’m a traitor now. Everyling hates me. I will spend the rest of my life in a cell!” Dinky paused considering the situation. She realized how terrified he was. He’d had everything taken from him and now he didn’t know what he wanted to do. He saw revenge as the only way to ease his troubled mind. “I don’t hate you,” Dinky said in a whisper. Her words made the changeling recoil. He had not expected them. “So what?” The changeling said with false bravado. “It wouldn’t make you any less dead!” “Why am I not then?” Dinky challenged her voice becoming firm. “You have me where you want.” “Shut up!” The changeling replied. “I’m getting to it!” Sympathy filled Dinky’s eyes. She couldn’t hate this poor lost changeling despite his threats and wanted to help him despite what little sense that made. “You don’t want to hurt me.” Dinky put a comforting hoof on her captor. “I don’t think you want to hurt anypony, not really.” “Yes, I do!” The changeling replied, but Dinky could tell his words were false and even he knew it. “Someling has to avenge our fallen queen!” “A queen that only hurt you,” Dinky replied, “I’ve heard about how she was constantly mean to everyling. She only cared about herself and never once showed you any kindness.” “It’s the changeling way!” The changeling stood tall and proud. “We need to be strong.” “Then why did everyling abandon it?” “Because they’re stupid!” The changeling unexpectedly dropped her and paced in the alley. “Don’t they realize it’s for our own good! The ponies can’t become our friends. Changelings should stand alone!” Dinky realized she was free and could flee at any time but instead, she felt compelled to sit and listen. This changeling wanted someone to listen to him and Dinky would oblige. When he stopped ranting, he paused in shock realizing his mistake and stared at his captive confused. “Why didn’t you run?” The changeling asked. “Because you needed a friend,” Dinky replied simply. “What?” The changeling recoiled not believing his ears. He shook his head several times, not sure if Dinky was crazy or not. “Go on.” Dinky waved a hoof. “I want to hear more.” The changeling collapsed and put his hooves in his face. “She wants to be my friend? Are all ponies crazy?” He looked into her face expecting some trick but only found true honesty. “What’s your name?” Dinky asked with a smile. “I’m Dinky Doo.” The changeling hesitated giving his name like would bring a curse upon him. “Cervical.” “It’s nice to meet you, Cervical!” “You’re really want to be my friend, despite this?” Cervical waved to the alley at large. “You’re just scared and not thinking straight,” Dinky replied, “it must be tough fighting on the losing side. And I don’t think you’re wrong in some ways.” “You don’t?” Dinky nodded. “You want changeling independence, that’s not bad, right? Besides, pony politics are a pain.” She didn’t even want to imagine what the evil Night Court might attempt with the changelings. Somepony needed to warn them about that. Cervical stood up and trotted towards the alley’s exit. “Where are you going?” Dinky asked. “No clue.” Cervical replied. “Some pit somewhere. Sorry for trying to hurt you Dinky. You’re a good person. I can see why my brother Cornicle likes you.” “Don’t go!” Dinky grabbed his hoof before he could leave. “I’m a traitor, they’ll never accept me,” Cervical said, “I brought an Ursa to Ponyville!” Dinky shook her head so hard it hurt. “No, I can help you. I’ll tell them you only yelled at me a bit, besides you only did that bad stuff because the queen wanted you to. Don’t lose your entire family because of one bad mistake!” Cervical’s lip quivered. “Do you think they’ll take me back?” “They’re family, of course, they will.” Dinky held out her hoof. “We’ll talk to them together and don’t worry about the monster thing. They happen, like, everyday here.” Cervical hesitated for a moment and grabbed her hoof. “Let’s find Scapula first. You owe him an apology!” Cervical gave a weak smile. “I suppose I do.” Friendship saves the day again. The changelings aren’t so scary once you get to know them. I’m not so bad at this, am I? I wonder if I can get my cutie mark in hostage negotiation? I’ll talk to Apple Bloom and the other blank flanks about this later. Scapula was pretty mad but accepted the apology after Dinky’s pleaded Cervical’s case. They walked towards Sugarcube Corner for a late-night cupcake. Dinky and Cervical needed one. “What’ll you have?” Pinkie Pie asked with a notepad in her hooves. Sugarcube Corner was surprisingly full of ponies and changelings considering the Ursa attack. They intermingled well and Dinky smiled in approval. “Strawberry cupcake please.” Her mom wouldn’t like her eating soon before bedtime, but she earned this darn it. “A cupcake with chocolate frosting please.” Scapula said. “Uh, what Dinky is having?” Cervical wasn’t sure what he wanted to order. His indecision was cute. “Sure thing!” Pinkie wrote their order done and trotted away. She stopped and turned back to Dinky. “Oh, would you want extra sprinkles? It’s on the house. You saved the day.” “That would be great.” Pinkie was about to move away, but stopped and squinted in Dinky’s direction. She screamed in delight making Dinky jump. “What is it?” “Oh, it’s so great!” Pinkie hopped up and down with manic energy. “Congratulations! Forget the sprinkles; we’re having a huge party! Give me about twenty minutes, and I’ll have it ready.” “For what?” Dinky blinked completely lost. Pinkie pointed at Dinky’s flank. “For your cutie mark, silly.” What?! Dinky looked at her flank. There it was, a real cutie mark. She couldn’t believe her eyes and thought she had to be dreaming. After blinking and rubbing her eyes several times, she saw that she had her cutie mark. It was a collection of five yellow stars. “I’ve got my cutie mark!” Dinky hopped around overcome with joy. This was the best day of her life! “Congratulations?” Cervical wasn’t sure why this was such a big deal. Scapula looked just as confused. “Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh.” Dinky leaped around unable to control her excitement. “I need to tell my mom!” She ran for the door. A confused Scapula followed her. “Party in twenty minutes!” Pinkie called out as Dinky ran outside. “Got it!” Still, what caused it? Dinky pondered this question as she ran home. She remembered the warmth she felt when she helped Cervical turn his life around and gave him a lifeline he hadn’t expected. Friendship. It was because she made friends with Thorax, Cervical, Banana Peel, and the other changelings that they saved the day. She saved Equestria, not through violence or force, but bringing others together for the common good. That had to be her special gift! Friendship! A bright smile came to Dinky’s face. She might not be a secret agent anymore, but she still felt like a pretty special pony.