//------------------------------// // The Next Step // Story: Spike's Omnitrix // by JSan82 //------------------------------// Spike leaves the castle after reading the letter Princess Luna sent. He sees Mayor Mare addressing the crowd about the attack and drawing ideas on honoring the hero that saved the town. Spike sees Twilight, Starlight, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity returning with a group of ponies after hearing the news of the titan's downfall. "Twilight!" Spike runs to Twilight. "What's wrong, Spike?" Twilight asks. Then she notices the letter in Spike's claw. "Princess Luna wants all of us at Canterlot Castle this instant!" Spike said. He wonders if Princess Luna knows anything about the watch. "Finally!" Applejack shouts a hallelujah. Within an hour of travel, Spike and the girls arrive in Canterlot. Twilight uses her magic to teleport to the gates of Canterlot Castle; The Royal Guards escort them to the throne room. The Royal Guards are eerie concerned about the mechanism of Spike's watch. They have never seen any device, especially in their training. Princess Celestia, Luna, and Cadance are in the throne room with Shining Armor. Princess Twilight Sparkle wonders why Cadance and Shining Armor are in the throne room. Something is amiss. Twilight will find out in the next few moments. As for Spike, he knows it's about the watch; why else would Princess Luna specifically ask about his presence? "Thank you for coming on short notice," Princess Celestia formally says in front of her subjects and Princess Twilight Sparkle. "Why are we here, Princess? Why did Princess Luna require Spike's summoning?" Twilight asks her former mentor. "Unfortunately, that detail is not for me to discuss. Luna, if you would," Princess Celestia turns to her sister. "Before I proceed with my explanation. Do any of you want to be a plumber?" Princess Luna asks. She's looking for honest answers. "Yuck! A plumber? No thanks!" Rainbow waves her arms in protest. "I'm happy to be a Wonderbolt! Thank you very much!" Rainbow Dash refuses to become a plumber. She's a Wonderbolt and is proud to be one. "I can't. I have the farm to attend. Plus, I am a teacher at Twilight's School of Friendship," Applejack honestly says with respect. "Ew! I'm not looking forward to getting dirty as a plumber. I wouldn't be caught dead wearing those awful attires! I'm not fixing bathrooms!" Rarity refuses to associate any business with Princess Luna about being a plumber. "Uh, no. Sorry. I have my animals to take care of when I'm not teaching at the School of Friendship," Fluttershy calmly declines the offer. "No can do, Princess. As fun as plumbing sounds, I have many parties to throw, and I'm still teaching at the School of Friendship!" Pinkie shouts. She offers a lunar cupcake to Princess Luna. It is a vanilla cupcake with blue frosting with star-shaped sprinkles on top of it. "Nay, Pinkie," Princess Luna politely deny the offer. Princess Twilight shakes her head. "I have my duties as Headmare at the School of Friendship. Also, the map at my castle can alert any of my friends to solve a Friendship Problem. If duties call for Friendship, I'll withdraw any duties a plumber may uphold," Twilight formally informs Princess Luna. "I'm interested, Princess Luna," Starlight steps up. She's intrigued to know why plumbers are vital. "You know I'm in for it, Princess Luna," Shining Armor states. He's aware of the role of being a plumber. "Shining?" Princess Cadance is confused. "What are you hiding from me?" "Nothing. I told you I had two jobs as Captain of the Royal Guard and a plumber." "What are you doing, Starlight?" Twilight asks her. She thought Starlight would refrain from becoming a plumber due to her obligations as a Counselor at the School of Friendship. "Princess Luna asked us if we wanted to be plumbers. Since you six have rejected the offer, I thought about accepting it," Starlight replies. "Why do you sound upset?" "Because you are a counselor at my school. I thought you would stand by my side." "Shining. You didn't tell me anything about being a plumber. You never brought it to any discussion we had," Princess Celestia said. She had many meetings with Shining Armor about progress and status reports throughout the lands of Equestria. "There's classified information for Equestria's safety," Shining Armor collectedly says. "Classified?" Princess Celestia, Cadance, Twilight, and the girls say in unison. Spike is curious as to what classified information a plumber conceals. "Yes. I swore to keep the truths hidden from the public hearing. That includes my wife and the Princesses," Shining Armor said. He knows he'll receive an earache from Twilight and Cadance. "So, why did you call me here, Luna?" Spike asks. He knows it's about the watch, but maybe it's something else. "Your watch. It has my attention," Princess Luna answers. She's aware of Spike's transformations. "What watch, Luna?" Princess Celestia is confused. Then she sees Spike wearing a large black wristwatch. "Come closer, Spike," Princess Luna commands. Spike walks up to Princess Luna. She observes the watch. "Are you planning to remove the watch?" Twilight asks. She hopes that is the case. "This technology far exceeds any in Equestria and across the lands of Equus. No amount of our magic can strip the watch off Spike's wrist." "So, what happens now?" Rainbow Dash asks. She hopes to embark on many adventures with Spike by her and her friends' side. "You six can get going. I'll have a private meeting discussing the next phase of operations with Starlight, Shining, and Spike." "WHAT?!" Twilight, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Rarity shout in shock. "WHY WOULD YOU NOT INCLUDE US!?" All except Fluttershy shout. "Plumber business," Princess Luna states. "Since you revealed your true colors and set your priorities, I do not need your assistance." "Did I just fail a test..?" Twilight starts to hyperventilate. She didn't think Luna's question about being a plumber was a test. Twilight inhales heavily. "Easy, Twilight. You didn't fail. I require your circumstances regarding the plumber position. Each of you gave me clarifications that plumbing is not suited for you," Princess Luna allaying says. Twilight sighs. "So, there are no takebacks?" "It's evident that your responsibilities are a priority. Especially with you as the Princess of Friendship. What I'm about to address is top secret. Those with fewer responsibilities are welcome into the plumbers' organization." "We understand, Princess Luna," Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy say in unison. All but Fluttershy are upset that they can't be part of something secretive. "Princess Twilight Sparkle," Princess Celestia said. Her next decree won't be easy for Twilight's ears. "Yes, Princess?" Twilight wonders what Princess Celestia has to say to her. "I relieve Spike and all of his duties as your assistant. I also relieve your custody to Spike." "WHAT?!" Twilight Sparkle is infuriated by Celestia's decrees. "WHY ARE YOU TAKING SPIKE AWAY FROM ME?!" "I inquire Celestia to make that decree. As you're aware of Spike's new capabilities and the recent attacks, he has become a target." "But we fought creatures, monsters, and evildoers! We can have Spike fight with us when they arrive!" Twilight retorts as she stomps her front hooves in anger. "From what I saw on the balcony, the robot that invaded Equestria was stronger than magic attacks. Our weapons don't dent the metal of the robot that terrorized Ponyville. These attacks and raids are not for you to tackle with your friends." "I bucked a limb of a robot thing when Spike reverted from that orange dog, mutt.., whatever he was at the time. I've never felt anything that strong before. I'm surprised my hind legs didn't break," Applejack confesses. "My magic destroyed the smaller one, but I overused my power at the time. I was thinking about getting it away from Spike when he was vulnerable," Starlight chimes in on her confession. "When I was that diamond guy. I'm thinking about calling him Diamond Head. I want to say the robot I fought was forty feet tall. Maybe more. I felt all sorts of pain, but I refused to acknowledge it. Wherever it came from, I believe this is only the beginning of it. And, more of those things will be stronger than the last." "I concur, Spike. I'm sorry, Twilight. It's for the best that Spike embarks on this adventure without you," Princess Luna sincerely expresses, knowing her decisions will hurt Twilight even more. "You're taking Spike away from me and denying me the information about the plumbers. NOW, YOU'RE SORRY?!" Twilight didn't mean to bark at Luna. Her emotions got the better of her. Princess Luna remains still after Twilight's outburst. "Princess Luna.., I'm.., I'm sorry for-" Twilight sees Princess Luna raising her hoof. "All is forgiven, Twilight. I anticipated this outcome from you. I know how much you care about Spike. However, what I'll discuss with your brother and Starlight will not be shared with you. I'll send daily updates about Spike's progress with his new weapon." Twilight sighs in sadness. "Very well, Princess Luna," Twilight is heartbroken. She just became anew with Spike and was looking forward to create new memories. Now, that will have to wait. "I wonder if the Wonderbolts know anything about the plumbing business?" Rainbow thought to herself. "We need to get going. Let's go, Shining, Starlight, and Spike," Princess Luna is about to trot out of the throne room when Rarity blocks the entryway. "Wait! Spike, can you please turn into that Diamond guy? I want a sample for my fashion design!" Rarity begs. "No. My shards are considered lethal weapons now," Spike walks with Princess Luna. "Please?" Rarity tries to seduce Spike with her beauty, winking at him in hopes of suckering him. "NO!" Spike shouts. "I'm not a tool of your amusement, Rarity." Princess Luna uses her magic to levitate Rarity away from the entryway. She escorts Spike, Starlight, and Shining down the corridors. Princess Celestia orders the Bearers of the Elements to remain in the throne room until she raises the sun. Princess Celestia adheres to her sister's arrangement to ensure no pony spies during her meeting. After ten minutes of walking down the corridors, Princess Luna uses her magic to reveal a door invisible to the naked eye. Starlight and Spike oohed and awed at the door from all the times they walked down these corridors. Shining Armor uses his magic to open the door. Once he steps inside, it'll allow Luna to close the door and use her magic to make it back invisible. Shining. Starlight, Spike, and Princess Luna walk three flights of stairs down. The staircase is illuminated with fire torches mounted on the walls. Shining Armor opens the door to the meeting room. There's a long desk with several chairs stationed around it, tube lights on the ceiling to brighten the room, and a map of Equus on the left side of the wall with red bulletin points marked on it. To the right of the meeting room is a door that leads to another room. "Please, have a seat," Princess Luna goes to her commanding officer chair at the head of the table. Spike and Starlight Glimmer sit next to each other. Shining Armor stands next to Princess Luna. "Princess Luna. What is all this?" Spike asks. "This is a hidden base of the plumbers, Spike. We are an intergalactic law enforcement organization," Princess Luna explains. "SAAAAAAAAY WHAAAAAAAAAT?!" Spike and Starlight shout in shock. Their jaws drop from the sudden revelation. They are appalled to hear the plumbers fighting extraterrestrial aliens. "Our initial name is Redspots, but having the identity plumber covers our tracks. For you see, we plug the leaks. We ensure that monsters, ghosts, or aliens not native here don't make a public appearance. No Royal Guard or Wonderbolt obtain the training we plumbers have," Shining Armor continues explaining the plumber's protocol. "By having the name plumber, we don't exist. Ponies will think we fix pipes, not fighting something abnormal," Princess Luna said. "I orchestrated the movement during my banishment on the moon. Even though I was Nightmare Moon, I faked my evil intentions to greet a fellow alien." "WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!" Spike and Starlight shout again. It's like everything they knew is becoming a lie. "Wait, wait, wait, hold up a minute," Spike has a serious question in mind. "What about that Tantabus creature that bothered you in your slumber? The one you claimed to create?" Princess Luna takes a deep breath. "That was a cover story, Spike. The Tantabus was an alien. I had to protect the oath of the plumber while attacking the alien. I needed help to slay it since there was another problem elsewhere. I told you, Princess Twilight and the rest, I needed help. Sorry for deceiving you like that," Princess Luna nervously chuckle. "Wow, that's dexterous of you, Princess Luna. I wouldn't have thought about that," Starlight Glimmer is impressed. "Now, I'm glad Twilight is not here. She would have a heart attack about the clever deceitfulness to protect the plumber's organization," Spike said with a sigh of relief. "Agreed," Shining Armor and Starlight concur. "Back in the day, at the Castle of the Two Sisters, I couldn't allow Celestia to intrude on my business whenever I would disappear for a few days. Ever since gaining my magical powers to control the moon, I see and hear what goes on in my night skies. I see the change and patterns, stars imploding. I needed to investigate the situation. However, I couldn't leave Equus defenseless. So, I interviewed various creatures we were associated with to read the formations of the stars throughout the years. Then they decipher the constellations I created to investigate the sighting of the extraterrestrial or to meet up with the other plumbers that gave them advanced equipment to battle any alien creature that invades Equus." "Knowing my little sister, she would not keep the plumbers a secret. When she spoke about her obligations to correct a Friendship problem, I knew Twilight wouldn't be a plumber. I prayed that she doesn't discover what we are; she would have documented everything and exposed it for all to see." "Even with a Pinkie Promise, Twilight would not refrain from telling someone about the plumbers," Spike said. "She would have written books detailing each event and try to use Friendship to solve each outcome." "She also has a habit of spying whenever something crucial comes around. She spied on me when I was solving a Friendship crisis with Luna and Celestia." "I wished she hadn't meddled in your business, Starlight," Princess Luna said. She remembers how awkward Twilight inputs herself into a celebratory moment to drag Starlight away. "My sister and I were about to ask you to stay for dinner." Starlight sighs after hearing that comment. Spike understands the feeling all too well. "So, who did you have to meet on the moon, Luna?" Spike asks. "An intelligent but small creature known as Azmuth. His spaceship landed on the moon when Princess Celestia used the Elements of Harmony to banish me there. I cast aside my Nightmare Moon persona to talk with him. He informed me that many alien species are after planets with plentiful resources. Azmuth told me about hungering conquerors looking to enslave galaxies. He saw Equus as a primary target for those attacks, which would explain why Equus gets bombarded with threats of the unknown for years. He shared his technology with me. I told him to send a beacon to an isolated location far from the populace." "From there, according to the documented records, General Guardian Angel met with Azmuth and gathered their technology. The original plumbers practiced and fought the aliens, monsters, and ghosts; in secret. Some within the organization thought it would be wise to slowly advance Equestria's technology. Newer inventions to inspire ponies to create which would keep them occupied while the plumbers continued with their missions undetected," Shining Armor noted from his memory. "We ask vague questions to see who is willing to become a plumber; Since you were intrigued, Starlight. I welcome you to the group." "Thank you, Princess Luna. Wow, that is a whole lot to take in, and keep it silent," Starlight imagines the stress that comes along with knowing Twilight and the others will pester and interrogate her. "As for you, Spike. I don't know the name of the device you're wearing, but you have the power to turn into an alien," Princess Luna said. "So, they're not demons?" Spike thought they were. "Many ponies and creatures will claim them as demons. We plumbers know them as aliens," Princess Luna states. "Do you remember what Azmuth looks like? Can you get in contact with him?" Starlight asks, hoping he knows anything about Spike's watch. "I lost connections with him. I don't know if he's around or not. I don't know if someone else has taken his work. I'll do all I can to reach him by other means. Also, I don't remember what he looks like. It's a blur to me, Starlight." "So, what am I going to do with this watch?" Spike asks Princess Luna. "You're going to embark on a new adventure while learning how to use the watch wisely. For this trip, you three will be traveling all of Equus." "Three?" Spike and Starlight wonder who's the third. "Shining Armor," Princess Luna turns to him. "I'm not going to enjoy this, aren't I?" Shining Armor knows what Princess Luna is planning. "You are to go with them. Train them and have fun. When was the last time you spent time with Spike?" Shining Armor bites his lip. He doesn't remember spending quality time with him. "So, who's going to help Princess Cadance in my stead? Who'll take care of Flurry Heart when Cadance is tired?" "That'll be me, brother," Prince Blueblood enters the room. He sounds more vigorous than his royal persona perceived him to be. "Prince Blueblood..," Spike's jaw drops. He remembers how Rarity described him as a royal snob. "Wait, you're a plumber as well?" Starlight laughs in disbelief. She would have never thought someone absurd like Blueblood to become a plumber. "Auntie Celestia doesn't suspect a thing from me. She believes I throw royal balls or enjoy the riches in Canterlot. In truth, I'm the Captain of my squad that searches for anomalous activity," He trots to Spike. "What an interesting accessory you have, dear dragon. What does it do?" "The watch allows me to turn into aliens," Spike replies. He doesn't see Prince Blueblood as a snob. He sees him as a genuinely nice stallion. "Can I see a demonstration?" Prince Blueblood is eager to see the alien Spike can turn into. "I would like to see it as well, Spike," Princess Luna said. Spike twists the watch, which triggers the faceplate to rise. He turns to the left and sees one he recognizes. He presses the faceplate back down. Green lights bursts. Spike's body starts crystallizing. He becomes a super-hard, greenish-blue diamond-like creature. Spike's body is composed of durable pale green crystals. He sports four crystal shards on his back and has a sharp head. His eyes are yellow. Spike is wearing a uniform that is black on the right half and white on the left, with a black patch on the left shoulder where the hourglass symbol is on. "Incredible," Prince Blueblood is astonished to see such a magnificent alien. "Wow, Spike! You look sharp!" Shining Armor chuckles at his pun. "You're not the first to make puns over my aliens. Pinkie Pie beat you to the punch hours ago when I was a torch alien." "So, what will you call this or any of your aliens?" Prince Blueblood asks. "It'll be good to know; in case my team suspects you of an invading alien." "The crystal alien I am now, I'm naming him Diamondhead. That torch alien I turned into, I'll call him..," Spike thinks it over. "Heatblast! As for the doggie alien, I'll call him Wildmutt." "How many aliens are registered into that watch of yours?" Princess Luna asks. "I counted five of them. When the timer is up, I'll start recounting." "So, how will we travel? Walking to places? Having the Royal Guards fly us in carriages?" Starlight asks Princess Luna since it's going to be a long fascinating trip. "Our top scientists have been working on a new motive of transportation. Follow us," Princess Luna and Shining Armor said in unison. They trot to the door on the right and show the science laboratory. There are many inventions on the shelves, weapons that are eerie similar to the lasers that robots shot Spike, and blueprints for future weapons and devices to remain undercover throughout their missions. Spike and Starlight gaze at every invention. So metallic and futuristic in their eyes. A light-brown earth pony with a brown mane and an hourglass cutie mark approaches Princess Luna. "Doctor Whooves, what is your latest work for transportation?" Princess Luna sees that Doctor Whooves has worked up a sweat. "Could be the spark of a new trend in Equestria, Princess Luna!" Doctor Whooves gasps. "An alien! Oh my! What a sight to behold!" He observes Spike's Diamondhead form. "Remarkable, an alien made of crystals. You must be powerful! Follow me so I can reveal my latest work!" Doctor Whooves excitedly expresses. He can't wait to display his newest invention; He gallops to his storage unit. Spike and Starlight wonder who else is part of the plumbers' organization. They'll have to think differently than obviously. Many of the scientists stare at Spike's Diamondhead alien form. They are happy to see an alien by their side in Equestria. Princess Luna, Shining Armor, Prince Blueblood, Starlight, and Spike enter the storage unit to see a vehicle. The vehicle is a motor home with three wheels on each side. It's coated in white while having red and blue horizontal stripes. The top of the motor home features solar panels. "What is that?" Spike asks Doctor Whooves. He's confused by the strange wagon's appearance. "This is Equestria's first-ever recreational vehicle, or RV for short. This baby is equipped with the newest plumber equipment to battle any outcomes ahead of you. Inside, I have a list detailing each weapon and tech. I've installed a bathroom, an air conditioning unit, a kitchen, a bedroom, and a living room. As for money issues, I devised a machine to produce bits continuously. You'll never run out to buy anything you feel like during your travel." "Outstanding, Doctor Whooves. I need one whenever I need to go on vacation," Prince Blueblood said in his royal tone, sounding like an unruly punk. "Thanks, Prince Blueblood. I see your character has improved more. I already want to resent you in giving you an RV!" Doctor Whooves and Prince Blueblood laugh. "We're living in opposite worlds," Starlight said to Spike. She can't believe the bond Prince Blueblood has with Doctor Whooves. "Phenomenal job, Doctor Whooves," Princess Luna is impressed with Doctor Whooves. Doctor Whooves trot up to Shining Armor. He gives him the keys to the vehicle. "Use your magic to drive the RV. Think which way to and the RV will respond to your mental command. The same applies to stopping and parking." "Okay, sounds easy enough. When do we depart, Princess?" Shining needs to know so he can explain to Cadance about going away for the next few months. "Later today, Shining. I'll orate the situation with Princess Cadance. You'll drive all over the countryside before going into the other kingdoms." "Yes, Princess," Shining Armor nods. He walks up to the RV and uses his magic to open the door. He trots inside to explore his new home for the next while. "Let's check it out, Spike," Starlight wants to see the interior of the RV. "Coming, Starlight," Spike hears the alarms of the hourglass blinking red and sounding off. Spike reverts to his dragon self. Doctor Whooves flops in glee after witnessing a transformation. "I'll remember that, Spike. I'll send a status report about a young dragon transforming into aliens and reverting later," Prince Blueblood said. "Thanks. I'll see you around," Spike steps inside the RV. He sees a couch to sit on and relaxes.