In a holding facility, a blast was heard as a security guard was thrown against a wall and was knocked out cold. Multiple explosions knocked back a few guards as those explosions were caused by an earth pony mare with a dark purple coat and white mane with black streaks while she was wearing a dark purple cloak with violet streaks in the shape of broken hearts. "Oh, this is just too much fun." She said with the light before she reached for her bag which looked like a creature's head as the zipper mouth opened up and she pulled out a magical orb before tossing it at the guards, which exploded on impact.
"Can you not go all trigger-happy today, Cursed?" Another earth pony mare with a little purple coat and white mane with pink streaks while wearing a light purple cloak with pink streaks in the shape of Hearts walked up to her. "Remember why we're here."
"You really know how to spoil my fun, don't you Hope?" Cursed asked before continuing down the corridor until they were at a cell as they looked through the cage and saw a familiar face in as the two spoke in a foreign language and burst the door down once they entered, it was none other than Hex.
“Spell Hope, Cursed Spark, I’ve been waiting.” Hex said without turning to them.
“Hmm. Major jailbreaks aren’t exactly easy to pull off, you know.” Cursed told him.
"You will show me respect my dear niece, or both of you will suffer the consequences." Hex replied as his eyes glowed yellow. "Now, my staff."
"I have it uncle, but I think there's something wrong with it." Hope mentioned as she pulled it out of her bag. "The magic must have been drained out or something when we found it, it doesn't work. We promise it's not our fault!" She said before Hex reached out his hoof and his staff suddenly flew over to him.
“Its powers can be brought to life only in the possession of a master magician.” Hex said as he blasted his staff at the two girls, but it split apart and took out the two guards behind them. “Now, to find the keystone. The moment of alignment is nearly upon us.” He said as he then blasted a hole in the wall. “Once I have completed the ritual and gained its powers, I shall take my revenge on the one responsible for imprisoning me in this festering sewer." The three of them step on the door that was blasted down as a guard washed them fly off out of the hole next to a ripped newspaper article of Mis Drago.
Somewhere in a canyon of mountains, a bus chariot filled with elderly creatures was tilting off the edge as they started screaming. But then, they were pulled away from the cliff as Manny and Fourarms helped them up and ripped the back of the bus open. “It’s okay, everyone. Everything’s alright now.” Fourarms said as he was about to walk off, but Manny stopped him.
“Yo, dude, we can't just leave them there." He pointed out.
"Your friend is right, you need to respect your elders and help us off." An elderly stallion told Fourarms.
“Oh, be a dear and carry me, would you?” An elderly mare asked. “My bunions are killing me.”
“You’re bunions, my butt!” Another mare said. “My new hip’s out of whack, I’m first.” She complained as Fourarms and Manny sighed.
“This is gonna be a while.” Fourarms said as he and Manny then started helping the elderlies while the others were in the mobile base.
Inside the mobile base, Smolder was looking through a book filled with magical artifact information as she had her old Mis Drago mask beside her. "She's been looking at that book all day and night." Sandbar whispered to his friends.
"Looks like she really misses being Mis Drago." Silverstream said with a sincere tone.
“Even though the amulet that gave her magic powers also gave bad luck to others." Gallus mentioned as he was still a little ticked about the salad.
“Let it go, man.” Helen said tiredly.
“But still, I’ve never seen Smolder this down before.” Ocellus said in concern. “I mean, usually, she just acted cool and played around, but now, she’s really sad.” She said as Smolder put the book down and looked at her Mis Drago mask.
“Mis Drago…” Smolder said sadly. “I wish you were more than just another Nightmare Night costume."
"Yup, she's totally obsessed with magic." Attea whispered to the others before Helix and Manny walked in.
“Okay, sometimes this hero stuff gets way old way fast.” Helix complained as he sat on the passenger seat.
“You should be proud of yourself, Helix.” Delta said to his son. “Those folks would’ve been in a real pickle without you and Manny.”
“I know, but sometimes I’d just like one regular summer day, where I could just hang out all day long doing nothing or having fun with you guys.” Helix said.
“He's got a point.” Flash said in agreement. “To be honest, everywhere we go, trouble or something bad always seems to follow us somehow.”
"You serious right now?!" Smolder spoke up with a brow. “At first, you were very excited about being a hero, but now you just want to take a break from it?! You should appreciate what you have! Ocellus is Techno Armor whenever she wants, Venus was basically born with his powers, while Attea, Helen, and Manny as they are 24/7! I only got to be Mis Drago for like a day!"
"Seriously?” Gallus asked with a brow. “With all the bragging you did since then, it felt like weeks to us.” He joked before Smolder threw a pillow at his face.
“Though to be fair, Smolder, it was your choice to destroy the charms after stopping Hex.” Twilight said to her. “If you haven’t, he would’ve tried again and abused that power to rule all of Equestria and beyond.”
"Yeah, yeah, I know…" Smolder replied with a sad look.
"Plus, all this heroing doesn't come with much perks, like those nice old mares wanted us to come to some old Magic Convention in Las Pegasus." Manny mentioned which piqued Smolder's interest. "I mean, who would want to go to that?"
“A Magic Convention?” Smolder asked with an interested smile.
“Looks like your friend got her spirit up a bit.” Venus said to them as they all chuckled.
In the middle of the desert, Hex, Cursed, and Hope are standing by the fire as Hex speaks in a foreign language over the fire as it lights up and shows a charm similar to the ones he had before Smolder destroyed them, but it was all red. “The Keystone of Dezal.” Hex said with a smile. “Reveal your location to me!” He called as it showed the location where the keystone was.
“Okay, well, nice seeing you again, uncle.” Hope said nervously. “We’re outta here.”
“Yeah. See ya.” Cursed casually said as she and her sister were going to walk off, but a blast nearly hit them as they stopped and turned to their uncle.
“You two may leave my service only when I say you can!” Hex exclaimed with his eyes glowed and his staff pointed at them.
"Yes, uncle…" Both mares replied as Cursed rolled her eyes while Hope just looked down.
The group soon arrived at Las Pegasus as the mobile base was parked next to a sign that said 'Magic-Con' before the group walked inside. What they saw was not what Smolder had hoped as they saw some unicorns before forming stage magic like making items disappear or a ring magic well some teen unicorns were just playing a game of cards.
“Magician of the Year Expo?” Smolder asked with a small smile. “It’s all cheap junk and gross-out tricks. I thought it was going to be magic magic, not cheese magic.” She complained.
“Not everything can be all exciting, Smolder.” Applejack told her.
“Hey! Check it out!” Helix said as he was at a magic bin with a fake arrow to the head on him while looking through some items. “Fake bugs in ice cubes, fake barf, fake dog poo, fake hooves!” He said while the others just gave him a dull look.
"Okay, we get it Helix." Twilight told him before she looked at Smolder. "Sorry if this wasn't the kind of magic you were expecting."
"Don't be so sure, Twilight Sparkle!" A familiar voice called out before a puff of smoke happened between them. "For magic is sometimes about misdirection, including if it involves the Great and Powerful Trixie!" She declared as she was wearing her stage outfit.
Most of the others all looked at her dully before they spoke up. “Hi, Trixie.” The Mane Six, Spike, and Flash said to her while Trixie raised a brow at them.
“What? No applause?” Trixie questioned.
“We’ve seen you try that trick many times.” Rainbow said dully. “And truthfully, it gets old after the many times you do it.”
"But that was a great trick you did.” Helen complimented. "How'd you do that?"
"Don't get her started." Starlight Glimmer told her as she walked up to the group. "Once you get her started, there's nothing stopping her."
“Starlight!” Twilight said as she rushed up and gave her a hug, which Starlight returned with a smile. “I didn’t know you, or Trixie would be here.”
“Well, with the School of Friendship closed for the summer, Trixie and I decided to travel Equestria while showing off our performance.” Starlight said with a smile. “And it’s been great if you try and block out Trixie’s sleep talking that is.”
"And this year, the Great and Powerful Trixie shall be named the Magician of the year!" Trixie declared with confidence. "We've been perfecting a very breathtaking performance on the way here."
"Well, as long as we're all here, you might as well take a look around before the show starts.” Dust mentioned as Smolder grimaces in disappointment. They all spread out and took a look around the convention as Smolder and Attea walked up to a booth with a sign that said 'Magic Jewels' right above it.
“These look pretty.” Attea said while looking at the jewels as Smolder looked at the mare from the stand.
“We don’t suppose you have any real magical artifacts?” Smolder asked hopefully.
“What you see is what you get, honey.” The mare said to her.
“Smolder, don’t you think you’re pushing it a bit far?” Attea asked in concern.
"I guess I was hoping I be lucky…" Smolder replied until her eyes were drawn to a bracelet with a red stone in it. She picked it up and she couldn't help but feel like she's seen the stone somewhere before she put it on her left wrist. “I’ll take it.”
“Huh, at least something that fits you.” Attea mentioned.
“Find something you like, Smolder?” Rarity asked as she and the others walked up to her and Attea. "Oh my, does that bracelet really suit you." She complimented her after seeing it.
"Thanks, but for some reason, it kind of reminds me of--" Smolder what's going to say before they all heard screaming outside.
“What is going on?” Starlight asked in shock.
“Help! Somepony help me!” A stallion cried out as he was tied up in a stray jacket while hooked up to a copter as it broke down and flew around while the group rushed outside.
“I don’t think that’s part of the act.” Pinkie said to them.
"Definitely not." Spike agreed before they looked at Helix.
"Yeah I know, hero time." He sighed before he went somewhere to transform out of sight.
“What was that about?” Starlight asked in confusion. “And shouldn’t we be doing something?”
“You’ll find out soon enough.” Twilight said to her former pupil as the stallion kept screaming while the helicopter flew around before one of the wires hit his line, bringing it as Spidermonkey web-swing underneath and grabbing the bottom of the copter.
"Don't worry, I got everything under control!" He told both the pilot and the stallion before the blade on the tail came off. "Or not!" The blade cut down some wiring as many quickly grabbed the poles holding up the electric wires while Ocellus and Helen got some civilians out of the way.
Smolder then saw the blade flying towards Fluttershy. “Fluttershy! Look out!” She called out as she ran towards Fluttershy before she did some impressive feat while the stone in her bracelet glowed and then quickly breathed fire, which was in a shade of pink, that caused her to disappear and reappear to push Fluttershy out of the way.
Fluttershy stood up and looked in shock. “Smolder… how’d you do that?” She asked.
Smolder looked at the stone and smiled as she realized what it was. “Just lucky, I guess.” She said before she stood up and rushed off.
On the copter, it kept spinning out of control as Spidermonkey quickly shot webs around the buildings, which trapped the copter in place. “Just hold on a few more seconds longer!” He called before the stallion looked up and saw the line snapped as he began to fall. “No!” He cried out.
Spidermonkey quickly jumped to try and save him while Manny, Helen, Attea, and Ocellus quickly rushed to try and catch him from below before they saw a familiar dragon wearing a bright red costume fly in before she breathed pink flames to disappear. She then reappeared to catch the stallion before breathing flames again to disappear and reappear safely on the ground.
“Mis Drago?” The heroes asked in surprise as the crowd started cheering for them for their heroics.
“Don’t even start with me about cramping your superhero styles.” Mis Drago said in annoyance.
“Uh, no. We weren't going to.” Helen told her in defense.
“We’re just happy to have some more backup.” Manny said in relief.
“But the question is, how’d you get your Mis Drago powers back?” Spidermonkey asked. "I thought they were gone for good when you destroyed those amulets."
"So did I, but I think I may have missed one." Mis Drago said as she held up her wrist to show off her bracelet and the stone in it.
They all returned back to the mobile base, while Trixie was amazed how bigger and Hi-Tech it was on the inside, Twilight looked closely at the stone in Smolder's bracelet while she held up a book with the same Stone on a page. “It almost looks like one of the Amulets of Dezal." She said.
“But Smolder destroyed them all after we beat Hex a few weeks back.” Flash said in thought.
“We all saw it.” Spike added.
“True, but this is the legendary lost Keystone.” Twilight said while lifting Smolder’s wrist. “It’s rumored to increase ten times the powers and the skills of one of the amulets who possess it.” She explained.
"Not only that, but it also gifts the wearer more magical abilities.” Starlight added. "Such as teleportation, shapeshifting, and even magical auras like shields and beams.”
“You are so lucky, Smolder!” Helix commented.
“It’s not luck. It’s magic.” Smolder said with a smile while looking at the keystone.
“Well, there’s one good thing about that keystone, the only difference is that it didn’t give us any bad luck with your good luck.” Helen said with a small smile.
“Which is good because I do not want to get covered in cement again." Manny said with his arms crossed. "But just to be safe, are you sure there aren't any drawbacks to it? No hiccups, no exchanges of that kind of power?"
“From what I’ve read and seen, no drawbacks.” Twilight assured them with a smile. “I guess the keystone didn’t want others to have bad luck in exchange for good lucks.”
“That’s a relief.” Attea said with a sigh. “Because I don’t want any bad lucks lurking around us.”
"How is a wagon such as this even exist?!" Trixie exclaimed and didn't even pay attention to what they were saying.
“She’s one of a kind, Trixie.” Dust said with a chuckle.
A bit later, and after explaining the details to Trixie about what they’ve been through since their trip, they are at the magic show where a magician is on stage while the crowd cheers them on. “And remember, the magician of the year will be crowned in just a few hours during the solar eclipse!” A stallion announced through the speaker. “Now, please welcome our next contestant, the Great and Powerful Trixie and her Assistant Starlight Glimmer!” He announced as a puff of smoke appeared as the two mares appeared as the audience cheered again while their friends cheered for them.
"For our first trick, the Great and Powerful Trixie will need a volunteer!" Trixie called out before she was startled when Helix spoke up next to her.
"Helix Watch, at your service!" He declared with a proud smile.
“What’s he up to?” Flash questioned as Trixie levitated Helix in the box.
“And the colt goes in, but what comes out will amaze and surprise you!” Trixie said as she was about to close the box before Helix gave a smirk.
“Yeah, they won’t be the only ones.” Helix whispered as he lowered himself down before Trixie closed and locked the box.
"Now, will Trixie's assistant, Starlight, please assist Trixie with the next part?" Trixie asked.
“Sure thing, Trixie.” Starlight said as she as she glowed her horn before Trixi said the enchantment.
“Abracadabra!” Trixie called as there was a flash of green light within before the two mares stepped back as Gravattack first came out of the box.
"Ta-da! Gravattack in the house!" He declared as the crowd cheered in amazement at what just happened.
"Uh…yes! This is what the Great and Powerful Trixie had planned all along!" Trixie said while looking shocked at what Helix transformed into while Starlight was the same thing while the others looked amused by it before a red mist burned through the ceiling and floated down to them as Gravattack, Trixie, and Starlight were pushed back before Hex appeared on stage as the crowd screamed in fear.
“Hex?!” The heroes all exclaimed in shock.
“Hey! Wait for your turn, pal.” Trixie said to Hex with a glare. “You’re ruining our act.”
"I have no time for amateurs." He responded before he used his magic to push Trixie and Starlight back before Gravattack quickly caught them. "Now give me the Keystone of Dezal!" He called, which made Smolder worried. “If it's magic you want, it’s magic you shall have!” He declared as he used his staff to send explosions around the area as the crowd screamed in panic.
"Looks like Hex is up to his old tricks and he has a couple of assistants with him." Twilight told the others with worry.
"And he's after the keystone." Helen added as she, Attea, and Manny took off their masks.
"Well, he's going to get around two from Mis Drago to get it!" Smolder declared with confidence before she ran off to change.
“Hand over the keystone or I shall destroy you all!” Hex warned.
“You forgot to say ‘Please', Hex!” Mis Drago called as she appeared on stage while Hex noticed the keystone.
"Both the keystone and Mis Drago, how convenient." He said before he blasted a magic beam right at her. Mis Drago quickly folded her wings in front of her as they created a magic barrier to block the attack.
"Okay, so that's how I use the shield." Mis Drago said to herself before jumping back from another blast.
But then Manny jumped in and tackled Hex as he tugged on his staff. “You wanna go another round, skull-face?!” He questioned.
“Spell Hope! Cursed Spark! Do something!” Hex called out to his nieces.
"Y-Yes uncle!" Hope said before she reached into her bag and threw a ring which grew each time it spun and knocked Manny off of Hex.
"They can use magic without a horn, how?!" Starlight questioned with shock.
“We’ll explain later, girl!” Applejack called as Gravattack, Helen, Attea, Techno Armor, and the others charged at them as they started fighting the two magical mares, but they were pushed back as they duck for cover while avoiding magic attacks.
Mis Drago then appeared and kicked them back. “Since you two are palling around with Hex, you two are no friends of mine.” She said with a glare before Hex grabbed her by the arm.
“There are two kinds of luck, little dragon.” Hex told her. “Let me show you the bad kind.”
“Guess what? I’m not just lucky anymore.” Mis Drago said with a smirk as she grabbed Hex’s hoof. “I am totally kick-flank!” She called as she flipped Hex to the side.
“Even with your new powers, you are no match for a master magician!” Hex declared as he raised his staff. “Now give me the keystone!” He demanded before a speaker was pushed down by Gravattack moving its gravity before it was dropped right on top of Hex.
“Haven’t you heard of finders keepers?” Gravattack questioned.
"And losers weepers." Cursed said before tossing three small pellets that looked like creatures at his feat.
"That the best you got?" Gravattack asked before he saw the pellets grow in size to his and came to life. "Oh second thought, that's pretty good." He said nervously before one of the stone golems jumped on him.
Techno Armor then flew over him and attacked Cursed as they tried to push her off. “No one messes with a magic show or my friend!” Ocellus yelled.
“Get off of me, tech geek!” Cursed yelled as her bag opened up and released a stone hammer that knocked Techno Armor away as Cursed stood up. “See you around, blob.” She said as she tossed more stone pellets that exploded on the floor as Ocellus fell through the hole.
Smolder kept fighting the stone golem before it grabbed her arm and another was about to tackle her, but Smolder used her newfound strength to clash the two stones, shattering them.
Venus then used his powers to grab Cursed and Hope in some vines as the two sisters struggled to break free. “Sorry, but this magic act is canceled.” He said before he looked at Hope, feeling attracted to her appearance while Hope stopped struggling and noticed Venus looking at her.
“What are you looking at?” Hope questioned with a brow.
“Uh, nothing!” Venus quickly said while looking away and still keeping a tight grip on them.
“Enough!” Hex yelled out as he waved his staff, which created a shockwave that sent the whole group, san Gravattack and his team, outside to the garden maze outside as they fell to the ground.
“Okay, that guy is so going to pay for ruining my act!” Trixie said with a glare while the others turned to her unamusing. “What?! I was planning this for weeks!”
"Uh, I think we have bigger problems." Twilight mentioned as a few familiar pebbles were thrown down to their hooves. Soon they all started running through the maze as the golems were chasing them down. Mis Drago suddenly was engulfed in pink flames as she was now a small little mouse and quickly ducked into the hedges.
"Shapeshifting, nice." She whispered to resolve as she looked herself over. "Now I know how Ocellus feels when she does this." And then Hex, Cursed, and Hope appeared as the three appeared in a dust of red smoke.
“Circle around, then drive them toward me like lambs to the slaughter.” Hex instructed.
“Yes, Uncle.” The twins said as they split up.
The group soon came to a dead end as the golems were coming close before Gravattack, Techno Armor, Manny, Attea, and Helen quickly rushed in and took on the golems. Gravattack used his power to levitate one before smashing it against the ground while Manny grabbed one in a headlock and crushed its head. Attea took out a couple of blasters and rapidly fired at one of them until it was nothing but a pile of rubble on the ground while Helen used her super speed to chip away at the last one until it was nothing. Soon the Omnitrix timed out and Gravattack transformed back into Helix. "Boy, are we glad you all showed up." Starlight said in relief.
"Are you all okay?" Delta questioned the four.
"Yeah, but where is Venus and Mis Drago?" Helix asked the group.
"We must have gotten split up when we were being chased by those things." Rainbow mentioned.
“Again?” Helen questioned in annoyance. “With Venus, it’s new. But with Smolder, the last time that happened with Hex, she lost her amulet to him when she got caught!” She stated.
“Well, we gotta find them before something worse happens!” Flash called as they all rushed further into the maze to find two of their lost friends.
Mis Drago crawled out of a hedge before shapeshifting back into our dragon form and accidentally bumped into Venus. “Venus?” She asked in surprise.
“Smolder? Didn’t see you there.” Venus said in surprise.
“Yeah. Have you seen the others?” Mis Drago asked.
“No. We must’ve got scattered when those stone creatures chased us through this maze.” Venus said while looking around. “And I think those magical users are searching for us.” he added before they heard rustling coming from the other side of the hedge.
"You thinking what I'm thinking?" Mis Drago asked him with a smirk.
“Oh yeah. Kinda.” Venus said as he readied his hooves as the two jumped over the hedge and Venus quickly used his powers to tie up someone, who happened to be Hope as she was knocked to the ground and lost her bag as Mis Drago picked it up.
“Not so tough without your bag of tricks, are you?" Mis Drago questioned with a smirk,
"No, but she sure is pretty." Venus muttered.
"What was that?" Mis Drago quickly asked.
"Nothing!" Venus quickly replied as Cursed quickly came around the corner and saw them holding Hope down.
"Let her go!" She demanded while sounding angry.
"P-Please, we didn't mean to hurt anyone." Hope spoke up as she looked at them with pleading eyes. "We were only following our uncle's orders."
“Wait? Uncle?” Venus asked in confusion
“She’s talking about Hex.” Mis Drago said to him before turning to the twins. “Why should we believe any of you?”
"My name is Spell Hope, and that's my twin sister, Cursed Sparks." She introduced herself and her sister. "And you already know that we're Hex's nieces. You know what he's like, he won't take no for an answer so we have no choice but to obey him."
"Yeah, and I have plans of my own just so you know." Cursed mentioned before she walked up to them. "You know we can help you. Right now he's after the Keystone of Dezal that's in your bracelet."
"Kind of already knew that since he demanded it on stage." Mis Drago pointed out. "And we know that once he gets a hold of it, it'll magnify his magical abilities."
"That's not all it can do, he doesn't just want the Keystone for that." Hope mentioned as Venus let her up. "You see with the Keystone, you can perform a very special ritual at the highest point in the city during the solar eclipse so he can recreate the Amulets of Dezal, the same ones you destroyed."
“Making new friends, my young nieces?” Hex’s voice spoke up as they turned and saw him appeared through the hedge.
“Okay, you gotta give props, the dude knows how to make an entrance.” Venus commented before Hex lifted his hoof to show the others above them. “Guys!”
"Now hand over the Keystone or watch them all suffer with their lives!" Hex demanded.
"No uncle, this has gone far enough!" Hope exclaimed as she quickly took her bag and took out some pink dust before blowing it to make his hostages disappear and reappear next to them. Before Hex could do anything else, Cursed took out her bag and released a swarm of stone bats that grabbed him.
“Cursed Sparks! Spell Hope! How dare you both betray me!” Hex yelled as he was lifted up and was dragged to the nearest pool as he fell into the water.
“Looks like you are with us.” Mis Drago said in surprise.
“Okay, now that we lost him, let’s go before Hex dries off.” Venus suggested.
"Our uncle is really going to be mad at us." Hope mentioned with a sad tone.
"Then go with our teachers and friends, we'll handle your uncle." Mis Drago told the two before Cursed suddenly pulled her in for a hug.
"Oh thank you so much!" She said so happily. "This is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for us. I will never forget this." She pulled away as Mis Drago had a bit of a disturbed look on her face. She then took off with Helix and the rest of the team to deal with Hex while the others started to head back to the mobile base.
"Uh, is it just me or was that a little weird?" Mis Drago asked the others.
“Welcome to the superhero club.” Manny said.
“Trust us, some creatures act weird around us.” Helix added in agreement.
“Like that sudden hug.” Helen said as the team then ran out of the maze, only to see Hex spouting out of the pool. “Looks like his swimming lesson is over!”
“And my watch is still on red. I need to put in the instant recharge combination.” Helix said as he started fiddling with the Omnitrix.
“No time to wait!” Smolder called as she breathed fire, but for some reason, she hadn’t teleported. “What the--?” She asked in shock before Hex floated down towards them.
“Get him!” Attea called as they charged at Hex, but his eyes glowed as he levitated the heroes in the air to keep them back. “No fair!”
"Give me the Keystone, now!" Hex demanded as he grabbed Mis Drago's wrist but realized something when he noticed something about the bracelet. He then gave a smirk before releasing the heroes. "We will see each other soon and finish our business some other time, children." He then disappeared in a puff of red smoke.
“Okay, what just happened?” Manny asked in confusion while scratching his head.
“He just left all of a sudden.” Ocellus said with a surprised look before Mis Drago looked at the bracelet and gasped when she noticed something.
“The Keystone! It’s gone!” Mis Drago called as she saw the Keystone not on the bracelet anymore.
“What?!” Helen asked in shock. “But you just had it! Where is it?!”
"Cused and Hope." Mis Drago growled as she realized she was tricked.
On a roof of a building, Hex regrouped with his two nieces. “Playing innocent was genius, my dears…” Hex said to them before he came up to them. “...though you both should have informed me first!”
“Yes, uncle, it was wrong not to, but we had to think fast when Mis Drago and her plant friend surprised us.” Cursed said as she gave the Keystone to Hex. "Luckily my sister here was smart enough to act all nice so we can get their trust and I could get close to getting the Keystone."
“No matter.” Hex said with a smirk as he held up the Keystone. “Soon I shall have enough power to destroy all my enemies and rule the world!” He declared as the solar eclipse is drawing near while Hope looked at her twin and uncle in conflict and guilt for what they were doing and for betraying her new friends.
The team soon found the rest of the group near the mobile base on the ground before they helped each of them up. "We were heading back here before we heard Cursed mumble something before we blacked out." Twilight groaned as she held her head. "When we came to, they were both gone."
“That was some trick that not even I was surprised by that.” Starlight said with a groan.
“All that ‘my-uncle-made-me-do-it’ stuff was just an act.” Mis Drago said in betray. “She needed to get close enough to me to steal the Keystone. Some hero I turned out to be.” She said in shame as she took off her mask.
“It doesn’t matter. What matters is we should care about how to stop Hex and his nieces before they recreate those other charms.” Delta said to them. “From what you told us, if he regains all his powers, we’re facing another Dezal incident.”
“Hope said that the ritual would be performed at the highest point during the eclipse.” Venus said in thought.
“And the highest point around here is…” Applejack said as they all looked up to the tallest tower in Las Pegasus as their eyes widened.
From the sky, as the moon is close to blocking the son, the twins and Hex float down to the tower as some creatures come in from the elevator before Hex aimed his bow at them, which they quickly shut the elevator as Hex sealed it up. “I do not want to be disturbed.” He said with his voice echoing as he looked up and saw the eclipse forming before he brought out the Keystone, which caused it to glow as he spoke in an ancient foreign language before the Keystone floated up and the eclipse turned red.
The group soon arrived at the base of the Tower as they saw the eclipse turning red and they knew the ritual had begun. "They started!" Pinkie exclaimed in a panic.
"We need to get up there before it's finished!" Twilight declared. "The eclipse is just a few minutes away, so we still have time."
"Guess it's all up to you guys then." Smolder mentioned as she had looked down with a sad look.
“Not just us, Smolder.” Helix said with a small smile. “We’ll need some help.”
“Still feeling luck?” Helen asked.
“What can I do without my powers?” Smolder questioned in sadness.
“Smolder, you never needed magic powers to help you out before.” Spike spoke up as he got in front of Smolder. “Take it from a dragon with the ability to just teleport objects like mail and stuff. But that doesn’t stop me from helping my friends before. I admit that I was scared like almost all the trips, but I’ve seen how Twilight and the girls handle things in their adventures, and some of them are without the elements of harmony. Being a hero means putting up for what’s first, not with special powers.”
Smolder felt touched by Spike’s words as she gave a small smile before they looked and saw the creatures from the elevator coming out with security guards blocking the creatures from going up.
“The elevator is out.” Silverstream said in worry. “While some of us could fly, but the rest of us, how are we gonna get up there?”
“I’ll try to go Jetray.” Helix said as he popped the core up, but when he slammed it down, nothing happened as he saw that it was still timed out. “Oh, man, that stinks! The Omnitrix isn’t working yet!”
“But that window washer platform is." Delta pointed out as he saw one near the ground level.
“While those who can’t fly can use them, the rest of us will fly up with you.” Rainbow said as they rushed off.
“And I have an idea for my own ride.” Helix said as he rushed into the mobile base while the others went to the window washer.
At the top of the tower, Hex is still chanting the enchantment while the Keystone shoots out some magical shots while Hope and Cursed watch. “Did you really think you could ditch me that easily?” Smolder questioned as she got her mask back on. “Now give me back the Keystone or deal with the awesome powers of Mis Drago!”
"You cannot be serious". Curse said with a look. "She doesn't have any powers to fly without our wings, so it's got to be some sort of trick." Hex then used his magic to pull her up and revealed that the others were holding her up on the window washer platform before slamming them down to the ground.
“Well, so much for that idea.” Pinkie muttered.
“Your silly stunt has gained you nothing.” Hex said as he aimed his staff at them.
“You should know like I do that sometimes magic is about misdirection.” Trixie said with a smirk before Hex turned and saw Helix on his hoverboard as he whacked Hex in the face as he cheered.
“I forgot how much fun this thing is!” Helix cheered with a wide smile before she turned to the others with Flash waving to him. “Hey, cousin!”
"Helix, Hex is right behind you!" Flash called out but it was too late as Hex climbed onto his hoverboard and tried to knock Helix off.
“Helix!” Helen and Attea cried out in concern.
“I shall not be denied my destiny as ruler of the world!” Hex yelled.
“That ain’t gonna happen!” Helix called with determination as Hex tried to whack him off, but he missed as the hoverboard wobbled as Hex kept his balance and tried to whack Helix again, but he dodged as they flew around the tower.
Meanwhile, on the tower, Hope watched as her uncle was trying to get Helix off his board with his own staff in hopes he wouldn't succeed. "Hey twinsies, have you heard any good stories lately?!" Smolder called out as the group charged at her and her twin.
Cursed then threw pellets down at them, which knocked them down to the rollercoaster as she then tossed another at the controls as the rollercoasters sent the group moving. “Cursed, what are you doing?!” Hope exclaimed to her sister.
“Making sure they stay out of our way." Cursed replied with a sinister grin.
“But with the controls out, they can’t stop!” Hope called out as her sister waved off as they turned to Hex and Helix.
Helix dodged another strike before he looked and saw the Omnitrix recharged as it put in Fourarms. “Yes! It’s time for Fourarms of fun!” He called but then he was knocked off his board as he quickly switched the Omnitrix to something else as he slammed it down. “Swampfire!” He called as he blasted fire down and boosted up towards Hex and caught his board as the two flew around before they went back to the tower and fell to the floor.
Hex then blasted a beam right at his arm and it fell right off. "Hey!" He called out before a root suddenly extended out from his shoulder and went to attach to his arm before pulling it back in. "Oh man, you're in trouble now." He said with a smirk before he charged at Hex and punched him back, knocking him down.
“Oh no you don’t!” Cursed said as she was about to toss another pellet at him, but Hope grabbed her hoof and move it aside, which flew past Swampfire and hit the tracks of the coaster where Swampfire gasped when he saw the others.
“We’re not gonna make it!” Fluttershy cried in fear as they went over the tracks and started falling from the tower.
“Guys!” Swampfire called as he threw some seeds from his arms, which grew some vines as he then caught them and quickly caught Helen and Attea before they fell. “Gotcha!” he called out before he felt himself slipping. He was about to fall himself before something grabbed his legs. He looked back and saw Hope using her own magic to hold him in place. "You're helping me?!"
“I never wanted this! And I really meant what I said back in the maze!” Hope called as she strained herself to pull the heroes up. “My uncle and sister have completely lost it! This has to stop!”
"That's great to hear it all, but could you pull us up before we all fall?!" Swampfire questioned as the eclipse was completed, and so was the ritual.
“I’ll take it from here, Cursed Spark.” Hex said to his niece. “You’ll handle your traitorous sister.”
“That would be a big no, uncle.” Cursed said with a smirk before she turned to him. “Change in plans. I get the power of the Keystone and the Charms and you get squat.” She said as Hex tried to bring up his staff, but Cursed threw a pellet that knocked him to a vent and fell down. “I just needed a Master Magician to perform the re-creation ritual, and now that’s done…” She said before she walked closer to the Keystone. “Now, where was I?” She asked as she raised her hooves up as dark clouds surrounded the Keystone as the ten Amulets were reformed. “The Power of Dezel will soon be mine!” She announced.
"I don't think so, the show is over sister!" Hope called out as she stood by the heroes while Smolder held up Hex's staff.
"Oh, you always wear the three-two shoes of the bunch little sister." Cursed mentioned before she chuckled at Smolder. "By the way, that staff only works in the possession of a master magician." Smolder then aimed it right at her before a beam of magic blasted her at a wall and knocked her out.
"Okay… why did it just do that?” She questioned before they saw the amulets getting to form. Swampfire saw Hex getting up before he quickly threw down some seeds and created some Vines to reach up and start crushing the amulets.
Then suddenly, the Keystone created an explosion as a vortex started sucking the wind in while magic came out of Cursed, from Hex’s staff, and almost Hope before she quickly formed a magical barrier around herself as Hex stood up.
“Do you know what you’ve done?!” Hex questioned the heroes.
“Save the day?” Yona asked in confusion before magic came out of Hex as well as he screamed in pain and fell to the floor before the Keystone flew down to Smolder, who picked it up as the eclipse vanished as the Omnitrix timed out and Helix transformed back.
“What just happened?” Rainbow asked in surprise. “And what happened to Hex and Cursed?”
“I think by interrupting the re-creation spell, it drained Hex, his staff, and Cursed of their magic.” Twilight theorizes as Smolder puts the keystone back into the bracelet to check on something as she sighs.
“And it apparently drained the magic from the Keystone.” Smolder said sadly. “And Mis Dragon along with it.”
“Hey, don’t be upset, Smolder.” Ocellus said while placing a hoof on her shoulder. “You’ve proven that you can be a hero in other ways.”
"Like maybe…" Smolder started before she noticed the hoverboard. "Riding on a hoverboard?" She asked.
“Well, maybe.” Helix said with a shrug. “I mean to take good on these things, it takes a lot of practice.” He said to her as Smolder rushed up to it.
“Then I better get started.” Smolder said as she jumped on the hoverboard and took off.
“Hey! Wait a minute! Smolder!” Helix cried out as they watched Smolder take off in the Hoverboard with laughs.
“Well, that would keep her happy for a while.” Venus said before he noticed Hope walking away. “Hey, wait, Hope, where are you going?”
“I’m going to leave. After what happened to my sister and uncle, I need to go and find my own way.” Hope said to him. “After what just happened, I need to find out there’s more to it than just evil magic.”
“Then maybe you would like to travel with us?" Twilight suggested with a warm smile. "I know some magic myself and I'm willing to teach you if you tell me how you're able to cast magic yourself."
Hope thought for a moment before she turned to them. “Well, I have nowhere else to go. But, are you sure I’m welcome in your little group? After what happened and you all nearly falling off a building, I don’t know if I would fell welcome.”
"Hey, you helped me save my friends and family." Helix pointed out. "I'm pretty sure you're okay in our book."
“And besides, everyone desverse a second chance. I know that feeling.” Starlight said with a small smile while Hope gave them a small smile for their kind words.
“I-I appricated, thank you.” Hope said with a small smile.
“Hey, it what friends do, Hope.” Venus said with a small smile. “Now, as soon as Smolder’s done with her hoverboard ride, we can continue on with our trip.” He said while Smolder is still riding Helix’s hoverboard.
“Plus I've been wondering why my uncle's staff just suddenly reacted when you held it." Hope mentioned as she looked at Smolder. "Maybe there's some magic in you after all. Magic that I can teach you how to use."
“Really?! Awesome!” Smolder cheered as she did a loop. “I could actually do magic! This is exciting!”
“Okay, easy there, Smolder. Take it one step at a time.” Gallus said to them.
“But, it will take practice and discipline, which you’ll have to learn.” Hope said as Smolder slouched in disappointment.
“Aw, but it’s summer vaction.” Smolder said as they all laughed, while they stopped Hex and Cursed for recreating the amulets and Smolder lost the power of the Keystone, they have gained a new friend and a magic teacher to teach Smolder how to use her abilities. "But I get what I paid for. So, when do we start?"
“How about, sometime tomorrow after what happened today.” Hope suggested with a small smile.
“Deal!” Smolder called as they shook claw/hoof, a start of a new friendship.