//------------------------------// // Catching Some Creatures // Story: Equestria Creatures // by PonyPixel //------------------------------// Sandbar (EqG) and Silverstream (EqG) were still shocked by their misadventure. “An entire world with mystical creatures,” the boy muttered, “It’s so hard to believe.” “I just wish we could’ve seen more of it,” Silverstream (EqG) admitted. “I had wings. I could’ve been flying.” “I don’t know what I’d do. I was only a horse.” “What about that unicorn? You think he could do some magic?” “What are you talking about?” Gallus (EqG) questioned. “Um, nothing,” Sandbar (EqG) responded promptly. “Can you actually help with the animals?” Before there was an answer, there was some squawking and screaming. They looked over to Yona (EqG) freezing out as a parrot frantically flapped its wings. “Wilbert!” Fluttershy cried. She and Sandbar (EqG) ran over to help the frightened girl out. The woman took the bird towards a cage for time out as the boy helped the girl up after she fell down. “Are you okay?” Sandbar (EqG) asked. “I’m... I’m... F-f-fine,” Yona (EqG) replied. As she soon as she was back on her feet, she was given another question. “I didn’t think it was that scary.” “No, I... I have a... a... A speech pr-pr-problem. I can help but... But... But stutter.” “How long have you had this?” “Since I... Since I was b-b-born.” “I’m sorry about that. My name’s Sandbar. “My name is... Is Yona.” Look at the girl, Sandbar (EqG) could see a bit of yak in the girl. Not to be rude, Yona did look a bit bigger than the average teenage girl. “What are you... You looking at?” “Nothing. You looked a little familiar. How long have you been around Canterlot?” “My family move... Moved in l-l-la-last week.” “I’ve been here for about a year.” “I moved here last month,” Silverstream (EqG) said. “Are you going to Canterlot High?” “Y-yes.” “So am I.” “You know what?” Gallus (EqG) asked, “So am I. And I don’t really care.” “Why not? We could get to spend more time together.” “I don’t even know you.” “I’m Silverstream, that’s Yona, and that’s Sandbar.” “And I’m Gallus. Tell me, why should I care?” “Okay, let’s calm down a bit,” Fluttershy suggested. Sunset looked over to Spike, who was looking upset. “Hey, Flutters, when is Twilight suppose to take Spike home?” “She was supposed to be here an hour ago.” “That’s weird. I could take him home.” The purple pup walked up to, jumping up, yipping, and wagging his tail in excitement. “I’ll take that as a yes.” Sunset and Spike left the store and the dog was happy to finally speak again. “Finally,” he sighed. “You have no idea how frustrating it was to just bark.” “I think Pinkie would just burst,” Sunset chuckled. Just before they could get into the car when Ocellus tripped over the purple pup. “Ow,” she groaned after scaping her knee. “Oh, are you okay?” “I’m fine. Sorry about tripping over your dog.” “Spike? I’m picking him for a friend.” “Right. Spike, did you see anything weird lately.” The pup and woman looked a little confused. “Sorry, I should probably introduce myself. I’m Ocellus. Spike and I actually talked a few minutes ago. I was a cat.” “...What?” “Ugh, why didn’t I think this through.” “Spike, I thought you said you kept your mouth shut.” “I only talk to...” Spike covered his mouth though it was already too late. “Wait, how are you talking? I thought there wasn’t any magic here.” “Magic?” Sunset questioned. “How do you know about that?” “I’m from Equestria. I’m just sounding crazy now.” “No, I’m from there too. My name is Sunset Shimmer. What are you doing here?” “My friends accidentally came here, and there’s a cockatrice wandering around here.” “A cockatrice?” Sunset and Spike question in fear and confusion respectively. “It must’ve gotten through the same slime that my friends got sucked through.” “That... Might explain a few questions. Three days ago, statues of animals just start showing up around town. I thought it could be one of those creatures, but I didn’t know any good way they could get here.” As they talked, Cozy Glow decided to check her phone. She opened one of her apps and there was a quiet beep. “What is that sound?” Gallus (EqG) questioned. “It’s an alarm,” Cozy replied. She walked out of the room as the beeping got louder. She left Ocellus (EqG) by herself, completely unguard from a cranky husky. Cozy walked outside until she stood next to Ocellus. “Can I... Help you?” the disguised creature asked. “Maybe you can help with my phone. I programmed this app myself, why is it just taking me to you?” She turned the app off as she got a notification from others. “Oh, crud.” “What’s the matter?” Sunset asked. “I have to go.” She put her phone back in her pocket and ran off. Spike heard a silent clink and saw some sort of pod rolling on the ground. “What’s this?” he asked. “I don’t know,” Sunset replied. She picked it up to get a better look. There look to be some white and blue mist inside of it. “Where is she going?” Gallus (EqG) questioned, poking his head out of the door. This accidentally let the cat and husky around. The cat was trying to get away as the husky barked her muzzle off. “Oh boy,” Sandbar (EqG) gasped. “Smolder, Ocellus.” The boy ran out to catch them, however, they kept slipping past him. Eventually, he bumped into Sunset, causing her to drop the pod to burst open. The mist surrounded the cat and dog, causing them a literal shock. “Oh jeez,” Silverstream (EqG) gasped. She, Yona (EqG), and Gallus (EqG) ran out to check over the two animals. “Are... Are... Are they hurt?” Yona (EqG) questioned. “They look okay,” Sandbar (EqG) inspected. The husky slowly opened her eyes to see she was being held by Gallus (EqG). “There, you’re just fine,” he concluded. “I’d be better if you let me down,” the husky responded. The teens’ eyes widened after hearing what she said, Gallus (EqG) even screamed in shock before dropping the dog. “What’s going on?” Ocellus (EqG) asked after waking up. Yona screamed in shock. “You... You... You just... Just... Just...” Her speech was bad enough and her shock wasn’t helping. “Can some please tell me what’s going on?” Gallus (EqG) begged. “Should we tell them?” Ocellus whispered to Sunset. “I feel like they’re already taking in too much,” Sunset replied. Back with the five creatures from Equestria, they had already gotten themselves lost. “I knew this was a bad idea,” Sandbar sighed. “Smolder not know where friends are?” Yona asked. “I’m just as clueless as you,” the dragon turned dog replied. “This world is just so confusing,” Silverstream said. “No wings, no mystical creatures, and there are these weird carriages that move by themselves.” One of the “carriages” drove past them. “They’re called cars,” Smolder stated. “Whatever,” Gallus said. “We have no plan, and we do find that cockatrice we’ll just become a statue like that raccoon.” “Yona don’t wanna see monster either,” Yona stated. She looked around and thought she saw something white slip into some bushes. Scared, she ran across the road. “Yona, wait!” Sandbar cried. Too late, the yak turned human had run out as a car drove towards her. Thinking fast, Sandbar rushed towards her and pushed her out of the way before she got hit. “Stay out of the road you morons!” cried to the driver as he passed. “Are you okay?” “Yona fine,” Yona replied. “Yak thought she saw cockatrice.” She pointed to where she thought she saw it. Silverstream looked behind the bush and could see what Yona saw was a rabbit. “It’s just a bunny,” the former hippogriff replied. Sandbar and Yona were about to walk back to their friends, the boy saw Cozy Glow moving at a fast pace. “Where is she going?” he asked. Yona looked where her boyfriend was looking. “Cozy Glow?” she questioned. “She’s here?” Smolder asked. “I thought I saw her in the store,” Gallus said. “Should we follow her?” Silverstream asked. “I don’t see why she would need to leave the store already,” Smolder said. She soon gave chase with her friends following behind. They made sure they didn’t get caught by her. “She keeps looking at her,” Gallus observed. “Is that what she’s holding?” Silverstream asked. Just then, they could hear some screeching. “Hold on, that doesn’t sound like a cockatrice.” “It kind of sounds like...” Sandbar could finish his sentence as a flying fish flew right by his face. “Biteacudas!” the five scream. A whole flock of the biteacudas saw the group and dived towards them. “RUN!” Yona screamed. She and her friends booked it as Cozy Glow, who hid behind one of the houses, saw them runoff. “More creatures?” she questioned. “And that’s the story,” Sunset said, finishing her explanation. “So, you’re telling me... There’s an entire world filled with mystical creatures?” Gallus (EqG) questioned. “And you’re one of them?” “It’s hard to believe,” Sandbar (EqG) admitted, “But it’s true.” “And that’s why we can talk?” Ocellus (EqG) questioned. “Also true,” Sunset replied. “This is... Is just... Just weird,” Yona stuttered. “What’s weird is why I don’t know how or why Cozy would have magic,” Spike said. “This is just... Insane,” Gallus (EqG) groaned holding hand up to his face. “I think we should focus on the possibility that there could be a cockatrice around here,” Ocellus said. “Why’s that bad?” Silverstream (EqG) asked. “Because if they look you in the eye, you turn to stone,” Sunset explained. “So, we just wear sunglasses,” Gallus (EqG) said. “Not everybody has a set,” Sandbar (EqG) stated. “Even if we catch it,” Ocellus said, “It’s likely to fight back.” “Well, maybe we could...” Silverstream (EqG) paused when she saw something running towards them. “Is that us?” The five creatures from Equestria raced towards them with the biteacudas on their tails. “What the heck are those?” Sandbar (EqG) questioned. “Biteacudes,” Ocellus replied. After her friends ran past, she turned herself into a biteacuda. She flew up to the flock and screeched at them. This caused the flock to stop. Sunset thought of something and ran back inside. She found an empty fish tank and took outside. She turned it upside down to trap the flock inside. She and Ocellus sat down on the tank to help keep them down. “Smart move,” Smolder commented. “Another one?” Gallus (EqG) questioned. The five from Equestria didn’t know what to say to their doublegangers. “It’s okay guys,” Ocellus said, “We already explained everything.” She then turned back into her human form. “So, you’re a changeling?” Sunset asked. Ocellus nodded. “Are those flying piranhas?” Silverstream (EqG) asked. “Biteacudas actually,” Gallus stated. “You know what I think about this?” Smolder (EqG) asked. She responded by making a run for it. Silverstream pounced on her, stopping the husky in her tracks. “You can’t go out there,” the former hippogriff stated. “You could get turned to stone.” “I just won’t look at the... Whatever your monster is called.” “Cockatrice,” Ocellus reminded. “Whatever it is,” Sandbar (EqG) said, “How do we stop it?” “We’re going to need to get some supplies first,” Sunset asserted. “But first, we need to figure out what to do with these things.” Yona’s solution was to put something heavy on it, specifically a boulder she found. “That’ll work.” After placing the boulder on the tank. The group of beings from Canterlot and Equestria set off to get what they needed. Sunset was in a store and placed some sunglasses on the counter. “Why do you need this many sunglasses?” the cashier asked. “Just scan them,” Sunset replied, “I’m in a hurry.” The student six waited in Sunset’s car, while their double gangers sat outside on a bench. Though, Gallus (EqG) wasn’t there. “Where’s he go?” Silverstream (EqG) asked. “That’s what I was going to say,” Silverstream said. “Keep your head down,” Ocellus said, who now a cat for the moment. “That’s a good question,” Sandbar (EqG) commented. “Where did he go?” “Right here,” the lost boy replied. He appeared to have a fast-food bag in his hand. “Where did you go?” “There’s was burger place just down the street. I haven’t eaten since lunch.” “Friend got hay burger?” Yona asked. “Hay burger? No, this is a hamburger.” “You mean one that’s made meat?” Gallus asked. “Of course.” “Can I have some?” “Maybe if I can’t finish this.” “Come on, man, I haven’t had meat since I started our third year of school.” “Don’t they have any meat in your home?” “Not really,” Sandbar said. “Ponies don’t normally eat meat.” “What did I say about keeping your heads down?” Sunset questioned. The six from Equestria put their heads back down. “Okay, I’ve got you all a set of sunglasses.” She gave each one of them a set of sunglasses, even a smaller pair for each of the pets. “Now w-w-what?” Yona (EqG) asked. “If we’re going to catch that cockatrice and possibly other creatures, we’re going to have to split into teams to cover more ground. I’ll take the Silverstream, Gallus, and Smolder from Equestria. Sandbar, Yona, Ocellus, you go with the Silverstream, Gallus, and Smolder from Canterlot. Understand.” “Got it,” they all said. They split into their individual teams, with the former going with Sunset and Spike. They drove away, leaving the other team to walk. “They couldn’t have called us a ride,” Gallus questioned. “I’m used to... To walking,” Yona (EqG) said. “My p-p-parents are very ath-athletic.” “You look a little... Big to me,” Silverstream said trying not to sound rude. “This isn’t... Isn’t fat. M-m-muscle.” “That’s interesting,” Sandbar (EqG) said. “Let’s get going,” Smolder said. “Yeah, we need to catch that creature,” Gallus said. “And possible Cozy Glow.” “W-why h-h-her?” Yona (EqG) asked. “I think it might be that pod,” Sandbar (EqG) said. “I’ll lead the way.” The group walked off to find any more creatures. “Can we stop at Twilight’s?” Spike asked. “I’m getting worried about her.” “Almost there,” Sunset replied. She parked outside the house of her friend. “You guy see if you can find in anything around here.” The team got out and looked around as Sunset took the purple pup inside. “Twilight! Twilight?” “Where were you?” Spike jumped down from the woman’s arms and walked around. “Do you lose track of time again?” They walked towards Twilight’s bedroom where only a lamp on her desk was one. “You really have to get another hobby. You can’t just...” Spike froze when he got a closer look at his owner. There was a shocked statue that looked just like her with her clothes on it. “Oh no.” “Is... This was a cockatrice does?” “Unforinetly.” They looked over to an opened window. “It must’ve gotten through there.” “Is there a way we turn her back?” “I’m not sure, but we’ll try.” They looked over to their frozen friend. “Twilight, if you’re still in there, we’ll try and figure out how to help you.” They walked outside to see how the others were doing. “Anything?” “Not yet,” Ocellus replied. “Silver has managed to tame one before,” Sandbar said. “She actually tried to take it home as a pet.” “How’d that go?” Spike asked. “From what I heard, not very well.” “You know we’re looking for a needle in a haystack,” Gallus (EqG) commented. He looked over towards Smolder (EqG), who was just napping on the doorstep. “Hey! Wake up!” He yanked on the husky’s tail, jolting her awake. “What are you doing?” she asked. “We have a serious problem,” Sunset spoke. “Yeah,” Spike agreed, “My owner is a statue.” “So, it was here,” Ocellus said. “It must be far gone by now. Spike, do you think you could try and get its scent?” “I can try.” After walking back inside and sniffing around, Spike managed to get a scent of feathers and scales. He walked outside and started sniffing around. “It’s working.” Ocellus followed shortly behind. “You sure she knows what she doing?” Smolder (EqG) asked. “Ocellus smart cookie,” Yona said. “She knows what she does.” The former yak and her boyfriend followed the sniffing down, with the others following behind. “So, if we’re spending this much time together,” Sandbar said, “Care to tell us about yourselves?” “Not right now,” Gallus (EqG) grumbled. “I’d to break the ice,” Sunset said. “I wasn't the nicest girl at Canterlot High. I actually tried to... Take over the world.” “Sunset was evil?” Yona questioned. “It’s not something I like to remember. I managed to redeem myself and make a couple of friends.” “Good for you,” Sandbar commented. “Anything about you?” “Well, Yona and I are...” “Hang on,” Spike interrupted, “I thought I heard something.” They looked around the corner of the fence to see a bag of groceries, as well as something with a scaly tail sticking out of it. Sandbar, Yona, and Sunset helped pull everyone behind the fence. “Is that a cockatrice?” Smolder (EqG) asked. “Yep,” Sunset answered, “Very dangerous.” “We have sunglasses,” Gallus (EqG) reminded, “Let’s just grab it.” And that what he did. He pulled the creature out of the back and held it tight as the cockatrice tried to break free. “Stay still.” It didn’t listen, instead, it bit one of his fingers, causing the boy the drop it. Once freed, the cockatrice stared into Gallus’s (EqG) eyes, though nothing happened thanks to the sunglasses. “Catch it!” Yona cried. She ran over to tackle it, but the cockatrice jumped out of the way and ran for it. “Darn.” “Don’t let it get away,” Sunset cried giving chase. They chased the creature down with Ocellus and the dogs managing to be just an inch away from it. Smolder (EqG) pounced and tackled it, but it caused her sunglasses to fall off. Ocellus saw this and turned into a small roc and snatched her friend out of the way. “What are you doing?” the husky questioned. “Keeping you from turning into a statue,” the disguised creature replied. Looking down, she saw the cockatrice was chasing them. As Ocellus did this, her glasses slipped off her face, falling to the ground and shattered. “Oh, dear. Now we’re both in danger. We have to lose that thing.” “What’s the cat doing?” Gallus (EqG) questioned. “Whatever they're doing,” Sunset said, “We have to stop that...” Suddenly there was another “CAW!” They look back and saw another cockatrice. “Oh, crud, there’s two,” Sandbar gasped. They stopped in shock, but Gallus (EqG) kept going. He tackled the first cockatrice and struggled to keep it under control. The other cockatrice ran up and started pecking at him. This caused him to let the first one go and they ran off. Ocellus let Smolder (EqG) down before she went after the two creatures. “Smooth,” the husky said. “How was I supposed to know to there were two?” the boy replied. “Where Ocellus going?” Yona questioned. “I don’t know,” Sandbar said. “She’s still smart, I don’t think she would get too close with protection.” They then heard a phone ring, which came from Gallus (EqG). He pulled a flip phone out of his pocket and he answered it. “Hello?” he asked. “Gallus, where are you?” asked a cranky and raspy voice. “I’m trying to help a few friends out.” ”Well, I need you here to help me with...” “Please don’t tell me it’s your computer again.” ”Don’t interrupt me again. Just get over here and give me some help.” “Okay, fine.” He hung up and sighed. “You need a ride?” Sunset asked. “We’ll try and figure out a better way to catch those cockatrices.” They all got back in the car and Gallus (EqG) gave directions to his home. Smolder (EqG) kept moving around as she didn’t want to sit in the boy's lap. “Couldn’t you just let me roam free?” the husky asked. “You can’t last by yourself out here forever,” Sunset said. “Dog Smolder need good owner,” Yona suggested. “Exactly.” “Why would I be stuck on a leash under someone's ownership?” “Because you get a nice warm home,” Sandbar said, “Not to mention a good amount of food.“ “That does sound nice.” “You just need to fix your behavior,” Gallus chuckled. The husky leaped into his lap to try and bite him but Yona made her sit in her lap instead. “Take a right here.” The driver did so as Gallus (EqG) wasn’t so keen on going home. Elsewhere, the other group was making little progress. “So, you’ve been here before?” Sandbar (EqG) asked. “Yeah,” Smolder answered. “I met a couple of strays and helped them find a good home. Really wish I could meet them.” “Do you remember their names,” Ocellus (EqG) asked. “There was Smudge, Ziggy, Roxy, and Scotty. I wonder where they are now.” “Wh-wh-what over c-creatures are... Are here?” Yona (EqG) asked. “It’s hard to say,” Gallus replied. “There could be a manticore around here.” “M-m-mantic-c-core?” “What are those?” Ocellus (EqG) asked. “It basically a lion, with bat wings and scorpion’s tail,” Gallus answered. Yona (EqG) was starting to get worried she grabbed Ocellus (EqG) to try and calm down. “You’re squishing me,” the cat wheezed. The girl loosened her grip which made the cat more comfortable. “Look, there’s Cozy Glow,” Silverstream cried. The girl with blue curls was too busy looking at her phone to notice the group. She walked across the street as the six decided to follow behind. “Where is she going?” Smolder asked. “I think we’re going to find out,” Sandbar (EqG) said quietly. Cozy Glow walked to a storage center that looked abandoned. “How long was this place here?” Silverstream asked. “My dad s-s-said this place c-c-closed down be-be-before I move h-here,” Yona explained. The carefully followed behind as Cozy opened one of the doors. Peeking inside, they could see some flash bees, fly-ders, and twittermites trapped in jars, as well as a phoenix and a jackalope locked in some cages. “Okay, stop struggling,” Cozy Glow said. She took some bowls out of her backpack and placed some food into the cages. “I still want to figure you guys out.” “She has been capturing them,” Silverstream gasped. Gallus covered her mouth before they could get spotted. The girl with curls looked back, but no one was there. “Is there some other creature that’s here?” she questioned. She just went back to her work and took an empty pod from her backpack. She placed it down on a tray that was connected to a small machine that was hooked up a jar of that held the twittermites in them. “Let’s see if you could power this up.” She flicked a switch, turning the machine on. The twittermites were sucked up into a pod that was at the top of Cozy’s machine. When that happened, she unplugged it from the battery and it was still active. “It works.” She then hooked the machine up to the cage containing a phoenix, when she got a notification. “What now?” She looked at her phone as she left the storage room. Cozy closed the door and walked off. After she was out of sight, the six came out of hiding. They opened the door and looked at the various creatures. “Grab what you can and follow us,” Gallus ordered. He picked up the jars and started placing them in Sandbar’s (EqG) backpack. Yona picked up the cage containing the phoenix. “What is... Is this creature?” she asked. “That’s a phoenix,” Smolder explained. “We can tell you more on the way to the portal.” Silverstream picked up the cage with the jackalope and Gallus zipped Sandbar’s (EqG) backpack shut. “We’re good to go,” the former griffon replied. The started making their way out, though they didn’t get far. “Where are you going?” asked a voice. Cozy saw them escaping with her animals. “Crud, we’re spotted,” Sandbar (EqG) cried. “Run.” They started picking up the pace as Smolder ran towards the girl with curls. She tried biting the girl’s leg but was only kicked to the side. “If I had my wings and fire breath, you won’t be standing right now,” the husky grumbled. She ran after Cozy to help slow her down. Back with the other team, they stopped outside a house that had chipped white paint and broken-down truck parked in the driveway. “Gallus, are you sure this is the right place?” Sunset asked. “This is the place,” Gallus (EqG) said deadpanned. He stepped out of the car with the other following behind. “There you are,” said a wrinkly old man. He a cane to help him stand as well as a glass eye. “That’s gotta be Grampa Gruff,” Sandbar whispered to Yona. “I can’t this blasted thing to work,” Gruff complained. “Come inside.” The boy with a hoodie followed the old man inside, with the others slowly following behind, feeling a little nervous. “Okay, what’s the problem?” Gallus (EqG) asked. Gruff pointed to computer in his office that was off. “I tried everything. It’s plugged in, I pushed the power button, it’s not turning on.” “Hold on, let me check something.” The boy looked under the desk to look at the surge protector. He pressed on the switch with turned red. “Try it now.” “Don’t tell me...” Gruff pushed the button and the computer started. “You’re kidding me.” “I’m not.” Gallus (EqG) stood up and pulled out the chair. “Why would there be an off switch on the plug? Whatever, I need to check my mail.” He sat down and logged in. “I don’t see why we could just use letters. It’d keep Gabby busy.” The boy just sighed and pulled his hoodie up and walked out of the office. “Is he always like this?” Silverstream (EqG) asked. “Yeah,” Gallus (EqG) sighed. “Yona seen Grampa Gruff from Equestria,” Yona said. “Somethings don’t change.” “I wish they would. He’s my legal guardian, and he’s just an old grump. There’s also Gabby, but she’s too busy to be with me.” “I’m sure she only does that so you have a roof over your head,” Sandbar said. “Yeah, she’s a mailwoman. How did you know?” “There’s another from our world.” The boy hung his head and made his way to the living room where he lied on the couch. “This doesn’t look very good,” Smolder (EqG) commented, looking at the several tears in the furniture. “Honestly, I’ve seen some dumpsters that are better than this.” Gallus (EqG) just grumbled. “Is this why you’re so upset?” “What do you think?” the boy asked. He tried to push the husky back with his foot. “Gallus, we’re so sorry for you,” Sunset said. “We honestly know how you feel,” Ocellus said. She jumped onto the sofa. “Our Gallus lives in a place called Griffonstone. It’s an entire kingdom that’s in ruins. You didn’t even have a home.” “Oh, keep pouring the salt,” Gallus (EqG) grumbled. “We’re not trying to insult you,” Sandbar said. “You don’t have to act like this.” “Yeah,” Silverstream (EqG) said, “You just need friends, like this.” Smolder’s (EqG) ears drooped as she sighed. She jumped onto Gallus’s (EqG) lap. “I know how you feel,” she said. “Oh, really?” he replied. “I’m a stray. I don’t have a home. I just run around, find some food from a trash can or just beg on the streets. Not to mention, now that I can talk, having an owner that doesn’t freak out is probably going to be impossible.” “I think it’s actually cool. I mean, if there’s someone home alone most of the day and are pretty lonely...” “You’re talking about you, aren’t you?” “Yes.” He slowly sat up. “You really think that Gruff’s going let me have a pet?” “How much does he watch you?” “Not very often.” “I think Fluttershy can pull a few strings,” Sunset said. “I think you two have a lot in common.” The boy and husky looked at each other before she started licking his face. “Hey, easy,” Gallus (EqG) said, “I don’t have any ketchup stuck on my face do I?” They both chuckled as Silverstream (EqG) got a call. “Hello?” she answered. ”Silver, we need help,” Sandbar (EqG) replied. ”Cozy Glow’s been capturing some other creatures and she’s chasing us.” “Oh boy. Where are you?” ”We’re heading to Canterlot High.” “We’re on our way,” Sunset said. “Let’s go.” They ran back to the car and drove away as fast as they could. “How is she so fast?” Sandbar (EqG) questioned. “Just keep running,” Gallus replied. “Give me back my animals!” Cozy Glow cried. “They’re n-n-not yours,” Yona stuttered. The curly-haired girl didn’t care, she tackled Yona to the ground, causing her to drop the phoenix cage and her sunglasses. “Leave her alone,” Ocellus (EqG) ordered. The curly-haired girl’s eyes widened. “Wait, you can talk?” “So can I,” Smolder said. “I can also do this.” The husky bit down on Cozy’s leg as hard as she could. This caused her a load of pain, leaving Gallus enough time to help Yona up. She picked the phoenix cage up, but the fall caused the firebird to freak out. “Calm down!” Sandbar (EqG) cried. The phoenix kept flapping its wings in panic. “Forget this,” Cozy groaned. She ran off in the opposite direction before turning a corner. “Where is she going?” Gallus asked. “Isn’t she l-l-leaving us alone?” Yona (EqG) asked. “Why would she leave without a good reason?” Sandbar (EqG) asked. “She got a notification on her phone. It had to be important.” “Ocellus and I will follow her,” Smolder said. “If you say so. We’ll try and find you after we return these creatures.” The cat and dog ran after the girl as the others tried to get back to the portal. “What is she looking for.” Looking around the corner they saw a small roc trying to fly away. It was being held down by a net that was tied around its leg, which Cozy Glow as holding onto. “Stay still,” the girl growled. “What is that thing?” Ocellus (EqG) asked. “A roc,” Smolder replied. “They aren’t normally that small.” Suddenly, with a flash of blue, it changed into a familiar girl with pink hair and a red dress. “Ocellus?!” “How did you do that?” Cozy questioned. “Let me go!” Ocellus begged, trying to untie herself. “Let my friend go!” Smolder cried. She tackled Cozy and tried to bite her. The former changeling finally managed to get herself free and she grabbed her friend. “We’re leaving now.” As she ran, she picked her doubleganger on the way as she ran. “Get back here,” Cozy demanded. “I NEED ANSWERS!” She gave chase as Sunset drove closer to them. “Are we missing something?” Sandbar asked. Yona looked to the right and saw a cockatrice just before they passed the turn. “Sunset turn right!” she cried. “Why?” Sunset questioned. “Yona saw cockatrice.” “But the girls,” Sandbar stated. “I’ll help them,” Gallus (EqG) replied. “Me too,” Smolder (EqG) added. Sunset stopped the car stopped to let the boy and husky out before she made a U-turn and drove where Yona saw the cockatrice. Little did they know, it was chasing the boy and dog. “This is the way to the school, right?” Ocellus asked. “I think so,” Smolder replied. “Hey, guys,” Gallus (EqG) called. The girls looked back behind Cozy Glow to see the boy and Smolder (EqG) catching up. “Weren’t you just heading to the school?” Cozy questioned. Then she saw two of the same husky. “What?” this caused her to stop, leaving Gallus (EqG) and Smolder (EqG) to pass her. When she looked back, she saw one of the cockatrices. Doing this, caused her to turn to stone. “It’s behind us?” Ocellus gasped. “Of course she is,” Smolder (EqG) said. “No, the cockatrice,” Ocellus replied. She tripped and fell, dropping the two animals in her hands. “Keep running.” Her friend did so. Before she could get up, the cockatrice looked at her, causing the same thing that happened to Cozy Glow to happen to her. “We should go back for her,” Smolder said. “She’s already a statue,” Gallus (EqG) stated. They weren’t the only ones to see this. Sunset stopped her car and didn’t know what to do. “How do we catch that thing?” Silverstream (EqG) said. “Our Silverstream would know how to tame one,” Sandbar said. “Our Silver not here,” Yona stated. “Then where is she?” Spike asked. “I don’t know,” Sandbar asked. They look and saw the cockatrice was running away, but another landed on the hood of Sunset’s car. She, Spike, and the teens screamed in shock. “Out of the car!” Sunset cried. They did this and made a run for it. Back with the others, Gallus checked to see if the portal was opened by placing his hand into it. “Alright, we’re in the clear,” he said. He walked through with the others following behind. “I d-d-don’t wanna go in,” Yona (EqG) stuttered. “Don’t worry,” Sandbar (EqG) said. “It’s safe.” “Guys, guys, guys!” Gallus (EqG) cried. He ran up with the Smolders and Ocellus (EqG). “We saw Cozy and the cockatrice. That monster’s on its way.” “Right now?” They look and saw the chicken lizard hybrid running towards them. Quickly thinking, Sandbar (EqG) dragged Gallus (EqG) into the portal. Yona (EqG), Ocellus, and the two Smolder’s jumped through the portal. Tumbling through, they popped out on the other side now as the same species as their counterparts. “W-w-why am I a y-y-yak?” Yona (EqG) asked. “Welcome to Ponyville,” Smolder said. She stood up and helped her double onto her feet. “Cool,” Smolder (EqG) gasped. “I’m a dragon now.” “And I’m a griffon,” Gallus (EqG) commented. “Isn’t that cockatrice still out there?” Sandbar (EqG) asked. “Maybe,” Silverstream said. “I’ll go and find out if the others are alright.” “We’ll take care of the creatures,” Gallus said. “Hopefully Professor Fluttershy can help.” The hippogriff nodded before leaping through the portal. After landing on the other side. She saw Spike was barking at the two cockatrices. “Help,” he said. He nearly lost his sunglasses as one of the creatures pounced at him. “H-hey, little guys,” Silverstream said. She got one of cockatrice's attention. The creature shriek as she glared into her eyes. Thankfully, Silver’s sunglasses protected here. “I know you’re freaking out, and trust me, I know how you feel,” the former hippogriff said. Silverstream got on her knees and held out her arm. “You wanna step?” The cockatrice looked a bit confused. “I can help take you home.” After hearing this, it stepped onto the girl’s arm. After it did this, Silverstream scratched its chin, making it cluck happily. From behind the school corner, Sunset, Sandbar, Silverstream (EqG), and Yona looked to see Silver taming the cockatrices. “She’s taming them?” Sunset questioned. “She is an expert on them,” Sandbar affirmed. “There you go,” Silverstream said. She managed to get both of them to calm down. She looked over to where the three were hiding. “You can come out now, it’s safe.” They did so and Yona shivered when she got close. “Silver take creatures back to Equestria?” she asked. “I think we have a few things we have to fix first,” Spike stated. “It’s true,” Sandbar agreed. “Come on, Silver, let’s show you where Ocellus is.” They walked off to clean up the mess that the cockatrices made. Back in Equestria, Fluttershy took a train to Hayseed Swamp to safely release the bugs as the students went to let the jackalope and phoenix go. “Okay, boys,” Smolder said. “You’re free now.” The phoenix flew away and the jackalope scattered. “I wish we could stay longer,” Sandbar (EqG) sighed. “We were.... Were just starting to... To know you,” Yona (EqG) sighed. “Yeah, it’s great you helped cover more ground,” Smolder said. “Though I don’t think everyone going to miss two of each of us.” “But wait, what about the slime?” Ocellus asked. “I don’t think it’s far from here,” Gallus said. She walked into the forest for a minute, until she princess Twilight, Spike, and several other unicorns. The princess and the unicorns were using their magic to shrink the slime until there was nothing left. “Finally,” the alicorn panted. “I never thought this stuff would go away.” “Did Spike follow us through here?” Sandbar (EqG) asked. The said dragon and ponies looked to see the students. “Hello, princess,” Gallus said trying to keep cool. “What are you doing here?” “Check out the slime,” Smolder replied. “Is it... Is it... G-g-gone?” Yona asked. “Far gone,” Twilight answered. “Good,” Sandbar (EqG) sighed. “I don’t want to see that again.” “What was so bad about it?” asked one of the unicorns. “Nothing,” Gallus replied quickly. “...Gotta go.” He grabbed Yona (EqG) by her horns and dragged her off. Smolder did the same with Sandbar (EqG) and Ocellus (EqG). They took them back to the castle and into the room with the mirror. In there, Gallus (EqG) was giving Smolder (EqG) a belly rub. “Oh, you’re back,” the human turned griffon said. He stepped over to them. “So, how’s building bridges?” Gallus chuckled. “Just because I’m not a dog right now doesn’t mean I can’t like dog things,” Smolder (EqG) said. “I’m guessing you found a pet,” Sandbar (EqG) chuckled. “Yeah,” Gallus (EqG) replied. “When can we go home?” “Not until we know it’s safe,” Smolder said. On cue, Sandbar, Yona, Ocellus, and Silverstream walked out of the mirror, with the hippogriff carrying the cockatrices. The students didn’t have their sunglasses, so they covered their eyes in fear. “It’s okay,” Silverstream said. “It’s safe now. You can go home now.” They slowly looked at the cockatrices, who looked pretty comfy right now. “Okay,” Sandbar (EqG) said. “Thanks. I really wish we could meet up again.” “Friends never know,” Yona said. “Well, see you sometime again,” Gallus (EqG) said. He started making his way to the mirror, but Smolder stopped him. “You’re going to need this,” she said. She handed him her collar. “What’s this... Oh. Thanks.” “Don’t forget to keep an eye on Cozy Glow too,” Ocellus said. Gallus (EqG) gave a thumbs-up as he and Smolder (EqG) walked through the mirror. Sandbar (EqG), Yona (EqG), and Ocellus (EqG) wave goodbye as they followed through and once they were gone, Smolder flew up and removed the book from the top of the mirror, closing the portal. “Now we don’t have to worry about anything coming back.” “Like Cozy Glow,” Gallus chuckled. They left the book the room and walked to the castle exit. Back in the Canterlot, Sunset and Silverstream (EqG) were sitting on the steps of the school as their friends came out of the portal. “You’re back,” Silverstream (EqG) cheered. She ran over to help them up. “This has been a weird day,” Sandbar (EqG) said. “Agreed,” Gallus (EqG) groaned. “Those cre... creatures were n-nice,” Yona (EqG) reminded. “Yeah. And I don’t think this was a complete wild goose chase.” He picked up the husky, who licked his face. Gallus (EqG) chuckled as he put her collar on around her neck. “There they are!” Cozy cried. She was dragging a couple of people with her. “What did you do with the animals?” “What animals?” Gallus (EqG) asked. “The animals I caught. The rabbit with horns and the firebird.” “You don’t think that was a dream?” “Yeah, I’ve had a few dreams like that,” Silverstream (EqG) commented. “It wasn’t a dream. I heard those animals talk.” She pointed to Smolder and Ocellus, who just barked and meowed respectively. “I know you can.” “I think you’re just a little crazy,” Gallus (EqG) responded. The people Cozy dragged with her were starting to walk away. “No, the portal in the park.” “Isn’t there anymore,” Ocellus (EqG) said quietly so only Cozy would hear. “You heard her!” The people had already walked away. “Come back.” Cozy gave chase as the group burst into laughter. “Ah, that might’ve been worth it,” Sandbar (EqG) said. “Let’s get you to the pet store,” Sunset said. “We better get you set up.” “Um, Sun... Sunset,” Yona (EqG) stuttered. “What?” “Could I... I adopt O-O-Ocellus?” “Maybe. Let’s walk and talk.” “I... I... I wanted a pet f-f-for a while.” “I feel like we should also talk about other things,” Silverstream (EqG) said. “Like, what classes we’re going to have.” Sunset smiled as she was happy a new friendship was starting.