On a beautiful summer day in Equestria, a calm, gentle breeze whisked through the air and the cool blue ocean waves crashed against the shore of the beach. The Mane Six, including Spike, laid upon their beach towels. Taking advantage of this rare opportunity to just relax and enjoy the warm rays of Celestia’s sun shining brightly overhead. After all the adventures they’ve been through over the past few months, exploring different worlds apart from their own, it was nice for this group of friends to enjoy the beauty of the beach. Following the events of their previous adventure, the Equestria that they knew had changed to some degree.
When Erik and his minions (Dr. Gangle, Mr. Squelch, and Ms. Fleck) returned with them from Paris, it took a while for them to get fully acquainted with their new pony life. Learning how to live a life as ponies had it’s differences opposed to their human upbringing. Erik, especially, had to learn how to use his new unicorn magic, which fortunately improved after a few lessons from his beloved wife, the divine fashionista Mrs. Rarity.
Speaking of which, three months after their arrival, Erik and Rarity married in a beautiful ceremony in Canterlot. They had just recently returned from their honeymoon in Manehattan, known for its amazing fashion line and the greatest shows in Bridleway, especially musicals. The girls were especially glad Rarity could come with them today. After all, since Rarity and Erik had married, it became exceedingly difficult to find time to spend together.
But today, however, Erik had work to do at the Canterlot Opera House and he insisted that Rarity should have fun with her friends. This was another notable change upon their arrival: Princess Celestia gave Erik a job as the new director of the Canterlot Opera House, which was undoubtedly the perfect fit for him. Having practically ran an opera house in Paris, though never the true technical director, Erik was the most qualified. Fortunately, Ms. Fleck, Mr. Squelch, and Dr. Gangle were there to assist him with the ever-increasing workload, this way Erik and Rarity could always spend as much time together possible.
Today, however, even though Rarity enjoyed her company with Erik, she was most happy to be back with her friends. In a matter of speaking, it felt just like the good old days when they were much younger ponies.
You’re making them sound like they’re in their forties or something.
Just wait, my friend… Just wait…
“So… How was your honeymoon in Manehattan?” Twilight asked, curiously.
Rarity smiled, as she adjusted her sunglasses to peer over and look into her friends’ eyes.
“Oh, it was simply beyond magical, darling,” Rarity replied, sighing happily. “I almost didn’t want it to end.”
“Yeah, I bet you didn’t,” Rainbow smirked, suggestively.
“Oh my…” Fluttershy gasped, blushing madly.
“Nice goin’, Rainbow,” Applejack shook her head. “Now ya’ll gone and made poor Fluttershy blush.”
“I didn’t hear her deny it…” Rainbow chuckled.
“Oh come now, Rainbow Dash,” Rarity scolded, playfully. “No need to have such thoughts.”
“No kidding!” Pinkie agreed. “Although… That reminds me of the time Cheesy and I were rolling dough for this huge bake sale we were going to have last week. Then next thing you know, we’re—”
Twilight Sparkle knew where the story was going, quickly interjecting, and placing her hoof over Pinkie’s muzzle.
“Whoa now! No need to bring anything like that up girls. This is supposed to be a nice day at the beach, remember?”
“Yeah, not to mention there are children present,” Spike added.
“Oh, don’t be so hard on yourself little dude,” Rainbow teased. “Least we let you swim without floaties.”
“… Not ME! Them!”
Spike raised his claw toward the side, as the girls turned. Speaking of which, just a short distance away along the beach, there were three well known little girls: Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo, collectively known as the Cutie Mark Crusaders. There they were, frolicking and splashing in the cool, yet refreshing water. They laughed as they played, splashing each other over a game of water tag, just three kids having a grand old time.
“Yah know ya’ll,” Apple Bloom said, with a smile. “I gotta say this may just be the perfect day!”
“Yeah no kidding,” Scootaloo agreed. “Anytime I get to hang out with Rainbow Dash is awesome in my book.”
“It’s nice to be able to get out and have fun with Rarity,” Sweetie Belle added. “And not have to worry about screwing up something huge when she’s working.”
“Don’t it kinda upset ya at all, now that she don’t have much time for ya’ll anymore?” Apple Bloom asked, seriously. “Especially since she got married and all?”
“No, not at all,” Sweetie Belle smiled, quickly shaking her head. “In fact, I think it’s really cool having a brother-in-law. Erik is always there to keep me company while Rarity is working. Plus, he’s been teaching me how to sing.”
As a matter of fact, everything she said was true. Over the last few months, Sweetie Belle and Erik became the best of friends. Erik was able to help her with her homework when she needed it, it also helped that he was a genius. He even play with her when she wanted to have a little fun and shared pleasant conversations to help her through some difficult times when she was upset. To say the least, Sweetie Belle and Erik were just as inseparable as he was with Rarity.
Of course, not the same way, but still…
Would you stop that?
“You know what bugs me?” Scootaloo asked.
Her fellow crusaders lean close to her, showing they were listening intently.
“The fact they’ve been on four new journeys so far and they never invite us along!”
“Yeah, ah gotta say it is kinda disappointing,” Apple Bloom nodded. “I get left behind when mah sister’s off havin’ amazin’ adventures!”
“Yeah me too,” Sweetie Belle sighed. “I mean don’t get me wrong, it’s a good thing we’re able to avoid all the problems they’ve dealt with. But still, I wish we could go along sometimes and not just watch like spectators.”
BELCH!
Suddenly, the cutie mark crusaders turn as Spike gave a huge blech, blasting green fire. Out from the flames, a royal scroll with Princess Celestia’s seal emerged. Spike caught the scroll in his tiny claws before handing it over to Twilight Sparkle, who grabbed it with her magic. She unrolls the scroll, looking over the message as the rest of her friends waited in anticipation.
“What does Princess Celestia need help with now?” Spike asked.
Twilight looks over the scroll, with a confused look on her face.
“It says she needs us to travel to Seaquestria,” Twilight explained. “We are to meet with Queen Nova regarding their ancient pearl.”
“Seaquestria?” Every pony asked, in unison.
“Wonder what’s wrong down there?” Applejack wondered.
“Indeed, last time we were there the Queen banished us,” Rarity pointed out. “All because Twilight attempted to steal the pearl.”
“At the time, I thought it was the only way to save Equestria,” Twilight groaned.
“So, why would the Queen want us to come back all of a sudden?” Pinkie asked, curiously.
“I have no idea. But we better get going and find out.”
Unbeknownst to all of them, the three little fillies had been listening to the entire conversation and they all squeaked quietly to each other. Finally, this could very well be their one chance they were looking for. As the girls and Spike gathered up their belongings, preparing to leave, the Crusaders gallop toward them with huge smiles on their faces.
“Can we go too?!” They asked together.
“I think maybe it’d be best if ya’ll just head back tah Ponyville,” Applejack shook her head. “Fur safety.”
“Aww, come on Applejack!” Apple Bloom frowned. “We wanna help too!”
“I’m afraid Applejack may be right girls,” Twilight told them. “These adventures can get very dangerous; we don’t want anything bad to happen to any of you.”
“I must wholeheartedly agree with Twilight, Sweetie Belle,” Rarity nodded. “I couldn’t bare the thought if something awful happened to you. Why, I’d never live with myself.”
Rarity pulled her little sister toward her with a big hug, which Sweetie Belle tried to squirm out of. Finally, Rarity let go and Sweetie back up to stand by her friends.
“Rarity, we’re not little fillies anymore,” Sweetie argued. “We can do more than help.”
“I’m sorry girls, but I just don’t think it’s a good idea,” Twilight concluded.
The little fillies look toward the ground sadly, slowly starting to walk away.
“Alright then,” Apple Bloom said, sadly. “Guess we’ll just go on home.”
“It would just be nice to be treated like big ponies for a change,” Sweetie added. “Actually getting the chance to prove how helpful we are.”
“But I guess no matter what happens, every pony sees us as just three helpless little fillies who can’t care for themselves,” Scootaloo said, dejectedly.
In one final act of desperation, all three turned simultaneously and gave the biggest puppy dog eyes and quivering lips they could muster. The girls tried their best to look away, determined not to give in.
“Now Apple Bloom, you know that ain’t gonna work on me,” Applejack said.
“And Sweetie Belle, you know perfectly well how I feel about you trying to persuade me like that,” Rarity added.
Slowly, they all start to turn their heads and the fillies were not letting up. Their sad puppy eyes seemed to grow bigger; so much, they even started to whimper a bit.
Sweet Celestia, they don’t make it easy do they?
Yeah… We all knew this was coming…
“Alright, alright fine!” Twilight finally relented. “You can come!”
The three fillies cheered in joy, as they leapt into the air and placed their hooves in the center, for dramatic effect.
“Cutie Mark Crusaders to the rescue!” They cheered together.
<>
Not too long after, the Mane Six, Spike, and the CMC paddled their way out into the deep waters of the sea. Once in position, Twilight pulls out a large conch shell.
“Alright, every pony ready?” Twilight asked the group.
They all nod in agreement, as Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash all turn toward the Crusaders.
“Now remember girls,” Rarity instructed. “No matter what happens, you three stay by our sides at all times.”
“We ain’t lettin’ ya’ll outta our sights,” Applejack added. “So no funny business ya hear?”
“Otherwise, you’ll get one hay of a flank-kicking from yours truly,” Rainbow threatened. “Even you squirt.”
The crusaders all nod their heads quickly. With that said, Twilight put her lips upon the conch and gave a big blow. The conch let out a loud horn that rippled the water. Not a moment later, a certain sea pony princess breached the surface of the water. When she saw who blew the conch, a loud gasp escaped her lips, her eyes widen with the biggest smile, and gave the group a massive hug.
“TWILIGHT! GIRLS!” She said, excitedly. “Oh my gosh, oh my gosh it’s so good to see you guys again!”
“You… Forgot… Me…!” Spike groaned.
“Oh of course, I never forget you little fella!” The sea pony said, still hugging. “You’re still so adorable, even as a little dragon!”
“It’s good to see you too, Skystar,” Twilight wheezed.
“Now could you kindly let us go darling?” Rarity begged. “I think my lung’s about to break!”
Princess Skystar quickly let the group go, giving them a moment to take a huge breath and crack a few bones back into place.
“Oops, I’m so sorry about that,” Skystar apologized. “It’s just been forever since you guys have been here. I really wanted to greet you properly.”
“By nearly crushing us?” Rainbow asked.
Twilight gave Rainbow a little tap upside the head, shaking her own as a way to say, ‘Keep quiet’.
“So anyway, what seems to be the big problem, Skystar?” Twilight asked.
“I think that’ll be best for my mom to explain to you. We need to get back to the kingdom at once.”
“Well, we’re ready whenever you are.”
Skystar nodded, slowly sinking below the surface of the sea. The group held their breath for a moment and followed closely. Skystar pulled out a bubble, filled with magic from their ancient peal. She quickly popped the bubble, allowing the magic to swirl around the entire group. When it finished, their hind legs and tail were gone, replaced with fish tails.
“I will never get over how simply divine these tails are, darling,” Rarity said, giddily hugging her tail.
“Not to mention, STILL SO AWESOME!” Scootaloo yelled happily, swimming a few loops.
“Well, we best be on our way,” Skystar said, urgently. “Mother is waiting anxiously for all of you.”
The group follow the sea pony princess, as she led them across the sea towards her kingdom. Soon enough, they came upon the kingdom of Seaquestriaa and they couldn’t help but stare in awe at all the sea ponies swimming by. Every time they visited this undersea world, it’s more amazing than the last time.
Skystar led them to the giant undersea palace, home to her mother, Queen Novo. They passed through the halls, toward the throne rom. A very nervous looking Queen of the Sea Ponies floated about, as though she were pacing back and forth.
“Mother!” Skystar announced. “I’ve brought Twilight Sparkle and the rest of the Elements!”
Queen Novo turns toward her daughter and the elements, as well as three little sea fillies floating in her direction. Seeing them approach made her breathe a sigh of relief.
“Thank goodness you are all here,” Novo sighed.
“So, what do you require from us your majesty?” Twilight asked.
“Something terrible has occurred here just yesterday. I need all of you to help us rectify it today.”
“What exactly happened?”
“Some pony stole the sacred pearl!” Novo stated.
The entire group gasped, both in surprise and terror. The pearl itself supplied Seaquestria with its power. If the pearl was stolen or fell in the wrong hooves, or worse, that meant big trouble for the entire kingdom.
“Now who in their right mind would steal the pearl?” Applejack asked.
“You know aside from—”
Pinkie Pie pulled out a giant foam finger, pointing toward Twilight as she whispered. Novo growled, glaring toward the lavender colored pony princess. She remembered far too well the last encounter she had with this group, especially her. Twilight chuckled nervously, as she pulled the foam finger off Pinkie’s hoof and shoved it in her mouth to keep her quiet.
“What Pinkie means to say your majesty is do you know who took the pearl?” Twilight asked, nervously.
Novo glared for a few moments before she finally relents, looking off toward the open ocean.
“All we know is that the perpetrator looked to be a filly. With pink fur and a bluish gray mane.”
The group turned toward each other, as they had a pretty good idea who she was referring to.
“COZY GLOW!” They all said.
“But what would she even want with the pearl?” Fluttershy whispered.
“I have no idea,” Twilight answered. “But whatever it is, I can guarantee it’s not good.”
“What do we do?” Sweetie Belle asked.
Twilight thought for a moment when an idea popped in her head. She turns back toward the Queen and slowly floats toward her.
“Your majesty, my friends and I have encountered this adversary you speak of before,” Twilight explained. “I believe we can help you get the pearl back.”
Novo slowly turned back toward Twilight, pondering for a moment. Indeed, the Elements of Harmony are more than capable of handling this situation of theirs, no matter the problem. She could only hope whatever they planned could work.
“I don’t exactly how you plan to follow her,” Novo said, uncertain. “The last we saw of her, she jumped through a portal during her escape.”
“Well, that’s simple actually,” Twilight assured. “I can use my magic to reopen whichever portal she jumped through and we’ll follow her through there. Once we do, we’ll bring her down and recover the pearl. She won’t even see it coming!”
Queen Novo though the plan over for a brief moment before she eventually sighed and decided to agree. After all she didn’t have much of a choice.
“Alright, I’m entrusting all of you to track down the pearl and return it to us safely. The very future of Seaquestria itself rests on your success. Don’t make me regret this decision”
Twilight nodded as she sparked up her horn with her magic and shot a beam of light into an open area of water. In doing so, it created a swirling portal of color and light. The group of the Mane Six, Spike, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders all stared at it before they slowly entered into it one by one. No pony knew exactly where this new journey would take them. All they knew was that where ever they were going, adventure awaits.
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