//------------------------------//
// Episode 20: Road to Friendship 
// Story: My Little Pony Mystic Season 4 
// by Shadow Master 
//------------------------------//


Episode 20: Road to Friendship


After resigned and left the Mystic Council, Azure Phoenix has amassed his Imperial Phoenix Army and rebelled against Nezha for abusing power and turning most of Mystic Ponies mistreating and bigotry against Equestria Ponies. He wasn't alone. Wisdom Seekers, Black Sacred Knights, Metal Armor Sentinels, Peace Nature Guardians and various Equestrian rebellion factions including some ponies, Axeknight Warriors, Sky Pirates and Abyssinians have also joined the rebellions to restore order and peace between Mystic Realm and Equestria Realm. Thus, begin the Mystic Civil Wars.

It has been on war for six to ten months for civil war. It is affecting the alliance, economy and even Mystic Kingdom. Surprisingly, Dark Mystic Ponies have not made the move again…





In the Dark Forest, Demon Successors and Demon Lords are still encamping as they continued recruiting and training their own army of Demon Tribes and Shadow Demons. Inside the main camp, they were now working on solving the Pan'ku Box, locating two more portals for both Po Kong and Tchang Zu. Eventually, Mowu was levitating and twisting the puzzle box, with the help of MC Cobra's studious and skills on puzzle. Just as she twisted on both sides, the Pan'ku Box made the clicking sound.

"Booyah!" MC Cobra exclaimed happily.

Mowu nodded firmly while showing the Pan'ku Box to her masters, "Indeed. We have succeeded solve the puzzle, my lord and ladies."

Demon Lords and Demon Successors smiled pleasingly yet amusingly. The Pan'ku Box activated and launched the greenish light beam, revealing the location of Po Kong at the Saddle Arabia map.

"And here it is," MC Cobra exclaimed happily.

Looking carefully on the map, Bai Tza sighed in relief, "Po Kong's Portal has been located. In this the desert land of Saddle Arabia. The time of your deployment is now, Avalanche. Do not fail your mother."

Instead of responding to the call, the Demon Lords and Demon Successors looked around and found Avalanche was nowhere to be found. They then heard loud crunching and munching noise from the far cornered of tent. They found him, ignorant and distracted, obsessively and happily enjoyed eating his ice-cream and biscuits. This made Demon Lords and their children groaned in annoyance and frustration.

"I don't believe it…" Hak Xing said in disbelief.

Drago growled in annoyance while crossed his arms, "Does anyone think this is a bad idea to send Avalanche there? This guy's completely hopeless and useless too." Everyone muttered in concern yet agreeable. He continued, "Who would like to accompany him then?"

This surprised and concerned most of Demon Lords and their children. They all backed away from Drago, leaving him alone in middle of space. This shocked and annoyed him.

Drago groaned, "No! No way! No way I'm gonna babysit him!"

Hak Xing hissed while glaring at him, "Then, how do you suggest to deal with this mess? His lieutenant is not intelligent and strong enough to handle this matter. I would not risk mine to do so."

Drago scoffed, "Yeah. Mine ain't going anywhere. You can't boss me around!"

Hak Xing and Drago entered into a heated argument with each other, prompting the Demon Successors calmed them down from fighting. Demon Lords were disbelieved of what they just saw before facepalmed.

"I've always wondered why they always failed the mission," Bai Tza grumbled.

Shendu sighed, "Indeed. Apparently, they haven't dealt with their leadership and rivalries since we've sent them for training and building the army."

Suddenly, everyone heard a loud laughter, coming from the tent entrance. They all turned and found Ripper, who has found his new pony to host, entered into the scene.

"Look at you all. Squabble like children." Ripper mocked, "No wonder you all lose so easily."

Almost everyone wanted to kill Ripper for making a mockery on them. Tso Lan lifted his hand, stopping them to harm him.

"Then, perhaps, our liaison will work together with his lieutenant to take care of him." Tso Lan suggested amusingly.

Ripper stopped his laughing as he stuttered to ask, "W-What?!"

Knowing what Tso Lan's suggesting, Shendu agreed, "You heard us, representative of Mystic Ponies. You're taking care of Avalanche until he succeeded his mission."

"Indeed. If you failed, then we make complain to the Mystic Emperor for your failure." Bai Tza added amusingly with chuckles, "I suggest you do it right, Ultimate Lieutenant."

Ripper groaned in defeat while glaring at hungry Avalanche, "And I just got my new body to host on."





At Ponyville, almost all of ponies including Twilight, Princess Cadance, Nyx and Flurry Heart were gathering at Ponyville Park, where they were watching and looking at the magic show stage. Starlight was pacing around the stage while looking at the chained treasure chest.

"I don't know, folks. She's been in there a long time," Starlight dramatically declared, making the crowd gasped and even Flurry Heart whimpered. While looking at the treasure chest, she asked, "Do you suppose the Terrifying Trunk Escape is too much for her?! What if the Great and Powerful Trixie can't-?!"

POOF! Hearing the 'poof' noise, the crowd turned back and found the blue smoke was engulfing around Sunset. And to their shock and surprise, she picked something like a zipper to open in two, revealing Trixie herself.

"Escape?!" Trixie asked teasingly.

The crowd gasped in shock and surprise of what they just saw. They all turned and looked at Starlight, who pretended to be surprise.

"But if you're there, who's in here?" Starlight asked while looking at the chest.

Using the smoke bombs, Trixie got teleported back on the stage. She smirked cockily as she unlocked the chains and lock, "Why, our second assistant, of course!"

Just as Trixie opened the chest, Sunset coughed out loud while panting calmly and slowly, "Did I mention I'm a claustrophobic? Coz I barely keep myself cool inside there for nearly an hour. I almost died inside there!"

Starlight patted her friend's head, "Hey, at least, you hold it long. Good job."

Sunset groaned, "Remind me to make you play the decoy for magic show."

Trixie and her assistants made the magical and happy finale poses before the crowd. They all went wild. After the magic show, the crowd dispersed and left the area. Twilight, Princess Cadance, Nyx and Flurry Heart approached to Trixie, who was keeping and packing up magical props into her wagon.

"Trixie, that was an amazing show," Twilight commented in amazement.

Princess Cadance nodded while holding her baby daughter, "Flurry Heart and I loved it! I'm so glad we decided to come." She then looked at Starlight and Sunset, who were moving some trunks into the wagon. She commented, "You three have a real chemistry."

Trixie smirked cockily, "The Terrifying Trunk Escape does require two grrrreat and powerful assistants."

"The way you three work together, it's like you've known each other as long as Twilight and I have." Princess Cadance commented while looking at Twilight, who smiled back.

"It was pretty fun." Sunset remarked.

Starlight nodded, "Yeah. Especially when we work and play together."

"Of course it was!" Twilight exclaimed excitedly, "There's nothing better than a bond with another pony. You can share all kinds of things."

Twilight and Princess Cadance then performed their secret foulhood hoof-shaking. They then giggled happily. Nyx and Flurry Heart also followed their mother's hoofstop as they found it fun and happy to play with. While their fouldhoo hoof-shaking surprised and intrigued Sunset, Trixie and Starlight were a bit disturbed.

"Ooh. A secret handshake," Sunset remarked in surprise, "There were many kinds of them, but never like this. This is something."

"I think we'll stick to the stage magic for now." Starlight remarked nervously.

Trixie nodded, "The Great and Powerful Trixie doesn't chant."

"Uh huh. Really? When you talk about yourself being 'Great and Powerful', isn't that consider a chant," Sunset teased slyly, annoying Trixie.

Starlight giggled, "She got you there."

Trixie groaned, "Shut up…"

Just before anyone could do anything, a young Friendship Guard cadet named Cody Carmine approached and whispered to Twilight, who looked shocked and concern.

Twilight groaned, "Not again. We'd better get back to the Castle of Friendship. Grubber's on grumpy mood."

"Again?" Nyx asked in disbelief. Twilight nodded in disbelief. She groaned, "How long he's gonna keep doing this to everypony and Storm Guards on training and patrol duty? They already do their best for the job."

Twilight sighed, "I don't know. But we'd better stop him now."

Twilight and her family moved out at once, returning to the Castle of Friendship at once. Trixie, Starlight and Sunset continued packing and loading up couple of trunks and boxes into the wagon.

Trixie sighed, "As much as I love my one-pony show, it's always nice to come to Ponyville and perform with my great and powerful assistant. Cadance is right. We do work well together!"

"Yeah. I've never done or seen a magic show before in my life," Sunset admitted happily, "Still, I'm kinda surprise that you want to do magic show, even though you have Unicorn Magic."

Trixie scoffed playfully, "The Great and Powerful Trixie may have Unicorn Magic, but mine is very different from Twilight and other unicorns because they study and make many kinds of magic. Plus, I enjoyed making entertainment and shows, just like how my dad did."

"Uh-huh," Sunset nodded teasingly, "Yeah. Heard he was doing magic show at Las Pegasus."

Trixie sighed, "Well, hopefully, he's doing it well. Flim and Flam got themselves for messing with Councilpony Scar Brilliance. Yeesh. They should know better than to annoy him."

"Doing a show with you is almost as much fun as counseling students at Twilight's school," Starlight said happily. Realizing something, she gasped, "Which I'm supposed to be doing right now!"

Sunset looked concern, "Yeah. You're right. I need to handle some administration too. See ya later, Trixie!"

Both Starlight and Sunset used teleportation magic to return to the School of Friendship for their work. Trixie shrugged a bit before returning to pack up her stuffs. Just as she approached to her wagon, she tried to open the door, which is locked and stuck. This made her grumbled in annoyance about it.

"Excuse me, Ms. Powerful…" The voice called out.

Trixie stopped as she looked back. She found a lighter Saddle Arabian Unicorn with dark navy and lighter blue streaks spiky mane and tail wearing brown-orange Arabian robe, bags on his belt, yellow scarf and brown-orange headband with goggles.

Trixie giggled a bit, "Usually, ponies just call me Trixie. But 'Ms. Powerful' has a nice ring."

The Saddle Arabian smiled, "My name is Hoo'Far. I'm from here to Saddle Arabia, I have seen nothing that compares with your wondrous show. Uh, would you consider blessing my homeland with it?"

Trixie was surprised. She grunted while trying to open the door, "I was just about to set out on tour. But Saddle Arabia is much farther than my usual route." She yelped when she pulled too hard on the door's knob. She laughed a bit, "And, uh, my caravan might not be suited for an extended tour."

Hoo'Far hummed thoughtfully while looking at his own large brown-colored wagon with blue-colored rooftop and has blue colored on sides with Arabian Pattern Side Walls with glass, "Mine is new and quite spacious. If it would help persuade you, I would happily trade it for yours."

"Trade it?!" Trixie asked in shock and disbelief, "Heavens, no! This is more than just some great and powerful wagon you see before you! It is shelter. It is transportation. It is my only friend on the long and lonely nights on the road."

Hoo'Far nodded calmly, "Very well. Then I must see as many of your performances as I can. If I cannot convince you to bring your tour to Saddle Arabia, I must be prepared to relate its magnificence to your many fans there."

"Many fans, you say?" Trixie asked curiously. She laughed a bit, "Well, I suppose I could consider the trip."

Hoo'Far smiled happily, "Wonderful! I look forward to seeing you on the road! And if you change your mind about the caravans, my offer remains open."

Trixie hummed thoughtfully, thinking of Hoo'Far's offer…





Trixie went to the School of Friendship. She met up with both Starlight and Sunset at the consultation room. She explained to them what happened from her meeting with Hoo'Far's offer to bring her to Saddle Arabia.

Starlight hummed thoughtfully, "Hmmm. Sounds like your mind's made up."

Sunset nodded, "Going to Saddle Arabia must be a lonely for you."

"It is." Trixie agreed, "The road is a lonely place. And this trip even more so. I was hoping I might convince my grrrrreat and powerful assistants to come along?"

"Really?" Starlight asked in surprise.

Sunset giggled, "Somehow I'm not surprise."

"Of course!" Trixie exclaimed happily, "You're not just my assistant and my counselor. You both are also my friends. Sure we've had some hiccups to deal with, but we also managed to work it out. And what's better than a road trip with friends?"

"Nothing! This will be the best magical road trip ever," Starlight agreed happily.

Sunset sighed, "I'll come too. Always want to see how great and vast the desert is. But as long as you guys behaved."

"Hey!" Trixie and Starlight exclaimed, feeling offended.

Just as three unicorns were about to leave the consultant room, they found a line of students including Bella and Cozy Glow were waiting for the consultancy.

"I should probably get somepony to cover my student counseling duties while we're gone." Starlight remarked.

Sunset nodded, "Yeah. As long it's not Lockdown, he scared them a lot especially 'Drop and give me 20' doesn't work to solve their issues. Good thing I asked Lemon Zest to cover my shift since I'm taking some days off."

On the next day, Starlight and Sunset have requested both Pinkie and Shorty to take over their jobs while they were on vacation trip with Trixie. They also have packed up their luggage bags before headed off to meet up with their friend at the outside of Castle of Friendship.

Just as two unicorns have just arrived, they then heard the clattering noise from the wagon, which was moving and brawling around wildly. They quickly approached and checked on their friend. The pink unicorn knocked the door.

"Trixie, are you all right?" Starlight asked in concern.

Trixie grunted as she managed to open the door and greeted her friends, "One caravan for three all set!" She then noticed Starlight and Sunset levitating the luggage. She was surprised, "Oh. You brought luggage." She laughed a bit of nervous, "I mean, of course you brought luggage!"

"Well, we do need some stuffs to keep us busy," Sunset remarked playfully.

"You bet we did! Everything three ponies need for the road trip of their lives! Three one-thousand-piece puzzles, one copy of Dragon Pit – the best board game in the history of ponies – my famous collection of campfire spices, and an inflatable raft." Starlight said happily while showing her stuffs. She noticed Trixie's worried looks. She asked, "Did I forget something? I could pop back to the castle and grab it."

"Oh, no. It isn't that." Trixie disagreed while looking at her wagon.

Starlight and Sunset looked shocked and concern to see how messy and cluttered her wagon is.

"Okay. I can see why you're worried," Sunset remarked.

Starlight nodded in agreement, "Yeah. No worries. We just need to reorganize them properly. Make sure it doesn't take up much space."

Trixie sighed, "I supposed so. This will take a while."

Took about an hour or two, three unicorns have cleared, cleaned and reorganized everything in order inside the wagon. They're now outside as they were panting and taking a break from cleaning and reorganizing the place.

Trixie sighed, "You were right, Starlight. We just needed a little great and powerful rrrrreorganization! Voila! We did it."

Sunset nodded, "Yeah. Let's just hope that we can fit in. Uh. No offense, Trixie."

"None taken," Trixie waved off her remark. Looking at the wagon, she sighed, "Who am I kidding? My wagon is too small for us. I understand if you're having second thoughts."

"Hey, no worries about it. I'm sure we'll figure this out. Somehow," Starlight suggested calmly.

"Oh good! You're still here!" Twilight's voice called happily.

Three unicorns looked behind. They found Twilight, Chancellor Ratio and even grumpy yet upset Grubber and 15 soldiers of Bonecrusher Squadron.

"Twilight, what are you doing here?" Starlight asked in surprise.

"Came to say goodbyes." Twilight said warmly and calmly. Chancellor Ratio cleared his throat. She sighed, "And also, both Chancellor Ratio and Bonecrusher Squadron will be accompanying you."

"Really?" Trixie asked in surprise yet happy.

"Uh... Why?" Sunset asked in confusion.

Twilight explained, "Chancellor Ratio insisted to come along because he wants to pay a visit to the Sultan for important diplomatic business. He insisted that Grubber and his Bonecrusher Squadron to accompany you all."

"I did not agree to this!" Grubber objected before he then gets whacked by Chancellor Ratio's walking stick.

Chancellor Ratio scolded Grubber, "Pipe down, rodent!"

"I'm a hedgehog, old man!" Grubber screamed angrily, "Why everyone keeps making fun of me?!"

"Yikes. Remind everyone not to keep calling him wrong names," Starlight remarked dryly yet calmly. She sighed, "But no offense, Twilight. Don't you think this is a bit of... Unnecessary?"

Chancellor Ratio scoffed in annoyance, "With respect, Ms. Glimmer. Now that my former home Imperial Phoenix Kingdom has declared a war against Mystic Council, I fear it might spread here as well. So, it's best to have a squadron to escort us."

Looking at how grumpy and angry Grubber is, Twilight approached and whispered to three unicorns, "Besides, Grubber could use some vacation. He's not in good mood."

"I'm standing right here!" Grubber grumbled angrily and moodily, "My mood is alright! I'm just angry with the battle formation the new recruits have displayed! Honestly, I've never seen the worst in my life!"

As Grubber grumbled and muttered angrily about his new recruits' training and formation; Starlight, Sunset and Trixie looked shocked and concern about his attitude.

Twilight groaned while facepalmed, "As you all can see, he's been like this for months. Ponies and soldiers are getting frustrated and down lately because he keeps changing orders of weapons, supplies, military commands and even his own diet."

Starlight looked nervous and worried as she remarked, "Yeah. I can see that."

Trixie nodded, "He must be still upset over..."

Sunset cleared her throat, "Ixnay on the Ex-Commander of Friendship Guards, Trixie."

Realizing what Sunset was talking about, Trixie exclaimed happily, "Right. I'm happy to have another assistant."

"Thanks, guys." Twilight said warmly.

"Not a problem," Trixie remarked. She then looked at her wagon. She gulped, "Okay. A little tizzy problem."

"Don't worry, Ms. Lulamoon. I have my own carriage to ride on," Chancellor Ratio remarked, gesturing Storm Guards bringing the Chinese-themed chariot.

Trixie sighed, "What a relief. Shall we get going?"

With everyone agreed happily, they all moved out at once. Trixie was riding her wagon off, accompanied by both Sunset and Starlight. Chancellor Ratio gotten into his carriage, with Grubber was sitting on coachman sit while two ponies gotten dragged and pulled it out. The rest of 13 Bonecrusher Squadron soldiers formed up and surrounded two carriages. They're now heading off to Saddle Arabia while Twilight waved goodbye to them.





While travelling down the road…

"You're sure you both wouldn't rather ride?" Trixie asked in concern.

Suddenly, Trixie's wagon hit a small peddle, making one of smoke bombs dropped and exploded the smoke out from it.

"I'm pretty sure," Sunset confirmed.

Starlight nodded, "Yeah. We rather have some fresh air after some serious works from School of Friendship."

"And you're not backing out?" Trixie asked, "The three of us sleeping in that cozy caravan could get tricky."

While levitating the map, Starlight spoke, "Trixie, there's plenty of high-quality inns to stay at on the way. Don't worry about it. We're not backing out of the greatest and most powerful road trip bonding experience three ponies could ever have."

Sunset nodded, "Yeah. Nothing can stop us."

Trixie couldn't help but smiled happily, "Well, when you put it like that, I'm actually kind of excited!"

"Me, too," Starlight agreed. She sighed, "Thank goodness we're not like Twilight or the others. They'd probably sing a song about it."

Sunset smirked, "Be careful of what you wish for."

Suddenly, they heard Chinese Musical Instrument was playing. Sunset looked back and found Chancellor Ratio was calmly and gently playing it before giving a wink at them.

Starlight sighed, "Who am I kidding? Let's just do it."

"Agreed." Trixie nodded in agreement, "Maestro… And a one… And a two… And a three… Go!"

Right on cued, Chancellor Ratio played the souna wildly and happily. Bonecrusher Squadron danced and hummed happily and calmly while continued escorting and accompanying the unicorns to Saddle Arabia, though Grubber remained grumpy and annoyed.

Starlight and Trixie: We're off on the road to friendship

Our ride might be tiny and small

Trixie became exhausted and tired. One Storm Guard taken over to ride the wagon, allowing her and her friends to ride on top of it.

"Beats walking though, eh, Trix?" Starlight asked playfully.

Sunset scoffed, "Well, good thing we're on top of the wagon, then sitting inside. Too cramp for us to live."

"Hello! I'm right here," Trixie grumbled.

Starlight, her friends and the escorts continued travelling through mountain's steep and narrowed road. They did their best and careful not to fall from the mountain. After passing through some hills, they arrived at the steep mountain slope. Bonecrusher Squadron slowly and firmly carried and moved both wagon and carriage to the ground. They quickly build a large raft for two wagons to board and rowed out on the river.

Trixie: But road trips are a great way, we've been told, to get along

Starlight: I'm glad we're sticking to it,

Sunset: We've already got a song

Starlight, Sunset and Trixie: We're off on the road to friendship

Side by side, just like peas in a pod

Trixie: Our bond of friendship is stronger than this tour's demands

Just as Starlight and her crew were rowing down the stream, they passed by Hoo'Far, who was resting and taking a break from travelling.

"My offer to trade caravans still stands!" Hoo'Far called happily.

"Wait, what did he say?" Starlight asked.

"What does he mean 'trade caravans'?" Sunset asked in surprise.

Trixie panicked, "Nothing!"

Continued rowing down the stream; Starlight, Sunset and Trixie went inside the wagon to get some food and drinks for everyone. Just as they have collected enough food, Sunset has unintentionally pulled the string from the ground, opening inflatable boat to congest and trap them inside. Instead of being annoyed, three of them smiled warmly and happily.

Starlight, Sunset and Trixie: We're so tight, we can't move around

I guess we're stuck together 'cause we're friendship bound

"Hope everyone's enjoying this trip," Sunset asked happily.

Trixie smiled, "Sure is great traveling with you, buddy!"

"You too, buddy!" Starlight agreed.

Reaching at the end of stream, Starlight and her crew climbed down from the rafts. They are now travelling through swamp with fiery geysers. With the help of Chancellor Ratio's magical barrier, it protected and kept everyone safe from being burnt alive.

Starlight, Sunset and Trixie: We're off on the road to friendship

Trixie: Yes, we are!

Starlight and the crew came across to angry and upset mail ponies, who were glaring at each other for the broken wagon. Thankfully, Chancellor Ratio halted the march as he approached and assisted them to fix the wagon's wheel. Starlight and her friends levitated and attached the wagon to mail ponies before the latter thanked the former. The mail ponies then flew off at once.

Starlight, Sunset and Trixie: We've each got the other to blame

Starlight: Any trip can be exhausting if you make a fuss

Sunset: But we get on so well that's there no way that could be us

After passing through the fiery geyser swamp, Starlight and her crew have arrived at the Sonambula Town, where they were taking a shelter and break inside the tavern from journey of almost two days. Inside the tavern's dining hall, three unicorns were performing magic show to entertain the crowd including Hoo'Far. Chancellor Ratio and Bonecrusher Squadron were taking break and having some drinks. The crowd was still singing and dancing happily while enjoying the meal inside the hall. Grubber remained annoyed and angry as he did not join the fun while eating the noodle soup.

Noticing Grubber's mood, Chancellor Ratio sat down and scoffed a bit, "Where's your sense of adventure and eating, Commander Grubber? You should be enjoying it."

Grubber scoffed, "Why should I? As Commander, I should be staying at Ponyville Town to look after the Princess, not taking vacation."

Making 'tsk' noise, Chancellor Ratio patted on Grubber's back, "Commander Grubber, you should learn how to enjoy it, not against it."

"Whatever…" Grubber remarked dryly.

Just as they finished performing the magic show from Ponyville to Somnambula Citizens, Starlight and her friends noticed Chancellor Ratio and Grubber's discussing with each other.

Sunset hummed in concern, "Grubber is still in bad mood."

Starlight sighed, "This is gonna be problematic than I thought."

Trixie groaned, "Let's hope that he doesn't disrupt my magic entertainment."

Starlight and her crew arrived at the port, where they bought the tickets for the ship cruiser to sail and journey to Saddle Arabia. They have spent for three days to sail across the sea, though they have to deal with fierce storm. While performing the magic show, Trixie and her best friends got themselves tangled by the sailing ropes due to thunderstorm shocked and surprised them. This made everyone laughed at them.

Starlight, Sunset and Trixie: We're off on the road to friendship

And there's nowhere that we'd rather be

Trixie hummed: Was that off-key?

Starlight: In summer, winter, spring, and fall, we're friends throughout the year

Trixie: For untold seasons yet to come, our friendship will be here

Sunset: For nine, at least!

Starlight, Sunset and Trixie: We're so tight, we can't move around

Trixie: Like a race where you tie your hooves together and you have to move in perfect synchronization to win!

Managed to free themselves from the tangled ropes, Starlight and her crew managed to reach and arrive at the port of Aashtethos, Saddle Arabia.

Starlight, Sunset and Trixie: We're friendship boooooound

Starlight: Or like a buddy movie where the three protagonists can't get away from each other because they're wearing hoof-cuffs!

Sunset groaned: Seriously, Starlight? That's a bit much, you know?

Starlight, Sunset and Trixie: We're friendship boooooound!

Three girls laughed happily and playfully over the song they made. Chancellor Ratio smiled warmly to see them smiling and having fun while Grubber was annoyed to see it before looking away. The Aashtethos Capital City is filled with various rectangle and square-shaped cities with rounded rooftops, streets are also filled with various and economical market stalls, the Islamic-themed palace with rounded-rooftops towers-like was located at the south. They then entered through the entrance while looking around of their surroundings.

Sunset smiled, "Here we are. Saddle Arabia."

Starlight sighed, "We finally made it. And it's beautiful."

"Glad you like it," Chancellor Ratio said warmly. He sighed, "Come on. Let's go and find a hotel to stay."

Everyone nodded and chattered in agreement. They all moved out while keeping their eyes out for the hotel and also to get some bites as well.

Starlight and her crew were walking down Eastern Bazaar. Both Starlight and Sunset awed in amazement while looking at how large and vast the marketplace especially they have various stocks, trades and sales they have. Chancellor Ratio was looking through some rugs from the carpet market stall. Grubber and his Bonecrusher Squadron were sticking closer together with them, protecting them from being stalked and harmed.

"Ooh, the marketplace. Perfect," Trixie said happily, though unaware that Starlight and Sunset went off. She continued, "I've learned the hard way that life on the road requires very specific supplies. And we only have so many bits. So we'll have to spend them wise…"

Trixie was interrupted upon looking at Starlight eating Arabian Tacos but known as shawarma while Sunset was carrying an expensive golden Arabian oil lamp-like and Arabian red-orange noble dress. This shocked and made her disbelieved of what they just did in front of her. They both smiled sheepishly at her.

"Unbelievable…" Trixie said in disbelief before headed off to the Haycake Stall.

After finishing off her food, Starlight sighed in guilt, "Sorry about wasting bits on street food."

"Me too," Sunset apologized as well. She then looked at oil lamp, "I like shopping. Haven't done that for a while. Good thing I bought this lamp. Kinda reminds me of a story I liked."

"Oh, it's fine. Falafel bonding, right?" Trixie waved off with a small laughter. While looking at the Haycake Stall, she looked at her bag, "Besides, we still have enough for haycakes and juice. I hope."

"Need more?" Grubber asked while showing his bad of bits.

Trixie smiled in relief, "Much appreciated, Commander Grubber."

"Um. Don't mean to ask silly questions," Sunset said while looking at another Haycake Stall with no one to line up. She asked, "Um, why don't we go there?"

Trixie shook her head, "Oh, no-no-no. I always buy my haycakes here."

"So we're just going to wait in line for hours?" Starlight asked in disbelief yet dryly. Trixie turned and glanced at her. She quickly cleared her throat, "Uh, which is totally cool! Waiting-in-line bonding! Right?"

Wanted to disagreed, but chose not to since they have travelled for five days to get to Saddle Arabia. Sunset sighed, "I supposed so."

Readying with his bag, Grubber groaned, "I'll go and buy them. If they try to be funny with me, I'll give them piece of my mind."

Grubber approached to the Haycake Stall as he ordered and bought some more of haycakes and juice for his crew. Despite glad that he helped them, three unicorns were unhappy and not pleased with each other's doing for the crew.





In the very late afternoon, on western side of capital city, Ripper managed to smuggle Avalanche and his lieutenant – a pale hunchback yet horrific and very skinny Goblin-like with little hair and wearing loincloth named Syco via using his own Mystic Portal. Warthorc Warriors and Shadow Sumos struggled to move the giant mountain demon child out from the portal due to him too hungry and obsessively eating dessert again.

Thanks to his quick-thinking, Ripper managed to lead Avalanche to safety, along with the help of Syco and the rest of the mountain demon's minions. They're all hid inside the abandoned warehouse, where most of Saddle Arabian Ponies or foreigners were busy with their own business or chatting happily.

"That was too close…" Ripper remarked in relief. He turned and glared at Syco, "What the hell was that about, Syco?! Is the food the only thing he can think about?!"

Syco quivered in fear as he nodded frantically, "Y-Yes… Y-Yes… Master always wants to eat… Food is important to him… Master hates working… Nothing stops him from that…"

"Really? Even he's willing to forget about his own mummy?"

"W-Well… Sometimes… But Master is afraid of her… Master will never do anything to upset his mama… But now, Master wants to eat first…"

"Now I know why none of the Demon Lords and the kids want nothing to do with him. His lieutenant is even proven to be useless than I realize…"

"Not useless… Just serving my master with food only…"

"That's why they called you 'useless', Syco."

"Stupid bird-pony stop calling Syco bad names. Syco hates it."

"Then, do something, useless stinky Gollum-Wannabe!"

Syco screamed, "Syco know not of Gollum! Do what, crazy bird-pony?! Syco must protect Master. Master is just a baby."

Ripper groaned in annoyance, "Fine. Whatever. Let's just rest here. Tomorrow, we'll start the search. It's gonna be a long day to find that portal."

Syco nodded in agreement yet frantically, "Yes… Yes… Syco will go and find some food. Bird-pony will look after Master…"

Syco rushed out, searching and gathering some food. Ripper was left inside the building, with Avalanche to look after. This does not amuse him much. He hates doing some dirty works especially if it's babysitting a giant baby.





In the evening, Starlight and her crew have bought some souvenirs, food supplies and materials. They have now arrived and entered a squared-shape and tall Baghdad Hotel with rich themed lobby, where ponies were chatting with each other warmly while some were getting their room to rent and others were heading to the dinning hall for their dinner.

Chancellor Ratio approached to the receptionist to get some room to rent and stay. Starlight, Sunset and Trixie were discussing about recent activities. Grubber and the rest of Bonecrusher Squadron were guarding the luggage bags.

"After our falafel purchase, we weren't able to get everything on my list." Trixie said in disappointment while looking at her list, "But we are definitely set for breakfast."

Starlight smiled, "And I'm sure we'll find out that waiting in that super-long line was worth it."

"Yeah. But we really made it here," Sunset remarked calmly, "Let's just enjoy tonight. And then get some goodnight sleep before tomorrow's event."

Trixie nodded happily, "Definitely."

"Good news to you all. I've booked three rooms," Chancellor Ratio said happily as he shown two keys, "Hope you enjoyed presidential and two quad rooms for a week."

Everyone cheered happily and wildly to hear it. Grubber remained silent while ignoring everything.

Trixie sighed, "Finally. Something good happen to us."

Starlight nodded, "Yeah. This is definitely worth it. Let's move it out, boys."

As commanded, Bonecrusher Squadron carried and moved the luggage bags out while following their leaders, who were guiding and leading them to the lift, which was heading straight to their three rented room.

Reaching to top of hotel, Starlight and her crew were settling down in their rented room. Starlight, Sunset, Trixie and Chancellor Ratio were inside the presidential room while Grubber and the rest of Bonecrusher Squadron are inside two quad rooms. They ordered room services for dinner and drinks. Aftermath, they all went to their own bed at once.

While Chancellor Ratio was sleeping in his own room, three unicorns slept on their own separated beds in one big room. Grubber slept on his bed while the rest of Bonecrusher slept on long sofas, floor, small beds and sometimes shared on the same beds.

Inside the unicorns' bedroom, three of them were on the beds and were about to sleep peacefully and quietly.

"You know. The more I think about this, the more I'm actually glad that Chancellor Ratio is with us," Trixie said in relief. Both Starlight and Sunset looked at her. She explained, "I mean if you think about it. Chancellor is the highest rank in any kind of government. He controls and manage both internal and foreign affairs, and sometimes handle the military, commerce and economy too. He has the advantage to get what he wants like taverns, hotels, food and more stuffs."

Starlight rolled her eyes as she disagreed, "That maybe so, Trixie. He cannot do anything as he pleased. His job is to maintain the peace, law and order for the kingdom, as well as the relationship with other nations. So, I don't think he can do anything he wants, unless it's the benefits for the nations like diplomatic mission with Saddle Arabia."

"She does have the point. Kinda like back from home," Sunset agreed, "Still, Trixie has the point about him being there with us. We wouldn't able to get to Saddle Arabia in time. We could do a lot worse during our trip."

"Like getting stuck inside the wagon?" Starlight teased.

Sunset stifled her giggles, "Yeah. We'd be having hard time to get some goodnight sleep inside there. And probably, make things worse."

Starlight and Sunset laughed playfully. Trixie was annoyed to remarked, "Oh, ha-ha, ha-ha, you two. Really funny."

"Sorry, Trixie." Starlight apologized sincerely.

Trixie sighed, "Let's get some sleep. Tomorrow will be busy day for our magic show. And Trixie wants to be at her best."

Starlight and Sunset nodded in agreement. Everyone, in the unicorn's room, fell asleep peacefully and quietly.

Two hours later, Trixie heard a very loud snarling noise that shook and scared her the most. She panicked and called her friends out. But no one seem to respond. She quickly climbed down to check on them. And to her surprise and disbelief, she found Starlight was snoring out loud while Sunset was still sleeping.

Trixie was annoyed to scream, "Starlight!"

Starlight and Sunset yelped in shock and concern, waking up immediately. They turned and looked at her. She was annoyed and angry to glare at them.

Trixie sighed, "I'm sorry. Your snoring is a bit, um…"

"Loud?" Starlight answered with nervous laughter, "Yeah, I do that. I had my village convinced we were being attacked by bears every night."

Trixie asked Sunset, "Her snoring didn't bother you at all?"

"Nope. I'm used to it after our Friendship Mission," Sunset joked amusingly with a giggle, "Believe me. It's not that very bad."

Trixie sighed, "We probably need a better solution. And I might have the idea."

Trixie brought out the napkin to tie around Starlight's mouth, annoying her. Just as Trixie was about to sleep, she heard a loud yet muffled rock'n'roll music, shocked and alerted her. She climbed down and looked around to find the noise. She has found Sunset was listening to the music while sleeping peacefully. The magician unicorn cleared her throat three times to get her attention before deciding to plug the earphones out, waking Sunset.

Nearly wanted to punch her, Sunset halted and found Trixie glaring at her. She smiled sheepishly, "My music is too loud?"

"Ya think?" Trixie asked in annoyance.

Sunset sighed in annoyance as she passed Music Pod to Trixie for confiscating and keeping it with her. The magician unicorn returned to her bed for sleeping peacefully. Though both Starlight and Sunset were annoyed, they knew that they do it to make her comfortable for sleeping peacefully and quietly.

Just as both unicorns were about to sleep quietly, they then heard Trixie's voice talking. They woke up and found her sleeping but also talking to herself in sleep. This annoyed and angered them about it. They quickly covered their ears while trying to sleep quietly.





On the next day, everyone woke up in the morning, taking a shower or bath before getting themselves ready for today.

Everyone was enjoying eating their breakfast. Chancellor Ratio was still taking a bath and humming in Chinese Opera Song. Starlight finished cooking last two haycakes for herself and Sunset to eat. And Trixie just came out from her rented room as she looked very annoyed and infuriated. She turned and glared at both of her friends.

"Sleep well?" Trixie asked grumpily.

"With your stupid sleep talking to yourself for whole night?" Sunset asked in annoyance.

While eating her haycakes, Starlight scoffed grumpily, "Sure did."

Trixie ignored them. She approached to the kitchen, getting her haycake to cook for her own breakfast. To her shock, she found the bag completely empty.

"Is, uh, that the last of the haycakes?" Trixie asked friendly yet dryly.

To her disbelief, Trixie found both Starlight and Sunset finished their haycakes. The pink unicorn gulped of her food down the throat. She sighed happily yet grumpily, "Oh. Yeah. Sorry."

Irritated and upset, Trixie quickly poured down the jug of juice into her cup, "It's fine."

Noticing what Trixie was doing, Starlight and Sunset quickly approached and confronted her at once. The amber-colored unicorn asked dryly, "I don't suppose there's any more juice."

To get the payback, Trixie made sure all the juice are poured into her cup. She drank all of it into her mouth, shocking and angering her two friends.

Trixie sighed happily, "Ahhh! Nah. I guess we'll have to resupply."

Sunset groaned, "I forgot how much I want to kill her."

Starlight nodded dryly, "Yeah, me too."

Chancellor Ratio sighed happily and warmly, "Good morning, my fellow friends. Hope you have a good breakfast. Today is the day."

Bonecrusher Squadron gave proud and enthusiastically cheers for today, though three unicorns weren't due to unable have goodnight sleep or breakfast.

"Well then, ladies. Enjoy the vacation and set up the best magic show." Chancellor Ratio said happily and warmly while passing three bags of bits to Starlight and her crew. He smiled while readied with his scrolls, "I'll handle diplomate."

Grubber nodded, "I should go too, Chancellor Ratio."

Chancellor Ratio halted Grubber as he objected, "No need, Commander. I will only need five soldiers."

"Are you sure? No offense, Chancellor Ratio. You're just minister and diplomat, not a fighter or magician," Starlight asked in concern.

Chancellor Ratio smirked slyly, "Do not underestimate this old pony. I have some tricks up in my sleeves. Enjoy…"

Headed off to the Aashtethos Palace, Chancellor Ratio exited out of the room, escorted and accompanied by three Friendship Guards and two Storm Guards. Starlight and her crew headed off as well, going straight to the center of town for the magic show.





As for Ripper, he and his crew have slept and eaten well from their hidden western abandoned warehouse for one night. They all have left the building, searching and locating for Po Kong's Portal, with the help of Pan'ku Box. However, despite spending whole day of searching, they have found no location of it.

Ripper grumbled, "It's like finding a needle in haystack. Not to mention, I have to put up with those annoying demons. This is so frustrating and annoying. Hey, Avalanche, did you find the portal?!"

No response. This annoyed and irritated Ripper to look back and find out what he was doing. To his shock and disbelief, Ripper spotted Avalanche was eating some fruits and vegetables, as well as fish, chicken and buffalo from the warehouse. Syco seemed to be encouraging and helping him to get more food, along with the help of Warthorc Warriors and Shadow Sumos.

Ripper groaned, "Unbelievable. I'm starting to regret taking this job…"





Arriving at the Aashtethos Palace, Chancellor Ratio and his guards are being escorted to the throne chamber by the Arabian Guards. Sitting on the large elephant's golden throne chair, the Sultan of Saddle Arabia - a lighter yellow-colored Earth Pony stallion with white mustache and beard wearing white royal sultan robe with golden and brown stripes and a rounded turban hat-like with a peacock's feather. He got up from his seat. He approached to the chancellor.

"Aw, Chancellor Ratio, my friend, welcome," Sultan greeted warmly while bowed humbly. Chancellor Ratio bowed back. He smiled, "Good to see you here."

Chancellor Ratio smiled, "Good to see you too, your majesty. Are they here?"

Sultan gave his serious and firm looks, "Yes. They're here especially a friend of yours. He will be joining us soon. Follow me, sir. To our club then."

Chancellor Ratio nodded firmly. He gestured Sultan to lead the way, and so he does. They both, along with five Bonecrusher Squadron soldiers, climbing up the stairs, leading them straight to fifth level's clubroom. Just as they entered the room, it was filled with various Equestria and Creature diplomats and military officers, and even some mercenaries including Skullitron, Queen Soul Sweetie, Queen Novo, Dragon Lord Ember, Prince Rutherford and even four former Mystic Councilponies as well.

"Quite the crowd here," Chancellor Ratio remarked amusingly.

"Indeed." Sultan said seriously, "Share with a very common goal. To stop Mystic Ponies from subjugating and taking over our lands. They have no rights to treat us like we're pawns and slaves."

Chancellor Ratio nodded, "Indeed. Nezha is destroying his family's legacy of peace, order and alliance between mortals and immortals."

"Indeed, it is," A familiar stoic yet calm voice spoke. Chancellor Ratio turned and looked on his right. The familiar figure smiled warmly, "I apologize for our lateness, Chancellor Ratio. I hope that you're comfortable with your new job at Ponyville Town."

Chancellor Ratio smiled, "I am fine, my old friend. Now, shall we begin the discussion, Lord Azure?"

Azure Phoenix nodded, "We shall. For the fate of our future."





At the central town, Starlight and her crew were preparing for the magic show while Grubber and his team were patrolling and keeping their eyes out for them. The crowd including Hoo'Far chattered and muttered excitedly and happily about it. They all can't wait to see how good the magic show is.

However, Starlight and her friends didn't seem to be in good for entertaining the show…

Instead of her dramatic 'fear' and 'worried' looks, Starlight flatly spoke while glaring at the trunk, "She's been in there a long time. Do you suppose the Terrifying Trunk Escape is too much for a pony who drinks all the juice and talks non-stop in her sleep?! What if the Great and Powerful Trixie can't…"

"SLEEP?!" Trixie asked angrily. Seeing the black smoke bomb emerging, everyone looked back and found angry Trixie stood before them. She growled, "Because her roommate snores like an ursa major?!"

Though surprised, the crowd was murmuring in confusion and uncertain about the magician unicorns' attitude and acts. Hoo'Far became worried and scared as he feared that Saddle Arabia Ponies will be blaming him for telling lies to them.

Still angry, Starlight flatly asked in annoyance, "But if you're there, who's in here?"

POOF! Unlike Ponyville's Magic Show, Trixie wasn't on the stage when the smoke dispersed. The crowd turned to the right, where she was climbing on the stairs. She panicked and ran off to the trunk, where she unlocked the chains and opened the trunk. However, it doesn't seem no one comes up, making Starlight worried.

"Sunset?" Starlight asked in concern. Finding Sunset breathed and groaned hyperventilating and wildly, she gulped, "Uh-oh. She's fainted. Guess she can't handle claustrophobic for too long."

Trixie looked annoyed as she exclaimed, "Are you kidding me, Sunset?! How dare you sleep in middle of my act?!"

"Feinted! Not sleeping!" Starlight scolded.

"What's the difference?!" Trixie snapped angrily.

Hoo'Far sighed while shaking his head, "This show is much better in Ponyville."

Grubber scoffed while crossed his arms, "Too bad. These three unicorns really screw this up badly. Maybe they should have breakup after the war."

"I HEARD THAT!" Starlight, Sunset and Trixie scolded angrily.





Ripper and his team spent whole afternoon searching for the portal on western, northern and southern city, though they often ran into some troubles such as Avalanche's whining and complaining about wanting food and playing, and sometimes ran into some citizens. They nearly screamed and reported to the Arabian Guards if not for Ripper, Syco and their soldiers' swift and brutal strength to knock them out. This irritated and annoyed the Ultimate Warrior of Death a lot for looking after the giant baby demon.

Their search has proven to be futile. Ripper and his team are on their way back to the western warehouse for dinner and rest.

Ripper grumbled, "Unbelievable. Still no sign of the stupid portal. All I ever did is to babysit a stupid giant baby, who has proven to be useless than I thought. I wish I had a better luck."

As if on cued, Ripper noticed something shinny and blinding on his mask while sensing something fiery yet mystical power. He turned and looked on the left, where he found an Arabian Pony was selling some jewels. He approached and looked through the baskets of jewels carefully. He gasped in surprise upon looking at bluish-colored Soul Gem.

"I-It can't be! The Soul Gem of Zhuqiao," Ripper said in shock. He chuckled a bit, "Looks like I've found it. What a stroke of luck. Guess it's not lost after all."

"What you looking for? Precious?" Syco asked happily while showing the golden ring.

Paying some bits to the Arabian Pony, Ripper growled while keeping the Soul Gem of Zhuqiao in his pocket, "Mind your business, Gollum. Let's go."

Feeling offended by the call, Syco grumbled in annoyance as he kept the ring with him. He and Ripper meet up with the rest of his team before returning home now.





Starlight and her crew returned to the Baghdad Hotel. None of them are happy about what happened today. They also find out that Chancellor Ratio has not returned Aashtethos Palace. They believed that he must be still working on the diplomatic and important mission between Equestria and Saddle Arabia.

While most of Bonecrusher Squadron were resting and chatting happily inside their room, three unicorns and Grubber were cooking and having dinner. They almost finished the dinner until one carrot left on the plate.

Trixie levitated the carrot while glaring at Starlight and Sunset, "Oh. Would you like the last carrot? I know how fond you two are of eating the last of things."

"Oh, no." Starlight disagreed dryly, "It might make us thirsty, and we don't have anything to drink."

Sunset nodded seriously yet annoyingly, "Yup. Not to mention, we wouldn't want to add more bills since Chancellor Ratio is not here. We wouldn't want to spend our bits."

This irritated and annoyed the magician even more. Trixie glared at her friends, "The good news is I'm so exhausted, I could sleep through a stampede of wild boars or even some ridiculous musical festival! Which, you'll be delighted to know, is only slightly louder than your snoring and your stupid musical pod!"

This ticked both Starlight and Sunset. The former said firmly, "Well, we're looking forward to rehearsing the act with you all night. So diligent of you to go over it and over it in your sleep."

"Yeah. It doesn't really help us to get some good sleep," Sunset agreed.

Trixie gritted her teeth, "Practice makes perfect."

"Not today, it didn't." Starlight exclaimed in annoyance.

Sunset nodded, "Yeah. I got stuck inside the trunk for hours. I almost died in there."

Trixie exclaimed in frustration, "Well, I'm sorry you're so miserable!"

"Really?!" Starlight exclaimed in irritation while levitated and thrown couple of luggage bags and trunks out. She continued, "Because if you wanted to make things more comfortable, you could always pare down a bit!"

Sunset nodded angrily, "Yeah. You might as well move to another room since you're not comfortable with our sleep. Better than your stupid wagon. Thank goodness we won't have to sleep in there."

Starlight scoffed as she and her friend gave hoof-bump as the former declared, "You bet, Sunset."

Having enough with her former friends, Trixie snapped at them, "Well, since you're so concerned about space and sleep, you both can have it all! I'll sleep under the stars, where at least the wild animals and music will be QUIETER THAN YOU!"

Trixie headed off to Chancellor Ratio's bedroom before slammed the door hard. Starlight and Sunset groaned before huffed angrily.

"That went well," Grubber remarked dryly while eating last two carrots.

Starlight gave derisive laugh, "Ya think?!"

"So, what now?" Sunset asked in annoyance, "We gonna have to perform her stupid magic show again tomorrow. I'm pretty sure that she's gonna screw this up."

Starlight nodded dryly, "Yeah. She took our friendship granted for too much. We need to get some payback."

"How?"

"Hmm… I think I have an idea. Let's find Mr. Hoo'Far for some trading. What do you think, Grubber?"

Grubber scoffed before headed straight o his couch as he declared, "I want nothing to do with this problem. Night."

With Grubber's sleeping, Starlight and Sunset looked at each other for the moment. They nodded firmly and seriously about it. They then quickly exited out of the room and searching for Hoo'Far for the trading.





At the western warehouse…

"YOU INSOLENT! USELESS! PATHETHIC! EXCUSABLE SON OF MINE!"

Avalanche yelped before falling hard on his back as he quivered and shivered in fear. Almost everyone was hiding behind the crates and pillars, avoiding to see Po Kong, who is inside the communication portal. The gigantic mountain demon was very displeased and angry than before.

"For five damn days, you and your minions unable to find my portal?!" Po Kong demanded angrily and frustration, scaring almost everyone. She growled, "What good are you, Avalanche?! Is eating food the only thing you can think of, and not saving your mama?! You're truly useless and hopeless! It's no wonder everyone make fun of you!"

Completely hurt by his mother, Avalanche sniffled sadly and wanted to cry. But he couldn't as he was looking at the angry face of his mother.

Syco panicked as he frantically bowed to the ground, "No, mistress! No! You mustn't blame Master. Master really did his best to find you. Syco promised you that we will find it. On the east. It's where we can find the portal. Syco promised."

Still suspicious and doubtful of Syco, Po Kong growled while glaring at the fearful goblin, and then at the rest. They all looked worried and scared before nodded fearfully.

Po Kong huffed, "You'd better be. I'm getting angry and hungry than before. The food in this Netherworld is getting worse than before."

The communication portal dispersed at once. Everyone sighed in relief that they're safe from Po Kong's wrath.

"You really think her portal is on the east?" Ripper asked in annoyance.

Syco shrugged, "Syco hope so. Syco guess."

Ripper groaned, "Let's hope so coz I don't wanna be her first meal."

Avalanche munched on some Ma'amoul and Turkish Delights. This irritated and annoyed Ripper to glare at him. He glanced at him for the moment. He shrugged before resumed eating his dessert.





On the next day, Trixie woke up in the morning as she headed off to gather some materials and magic tricks from her wagon for her next magic show. Upon arriving to private parking area, she found her wagon's place is replaced by a rich yet expensive familiar wagon, shocking and alerting her.

"Where's my wagon?!" Trixie asked in fear and concern. The more she thought, the more she became suspicious and angry. She groaned, "Starlight and Sunset! Damn you both!"

Trixie grumbled angrily and frustratingly as she immediately returned to the Baghdad Hotel at once. Unbeknownst to her, Ripper and his team have just arrived as the Ultimate Warrior of Death was holding the Pan'Ku Box. It is now glowing brightly in green while pointing at the hotel.

Syco laughed hysterically and happily, "We found it! We found it! We found the Portal!"

"Yes. Time for Po Kong to come out and play with her food," Ripper said amusingly.

Avalanche chuckled and clapped happily, "Mama! Mama's coming!"





Trixie made her way back to the presidential room, where she found Starlight and Sunset worn their red-colored robes, lying down on the beach chair. Grubber was not in the room as he was checking and inspecting on his team's patrol and discipline. Nevertheless, she angrily approached and confronted both of them.

"What did you do to my wagon?!" Trixie demanded

Starlight glanced at Trixie with a smug, "We traded it to that Mr. Hoo'Far for his. He even threw in a pair of robes."

"Yeah. Since your wagon old and worn-out, so we helped you get a better wagon," Sunset teased. She smiled, "This one is nice spacious one that we can enjoy."

Completely hurt and shocked, Trixie stammered, "Who said you could do that?!"

"Nopony. We just did it." Starlight answered calmly.

Sunset nodded, "Yeah. Now we have plenty of room, and you didn't even have to give anything away."

Trixie, completely sad yet angered, declared, "Au contraire. I did give something away! I gave away my wagon... and my best friend!"

When they heard such insult, Starlight got up and glared at Trixie with their fierce looks. Sunset looked concern and uneasy of what she has said as she realized that they might go too far..

Starlight exclaimed in anger, "Oh! I'm sorry! I didn't realize you were better friends with that beat-up old wagon than you are with me and Sunset!"

Sunset nervously and worried to speak, "Uh, maybe we should all calm down…"

Trixie huffed, "Well, it's easy when the wagon is a better friend! It would've never traded you away!"

Starlight snapped, "That's ridiculous."

"Oh, it is ridiculous." Trixie confirmed, "In fact, this whole tour is ridiculous! I don't even know why I invited you both in the first place!"

"You don't mean that, Trixie." Sunset said in concern.

Ignoring Sunset, Trixie said angrily, "Now I'll never get back home or even travel around the world! And, it's all your fault, Starlight!"

Angered by her former friend's pinned her to be blamed, Starlight snapped, "My fault?! It's clearly yours! You didn't want to get rid of your wagon when it was obviously cramped up!"

"Like you understand anything! That wagon was given by my father! It was my birthday gift!" Trixie exclaimed in fury. She sniffled in tears, "I cherished it. I taken care of it. It was part of my life. It was my first best friend when I started this career."

Starlight scoffed angrily, "Wow. I cannot believe of what I just heard. You never actually wanted a friend from the start. You just need some assistants to do some dirty works. You only care about getting fame, no matter what the cost. To you, we're just tools, not really friends."

"Starlight, come on!" Sunset scolded Starlight.

Trixie gasped, "How dare you?! This is how you repay me for being your first friend?!"

"No! Is this how you repay me?!" Starlight demanded, "I've tolerated enough of your stupid attitude, your stupid arrogance and your stupid ego to be famous! I've tried my best to make sure everyone knows that you are my best friend and always be there for me. But I was wrong. You're nothing self-centered and egotistical brat, who wanted to be famous as her father because he looked down on you for being an embarrassment to him."

Trixie screamed in anger as she jumped and attacked Starlight, who fiercely fought back. Sunset panicked as she tried to stop them both but instead got dragged into the fight. Three of them screamed and fought each other fiercely and angrily, bruising and injuring badly.

As three unicorns continued fighting each other, someone three a bucket of water at them. They all stopped at once. They turned and found angry yet very upset and hurt Grubber holding the bucket.

"Grubber?!" Starlight asked in shock and disbelief, "What the hell was that for?!"

"Yeah! Why did you throw the bucket of water on us?!" Sunset demanded.

Trixie groaned, "If you want to blame on someone, blame on them, not me! Not Trixie! They started this mess!"

"Hey! Don't pin the blame on others!" Sunset scolded.

Starlight nodded, "Yeah! Take this stupid responsibility for angering us and treating us like garbage!"

"That is not what I meant, Starlight!" Sunset said angrily.

"Well, what is it?!" Trixie demanded, "Don't think I've forgotten of what you and ex-friend did to me?!"

Starlight yelled, "Don't blame her on this when you started the mess first!"

Grubber became frustrated and angered as he shouted, "Would you just shut up for once in your lifetime?!" Everyone stopped while looking at Grubber's angered yet hurt looks. He continued, "Don't you get it?! This mess… Everything… It's all of your fault for this mess! Maybe if you have told the truth of your feeling to each other, then you wouldn't be in this mess! You guys are worst as Tempest!"

Grubber panted heavily yet exhaustingly while looking at three unicorns being shocked and confused. He gasped in realization of what he said. He turned and looked away at once. He felt ashamed and embarrassed of what he has said.

"Worst as Tempest?!" Trixie asked, feeling insulted.

Thinking of what Twilight has said, Starlight realized of what's happening to him. She questioned in concern, "You're still angry and upset with Tempest, weren't you, Grubber? For all the lies she made? For betraying and abandoning you and your squadron? For siding with the corrupted and broken Mystic Kingdom?"

Still wanted to bottle his feelings, Grubber knew he can't hide it from Starlight since she's good with counseling and understanding students and their problems. Might as well spit it out now than bottling in.

"Yeah," Grubber admitted in shame yet upset. He sighed as he explained,

"How could I not? I really liked her. I admired her. I respected her. She was the first friend I ever met in my military career. No. She was my sister. She was the one, who helped me, protected me and comforted me when things gone wrong. And she even recommended and promoted me to be her lieutenant and second-in-command of the army. She even brought my mom to live in Ponyville. She's the one, who spoke so highly about me being bravest, most optimistic and most loyal soldier to her, the squadron and the Friendship Kingdom!" Forming some tears in his eyes, Grubber cried angrily yet sadly, "And now she betrayed us! She betrayed me! She chose those corrupted assholes over her friends. She chose to fix her stupid broken horn over us! She did something terrible behind our backs. She used us! Treat us like tools and weapons, not friends! And now. she just left and made me commander without consorting me or telling me what's really going on! And she never even come and visit me, or even check on me if I'm alright with this job. Not even for once! She even refused to apologize to me for everything! She just gets up and left like that! How could she do this to me?! Her very trusted best and loyal friend!"

Grubber sighed before crying in tears and hurt. Starlight, Sunset and Trixie were deeply hurt yet feeling ashamed and guilty over the fight they have. They then looked at each other, with their guilty looks.

"So, don't you dare do the same like her!" Grubber pleaded in upset tone.

Starlight apologized, "Trixie, I know that you won't forgive us for what we did to your wagon. But we really sorry. For all of this. I should never have traded away the wagon. It wasn't mine to trade. It belongs to my friend."

Sunset nodded, "Yeah. We were just angry and annoyed by your ridiculous sleeping noise especially I've got claustrophobic. Sorry for messing up with the show."

Still angry and upset of her friends' doing, Trixie sighed in frustration, "Okay. Fine. Apology accepted. Done?" Everyone gave a dry yet angry glare. She groaned, "Alright. I'll apologize. I mean. I'm also sorry for being nuisance and problem to you too. I should have been more considerate to you two and try to compromise our rules. Friends?"

"Friends." Starlight and Sunset accepted as they grabbed and hugged Grubber.

Grubber sighed, "Glad you all make up. I wish I could say the same thing with Tempest."

"Maybe someday you will," Sunset assured Grubber.

"Yeah. Shall we get your wagon back?" Starlight suggested.

Trixie nodded, "We shall. Think that Hoo'Far is willing to give it back?"

Sunset shrugged, "We'll find a way."

Grubber chuckled evilly, "If not, my boys can give him a piece of their mind."

Three unicorns looked uneasy as Starlight opposed, "Better not, Grubber. It is not necessary. The last thing we need is more problems to deal with."

BOOM! Everyone yelped in surprise, upon hearing that loud booming noise and even feeling the ground was shaking. This shocked and alarmed them to drop on the ground.

"What the hell was that?!" Trixie asked in fear and worry.

Storm Guard barged into the room. He reported, "Commander Grubber! We have the situation!"

"What happen?! Is Chancellor Ratio alright?!" Grubber demanded.

Storm Guard shook his head, "No, sir! Much worse! A large portal just appeared out of nowhere! It's from the back of hotel!"

"Portal?" Starlight asked in concern. She turned and looked at Sunset, who also shown her feared and concerns looks as well. She gasped, "O-Oh no… The Demon Lord is coming!"





Starlight ordered the Storm Guard to lead her and her team to the source of problem. By the time they climbed down the lifts, they found both Arabian Ponies and Foreigners were screaming and panicking, running for their lives and exiting out of the hotel. They all realized the danger is coming. The Storm Guard quickly led his commanders and squadron to the back of Baghdad Hotel.

Just as they exited out, Starlight and her crew gasped in shock and fear when they found Ripper and his team standing before the large portal. Ripper used the Pan'Ku Box to open it. Avalanche was clapping his hand and cheering for his mother. Syco and the rest of Nature Demon Minions were cheering as well. Po Kong slowly emerged out from the portal. She looked very excited and hungry.

"What is that?!" Trixie asked in fear.

"Po Kong… The Nature Demon Lord," Starlight said fearfully, "And we're in trouble."

"Mama!" Avalanche cheered happily.

Po Kong chuckled, "It's good to be back home. Hmm… What's for dinner?"

Ripper sinisterly looked back and found Starlight and her crew standing before them. He chuckled, "Ponies. Bon appetti!"

Po Kong licked her mouth, "Yummy. Ponies. My favorite dish. Shall we, son?"

Avalanche chuckled while clapping his claws, "Yeah, Mama! Yeah!"

Starlight groaned in fear, "This just can't get any worst…"





Inside the Aashtethos Palace's clubroom; the rebels leaders including Azure Phoenix, Sultan of Saddle Arabia and Chancellor Ratio were discussing and chatting about both Mystic Civil War against Nezha and his corrupted Mystic Kingdom, and Equestria's condition.

"Since we have begun the rebellion; more of Equestria Ponies and Creatures have joined our cause for protecting their rights, their land and their nations because of Nezha abusing Equestria's alliance and plummeting resources and weapons for his personal ambition and vendetta." Azure Phoenix said firmly and seriously. He sighed, "Though we have gained the numbers and momentum to stop and repel them back from the nations, this war has weakened and damaged both sides. This might give Dark Mystic Ponies or Demon Lords the chance to invade and destroy us."

Sultan nodded firmly, "These Mystic Ponies think they own our lands just because they're immortals. They have forgotten that the previous Mystic Emperors gave the land to us. We have the rights and independence to rule our own land."

The armored modern Earth Pony Commander named Asura Caesar grunted, "I wish Princess Celestia do something about this. She should have attacked them."

Azure Phoenix shook his head, "No, Commander Caesar. If she leads the rebellion, Nezha will have the rights to attack and execute her without hesitation and concerns. This will immediately end her reign and also turned your independence nations into slaves. So as long as she doesn't do anything or even deal with us, Nezha wouldn't bother her. She and her family would be safe."

Asura Caesar groaned, "Damn it. Damn that usurper. How could he?!"

"There was nothing we can do? Not even she can do anything?" Sultan asked in concern.

"No. But I have faith that Celestia is smart and cunning enough to find a way to help us and others," Azure Phoenix said firmly and seriously. He turned to his former chancellor, "I assume that everything is alright with Twilight?"

Chancellor Ratio nodded, "Yes, my lord. She is alright, though upset and concern about your decision to rebel her and even severe your ties with her."

"To protect her from Nezha, it is necessary, old friend. You should know that. I have to be cruel and ruthless warlord, who use any means necessary to restore order and peace, even if it means abandoning my old friends." Azure Phoenix said seriously and firmly, "I rather betray the world than let the world betray me."

Chancellor Ratio chuckled a bit, "I haven't heard that for a long, long time ago. I am well aware of that. She understood it well."

"Any changes?"

"No. Everything is alright. I served as Princess Twilight's chancellor. I have managed and administrated the government, legalism and economic system. However, she has other concerns about rooting two spies."

"Yes. Both Cozy Glow and Bella Anime. What have you learned about them?"

"We have confirmed that Bella Anime is indeed adopted sister of Nezha, however, she's willing to learn friendship and change for better due to Ocellus and other students. However, Cozy Glow is the most concerning subject as we know nothing of her true origin. According to Discord's research, she's not a real living being but a carbon copy of two beings. We have only identified one only but another is someone else. Who is it? I can't tell."

"Keep researching, old friend. Keep your eyes out on them as well as other Mystic Students. I don't believe it's just them."

Chancellor Ratio nodded seriously, "Yes, my lord. I'll talk with Shorty, Saber and Terrorcreep about concerning matters."

Azure Phoenix nodded, "Good."

Suddenly, an Arabian Guard arrived and entered the clubroom. He panted heavily and exhaustingly. Everyone looked at him.

Arabian Guard reported, "My king! Our capital city is under attacked! By a large green demon!"

Sultan gasped, "WHAT?! In my kingdom?!"

Azure Phoenix and Chancellor Ratio turned and looked at each other with concern looks, "Po Kong!"





SCREAM! Trixie was screaming and panicking as she and the rest of her friends were running away for their lives, along with other ponies. Po Kong and Avalanche were madly and happily chasing after them while pushing and knocking down the buildings. And at the same time, Ripper and Syco were sitting down on top of the building as they were watching the event as they gleefully laughed at the scene.

Ripper chuckled, "Now this is entertainment. Watching these pathetic and annoying ponies running for their lives makes me very happy."

"Yes! Yes! Mother and son together again! Enjoying dinner!" Syco cheered happily.

"Starlight! How do we beat those guys?!" Sunset panicked.

Starlight hissed, "The only banishment weapon we can use is beating three times on drum with specific ingredients! Unfortunately, I don't know what it is to banish them! Just run for your lives and don't get eaten!"

"Don't have to tell us twice!" Grubber panicked.

Trixie cried in tears, "WE'RE GONNA DIE! HELP!"

"Damn it, Trixie! How many times we must go through this! Stop screaming!" Sunset screamed in frustration.

Starlight nodded, "Yeah! It's not helping us anything! Nopony is here!"

Just as Starlight and her crew continued running, Po Kong and her son were almost to catch them until couple of cannonballs fired and knocked them to the ground. They stopped at once as they were shocked and surprised of the sudden attacks. They looked back and found Sultan was leading and commanding the army of Saddle Arabian Warriors, giving out their fierce battle cries, charging and attacking two Nature Demons. Some soldiers on the rear firing both cannons and arrows on them, providing them some covered.

Trixie cheered, "Woo! We are saved!"

"Everyone alright?" Chancellor Ratio called as he arrived at the scene. Everyone nodded and remarked that they're alright. He sighed, "Good. I'm gonna need some help. We're gonna banish the mother and son back to Netherworld."

"Huh?! You know how to banish them?!" Starlight asked in surprise.

Chancellor Ratio nodded, "Yes. Councilpony Tao isn't the only pony can do some Chi Spell. So can I. I will need some specific ingredients especially the drum to perform banishment spell."

Starlight nodded, "Alright. Trixie and Grubber will help you get the ingredients. Sunset and I will work with two armies to hold the mountain demons as long as we can."

Chancellor Ratio nodded, "Indeed. Let's move it. Time is wasting!"

Trixie groaned, "Why do I have to a golfer?"

"Shut up and move it, Trixie!" Grubber scolded Trixie as he pushed her off.

Starlight and Sunset charged and assisted both Bonecrusher Squadron and Saddle Arabian Warriors to fight Po Kong and Avalanche. Chancellor Ratio, Trixie and Grubber headed straight to Bazaar Market, searching for banishment spell ingredients and even drum to banish them.

Despite how enormous large and fierce they are, Po Kong and Avalanche were outnumbered by the army of Saddle Arabian Ponies and Bonecrusher Squadron for relying on using the cannons, catapults and arbalests on their bodies, bringing them to the ground. They all quickly tied them to the ground, ensuring they do not escape until Chancellor Ratio and his allies return from searching for ingredients. Seeing both Nature Demons in trouble, Ripper and Syco nodded as they jumped and led both Shadow Sumos and Warthorc Warriors to help them at once.

As Starlight, Sunset and the Saddle Arabian Warriors tying up two Nature Demons; Ripper and the Mountain Demon Army ambushed them at once. Shadow Sumos and Warthorc Warriors attacked Saddle Arabian Warriors, who barely dodged and fought back. Starlight and Sunset fought and deal with Ripper and Syco. Seeing almost everyone being distracted, Po Kong roared in anger as her rock fragment, around her body, formed into sharped knives-like to cut off the strings. She and her son broke free. This shocked and alarmed everyone.

Remained firm and serious, Sultan ordered, "Do not give in! Keep fighting! Shoot them down! Knock them down! Swordsmen and Spearmen, hold their minions off! We must keep them at bay!"

As commanded; the gunners quickly loaded and fired the cannons, catapults and arbalest at Po Kong and Avalanche. And at the same time, Sultan led the rest of Saddle Arabian Warriors to charge and engage Shadow Sumos and Warthorc Warriors, and also attacking the Mountain Demons by legs. Po Kong and her son grunted in annoyance and pain before recovered and fought them back with their fists and kicks.

Starlight battled Ripper with both Glimmering Ancient Staff and knives. Sunset used her Blazing Sunset War Fan against Syco, who was hopping and jumping around while punching and clawing at her.

"Never thought you'd be alive! I thought you were dead!" Starlight exclaimed while blocking and deflecting the attacks.

Ripper chuckled while swinging and slamming his knives against her, "You can't keep this old Mystic Pony down easily, girly. Coz I ain't done with my job."

"Still. How?!" Starlight grunted as she barely dodged the swing knife. She got kicked off by Ripper to the ground. Just as he approached and prepared to finish her, she quickly swiped her kick on his legs to drop on the ground. She noticed something on his neck – a mutated leech attaching on it. She gasped before getting up, "Of course! Rainbooms did mention about mutated parasite taking a hold on his host. I'm guessing you're like his counterpart."

Ripper chuckled as he kicked her off, "Ooh! My secret is out. So what? You're not gonna stop me."

"No. I just have to contain you, your mutated freak!" Starlight said seriously and firmly.

Combining with her magical spells, Starlight fired her Glimmering Ancient Staff's Air Sphere to knock Ripper off. She charged and fired her Repulsive Blast to knock him. She tried to strike her staff on him but he barely dodged and avoid the attack. He then grabbed and threw her over him. He tried to slam his knife on her but got blocked and knocked aside by her force-field. She then fired her Unicorn Burst to blow him off. She got up and attacked the mad pony, who swiftly and quickly dodged the attacks while punching and kicking her off.

Just as Ripper struck his knives at Starlight, who barely grabbed and hold his attack for the moment. She barely fired her Unicorn Burst on him, knocking him to the ground. While rolling down, the Soul Gem of Zhuqiao dropped out. She noticed and picked it up.

"Hello there. What do we have here?" Starlight commented, "This looks like the same Soul Gem that Starkiller took. What is this thing?"

Struggling with Syco on her back, Sunset grunted, "G-Get off me, you crazy Gollum-Wannabe!"

Syco screeched in anger, "Never! Call! Me! Gollum! Syco hates it!"

Syco yelled angrily as he dragged and pulled her mane hard, bringing her down hard. He then relentlessly and madly attacked her. She barely and struggled to block it until he grabbed and thrown her against the barrel. He snarled before grabbed and bite on her neck, prompting her to scream in pain. Sunset grunted as she used her war fan to poke on his eye, making him to back off. She then firmly attacked him by multiple punches before grabbed and thrown him straight at the fruit market stalls. Recovering and getting up, the goblin-like found a large coconut inside his mouth. He spitted it out. Sunset jumped and attacked him head on fiercely and seriously until he got knocked out.

Getting out from the stall, Sunset groaned in pain, "Nasty bugger."

Starlight approached Sunset as she asked, "You okay?"

"Yeah. I'm fine. Taken care of Gollum wannabe," Sunset remarked, "What's next?"

Saddle Arabian Warrior yelled as he was thrown over both unicorns, who barely dodged down at once. Starlight and Sunset looked back and found Saddle Arabian Ponies and Bonecrusher Squadron were struggling to battle against Po Kong and Avalanche, who used their Vine Whips, Super Strength and even Mountain Fists to fight them and even destroyed the artillery and weapons as well. They also have to deal with their minions as well.

"Looks like they need some help," Starlight said firmly.

Sunset gulped, "Right. And how the heck are we gonna deal with Mountain Demons? They're humungous!"

"Team Fighters were able to beat them. We just need to fight smart, not hard."

"I know that. But how? Not like we can bait them to somewhere we can hit them and run."

"That's exactly the idea. Would you do the honor?"

"Seriously?!"

"Demon do enjoy human flesh than ponies. So, you're the bait. I'll find artillery to knock them down."

Sunset groaned, "I hate being the bait especially being a meal to demons. I hate horror."

Starlight moved out while searching for the artillery to use. Sunset approached to both Po Kong and Avalanche, who were busy pushing and knocking the soldiers off. Sunset fired her Unicorn Burst at their shoulders, giving some burnt marks. This annoyed and angered them.

Avalanche growled, "Horn Pony hurt Avalanche! Avalanche hate her!"

"Agreed, son. Mama is gonna teach her a lesson." Po Kong snarled. Smelling a scent on her, she smirked, "Oh my. Did I smell a human?"

"Human?"

"Yes, son. They're unintelligent and weak creatures but they're delicious. Haven't had them for years. I wonder how it taste now."

"Yummy! Avalanche wants to!"

Sunset looked nervous and scared yet angry as she remarked, "Oh boy. I am so gonna kill Starlight for this! I hate being a bait!"

Po Kong and Avalanche roared wildly and excitedly as they gave chase after Sunset, who screamed and panicked in fear before running for her life. With wits and resourceful to escape them; she threw fruits and vegetables at them, making funny faces at them, running through the abandoned houses for them to get slammed and injured, and she even used the wagons for them to trip and fell to the ground.

Her tricks and escaping them have angered two Mountain Demons. Po Kong roared in anger, "Enough of this! Arise, my mountain!"

Po Kong roared as she slammed her fist to the ground, summoning the very sharp mountains from the ground, trapping and imprisoning her within. Both mother and son chuckled amusingly while looking at her, with drooling on their mouths.

Avalanche chuckled, "Yummy time!"

"Yes, my boy. Yummy time," Po Kong agreed.

"You mean knuckle sandwich! Fire in a hole!" Starlight called out.

Before Po Kong and Avalanche could do anything, they looked up and found more Starlight, Sultan and the rest of Saddle Arabian Ponies armed with cannons, catapults and tanks on the ground. They fired couple of cannons have fire and launched couple of cannonballs and boulders right at their faces. They both got thrown and slammed on their minions including Ripper and Syco while the rest of Bonecrusher Squadron and Saddle Arabian Warriors ran for their lives. Two Mountain Demons groaned and moaned in pain, along with Ripper and Syco grunted and most of the minions were killed.

Sunset quickly teleported and regrouped with Starlight. Both of them gave each other high-hoof. They heard growling and groaning of pain. They found Po Kong and her minions were trying to get up.

"That's not gonna hold for long," Sunset said in fear.

Starlight hissed, "Where're Chancellor Ratio, Trixie and Grubber?"

"Over here!" Chancellor Ratio called. They turned and looked back as they found Chancellor Ratio, Trixie and Grubber have arrived. Trixie was holding cauldron of Chi Spells and Ingredients mixed while Grubber readied with the drum. He smirked, "Ready to chant them! Mountain Demons?"

"Still down," Starlight reported.

Sunset nodded, "Yeah. But not for long. Time to see how good your Chi Spell is."

Chancellor Ratio nodded firmly. Taking out and readied with Chi Spell Parchment, he chanted out loud 'Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao' repeatedly. Trixie placed the cauldron on the front while Grubber readied with the drum. As soon as Chi Spell Parchment glowed brightly, Chancellor Ratio placed and fired it on the cauldron before glowing brightly. It flew and hit the drum as it glowed brightly.

"Commander Grubber, hit the drum three times!" Chancellor Ratio commanded.

Grubber nodded firmly as he hit and slammed on the drum three times. It then glowed brightly before firing the beam straight at Po Kong and her minions. They all yelled in fear but not before Ripper took out the parchment at once. Just as the beam hits, it engulfed large smoke on them.

While everyone cheered wildly and happily, Starlight and her crew especially Sultan were a bit of uneasy and worried. Both Grubber and Saddle Arabian Commander gestured their own soldiers be on high alert and ready for anything. Just as the soldiers approached towards the smoke, Po Kong roared out angrily as she rose from the smoke, along with Avalanche, Ripper and Syco.

"What the hell?! No way!" Trixie exclaimed in shock.

Starlight gulped, "Not good. They must have used the Anti-Banishment Spell to protect Po Kong and Avalanche. We are so dead."

"Any bright idea?" Sunset asked in concern.

Chancellor Ratio hissed, "Unfortunately, no. We need that sample to find out what it's made of."

"Too bad. That's not gonna happen," Ripper mocked.

Po Kong smirked while licking her mouth, "Dinner time."

Everyone screamed and panicked in fear and shock as they realized that they're doom and gonna die. Just as they were moving back, Sunset tripped and fell to the ground hard while dropping her bag that poured out her items including oil lamp.

"My lamp," Sunset exclaimed in concern. She jumped and get a hold on it. Noticing a dirt on it, she groaned while wiping on it, "Aw man. Now gotta wipe it off."

Trixie squeaked in fear, "Sunset! This is not the time to clean your stupid lamp!"

Sunset was too busy wiping and cleaning her lamp. Suddenly, it glowed brightly, causing its trunk to engulf in pure large orange smoke. This surprised and confused everyone to see it.

As soon as the smoke dispersed, the large red-colored female unicorn-like figure with dark purple mane in ponytail and has spiritual tail-like connecting to the lamp, wearing golden bracelet, golden earring and pink-colored scarf around her neck. She yawned out loud and happily. She stretched herself out calmly and firmly. Everyone was shocked and surprised of what they just saw. Po Kong has shown to be uneasy and nervous as she shivered in fear for some reason.

"Wow! That's some nap," The spirit exclaimed happily while stretching her arms out.

"No! Not the Djinn!" Po Kong panicked.

"What is that?!" Trixie asked in shock and confusion.

"A genie! She's a genie!" Sunset exclaimed happily yet shocked. She squealed excitedly while looking at lamp, "I actually had a magical lamp on my hoof! This is amazing!"

Starlight screamed, "Cheer later, save the world now! Beat the demons now!"

"Oh! Right! Miss Genie!" Sunset called. The genie firmly turned and looked at her. She spoke, "We need your help. Can you defeat Po Kong?"

The genie turned and looked at Po Kong, who was quivering in fear. She crossed her arms, "I could, but I can't."

"Why not?!" Trixie demanded in fury and frustration.

The genie sighed, "You forgot the most important rule of commanding the genie, ladies."

Thinking carefully, Sunset facepalmed in annoyance, "Of course. I gotta rub the lamp and make the wish. Okay, Miss Genie-!" She stopped in realization, "Uh, what's your name again?"

"Cerulean, my master," Cerulean the Genie introduced herself, "What is your wish, my master?"

Sunset nodded while rubbed the magic lamp, "Cerulean the Genie, I wish you to defeat Po Kong!"

Cerulean the Genie smiled confidently, "Your wish is my command. This will take the moment." She turned and faced off Po Kong, "Ready for round two, Po Kong?"

Po Kong squeaked in fear, "S-Stay away from me! Stay away!"

Just before Po Kong could do anything, Cerulean the Genie yelled as she struck a punch at the demon's face, throwing her straight to the ground hard. This surprised everyone. The genie charged and attacked the Nature Demon, who barely dodged the attacks while avoiding from battling with her.

"Wow. T-This is unexpected…" Trixie said in shock and surprise.

Chancellor Ratio nodded, "Who knew a giant demon afraid of the genie?"

Starlight hummed thoughtfully, "Probably happened during the Demon War. Cerulean and her kind must have helped Mystic-Equestria Alliance on battles. Good to have her on our own side."

Cerulean lifted Po Kong up before throwing her on Avalanche, Ripper and Syco. They all barely dodged her body slam. They all groaned and moaned in pain.

Po Kong grunted, "Get! Us! Out of here!"

"Got it!" Ripper agreed. He summoned the Dark Portal at once. Everyone quickly moved out at once. Just before he could leave, he noticed something off in his coat. Angry and annoyed, he used superspeed to charge and knock Starlight ff. Caught the Soul Gem of Zhuqiao, he gasped, "Almost forgot about this one. See you in hell!"

Ripper quickly turned and escaped at once. Dark Portal quickly closed down and disappeared.

Starlight groaned, "Damn it. They got away!"

"Well, at least, we saved Saddle Arabia, right?" Trixie said hopefully.

"Yeah. I supposed so," Sunset agreed reluctantly. She turned and looked at Cerulean the Genie, "Thank you, Cerulean. We owe you one."

Cerulean the Genie smiled as she bowed humbly, "Just doing my job as your genie."

"Appreciate it very much," Sultan said. He turned and looked at the damaged Aashtethos City. He sighed in ashamed, "And there goes my city. Now in ruins. Takes a long time to rebuild."

"Hmm… Maybe not," Sunset said thoughtfully. Looking at Cerulean the Genie, she rubbed the lamp, "Ms. Cerulean, I wish you to repair Aashtethos City."

Cerulean the Genie nodded, "Your wish is my command. One city repaired coming up!"

With her horn glowed brightly, Cerulean the Genie magically repaired the Aashtethos City, back the way it was. Everyone cheered happily to see their city is fully repaired.

Sultan sighed, "Praise the Celestia! My city is restored!"

"Amazing!" Trixie exclaimed happily, "Think of all the wishes we could get! I could be famous! I could get rich!"

Cerulean the Genie shook her head, "Sorry. You only can get three wishes. My master already used two of them. And don't even think about extending more wishes. Genies cannot do any favors for anyone even though we're friends. Three rules to add – I can't make anypony to love, I can't kill anypony and I can't bring anypony back to life." She groaned in disgust, "That last one freaks me the most."

Trixie groaned, "Fine. Sunset, finish your wish, so I can get mine."

"Sure, why not," Sunset said cockily. She turned and looked at Cerulean the Genie. She smiled, "Ms. Cerulean, thanks for everything. I wish you for your freedom."

Everyone was surprised and shocked by Sunset's last wish. Just before Cerulean the Genie could protest, her bracelets glowed brightly before formed some cracks. They both broke into pieces. She never expected this to happen or even asked her master to do this.

"W-Why? How did you know this is what I want?" Cerulean the Genie asked.

Sunset smiled, "Like the story, you want freedom. And you deserve it for helping us beat the demons and repair the city. And also, you've been stuck inside the lamp for too long."

Touched by her words, Cerulean the Genie dashed and gave Sunset a warm hug, "I don't know what to say but thank you, master. I owe you one."

Sunset giggled a bit, "Call me 'Sunset', not master."

"Of course, Sunset," Cerulean the Genie said warmly and calmly while departing from hugging her. She held Sunset's hoof on her magic lamp. She continued, "If you need help, just rub the lamp and I'll be there to help you out. You can count on A Friend like Me."

Sunset nodded, "Yeah. Thanks for the support."

Trixie groaned in disbelief, "She could have just passed the lamp to me. I could have gotten my wish."

Starlight giggled a bit, "Maybe. But Sunset's right. Cerulean deserves the freedom." Seeing her friend's being moody, she smirked before nudged on shoulder gently, "And besides, we have other things to deal with. Like getting our wagon back?"

Trixie hummed thoughtfully, "Yeah. I want my wagon back."





Starlight and her crew went searching and locating Hoo'Far. Eventually, they've located him at the café. They talked and demanded him to exchange and return Lulamoon's wagon to them while he gets his back.

"I see. I'm willing to exchange our wagons. On one condition," Hoo'Far suggested firmly. Before he could explain, he found Grubber snapped his fingers, prompting Bonecrusher Squadron especially Storm Guards glaring at him. He gulped, "On second thought, we do it now."

Trixie smiled, "Much appreciated."

"So, do you intend to continue the magic show?" Hoo'Far asked curiously yet concerned, "Not after what has happened from yesterday."

Trixie smiled, "Yes, we can. But today, we would like to take a break from the fight."

Hoo'Far nodded, "Of course, Ms. Powerful. I will inform my ponies that The Great and Powerful Trixie is back for the show."

"Much appreciated," Trixie said happily.

Looking at Cerulean the Genie, Hoo'Far was mesmerized and surprised by her beauty. He cleared his throat as he greeted, "Hello there. You must be new here. An honor to meet you."

Cerulean the Genie blushed and smiled timidly, "N-Nice to meet you. I'm Cerulean the Genie."

"Genie, huh? Never knew I would meet one, let alone to be beautiful one," Hoo'Far commented. He yelped before covered his mouth, making Cerulean the Genie blushed. He hissed, "S-Sorry about that. I didn't mean to make it sound like I'm flirting you or wanting or myself. Actually, this sounds like hating you. Oh my. I'm terrible at this."

Cerulean the Genie giggled, "You're funny, Hoo'Far. Don't supposed that you could show me around."

Surprised yet happy by her request, Hoo'Far smiled, "I would be happy and honor for this."

Starlight apologized, "Trixie, I'm sorry your Saddle Arabian tour was ruined."

Sunset nodded, "Yeah, me too."

Trixie sighed, "Honestly, I don't think I could've stood one more second on the road. At a certain point, I don't even like traveling with myself."

"It is a lot harder than we thought." Starlight agreed.

"Still, I'm glad we tried. Mostly so we know not to do it again." Sunset admitted playfully.

Everyone laughed amusingly and happily. Trixie nodded, "I think it's made our friendship greater and more powerful than ever!"

Grubber scoffed, "You better be. Do this again. I'll give you piece of my mind."

"Yes, Commander Grubber. We won't do it again," Starlight agreed amusingly.

Sunset playfully glared at Grubber, "But can you promise to go easy on your soldiers and recruits, and also not to get your feelings boiled up like Starlight?"

Starlight groaned, "I'm gonna pretend I did not hear that."

Grubber sighed, "Promised. But if I see Tempest, w-what should I do?"

"Talk with her would be nice," Starlight said calmly. She sighed, "Though this will be difficult since most of ponies were angry and annoyed with her lies and betrayal."

Grubber nodded, "I know. But I hope she come and see me to have a talk. She is my friend. I know that."





After barely escaped from the battle with Cerulean the Genie, Po Kong and Avalanche reunited and have dinner with the rest of their family members while Ripper was inside his own chamber. He was contacting his master about the latest updates and even delivering the Soul Gem of Zhuqiao to him.

"Good work, Ripper," Nezha said firmly and seriously, "Continue your mission, Ripper."

Ripper nodded, "Yes, my lord."

"Did our friends suspect anything especially when you found the Soul Gem of Zhuqiao?"

"No, sir. They know nothing of what we were doing."

"Good. Find the last portal and free Tchang Zu. I will need the Demon Lords and their army to deal and distract Twilight and her friends, as well as Azure's pathetic rebellion for long. We must ensure Operation: Trump proceed smoothly without hindrance and interference until the time is right. Their usefulness will come to the end."

"Yes, my lord. I will make sure of that."

Unknown to Ripper and his master, they were being spied and eavesdropped by Shadow Ninja from the crate's shadow. It is now transmitting back to its masters and mistresses to learn and find out what is going on.

Needless to say, Demon Lords and Demon Successors were displeased and furious for what they have discovered. It's one thing they hated the most is being deceived and used for the rest of lives by someone else

Po Kong growled, "Just as Avalanche and I told you. They're up to something. They have no intention to ally with us."

Bai Tza hissed, "What are they up to now? What do they intend to do with Operation: Trump and these Soul Gems of Mystic Guardians. It's concerning and disturbing."

"Indeed, Sister." Shendu agreed with hissing and snarling, "That manchild emperor believed his kind is above the mortals and demons. But to ensure his control is absolute on Mystic and Equestria Realm, he has to remove all the threats to him such as us, Dark Mystic Ponies, Princess Twilight and her friends."

"Operation Trump and Soul Gems of Mystic Guardians are what he needs to complete his absolute control," Bai Tza snarled.

Tso Lan narrowed his angry as he remarked, "Our usefulness will come to the end, huh? We shall see, your majesty. We also have a plan of our own as well, Nezha."

END…

Suggest and Review…

Main Casts:

Kelly Sheridan: Starlight Glimmer

Rebecca Shoichet: Sunset Shimmer

Kathleen Barr: Trixie Lulamoon

James Hong: Chancellor Ratio

Michael Pena: Grubber

Jeff Bennett: Avalanche, Sultan

Alec Newman: Ripper

Minor Casts:

Matthew Mercer: Tso Lan,

James Sie: Shendu, Saddle Arabian Warrior

Mona Marshall: Bai Tza, Po Kong

Michael Rosenbaum: Drago

Vanessa Marshall: Hak Xing

Karen Fukuhara: Mowa

Jeffrey Fischer: MC Cobra

Andy Serkis: Syco

Mena Massoud: Hoo'Far

Naomi Scott: Cerulean the Genie

Cameo:

Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle

Britt McKillip: Princess Cadance

Kira Tozer: Nyx Midnight

Douglas Rye: Azure Phoenix

Steven Blum: Asura Caesar, Storm Guard

Sean Schemmel: Nezha Vengito