//------------------------------//
// Happy Ever After... or Not 
// Story: Power Ponies 2: The Eternal Bond 
// by Epicdiscord214 
//------------------------------//

Back on ground level, the Power Ponies and Mighty Machines were talking to Anar D while Shining Armor was reading the Siren Sisters their rights.
"It was all a set-up that I made," Anar D said. "I came up with it on the way to apprehend them. We still didn't know why they wanted the New Heroes and I knew they would try to convince me to join their side, so I played along and gained their trust until I could learn their plan. After that, I'd reveal myself as a double-agent."
"So... this whole thing was an act," Mistress Marevelous asked. "What about all the devastation you brought here in Maretropolis?"
"I only pulled some harmless pranks," Anar D said. "Think about it. I popped off Timberwolf's head, but that happens to him all the time. I could've followed the Order of Change into the Under Dog catacombs to capture you, but I didn't. And during our siege for Maretropolis, no one got hurt because of me. Those should've been obvious signs."
"Obvious," Mistress Marevelous asked. "Anar D, those were as subtle as a black spot in the dark."
"Wait," Timberwolf said. "What about Pandora's Box? I saw you give it to them as a sign of your loyalty."
"Like Scynder's pendant," Anar D asked. "What you saw me give them was a fake box. I got the real one right here." He pulled out an identical box. "Those girls can't tell sedimentary from metamorphic. By the way, I decided to let the Siren Sisters keep the fake on during their time."
"Don't you think this should've been something you could've told us," the Masked Matterhorn asked. "You should've kept us in the loop. Why didn't you let us in on it?"
Anar D sighed and revealed his intention. "Because it was personal. During my 3-month investigation, I have learned a terrible secret. When Arcanus was banished, he placed a curse on Equestria to suffer from Discordant Convergences every three years until he returns. He knew that one day, the result of one could lead to his release. So, in a way, Arcanus is responsible for turning me into a draconequus and bringing the wirewolves to the Netherealm and... seperating me from my sister. I did it on my own because it was personal and I didn't want you all to get involved."
"So... you're still our friend," Saddle Rager asked.
"Of course, Saddle Rager," Anar D said. "You're all my first friends in 10,000 years. You're all like family to me. Personally, if I had to choose between getting what I want and friendship, I'd choose the latter."
What they didn't know is that Carol, the blue-haired siren, listened in on the whole conversation. She lowered her head with her mouth covered.
"Well, thanks for the truth, Anar D," the Masked Matterhorn said. "And... I guess what you said was right. We do seem to take you for granted. From now on, we'll act out to be more friendly to you."
"That's all I ask," Anar D said. "Now, if you'll excuse me..." He placed the Siren Sisters in a large cage with wheels. He held onto the strap. "I'll be taking these three to Canterlot." He whistles as he left the area.
"And as for you," the Masked Matterhorn said approaching the Blue Comet. "I thought you were just a TV reporter. What are you doing being a superhero without the super?"
"Don't look at me," the Blue Comet said. "I had no choice. My chief editor always had me work onw unimportant stories unless it was happening right now. For once, I wanted him to send me investigating a conspiracy, but he wouldn't let me. So when I heard of the New Heroes amassing, I knew I had to check it out. And since my editor wouldn't let me do anything, I went in under a new persona. That's when you found me and the rest is history."
Suddenly, without warning, the Masked Matterhorn leaned in and pecked her lips on his cheek. The Blue Comet jerked his head in shock.
"W... What was that for," the Blue Comet asked.
"It's to say thanks... for taking that blast for me earlier."
"Oh." The Blue Comet was nervous. "Well... I'd best be off. My boss would be furious when I miss attendance again." With that, he flew away and the Masked Matterhorn sighed happily.
Hum Drum watched the whole thing and glared at Radiance. He  took a deep breath and approached her.
"Hey... Radiance," he said getting her attention. "I was wondering... would you be interested... for a nice dinner?"
Radiance took a moment to think, but she then smiled. "All right."
"Really," Hum Drum asked. "Great. I'll make the reservations." He turned away and left the scene. He then cheered loudly. "YEEEEEEEES!

"I'VE DONE IT! I STOOD UP
AND FINALLY GREW THE STUFF
THAT WAS A TOUGH JOB FOR HUM DRUM
I'M HAPPY IN MY HEART
NOTHING CAN PULL IT APART
I'VE DONE THE JOB FOR HUM DRUM
AND I HAVE NO IDEA WHERE THIS COURAGE CAME FROM
HERE I GO
CAN'T WAIT
GOT A
BIG DATE
THIS IS DEFINATELY A JOB FOR...
HUUUUUUUUUUUUUM DRUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUM"





On the way to Canterlot, Anar D dragged the wagon with the Siren Sisters' cage behind him. There was no one else in the wide open field. It was the middle of the night. Anar D materlialized a drinking mug and extended it to the Siren Sisters.
"How'd you like some coffee," Anar D asked.
"Is it poison," Melody asked.
"Yes, kid," Anar D said sarcastically. "I pretended to be by your side, gave you a fake box, hesitated on arresting you, and spared your lives when you were arrested... so I could then poison you."
"Why are you dragging us to Canterlot," Carol asked. "Couldn't you just warp us there?"
"I could," Anar D said, "But I'm just doing this to make you think about what you've done."
"I'm still surprised that you are stuck in this prison called friendship," Serena said. "You said it yourself, you'd rather be stuck in your box than stay a friend."
"Pay attention, will you," Anar D said. "It was all an act. Now that your plan is foiled, you can't bring back Arcanus."
Serena started to chuckle. Then, she laughed loudly. "You really thought you stopped our plans?"
"Well, technically, it was the Power Ponies who stopped you," Anar D said. "Oh, come on, face it. You told me your plan word-for-word and we stopped every bit of it from happening."
"We did tell you we were going to blow up the New Heroes, didn't we," Melody asked.
"Actually, the true plan has only begun," Serena said. "And all you have to do is let us out."
"Why would I want to do that," Anar D asked.
"Because of this," Serena said pulling something out of her jacket. In her hand was a rock box with a hatch on it.
"The box I gave you," Anar D asked. "Again, pay attention! I gave you a fake box! That thing has as much control over me as a rubber ball."
"If you know what's best for you, you'll free us now," Serena said clutching onto the box.
"I'm not listening," Anar D cried out covering his ears. "Lalalalalalala! Lala... AAAAAAHHHH!"
Anar D felt a great jolt of pain coarsing through his body. It was like the inside of him was being electrocuted. He looked at the box and was terrified when he saw it glow.
"Surprised," Serena asked. "You didn't really think we'd trust the very guy who turned us into freaks of nature, did you? We guessed your little charade and made a little switch during our Maretropolis takeover. Now then, open the cage and let us go."
Struggling with the pain, Anar D pushed through and opened the cage. As soon as he did, the pain stopped and he breathed heavily. The Siren Sisters walked out and grinned.
"Good boy," Serena said. "Now then, bow before us."
Anar D sighed and placed his knees and hands on the ground. He nearly shed a tear when he bowed his head.
"Just like we thought," Melody said. "Now, we can get on with our real plan."
"Real plan," Anar D asked. "You mean, you weren't planning on killing the New Heroes?"
"Not yet," Serena said. "There are still some... loose ends that we need tied up."
The Siren Sisters grew their wings from their back and formed a red glow. Anar D was terrified to see the determination in their eyes. They then sang in unison.

"PURE EVIL
IN OUR WILL
SHALL TAKE YOUR CONSCIOUS SOOOOOOUUUUUUL
ARCAYA, SIORIS
MENTORO, ADORUS
NOW, WE'RE IN CONTROOOOOOOOOL"

Out of their red gems, a green mist shot out and bolted through the area. The Siren Sisters laughed loudly at the shifting mist while Anar D turned his head away in shame.





The used football arena was used as a meeting place for every New Hero.
"All right," Shining Armor said sending the latest New Hero across the field. He looked at his clipboard. "Let's see. We've got the vertigo-creating Camera Woman. We've got the Iron Buffalo, who can change his skin into iron. And we've got..." He squinted at the last name on the list. "The Muffin Mare?" He turned to the gray, cross-eyed pegasus with the brown costume. "What's your power again?"
"Watch and learn," the Muffin Mare said. Suddenly, muffins materialized in the pesusus' hooves. "Muffin creation!"
"Ooooookay," Shining Armor said. He turned back at his clipboard. "Well, it took a lot of work, but we've finally gathered every New Hero the Siren Sisters have created. Now, all I have to do is find a way to make up to my sister about Darkmatter."
Suddenly, green mist brushed past him and he was curious at what they do. He wasn't prepared when he saw the smoke enter the New Heroes' noses and mouths. Suddenly, the New Heroes jolted straight up and their eyes were glowing green. They all then spoke in unison.
"ALL HAIL ARCANUS!"
"What's going on," Shining Armor asked. "I got to get out of here!"
Shining Armor ran out of the door with the help. He then looked back and saw the New Heroes break through the walls and ceiling. They swarmed over Canterlot and attacked everything they saw. The civilians were frightened by it.
"I GOT TO WARN THE PRINCESSES!"
Suddenly, a large vine appeared underneath him. He was tied up and C.R.U.S.A.D.E. approached him with their green eyes glowing.
"ALL HAIL ARCANUS," they shouted.
Shining Armor looked across the street and saw other New Heroes attacking. He recognized Terrania...
"All hail Arcanus."
...And the Lone Mare...
"ALL HAIL ARCANUS!"
...And even the Under King.
"ALL HAIL ARCANUS!"
Shining Armor was horrified at what he was seeing.





Meanwhile, in the Netherealm, Lord Arcanus was still bound to his chains, but that didn't bother him anymore. He had a diabolical grin.
"It has begun."