> We Know What We Are, Not You
>  by Smashing Skunk53
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Princess Twilight! Is it true that you have a crush on our illustrious ruler and your mentor?”

“So as the “Princess of Friendship” do you have the ability to make everypony the best of friends? Will we hold hoofs and sing with changelings f you cast a spell on us?”

“Do you or did you not have the Elements of Honesty and Generosity spend the night at your home?”

The increasing number of voices added to the mix as Twilight tried her best to get through the streets of Canterlot, the paparazzis following her every movement. Flashes from the cameras going off as the questions ad rumours continue. The unicorn guardsmen did an excellent job of stopping all of them short of getting near the princess. The golden armour reflected each flash back to the reporters, causing them to stumble around blindly.

“Is it true that you plotting a revolution alongside the Princess of the Night in order to gain control over Equestria?”

Each camera flash blinded all the ponies within the group, the Royal guards, the media and more importantly, Princess Twilight Sparkle. The impassive faces behind the golden armour kept hidden the pity they had for the new princess as the dogs of the media ascended on her once more.

A diamond dog popped out from the hole that almost magically appeared in front of her hooves. The Equestrian Daily tag in his newscap left no doubt on why he was here. “Your assistant once turned into a giant purple monster bent on destruction, thievery and kidnapping. What are you doing to prevent that from happening again?” A near perfect Canterlot accent came from his muzzle as he awaited his answer expectedly. Twilight’s answer was a hoof that stomped back down into the hole he crawled out of. 

She turned around the corner, guards easily keeping pace beside her as they continuously shove away the more aggressive news hounds. Twilight cannot help but curse the fact that she did not prioritize her flying lessons after her coronation. A few of the more burly ponies pushed through the guards as bright flashes caused spots to dance before her eyes.

“Are your wings more sensitive than a pegasus?” One said before getting uncomfortably close to said appendages with his camera.

“Is it true that you once shared a bath with all the members of the Elements? My readers want pictures or it never happened!” A large mare yelled, waving her notepad in the air. 

Twilight had enough she came to a complete stop in the middle of the street, her horn shimmering with a purple glow. Wings flared wide, the young alicorn actually looked intimidating. Her guards to look around warily, not knowing what their charge is planning.  

Her voice boomed on the main road, houses shook from the sheer power and volume behind the royal Canterlot voice. Shingles dropped off of roofs as each word echoed throughout both the street and the entirety of the city. “I WILL NOT ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS! LEAVE ME ALONE!” Twilight was then gone in a flash of purple light.

The paparazzi deflated, dispersed as well as the guards as both groups returned to their employers to give a full report on the day. Unknown to all parties involved, they were being watched. High above in the towering heights of Canterlot Castle the guardians and rulers of Equestria watched the entire ordeal of their young counterpart. 

In the silent heights high above the city, they enjoyed the privacy and comfort they rarely had time for. The entire chase that lasted the entire afternoon was watched with both amusement and pity as the crowds dispersed and everypony returned to their daily routines.

A private tower for the two princesses themselves, the one true place where they could relax and not be the long living rulers of a nation, but Celestia and Luna. Two mares that desperately needed a vacation.

“I am surprised her first attempt at using the voice did not shatter the windows Tia. Twilight did it under stress, though she was able to keep the anger from twisting the magic in her voice so that is quite commendable.” Princess Luna was first to break the silence after the well-deserved outburst. Drawing her head back from her own midnight blue telescope.  Her dark blue coat refused to let the sun touch her body, dispelling the light, but absorbing the warmth.

Celestia smirked as she lifted her head from her white and gold looking glass, “Are you really surprised? I suggested that we make her a Princess for a reason you know. After the mirror incident she has grown into the role as one of us with more confidence.” Unlike her sister, her body welcomed the sun’s rays, allowing both her mane and body to shine with brilliance. The colours swam through her mane beautifully, able to steal the breath from any that gaze upon her in the setting sun.

“Now if only she could apply that confidence with the tabloids’ bloodhounds.” Luna said, while turning back into the room and preparing to light a fire for the coming night. The setting sun stealing away the light from the room, she used a brief flash from her horn lit the logs in the fireplace.

Scrunching her face in thought, Celestia said, “Its all part of the crown. Though I can definitely see them getting to her, and the rest of her friends. All the rumours are slowly changing them and not for the better.” The fire began to burn brightly enveloping the room with warmth, adding to the close relationship shared between the sisters and their bond.

The various of nitnacks and photos of eras long past, to those of yesterday, stood, hanged and laid throughout the room in organized chaos. If Discord ever saw this, he would never let either of them live it down. 

After a brief pause, Celestia continued while concentrating on the sun, lowering it and beckoning the coming of the night. “Then they will overcome it as they always have. They have forgotten a very important part about friendship and they have grown far too accustomed to the fact that Equestria believes them to be experts on it, especially Twilight now that she is the Princess of Friendship.”

“But what if those girls do not see the ties that are being undone?” Luna’s horn glowed as the moon rose to its rightful place. Her voice took on a grave tone, “We cannot allow such bonds to simply break apart like a fresh slice of moist cake in your mouth?”

“Luna…” Celestia resisted the urge to show her sister the entire reason behind “facehoofing”.

Without even a shift in her face, though the mirth in Luna’s voice betrayed her attitude. “So even your own sister can’t poke fun at sinful delight?” She walked towards the framed photo of her sister caught red-handed, neck deep in cake. Frost coating both her mane and coat as pieces dripped from her mouth after the mad dash to the dessert. Her eyes wide from the flash of the camera that caught her.

“I do not want to hear it.” Luna closed the gap between as she moved closer to her sister’s ears. 

“The way the frosting whispers sweet nothings into your nose, beckoning you for just the simplest of tastes…” Her breath tickled being so close, but Celestia allowed her sister to have her fun, she was always far too serious. One of the benefits of being friends with those girls actually made “little moon” more casual…around certain ponies at least.

“The one day I let my guard down and an extremely agile photographer watches me gorge myself on food after not eating the entire day.” The Princess of the Sun grumbled half-heartedly allowing herself to have a little fun at her own expense. “Dang Diamond Dog.” She muttered to herself.

“You may have stopped the presses, but you will never stop me from teasing you sister.” She let out a small laugh as she backed off, enjoying being the teaser instead of the teasee for once.

“Focus Luna, we need to figure out a way to show those girls an important truth about friendship before its too late.”
As soon as the words come out of her mouth, two portals open in the centre of the tower. A small creature fell through one, and a small paper note through the other. Celestia wasted no time, rushing over to the creature to make sure it was alright.

Luna took hold of the falling note with magic and brought it close to read it.

“Luna call both the guards and the Chief Physician. Whatever this is, it looks like it has had rough time. Have the guards secure the-“

“That won’t be necessary Tia.”

“What do you mean?”

“Our old friends want to make a bet with us. One that will solve our current predicament.” Luna showed her sister the note, she raised her brow inquisitively. “If we win.”

Celestia, confident the creature was in no immediate danger, strode over to her sister and glanced at the note before her eyes opened wide. Not in surprise or fear, but in amusement at the bet.

“Have you seen what is at stake Luna?”

“Yes, but a better question is how much faith do you have in your former student?”

Celestia smiled.

“Then I can match these odds. I will let Princess Sparkle deal with the creature and our newcomers. And I can’t wait for us to win. Summon both the guards and Twilight, then we will sit back and enjoy the show. This will definitely be interesting.”



> Poor Dears
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Rarity was not in the best of moods. 

For the last month, she has been receiving invitations to radio shows, television interviews, and tabloid columnists. They constantly clamoured to even have a chance to have tea and listen to just a few words. Of course the downside was that even being as isolated as Ponyville, they never give a lady respite.  

Not only was the growing publicity getting her known across Equestria, but business was booming. Orders were coming in left and right from as far as Saddle Arabia, all because of her royal connections and her own hand in their own dress designs.

After fulfilling one of the largest orders of her career, she was looking forward to the weekly spa day with Fluttershy. The mesmerizing hoofs of Lotus Blossom, the pore cleansing power of the enchanted mud baths, and the artistic hooficures by Aloe.

Her mane was barely maintaining its magnicent curls; her pure white coat was losing the healthy shine from her products that have long run out while putting her nose to the sewing machine. The tent roof was an oasis in a desert of dirt, grime and filth. It would have been absolute heaven after a week of long hard work and constant appearances.

Alas, T’was not the case. 

“There must be some mistake Aloe.” Rarity said, disbelief written across her face. 

“I am sorry Mez Rarity, but you do not zee appointment.” 

Surely she could not have forgotten our little date? Rarity thought.
Rarity resisted the urge to faint there and then. Only after arriving at the Spa, that her afternoon dream of relaxation and pampering is completely destroyed, decimated and eradicated. Fluttershy never booked them in. Tired from the week itself, Rarity gave up her pride and begun to beg. 

“You must have a small empty block today don’t you?” Rarity pleaded, her gem-like eyes sparkling towards the spa pony.
Aloe simply shook her head, but she did offer Rarity some of their newest additions of eyeliner from Manhattan. Rarity decided to step it up a notch. Time to see if any of those rumours are true.

“Surely there is a small opening that you can squeeze me in dar-ling.” Using all the charms at her call, Rarity attempted to flirt with the “known to be curious” twin. Her full luscious lips pursed and her eyes locked onto Aloe with a dream-like look.
Aloe did not even bat an eye before saying, “I am sorry, but their iz no openings.” She paused and stared at Rarity’s frozen face, before adding, “Perhaps you may be interested in our latest chapstick az well? You lips look like they could uze some help, no?
---------------
Following the path to Fluttershy’s cottage, Rarity was resisting the urge to scream after the humiliation at the spa. Calm down Rarity; just think now you can put those rumours to rest about Aloe. It’s not as if she did not find you attractive. She continued to fume in heated silence. Many of the townsponies giving the disheveled mare a wide berth. Going off to the path to Fluttershy’s cottage to the edge of the Everfree, Rarity shuddered. How that frightful dear lives so close to that place without being afraid of the creatures just a stone’s throw away from her I will never know.

Timberwolves, basilisks, and other savage creatures wait inside the forest for any unsuspecting individual to become their next lunch. All of them teeming with magical energy, sharp teeth, and poison to do away with anypony daring to resist.
Rarity was caught up in her imagination of the terrifying beasts that watched her scrumptious body from afar she did not notice the furry mass she walked into.

“Oh I am terribly sorry I was not wa-AHHH!” She stopped her apology only to scream at the manticore that had its back turned to her. Once her shrill voice met its ears it jumped back and growled at the pony, moving oddly on its paws.
The poisoned tail swayed back and forth hypnotically, preparing to strike. Rarity’s instincts kicked in, it was time for fight or flight as she begins to back away slowly, and keeping a close eye on the pendulum of poison she heard a quiet voice from behind the menace.

“Rarity, can you please quiet down? You scared Manny Roar, the poor thing.” Without a single thought to the danger, Fluttershy walked from behind the creature and held his head close to her chest, cooing softly as he calmed down. The awkward shifting of his legs stopped, then Rarity was able to see why it was moving so strangely. All four of his paws were wrapped in bandages.

Not only was that, but his tail, which she thought was swaying threateningly at her, actually just barely holding together by the tiniest bit of thread. The poisoned stinger precariously close to falling off the tail. “Now I need to re-stich your tail, so stay still please.” He growled in response. His green eyes defiant at the thought of the little pricks of the healer’s weapon.
Fluttershy did not like that.

Manny was shown one of the greatest weapons at Ponyville’s call, The Stare. “Do you want it to fall off mister?”
The terrified shaking of his head became lost in a ball of red fluff from his wild unkempt mane. Fluttershy maintained “The Look”, “Then sit still so I can fix you up.” Her stare softened. “Afterwards you can have a few cupcakes okay?”

A toothy grin shined back to Fluttershy while Rarity watched in awed silence at the whole confrontation. It never stopped surprising her at how well Fluttershy handled animals, especially the injured ones. 

“Sorry Rarity. Manny hasn’t been in the best of moods since this morning with a broken tail. Is there anything I can help you with?” She said sweetly. 

Rarity took a breath and adjusted her mane before saying “Did you forget anything today darling?” As soon as the words left her mouth, she hated herself for it as soon as she saw Fluttershy’s face. Utter horror and embarrassment crossed her features. 

“Oh my IamterriblysorryRarity-“

“It’s fine Fluttershy, looking at “Mr. Roar” here I am sure you have been quite busy. Though I wish you let me know that you couldn’t book a time.”

“I forgot all about our spa date. I have been helping animals left and right for the last few days.” Fluttershy looked away while shuffling lightly on her hooves; Rarity could not help but think there was more to it than that.

Fluttershy motioned for Rarity to follow her to closer to the cottage. “All my little friends have left so they won’t tempt my patients.”

Rarity could only gasp once more as she took in the sight of a pack of timberwolves, two cockatrices, and another manticore. Every single one of them was hurt, badly. The pain-filled howls of the eldritch wolves drew her eyes first, 
watching the once ferocious natural predators licking their wounds over wooden band-aids. 

The wolves’ cracked hides were singed and the sweet smell of burning wood wafted through the wooden patchwork. The natural band-aids made by Fluttershy covered the burnt pieces while speeding up the regeneration.

The cockatrices were losing feathers and scales, said items sticking throughout the hay beds set up for them in the chicken pen. The once shining lustre in the scales has degraded into a moldy green as each piece falls off into the pile of hay, speckling the yellow strands. Underneath the feathers and scales, the poor “things” were sickly pale. The snake-like tongues hanging out of their becks, swollen and red.

Comparing Manny Roar to the other manticore was like comparing Princess Luna to Chyrsallis. He looked absolutely terrible. Rarity could not help but to run right up to the dear and give him a hug. Unlike Manny, he did not even try to toughen up in front of the pony.

He leaned his head down on the smaller creature, taking comfort in the feeling of another’s body. A purple bruise covered its entire under body and was easily seen through the thick fur. Deep gashes were spread over his legs, bleeding through the bandages.

Rarity had to resist the urge to cry at the state of the poor creatures. Any other day, she would be screaming and running in the other direction away from these dangerous beasts. Viscous meat-eaters they may be, but whoever did this to them certainly did not pull any punches. Especially this big pussy cat in my arms right now. Low rumbling could be heard from deep within the manticore’s throat as Rarity continued to stroke his wild mane. Awww, he is even purring!

While enjoying the unsuspected softness of his hair, Rarity’s mind wandered thinking of how his mane became so. Groomed by nature and the hardships of life. The grasping branches ever reaching towards you while in flight away from danger. Using the abundant life around them as both a weapon and a shield for the hunted and for the prey.

“Idea!” She pulled her hooves free from the manticore’s mane, to his great displeasure from the amount of soft growls coming from him. Rarity jumped up from the patch of grass where she unwittingly lost herself in thought. “This wonderful darling gave me an idea for new line clothing.” She begins to murmur to herself as she begins to walk home in an artistic fervor. “I need to get started right away special order some silks the southern towns…”

“Mew.”

A soft mew interrupted her rambling drawing Rarity back to the present yet again. The manticore once cradled in her legs looking at her like Opalescence on a stormy night. Wide open eyes, showing you the fears deep inside of them. Soft mewing, barely heard over even the quiet world that was Fluttershy’s cottage on the edge of town. Such a thing was never meant for a prey’s ears, showing the fashionesta once more that he is more than just wild animal. He is alone, hurt and afraid. 

He just wants someone to give him some love.

“I can draw the designs up later. Do you need a hand tending to this kitty Fluttershy? I would be happy to give you a hoof tending to all the poor dears.” She trotted back up to the now much happier manticore, while she took a careful tending on the now sullied bandages around his legs.

“Thank you Rarity that would be a great help.”

Instead of spending her afternoon of being pampered and beautified, she had her hooves and magic working tirelessly aiding the overworked animal lover with tending to some of the most dangerous creatures in all of Equestria. The sun began to set, as both ponies wiped the sweat off their brow as many of the predators nod off to sleep along with the sun. No longer whining in pain or as much discomfort as before. Rarity thought it was a good of time as any to ask what has been bothering Fluttershy. Before she could even say a word, the Everfree seemed to be cackling like a madman into the dusk.

A grand thundering could be heard as the sound of full grown trees snapping like twigs as a stampede made its way toward them. Some of the more able bodied critters woke up tried to run, while the weak lied down and accepted whatever fate was reigning over their way.

Towering over the unearthed woods was a hydra, its heads high above no soul able to see the final faces before the end. Its orange scales gleamed as each clawed foot dug into the ground, crushing bushes and small trees.

It collapsed just at the edge of the Everfree, its long necks stretched out towards the cottage. Fluttershy wasted no time in racing towards the fallen serpent. After inspecting all four of the heads, Fluttershy looked back to the barely conscious Rarity and asked a question that finally pushed the poor mare’s stamina to the breaking point.

“How on Equestria did a creature give a hydra eight black eyes?”

> The Boys Are Back in Town
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Night has settled over Equestria, bringing with it peace and tranquility that truly belongs in the twilight hours.  Starlight shinnied through the windows and homes helping little foals sleep in the dark. Moonlight comforting lovers in each other’s embrace. But all was not well, especially around the town of Ponyville.

Instead of the comforting moonlight that offered solace to lovers, Luna’s risen moon casted an eerie glow over the town, many fearing the twisted shapes that seemed to threaten those beyond the safety of light. On this strange night, residents of Ponyville could sense that something was amiss, and how right they were.

Two bizarre figures dart between homes and buisnesses. A given mission in mind set only hours before. They set out from the Everfree forest, devoted to completing their tasks…Mostly. 
-----
Few hours before,

The Everfree Forest, once a den of hellacious creatures, has been cleared of violent predators by the strangest of prey they had ever seen. The four beings took to the sheltered woods, giving them cover for the night. 

The curious creatures, once they ran out of things to hit, have turned to one another in confusion and anger. Growls and howls of were raised back and forth as the argument grew heated.  The tallest of the four spoke, trying her best to calm those around her in her own way. The black bag around her shoulders struggled to stay on, not fitted for her body.

Dark red eyes stared down the smaller figure, as her voice boomed over the group. “I don’t want to hear it Terra!” Arms crossed over her pale yellow furred chest as she glared down with red menacing eyes. She was a born fighter, a Lucario.

Challenging the stare was another pair of red orbs, a smaller creature nearly half the size of Elena, known across the world as the cute deceiver, was a Mawile.Careful of the massive weight on the back of her head Terra shifted herself to place her hands on her hips, standing both her ground and her reasons. “There is a town just past the forest! We should just march in there and check if the Boss is there Elena."

“And what if he isn’t? What do you think they will do to us if they think we are wild Pokémon?” She shouted back, knowing that if it wasn’t built by nature, they should think carefully before taking any action. Elena's body tensed, fists clenched as the last rays of sunshine glinted off the metal spikes on the back of her hands.

Throwing tiny arms up in the air in exasperation, Terra huffed, “Fine then, what do you have in mind bossy pants?”

“We should investigate the town first, then we will plan our next move.” The Lucario said.

Terra pondered the idea for a moment. Before opening her mouth in the front. “Let’s say I agree with ya, then who should check it out?”

“The one best suited for staying unseen." Elena turned her head to the shadow in the shade of twisted trees.  "Whisper can you go take a look for us?” The shadow stood, yellow light streamed from its form, illuminating its body. A quadrupedal
creature that lived for the night, an umbreon.

Silence was the only response before the Espeon next to him spoke. 

“He agrees that that is the best plan of action.” Maria said. A complete contrast to the eeveelution beside her, purple fur, that with the fading light of the sun had a special sheen. Thick whiskers dance on their own accord from the power radiating from the gem in her forehead.

Terra then snapped her fingers drawing attention towards her. “Wait a sec, if we are sending Whisper, maybe we should send Moriarty as well.” 

Elena resisted the urge to facepalm at the notion.“That has to be the most idiotic thing you have ever said. Here we are, in the middle of Arcerus knows where, and you want to send the most immature, playful, and scare-loving mon we know?”

“Yeah, but hear me out. While Whisper gets us the information we need, Moriarty will “test the waters” if ya catch my drift.”
“I think I know what you mean, with him we can see how the locals will react to our presence, therefore we will know what to expect if and when we make contact with the townspeople.”

Elena nodded to her comrade. “Good idea Terra.”

Personally, if anyone would get hurt I was volunteering him. , Terra thought to herself.

Purple fur shook as Maria snickered, as if she heard something funny.

“Stay out of my mind Maria.” Terra whispered threateningly, teeth bared.

I would, but I do so enjoy your thoughts. They make me giggle. The Sun pokemon then said aloud, “So now that we have a plan, shall we set it in motion?” 
------
The strange-looking Pokémon were everywhere, and not a single human in sight. This made one worried, while the other was absolutely ecstatic. 

“Think about it ol’ pal of mine, an entire town of Pokémon. Though I can’t understand a single word there saying do you?”
…

“Exactly! Instead of the little snippets here and there we should get them really talking.” He moved his hand over his mouth, stopping his voice from reaching any of the nearby ears. “I have…an idea.”

“We should split up and search for clues. I will follow that strange pink one there. She smells of nice things. You can watch the little dragon, he is different, and by the law of stories, that makes him important. Petter patter lets get atter!”

Moriarty vanished into thin air, trailing after small pink horse, leaving Whisper quite befuddled. He simply shrugged and went to do as his friend said.  
-----
Pinkie Pie had a great night tonight, never anything wrong with a “Nothing freaky has happened in the past week” party. If only Twilight was in town, she would have liked the especially made Princess Cupcakes she baked. They smelled just like them. Oh well, guess I just have to make her a super special batch! Maybe have Spike send her batch. Oooh I should bake some tonight!

Her mane then grew three sizes too big, her tongue shrunk by ¾ and 204050683882 hairs in her coat smoothed down. “My Pinkie Sense is tingling…”

She narrowed her eyes as they darted to fro. Something, no somepony, NO WAIT, someone is following her. “Hi Pinkie!”

The party pony’s head did a complete one-eighty and was nose to nose, nostril kissing poor Berry Punch. Her greeting interrupted by the giant blue eye staring her down. “Is something wrong?” 

A flurry of limbs later, her body had twisted and aligned with her head. “We are being watched.”

Berry simply rolled her eyes, immune to Pinkie’s nonsense. “Are you sure you didn’t just party too hard?”

“You can never have enough fun! Why just last month during Cranky Doodle’s birthday-“ Berry Punch nodded, after knowing Pinkie so long, its easier just to let her finish talking before waving farewell.

While daydreaming a rather steamy plan, Berry watched a wide toothy grin suddenly appeared behind Pinkie.

“AH!”

“Huh? What do you mean ah? I never told you to open wide silly.” A cookie appeared in her hooves. “But if you insist.”
“No Pinkie behi-“ Cookie block. She holds another in hoof, “Ready for #2?” The sharpened teeth opened as a long tongue reached out towards the mare, purple saliva dripping from its fangs.

The lilac mare was gone in a puff of dust, leaving poor Pinkie in the grasp of…nothing. Not even the cookie. “Your welcome Berry!” The resizing of her body continued. Bringing her train of thought back I am still being watched. Pinkie Pie stretched her neck up high, telescoping the park for any other ponies and found no one. “Oh well, they will come out once I bake them a cake.” 

She bounced her way out of the park, unknowingly with a currently transparent, levitating stalker.

“Mr. Caaakke, I’m back.” The door to the bakery slammed open, rustling the shelves.

“Can you keep it down Pinkie? I just put the little Cakes to sleep.”

“Sorry, but you sure did miss a good party though, and Berry Punch was acting reallll weird she even took my cookies and ran screaming into the night.” Pinkie looked to the air in thought. “Maybe she was pretending to be a banshee?”

Carrot Cake simply nodded far too tired to make any reasonable response and started to head upstairs, though he did expect Pinkie to follow.

She trotted past the stairwell and Mr. Cake to the kitchen, a twinkle in her eyes. Carrot Cake called out tiredly, “What are you baking this late Pinkie?”

“Well, I am being watched, so I thought that they might get hungry following me all night so I am gonna bake’em a cake.” A sinister smile spread across her face. “Then he, she, it or the epicene,” Pinkie paused as she pulled out a monocle,mustache and top hat out of the oven with the pronunciation of epicene. “Would have to come out and take the gift. It is the perfect plan.” Pinkie Pie’s hoof twirled her diabolical mustache. 

Mr. Cake did not even give it a second thought as he continued to trot upstairs to bed. “Good night Pinkie.”

Pinkie Pie made a mental checklist of everything she needed to draw in stalker.

Time to get down to business. 

Baker Hat, check.

Apron, check.

Ingredients, check.

And freshly baked cake, checked.

“Now we wait.”

Time ticks by. She can’t see whoever it is, but the Pinkie sense never lies and they are still nearby. The cake sat on the 
counter in all its splendor and glory. Pure, unfiltered chocolate cake. Vanilla icing with the freshest of strawberries circling 
the border of each layer of the three layer cake. Its beauty and taste was unmatched. It was the perfect bait.

Seconds tick by, then a minute clicked…

“OHHH, HURRY UP AND TAKE THE CAKE YOU MYSTERY STALKER!” 

The foals’ cries drew Pinkie’s attention away from her less than silent vigil. “I’m coming my little cupcakes!” A poof of smoke and she was gone to the twins’ room.

Little did she know that two hands appeared in the kitchen as they crept towards the cake predatorily.
------
A lullaby and apologies to the different Cakes throughout the home later, Pinkie was finally back downstairs in the kitchen and her jaw dropped down to the floor.

Pieces of cake were being thrown into a gaping maw, floating in mid-air. Each piece of deliciousness was cut and tossed by disembodied hands into the weird transparent creature. “HEY! If you are gonna eat the cake, we could’ve shared like a 
proper stalker and stalkee!” 

A shrieking laugh echoed in the kitchen as it took the final bite and dissipated into thin air, leaving the jittery pony speechless.

Almost.

“Ghost huh? Good thing my old Professor, O. Gollie, gave me,” Pinkie Pie stopped mid-sentence as a back-strapped, heavily modified vacuum cleaner was pulled inexplicably from behind her. “THIS!” 

“I’m going to catch you and then you will rue the day you ate all the cake. YOU WILL RUE!”

Crying rang throughout the shop.

“Sorry little Cakes!”
-----
Whisper knew that the youngling he was following was a dragon. Covered in scales, sharp teeth and struts with a certain amount of pride. The small lizard was moving through town with experience, so it showed that he was native to the area, though judging by the population he was quite rare. 

The few Pokémon that were still out this late gave the byzantine dragon waves and quick greetings. Definitely local, some type of leader? “Most dragons prefer to be the top of the food chain. A Salamence at the Daycare Centre does not play in the corner quietly, instead the smaller Pokémon pay tribute with pokeblocks. While comely Lopunnys flock to his feet.”

“Dragons.”

Whisper looks to the side and notices Moriaty whispering into one of his ears. He gives the Haunter a piercing gaze with Mean Look. He backs away before disappearing into the night air. A disembodied voice spoke, “I’m going, I’m going.”

The moonlight Pokémon went back to tracking its prey. Trying to remain as inconspicuous as possible, he kept any hostile thoughts from his mind as he maintained focus on the mission. The moment he lost concentration he would light up like a firefly. Deep meditating breathes kept his mind clear of everything but the small creature in front of him. 

As they neared the centre of the town, the lizard headed towards a dwelling far different than those around it. While most were like what humans built for themselves, this one lived in a hollowed out tree. He entered the home through the door, while Whisper snuck up to the window peering inside. 

Books lined every wall, showing extensive knowledge. The unknown symbols lined the spine of each book. As he looked deeper into the home, he saw the green-spined child writing more weird symbols onto a piece of paper. They can read and write? Just how smart are these multi-coloured pokemon? 

It soon disappeared in a puff of green smoke as the creature that many of the passerby referred to as “Spike” burned it to a crisp. Whisper watched in confusion. Why on earth did he do that? he thought. There was a knock on the door as two of the female ponies entered the home. They begin to talk to the dragon, as Whisper perked his ears up, hoping to hear any familiar words.
----
“How ya doing Spike? Had fun at the party?” Rainbow said, energy still bursting from every flap of her wings.

“Yeah it was okay I guess…”

“But?” She landed next to Spike as both her and Applejack got closer.

“I really wish Twilight is here, I mean sure we can keep in touch with letters but it isn’t the same when I come back to the library and no one is lecturing me on “categorizing books by publication date”,  eat all the hay off my plate, and proper hygiene.”

“Please tell me you still do the last one at least.”

Rainbow Dash took a whiff above the drake and tried her best not to spew party snacks. 

“That isn’t important right now.”

“Yes…it…is.” Rainbow strained as she backed away to a safer distance.

“After our adventure through The Mirror, she spends all her time in Canterlot princessessing it up…”

“Royal Duties, Sugarcube.” Applejack interjected.

“Whatever, the point is that she is never in town anymore, heck I haven’t seen her in weeks. I miss her. Ponyville just 
doesn’t feel like Ponyville without her here.”

“I know its been hard Spike, but were still the best of friends with her.” Rainbow gave a quick raspberry before leaping into the air and puffing her chest out. “I mean come on were the Elements of Harmony we are Friendship. Ain’t nothing can ever break us apart.”

“Rainbow, you can’t see it can ya?” The farm pony gave a tired sigh.

“See wha-“

Burp.

“It’s a letter from Twilight!” His eyes grew large and sparkled like emeralds as he read the parchment aloud.



Dear Spike and Friends,

The Royal Sisters believe I am ready to handle a delicate situation that has arisen in Equestria. Strange creatures have appeared in Canterlot and one of them is a human. But strangely enough, this human is not from the world beyond the Mirror. I am coming to Ponyville tomorrow to tell you all everything. What our little visitor has told me has me extremely worried for our country. The fate of Equestria may very well rest in our hoofs.”

Your Princess, 
Twilight Sparkle



“So she is only coming back to Ponyville because Equestria is in danger and needs your help." One could not help but notice the mount of scorn in Spike's voice.

“Spike, she just hasn’t had time to visit in awhile. Besides shouldn’t you be excited? We finally get to see a human up 
close. I’m pumped!”  Rainbow Dash disappeared  as she raced around the room in a rainbow blur.

Applejack trailed Rainbow around the room, worry etched on her face.“Yeah but she has wrote has got me worrin’, what did the creature say that she can’t say in the letter. It must be somethin’ big.”

“You worry too much AJ, whatever it is we will kick its flank to wherever it came from.”

A strange purple gas came busting through the door, its body being wisping backwards as it clawed its way over the rug, holding to the threads of the fabric for dear life as it was constantly pulled outside of the library. The red and tan rug was soon sucked out of the room with a whoosh. 

“I have you now Cake-Eater!” 

The jagged cloud raced around the room scrambling away from Pinkie’s modified vacuum, knocking books off shelves while Pinkie was dragged behind it. It flew over the ponies and dragon while Pinkie Pie collided into them and tumbled onto the floor in a mess of hooves, hands and poofiness. 
------
Moriarty raced out of the library as fast as he came in and nearly collided with Whisper, who was smirking at the ghost. The levitating hands picked up the unfazed umbreon and carried him overhead and into the forest, being dragged behind the speeding head.

Returning to the forest with the moon at its zenith, both of the Pokémon had to tell their comrades what they had learnt from their nightly stroll around town.

“Anyone want a slice of cake?”

The Haunter reached a hand into his mouth and offered a perfect slice of chocolate cake to his friends, who were trying 
their best to hide their…delight.

“Now that we know that the local food is at least edible for us.” Maria paused while fighting the tempting, yet still disgusting urge to eat the regurgitated piece of cake. “What do we know of them?”

Whisper sat still on his haunches, gave his nightly cohort the lead between bites of his already eaten cake. “They are definitely friendly; she baked a cake and left it out in the open for me. Such a nice girl. Oh and she can suck and blow me on ten different speeds.” He hummed a chippy tune with his eyes closed, thinking back.

All stared at him with bulging eyes.

“With her fancy machine.” 

Terra bursts out in laughter, falling back onto her jaws using them as cushions. While the other two females blush at what exactly popped in their minds. Whisper just watched and chuckled on the inside.

“Shucks they use alotta stuff just like humans, like the food factory-“

“Kitchen.” Maria chimed.

“Complex formulas used in brain melting experiments-“

“Math.”

“They also use…the swirling device.”

“Ya mean the-“ Terra started, mischief gleaming in her red eyes.

Elena raised her paw as she interrupted Terra from her obvious translation. “So these creatures act like very little like Pokémon, but more like humans? Interesting, but that still leaves us in the middle of nowhere without our master and I will not allow us to be separated from him much longer than we have to.”

Whisper pulled himself to full height as Maria explained for the group. “While he did not make as many “discoveries” as Esperarty, he did listen to a group of them that did mention the word “human” multiple times. Whisper believes that we should make contact with the dragon in town and have him bring us to the humans.”

“So they at least know of humans. Good that means we might be closer to where we started then we thought.” The jackal gave an approving nod to its canine cousin. “Good work.” Now that just leaves us with what to do next.

While Elena sharpened her spikes in deep thought, Moriarty spoke up letting the last bit of vanilla fall free of his gaseous 
form. “We should just walk up and say hello.”

Maria resisted the urge to telekinetically toss him through a few trees. “We still cannot communicate with them and the only useful information that we have is that they *may* know what a human is.”

“Better than staying out here scaredy cat.” Terra inquired from her seat.

Maria gave a small scoff, “Better to be cautious and smart, then brave and stupid like you my dear.”

“Hey-“

Enough.


Blue aura lit the forest night, covering the group in the glow from Elena’s body.  Her emotions flooded deep within in their minds and stopping any rebuttals, verbal or physical. The aura dissipated, leaving the five under the moonlight once more. 

“Tomorrow we are going to approach the town and try to communicate. Hopefully using the aura, they can understand we mean no harm. If they show any sign of being hostile, we will come back to the forest and think of a new plan.” She paused, looking away from her companions as she looked into the woods. When she spoke once more, the authoritive tone was gone, replaced by the tiniest shred of fear.  “This is the only clue we have so far about our humans and we need to investigate. Our Master may be with them.

Terra got off of her jaws and patted the usually stoic Pokémon on the thigh assuringly, bringing her troubled gaze down to the Mawile. 

“Stop worrying so much tightbutt. The Boss is probably fine and getting a night of sleep and trying not to worry over us.” Harshness forgotten as she comforted Elena, and began to drag the hunching Lucario over to one of the trees to sleep for the night as the rest did the same.

As Maria and Whisper twisted their bodies into their sleeping position, she said the final words before her head on her brother’s ringed haunches. “If he, like us, fell from the sky, ended up in front of a group of those things, and none of them could understand him, I’m sure they would treat him with the utmost respect and courtesy that any guest should receive.” Maria stated with a matter of a fact tone. “I am sure he is just having a nice rest before continuing his search for us in the morning.”
-----
A soft sneeze was the only sound in the small cell, down in the unkempt dungeons beneath Canterlot Castle.
 


> Save the Predators!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pounding on her door woke Fluttershy from her bed. Thanks to Rarity, all of the injured creatures were bandaged and resting peacefully before she left last night. Fluttershy’s legs were aching from all the care she gave to all of the Everfree residents. She struggled to sit up in bed as she wiped her eyes with her hooves groggily.

Knock, knock.

Fluttershy jumped at the sound, getting her wings caught in the sheets. Fighting against the blankets, she found herself quite worried by her visitors. Who could be here so early in the morning? She thought. She scrambled off the bed in a hurry, while trying to shout, “I’ll be there in a minute!”

The pounding on the door continued, getting progressively louder. Many of the recuperating predators growling at the unwelcomed awakening. Humming a simple tune to soothe their aggression, and her own nerves she trotted over to the door. 

Another knock, but much lighter this time. More of a light tap upon the wood. Using her hoof, Fluttershy turned the doorknob slowly and opened the door. She froze. The manticores in her home roared, and timberwovles raged and crackled with their weakened bodies. Claws scrapped against the floors as the nature healer’s scream hurried the broken predators into action.
-----
Ponyvillle was in a state of perfect peace and tranquility yet again on another wondrous day. Mares and stallions all around were going about their day in perfect harmony that Equestria is known across the world for. Milling about in the market, was a rather small pinto colt in front of the flower stand. His eyes constantly scanning the crowd while his head turned side to side with a tinge of blush on his face.

Roseluck stood behind her stand and tried her best not to scoop up the little Pipsqueak and dance across town. The little colt has a crush! She thought with justified glee. She stood behind her stand, ready to give the young lad the very best effort and advice for his little crush. I swear it on my cutie mark, she paused mid-thought to look at the rose that stood out proudly against her pale yellow coat, he will get the right flower to win her heart! A triumphant hoof was raised into the as a wide smile broke across her face.

“Umm…Miss Roseluck?”

“Oh Sorry Pip, got a little caught up in the moment there, but not to worry I know of just the right flower for your little friend.” Roseluck reached underneath the shelves and pulled out a box, nearly as long as her leg. 

Plain, wooden, unadorned and just a wee bit of a trapezoid, Pip watched the new item with large eyes. 

“Okay now listen up Gentlemen Pip,” Roseluck whispered into his ear as she leaned over the top of her stand and down towards him. “In this box I have three very special flowers that I know your special filly will love from what you told me about her. These flowers are known as Ipomoea among skilled botanists such as myself. Their real name is what your little filly will find out on the next night she goes stargazing. You just need to make sure she knows to take these with her to truly appreciate how you feel.”

Pip reached towards his tiny saddlebag for payment, but the florist raised a hoof to stop him. “There is no need, for I would do anything for young love!” She sighed dreamily while staring into space.

“Thank you Miss Roseluck!” Pip trotted off at a great speed through the market, three of the white flowers held lightly in his mouth. 

Oooh, he will be such a charmer when he is older. All the mares will be after him. Roseluck watched as he disappeared from sight, before a shrill scream sent her into a panic.

Small crowds of ponies were screamed and hollered as many near the original source clamoured away fearfully. Roseluck was scared, and once she saw the pony everyone was backing away from fearfully. She hid behind her stand as cockatrice flew pass. Not risking even a glance at the monster, she kept her face buried between her hooves until the sound of its scaled wings trailed off into the distance, along with the yelps of both surprise and fear from anypony between here and its destination. 

When she finally stood once more, the square was empty of all the customers for the stall owners. Roseluck look to the left and met the eyes of her neighbor, Carrot Top. 

Their eyes met, bright green pools reflecting one another as they continued to stare. Neither saying a word before both faces on the earth ponies scrunched up in frustration, and then they let out a timely sigh.

It has been so quiet lately too.
-----
The door to the library was blasted open as a NPC, non-pony creature crashed into the room and into the mares near the door.  The varicoloured pile of twisted limbs twitched and groaned. Many seeing stars from the unexpected impact. Rarity was the first to get her bearings, as she was met face to face with a cockatrice. Her face twisted into that of fear. 
She could feel body going numb and the blood flow to her legs slowing down. She was doomed to become the newest, most fabulous piece of art for the library, to awe all the visitors and to watch over in silent judgement…

Wait a moment, I am not turning to stone. Rarity thought, trying to move her rather constricted body. Rarity looked away from the now confused cockatrice as she saw herself at the bottom of the pile, mares all over her. 

“Get up there is a cockatrice here!” Applejack’ s voice brought her out of her stupor, as the backed away quickly and cautiously from the creature.

She looked over to the cockatrice and finally saw that it was one of the injured ones that were being looked after by Fluttershy. The dirtied bandages and patches of bare skin between scales proved it.

“Wait! This was one of the hurt creatures that Fluttershy was helping yesterday!” 

The cockatrice was waving its wings wildly as it slithered back and forth, to and fro in front of the mares. Its head swinging between the four of them trying its best to get their attention. 

“Welp, I guess since it isn’t turning us to stone, it must mean its lookin’ for somethin’.”

The chicken-lizard became even more frantic as cawed and crowed repeatedly.

“What the heck are you all doing down there?” A sleepy voice came from the stairway as Spike descended the stairs rubbing his eyes, woken up from his slumber by the commotion. When he removed his hands from his face he took in the scene before him. Books scattered on the floor from bodies crashing into bookcases, a table overturned, and an extremely dangerous creature from the Everfree Forest.

Without batting an eye, cracking a smile or a grimace, he hissed long and loud toward the cockatrice, startling the ponies. They jumped again when the cockatrice hissed back with a short gasp at the end.

“Fluttershy is in trouble, some of the animals that beat them up so badly are now at Fluttershy’s cottage and are wrecking the place up.”

“How did-“

Spike picked up one of the books floor and showed them the cover.

“Lizards, Snakes and Hisstonouns” The guaranteed language of reptiles and their magical counterparts, by Professor Silvester Possessor.

“Twilight isn’t the only one that studies, you know.” Spike said.

“Well what are you all waiting for? Fluttershy needs our help, LETS GO!” Rainbow streaks of light were all that was left as the cyan pegasus disappeared from sight.

Applejack headed for the door. “Wait for us partner, you can’t handle them all by yourself!”

“Game face, Pinkie Pie. Time to get serious.” She skipped away with determination.

“I will be along with you all shortly, I will see if anyone can aid us in our endeavour.” She looked towards where the dragon was standing and gave her best doe eyes as she flipped her mane over her neck as it reflected the rays of sunshine from the broken doorway. “Oh Spikey~Wikey~”

Spike had turned his back to her as he covered his ears with his hands and sat on the floor. 

“Spike…Spike can you hear me? SPIKE!”

While her screams echoed in the library, Spike repeated a mantra he had come up with for these types of situations. 

Hear no Rarity; See no Rarity, Speak NOT to Rarity.

Pinkie Pie trotted back and hooked her foreleg around Rarity's neck.“Come on Rarity, its time for us to save the day for like, the 66th time!”

Once the all left, leaving the tired cockatrice and isolated dragon, he removed his hands and stood up once he was sure they were gone. “It is too early to save the day. Guess I’ll make some breakfast for when they all come back…and MAYBE something for Twilight when she gets here.” He turns toward the kitchen ignoring the mess in the lobby.

He gave a short hiss as his forked tongue danced across his lips toward the cockatrice. It twisted its head sideways at the question and gave a response.

“Sorry, we don’t have anything like that, but will birdseed do?” Spike asked.

It gave a nod as it wormed its tail around a large pile of discarded books and used them as a pillow. Shifting its long body as it laid it head down to rest.

Spike watched the cockatrice get settled, before whispering to himself, “Guess I will make sure that you will keep out of trouble until Fluttershy can come and get you then, I guess.”
------
Rainbow Dash was the first one to Fluttershy’s house as she stared at the scene, fear crawling up her spine, yet making her fly faster as the fear was not for own safety but for Fluttershy’s. Her front yard looked like a small battlefield. Pieces of wood were scattered across the grass, most likely from the timberwolves she had been nursing. 
Her white picket fence around the property had broken boards every few feet.

The strangest thing was the erratic spots of dead grass with some type of purple goo on it.

A roar rang throughout the cottage as two manticores came running through the open doorway and out onto the grass. One was heavily bandaged was carrying a yellow pony by its pink between its jaws.

“LET GO OF FLUTTERSHY YA BIG FURBALL!”

She surged forward hooves at the ready to strike the manticore with such fury that there would be nothing left of its battered body. She caught movement in her eyes as Fluttershy struggled to get free of the beast. Air became thinner around her body as she barreled toward the manticore without mercy.

“Rainbow Dash you will not harm this manticore!” 

Rainbow then met the ground at a breakneck speed, digging a trough through the dirt with her muzzle as she skid to a stop in front of the large monsters and one extremely peeved pegasus. Big blue eyes attempted to stare her down, but lost their near-supernatural power due to the fact that she was still being held by her tail.

Applejack, Pinkie Pie and the disgruntled and ruffled Rarity arrived and Rarity made sure to pop a hoof into Pinkies mouth to stop the bubbling laughter threatening to burst forth at the sight of “The Stare” being used while being held upside down in a manticore’s mouth. The manticore finally released the now emboldened pegasus as she used wings to turn herself upright.

Rainbow dusted herself off while keeping an eye on the cottage. “We had a cockatrice tell us your in trouble, what’s happening Shy?”

Her brave face disappeared as she told her friends what had happened, a group of strange amphibians had burst through her door and started to break everything in sight. While the cockatrice ran for help, many of the injured predators stayed to protect Fluttershy. Even now, cries of the timberwovles could be heard along with the sound of wood being crunched and snapped.

“If it wasn’t for Manny and his friend here, I wouldn’t have been able to get past them at all. But we need to help those wolves, they were already hurt before, heavens know how much pain they are in for trying to protect me.” Fluttershy had tears welling up in her eyes. No matter how bad a timberwolf is hurt, they can always piece themselves back together, but that does not mean they do not feel pain.

“Ain’t exactly “thrilled” at saving the timberwolves Fluttershy.” Applejack said, and then gazed into big, blue watering eyes. “But since they saved you, guess that means I owe them one.” She twisted her hat on tight. “And an Apple always pays her debt.” The fire in her eyes burned bright as she stamped the ground at the ready.

“Me and Applejack will see what we are dealing with and you two,” Rainbow Dash paused as she pointed to the two manticores. “Should be ready to carry those three out of here if things get a little rough.”

Fluttershy’s eyes grew wide as she pleaded to her friends. “But girls, these creatures are much too dangerous to handle by yourselves.”

“Not to worry Fluttershy, we are just gonna distract them so the wolves and everything else can get away. Twilight is supposed to be arriving soon and she will probably have a few guards that can show those critters a good one-two.”
The sound of glass shattering and a hard thump hitting the ground at a crushing scene could be heard, showing a timberwolf near one of the windows to Fluttershy’s home, barely holding itself together as it gave a wizened howl.

“C’mon Rainbow let’s get that fella out of here before they get to him.” Applejack ran ahead with Rainbow above her at the ready. As they neared, the timberwolf saw them and struggled to stand up as pieces of bark and lichen crumbled and fell from its body with every breath. Before it could make it to its full height, a figure jumped through the window and slammed into its side, shattering it to twigs and leaves.

The two ponies could only gasp at the strange toad before them. It stood on its hind legs was only a head shorter than Applejack. Covered with blue slimy skin and two white stripes across its body with a black on top. It had had hands and feet like Spike, but they were much softer looking then the dragon’s claws and scales. Three digit hands with an orange middle finger.

“Crooaaa-gunk.” It croaked.

Fluttershy rushed forward, ready to give the toad a piece of her mind, but Manny grabbed hold of her so she would not be near the dangerous adversary. Two more of the “Croagunks” emerged from the broken window, woodchips falling from their hands and feet. “Stop hurting those wolves you meanies or I will come over there and so help me-“ Fluttershy’s rant was cut short with a rather loud boom. One of the Croagunks was knocked back a few feet with a splat by a cannonball of made of confetti and water balloons. 

“BOOM! Headshot!” Pinkie Pie was jumping and whooping beside her smoking cannon. The other toads, now distracted from their wooden quarry, headed towards the ponies. Their red cheeks pulsed as they inflated to twice their size.  

“Rainbow, I’ll take care of this feller, you go stop the other two.” Applejack readied her lasso, as she stared down the lone Croagunk in near the cottage. 

“No problem Applejack.” Rainbow sped towards the approaching pair; the Croagunks tried to ready themselves before a blur slammed into one, then the other before they could blink. “Taste dirt you overgrown toads!” Rainbow taunted as she zoomed back into the sky, using hit and run strikes on the blue creatures.

Twirling the rope above her head, Applejack stood at the ready as her opponent eyed the rope cautiously.  The toad’s hands moved in a hypnotic rhythm in front of its body, waiting for an opening to strike the farmer.

Applejack tossed the rope down, hoping to wrap it around its torso to keep its arms out of the fight. It struggled against the binds to no avail. Applejack smirked, “Best to give up now part-WOAH!” 

Applejack found herself without her stetson and balance as the Croagunk leapt forward and kicked out her hooves from under her and brought her tumbling to the ground. She lost her grip on the rope as the purple creature jumped back a distance, now free from its binds.  

The Croagunk surged forward passed the dazed Applejack, and towards the rest of its gang trying to futilely to hit the most vibrant of pegasuses. Every time she was close enough to hit, Rainbow Dash had already knocked them on their butts and was far beyond their reach in the sky.

Rainbow Dash was smiling with glee and pride. “I can do this all day!” The pair of toads hit the dust again, being knocked off their feet from another one of her swoops. “Why don’t you all just get out of here and go home? There is no way you can hit the fastest pegasus in all of Equestria!” Rainbow was laughing as she loop-de-looped in the sky.
The lone approaching Croagunk seemed to have enough of the flying menace, he looked to his cohorts, and muttered, 

“Croa-gunk, cro.”

The other two had enough bruises. Both on their bodies and their egos, they gave the prompted leader a nod as they got into position.

Applejack sat up, finally able to see straight after getting “the rug pulled out from under her” and watched as the toad she fought was running towards one of the other two at a high speed. The other two Croagunk were not moving as the eyed the approaching comrade. These fellers are more than just unusual critters. Applejack thought.

The closest of the pair locked his hands together and continued to watch the approaching toad. 

“Don’t worry Applejack, I’ll take care of all three of them. The will never hit me!” Rainbow Dash continued to rant in the sky above as the toads pretended they could not hear the taunts.

The “leader” jumped into the locked hands of his cohort and was launched into the sky, about halfway to an ignorant pegasus. 

Rarity watched from the sidelines, wondering. Why on earth would you just launch him into the air? Rainbow Dash is far too high for a boost to reach her.

The third of the trio, unknown to all, had been crouched as low as possible to the ground. The muscles in its entire body exploded as it jumped high into the air and right next to the other as he rose after the vault. Using the airborne comrade as a stepping stone, the Croagunk used his powerful legs to jump even higher into the air and just about level to Rainbow Dash.

With her back turned to it. Rainbow was lying back and was still badmouthing the toads.

“I suppose if you all leave here quietly, I won’t embarrass ya too much." 

“CROA-GUNK” 

A fist slammed into Rainbow sending her into a straight fall into the ground. Hard.

Swirls in her eyes and dirt where it shouldn’t be, Rainbow could only weakly say, “Did someone get the license plate of that cart?”

“Rainbow!” Whoever said it, no one knows. All that matter was that Rainbow was hurt badly from the crash as all her friends gather around her protectively. Even the manticores stood in front the ponies fighting for them. 

A white light shined in the sky, keeping Rainbow away from the realms of unconsciousness. The Croagunk that hit her was falling slowly, enveloped in white. The body within grew taller, fingers grew longer as the centre one became more hook-like. When it finally touched down, the light had disappeared and a new creature had taken its place.

“Toxi-croak.”

“It’s like somepony took one of the toads and added an extra heap of scary to the recipe!” Pinkie Pie commented about the now more viscous looking enemy.

“Girls this is bad.” Applejack grunted with pain trying to stand.  “Grab Rainbow and get the heck out of here. I’ll be right behind ya.”

Pinkie Pie’s objection was one that was shared between all of them. “Oh no you don’t missy!”

“Between the manticores, Rainbow and yourselves, yall won’t be moving to quick. I’ll slow them down while you get yourselves to safety and get help.” Rarity gave her an incredulous look, not believing what Applejack was saying. 

“Twilight will be here soon, and she is bound to have a few guards with her that can take care of these guys.”

“But Applejack-" Dams threaten to burst behind Pinkie’s eyes as she tried to beg her friend to run.

The Toxicroak was closing in, getting itself ready for the final showdown with the stalwart yellow pony. His Croagunk pals spilt up, trying to slowly surround the slightly injured ponies and the heavily hurt manticores.

“This ain’t up for discussion, now get out of here!” Applejack screamed, sweat was pouring off her brow as the fear set in. They are getting too close. She thought. They won’t be able to get away quick enough if they don’t run NOW. “I said-“The ground beneath their feet began to tremble. Giving all parties involved pause. “What the heck?”

Dirt, grass and soil collapsed in on itself as a hole appeared in front of Applejack. Out of it leapt a black fox-like creature that stood with its back to her. 

It did not make a sound. It’s coat was midnight black, two long ears on top of its head and a long bushy swished before ponies and their bestial companions. 

The toads stopped their advance, and began to glare at the newcomer, only for them to take a step back in fear as eerie golden yellow markings lit up across its fox-like coat. The supernatural light astounded the ponies while giving the toads pause.

“That would be the best nighttime buddy ever! He could glow in the dark!”

“Pinkie!” All the mares yelled.

“Why are you all being worrywarts? He is protecting us.” Pinkie Pie was smiling at the revelation that dawned on her friends faces.

Rainbow, finally free of her stupor, lowered her voice and said, “I can put up my dukes if I have to, but me and 
Applejack won’t be able to do too much. It can’t handle all of them on its own.”

The shock of the new and foreboding opponent on the field finally wore off as the Toxicroak took a step forward.

Only to be hit by a beam made of the entire colour spectrum that flew him a dozen feet away. Knocked out like a light.
Both groups’ eyes widened with both alarm and gratitude as they saw where the beam shot from. On the edge of the Everfree was a purple cat with a sparkling red gem embedded in its forehead. Judging by the glow gathering around the gem, it looked like it was getting ready for another attack. Not only that, but beside it was two more creatures, but at this distance, Applejack could not even guess what the strange figures were. 

The Croagunks, and the toppled and unconscious Toxicroak, knew better than to pick a fight with the newcomers. Especially with a beam powerful enough to take their alpha down in one-shot. Giving a final croak to the ponies and manticores, they ran and half dragged themselves back towards the Everfree Forest as the new figures close in on the group.

Both Applejack and Rainbow Dash struggled to their feet, but both were stopped as Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Fluttershy stepped ahead of them and between their friends, the strange black fox and the approaching creatures.

“You girls are in condition for another fight. We can handle this.” Rarity took a breath and smiled. “Besides, since this fellow is more than likely to be part of their entourage. So surely did not save us just for them to finish us off.” As the strange creatures got closer, Rarity could not help but swallow the growing lump in her throat as she noticed the numerous fangs, sharpened canines and gaping maws. Or maybe they wanted an easy breakfast.

Fluttershy took in the strange creatures as she scrutinized and studied them based upon their appearence. In the centre stood a canine, closely resembling a jackal based on facial structure. Its chest was covered in yellow fur, with a blue coat and black fur along its legs and arms. The most alarming feature on the creature was that it had metal spikes poking out of its body at the centre of its chest and on the back of its paws or hands.

The other four of the creatures keep giving this one a side glance every few seconds. It must be the leader or “alpha”. Fluttershy reasoned.

To the jackal’s right was something that Fluttershy could not recognize. Like the leader it was bipedal with red eyes, but that was where the similarities stopped. It stood at roughly the size of a tall foal and was covered in yellow skin, with a shade of black around its hands and head, along with the large appendage behind it. 

That is quite a lot of weight for the head, is that natural, or perhaps a mutation for such a size difference? It was at this point Fluttershy noticed movement as the appendage opened slightly and exposed numerous pointed teeth and a pink tongue. 

Intrigue became an intense curiosity to take a closer look at the second mouth, but with friends being extremely cautious about them, now was not the time. A walking venus-flytrap? Fascinating.

To the right of the deceiving little one was a shadow that seemed to disappear and reappear every second, as if trying to avoid being seen. 

“Grrrrr…”

Fluttershy nearly jumped out of her skin as she saw Pinkie growling at the semi-transparent figure floating over the ground. The intense gaze seemed as if she was trying to blow it up. With her mind.

As the ghost-like creature came back into sight once more. Fluttershy was going hysterical in her mind. It’s a living creature, or at least she hopesit is, but it’s not a solid, but made up of gas. How does it survive, let alone how did it evolve to this state?

Its form seemed to ebb and flow with the light breeze in the open field, causing its purple “body” to ripple. Its hands were separate from the body and floated by themselves, but it was holding them together as the kept wringing themselves constantly. The gases seem to curl around the mouth, sharpening themselves into teeth and two large eyes that seemed to look everywhere but the ponies. Especially Pinkie Pie.

Does Pinkie Pie know what this is? Because it seems to know Pinkie Pie based on its behaviour and the nervousness in its…body?

On the left of the leader was probably one of the easily recognised animals. It seemed to be some type of feline; its body was slender, quadruped, with a well-groomed light purple coat. Though the most intriguing features about it was its face. Its eyes were deep magenta with an eerie white pupils that seemed to pierce through Flutterhy’s mind. The red gem in its forehead, the originator of the beam-like attack earlier, seemed familiar. 

Perhaps, like a unicorn horn, it is used to focus and use magic. They must have the ability to manage and use magical power using the gem. The question is though, whether it is a natural occurrence, or if the gem is an artificial improvement.

When the strange animals were finally close enough, the black fox left its sentry like post in front of the girls and took its place beside the purple cat. It seemed closer to it than the rest, and after so long at looking at its fluffy black tail, she could finally have a complete look at the creature. 

Like the feline, it moved on four legs, yet it seemed to mirror it in some way. Midnight black fur, with yellow rings that glowed faintly around its physique, likes its ears, its forehead and flanks. While the feline basked in the morning sunlight, this one seemed to shun from it. Its red eyes watching, yet the way it moved seem to say it patient, and would continue to be so no matter how comfortable.

Definitely a nocturnal predator. Though it may have lacked the numerous teeth, or large jaws, it moves with a silent grace and completely focused on the task at hand. Though I really wish it was not eyeing us like prey.

Both groups stood still, analyzing one another seeing who would make the first move. The manticores took the intuitive and growled at the new animals before them, risking more injuries than their broken bodies could handle. Fluttershy moved to calm them, but was stopped as the tallest of the creatures shimmered in a blue light for just a moment. 

The growling from the manticores ceased, they now had faces not of hostility, but of curiosity and confusion. Then the strangest feeling washed over the ponies. From the cobalt glow, each of the girls felt something.

Fluttershy felt like the first day she set foot on the ground, surrounded by animals and the tranquility of nature. The scent of the lilies soothed her nerves after falling so far from home. 

Rainbow Dash remembered the feelings she had during her first Rainboom when she was a young filly. The whistling wind, the coloured streaks racing behind her, and the joy of getting a step closer to her dream.

The smooth feeling of silk against her coat was absolute heaven for Rarity. The most difficult to craft, let alone to attain in Ponyville but the sense of accomplishment as she watched a beautiful creation snug to her body.

For Pinkie Pie, it was just smiles and cupcakes. Also cupcakes made to look like a smile. And cupcakes being eaten while the desserts were laughing. It was hilarious and slightly creepy for anypony that was not Pinkie Pie.

The feelings and fantasies that arose for the ponies from the cobalt glow also gave them a single unspoken word that they could feel.

Peace

While coming to terms with this strange sensation, both groups failed to notice the approaching golden flying chariot with an armed pegasus escort.

> 50/50 Bet on the End
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Golden armoured unicorns and pegasi fanned out to surround every creature on the Fluttershy’s land. The strange monsters became tense, with the Mawile and Umbreon, baring teeth at the brandished spears of the ponies.

The Lucario stood still, not even acknowledging the multitude of weapons pointed at her chest.

A golden armoured pegasus landed between the ponies and creatures, and with an authoritive tone, “By order of the Princess, guards, staaand-down.” His blue kept tight to his neck beneath his helmet.

The Royal guards shifted with near perfect practiced precision as they placed themselves at ease, though their eyes never left the unusual creatures or the grip on their lances.

“So what is exactly happening here?” Flash Sentry said.

His specially designed plates and saddle allowed him to stand out among the escorts. Under the personal tutelage Shining Armour, he was being trained as the new Captain of the Royal Guards of Canterlot.  Though he seemed at ease, with a carefree smile towards the unfamiliar faces, one with a trained eye can see beneath the façade. Tense, lean muscles ready to leap into action for the sake of the Elements. Without a doubt for the Princess especially that landed behind him in the golden carriage. The Princess of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle. 

Slightly panicking, Twilight sputtered, “Girls! Are you all okay? Spike told me you all were in danger when you came to help Fluttershy.” 
The shortest of creatures pointed to Twilight and looked to her comrades, while talking incessantly. Her arms were waving up and down gesturing to Twilight then to the ponies around her. Unknown to the Mawile, she did not notice the Haunter sneaking up behind her.

“That is what we would like to know.” Rarity turned to Twilight as she took a step toward her. “Do you have any idea what these things are?”

While the Mawile continued to rant, the Haunter was hovering near the back of her head. With a wicked grin on his face, his hands disappeared, followed by its head. While the guards looked on at the strange group, some of them with the newer sets of armour, made the tiniest of shuffles as they attempted to turn their heads to find the now invisible creature. 

Twilight Sparkle gave her friend a triumphant smile. “That I do Rarity, they are actually part of the reason why I wanted to talk to you all today, but first I have a few questions for them.” Twilight said while meeting the neutral gaze of the Lucario with smile. Twlight could see that on its back was a strange saddlebag that wrapped around its shoulders. 

“Maw! Maw! Mawile!” Franticly trying to get the attention from the purple acorn, the Mawile has continued to go unnoticed. 
Applejack pondered this for a moment before asking, “Pardon me Twilight, but how you suppos’ to ask them questions when they just say one word over and over?”

The Haunter materialized behind the yellow deceiver, and poked and prodded her body to her discomfort, but the teasing stopped the moment the jackal in the lead opened her mouth. “Lucario.” The Haunter looked rather dejected, while the Mawile huffed in embarrassment.

“As Rarity would say, with rank come privileges. Being a princess gives me full access to the Canterlot Library.” Her voice dropped into a low tone, a sinister gleam in her eyes as she rubbed her hooves together.  “The history, knowledge and the spells, they are all within my grasp. Endless knowledge at my beck and call. Imagine what I could learn…” Twilight paused, hairs popping up out of place in her mane with a crazed look in her eye. “What I could do. I can lead Equestria into a new age of Enlightenment with my studies and then-” Twilight’s friends backed away from her, the unnatural change in demeanor frightening them.

“Umm Twilight?” Flash Sentry said, though moving from his post beside her.

“Yes Lieutenant Sentry?”

“You are starting to look malevolent.” He says the comment with such a casual tongue that you think he was making a comment on the weather.

“Ah, thank you Flash.” Twilight fixed her mane, smoothing out the erratic hairs. “Anyway, I came across a spell that Celestia created herself when dealing with diplomatic matters far beyond our borders.”

“How far exactly?” Rainbow questioned.  “Like past Griffin kingdoms? Saddle Arabia? That country with the tiny ponies, what was it called again…?”

Pinkie piped up. “Mongolia, Dashie.” 

Twilight laughed heartily. “No, no girls. I mean our DIMENSIONAL borders. You see, overlapping our existence is another-“

Applejack raised her hoof. “Twilight, I am just gonna stop ya right here.” She turned to the most inexplicable pony on the planet. “Pinkie, 
summarize.”

“Creatures from another world.” Short, sweet and no icing on the top. Like a chocolate chip cookie.

A tip of the hat from Applejack, “Thank ya Sugarcube.” 

“ANYWAY,” Twilight paused, gazing at her gathered friends and entourage. “This spell extracts the communication queues from the subject, everything from shoulder shrugs to rapid eye blinks, and translates it to a verbal language for us to understand each other.” Her horn begins to glow. “It will also make everything that I need to tell you girls much more believable with their help.”

Twilight’s horn flashed. A chiming sound echoed softly, growing in volume as her horn blinked rapidly at a faster rate. Everypony and creature tried to cover their ears as the chimes dinged so loud, it was as if it was piercing their minds. With a final chime, as loud as a Bell Tower, a bright flash encompassed the creatures.

Silence reigned after the final toll. Both groups, (now quite tired from staring) waited to see who would make the first move.
Twilight stepped forward so that she was in front of both her friends and the manticores. 

The Lucario stepped forward as well, much to the nervousness of her comrades. 

The Royal guardsmen looked ready to attack at a moment’s notice, none more so than Flash. His eyes were glued to the Princess with his wings ready to fly in but a second. 

Under the steely gaze of the threatening predator, Twilight swallowed the lump in her throat and was the first to speak. “Can you understand me?”

“Yes.” A deep feminine voice answered Twilight. Short, precise, no facial tics betraying any emotion. Though the same cannot be said for the creatures behind her. 

A showcase of emotions, going from the left to the right on the four faces. The Umbreon looked rather bored at this new turn of events. His eyes half lidded at the new revelation of communication. 

The purple cat-like creature looked rather amused. Eyes glinting with amusement at the newfound spoken words between the two groups. 

The Mawile looked on in awe, failing to grasp the words that her mouth wanted to say so badly. 

As for the Haunter…

He smiled just a wee bit wider.

The jackal took this opportunity to formally introduce herself. She stood at attention with both her arms down at her sides, before raising her left arm and crossing it over her chest just below the spike. “I am Elena, a Lucario in service to my master.” Elena looked down upon 
Twilight, “My comrades and I seek the wisest among you to help us in our quest.”

Though slightly taken back at the formal tone, Twilight Sparkle was wearing a smile; she looked to her friends and guardsmen, reassuring them before answering, “I am Princess Twilight Sparkle of Equestria, and it would be my pleasure to help. If you don’t mind answering a few questions.”

Elena nodded. “That is agreeable. I have a feeling you have much to discuss with us.”
-------------
Back at the library

“I refuse to sit at the same table as that thing!”

“But Pinkie-“

“NO BUTTS! We sit gathered around a table of peace with a criminal!” A collective gasp from the Elements at the revelation and Pinkie Pie’s accusation. “We may have gathered at a place of peace, yet I will not sit with him.”

“You ate my cake of friendship…and you didn’t share.”

Groans echoed the library as the “heinous” crime came to light. 

Moriarty, ever since entering the building and being closer to the ponies, especially Pinkie Pie, shuffled his hands nervously. Saddened by the glares and distrust from the pink one, he had almost made himself disappear, before his eyes lit up with excitement.

“I know you are angry with me, pretty pink ponyta, alas I cannot think of anything I can do to appease your anger.” He feigned depression; his head sunk a bit closer to the ground before rising once more with a hand pointing up.

“But wait,” Moriarty said. “I do have something that I can give to you. Your cake was so delicious that I saved a few slices for later. Allow me to grab them so we can forge the friendship that it was made to make.”

The Haunter’s mouth opened wider, one of his hands flew into the open maw and dived into the darkness, returning a few seconds later with two slices of the cake on separate plates. “Let us eat and pledge ourselves to forming bonds of true friendship!” He smiled upon his announcement. 

Pinkie took hold of one of the slices, paying no heed to where it came from, nor the glances of disgust from the ponies and Pokémon.  
The room-wide cringe and muffled gags came about when she actually ate the cake. 

Pinkie Pie, anger forgotten, was now beaming with happiness. “Why thank you! Now, we can have a “We Are Now Friends Party!” 
Smiling wide she continued, “And you can be in charge of refreshments oh ghostly pal of mine.”

Only Flash Sentry was able to keep a straight face. 

And the only stomach that did not churn.

After getting over the urge to gag, Twilight cleared her throat to address the creatures and ponies in the room. “Miss Elena, is it possible that you could introduce us to friends?”

Elena looked around the room cautiously; her eyes landing on each of the ponies though lingered on Flash Sentry for just a second longer. “…Very well. As some of you may know,” Elena paused sparing a glance to a bouncing pink blur with a swirling purple gas ball, “The ghost is Moriarty.” Ignoring the scared and questioning looks on the ponies the Lucario continued pointing out her comrades. “The two Eeveelutions are the twins, Whisper and Maria.”  

Whisper the Umbreon nodded an affirmative, while Maria bowed low to floor with her eyes closed, before saying “How do you do?”
Elena then pointed towards the shortest of the group with the yellow skin and large mouth. “And the little one is Terra.” 

Terra the Mawile gave a huff, and turned her back to the ponies.  Showing them a terrifyingly happy mouth filled white, pearly smile with dagger teeth.

Maria took this time to speak up. “So Miss Twilight-“ 

“Princess Twilight. Refer to her as such.” One of the Royal guards chided her from his position near the door.

“Very well.” The espeon raised in eyebrows in amusement before continuing. “Princess Twilight, do you know where we are and why your species of Pokémon are so varied?”

All of the ponies in the room were confused at the mention Pokémon, except for Twilight. “We are ponies and we are definitely not Pokémon. Allow me to explain about Equestria…”
-------

“This is the pansiest place we’ve ever been to.” Terra deadpanned. During Twilight’s explanation, she constantly rolled her eyes and resisted the urge to gag during the lecture. The rather long explanation had taken up a good portion of the day, the setting sun’s rays washing over the library’s interior.

“Hey! You wanna start something shorty?” Rainbow flew over the coffee table between the groups and got up close and personal with Terra.

The Mawile lurched forward undaunted by the flier. Their heads only a millimeter apart. “Back off, ya walking kaleidoscope, or am I goin’ to-“

“Terra.”

The Lucario’s tone carried strong authority, even in the low volume that was said. Terra and Dash simply huffed before Rainbow 
returned to where her friends sat.

Elena turned once more to Twilight. “You are very knowledgeable, your Highness. Can you tell me on how that you are the only one who knows what we are?”

“Gladly.” Twilight gave a nod and stepped forward, allowing her to address the entire room. “Yesterday Canterlot castle had two portals that opened throughout the city. Out of one of them came a young Pokémon. With the help of the other Princesses, we were able to get him to calm down enough to tell us of his home in the Kalos region.”

“I see.” Elena listened intently, not wanting to give her own opinion till she knew what these ponies knew. The Lucario also knew that Maria would make sure none of the others would say anything…yet.

“The little guy was so afraid. He couldn’t tell how he exactly got here, but that he was being chased by…humans.”

Only the Pokémon notice Elena’s eyes spark with recognition at the announcement. They knew that it was Elena’s turn outside of her ball when their trainer disappeared the day before. 

“But Twilight, I thought you said humans were a lot like us? Why on earth were they chasing such a child?”
Maria spoke before Twilight could answer. “Pardon me, Princess.” Her eyes kept on Elena, as she continued to speak.   “I thought you said there two creatures entered Canterlot. What of the other one?”

Twilight gave a long sigh. “The other one was taken to the dungeon. The little one, a “Litleo” said that the other creature, actually an entire pack of them, was chasing him and his father through the home.”

The Lucario body remained still, yet her mind hungered as she watch the ailercorn’s lips move as she memorized every word coming from her mouth. 

“So the other critter was a human?”

“…Yes.” Twilight’s face then scrunched up in anger. “But the humans of that world are monsters. They used Pokémon as-“

“I apologized once more for interrupting Princess, but before you continue can I ask one question?”

A pregnant pause hanged in the library as Maria thought over her next words carefully. She and the others were growing very anxious of Elena. It was the small movements that showed what she was really thinking. The way her eyes became focused pricks upon her target. Her arms stayed at her side, at the ready for a fight. Maria knew that whatever happened before they were brought to Equestria, Elena was at their master’s side. The espeon knew that she had to be very careful with her question, or risk a fight breaking out between the two groups. 

Sadly, so did Terra. 

“So Princess Eggplant,” Terra said rather haughtily, “This human, was he wearing a black fedora?”

Elena perked up awaiting an answer.

“Yes.”
------

Glass shattered as a small coffee table was thrown through the library’s window and outside onto the road. A voice boomed through the broken window, sending many of the citizens fleeing in terror. “YOU ALL WILL PAY FOR THIS TRANSGRESION AGAINST OUR MASTER!” At the end of the yell, a Royal guard was tossed out from the library and into the fruit stand across the road. 

While inside the old tree was chaos. Fluttershy and Rarity were screaming in fear while Twilight and the rest of the girls stood protectively in front of them, horns and hooves at the ready. “What the hay are ya doing?”

“You dare jail our master on the words of a mere child!?” Elena’s eyes blazed blue with the aura, gathering the energy around her fists waiting for another attack from the other guards still within the room. 

Maria and Whisper growled and hissed at the lances being pointed at their friends, Maria’s gem glowing with psychic energy, while the umbreon’s markings flared brightly golden. 

“But…but we are going to have a party…with cake.” The haunter’s permanent smile fell of his face, literally as it hit the ground with a clink and shattered into nothingness. 

Terra smirked as she twisted around to show the Royal guards just how much she could fit in her mouth. “I like this kind of party better, lad. More fun.”

“Please calm down Miss Elena. Are you not-“Rarity started before she was interrupted by a sharp response from Elena.

“Quiet.”

The aura around Elena flared up, like when Twilight and the others first met the Pokémon outside of the cottage. But instead of the calm and peace that soothed their minds and bodies before, this was different.

Very different.

Aggression, anger and a tiniest sliver of hate swirled like a tempest in the room. A chaotic force of emotions that were completely naked to the eye, yet could be felt in the heart and soul. It twisted and turned, bucked and twirled before coming to an abrupt halt. The room felt as though the temperature dropped ten degrees. Then the maelstrom started once more, only this time with a target.
Twilight could barely stay standing under the emotional assault, as her legs threaten to give in beneath her. Elena seem to stare through the guards, even being unable to see her completely, Twilight could feel the gaze. The next words spoken gave her such fear that it would have rivaled Sombra.

“I swear that I will destroy you Twilight Sparkle.”

Flash Sentry charged forward ready to pierce the Lucario for threatening not only a princess, but his friend. 

“Moriarty!”

An exasperated sigh filled the room, along with a thick green gas that sent everyone into coughing fits. When the smog finally wafted into the sky through the broken window, the Pokémon were gone.

“Where that dog go!?” Rainbow yelled as she flew around the room looking for any trace of them.

“I thought you said they were “pretty cool” Rainbow.” Applejack said.

“That was before she wrecked the library and threatened Twilight. I’m gonna kick. Her. Butt.”

“Are you all right Twilight? Your shivering.” Fluttershy placed a wing over her friend in comfort.

“I’m fine Fluttershy, but the same can’t be said for Ponyville if I stay here. Who knows what they might do to get to me.” Twilight spoke, worry in her voice and body.

“Your Highness, we should return to Canterlot Castle. We will be safe there.” Flash Sentry stated, his carefree state gone, replaced with the stoic professionalism of a career solider.

“Hold on a sec, we are coming with you Twilight.” Applejack stated the other girls behind her stood behind the farm pony looking determined as well.

“But girls, you saw how easily they took out those Croagunk at the cottage, and those things almost got you all.” Twilight tried to reason with them.

Applejack stomped her hoof to make a point. “It don’t matter one bit Twi’. Your in danger and no matter what you say were all coming with you.”

“But-“Twilight tried her best to persuade them, but…

“No buts egghead. We are your friends, so you are just going to have to deal with it.” Rainbow Dash said as she made her way out of the library and towards the carriage. She was soon followed by the rest of the Elements, except for the Twilight.

“…Thank you. All of you. We should hurry and get to Canterlot. The longer we are in Ponyville, the longer we put our friends and families in danger. Lietentent Sentry, prepare the carriage.”
-----

“Why aren’t we just getting them now?” 

Hidden within the leaves above the massive tree housing Ponyville’s library, the Mawile could not help but to complain. “I wanna  hit somethin’” 

“…”The umberon gave her the most threatening Mean Look he could with having his markings to lit up and alert the guards below. 

“Patience Terra.” Elena spoke next, her eyes never leaving the purple pony as she and her friends loaded up into the carriage drawn by the pegasi. “No matter how hard we fight, or how many we defeat, it means nothing unless we can release him from their dungeon.”

“So where the heck we goin’ pooch?” Terra questioned, though the glint in her eyes showed that she knew the answer. 
The Lucario’s hawk-like eyes trailed the flying carriage heading toward the city built on the distant mountain.

“We are heading to Canterlot.”
-----

While awaiting the return of Elena and Moriarty, who took this time to figure out how to get to the city high in the mountains, Maria hopped over a branch and landed in front of the snoozing Terra. The sudden movement awoke her with a start, but the Mawile simply smiled at the espeon.

“You knew that the ponies were walking on thin ice when we were talking about the humans.”

“Yep.”

“Then why in the name of Areceus did you ask the one question that you knew would set Elena off? You know how protective she is.”

Terra’s grin grew wider. “If we are gonna rescue da boss, these ponies are gonna need to know not to get in our way. What better way than an angry Lucario?”

“We could have reasoned with them. They were perfectly open to negotiation and discussion.”

Terra’s grin was wiped clean from her face, her jaw clenched determinedly as she stared at the day Pokémon without the usual mirth. “You know what I think of discussions Maria.” The predatory smile returned as she continued, “Besides, we get kick some prissy pony butt, and rescue the boss from a dingy dungeon? It sounds like it will be a good day.”
> Breaking In
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

With the hurried departure of Princess Twilight and the Elements, Ponyville gave a final salute to the last bit of light as their leaders changed the celestial bodies for Equestria. Everypony went to their homes to settle in for the night and prepare for the coming light upon Celestia’s return of the sun.  Little did the townsponies know that they were not the only ones preparing for the following day.

“The best way we can get to Canterlot is by train.”

The five Pokémon were still gathered in the branches above the library, using the soft glow from Whisper’s markings to see each other while Elena outlined her idea. “The tracks from here in town lead on towards the mountain, and if we are lucky, up it as well. It helps as well that the spell that…”Elena paused, a tiny twitch in the corner of her mouth, “She used on us gave us the ability to read their language. There is a train that leaves in the morning that will only take a few hours to arrive.”

“We cannot necessarily walk right on to it, then the ponies could send a message on ahead and ready to ambush us soon as we step off the train.” Maria interjected, wrapping her tail around the base of her branch to remain steady.

The Lucario nodded to her, “Correct, that is why we need to cause a diversion sneak aboard.” 
Terra argued, “We all know you got alotta patience, but we seriously aren’t waiting till morning are we?”

“There is a time to wait and then there are times to act.” Elena stated as she met Terra’s eyes. “Luckily we as a group have the right skills to take this time to act.” Elena took this time to regard each of her friends. Though the position in this world is not one most would favor, they will play with the hand they were dealt and rescue the one person missing from their group.  “I have a plan to get us on that train and to be enroute to Canterlot within the hour.

At the train station, two conductors stand at opposite ends of the station, keeping an eye on the clock for the scheduled departures and arrivals. With so little light anywhere but the centre of the station, something may happen to the conductors when they wander a bit too far off the side.

“Moriarty?”

A still rather deflated, physically deflated, Haunter gave a weak affirmative.

“How would you like to put on a one-man show?”

That put enough wind in the gas pokemon’s sails to pop him back up with a smile.
=========

Time Turner was having a rather slow evening, and it certainly did not help that he was doing another nightshift at the train station. Whenever he takes the graveyard shift at the Ponyville station, he always sleeps through the strange occurrences in that tend to happen on nearly a weekly basis. 

Parasprite invasion? Had to make sure the 2:00 AM train from Manehatten arrived with the desperately needed supplies for Princess Celestia’s visit. A show-and-snack with ballerina buffalos and cotton candy clouds? No, was busy the previous night because some crazy unicorn ordered overnight shipping on a book of spells called, Problem? Magic is Always The Answer. Zecora came to town to socialize? Was busy making sure that all ponies got off the 5 AM Express from Fillydelphia so that they don’t end up into Griffin country by accident.

Actually he did not mind that last one, that was when he actually was able to work up the courage to ask Ditzy out on a date.

Still, he was missing so much that happens in the “Weirdest Town in Equestria”.  Time Turner could not but stare at his watch, imagining his eyes forcing the hands to move quicker so the last train for the night could leave and he could go home. 

“Hello friend.” Chuck Choo, the other conductor was making his way to Time Turner on the platform. The young stallion watched Chuck taking unsteady steps toward him like a newborn foal. His hooves kept tripping over one another, his long white beard dragging on the ground every second step, like he has not walked anywhere with his four legs before.

“Oh, hey Chuck. Is your break over so soon?” 

“Oh yes it is my friend. You are my friend yes?” ``Chuck`` inquired with one very large, very open eye. While the other was squeezed shut.

“Of course, who else would I talk to on these long nights?”

“Then you should follow me over there, you know away from the open train cars that can fit a lot of po-, I mean pe-. Poke-“ ``Chuck`` paused. “I like trains. Let us look at the passenger cars and talk about trains.”

Time Turner looked at the old pony oddly, before he shrugged it off. “Whatever you say, though you may want to think things through before you say it." 

“You aren’t the only one telling me.”

“Pardon?”

“Not to worry right behind you…” Chuck took a quick glance at the other pony’s flank with his flank to him. As if trying to remember something about it. “Time.”

While the pony and…odd acting elder, trotted over to the engine, the former not noticing four oddly shaped figures, that made their way into the one of the box cars before sliding the door to a close softly with a ka-chunk.

“We should call it a night Timmey buddy. May as well send the train back to Canterlot now because no one else will show up tonight.”
Curiously befuddled, Time Turner thought, Chuck Choo never does anything that isn’t scheduled. What is he up to? “Sounds good Chuck. I will let the engineer to start up the train.”

Chuck smiled widely with very large cyan eyes. “And once you’re done, head home early today you earned it for being a great employee and a valuable friend and coworker.” 

Time Turner mentally shrugged, I won’t complain to going home early, no matter how he acts. The pony smiled to himself as he thought of having a night of actual sleep with a full day tomorrow. Time Turner headed up to the front of the train to give the engineer the news, leaving Chuck Choo by himself on the edge of the platform.

He may actually be able to get up at a decent time and see something interesting!
Like a ghost leaving the older conductor’s body in a slumped pile on the train platform as the locomotive gave a loud whistle for its departure.
=====

Several hours later, the train chugged to a halt, jerking the pokemon off their feet and paws in the cargo car. The various boxes and bags slide forward, tightening the already limited space for the large group. “What the heck?!” Terra exclaimed.

Quiet! Maria hissed, mentally slapping the loudmouth Mawile. I can sense ponies outside. So please do keep quiet, or do you want to end this rescue prematurely? Now HIDE. 

The various creatures scurried and hid themselves among the baggage before the door to the car shimmered in a silver glow. Sliding open to reveal two pegasus-like guards though their appearance was drastically different from what they could see from their hidden spots. 

Lavender armour covered their dark grey coats. Piercing, silted eyes scanned the car, glowing eerily in the dark. The two ponies stood within the darkness, seeing nothing out of the ordinary, they shut the door and continue their inspection.

Maria emerged from her hiding place behind a crate, as did her brother and the rest of them, minus one Haunter.

Elena looked around, noticing the lack of one semi-gaseous form. “Where is Moriarty?”

A loud pop could be heard, “I’m right here!” His misshapen head appeared, with a highly pitched distorted voice. Moriarty sounded like a Ratatta, his body compressed in a small vase. Or what they hoped was a vase. Whisper huffed, and looked away from the ghost type in both mirth and shame.

Noticing the stern looks, Moriarty wiggled his head around the mouth of the container, allowing his hands to slip out with a quiet squeak as they levitated upwards near his head. “What?”

Maria spoke, “Must you hide there?” The Espeon Flashed the room showing that it was not just a vase that housed the gaseous pokemon, rather an urn. Specifically a rather fancily decorated funeral urn. 

“Well you all can’t have it; it is currently occupied by moi .Its fresh and clean, and its sooo roomy near the bottom. Whoever kicked the bucket ain’t having this sweet pad. I can stash all my assorted goods in here-“

As he continued to ramble on about his new home and the large storage capacity and how he is not desecrating someone’s ashes, Elena stood close to the door, straining both her ears and her Aura sense to find out how far the guards were so they could leave the train and plan their next step. 

The door then slid open.

The two pegasuses from before had returned, hearing voices from the previously checked car. They were rather surprised to see the 
strange creatures they were ordered to be on the lookout for from Princess Twilight. Before they could take wing, Whisper gave urn a swift kick, lifting it off the ground and into Elena’s paws. 

“Moriarty!”

Elena pointed the open end towards the Night Guards, as the purple rings of Hypnosis trapped them into a sleepy daze before falling to the ground in a deep sleep with a clatter. Elena placed the vase onto the floor and turned to her comrades. “Now if we are done with the incessant talk, we have a trainer to save.” The Lucario leapt from the train car and headed towards the walled city. The rest of them soon followed, except for Terra.

She stopped and stared hard at the urn tapping her foot impatiently. A wisp of purple mist was drifting from the slumbering stallions and towards the still-occupied vase. “Oh sod it.” Terra lifted her jaws high and smashed down onto the urn, shattering it to pieces, revealing Moriarty with a bendy straw as he attempted to use Dream Eater on the slumbering guards.

He scowled at the interrupter of his evening snack. “Well that was rather rude.”

Terra whacked him on the head, knocking the straw out of his mouth and said, “First we rescue the Boss, then you can snack.” She raised her fist threateningly, “Or so help me Arceus, I will knock you so hard, that the gooey mess that will be left over from the beating will turn ya back into a Ghastly.” 

And with those words spoken, Moriarty moved rather quickly to catch up with rest of pokemon. Terra smiled, then ran to the others now waiting for her.
====

Sticking close to the immense marble walls of the enclosed city, so not to fall off the edge of the many cliffs that overlooked the bountiful realm of Equestria, the Pokemon tried their best not to look down. Maria and Elena kept their eyes and senses trained on the sky, watching for any pegasi that could try to stop them. The lush green grass kept their paws silent as they made their way to a section of the wall, free of any guards.

“I’ve always wondered,” Terra said, while taking an appreciative look at the hundreds of feet between them and the ground, “Why the Boss never caught a flier? Being on the edge of the world up here really makes ya think of the lack of a safety plan.”

Elena’s masterful footing was something to be in awe of as she continued to watch the night sky. “We only need to get far enough where the patrols are thin enough for us to sneak through and to head for the palace. That is most likely where…Twilight…is keeping him.” A small drip of venom was heard with the pony in question’s name. 

The Espeon’s eyes flashed white for only a briefest of moments. Opening her psychic sense to see what her eyes cannot. “Stop. There 
is an opening right above us, and there are no immediate patrols nearby. How exactly are we getting into the city?” Maria then continued, “Since I am quite sure that Moriarty cannot move us all up there, it would take far too long.”

“And Mister Strong-and-Silent here,” Moriarty pointed at Whisper, “Is no Sandslash, so digging through the wall or this lovely ledge is out of the question for you living types.”

Whisper scoffed in agreement. 

Elena removed her trainer’s backpack and pulled out a long rope. 

“We can’t exactly climb a wall with an Escape Rope. We need a grappling hook of some sort.” Maria said. She then got a glint of deviousness in Elena’s red eyes, smiling at the known thought running in the Lucario’s mind. Both turned to the Mawile using the marble walls to sharpen her teeth absent-mindedly. 

Noticing the grinning pair, Terra simply said, “What you two staring at?”

====

The rope was tossed up the wall, the improvised grappling hook struggled to find a strong place to grip.

“Ow-Ow-Ow.” 

The toss missed a strong enough target. After the hook screamed rather loudly as it fell back towards the paws that gripped the rope tightly, it was tossed up to the top of the wall once more.

“Ow-Ow-O-oh thank Arcerus!” Terra exclaimed after her jaws locked onto one of the battlements on the interior of the wall. She felt Elena giving the rope a good, strong yank that felt completely unnecessary, before she could feel the combined weight of her fellows climbing up the rope. Minus one Haunter that was floating just above her head with a wide grin.
“Why the heck did they not just have-uh-ya float up here and-uh-secure the rope?” Terra grunted accusingly at Moriarty.
The Haunter stroked his chin as he pondered the question. “You know, I asked Elena the same thing after she tossed you up here.”

“And-uh-what she say?”

Moriarty flipped his hands up as he “air-shrugged”. “Its better this way.”

Better this way my arse. Terra thought, as she felt Elena reach the top of the wall along with her two passengers.
Both Maria and Whisper jumped off her shoulders and onto the wall. Both appeared to be quite happy to be free of being baggage to the Aura pokemon. As Terra undid the rope around her waist, Elena was explaining the next step in the rescue plan, ignoring the Mawile giving her the stink eye.

“Now that we are inside the city, we need to cause a distraction so that Whisper can sneak into the castle and break our Master out.”

“Aww, why just him?” Moriarty interrupted, looking a little downfallen.

Elena met each of their eyes, “We are outnumbered and possibly outgunned by the amount of guardsmen that the purple menace put onto high alert. This is a stealth operation and Whisper is the best of us when it comes to silence. “Now then, the signal will be a Psybeam shot into the air. Get close and wait for it.” Two pairs of red eyes met, “It’s up to you to rescue him from their dastardly clutches.” 

Whisper nodded in confirmation. His eyes unblinking as he matched the Lucario’s stare with his own steadfast determination. He jumped off the wall without hesitation and into the blackened alleyways away from the light of stars and streets. Mastering his emotions and fading into the shadows, without his glowing pattern lighting the way.

Elena continued “As for the rest of us, we need to cause a slight commotion in the city in order to make his infiltration into the castle easier and to give him time to lead the way out for Master. Who knows what horrifying torture and experiments those fiends have done to him over the last two days.” She shuddered at the thoughts of harm that they must have surely done to him.

Speaking up, Maria said “The four of us could causing a problem should be relatively easy.”

“And fun!” Moriarty added with a smile, that was joined with a sinister grin from Terra that broke her scowl at Elena.

“No harming anyone. We need to cause distractions, not give them reasons to go on a witch hunt. ” Elena cautioned. She turned to the city, the darkened homes bearing no light for the slumbering occupants, unaware at the group of determined individuals making their move on the capital city of their peaceful nation. 

“Make your move in a half hour. Move out.”

After both Maria and Moriarty made their way off, it left both Terra and Elena alone on the wall. Terra stared at the Lucario with anger radiating off her in waves. Elena could feel it in the Mawile’s aura, but she simply said rather aloofly, “Yes Terra?”

“What’s the deal with using me a grappling hook?”

Without looking at her, Elena stated “Payback for this entire mess.”

“Oh? Well how ya figure that?”

Elena turned around and let cold anger creep into her voice. “You used me, without even thinking of the consquences. For all we know, they are putting him through some twisted method torture to get him to talk about us. Especially after my talk with The Purple One.”

Challenging the taller pokemon’s stare, Terra lipped back, “Please! These pansies wouldn’t dare touch him. Especially after that little show at the library. They needed to know what they are messing with.”

“You put him into danger.”

“And you worry too much.”

Two pair of eyes clashed in a battle of wills. Recklessness meeting caution and both sides refusing to budge. Finally Terra looked away, “Fine I’m sorry I pushed your buttons.”

Elena did not need her Aura sense to know how fake her sincerity was.

Terra turned and walked towards the stairs leading off the wall.  “Now hurry your fuzzy butt so we can get this party started.”
===

Whisper waited patiently in the darkened gap between two large buildings near the castle grounds, eyes locked onto the night sky waiting for the signal to shine into the starry night. Among the numerous patrols of the armoured ponies, both golden and the bat-winged fliers, he found the calmness in one of the largest cities of the country quite peaceful. So different from the various cities in his travels. And certainly welcomed after the hostility between Elena and Terra.

Without their trainer, it was only a matter of time before two let their rivalry become physical. Terra losing her patience, while Elena uses force to try to keep her in line. If it was not for the years of working together, they would have just devolved into a straight fight. The first rays of dawn were beginning to shine, Whisper begaun to tense up, knowing that his window for slipping in is getting smaller by the minute.

The Umbreon only saw the briefest of rainbow light shot into the sky, and turned his eyes to the castle. Armoured squads of ponies streamed through the large open gate heading towards the beacon of unknown light. Whisper watched silently, his eyes scanning for anywhere where he could slip in unseen before the light of the sun bathes the city. 

A single unicorn guard caught his eye as he sprinted into the formation to the chargin of his fellows. Whisper tracked his path and saw his way in through what should be a side entrance. The uniformed marching of armoured hooves paraded loudly in front of the castle, overriding all sound, if any could be heard among it all.

Sticking to the wall and in the shadow behind the guard post, Whisper slinked past the marching column heading into the city and made 
way to the side door. Once inside, his paws felt the elegantly engraved tiles of the floor, but soon dismissed the castle’s decorative interior as he shut his eyes and strained his nose for his trainer’s scent. Whisper started to smell a hint of ketchup and chocolate beneath the layers of cleaning solutions and the flowers hanging in the higher windows. He followed the sugary smell, his ears alert to the sound of any approaching hooves.

Memorizing the twists and turns, he made found his way to an old door leading to where the smell was strongest. Whisper, wanting to make sure that this where he was did the most sensible thing to check who was behind the door.

Whisper scratched the door.

“Uhh~Wzzat? Who’s there?” A sleepy, definitely not his trainer’s, voice answered. The sounds of slightly unstable hooves were approaching the other side of the door, horseshoes clicking against masonry flooring. Whisper slipped behind the door as the stallion opened the door and walked a few feet out of the dungeon. 

“Hello, anypony need something? Dang recruits bugging a pony on jailer duty. You foals need to stop being a pain in my flank!” He called out into the empty hall, his voice growing in volume as he continued to berate the invisible newbies. In his sleepy state, he failed to notice a black fox-like creature slip into the dungeon and shut the door quietly behind him with a soft click.

Dust coated every surface in the dungeon of Canterlot Castle. Even some of the cells had the iron bars that have rusted away to the point of breaking apart under just a small bit of force. Beneath the stench of old age and rotting wood of centuries old furniture, the smell of ketchup and chocolate emanated from one of the cells that looked like someone spruced it up and replaced the gate to keep the occupant. 

Only a single ray of sunshine shined through the small opening near the top of the cell at the back wall, the sun had not raised enough to lighten up the dark cell. Whisper could hear slight breathing coming from the darkened corner of the cell. 

Whisper backed up, knowing the best way to wake up the occupant. He raced forward and tackled the bars, sound stirring what could only be his human. 

“Finally! Is it breakfast time? I swear if you brought me those same pancakes from yesterday, I will sing like a canary just for a taste of that sweet, delicious honey you had those things coated in-“He paused as he opened his hazel eyes. “Wait a sec,-Whisper!” He exclaimed happily. “I’ve been so worried! When I fell through I tried to make sure you guys would stay safe. If you’re here, then that means the others aren’t far behind.”

Whisper cocked his head in confusion.

“Oh yeah, the jail cell. Well you’re no Terra, so you can’t exactly eat your way through the bars…Oh well we’ll go with the flashy option.”

“Whisper use Hyper Beam.”

> Breaking Out
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Magic blasts of red, white and blue splattered against the homes in the loftier part of Canterlot. The Royal Guards’ aim was quite admirable, if not for the thick cover the buildings their targets would have been swiss cheese. Not to mention nobles would not be barricading themselves in forts made of flexible butlers and magical maids if they saw just normal looking animals.

“You said to draw attention to us.”

“I said make a distraction, not eat your way through three playgrounds and part of a landmark.” 

A large statue in the centre of a nearby park of a majestic ailicorn. Her eyes shut, but a smile on her with her wings flared wide as if to hug those standing before her. 

Terra looked to her comrade incredulously, “Well I’m sorry that ya didn’t really specify how we suppos’ to get a WHOLE DANG CASTLE after us!” 

Swinging her arms to the entire platoon of Royal Guards standing at the ready across the public park near the entrance. Their ranks filled the street, home to home as the front line of unicorns continued the ranged barrage of the once pleasant picnic spot in the capital of Canterlot.

“Fine! I admit I did not think of exactly the best way to do it. But this is utter chaos!” Elena exclaimed, ducking her head as a magic bolt came a little too close for comfort.

“Hey that was just like what the other guy said when he was helping break the statue! He made sure that the entire barracks of the castle heard us loud and clear thanks to his blowhorn!” Moriarty nudged shoulders with the Espeon. “Get it? Cause he pulled his horn off his head and blew into it! HAH Hah!”

A rather large blast of magic interrupted the exhausted cringe at yet another unfunny from the Haunter. Whooshing through the air loudly as it continued its descent towards them.  “Incoming!” Elena yelled as she and the rest took cover behind Maria’s Protect. The collision was soundless, yet at the moment of impact dust filled their eyes beyond the barrier, blocking the aftermath from view. The sound of the Royal Barrage ended, leaving only the slight whistle of the wind clearing the air.

The four pokemon rose from their cowering position to see the damage. “Well that is rather worrisome.” Maria noted. Half the wall they were hiding behind had been disintegrated. Whatever remained was still being carried away by the wind, revealing the guards standing at attention with one figure standing at the head.

“TWILIGHT SPARKLE!” Elena roared as she jumped from behind Maria, her aura flaring bright. Dancing across her body her essence flaming in anger. Her appendages flowing through the air behind her head.

The Lucario bearing its fangs towards one of their Princesses caused many of the golden guards to point their horns toward aura pokemon. 

“Please calm down Elena! We can work this out peacefully, just listen-“

Boom.

The park echoed with a distant explosion from Canterlot castle, smoke rising into the sky. 

“Oh no, the castle!” Twilight turned to one of the more decorated guards, a stallion that radiated authority through sheer manliness and strength. “Sergeant Brawn Steel.”

“Ma’am.”  His armour could barely contain the rippling body of muscle; the plates of golden metal were being strained holding in the stallion’s bulging biceps. Brawn Steel tensed up with anticipation from just eye contact with Princess Twilight.

“Investigate the disturbance and protect the all occupants inside the castle. And check on the other pokemon and make sure he is okay.

“Yes, Princess.” Three guards were unceremoniously tossed onto the large pony’s back. The chosen guards remained stoic, even in the rather compromising position. “You three with me.” Sergeant Brawn Steel galloped toward the castle, his baggage bouncing in perfect sync on top larger stallion.

It looked really awkward. Also physically improbable, but with Brawn Steel’s manliness, it could be done and look awesome doing it.

“For Equestria!” With his call to battle, Brawn Steel left with his men to the castle, leaving the princess and her stallions-at-arms with the small group of pokemon vastly outnumbered. The guards parted ranks revealing Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity and Pinkie Pie adorned with strange glowing jewellery. The group was short one pegasus.

Twilight, noticing the lack of a pink mane, asked “Where’s Fluttershy?” 

“She’s making sure little Leo is okay, poor fella has been through a lot.” Applejack told her.

“Not to worry she would never let us down.” Pinkie Pie interjected with a hoof lifted in premature victory.

“Your friends could barely hold their own against wild pokemon, what makes you think that they can help you now?” Elena challenged, allowing herself a tiny silver of humour to creep into her tone.

“We stand stronger together than you could possibly imagine. I will ask you again Elena, stand down. We can talk this out peacefully.”

“NO WE CANNOT! You have sullied the bonds between pokemon and trainer with your words and you dare to speak ill of our own. We will not back down from our decision. You will show us the conviction behind your words pony.”

And with that, two forces charged across the park and battle begun in earnest.
===


Coughing up half a lung from the dirt and dust, Nevan was finally seen as sunlight from the large hole in the dungeon wall, with small 
bits of rubble barely clinging to the edge of the hole. 

Waving away the dust and smoke that clouded his head, revealing the young lad’s face. Covered in dust and grime(more from the explosion than his treatment at the hands of his captors) he wipes his face clean with his hands, then looks to his Umbreon. “Okay, time to get out of here, but first…”

Before the Umbreon could move away, he was picked up and held close by his trainer. “I am so happy to see you.” Nevan said, his voice cracking as he pulled Whisper even closer in the hug. 

Knowing his trainer just needed some reassurance, Whisper nuzzled his face, before distant sounds cause him to shift his body upright with his ears straight up.

“I guess its time to go get out of here?”

The umbreon nodded.

“Well, I wasn’t paying much attention when they brought me down here, so can you lead us out?”

Whisper silently turned and headed for the door with his trainer in tow, only for it to be blown off its hinges by an absurdly large pony that exploded into the room.

“Stop!” An incredibly masculine stallion bellowed from the doorway. From first glance he appeared to be ginormous, but there was actually two other ponies were clinging to his back as if their life depended on it. “In the name of Princess Twilight, surrender or face the might of the Royal Guards.”

“Please!” He scoffed, looking at the condition of the other guards, who were now slipping off the muscled stallion’s back looking extremely green and dangerously close to losing their breakfast, the human boy smirked. “You could have easily stopped me by myself, 
but now that my trusted partner is here you don’t stand a chance.” He looks to the umbreon. “Ready Whisper?”

The black lupine leaps in front of his trainer, crouching low into battle position. The only affirmative Whisper ever gave before a fight.
“Let’s clear the way, use Hyper Beam!” The Nevan ordered, pointing directly at the large white stallion in golden armour.

The high-pitched whine of building energy filled the air as the yellow circles on Whisper glowed ever brightly. The two sick guards got to their hooves shakily before the galloped out of the room as fast as they could in their state.

Most sentient beings would panic like the guards. Anyone or anything with a shred of sense could feel the energy in the room being sucked towards the pokemon of the night. Yet, the stallion before them was doing something that seemed completely irrational.

Brawn Steel was taking off his armour.

With his hooves, Brawn slipped off his helmet and unclipped his chest plate. He did it calmly and methodically like it was the most natural thing in the world. 

“What in the name of Arceus are you doing?” The Nevan questioned, the disbelief evident in his voice. 

“A true man does not run his problems. He doesn’t look for cover at the sign of a gathering storm, nor does he hit first.” The last bit of armour fell to the ground as Brawn gave his bare body a quick shake at the new freedom from the weighted steel. “In a battle of will, the true victor will be the one…” The pony paused as he dug in defiantly, his pose rigid and ready. “Who can take it like a man.”

A beam of pure energy fired from Whisper’s open mouth, it jetted directly into it target, the collision filling the room with a blinding white light. 

“Direct Hit! Great job Whisper. Now we will just step over-“The boy’s words were caught in his throat as his eyes adjusted to the room and he saw something he never thought possible. 

The Hyper Beam had been caught between the massive pectorals of Brawn Steel. The energy constantly twirling in a vain attempt to knock its now extremely imposing target over.

Both the trainer and Whisper could only watch with slack jaws that were threatening to unhinge from their mouths and fall to the ground with a resounding clink. 

Or at least they would have if it was physically possible.

Nevan could only say one thing. “…What?”

“A man does not question.” Brawn Steel said aloud, his voice under strain from the pure force attempting to drill through his chest. The stallion rears onto his backlegs as he brings his forelegs up to chest and wrapped them around his body, careful of the kinetic energy.
“A MAN ONLY ANSWERS!” With the mighty (and extremely manly) declaration, his forelegs opened up to the either side of his body as he flexed his massive chest puffing it out in a testonic display. Brawn’s pecs shot out of his chest reflecting the Hyper Beam towards the pokemon.

Whisper followed his instincts and ducked to the ground, ears low to his head as the beam shot past above him. Taking a cue from his pokemon, the trainer hit the ground covering his head, the reflected hyper beam missing him as well and collided into the stone wall behind them. 

An explosion rocked the room blasting the area with dust from the wall that crumbled under the force of the beam. The barely used dungeon had enough dust to spare to cover the entire room, or what was left of it, with dirt that clung to your eyes and threatened to spill your pride.

With a mighty huff, Brawn Steel chiselled chest grew two sizes bigger as he gave macho puff and blew the air out through the buffalo-sized hole in the Canterlot Castle wall, clearing the room for his eyes to see. And he just shook his head in disappointment at the scene, before going his way in the castle to complete the second portion of his mission.
-----

Many of the Canterlot citizens got themselves out of the way of two never before seen creatures, not quite afraid but most certainly cautious. One of them looks suspiciously like one of the animals that were causing chaos earlier in the morning.

Both Nevan and Whisper were running through the streets of Canterlot, the former pouring all the energy he had in moving as far away as possible from the castle and the ridiculously super-powered pony. He could feel two red orbs burning into the side of his head from Whisper keeping a steady pace beside him.

“Hey, don’t give me that.” He said between breathes, sweat drenching his forehead during the most animalistic instinct. They rounded a corner and into an alleyway, away from prying eyes and a spot in the shade from the rising sun. The fedora wearing trainer collapsed onto the ground with his back to the wall and met the silently accusing eyes of the moon pokemon.

“Having you fight him after seeing him do that with a Hyper Beam? That be like me jumping into a three-way cage match between a Hydrigon, a Dragonite and a Haxorus, butt-nekkid with a rubber Combusken.” His eyes were still bug-eyed as he tried to slow down his pumping heart. 

“Or like hugging a Slugma,” 

“Or playing “Whack-a-Electrode” with a metal hammer.”

“Trying to catch a Cubchoo with a den of Beartics-“

Whisper gave a good tug on his trainer’s brown khakis pulling him out of his “Never in a million years” rant to get his attention. He looked to his pokemon, his face scrunched up in confusion before lighting up with realization.

“That’s right! We need to get the band back together.” Forgetting the slight bit soreness in his feet, the trainer got off his seat against the wall and looked to his loyal companion. “Lead the way.”
---


The sounds of battle and echoed throughout the streets, pieces of pony armour littered across the street. Dented from mighty blows and magical blasts of various schools rarely seen in Equestria. The Guards were pushing back their foes, though individually, the valiant mares and stallions were at a disadvantage by this new threat in Canterlot.

When Discord broke free from his eternal prison, common sense had all but disappeared from the city as nobles and common folk alike clung to each other for some sense of reality. Fear at the absurd happenings like face switching and delicious mud pies.

Queen Chrysalis brought down the strength of her entire swarm upon the jeweled city. The numbers blotted out the sun as the changelings bombarded the buildings with their own bodies and rounded up any who dared to resist and sealed them within the preservation for “safe-keeping”.

The strange animals seemed like they had only one target. They did not come to conquer the city, for they were too few. They did not seek to cause misery and chaos, for they only fought those who could strike back. 

While many residents stayed and watched the battle from within their homes, these questions ran through their minds, not noticing two figures heading toward the battlefield of that once was Lauren Park.

“Alright Whisper, I have one question…” Nathan said as he stepped over shoulder pieces and one helmet that had teeth marks in the top. “WHO THE HECK DID TERRA HIT!?”

Whisper said nothing as Nathan continued to mutter to himself about the cost of property damage. The pair made their way to the end of the road and finally saw the rest of their team. 

Sadly, they were locked in a losing battle with the Royal Guard. Nathan’s espeon was battered and barely standing as she half-heartedly firing Psybeams into magic-tossing unicorns at the rear of the park. She failed to notice the approaching group of earth ponies rushing to attack her at point-blank range.

Whisper wasted no time in rushing to his sister’s side to support her and keep the approaching guards at bay. 

Terra was tossing ponies left and right, grabbing hold of them between her jaws before launching them out of the park. She was breathing heavily, but had a crazed smile on her face with each flying body. 

Moriarty was under constant strain from continuous rays of magic from a group of unicrons surrounding him. Wailing to the sky as the Haunter slowly melts down into a purple goop, filling the cracks between cobbles in the road. 

The look on the guards’ faces when they thought their spell actually melted someone was priceless as they stared into pool in the centre of their group, only for the entire group to fall to the ground a moment later fast asleep with Moriarty reconstituting himself victoriously over the pile.   

There was a bright flash of blue and purple, forcing Nathan, his pokemon and guards to shield their eyes from the sight. When it finally died down, there stood a bruised Lucario and five heavily panting mares of various races.

One was the Princess that put him in the dungeon yesterday, while the others were unfamiliar to him. Another pegasus could be seen flying towards them worry written on her face. All of them were wearing necklaces that seemed rather gaudy for battle items, confusing Nathan but he paid it no heed as he did the most natural thing any trainer does when his pokemon are in trouble.

“Return!” He ordered, every one of them moved, using the reserves of their strength to appear at their master’s side, weaving their way out each of their own conflicts and around their surrounding foes. 

All of them wanted greet Nathan with glee and happiness, but before they could say anything they were interrupted by Rainbow Dash exclaiming, “Fluttershy! About time you got here!”

The Royal Guards retreated, returning to the other side of the park behind the six mares, each of them looking determined, except for the sheepish yellow pegasus in the rear. Both groups of six (including the human) stared at one another. The ponies thought of finally 
ending the battle, while the pokemon thought of only protecting their master from these multicolored monsters.

Princess Twilight stood at the forefront and said to her friends without breaking eye contact with Elena, “Girls, Harmonic Formation!”

As the small group of ponies assumed some type of order, Nathan could feel his instincts screaming for action. “Whisper prepare the Hyper Beam, Maria hold in your Psybeam for as long as you can.” He turned toward the Haunter and Mawile. “Shadow Ball, and make it as big as you possibly Moriarty. Terra get a wind blowing with Fairy Wind.” Lastly he turned to Elena, “Aura Sphere, and maximum power!”

All of Nathan’s pokemon begin to build their attacks, within their mouths, hands, minds and the essence of nature itself.
The six ponies’ eyes were closed all of them floating in the centre of a maelstrom of symbols that moved far too fast for the human eye to discern. 

Grunts and heavy breathing clogged Nevan’s ears as each of his pokemon tried their best to keep their attacks under control, waiting for the order to strike. 

Princess Twilight’s eyes opened wide, exposing no pupils or large coloured irises, but pure white causing fear to creep into Nathan’s bones at the sure sign of a powerful attack about to be freed from within the otherworldly storm. 

“FIRE!” Nevan yelled, letting loose the combined might of his entire team.

Elena pushed her arms forward launching the sphere flew through the air, streams of blue light cascading behind it in its path. 

The Shadow Ball seemed to take a cue from its creator, cork-screwing itself around the concentrated energy of aura. Refusing any semblance of order and forging its own path alongside its fellow energy ball.

The beams from the twin Eeveelutions from the moment letting go, had wrapped around one another. A rainbow beam of pure psychic and mental fortitude with the inner strength of a silent soul blazing with it in bright yellow light that wanted to rival that of the sun. The beams twisted in a colour changing point behind aura sphere, a focal point that guided the combined might of the attacks.

Finally, a burst of wind blew through the manes and hair of everyone present Lauren Park. Though it was nothing no weather team could create, for it was laced with sparkles. It looked to be nothing but a pretty show, but even within the tiniest of things in the world, power that can topple rulers of earth, sky and fire can be found. The fairy wind gave each of the attacks a burst of speed.

The amount of power and strength behind their combined force could have even give a Legendary a reason to pause, yet the ponies 
seemed unconcern as a massive burst magic erupted from each of the necklaces and the crown worn by Princess Twilight Sparkle. Each one part of the main 6 colours of a rainbow, colliding into a creation of the latter and firing to meet the opposing force head-on.

For what was fighting the force of pokemon power was a combination of the various nessciaties of true peace. Honesty and integrity, happiness and laughter for the good times. Generosity and forgiveness, kindness and passion, loyalty and true determination for of the worst of times. And the one that bound it all together, an inexplicably bond that could be researched, studied for hundreds of years, and yet it meant nothing for it needed to be experienced. 

Friendship.

Harmony collided with camaraderie as the Rainbow pushed against the sphere of aura and shadow, the beams of mental and will and the very wind that encouraged them to continue to fight. For the briefest of moments…

Harmony faltered…

Before it surged forward dispelling and separating the attacks, much of it being canceled out by the opposing force. 

Nathan watched in horror as their strongest attacks were swallowed up by the rainbow of doom. Fear rooted him to the spot; time seemed to slow as he looked at each of his pokemon. Had he pushed them so far that even they could not run away?

They put all the energy they had left into their last attacks. Both Maria and Whisper had collapsed onto the ground next to one another, their bodies refusing to move. Nor did they want to, if it meant leaving the other behind.

At his side, Terra tough façade had finally caved-in, dropping to her knees her large tongue lying on the ground through the open maw of her jaws. Sweat pouring from her body as Terra watched her approaching destruction with a smile as she shut her eyes.

Moriarty was losing altitude his smile was wavering as he watched his friends give up. They achieved their main goal, they got their trainer back. They should be celebrating taunting the powerful rainbow with bad puns as they made their escape through the city. But none of them could move, they would not be able to have fun anymore with him if that beam it. He couldn’t leave them behind, before he hit the ground, Moriarty fell into something some type of bag. 

It was his Nevan’s fedora. As he pooled and filled the hat to the brim, the Haunter lifted his disembodied hand and grasps towards his trainer. Nevan took hold of the ghostly hand squeezing it tight, proving he was still here.

Nevan pulled always his pokemon gently toward him, Terra fought it half-heartedly before giving in and enjoying a rare moment of closeness before the end. The only one missing was Elena.

The Lucario stood defiantly before the approaching beam, ignoring her comrades clinging to one another behind her and outright refusing to look them in the eyes. She kept a level glance at the multicolored threat and bared her teeth. The aura could possibly absorb it, at the sake of giving up her body by using every shred of her essence. Elena would be the first to give her life if it meant the blast would be less lethal to her trainer. 

Elena would not forsake her duty for a final embrace.

The beam finally hit, showering them with the power of harmony wiping them from sight behind the laughably colours of the end.