//------------------------------// // End of a Reign // Story: Equestria Girls: Love Is Magic // by onekface //------------------------------// Chapter 48: End of Plight (Flash’s house) “Welcome back. I’m Headliner, reporting to you live at CNC headquarters here in Canterlot City. Our top story today: The Freefall Island Catastrophe.” The anchorwoman announced, her hair looking far too pitched perfect than it had any right to be. “Last night at the Filthy Rich Retreat Resort, a terrible natural disaster occurred during a live broadcast pageant show. A massive earthquake rocked the entire island causing massive damage. Many have reported injuries including the host of the show, Hoity Toity. According to the report, the earthquake cracked open a hidden gas fissure deep within the island causing many to fall unconscious. While the cause of the earthquake remains unknown, many are stating the sudden construction of the resort itself to be the cause. The owner of the resort: Filthy Rich, denies all accusation.” “It is absolute slander, I say.” The said millionaire spoke up just as the screen shifted to his face. “It’s nothing more than deformation and baseless accusations. My company prides itself on fulfilling safe work conducts for both my employees and my customers.” “A full investigation has been launched by the police. But due to the recent activities on the island itself the process will be delayed until proven safe. Until then the local authorities have declared Freefall Island to be off limits to the public for their own safety. As for our next story, the local economy of Canterlot is seeing a surge thanks to its booming business around…” “That’s depressing.” Flash blinked when he heard his father shake his head disapprovingly at the TV. “To think that we were all just there a few hours ago. It just goes to show that the world is just as deadly and unpredictable as it always been.” “Yeah… totally.” The boy gave a polite response chewing his bacon. He didn’t want to say that he was partially responsible for what happened back there. “Sorry you had to lose your property dad.” He waved it off naturally. “Oh don’t be silly son. These type of transactions always came with some risks. Thankfully I have plenty of other businesses to make up that loss. I’d make a poor businessman if I were to put all my eggs in one basket.” “So does that mean that you won’t be cutting my allowance?” The older gentleman fixed him a sarcastic brow. “So long as you don’t do any more radical transactions, like that Construction Company, I think we’ll be fine.” “Great. Then… I don’t suppose I can ask for a favor.” “Oh?” Sombra gave a quizzical look while signaling his butler to take his plate away. “What kind of favor?” “You remember Twilight Sparkle right?” “The girl who rescued you from your reckless adventure back in that castle?” He inquired before nodding. “Quite so.” “Well I promised I’d pay her back for helping me and she asked that I take her to this fancy restaurant in Restaurant Row. It’s a little fancy but it’s dirt-cheap compared to the Huffs and Hooves.” His father rubbed his chin in thought probably calculating the cost in his head. He did say that he would reward the girl for her timely rescue and compared to what he had in mind this was probably the cheaper option. “That doesn’t sound too bad.” He said smiling. “Very well. Talk to Edmund and he’ll make the necessary arrangements.” The butler in turn gave a respected bow in acknowledgement. “It’s good to pay back your debts son. Our family prides itself for paying back what we owe. You might also want to get her a gift. How much money would be appropriate as a thank you for a girl like her?” “I don’t think Twilight’s the material type.” Flash chuckled. “Don’t worry. I’ll handle it.” “Very well son.” Sombra accepted it. “Speaking of favors: Do you have any plans later this week?” “Plans?” He gave it a quick thought. “Not really. Other than watching TV, my Winter Holiday schedule’s pretty clear now. Can’t exactly do much with this leg of mine.” “Excellent. Then you can join me to a goodwill visit to the Pie family later.” Flash choked on his bacon. “Phwha?” “Igneous invited us to a family dinner at their place.” He explained nonchalantly like it was the obvious thing to do. “We’re finalizing our deal on the old quarry mine. I figured I’d bring you along as well.” “Dad…” The boy whined. “You guys still aren’t trying to set me up with Pinkie, are you?” “Of course not.” His cheery tone and teasing grin said otherwise. “I’m merely conducting a business transaction with an old friend. These things take time. But now that you mentioned it, that does seem like a grand idea.” “Dad. I keep telling you: Pinkie and I are just friends. We don’t think of each other like that.” “That’s not what I got from the mood you two were having in the aviary during our dinner meeting.” Sombra quickly pulled out a folder and flipped to a page where a stack of pictures laid bare. Many of them… or to be more precise, all of them were him and Pinkie during their last party. Flash’s eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets when he saw them. “You took pictures?” “I asked Edmund to sneak a few clips.” His grin turned to a teasing one. “Honestly Flash. Hosting a separate party just for her? That was sweet, even for you. Kind of reminds me of my old self.” “That’s because I know that your parties aren’t her type.” Flash paused before correcting himself. “I mean ‘Our’ type.” “Say what you will, son. But I think you two have more in common than you rightly believe.” Sombra let out a chuckle which only seemed to irritate the boy. “Besides, it’s not like you have any plans. Not with that leg of yours. So you may as well accompany me.” The boy gave his father a pointed look. “And if I say no?” “I might have to cut your allowance after all seeing as you won’t be using it.” He groaned loudly, tracing his fingers up his hair. “You’re devious, you know that?” (Hillside House) Sunset and her friends gathered around the fireplace that morning to conduct a meeting of the CIC. They waited patiently as Rarity joined them having just recently answered the phone, looking rather concerned. “Well?” Rainbow asked. “What’s the verdict?” “The doctor just called in. Vignette and the others are expected to make a full recovery.” The fashionista declared earning a relieved sigh from her friends. “She’s a little light on the head, but nothing dangerous. They say she can leave as early as tomorrow.” “Does she remember about last night?” Twilight asked from her corner. “No. As far as the doctors know, every one of them seemed to have suffered some sort of amnesiac effect. Vignette hardly remembers what she did all week, much less yesterday. Though I am glad that she wasn’t too badly hurt.” “That makes one of us.” Applejack groaned out loud, rubbing the back of her neck painfully. “She might’ve been possessed by some creep, but that lady certainly knows how to fight. She hits like a truck.” “But what does that mean?” Fluttershy chipped in, one hand rubbing over Spike’s green mane. “Is it finally over? Did we win?” “Well duh. Of course we won.” Rainbow Dash leaned back on the couch wearing a smug grin of a winner. “Didn’t you see how we wrecked his show? Sunset and Pinkie had him cornered. Sure he got away, but that still counts. And… I got to face off a shadow monster and won. No matter what people say, I’m calling that fight a win in my book. But what’s all this talk about a gas leak?” “Probably just an excuse.” Twilight answered. “When we broke Hoity’s spell over the people, it must’ve caused some kind of side-effect rendering them unconscious. People will probably just assume that it was the either the smoke or some random gas. It’s a better explanation than magic. Either way, Hoity won’t be a problem ever again. Not without this anyway.” She raised the black gemstone bracelet that she whiffed from the fallen fashion star. “Without a medium to cast his spells, he’ll be just another ordinary human being.” “An ordinary human being backed up by an evil organization hell bent on capturing all magic.” Sunset pointed out to which the genius simply shrugged. “Look. I’m glad we all made it through that night. But don’t forget that there might be more than just Hoity around. We all thought Cinch was working alone but she’s part of a bigger group.” “Aww man.” Rainbow whined. “Does this mean we still have to stay here? We only have two weeks of holiday before school starts again and all we’ve been doing is staying cooped up in this place. I mean… it’s a nice house and all, but I’m starting to miss home. Besides, I made a promise to dad that I’d watch the replay of the soccer match tonight. I totally missed it thanks to all this.” “Sorry Rainbow. But it’s still a little dangerous. We don’t know who they are, how many members they have or what they’re really up to.” So in other words… they were back to square one. All their efforts, all their planning and progress, reverted back to the very beginning. But the same can also be said of their enemies who have now lost two of their esteemed members. “Actually… I might have a lead on that.” They all turned over to Twilight who had her hand raised sounding chipper than usual. “Ever since I got back from that desert, I’ve been going through the journal that I found.” “The journal of that pirate?” “Captain Hoofbeard.” Twilight corrected with a giddy smile bringing out the said journal. “My old colonial language is a bit rusty. But I’m willing to bet that the information we’re looking for is within these pages. After all, he was a member of the Order.” “You really think a thousand year old journal can tell us what we’re up against?” “Well… no. But it’ll point us to the right direction at least. What’s the harm in a little research? Anyone wanna pitch in?” “Ugh… research?” Rainbow Dash whined. “That is not how I want to spend the last two weeks of my holiday. I’m more of an… action kind of gal. But if there’s” “I agree.” Rarity chimed. “Besides, Fluttershy and I have a playdate at the mall later. There’s a seasonal sale going on and I have no intention of missing it. These last few days of hiding and fighting has gotten me far behind on fashion. With Hoity’s trend no longer in style, who knows what new development occurred?” “Same here.” Applejack followed up. “I’ve been away from home for almost a week now. I’d like to visit the family and see how the others are handling. Big Mac especially. Apple season is still far off but that don’t mean I can be lazy.” “Same.” Rainbow echoed. “It’ll just be for tonight anyway.” Twilight pouted but understood their reasoning. After a victory like last night they’d definitely want to spend some time celebrating rather than to spend it buried in some dusty old tome. “Well, I guess it’s just you and me, Sunset.” “Actually… I’m going to be making a report to Starlight.” The redhead declined politely. “She asked me to keep her updated with everything that’s happening around these shadow creatures so I’ll be occupied for most of the day.” “But you’re our resident expert on Equestrian Magic!” “Sorry Twilight. But this is just as important. I promise I’ll help you out the moment I’m done.” And with that, the meeting was adjourned with the gang splitting up. It was going to be a quiet week… hopefully. “Well Spike. I guess it’ll just be like old…” “Aheh… actually.” The purple mutt let out a weak and awkward laugh. “I already made plans with the fellas.” He gave a quick glance over to the corner where the pets of the team were gathered. Tank, Winona, Angel, Opalescence, Ray and even Gummy were there, looking back at him expectantly – or at least somewhat expectantly. It’s to tell with Gummy’s blank stare. “Tank’s going into hibernation soon, so we thought to make the best out of this week. We’re gonna explore the beach and chase some seagulls.” Seriously? Even the pets are too busy for her? So much for camaraderie. “Fine.” She groaned loudly giving an unspoken permission to her dog who immediately bolted off to his friends and heading out the door. “I guess I’m flying solo.” “Aww… is little Twilly feeling lonely?” “GAH! Midnight!” Dang it. She knew she was missing something. “How many times do I have to tell you to stop doing that?” The apparition laughed off her anger. “Relax. I told you: Only you can see me. I can scream at the top of my lungs and none of these idiots would hear a thing.” “That still doesn’t give you the right to invade my privacy.” Twilight hastily made her way to the study room, which she converted into her own bedroom. Hopefully her friends won’t catch her talking to herself. Midnight rolled her eyes boringly and casually hopped over the table, one leg over the other. “Oh please. You say it like your life is actually interesting. Not everything is about you, Twilly.” “Why are showing up now? We’re not in any danger.” “You’re about to delve into the journal of a once powerful mage.” She answered, sounding rather giddy for some reason. “A pirate, sure, but a mage nonetheless. And from what we saw in the old temple, he must’ve been quite talented. And… I also came to offer my heartfelt congratulations on your victory last night.” “Oh…” The sudden compliment caught Twilight off guard. “Uh… thanks?” “Though it was a shame we didn’t get to capture your mark. If we brought over in and interrogated him, we would’ve gotten all the answers already.” That was true. But they weren’t going to torture Hoity for that. “You’re far too soft.” “Hey, we stopped him from taking over Canterlot. I think you can cut me some slack.” “You only held back the symptom, not cure the disease. He’ll be back. Eventually.” Twilight nodded in agreement. There was no doubt in her mind that Hoity will come back, and with a vengeance too. But until that time comes, they’ll be ready. Heck they’ll be more than ready. They’ll be armed to the teeth with more knowledge than… “You see? This is what I’m talking about. Even your internal monologue is killing me.” “Hey!” Twilight wanted to argue but thankfully her phone buzzed breaking her rant. “Oh. It’s Flash.” Midnight could practically see her host gleaming at the mere mention of the boy. She would too… but for another reason entirely. “Hey Flash.” “Twilight hey.” The boy chimed in shyly. “Sorry to call so early. Are you busy?” “Pfft. Me? Busy? Course not.” She casually put the pirate’s journal away, ignoring her evil twin completely at this point. “I’m never too busy for my friends. Well… not all the time. But for you, I got time. Not all the time but this time is good. Good time. Great timing.” “Smooth…” “Uh… ok?” The boy brushed that awkward moment off deciding not to linger on it. “Anyway. This might sound sudden. But are you free tomorrow?” Tomorrow? She rattled her brain and looked through her invisible schedule, drawing a blank. She hasn’t made any plans since their victory over Hoity. “No… I don’t think so. Why?” “Remember that promise I made to you back when we were stuck at that…… other place?” She made a confirming noise not wanting to trust her words seeing how he was being secretive too. “Well, I thought I’d make good on that promise. I got us reservations at the Tasty Treats. I was thinking you and me can go for lunch and try out the place.” “Really!?” She exclaimed and coughed to control her voice. “Ahem. I mean…… really?” “Yup. I had my butler make the call. It wasn’t easy. But he was able to squeeze us in. So whadayasay? You in?” Was she in? She wasn’t quite sure. On one hand she did say that she always wanted to try that place out, but the invitation was quite sudden. On the other hand, everyone else seemed to be doing something fun – so… why shouldn’t she follow their example? Yet there were so many things she needed done. For one thing, what would she even wear to such a semi-fancy looking place? Was it a formal event or simply an outgoing one? What about her research into the journal? She still needed to move a few more things into her new room. So many things to do yet so little time. “Is this a bad time?” “No! Of course not.” She hummed awkwardly, her cheeks darkening in embarrassment. “I was just thinking what to order. I’ll uh… see you tomorrow?” “It’s a date.” The call ended a few seconds later which left Twilight breathless. She hardly even noticed her cheeks turning red or how wide her smile widened just by thinking about the boy. “Ooooh. A date huh?” But sadly her joyful mood was fouled by her evil twin who now laid on her bed cooing teasingly like a sister she never wanted. “How scandalous. And here I thought you were focused on studying that journal.” “I am.” “Saying something and doing something are two separate things.” “I can do two things.” She defended, fixing that apparition a glare that hardly affected her. “Everyone else seems to be taking their leisurely time. Why can’t I? Besides, it’s not like I have anything planned for the holidays.” “Wanna bet?” Midnight challenged, which was immediately followed up with the phone ringing again. Twilight wondered if this was some kind of trick until she recognized the caller. “Timber?” “Hey there. How’s my favorite nerd doing?” The boy’s singsong voice mellowed her suspicion. It’s been a while since they last spoke. “No better than before. And how’s my favorite lifeguard doing?” She chimed in chuckling sweetly at their private joke. “Swell and excited. And I hope you’re packed and ready. Because it’s going to be a sweet-sweet new year.” “Packed?” Did she miss something? “Packed for…?” “Duh… our romantic getaway at Camp Everfree. Remember?” Twilight’s memories clicked and then she smacked her face in realization ignoring her twin’s giggle. It was that long anticipated vacation trip she promised months ago. The private cabin that the boy rented out for just the two of them. They were to watch the Winter Solstice and cement that moment to memory. “You totally forgot, didn’t you?” “Wha~~? No~…” She couldn’t sound any least convincing than that. “Ok I might’ve. I’m sorry. It’s just that with everything that’s happening, it must’ve slipped through my mind.” “Hey, don’t sweat it.” Thankfully the boy didn’t seem too disappointed about that. “I figured something like this would happen. That’s why I called to check up on you. Tell ya what. You pack up today, and then tomorrow I’ll pick you up and then we’ll head on over to the most romantic week of our lives. And you know what the best part is?” “We’ll get to witness a twice in a year event?” He sputtered a laugh. “That too. But no. In truth, Camp Everfree doesn’t officially open until next week. Which means we’ll have the place all to ourselves.” That does sound pretty romantic. A whole camp all to themselves. With nothing but the snow, and the winter creature to keep them company. It’s a recipe for love to blossom. “That does sound good. I’ll be sure to pack my figure skates.” But then she quickly recalled another event she promised. “Oh…” “Something wrong?” Yes. “N… no. Tomorrow’s great. I’ll uh… pack up for the evening?” “Awesome. See ya then.” “See ya.” She regretted hanging up so quickly. “Ooooooh~~~. Two dates in one day. Well aren’t you ambitious. And here I thought I was the daring one.” “Quiet.” She warned. “I just didn’t want to cancel the plans I already made. Besides, I can make it work. I just need to maximize my time.” “Or maybe you just want to hang out with blue boy more than your current boyfriend?” “And what’s that supposed to mean?” Midnight rolled her eyes, not wanting to waste her breath in explaining such a useless thing. Still… she seemed to look forward to their eventual meeting. xxxxxxxxxx “Wow… sounds like you and your friends had one heck of a night.” Starlight bobbed her miniature head as she listened intently to Sunset who regaled her of last night’s event. It sounded more like an action packed adventure rather than a story. “That all sounds pretty amazing.” “Thanks. But I still wished we caught Hoity too.” Sunset groaned, tossing herself onto her bed and letting out a sigh. “Days of planning and preparations and we got nothing to show for it.” “Oh don’t beat yourself. You did great considering what you were up against.” It sounded like a pity compliment, but it still made her feel slightly better. “You prevented people from becoming mindless zombies, and saved a whole bunch of others from Hoity’s control. I call that a win in my book. Heck, I don’t think even Princess Twilight could’ve done it any better than you.” “Thanks Starlight. Though I have to admit… I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you or Starswirl’s help. His anti-shadow magic spell worked out better than I thought.” “Well he is one of the best when it comes to magic.” The purple unicorn chimed happily, rubbing two hooves together. “Speaking of which. I don’t suppose you’ll be returning those artifacts I loaned you. Not that I’m in a hurry or anything.” She added that last part quite hastily. “I didn’t exactly ask for Twilight’s permission to hand them out.” Of course she’d want them back. Those relics were practically forged in forgotten arts. Some of them predates Equestria itself. Not only were these things powerful beyond measure, they were also absolutely irreplaceable. But at the same time they provided her friends an advantage over their opponents. Especially the Alicorn Amulet. It was thanks to that little trinket she was able to increase her powers tenfold. The anti-shadow spell pretty much won the whole fight. “Not just yet.” She answered hesitantly. “At least not until we figure out who it is we’re dealing with. Just tell Twilight that I’m borrowing them for the moment. She’ll understand. And don’t worry. This isn’t the first magical artifact I’ve dealt with.” “It’s just that I’m not really comfortable having those things outside the vault. The Alicorn Amulet especially.” She pointed at the said artifact hanging just out of reach. “According to Twilight, that thing corrupts the user the more they use it. It made quite a mess in Ponyvile.” “Relax.” Sunset waved her worries off. “I’ve worked through the chinks of this thing. It’s completely harmless. I promise.” “If you say so.” That didn’t make her feel any better. “Oh! That reminds me. You’re still on for Twilight’s coronation, right?” “Twilight’s… coronation?” “You do remember you were invited, right?” “Y… yeah. Of course.” She totally forgot about it. “Just haven’t thought of it for a while.” “Well it is a week from now. You should definitely see the venue in Canterlot and take your mind off things for a while. It’s going to be the biggest celebration ever. Every creature from all over the world will be attending. And don’t forget, you get to bring a +1 to the invite.” Yeah. That does sound like a nice distraction. Something to take her off this whole secret society nonsense that’s been going around the city. And it’d be nice to see her homeland too. Perhaps she could even score a conversation with Princess Twilight herself. But sadly, before she could reply, her phone buzzed. It was a text message from Vice-Principal Luna. (Rainbow Dash’s house) (Later that night) Rainbow Dash loved parents a lot. There was really no replacing them in this world. But there are times where they can become a bit difficult to handle. While Rainbow Dash wouldn’t normally say this out loud, she truly does enjoy her family’s company. She only wished they wouldn’t express their love for her in such a public and vocal way. One time they came to watch one of her games in school dressed in her color with their faces painted all over, carrying foam fingers and banners with her name on it. There are supportive parents… and there’s ‘them’. But thankfully in their private moments they actually behaved like ordinary parents. Right now she and her dad were on the couch, watching a soccer game play on screen while eating a whole bowl of popcorn. A family tradition that was perhaps older than time itself. “This is amazing.” Rainbow added excitingly. “Can you believe that the Canterlot Cavaliers are tied with the Hooverton Hoofers?” “Honey please. We’re watching the same show here.” Bow Hothoof, her dad, chuckled on his side of the couch taking a handful of pop from the bowl. “Come on dad. Be a little more excited. I know this is a replay of last week’s game, but I kept myself from knowing the results. Besides, if the Cavaliers win this game they’ll be qualified for this season’s playoffs! It’s the first time a sports team from our city would be participating in the big leagues! That’s a major score!” “I’d be more excited if you were on the team hon.” “Indeed.” Her mother nodded in agreement on the other side of the couch sandwiching her daughter in between. “Why I bet you can do a hundred times better than their goalie.” A whistle blew up during the match signaling the end of the first half of the game. The scoreboard remained unchanged but that only made Rainbow Dash even more pumped. Not even the commercials could deter her excitement. But just as she was popping another can of cola, her father suddenly turned serious. “Speaking of which, honey. There’s something I need to talk to you about.” RD didn’t seem to mind though his sudden tone did seem unusual. “Sure dad. What’s up?” “Well…” He turned timid for a moment which was highly unusual. “It’s just that… don’t you think it’s time you came clean with me already?” Her cola sputtered out. “Wh… what? I… don’t know what you’re talking about.” Oh crud. Did he find out about the wreck she did to his old bike? But how? The damages were covered up. She even gave it a new coat of paint to cover the leftover bumps. Bow’s face turned solemn as he reached out to her shoulder. “It’s ok honey. I know all about it. Your mother told me.” “Wha? Mom!?” Windy tried to feign innocence. “Sorry sweetie. But you know how I tell your father everything. It’s how our marriage stays strong over the years.” Great. Mom’s a tattletale. So much for trusting your parents. That’s the last time she’ll confide anything with her ever again. Sighing, Rainbow Dash turned her dad. “I’m sorry dad. I didn’t want to tell you because I thought you’d be upset.” “Oh come now. It’s not that bad honey bun.” He patted her head gently, giving out a soft smile. “Sure I might’ve been a little upset when I heard about it. But all is forgiven. I mean you are in that age where you… uh… start growing interest in some people.” “It’s just that… wait.” She paused, eyebrows raised in confusion. “Interest? What are you talking about?” “Your new boyfriend, Flash.”