//------------------------------// // Episode 17: Trust in Time // Story: My Brave Pony: Starfleet Magic (Season IX) // by DakariKingMykan //------------------------------// EPISODE SEVENTEEN One night, as Cadance was tucking Flurry Heart into her crib and bidding her goodnight, she began to hear a faint feminine voice… “Heeeelp meeeeee…! Saaaaaave meeeee…!” Cadance looked up and all around, and then picked her ears. The voice was gone. Her daughter then gave a little yawn and snuggled down under her blanket. Cadance smiled and pecked her little darling. “Sleep tight, angel.” she cooed. Her husband then came up behind her, wrapping his around her and pecking her cheek. The two stood there in the soft silence, but then Cadance began to hear that voice calling out again. “Please… Somebody, help me! “Can you hear that?” she asked. “Hear what?” replied Shining Armor. Cadance heard no more. “I just heard someone, calling for help.” Her husband blinked in confusion. “I know it sounds crazy, but I really heard something.” “Maybe you’re just over-worked?” suggested Shining Armor. His wife still heard nothing more and felt it was possible. “I have been working hard, and it has been stressful with The Devils still out there.” she then let out a huge yawn proving she was sleepy. “I guess a good-night sleep could help.” Meanwhile, at New Sweet Apple Acres, a romantic candlelit dinner was set up in the moonlit cornfields, a very romantic time, and place to be… unless you were Applejack and Apple Spice, who were the diners. They were both looking a tad dressed up. Spice wore a clean white shirt and a bowtie while Applejack wore one of her casual farm gowns and had her hair done in her Apple Jewel style. This dinner was obviously another one of Applejack’s folks’ ideas to bring them closer together, because their wedding was being planned for and was now only one month away-- whether The Devils were defeated by then or not. Bright Mac was spying on them with binoculars through the house. Normally, his wife would scold him for such a thing, but Pear Butter was just as curious. “What are they doing?” she asked. “They’re just sitting there, hardly looking at each other.” Pear sighed, “It’s no use. We can’t just force them to be with one another like this.” Her husband agreed, “But you know about the contract, Buttercup. There just ain’t no way around it. They have to do this or we’ll all be in trouble.” Pear nodded, and felt bad more for the kids. Applejack and Spice still felt nervous and awkward. They suddenly turned to speak to each other, at the same time, and then chuckled softly, and turned away again. “Look, Spice… we both know how we feel.” said Applejack “And I especially know how you feel… about Pinkie Pie, I mean.” Spice went red in the face, “What do you mean? Me and Pinkie Pie…? I well um… I…” he knew he couldn’t worm his way out of it, especially not to Applejack “…Yes, you know it right. What am I going to do? What are WE going to do?” “Well, I know one thing you can do; tell Pinkie how you feel. Face it, she ain’t just going to guess it, not even with all the obvious signs you gave her.” Spice pondered deeply, “I don’t know… I know she still has feelings for that guy, Dearka, even though he’s an enemy, but she obviously doesn’t feel the same about me. I mean, we’ve hung out, we went to the amusement park, and she did peck me a couple of times.” Applejack still insisted “…Then tell her, and who knows, maybe she does like you.” Spice sighed softly, “Even if I do tell her, that doesn’t get us out of our problem.” “Yeah… you’re right about that.” agreed Applejack “But you still may as well tell her.” Spice remained unsure, even as he looked up at the moon and could see Pinkie’s face smiling at him. Later that night, Cadance tried to sleep, but that same voice continued to call to her. “Someone… please, save me!” She sat upright in bed. She tried plugging her ears, but she could still hear it. “Help…! Please help!” She shook her husband, “Shining Armor! Shining Armor, wake up!” “Oh, not now, mom… five more minutes.” he groaned in a sleepy daze “Wake up!” his wife snapped softly, and he bolted upright in near shock. “Cadance, what is it? It’s after midnight!” but then he had the idea, “Are you still hearing that voice?” Cadance nodded, “I wasn’t dreaming either, I was wide awake, but I don’t know what it is.” She heard it again… “Help…! Heeeeelp…!!” “There it is again!” Shining Armor heard nothing, but he was starting to feel concerned, and even though it was late, they knew the sickbay was still active. “Come on, let’s take you down there.” She agreed and got up out of bed. Meanwhile, King Von Devilor was groaning and growling in the darkness, for he too could hear the wailing, while none of the other Devils in the realm could. “Silence!” he growled softly as his blue flames of hate blazed, and the light on his lower forum jerked about. “When are you going to learn there is nothing you can do to stop me and my hate from conquering the worlds beyond?” Little did he know that Dearka was listening and observing from up high on a far ledge. Neither he, nor any Devil had any clue of what that strange light was on his lower forum… …until now! “It’s a spiritual being.” Dearka thought to himself. “We Devils: Our mission is to wipe out any forms of love so we may escape from our prison in this realm and take back the worlds beyond. But it seems that his majesty has been holding things secret from his own subjects.” Just then he saw Scarlet approach the king. “My lord, does something trouble you?” she called out. Von Devilor regained himself, “I am fine.” “Are you certain? You seem to be--” “I said I am fine!!” bellowed Von Devilor. “Just get out there and gather me more power!” Scarlet bowed at the opportunity, but she had to ask, “What about Dearka? Shouldn’t he come with me as well?” Von Devilor grumbled softly, “Dearka has begun to show signs of insubordination. I shall tend with this in due time. You just do as you are told.” Scarlet bowed again, but secretly thought, “…It’s working! I’ve got that fraud, Dearka, on the ropes. It’s only a matter of time before he’s all the way out, and I can finally gain the respect I deserve!” Dearka felt insulted as he thought, “So they think I’m slipping, do they?” He clenched his fists angrily. “My loyalties are never to be questioned. I’ll show them where they lie.” The next morning, Pinkie Pie was off and about doing grocery shopping for the cakes. She stood in line humming casually while she waited. Artie came up behind her doing his own shopping. “Hiya, Art…” Artie looked a little glum. “Oh, hiya, Pinkie...” If there was one thing Pinkie hated seeing more than someone with a glum expression, it was seeing one of her friends with a glum expression. “Uh, oh…! What’s the matter?” “…It’s Sunset,” replied Artie “I think I may have offended her.” He recounted that morning; Sunset had gone out shopping without leaving him a note. She was gone for nearly an hour. “You know you’re not supposed to leave the house without Me.” he scolded. “I thought I’d show you that I can take care of myself. You can’t baby me forever.” This new rebelliousness was understandable, seeing as it had been over a month since she moved in with him and longed to have her own freedom of choices. From that whole morning they fought and argued, and it ended on a really deep note. “You’re just trying to keep me all to yourself, aren’t you, because you looooove me. Is that it? I get it now, why you keep making all these paintings with references of my name. You’ve got it hot for me, don’t you?!” Artie felt struck and embarrassed, still not ready to admit his true feelings for her. “It’s not like that. I didn’t even want to take you in the first place. That was Lightning’s idea. I--” He stopped himself feeling shocked at what he had just said, and Sunset looked extremely hurt and livid. “You never wanted to take me in?” He tried to explain, but Sunset ran out of the house in an angry rage. “Sunset…!” he would have chased after her as it was his responsibility to care for her, but part of him felt if he did it would look like he was trying to force himself on her, and that wouldn’t do good for either of them. By this time Artie and Pinkie were walking with their paid groceries home. “…So, I decided to give her some time, and let her cool off, but I’m really regretting it. I should’ve gone after her at once.” he paused and sighed “And worse… maybe I should’ve been honest with her from the start. Ugh!! What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I do anything right around her?” Pinkie didn’t know who to feel more sorry for, him or Sunset. “Well, as soon as I drop off the groceries I’ll help you find her.” “Oh, no, really, Pinkie, I should really handle this myself.” “Nonsense... You know I love to help out friends when there’s a problem. In fact, I’ll help you right now.” Before Artie could protest, Pinkie put her groceries down and flew up a high lamppost announcing to everyone, “HEY, SUNSET SHIMMER!! ARTIE’S SORRY FOR WHAT HE SAID!!” Other ponies around covered their ears by her loud her voice, and others began to look towards Artie, who was blushing in extreme embarrassment. “ARTIE ALSO WANTS TO TELL YOU THAT HE’S IN--” before Pinkie could say another word, Artie flew up high and brought her down, covering her mouth, “...That’ll do, Pinkie Pie!!” he growled. Many ponies were still staring at them, and he giggled nervously as he led Pinkie away. “Great! Now everyone knows that I screwed up!” Pinkie rubbed the back of her head nervously, but Artie didn’t bother lash at her. He was more concerned if Sunset had heard the message or not, and he was also thankful that Lightning and Starla were off in New Canterlot and didn’t hear it. Lightning and Starla were in New Canterlot as promised. Their majesties, Grand Ruler Celesto and Queen Celestia had requested they come for the arrival of Major Hawk Fenton; who was the head of the Starfleet outpost on Planet Vistula. Their majesties had sent word about Dearka’s connection to Vistula, and Hawk mentioned in a reply how he and his united had seen and faced Dearka’s forces when the Devils first began to appear all through the cosmos when they disrupted a wedding there. Now he was coming personally to deliver any information that he could. He was just being announced by Captain Shaina in the briefing room. “Major Fenton…” The Major came in, removing his cap. He was a burgundy colored Space Alicorn, with a bright red mane, with hints of yellow like Phoenix Flame. The major bowered to the crowned heads. “Your majesties…” Their majesties bowed back, and Grand Ruler gave the introductions. “Major Hawk Fenton… Commander Lightning Dawn, General Starla Shine.” Hawk saluted to them respectfully. “Ma’am… Sir…” Lightning and Starla saluted back. “It’s an honor to meet you, Major.” said Lightning “We’ve only heard reports about, all of it good.” Hawk nodded, but he didn’t have too much time and had to get back to Vistula and his team soon. So he sat at the table and was asked to present his oral report, as well as any files he had made for later studies. “As you know, I’ve been commanding the outpost on Vistula for ten years, and a good thing too, because they had called for Starfleet to aid in assistance in their ways of life and for protection against evil force.” Grand Ruler nodded “I remember it all too-well. Society on Vistula was crumbling and fear was rising; all because they had most senseless laws.” Starla looked over the files, and the laws were extremely messed up to her, but easily the most disturbing law was something called “…The Ultimate Challenge?” “What’s that?” asked Celestia “I don’t like the sound of it…” “You wouldn’t like it all.” replied Hawk, and he explained about it… The Ultimate Challenge was an old Vistulan custom. Like most races, Vistulans were not without their flaws, or their fights, or even struggles for power, and when it came to things such as claiming ownership of property, an object, or the affections of another, even settling a bitter rivalry or feud… …Instead of settling it in a civilized manner, the two opposing Vistulans would compete in The Ultimate Challenge: a series of contests and games where they pitted their strengths, skills and abilities against one another. Everyone’s faces turned aghast. “That’s just barbaric!” snapped Celestia. “It’s beyond barbaric!” agreed Lightning. “Oh, it’s worse than you think…” replied Hawk “To the winner of the challenge went all the prestige, prizes and ownership that was, even if it were a feeling of romance, then you won whomever it was and they would have to accept you by law. As for the loser… they were to be denounced and regarded to everyone as trash, worthless, a failure! Stripped of any and all prestige and titles they held, and exiled from the planet forever-- hurled into space, just like that, never to return under severe penalty of death to you and/or anyone else that dared to be affiliated with you; family or friend alike!” The others were beyond disgusted, and sat with their mouths hanging wide open and their eyes bulging wide. Starla couldn’t even bring herself to speak, and just said in her mind, “Exile and disregarded just for losing a challenge?!” “Galloping Galaxies…!” Lightning thought “How thoughtless and ridiculous could a race be?!” Grand Ruler clenched his right hand into a fist, and placed his other hand softly over Celestia’s hand, which was twitching hard. Hawk sighed “Feel free to throw up, I know I did.” Grand Ruler felt the same as Hawk, “Whether it was their laws, and their way of life, I knew such ways would be chaotic, and they were. According to the reports, many of those who were banished felt homesick and tried to return home to their families just wanting to see them again, only to be shunned and denounced, and the guards were summoned to execute them, which escalated into a hunger for revenge and breeding for evil. So I personally went to Vistula myself, in order to quell the fighting and make things better. I convinced the elders of the planet to change their ways, without threat, and without blackmail. I finally made them see the horrors and the errors of their ways and what they had become. While many Vistulans agreed that it was for the best to change the laws, there were still those, especially within royalty, who wished it remain as it was.” “We have always been this way.” “We have to know who is perfect and who is a loser.” “It gives our people a reason to put all they have into their skills, knowing they can’t afford to lose for what will become of them.” “They were outvoted and unseated in power, and Vistula became more peaceful and understanding. No more Ultimate Challenges, no more horrid laws of exile. Unfortunately, there was no way to repair all the damage. Many had been exiled for a long time, and had either perished, or moved on with their lives finding new ways to go.” Celestia couldn’t but shed a tear, “Those poor people!” Starla clenched Lightning’s hand, and he clutched hers deeply in shock and disgust. “Major…” said Lightning “You have read our reports regarding Dearka and The Devils. Were you able to gather the information we requested?” “No sir…” replied Hawk “Any and all witnesses and affiliations with such history were not to be found. All had perished in a battle of vengeance against those who were banished some time ago. But we did manage to find this…” He held up what appeared to be another charred and damaged locket. There was no mistaking it, it was indeed the other part of Dearka’s broken locket, and inside were the charred and burned remains of what had to be a beautiful Vistulan Princess. “Where did you find this?” asked Starla. “It would found among the tall grass in a large meadow where an old neighborhood once stood. There is nothing more I can tell you.” With all that said and done, Major Fenton was excused to return to Vistula. “You have been most helpful, Major.” said Grand Ruler. “I will see that you and your outpost are compensated for this.” “Thank you, sire.” said Hawk with a bow, and he left to catch his portal back home. While back in New Ponyville… Fluttershy and Rhymey were out walking with Button Fly like the happy family they were, when Applejack and Spice came along hauling two carts of apples, another way of them to try and bond setup by Applejack’s folks. “Hello Applejack, Apple Spice…” said Fluttershy. The two only looked up grimly and gave soft waves. “Uh, oh, things aren’t good, I can tell You two don’t seem to look very well.” “You noticed.” groaned Applejack “Me and Spice just can’t go through with this whole marriage thing and there’s no way out of it.” Even Fluttershy could see the couple was not very happy with each other. “Don’t you at least like each other? That could be something.” “Well we do…” said Spice “We like each other… but only friends, we don’t really love each other and we can’t seem to do that.” Rhymey nodded “Love isn’t something that can just be forged out of thin air It either happens or it doesn’t, but you know when it’s there.” Fluttershy still wasn’t that convinced, despite her friends’ objections to the marriage, “Well, maybe you could get married and, who knows, you’ll start to find love shortly after that?” Much as that was plausible, her friends didn’t like it. “I know you’re trying to help, Fluttershy, but I ain’t too keen on it.” said Applejack. “Me neither,” agreed Spice “I want to marry someone because I love them, not because some piece of paper orders me to.” He then thought of Pinkie Pie again, and the idea of them being married made him sink into a lovey daze again, with his cheeks red and his eyes half open. He then looked at Rhymey and Fluttershy, and imagined it was himself with Pinkie and their own baby. The trio thought his feelings for Pinkie were just so adorable, and speaking of Pinkie, she landed down from the sky. “Hi y’all.” Spice took one look at her and his heart began to race. “Have you guys seen Sunset anywhere?” Pinkie asked. Suddenly, before any of them could answer, Sunset appeared standing up ahead of them up the road. “Oh, there she is. Artie’s been looking all over for her.” chirped Pinkie, but Sunset didn’t look a bit pleased, especially when she opened her eyes and her body was suddenly shrouded in dark aura. “The Devils!” cried Applejack. Scarlet appeared on a rooftop, “Ooh, however did you guess that?” Realizing the danger at hand, Rhymey put Button fly back in his carriage and instructed Spice to take him where it was safe. “But, I’ve never babysat before.” protested Spice. “Yes, yes, I know, I know, But it’s dangerous out here… Go!” Spice quickly dashed off with the baby in tow. Button Fly cried out for his parents. Suddenly, a large monster slammed down in front of the escape route; a snarling monster in the shape of Wildcat, but more than three times his size, and it had sharp claws, fangs and roared at him, scaring the baby. “Get them, Meonizer!” shouted Scarlet. The monster raised its sharp claws to swipe, but Spice grabbed the baby and jumped away as it struck the carriage, destroying it. “It’s one thing to want to take over my brain a third time, I’m not letting you hurt this child!!” shouted Spice. Pinkie was astounded by Spice’s bravery in saving the baby, while Fluttershy and Rhymey were relived. “Never mind them,” sneered Scarlet, and she glared at the fighters. “Gathering energy from you will be more than enough for me.” The fighters all stood together, just as the trio of villains did, ready to fight. Back in New Canterlot, Lightning, Starla and their majesties compared the two pieces of the locket together, and they were a perfect match. Everyone happened upon the same suggestion, that Dearka was in love once and he lost it all-- most likely to The Ultimate Challenge, which would explain why he was filled with so much resentment to love, but it was still only a guess. Suddenly, the alarms went off, and Captain Shaina entered the briefing room. “It’s Dearka, he’s been spotted in the village!” “Go!” Grand Ruler said to Lightning and Starla. Starla and Lightning both transformed “STARFLEET MAGIC” and flew out the window, and Starla had taken the locket with her, wanting to get the answers once and for all. “Send for Shining Armor and Princess Cadance.” Celestia ordered. Shaina saluted and ran off to find them, while Grand Ruler and Celestia stayed behind to project the barriers around the village to reduce the infections. Dearka had infected appeared deep within the village and struck his claws into the ground infecting many civilians in the immediate area. Others began to run for their lives while the sentries all charged. “Ha!” snapped Dearka “Take this!” and he unleashed his thunder bolts, hitting them all hard, knocking them back. “Who’s next?!” he sneered. “You are!” thundered Lightning “UNIFORCE” he fired a big blast of magic, forcing Dearka to zip out of the way. “PULSAR LASER” Starla fired her beam at him, but Dearka slashed his claws straight through the energy, actually slicing through it, and wiping it out. All the infected civilians were granting him so much strength and power. “There’s so many of them!” cried Starla “We’ll never be able to heal them all at once.” “But I can…” called Cadance as she and Shining Armor came rushing in. Cadance didn’t bother to transform, not with what she had in mind, but her husband did. “Mask of Saber” donning his magical mask, he became Saber, The Insecto! Pulling out his sword and his sickle and chain, he looked ready for action. “We’ll round up the civilians; you two take care of the chump there.” Lightning and Starla agreed, and turned to face Dearka. “How touching,” he hissed “No matter, I can take you all on!” “Why do you do this?” asked Starla “We know the truth; you used to be a Vistulan.” Dearka roared at the very mention of his former home-world, and his aura pulsated like crazy. “I’ll destroy you for that!!” and he lunged forth to strike. Lightning and Starla zipped off and then back again to attack, but Dearka caught their fists, and flipped them both over onto their backs, but Lightning kicked him hard in the chest knocking him back several paces. “STAR SHOWER” Starla unleashed her stars all around him, but he back-flipped, swerved and dodged every one of them and fired his thunderbolts at her, making sparks and explosions fly. In the chaos, the locket was thrown from her and landed by Dearka’s boots. His eyes bulged behind his visor as he saw the other picture, for the first time in a long time. He picked up the locket and looked at the picture of the princess. His hand quivered and he groaned in anguish and pain. “Look at him!” said Lightning “It’s like he struggling with inner feelings.” Starla agreed, and felt the ideas were confirmed about Dearka’s hatred. Back in New Ponyville, Meonizer attacked, pouncing on each and every one of the fighters. Sunset then fired more blasts from her horn. “DRILL QUILL” Rhymey unleashed his sharp feathers to intercept the blasts, but sunset was still ready for more. “We’ve got to heal her!” cried Applejack. “I got this!” said Pinkie, and she activated her energizer “The Healing of Love!” her waves enveloped Sunset, but she didn’t seem to flinch or even groan. “It’s not working!” cried Fluttershy. She scanned with her visor. “Oh, my…! The levels of anger and resentment are much higher than we thought.” Scarlet laughed, “That’s how they were when I found her… all alone, angry, miserable, and feeling heartbroken.” she snickered “I couldn’t have asked for a finer target.” The fighters felt disgusted. “She may have loads of darkness within, But we’ll still cure it, we’ll still win.” said Rhymey. Scarlet laughed, “Yeah, right…” and she blew more destructive kisses at them, forcing them to dodge, and Sunset continued to open fire on them as well. “Meonizer…!” shouted Scarlet, and her monster roared and jumped in with its huge claws ready to strike... “WARD SWORD” Rhymey leapt up and blocked the strike, but the creature swung and kicked him hard with its hind legs. “Rhymey!” cried Fluttershy, and she glared at the monster “How dare you hurt my husband!” and she leapt up high and came down hard, kicking the monster’s huge back. The monster crashed hard to the ground. “On three, Sugar-Cube!” said Applejack. “Yeah!” agreed Pinkie. “THREE!!” they both shouted and rammed straight for the monster, double punching it hard and sending it skidding along the ground. Sunset and Scarlet both retaliated and shot them good, making big explosions, and sent them both fly backwards and crashing on the ground. Fluttershy and Rhymey rushed in to help them up. The trio of villains all stood together snarling at them. “It’s no good!” cried Fluttershy “All this anger and fighting is only making them stronger! We need more power!” “Sorry, but I’m the only one with all the power here.” teased Scarlet. “That’s what you think!” called a voice. “Huh?” Scarlet turned just in time as Artie came soaring in and kicked her hard and sent her crashing into a tree. “Artie…!” called Pinkie “But how…?” “I ran into Spice on his way to safety, first I escorted him and Button Fly someplace safe, and now I’m here to make things right.” He looked down at Sunset and could scan her hate levels with his visor. “Let me try and help her, you guys get the monster.” The others agreed, figuring he would have a better chance connecting with Sunset. Scarlet got up growling madly. “You’ll pay for that!” Rhymey gripped his sword tightly… “You three deal with her, I can handle the monster.” The ladies agreed, and Fluttershy pecked him for luck. “Charge…!!” Pinkie shrieked as she and the others rushed for Scarlet. Scarlet put up her fists and began to fight back as hard as she could while the ladies continued to rush her. Rhymey glared down the hissing cat monster, and the creature charged straight for him, forcing him to leap up high. The creature turned around and swiped its claws at him in midair, which he parried and blocked with his sword. As for Artie, he didn’t bother get out his weapon as he and Sunset glared each other down, ready for the draw. Sunset glared at Artie with such fury as if she was remembering full force being hurt by what he had said to her that day. Because of this, Artie had one possible idea of how to help heal her. He began to rushed for her while she blasted away at him, and he dodged her every shot, getting closer, and closer, until finally he was right there with her, holding her by the shoulders and at such a distance she couldn’t shoot at him. She growled and struggled to break free from his grasp but he held on tightly, and the aura didn’t infect him. “Sunset, I know you’re in there!” he called to her. Sunset continued to struggle. “Sunset, listen… I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to hurt you with what I’ve said! I enjoy having you around! I love having your company! And… and I… I… Love you! I’ve been in love with you since the first day I met you!” Sunset actually seemed stunned. Pinkie gasped, “He confessed!!” “Ugh! How sickening!” groaned Scarlet, and she raised her hands to shoot them both from afar. “Oh, no you don’t!” shouted Applejack as she rushed her, and Fluttershy and Pinkie followed. Sunset was starting to quiver as if the hate and love were both starting to mix within her, which gave Artie his chance. “The Healing of Love” Still holding her by the shoulders, the rays enveloped Sunset full force, counteracting the evil she was poisoned with, and restoring her to normal. Sunset collapsed wearily into his arms. “Sunset!” cried Artie. He cradled her softly, keeping her safe. As for the monster, it rushed straight for Rhymey to strike him hard, but Rhyme hit the dirt, and the monster soared straight over him. “That’s a miss, Now take this!” Rhymey kicked the monster hard up into the sky, and as it came crashing back down again, he powered up his sword for his finisher. “THRASH SLASH” One slash of his empowered blade, the monster was destroyed just like that. At the very same time, the ladies huddled together and kicked Scarlet high up into the air. “You pests are so annoying!!” Scarlet called, and she retreated while she had her chance. “We got more where that came from!!” Pinkie called to her. Rhymey landed and sheathed his sword. And Sunset, she began to awaken in Artie’s arms. “Sunset… you okay?” he asked. She was woozy, and barely remembered much, but it slowly came back to her-- how she was infected, and while she felt ashamed, looking at Artie, she could only smile at him, and he smiled at her. The ladies all smiled lovingly. While back in New Canterlot… The infected civilians channeled their aura and fired it all at Saber, but he leapt up high in the air. “STRIDENT SHOCKWAVE” he unleashed his electricity, purposely missing the people, intending for them only to back away in fright so they’d all huddle together in one place. As for Cadance, she remained hovering overhead, and fired beams of light at others fleeing the pack to keep them all together so she would be able to heal them all at once. “Now’s your chance!” called her husband. Cadance agreed and she flew up high… when suddenly, that voice began to echo to her again. “Help me…!” Cadance looked all around, but all she could hear was that same voice. “Save me…!” Cadance was really becoming haunted by this voice, and her husband had to call up to her. “Cadance…! What are you doing? Blast them!” She snapped back to her senses and agreed. All at once, her body began to glow brightly, sparkling like a crystal. “Huh…?” Dearka looked up at the glowing light. “The Healing of Love” She cast a huge field of her sparkling aura, much larger than anything that Lightning or any of the others could cast alone, and all the civilians were healed and cleansed of the evil. “So that’s where the Healing of Love comes from.” thought Dearka “That pony is a very source of Love and Light.” He had gone from groaning in pain to smirking wickedly. That’s when Lightning and Starla finally realized, “Oh, no!” cried Lightning. “He knows about Cadance!” added Starla. Dearka laughed wickedly, and his laugh got louder and more maniacal, which none of the fighters liked one bit. Dearka then gave them all a sickening, wide-eyed, evil glare, “I was once a Vistulan, but that’s ancient history. I’m a Devil now! I live to serve King Von Devilor, and to see that the power of love and those who dwell in its sickening glow perish!!” Everyone hated the way he preached to the darkness, the evil, which only confirmed Lightning and Starla’s theories about him. Dearka looked up at Cadance, but decided this was not the right time. He then looked back at the fighters, “I’ll see you all again, real soon, and especially you Princess Cadance!” Then he vanished and was gone! Cadance felt shivers run down her spine. Lightning growled, “This is very bad.” Starla and the others agreed. “We’ve got to tell their majesties at once.” said Starla. Back in New Ponyville, with the danger there ceased, people were allowed outside again, and Apple Spice brought Button Fly back to his parents. “Thank you for taking care of him, Spice.” said Fluttershy. Rhymey nodded and added in a rhyme, “What you did was brave and nice.” Spice rubbed the back of his head, chuckling nervously. “That was very brave of you, Spice.” said Pinkie. Hearing that from her really made him feel warm and snug inside. “You’re going be a great husband to Applejack.” Pinkie added, which made both Spice and Applejack feel awkward and a little upset, and this reason was exactly why Spice felt he could never admit his feelings to Pinkie, not as long as he was lawfully promised to Applejack. Applejack could see the cowering in him, and sighed in dismay. “Somehow, this kid has just got to step himself up.” she thought. Everyone decided to just split up and head home. Artie and Sunset headed down the road together. “So, I wasn’t really dreaming was I?” Sunset asked “You admitted that you liked me?” “Um… yes… I did.” confessed Artie “And I’m sorry.” “Why are you sorry?” “I’m sorry I put you through all this, and I’m sorry I had to tell you like that.” Sunset stopped in her tracks and she looked upset again, “You’re sorry you told me?!” “That’s not what I meant. I meant what I said, I really care about you, and I’m glad you live with me.” “You could stand to show it a little better!” argued Sunset, and she began to walk off in a huff again. “Sunset, wait… what is it you want from me?” Artie called to her, but as he walked along, not seeing where he was going, he tripped over an uprooted rock in the ground, causing him to stumble at Sunset. She turned around just in time as he collided into her, and they both fell to the ground… with their lips touching deeply. Their eyes widened in shock, and Artie quickly backed off, frantically going “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to… I just slipped and… and…” he stopped when he saw Sunset gazing lovingly at him, with her eyes sparkling and her cheeks were blushing… She actually enjoyed the kiss, even if it was an accident. Artie couldn’t stop gazing at her. He slowly approached her, and even though it was a sudden thing to say, he felt he had to ask. “Will you marry me?” Too happy and too enamoured to be stunned, Sunset knew her answer. “Yes. Yes, I will.” They both let out soft giggles, but then, Artie placed his hands on her shoulders and softly pulled her towards him, kissing her deeply and passionately, and she wrapped her arms around him and perked her leg up. They both never felt so happy. (Promo) In our next episode: Dearka plans to capture Cadance to ultimately prove his worth to Von Devilor, which angers Scarlet greatly and prompts her to step up her own plans against him. Meanwhile, Cadance continues to struggle with that voice that is haunting her as her family make plans to keep her well-protected from the Devils’ wrath, which may prove trickier, especially when Dearka finally reveals his motivations and his history to the team. What is the truth behind Dearka? Don’t miss the next exciting episode of “Starfleet Magic!” (Next Episode: “With all my Raging Heart: Part 1”)