//------------------------------// // Chapter 06: Smaug, the Mob Boss! // Story: Messing With The Mob // by JusSonic //------------------------------// Chapter 06: Smaug, the Mob Boss! At this moment, everything was still all dark & blurry at the time. But slowly, someone was coming around, as light moans are heard, vague images of an area are beginning to appear of someone…who was waking up? That someone was turning out to be none other than Twilight, as she was slowly regaining her awaken state. “Ugh….where….am I?” Twilight slowly was coming around to ponder, where she was at? “Ah, so you’re starting to get awake now.” Spoke a voice that sounded like a man, only very dark. At that moment, Twilight’s blurry vision was finally coming around in the clear as she noticed she was in a strange office spot. But there were something else that caught her attention more, the Rainbooms, Sunset, Goldie, Jack Zen, Pinkamena, Ben, Nyx, Spike & even Detective Dan were together, only they were all tied up. “Everyone, are you alright?” Twilight spoke out to those around as they were slowly coming to wake up now. “Ugh, yah, I’ll be fine in a minute.” Rainbow Dash moans off to say this in feeling pretty lightheaded for a moment. “That was some jolt we got back there.” Applejack stated off to say this in feeling they really got a jolt of whatever hit them. “Oh my, I hope my hair isn’t all static & puffy, that would ruin its image!” Rarity exclaimed to say this in trying to see if her hair has become puffy from static electricity buildup. “What’s wrong with puffy hair?” Pinkie Pie complained off that she has puffy hair, was there a problem with that? “Um, where are we?” Fluttershy nervously asked off in seeing that from their tied up state & where they are; this doesn’t appear….friendly. “I don’t know, looks like most of us aren’t here.” Nyx stated to say in noticing that not all of them were here, as Spike barks out in agreement. “But where are the others?” Sunset asked off in seeing that there were a lot of others that aren’t here. “Dum Dum, Boxco, where’s Trixie?” Boris asked his two stooges of where Trixie was, she’s not here. “We don’t know!” Both Dum Dum & Boxco replied off in not knowing anything. “Just what is happening here?” Ben pondered off to question in what was going on. “Isn’t it obvious?” Spoke off the same dark, villain’s male voice from before that broke the silent ice in the room. That’s when everyone’s eyes became focused on what was an office desk in where an office boss’s chair was slowly turning to be seen. And there, sitting there with his hands held tight in where the elbows rest on the arm rest, was the boss in-charge of things, Smaug! “Who are you….?” Flash asked off nervously in seeing this scary looking man. “Really now, you heard of me, yet the first time you meet me, you barely know.” Smaug replied off with a superior tone towards those that should know him, yet here he stands & none have a clue. “Wait a second, could it be you’re…the Mob Boss, Smaug!” Pinkamena exclaimed off in saying this in who this guy was. “That is correct.” Then another voice was heard in coming out of the shadows to enter the scene, the one that lured the group in a false sense of dropping their guard. “Merluck!” Jack Zen exclaimed off with an upset tone, this guy appeared when they were looking for someone & then captured them. “Well done my son, in having captured & brought to me, those of keen interest related to the abnormal events of Canterlot High.” Smaug smiled forth in commenting his son for having brought to him, those related to Canterlot High in which the abnormal events, like magic, have been sighted & reported under military know-how. “I am pleased by your words, father.” Merluck smiled off in being pleased to make his father here proud of him. “Wait a second….your father is Smaug?” Goldie exclaimed off in shock, Merluck is the son of Smaug, the Mob Boss? “Whah…hugh?” At this moment, Detective Dan was finally waking up to shake himself to see…what was going on. “What I miss?” He asked a silly question in having woken up at such a time… “Oh, the part where we’re now held captive by Mob Boss Smaug & we learn that Merluck here is his son, & well….that’s about it for now.” Pinkie Pie simply replied off in giving a straight answer to the question. “Humph, so….one more thorn has become awaken, but at least the other, more dangerous thorns are put under safe care.” Smaug remarked off without concern about the detective being awake as ‘others’ that mostly had his attention as detained. “Wha are ye talking’ about?” Applejack raised an eyebrow in having heard about the ‘thrown’ comment, like it meant something. “He means your friends.” Merluck smiled off evilly in stating this factor for the rest to follow along. “Wait, as in Shadow Dragon & the others?” Ben responded off in shock, Smaug’s group have the Dragon Strike Force & Task Force X are also prisoners. “What did you do to them?” Rainbow Dash snapped off in demanding to know what these guys have done to their pals that were from their high school. “They’re contain where they can’t cause trouble.” Spoke another voice, as someone was heard stomping in heavy boots into the room; the gang was surprised to see Shiv Katall, as scary looking to impressive any top villains that hire his service. “And these two are also not going anywhere.” Shiv Katall explained forth from stating one factor, & held a magnet that had two Mini-Cons unable to get themselves out of. “Wheelie! Brains!” Sunset called out in seeing her little mechanical pals in such a state. “Oh Goddess of the Sun, sorry, we go to you, but…” Wheelie spoke off in greeting Sunset to say they go to her, except for one problem…. “As you can clearly see, we’re stuck tight on a super magnet, bumper…” Brains exclaimed to say that they are stuck & can’t move much. “Let them go! Or so help me, I’ll…” Sunset snapped off in demanding the release of the Mini-Cons or she will… “Oh my dear, you hardly seem to be in any position to make demands.” Smaug issued off from hardly seeing that Sunset Shimmer can make demands when she is still tied up. “And a pity, from what the files labeled you as another worldly visitor that plan to conquer a world, you might have had a place here if we met.” He stated in having looked into this girl, seeing she had such potential in what evil she did in Canterlot High to almost begin an army to conquer another world, he would almost welcome such a person into his organization. “That’s what the last person I meant said to me & your no different.” Sunset snapped off to say, for some reason, Smaug here reminds her of the Superior of the Apocalypse Ponies; their voices & speech patterns are almost uncanny. “And besides, you can forget about getting her to join your criminal organization!” Flash snapped off in refusing to let Sunset be turn to be used by the forces of evil, never again will he standby to let it happen; Sunset smiled in hearing her love defend her. “Her loss, we could have offered up much.” Smaug closed his eyes to remark the loss of someone that could have had a good future in his order, oh well… “Father, it’s about time.” Merluck stated off to mention this about starting something. “Very well, since you all have stuck your noses into this business, you may as well witness the fate that will be for all that stand against me.” Smaug exclaimed forth in stating this factor in what will await those that will learn what his diabolical plan is since getting wrapped up in all of this. Soon some thugs come to pick up the Rainbooms gang & Detective Dan as they were brought up near a side window in watching the facility continue to develop much of Smaug’s little operation. But everything seen was looking like nothing weird, it was only…toys, why? “Wait, wait, wait….you’re a big time Mob Boss & the only crime you’re committing is….delivering toys?” Rainbow Dash stop to look puzzled in not getting what sort of crime is being committed here. “Please, no one, even by the government has realized the truth that everything made, comes with its own separate accessory.” Merluck smiled off to say this as he showed what was just a normal cubic box; until it started to shape-shift much to anyone’s surprise. “All of the toys a proto Transformium, disguise as one thing to hide what they are truly meant to be.” He stated this off in what it was that they are going for, disguise something of great value as something as simple…as toys. “Toys of evil? Cause if so, then just about every evil child would become bad!” Pinkie Pie randomly spoke off in thinking of a topic that sounded farfetched to even be considered a REAL evil plot. “Oh boy, that’s clever, so it’s no wonder no one could find anything remotely like a weapon, them toys ARE the weapons!” Detective Dan issued off in seeing what was going on, Smaug had a toy operation in which the toys can form into weapons & only those that knew it could make it happen. “Correct, with the use of our developed Seed Grenades, we made the Transformium be as what we want. And then secretly sell only them to…our clients in general.” Smaug explained forth that from this action, they sell only their ’special’ materials to those that know what they truly are while no one ever knew. “My word, you mean other criminals?” Rarity gasped forth in realizing that Smaug sealed the toys that were made with Transformium to other crooks & criminals that knew what they were buying. “But…why?” Fluttershy asked off in fear, why would someone even do something like that. “It is all in preparations for what is to come.” Smaug smiled forth to slowly say this as he begins to stand up from his desk. “Project: E.N.D.” He announced forth the name of a project to those hearing this. “Project End?” Boxco raised an eyebrow in being lost by that name. “What’s that?” Dum Dum asked off in not really having a clue about the thing. “You dolts, the meaning should be enough for you two to understand it’s meant to end something. But why, & more importantly, where is Trixie?” Boris remotely stated that something with the term ‘end’ is for something bad, but then snaps in getting back to where Trixie is. “Don’t worry, she’s under good care, just as the others are.” Merluck smiled off in simply stating this matter for the group to follow that Trixie is under good care, just as the others are. “Dragon Strike Force, even Task Force X, are all kept in reinforce prisons, they won’t be causing trouble when we’re at the final stage. And Trixie is under better care, I assure you…” He explained this matter while being smug about it to point this off at everyone’s faces. “Why I outta….hugh!” Boris was about to use his mutant powers, except…he couldn’t change, why, what was wrong? “Anti-Power Collars, like the others with unusual abilities or mutant powers, it keeps those from being resistant, my own design from knowing about everyone, including your mutation.” Merluck explained forth i having made something to cancel out anyone that has special powers, so Boris & his stooge bunch are now nothing but normal teens. “Wait, how come we don’t have collars, hugh?” Pinkamena asked off in seeing the teens don’t have such things. “A waste of time, considering what we learn, none of you possess scientific mutations or anything that is a 24 hours all day abilities. In short, your just normal kids.” Merluck issued off to say this that those that don’t even have powers to show can hardly require a power canceling collar. “Clearly they don’t know about what happened at the Battle of the Bands when the Rainbooms play their instruments.” Jack Zen whispered this to Goldie in seeing the enemy doesn’t know how the magic the Rainbooms did even became active. “Best to keep that on the down low, especially those that don’t know who here are magic using types.” Goldie whispered when looking at the Rainbooms group; only Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy & even Sunset Shimmer are the only ones that have shown any magic displays in the past. “Whatever your planning Smaug, you won’t be getting away with it!” Twilight protest in stating that the villain will not be getting away in whatever he’s trying to pull here. “On the contract, child….you brought in the final piece to start everything.” Smaug issued forth in letting those know, they helped him obtain what he will need to complete his plans. “Hugh, what are you talking about? You don’t mean…” Nyx gasped of in not knowing what this villain was scheming to pull here. “Merluck, has the virus uplink been completed?” Smaug asked forth in turning to his loyal son in wanting to know if their virus has completed its task. “In merely 3 minutes, the satellites will be in range.” Merluck smiled off to nods to his father in stating this factor. “Satellites, what are you up to?” Ben raised an eyebrow in not figuring why a Mob Boss would want with satellites. “The Vector Key was developed as the most perfect object of Transformium in history. To transmit the same ability as the original Seed, only in a more focus use. Simply put, it’s as dangerous as if using constant Seeds for the entire planet.” Smaug smiled off sinisterly in explaining this fact of what the silver key, the Vector Key, can do that makes it a high world class weapon threat. “But it lacks covering a whole planet…so, to aid the Dark Terrorists in the extinction of humanity, control over the Phoenix military satellites will sign complete dominance over the planet.” He explained forth in what else was needed to insure that this plan will affect the whole world. “Satellites….good god man, it can’t be…” Detective Dan slowly was putting the clues together, to become shock of what Smaug was going for; a satellite laser transmission action. “Correct detective, either the survivors will serve me or join all of humanity in extinction.” Smaug smiled off eagerly in seeing that those here have slowly begun to realize what he’s up to. Suddenly, everything within the facility began to make a strange bell sound as the thug workers quickly were moving to work on something about to happen. A strange machine that used Transformium to change itself into what was looking like….a satellite jamming equipment of the most sinister design for world domination. At this moment, a strange background music theme began to be heard as if an evil jam was about to be heard. And at this moment, Smaug appeared ready to sing a song label as ‘It Will All Be Mine!’ as a remix version from the Pokemon song, but to fit this evil plot being underway. Smaug: I was born to rule the world And I almost achieved that goal Smaug explained his self-proclaimed goal of wanting to rule the world, as he turn to his captives in explaining how close he was to such things. Thug Chorus: (Smaug!) The Thugs responded off to sing their lines as they held the captives in witnessing this. Smaug: But the Dark Terrorists, the mighty Galvatron, Had more power than I could control Then from the monitors, showed the Dark Terrorists along with Galvatron as Smaug explained they had more power than he could could ever control & it infuriated him. Thug Chorus: (Smaug!) The Thugs were doing their chorus act as the gang were watching this stuff still play out here. Smaug: Still they inspired this mechanical marvel, Which serves and powers my plan Smaug pointed down at the facility line, in where the device of what is the focus of his evil plan, was inspired by the others he spoke about to be built. And soon it will serve to make Smaug’s evil plan…a reality. Thug Chorus: (Smaug!) The Thugs sang this out again as most of the group tried to struggle themselves free, but were force to watch & endure what is about to happen. Smaug: My MechaTransformer, the ultimate weapon, Will tell them Smaug is back! Smaug was stating the name of this weapon, that it was the ultimate of anything ever made. And then looked to the captives to slyly respond that when this thing is in use, all of the world will know he’s….back! That was when he soon started to let off an evil laughter in the air… The camera changes the scene in where everyone was seeing the large monitor screen, each different set showed what looked like; military class laser reflection satellites. Once more, a strange virus upload was happening, as the group saw what Smaug was doing was true; he’s taking over some satellites in space for this scheme of his to work. Smaug: There'll be world domination, Complete obliteration Of all who now defy me. As Smaug continued on, all of the satellites were showing hostile takeover by the enemy, as they were suddenly changing their positions to be in a strange pattern. Smaug: Let the universe prepare, Good Citizens beware, You fools shall not deny me! Now go, go, go, go! Soon from the monitors, they were making readouts saying ’TOTAL CONTROL SUCESS’ on them, as Smaug now had control of every military satellite on the planet. Smaug held up his arms in announcing that his thugs continue to get to work as they were doing as their boss says. And soon all of the equipment was up to full percent in power & becoming active. Smaug: It will all be mine, Power so divine I'll tell the sun to shine On only me! Now during the motion, the Thugs that were holding the Rainbooms were doing a little ‘jiggle’ dance body motion, as they smiled in liking their boss’ evil plan. The others were showing their upset faces at Smaug, as he’s planning a dastardly scheme to take the spotlight. Smaug: It will all be mine, Till the end of time When this perfect crime Makes history The Apocalypse Order! This is our destiny! As Smaug was announcing this stuff, everything will become his, as the screen monitors showed everything in progress. When this crime is committed, he will go down in history that the world has ever known. Now things were quickly moving along, as all things were blinking in showing their takeover is a success of all satellites. “Phase One completed, father, our Intel in Azure’s group made the backdoor untraceable.” Merluck “Intel…?” Twilight responded puzzled, did that mean…there was some traitor in Azure Phoenix’s group; but who? “Excellent, now to begin Phase Two.” Smaug responded forth in knowing what will be happening next. Soon Merluck pressed some buttons on the controls that started to make a strange control center appear in Smaug’s office. As it was all high alien tech, & there was a strange spot in the middle that looked like the perfect size for…a certain object; but during the time, the singing continued on at this moment. Smaug: Listen up, you pitiful fools, No excuses, and no more lies. Now Smaug was turning to gaze upon the Rainbooms group, lecturing them to not make any more excuses or lies to get themselves out of this mess. Thug Chorus: (Smaug!) The Thugs replied off in response as they held the teens’ group from doing anything. Smaug: You've heard my most ingenious plan, I demand the ultimate prize At the motion, Smaug had revealed his plan to them, but there was more; he held out his hand in wanting to obtain something that is his ‘prize’ of what he speaks in riddles to the rest. Thug Chorus: (Smaug!) As the Thugs sang this off, Shiv Katall soon approaches pass the captives to open up….a familiar briefcase the gang had. Smaug: Now bring me the silver key And bear witness as I speak As soon as the case was opened, Smaug soon took the silver key, & moves to his controls in wanting everyone to bear witness to something. Thug Chorus: (Smaug!) Now the gang tried to wrestle out of the singing thugs, but they could only watch what happens next. Smaug: I shall possess the awesome power To Which, all will fear! Soon Smaug makes a sly smirk, as he held up a silver key for all to see its nano-tech glimmer and sparkle a bit evilly. As the guy mentioned this last part off, he begins to let off another maniacal laughter that filled the air… As many of the captives had really bad feelings of what was gonna happen next here… Smaug: There'll be world domination, Complete obliteration Of all who now defy me. Smaug began to press a few buttons on his control panel, as he explained what was going to happen next here, the world will be dominated & be obliterated before all that defy him. Smaug: Let the universe prepare, Good Citizens beware, You fools shall not deny me! Now go, go, go, go! Now the villain activated the final safety disengagement on the controls as the small dome over a certain spot opened, revealing a place for the Vector Key to be placed. After Smaug announced off none will deny him, he then installed the silver key that became a glowing blue light active. As a wide-surge of blue energy began to admit from the object, it surge through the wires. Then before anyone knew it, all of that energy from a single key went into the satellite jammer device in the center of the room. Just before it fired off a massive blue beam up into outer space. The main satellite above was soon impacted from its disc, but the energy from below was soon readjusted to beam against other satellites that fired the shots down across random spots on the planet as the camera shifts to reveal…what is happening. Smaug: It will all be mine, Power so divine I'll tell the sun to shine On only me! As Smaug was speaking, in areas like Africa, the Zebras were running before something impacted around their spot that turn them from organic…to metallic. Within the Pacific Ocean, whale watchers gaze in horror as beams shot down impacted a whale’s immigration, turning half of them & parts of the ocean surface….to inorganic metal. Even areas of forest of wooden creatures ran as the trees were impacted to become metallic along with any creature that were not fast enough to escape. Smaug: It will all be mine, Till the end of time When this perfect crime Makes history The Apocalypse Order! This is our destiny! Back at Smaug’s lair, from his live-video feeds of what was happening around the planet, the gang stare in shocking horror of the evil that was being done. And even more so when a beam was impacting a nearby city, turning anything in its path metallic, even innocent animals & people. Smaug was seen boasting about his scheme, as all that were playing into his clutches will know of his order & the destiny that will follow of who shall rule the planet. Soon the scene shows on the videos, news reports that are coming in as everyone listens. “Strange events happened here today.” A young man from Africa reported events that happened. “The world leaders are in a state of panic.” A young woman by the national world leaders building were discussing the issue. “Everyone’s asking, who is doing this?” An elderly news man was speaking this out to the world of who could have done this. “Many countries are offering to surrender to be spared of these unnatural occurrences.” The same young woman from before issued that many countries are looking to surrender to be spared if this was some nefarious plot by an evil organization terrorizing the world. “Can anyone help us now?” A crazy man on the streets yelled into the camera as if asking if someone can save them. Smaug turn to the group in seeing that all things are going according to plans as he speaks while wrapping up his number. Smaug: There'll be total devastation, Pure annihilation Or absolute surrender. Smaug explained forth in what is happening to the world, all is falling apart to be left in ruin & many are willing to give up to survive under….new leadership. Smaug: I'll have limitless power, This is our finest hour Now go, go, go, go! The Mob Boss was stating this off in saying that he’ll have the greatest power & that none will stop him as he turns to his minions to announce in continuing the progress more to get the whole world under his rule. Soon from every video monitor in the room, it was showing that all over the planet, satellites are being used to focus a large network of beam rays to slowly adjust their projection. At this moment, the song completely comes to an end while Smaug seem satisfied with the results. “Everything is set father, in less than 14 hours, Project END will reach its conclusion.” Merluck announced this off towards his father of how long till the world is nothing…but a metallic shell of its former organic state. “I gotta say, with that song & dance number, it’s clear to me….YOU FOLKS ARE MAD!” Detective Dan stated off before yelling at how nutty this bunch was. “Humph, Dark Curse & Galvatron are the ones that want this…but I have different plans.” Smaug huffs to state his own reasonings of doing this, to serve his own agenda. “I’ll announce to the world’s survivors, to rule under me, or let their world be destroyed.” He issued this forth in what will happen, if the whole world doesn’t give in to him. “You can’t do this! There are millions of lives at stake!” Ben protest that what Smaug is doing will endanger more lives if he doesn’t stop this madness. “You won’t get away with this, someone will stop you!” Flash shouted off that someone will stop this lunatic. “Really, who…Dragon Strike Force….or Task Force X?” Smaug asked off in rhetorically stating of who is left to stop him that hasn’t been captured. “The only ones left are the Autobots, and from what we can see…they have their hands full saving lives than stopping the source.” He points to a monitor in showing many of the Autobots working to save lives from almost being turn to metal, because that is all they can do. “Your pure evil! You’re as bad as Dark Curse & Galvatron!” Pinkamena snapped off in seeing how terrible this evil fiend was in his mad plot. “Shiv Katall, take those two to our scientist to be reverse-engineered, to serve our purpose.” Smaug turn to the hired man to take the Mini-Cons for…reprogramming purposes. “Hey, hey, you can’t do this! We got legal rights!” Wheelie protest out as he felt they were being taken away. “Yeah man, this is cruel & unable punishment!” Brains protest to say this much before they were out of sight. “Wheelie! Brains!” Sunset called out to her friends, but they were long gone. “Smaug, if I wasn’t tied up, I don’t know what I do, but when I get out of this, you’ll be sorry…” Detective Dan snapped off to say this in seeing that if he was free, he do something against this evil villain. “Then I’ll be happy to let you go, take him outback.” Smaug smiled off suspiciously while giving the order that surprised many. Soon two thugs were taking a struggling & resisting detective away from the teens, unsure of what was going on at the time. “What are you gonna do with Detective Dan?” Jack Zen asked off i demand of what this guy was up to now. “Why wonder, when you can see for yourself?” Merluck issued to say this as he turn on a screen that showed the rooftop; as minutes later, Detective Dan was pushed forward near the edge while two thugs with guns aim at him. “He’s on the roof by the edge near the docks, but why is he…?” Nyx was about to ask what was going on as they were watching this until… “Oh no, Nyx, everyone, don’t look!” Goldie gasped off in realizing what Smaug was up to, and tried to warn everyone, but… Then without warning, gun fire was heard that many young eyes watch as Detective Dan was seen struggle from an ache in his chest. Then the guy wobbled backwards, before he toppled over the roof edge, & there was a huge splash sound of where a camera showed the guy landed in the water dock area. The Rainbooms gang were in shock horror in what they saw was…a murder event. “No way….Detective Dan….was killed!” Twilight gasped off in shock in seeing someone murder before their eyes. “You…you shot him! Off the roof!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed off in shock in having seen what Smaug went & did. “De guy was defenseless, an’ ye shot him!” Applejack snapped off in protest in seeing a villain take advantage of someone that can’t fight back. “How could someone like you even be called human after doing something so….so…INHUMAN!” Rarity was shown having tears leak down, that Smaug was not human in doing that without a conscious. “You’re…your heartless!” Fluttershy spoke off in feeling mad, as her eyes showed how upset she was…they almost glimmer a bit unknown not everyone. “A big fat meany! You’re the Extremely Mean Person I Ever Met!” Pinkie Pie yelled off in stating what Smaug was, a meany to the extreme. “Let this be a reminder to you, reality…is a cruel mistress.” Smaug issued this off to be a lesson for the young to know. “Smaug, if you think this will weaken our spirits. Then…” Ben was starting off to say this to the guy before Flash took over. “You better think again!” Flash snapped off to finsh that statement of not about to be broken of their wills yet. “Take them to a cell, let them have time to realize their hopeless state.” Smaug ordered his men in getting these children out of sight to let what happen sink in more. Then the Rainbooms, Goldie’s group, Boris’ gang & the rest were soon taken to be pushed or shove to follow, as they all felt like heavy stones weighing their hearts; Smaug didn’t care about what he’s doing as long as it gets results; what a villain. And as soon as the others were gone, someone walks into the room where Smaug & Merluck turn to meet….none other than Trixie Lulamoon; who was not chain, tied or nothing. “Did you really have to do something like that?” Trixie asked off in not looking at Smaug in having saw what the man did to her friends. “My dear daughter, still carrying on such nonsense, when you should know…this is how our family does things.” Smaug shook his head in seeing how sentimental Trixie, his daughter, was behaving over such things. “No…its how you do things, not what I want.” Trixie looked up to argue over how her ‘father’ does things his way that she doesn’t wanna be a part of. “Remember little sister, I’m the one to inform the thugs to let you be unchained…you’re family after all. We look out for each other.” Merluck issued off to remind his sister, about being good to the daughter of the Mob Boss. “Even if everyone fears him that our lives can never be normal because of his ambition.” Trixie looked to her older brother in stating the conditions they put up because of their father & his actions. “I choose to follow in our father’s footsteps, to earn his respects in his work.” Merluck stated off to say this about doing this to earn their father’s respect in him. “Of course you would, me…I’m nothing but a tricksters…tricking herself to be something I’m not.” Trixie looked down in guilt in knowing these things that she is, a trickster to deceive herself that she is not…apart of this. “Excuse me…” She turns to leave the scene in silence, as Merluck & Smaug watch her go. “No wonder you're my favorite out of my two children. Loyal enough to serve me readily & willingly, competent enough to usually get the job done.” Smaug stated forth in saying these things about what Merluck has done to please him. “Unlike your sister, Trixie, who seems to prefer being a supposedly “’semi-normal teenager’ to live in the light instead of bracing the darkness that our family lives for.” He could see that Trixie was not wanting to be a part of the family business, she rather have a normal life then a life of evil. “Given time, she will see things differently, don’t forget…No matter how much she denies it, blood is thicker than water, even if the government corner her about any info on you, she’s innocent to not really know so by doing that, she hasn’t betrayed us.” Merluck explained that no matter what, Trixie was still family, & that she has not betrayed them because she has been out of the loop on many things of what they do. “Very well, my son.” Smaug nods off to say this in understanding this topic. “Perhaps….if she has ties in Canterlot High, the source of where even Dark Curse & Galvatron couldn’t obtain something powerful that appeared there. Perhaps…she may serve a purpose for her normal teenage life.” Smaug rubbed his chin to have his daughter be of use from the school in which those that were after something, a powerful source that was almost ‘magic’ Trixie could find for him. “Are you thinking of asking her to join your…’secret’ members program?” Merluck raised an eyebrow in what his father was planning to involve Trixie in. “For now, completing Project END for its results come first, but if something should go…..amiss, you will know what we’ll do next.” Smaug issued off to simply say this much in what would be an answer, to be decided upon. “As you say, father.” Merluck nods off in understanding this without poking at it further. With that, Merluck then begins to leave the scene to allow his father a moment to watch his monitors of the progress of Project END of what he is achieving. The scenery goes dark as there will be not much time before the world becomes a metallic shell of its beautiful state. ------------------- Meanwhile back outside in the docks at night, there was no one around to see anything going on. But then there were bubbles seen below the water, as something ended up coming up for air which was….a familiar detective; ALIVE! “GAAAAAUGH!” Detective Dan gasped to get himself some air as he was coughing from ending up hacking on a crawfish; don’t ask. “Wowsers! That was a close shave & a haircut, but without the two bits!” He issued this off in seeing how close that was that his life almost ended. The guy was swimming across the water to hid under the docks as he peek out to look at the facility that he just got out of there; no doubt Smaug & his goons believed the detective bit the dust. “Lucky thing I always wear a bullet-proof vest, now if only they made the same for pants & undies.” Detective Dan exclaimed to say in having come in handy in having something that protected him from the gun fire, man, that was a close call or what. Now the guy reached up to grab a hack saw on the dock of a stand tool shed, & hid under the dry land under the dock to begin cutting himself free. “Looks like they think me dead, perfect, a way to catch them completely by surprise.” Deceptive Dan exclaimed to say this in knowing that with everyone thinking he’s dead, he can get the element of surprise. “Hang on tight you kids, Detective Dan, is BACK on the Case!” As he said that, he finally got himself free of his chain bounds. Then the guy quickly began to run off to hide around the shadows to avoid security now. Then the guy picks up what was a water-proof cell phone before making a call, apparently to get some contact, but with whom? That is a case to be figured out later as everything begins to go dark now. ------------------ The scene changes to what was likely the deep dungeon arrangement underneath of the facility. Right now, we find many different steel doors with bar windows in where anyone that was gonna be a prisoner; would be staying. And right now, we find that the Rainbooms group were in their own cell, for some felt like they were in this same pickle from the Battle of the Bands, only under a different villain foe. Nearly almost 2 or so hours went by, Smaug’s plan is in full swing, and many are still recovering the loss of a friend; not aware of the truth behind the murder case. “Ugh…..Huugh…Uaaaugh!” Rainbow Dash was seen trying to bash down the door that kept them sealed in, only it was not working so much & was hurting her arms. “Dash, ye been bashing’ dat door fer too darn long.” Applejack issued off to complain in seeing that was a waste of time, it’ll only hurt her friend. “So what, I’m supposed to give up while some villain turns the whole planet to metal?” Rainbow Dash complained out in thinking that she has to give up while their planet may be turn to metal as they stay put. “Applejack didn’t say such things darling, but I admit, that isn’t what we’re going for.” Rarity stated off to say this in trying to keep the group’s worries from getting out of hand to cause an argument. “If we don’t do something soon, all the world’s tasty treats will be too hard to chew!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed off to say this with worry in what they will be getting if nothing stops Smaug’s evil plan. “I think this situation calls for a little more concern than that, Pinkie Pie.” Ben stated off to tell their pink friend about focusing on the more important matters at hand than cakes. “Hey, is everything alright with Fluttershy?” Nyx asked off in noticing that something was off with Fluttershy. Everyone’s focus was on Fluttershy as she was seen panting & exhaling at some strange rate as if feeling out of breath. She was huddle up to conceal her face, but the moment she rose up, everyone could see that Fluttershy’s condition…was getting much more worse than better. “Guys, you’re not gonna like this…her eyes are…red now!” Goldie exclaimed to say this in becoming worried in what they are seeing from the girl’s sudden change in eye color. “Oh no, wasn’t the last thing to be careful about was not just her change in skin, but also her eyes?” Jack Zen yelps to say in realizing that the near to last stage of Fluttershy’s change involved red eyes. “I’m….I’m fine…” Fluttershy pants off to say this in feeling almost very tired, but tried to put on a strange front. “This isn’t good, Fluttershy, you better take that capsule to turn normal before it’s too late.” Pinkamena stated in seeing that their friend needs to get rid of the vampire blood in her, or she will never be normal again. “I…I can’t.” Fluttershy shook her head off in stating that she can’t do that. “Fluttershy, this is no time to be stubborn.” Flash protest to say this that the girl can’t be stubborn, enough is enough. “No, I really can’t, because…” Fluttershy shook off to say this in about to say something…shocking. “I lost it.” She admits this that she lost the only thing that could cure her of slowly transforming into a vampire. “Lost it?” Sunset raised an eyebrow in having heard that, Fluttershy lost her capsule to cure her slow vampire transformation. “I think it happened on the docks, it must have fallen out of my pocket.” Fluttershy exclaimed to say in what could have happened that she may have lost the object she needed back at the docks. “Then this is bad, if you don’t take that cure, then you won’t return to normal.” Sunset stated to say in being concern that without that capsule for her friend, she won’t be able to undo the slow vampire transformation. “And while the world is ending, we’re gonna be a Vampire’s Blood Buffet!” Pinkie Pie gasped off to say this in beginning to panic in what was gonna happen, while the world ends, Fluttershy may sink her teeth into their necks. “I would never do that, even for your blood’s sugar high & sweetness making you so energetic Pinkie Pie.” Fluttershy spoke out in saying this matter of never trying to do something like that with a strange response to the matter. “Thanks…..ugh, I think.” Pinkie Pie smiled off to say this in being grateful, except by how that was heard, made one feel like it sounded….awkward. “We need a way out, but how?” Ben pondered off that they need to find a way out of this prison, but how was a difficult question. “Hello….are you guys in there?” Spoke a gentle voice that sounded female to those imprisoned. “Eek! Now we’re starting to hear things!” Pinkie Pie yelps in thinking that they are hearing things, was she going crazy? “Wait; that sounded like Trixie.” Twilight stopped the others to realize something, that voice sounded almost like their missing friend. “Trixie, where are you?” Flash called out in where their friend was. “Out here!” Then the gang turn from where they were, to approach the sealed door to approach, pick through the bar window to find Trixie outside. “How’d you escape?” Fluttershy asked off in how Trixie managed to escape captivity. “Yes darling, how did you achieve such an accomplishment?” Rarity asked off in being amazed by such feats that left her curious as well. “Um….” Trixie was a little concern in how to answer that, but…. “Who cares about that, just get us out first,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed that such things can wait until after they get out of being in their jail cell here. Within moments, Trixie pulled out a security card that she used to slide it against a react-no-scanner, which it gave the green light tallow the cell door to open. Everyone that was imprisoned managed to come out at this time, thanks to Trixie’s little help in getting them out of being left stuck. “Yer timing’ was perfect, never thought we be thanking’ yah.” Applejack smiled off to say this in being glad Trixie was able to help them out. “This was the least I could do…” Trixie stated to say this as this was her way of trying to make right. “What do you mean?” Nyx raised an eyebrow in not following what the girl was saying. “My prison was…not as securely as yours, because…Merluck was wanting me to…” Trixie was having some difficulty trying to explain things; like Merluck didn’t lock her up because of ‘family’ reasons, but how to say that to everyone after what Smaug did. “Trixie…” Boris’s voice was heard from a cell nearby that caught the rest of the gang’s attention. “Boris!” Trixie exclaimed off to say this as she & the others rest over to Boris’s cell. “Hey, you all got out?” Dum Dum exclaimed to say this in seeing who was free. “Great, can you help us out too?” Boxco asked off if the gang can help free them too. “Well, I can get you out, but….the Anti-Power collars are a different story, Merluck design them with an encryption code, it could take one hours to figure out.” Trixie stated to say this in what she can do, as she used a card to unlock cell to free Boris’s gang, but the removal of the collars was a different story. “Well, at least freeing some allies is better than nothing, right? Even those hard to be trusted!” Sunset exclaimed off in mentioning this to the group in what they can do here to help get some extra help. “Sunset, you’re not thinking about…” Flash was about to say something, but was cut off now. “Yes, other than the Dragon Strike Force, we may have to help free Task Force X as well so they can help.” Sunset stated that they need to free all those that can help them out. “But aren’t they criminals?” Fluttershy asked off in recalling that Task Force X is made up of convicts that aren’t too trusting. “No, at least…not for the moment.” Twilight stated off in trying to say something to the group. “Look, Firmtact offered them something to which if they failed, they pay especially if I was dead if they couldn’t keep me safe.” She knows what was going on involving using convicts in a suicide mission, but still…she can’t abandon them from what some power abusing government person is doing behind many others backs. “Why would someone do that?” Ben raised an eyebrow in why someone would even make convicts even do such things. “Ben, I don’t want them to feel like I’m bringing them down, so we have to get everyone to help us stop Smaug’s plan from turning parts of our world metallic.” Twilight stated to say this in trying to be reasonable of needing all the help they can get. “Well, let’s trust them for now, but keep our guards up, everyone in agreement on that?” Flash stated in feeling they should trust Twilight whole still being on high alert, to be on the safe side at least wheels being if everyone was in agreement. “Right!” Everyone responded as Spike barks off in agreement. “Then let’s find the others, free Wheelie & Brains, & stop this Project END right now.” Sunset issued off in knowing what they gotta do next here. Everyone quickly begins to go off in different directions after Trixie gave them some unlocking security cards she happen to also have on hand; that’ll help speed things along. But while everyone was scattering off to figure out which of the reinforce cells had the others contain in, Trixie was left behind to watch them go. But then Trixie yelped when Twilight was seen approaching to her, as if sensing she was distracted by something. “Trixie, is there something else bothering you? You can tell me?” Twilight asked her friend that seem a bit distracted by something other then what Smaug was doing. “It’s…well…” Trixie was having a hard time trying to say anything, as she felt…concern about such things. “It’s about how when Task Force X was made, Firmtact was stating something about you as if threatening you about something you don’t want to be revealed, what was she talking about?” Twilight asked off in recalling what happened with Firmtact, what hold does she have to make Trixie be so concern with worry? “Twilight….it’s because of my family record, that Firmtact is using against me to ruin my normal life.” Trixie issued off to say this to sigh in feeling sadden in what she was stuck in. “Why would she do that?” Twilight asked off in what Firmtact was even doing something like that. “Because my family…is the one trying to do this evil.” Trixie sighs to say this in knowing that the ones causing this problem, was none other than her family. “You mean…” Twilight gasped a bit in realizing what Trixie was trying to say here. “Yes, Smaug & Merluck…are my family….but even though I’m not a part of their work, Firmtact is using their existence, my agony over what they do that my normal life is endanger.” Trixie nods her head in stating this to the girl about being in a situation where her family, being evil, makes it hard for her to have a good life, but Firmtact is abusing Trixie because of her ties to Smaug & Merluck. “Trixie…I’m sorry, I didn’t know…” Twilight apologized in never having known her friend was suffering from such things. “Please don’t tell the others…I’m afraid of what they will think about me.” Trixie begged out that Twilight not tell anyone about his, knowing what they will think…she is the daughter to the mob boss. “You came back to save us, you are you, that’s what’s important.” Twilight stated off to say this in trying to be supportive of her friend. “She’s right Trixie.” Boris’s voice was heard, as both Twilight & Trixie turn to see the guy along with his stooges suddenly show up without them knowing it. “You were listening in?” Trixie gasped in seeing that these guys have overheard the whole thing. “We’re sorry.” Dum Dum apologized for having heard something they shouldn’t have. “We won’t tell.” Boxco stated about not telling anyone about Trixie’s secret. “You two better make sure of that!” Boris threatened his two stooges to make sure they keep this quiet. “Trixie, you helped save me, now it’s my turn to keep you safe.” He issued off in speaking this to Trixie in being sincere of his works; the girl helped him in the past, now he’ll do the same. “Boris.” Trixie felt speechless to him the guy say that, it felt…kind of nice. “Come on, we need to find the others & stop Smaug….& I can promise you Trixie, we’ll both get out of this, together.” Twilight issued off in seeing that they need to quickly get to the others, but she’ll also make sure that they all can get out of here together. “Thanks Twilight…” Trixie smiled off in thanking her friend for wanting to make sure everyone gets out of this. “Make no mistake; to say I hate my father's guts would be the understatement of the decade, but I at least appreciate the fact that he leaves me alone as long as I keep my nose out of his business. Still, I'm not going to try to back out if you REALLY need me.” The girl expressed off this little claim over the matter to be heard from her. “That’s what friends are for.” Twilight smiled off to say this as the two shared a brief smile; as Dum Dum & Boxco were teary eye before Boris rolled his eyes to move his stooges away from here. Soon Twilight & Trixie had to move it along to catch up to their friends that were going to find where each of their friends were being captive, & free them. Will they be able to pull something off in time to stop Smaug’s latest scheme in which his performance of Project E.N.D. may come to pass? That is a mystery that will have to be solved in the next part of this case to be…