//------------------------------// // Injustice 04 // Story: Injustice for All // by Kaliann25 //------------------------------// Magic Storm’s rampage Canterlot, Abandoned Factory: Had any other pony been around to watch, they would have thought they were looking at a scene from a classic detective movie. The dim light cast from the naked, undersized bulbs revealed a solitary unicorn. The seductive sway of the hips and the delicate features on the exposed muzzle clearly showed that this was a mare. The elegant mottled gray trench coat and the wide-brimmed fedora that she sported served to cover most of her features. Such refinement was out of place in the corpse of the old factory; clearly, she was a femme fatale. Like a thief, she warily scanned her surroundings. Satisfied that nopony was watching, she pressed the panel that opened a hidden hatch in the giant hydraulic press and slipped inside. She walked through a series of baffles to a repurposed hydraulic reservoir. Soft lighting revealed a white unicorn stallion doing push-ups with a single foreleg while wearing a ten-kilogram weight vest. The stallion was exercising his mind at the same time. Spread in front of him were maps of Las Pegasus, Trottingham, and Manehatten. A short stack of newspapers was on his left, a tall stack was on his right, and a single newspaper was open in front of him. As he read, he levitated a sharp pencil, making notes on the map of interest. He looked over to the mare and rolled his eyes in acknowledgment before resuming his activities. "Is something wrong, Blue Blood?" asked Rarity. "Don't you like my discreet attire?" "Discreet?" asked Blue Blood with a frown. "That pronking pink maniac you call your friend is more discreet than a pony in a trench coat. " Rarity giggled. "You mustn't be so mordacious, Blue. After all, disguises are our stock in trade. Besides, this is perfect market research for my new winter line. Judging by the looks I've been getting in the city, it's sure to be a huge success." Blue Blood sighed and started doing push-ups with the other foreleg. Rarity giggled again before looking at the newspapers. "Anyway, jokes aside, do you have any solid leads on your mystery metapony?" "No. If this is indeed a metapony, she is moving from large city to large city. The background noise of the crimes there practically drowns out her work. However, there is a common thread through all the rumors." "Blue Blood, have you considered that those rumors are actually just rumors?" asked Rarity. "You'd think that a mare walking about a major city dressed in a black magician's outfit would garner quite a bit more attention." Blue Blood shrugged. "You could say the same about a stallion in a blue cloak. Besides, not so long ago, everypony thought that sixth alicorn was a rumor, too. Now, we're partners with her." Rarity hung her coat and hat on a peg before taking a newspaper from the short stack. As she read the story buried in the bowels of the local news, she said, "The League is very much interested in her, but they are counting on her to show herself when she is ready." She snorted at a bit of nonsense in the article. "I, however, prefer a more proactive approach." "I will see if there is any truth to the rumors, and I will find the mysterious mare if she indeed exists," vowed the stallion. "Seriously Blue Blood, why are you suddenly so obsessed with this metapony?" "Because we have confirmed that we're facing a villain alliance, and we don't know how many members they have. We need all the help we can get." Rarity sighed. "You're right. You know what, Blue Blood? I just realized I don't recognize this world anymore." "We don't need to recognize it. We just need to save it." He stopped doing his push-ups and took a towel with his magic. "So, what do you need?" "Oh, right. You'll be glad to hear that a new metapony has appeared. She is still working on controlling her powers but once she does, she would be more than happy to join the League. That's great, right?" Blue Blood frowned. "Maybe. Can we trust her?" "Of course! She's Applejack's little sister. Unbelievable, right? It seems like the three of them are predestined to stay together no matter what." Blue Blood frowned deeply. "You weren't that excited when Sweetie Belle got her metapony powers. And I bet my bottom bit that this kid got her powers from a near-death experience. Rarity nodded. "Well, you're right. How did you know?" "Because, except for Marevel and Lantern, it seems like near-death experiences are needed to bring out metapowers." Rarity put a hoof on Blue Blood's shoulder. "You are really discommoded, aren't you?" "Yes, sorry. It's just that I don't recognize this world anymore, either. I miss the simpler times when Harmony was the answer to all our troubles." "Sometimes I do, too, but look at the bright side. There is less crime on the streets, and you and I have become friends." Blue Blood blushed a little and smiled at Rarity. "You are right. Good friends." Woods of Tambelon, Grogar's Lair: Only a fool would wander through the woods. The flora and fauna were fraught with hazards for even the most experienced pony. Something exceptionally dangerous was on the move. A long, winding trail of destruction marked its passage, as did the stampede of exotic creatures. Cockatrice, basilisk, manticore, ursa minor, all were among those that sought sanctuary from the menace. At the clearing in front of Golgotha, the menace broke through. Sombra, Tirek, and Chrysalis had returned from their long walk. Sombra said, "Finally, I got some time when I don't have to worry about my damned language." Tirek sighed, "I really needed that. I'd forgotten what it's like to be away from that damned laughter." Stretching, Chrysalis replied, "Any longer with that damned clown, and I think I would have gone crazy." Sombra shrugged. "I guess we're lucky the boss didn't make us stay. I wonder if that clown has finally pushed him too far." "There's only one way to find out," said Tirek. Chrysalis asked, "What are you waiting for?" "Ladies first," replied Sombra. "Are you crazy?" snapped Chrysalis. Tirek groaned. "I'll go. He's only an earth pony." He walked to the entrance and projected a shield that touched all the surfaces around him. The other waited for a second before following. The shield tripped a dead fall trap, a vase of acid-spitting daisies, and a cabinet full of knives before the trio reached the main chamber, where they saw Grogar towering over Cozy Clown. "That was the last straw!" he yelled. "This is my lair, my home! How could a simple earth pony boobytrap everything?" The pegasus filly tried circling away. "Mr. Grogar, sir, I did try to warn you, but . . .Watch out!" "No 'buts'. You . . ." Grogar screamed as he slipped on a banana peel and slid into a closet. The explosives packed inside and flung him into the wall across the room. As the ram pried himself out of the wall, Cozy said, "Mr. Grogar, sir, I beg you to reconsider. It's been less than a day since he's joined." Grogar growled, "It's been a day too long. I am going to enjoy every scream you give until I decide to end things. Don't thank me yet; things will be much worse for your new friend." Grogar grabbed Cozy in his black and gold aura. Desperately, Cozy looked over to Tirek. The centaur sadly mouthed, "I'm sorry." A maniacal laugh drew everyone's attention. Grogar spun around and found himself facing the Joker. The clown said, "Come on! Let her have one last meal." Warily, Grogar eyed the clown, ready to strike him down. To his surprise, the clown took a grilled cheese sandwich from under his poncho and lofted it over Grogar's head. Curious, the ram watched as the sandwich sailed wide. It came to a rest against a rope on the other side of the room. The rope flew through the sandwich, neatly cut by the blade hidden inside. Grogar saw stars as the chandelier it was was anchoring plunged onto his head. Cozy gave a sigh of relief as she galloped to the Joker and gave him a tight hug. "Thank you, Mr. J!" "Of course, Cozy Clown. I couldn't let that party-pooper put an end to our fun!" A black and gold aura vaporized the chandelier. Grogar glared at the two as steam streamed from his ears. As he rose, he said, "I now see my mistake. I now know I must destroy both of you at the same time." Cozy gulped. "What we do, Mister J?" The Joker began laughing. "This will be fun! Prepare your mallet, Cozy Clown! We play like there's no tomorrow!" Grogar sent a full-power magic blast at the two of them. To his shock, a ball of green magic absorbed his attack. It then vanished, taking his targets with it. Grogar ground his teeth and turned to find the Sorceress, who had just casually entered the lair. "Bring them back. NOW!" "Not now. The Master Mind needs them." Grogar cloaked himself with his dark aura. "I am working with that worm, not for him." "We both know that you wouldn't be so cocky if he was here," answered the Sorceress. "Besides, you should be thanking me. After all, I'm taking those two away so they can start their mission." Grogar sighed. "Whatever. Just take him as far away from me as possible." The Sorceress smiled. She then turned to Chrysalis. "Also, the Master Mind requires your services, changeling." Chrysalis looked to Grogar doubtfully, but he gave a slight nod. Turning to the Sorceress, she said, "Fine. What should I do?" The Sorceress projected the image of a red dragon with her magic. "His name is Garble, and he is a metadragon." "Metadragon?" asked Chrysalis. "His mind is currently unstable but he has power beyond imagination." "We are NOT bringing another lunatic here!" said Sombra. "I don't care what this Master Minds says about it." "I'm not bringing him here," explained the Sorceress. "You cannot handle the Joker; how can you even hope to take care of an actual meta?" "Then what are you thinking?" asked Tirek. "I plan to throw him at the Justice League. But he needs a bit of persuasion first." She projected the image of a second dragon, and she turned to Chrysalis. "I need you to turn into his sister. A little bit of sisterly love is what we need." Chrysalis grinned. "Of course! This will be fun. It's been a while since I tasted love from an intelligent being." "I wouldn't recommend that," said the Sorceress. "He is too powerful for you." "I would do as I please!" said Chrysalis. "And you can't stop me." The Sorceress shrugged. "As you wish. It's your funeral." Top of Yak Mountains: In a lonely cave, roars of agony reverberated against the walls, floor, and ceiling as a solitary dragon discovered that the worst wounds are self-inflicted. He was scarred, battered, and bruised. He had done it all to himself. To be more precise, he now found that his body housed not only his consciousness but also that of a pony. Neither was willing to let the other have control of the body. Each would inflict enough pain to force the other to relinquish control. The claw marks on his body and the broken walls and floor of the cave bore mute witness to the lengths to which each was willing to go. Garble thought that he had died when he had been cast away those many months ago. He now wished that he had. Since he had awakened from that attack, he had not had a moment's peace. Every second of every day had been a battle for control of his body. Angrily, he spat gouts of dragon fire laced with raw magic. That magic also streamed from his claws, leaving lines of destruction on every cave surface that it touched. In desperation, Garble smashed his head onto the ground and clawed at his tail. He screamed, "Shut up, pony! Shut up! This body is mine! MINE!" A small figure appeared on the entrance of the cave. "Brother? Is that really you?" Garble froze for a moment. "Smolder? Smolder is that really you?" Garble crawled to her. She was as he remembered her -- beautiful, with orange scales, green eyes and magenta spikes. Suddenly, he stopped as his claws grabbed the ground. Garble trembled. "NO, SHUUUT UP PONYYYYY! THAT'S MY SISTER, AND THIS IS MY BODY. MIIIIIINE!!" Angrily, he sent streams of raw magic through his claws, obliterating the parts of the floor he was holding. Tears streamed from his eyes as he lurched forward while the pony within tried to hold him back. "It's okay brother. Here I am!" said Smolder, opening her arms to hug Garble. He approached, trembling. Looking at his sister's eyes, he smiled. "Smolder, oh Smolder" Suddenly Smolder's smile turned into an evil grin as she trapped Garble in a green force field. "Sucker!" The fake Smolder reveled in the ecstasy of the stolen love as she wormed her way into the dragon's consciousness. She attacked his psyche with wild abandon. Two minds reflexively counterattacked, forcing out the invader. Garble roared and broke Chrysalis's hold with an explosion of raw magic. "You are not my sister!" An aura of raw magic formed around Garbles fist as he threw it at the changeling's face. The blast sent Chrysalis flying into a cave wall. As she pried herself out, she touched her face with a forehoof. The scales and skin had vaporized everywhere the magic had touched. "What?" she asked as her transformation faded away. The infuriated dragon landed in front of her, with a flare of magic flame coming from his mouth with every word he said. "What. Have. You. Done. With. Smolder?" Chrysalis shot magic silk at him, trying to trap the dragon in a cocoon. However, the raw magic flowing from his mouth and fists vaporized it as soon as it touched. "I'll crush you for daring to impersonate my sister. You'll now know what happens to puny ponies who disturb dragons." Desperately, Chrysalis stalled. "I am not a pony, am I?" "I don't care!" He took a deep breath and blew out magic-infused flames as he shot out streams of raw magic from his claws. Chrysalis screamed as imminent death approached. The brutal attack impacted, transforming the cave into a tunnel. The dragon roared in anger as he extended his wings. He could feel the pony desperately trying to buck his way back to the forefront of his consciousness, but his rage was more than enough to keep it at bay. He growled, "Stay away, pony. I'm going home." In the meantime, Chrysalis reappeared in front of the Sorceress. "What just happened?" asked the changeling Queen. "Don't say I didn't warn you," scolded the Sorceress. "And consider yourself lucky that the Master Mind still thinks that you're useful. I would have let you die at the claws of that dragon." Chrysalis glared at the pony but didn't say a word. Dragon Lands: A young dragoness lay on her back, staring at the afternoon sky through the vent of an extinct volcano that ventilated her cave. She clutched an old notebook to her chest. This had been their space, the place where her brother could show off his creative side without worrying about what the other dragons might think. She was his audience, listening to his dramatic reading of his poems. It was a perfect time, buried forever in the past. After that awful incident at the tournament, all she had left of her brother was his notebook, filled with his poems. A single tear trickled from each eye. "Why?" she asked. "Why didn't we listen to Spike? He tried to warn us. That stupid tournament wasn't worth your life, big brother." The thud of a powerful landing bounced Smolder from the cave floor. Picking herself up, she turned to the landing site. She gasped when she saw what looked like a dragon, but no dragon could project magic from their mouth or claws. Warily, Smolder backed away, looking for even the least hint of hostility from a being that could clearly crush her like a bug. To her surprise, a familiar voice said, "Wait. Smolder?" The creature stepped away from the mouth of the cave so that he was no longer backlit. Smolder gasped. "Garble, is that really you?" Tentatively, he stepped toward Smolder, trembling. He said, "He's trying to take over. Smolder, help me. Please." The dragoness looked at him and approached slowly, offering him his notebook. "Garble, it is you! Do you know what this is?" Garble smiled as he took his notebook. "My poems? You saved them!" His hands began to shake. "No! Not now!" Raw magic began weeping from his claws. It singed his notebook as he dropped it. He closed his fists and aimed them skyward. Massive flares of raw magic erupted into the afternoon sky. "SHUT UUUUUP PONYYYYYY!" While Garble was distracted, Smolder snatched the notebook and darted toward the cave's mouth. "Imposter! These poems meant everything to my brother! They're all that's left of him!" "Wait, Smolder!" called Garble in desperation. It was too late. Smolder was in a power dive toward a guard outpost. "No? come back, pleeeeeease?" Garble cried. Tears of desperation streamed from his eyes. Slowly, they dried. Then, steam streamed from his eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. He roared again. "POOOOONYYYYY THIS IS YOUR FAULT, POOOONYYYYY!" Garble's rage overwhelmed the pony consciousness. The dragon flexed his muscles. They now obeyed him, and him alone. The raw magic, however, bubbled and spattered from his mouth and claw, barely acknowledging his existence. He looked at his sister fleeing in the distance. "No, Smolder wait!" he called. Extending his wings, the dragon flew in pursuit "No, wait! You don't understand!" He snapped his wings shut. The raw magic boosted his speed, leaving a multi-colored trail in his wake. The commotion alerted every dragon in the area. Smolder looked over her shoulder to see the monster chasing her. She screamed, "GET AWAY FROM ME! GET AWAY!" "SMOOOOOLDER!" Dragon after dragon launched themselves in defense of the child. Three of them dropped onto the glowing creature, forcing it from the sky. Five more slammed on top of it when it landed, pinning it. "Get off me. GET OFF ME!" screamed Garble. Dragon Lord Ember confidently strode to the pinned Garble. "You are trespassing on our lands. As Dragon Lord, I command you to leave or face the consequences." Looking down, she studied his face carefully. "Wait. Do I know you?" The raw magic wrestled free from Garble's control and expanded outward like a shock wave, sweeping the dragons away as it went. Even Ember was forced back several paces before she was able to fight through it. "What happened to you?" asked Ember in disbelief. Garble ignored her and looked at Smolder. "Please, help me!" Terrified, Smolder backed away. Enraged, Garble yelled, "Nooooooooo!" Desperately, Garble sprang toward Smolder, only to run headlong into the palm of a giant green construct. "Talk to the hand!" shouted Green Lantern. Looking at the intruder's face, Lantern said, "Wait. Garble? We looked everywhere for you!" Garble froze in shock but soon his surprise was replaced by anger . . . and hate. "YOU!" He charged his magical energy as he glared at Lantern. "This is your fault. You threw me to him. THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!" The raw magic flared to match Garble's rage. The dragon soared into the air before launching himself like a missile, straight toward Green Lantern. Lantern hastily erected a brick wall construct as a shield. Garble's aura let the dragon pass through as if it were merely an illusion. The dragon slammed Lantern into the ground before grabbing him by the arms and hurling him into the air with a scream of rage. As Lantern reached the stratosphere, his ring's emergency protocols activated, protecting him from the environment. Groggily, he stabilized his flight before bringing himself to a halt. From behind, Garble yelled, "Take that, you dragon-shaped pony!" Raw magic supercharged the hammer fist that drove Lantern plummeting. A green ribbon streamed from Lantern's ring, expanding to form a parachute that decelerated him gradually until he touched ground. He zipped back several paces just before Garble landed at full force with the raw magic as a cushion. An obsidian crater formed where he landed. Lantern said, "Garble, I am so sorry. It was an accident I swear!" The furious red dragon floated over to Lantern as the wild magic began accumulating around his claws and mouth. "I'll have an accident on your miserable face!" Garble lunged again, but this time, Lantern shot skyward as he created a giant repeating crossbow. A blur of green bolts flew straight for Garble, only to dissolve harmlessly when they touched his aura of wild magic. With his new power, Garble shot skyward, catching Lantern by surprise with his new speed. Lantern grabbed his stomach after Garble made contact, knocking the wind out of him. Stunned, Lantern plummeted, only to be stopped inches from the ground and certain death. Garble moved his hands to Lantern's neck and began to squeeze. "That would be much too quick. You are going to pay for what you did to me." As his claws closed, Garble felt that something was not right. He looked up an found Smolder staring. She gasped, "M . . . monster." Garble's aura receded as he processed Smolder's exclamation. Slowly, he released Green Lantern. Bonelessly, the hero slumped to the ground. Garble glared at the fallen hero. "This isn't over. You took everything from me. I swear I'll destroy every last pony in front of your eyes, and there's nothing you can do to stop me!" He flew away, leaving a multicolored trail in his wake. Smolder ran to help Green Lantern. "Are you okay?" Slowly, Lantern sat up. "Yes, thank you." "It really was him, right? My brother?" Lantern nodded. "I don't know what happened to him, but he is right. It is my fault." "Can't you do something?" "Yes, but I can't do it alone." Then, he put his claw on his ear. "Attention to all members of the Justice League! We have a metaproblem from the Dragon Lands more powerful than me! Monitor all population centers!" Finally, he turned to Smolder. "Sorry for asking you this, but I need your help as well." "Anything to help Garble." Garble flew high above Equestria, looking for the biggest city he could find. The skyscrapers along the coast stood out like a sore thumb. The seemed to be lined up like dominoes. All he had to do was to tip the first one over. Stunned Manehattenites looked skyward as a multicolor blur screamed down toward the Equine Trade Center. Like a giant hammerhead, it struck the upper stories of the tower. Nothing happened at first. Then, with an eerie groan and a loud snap, it began to teeter over. Great gouts of water sprayed from the base. Suddenly, a powerful voice resounded all over the city. "Riaper eht gnidliub!" A purple magic aura surrounded the building and before astonished dragon, the building was restored as though nothing had happened. Garble roared. "WHO DARES?!" A unicorn mare in a black magician outfit complete with a top hat, a black jacket and a white bowtie appeared and made a small bow before him. "It is I, the Great and Powerful Trixie. Would you be so kind as to tell me what the hay is your problem?"