//------------------------------// // Chapter 4: The Hydra Trap // Story: Five New Arrivals // by JusSonic //------------------------------// Chapter 4: The Hydra Trap In the world of Human Realm, Sunset Shimmer and her Mane Six, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Ben, Flash Sentry and two Minicons were having lunch at the cafeteria. They are laughing, having a great time. "Hey, Twilight? How're things at Canterlot High? Feels like old times?" Sunset ask Twilight with a smile. "It sure did." Twilight admitted then she sighed. "It feels good to be back here." "That's good to hear." Sunset hummed as a thought came to her mind. Time to ask while the getting's good. "Twilight, I need to ask you something important." "Sure, anything." "Do you know why those Shadowbolts behaved... strange and oddly?" "Huh? Strange? Oddly? How?" Twilight ask a bit puzzled. She isn't sure what Sunset was on about. "I don't know. You remember that day when we and Crystal Prep Academy gathered at the gym for the welcome party?" Sunset ask, recalling the welcome part. Twilight Sparkle nodded, "When I approached you about your activity, those girls charged in to defend you. And the next, they were shock and surprise but also heartbroken like we were friends. They keep asking me about what happen and what am I doing with the 'losers'. And to be honest, I'd never met them before in my life." "Wow, really?" Rarity ask a bit puzzled. "That's a bit odd." Applejack said with a thoughtful look. "Then again, it's like what happened when we done met pony Twilight. "Deja Vu!" Pinkie giggles as she is hanging from the ceiling somehow. "Oh... So, that's why." Twilight said, looking down for some reason. "What do you mean?" Sunset ask Twilight. She wonder why her friend looks down like that. "Do you remember the other Sunset Shimmer you banished to Equestria?" "Well, yeah. Can't make the world go unbalance, and of course I need to blend in." "That Sunset Shimmer were friends with the Shadowbolts once." Twilight explains, much to the surprise and amazement of the others. "Wait, really?" Rainbow ask her friend in surprise. "Oh my gosh!" Fluttershy gasped in surprise. The Human Sunset was friend with the Shadowbolts. "Saw that one coming." Pinkie said randomly and happily. "She's telling the truth. Those girls and the other Sunset were pals since they were kids. They were very close too. Mess with one, you get the rest beat the crap out of ya." Ben said, shuddering as he recalled one memory that he didn't like to admit about. "Trust me, I sort of kick a ball too hard onto Sour Sweet. And boy, was she crazy angry at me." "But one day - 2007 I think, Sunset Shimmer went missing. Thus, it makes the Shadowbolts Girls heartbroken, pain and upset. They think she was killed or gone. And of course, they never ever want anyone else to take her place, not even me." Twilight explains in sadness. Sunset looks stunned, so that explains the Shadowbolts' rough attitude! "And that explains why they mistreated you so badly because you were taking her place among the Shadowbolts." Sunset said. She is feeling more regret and guilt. Because of her, the Human Shadowbolts has lost their friend! "Something like that. You could say that she's the conscience of the group." "And I can bet she's angry right about now especially what the stunt Shadowbolts have pulled." "Yeah. And it was lucky that my counterpart prevent her from coming here. Otherwise, it might turned ugly." Twilight said with a shudder. If the Human Sunset were to come here, it won't be a pretty sight. "Too late!" Rainbow exclaims as she uses a spoon to send a cherry into her mouth. "You done know how 'ta ruin a moment." Applejack remarks with a glare to her friend. "I wonder what she's up to now." Sunset said thoughtfully. What is her human self up to now? ----------------- Back in the world we know and love, it was a while in Ponyville ever since the Shadowbolts became friends again, especially with Sunshine. They acted like their big fight never happened and they had been friends for years! Sunshine explained to her friends about how she came to Equestria, especially when she got kidnapped by Dark Mystic Ponies for information about the Humans and a fight against the Devil Destroyer. The group are amazed and freaked out at the same time. "No way! Your friends actually fought the Devil Destroyer?! That is so awesome, dude!" Indigo exclaims, amazed by how the Mane Six fought the Devil Destroyer and live to tell about it. Sugarcoat nodded as she spoke, "Indeed. As history has recorded, nopony could ever defeat that monster. He's invincible. Unless you can outsmart or make him dumb, he'll be not easy to deal with." Sunny Flare nodded while adding in, "My daddy always said that Devil Destroyer is the dumbest warrior of Ma! And the best of him is that he won't listen to his own generals or strategists. Only his wife that he'll listen to." Sunshine nodded while speaking, "I know. This is like Lu Bu and Diao Chan." The Shadowbolts looked at her in surprise and shock. She cleared her throat to allow herself to explain more better. "It's from China's History. And you could say that they're like this world's pony version." Lemon Zest awed as she remarks, "Dude; that is so wicked. " "Who knew we could be so much similar?" Sour Sweet said in agreement with her friend. "Well... If you mean similar, too bad this world has Grimmore to deal with." Sunshine said a bit scared and concerned. Grimmore may not be a problem in her old world...but here is another problem. "Ugh, don't remind me!" Indigo groans in upset, angry and fear. "That monster always fight against Dark Curse, despite the fact they're allies. He is insane!" "Yeah, even when he's locked up, Grimmore always find a way to be a threat." Sugarcoat remarked, crossing her upper forelegs. "Yep! He may seem to not be a threat...but I wouldn't count him out." Sunny Flare said seriously. Some Mystic Ponies felt like Grimmore isn't a threat, but even monsters like him must not be underestimated! "Scary and freaky" Lemon Zest exclaims in a shudder. "He's scary..." Sour Sweet said in fear. Then she frowns while scowling furiously, "And downright evil! I wanna kill him!" Starlight and Flash was watching from nearby, impressed. Looks like Sunshine is indeed getting along with the pony versions of her old friends. Perhaps she will do all right after all! "Never thought to seeing Sunshine get along so well with these ponies." Starlight remarks with a light chuckle of amusement. "She really do miss her friends, doesn't she?" "I'll bet. Think she's ready to see her Human Friends?" Flash ask Starlight thoughtfully. If Sunshine was able to make friends with these ponies, maybe she could see her real friends from back home again! "I don't know. She did say that she never want to see her old friends again. I think its best not to mention this to her." Flash Sentry hummed thoughtfully over this, then said, "You could be right, Starlight..." It's best to keep this under hat, sort of...for now. -------------- Inside a nearby ally watching an evil plan is about to get under way. "What should we do now, my queen?" One of the figures hissed to his queen. The other figure smirks wickedly as she spoke, "Now we lure her away from these friends. Once she is dealt with, we then can proceed in finishing the rest off." --------------- A bit later, Sunshine, Flash Sentry and Starlight Glimmer have their own lunch at restaurant. The former human discussed the conversation between herself and her friends. The three laugh it off in amusement. "I see you're getting along well with your friends, even though they remind you of your old ones." Starlight admits with a knowing smile to her friend. Sunshine blushed a bit, smiling while saying, "Well, yeah, they're okay. At least, they're not so competitive and doing too many stupid stuff as my old ones. In fact, these girls were better than the old ones." "I see..." Flash said in concern. Sunshine notices the look on his face, what's wrong? "Is something wrong?" "Nothing... Just thought... It's stupid and silly." "Well, go on. Tell me." Sunshine insisted to her coltfriend in worry. Whatever is on his mind, she must know! Flash Sentry sighs, looks like he will have to say it after all. The Pegasus breaths in and out before getting to the matter, "Seeing you get along with these mares, I thought you're ready to meet the Humans and talk with them about their mess." Sunshine hummed then shakes her head as she answers, "No... I don't want to see them, not after the stunt they pulled." "I see... Sorry to ask that. I just thought maybe you can talk with them without being angry." "You thought wrongly..." Starlight frowns thoughtfully. She got to get Sunshine to change her mind...so it's time to settle on a way on doing so without freaking her out. Starlight Glimmer hummed while pretending to be thinking about something, "Sunshine, I need some advice. If I do want to reunite with my old friend, what should I do? Not that I want to talk about you and your old friends to reunite or something." "Well... Just make sure he's the same pony you used to know or grow up together. And hopefully, he doesn't tell a lie or even do something stupid when he was away. And hopefully, yours is better than mine." Sunshine remarks with a frown, looking away a bit. "Oh... Well, I hope Sunburst won't do such a thing. After all, he's too smart to pull some silly stunts like your friends. No offense." "It doesn't offend me, Starlight. They deserve that." "Yeesh... You're still upset and angry about it." Starlight groans out in annoyance. Is there nothing that can be done to change this mare's mind? Suddenly a voice screams out frantically. The trio turns to see a familiar clumsy mare flying in. Weird, she appears to be flying better without crashing into something for once! And her eyes are perfect for once. "Help! Somepony help! Somepony called Indigo Zap got trapped at the Forbidden Cave! She needs some help!" Derpy exclaims frantically. "Hold on! I'm coming now!" Sunshine exclaims in alarm. Looks like this conversation will have to be put on hold, Indigo needs help! "Flash, Starlight, go and get some help! I'll go with Derpy to find and save Indigo Zap!" Starlight Glimmer nodded in agreement while Flash Sentry hummed in concern. Both Sunshine and Derpy galloped off at once. And just before the duo could do anything, they spotted five ponies including one with them. This confused them because it's... "Indigo Zap?!" Sunshine and Flash yells out in shock and alarm. "That's me. What's up? Hey, where did Sunshine go?" Indigo ask, noting that Sunshine doesn't seem to be anywhere in sight. Why is that? "Rescuing you..." Starlight said in concern. Something is off here. If Indigo was here the whole time, then...what was what Derpy spoke about all about?! "Me? Rescue? Why do I need that?" "That's because... Someone else is impersonating you!" Flash gasps in realization. And now that he thought of it, Derpy appears to be flying better than usual. The real one wouldn't be like that! And her eyes? "That Derpy is not her!" "How did you know that? She could be tricked too." Starlight said to Flash in bewilderment, wondering what made him say that about Derpy. "No... Derpy's eyes - they're too perfect in her condition. Hers are always crossed. That one was a fake! The real one is over there talking with Dinky Doo!" Everyone turns and saw that Flash is right: there's Derpy right now speaking to her daughter. This made Starlight more worried. If Derpy was here, then that means the one that went with Sunshine is a fake! "Then, that means Sunshine is in trouble!" Starlight exclaims frantically. Sunshine is being led into a trap! "Not only that, the Forbidden Cave - that's where Ben defeated the Hydra when he first came to Ponyville! If I guess correctly, whoever that pony is - wants to feed Sunshine to that monster! We've gotta stop them now!" Flash exclaims frantically. History is about to repeat itself, but it looks like Sunshine may not live like Ben did! The group rushes off quickly. They hope to get to Sunshine before it's too late for her! ------------------- Meanwhile, Sunshine was heading to the cave with the fake Derpy. “Just straight ahead! There! There's the cave! There she is!” The Fake Derpy calls out quickly to Sunshine. Sunshine and Fake Derpy enters the cave. There’s Indigo, the ones, somehow trapped by her wing by some rocks. Looks like she was there for hours! “Help! Help! Get me out of here!” The fake Indigo calls out frantically. “Hold on! I'm coming! I'll just have to move some rocks and then-!” But before Sunshine could finish, something unexpected happened: Indigo Zap disappeared before appeared behind her. “What the-?! How?!” Indigo Zap laughed in amusement as she transformed into a familiar enemy from the Mane Six’s past: the form of the Changeling Queen - Queen Chrysalis. Derpy also transformed into a Changeling Guard. Sunshine looks shocked and alarmed. What is this?! Sunshine gasped, “What the-?!” “Hello there, little pony. We've been expecting you. I hope you know me and my species, Human...” Chrysalis said to Sunshine slyly and sinisterly. Sunshine hissed in fury, “I don't even want to think that, Chrysalis - Queen of the Changelings!” The mare hasn’t seen these monsters in a long time but she knows and hate them already! “Oh my... You know who I am... Well done.” Chrysalis taunted Sunshine in amusement. “You know I can't help but wonder that you're behind all this! You were behind making those five girls fight against each other!” Sunshine hisses furiously at her enemy. It all makes sense: a Changeling is responsible for all the fighting! Why didn’t she saw it before?! “I did indeed. It's enjoyable. It reminds me about making her friends turn against Twilight Sparkle while I slowly drained Shining Armor's love and magic. It's truly enjoyable.” Chrysalis admits, chuckling cruelly by the thought of what she once did long before Twilight became an Alicorn princess. “And to be honest, Twilight Sparkle would have been make a perfect Changeling for us. It's such a waste for her to become ab Alicorn and Princess to her weaklings.” “Why?! What have they done to you?!” Sunshine demanded furiously. Why did Chrysalis even tormented five ponies that has nothing to do with her in the first place? “Nothing... Just doing somepony a favor, so that I can lead my subjects to find more ponies to feast.” Chrysalis admits to Sunshine. Apparently, she was doing that evil crime for somepony else, not for her own thing. “And that pony claimed those five owe her big time since she was banished from Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns! But first I must dispose of you. Say hello to my new pet. He was the same Hydra's child when Ben killed her by an avalanche.” Sunshine gasped in shock upon looking at something, a fierce and deadly Hydra coming out from the cave. He growled and roared wildly. “Oh no!” Sunshine gasps in horror. Looks like the Hydra is back and is ticked off! The Hydra screeched wildly. Sunshine quickly turned to escape but instead, her legs got caught by the monster’s tongue. She get dragged and pulled into its mouth. The mare is about to experience what happened to Ben when he got swallowed! “Noooooooo!” Sunshine screams out in horror. “Well done, my pet. Isn't she taste good for you?” Chrysalis chuckles in amusement o the hungry. “And after that, you will go to Ponyville Town where you find your killer of your mummy and eat him alive.” The Hydra screeched wildly and happily, revenge will be his. But just before anything else could happen, he got his head sliced. Flash Sentry was flying in while holding his spear. He landed on the decapitated part as he was searching for Sunshine. He spotted her lying on the wet and sticky floor, grabbing the mare and put her on his back. They both flew straight down at once. Starlight Glimmer and the Shadowbolts Five have arrived as well. They are relieved to get here in time. "Sunshine, are you all right?!" Starlight ask Sunhine in concern. "Did you get zapped or something?" Indigo ask, making her friends looked at her. "It's a new slang I made up meaning hurt." "Well, that's new." Sugarcoat remarks, rolling her eyes. Sunshine coughed heavily, happy to see her love and her friends here, “You guys... You came...” “Of course, silly. You're my girlfriend. No monster is gonna eat a friend of mine.” Flash chuckled as he hugs his love, relieved to see that she’s okay. "You cursed ponies!" Chrysalis snarled. She was so close in seeing Sunshine eaten! "Whoa! Bug witch!" Lemon Zest exclaims in alarm and surprised upon seeing Chrysalis. "Who is that?" Sunny Flare ask with a deep frown. "Chrysalis, one of my teacher's enemies and the ones who invaded Canterlot in years past." Starlight explains, recalling what Twilight has told her. “So, your cavalry has arrived. Interesting. More food for my pet to feast on.” Chrysalis remarks with a cruel chuckle. Despite the interference, that means more food for the Hydra. “It looks like that thing is still alive. Can't believe it survived the avalanche. Ben told me it's dead when he used his Master Sword to destroy it.” Flash said, recalling what Ben has told him about before. “It's not the same one. That's her baby. And it's not very happy either.” Sunshine said seriously. She’s right, the Hydra has grown his head back…and got two new ones! It is not happy with the intrusion and his meal being interrupted again. “I hope you girls are ready for this. We're at a fight with it.” "If it means teaching that aggravating insect a lesson for breaking our friendship, we're SO gonna kick some butt!" Indigo Zap shouted in determination. "Yeah, come on!" Sour Sweet scowls furiously in agreement. “We've been lots of worse. This is nothing, right?” Starlight remarked with a scoff of determination. If she and her friends are able to escape madness like this, they can again! Flash nodded as he spoke, “Hopefully, we survived this! Here it comes.” The Hydra launched his three heads at Sunshine and her team, who quickly dodged and avoided the attacks. Lemon Zest used her Boom Box and Speakers in firing the Sonic Wave Attacks at it. And at the same time, Flash Sentry, Sour Sweet, Sugarcoat and Indigo Zap gave the monster a hard whack with their sticks. Sunshine, Starlight Glimmer, Sunny Flare and Lemon Zest fired their Unicorn Bursts and Laser Gauntlets in cutting the monsters' heads off. Unfortunately, as before more heads came out. Nine heads have replaced the decapitated ones, causing Sunshine and her friends to struggle in dodging and avoiding the attacks while attacking and cutting his heads off. It now has 23 heads now. “At this rate, we won't able to escape it in time!” Sugarcoat yells out frantically. Perhaps cutting the heads off was a bad idea! "There's gotta be a way to kill this thing!" Sunny Flare shouted desperately. "But how? No matter how many heads we cut off, more will just grow back!" Indigo exclaims angrily. "Oh, we are doomed, doomed!" Sunny Flare groans out. She pauses then added, "Wow, I sounded just like Rarity." “There has to be some way we can defeat that monster. He has to some kind of weakness.” Starlight said in concern. The heroes can’t give up yet, there must be a way to win! “Too bad. It's not like we could burn her or something.” Flash groans out in worry. Hearing that gave Sunshine some thought. She spoke up, “Burn her? That's it! I remember now! Fire! In Greek Myth, Hercules struggled with the Hydra. His nephew helped and used fire on Hydra's headless part to stop his attempt of regrowing more heads. And if we put fire on her heads...” “We could finally defeat her.” Starlight said, getting the idea. It just might work! “Okay, that's great, dearie. So what's the plan?” Sunny Flare ask. She is anxious and determined to figure out what Sunshine has in mind. “Indigo Zap, Sunny Flare and Lemon Zest, distract her as long as you can. Flash, Sour and Sugarcoat; slice her heads off. Starlight and me will make the fire.” Sunshine said, coming up with a big plan. If it works, this Hydra monster is going down! “Let's make some fire.” As the Hydra was about to attack again, Lemon Zest launched her Sonic Wave attack at the monster. Indigo Zap gave some punches on the heads while Sunny Flare fired her Laser Gauntlets. Thus, it irritated the monster to launch their heads to attack the trio. The trio avoided and dodged the attacks while annoying and irritating the monster to attack them some more. As the Hydra's heads were distracted in chasing after trio mares, Flash, Sugarcoat and Sour Sweet charged in and helped their friends by cutting and chopping the heads off quickly. As the decapitated Hydras was about regrow their three heads, Sunshine and Starlight charged in and fired their Fire Magic at the wounded parts. As the fire grew, it suffocated and killed the Hydra. Sunshine and her friends continued using their methods in defeating and killing the Hydra. Only one remains. She growled and roared in anger. This monster is not giving up without a fight! “One more time. Get ready!” Sunshine exclaims in determination. This is it, no turning back now! As the Hydra launched her head at them, Lemon Zest fired her Sonic Wave Attacks at it. Indigo Zap and Sour Sweet gave a powerful punch at her face. Sunny Flare fired her Laser Gauntlet at her face hard. Flash and Sugarcoat cut the monster's head off. Both Sunshine and Starlight launched the Fire Magic in killing the last head. The Hydra is down for the count and for good! “That was easy. To think ponies claimed that Hydras are the hardest creatures to kill.” Sugarcoat remarks with a scoff of dismissal. “But a fire is its weakness. I could say dumbest or relief to have that luck.” "Yeah, at least it's over." Lemon Zest remarks with a sigh. "Too bad we got one more problem." Sour Sweet remarks sourly, preferring to Chrysalis who is still around. "You may have defeated my pet but the fight is barely begun!" Chrysalis hisses wickedly. "Changelings, kill them all!" The Changelings approaches the heroes, some changes into them and some stay as they are. Eventually, both sides charge at each other. The heroes uses their attacks to knock down or defeat their enemies, pounding and blasting them. It's like the Mane Six vs. Changelings all over again, except with Sunshine, the Shadowbolts, Starlight and Flash's own attack. Chrysalis fired her Hatred Spell at Sunshine and her friends, knocking them to the ground hard. She approached and is readied with her magic. Looks like she has the advantage. "It's over now. Without Twilight Sparkle or any of her friends, you have no chance to defeat me." Chrysalis remarks with an evil boat. "Hoo boy, not good." Sunny Flare said in worry. Chrysalis appears to have them down. "Any idea, commander?" Indigo ask Sunshine, hoping for any ideas. Starlight thinks of an idea, then she smiles, having one. The mare ask, "Sunshine, remember the spell combination you and I have studied under Twilight?" "Wait... You mean? Are you sure?" Sunshine ask Starlight. She realizes what her friend meant but will the spell even work? "On my signal, we'll blow this witch and her minions to the sky!" "You're wasting time, fools. With you as my hostages, Twilight Sparkle will have no choice but to surrender to me." Chrysalis exclaims madly. She figures that once she holds these ponies hostage, Twilight will have no idea but to give up! Her plan is perfect! "Taking Ponyville and the rest will be easy. I don't need that useless headmaster to help me because Equestria is perfect place for my subjects to feast." Hearing that made the ponies concerned. Somepony else was involved, but who was it? And did she say "headmaster" But it doesn't matter. Starlight stood up as she yells in determination, "Think again! Sunshine!" "Here we go!" Sunshine exclaims as she and Starlight charges up their horns for a special attack. They must get this right to win! "Sunlight Flower Canon!" Starlight and Sunshine screams out at once. Starlight and Sunshine fired their magic spell at each other as it created a powerful yet larger ball, shocking and surprising everyone. That attack is powerful enough to send the bad guys. "Oh, I hate surprises! Nooooo!" Chrysalis screams out in alarm. She prepares to get away but it's too late, the attack hit her and her minions head on. Queen Chrysalis and her Changelings got blown away by the attack, sending them away from Ponyville Town. Hopefully, they will be gone for now. "They did it...they did it!" Lemon Zest spoke out softly at first then cheers out wildly. "Wow, you kick their butts to the curb!" Indigo laughs as she flew on over, hugging both the winners. "Well, I got to admit...I'm impressed." Sugarcoat admits, giving out a small smile. Even she is impressed by this victory. "Wow, you were amazing!" Sour Sweet exclaims sweetly. "You ripped that bug a new one!" "I'm surprised you know what that means." Sunny Flare said in amusement that Sour Sweet would know just a term. Sour Sweet snaps sourly, "Let's not get into that, okay?" "Well...let's go home, shall we?" Sunshine ask with a smile. She is relieved that her friends are all right. Chrysalis has been beaten and there is one less Hydra to deal. -------------- As everyone is heading on home, they begin talking about their victory. "The way we burn those creeps' heads...awesome to the max." Indigo said with a chuckle, shaking her head in remembrance of the fight. "You were amazing in beating those Changelings." Sunny Flare said to Indigo. She is impressed by how her friend took down a few Changelings or so. "Thanks. You ain't so bad yourself." Sunshine pauses, slowing down a bit. Flash notices this and stops in concern. Something is on his fillyfriend's mind, but what? "Sunshine? Is everything okay?" Flash ask Sunshine in concern. Sunshine sighs then spoke up, "I was thinking of what Chrysalis said before. Someone obviously hired her and the Changelings to drive a wedge between the Shadowbolts." "Yeah, I do notice that." Starlight said, thinking about that. "She also mentioned a headmaster of sorts." "And she mentioned they owe her big time since she was banished from Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. Do you girls know who that is?" The Shadowbolts stop, looking concerned as they thought about that. They have a feeling that they know who it was as well, being involved with the Princess Celestia's school incident. "Let's say, let's hope you never have to deal with her." Sugarcoat said to Sunshine seriously. "She is locked up, that's the best we could say." "Let's just go, okay?" Sour Sweet ask. For some reason, she appears to be nervous about this subject. The Shadowbolts heads off, making Sunshine, Flash and Starlight a bit suspiciously. They got some explaining to do!