Science and Robotics genius Iggy Douglas through a mishap with one of his inventions finds himself transported into a magical world of ponies and magic.
Robotics and technology expert Iggy Douglas who's always loved tinkering with electronics invents a device allowing him to view other worlds. Through a mishap with his invention is transported into the Land of Equestria. It wouldn't be so bad if the world wasn't without technology or the fact his own arch rival in the field of science and robotics was transported there as well. With no other options, Iggy resides in the land of Ponies determined to bring his arch rival back with him, which would be easy if not for the fact he was partners with some of the most dangerous creatures in Equestria.
One night in the city of Chicago in a place called earth, the scene was shown in the backyard of a bungalow where it was before an average clubhouse, but it went further downward into the ground revealing a laboratory with a computer monitor, work tables, and robots on a conveyor belt looking deactivated. Off to a corner was a thirteen year old boy with short brown hair, and blue eyes. His outfit included brown boots with metallic soles, blue jeans, a lime green shirt, covered by a dark green short sleeved unbuttoned shirt.
The boy was known as Iggy Douglas. Iggy was known by his peers as a genius who had a knack for robotics engineering and inventing. He was currently working on some kind of machine designed like an archway. He made a few adjustments before putting his tools down and looked up at it, "Yes! It's finally done. Gizmo!" he called out.
Suddenly wheeling over to the boys side was a robot. It had a single large wheel at the bottom which served as its lower body and means of movement. The top part was long, sleek, and oval shaped along with yellow eyes, while its arms were long and had cylindrical claws. The robot's body itself was black with blue computer circuitry. It was Gizmo; the very first robot Iggy ever built and his trusted assistant, "You called, sir?" Gizmo asked.
"Take a look, Gizmo. My dimension window is finally completed." Iggy presented the machine to his robot.
"Magnificent, sir. All your hard work has finally paid off." Gizmo applauded.
"Hopefull. After all the setbacks from previous attempts I pray this time will be a charm," Iggy replied, "Time to put it to the test." he went to the control panel and turned it on.
The machine started generating energy as the archway started creating a ethereal vision in the center. It started off blurry before scenery of places started appearing one after another, "Yes!" Iggy cheered, "It really works!" he danced around with his assistant, "Just think Gizmo, a chance to observe other universes inhabitants."
"I haven't seen you this happy since that day when you perfected your video game simulator room." Gizmo noted.
"Indeed. Oh Gizmo, take a look," he showed his robot the places showing up in the archway, "Hundreds upon hundreds of universes out there. And they're mine to observe for research purpose."
Suddenly they saw the scene coming into view looked like a castle and at that moment the machine started fizzing and short circuiting, "What's going on?" Gizmo gasped.
"Power surge!" Iggy gasped, "You better turn it off!"
Gizmo wheeled over to the control panel and tried shutting it down, but to no avail, "It's not responding!"
"What?!" Iggy asked in outrage as he saw the machine started sucking things in like a vacuum, "It's pulling me in!" he tried to grab hold of something, but the force was too strong and he was assimilated into unintentionally the created portal.
"Master!" Gizmo cried as he watched his creator fly through the portal.
"GIZMO!" Iggy cried as he flew through the vortex before the machine shut down.
Gizmo who was blow back from the power surge got up and saw the machine was fried, "Oh no, master Iggy!" he wheeled over to the device seeing it in disrepair, "Where did he go?"
Iggy meanwhile was flying through a rainbow colored vortex screaming in fright, "Where am I going?!" he asked himself.
Meanwhile in the magical land of Equestria that very night, at Canterlot castle, the two monarchs of the land Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were out on their balcony looking up at the sky, "Another glorious evening as always, Luna." Celestia complimented her sister.
"Thank you, Tia. You should get some sleep. I'll watch over things." Luna assured her sister.
"Ok." Celestia was about to turn in, until her sister spoke up.
"Tia, look!" Celestia looked back where Luna was looking up at they saw something glowing and falling from the sky headed right for the castle garden with a crash, "What was that?" Luna gasped in shock.
"I don't know, but we better check it out." Celestia suggested as the two spread their wings and glided down from the tower.
Meanwhile in the castle garden, Iggy laid in a smokey crater covered in dirt. He groaned as he came to before rolling over onto his back, "Oh what a wipe out," he finally straggled to his feet before dusting his pants and his shirt off. He looked up and saw it was still nighttime, but he was no longer in his lab, in fact he wasn't even in Chicago, "What, where am I?" he saw the caslte and was wide eyed, "I'm definitely not in Chicago anymore," he realized something, "Gizmo!" he held up his left arm and strapped on his wrist was a communicator watch. He pressed on it, "Gizmo! Gizmo, come in. Do you read me?" but all he got was static on the screen, "Great we're cut off," he looked at his cellphone seeing no signal either, "This is useless too," he sighed, "I'm cut off from Gizmo, and have no idea where I am. Can this get any worse?"
"Hold it right there!" a voice called and suddenly Iggy looked seeing four pegasus guards aiming spears at him from all sides.
"Oh Spock!" Iggy cursed in shock seeing what was confronting him.
"Who are you, why're you here?" one of the guards asked as he poked his spear a little closer to Iggy to intimidate him.
"Hey watch where you point that!" Iggy argued.
"Answer us!" another guard argued, feeling ready to poke his spear closer.
"Oh I'm screwed." The boy said in despair, until a voice spoke up.
"Stand down, all of you." the guards looked over and saw Celestia and Luna approach them. The guards were surprised, while Iggy was in shock seeing he only made it up to the shorter one's size, while he reached the taller one's neck.
"Princesses!" the guards bowed their heads.
"Princesses?" Iggy asked in confusion as he looked up at the two tall equine creatures, noticing their horns and their wings, 'What the, what mythological equine has wings and a horn?'
The tallest of the two eyeballed Iggy, much to his worry before turning to the guards, "Stand down."
"What your majesty?" one asked.
"I do not feel he is a threat." Celestia explained.
"How can you be so sure your highness?" another guard asked.
"Instinct." she smiled confidently.
Knowing better than to go against one of the princesses orders, they lowered their spears putting a look of relief on Iggy's face, "Oh thank, God." he sighed.
The two alicorns approached Iggy, putting him back into worry as Luna spoke, "What is your name?"
"Iggy, uh ma'am. Iggy Douglas." he answered nervously, unsure how to address the dark blue maned creature.
"Then Iggy Douglas," Luna continued, "If a princess may ask, are you by chance a human?"
The four guards gasped in shock, while Iggy was surprised once again, "Well yes." he answered while hoping his answer wasn't going to lead him to trouble.
"A human, here in Equestria?" one of the guards gasped while looking at Iggy.
"How is this possible?" another of the guards asked the princesses.
"I do not know, but I assume he must have some answers to how he arrived." Celestia answered while motioning to Iggy.
"Well it's a complicated story." he answered sheepishly.
"We have the time." Luna replied.
"Well before I tell you, can I make two requests if you don't mind?" Iggy asked hopefully.
"What is it?" Celestia asked.
"Could you two tell me your names?" he gave his first request.
The two sisters looked at each other before nodding and the eldest spoke, "Very well. I am Princess Celestia, princess of the day and sun. And this is my little sister." she motioned to Luna who greeted him.
"Princess Luna, princess of the night and moon. A pleasure to meet you." she bowed her head.
"Likewise." Iggy bowed his head in respect feeling it was right thing to do, or risk any possible signs of showing disrespect.
"What is your second request?" Celestia inquired out of the boy.
"Well..." he began as the group of equine creatures gazed at him awaiting his final request, "Is there anyplace I can have a bath? I'm filthy."
The guards face hoofed on such a request expecting something more, but Princess Celestia spoke up, "Of course. Come with us." she motioned him to follow.
"Ok." Iggy said as he followed the two princesses to the castle.
As Iggy trailed behind as they walked through the halls, Luna whispered to her sister, "How do you suppose a human could have arrived in Equestria, sister?"
"I do not know, Luna," Celestia admitted, "But if we want answers, then we must show this boy that we do not mean him harm, or he'll refuse to cooperate."
Iggy thought to himself as he looked at the two sisters up ahead, 'Ok I landed in a world seemingly populated by talking mythological equines. If I can't find a way to contact Gizmo I may be stranded here for life,' he panicked before calming down, 'Don't stress. Just keep it together and hope for the best... Which I hope are in my favor.'
Last time, robotics expert and genius Iggy Douglas through a mishap of his dimensional window machine was pulled into the world of Equestria. Discovered by the princesses, they offered him a place to stay so he can explain as to how he arrived.
Celestia and Luna inside the castle with Iggy, opened a door and Iggy looked in and gasped seeing it was like a huge spa and bathhouse with a pool sized tub filled with suds and foams, "Holy Spock!" he gasped in amaze.
"You can get cleaned up here. We'll have one of our servants take your clothes and have them get washed." Celestia explained.
"Thanks again, Princess." Iggy thanked her for not only the hospitality, but for not throwing him in a dungeon or something.
"You're very welcome." Celestia nodded.
"We'll be back in fifteen." Luna instructed.
"Plenty of time," Iggy admitted as the two princesses left him to do his thing. He removed his clothes and placed them in a basket before running to the edge of the giant tub before jumping in it with a splash. He shot his head out of the water and shook some water off his face, "Whoa, this water's warm," he sighed in relaxation. He looked over to the side seeing soap, a sponge, and shampoo for him. So he started lathering the soap on his arms as he spoke to himself, "These two princesses are really nice. In fact this whole place is giving off a lot of harmonious vibes. I guess I should be thankful I ended up here instead of some apocalyptic universe where everything is barren and zombies roam the land. Still I hope I can find some way to contact Gizmo and hopefully have him find a way to get me home," he finished washing his body and took the shampoo and started lathering it in his hair, "But maybe I can find out more about this world for the time being. After all an opportunity like this doesn't come a knocking this often."
Soon Iggy stepped out of the tub and used a towel to dry off. He looked and saw a spare blue bath robe on a rack that looked like it was meant to fit a pony. Taking the chance he put it on, and though it felt like the sleeves were so close together he couldn't spread his arms out, "Well I guess it'll have to do." he said to himself as he heard a knock at the door.
"Iggy, are you finished?" Celestia's voice came from the other side.
"Yes!" Iggy answered.
So the doors opened, and the sisters stepped inside, "We trust you cleaned up well?" Luna inquired.
"Oh yeah. That was one of the best baths I ever took, and I'm more of a shower guy." Iggy admitted.
"I'm glad. Would you care to join us in the parlor for some tea?" Celestia offered.
"I'd be delighted." Iggy answered, as he slipped into some slippers and followed the two.
In the parlor, both Celestia and Luna sat on a pillow each while using their magic to pour some tea into their cups. Iggy watched in fascination at how they were using magical levitation. Celestia levitated a cup to him which he accepted and took a sip from it, "Delicious." he smiled.
"Now then, Iggy," Luna began, "Would you mind telling us more about yoruself?"
"Sure, but you already know I'm a human right?" he asked, and the two nodded, "Well how much do you know about humans?"
"Only that the best way to describe them are bipedal hairless apes who are omnivorous compared to us herbivores." Celestia explained.
"So they aren't common in this universe?" Iggy asked nervously.
"I'm afraid not. You may very well be the first one to ever appear in Equestria." Celestia explained.
"So then how do you even know what humans are?" Iggy asked.
"They're listed in our mythological books and are regarded as myths." Luna explained.
"I see," Iggy answered seeing it's like a reverse of mythology from both his and their worlds, "And I've noticed this on you two and your guards, but why do you all have different tattoos on your flanks?"
"Tattoos?" Luna asked as the two sisters look at their cutie marks.
"Oh, you must mean our cutie marks." Celestia corrected him.
"Cutie marks?" Iggy asked feeling a little disturbed by the title.
"Yes. They symbolize a pony's special talent once they've come to realize it." the princess of the sun explained.
'Whoa, if things were like that in my world, finding a job would make life so much easier,' he thought before speaking up, "So then what do yours represent?" Iggy asked curiously.
"Mine represents my duty as princess of the day to raise the sun for daytime." Celestia explained as Luna followed.
"And mine represents my own duty to raise the moon for night time. It's how both day and night are balanced."
Iggy was jaw agape before speaking, "Wait a minute. You mean to tell me you two raise and lower both the sun and the moon?"
"Correct." Celestia confirmed his question.
"Is that surprising to you?" Luna inquired about his confusion.
Iggy wasn't sure how to explain, but did anyway, "Well you see the sun and moon aren't controlled by beings like yourself in my world."
"What can you tell us about your world?" Celestia asked.
"Well I live in a city known as Chicago, on a planet known as earth," Iggy began, "As for how I got here... Well I'm an expert in the field of robotics and engineering."
"Robotics?" Luna asked in confusion.
"Yeah it's a branch of technology that deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots." Iggy explained.
"Robots?" Celestia asked feeling as confused as her sister.
"Technology?" Luna wondered.
"Wait, don't tell me you all haven't heard of technology?" Iggy gasped feeling nervous.
"I can't say we have, sorry." Celestia answered.
Iggy's eyes widened as he started hyperventilating,"Oh say it isn't so! Say it isn't so!" he clutched his heart looking ready to have a heart attack.
Celestia and Luna got up and trotted over to him, laying a wing each on him trying to calm him down, "Take it easy, Iggy." Celestia comforted him as he started calming down.
"I'm ok. I'm ok," he sat down, "I'm sorry for that. I'm just not used to a place where technology does not exist. I feel like I'm back in the dark ages."
"Dark ages?" Luna wondered.
"Never mind that," Iggy replied and got back on track, "Anyway I was transported here due to a invention I was working on back in my own world."
"Please explain to us the purpose of this invention you were working on." Luna requested.
"It's a dimensional viewing window. It's function was to show me other worlds beyond my own so I could learn about the inhabitants of those worlds." Iggy explained.
"Go on." Celestia beckoned him to continue.
"Due to some glitch in the systems the machine went haywire and opened a portal to this world and sucked me in." the young teen continued.
"Oh my." Celestia gasped.
"Yeah, and now I have no way of getting back home, and my only link of communication isn't getting through," Iggy explained, "What have I done to deserve this?" he sighed.
Celestia comforted him, "I'm sorry for your unfortunate accident. I'm not sure how we can help you return to your world, but for now how would you like to remain in Equestria for the time being?"
"What? Really?" Iggy gasped in surprise.
Celestia nodded, "You wanted a chance to observe other worlds inhabitants, so consider this your chance. Who knows maybe you can find another way of returning to your world. We'll even help you in any way we can."
"You mean it?" Iggy asked joyously, as the two nodded, "Wow. I don't know what to say? I'm touched," he then yawned, "I'm also bushed too."
"It is rather late," Celestia nodded, "You should get some sleep."
"Right, anyplace opened?" he asked.
"Follow me." Celestia showed him off.
Soon Celestia showed Iggy to one of their guest bedrooms. Iggy looked in the room and gasped seeing it looked like a room you'd find at the Plaza Hotel, "Wow, you're really letting me bunk here?"
"You're our honored guest, Iggy. It'd be cruel of us to not show you some hospitality." Celestia answered.
"Thanks again, Princess. It really means a lot to me for you to do all this just for a guy like me." Iggy said as he plopped onto the queen sized bed.
"It's our pleasure, Iggy. Have a goodnight." she bid him a goodnight.
"Night Princess," Iggy said, as she left the room, and closed the door behind her. Iggy laid on the bed while looking up at the ceiling, before he looked over seeing the moon shinning bright, 'I sure hope Gizmo's gonna be all right without me. I can't even imagine what my dad will say when he finds out I'm missing.' he thought.
Inside Celestia's room, the princess of the sun levitated a quill and ink along with some parchment. She began writing a message.
Dear Twilight Sparkle,
My sister and I humbly invite you, Spike, and the other elements of harmony to Canterlot Castle tomorrow. We have here with us a special guest named Iggy Douglas. But take note he is not of the land of Equestria, but from another world. His species is human as I'm sure you're aware of such creatures. I would like to have all of you meet him so he can get to know all of you. We will be awaiting your arrival tomorrow.
Your princess and fellow teacher
Princess Celestia
Celestia smiled as she used her magic to teleport the message away. Meanwhile that very night in the town of Ponyville, at Golden Oaks library, Princess Twilight Sparkle and her dragon assistant Spike were doing some late night organizing of the library books, until Spike burped green flames and appearing before them was the very message Princess Celestia sent, "A letter from the princess." Twilight gasped as she levitated it over and read the message, while Spike listened.
When she finished reading it, both Twilight and Spike were in shock, "A human, in Equestria?" Twilight gasped.
"How's that possible?" Spike asked in confusion.
"I don't know, Spike. The only way to get to that human world was through the mirror gateway in the Crystal Empire," Twilight explained, "But it hasn't even been thirty moons since it closed."
"So how did this one get here?" Spike continued questioning.
"I'm not sure, but I guess we'll find out tomorrow." Twilight said as the two decided to turn in, knowing they would need their rest if they and the other elements of harmony were to be going to Canterlot tomorrow.
The morning after Twilight received the letter from Princess Celestia, she and Spike rounded up the rest of their friends Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy, and were at the train station in Ponyville, "What'd the princess say she wanted to show us?" Applejack asked her princess friend.
"A human, A.J." Twilight answered.
"Human? The creatures you said you interacted with when you went through the mirror to another world?" Fluttershy asked curiously.
"The very same." Spike answered.
"I for one can't wait to greet this human," Rarity began, "I wonder what his choice in fashion is like?"
"I just hope he's awesome," Rainbow Dash said, "The last thing I'd want is to meet somepony who's boring."
"I hope he likes parties," Pinkie bounced around, "Because I plan on throwing him the bestest welcome party there is!"
"Easy, Pinkie," Twilight calmed her, "We haven't even met this human Princess Celestia wrote to me about yet."
"Well we will be soon enough." Applejack said as the six ponies and one dragon boarded the train.
Meanwhile in Canterlot at the castle, Iggy was lying in bed fast asleep looking very peaceful, until the door opened and entering was a butler unicorn, and a maid unicorn, "Rise and shine, sir." the butler said using his magic to open the drapes in the room allowing the sun to shine in.
Because they were opened so fast the sun's light just burst in nailing Iggy in the eyes making him groan and covered his face. The two servants looked seeing Iggy groan as he sat up in bed, "Very important rule when waking someone," he began to the two, "Never open drapes that fast! Especially if the sun is extra bright."
"My appologies, sir." the butler answered, as the maid levitated his clothes all folded up neatly and stacked with his boots on top.
"Your clothes, sir." she said.
"Oh thanks. I'll get changed right away." Iggy replied.
"We'll wait for you outside." the butler said, as he and the maid left the room.
Iggy got out of bed and slipped back into his clothes, while noticing how extra clean they looked, "Wow I don't think I've ever seen my clothes this clean before," he finished putting his boots on. He looked at a mirror seeing his full reflection and smiled, "I'm ready." he exited the room seeing the butler and maid unicorn.
"Well come along we have breakfast prepared for you in the dining hall." the butler explained.
"Great," Iggy replied, as he followed the two to the dining hall where he was seated and saw his breakfast was composed of scrambled eggs and toast, with orange juice, "Wow excellent service."
"The princesses will be joining you shortly, so enjoy." the butler instructed.
"Will do," Iggy answered as he began eating, "Yum. My compliments to the chef."
"Very respective, this human." one maid whispered to another, as they watched Iggy enjoy his breakfast with satisfaction.
Suddenly entering the room, was Prince Blueblood the nephew of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, "Good morning, and what is on the menu for today?" he asked pleasantly before pulling to a halt as he saw Iggy at the table eating, "What is that?" he asked in shock and disapproval.
"Oh that's Iggy Douglas, Prince Blueblood," one of the maids explained, "He's a human."
"I can see it's a human," he answered rudely, "But what is such a creature doing here in the castle?"
"The Princesses allowed him here, sir." the butler answered.
"What?" the prince asked in shock, "Why would my Aunt Celestia and my Aunt Luna allow such a wretched creature in our royal home?"
The servants were in shock at his tone, but knew he always behaved like that with them. Iggy however looked over at him before answering in annoyance, "Hey pal, do you mind? I'm trying to eat here."
Blueblood gasped, "How dare you talk to me in such a tone, you vile creature. Do you have any idea who I happen to be?"
Iggy answered, still feeling annoyed by his tone and way of addressing him, "No. And judging from your tone I probably could care less."
Blueblood was once again appalled at his show of disrespect, "I'll have you know I am Prince Blueblood; royal nephew of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna." he said proudly with a wave of his mane.
Iggy was jaw agape at his claim and turned to the maids, "Is he for real?" they reluctantly nodded in response, "But how can that be? Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have shown me nothing but kindness and generosity, while this guy's shown me nothing but rudeness and grief."
"I beg your pardon," Blueblood asked in outrage and turned to the servants, "Can you believe what this insolent commoner is saying to me?"
The servants said nothing while not making eye contact with him. Iggy finished his breakfast and got out of his seat, approaching Blueblood, "You know I've put up with a lot of smart mouths, but you take the atom pal."
"Do not come any closer, you dirty beast." Blueblood ordered, as the two looked ready to go at it, if not for the impeccable arrival of the two sisters.
"What is going on in here?" Celestia demanded.
Before Blueblood could answer with complaints, Iggy beat him to it, "This obnoxious excuse for a prince claiming to be your nephew is disturbing the peace around here with his verbal assault on me."
The two sisters turn to their nephew firmly, "Blueblood, is this true?" Celestia inquired.
"No, Aunt Celestia," Blueblood began, "I have done nothing of the sort!"
Iggy smirked, as he clicked on his watch that played his conversation with Blueblood when he arrived into the dining hall. Though his communicator watch's communication option wasn't responding, such other commands such as recording was working perfectly. Upon hearing the words Blueblood used against Iggy through the recording, the sisters turned to their nephew with disappointed expressions, "Blueblood." they said firmly.
"How did you copy my words?" Blueblood demanded out of Iggy, who just stood triumphantly that the prince wasn't getting away with what he said.
"Does that even matter?" Celestia asked as she narrowed her eyes at her nephew.
Luna spoke up, "Iggy Douglas is our guest, and as a guest in our castle you will treat him with the utmost respect as we are treated."
"What?" Blueblood gasped, "Me show respect to this, this, thing?!"
"I think you should listen to your aunts, Bluey." Iggy recommended.
"That's Blueblood to you!" Blueblood snapped at Iggy.
"That's enough!" Luna unleashed the Royal Canterlot voice to silence him.
Celestia frowned and ordered, "Blueblood, you will return to your room and think very hard about the dishonor you have brought onto this royal family."
"But Aunt Celestia." Blueblood complained.
"Now!" the two sisters ordered.
Blueblood terrified of seeing his two aunts use the Royal Canterlot voice on him, left the room in fright. Iggy looked up at the two princesses and spoke, "And he's related to you, how?"
"He's our multiple repeated great grand nephew on our mom's side, fifty two times removed." Celestia answered, feeling embarrassed herself that he was actually part of hers and Luna's family.
"Uh-huh," Iggy nodded seeing how Blueblood proved to be nothing like the two princesses, "Well your cooking staff sure know how to make a good breakfast."
"We're glad you enjoyed it." Celestia smiled.
"Now I would suggest you get ready we will be having guests arriving soon." Luna explained.
"Guests?" Iggy asked.
"My star student from Ponyville and her closest friends will be joining us as you tell us more about yourself and you get to know more about our world as well." Celestia answered.
"Very reasonable plan, your highness," Iggy admitted, "Let me know when they arrive."
Half an hour later at Canterlot's train station, Twilight and the rest of her friends got off and were walking through the kingdom heading for the castle. When they reached the entrance, the guards permitted them entry. As they entered the throne room they saw both Princesses on the throne, "Princess Celestia! Princess Luna!" the group greeted the two sisters.
"Welcome my little ponies, and Spike," Celestia began, "We're glad you could make it."
"It's our pleasure, Princess." Twilight answered in respect.
"So where is this human boy you spoke of in your letter to Twilight?" Rarity inquired.
"One moment please," Celestia began as she motioned to the side, "Iggy, you may come out now."
Stepping out from behind the throne was Iggy who jogged over to the group before halting at the sisters sides. Upon seeing him Twilight and Spike felt nostalgia seeing a human from the other world they traveled to here in Equestria, but were confused seeing how a human came here without transforming into a pony when she and Spike transformed into a human and dog respectively. The other girls however were in awe and wonder at seeing a creature foreign to Equestria, "Bearers of Harmony and Spike," Luna began, "May my sister and I introduce to you, Iggy Douglas."
Iggy seeing the group look at him waved casually in response, "Hello, everyone."
"And, Iggy," Celestia continued, "Allow me to introduce to you the six bearers of harmony."
"Hi, Iggy!" the group greeted him.
The first to approach was Applejack, who got up on her haunches and shook his right hand with both her hooves, "Howdy do partner, name's Applejack. I represent the element of Honesty. In Ponyville I run Sweet Apple Acres, which is an apple farm owned by mah family. When you have the time you should come by. I know they've love to meet you."
"Thanks, Applejack. Nice to meet you too." Iggy smiled.
Pinkie started bouncing around him, "My name's Pinkie Pie, and I represent the element of Laughter. If you're looking for a good laugh then come to me!" she beamed with joy. Iggy found the pony's enthusiasm very amusing and was holding a chuckle before letting it out, "See I got you to smile and laugh already!" Pinkie jumped for joy.
Flying to his side was Rainbow Dash, "Nice to meet ya, bud. Name's Rainbow Dash, and I represent the element of Loyalty. If ever ya need a hoof I'll be there rain or shine." she winked.
"Good to know, Rainbow Dash." Iggy answered.
"And while I don't like to brag," she continued as her friends rolled their eyes, "I happen to be the fastest flyer in Ponyville."
"You don't say?" Iggy asked, as he crossed his arms knowing that did count as enjoying to brag.
"Ya got that right. Why one day I'm gonna be a proud member of the Wonderbolts!" she announced dramatically, only for Twilight to use her magic to levitate her over to them before she went overboard.
Approaching him was Fluttershy, who was hiding behind her mane, "Hi. I'm Fluttershy. I represent the element of Kindness." She greeted him shyly.
Iggy seeing the pegasus act so shy couldn't help but smile and pat her head, "Nice to meet you, Fluttershy. There's no need to be shy around me. I'm a nice guy. But you know your shy demeanor reminds me of a girl I know in my world."
Fluttershy feeling calmer spoke up, "Oh really? Well I'm glad I could make you happy, Iggy." she smiled.
Rarity trotted over to him, "My name is Rarity, darling. I represent the element of Generosity."
"Nice to meet you, Rarity." Iggy greeted her, and saw the white unicorn was circling him as if trying to analyze him. He could not determine why, until she spoke up.
"I must say you have quite the choice in wardrobe." she used her hoof to hold up a bit of his dark green shirt sleeved unbuttoned shirt.
"Thanks, I think." Iggy answered not sure how to take it.
"And if you were to allow me to take your measurements I could create a whole new outfit for you in your own image." Rarity offered.
"Really, you'd do that?" Iggy asked in surprise.
"Of course, darling." Rarity nodded.
"Wow, thanks." Iggy smiled, seeing this pony really must represent generosity as she said she does.
Finally Twilight and Spike approached, "A pleasure to meet you, Iggy. I am Twilight Sparkle. I represent the element of Magic."
Iggy had to hold in a laugh from hearing Twilight's name, before noticing the crown on her head, "What's with the crown, are you royalty too?"
"Well actually..."
"That's right," Spike spoke up, "Twilight here is Equestria's newest princess."
"Spike." Twilight rolled her eyes at his boasting on her behalf.
Iggy seeing Spike gasped, "Great ghosts of Kenobi! Are you a dragon?"
"Why yes. Yes I am." Spike answered proudly, until he notice Iggy analyzing him up.
'Hmm, no wings,' he thought to himself, 'Perhaps he's a Chinese dragon.' When he saw the group looking at him questionably he ceased his inspection.
"So, Iggy," Twilight began, "If I may ask, how did you come here to Equestria?"
Iggy looked up at the two sisters who nodded, letting him know he could tell them, "Well Twilight. As I told the princesses here last night, I was working on an invention that was suppose to show me other worlds, but somehow it turned into a portal and transported me here."
"Holy moly!" Pinkie gasped.
"I know. And I was certain I worked all the kinks out." Iggy sighed.
"Wait a minute, you said invention?" Twilight spoke up, "Are you an inventor?"
"That's right. I specialize in the field of robotics and engineering. I know that surprises you, because the princesses already told me robotics doesn't exist here." Iggy explained.
"What other kind of stuff do you invent?" Twilight asked curiously.
"Well lots of things," Iggy answered before motioning to his footwear, "You see these boots?"
"You made hoofwear?" Rainbow asked dryly, seeing that didn't look so impressive.
"These boots aren't just made for walking, Rainbow Dash," Iggy replied as he clicked the heels together and rollerblades emerged from the metallic soles, "They're also made for rolling!" he started rollerblading around the group.
"Wow, that looks so fun!" Pinkie cheered.
"I know," Iggy said as he stopped rolling, "But this is their best function." he clicked the heels again as small rocket jets popped out of the sides of each boot and activated causing Iggy to go airborne, surprising the group.
"WHOA! You're flying!" Rainbow gasped as the other ponies were just as surprised.
"Now you see why I love this function," Iggy said, before he started losing a bit of balance, before regaining it, "Although the first time I put these to a field test I darted all around my lab in turbulence. Almost got a concussion from when I first crashed if not for my safety helmet. Eventually I learned how to control them better and well now I can travel by air. Of course every day they need their recharge." he touched back down and deactivated the rockets and the skates.
"That's just amazing!" Twilight gasped, "What else have you invented?"
"Well I also brought along my communicator watch," he showed them it, "It's what keeps me in contact with my lab and Gizmo."
"Gizmo?" the ponies asked.
"He's my lab assistant," Iggy answered and looked at his watch, "Unfortunately my communicator isn't able to reach him here. Although I may be able to contact him if I were to change the frequency in it. Though I'd need the basic tools to tweak it."
"Hey maybe you should come to Ponyville with us." Pinkie suggested.
"Yeah, Ahm sure we can find ya the right tools yer looking for." Applejack added.
"Really?" Iggy gasped at their offer, and they nodded in response.
"Is it ok if we took Iggy with us to Ponyville, Princess?" Twilight requested Celestia.
Celestia looked at the younger ponies and at Iggy before smiling and answering, "It's all right by me."
"Yay!" Pinkie cheered.
"Though I wonder," Iggy spoke up grabbing their attention, "You think the other residents there will be as accepting of me as you?" he asked fearing he might get more remarks from others like he gotten from Blueblood.
"Don't worry silly, they'll love you!" Pinkie answered as she gave him a playful noogie.
"Well if you say so." Iggy replied taking her word for it.
"We'll come by later and see how Iggy enjoys his visit." Celestia put in.
"We'll be looking forward to it, Princess." Applejack bowed her head.
"Then we'll see you all later." Luna bid them a farewell.
"Come on, Iggy." Pinkie escorted him off with Applejack and the others following them.
Soon they were on the train heading for Ponyville. As they relaxed and enjoyed the ride, Iggy was looking out the window, "Steam locomotives, huh? Well at least this world has some form of modern transport comparable to home."
"So what kind of travel you got in your world?" Applejack asked curiously.
Before Iggy could answer, Twilight spoke up, "Well they have these things called cars and buses, and while they have taxis in his world they're not like our carriage types."
Iggy was shocked at the younger princess' description, "You talk as if you've been to my world."
"Well Iggy, I kinda have." Twilight admitted.
"Seriously, how?" Iggy gasped, wondering if she knew a possible way for him to get home.
"Well there's this mirror in another kingdom that serves as a gateway to a world where humans populate," she explained before noticing Iggy was looking excited, and knew what he was thinking, "Sorry, but I don't think it's a portal to your world. Rather it's a portal to a human version of Equestria."
Iggy let his head drop with his bubble burst, "So much for that theory," he noticed the group of ponies and dragon seeing how bummed he looked, "Sorry if I look down about it, because frankly this wasn't supposed to happen, and now I fear my dad's gonna go nuts when he finds out I'm missing."
"Just your dad?" Rainbow asked.
"What about your mom?" Fluttershy asked curiously.
"My mom's in the Navy." she answered.
"The Navy?" Applejack wondered.
"Yes. It's the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces. Their mission is to protect and defend the right of the United States and our allies to move freely on the oceans and to protect our country against enemies." he explained.
"United States?" Applejack asked in confusion.
"That's the name of the nation in which I reside in my world." Iggy explained.
"Wow, the Navy sounds awesome!" Rainbow gasped.
"It does sound exciting. They say it's not a job, but an adventure. And my mom loves an adventure." Iggy explained, "Unfortunately being in the Navy is time consuming so I barely see her as much. I mostly keep in touch with her through my laptop cam. Though I keep counting down the days when she'll finally be retired and can come home for good."
The girls smiled as Twilight spoke, "So what does your father do?"
"Dad works as a car salesman. He's a very good negotiator and always knows the right kind of vehicle for a buyer. Him and mom know of my genius intellect and commend me on my inventing. Though sometimes they fear my inventions will backfire and take out the house."
"Has that ever..." Rarity wondered, before Iggy exclaimed.
"Only once, and it was just the garage!" Iggy argued, putting Rarity in shock, "If only I didn't mix those two chemicals together." he finished feeling embarrassed.
"Aren't you supposed to be a genius?" Rainbow asked, wondering how one could make a mistake.
"Even geniuses have their moments of blunder." Iggy admitted.
Soon enough the train pulled into the station of Ponyville, "Well we're here." Applejack stated.
"Are you ready, Iggy?" Twilight asked the human.
"Ready as I'll ever be." he admitted as he was prepared to get off the train and face the world of ponies, while hoping he wasn't going to be labeled a monster and get chased by a mob.
Iggy stepped off the train with the girls and Spike to see the town he arrived in, "So this is Ponyville?" Iggy asked the group.
"Ya darn tootin'." Applejack nodded.
"Come on we got so much to show you!" Pinkie cheered as the group started leading Iggy on.
So Iggy was following the group through the town, where the young teen saw multiple ponies off all three normal types roaming around. As he walked, the pony inhabitants of the town upon noticing Iggy with the town's famed group looked upon him with looks of curiosity, confusion, and stun. As Iggy walked, he noticed all the pony folk giving him looks, and thought to himself, 'I shouldn't be surprised at such a reaction from this towns inhabitants, but still a part of me feels irked.'
Twilight noticing Iggy's discomfort whispered to the girls, "Iggy's already receiving looks of distaste from the others. I hope we can convince everypony here to to be accepting of him."
"Don't worry so much, Twilight," Pinkie whispered, "All we have to do is show everypony how wonderful he is."
"And how?" Twilight asked dryly.
"Give it time." Pinkie answered.
"You know I can hear you?" Iggy reminded them, making the group feel awkward.
"Sorry, Iggy," Twlight apologized, "Believe me the last thing we want is everypony here to judge you badly."
"But they've learned not to always judge a pony by their appearance." Rarity explained, while remembering the incidents with Zecora and Princess Luna.
"Thanks girls, but judging from their looks I could be getting them for quite awhile." Iggy replied.
"Just give them a chance, partner." Applejack encouraged him.
"If you say so," Iggy answered, "At least no one's screamed yet."
"A HUMAN!" a voice shouted startling the group, while Spike actually fell over. Iggy was in a panic thinking he was about to be attacked, until he saw a unicorn pony gallop over to him while dragging an earth pony with her. The unicorn had a light aquamarine colored coat, brilliant gamboge colored eyes, its mane was pale light grayish cyan with a bit of white, and its cutie mark was a lyre. The earth pony had a beige coat, pigment blue mane with a rose pink streak, cerulean eyes, and a cutie mark of three bows. The two skidded to a halt as the unicorn eyed Iggy with excitement while speaking to the earth pony, "See Bon-Bon, I told you I saw a human!"
The earth pony identified as Bon-Bon spoke while rolling her eyes, "Yes Lyra, you told me."
"Wow. I've never seen a human up close before." The unicorn known as Lyra circled Iggy, who was feeling awkward at what was happening.
"Well I guess this is better than anyone screaming in fright." Iggy said to the girls.
Lyra gasped and got in front of him, "And humans do talk just like us!"
"Excuse me?" Iggy asked, feeling confused by this unicorn's sudden enthusiasm.
Lyra seeing she was making a fool of herself calmed down, "Sorry for startling you, but I happen to be a studier of anthropology."
"You study humans?" Iggy asked.
"Yes. My name's Lyra Heartstrings, and this is my friend Bon-Bon." she introduced to the two.
"Hello." Bon-Bon greeted him respectively.
"Hi." Iggy greeted her and Lyra back.
"What about you, what's your name?" Lyra asked with interest.
"My name's Iggy Douglas." he introduced himself.
"Iggy Douglas." Lyra repeated.
"I'm terribly sorry for Lyra's excitement," Bon-Bon apologized to Iggy, "She's just always wanted to meet a human even though they're regarded as myths."
"Well not anymore!" Lyra announced as she gasped at seeing Iggy's hands, "Human hands," she looked up to Iggy, "Uh may I?"
Iggy seeing what she wanted, didn't want to seem rude, "Uh sure." he held out his right hand to her.
Lyra got on her haunches and took his hand into her hoof, marveling at how soft his palm felt, and how each of his fingers just twiddled, "So beautiful." she awed.
Iggy starting to feel more disturbed looked to the girls mouthing them to help him. Twilight approached and made some space between the unicorn and the human, "Sorry to cut your admiration short, but we really have to get going." she started escorting Iggy away. As the group walked away, Pinkie leaned into Lyra and Bon-Bon whispering something to them. They nodded before galloping off.
As the group carried on, Iggy spoke, "I don't know whether I should have felt honored or awkward someone from this world had such an interest in my species."
"Take whatever compliment you get and don't ask questions." Rainbow noted him.
"Duly noted," Iggy answered as he continued looking around the place seeing there were no phone lines. Curiously he spoke up, "Say how do you pony folk keep contact with each other?"
"Through letters of course." Twilight answered.
"Just letters?" Iggy asked, "I can imagine it must take awhile for the six of you so send something and wait for a response."
"Actually whenever we send a message to Princess Celestia we don't normally have to wait long." Twilight explained.
"Why do your 'mail ponies' fly fast like Rainbow?" Iggy asked using air quotes.
"You'd wish." Rainbow answered, as Spike spoke up.
"Twilight uses me to send messages to the princess. I have magical flames that can transport any letter to the princess just like that. And she can use her magic to transport a response back just as fast."
"Interesting," Iggy admitted and thought, 'Not like phones, but at least mail can travel faster than it can back home.'
They walked as Iggy looked seeing a tent place, "What's this place?"
Rarity seeing what he was looking at answered, "Why this is Ponyville's spa, Iggy. The ponies there are naturals at making anypony feel as good as new."
"A spa? Never been to one of those before." Iggy admitted.
"Then you have been missing out on a lot." Rarity gasped.
"Well my dad occasionally says I spend a lot of time in my lab," Iggy admitted, "But when you're a super genius and no longer need an education you tend to have a lot of free time on your hand."
"No longer need an education?" Twilight asked curiously.
"Yeah I completed all my education levels," Iggy answered, "I haven't gone to school since I was ten."
"Whoa. You really must be smart." Applejack noted.
"Yeah," Iggy admitted, "Though not needing to go to school anymore does lower my chances of meeting others."
"Don't you have any friends?" Fluttershy asked in worry.
"Plenty," Iggy admitted, "I may not be a student, but I keep in contact with my closest friends that I did go to school with. Still waiting for classes to get out so I can contact them is a pain. Summer is about the only time I can truly see them without any interruptions."
"Well don't you worry, because we're gonna help you make more friends here!" Pinkie beamed while putting a hoof around Iggy.
"Thanks." Iggy brightened up.
As they walked past Rarity's shop, the fashionista spoke up, "And this is where I live and work. Carrousel Boutique."
"And you make dresses and suits?" Iggy inquired.
"Correct." she answered.
"You should see the stuff Rarity designs, they're sooooo good." Pinkie added.
"Oh Pinkie, you flatter me." Rarity chuckled in flatter.
They walked past the library as Twilight spoke, "Spike and I live here at Golden Oaks library."
"This is a library?" Iggy asked, while studying the tree.
"That's right." Spike answered.
"Hmm... I may have to do some history studying here." Iggy stated.
"Well we have all kinds of Equestria history books for you to study." Twilight admitted.
"Cool." Iggy said, only for Rainbow to nudge him along.
"Yeah-yeah. Study and history. Let's move along."
Iggy looked ahead and saw they were heading to what appeared to be a farm with a large orchard of apple trees, "Whoa. Is this the farm you were talking about, Applejack?" he asked the earth pony.
"That's right," she answered, "Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres."
"Sis!" a young voiced called as Iggy looked seeing two more ponies approach. The first was a young filly with a yellow coat, orange eyes, red mane, and a pink bow in her hair. The second was a stallion with orange mane, a red coat, green eyes, a cutie mark of a green apple sliced in half, and wore a horse collar. The bigger one was carrying a huge cart of apples.
"Howdy yall," Applejack greeted the two, "What perfect timing. I got somepony here I'd like ya to meet," he brought Iggy over, taking the two by surprise, "I'd like yall to meet Iggy Douglas. Iggy this here's ma sister Applebloom and ma brother Big Macintosh."
"Nice to meetcha." Iggy greeted them.
"Wow, what are you?" Applebloom gasped, as she observed Iggy.
"He's a human, Applebloom." Twilight explained.
"A human?" The filly asked in confusion.
"Yeah," Pinkie answered, "He's from a whole other world different from our own."
Applebloom looked up at Iggy in wonder before smiling brightly, "I wanna take ya to show and tell!"
"Huh?" Iggy raised a brow, as Applejack calmed her sister.
"Easy there sis. Don't be givin' our guest a scare."
Big Mac approached Iggy, and extended a hoof, "Welcome to the farm, Iggy."
"Thanks, Big Macintosh," Iggy shook his hoof, "So you all grow apples here?"
"Eeyup." Big Mac nodded.
"We grow the best apples here in Equestria." Applebloom added.
"Here. Try one and see for yourself." Applejack took an apple from the cart and handed it to Iggy.
Iggy looked at the tasty looking fruit, before taking a bite out of it. The group watched him chew and swallow, before waiting to see his reaction. Iggy's eyes widened as he spoke, "This has to be... the most juiciest apple I've ever tasted!" he cheered, before continuing eating the delectable fruit. The Apple siblings smiled seeing how satisfied he was with their products.
"Glad ya like 'em partner." Applejack smiled.
"You guys seriously know how to grow good apples." Iggy added as he finished it.
"It's our specialty." Applejack noted.
"Eeyup." Big Mac nodded.
Pinkie leaned into Iggy and spoke, "If you think that's something, just wait till you try some of the treats at Sugarcube Corner."
"Sugarcube Corner?" Iggy asked curiously.
"Yeah. It's only the bestest place in all of Ponyville!" Pinkie bounced around.
"I'll believe it when I see it." Iggy answered skeptically just to tease her.
"Well then let's go." Rainbow said as the group left the apple farm.
"Meetcha there!" Pinkie zipped off.
"What's she in a hurry for?" Iggy asked the group, who looked as if they had something to hide, but Twilight answered.
"Pinkie just loves to be there first."
"I see." Iggy answered but knew there had to be a deeper reason.
Soon they were back in town as Spike motioned up ahead to their destination, "There it is. Sugarcube Corner."
Iggy looked at the building and gasped at its gingerbread house design, "Whoa. It looks good enough to eat."
"Well hope ya got plenty of room," Applejack warned him, "Because Pinkie and the Cakes make some of the most delicious treats."
"They're absolutely spectacular." Rarity added.
"Guys!" Pinkie called as she was waiting by the entrance, "What took you so long?"
The girls rolled their eyes as they brought Iggy in, only to see the place was dark, "Hey why's it so dark in here?" the boy asked in confusion.
Suddenly the lights came on, and to Iggy's surprise saw just about every pony inhabitant in town gathered together, "Surprise!" the group called.
"What the... What is all this?" Iggy asked in shock.
"It's your surprise welcome party, Iggy." Pinkie explained.
"Welcome party?" Iggy asked, while raising a brow.
"Yeah. To show you you're welcome in Ponyville." Pinkie added.
"And all these ponies came just for me?" Iggy asked her.
"Well duh."
"How were you able to put all this together so fast?" Iggy asked in confusion.
"Never underestimate a pony with a love for parties like me." Pinkie explained like she was a secret agent.
"Come on, Iggy. It's your party after all." Rainbow said, as the girls brought him over to get to know the other ponies, along with trying out some of the goodies and baked goods made for the party.
"Mm, this is delicious!" Iggy beamed as he ate some cake, before turning the the Cake couple, "Mr and Mrs. Cake, you two make a scrumptious cake."
"Well thanks, Iggy." Carrot Cake answered, while feeling honored at his compliment.
"We do our best to please our customers." Cup Cake added as the couple nuzzled each other.
The Mane six gathered around Iggy seeing how much he's sampled of the sugary treats, "Wow and I thought Pinkie could clear a table." Rainbow gasped, while Pinkie herself looked shocked at how many plates he's cleared.
"That can't be good for somepony like you." Twilight noted, recalling how Spike once ate a whole tub of ice cream and got a stomach ache from it.
"Actually sugar is very good for the brain," Iggy admitted, "You'd be amazed at how much eating sugar has benefited the growth and stimulation of my intelligence... And give me the occasional sugar rush." she finished sheepishly.
As the party continued, the doors opened and entering were two Pegasi guards, followed by Celestia and Luna, "The princesses." a pony gasped as every pony in Sugarcube Corner bowed to them.
Iggy seeing every pony gathered including Twilight and her friends bowed to the princesses, did so as well. Celestia smiled and spoke up, "Greetings everypony. You may rise." obeying her command, they all rose up.
"We had a feeling you'd all be here." Luna spoke to the six.
"Well you're just in time." Pinkie replied.
"We're so glad you two could make it." Twilight added.
"Well we had to see that our honored guest is enjoying himself of course," Celestia smiled before noticing Iggy, "Are you having a good time here in Ponyville, Iggy?"
"The best, Princess," Iggy answered, "Ponyville's quite the place. And the residents here have really proven to be hospitable... After they stopped eyeballing me." he chuckled to himself, making the girls chuckle with him.
"Well we're glad our fellow princess and her friends could make you feel welcome in their home town." Luna said.
"You've all done well." Celestia congratulated the girls and Spike.
"Thank you, Princess." the group thanked her.
"Now that they're here, the party can really get started!" Pinkie cheered as she pulled Vinyl Scratch the DJ unicorn onto the scene with her turntables, and began doing what she does best.
As he started remixing, Iggy started moving his shoulders, "This is a catchy beat."
"Well come on." Pinkie pulled Iggy out of his seat and brought him to the center to join the dancing ponies.
Iggy slowly moved to the beat, until he got more relaxed and eventually danced with the rest of the party goers. When Iggy started doing the robot, Rainbow spoke up, "What kind of step i that?"
"This Rainbow is called 'The Robot.'." Iggy explained as he continued to do the robot like a pro. The ponies were impressed as some tried it out themselves, but weren't as good at is as Iggy. As Iggy continued to enjoy the party he thought to himself, 'Maybe being here won't be so bad after all.'
After a long day of partying and getting to know the rest of Ponyville's inhabitants, Iggy was brought back to Canterlot castle with the princesses. Inside his guest room, Iggy was on the floor surrounded by tools given to him by some of Ponyville's residents to use to reconfigure his communicator. The door opened, and the princesses entered, "Iggy?" Luna asked.
"Oh. Evening princesses." Iggy greeted them, as they approached him.
"We've just stopped in to inform you dinner will be prepared shortly." Celestia explained.
"Ok. I'll be there." Iggy nodded.
"And how are your adjustments going?" Luna inquired, as she watched him work.
"Well slow," He admitted, "These tools here are more primitive than the tools I'm used to working with back at my lab. But it's better than working with nothing," he looked at his communicator watch and gasped as he saw it beeping a bit, "Hold on. I think I got something." he made a few more adjustments, as he stood up and clicked his communicator to project a rectangular transparent screen that was hazy. The two princesses were curious, as they watched Iggy continue to check his communicator.
"Gizmo? Gizmo, come in," Iggy ordered, as he kept trying to get a stronger signal, "Gizmo, do you copy?"
Suddenly the three heard a voice coming from it, as the screen was getting less fuzzy. Suddenly Gizmo's face appeared, "Iggy, this is Gizmo. I read you loud and clear."
Iggy sighed in sweet relief, "Oh thank goodness I finally got through to you."
"As am I. I've been trying to get through to you myself, but the signal was coming up with no results," Gizmo replied, until he saw the two princesses next to his master, "Uh who are those two with you?"
"They're friends of mine." Iggy explained.
"Well where are you, Iggy, are you all right?" Gizmo inquired in worry.
"I'm perfectly fine, Gizmo."
"Well that's a relief. I was worried about you when the viewing window sucked you in." Gizmo answered.
"Speaking of which, how's it looking?" Iggy wondered.
"Well not as good as you'd hope," Gizmo answered in guilt, "The repairs to it are coming along slowly without your genius to help."
"Isn't there anything you can do with it?" Iggy asked with hope.
"Right now it only has power to transport non-living material." Gizmo explained.
"So what would happen if you tried opening it up and I tried to come back through it in its current state?" Iggy wondered.
"The pressure of you trying to cross through it would tear you up molecule by molecule." Gizmo warned him.
"Ouch." Iggy cringed, while the princesses could also feel that sounded uncomfortable.
"Yes. However I can send you some supplies from here for you." Gizmo replied, to lift his creators mood.
"Well that's comforting," Iggy admitted, "See if you can send me some spare clothing and some more of my tools."
"Yes sir."
"By the way," Iggy continued, "Does dad know I'm missing?"
"Oh good heavens no," Gizmo answered, "As soon as you disappeared I activated your robo-duplicate to stand in for you. It's a good thing your dad's not perceptive enough to tell the difference between the real you and your robo-you."
"Thank God." Iggy sighed in relief.
"I'll be sure to alert you the moment I make more progress with the repairs to your machine." Gizmo promised.
"Thanks, Gizmo."
"No problem. Just be careful in whatever world you're in. I don't want to lose my own creator, and I know your father wouldn't want to lose you. Over and out." Gizmo saluted as the screen vanished.
Iggy sighed in relief that he at least now had communications to his world, as Celestia spoke, "Who was that sentient creature, Iggy?"
"That was Gizmo, my robotic assistant," Iggy explained, "And with him trying to repair my machine I feel much better knowing I'm not going to be here for the rest of my life. After all I got a lot of stuff I want to do with my life."
"Such as?" Luna pondered.
"Well I want to see the Smithsonian for one thing." Iggy explained.
The two sisters looked at each other in confusion before the two asked, "Smithsonian?"
Iggy chuckled, "Long story, but I'll tell ya later. After all this tinkering I'm famished." he chuckled as he and the two sisters left the room to grab dinner in the dining hall.
Back in Iggy's world inside his lab, Gizmo was constantly making repairs to his master's machine, "Don't worry master, I'll make sure the portal is repaired fully so i can bring you home. Because if your father finds out you're in another world, it's the scrapheap for me." he shuddered.
The very morning after last night when Iggy finally made contact with Gizmo back home, he was in his guest room doing toe touch exercises, "And thirty!" he finished before flexing his arms.
There was a knock at the door, as Celestia's voice came, "Iggy, can I come in?"
"Sure, Princess." Iggy answered.
Celestia entered and spoke, "And how are we this morning?"
"Very well, thank you," Iggy answered, "Anything I can do for you?"
"Actually I just received this letter from Twilight to give to you." Celestia answered, as she levitated a letter to Iggy, who accepted it and started reading it to myself.
"Hmm, seems Twilight invited me back to Ponyville for today. She and the others want to have a day with me to better understand me, and for me to get to know more about Ponyville." Iggy explained to the princess.
"And your answer?" Celestia asked.
"Tell her I'll be right over, after I've had breakfast." Iggy answered.
"Of course." Celestia nodded, as Iggy left for the dining hall.
After breakfast, Iggy and Celestia were on the tower balcony with Iggy looking out into the distance, "Well I better get going." he said.
"Are you sure you don't want to take the carriage?" Celestia offered.
"Thanks, but I'll be fine flying there on my own," Iggy answered, as he activated the rockets in his boots and hovered off the ground, "Besides I love flying around on my own."
"Well just be careful." Celestia warned him.
"Will do, Princess." Iggy answered, as he maintained altitude in the air and flew off the balcony, leaving the castle.
He flew over Canterlot before leaving the mountain side. He started flying above Ponyville, "Wow! Flying in the sky of Equestria is even better that back home. I mean no worries about keeping an eye out for planes that could fly into me, or people attempting to shoot me thinking I'm an Unidentified flying object," he flew to a cloud and felt it and to his surprise didn't pass right through it, "Hey these clouds are actually fluffy, good enough to even lie on." he poked one feeling as if it really did feel like a marshmallow.
"Glad ya think so." a voice spoke up, which startled Iggy making him lose balance, before he regained it.
He looked and saw Rainbow Dash flying up to his level, "Rainbow Dash?"
"That's me." she answered with pride.
"Please don't startle me like that! Keeping balance in mid air for me is extremely important, especially while wearing my rocket boots." he warned her.
"No need to be so uptight." Rainbow replied, like he took it too seriously.
"Not being uptight," He answered, "I'm just very sensitive while I'm in mid air."
"If you say so." she shrugged it off.
"So what're you doing up here?" the boy genius asked.
"I was just finishing weather duty, until I saw you flying my way." she answered.
"Twilight let you know I was on my way?" he asked seeing through her statement.
"Yeah. That too." Rainbow nodded.
"Well I guess I better go ground level." Iggy suggested.
"Meetcha there!" Rainbow called as she took off.
"Hey I'm not racing!" Iggy called, but sighed with a roll of his eyes before following her from behind. As he started getting closer he could see the town, and all it's inhabitants going about their daily lives and jobs.
On the ground, Rainbow landed before Twilight, Spike, and the others, "Rainbow, have you seen Iggy up there?" Twilight asked.
"Yeah. He was right behind me." she answered.
"And here he comes now." Applejack said, as she and the others looked up seeing Iggy flying downward before putting his feet out.
"Activating skates," he called as his rollerblade skates popped out of his boots. He reached the ground and skated along the road, trying to stop, "Someone stop me!" he cried as he was heading right for the girls. Twilight activated her magic, and surrounded Iggy with her magical force which stopped him in his tracks before he could crash into them, "Oh thanks, Twi. One thing I still have issues with when flying is pulling to a halt on the ground without crashing."
"Then shouldn't you wear a helmet?" Rarity wondered.
"Well I don't land on my head when I crash. I just fall over." the human answered.
"Well we're glad you made it here in one piece, Iggy." Twilight replied.
"So am I," he nodded, "And I have good news. I managed to send a message to my assistant Gizmo, and he's already working on repairs to my machine."
"Well that's good, looks like you'll be getting back to your world soon." Twilight said.
"Well I hope so, because things have a knack for taking an unwanted turn when it involves me." Iggy explained.
"Whatever do you mean?" Rarity inquired.
"Well like I've mentioned before sometimes my experimenting leads to mishaps brought on by something I overlooked or miscalculated with my inventions." he answered.
"Such as what brought you here?" Rarty asked.
"Unfortunately." Iggy sighed.
"Oh don't be such a downy-wowny!" Pinkie said as she pulled him into a headlock.
"Pinkie's right, sugarcube," Applejack added, "After all mistakes only improve yerself."
"Agreed." Twilight nodded.
"Yeah. You're right." Iggy smiled as he got out of Pinkie's headlock, "So whatcha want me to do with you all?"
"Well for one thing I never got the chance to take your measurements," Rarity began, "After all there are multiple festivities held here in Equestria. And depending on how long you will be here, it'd be best if you at least had some formal wear for whatever event."
"I see. Well I guess I could swing by your shop and see how you work." Iggy said feeling willing to see what makes her Ponyville's well known fahsionista.
"Well then follow me." Rarity guided him with the others following.
"Why thank you, Iggy. Now if you come with me I'll take your measurements." Rarity ordered.
"Ok." Iggy answered as he went to the measuring section of the boutique.
He went onto a stand as Rarity used her magic to levitate a pencil, notepad, and measuring tape, "Now Iggy I'm going to have to ask you to remove your shirt."
"My shirt?" Iggy asked, looking nervous while blushing.
"Well of course, darling. It's much easier for me to make accurate measurements." Rarity answered as if it should be obvious.
"Well ok." Iggy replied as he removed his short sleeved unbuttoned shirt and placed it in a nearby basket, and removed his regular green t-shirt and dropped it in the same basket. Iggy stood before Rarity topless. While Iggy didn't have a standard jock build, he didn't have the stereotypical scrawny nerd build either. He had just an average build for a regular fourteen year old. In fact most of his exercise was working with equipment and tools.
So Rarity used her measuring tape to measure Iggy's body up, from his torso, arms, waist, and legs, while taking precise notes. When she finished she levitated the measuring tape and her notes onto the table, "There we are all done," she smiled as Iggy stepped down and put his two shirts back on, "Now before I get started are there any particular colors or design you would like in your new clothes?"
"Well my fave colors include green and black of any shade. As for designs," he grabbed a notepad and pencil, "May I borrow these?" Rarity nodded, as Iggy started writing before presenting his own notes to her.
"Well this shouldn't be a problem. Just leave it to me." Rarity said as she took her notes and went upstairs.
"She really is into this stuff isn't she?" Iggy asked the girls as he took a seat.
"You betcha." Applejack nodded.
"Rarity's always making us dresses or outfits for special occasions." Twilight explained.
"Yeah. Like the Grand Galloping Gala." Pinkie put in.
"Grand Galloping Gala?" Iggy asked, while raising a brow in curiosity.
"It's an annual event that's held in Canterlot every year at the castle." Twilight explained.
"We went to it one time, but we kinda caused a ruckus." Applejack answered, as the group looked sheepishly.
"Do I dare ask what happened?" Iggy asked, feeling it's worse than what he's thinking.
"You don't wanna know." Fluttershy answered feeling embarrassed at the memory.
"We're planning on attending it again this time, and we're gonna make sure there are no repeats of last time." Rainbow explained.
"By sticking together." Spike said smugly to the girls, who rolled their eyes because he never let them live it down.
"Hey if you're still around maybe you can attend the gala with us." Pinkie suggested.
"Would I even be allowed?" Iggy asked seeing he'd stick out in a whole ball room of ponies.
"I'm sure you would." Twilight replied.
"That's also if you're still around when it comes." Rainbow added.
"Well maybe I don't have to automatically leave when the portal is fixed." Iggy answered, brightening their moods.
"It'd be awesome if you stuck around." Rainbow noted.
"I agree, there's still so much we could get to know from each other and our worlds." Twilight added.
Soon Rarity trotted back downstairs levitating a pile of clothes she just made for Iggy, "All right I'm done."
"Wow, you work fast." Iggy said feeling impressed.
"That's me for you," Rarity giggled, before levitating the clothes into Iggy's hands, "Now try these on for size."
Iggy while holding the clothes, went behind one of the changing screens and hung his current clothes on the screen. Iggy then stepped out from behind the screen wearing his new clothes, along with his regular boots. The clothes Rarity made for him were composed of black denim jean shorts, and a green T-shirt made from cotton. On the shirt were black logos with the sleeves bearing the symbol of a nuclear atom, and on the front of the shirt was the symbol of radiation, and on the back of the shirt was a symbol for bio-hazard. Iggy stood before the ponies and Spike in a presenting pose.
"A job well done as always, Rarity." Twilight nodded in agreement, as Spike gave her a thumb's up.
"Thank you, girls," she then looked to her subject, "What about you, Iggy?"
"I... love it!" he cheered.
"You really do?" Rarity gasped in joy to see he was pleased.
"Yeah. This is a look worthy of a scientific genius," Iggy admitted and held out his right leg, "And these shorts make it easier to move in."
"Well your satisfied look pleases me." Rarity smiled.
"Well now that he's got his new look, can we do something else now?" Rainbow asked the group.
"You're right," Twilight nodded, "Let's go back to the library and get to know more about each other."
"Works for me." Iggy nodded as the rest started to agree.
Later they were at Golden Oaks Library, where Iggy was telling the girls more about his world. He mostly told them simple stuff so that he wouldn't confuse any of them. As they conversed, Spike had served them nachos with cheese, "Here ya go." he sat the plates down.
"Nachos, good choice." Iggy admitted.
"Try them," Twilight insisted, "Spike's nacho's are hoof-lickin good."
"Ok," Iggy took one and dipped it into the cheese and ate it, "Wow these are good."
"Yes, Spikey is definitely a wonder." Rarity smiled at she smiled at the young dragon who blushed.
"So you told us you live with your parent's, Iggy," Twilight continued, "Is there anypony else in your life?"
"As a matter of fact yes," Iggy answered as he pulled out his wallet and took out a small photo, which was of him as a four year old boy with his parents. His father had short brown hair like Iggy's, and brown eyes. His mother was a stunning beautiful woman with long black hair, and blue eyes, "These are my parents. My mom; Cassandra, and my dad; Russel."
"Your parents look like the happy couple." Pinkie noted.
"That they do," Iggy smiled as he looked at the picture, "This was taken four years before my mom was brought back to the Navy."
The girls saw how this affected him, before they comforted him. Iggy smiled seeing how they were keeping him, "So do you have any friends at all?" Fluttershy asked.
"As a matter of fact, yes." Iggy answered as he pulled out another wallet sized photo. In the picture were two teen about his age. A boy and a girl. The boy had short black hair, and brown eyes. His attire included black sneakers, jeans, and a blue t-shirt. The girl had long blonde hair in a braided ponytail, and violet colored eyes. She wore purple sneakers, green pants, and wore a heavy red hoody looking like she had something to hide underneath it.
"Who're these two?" Spike asked.
"The guy there is Eddie Beltof, he was the first real friend I ever made. I met him in the first grade, when some other students were picking on me. But he stood up for me. We've been buds ever since, even when I no longer attended school. I'd even help him with his homework when he needed it." Iggy explained.
"And who's this young lady?" Rarity asked, while eyeing the girl in the picture.
"Cynthia Daniels," Iggy explained, "I met her in the second grade. Actually we ran into each other in the hall way. I helped her collect her books and show her the way to class. She shared a bit of interest in my field of robotics and inventing as well, of course she normally acts shy around me."
"I wonder why?" Pinkie asked, while Iggy and the girls rolled their eyes at her clueless.
"She also acts as a secondary assistant in my lab when I need human help," Iggy continued, "She's looking to becoming a detective like her brother was, before he passed away."
"Passed away?" Applejack gasped.
"Yeah. Her parents are mostly against the idea, and to top it off pretend they don't even know they had a son."
"What?!" Rainbow called, "Their own son dies and they just pretend he never existed?"
"Cynthia feels that they think the best way for them to cope with it is by denying said person was ever alive. And when she tries bringing it up they just scold her and tell her never to mention him again," Iggy explained, "Yeah her parents have problems. But for now Cynthia said she'll only worry about it when it comes time for her to go off to college."
"She's a very brave girl." Rarity noted.
"She sure is." Iggy smiled, and blushed at the picture of Cynthia.
He then showed them a picture of him and Gizmo, "This is my robotic assistant, Gizmo."
"Right you told us about him." Rainbow noted.
"Yeah. He helps me out around my lab a lot. He was the first robot I invented. In fact whenever I'm off doing something he keeps my lab in check so nothing goes wrong," he explained, until his communicator beeped, putting curious looks on the ponies and Spike, "That's him now," he held up his left wrist and clicked on it, "Iggy here."
The communicator displayed the holographic screen with Gizmo in it, "Oh thank goodness! I thought I wasn't going to get through to you this time compared to how I was able to last night." he said in relief.
"I was worried too." Iggy admitted, as the girls and Spike gathered around.
"Oh let me see!" Pinkie beamed as she got a good look.
Gizmo seeing the ponies asked his creator, "More friends?"
"Oh yeah," Iggy nodded, "Gizmo, meet Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Spike. Say hi to Gizmo, everypony."
"Hi Gizmo!" they greeted him.
"Nice to meet you all," Gizmo answered, "I hope you're making sure my master is safe in your world."
"Don't worry, he's in good hooves." Rainbow assured him.
"Clearly." Gizmo answered seeing hooves were what they had and not hands.
"So any updates with the machine?" Iggy asked hoping to hear good news.
"Well it's coming along nicely, although it still needs some tweaking." Gizmo answered.
"Well does it still have enough power to transport non living items?" Iggy asked hopefully.
"Yes, and I've packed a trunk filled with the necessities you requested. Shall I send it now?" Gizmo wondered.
"Yes please. Though will it arrive where I am?" Iggy inquired.
"Yes. While repairing the machine I installed a tracker that'll hone in on your communicator. The portal should open where the signal is being given off from it." Gizmo explained.
"That's perfect." Iggy complimented his assistant's clever thinking.
"I knew you'd be overjoyed. I'm going to activate the portal and send the trunk to you. Stand by." Gizmo instructed.
"Right." Iggy nodded as he waited.
Suddenly the group saw a portal open up out of thin air and sliding out of it was a black trunk. Iggy went to it and opened it up seeing his lab coat, some of his tools, and a few extra clothes, "Oh yes! All in one piece. Hey he even sent this." he pulled something out of the trunk and put it on his left ear.
He looked to face the girls, who saw he was wearing something connected to his left ear and had a green lens covering his left eye (Dragonball Z scouter design), "What is that?" Twilight asked curiously.
"This is my scanner," Iggy explained, "This can translate any written language on text, and can detect heat and body signatures around me."
"Wow that's neat." Pinkie gasped.
"Ya think everything's neat." Applejack noted.
"Well with this I'll have no problem with translating anything in your texts," Iggy explained, "And now that I'm here at the library I can get to work and learn about Equestrian history."
"I know the just the books to start you off." Twilight stated as she went to collect some history books for him to began learning. The girls rolled their eyes knowing Twilight's found a guy who loves studying as much as she does.
"And make sure to send a note to Princess Celestia to send me a carriage to put my trunk in." Iggy added as Spike saluted and got started writing the note.
About three days later, it was nighttime in Chicago. In Iggy's lab, Gizmo was putting the finishing touches on Iggy's machine, "There it's finished. I know I should tell Iggy immediately that the machine's complete, but it's already nighttime in Equestria. I'll let him enjoy one last night there and tell him in the morning." he said as he was about to go power down, until something was crashing down through the tube that led up and out or down and into the lab. Coming out of the tube was a fourteen year old boy with red hair, and dark eyes. His outfit included black boots, jeans, a red shirt, a black lab coat that was left open, and on his back was some kind of round metal red backpack.
"Hello, Iggy Douglas," The boy began, "It is I Jack Mcallister; evil boy genius, and your eternal rival!" he let out an annoying maniacal laugh. He looked around seeing no sign of Iggy and stopped laughing, "Hey where is Iggy?"
"Jack, it's late," Gizmo said dryly, "Shouldn't you be in bed?"
"An evil genius never sleeps! Now where is Iggy?" he demanded.
"He's not here." Gizmo answered.
"What? Where is he?" Jack asked curiously.
"I'm not telling." Gizmo answered defiantly.
"Well when will he be back?" Jack asked as he started to get annoyed.
"Tomorrow, so come back until then." Gizmo said dismissing him.
"Hold on, what's that?" Jack asked motioning to the archway.
"None of your business." Gizmo answered wanting to get him out of the lab.
"Looks like some kind of portal device," Jack theorized before it dawned on him, "Wait don't tell me, did Iggy go through it and wound up elsewhere?" when he didn't receive an answer he smirked, "He did didn't he?"
"What's it to you?" Gizmo asked as he got ready to attack.
"Forget waiting for him, I'll just go to him." Jack said as he was ready to go to the control panel.
"Not so fast," Gizmo said as he sounded an alarm, "Guard bots, attack!" he ordered as more drones designed similar to himself activated and where wheeling over and surrounded Jack on all sides.
"Two can play at that game," Jack said as he clicked on his own watch and coming out of the tube were ten robots of his own. They looked like robotic versions of himself, "Go, Mecha-Jacks!" the Mecha-Jack robots took off and started fighting Iggy's drones and Gizmo.
With the robots fighting, Jack went to the control board of the machine and using his own genius intellect was able to start it up and saw the tracer pinpointing his location, "Ah-hah, there you are!" he went to the portal, "Let's go boys!" he called as he jumped into the portal, and his robots followed him.
"No!" Gizmo called as he wheeled to the control board, "Gotta reroute the coordinates," he said as he typed in some buttons before he looked at the monitor and sighed in relief, "Good he didn't arrive at Iggy's location. But now he's in Equestria. I better alert Iggy tomorrow morning. Once again something goes wrong when everything looks too good to be peaceful and easy." he sighed.
Meanwhile Jack and his robots were flying through the same vortex as Iggy did when he was transported to Equestria. Jack was screaming high pitched as he went through it, "I'm gonna hurl!"
Suddenly a portal opened up and Jack along with his robots fell out of it and landed on the ground, "I think I bruised my spleen." Jack said in pain.
"Do you require assistance, master?" one of the Mecha-Jacks asked.
"Yes please," Jack groaned as two of his robots helped him to his feet, "Where are we?" he asked as they looked around seeing he and his bots were in some barren land of red dirt and rocks. To the ponies of Equestria it was known as the Badlands, a barren land said to be the home of some of Equestria's most nastiest of creatures.
"This doesn't appear to be close to any civilization master." one of the robots explained.
"I can see that," Jack answered, until an owl hooted and Jack hid behind one of his robots in fright, "I don't like it here. I wanna go home now."
"That's impossible, master." one of the robots reminded him.
"You're right," he sighed realizing his mistake of jumping into the portal without knowing how he was gonna get back, "Wait a minute. Iggy's supposed to be in this world as well. If I can find him and defeat him I'll force him to send me home. Jack you are a genius," he said to himself, "I know." he answered himself.
As Jack continued explaining his plan to his robots, they were unaware they were being watched from behind a huge boulder by two black insect looking ponies with blue eyes. The two looked at each other before nodding and flew off, without Jack or his robots noticing them.
At Canterlot castle, Iggy had just finished his bath and slipped into a cleaner pair of clothes. When he left for the parlor of the castle, to his surprise he found Twilight, her friends, and Spike with both princesses, "Hi Iggy." the girls greeted him.
"Oh, hi girls," Iggy greeted them, "I didn't expect to see you here this early."
"Well we wanted to come by and greet you ourselves." Pinkie explained.
"I see." Iggy answered, as he took a seat and took a cup of tea from Celestia.
As he sat close to Rarity, the unicorn caught a whiff and let out a relaxing sigh, "Iggy, you smell positively radiant today."
"Well thanks I used my favorite body wash and deodorant Gizmo sent me in my trunk. It's very popular back in my world," Iggy admitted, until he heard his communicator beep, "Oh better take this. Gizmo, I read ya." he clicked his communicator.
Gizmo appeared in the screen and spoke, "Oh there you are, sir. You look happy this morning."
"Of course. Ever since you sent me my tools and such three days ago, being here has been more bearable to me."
"I'm glad. Well I've contacted you because I've got some good news, and I've got some bad news." the robot explained.
"Oh this is never good." Iggy said, feeling dismal already, while the ponies were curious.
"Which do you want to hear first?" Gizmo inquired.
"Give me the good news, that way I can be happy even for a moment." Iggy answered, feeling prepared for the inevitable worst news.
"Well the good news is the portal's fully operational." Gizmo explained, knowing Iggy would love to hear that the most.
"It is?!" Iggy gasped, "Yes! Now I won't feel like i'm stuck here with no way out!"
"What's your bad news?" Twilight asked leaning over his shoulder.
"Well for this I feel it's best I tell you in person, rather than on this side of the communicator." Gizmo explained.
"You're going to come here?" Iggy asked curiously.
"It's only right. Plus I can finally see this world you're in up close." the robot answered.
"Well I'll be waiting." Iggy answered, as he ended his transmission.
"This is cool, we can finally see how you got here." Rainbow said feeling excited.
"Let's just hope nothing goes wrong like it did with me," Iggy said, until he saw a portal appear out of thin air which gave him the hint, "Stand back, girls. Here he comes."
The group looked as they heard screaming emitting from it, and flying out of the portal was Gizmo who crashed onto the floor. The ponies cringed at the crash, as Gizmo spoke, "Please, help me up," Iggy went over and helped his robot back onto his wheel leg, where he regained balance, "Thank you, sir."
"No problem, Gizmo. How do you feel after going through the portal?" Iggy asked.
"Well I feel all in tact, so no problems." Gizmo explained.
'Thank goodness," Iggy sighed, "But how can we get back now if you've left the post?"
"I brought this with me," Gizmo held up a remote like device, "This will reactivate the portal allowing us to get home."
"Yes!" Iggy cheered, "Oh of course. Gizmo meet the friends I made in Equestria. I already introduced to you Twilight, Pinkie, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow, Fluttershy, and Spike."
"Ah yes, a pleasure to see the seven of you up close." Gizmo greeted them, only for Pinkie Pie to zip over and look at him.
"Wow, I've never seen anything like you before." she said while inspecting him.
"So this is a robot?" Twilight asked.
"Correct," Iggy nodded in confirmation, before pulling Gizmo over to meet the princesses, "And let me personally introduce to you Equestria's Royal sisters, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna."
"Welcome to Equestria, Gizmo." Celestia greeted him.
"We hope you feel welcomed here." Luna added.
"Thank you for your warm greetings, your excellencies." Gizmo tilted himself forward as his way of bowing.
"All right Gizmo, lay it on me. What's the bad news?" Iggy asked wanting him to get it over with.
"Well the thing is last night after fixing the machine, Jack came by for a visit." Gizmo began sheepishly.
"Jack? Oh of all the rotten timing." Iggy groaned.
"And to make matters worse, he saw the machine and activated it coming here." Gizmo continued.
"What?!" Iggy cried, putting the ponies and dragon in shock.
"But I was able to reroute the coordinates so he wouldn't end up at your location." Gizmo tried to lighten things up.
"Jack Mcallister running loose here in Equestria?!" Iggy asked in outrage, "Of for the love of Chewbacca!" he realized the ponies and Spike were watching him stress out, and quickly regained his composure.
"Is there something we should know, Iggy?" Luna pondered.
"Yeah, who is this Jack Mcallister?" Rainbow asked suspiciously.
Iggy sighed, "Jack Mcallister is my self proclaimed eternal rival."
"Rival?" Rarity asked.
"Rival in what?" Applejack asked in confusion.
"In the field of science and robotics," Iggy explained, "We would always compete in anything scientific from science fairs, contests, you name it. I would always come in first, while he came in second. Eventually after coming in second to me too many times he developed a rivalry with me, and declared himself an evil boy genius."
"Evil boy genius?" Fluttershy asked not liking the sound of that.
"That's right. He would stop by my house on multiple occasions for a fight clash using our inventions. His parents think he just comes by to hang out, even my dad thinks we're just playing around with our inventions. Granted he's never witnessed us doing battle. Jack even developed a fascination for world conquest thinking by conquering the world he'll finally be recognized as the one true genius out of the two of us." Iggy added.
"Sounds like a total drama king." Rarity replied at his description of Jack. Applejack whistled to herself while eyeballing Rarity, who scowled at her.
"Well the good news is he may talk a big game, but really he's a scrawny childish whiny imbecile who's easily terrified." he chuckled to himself.
"Seriously?" Twilight asked dryly.
"Seriously." Iggy answered.
"So then why do you feel him being here is a bad thing?" Spike asked.
"Because if I return home and leave Jack here his parents will call my dad and ask him if he's seen him," Iggy continued, "Which in turn he will ask me if I saw him last."
"So don't tell him where he is." Rainbow answered like it wasn't a big deal.
"Rainbow." Applejack chided her on wanting Iggy to lie to his own dad.
"I can't do that either," Iggy answered, "Though Jack's a jerk and is annoying as Jar Jar Binks," the girls looked oddly with no idea who that was, "He's still only human. Leaving him here would just be cruel."
"I concur." Gizmo agreed.
"Are you sure you don't know where you sent him here?" Iggy asked his assistant.
"Sorry, but I don't know this land. Nor did I know where the rerouting could have taken him." Gizmo explained.
"Well he shouldn't be too hard to spot in Equestria." Rainbow noted.
"Yeah aside from you, he's as of now the only other human being in the land." Twilight added.
"I'll be sure to put a word out in Equestria to keep watch for him." Celestia added.
"Then you'll need a visual of him." Iggy said as he clicked on his communicator watch that displayed a head shot of Jack.
"Shouldn't be hard to miss a guy like that." Applejack noted.
"Yeah. Though of course I hope he doesn't turn up dead or anything. Then I would really have a hard time explaining it to his parents. Well we can't do anything about it right now," Iggy sighed, "Say we should give Gizmo a tour of Ponyville."
"Ponyville?" Gizmo asked hoping he heard that correctly.
"Not a bad idea, Iggy," Twilight smiled at his suggestion, "Besides this way both you and Gizmo can meet my brother Shining Armor, and my sister-in-law Cadence. They're coming in today."
"Can they come Princess?" Fluttershy asked Celestia.
"Yeah can they?" Pinkie asked hopefully.
Celestia looked at Iggy and Gizmo, with Iggy smiling brightly, "I don't see why not."
"Yeah!" Iggy cheered, "We'll meet you girls there. Gizmo, to the balcony." he raced out of the parlor.
"Right behind ya!" Gizmo wheeled after his creator.
The ponies and Spike followed them to one of the balconies, where Iggy was hovering in the air with his rocket boots activated. They watched as two small rockets popped out of Gizmo's back and allowed him to hover up into the air with Iggy, "We'll see you in Ponyville." Iggy called as he flew off with Gizmo following him.
"He's not gonna get there before me!" Rainbow Dash called as she took off after them.
Twilight sighed, "We better follow them."
"Have a good day my little ponies." Celestia bid them adieu with Luna.
As Iggy, Rainbow, and Gizmo were flying through the sky, Gizmo looked all around, "This land looks so incredibly beautiful."
"You bet it is." Rainbow nodded in agreement.
"Believe me I was just as shocked as you are." Iggy noted to Gizmo as they started touching down, before landing, with Iggy actually managing to pull to a safe stop.
"Hey ya didn't crash." Rainbow congratulated as she landed.
"One of my better landings." Iggy noted.
"So this is Ponyville?" Gizmo asked looking at the town they landed in.
"Oh yeah. Coolest place there is," Rainbow boasted, "Unless you count Cloudsdale, oh and Canterlot as well."
"How long will it take for the others to arrive?" Gizmo inquired out of his creator and Rainbow.
"Hold your horses yall. We're right here." Applejack said as she and the others approached.
"How'd you guys get here so fast?" Rainbow asked thinking they were going to take the train.
"Princess Celestia let us take the carriage." Twilight motioned to the carriage pulled by two pegasus guards.
"Oh, makes sense." Rainbow admitted.
"So you ready for a tour of Ponyville, Gizmo?" Iggy asked.
"Sure thing." Gizmo answered.
"Well let's roll." Iggy said as he started skating off with Gizmo rolling after him followed by the others.
As the genius and his robot rolled through Ponyville, Gizmo spoke, "This town looks very nice and clean."
"Yeah. I haven't been here for more than a week and already I feel like I've been accepted into their society," Iggy explained, as he saw Cherilee the teacher pony, "Hey good morning, Cherilee!"
"And a good morning to you too, Iggy." Cherilee greeted him back.
Gizmo looked at his creator feeling impressed, "Wow. And here I thought they'd be panicking."
"Like I said once they get to know you, they'll respect you. Oh there's another." he spotted Zecora the zebra resident of the Everfree Forest, who was buying some herbs.
"Is that a zebra?" Gizmo asked.
Iggy nodded as they rolled close to her, "Hey, Zecora, lovely weather ain't it?"
"Lovely it is, Iggy my friend. The weather and this day nicely blend." the zebra answered in her rhyming habit. Gizmo turned to Iggy obviously confused at her speaking pattern, while Iggy shrugged seeing that was how she is.
Soon Iggy pulled to a halt near a tree, as Gizmo halted as well, "The residents of this town certainly are unique, but I could've gone without most of them gawking at me." Gizmo noted feeling embarrassed.
"Hey when I first visited this place they gawked at me too." Iggy stated.
"Some still do." Pinkie added as she and the others caught up to them.
"You boys move awfully fast on wheels." Applejack noted.
"That's just the way we roll." Gizmo answered slyly.
Pinkie laughed, "Oh that's a classic!"
Iggy smiled, until he looked around the town square and saw pink and red heart banners, and balloons all around. And to top it off he saw multiple mares and colts closer to each other like they were an item, "What's with all the hearts?" he asked puzzled.
"You mean you haven't heard?" Pinkie asked, "It's Hearts and Hooves day!" she cheered while wrapping a hoof around Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash.
"Hearts and Hooves day?" Iggy and Gizmo asked collectively in confusion.
"Yeah," Twilight continued, "It's a holiday in Equestria where you get to spend the day with your very special somepony."
"I see." Iggy answered.
"Don't they have something like this in your world?" Rainbow asked.
"Oh yeah, except it's called Valentines Day." Iggy explained.
"Valentines Day?" the ponies and Spike echoed.
"That's right." Iggy nodded.
"Well Hearts and Hooves day is the reason my brother and Cadence are coming to Ponyville," Twilight began, "They'd spend it in The Crystal Empire, but they'd prefer a more casual day here."
"Must be nice to be with that special somepony." Iggy noted while looking dismal.
"Something wrong, darling?" Rarity wondered.
"Well it's nothing it's just there's nothing more embarrassing for a guy to be alone on such a holiday as this." he explained.
"Don't worry, I'm sure we can find you a special somepony." Pinkie said, while ruffling his head.
"Tempting, but I'm a human. Setting me up with a mare here would just look totally awkward." Iggy explained.
"Hey I'm a dragon, and nopony has a problem seeing me with Rarity." Spike noted.
"He's absolutely right, aren't you my little Spikey-Wikey?" Rarity nuzzled him.
Iggy rolled his eyes before continuing, "Besides I already have someone special, but she's not here."
The girls looked at each other before realizing who he meant, "Oh." they said collectively.
"We're sorry." Twilight apologized for bringing him down.
"It's not a big deal. Besides it can't be helped." he said trying to hide his despair.
Gizmo seeing his creator in gloom couldn't let it continue, "No!" the group looked at Gizmo, confused at his outburst, "I refuse to just stand here and watch my creator wallow in depression. I'm going to see to it you enjoy this Hearts and Hooves Day."
"And how're you going to do that?" Iggy asked while crossing his arms.
"Just leave it to me, and I'll be back in a flash." he burned rubber and sped off.
"Gizmo!" Iggy called but his robot was already out of sight, "Oh that robot."
"What do yall think he's gonna do?" Applejack asked the group who had no idea, while Iggy was just as confused.
"We'll find him later," Twilight began, "Right now we gotta get to the train station and meet Shining and Cadence."
"Ok." Iggy said as he reluctantly followed them, wishing he knew just what his assistant was planning for him.
Soon they were at the train station, until Iggy looked down the track and saw what looked like a crystallized bullet train, 'Hmm, bullet train. A little more century.' he thought to himself.
As the train pulled into the station, fanfare played on bugles. The door opened up and exiting were two guards, one of the standard Crystal empire guards, and Flash Sentry; an orange coated pegasus who Twilight met in the Crystal empire, and further in the alternate world. Since then every time she visited the Crystal Empire he was personally assigned to be her escort around the kingdom. Suddenly a red carpet rolled out, and walking out were Shining Armor and Princess Cadence.
"Twilight!" Shining called.
"Shining Armor! Cadence!" Twilight cheered as she went over and hugged her brother.
"Twilight!" Cadence cheered as the tow nuzzled, and Iggy watched as the two princesses did some kind of special greeting.
"Sunshine, sunshine,
Ladybugs awake!
Clap your hooves
And do a little shake!"
The girls laughed, until Twilight spoke, "I'm glad you two could make it."
"Hey we needed a vacation anyway." Shining noted.
Suddenly following behind the royal couple, was an alicorn filly that was very familiar to them. The filly's mane and tail were of four colors being pink, green, red, and white, while her eyes were turquoise, and her coat was sky blue colored. It was Gwyneira, or Neira for short. She was the Windigo Queen who once abducted Spike and tried to convince him to stay with her so her loneliness would be no more. But eventually she learned her lesson and used her magic to protect them from her rogue windigo followers, at the cost of her strength, but was reborn a filly and declared Shining and Cadence's adopted daughter. She had grown to about the age and size of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, due to some of her magic and strength returning to her.
"Neira!" Spike cheered.
"Spike!" Neira cheered as she galloped to the dragon and they hugged.
"Neira!" the mane six called as they trotted over and hugged her.
Iggy watched seeing how happy they all looked to see each other. Through their group hug, Neira noticed the human and asked, "Who's that?"
Shining Armor and Cadence looked at where she was motioning to, and saw Iggy. Twilight knowing it was time spoke up, "Right. Come over here," she escorted them over, "Shining Armor, Cadence, Neira, I'd like you all to meet Iggy Douglas."
"Hi." Iggy waved.
"This is the human you've mentioned in your letter, Twilight?" Cadence inquired out of her sister-in-law.
"That's right. Iggy, this is my older brother Shining Armor, my sister-in-law Princess Cadence, and Neira their little filly." Twilight introduced him.
"A pleasure to meet you, Iggy." Cadence greeted the boy.
"Yeah, nice to meet you too." Shining Armor raised a hoof and Iggy shook it.
"Wonderful to meet you, your excellencies." Iggy bowed his head.
"There's no need for formalities." Cadence giggled.
Neira trotted up to Iggy, as the boy squatted down to her level. Neira after getting a good look at Iggy, smiled and placed her front hooves on his knees, "Hi."
"Well aren't you an adorable thing?" Iggy asked as he ruffled the filly's mane, making her giggle.
"It's nice that we could finally meet the human Twily's been writing to us about these last few days." Shining Armor said.
"Well I'm glad I could finally meet you two as well," Iggy said as he stood up, "I'd introduce you to my assistant Gizmo, but that rolling bucket of bolts up and went off who knows where."
"I'm sure you'll be able to introduce them to him later." Applejack noted.
"Come on, let's show you around." Twilight suggested, as they all left the station.
As they walked through Ponyville, the royal couple felt at ease seeing they don't have to worry about any royal duties for once. As they walked, Iggy was able to get to know more about the couple, "Whoa, sounds like you two had some wild wedding." Iggy chuckled.
"You could say that again." Cadence nodded in agreement.
"And this world you come from sounds exciting." Shining admitted.
"Well it has its fun and excitement in its own way," Iggy noted, until he heard revving up ahead, "Gizmo?"
The girls hearing it looked ahead and saw Gizmo wheeling over before pulling to a halt, "Ah there you are, old chum." Gizmo greeted Iggy casually.
"Where in the name of Spock have you been?" Iggy asked, while crossing his arms.
"I know I suddenly took off, but there was something I just needed to do for you," Gizmo explained before he looked down seeing Neira poking at his wheel, "Can I help you?" asked feeling his personal space was being invaded.
"What are you?" Neira asked as she poked at his wheel.
"That's Gizmo, my robotic assistant." Iggy explained.
"This is your assistant?" Shining asked as he and Cadence circled him in curiosity.
"That's right. Gizmo, meet Shining Armor, Cadence, and their little one Neira." Iggy introduced them.
"A pleasure." Gizmo nodded.
"Now where did you go off too?" Iggy asked getting back to the topic.
"Well I couldn't just let you spend this day on this particular holiday all alone. So I went back home and got you a little something," Gizmo explained, and motioned to a nearby tree, "You can come out."
Iggy and the ponies looked at the tree Gizmo was motioning to, and stepping out from behind it was a human girl. And not just any human girl, but Cynthia Daniels; the girl of Iggy's affections. Upon seeing her, Iggy's face turned red, and his eyes widened like saucers, "Cynthia?"
Cynthia smiled, "Hello, Iggy."
"Cynthia!" Iggy cried as he ran to her and threw his arms around her, putting a blush on her face, "You have no idea how happy I am to see another human being!" He sobbed like a child. Cynthia smiled and hugged him back. Suddenly Iggy pulled himself together and looked at her, "But what're you doing here?"
"Well Gizmo came to my house and informed me of what happened to you," Cynthia began, "After I processed all of it, I wanted him to take me to you, and what luck he was coming to get me anyway. Said there's a Valentines day type of holiday in this world as of today."
"Gizmo?" Iggy gasped at his robot's deed.
"You're welcome." Gizmo replied.
"So this is Equestria?" Cynthia asked looking around.
"Yeah," Iggy nodded, "Oh come here and meet my new friends!" he dragged her over to the group, "Everyone, meet Cynthia Daniels. Cynthia, meet my pony friends. There's Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Shining Armor, Cadence, Neira, and Spike the dragon."
"Nice to meet you all." Cynthia nodded her head with a smile, to be respectable.
The group went over to see Cynthia, while Pinkie as usual bombarded her with questions, only for Twilight to use her magic to separate them, "So Gizmo told you about what happened?" Iggy asked.
"Yes. Looks like another blunder in your experiment," Cynthia said, "No offense."
"None taken, at least it's fixed now, but I can't go home just yet." he explained.
"Because of Jack?" Cynthia asked.
"Yup." he nodded.
"I understand," Cynthia nodded, "I'm just gad to see you're ok. When I've been getting calls from your robot duplicate I was thinking you yourself were avoiding me."
"Cynthia, I would never avoid you." Iggy explained.
Cynthia smiled, "I know." she noticed Rarity was looking her over.
"I must say darling, you are positively beautiful."
"Oh go on." Cynthia answered in modesty.
"No really, I never lie in such a matter. And Iggy thinks so too." Rarity smiled making Iggy blush.
"Ok Rarity, you've said what you needed." he said feeling embarrassed.
"Now that you have your special someone, you can spend Hearts and Hooves Day happy." Gizmo explained.
"This is great! Thanks again, Gizmo." Iggy thanked his assistant and looked to Cynthia, "Oh Cynthia, I have so much more to tell you about this world."
"Well I didn't have plans for the day. So I'm interested." she answered.
"There's a good sweets shop in town where we can discuss it. Any of you fancy something sweet?" Iggy asked the group.
"Oh it's been so long since I could have a simple milkshake." Cadence said eagerly.
"Yeah. When you live in the palace it's hard to get casual eats. Even when you request it." Shining Armor added with a chuckle.
"Well let's go!" Pinkie cheered as she led the way.
Meanwhile out in the Badlands, Jack was crawling on the ground looking exhausted, "Can't go on for much longer." he groaned as his Mecha-Jacks walked at his side.
"Boss you've been crawling ever since we started looking around." One of them noted.
Jack looked up, "This way when I get exhausted I'll already be on the ground," he answered, only for his robots to roll their eyeballs. Jack finally got up and looked around, "Oh who am I kidding? I don't even know where we're going, or where to go for that matter." he sighed.
The robots sighed, until they started looking around, "Boss, we're not alone here."
"What do you mean?" Jack asked not liking the sound of that.
Suddenly they started hearing the buzzing of insect wings. They looked up and saw a swarm of black equine shaped creatures with insect wings, and holes in their hooves. At the sight of them, Jack screamed loudly and in fright, "Run for it!" he shouted as he started running, while his robots held out their arms which converted into blasters and started shooting at the creatures. Some of the Changelings took the hits, while others dodged the attacks.
As Jack ran he saw some were heading for him, "I gotta take it to the air!" he called as his backpack released a jet that blasted him off the ground and was flying around, "Phew I should be in the clear." he looked back and saw three of the creatures right on his tail, "Or not!" he screamed and tried to out fly them, but two of them flew at his side and grabbed his arms, "Hey let go of me!" he demanded, "Guys help!" he looked down seeing his Mecha-Jacks were totaled.
The third Changeling flew up to his face, "Our queen wishes to see you."
"Your queen?" Jack asked nervously.
"Yes," he motioned to the two, "Let's go." they flew off carrying Jack who was whimpering.
They soon arrived at a cave and dragged him inside. Inside the cave, Jack looked and saw a whole swarm of the black creatures and hanging from the ceiling were green glowing cocoons, containing more of them who were either dormant or growing like a caterpillar in its metamorphosis phase. Suddenly his escorts stopped as they stood before him, "Behold the Queen of Changelings." one spoke up as the three side stepped revealing a very tall female looking Changeling who had a gnarly shaped horn, and with long unruly mane. She was Chrysalis, the Queen of Changelings who once tried to use the wedding of Shining Armor and Cadence to take over Canterlot, only to be foiled by the Royal couple.
"Yipe." Jack cringed in fright.
"Well, now what have we here?" Chrysalis asked in amusement as she approached the trembling teen.
"Please, don't eat me!" he cried while cowering.
"Oh don't be so dramatic," the queen rolled her eyes, "My changeling subjects spotted you lurking about our territory."
"Lurking? I didn't mean to lurk. I didn't even know there was anybody else out here." Jack explained hoping to get mercy.
"I'll be the judge of that." Chrysalis said, as her horn glowed with green magic, which made Jack's eyes widen in fright. When her horn touched Jack's head, a pool of his memories started flowing into her mind as she saw Jack's life flash before her eyes. What she saw that most intrigued her was his obsession with conquering this world in which he came from. Suddenly she stopped using her magic and recoiled on the floor.
"Your highness!" a changeling gasped as he and another helped her to her hooves.
"Are you ok?" another asked.
"Never better," She answered, and looked back at Jack, "But I think I may have found us an ally of some sorts."
"Ally?" Jack asked in confusion.
"Yes. Through your mind I saw you have aspects for world conquest," she began, and he nodded nervously, "My boy, we share so much in common. What is your name?"
"Jack Mcallister," he answered, "But who are you?" he asked.
"Me? Why I'm Chrysalis, and furthermore your new best friend." she snickered, while Jack was still creeped out.
Back in Ponyville at Sugarcube Corner, the group were enjoying some of the places sweet confections. Iggy and Cynthia were sharing a chocolate milkshake, as were Shining and Cadence. Spike was feeding Neira little cupcakes and playfully dipped cream on her muzzle, "So this whole land is populated by equines ranging from normal to mythological ones like unicorns and Pegasi?" Cynthia asked.
"Correct, but in Cadence and the royal pony sisters case, alicorns." Iggy explained.
"Iggy, you really have dived into a world of magic." Cynthia noted.
"Got that right," Iggy agreed, "So I trust you can keep this place between us and not my father or your parents?"
"Don't worry I won't. I mean this is something you can't exactly tell people even if it involves you." Cynthia noted that even with Iggy's reputation as a robotics engineer and inventor, not all his stories sound sane.
"Thanks again. But listen even with Jack here I'd like to have you continue to visit me here so both of us can get to know this world. It's something I'd like to share with you, Cynthia." Iggy said as he clasped her hands in his.
"Iggy," Cynthia gasped, while blushing, "I'd be absolutely delighted to explore more of this world with you."
"Thanks. And the girls say this place has quite the festivities. A perfect chance to experience other types of culture and fun." he added.
"I can't wait." Cynthia smiled.
As the two chatted, the girls, Gizmo, and Spike watched them, "Wow, she really does like him." Rainbow noted.
"'Like' is an understatement, Rainbow." Gizmo replied.
"They look so cute together.' Pinkie cooed while watching them.
"They sure do." Applejack admitted.
"They look as if they really were made for each other, don't they Spike?" Rarity asked Spike who was holding Neira.
"Yeah. They really do." He admitted.
"Cute." Neira cooed at the sight of the two humans enjoying each others company.
As the day was coming to an end, by Ponyville square Cynthia stood opposite of Iggy and the ponies, "Well I better get home."
"When you get back don't forget to lock up the lab when you leave it." Iggy noted.
"Right." she nodded.
"And remember, I'm a call away." he held up his communicator, as she held up her own that he had given her when he first invented them.
"I know. Well it was nice meeting all of you today. Hopefully I'll be back real soon so we can get to know more about each other." Cynthia said.
"We'll be waiting." Twilight replied.
Cynthia approached Iggy, "Iggy, stay safe will you?"
"You know it." Iggy winked.
"Oh and before I forget... Happy Hearts and Hooves day." She finished before pulling Iggy into a passionate kiss, which he willingly returned.
The ponies, Gizmo, and Spike watched in shock at Cynthia's move, and that Iggy was going along with it. Among certain reactions, Fluttershy had a hoof to her mouth in surprise, Pinkie was grinning in excitement, Rarity was beaming with delight, and Cadence was shielding Neira's eyes, not wanting her to see such a thing. When the two humans parted, Iggy was lost for words before some slipped out, "Wowsers!"
Cynthia giggled, before motioning to Gizmo who activated the portal. When the gateway opened, she jumped in where she'd return to the lab. Iggy stood there with a smile on his face from ear to ear, "Is he gonna be all right?" Applejack asked Gizmo.
"He'll be fine." Gizmo assured as he wheeled over to his master and activated his jets. Once he was above Iggy he held onto his shoulders and flew off with him back to Canterlot.
Meanwhile back at the Changeling cave in the Badlands, Jack was sitting beside Chrysalis. After a long talk between the two about each other and their worlds, Jack was ready to talk business, "So Chrysalis, this land is known as Equestria. Home to equine's ranging from earth, pegasi, and unicorn."
"Correct." Chrysalis nodded.
"And you changelings have the power to take the form of others and feed off others love?"
"Right on the mark." Chrysalis chuckled in amusement.
"And you desire my assistance so you can rule over this land? But now this is my question, what's in it for me?" Jack inquired curiously.
"The very thing you desire the most. Conquest of your home world," Chrysalis tempted him, "With your genius and robots we can take Equestria for our own, and in return we will find a way back to your world using your arch rival's portal device, and help you take it over."
"Now that's what I'm talking about," Jack snickered, "But there's one problem. Your changeling's busted my bots!" he pointed accusingly at them.
Chrysalis turned to some of her minions, "Is this true?"
"Yes your highness." one answered as they brought the broken Mecha-Jacks over.
"My poor buddies." Jack sobbed in despair.
"Not to worry," Chrysalis began as she rose up and approached the broken bots, "Let me show you what my changeling magic can do for you." her horn glowed with a green aura that shined over the broken robots. Suddenly the broken pieces started repairing themselves and soon the Mecha-Jack stood good as new, while sporting black armor to match the changeling look.
"Whoa, guys." Jack gasped in surprise and feeling impressed.
"And what these few cannot do, more can." Chrysalis said as she used her magic again on the robots and duplicated them making a dozen.
Jack was jaw agape, before he closed his mouth and looked up at Chrysalis, "Chrysalis my queen, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."
"So we have a deal?" Chrysalis inquired.
Jack got down on one knee and bowed his head, "I shall humbly fight by your side. Your majesty." Chrysalis snickered at her new partner.
At Golden Oaks Library, the girls and Spike were sitting down while Iggy was showing them a video file of him testing inventions, by using Gizmo who was in projector mode and projecting the video onto a screen.
"Is it rolling?" Video Iggy asked, Gizmo who was the one filming him, "Hi and welcome to Douglas Labs. I'm your host Iggy Douglas, and I have with my some of my greatest inventions of this decade," he went over to a work table that had multiple inventions and devices spread out. The first device he picked up looked like a metal belt, "Behold the grappling belt. Ever have one of those days where you're being pursued by someone and you wanna get away from them? Then try the grappling belt. Just slip it on and press the little button on the side," he began demonstrating as he pressed the button on the side of the belt causing the buckle to open up revealing a small grappling hook that launched into the air taking a long cable with it. When it hooked onto a rafter of the lab, the cable reeled Iggy up to it.
The camera moved upward revealing Iggy hanging by the cable on the ceiling, "Voila!" he called.
The camera shifted and Iggy was standing above a tank of water, in swim trunks, and was holding some gum in his hand, "Behold Air gum," he said dramatically, "Even have a moment where you're swimming but you need to come up for air? Well not anymore. By chewing on the air gum it will provide with you air so you can breathe while under water. Observe." he popped the gum in his mouth and began chewing. Then he jumped into the tank of water and swam up to the viewing window and spoke, "Success!" he cheered and swam around in the tank like a fish without needing to actually come up.
After watching a few more record clips of Iggy showcasing some of his inventions, Gizmo ended the projection and the lights came back on. Twilight turned to Iggy, and spoke in astonishment, "Wow Iggy, I didn't know you invented so much."
"When you got my IQ and skill with inventing, you'd be surprised at what you could be capable of." Iggy answered.
"Ah can't believe ya actually invented something that translates what an animal is saying." Applejack spoke up, referring to one of the other inventions that were shown during one of his clips.
"Yeah. Thanks to that one I finally found out why my neighbor's schnauzer kept barking at me so much," Iggy explained, "He said he loved my deodorant's smell."
"Though it appears your formula for a new cologne seemed a bit too strong." Rarity remarked on another of his creations.
"Ya got that right," Iggy agreed, "That mob of girls chased me for four blocks!"
"Goodness." Fluttershy gasped with her hooves to her mouth.
"Iggster, if you sold any of these inventions you could make a huge haul." Rainbow encouraged him.
"A huge-huge haul!" Pinkie added.
"That's logical, but the problem is I have trust issues with sharing my inventions and ideas with others." Iggy admitted looking cautious.
"Trust issues?" Spike asked.
"Yeah," Iggy explained, "At one POV it may look like others would be proud to see me come up with new ideas and inventions that could help benefit the world. However stuff like that when thought up by a younger inventor who has no history or cred like other big time glamorates, makes them the target of jealousy."
"Jealousy?" Applejack asked curiously.
"Yeah. Like say there was some real popular and famous inventor and such who everyone loved, but one day some younger inventor creates something or comes up with an idea that they've previously tried but were unsuccessful. Imagine how they'd feel seeing some nobody complete or succeed at something that've been trying to do for years with no results." Iggy enlightened them.
"I can't imagine they'd take it well." Twilight noted as she saw his point.
"Precisely. If I tried actually selling my inventions or ideas to some company I feel they would just take it for their own and all the credit that follows leaving me with nothing. Everything can spark conflict between others, especially in the field of science and robotics in terms of other inventors. It'd be hard for me to try and make an argument with others if I was put in a situation because to them they would have the reputation and lawyers to back them up, while I would just be declared a punk teen who shouldn't get involved with the big boys." he said with air quotes.
"I can see what you mean by having trust issues." Rarity admitted.
"That's right. If I ever do decide to sell any of my creations I want it to be to someone legit. Someone who I could trust, and not take all the credit. But like I said in my world jealousy, greed, and envy are very strong emotions between corporate people and such. Still I do hope to one day sell my creations and make a good profit. Until then I'll just stick to my roots in my lab."
"Is there anything you wouldn't sell personally?" Twilight inquired.
"That's a simple answer. All my robots." Iggy answered.
"If he sold my model or any of the other models, someone could use them for their own gain or hack them and make them more dangerous." Gizmo explained.
"Mankind isn't ready to have robots fight on their side, especially mine." Iggy put in.
"You truly are a wonder of a human, Iggy Douglas." Rarity gasped at how much he cares about humanity and his world.
"That's just the way I am." Iggy admitted.
Meanwhile in the Badlands, Jack was running a field test of his Mecha-Jack's seeing how much stronger they've gotten thanks to Chrysalis' magic, "Ok boys, there's your target," he motioned to a number of poorly draw Iggy's on paper that were on boulders, "Ready cannons," his bots held out their arms as cannons extended out of their palms, "Aim... Fire!" he ordered as the robots started blasting their targets constantly, until the paper targets were in smokey ashes.
Jack smirked seeing how much more firepower they had now, until Chrysalis approached him, "I trust you're satisfied with your robots power ups?" she asked hopefully, while smirking.
"Oh yeah! With these new upgrades to my bots, I'll be sure to show Iggy Douglas who the real genius is... That is if I can ever find him in this world." he sighed at his problem.
Suddenly a changeling flew over to its queen and started whispering into her ear. Suddenly Chrysalis' face brightened up and spoke to Jack, "I think we may have found a solution to that problem."
"What do you mean?" Jack asked curiously.
"My changeling has just informed me he's spotted another human in the town of Ponyville." the Queen explained.
"Ponyville?" Jack asked in confusion.
"Yes. And to top it off, he spotted who I presume is your Iggy Douglas with six ponies whom I know too well." she continued.
"You do?"
"Mmhmm," she nodded, "Now you see why it's good we've partnered up?"
"Yes!" Jack cheered, "All right, here's the plan. We go to Ponyville, find Iggy and these ponies you know and then they will tremble before the might of Jack Mcallister!" he laughed maniacally, until he paused before speaking in confusion, "Uh, where is Ponyville again?" Chrysalis face hooved in embarrassment.
Meanwhile back in Ponyville, Iggy was walking with Rarity, and Fluttershy, while Gizmo was wheeling at his master's side, "You really sure the workers at Ponyville's spa will allow me inside or even be able to work with me?" the human asked the unicorn.
"Oh pish-posh darling, the ponies there will love to have you there." Rarity assured her as they arrived at the place.
As they entered, Iggy and Gizmo looked around the lobby until another pony entered. It was a cyan coated pony known as Lotus Blossom, "Good afternoon, and welcome to Ponyville Spa, where we make a pony feel relaxed and comfortable as we possibly can," when she saw who it was she brightened up, "Ms. Rarity and Ms. Fluttershy, how good to see you two."
"And a good afternoon to you, Lotus Blossom darling," Rarity greeted her, "Fluttershy and I will take the usual, but first I would like to introduce to you some friends of ours. This is Iggy, and Gizmo. Boys meet Lotus Blossom; one of the spa's talented beauticians."
Lotus smiled and greeted them, "Well it's nice to meet you two. I have heard from around Ponyville there was a new being in Equestria, and here you are."
"That's me for you." Iggy chuckled.
"I certainly do hope your spa will attend to my master, even if he isn't a pony." Gizmo hoped.
"No problem at all," Lotus assured, "We help all those in need of a little relaxation."
"Then you won't have a problem with Gizmo here?" Iggy asked hopefully.
Lotus inspected Gizmo, "Well this is unlike anypony we've dealt with, but we love a challenge."
Gizmo and Iggy smiled, as the second of the spa ponies known as Aloe approached, "Well good day Ms. Rarity and Ms. Fluttershy," she spotted Iggy and Gizmo, "Oh and who have we here?"
"I'm Iggy Douglas, ma'am. And this is my assistant, Gizmo." Iggy introduced them.
"How wonderful to meet you two. My name is Aloe." she greeted them.
"A pleasure." Gizmo bowed his head.
"Well come along darlings." Rarity said as the four followed the spa ponies into the main room.
Upon entering the spa, Iggy and Gizmo were stunned seeing all the spa stuff from mud baths, regular baths, jacuzzis, tanning beds, massage chairs, etc, "Wow." Iggy gasped.
"It is fabulous isn't it?" Rarity asked the boy who only nodded in response.
"It certainly is." Gizmo admitted.
"We have the jacuzzi all ready for you, darlings." Aloe explained as she poured some bath beads into the water.
"Splendid." Rarity said, as she and Fluttershy went above deck and got into the tub.
Iggy spoke, as Gizmo held up a bag, "Good thing I brought my trunks," he went into a changing room, and came out wearing dark green swim trunks. He ascended up the deck and stepped into the water before gasping at the heat a few times as he went further in up to the point where the water reached his mid chest. He finally sighed in relaxation as he rested against the edge of the tub, "Oh this feels so nice."
"It does, doesn't it?" Rarity asked as Fluttershy nodded in agreement.
"Excuse me," a worker pony spoke up, as Iggy looked over and saw Gizmo surrounded by two pony workers, "What should we do with him?"
"Just give his body a good wash down and polish. Can you do that?" Iggy asked as the two nodded as Gizmo followed them to the side.
The three continued relaxing in the tub, as Rarity asked, "So Iggy, how does it feel?"
"It feels great," Iggy admitted as he relaxed, "It's as if all my troubles are washing away."
"Yes, it does have that effect." Fluttershy noted.
After a good soak, the three climbed out and the two ponies wrapped towels around their manes and dawned robes. Iggy had a towel wrapped around his waist, and the three were brought over to the lounge chairs, "Ok Iggy, we're going to be getting a hooficure and Lotus and Aloe will tend to your hands and feet. Don't worry they're naturals at their job."
"After a soak like that, I believe you." Iggy admitted, as he plopped onto a massage chair, and laid his legs out while resting back.
As Lotus approached Iggy, she spoke, "Not to worry Iggy I'll make sure you feel nice and relaxed," she trotted down to where his feet was and looked amazed, "So these are a human's feet. They look so adorable." she rubbed her hoof against the sole of his right foot causing him to laugh.
"Hey easy, I'm ticklish under there." he chuckled.
"My apologies." Lotus giggled as she took a filer in her mouth and proceeded to do his toe nails. Iggy relaxed and allowed his toe nails to be done by the pony.
'Ooh this is good,' Iggy thought as he continued to relax, 'When I get home I should start going to a regular spa and have this kind of treatment. As long as they don't paint my nails.'
When Lotus finished his right foot, she moved onto his left foot giving it the same treatment. When she finished both his feet she went up to his hands and held one in her hoof and started filing the nails, 'I got to bring Cynthia here next time.' Iggy continued to think, as Lotus continued to tend to him.
As Fluttershy and Rarity were getting massages in their own chairs, Gizmo was being washed with rags and such by two other ponies, "Oh that feels good. I hope I sparkle good after this." he said excitedly.
Elsewhere, flying in the skies above Ponyville were six changelings, followed by six of the Mecha-Jacks with Jack flying at their side humming Ride of the Valkyries. Suddenly the changelings stopped in mid air, forcing Jack and his bots to do the same, "Hey what's the hold up?" he asked the changelings as they turn to face him, resulting in him looking terrified at their scary faces.
"We're here." one answered.
"We are?" Jack asked, "Well finally."
So the group flew downward and landed into Ponyville's park where they hid behind some bushes, "Ok, so what do we do now?" Jack asked.
"We go undercover and scope things out." one of the Changelings explained, as he and the rest of them transform into random ponies.
"Right, stealth mode!" Jack smirked, as he motioned to his robots who nodded. So the six changelings trotted off to blend in with the rest of the residents of Ponyville.
"What should we do, master?" one of the Mecha-Jacks asked.
"We should blend in as well." Jack suggested as his robots nodded and hovered into a tree and began tree jumping, "Hey, wait for me!" he cried as he activated his jet pack and flew up into the tree and used it to fly into other trees, as he followed his robots.
When they were out of range of the park, they had no more trees or bushes to use for cover, "Now what?" one of Jack's robots asked curiously.
"Simple, we do what the ninjas do," Jack answered as he tried to jump all the way from where he was standing to behind a building. Unfortunately he only made it half way with his jump before landing on the ground. He quickly crawled the rest of his way, while his robots made perfect ninja leaps reaching the back of the building he was behind, "Show offs." he grumbled at their better ninja leaps than his.
"Wasn't that spa treatment marvelous, Iggy?" an elegant female voice asked catching his attention.
"Iggy?" he asked, as he and his bots peeked from around the corner of the building they were hiding behind. They spotted Iggy, a shinier looking Gizmo, and two ponies composed of a pegasus and a unicorn walking.
"Yeah actually that was amazing," Iggy admitted, "I feel as if any tension or stress I had is gone."
"And my body's never had a more perfect spit shine." Gizmo added, as he marveled at his sparkly body.
"We're glad you two enjoyed it." Fluttershy smiled.
"It is Iggy." Jack gasped seeing the Changeling was right.
"So now that we found him, what do we do now?" one of his robots asked, while the others awaited their creator's command.
"Let's still shadow him," Jack instructed, "Maybe we can find out more about this town and who he's been palling around with since he got here."
"Yes sir." the robots nodded.
His robots did a ninja leap reaching behind another building, but when jack tried it again he once again only landed half way between where he jumped from and his designated target. He quickly crawled the rest of the way making sure none of the ponies, and especially Iggy saw him. He looked up seeing his bots look at him seeing he almost gave himself away, he responded, "I meant to do that."
Last time, as Iggy was enjoying a day out with Rarity and Fluttershy, Jack Mcallister along with his Mecha-Jacks and a few changelings infiltrated Ponyville with only one thing in mind. To take down Iggy and the girls who helped foil the Queen's plan to take over Canterlot.
As Iggy and Gizmo continued walking with Rarity and Fluttershy, they saw Twilight, Spike, Rainbow, Applejack, and Pinkie, "Hey girls!" Iggy called.
"Hi guys." Rainbow greeted them.
Pinkie noticed Gizmo and started inspecting his shiny form, "Wow you look especially shiny."
"Thank you. The ponies at the spa gave me a good polish." Gizmo admitted.
"So how did you enjoy the spa, Iggy?" Twilight asked.
"It was amazing," Iggy began, "I felt as if a whole years worth of stress from being cooped up in a lab all day has been cleansed from me."
"Well we were about to get something to eat, would ya care to join us?" Applejack offered.
"I'm game." Iggy answered.
"Of course." Rarity agreed.
"Sure." Fluttershy finished.
"Well let's go." Spike said as the group took off.
Jack continued watching them from around a corner with his Mecha-Jacks, while also noticing the Changelings in disguise were also trailing them, "Ok boys, let's move." Jack instructed, as they continued following them, while making sure to keep themselves unnoticeable.
Soon the group was sitting outside a cafe having something to eat, as Iggy was trying some hay fries, which actually tasted like regular fries to him, "Man these are good."
"I know." Spike told him so as they continued eating.
"Well we should really start talking about the Gala, now." Rarity suggested.
"Oh yeah that big event you said was coming up." Iggy noted.
"Yeah, and now that we know you won't be leaving Equestria so quickly, you can possibly join us." Twilight added.
"I'd like that, and maybe I can get Cynthia to come as well." the boy stated.
"I'm sure Princess Celestia would allow that." Twilight noted.
"Of course you should bring Cynthia here so I can take some measurements and notes from her. That way I can personally make you both outfits that best suit you two." Rarity spoke up.
"That'd be great, Rarity." Iggy smiled.
As they continued talking, Jack and his bots watched them while noticing the six undercover changelings were sitting at a table themselves waiting, "Show time." Jack whispered to his bots as he activated his jet and flew up above them.
As the group continued enjoying their lunch, they heard a maniacal laugh from above, "What in tarnation?" Applejack asked in confusion.
"Who's laughing?" Rainbow asked curiously.
"Whoever it is sure laughs annoyingly." Twilight said in irritation.
Fluttershy noticed Iggy looked horrified, "Iggy?" she asked in concern.
"Oh no." he groaned.
They looked up in the sky seeing something floating down to them. They saw another human like Iggy, as the new human spoke, "Cower before me, citizens of Ponyville! Your worse nightmare has arrived!" he declared.
"Another human." Rarity gasped.
"Um, that wouldn't happen to be Jack would it, Iggy?" Rainbow asked the boy genius.
"Unfortunately." Iggy sighed, as Jack reached the ground and saw his rival.
"Well-well, Iggy Douglas. I was wondering where you were."
"Jack seriously, why did you come here?" Iggy asked ,wanting to skip the dramatics.
"Like you need to ask?" Jack asked rhetorically, "I came for our regular duel, and you were not at home. So I went through the portal you invented and wound up here."
"Sorry that you came all this way for nothing, but if you just let me open the portal and send you home we can schedule our duel for another time." Iggy answered.
"Oh I'm not here about that anymore. I have bigger reasons to be here now." Jack explained.
"Is that so?" Iggy asked, crossing his arms.
"Oh yes, but first aren't you going to introduce me?" Jack asked, while motioning to the group Iggy was with.
Iggy sighed and decided to introduce them for the sake of being rude, "Jack, this is Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Spike. Guys, this is Jack Mcallister, my eternal rival." he introduced them in sarcasm.
"A pleasure to meet you all, and allow me to express my full pleasure by sharing with you my new trademark evil laugh!" he started laughing maniacally in various ways combined into one, which just sounded ear splitting.
The girls and Spike covered their ears, as Rainbow spoke, "Never do that again for the love of Celestia!"
Jack frowned and huffed, "No respect for the art of maniacal laugh."
"I certainly hope you don't intend on fighting me here, Jack," Iggy continued, "Because even these girls could knock you around without even trying."
"Then it's good I didn't come alone. Boys!" he called as his Mecha-Jacks landed beside him.
"What're those?" Pinkie inquired.
"His Mecha-Jack robots." Iggy explained.
"They look like him." Fluttershy noted.
"That has to be the most unhealthy case of narcissism if I've ever seen it." Rarity added.
"I am not narcissistic!" Jack growled.
Ignoring him, Gizmo spoke, "Shall I sir?"
"Do away with them." Iggy answered.
"Hold on there!" Jack interrupted them, "Who said they're my only comrades?"
"What do you mean?" Twilight asked.
"I have made other friends here in my short time since arriving." Jack explained.
"Oh this I gotta hear." Iggy answered sarcastically.
"Why hear it when they can show you? Come on out guys!" he called as the transformed changelings came to Jack's side.
"Who're they?" Fluttershy asked.
"I've been seeing them around town just recently." Twilight noted.
"Yeah they looked as if they were inspecting the place." Applejack added.
"You truly don't know who we are?" one of them asked.
"Then perhaps this will remind you!" a second bellowed as green magic consumed them and they revealed their true selves. The sight of them put the ponies and Spike in shock, while Iggy looked repulsed by their horrifying appearances.
"What are those?" the boy genius asked in shock.
"Changelings." Twilight answered.
"Changelings?" he asked, before recalling what Shining and Cadence told him about their wedding, "These are the creatures that used your bros wedding to take over Canterlot?"
"That's right," Twilight nodded, and spoke to the group of changelings, "Why're you here, and where's your queen?"
"Our queen sent us here with our new comrade Jack to find the boy known as Iggy Douglas." one of them answered.
"Comrade?" the ponies asked.
"That's right. These changelings are just the kind of allies I've always wanted." Jack smirked.
"Jack, for your first partner up with creatures who must share the same ideals as you do this is beyond freaky." Iggy explained.
"I know," Jack chuckled, "And now let me show you what our combined forces can do. Get them!" the Mecha-Jacks and changelings took off, as the ponies and Gizmo attacked as well.
The girls were using their own natural abilities against the changelings like they did back in Canterlot last time they fought, while Gizmo wheeled around and started blasting at the Mecha-Jacks with his cannons. The Mecha-Jacks took a few hits, but thanks to the enhancement magic armor Chrysalis bestowed on them, they were able to withstand the attacks. The Mecha-Jacks started blasting at Gizmo, who was wheeling around, avoiding the attacks, "They were never this strong!" he called as he almost got nailed.
Iggy seeing his one robot would not be enough to fight these new enhanced robots Jack had, clicked on his watch to open a portal and clicked on it again and spoke, "Guard bots, come!" Emerging from the portal were Iggy's guard bots from his lab, "This ought to even the odds!"
And with the additional guard bots to aid Gizmo, they were taking the fight to the Mecha-Jacks who were all evenly matched. Iggy looked and saw Jack flying right for him on his jetpack. He quickly activated his rocket boots and took it to the air. Jack flew after him and the two grappled while flying all around in turbulence, "You don't know jack, Jack!" Iggy called, as they continued to grapple, while dodging a building's sign.
"No you don't know jack, man!" Jack retorted, as they wrestled before losing their grip on each other.
As the girls continued defending themselves from the changelings, they looked up and saw Iggy and Jack continue fighting by holding their arms out and tried slapping each other when they were merely slapping each others hands away, "What're they doing?" Twilight asked.
"That's a nerd fight for you, Twilight." Rainbow noted.
Hearing her, both boys ceased their slap fighting and called down to her in sync, "Hey who're you calling a nerd?!" they looked at each other seeing they spoke in perfect sync.
"Awkward." Iggy stated, as they two continued to fight in mid air by trying to grab and wrestle each other.
Twilight knowing they had to get rid of the changelings had concentrated her magic by powering it up in her horn, "Girls get back!" she ordered, as the five jumped away from the changelings as she unleashed a magic blast knocking the changelings away and they rolled on the ground looking weakened.
Up in the air, Jack looked down, "The changelings!" he looked to the side seeing his robots were getting overwhelmed, "My Mecha-Jacks!"
"And you're next!" Iggy declared as he flew aside.
"What do you mean by that?" Jack asked in confusion, until he looked down and saw Pinkie aiming her party cannon in his direction. Suddenly blasting out of the cannon was a load of party streamers and confetti. As they were flying right for Jack, he let out a high pitch scream as the streamers and confetti covered him, with some confetti getting in his face, "My eyes! I can't see!" he cried as he waved his arms around uncontrollably, not sure where to go. Through his arm waving he accidentally pressed a switch on his jetpack that deactivated it and he started falling form the sky screaming before two of his robots that were still in tact flew over and caught him, bringing him safely to the ground, "Thanks guys."
Iggy touched down and the group saw the changelings gathering the remains of Jack's bots close to him, "You may have got the best of us today, but this is still far from over!" one of the changelings declared as they were all surrounded by green flames and vanished into thin air.
"They're gone." Iggy gasped.
"Well good riddance." Rainbow proclaimed.
"This is all very serious girls," Twilight began, "It looks like Queen Chrysalis is at it again."
"And Jack's made an ally out of her." Iggy stated.
"So that boy was Jack?" Applejack asked him.
"Yeah, but his robots were never that powerful." Iggy explained.
"I know." Gizmo agreed.
"I should write this to the princess." Twilight suggested.
"And I'm gonna need to make some adjustments to my scanner." Iggy added.
"Adjustments?" Rarity asked.
"Yeah, that way it can see through changeling transformations. If those six could slip into Ponyville like that, I want to take precautions. Especially now that Jack has competent allies."
Sometime later at the Changeling cave, the changelings and Jack were kneeling before the Queen, while trembling in fear as she spoke, "They defeated you with streamers and confetti?!" she asked in outrage.
"They defeated him with streamers and confetti." one of the changelings corrected her, while motioning to Jack.
"Hey when that stuff gets in your face it can be disorienting!" Jack argued, until Chrysalis bellowed.
"Silence!" the seven froze up in fright, "I will not tolerate failure from any of you. And as for you, Jack... I gave you those enhancements on your robots to help you in conquering your enemy, but you let me down."
"Yes your highness." he answered in fear.
"If you want this partnership between us to work, I expect better results on your part." she looked down on him with her eyes glowing, as he spoke.
"Yes your highness. I won't fail you again, I promise!" he whimpered.
She lowered her head down and came face to face with him, making him back his head away feeling intimidated, as she spoke, "If you break that promise, I will feed off whatever love you have for anything inside you until you are nothing but a withering husk. Do I make myself clear?"
Jack cringed and nodded, "Crystal, ma'am."
"Good. Now leave me." she ordered, as Jack and the Changelings left her chamber in the cave.
Jack not sure exactly where to go just walked through the cave, seeing all the changelings surrounding it, thought to himself in a panic, 'What have I gotten myself into?'
At Carousel Boutique, Rarity was hard at work more than usual. Reason was because it was the day before the night of the Grand Galloping Gala. She was currently taking some measurements on Cynthia who had returned to Ponyville when Iggy messaged that she was also invited to attend the Gala like him.
Cynthia was standing on a stool as Rarity was using her measuring tape to get the girls measurements. When the unicorn wrapped the measuring tape around the girls chest she was rather surprised at how much of it had to wrap around her, "Oh my 87 cm? Cynthia, I do hope you aren't putting on weight around this area." she patted the girls right breast, making the girl cover her chest with her arms, while looking incredibly flustered.
"No it's not like that. This is just my natural growth. You see in my world, this is one area besides the face where some girls take absolute pride in." she tried to explain.
"Oh I see," Rarity began, as she started catching on, "So the bigger you are here the better?" she motioned to Cynthia's chest.
"Some girls like to believe that," she answered, "Though sometimes they can be in the way, and it draws the eyes of men there. I'm worried that they might scare Iggy away." she blushed.
"Oh don't be so nervous, darling," Rarity said as she took some notes, "From all Iggy has told to me and the girls, he's never once said anything about you that could even possibly scare him away."
"Really?" she gasped.
"Of course. In fact why don't you openly express yourself?" she suggested, "After all sometimes one of the key ingredients into getting a guy to notice you is to show off your best features."
"I'm still not sure." Cynthia replied in doubt.
Rarity slid over to her, "Trust me on this. You may get better results."
Cynthia looked at the unicorn who was giving her a comforting smile. Feeling ensured, the teen girl smiled, "Well ok."
"Fabulous, and now to get to work on your dress." Rarity said, as she took her notes and began working her magic.
Within an hour, Cynthia stood by as Rarity stood before a screen, ready to unveil Cynthia's dress for the Gala, "And now Cynthia, I present to you your dress!" she used her magic to move the screen.
Cynthia looked and saw the dress she was meant to wear, being a green strapless and sleeveless gown, with matching green opera gloves, while her foot wear was a pair of green shoes, "Rarity, I... I love it!" she cheered.
"You do?" Rarity asked hoping she truly was pleased.
"I do. Thank you so much!" Cynthia hugged the unicorn.
"My pleasure, darling." Rarity smiled as she returned the embrace. Unaware to the two, a single changeling was watching them from the window before flying off.
In the Bad Lands, Jack was waiting around inside the cave bored out of his mind, until Chrysalis flew into, "Oh you're back. How was your feeding time?" Jack asked the queen, while using air quotes.
"It was very delicious." Chrysalis snickered deviously.
Suddenly the changeling flew into the cave and landed by her, "Your majesty. I bring you news."
"Go on." Chrysalis permitted him to speak.
"It seems the ponies, the boy Iggy Douglas, and some human girl will be attending the Grand Galloping Gala in Canterlot." her minion explained.
"The Grand Galloping Gala, you say?" she asked and he nodded, until Jack spoke up.
"Wait, a human girl?" he pondered until it dawned on him, "Cynthia."
Chrysalis turned to her partner looking intrigued, "Oh somepony you know?"
"Yeah. Another item on the list of things Iggy has taken from me." he said bitterly.
"I see," the queen began, until a smile crept on her face, "Well how would you like to take her back?"
"You got a plan?" Jack asked curiously.
"Oh yes. And it involves the Gala." she explained.
"What is this Grand Galloping Gala, anyway?"
"A special event held in Canterlot every year," she began, "Of course you need a special invite to attend it. But not us."
"So we're gonna crash it?" Jack asked in excitement.
Chrysalis chuckled at his excitement, "In a word yes."
"Ooh it's so exciting, but how are we going to do it?" Jack asked her.
"By going undercover." she answered.
Jack's excitement started dropping, as he spoke up, "Well there's a problem with that I'm afraid."
"What problem?" she asked, thinking he was doubting her.
"You may be able to easily alter your appearance, but how am I supposed to hide this face from all of the attendees?" he asked, while pushing his face into hers, making the queen look repulsed at his close contact.
She shoved him away, and spoke, "Don't get that close to my face. And second I had a feeling something like this would eventually come up."
"You did?"
"Yes, and I can help you in slipping through the crowd."
"How?" Jack asked.
"Just hold still." she instructed as he horn glowed with magic.
"Whoa, what're you going to do with that?" Jack asked in worry, as he backed up a bit.
"Just hold still. You may feel a little twinge, but it'll be worth it." she leaned her head down, and her horn came in contact with Jack's head with her magic covering his body.
Jack trembled as the magic from Chrysalis started seeping into his skin. He started feeling his body shake and felt goosebumps emerging. Suddenly the transfer ended as Jack stood looking about the same, "What did you do to me?"
"I have shared with you a bit of changeling magic." she explained.
"Really?"
"Yes. Now you have our ability to take on the form of another."
"Seriously? That's so cool!" Jack cheered.
"But do not use it carelessly," she started warning him, "After all changeling magic runs on the love others have for another. And since you do not have the power to collect that type of energy, I will have to transfer it to you myself. So don't waste it."
"Gotcha," Jack nodded in understanding, "So how does this transformation work?"
"Picture yourself as a pony in your own image in your mind. Do that and it will happen." she instructed.
"Ok. Here I go," Jack said, as he closed his eyes and started concentrating. Suddenly the green magic was surrounding his body as he started undergoing his transformation. Suddenly in place of Jack was a grayish white stallion earth pony, with red mane and a tail, and dark eye color. His cutie mark was a black King's scepter He opened his eyes and spoke, "Did it work?" he spoke.
Chrysalis spoke, "See for yourself." she used her magic to conjure a mirror for him to look in.
When he saw his reflection, Jack gasped in shock, "Is that really me?"
"Merely a transformation of yourself but yes, that is you." Chrysalis answered.
"Changeling magic rocks!" Jack cheered.
"But remember the Gala isn't until tomorrow night. So savor what magic I gave you until then." she instructed.
"Right," Jack replied as he returned to his human form, "Felt weird getting down on all fours though."
"Well get used to it." she ordered him, and he nodded.
The very next day, the girls were at Rarity's shop getting ready, while Cynthia was with them. The girls had just finished getting dressed and as usual was wearing dresses that matched their natural styles and flares. Rarity turned to a dressing room, "Everything ok in there, Cynthia?"
"Yes." she answered.
Soon enough the door opened up and stepping out was Cynthia wearing the dress Rarity made for her. In addition to the dress, Cynthia wore her hair up in a single bun, and a good amount of cleavage peaked out through her dress. The girls looked excited as they trotted over to her, "My stars. Cynthia, you are beautiful." Rarity gasped, while feeling proud.
"Do you really think so?" she asked trying to hold back a blush.
"Girl you are looking magnificent." Applejack added.
"And awesome to boot." Rainbow added.
"When Iggy sees you he's gonna be..." Pinkie began as she started giving off multiple shocked expressions.
After seeing her do so many examples, Twilight closed her agape mouth with her hoof, "I think she gets it."
"Well come on girls, Iggy should be arriving soon." Rarity said as they trotted out of the dressing room, and saw Iggy, Gizmo, and Spike waiting having fitted into their own outfits.
Spike was wearing the same tux jacket and red bow tie he wore last time, Gizmo was simply wearing a black bow tie tied around the section of his torso connecting his wheel leg to his body, along with a top hat on his head. Iggy's tux, which like Cynthia's dress and the others outfits was designed by Rarity, was composed on black dress shoes, black pants, a black dress shirt, and a blue buttoned up jacket with a black collar. It looked like a tux version of Spock's outfit, "Hello ladies." Iggy greeted them.
"Are we all set?" Gizmo asked.
"All ready, guys." Twilight answered, until the ponies made way for Cynthia.
Upon seeing her, Iggy's eyes widened in shock at the beauty that stood before him, "Cynthia?"
"Hello, Iggy." she greeted him.
Iggy eyeballed her up and down, while taking glances at her chest area and thought to himself, 'No wonder she's so modest,' he then spoke up, "You look wonderful."
"Really?" she asked.
Iggy took her hands into hers, "Cross my heart you do. Like the day I first met ya in the schools hallways."
"You look handsome yourself." Cynthia replied.
"Thanks," Iggy smiled and turned to Rarity, "And thanks for putting this together for me,Rare."
"It was my pleasure, Iggy." Rarity smiled.
"So how're we getting to the Gala this time?" Fluttershy asked curiously.
"Follows us." Spike answered, as they showed them outside the boutique.
As they went outside, they saw a big royal carriage being pulled by four of the princess' pegasi guards. The girls gasped in astonishment, as Iggy spoke, "Your chariot awaits my dears."
"How did you?" Twilight gasped.
"The princess allowed me to use it." Iggy smiled.
"Oh this is so cool!" Raibow cheered.
"Well dears, shall we go?" Rarity asked the group as they all got onto the chariot.
"Ok boys, take it away!" Iggy ordered the pegasi guards. The guards nodded and started galloping while flapping their wings, until they took off carrying the chariot into the air and were on their way to Canterlot.
That night, as the chariot pulled up outside the castle, the group dismounted and saw all of the other guests arriving and were being let in. Iggy and Cynthia looked up seeing fireworks being shot off signaling that the gala had begun.
"Well everypony got their tickets?" Twilight asked as they all had their Gala ticket on them.
"Well let's go!" Pinkie cheered as they all walked for the entrance, and showed the guard pony their tickets before being allowed in.
Watching from behind a bush was Chrysalis and Jack, "Ok Jack, it's time." she instructed him.
"This is so great." Jack said excitedly.
"Contain your excitement, and get into your disguise." she instructed.
"Right." he answered as he concentrated and became his disguised earth pony self, while wearing a black tuxedo jacket, and red bow tie.
'My turn." Chrysalis said, as she used her magic to transform into a unicorn mare about the same height as Princess Luna. Her coat became reddish pink, and her mane and tail became brown and done up nicely, and her cutie mark was the image of wedding bells. Her dress was white and looked almost like a wedding gown.
"Wow, nice look." Jack gasped.
"It is isn't it?" she asked while posing, "Now remember to use the voice you've been practicing with."
"You mean this voice?" he asked, in an elegant and suave tone, that sounded in no way like Jack's regular voice.
"Excellent." Chrysalis smiled, as the two came out of hiding and followed the rest of the crowd.
When they reached the entry, the guard spoke up, "Tickets please."
"Ah yes, they're right... here." Chrysalis aimed her horn at the guard using her magic to put him under her control.
"Go on in." he permitted them entry against his will.
"Thank you." she snickered, as the two entered. Upon leaving the guard's eyes returned to normal, while he looked around wondering what just happened.
Inside the castle, Chrysalis and Jack looked around, "Wow, this is some place." Jack gasped.
"Yes, and it could've been mine." Chrysalis said bitterly.
"So we're in. What do we do now?" Jack asked for instructions.
"We'll play is casual until the time is right." she explained as they continued on, with devious thoughts on how the Gala's gonna go once they make their debut.
Last time, as the group were on their way to the Grand Galloping Gala, Chrysalis and Jack had arrived as well with plans of going undercover. With a bit of changeling magic, Jack was able to transform himself into a pony so he could blend in without getting discovered. With two enemies infiltrating the gala, will the group see through them, or will the gala be the last one.
As the girls, Spike, Iggy, Cynthia, and Gizmo walked through the castle, they saw Princess Celestia and princess Luna atop the stairs greeting various guests, "I think it's best we pay our respects to them." Twilight suggested.
"I agree, plus I need to introduce them to Cynthia." Iggy agreed, as they walked up the stairs, while Gizmo used his jets to hover up them.
The two smiled, as Celestia spoke, "It's so good you all could make it."
"Like we'd miss it." Rainbow replied.
"Your highnesses, I'd like to introduce you to someone," Iggy began as he brought Cynthia over, "This is my friend, Cynthia Daniels. Cynthia, I'd like to introduce to you the rulers of Equestria. Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna."
Cynthia stood before the two smiling, "I'm honored to meet you two."
Celestia smiled back, "The pleasure is all ours, my dear."
"Yes. Iggy did say he had a friend from his world he spoke so fondly of." Luna added.
"Fondly?" Cynthia gasped, as she blushed, while the sisters nodded.
"Well we'll be seeing ya. Right now we're gonna go mingle." Applejack stated.
"Of course. Have a pleasant night, everypony." Celestia said, as she and Luna bowed their heads to them, and they bowed back before going off.
Chrysalis and Jack still in disguise, watched them greet the princesses, until Jack realized who was with them, "What, Cynthia's here too?"
"Hm, somepony you know?" Chrysalis asked curiously.
"Oh yeah," Jack answered, "She was another item on the list of things Iggy had taken from me. And I saw her first."
"Did you now?" The queen asked.
"Yes. In the second grade, she was looking for directions to one of the classrooms. I kindly gave her the directions to it. I knew she and I would be a perfect match, because out of everyone there she asked me of all people for directions. But then she bumped into Iggy, and that's when it all went wrong!" he growled.
"So you both love her?" Chrysalis asked amusingly.
"We both may love her, but I love her more!" Jack whined.
"You don't say?" Chrysalis asked as he horn glowed with magic.
Jack realizing what Chrysalis was thinking about doing, backed up, "Whoa-whoa-whoa, don't even think about it. Remember I'm on your side."
"I'm just messing with you." she chuckled humorously.
"You better be." Jack mumbled under his breath.
"Come along. I'm starting to piece another plan together." she smirked, as she led Jack on.
When the group arrived in the main ballroom, they saw many ponies gossiping, enjoying the buffet, or dancing to the music performed by Octavia and more musicians, "Wow, it's just like in a fairy tale." Cynthia gasped.
"It's one way of looking at it." Twilight admitted.
"If I ever become a rich and famous playboy philanthropist I may be coming to stuff like this a lot." Iggy deduced.
"Think you could handle stuff like this constantly?" Rainbow asked.
"No idea." Iggy replied.
"Well come on as long as we're here let's enjoy ourselves." Twilight said, as they went to a table to relax.
Pinkie brought some food from the buffet over to their table for them to snack on, "Now this is what should've happened the first time." Spike said, as he chewed on a gem.
"This does feel nice, actually." Iggy admitted, as he looked around and saw just about all the other guests having fun.
"Well good evening my dear girls." a refined voice spoke up.
They all looked over and saw Fancypants and Fleur de lis. Rarity got out of her chair and spoke, "Why Fancypants and Fleur, how wonderful to see you two."
"And it's a joy as always to see you and all your friends, Rarity." Fancypants greeted her.
Fleur noticed Iggy and Cynthia, "And it looks like you've brought some new faces as well."
Rarity realizing what she meant, spoke up, "Why yes. Iggy, Cynthia, allow me to introduce to you two acquaintances of mine here in Canterlot. This is Fancypants and Fluer de lis. And please allow me to introduce to you Iggy Douglas, and Cynthia Daniels."
"It's very nice to meet you two." Iggy greeted them, while shaking Fancy's hoof.
"The pleasure's all ours young one," Fancy began, "Any friend of Rarity's is always all right by me."
Cynthia was being inspected by Fleur, as the unicorn spoke, "My such a lovely dress. I assume Rarity was the one who made it for you?"
"That's right, ma'am." Cynthia answered.
"It's magnificent design only further compliments your natural beauty." Fleur continued, resulting in Cynthia blushing.
"Natural beauty?" she asked, feeling embarrassed.
"Quite so," Fancy agreed, "You my dear are an absolute fine work of art."
Iggy seeing Cynthia looked ready to pass out from so many compliments broke them up, "Now you two, try not to embarrass my date. After all we still have to dance." he said as he held Cynthia close.
"We do?" Cynthia asked.
"Oh yes, but I know of a better tune for us to dance too. Wait here." Iggy said, as he zipped off, leaving the group confused.
On the stage, the band was planning their next piece, until Iggy slid in and whispered something to Octavia. Octavia was curious about what he was whispering into her ear, until he held out numerous bits. She then looked interested and collected them. Iggy left the stage, as Octavia and her band started up again playing a familiar theme from Iggy and Cynthia's favorite Sci-Fi feature.
Cynthia gasped as she looked over at Iggy, who was smiling, "Iggy, that's..."
"Uh-huh," he nodded, and held his hand out, "Let's boogie."
Cynthia smiled as she took his hand, and they went out to the dance floor and began dancing it out to the tune. Eventually many ponies started to get into the jazzy tune, and joined them on the dance floor. Gizmo rolled out and started rolling back and forth to the beat. The mane six and Spike went out to the floor and started shaking it up as well.
"This is a totally awesome beat!" Rainbow cheered as she danced.
"I'll say!" Pinkie agreed as she swished her tail.
Jack and Chrysalis who were in the ballroom listened to the tune, as Jack gasped, "Oh I love this tune!" he grabbed Chrysalis, and dragged her to the dance floor.
"What're you doing?" she demanded.
"Hey we gotta blend it. So let's blend." he smirked, as he started swinging it with the queen, who was taken aback by how much he was getting into this. She decided to roll with it for the moment.
Eventually Octavia and the band, ended their piece, and the guests relaxed and caught their breath. Iggy and Cynthia laughed as they went to the buffet table for some punch, "That was amazing." Cynthia chuckled.
"I know. We really knocked them for a spin!" Iggy chuckled.
"I'm really glad you were able to bring me here, Iggy." Cynthia smiled.
"Hey you know I'd do anything with you, Cynthia." Iggy replied, and was suddenly embraced, by the girl. Iggy embraced her back, as the girls watched.
"Aw!" they said collectively.
Suddenly, some stallions trotted up to Iggy, and pulled him away wanting to know how he was able to dance so well. Cynthia giggled, as she watched her close friend get crowded by the ponies. She was brought out of her amusement by a voice, "Good evening."
Cynthia looked over and saw Prince Blueblood, "Oh, good evening." she greeted him back.
"I am Prince Blueblood, and you are?" he requested.
"I'm Cynthia Daniels." she answered.
"A pleasure. I couldn't help but notice you seem very close to that fellow there." he motioned to Iggy.
"Iggy? Oh well, he and I are very close friends." she admitted.
"Clearly." Blueblood replied, as he looked back at Iggy with a hint of anger in his eyes.
"Are you friends of Iggy's?" she asked.
"Well we..." Blueblood began, until Gizmo spoke up.
"They are in no sense friends!" he wheeled over.
"Gizmo?" Cynthia asked.
Gizmo turned to Cynthia, "Word to wise, Cynthia. Stay far away from this guy. He's anything but nice."
"How dare you!" Blueblood scolded the robot.
"Give it a rest, pretty stallion, you're nothing but a narcissistic, stuck up, sorry excuse for a prince." Gizmo scolded him back.
"And we can vouch for that." Rarity added, as she and the girls approached.
"Oh it's you again." Blueblood frowned.
"I see you managed to get that frosting out of your coat." Rarity smirked.
"I wouldn't have had to if you didn't get me covered with it!" Blueblood snapped.
"Well you were the one who used me as a pony shield just to protect yourself from it!" Rarity argued back.
Cynthia ignoring the two squabbling spoke to Gizmo, "Is this true about what you say about him?"
"Yes, in fact you wouldn't believe the first thing he ever said to Master Iggy." Gizmo stated, as he told her exactly what Blueblood described Iggy when he first came to Equestria.
Cynthia gasped as she looked to the stallion, "You creep! You horrible creep!"
Blueblood frowned as he finally showed his true colors to her, "How dare you insult me like that you despicable creature!"
"Whoa-whoa-whoa!" Rainbow called, "You did not just say that to Cynthia!"
"What if I did, what're you going to do about it?" he challenged her.
"I'll tell you what I'm gonna do!" Rainbow said, as she was prepared to tackle him, only for Cynthia to hold her back.
"No, Rainbow."
"What? But, Cynthia." the pegasus gasped.
"Believe me, it's not worth it," she frowned at Blueblood, "Especially to lowlifes like that."
Rainbow replied, "Yeah you're right."
Rarity gave Blueblood a huff, before they turned and started walking away. Blueblood frowned, and thought, 'How dare they insult me like that. Especially that... that girl. Well I'll show her nopony mocks the name of Prince Blueblood.' he used his magic to levitate a pie from the buffet and launched it at her.
Iggy who got away from the group of stallions, wanted to go back to see Cynthia, but saw Prince Blueblood using his magic to launch a pie right in the direction of his friends, and saw he was mostly aiming at Cynthia, "Cynthia, look out!" he screamed.
Cynthia and the girls spun around, and the human girl ended up getting pied in the face. The girls and Spike were wide eyed in shock. The pie fell from Cynthia's face with bits of it staining her face, and some of it getting on her dress. Cynthia looked horrified and embarrassed that someone or somepony in this case actually did something like that to her out of petty spite.
Rarity growled at him in rage, while the others frowned at him, only for Blueblood to speak up, "You wouldn't dare lay a hoof on me!"
Suddenly he saw Iggy running to him like a mad man, "YOU STUPID SON OF A JAWA!" he screamed before jumping Blueblood, causing both of them to fall to the floor, surprising the rest of the guests.
They watched as Iggy started punching and slapping Blueblood's face without holding back, while cursing him before he started speaking in some other form of language that they didn't know about or what it meant. Finally two of the guards present rushed over and pulled Iggy off the prince, while the boy struggled to get out of their grip, "LET ME GO! LET ME AT HIM! I'LL RIP HIS HORN OFF!"
Blueblood with his face covered in bruises and slap marks got up, "Can you believe the nerve of that ruffian attacking a prince like that?" he asked everypony around, only to see they were all frowning at him.
"What is going on here?" Celestia demanded, as she and her sister approached and saw the condition, Cynthia, Iggy, and Blueblood were in.
The girls galloped over and started speaking to her at the same time, which she couldn't make out, until Luna whistled, "One at a time, please."
Twilight spoke, "Blueblood threw a pie at Cynthia, after insulting her in front of all of us."
"Then why is Iggy being restrained?" Luna asked.
"Because he was trying to protect my honor." Cynthia answered.
"Aunties, you can't possibly believe them over your own family." Blueblood spoke up in outrage.
"I'm more than willing to vouch you in fact did start a spectacle here." Fanypants came to the groups defense.
"Indeed." Fleur agreed, as many other ponies started voicing their word that Blueblood did start.
Celestia and Luna seeing that even the guards were nodding that Blueblood was indeed the first to start the spectacle with pieing Cynthia, the two frowned at their Nephew, "Blueblood!" they frowned at him, making him nervous.
"You've once and for all dishonored our noble family with your bias attitude and lack of respect to others. That is not how a prince of Equestria should be to anypony." Celetia lectured him.
"We are truly utterly disgusted!" Luna added.
"But..." Blueblood tried to reason, only for Celestia to turn to the guards to release Iggy, and ordered them.
"Take our nephew to his room where he is to remain there for the rest of the night."
The guards nodded and restrained Blueblood, as they showed him off, "Get your hooves off me you pitiful fools!"
Celestia and Luna dropped their tough look and went to Cynthia, "Are you all right, my dear?" Celestia asked in concern.
"Yes. I'm fine, but look at my face, and Rarity the dress you made me is ruined!" Cynthia cried.
"Oh pish posh darling, just come with me and I'll fix you right up." Rarity assured her.
"We apologize for the behavior of our so called nephew." Luna apologized.
"We promise you he will be properly punished," Celestia promised her, and turned to Iggy, "And, Iggy. While you had good intentions to protect Cynthia, you must also learn to control your own anger."
"Yes, but the guy was asking for it!" Iggy argued.
"Regardless, we expect you to properly control yourself before acting out in such a way.' Celestia replied.
Iggy realizing she was right. Even though Blueblood was a freakin jerk, he was still just a pony, "Yes Princess." he answered, with a hint of shame for himself.
"Well come along darling, I'll fix you right up." Rarity said, as she escorted Cynthia off.
Watching from the crowd, Jack frowned, "I can't believe what that jerk did to Cynthia!"
"Let it go, Jack," Chrysalis warned him, "We got bigger things to worry about." Jack grumbled as he shook it off and continued to lay low with Chrysalis.
The group brought Iggy over to their table to cool off, "Thanks girls, and sorry you had to see that nasty side of me. I feel bad that showed it at all to Cynthia."
"I'm sure she knows that wasn't the real you." Twilight comforted him.
"Indeed, master." Gizmo agreed.
"But still it was very funny the way you pounded on Blueblood," Rainbow chuckled, "But what was that weirdo language you were speaking in?"
"That? Oh I speaking in Klingon." he answered.
"Klingon?" they asked.
"Yeah, that's a another language mostly known to uber sci-fi geeks... And me." Iggy explained.
"So what does the stuff you said in Klingon translate into?" Twilight wondered.
Iggy looked nervous, and answered, "I'd rather not say."
"Why not?" Pinkie asked.
"Let's just say what it translates into would result in me getting grounded for a year." he warned them.
"Ah see." Applejack answered, feeling it was probably best he not translate for them.
Soon enough Rarity came back with Cynthia, who was looking all cleaned up, "There you two are." Rainbow noted.
"Are you ok, Cynthia?" Iggy asked as he took her hands into his.
"I'll be fine." she answered.
"Listen, what happened back there you did not deserve. Especially from some ponified version of Jabba the Hutt."
"Yes," she sighed, "I thought this world was suppose to be peaceful."
"It is, but not everypony here is peaceful." Iggy stated.
"Obviously." Cynthia nodded.
"Come on, let's take a slow dance." he suggested, as he led her back to the dance floor as slow music was playing.
Cynthia smiled, as the two walked to the dance floor and began to waltz. As they danced, Chrysalis and Jack watched, as the queen smirked and spoke to Jack, "Follow my lead."
"Huh?" he asked, and suddenly found himself being pulled into a dance by the queen.
The two danced among the others, as Chrysalis and Jack were leaning closer and closer to Iggy and Cynthia. When they were close, they broke their dance and turned to the two, "Cutting in." Chrysalis told Cynthia, as she swapped partners with her and started dancing off with Iggy, leaving Pony Jack to dance with Cynthia.
'I'm dancing with Cynthia. I'm dancing with Cynthia!' Jack thought in excitement, but had to contain himself or risk blowing his cover.
Cynthia started feeling awkward about suddenly dancing with a stallion, but knew this was a ball so just went with it. Iggy meanwhile was dancing with Chrysalis, while he remained unaware of who she really was, "You dance absolutely divinely for a being who stands on two legs." the disguised queen said seductively.
"Well thanks." Iggy replied, while blushing.
"Was that your date I unintentionally snatched you from?" she inquired.
"Actually yes." Iggy answered, wondering if she was being rhetoric.
"She is quite the catch. And do you love her?"
Iggy blushed at this ponie's bold questions, but hesitantly answered, "Yes I do. If I could be in this world with anyone, I'm glad to be here with her."
"Aren't you a charmer?" Chrysalis giggled as she touched her horn to Iggy's head as green magic surrounded her horn.
"What're you..." Iggy began, but was cut off as he started droning out.
Chrysalis snickered to herself and thought, 'Oh yes. The love he shares for that girl is exquisite. I'm getting stronger by the second.' As she contineud to dance with Iggy, she harnessed more love from him.
As Cynthia continued to dance with Jack, she looked over his shoulder and saw Iggy's eyes started turning into a daze. She gasped and stopped dancing with Jack and ran over to her boy, "Iggy!" she cried and broke up the dancing between him and the king, "Are you all right?"
Iggy groaned before snapping out of it, "What's going on?"
"You started looking like you were in a trance." she explained.
"A trance?" he asked, while the disguised queen spoke.
"He was probably just overwhelmed by me beauty he couldn't resist."
"I doubt that. Sorry but your dance time with him is up." Cynthia took Iggy's arm to drag him off, only for Chrysalis to use her magic to tug him back.
"Sorry, but I still have some minutes left." she sneered.
Back at the table, the girls, spike, the princesses, and Gizmo continued to enjoy themselves, until Twilight looked over seeing Cynthia and a unicorn mare were fighting over Iggy, "Whoa. That doesn't look good."
"Oh come on, Twi. This could be good for Cynthia," Rainbow began, "Look at Cynthia now fighting for Iggy."
Gizmo looked over as his visor was scanning the three, until he gasped, "Girls, that unicorn is not who she appears to be."
"What do you mean?" Fluttershy asked, as they all looked at him curiously.
"I mean, she's an enemy!" he announced as he wheeled over and aimed his two arms and started shooting at the disguised queen. Chrysalis jumped back in shock, while the guests were alarmed at the blasting shots.
"Gizmo, what's going on?" Iggy asked.
"Master, that unicorn is not who she pretends to be." Gizmo explained.
"I'm confused." Cynthia replied, having no idea what this was all about.
"What is going on here?" Celestia demanded, as she, her sister, and the rest of them approached.
"I saw through my scanner, that unicorn is giving off the same signature as the changelings!" the robot explained.
"The changelings?" the group gasped as they looked at the fake.
"Yes, but her signature is much stronger than theirs was." Gizmo finished.
"Then that can only be one thing." Twilight gasped as they saw the unicorn mare frown as green flames surrounded her and resumed her rightful changeling form.
Her sudden appearance took all the guests by surprise, but especially Iggy and Cynthia, "Queen Chrysalis!" the ponies gasped.
"That's right." Chrysalis laughed.
Iggy's eyes widened as he realized who he was really dancing with, "I'm gonna heave!" he covered his bloated mouth.
"Why are you here?" Luna demanded the queen to talk.
"Why else? To take Canterlot and Equestria of course." she chuckled.
"Bold move of you to come here alone." Applejack noted.
"Who said I was alone?" Chrysalis asked, and called out, "Jack! Cat's out of the bag!"
"Jack?" Iggy and Cynthia gasped, as they saw the pony who was dancing with Cynthia gallop over.
"And I was having so much fun," Jack began as his body started glowing and he resumed his human form, with a maniacal laugh.
"Jack?" Cynthia gasped, realizing who she was really dancing with.
Last time, after some problems at the Gala involving Blueblood humiliating Cynthia and provoking Iggy into attacking him, Chrysalis and Jack revealed themselves to the guests taking them all by surprise. With the gala crashed, will the girls once again be able to defend the castle if not Canterlot from Chrysalis? We now continue.
The guests at the gala, the girls, the princesses, Spike, Cynthia, Gizmo, and Iggy were in shock, "Who or what is the name of Yoda is that?" Iggy asked the girls, while still feeling repulsed by the queen's appearance.
"Queen Chrysalis, the queen of changelings." Twilight explained.
"Right you are, Princess Twilight." the queen answered, mockingly.
Celestia frowned with her sister, as the princess of the sun spoke, "You have the nerve to show your face in this kingdom after what you did."
"Well I couldn't resist crashing the gala," Chrysalis chortled, "And to show my new partner one of the lands greatest of festivities," she motioned to Jack, "Princesses, meet my new partner Jack Mcallister. And Jack, meet the monarchs of Equestria, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna."
Jack smirked, "Nice to meetcha," he then looked to Chrysalis in confusion, "So do I bow to them or what?"
Chrysalis scowled, "Not to them."
"Oh." Jack said.
"Jack, did you just transform from pony back to human?" Iggy inquired.
"Uh-huh, nice isn't it?"
"But how, you don't look like you're wearing your transmorph watch." Iggy noticed.
"This isn't technology, Iggy. It's magic. Changeling magic." Jack answered.
"Changeling magic?" Fluttershy asked.
"That's right," Jack answered, as he motioned to Chrysalis, "The queen here was generous enough to juice me up with some changeling magic, allowing me to assume the form of another. And Cynthia and the rest of you fell for it!" he laughed maniacally.
"Why you!" Iggy stomped forward, but stopped and slumped a bit.
"Iggy!" Cynthia cried, as she and the girls helped him stand up straight.
"Whatever is the matter, darling?" Rarity inquired.
"I don't know, but I'm feeling a little disoriented all of a sudden." Iggy explained, feeling exhausted.
Twilight frowned at the queen, knowing she had to have done something while he was dancing with her disguised self, "What did you do to him?" she demanded.
"I simply consumed a good amount of love he holds for the girl Cynthia," she explained with a smirk, and turned to Cynthia, "You should be flattered, for Iggy's love for you is delicious. Perhaps yours is just as tasty?" her horn glowed.
"No!" Cynthia cried ,as she backed away, while the girls defended her.
Chrysalis was blocked off by Luna and Celestia, as the princess of the night spoke, "Thou shall not lay a hoof on the fair girl!"
"Oh please," the queen rebuffed her warning, "With the love I've been consuming these past few days I have more than enough magic to match the both of you!"
"We shall see!" Celestia answered, as the two sisters and queen took it into the air and battled it out using their magic.
The guests were in a panic as they were either taking cover, or being escorted out single file by the guards, "What do we do now?" Spike asked the girls.
"Ain't it obvious?" Rainbow asked, "We fight!" the girls were ready to assist the queen, only for Jack to slide in.
"Sorry girls, but first you gotta get past my entourage," he clicked his watch, and his Mecha-Jack robots burrowed up from the floor using built in drills, "Mecha-Jacks, go get them!" he ordered.
And so Jack's robots took off fighting against the girls who were fighting back, dodging the robot's attacks, or in Fluttershy's case hiding. Cynthia pulled Iggy off to the side, and used a knocked over table as cover, "Iggy, are you ok?" Cynthia asked, noticing he still looked tired.
"I'll be fine, but they need help. Gizmo!" he ordered.
"I'm on it, sir!" Gizmo answered, as he wheeled into battle and aimed his blasters at the robots before shooting them.
Jack frowned at Iggy's own robot meddling, "Ok, now it's my turn!" he concentrated his changeling magic, and took on the form of himself wearing cybernetic body armor, with blasters on the arms, and rockets in his feet, "Now this is what I'm talking about!" he pumped an arm.
"Oh dear." Gizmo gasped.
"How about some of this?" Jack called, as he used the blasters on his arms to blast at Gizmo who was wheeling around to avoid the blasts. Eventually he got shot in the wheel and fell to the floor.
"Gizmo!" Iggy cried.
"Oh no!" Fluttershy gasped.
Jack snickered as he was feeling ready to blast the robot some more, until Fluttershy dropped in, "Now hold it right there, mister!"
"Huh?" Jack asked, as he stopped in place.
"Fluttershy!" Cynthia and Iggy cried.
"Ms. Fluttershy?" Gizmo gasped.
"Who do you think you are blasting poor Gizmo like that?" Fluttershy questioned Jack, who tried aiming his blaster at her, "You ought to be ashamed of yourself."
"Get back or I'll shoot!" Jack warned her.
"You wouldn't dare shoot me!" Fluttershy challenged him, as she stomped forward making him back away.
"I-I mean it!" Jack warned her nervously.
"Why I have the right mind to have Iggy call your mother and tell her just what a bad boy you're being!" the pegasus continued to scold him.
Jack was getting so terrified of Fluttershy, he couldn't concentrate and started losing his form and became normal again, "Mecha-Jacks, save me!" he cried.
Jack's robots, hearing their master's plea ceased their attacking the girls, and went to his defense while aiming their blasters at Fluttershy who lost her stare mode mojo, "Eep!" she cried and flew away in fright.
Iggy frowned and went to Gizmo, "Giz, time to initiate attack protocol!"
"Yes, sir!" Gizmo agreed.
Iggy clicked on his watch, "Initiate!" Suddenly Gizmo's upper half detached from his wheel leg and wrapped around Iggy's back. The bottom half of the Gizmo backpack acted as a rocket, while his arms connected to Iggy's and acted as hand blasters, "Come on, girls! Let's get busy!" he ordered, as the girls once again took off and fought the robots with Iggy leading the charge.
Up above, Chrysalis looked down and saw the fight going on, while defending herself from the two sisters, "Jack was not kidding when he told me how much of a nuisance that Iggy boy is."
"Iggy had told us the same of Jack." Luna replied, as she tried blasting Chrysalis with her magic, but the changeling queen dodged.
"Just what do you hope to accomplish by dragging that boy Jack into your ranks?" Celestia inquired.
"What can I say? He amuses me," Chrysalis answered smugly, and saw Jack snuck past his robots and was on his way to capture Cynthia, "And he also has his devious moments."
Cynthia saw Jack pop out, "There you are."
"Jack, please you don't need to do this." Cynthia pleaded with him.
"Actually I do. Once I've helped Chrysalis take over this land, they'll help me take over our own world," Jack explained, "Where I will be it's Supreme Overlord, and you will be there at my side."
Cynthia frowned, "I would never join you."
"I'm not giving you a choice." Jack warned her ,as he closed in only to get tackled by Iggy, as the two rolled across the floor and wrestled.
"You keep your hands off Cynthia, you creep!" Iggy ordered as he was pinning Jack to the floor.
Jack reversed the pin, "Who're you calling a creep, creep?"
"You, creep!" Iggy answered, as he once again pinned Jack to the floor.
Jack frowned as he used his changeling magic again to give him a professional wrestlers build and knocked Iggy off him, "Instant buff!" Jack declared.
"You may have muscles due to magic, but you don't know how to use them!" Iggy shot back, as he tried blasting Jack who started crying in fright seeing not even his muscles could defend him from shots.
Jack saw a table close by, picked it up using his strength in his transformed muscular bod, and threw it at Iggy, "Catch!"
Iggy jumped away before the table could hit him, "Activate stun dart!" he fired a dart from one of the blasters that nailed Jack in his right leg.
"Ow!" he cried, before losing balance, "Hey I can't feel my leg!" he fell to the ground.
"The stun dart paralyzed your right leg, and you'll need both to stand up." Iggy noted.
Jack groaned as he called up to his partner, "Chrysalis, help!"
Chrysalis after blocking two magic blasts from the sisters, looked down at her partner seeing him on the floor looking unable to get up, "Ugh," she groaned, with a roll of her eyes. She used her magic to force the two sisters back, as she flew down and collected Jack, and levitated all the broken pieces of his robots to them, "Until next time." they vanished in green flames.
Seeing Chrysalis, Jack, and the Mecha-Jacks gone, the girls relaxed, while Gizmo detached himself from Iggy's back and back onto his wheel. The princesses touched down as Celestia spoke, "Is everypony ok?"
"We're fine Princess." Twilight assured her.
"What about you two?" Luna asked Iggy and Cynthia.
"I'm ok." Cynthia answered.
"Me too." Iggy added.
"Same here." Gizmo said.
"Oh my stars, look at this place." Rarity gasped, seeing the castle ballroom was in shambles from all the fighting."
"This is nothing we can't fix." Celestia said, as she and Luna smiled and crossed their horns as their magic activated and restored the ballroom to be as good as new.
"I love magic." Cynthia gasped.
"I do too." Iggy agreed.
Celestia looked at another guard who entered and waited for instructions, "Tell all the guests they may return."
"Yes, your highness." he galloped off.
Celestia turned to the group, "Now then, why don't we all grab a doughnut at Joe's?"
"Sounds good to me." Spike agreed.
"After all this, you know it." Iggy added.
"Same here." Pinkie put in.
"Then let's go." Applejack said, as they left the ballroom, as the guests were returning to continue to enjoy themselves while still shaken from what just happened.
At the Changeling cave, Jack was lying on a large pillow with his leg out, "My leg's gonna be like this for the rest of the night."
Chrysalis growled, "We were so close!" Jack winced, until the queen calmed down, "No matter. Tomorrow is another day."
"Right." Jack nodded in agreement, until she looked at him and continued.
"And Jack, you handled your use of changeling transformation very well. Keep that up and I may reward you even further." she smirked.
Jack smiled, "Yes, your highness." Chrysalis left him to rest for the night, but Jack wouldn't be able to rest so well as images of Stare Mode Fluttershy lingered in his memories, making him tremble.
Meanwhile at Pony Joe's Doughnut shop in Canterlot, the girls, Spike, Iggy, Cynthia, Gizmo, and the princesses were at a table having some doughnuts and cocoa, "Now this is relaxing." Iggy admitted, as he kicked back and ate a doughnut.
"The gala was fun, but this is even better." Cynthia added.
"Got that right." Rainbow put in, as she drank her cocoa.
"Still what happened back there was too close." Twilight said in worry.
"I agree, Chrysalis was once again able to sneak into the castle right under us." Celestia agreed in the same tone.
"And worse, she made it so Jack can morph like herself and her minions." Gizmo noted.
"And with morphing power like that Jack can become almost anything or anyone." Iggy feared.
"Don't worry, after all changeling magic runs on how much love they feed off. And depending on how much they both used here they'll need some kind of recharge." Twilight explained.
"Well one's thing's for sure I'm definitely going to need to fine tune my ocular visor to read through the structural signs of anypony to determine who's a pony and who's a changeling," Iggy stated before turning to Cynthia, "Cynthia, perhaps it's best if you remained back on earth until I deal with Jack."
"What? No way!" Cynthia argued.
"Cynthia, you know what happened today. And if something worse were to happen I'd never live with myself." Iggy warned her.
"Iggy, you can't do this alone. You and I are a team, and like a team we're going to get through this," Cynthia began, as she held onto his shoulders, "I'm not gonna let Jack or this Chrysalis bring you down."
Iggy rolled his eyes in amusement, "It's pointless arguing with you."
"Uh-huh." Cynthia nodded in agreement, as the girls giggled.
Iggy looked over and a jukebox in the corner, he turned to his robotic assistant, "Giz, music please." he offered him a bit.
"Right." Gizmo accepted the bit, and wheeled over to the jukebox before putting it in and selecting a song.
When the music started playing, Iggy offered his hand to Cynthia and she accepted it. The two went to the center of the shop and began dancing, with the group, Pony Joe, and whoever else was there watched them dance.
"They sure look mighty happy." Applejack noticed, as they danced.
"But of course." Rarity smiled, as she held Spike close.
"Even after all they went through tonight, they still can enjoy themselves." Twilight said, as she and her fellow princesses smiled.
In Canterlot at one of the kingdom's research labs, Iggy was hard at work making something with Gizmo, and several scientist unicorns assisting him, "Wrench!" he ordered as Gizmo handed him one, "Blowtorch!" a unicorn levitated one to him.
A unicorn wearing a labcoat spoke, "Mr. Douglas, not to doubt your skill, but I have worries about this project you're attempting."
"Nonsense, I know what I'm doing." Iggy answered.
"It's true, he does this on a daily basis," Gizmo assured the scientist pony and the other assistants, "Although he's never made one in this form in his life."
"So why start now?" another unicorn scientist asked.
"Well I've never met talking ponies before so it never crossed my mind," Iggy admitted, as he continued working, "Almost done, but it needs a strong jolt of energy to bring to life."
"And how're you going to get something like that?" one of the assistants inquired.
"Hmm..." Iggy pondered.
"Hey, Iggy!" a voice called, as he was thrown out of his thoughts.
He looked seeing it was the girls, Spike, Celestia, Luna, and Cynthia, "Your majesties!" the head unicorn scientist gasped, as he and the other unicorns bowed in respect.
Iggy seeing Celestia, Luna, and Twilight gasped in joy, "Yes!" he ran to them, "Princesses, you're the very ponies I need."
"Need for what?" Twilight asked.
"Could this have something to do with the project you've been working on this morning?" Luna inquired.
"As a matter of fact yes." he answered, with a smirk.
"Iggy, what're you up to?" Cynthia asked suspiciously.
"Well Cynthia, I've once again decided to broaden my scientific thinking and technological creativity by creating a new automaton in the image of this world's inhabitants." Iggy explained.
"Say what now?" Applejack asked, as they were confused by his wording.
Iggy approached what he was working on, that was covered by a tarp, "Behold!" he announced, as he pulled the tarp off.
The ponies, Spike, and Cynthia looked and saw crouching on the floor was a pegasus with a pale yellow coat, green mane and tail, and her cutie mark was the image of an energy core. What was confusing to the ponies was that the pegasi's wings didn't look feathery, but rather were straight which Cynthia could tell resembled airplane wings, and her ears looked more like antennae. What they noticed was that its eyes weren't opened.
"Wow, it's uh..." Twilight trailed, feeling lost for words.
"Magnificent isn't it?" Iggy asked.
"But what is it?" Rainbow asked.
"I have created a pegasus robot." he answered.
"It's a robot?" Fluttershy asked.
"Yes, just like me." Gizmo answered.
"Is it asleep?" Luna wondered.
"No, and it's a she." Iggy corrected her.
"Perhaps you should explain more clearly." Celestia suggested.
"Yes, well as I stated I've decided to create a robotic pony using equipment and parts I had Gizmo collect from my lab, and this is what came out. As for why she isn't activated, she requires a large power source to start her up. That is where you three come in." Iggy motioned to the three princesses.
"Us?" Twilight asked.
"Yes, I want you three to combine your magic to power her up and give her life."
"Why does it have to be our magic?" the princess of magic wondered.
"Yeah, can't ya just have the fellas here use their magic?" Applejack motioned to the unicorn scientists.
"I'm afraid not. You see regular unicorn magic will not truly suffice no matter how many I gather to power her up. The magic of the alicorn princesses however are more powerful than any magic in the land. That kind of magic is the kind I require to power her up." he patted the robot pegasi's head.
"Why use magic? Can't you just use lightning or something for a charge?" Cynthia asked.
"Yeah, I can whip up a lightning cloud for ya with no problem." Rainbow offered.
"Even so, I wish to use a difference source of power for my newest creation. The power of magic." Iggy answered.
Luna turned to her sister and spoke, "What do you think of this plan, Tia?"
Tia pondered on it, while everyone awaited her answer. She cleared her throat, "I am quite taken by this idea of yours, Iggy."
The ponies were confused, as Iggy gasped, "Does that mean you'll help?"
Celestia smiled, "I do."
"Yes!" Iggy cheered, before looking at the other two, "And you?"
Luna and Twilight look at each other, before Luna answered, "If my sister has faith in this idea of yours, then I shall have faith as well. So I shall help as well."
"What about you, Twilight?" Iggy asked, as the girls and Spike looked at her awaiting the answer.
"Well, I could give it a try and see what happens." she agreed.
"Excellent!" Iggy beamed, "Now I'll need the three of you to gather around her. That's it," he said as the three surrounded the offline robot, "aim your horns up and concentrate your magic."
The three did so and were soon glowing with their respective magical auras. They aimed a beam of magic upward until the three streams combined into a sphere of magical energy. Iggy gasped and smiled, "Yes magic, give my creation life!" he announced as the sphere of magic lowered downward before entering the robot.
The princesses magic died down, and they looked down at the robot pegasus seeing if it was waking up. When it had not budged, Iggy's look of excitement started deteriorating. There was silence for a moment, before Pinkie broke it up, "Cupcake?" she offered one out for the ponies, who scowled.
"It-it didn't work," Iggy gasped, before dropping his head in defeat, "Another failure."
Applejack laid a hoof on his shoulder, "Come on, Sugarcube. Don't let this bring ya down."
"Yes, I'm sure it was a nice idea." Fluttershy added, trying hard to support him.
"I was just so sure it would've worked," Iggy sighed again, "I guess it just wasn't meant to be." he turned feeling prepared to walk off, until Gizmo looked over and saw the robot pegasus' body started twitching.
"Uh, sir." he called, and Iggy looked back around as, he, Spike, and the ponies saw the robot started moving.
It slowly descended upward, taking the ponies by surprise. When it was finally on four legs they noticed it was about the same height as Princess Luna. Suddenly it's eyes started opening to reveal blue eyes. Iggy walked back closer in shock, "She's awake." he gasped.
The robot pegasus slowly turned her head around and spoke in a female monotone voice, "Systems online. Beginning biometric scan of present lifeforms," through her vision data was processing through her as she did a scan of the beings before her. Her gaze fell upon Iggy as he was being scanned by her, "Analysis completed. Subject Iggy Douglas; creator and father."
"Father?" the ponies gasped.
"Well I did create her." Iggy reminded them.
The pegasus continued scanning around, until her gaze fell on Gizmo, "Subject Gizmo; fellow automaton and brother."
"Hey, how about that? She thinks I'm her brother." Gizmo said, feeling proud.
"Iggy, you really did it." Cynthia gasped, as she hugged him in congratulations.
The robot hearing Cynthia's voice scanned her next, "Subject Cynthia Daniels; admirer to father."
Cynthia hearing what she said started blushing, "Wow ,she knows who you all are!" Pinkie gasped and bounced around the robot, "Do me, do me!"
After a scan the robot spoke, "Subject Pinkamena Dianne Pie, aka Pinkie Pie. Party thrower specialist."
Pinkie cheered, "She knows who I am!"
"Yeah, but how is she doing that?" Applejack asked, while feeling uncomfortable that Iggy's creation knows about them without an explanation.
"I uploaded into her a processor that can identify who she is talking to." Iggy explained.
The robot continued naming them off, "Applejack of Sweet Apple Acres in Ponyville, Rainbow Dash the number one flier in Ponyville," Rainbow smirked in pride, "Fluttershy the animal caretaker. Rarity the fashionista, and generous pony in Ponyville."
"How kind of you to say so, darling." Rarity said with a smile.
She then looked down on Spike, "Spike the baby dragon, and number one assistant to Princess Twilight Sparkle."
"Right on the dot." Spike gasped.
She then turned to the three princesses and scanned them, "Subject Princess Celestia; princess of the sun, Princess Luna; princess of the moon, and Princess Twilight Sparkle; princess of magic. I am honored to meet you." she bowed her head a bit.
Celestia responded, wanting to be polite to the sentient creation, "And we are glad to meet you."
"A pleasure, indeed." Luna added, as she and Twilight bowed their heads with Celestia.
"Iggy, it really worked." Twilight gasped.
"Yes, it did. And now that she is alive she requires a name," Iggy began, as he pondered, "I got it!" he turned to his new creation, "Listen up. From now on your name will be... Machina."
"Acknowledged," the robot now identified as Machina spoke, "Registering now. Registration of identification is complete. Hello, my name is Machina."
"Amazing." the head scientist pony gasped.
"You created a sentient life." another scientist gasped to Iggy.
"It's a talent." Iggy admitted like it wasn't anything new.
"So now that ya built her whaddaya gonna do with her?" Applejack asked.
"Educate her." Iggy answered.
"Educate?" Rainbow asked in confusion.
"Yes, I installed into her an adapter chip that allows her to adapt to her surroundings and learn as she goes."
"He did the same with me and my other fellow robots." Gizmo added.
"Then let's take her to Ponyville," Twilight suggested, "We can educate her in our own ways."
"A good idea, Twilight." Celestia agreed.
"How about it, Machina?" Pinkie asked.
"I would be humbled to accompany you all." Machina answered.
"Then let's go." Applejack said, as the group started walking.
Machina started walking a bit, but after a few steps she fells down, "Well that's a sad sight." Gizmo said, with a shake of his head.
"I'd hate to see her first try at flying." Rainbow added.
Iggy went to her, "Easy, Machina. You just got online, so you need to take it slow until you've adapted into moving like this."
"Yes, father. I apologize for my clumsiness." Machina answered.
"Hey, you got nothing to feel sorry about." Iggy comforted her.
"Yeah, these things take time." Cynthia agreed.
"Just try and take it one step at a time." Applejack suggested.
"Yeah, like foal steps." Twilight added.
"Understood." Machina answered, as she started walking slower and not forcing it.
Eventually Machina was able to adapt to walking normally. They left the castle and began walking through Canterlot. As they walked, Machina was looking all around to get used to her surroundings. Rarity spoke up, "Out of curiosity Iggy, what made you decide to give Machina a pegasi's physique?"
"Well making her a unicorn would mean she'd burn out an extensive amount of magic if she ever uses it, and she needs the magic to keep her body running during the day until she needs to recharge at night," he began, "An earth pony body sounds too typical to me, and an alicorn body would be severe overkill."
Rainbow trotted at Machina's side, and looked at her wing, "Can these things really allow her to fly?"
"Well you'll just have to find out when we get to Ponyville, now won't you?" He asked her.
As Machina walked she noticed many of the Canterlot ponies were giving her looks. She noticed many of the stallions were giving her looks awe. She turned to Iggy and spoke, "Father, forgive me for asking, but why is it the residents of Canterlot are giving me such looks of either fascination or curiosity?"
"Don't be intimidated by it, Machina," Iggy started, "They've just never met a pony of your exquisiteness before."
"I see." Machina answered, and said no more.
"And trust me, you'll be getting more looks like that when we get to Ponyville." Gizmo added.
"Well good afternoon, everypony." a voice spoke up, as they saw Fancypants and Fleur.
"And good afternoon to you as well, Fancypants and Fleur." Iggy greeted them.
"We haven't seen you all since the gala." Fleur noted.
"Yes, when that dreadful Changeling Queen crashed it." Fancy added.
"Yes, we all could've done without that incident." Rarity admitted.
Suddenly the two ponies looked at saw Machina amongst them, "Well and who might this charming pegasus be?" Fancy asked them.
Before they could answer, Machina introduced herself, "I am Machina. A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Fancypants and Ms. Fleur."
"Well, the pleasure's all ours my dear." Fleur greeted her.
Machina took a whiff, "I admire your perfume. Fragrance of Springtime in the countryside."
"Hmm, you know your scents, Ms. Machina." Fleur admitted.
"I just adapt." she admitted.
"Well charming to meet you my dear Machina." Fancy took the robot pegasus' hoof and kissed it.
Machina was confused by Fancy's show of respect but said nothing, as Iggy spoke, "Well it was nice seeing you all again, but we must get back to Ponyville."
"Oh yes, there is so much we wish to show Machina." Rarity added.
"Well we shan't keep you held up." Fancy began, "It was lovely seeing you all again. And a good day to you, Machina."
"And a good day to you two as well." Machina bowed her head as they continued onward.
On the train Machina was sitting with Rainbow and Fluttershy, "Just you wait when we get to Ponyville I'm gonna see personally how good you are at flying." Rainbow told her.
"Don't force her, Rainbow," Fluttershy said, "Remember what Iggy said, she needs to continue to adapt."
"I know, Fluttershy. I just can't wait." Rainbow said in excitement.
"Well I'm going to show her my animal friends, and teach her the etiquette of caring for them." Fluttershy stated.
"If we bring her to the library I can educate her on Equestria history so she'll be up to date in everything." Twilight stated.
"I plan to show her how a lady should really look," Rarity turned to Machina, "After all, just because you are robotic doesn't change the fact you are also a lady. You don't mind if I give her a little touch up on her mane and such do you, Iggy?"
"Well not at all, she could use a good look since I focused on creating her." Iggy admitted.
"Well I'm gonna show her the apple farm, and maybe she can lend a hoof as well." Applejack said, before turning to Machina, "If yall would like of course."
"I would be more than happy to express my services, Applejack." Machina answered.
"Well I'm gonna show her the art of partying when we get home." Pinkie promised.
"Relax, girls. Don't overload her with plans. I'm sure you'll all get your chance." Cynthia stated.
"First we got to get her accustomed to Ponyville." Gizmo suggested.
"Correct," Iggy nodded and looked at Machina, "I know there's a lot for you to process now, Machina. But I promise you when the day is done you are going to feel like a new you."
Machina could only nod, as she deep down was curious about what to expect in the town of Ponyville, and what her creator and his friends plan to show and teach her.
As the train pulled into Ponyville, Iggy, Cynthia, their pony friends, Spike, and Machine got off and headed into town. Machina looked around curiously, as Twilight spoke, "Welcome Machina, to Ponyville."
"How fascinating." Machina answered, as she walked along side her creator and his friends.
"Well where should we begin first?" Cynthia asked.
"I suggest the library," Iggy answered, "The sooner we get her up to date with everything in Equestria, the better."
"Just what I was thinking." Twilight agreed, as they proceeded onward to Golden Oaks Library.
As they walked, Machina once again noticed several ponies in town giving her the same questionable looks as the ponies in Canterlot. Remembering her creators words, she decided to not pay them any mind. Suddenly they heard the sound of a filly cry. They looked over and saw an earth pony filly crying.
Machina out of sudden impulse, trotted over and spoke, "Pardon me, young one, but what is it that causes you to express sorrowing emotions?"
The filly not sure what she really meant, but spoke up, "I lost hold of my balloon, and now it's stuck in that tree." the filly cried.
Machina looked up in a tree they were under and saw a red balloon stuck under a branch. Through her processor she deduced if a wind were to pick up it the blow the balloon out of the tree, but would continue floating off into the sky. She spoke up, "Understood, retrieve balloon." she spread her wings and the rocket jets activated, taking the filly by surprise.
Machina flew upward before catching the balloon's string into her mouth, before touching back down. He lowered herself down to the filly, as two slots opened up and coming out were two little metal hands that took the string of the balloon and tied it around the filly's right hoof so it would escape, "Mission accomplished." she said.
"Wow, thank you." the filly smiled happily.
Machina nodded, before going back over to the others. When she returned, Fluttershy spoke, "Machina, that was so kind of you."
"The sight of that filly in distress stirred something up in my programming." she explained.
"It's what the humans or in this case the ponies call having feelings of emotion." Gizmo explained.
"Emotion?"
"Yes, after all you and I are programmed with emotion chips which allow us to feel the same emotions as other sentient beings."
"I see." Machina replied.
"Well come on, let's keep moving." Iggy said, as they pressed on.
Soon at the library, Machina was looking through at least two shelves worth of books, and was going through them very quickly, "How is she reading so fast?" Rainbow asked.
"Yeah, even Twilight can't read that fast." Spike said, while Twilight shot him a look.
"Machina can encode a single page of a book into her memory in a millisecond." Iggy stated.
Soon, Machina had all the books Twilight loaned her in a neat stack, "All knowledge has been recorded. I am now up to date with the present."
"Well, now that the education part is out of the way, we can finally get to the good stuff." Rainbow said, feeling glad the boring lesson was done.
"Well where should we continue?" Iggy asked them.
"Why don't me mosey on down to the farm?" Applejack suggested, before turning to Machina, "How does that sound, Machina?"
"I am intrigued." she answered honestly, and so they took off.
At Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack was with Granny Smith making some delicious apple stew, with Machina assisting, "There we go, now how does that taste?" Granny Smith inquired out of her granddaughter.
Applejack took a spoonful and sipped it, "Hmm, good, but something's missing."
"Huh?" Granny Smith wondered, before tasting herself, "You're right, but what is it that it needs?"
"Perhaps I can help?" Machina suggested, as she tasted the stew, before answering, "Needs a bit more pepper."
"Hm," Granny Smith wondered, before doing so, and Applejack stirred it. When the two tasted it, they smiled, "Hot diggity, it's perfect!"
"Machina, you really nailed it." Applejack smiled.
"I was just helping." she answered humbly.
"Well come and get it, everypony." Applejack said, as the group took a bowl of stew and began eating.
"Mm, this is some good Apple stew." Twilight said, as she ate.
"I'll say." Spike agreed.
"You two certainly outdid yourselves." Rarity said to the two Apple family members.
"Well Machina helped with the finishing touch." Applejack admitted.
"Good work, Machina." Iggy congratulated her.
"You're... welcome." she answered.
"Though I wonder, how did she know the stew needed a bit of pepper?" Applejack inquired.
"She does have taste receptors and was easily able to determine the needed spice to perfect it." Iggy answered.
"Well thank you kindly, sweetie." Granny Smith thanked Machina.
"My pleasure, Mrs. Smith."
Later after lunch, every pony was at Fluttershy's cottage where Fluttershy was introducing Machina to all her animals friends. As Machina was helping Fluttershy feed the animals, Iggy and the others noticed how calm the critters were behaving around her, especially the cats.
"My goodness, Machina. You're very good with animals." Fluttershy gasped.
"I don't quite understand it myself. Perhaps it is because I am calmer than most ponies?"
"Whatever it is, I like it." Iggy nodded.
One of the cats Machina was feeding purred at her, while Machina gently stroked it's back, "It's amazing." Twilight gasped.
"She really is adapting." Cynthia stated.
Soon they were at Rarity's shop, where Rarity was adding a little touch up to Machina's mane. When she was done, Machina saw her reflection and noticed her hair was now neatly combed, with a single curl like Rarity's, "Fabulous. Though I'm not one for green hair, the look suits you."
"Thank you, Rarity. And I appreciate the touch up you've given me."
"My pleasure, darling." Rarity replied.
"And now it's time for the best part of the tour." Pinkie spoke up.
Machina tilted her head, "I inquire as to what that is."
Eventually they were all at Sugarcube Corner, where Machina was sampling some of their treats, "Well Machina, what do you think?" Iggy asked, as he sat next to her.
"Sugary." she answered bluntly.
"Just the way I like em!" Pinkie cheered.
"Hey, yall!" they saw the CMC trotting over.
"Hello, girls." Iggy greeted them.
"And how're we this afternoon?" Gizmo asked.
"Doing great." Scootaloo answered.
Suddenly the three filly's spotted the new pegasus, and Sweetie Belle asked, "Who's she?"
"Girls, this is Machina." Iggy introduced them.
"Hi, Machina." the three greeted her.
Machina nodded before answering, "And hello to you, subjects Applebloom; Applejack's younger sister, Sweetie Belle; Rarity's younger sister, and Scootaloo surrogate younger sister to Rainbow Dash. Or as you are more commonly known as the Cutie Mark Crusaders, whose primary objective is to search for your hidden talents to obtain your cutie marks."
"Wow, how'd you know so much about us?" Applebloom gasped.
"It was a simple scan of your biometric coding." she answered plainly, while the CMC weren't sure what that meant."
"If you say so." Scootaloo replied.
Twilight spoke to Machina, "Well Machina, we showed you just about all the number one spots in Ponyville and showed you to some of our favorite pastimes. How does it feel to you?"
"I am pleased that you all showed me so much since my functioning started, but I feel as if there is still much I need to know."
"Well we're just the group to help ya." Applejack assured her.
Suddenly the entrance to Sugarcube Corner opened, and two Crystal Pony guards entered, taking the group, and the Cake couple by surprise. One of the guards spoke up, "Announcing her royal highness, Princess Neira!"
A carpet rolled in, and walking into the shop was Neira, much to the groups surprise. The little alicorn looked up at the guards, "That'll be all, boys, and I'll see you back at the hotel."
"Yes, your highness." the second guard answered, as the carpet rolled back up, and the guards left.
"Neira!" the girls, Spike, Iggy, and Gizmo went over to their friend.
"Hi, guys." she greeted them.
"It's so good to see you." Spike said, as they hugged.
"We didn't expect to see you today. Why didn't you let us know you were coming?" Twilight asked.
"Well mom and dad had so much to do, and I had nothing to do," Neira began, "So they sent me here for the day. I hope that's not any trouble."
"None at all, sugarcube." Applejack answered.
Neira saw Machina approach, and the little alicorn looked up at her in wonder, "Who is this?"
Machina answered, "I am Machina, a pegasus automaton created by my master and father Iggy Douglas. You are identified as Princess Gwneira or Neira adoptive daughter of Prince Shining Armor and Princess Mi Amore Cadenza aka Princess Cadence, former Queen of ice and snow, and currently Princess of the seasons."
Neira giggled, "You got me there."
"Since you're here, why don't you join us?" Fluttershy offered.
"Really?"
"Yeah, the more the merrier." Pinkie smiled.
"Thanks." Neira said, as she joined them at their table.
After they had lunch, they were taking a stroll through Ponyville park. Neira smiled, as she walked side by side with Spike and Machina, until a voice spoke up, "Look it's her!"
They looked and saw the filly who Machina rescued her balloon, along with a whole pack of fillies and colts, "That's the pegasus who rescued my balloon."
"She sure looks different than most pegasi." a colt said.
"And look who's with her." another filly gasped.
"The princess of seasons!" they cheered.
"Uh-oh." Neira gasped.
"I am processing that this is turning into a critical situation." Machina stated, as they saw the children charging right for them looking like raging autograph hounds.
"I'm out of here!" Neira charged up her magic.
"Neira!" Twilight and Spike cried, and suddenly in a flash of light she was gone.
The group of children and the older ponies looked and saw no sign of Neira, "So she knows teleport magic too?" Rainbow asked Twilight.
"Uh-huh."
"Uh, where's Machina?" Cynthia asked, as Iggy looked seeing no sign of his creation.
"She's gone." he gasped.
"You don't think Neira teleported her as well do you?" Gizmo asked, and the girls feared she did.
Suddenly the little alicorn and mechanical pegasus appeared in the dark forest known as Everfree, "Oh my, Machina, are you ok?" Neira asked her.
"My parts seem to be functioning at normal capacity. What about you?"
"I'm ok," she looked around, "Where are we?"
"I though you would know since you activated the spell." Machina answered.
"Well actually when I activated it I didn't think of where I would teleport too."
"You weren't thinking?" Machina wondered.
"I panicked ok!" Neira cried, "I've been under a lot of pressure what with all the special tutors that have been teaching and training me as of late. You know what it's like to be not only the princess of seasons, but the daughter of the royal couple who rule the Crystal Empire? Let me tell you it's not all fun and games. I can't even step outside the castle without guards to keep the fan mobs away."
"I see." Machina answered.
Neira sighed, "I came to Ponyville to get away from all my worries for a day, and now look I teleport us both into someplace I don't know."
Machina looked down at the troubled princess and lowered her head down to nuzzle Neira in comfort, "I promise we will get out of here, Neira."
"Really?"
"I swear it on my own EPU." she promised.
"Ok." Neira replied, as she put on her brave face.
"Stay close to me, while I scan the area for any potential threats," the robot instructed, as the princess did so. Machina did a scan of the surrounding area, before reading some large lifeforms approaching, "I'm detecting approaching life forms."
"What are they?" Neira asked in worry.
"We'll know in T minus five seconds." she answered, and suddenly four timberwolves emerged from the threes.
"Timberwolves!" Neira cried.
"Neira, run!" Machina ordered, as they hurried off, with the timberwolves chasing them.
As they ran, Neria suddenly tripped over a root. Machina looked back and saw the fallen Neira, and the timberwolves closing in on her, "Help!" she cried.
Suddenly, Machina's eyes tightened as she activated the jets in her wings before taking it tot he air. She flew forward tackling one of the timberwolves in the face, "Leave her alone!"
Neira watched as Machina was flying around tackling the other timberwolves, knocking them off balance. She watched in awe at the mechanical pegasus fight the timberwolves. However she gasped as another one that came out of nowhere swiped it giant paw at Machina sending her flying in turbulence before crashing into a tree.
"Machina!" Neira cried, as she galloped over.
Machina had bits of her body opened up exposing some wiring and such, "Neira." she gasped.
"Are you ok?" Neira asked hopefully.
"My flying's been shut down." she answered, with a whir in her voice.
Neira gasped, as she frowned and looked up at the timberwolf, "You hurt my friend... YOU HURT MY FRIEND!" she screamed as he magic activated which sent a blast of chilly wind on the creature. When her magic died down, Neira panted before looking up to see the timberwolf frozen in solid ice. She gasped, "I froze it."
She went back over to Machina, as the robot spoke, "Neira, you saved me."
Neira smiled, "Well, you saved me first."
"Yes, I believe I did." she smiled back.
"Can you get up?" the princess of seasons inquired.
"I believe so." Machina struggled, until Neira managed to use her magic to help keep Machina up.
"Come on, let's get moving." Neira said, as they trotted along a path.
As they continued along the path, Neira saw light up ahead, "Look, it's light."
"We must be getting close." Machina suggested, as they pressed on.
When they finally reach the exit, they saw they were at Fluttershy's cottage, "That's where Fluttershy lives." Neira remembered from one of her previous visits.
"Which means we were in the Everfree Forest." Machina deduced.
"Neira! Machina!"
They all looked and saw Iggy, Cynthia, Gizmo, Spike, and the ponies hurrying over, "Guys!" Neira cheered.
When they reached each other, Spike hugged Neira in worry, while Twilight checked her for injury, "Are you ok, did you get hurt?"
"I'm fine, Twilight. Machina protected me."
"Machina?" they asked, and saw Machina in her condition.
"Machina!" Iggy ran to her with Cynthia and Gizmo, "What happened to you?"
"Forgive me for my current appearance, but I had a what you would refer to as a brawl against some timberwolves."
"Timberwolves?!" the ponies and Spike gasped.
"Correct, I handled a few of them, but one came at me from my blind spot."
"Then how did you get out of there?" Iggy asked in confusion.
"Neira protected me." the robot answered.
"Neira?" they asked collectively, while looking at her who gave them a sheepish look.
Sometime later, Iggy had given Machina's body some repairs, while Rarity fixed her mane. When nighttime came they were outside the hotel in which Neira was staying with her two guards, "Now no word of this to the guards, do you understand?" Twilight asked her.
"Right." she nodded.
"It's best my brother and Cadence don't know about this," Twilight began to her friends, "You know they'd worry their flanks off."
"Just like your parents." Spike chuckled, while Twilight rolled her eyes.
Machina approached Neira and spoke, "I had quite an enjoyable time with you today, Neira."
"And I did with you, Machina." Neira agreed.
"I believe I have some corrections to make to my analysis of you," Machina continued, "Subject Princess Gwneira or Neira; adoptive daughter of Prince Shining Armor and Princess Mi Amore Cadenza aka Princess Cadence, former Queen of ice and snow, currently Princess of the seasons, and my good companion and friend." she smiled.
Neira smiled, "And you're my good friend too," she used her magic to make a flower pop out of the ground and offered it to Machina. The robot looked at the flower, and at Neira with curiosity. Neira nodded and levitated the flower into Machina's mane, "Goodnight." she trotted into the hotel.
"Well, it's late and we need to get back to Canterlot." Iggy told the girls and Spike, as Machina and Gizmo stood at his sides.
"And I need to get home too. See you later." Cynthia said as Iggy activated a portal for her, and she went through it.
"See you all tomorrow." Twilight told the group, as they all went their separate ways.
As Iggy activated his rocket boots, he flew off with Gizmo and Machina following him. As they flew back to Canterlot, Gizmo spoke to his surrogate robot sister, "I must say, Machina one day and already you are behaving just like a regular pony."
"I thank you, Gizmo. How long did it take you to fully develop your full emotions and traits?" Machina inquired.
"A week. Nevertheless I am proud of you as much as Iggy is."
"I wouldn't have been able to develop these new found feelings I have if not for Iggy and all my new friends." Machina answered.
"And guarantee they won't forsake you. Because Iggy once taught me this," he sang a tune, "If you've got a true blue EPU, then your friends will always stick by you!" Machina smiled, as they flew on to catch up with their creator and father.
As the sun rose over Ponyville, Iggy was in his bed in the castle suite, until both Gizmo and Machina started up after a night of charging. The two robots went over and pulled the covers over their creator, as Machina spoke.
"Rise and shine, father."
"Yes, sir. It's such a glorious morning." Gizmo added, as he gently opened the drapes, letting the sun shine in.
Iggy groaned, as the sun shined on his face. He finally woke up, "Morning."
"And how was your sleep?" Machina inquired.
"It was good." he yawned.
"Well, you better get ready." Gizmo stated.
"Right." he grabbed his clothes and went for the bathroom to get ready.
Once he was dressed, he went down to the dining hall for breakfast. He and his robots were greeted warmly by the staff before being served. Once he finished he got up, as the princesses entered, "Good morning princesses." he greeted them.
"And a good morning to you too, Iggy." Celestia greeted him.
"And what exactly do you have planned for this day?" Luna inquired.
"The girls are taking us to the Crystal Empire today," he began, "It'll be the first time I set foot in it."
"Yes, so far you've seen Ponyville and Canterlot. Seeing more of Equestria would be good for you." Celestia nodded.
"Me and Machina." Iggy put in, as Machina nodded.
"Speaking of, we better get to Ponyville now." Gizmo spoke up.
"Right, well we'll see you later princesses."
"Have a good day, all of you." Luna relied.
"Let's roll!" Iggy said to his bots, as he roller bladed off.
"Oh, I'm rolling!" Gizmo wheeled after him, with Machina galloping behind him.
When they arrived outside the castle, Iggy's boots shifted into rocket mode and he flew into the air, followed by Gizmo activating his thrusters, and Machina activating her own.
Meanwhile in Ponyville, a portal opened up and Cynthia came out of it, "Ok, now to get to the library and meet up with the others." she started walking, until she heard the sound of thrusters.
She looked above, seeing Iggy, Gizmo, and Machina touch down in front of her, "Morning, Cynthia."
"Morning, Iggy." the two kissed.
"A pleasant morning to you, Ms. Cynthia." Machina greeted her.
"And a good morning to you, Machina, Gizmo."
"Come on, let's get to the library." Iggy said, as they walked to the library.
When the group reached it, they saw their pony friends and Spike waiting, "Hey, guys." the genius greeted them.
"Good morning!" Pinkie beamed.
"Are you all ready to see the Crystal Empire?" Twilight asked.
"You bet." Iggy nodded.
"Well, let's go!" Rainbow announced, as they started heading for the train station. As they left the library, a single changeling popped out of a bush, before flying off.
Meanwhile in the Badlands, Chrysalis was juicing up Jack with a little more Changeling magic, "There that should be enough." The queen said.
"Thanks for the recharge, Chrysalis." Jack said.
"I wouldn't need to give you a recharge if you weren't wasting it by turning yourself into either Iggy or Cynthia and using their voices to say things only you would want them to say!" she said firmly.
Jack cringed, but spoke up, "Come on, haven't you ever wanted to hear your enemies say something that they wouldn't say willingly?" When he saw Chrysalis looked sheepish, he gave a widen grin, "You do it too, dontcha?"
"Shut up." she answered, while looking away.
"Come on, you don't have to hide it from me. We're both villains here."
"I could hardly call you a villain, unless you do something really evil." she replied.
Jack frowned at her mockery, "If I had the opportunity I would show you I can be just as evil as you!" Suddenly the changeling flew in and whispered something into Chrysalis' ear, making the queen smirk and Jack confused, "What is it?"
"Opportunity." she answered.
Far from Canterlot the train from Ponyville pulled into a station outside the Crystal Empire. When the group got off, they walked along the path leading to the entry way of the Crystal Empire. As they walked, Cynthia spoke, "So this kingdom was once ruled by a tyrant until, the princesses turned him to shadow and banished him into the arctic?"
"That's right," Twilight nodded, "But before Sombra's defeat he cast a spell to make the kingdom disappear, until a thousand years later both he and the kingdom returned."
"But we did our part in saving the Crystal Empire, especially me." Spike smiled.
"We know, already. Jeez, you'd think you'd be tired of boasting that story by now." Rainbow rolled her eyes.
"And just how often do you not boast about all your accomplishments?" Rarity retorted.
"Point." Rainbow admitted.
When they arrived into town, Iggy, Cynthia, and the two bots looked around seeing the kingdom and it's crystal pony inhabitants, "Wow, it's like a crystal paradise." Iggy gasped.
"It's beautiful." Cynthia added in awe.
"Indeed." Gizmo agreed.
"Wait till you see the castle." Rainbow said, as they continued on.
When they reached the castle, Iggy saw the rotating Crystal Heart, "Is that the Crystal Heart?"
"Yes, it's what helped defeat Sombra, and now protects the empire from unwanted entities." Twilight explained.
"Twily!" Shining called, as he, Cadence, and Neira came out of the castle.
Twilight giggled as she hugged her brother and sister-in-law. Neira went to Spike and nuzled him, before seeing Machina, "Machina! She galloped to the robot pegasus and nuzzled with her, as the robot nuzzled her back.
"It's good to see you again, my friend." Machina said.
"Come and meet my parents," Neira went behind her and pushed her forward to the royal couple, "Mom, dad, this is my friend Machina."
"So you're the one that helped our daughter when she was lost?" Shining Armor asked, as she nodded.
"We're ever so grateful to you for protecting her." Cadence said.
"It was my pleasure Prince Shining Armor and Princess Mi Amore Cadenza..."
"Princess Cadence is fine." the Princess cut her off, and the robot nodded.
"Come on, I want to show you all of the castle." Neira tugged Machina along, as she followed.
"She's right, how about a tour of the castle, you two?" Shining asked Iggy and Cynthia.
"Sounds great." Iggy answered.
"Yeah." Cynthia agreed.
"Come on." Spike said, as they all went inside the castle.
Back outside the Crystal Empire, Chrysalis and Jack were watching from behind a bush, with a whole armada of changelings on standby.
"Ok, Jack. You know the plan?"
"Of course. I sneak into the empire, snatch the Crystal Heart to lower the barrier protecting it, and you all fly in like the place is yours." Jack explained.
Chrysalis nodded, "Couldn't be simpler. Do this Jack, and I promise you you'll have dominance over your world just as promised."
"Yes! But are you really sure the barrier that protects the Empire will let me in?"
"The barrier which protects the empire is supposed to keep all evil entities out of it. I do not think it will apply to your species though."
"So you're going on just a guess?" he asked dryly.
She sighed, "Look, we don't have all day to discuss this. Now get to work!"
"Yes, ma'am." Jack nodded, as he used the changeling magic given to him to assume to form of a pony.
He trotted up to the entrance and looked at the arch way, before he cautiously put a hoof through it. When he saw his hoof could go through it he crossed over and was officially in the sanctuary of the Crystal Empire, "It worked! Ok, Jack. Now it's time to put the plan into motion." he started trotting along to the town.
Soon Jack was wandering through the town of them empire seeing all the inhabitants, 'Whoa, their coats sure do sparkle like crystal. Wonder how they do that?' he thought, but shook it off, 'Focus, Jack. Chrysalis needs you to do this. Remember what's in store for you if we pull this off.' he smirked.
Soon he reached the castle, and saw the Crystal Heart, "There it is. The Crystal Heart. The Empire's sole defense. And right for the taking," he saw no pony was watching, and dropped his disguise before using his jet pack to fly up to the crystal hearts level. He reached out and grabbed the Crystal Heart, before tugging it out of its spot.
With the Crystal Heart removed from place, the barrier suddenly became visible and then started dissolving, much to the confusion of the Empire's inhabitants. Form inside the castle, the happy human couple were enjoying the tour, until Pinkie looked out the window, "Hey, is that supposed to happen?"
They looked out, and saw the barrier vanishing, "No, it's not." Shining Armor answered.
"What's going on?" Applejack asked.
"The barrier that protects the empire is vanishing." Twilight answered.
"But how?" Rarity asked.
"Something must be wrong with the Crystal Heart." Cadence deduced.
"I'm scared." Neira trembled.
"It's ok, Neira, everything will be fine." Spike comforted her.
"Machina, stay in here with Machina. We'll check things out." Iggy instructed, as she nodded. The group took off.
Back outside the castle, Jack while holding the Crystal Heart under his arm looked up seeing the barrier dropping, "Yes, mission accomplished."
"Hold it!" he turned and saw the calvary.
"Jack!" Iggy called.
"Well, hey there, Iggster!"
"Who is that?" Cadence asked.
"Jack Mcallister. He's been giving us trouble as of late." Twilight explained.
"Look what's he got!" Fluttershy gasped.
They saw the Crystal Heart under his arm, "The Crystal Heart!" they gasped.
"Return the Crystal Heart right now!" Shining demanded.
"I'm afraid I can't do that now, man. I have orders I need to be true to." the evil boy genius answered, while tucking the Crystal Heart into his coat.
"Orders, from who?" Cadence asked.
"See for yourself." he answered, as they all looked up seeing the whole Changeling army flying overhead.
"Whoa, nelly." Applejack gasped, as she grasped her hat.
"The Changeling's!" Shining Armor gasped.
"Which means she isn't too far behind." Cadence gasped in worry.
"Correct, Princess," they looked up seeing Chrysalis lower herself down form the sky and floated besides Jack, "Well done, Jack. You've made me and my Changelings proud." she smiled.
Jack smiled brightly, "My pleasure, Chrysalis."
"And now that the empire is defenseless, we shall take it for our own!" the Queen announced as she started a maniacal laugh, with Jack following.
The others watched in fright, knowing this was not going to be easy work like it was last time, but somehow they would have to find a way to defeat the Changelings, their queen, and Jack.
The Changeling army hovered behind Jack and Chrysalis, the queen announced, "And now my changelings..."
"Hey-hey!" Jack piped up, "Can I do it, Chrysalis, please? It would mean so much to me!" he pleaded.
Chrysalis sighed, "Very well."
Jack smirked, "I've wanted to say this," he turned to Iggy and the ponies before finger motioning to them and called out, "Changelings, attack!"
The Changeling's upon given the order flew at them, only for Shining Armor to cast a barrier spell around them to shield the attackers. The Crystal Guards flew in, s Cadence gave them orders.
"Protect the Crystal empire!"
"Yes, your highness!" One answered, as the guards fought the Changelings.
"Ok, Chrysalis, now what?" Jack asked.
"We go for them!" she motioned to the group.
"Into the castle, hurry!" Shining ordered, as they all ran into the castle before shutting the doors.
Shining Armor cast a shield on the doors to keep them from entering before, Rainbow spoke up, "We can't stay in here forever."
"And we won't. We just need to think of a plan before we go out there." Cadence explained.
"And I may just have one," Iggy spoke up, as they all looked to him, "The Crystal Heart is what protected the empire from anything evil like the Changelings."
"But Jack was able to slip in due to not being like them." Cynthia added.
Twilight catching on continued, "If we can get the Crystal Heart back from Jack."
"We can drive the Changelings out." Shining finished.
"But how can we get to Jack with all those Changelings and the Queen helping him?" Fluttershy wondered.
"I'll get to Jack." Iggy said.
"Iggy?" they asked.
"Jack is my enemy, and I have to stop him."
"Are you crazy?!" Rainbow shouted, "You don't stand a chance against all those Changelings!"
"You're right. I don't. That's why I need Twilight and Cadence to help me."
"Us?" Twilight asked, as she and Cadence looked at each other.
"Yes, I'll need your magic to keep a path cleared for me to go after Jack."
"But Iggy, it's too dangerous." Cynthia pleaded with him.
Iggy responded by kissing Cynthia, taking every pony by surprise. When they parted, Iggy spoke, "Believe in me."
Cynthia smiled, "I believe in you."
Iggy nodded, before Gizmo wheeled over and handed him a bag he brought with. Iggy reached into it and strapped to wrist cannons to his wrists, and dawned his scanning visor, before activating his rocket boots, "I'm going in."
As the doors opened, Iggy stepped out with Twilight and Cadence, "We'll keep the Changelings back as long as we can." Cadence said.
"Then let's go!" Iggy called, as the three flew off, with the two princesses using their magic to blast at the Changelings giving Iggy a clear space for him to fly up above the Empire. He activated his scanner and looked around the area to get a read out of Jack, "All right Jack, where are you?" he suddenly got the signal, "Gotcha! Oh no, he's heading for inside the castle!" He flew off to get back inside.
Back in the castle, Shining, the girls, Spike, Gizmo, and Machina were prepared for if any of the Changelings got inside. Suddenly the door was blasted down, and entering was Jack who used his Changeling magic to give himself a sonic cannon arm, "You really should get those doors checked." he joked.
Chrysalis walked in with him, "This castle will be perfect for my Changeling empire."
"We don't think so!" Applejack replied.
"Jack, deal with them." Chrysalis ordered.
"Right," he clicked his watch summoning his Mecha Jacks, "Get 'em, boys!"
The Mecha Jacks flew in to attack, only for Gizmo and Machina to arrive and strike back. Gizmo was firing his own blasters against Jack's robots, while Machina opened her mouth and a cannon came out and fired at the Mecha Jacks.
"We gotta help them!" Rainbow called, as they went to help, only for Chrysalis to use her magic to blast them with green slime that pinned them to the wall.
Neira who had been watching from a safe spot shouted, "No!"
Jack and Chrysalis hearing her caught sight of her, as the queen used her magic to levitate the little one over to them, "Well what have we here?" Chrysalis snickered.
"Let her go!" Spike shouted.
Chrysalis ignoring Spike's demand spoke up with her eyes fixated on Neria, "The former queen of ice and snow."
"Oh, look how cute." Jack cooed.
"Yes, adorable," Chrysalis said dryly, "But imagine how much use she and her magic could be to us."
"That sounds sweet!" Jack cheered, as Chrysalis levitated her closer to them.
"No! Get away! Get away! GET AWAY!" she screamed as her eyes glowed, and released a magical force that broke her free of Chrysalis' levitation and knocked the queen and Jack into a wall.
The group gasped as Neira landed back on the floor looking tired from her magical release. Chrysalis and Jack peeled themselves off, as jack spoke, "What was that about?"
"It seems she retains more of her old magic than I thought." Chrysalis deduced.
"So now what?" Jack asked.
"Now you give up!" Iggy called, as he flew in and tackled Jack to the ground as they wrestled.
"Jack, show no mercy!" Chrysalis called, as she was prepared to assist him, only to get blasted by Twilight and Cadence.
"You've tried to take over Canterlot, but I won't let you do the same here!" Twilight declared.
"Oh, I'm trembling with fear." Chrysalis mocked, followed by a laugh. She was cut off as she was blasted by their magic and knocked into the wall, "What?" she looked up at the two.
"We've grown in strength and magic since we last met." Twilight warned her.
Chrysalis frowned as she attacked the two in mid air with a battle of magic. On the ground, Iggy and Jack rose to their feet, "Jack, this has to stop! This beyond what you would ever do."
"I know. I've stepped up on the evil chart," he replied, "And this time you will not stop me!" he activated his Changeling magic, and transformed again.
Suddenly Jack stood as a seven foot tall black gargoyle like creature, with hair that looked like fire, sharp claws, a tail, and wings, while retaining his same clothing. He laughed, "How do you like me now?"
"In all seriousness you're even uglier than before." Iggy responded.
"Sticks and stones, Iggy." Jack retorted as he flew in to attack his rival.
Iggy flew to the side avoiding Jack's strike. He aimed his right wrist cannon at Jack blasting him. Jack took the attack and was knocked further back, before he regained altitude in the air.
Neira seeing Jack and Chrysalis were distracted galloped over and started using bits of her magic to free the group from the slime. When they were freed, Spike spoke, "Thanks, Neira. Look out!" he tackled her before one of the Mecha Jack pieces fell to the floor.
Gizmo and Machina had just about defeated all of the Mecha Jacks, "Good work, Machina. Now to help Iggy." Gizmo said, as the two bots came to their creator's rescue.
Gizmo and Machina flew around, and started blasting Jack from behind until Jack looked back and started attacking them. With a swipe of his claw he put tears in their bodies, "Leave my bots alone!" Iggy called as he tackled Jack, and received a scratch on his arm from Jack's claw. He gripped his arm and recoiled, before Jack tail whipped him, and was sent falling down, only for Rainbow Dash to catch him.
"Gotcha!"
"Thanks, Dash." he got back to his feet.
"We need to get the Crystal Heart from him." Shining told them.
"And I have a plan, if there's one thing Jack can't stand it's being ridiculed and mocked." Iggy stated.
The girls smirked, "Yeah it makes him whine like a mama's boy." Cynthia mocked.
Hearing that, Jack shouted, "Who're you calling a mama's boy!" he tried to attack, only for Iggy to blast him with his wrist cannons.
As the two fought, the girls started mocking Jack, "He may look like scary thing, but without that changeling magic he's as scrawny as an old pony." Rainbow mocked.
"I am not scrawny!" Jack called, only to get punched in the face by Iggy.
"Jack's slower than a three legged cow in quicksand." Applejack mocked, and the girls laughed.
"Stop that!" Jack cried.
"And he has such poor choice in fashion, it's like his mother dressed him." Rarity mocked.
As the insults continued to pour out, Jack started getting angrier and angrier, "STOP MOCKING ME!" He cried like a crybaby.
"Jack, focus!" Chrysalis ordered, as she was still holding her own against the two princesses.
Iggy suddenly flew forward and tackled Jack, before reaching into his jacket and pulled out the Crystal Heart, "I'll take this!"
"Give that back!" Jack tried to grab it, only for Rainbow to fly in and slug him.
"Get that back to the spot!" Twilight ordered, as Iggy flew out of the castle.
"Jack, stop him!" Chrysalis shouted.
Jack flew after Iggy determined to get the Crystal Heart. Iggy saw the spot where the crystal originally was and reached it, "Sorry Jack, but as always you lose!" he placed the Crystal Heart back where it belonged and it released it's magic.
Jack screamed as the magic washed over him and he transformed back to his normal human form. The Changelings were being repelled by the magic shield that was coming back, and Chrysalis saw this, "Jack, you idiot!" she shouted before the magic repelled her and her changelings sending them all flying off into the horizon.
"Iggy did it!" Cynthia cheered.
"Come on!" Twilight ordered as they headed outside.
Jack who landed on the ground after being drained of his Changeling magic saw the barrier reappear and Chrysalis and her army sent flying off, "No! My ticket to domination!" he heard Iggy clear his throat. Jack saw Iggy, Cynthia, Gizmo, and Machina glaring at him. Jack tried to escape, but upon turning around he saw the girls, Spike, Shining Armor, Cadence, and Neira blocking his second retreat shooting him glares as well.
Jack looked seeing he was surrounded had only one thing he could do. He dropped to his knees and cried, "I SURRENDER! JUST DON'T DO ME UGLY! DON'T DO ME UGLY!" he covered his head.
Iggy spoke to his pony friends, "And that means, we've won."
Sometimes later in Canterlot after the defeat of the Changelings, Iggy, Cynthia, and their pony friends were in Canterlot castle looking up at a new stain glass window. It depicted Iggy dressed in his wrist blasters and scanner visor. He was inside the Crystal Heart with Chrysalis, the Changelings, and Jack on the bottom looking defeated, "Not bad really, though I prefer one with a little on the Raphael side of art." Iggy said jokingly, and the group laughed.
"That is so not my good side!" Jack whined at his image, as he was standing off to the side with his wrists tied up and the cord was connected to Gizmo's torso.
"So what happens now, Iggy?" Spike asked.
"Yeah, now that Chrysalis has been defeated and you've caught Jack, what now?" Rainbow asked.
"Well, I guess I go home now." Iggy answered.
The girls looked bummed, "Really? Because there's still so much we could show you." Twilight said.
"I know, but after all that's happened I have gotten homesick," Iggy explained, "Plus now that I got Jack under custody I can bring him home too."
"So then this is goodbye?" Pinkie asked feeling saddened.
"Not forever," Iggy answered, "Now that I know my portal can work for travel as well as viewing, I can visit this world any time I want. So don't think of it as me leaving forever. I'll always be here in case you need me."
The girls spirits brightened, "That's wonderful, Iggy!" Rarity squealed.
"Because there's a lot of events in Equestria ya haven't experienced yet." Applejack noted.
"And I want to experience them all." Iggy said.
"Me too." Cynthia nodded.
"But until then I'll be at home." the genius finished.
"But how will we keep in contact with you?" Spike wondered.
"Simple, with this," he tied a smaller wrist communicator on Spike's wrist, "If you ever need me, just touch the screen and it'll contact me. Same works for when I'm sending a message to you."
"It's genius." Twilight gasped, while Jack mumbled her words.
"So then, shall we get going?" Gizmo asked, as he was prepared to open the portal.
"A moment," Iggy answered, as he looked at the ponies, "First off, I want to thank you all for opening up my eyes to this world of yours. Being a man of science, I've always denied the existence of things such as magic. But here you've shown me a new kind of magic, one that's been around me all this time. Friendship. With all the friendship lessons I learned form you I hope to be a better guy than I've ever been in my life." he held Cynthia close.
"Oh, gag me!" Jack groaned, breaking the mood.
Iggy scowled, but smirked, "You know Jack, maybe I should leave you here in Equestria awhile longer. You could learn a lot from the girls here."
Upon hearing that, Jack's eyes widened in fear, "NO! NO, DON'T LEAVE ME HERE! I'VE HAD IT WITH THIS CRAZY WORLD! I WANNA GO HOME, NOW!"
Iggy and Cynthia chuckled at his reaction, before they each started bidding farewell to the group. Iggy hugged the two Princesses, "Thank you both for providing me with food and shelter. I'm glad I met two loving ponies like you two."
"You're very welcome." Celestia smiled.
"It was our pleasure." Luna added.
"And on a personal note, you both remind me of my mother." he added, making the two alicorns blush.
They moved onto Twilight and her friends giving them each a hug, "Thanks for providing me with all the knowledge of Equestria, Twilight. It's nice to have met somepony with an intellect just as high as mine."
"And it was great that I could talk knowledge and other facts with you, Iggy." Twilight put in.
Iggy looked at Spike, "You take care of Twilight, my friend. She needs you more than you'll know."
"No denying that." the two fist bumped.
Iggy went to Applejack, "A.J, I'm gonna miss you and your family, along with your apple products. But more importantly, I'll miss how you're always looking out for your friends."
"And I'll miss you as well, sugarcube. Even if ya do sometimes speak using words I can't understand." the cowpony joked, and they laughed.
Iggy went to Rarity, "Thanks for duds you've made for me, Rarity. I don't think I'll ever meet another clothes designer as talented as you."
"Thank you, darling. And I must say you have been one of my greatest challenges yet." she hugged him.
Iggy went to Rainbow Dash next, "Rainbow, you are one awesome Pegasus."
"I know." she admitted.
"But you're also an awesome friend. The girls are glad to have a fun adventurous pony like you in their group. And I'm glad I got to meet you. So when I come back I hope to have more kind of adventures and fun with you."
"Count on it."
Pinkie bounced over and hugged him, "I'm sorry I couldn't throw you a going away party!" she bawled.
Iggy hugged her, "Don't worry Pinkie, save that for when I come back."
Pinkie gasped, "You're right! I can make your return to Equestria party even better!"
Fluttershy flew over and spoke, "We'll miss both you and Cynthia, Iggy."
"And I'll miss you, Fluttershy." Iggy and Cynthia hugged her.
He finally approached Shining, Cadence, Neira, and Machina, "Machina, as of this moment you have a new purpose."
"And what is that?" she wondered.
"Protect Neira, Shining, and Cadence should any harm befalls them. Especially Neira."
Machina looked to the royal couple and their daughter before giving a smile, "I accept your orders, father. I shall deeply miss you." she nuzzled Iggy, as he hugged her.
Iggy looked over to the three and spoke, "You'll also look out for her won't you?"
"We will." Cadence promised.
"As far as things are, she's already a member of the family now." Shining added.
"You mean like a sister?" Neira asked her parents.
The two smiled, as Cadence answered, "Yes, Neira. Your new sister."
"Yay!" Neira flew around Machina happily, "I've always wanted a sister!"
The group chuckled, as Iggy nodded to Gizmo who opened the portal, "We'll see you all next time." Iggy said, as the three humans and robot went through the portal and closed.
They exited the portal and were back in Iggy's lab, "Ah, home sweet home." Iggy said as he walked around.
Gizmo released Jack from the restraints, as the evil genius spoke, "Finally, no more talking ponies and changelings," Suddenly Jack's cellphone buzzed. He looked at it and gasped, "Whoa, I got so many voicemails. All from my mom?"
"Now that you're back in our world all those messages are visible now." Cynthia said.
Jack checked the voicemails, and listened. At first he heard a soft voice speaking, but the more voicemails he checked the louder the voice was sounding, "OH MY GOD! MY MOTHER!" he ran out of the lab.
Iggy and Cynthia couldn't help but chuckle knowing he hadn't been home in awhile, and hadn't set up a robot duplicate as a stand in unlike Iggy. The boy looked to his girl, "I wonder how long he'll be grounded?"
"I'd say a month." Cynthia answered.
Iggy smiled, until he started pondering, "Is something troubling you, sir?" Gizmo asked.
"Just thinking. I mean I did a lot of good in Equestria by protecting it."
"You sure did." Cynthia smiled.
"I just wonder if I could be capable of doing the same thing here?"
"What do you mean, like become a superhero?" Cynthia asked.
"Why not? I got the equipment, I got the brains, it's a possibility." he shrugged.
"With all due respect Iggy, you're not Iron Man."
"I know, just a thought it all." he answered.
"Besides, you can protect the world and make it a better place in your own way." she hugged him.
Iggy smiled, "And I want you to help me in any way possible."
"I'll always help you, Iggy." she said, as the two kissed, while Gizmo watched.
"Well I suppose is Ms. Pinkie were here, she'd say something like, "Th-th-th-That's all folks!" it irised out around Gizmo.