//------------------------------//
// Chapter 20: Where Is That Moonlight Trail, That Leads To Your Side? 
// Story: Equestria Is Not Enough 
// by Canon Fodder 
//------------------------------//

Chapter 20 Where Is That Moonlight Trail, That Leads To Your Side?

Twilight lead the team through the dark of the night on the edge of the Everfree Forest and Equestria, just outside of Ponyville. They crept quietly, trying not to draw any attention what so ever. While they walked, Twilight studied the map of the Canyon she got from the secret document. She followed the route to the mine and realized the mine was located in the deep trenches of a valley known as Suffolk Valley. They rustled through the bushes as quickly and as softly as they could. They were only within a short distance of Ponyville and the slightest noise could provoke their capture. Twilight switched the map and hauled out the directory of Nova's manarite mine. The map was somewhat perplexing, except for where the hidden door was  to the missile chamber. Upon entering the cavern, the main rooms were the refinery, branching off into another three directions. The Silverblood laboratory, testing laboratory, and the mine shafts. Down the path, passing the two doors to the labs was the secret door. The map showed only three main rooms. The missile factory, Nova's office (which was built within the chamber itself), and a sub-level that lead to the dungeon. Twilight suspected that Spike and the others must obviously be there. She tried to look for another way of entry but could find nothing. The only way to enter was the front opening. Twilight decided then, that this was going to have to be a full on assault against Nova's army. Finally she took out the schematics meteor. Although the moonlight was not enough for her to see, so she decided she'd wait until morning to look at it.

While spending her time studying the documents, she noticed that they were almost cleared of Ponyville and could soon travel the path once again. She quietly alerted the crowd and halted them, "Alright everypony, now we can start moving in towards the road again. Remember to be very quiet."

Applejack and Rainbow Dash were patrolling the team from behind to ensure that nopony would get separated from the pack since they were traveling at a faster pace than before. Everypony complied with Twilight's directions and followed along. They remained quiet until they were out of the bushes and touched the dirt road. Though they were still far enough from Ponyville to be heard. Rainbow and AJ made their way to the front. Applejack immediately took the lead, "Cmon everypony! We can't stop now."

Rainbow Dash and Twilight knew she was eager to see how badly Sweet Apple Acres was damaged and already knew the result would not be good. Twilight took her turn and made her way behind the crowd. She decided to take notice of the team, "Let's see...16 stallions, 4 mares...8 Unicorns, 10 Earth, and 2 Pegesi. Including me and the girls, that's 23. Will we be able to take on an entire mine by ourselves? I hope this all works out in the end. That evil pony has got to be stopped!"

...Suddenly, something caught the ears of everypony. It was eerie and ominous. Everypony stopped and listened to something from the sky. It appeared to the sound of echoing trumpets, but it came from no where. Rainbow and another Pegesus even flew up to look for where it was coming from but had no clue. The sound continued for five straight minutes. The crowd looked all over the sky confused and startled, but could not find the source of the noise anywhere. The constant sound would die down slowly and go to silence for a split second, then start all over again. Applejack finally asked the obvious question, "Where in tarnation is that noise comin from?"

"I don't know!" Rainbow yelled down from the sky.

After another few minutes, the horns suddenly stopped, as if nothing disturbed the night at all. There was gossip going around the team and Twilight tried to catch their attention, "Alright everypony! Whatever it was, it's gone now so let's get going!"

Everypony looked around at each other nervously. They knew it wasn't just nothing, but they decided to shrug it off and move along anyways. Once again, Applejack took a quick lead to hurry her way to the farm. She couldn't stop thinking about the condition of everything. She also thought about Granny Smith and Applebloom who agreed to stay in Canterlot until they returned. Applejack remembered her last confrontation with her sister. This time there were no tears shed. Only proud talk of family honor and encouragement. Granny Smith too, urged them on to fight Nova. Even she knew of devestation that Sparks could bring, but with Big Macintosh behind her, she had the integrity and confidence from her family, there was nothing that could stop her at this point. She galloped ahead with the team racing behind her. Twilight tried to call out to her to slow her down, but it was useless. AJ was determined to reach Sweet Apple Acres. The patch of forest they ran through was beginning to clear and Applejack could see the fields of the farm just up ahead. Then at last she finally made it to the front gate of the Apples' estate, and she sat down in shock...The farm was incinerated. Her tears began to collect as she trotted through the destroyed farm. Their orchard too, was scorched. The barn was badly damaged, unsalvagable. She looked through the fallen planks of wood from her home and looked for anything valuable.

Finally the team caught up with her and gazed around the devestated farm with just as much terror in their faces. Before Twilight and Rainbow could catch up to comfort their friend, Big Mac raced ahead of them, despite the abundance of supplies on his back. He looked from side to side at the ugly formalities the Nova's henchmen had left behind. The trees were charred, the apple celler was burned from the inside out, the fields were shrouded in ashes and rubble, and their home had been heavily destroyed by the flames. Big Macintosh slowed down and trotted around a corner to see Applejack crying over their tremendous loss. He walked over and sat down next to her, and he leaned in to comfort his sister. Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and team also trotted up to notice them, then decided to leave them be for a while. Twilight lead their faction back, "Come on everypony, they need to be alone right now. We'll wait by the road."

The status of Sweet Apple Acres surpassed the ability to restore the orchard. New trees would have to be planted, the livestock would have to be replaced, and a new home had to be built. Applejack continued her emotional toll. All the work she and her family put into their land through the years was gone. She looked up at Big Macintosh with tearful eyes and fell back into his hooves crying, "Jus what're we gonna do now?..."

Macintosh sat his sister up and looked into her eyes. It's the frist time Applejack ever witnessed the kind of sympathy he expressed with passion, "I'll tell ya whut were gonna do. Were gonna rebuild this farm...Bigger, better, stronger. You remember that were Apples, we don't go down so easily. Were gonna make Nova pay..."

His voice began to get louder, and he stood up with an angered tone, "Not only Nova, but who EVER did this to our land! I'm gonna find that pony or dog and buck him into the next century! We gotta get up AJ...We gotta pick ourselves up and get back on that road."

Applejack, memorized by her brothers surprising speech relieved her sobbing and brought back her faith. Macintosh concluded and held his hoof out to his sister, "Cmon lil sis, let's git up and git back on the road. Were Apples, not squash."

With a new inspired look of motivation, Applejack broke through her tears with a smile and reached out to Big Mac's hoof. He helped her up and they crossed necks then leaned in toward each other warmly, "I love ya Big Macintosh. Do ya'll really mean what ya jus said?"

With a dauntless smile, Big Macintosh raised his head with pride, "Eeyup!"

Applejack laughed and began to push her brother back towards the group, "Cmon big brother, let's go!"

They trotted along side by side. Now with every other thought and concern put aside. It was finally time to head out for the desert, and venture into the Suffolk Valley for Nova's manarite mine and stop project: meteor. The Apples returned to the group with a new outlook on the mission at hoof. Macintosh returned to his position and Applejack high hooved Rainbow and Twilight. She sprang out in front of the group got them riled up, "ALRIGHT EVERYPONY! Let's get to it! Next stop, Suffolk Valley! Let's finally get down there and finish off Nova for good! He was banished the first time! We'll banish him for the last time!"

The freedom fighters erupted with cheerful applauds and they took off galloping, with Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack ahead of the pack. Twilight looked up into the sky and gazed at the moon once more. It almost appeared the light of the moon shined off the stones on the dirt road and highlighted the way towards the desert, leading them to their friends. To save them from a dangerous Tyrant, and bring them and Equestria, back to salvation...to harmony. The three destined friends ran side by side and nodded at one another. Each thinking the same thought, and knew what each other was thinking, "For Equestria!"

-----

Meanwhile, Nova descended from the staircase from his office and approached Dr. Know who was still operating on the missile, "How far along are you the with programming Dr. Know?"

Know turned around from his computers and levitated a tray with coffee in front of Nova. Asking in his eerie, calm voice, "Coffee Mr. Sparks?"

He nodded gladly and took one of the two cups. He sipped and asked Know to continue, "Thank you my good sir. Now can you tell me how your work is going?"

Know smiled deviously, "Of course Mr. Sparks."

He went back to his computer and gestured his superior to come over. He explained, "Meteor is coming along good sir. The programming is nearing completion, and in about another six hours I think it will be done. Were quite ahead of schedule and I can estimate that we can have the missile launched as early as three in the afternoon as opposed to midnight."

Nova was pleased with this news and patted his science chief on the back, "Excellent. The world as we know will soon cease to exist. Starting a new Genesis for the new world, my world...But I digress, if you'll excuse me, I have more business to tend to. Keep up the good work Dr. Know."

"Thank you Mr. Sparks, I will not disappoint you." Know concluded as he put down his coffee.

Sparks began to climb the stairs to his office with coffee still levitated. He stepped through his office door and noticed Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity still chained and standing against the wall. Trixie sat in Nova's chair while her assistant watched the captives cautiously. Nova greeted his marefriend jokingly, "I'm home dear! Oh and we have guests! How splendid."

Trixie and the assistant laughed but the girls remained quiet and frightened. Except Pinkie, she showed no emotion. Rarity leered at the grey stallion furiously and Fluttershy trembled with fear and sobbed pitifully. Sparks noticed this and tended to her, "Oh What is the matter my dear? Are you hurt? Are you sad? Well do not worry, you'll feel none of those in a moment, and just for you, I'll let you go first..."

Fluttershy gasped and grabbed on to Rarity for protection who clenched back. Rarity was determined to protect her innocent friend, "I'll never let you take her!"

Nova sneered and rolled his eyes, "Oh Please..."

Without hesitation he laid down his coffee on his desk and smacked the white mare across the face then yanked Fluttershy towards him while levitating a key he took from the assistant. He unlocked Fluttershy's chains and took her from the bind, then shoved her over to Trixie. She fell down at the desk and screamed, terrified then tried to run away but the Unicorn henchman and Nova caught her, then held her hooves against the wall while Trixie rose from the seat and slowly trotted over. Fluttershy shook her head violently and struggled. Sparks tried to ease her down forcefully, "Now, now! It's no use resisting, this is going to happen one way or another! Now STOP fidgeting you bloody twat!"

Trixie tried to concentrate into her eyes but Fluttershy was moving too much, "Nova! The Great and Powerful Trixie can't perform her magic when her volunteer is being difficult..."

Fed up with her, Nova used his magic and levitated an object from his coat pocket...the silver-plated energy blaster. Nova grabbed Fluttershy's head and forcefully turned it towards Rarity who had the gun pointed at her head. He shook her to get her attention, "Now listen to me...You will stop with your enervated whining like a little filly or else Ms. Rarity here will have a very bitter ending to her life. Do I make myself very clear?"

With a sick feeling in her gut, Fluttershy forced herself to stop crying and held back her tears as hard as she could but couldn't stop her whimpering entirely. Rarity held still, trying not to make any sudden moves. Trixie finally proceeded. She focused into Fluttershy's eyes momentarily and got her stare into her eyes. Nova and the henchman made sure to keep their heads turned away so they would not fall into the trance. The blue mare flashed a bright light from her horn and opened the hypnotic gate in her eyes. Fluttershy began to feel loose...then sleepy. She was beginning to go through the same symptoms Big Macintosh went through. After twenty seconds of staring into Trixie's eyes, Fluttershy was fully focused and ready to take her commands. The Great and Powerful one grinned and spoke very clearly, "Focus on my voice Fluttershy...If you can hear me and understand me, nod your head..."

The yellow Pegesus nodded and Trixie was pleased then continued, "Fluttershy...Hear my order...I command you to obey every order that Nova Sparks gives you. He is your master from now on. You shall respect him and never think twice about any order you're given...Do you understand? If yes, nod."

She nodded again and Trixie went to end the trance, "Now when I countdown from five, you will be subjected to Nova's every command...5...4...3...2...1...0!"

Suddenly, Fluttershy broke from focus and stared off into nothingness. Nova and the assistant slowly released Fluttershy from their grip and backed away slowly. Pinkie Pie and Rarity stared at Fluttershy, hoping she hadn't been taken from them. There was a long pause and Fluttershy only stood with a blank expression on her face. Nova looked over at the cup on his desk momentarily then back to Fluttershy, "Fluttershy...Pass me my coffee..."

There was another long pause from the order and Fluttershy looked into his eyes. He went to order again but then Fluttershy replied happily, "Of course Mr. Sparks..."

Then Nova and Trixie both smiled as they watched Fluttershy trot over and lift a tray with the coffee cup on it. Nova commended his lover, "Wonderful job my dear! It worked!"

Trixie flicked her mane and gave a sly smile, "Well of course it is. The Great and Powerful Trixie is simply...Flawless!"

Rarity shook her head slowly while Pinkie once again lowered her head unaffected, "What have you done to her?!" Rarity screamed angrily.

"Oh Be quiet before I turn your hair green again." Trixie teased.

The white mare felt her anger penting up and wanted to charge the boastful Trixie. Although she kept her sanity and responded with a very clever come back, "Well least I don't gallop away from my problems, unlike somepony in this room."

The insult managed to smack the smile off of Trixie's face and snap into a look of disdain. She tried to think of another snappy line but couldn't overcome the thought that she knew Rarity was right. She couldn't escape it. But she quickly calmed down and proceeded to brainwash another, "Nova, get that Pink one over there, I want to save the best for last..."

The shifty grin appeared again as she eyed Rarity. She looked right back up at her with a angered frown. Sparks and the assistant then unlocked Pinkie Pie with no resistance. She had given in to the outcome and couldn't muster any strength to fight back. Rarity tried to talk sense into her as she was easily held against the wall, "Pinkie Pie darling, for the love of Celestia, you got to snap out of this! Are you really going to just stand there and let them take your mind? Pinkie!"

Nova shouted down at her, "Shut up! Whenever your ready Trixie my dear."

Rarity ignored him, "Pinkie Pie? Talk to me! Why won't you listen to me?"

"Shut your bloody trap!" hollered the agitated stallion.

Trixie approached Pinkie Pie who was already staring into her eyes. Rarity tried one more time, "Pinkie please! Believe me! Twilight and the others WILL save us!"

Pinkie's lips suddenly began to quiver, trying to bring words to her mouth and her eyes began to stray away from Trixie's. Then, she gave up again and willingly stared back into her eyes. Trixie proceeded and Nova promptly told Rarity, "You see? She can't resist. Nopony can resist. I am too powerful to be overthrew...and even if they were to show up, I have an entire army at my disposal with the most latest technology in artillery. Face it...You can't win!"

When Nova concluded his speech, Rarity noticed that Pinkie Pie was turned around as she too, had been brainwashed by Trixie's doing. The Great and Powerful one wiped sweat from her forehead, "I must say, it is quite a lot of work being all great and powerful...Your turn Rarity." She said egotistically.

Sparks and the other Unicorn went to grab her. She tried to scoot away, "No! Get away from me you retched fiends! Get your hooves off me this instant! This is no way to treat a lady."

Suddenly Nova stopped and held back his assistant, "No, no. Why are we doing this? Fluttershy! Pinkie Pie! Restrain her against the wall at once!"

The two brainwashed mares spoke simultaneously, smiling demonically, "Yes Master Nova..."

Forcefully and swiftly, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie lifted Rarity against her will and pinned her against the wall before she could defend herself. Rarity was shocked, "Girls? It's me! Rarity! Your friend!"

They said nothing as if they didn't recognize her, which they couldn't, "Ouch! Girls your hurting me."

Nova laughed at her and sipped his coffee, "They can't hear you Rarity. They only obey me, but don't worry. Your eyes will be opened soon as well. Let's get this finished my dear..."

Rarity struggled but it was useless, "Mark my words you letch! Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack will be here, and you'll be finished!"

He mocked arrogantly, "Don't be foolish, there's no way they can make it in time. Plus I have my guards out there to protect me. Let them try, they'll only be captured and killed...Trixie dear, it is quite late so finish off her and then come along to bed. Tomorrow...is my date with destiny...Oh and one more thing I should tell you Ms. Rarity..."

She looked at him with nervous curiosity. He smiled and quickly trotted to his desk, pressing a button to turn on his radio, "Mr. Buckingham? Come in Bradshaw..."

"Whatcha need Mr. Sparks?" Bradshaw answered.

"Tomorrow morning...Could you dispose of some garbage for me?" Nova asked with wit.

Buckingham was puzzled, "Garbage sir?"

He laughed, "Yes...A certain piece of reptilian garbage...Take him to the top of a cliff tomorrow morning and have him thrown off if you could."

Rarity looked up at him with disbelief and struggled, "You monster! You wouldn't!"

Buckingham confirmed gladly and chuckled on the otherside, "Of course Mr. Sparks. It would be my pleasure to see him off."

"Excellent sir...Good evening then." Nova concluded.

He started for the exit and smiled back at her one more time with his glasses shining eerily in the light, "Now if you'll excuse me. I must be off...Good-bye Ms. Rarity."

Rarity said nothing and turned away tearfully, "Please hurry girls, time is running out..."

[...To be continued]