//------------------------------// // Episode 7: Love for Honor // Story: My Brave Pony: Starfleet Magic (Season IX) // by DakariKingMykan //------------------------------// EPISODE SEVEN Sunset Shimmer had fully moved in with Artie, and the gang were all celebrating at Rhymey’s Café, “Rhyme Time.” “I still think we should’ve held it at New Sugar-Cub Corners.” complained Pinkie. “Pinkie, we’ve been through this,” said Starla “It’s Sunset’s first day here, and Artie’s first time in actually living with someone in a long time. Let’s keep it soft and easy.” Rhymey then tapped his cocoa mug gathering everyone’s attention. “As your loyal and gracious host, I’d like to propose a toast. Here’s to Sunset Shimmer Our new resident and we say to her We hope you find life nice here And we hope to friends that you’ll hold dear. All that we are doing to today is simply to help you In a world where everything is very strange and new But just so you know we are all here to guide you Won’t it be nice having friends beside you?” He raised his mug, and everyone else did cheering “Here-Here!” Sunset was smiling softly and raised her mug as well as she tapped it with everyone else’s mug around her, and then she came to Artie’s mug, and they stopped and looked into each other’s eyes. Then then turned away, still feeling a bit awkward. “So… um…” Sunset said. “Um… well…” stammered Artie “I hope you’ll be happy here, Sunset. I’ll try my best to help you.” “Yeah, thanks. I’m starting to feel welcome already.” Pinkie looked ready to leap up and give her usual “Welcome to New Ponyville” song and dance, but she didn’t have her wagon with her, and Lightning urged her not to, and just to keep things simple and easy. Fluttershy was behind the counter helping her husband serve drinks and sweets, and baby Button Fly was sleeping peacefully in his pram. “That was a lovely toast you gave, dear.” she said to her husband Rhymey agreed… “I know how it feels to be a place new and strange And while it may seem unusual, there’s always room for change.” He referred to the time he first came to Equestria of Old, searching for a Star Stone, when he first met his dear wife, but was treated strangely by everyone else-- they thought he was Fluttershy in disguise. “Well, I’m very glad you did come.” said Fluttershy “You helped change my life, and I’ve never been so brave and strong before.” Her husband softly pecked her on the lips. Soon the party began to break up. “Aw, just when things were getting interesting.” joked Pinkie. Suddenly, there was a loud slamming at the door, as if something had struck it. “What was that?” asked Starla. Lighting went up to the door and found a dagger obviously thrown into the door, with a note attached to it. Lightning read it out loud… “Rhymey… You are unworthy of possessing what should rightfully be mine. I have been training a long time for this, and now I will set things right with you once and for all.” Rhymey leapt over and read the note himself. Then his eyes narrowed in anger. “Someone has it out for Rhymey?” asked Artie. Rhymey shook his head… “I keep getting things like this all the time, Haters who don’t like the way I rhyme They claim that I am unworthy of things in life, …things like my rep, my comforts…” he looked at Fluttershy “… even my wife.” Fluttershy gave him a strong look. “You ARE worthy of me, and I love you.” He smiled softly at her, and she smiled back, but she was still annoyed. “Sometimes I get it bad too; all these miserable ponies and creatures telling me that I married a “Freak” or a “Loser.” Rhymey calmed her and shook his head… “There is nothing can do to you, and nothing they do to me, They just don’t look at everything, They are silly as can be.” “He’s right.” agreed Lightning “You two and Button Fly are a cute family, and you’re both strong Starfleet soldiers, and you do a lot for others, but just the same, don’t be taking any threats lightly. The last thing we need right now is more trouble stirring up.” The couple saluted in agreement. Little Button Fly began to groan softly, and so did Shining Light. “I guess we better get home.” said Starla. Lightning agreed. Rhymey closed the café, and then he and Fluttershy went with Lightning and Starla down the road, and Pinkie flew back home on her own, leaving Artie and Sunset to head home down the opposite way. “Well, I guess we better go. I can help you unpack more.” said Artie. “I’m done unpacking, remember, you helped me.” Artie remembered. Sunset only brought a few suitcases with her-- just simple clothing. She never had any real possessions upon her arrival. “Um… yeah, sorry.” stammered Artie. Sunset couldn’t help but giggle. “Look, don’t get the wrong idea about this, but I am grateful for what you’re doing.” Artie cleared his throat trying to resist the shyness and warmth that was swelling up inside. “Glad to be doing. …Maybe I can show you how to paint, you know; get yourself a new hobby.” Sunset smiled, “I think I’d like that. All I ever used to paint was spray-paint on brick-walls. There, you see. You have some knack for it already.” The two headed off, and their hands were so close they nearly touched, and they were both resisting with all their will to not suddenly reach out and take the other’s hand. While on their way home, the two families were intercepted by a pony that just landed in the middle of the street. He was a humanoid unicorn, with a light blue coat, and a black colored mane. He was dressed in a black spandex suit, with shoulder armor, chest plate, knee pads, and strong looking boots, and on the sides of his belt, kept in two scabbards, were two strong katanas. On the front of his chest plate was a picture of his cutie mark, a pair of hedge-clippers. Fluttershy swore she had seen that face somewhere before. “Clipper, is that you?” Clipper snuffed. “You know him?” said Lightning. Fluttershy nodded, “We were friends in school, we had many classes together, and he loved trimming hedges and making paper cut-outs, which earned him his cutie mark.” Clipper didn’t look half as friendly as he used to be, the way he sneered at everyone, especially at Rhymey. “There was something I loved more than that!” he growled “…Or should I say someone! And you, Colonel Rhymey, you took her away from me.” Rhymey then gawked at his wife. Starla then asked, “You were in love with Fluttershy?!” “YES!!” snarled Clipper “And she was in love with me, I know she was!” Fluttershy was shocked, but corrected him, “No, Clipper. I was never in love with you.” “Yes you were!” thundered Clipper “Why else were we in the same classes so many times? Why else do you think I stood up for you when you were bullied? Why else did I trim hedges of signs that I was trying to drop your way?” He would trim hedges in the shape of hearts, or out of Fluttershy. Fluttershy did notice those things before, but missed the message due to her timidity and uncertainty in those days. Things like that we’re her main reason of keeping to herself and never thinking once about romance. Rhymey had heard of this Clipper before-- he had seen pictures of him when Fluttershy showed him old yearbook photos-- but this was the first time he had ever heard of this, as this was also the first time he had ever met him in person. Clipper then pulled out his two swords and pointed them at Rhymey in a threatening manner. Suddenly, it all fit together… “That message, it was you!” thundered Lightning. Clipper only roared like a madman as he charged straight at Rhymey, but Rhymey put up a barrier dome, entrapping the wailing swordsman inside. “LET ME OUT!!” he shouted “I’M GOING TO GET YOU!! I’M GOING TO SAVE FLUTTERSHY FROM YOUR PATHETICNESS!!” His shouting made the babies cry. “Oh, Button Fly!” cooed Fluttershy as she picked up her son and rocked him in her arms trying to soothe him, which only made Clipper all the more enraged. “You had his baby too!!” he shouted, and he glared at Rhymey through the barrier, “YOU SICKO!! YOU DESTROYED OUR WORLD!! YOU STOLE HER FROM ME!! YOU MADE HER HAVE YOUR BRAT!!” Rhymey approached him, with his hands on his hips and looking very cross. “That is enough! Quit acting so rough! You’re not proving anything by acting so tough!” Clipper looked ready to explode, “AND STOP WITH THAT STUPID RHYMING!!” “Enough!” bellowed Lightning “You obviously have some unhealthy obsession with Fluttershy Rhymey, and I’m warning you right now, we can all arrest you right here for making threats on officers!” Clipper refused to heed. “I trained in the art of swordsmanship, stealth, and beefed up my strength all these years for one reason: To prove that I’m the better pony for Fluttershy and to stop this, this… FREAK from ruining her life!” Rhymey looked crosser than ever and clenched his fists, and even Fluttershy was not going to stand for this. “Rhymey is no freak, Clipper!” “You poor thing!” cried Clipper “Now he’s got you wrapped around his finger. Please, just let me help you!” Little did he or anyone realize that Dearka was observing them, and eyeing at the deranged Clipper. He then held up a tiny black capsule, and magically shot it straight at Clipper’s neck, which no one else noticed. Lightning had heard enough…! The next thing Clipper knew, he was locked in a detention-cell until morning for threatening officers. “Next time it’ll be three months.” Lightning warned him “You need help, kid.” Clipper had been confiscated of his weapons and armor, and he was frustrated at outraged, which were sealed up in a locker at the end of the hall. “And you’re lucky Rhymey didn’t battle you.” said Starla “Even with your skills, you’d never stand a chance against him.” Her horn began to glow, and she showed him a magical simulation of what would have happened… As skilled and as armed as Clipper was, Rhymey would have clearly beaten him, and without much effort. He wouldn’t have to have moved. His swords would have shattered to pieces against Rhymey strong and solid body. Then Clipper would punch and kick at Rhymey all over, while Rhymey just stood there and yawned in boredom as Clipper exhausted himself from over-punching. Clipper, insane as ever, denied it all. “That’s a lie, and you’re just trying to scare me!” He looked at Fluttershy and whined “How can you do this to me?! I’m just trying to help you.” Fluttershy knew by this point Clipper was obviously sick, but all she could do was try and break it to him gently. “I’m sorry, Clipper. I never knew you loved me, but… I’m afraid I’ve changed. Rhymey is my husband, and this is our son, Button Fly. We’re a family, and we’re happy. I’m really sorry.” Clipper looked a mix between crushed and enraged. “Come on, let’s go.” said Lightning. “He needs time to think.” The gang left, and Clipper was left alone to sulk in his cell, and he was still unconvinced. “Fluttershy should be mine!” he grumbled in thought “She’s been confused by that jerk, Rhymey. He’s not good enough for her! He doesn’t deserve her! He doesn’t deserve anything but to be taken down and fast!” Clipper suddenly began to feel a little woozy, and he just collapsed on the bench in his cell. Dearka could sense that his plan was beginning. “It won’t be long now.” he hissed softly. Recalling earlier when he reported to King Von Devilor… He presented his king with a small, black capsule. “This, your majesty, is my latest creation.” Scarlet was non-too-pleased, “You call that little tick a sure-fire plan?” she mocked. Dearka growled, “I do! The victim who swallows this will be someone who harbors vast amounts of pure inner hatred hate.” The King seemed intrigued, “And this capsule will instantly put its consumer under our power and will?” Dearka nodded, “…It shall amplify the hate within, increasing their strength and power, but that’s not all. The more the energy is amplified, the sooner it will unleash the power into a great force that will be able to spread all over United Equestria and feed upon love and hate at will.” The blues fires around Von Devilor blazed as he chuckled evilly, “Go, Dearka. Get me that energy!” Dearka bowed, and headed off, but not before giving Scarlet a taunting glare, which annoyed her deeply. Back in the present, Dearka was satisfied with his deed. “By morning, the hate will have taken over, and he’ll be under the influence of his own hatred and darkness. That’s sure to give the enemy a nasty surprise.” And indeed…The next morning, Clipper was let out as promised. The officer unlocked his cell door. “Okay kid, you’re out, but you remember what the commander said…” Clipper just remained where he was, flat on the bench. He didn’t move or make a sound. “Did you hear me?” the officer asked “Get out of here!” Clipper still didn’t move, and the officer lost patience. He walked right inside and put his hand on Clipper’s shoulder… …Clipper suddenly reached up and grabbed him by the wrist! “Hey!” cried the officer, but he was suddenly shoved against the wall and knocked unconscious. Another officer heard the commotion. “What’s going on back here?!” she came down the hall just in time to see Clipper breaking open the big locker to retrieve his armor and his swords. “Stop right there!” the lady demanded, and she fired a blast from her horn at his back, which barely fazed him at all, and he turned round to face her, his body now glowing with dark aura. “That… was… a mistake!” Clipper growled in a deep and raspy voice, and gripped his swords tightly, and both they and his armor transformed, looking stronger and more evil than before. The officer was about to sound the alarm and call backup, which Clipper fired a dark blast from one of his blades, and knocked her out cold just like her partner. Clipper gripped his swords and snickered, “This feels wonderful-- The power, the hate!!” Now he felt really prepared, and he left the station in his new form to go and finish what he started. “Rhymey…!!” Meanwhile, Rhymey was feeding Button Fly his breakfast formula like a good father. He smiled lovingly at his little son as he drank from his bottle. Fluttershy was outside giving all her animal friends their breakfast, and Angel was helping her. “Good morning, everyone.” She said so sweetly, “Are we all ready to start a new day?” The birdies chirped, the squirreled smiled, and the bees did happy swirls. One big bear seemed grumpy and sulked, but Fluttershy knew the trick, and gave him an urn full of honey, which made him smile. “That’s better.” she cooed. Angel was enjoying himself as well, but suddenly his ears perked up and twitched, sensing something was wrong, and he shivered in fright. “What’s wrong Angel?” asked Fluttershy, but she could see for herself as could all her animal friends, causing them to flee in panic…! “Clipper…?” He stood there, breathing hard and steadily. “That aura!” cried Fluttershy “…The Devils!” She quickly attempted to activate her energizer, but he rushed over and grabbed her, draping her over his shoulder. “Angel, get Rhymey qui--” Fluttershy screamed before she was knocked unconscious. Angel hopped off for his little door, but Clipper threw another knife with a note attached to it just before the little rabbit. “Make sure he gets that!” Clipper hissed, and then he dashed off with Fluttershy. “Don’t worry my sweet, it will all be over soon, and I’ll save you from this nightmare you call a marriage and family!” He suddenly began to feel strange, as if his love for Fluttershy was starting to fade-- which it was because of the dark aura consuming his love and light and increasing the hate within. Dearka was hiding nearby and watched the kidnapping, and he hissed, “Excellent! Soon I’ll be able to hit many birds with one stone!” You can bet, when Angel showed Rhymey the note, Rhymey was outraged, and wanted to go after his wife so desperately, but first he needed someone to look after Button Fly. Then he thought of The Cakes, being bakers, they were always up early, and they were always willing to babysit whenever they could for the officers. So he quickly loaded Button Fly up with a diaper bag and everything, accidently taking Angel along with him too. He zoomed past Lightning was about to head out on his own beat while Starla watched the baby. “Was that Rhymey?” asked Starla. “It was. He looks like he’s in a panic. I’ll check it out.” His wife nodded and saw her husband fly off. Rhymey practically pounded at the door of New Sugar-Cube Corners, and Carrot Cake answered “Rhymey? What are you doing here at this hour, we aren’t open yet.” Rhymey just handed him the baby and spoke in swift rhymes… “Please, can you look after my son? I’ve got an emergency, and a big one!” Pinkie poked her head from the kitchen, all covered in flour, “An emergency?!” “Oh, my!” cried Cupcake “You better, go too, Pinkie.” Pinkie agreed and chased after Rhymey as he left. “What’s going on?” she asked him. Rhymey was too upset to explain, thinking so much of Clipper taking his wife from him after he was explicitly warned! Artie and Sunset were about to head out for a small tour of New Ponyville, when Pinkie and Lightning came soaring overhead. “What’s going on?” asked Sunset. Artie stiffened, “Could be trouble…” This was confirmed as Lightning called to him as he passed by, “Come on, Artie!” Artie looked back at Sunset, “I have to check this out. You stay here.” He flew off, and even though Sunset knew what Artie said about things like this being dangerous, having seen the battles herself, so she stayed home as she was told. “Please come back to me…” she muttered to herself “Er… I mean, please come home safely.” She felt so embarrassed with herself, despite there was no one around to hear her. Out in the open fields, outside of the village… Fluttershy awoke, and found herself inside a dome barrier of dark flames Clipper had conjured with his new powers, and her armored vest and energizer were outside the barrier, next to a tree so she couldn’t transform. She would have used her Valkyrie powers, but they weren’t strong enough to combat darkness like this. “What’s happening?!” she groaned. As her vison cleared, she saw Clipper outside the barrier and gazing at her. “Clipper…? Why are you doing this?” His hate-filled eyes gave a sickening glow, and the aura around him grew stronger. “Don’t worry, Fluttershy. Once I destroy Rhymey you’ll have nothing to be ashamed of anymore.” Fluttershy’s blood ran cold, “Destroy Rhymey?!” she honestly couldn’t tell if he was still harboring his natural hate and jealousy for Rhymey, but she could already tell that he was in big trouble if he was empowered by the Devils’ aura. “Clipper, listen to me!” You have to let me out of here! I can help you!” “No, I’m here to help you.” hissed Clipper. Suddenly, he groaned and held his head in pain as the aura grew stronger, and he found it harder to stay concerned with Fluttershy. “Why did I trap her like this?” he thought “Why am I suddenly feeling compelled to attack her?” His fingers were quaking as he reached for his swords, but he managed to get a grip on himself. He expected Rhymey would arrive any second… …And indeed, Rhymey, already transformed, dropped in. “Oh, my…! …Fluttershy!” “Rhymey…!” his wife shrieked. The others, already transformed, dropped in as well. “You again…!” Lightning thundered at Clipper, and he noticed the aura. “Let’s heal him, quick!” suggested Artie. The others agreed, but before they could act, both Rhymey and Clipper were surrounded by a large wall of flames that curled around them into a large arena about twenty yards wide, with only the tree, a rock-pile, and Fluttershy trapped in with them. Dearka appeared, “Sorry, but this is a matter for them to settle.” Lightning and Artie growled at the sight of him, while Pinkie began to feel swoony and dreamy again. “Oh, not you again!” grumbled Dearka. “What have you done to Clipper?” Lightning demanded to know. Dearka snickered, “Nothing compared what’s about to happen to your friends inside.” Rather than let them worry about, Dearka extended his claws and lunged forth, forcing the fighters to scatter. “SUPER STAFF” Artie waved his weapon around and charged at Dearka, parrying at his claws. Pinkie tried to rush him as well, but Lightning held her back reminding her, “No, no! The more of us fight the more power he gets. We’ll have to do this in turns.” Artie heard this and he agreed as he continued to parry Dearka and his claws, when Suddenly Dearka found and opening and struck him, making sparks fly and knocking him away. “Who’s next?!” sneered Dearka. Lightning leapt in and Pinkie could only rush to Artie’s side. “Are you okay?” “Yeah, I’m fine…” He and Pinkie then looked in through the flames as Rhymey and Clipper glared each other down. Clipper drew out his powerful swords, and Rhymey was able to scan with his visor how much stronger they and the armor were. “You’re going down!” hissed Clipper “Because of you, Equestria was destroyed, and you stole Fluttershy from me, and you are just a ridiculous waste of space, you and your rhymes!” Rhymey clenched his fists, but he knew Clipper was more deranged than ever because of the aura. “You have no idea what you’re talking about, Let me help you, we can work this out.” “Silence, and FIGHT!!” shouted Clipper, and he lunged forth ready to strike, forcing Rhymey to leap up and over. “Rhymey!!” cried Fluttershy. He landed and turned to see Clipper charging at him again… He reached up and tapped his energizer, making it glow with Cadance’s magic. “I summon this magic to help my foe, The Healing of Love… go!!” The magic waves shrouded at Clipper, but didn’t seem to heal him one bit. “It isn’t working!” cried Fluttershy “The aura must be too strong with all this darkness around us. You have to fight him and weaken him down!” Rhymey knew she was right, and it was his duty to make things right, even if it meant battling with someone. “WARD SWORD” Rhymey waved his blade, and it shimmered in the sunlight. Clipper growled and narrowed his eyes at him, making the aura flow harder than ever, he began to snarl like a monster “YOU’RE TOAST!!” He slashed his sword at Rhymey, but missed when Rhymey zipped out of the way! He then charged form behind, and Clipper whirled around blocking his sword with his own. The two began to brawl hard, and Rhymey could feel by the force of the clashes, Clipper was indeed stronger and swifter than he was before, and getting stronger as the aura blazed around him. “I will destroy you!!” he thundered, and he fought more fiercely than before, but Rhymey still managed to keep up the pace and block the two swords with just his one. Poor Fluttershy could only watch helplessly. “You and your stupid rhymes won’t get you out of this one!” shouted Clipper, and he fired magical blasts form his blades, making sparks and explosions flow all around Rhymey and knocking him over. Fluttershy screamed in terror. “Fluttershy!!” cried Lightning from outside. “We’ve got to get in there and help them!” shouted Pinkie. Dearka laughed, “Fat chance…!” and he thrust out his claws, firing large, dark lightning bolts, striking them and Artie hard. The trio was still okay, and Dearka was feeling amused as he watched them get up again. “Yes, get up for more,” he taunted “It only helps me and my slave all the better!” Inside, Rhymey was in a struggle, with Clipper pushing his blades against his. “Fluttershy is mine!!” growled Clipper. Enraged, Rhymey found strength to push him back and off of him. “DRILL QUILL” He unleashed his sharp feather shots at Clipper, which he dodged, swerved, and burned with his powers, and struck Rhymey hard his armor. “NOOOOOO!!!” Fluttershy screamed, as it look as if her husband had been struck fatally, as he just stood there, and dropped his sword form his left hand into his right hand. …Then! WHASH!! Rhymey struck Clipper hard, and sent both his swords flying up, up, and up. Rhymey quickly fired a blast from his horn at the sword, sending them sailing into the dark fire-wall, flying right through, sailing across the field and landing, stuck, in the ground. The aura around them faded away, and they reverted back to its normal, weak, shape. Fluttershy was beaming with relief and glee, and her husband nodded at her! It was an old trick he had learned-- faking being fatally injured, then striking his opponent while their guard was down, thinking they had won. “This can’t be happening!!” wailed Clipper. Rhymey pointed the tip of his blade straight at him. “I make speak in rhymes still, But that does not affect my battle skill You think you are skilled You think you are strong But the evil is not helping you, It’s sick and it’s wrong! Let me help, Fluttershy too, We’ll do all we can for you!” Fluttershy nodded, willing to help, but Clipper only let out a huge roar, and charged with his remaining sword. “I’ll destroy you both!!” “Wait, “Both?” he thought “But I don’t want to hurt Fluttershy! What’s happening to me?” Rhymey saw his chance, and set his sword on heal. He looked at Fluttershy showing his concern of what he was about to do, but she nodded at him in full understanding. Rhymey sword began to glow and spark with twisting winds and lightning. “THRASH SLASH” He slashed Clipper hard with his finisher, and Clipper screamed and howled as his body began to spark and jolt. “Do it now!!” cried Fluttershy. Rhymey agreed, and once again used The Healing of Love to try and save Clipper. The healing combined with his attack successfully managed to eject the aura from Clipper’s body, and Clipper fell unconscious onto the ground. “Oh, Clipper…!” Fluttershy cried in concern for him. Suddenly, her barrier dispelled, and so did the fire-wall around the arena. Rhymey raced to Fluttershy and embraced her, “I say… Are you okay?” His wife embraced him back, “I’m fine, but look!” The aura was all combining together, in a large ball of darkness that began to mould into the face of large resemblance of Dearka. “What is that?!” cried Pinkie. “I don’t think I like it one bit!” grumbled Artie. “Me neither!” agreed Lightning “The thing’s power is off the charts!” Dearka snickered, “Finally, my ultimate creation sis complete! All the hateful aura will now spread all throughout the planet and feed King von Devilor with all the power he could want!” He decided to leave his enemies to what he hoped would be their doom, and leapt through a portal back to the Devils’ World. The monster-head roared as aura flowed from its huge mouth like a cloud of breath, heading straight for New Ponyville. The citizens could all see the fog heading their way, and the alarms sounded as everyone began to run for their lives. Sunset saw it, and she was worried about Artie. “Sunset!” called Starla, and she dropped in from the sky with Shining Light strapped in the carrier harness in front of her. “Come on, we’ve got get you someplace safe!” “We’ve got to stop it!” cried Lightning. Fluttershy agreed, grabbing her armor, “Harmony Hour, Friendship Power!” and she transformed. “Let’s go!” shouted Lightning, and he and his team flew upward. Lightning quickly zoomed towards New Ponyville, and stood before the fog, “I hope this works…!” He then conjured up all the power he could produce a large magical curtain of the Uniforce itself, directly in the path of the fog, halting it. He felt really exhausted after doing that, but at least he had given the villagers a chance to get away. The others were impressed by Lightning’s move, and he rejoined them on the battle field, “That wall won’t hold for long. We’ve got to eliminate the aura!” The others agreed, and all took up their positions. “All together now…!” hollered Lightning, and everyone activated their energizers… “THE HEALING OF LOVE” Their combined waves struck the large head hard, and dispelled the aura, but not really by much. “It didn’t work!” cried Fluttershy. “It’s because there’s too much darkness.” concluded Artie. “We need to keep striking it and cut it down to size more!” Lightning agreed, “Keep using the love spell. I’ll give it all I’ve got too.” The others agreed and continued to pour on the love, slowly, but surely shrinking the head down. Lightning then conjured up whatever power he had left… “UNIFORCE” The force from his light attack soared clean into the darkness. The massive head roared loudly as it felt itself growing weaker, and weaker. Finally, Lightning was all pooped out, and his suit powered down too as he collapsed to his knees. The others had also exhausted their entire supplies of Cadance’s magic, and felt tried after it. Rhymey felt out of power, and Artie had just enough strength left for one attack, but the head still seemed a bit too big for him to try. “We need another burst of power!” he called. “But we’re all tapped out!” said Pinkie. “Oh, no, look!” cried Fluttershy. The head was starting to grow again because of their negative emotions of worry, as well as the panic coming from the village as the civilians all fled. “You-Hoo…!” Starla hollered as she came soaring in. “Starla?” called Lightning. He thought she, knowing better, would be in the village helping the people get away, but then he could see from the shining of her body “…It’s her droid double!” The droid gave Lightning a thumb-up, and then headed straight at the huge head, going straight at it’s core. “What’s she doing?” wondered Artie. He got his answer when the droid suddenly self-destructed within, and the light and fires from the explosion upset the aura from within, reducing the head down to the size of a normal monster. The real Starla, removed her visor and stowed her control gear, “I hope that was enough for them.” “Artie, do it now!” shouted Lightning. Artie agreed and conjured whatever power he had left into his finisher, powering it up. “SUPER STAFF SPIN” Whirling his staff, round and around, igniting it with his magic, he slashed at the head, and it screamed and howled as it vaporized away to nothing, causing the aura it cast to vanish with it just as Lightning’s wall dispelled. The citizens saw it all, and cheered for Starfleet. Starla sighed in relief, and patted her sleeping son’s little head. The baby was wearing earplugs so the noise of the cheering crowds didn’t bother him at all. Sunset stood next to them and closed her eyes, giving thanks for Artie’s success, as well as the rest of the team. Back in Von Devilor’s presence, the king informed Dearka, “Your plan has failed! Our enemies have once again ensnared victory.” Scarlet couldn’t resist the urge to taunt him. “And all you got was the energy of that lone little fool you brainwashed, and even with his enhanced strength he couldn’t even beat one fighter.” Dearka growled furiously. However, Von Devlior smirked wickedly “Yes, however, let us not overlook the fact that the capsule still empowered the subject, which I feel can be used to our advantage in future plots. Dearka has presented us with a grand alternative to just draining love from our victims; a great to spread our hate and gather vast amounts of power we see fit.” Dearka smiled and bowed proudly. “Thank you, my king.” “But your majesty…” Starla said before she was cut off by her enraged king, “ARE YOU DARE QUESTIONING ME IN MY PRESENCE??!!” Scarlet whimpered and fell to her knees bowing, “N-N-No sire, I wouldn’t dare even consider it again.” Dearka snickered softly. Meanwhile, Clipper regained his consciousness, and was questioned downtown of the events that happened. The two guards he had knocked out cold at the local jailhouse were witnesses, confirming his actions, but they also confirmed about seeing the darkness that shrouded him. In the end, professionally, Lightning could not hold Clipper responsible for what happened, since The Devils’ we’re behind it, and Clipper did not willingly choose to go along with the plot, despite his hatred of Rhymey and his lust for Fluttershy. However, as commander he was authorized to order Clipper to seek help for his obsession with the couple-- his obsession with Fluttershy and his resentment of Rhymey. He also issued a restraining order, on his own authority and on Fluttershy and Rhymey’s behalf. He was to stay a-hundred feet away from them at all times. For this, he was outfitted with a special magical manacle on his right ankle. This manacle would magically react and warn officers if he was violating this order, and constant violations would result in an arrest. Clipper was most upset and protested “He doesn’t deserve Fluttershy! I actually love her! I should be with her, not him! I can make her happy! All he does is rhyme! He’s no good for anything!” Lightning could only pitifully shake his head at him, and he could see that talking to him and trying to reason would get him nowhere, so he left him to wallow in his misery, and rejoined the group, at Rhymey and Fluttershy’s place. “How did it go?” asked Starla. He only gave her a soft stare, which told everyone, “Not so well.” Fluttershy sighed, “Poor Clipper, I can’t help but feel sorry for him.” Rhymey felt a little sorry for him too, but both he and Fluttershy knew he brought it on himself for his obsession, and his refusal to see so much more to Rhymey than just rhymes. “I may not be the pony they want me to be, But I am happy the way things are, I just want to be me.” Fluttershy cuddled up to him, and said a little poem herself… “All the people in the world can never break us apart, I give you my solemn word, from my soul and my heart, Everyone will say that I’m crazy, or strange, But I know that I love you, and that will never change.” Rhymey grinned lovingly at her, and they gazed deeply into each other’s eyes. “I think that’s our que to leave.” whispered Artie, and he and the others started to head off. Pinkie was still gawking at the lovey couple, and Starla dragged her along. Sunset couldn’t help but sigh, “I think I’m going to like living in New Ponyville.” Artie was happy to hear her say that. As for Rhymey and Fluttershy, they shared a deep kiss, with only the other animals and Angel watching them from afar. All of them looking dazed and melty at the couple, and Angel even blew his little nose in a hankie. (Promo) In our next episode: Swift Star trains well and is almost ready for his first probationary battle, which may come sooner than he believes, for the evil Daybreaker manages to fully revitalize herself and appears physically to cause more trouble than ever before. Can our heroes stop her, or is United Equestria doomed to an infernal fate? Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic” (Next Episode: “She’s Burning Back.”)