> MLP: Metal Grip On Life
>  by JusSonic
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 01: Out Of Town Mayor Greeting
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 01: Out Of Town Mayor Greeting


Pinkamena peeks in, smiling to the camera as she spoke, "Well it seems things might get tense and also many surprises and other things will happen that will go along with what happened before this started so most that is made will be edited. I think to fit with what you all saw if it is needed and near the end Cadance will be very surprises just like Celestia and Luna were and others."

Pinkamena ducks down as our story truly begins.

------------- 

It was a time of departure in the Crystal Empire. The place was almost fallen to the control of Frozen Sage, a mare who despises stallions for a long time. But thanks to the sacrifices of Ben Mare, Shining Armor and Flash Sentry to save Twilight and Cadance, and the Element of Love, Frozen Sage has seen the errors of her ways and allows the Royal Couple to keep the empire. Looks like things had come back to normal...or will they?

Cadance is preparing on heading off to speak to Mayor Ronson while her beloved is going to Ponyville. The mayor had a meeting with the two lately and wishes to discuss more with Cadance before heading off to the town itself.

"Do you have to go?" Cadance ask her beloved in concern.

Shining sighs, nuzzling Cadance as he explains, "I had to. I promise Iron Brave about the situation, especially Mayor Ronson. He's acting strangely. I sense that his aura is... familiar."

"You're right... I felt that too..."

"I've got a bad feeling that Ronson might do something bad to my sister. I don't want to lose. I don't want to see that event again."

"I know. But you are a nice and greatest brother that Twilight ever has. I wish you luck for both helping Twilight and earning the Element of Steel." Cadance said to Shining. There's a chance that the stallion will gain the Element of Steel but he must prove himself first.

"Thanks, Cadance." Shining said, kissing his love on the cheek.

"Say hi to Twilight and Ben for me."

"Of course, Cadance. No problem."

A while later, Shining left the Crystal Empire. The guards escort their prince to the train station to take the next train to Ponyville before the one that Mayor Ronson will be on would arrive; upon arrival, the unicorn is surprised to see an old friend of his waiting for him.

Shining gasped, "Iron Brave; What are you doing here?"

"Checking the progress; I just want to make sure that it's good to go." Iron Brave explains to Shining that he wishes to make sure that everything is good.

"Yeah... Ever since you told me about the authority and rebel at Twilight's home, I'm worried for her. I've got a feeling that it's not good news. I just want to make sure that she's safe and sound from any danger."

"I know what you mean. I felt how for my sister too; that's why I'm gonna help you."

"Thanks." Shining said with a smile. He will need all the help that he could get.

--------------

Times in Ponyville seem to have gone well, especially with the new sighting of Princess Twilight Sparkle’s castle in the center of the town. It was here that Twilight, her family and friends were inside a throne room where the group has each taken a seat of throws around a central star-shaped dais. The group was still just getting use to their daily living or for some, visiting the castle that now the Sparkle Family live in since the Golden Oaks Library was destroyed by Tirek. But now the focus is on about what is going on as we speak.

“So what’s the meeting about now Twilight? Is it about the weather?” Rainbow Dash asked off in what they are here to discuss about.

“Well you see…” Twilight was going to say, but in truth, it was hard to just have friends over to her place without discussing royal duty bound stuff.

“Ah think it’s about how our last supply o' venation has been slacking a bit.” Applejack cuts in to say what she thinks their discussion to be gathered is all about.

“Yes, I know, but…” Twilight responded in hearing that statement to agree, but was cut off again.

“Oh my, and I thought it was to discuss some casual wear for a ball to be held here.” Rarity sighed to say from thinking that they were going to be talking about something more upper-class discussions.

“That’s not for a while.” Twilight raised an eyebrow in hearing what Rarity was saying, they aren’t doing that for some time.

“Um, I was almost thinking….when can we try to have a treat your animal fairly law, um…if that’s too much to ask.” Fluttershy shyly and meekly spoke off to say this from it being on top of her mind.

“Fluttershy; that might be stretching it a bit,” Twilight raised an eyebrow in hearing what the shy pony suggested, it’s hard to even picture to make such a law be solid.

“Wait! What about an Honorable Party-Theme Holiday? A Holiday where every pony gets to party from dawn to dust,” Pinkie Pie spoke off in wanting to say something about when they will have a specially made national holiday.

“Pinkie, if we did that, who knows how many parties there be, not everyone could attend them at the same time.” Twilight spoke off to tell the pink pony that such a thing might be hard, cause if everyone throws a party, who will go to who’s party; it’s too complicated.

The Mane Six were pretty much losing track of where their talk discussion was heading nowhere fast. Spike, Phobos, Nyx & Ben watch as this was a lot of debating actions going on here. They sigh in feeling that this could take a while before they end up with a settling resolve.

“Burp,” Suddenly, Spike burps out a magic scroll that appeared before Twilight’s spot.

“Wait, girls! Look, a letter from Princess Celestia & Luna!” Twilight spoke surprise to say while using magic to open and read the scroll.

“What’s it say Twilight?” Spike asked off in what the scroll from Celestia has written in it.

Twilight was soon reading the scroll that was sent to her, and as she was reading it in her mind, her eyes slowly began to widen. Some of the gang members could see her expression and could almost tell right away….something was up and it may be important.

“Oh my, I don’t know about this!” Twilight spoke in looking a bit concern over what it was that she was reading.

“What’s wrong mommy; is it something bad?” Nyx asked off in seeing a little tension from her mother’s face.

“Don’t tell me we got another villain problem! It hasn’t been a week since we lived in finer laggard that this happens!” Phobos slapped his forehead to groan off in complaining, if it’s another enemy attack or invasion, then they are pretty much ASKING for trouble!

“No, worse; Celestia has informed me that a very important mayor from Manehattan is coming to visit our town.” Twilight spoke off saying what the scroll was telling, much to anyone listening in from hearing what they heard. “He wants to not just visit what SHOULD have been a peaceful town, but hopes to aid us in our problems.” She addresses the manner of how this out of town mayor is coming for a visit, all to help them out.

“Doesn’t sound so bad to me Twilight, he sounds like a pretty decent pony.” Ben shrug off his shoulders to say from thinking that this doesn’t sound like bad news to him.

“That’s just it, he’s TOO Important! And coming here to our town, Celestia says we need to welcome him and that I’m to help Mayor Mare with his welcome speech event for all of Ponyville to gather and hear out.” Twilight issued off from looking a bit worried about taking on the task of such a big responsibility of preparing a welcoming & special treatment of someone of such high dignity. “But what if something happens and he gets attack by either the Apocalypse Ponies, the Dark Mystics or more of Grimmore’s forces? What if something happens that I have the responsible burden and the ponies of Manehattan hate me for failing? What if…” The mare was gonna go on and on about so many problems that a true princess has to worry about, but this might be going overboard.

“Woah-woah, woah; Hold up there Twilight, you’re getting too deep in the ‘what ifs’ department! If the guy is so important, we’ll be his bodyguards.” Rainbow Dash held up her hooves to stop her friend to calm down, stating that if there was such a big deal, then they help guard the new mayor guy is all.

“Rainbow’s right an' Ah rarely say it much. But we’ve grown strong as a team Twilight, we’ve face plenty o' danger 'ta know wha 'ta expect.” Applejack nods off to say this that they have grown together much, have gotten better than beforehand.

“Besides darling, after we gotten those lovely Rainbow Forms, we singlehandedly stop Tirek, didn’t we?” Rarity spoke with a proud and prideful smile on her face about what major achievement they did.

“I’m not sure about that, the Rainbow Forms that we got, we need to learn and understand how they work.” Twilight spoke in stating this serious factor about still not knowing how the Rainbow Forms that they earn even work after they unlocked the chest from the Tree of Harmony. “Ever since the chest came and this castle came out, I’ve been trying to figure out how we can gain that ability willingly or not.” The new princess may have gain many things, but there are just more questions than just answers.

“Well that power was nice, but not as nice when we’ll get our Element Forms from Element Evolution!” Pinkie Pie spoke off to say this to the gang in what they’ll really be looking forward to.

“Oh yes, it seems that’s the only power to help us defeat the Three Lords of Equestria.” Fluttershy spoke in suddenly feeling surprised, but just a bit shyly about knowing they need something far stronger to take on the toughest enemies yet.

“So when will this mayor from out of town come in mommy?” Nyx asked off the main question that was on their minds right now.

“He’ll be arriving on a train that’s due for noon, and it’s only the first morning.” Twilight responded in telling the group here of when the mayor from Manehattan will be arriving. “We have to prepare lots of things, especially for an opening event in the center of town for tomorrow.” They have much to prepare and get ready, if they don’t, well she doesn’t wanna think that far ahead.

“Can’t you just leave it to our mayor if this stresses you out?” Phobos asked off the question that Twilight as princess just dumps this heavy burden to Ponyville’s mayor to deal with.

“You know Twilight; she likes to help make all things be prepared ahead of schedule.” Ben smiled off to say this to the gang of what Twilight wants done around here.

“Okay, I need every pony to help on this, we need to make sure nothing goes wrong during the Mayor Ronson’s visit.” Twilight issued this statement to have everyone be very focus for the development of the revealed mayor’s visit.

“That’s his name? Ronson,” Rainbow Dash asked off a bit stump surprise to hear the name of who was coming.

“Mayor Ronson, why I think I recall it.” Rarity spoke off a bit in recalling the name from somewhere, maybe from her trip to Manehattan.

“Ye know, Ah think he might’ve sent ponies ta pick up orders ta sale in Manehattan.” Applejack spoke off in recalling an order of veggy supplies sent to that city, might’ve been from the mayor’s orders.

“Oh my, he does sound important.” Fluttershy spoke in thinking that maybe this different mayor is important.

“Then let’s give him a welcome party!” Pinkie Pie smiled off to say cheerfully in what they can do here.

“First things first, let’s get what we can do, here’s some list preparations if an important guest were to come to town.” Twilight spoke while levitating note papers to her friends in having already prepared stuff they need to be doing for such an event.

“Wait, did she actually plan ahead for if this were to happen?” Phobos asked off stump if Twilight had actually made such things ahead of time but kept them put away.

“Probably a yes, if you ask me.” Spike shrug off to say in knowing Twilight, she likes being well prepared.

“Okay girls, let’s make this visit work!” Twilight issued this off to her friends with a serious face.

“Right,” The other Mane Six responded to this before getting up from their seats.

“Don’t threat Twilight, if something needs fixing, you can ask us to help out.” Ben patted Twilight’s tense shoulder to be relaxed as they’ll help out.

“Right, we’re here for you mommy.” Nyx smiled off to tell her mother this to not be worried.

“Thanks, I can use all the help with this next to newest activity of acting princess from my own castle in my hometown here.” Twilight sigh a bit to thank her friends for being very considerate for her in this state.

Soon the gang prepares to head on out in getting ready and also to welcome an out of town mayor; Ronson, to Ponyville. They can only hope things will go so smoothly.

-------------

At Canterlot Castle, we find Luna entering the throne room to visit Celestia. Apparently, the moon princess has heard what the sun princess has apparently sent out to Twilight about a visit from an important mayor figure.

“Sister, is it true about what I heard that Mayor Ronson from Manehattan is visiting Ponyville?” Luna asked forth this question that was on her mind from hearing about it.

“Yes Luna, and you’re probably wondering why this is happening.” Celestia nods in admitting the truth of such a manner that is occurring.

“Indeed….but mostly from how such a mystery pony came to become so popular and powerful, it intrigues the mind.” Luna spoke from feeling a tense bit of thought over such a manner of things.

“Mayor Ronson has shown much good in helping his citizens, and after hearing of what’s happen to us, and about Twilight’s current position as a new princess of friendship, he wants to extend a helping hoof for our cause.” Celestia spoke off in explaining the situation that Mayor Ronson wants to offer some aid to those here that are in need of aid.

“While it’s true, he has been shown to be a good and fair mayor to his ponies, there have been many gossips and rumors about some threat trying to come after him.” Luna spoke firmly in addressing the manner that has them so focus to ponder what dangers lie in wait, and seem to be around this Mayor Ronson fellow.

“Yes, and now that he’ll be coming here, he’ll become most likely a target by any threats around or that those from Manehattan will come to get him.” Celestia spoke with a serious look on her face in knowing of threatening manners that may surface from this visit from Ronson.

“Tia, I’m worried. Twilight has only started to adjust to living in a castle now. Shouldn’t we at least help her acquire Royal Guards?” Luna spoke her own concerns for their new princess friend over the issue and should give some forces to help her out, "Besides the two that she got from what I was told."

“Do not worry, my son and her friends will be there. They can handle the task, I’m sure of it.” Celestia spoke in feeling there is no need to worry, for Twilight has her friends and family to give her backup.

“I most certainly hope so, the citizens are just starting to feel like the dangers are either gone or there is still problems to face later.” Luna spoke with deep concerns over such manners that will worry the mortal ponies.

“We can only pray that in the end, whatever evil is being plotted will not succeed here.” Celestia spoke with a focus face expression in praying that no harm will happen, and whatever happens, they can trust Twilight’s group to handle it.

With that, the Royal Sisters nodded to the other before returning to their respective duties. The scene goes dark with more puzzling issues crossing many minds.

---------------

Now the scene changes to Ponyville’s train station, where the Mane Six, Ben, the baby Dragons, Nyx and the CMC were there to await the arrival of a certain visiting mayor from out of town. They already informed much of the Ponyville citizens of what was going on, so they’ll need to make sure that everything goes well; That, and also the manner in getting the materials and preparations for Mayor Ronson’s speech to be held in the center of town hall.

“Hey look! Here comes the train!” Sweetie Belle spoke off in seeing something was coming that look like a train of the railroad.

“Hugh, is dat our usual train?” Apple Bloom raised an eyebrow in seeing something off the closer the train got.

“Yeah, it looks really different.” Scootaloo stated in feeling like the train coming to them isn’t their usual train.

“Mommy told me this Ronson mayor is coming in his own private train.” Nyx spoke off to say from knowing that maybe a train from Manehattan is different compared to their country type train.

"Wait hang on...that looks like one from the Crystal Empire, as in the one that Cadance rode in one time when she was hanging with Twilight before Discord butted in!" Ben exclaims, recognizing a train coming in from the Crystal Empire. The others look bewildered. Who could be visiting?

Once the train stops, the doors opens as ponies came out...especially two familiar ones, much to everyone's surprise.

"Hey Twiley," Shining said with a grin as he and Iron Brave came out to the meeting group. "Wow, if I had known you would expecting us, I would've brought gifts for everyone."

"Uncle Shiny," Nyx exclaims as she came over to nuzzle him. "What are you doing here?"

"Problems in the Crystal Empire again," Ben ask, giving a look of concern to Iron Brave. "I thought Frozen Sage has come to her senses."

"She did, but we are here on...private business involving the threats against him." Iron Brave explains seriously, much to the worries of the ponies. He then chuckles, "But let's not worried about that for now. I've heard that the Mayor of Manehattan will be coming here."

"Yeah, he already visited us, which is why we took the train here before his." Shining explains as the train leaves the station so that Mayor Ronson's train would arrive. "We got some catching up to do."

"Big brother, a while ago isn't that long." Twilight remarks with a scoff of amusement. "And ponies claimed I was overprotective!"

"Hey, I resent that, little Twiley!"

"Look; that must be the real train now!" Spike exclaims, spotting another train coming. "And this one is different from our trains and the Crystal Empire's!"

Soon the train in question was finally stopping near Ponyville’s train station. But when the group finally got a good look at it, it was far different from any standard train for common travels. It looked like a steel-manufactured monorail bullet train with customizations to look pretty secure in case of battles.

“Geez, if this train wasn’t so armored up, you think we were dealing with a villain here.” Phobos spoke off to say from seeing this train looked like it was not a peaceful train, but something meant for battles and whatnots.

“Ah, maybe we might.” Spike spoke nervously in pointing at some spooky shadow over the window glass of the door that seem…unlikely a pony.

“Gruspvhmm…” Suddenly, the slide doors opened with some steam mist escaping to bring off a strange evil theme to this whole thing. There appeared like a gray bulky brute golem with blue armor plated designs, with dark eyes from their gray faces as he seems like a humanoid type creature.

“Eeeeekkk! A villain,” Fluttershy squealed in terror in thinking they are already facing a scary foe already off a train.

“Alright, back off buddy!” Applejack spoke off to say while getting her lasso and hat ready to tussle.

“Yeah, before things get messy!” Rainbow Dash spoke off with a determine face and held her nun-chucks tight.

“Right; except, well…we won’t get messy, but you…most certainly will!” Rarity spoke off to say this with a different manner told while having her magic gems float near.

“Time to bring out the PARTY CANNON,” Pinkie Pie declared out to say with her cannon already line up.

More of the strange creatures showed up from the big ones to ones that seem more half & thin sizes that wore on just a darken plate armor. They all seem to carry some silver baton-like weapons that seem either capable of stunning from blaster mode or used as melee weapons. Truly the gang was gonna believe to fight these things when…

“What have you done? Tell us, where is Mayor Ronson!” Twilight sternly spoke this out in wanting answers from whoever these guys were of what they did to Mayor Ronson.

“Woah, woah, easy there folks; No need to blow someone’s head off,” A voice spoke out in sounding innocent, joyful and concerning.

“Who’s there?” Ben asked in demand of who was it that was speaking to them.

Soon entering out of the train was something that wasn’t a golem, but more of a pony figure. It was a white tan color strap unicorn stallion, with well maintain mane & tail, and brown eyes, and seen wearing a formal business suit. From his appearance, he seem charming, handsome, a philanthropic being that is hardly ever seen in this day and age.

“Greetings, allow me to present myself. My name is Ronson, Mayor Ronson from Manehattan.” The new unicorn pony introduced himself as being the known Mayor of Manehattan.

“Mayor Ronson?” The others responded in being utterly shock, this was the guy that they were waiting for?

“Yes, and I see you’ve met with my security force.” Ronson nods with a smile while looking to those that are with him.

“Security; These guys,” Phobos asked off in seeing the scary golems are actually with this different mayor.

“But, aren’t they…well…?” Spike was about to say until he was cut off by the out of town mayor.

“Golems, well of course, it’s my special spell work; They’re Steel Golems.” Ronson spoke off to answer in what these creatures he calls his security force are, golems made of steel it seems. “I took library to help build up golem units to help keep me and my fair city safe from crime and against criminals. Nothing is too good to keep my citizens safe from harm and have happier lives.” He spoke with such a jolly personality that makes him be seen as such a go-getter guy.

“Wow….” The CMC responded to look at the Steel Golems, when they aren’t acting mean, they do seem pretty cool.

“Sir, these ponies and their Dragons were about to attack, should we question them?” A thin steel-golem unit approached his mayor to report of what took place here.

“No, no, captain, that’s alright, they only jump the gun. Let’s let them off, why don’t you take the others to unload my things.” Ronson held up a hoof to calm the commander of the steel golem units that it was all a misunderstanding while giving out new orders.

“Sir!” The Steel Golems saluted in hearing this before getting to work now to get Ronson’s things unpacked.

“Please forgive them, the captain and my Brute types only carry out my assignments, they’re very tough, but don’t question unless been order to.” Ronson explained this issue to those that were thinking the Steel Golems were enemies.

“Boy howdy, ye got them fellas following ya like a well oil machine.” Applejack spoke off to say in seeing those golem creatures works and obey without ever questioning.

“Yes, Golem Spells are an interesting form of Crafting one’s magic to make many to help around. But never mind that, you must be Applejack, the honest and tough Earth mare and good seller of your family’s veggies in our stock market stores.” Ronson smiled off to say in speaking towards Applejack while knowing very much about her farm business and how the veggy’s are a big help for ponies growth.

“Well, guilty as charge, can’t lie when ye say it like dat, yer honor.” AJ proudly spoke to Ronson from hearing him say such things about her family’s farm business.

“Yeah, that be the day you don’t lie about such praises.” Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes in hearing what AJ was saying from taking such comments.

“Ah, you must be the daring and very loyal flier of the weather control of Ponyville, Rainbow Dash, was it?” Ronson stated in meeting Rainbow Dash while knowing about her career and performances.

“Oh yeah; you better believe it!” Rainbow Dash smiled proudly in stating that be her alright.

“Yes, we believe it alright.” Rarity rolled her eyes to sarcastically say this about Rainbow Dash trying to be seen as someone cool.

“You must be the well-known stylist and fashion designer that enter one of the contest held in our fair city, the generous Rarity.” Ronson spoke with a smile in addressing Rarity from recalling of her work during a fashion show event.

“Oh, well I….am indeed generous for the kind work of a fan of my styles.” Rarity replied off with a bit of a bashful expression from being told such things.

“Oh-oh! You got anything about me and Fluttershy?” Pinkie Pie waved up her hoof to ask if the nice mayor from elsewhere knows them too.

“Um, that is, if you know us, if not…it’s okay.” Fluttershy meekly spoke in not being so pushy on such a thing of what there is to praise about her.

“Nonsense; You both are known very well. The laugh maker of joy & party time funs, Pinkie Pie. And of course, the sweet and kindness of a shy but diligent girl named Fluttershy.” Ronson happily spoke in speaking of who these two ponies were and of their field specialty.

“Woah, I never knew we were described like that!” Pinkie Pie spoke off in hearing this, that’s some way to describe them.

“Me neither, and diligent too…that’s a new one.” Fluttershy replied off in never being thought of being such a pony before.

“And are these the Cutie Mark Crusader originals, I heard some filly started a group in Manehattan, Babs Seed was it?” Ronson spoke off to bring up a name that was familiar.

“'Dat’s my cousin!” Apple Bloom responded with a wide smile on her face.

“I can’t believe our club has stretched that far ahead!” Scootaloo stated about how their club to search for cutie marks has gone up lately.

“Me neither, maybe soon, we’ll have a group all over!” Sweetie Belle smiled to think how cool that they’ll have more members that search for their cutie marks.

“And you must be Nyx, I saw the latest book of your telling tale, it was marvelous.” Ronson smiled off to say this with a smile about even the black filly here.

“Oh, why…thank you.” Nyx slowly responded in never guessing anyone that recall her as a reincarnation of Nightmare Moon, would feel happy to meet her in the flesh.

“And these must be their tough Dragons of your group, they might not look it, but I’m guessing they are more than meets the eye.” Ronson spoke to see Spike & Phobos, and is guessing they are more tougher than just their small appearances.

“Well it’s about time someone noticed greatness!” Phobos smiled off proudly in hearing such praises of him.

“Well I remark that, if I wasn’t also being praise too.” Spike rolled his eye to say but felt like he was happy to receive praise to.

“Oh boy; so how was your trip Mayor Ronson?” Ben rolled his eyes in how the Dragons are swallowing this before asking Ronson how his trip was.

“Very relaxing, and you must be Celestia’s child, have to say, for a prince, you seem like an ordinary guy.” Ronson smiled off to say while admitting that Ben looks just like an ordinary pony than one of royalty.

“Believe me, wanting to be ordinary was something than just being overly famous.” Ben rolled his eyes to chuckle off about how he likes being normal than being treated special.

"Prince Shining Armor, Iron Brave, good to see you too again; Shining, your wife told me that you and your mentor would be going off ahead. Any reason why?"

"Just to chat with my sis and her friends," Shining remarks with a chuckle as Iron Brave stood firm. "And hang around and stuff."

“Mayor Ronson, I wanna welcome you to our home and hope we can make your stay comfortable.” Twilight spoke off to proudly introduce herself to Ronson.

“Not at all, and it’s a pleasure to meet you, Princess Twilight Sparkle of Friendship.” Ronson responded and gave a bow of showing respect to the new princess. “It must have been hard to get up to where you are now.” He stated about Twilight’s struggles to reach where she currently is at.

“Well yes, but…” Twilight was about to say until she was cut off there.

“But never fear, together, we’ll help bring hope to your citizens to make them feel at ease.” Ronson smiled to proudly say this to help give some encouragement. “I remember when starting out, I wasn’t seen much, but I knew I had a specific duty, and what’s best for ponies around is what makes me proud.” He spoke in trying to sound very inspiring of where he’s getting off to.

“Wow, a little more practice, and you and Zecora could be in a rhyming contest.” Phobos spoke off in having heard this and thinks the guy could be in a rhyming game with Zecora.

“For now Twilight, how about showing me a place to where I may accommodate to while staying here?” Ronson asked a favor in where he’ll be setting up for now.

“Of yes of course, right this way. Trust us; we’ll make sure everything goes perfectly.” Twilight spoke off to suddenly get her focus set on being a good host to their traveler from a far city that he runs.

“Which I have to ask, what sorta enemies might be trying to come at you?” Ben asked off in liking to know what they may have to watch out for. Shining and Iron Brave nods as if admitting that's another reason as to why they're here.

“Oh, no one particular, certainly not any of the Three Lords of Equestria if that’s who you are worrying about.” Ronson smiled off to say this with an easy smile that he’s not a target for such big shot foes.

“So, you don’t have any enemies than?” Spike raised an eyebrow in thinking the guy has no enemies left to come get him.

“Well, no…there is a certain someone who seems very dangerous and unappreciable. Why my Steel Golems can barely handle the one called; the Metal Rogue.” Ronson spoke off in stating lightly about there is one threat, and it’s from a rogue that’s trying to get him.

“The Metal Rogue,” The others repeated off in hearing this, they don’t know who that is, but he sounds serious.

“But I’m sure he hasn’t learnt of my leave and still thinks I’m in Manehattan. Now come now, let’s not be negative, let’s be positive and think of the future.” Ronson spoke to change the subject to not being worrying over such manners as they need to look at the brighter picture.

“Yes of course, I’m sorry for that.” Twilight responded off to say this to the visiting mayor from out of town.

“Don’t be, every good mayor…or princess…needs good precautions; that’s what helps us stay on TOP of any situation.” Ronson waved off in stating there was no need to feel bad, that’s a good thing about being a pony that the others look to for guidance.

With that, the group begins to move with the Steel Golems carrying some box crates out of the train.

Iron Brave leans to Shining, whispering quietly to him, "Remember, Shining Armor, keep an eye on Ronson."

"Got it; why would someone want to kill him, unless... he's hiding something." Shining said in concern. No one would think of trying to kill someone like Ronson...unless he got something to hide.

"Exactly."

But unknown to the others, a hidden character in a cloak with another cloak figure, only more chubby was seen hiding and coming out from the farthest backside of the train.

“There he goes, but are you sure about this? He’s with Celestia’s child and the new princess; they might be tougher than you might think.” The chubby cloak figure spoke off with an elderly mare’s voice to the other from seeing who Ronson has hooked up with.

“Like I got a choice; this is where Ronson doesn’t have so much power. If I don’t strike him down now, then he’ll be harder when he gets back to Manehattan.” The other figure spoke as a stallion with a mix of an Asian & Street City accent talk as he was sounding somewhat a loner about Ronson.

“Alright, just be careful, being here for a special event might not be his only reason.” The chubby cloak figure spoke off with a voice sounding concern for the other partner of hers.

“Trust me, I’ll handle this.” The other figure responded to show something…a metal blade. “I’ll get him when I’ve lessen his guards scatter, that’ll even my chances.” He spoke of a plan to give him the edge, by thinning out the number of Steel Golems to make it easy to get to the target himself.

The chubby cloak member sighs at hearing this before the two shadowy characters rush off to continue to hid themselves. Looks like whoever has arrived with Mayor Ronson, wants a piece of the guy for reasons unknown. What will the Mane Six gang do at this rate when another new opponent is around the corner, that is a question…left to be seen another time.
> Chapter 02: Meet Z-Strap, the Metal Rogue!
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Chapter 02: Meet Z-Strap, the Metal Rogue!


At the moment, we open to the inside of Town Hall, where Ronson was getting himself ready to come down the stairs to exit the building. There he saw three different characters awaiting below for him; Golden Heart, Pinkamena, and Omega. They have heard about the arrangements from Twilight’s group and decided to come meet, greet, and offer some service…especially since they’ll be much security work if something was to interrupt the whole speech to help ponies out during these tough times. The out of town mayor saw them, smiled while giving a friendly hoof wave to them while not minding the pink pony’s creepy look and a giant armed robot.

“Mayor Ronson, we want to inform you about the security measurements to make sure your safe during your visit.” Golden Heart was explaining a bit until he was cut off by Ronson’s friendly greet.

“Ah, you must be the famous Golden Heart, my, you’ve certainly have lived up to your reputation.” Ronson spoke off to say in coming to meet and greet such a well-respected pony.

“Um, thanks…sir.” Golden Heart slowly responded in never knowing how friendly this guy was, even if he thought it was for politics, maybe he’s wrong.

“And this must be the one who looks very much like Pinkie Pie, Pinkamena, I’ve heard you’re very sharp.” Ronson spoke off stating how he has also heard about this unique pony.

“Yep, you know it!” Pinkamena nods off to say about the matter. “By the way, are you not surprised by my looks? I know I look like Pinkie Pie, but the face….is a little creepy.” She can’t figure out why some mayor from elsewhere knows about her when she’s so secretive, or perhaps word spread far, but did it even state about her looks.

“What’s there to be ashamed about? I say, you are who you are.” Ronson happily said this of not being discouraged over such matters as what looks beautiful and ugly. “And is this the marvel of your creativity?” Ronson asked off in looking at Omega in seeing quite an interesting develop of such craftsmanship.

“I am Omega. If there are any enemies that come, I shall display my arsenal and firepower to stop them.” Omega introduced himself while stating his basic function for the event.

“Well then, I’m in some quality hands, or hooves here.” Ronson responded in feeling glad to be seeing such wonderful beings to help out. “Twilight has said you be helping in the security measures, I do hope you can keep the citizens safe. After all, their lives are just as important as mine.” He spoke in being very thoughtful of the ponies first before his own.

“Don’t worry, we have it covered.” Goldie spoke to assure the Manehattan Mayor to know that they have it under control.

“Well I must get ready; Mayor Mare will be doing the opening speech of my intro. Good luck to you.” Ronson spoke off to say before he has to get himself ready for his giving speech.

Soon Ronson was heading out the door after having a nice time chatting with this other group sticking around for the Mayor of Manehattan’s speech to the Ponyville citizens.

“He seems like a very positive character.” Omega stated about how Ronson behaves, it’s very becoming.

“I know, I can’t imagine there being someone that wants him gone.” Pinkamena spoke off in feeling a bit puzzled and confused over this whole thing for some weird reason. “But something tells me that we will be getting a fight in the end. Cause for some weirdest of feeling, when I’m near him, I almost am reminded about the Changeling Queen, weird isn’t it?” She can’t tell why Ronson brings up a memory of the Changeling Queen, it’s sounding very weird indeed.

“Hugh, knowing your senses sis, they aren’t off. For now, let’s help watch over things.” Goldie spoke off to say this in thinking that they best just keep their guard up.

“Right, we’ll learn the truth of the mystery yet!” Pinkamena nods to agree to that plan, they’ll uncover things eventually.

With that made, did Goldie’s group decided to head on out themselves to get ready. If something was gonna go down now or later, they have to be ready for it when it comes.

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The scene opens up to Town Hall where many of the pony civilians gathered around. It was finally that time where they get to hear some speech be given out by a new mayor from Manehattan that was visiting them and their very own close princess Twilight. The security was shown of a few Steel Golems that were patrolling the outskirts and around the center of town, the folks were given advance about them as they were like police officers, but different. The Mane Six gang along with Ben, Nyx, Spike, Phobos, Shining & Iron Brave sat in special honor seats near where Mayor Mare & Mayor Ronson sat by before Ponyville’s mayor came up to a mike to speak.

“Attention every pony, we have an announcement to make.” Mayor Mare spoke in getting the attention of the citizens. “After such moments of where we have faced against such terrible problems of unexpected events and attacks from dangerous foes, we have some pony here to help us.” As she spoke, she was helping to calm the minds and worries of the town folk ponies over what they have been through. “He’s a good and honest stallion who has helped keep his city safe from dangerous crimes and has kept the peace, and now extends a hoof to Princess Twilight from our own struggles. Give a hoof welcome to the Mayor of Manehattan, Mayor Ronson.” She declared off the self-introduction work for her point and request Mayor Ronson of Manehattan to take the stand now.

Soon many of the ponies were cheering and stomping their hooves on the ground in response. Now Ronson take the mike while Mayor Mare stands back a bit before taking a seat.

“My fellow ponies, thank you for the greeting moment,” Ronson smiled proudly to look at the crowd before him he is addressing. “Now I stay here as not as your own mayor or ruler, but as a fellow contender with a vision. A vision to help fellow ponies like us, feel safe from all dangers that surround us.” He was speaking with such woes to help inspire those here to see him as one of their every average day pony and how he wants to help out from the dangers that lurk around.

As Ronson was speaking, Pinkamena was doing her patrolling mission from leaving the crowds to assist them.

“Bravo 1 calling Bravo 2 & 3. What’s the readout, over.” Pinkamena spoke in a walky-talky in issuing this response calling.

“All clear, mistress.” Omega’s voice was heard from another end of the comm-link.

“Same with mine, but what’s with the Bravo nickname?” Goldie’s voice replied off to say while questioning this method.

“Eh, some commando stuff for these type of missions. For now, keep eyes pill for anything suspicious. Over,” Pinkamena shrug off to say it like that before ending the chat.

With that, Pinkamena was going back to helping to keep security tight. While unaware that some shady figure in a cloak was watching from the shadows as he slips away. Course while this happens, the speech was still going on without a hitch.

“Now when I heard about the newest princess, Twilight Sparkle, how thanks to her valiant effort along with some helpful friends help stop the evil actions of Tirek from stealing our magic that makes us who we are.” Ronson proudly spoke to point his hoof to those sitting nearby, as they either gave out sheepishly, proudest, stylist, etc. or tiny hello waves from being commented. “Now we need to prepare yourselves; I know some of you are scared, terrified, feeling helpless of what will happen. And you wonder is Ponyville safe? I’m here to help make sure it stays safe, even against the Three Lords of Equestria.” Ronson was stating how he can tell that the citizens are scared now, but if they all work together, even the Three Lords, the scariest and most powerful beings in Equestria won’t keep them in fear.

At the moment, one of the Steel Golems was patrolling a spot before it turn around to peak in an ally.

“Stabfrushvmm…” Then a metal blade jabs into that golem before slicing it in half. Then the mysterious blades hid back into the shadow while the user moves undetected.

“There have been tough times, I’m sure. Princess Twilight, care to tell us what has happened to this lovely town?” Ronson stated how there are tough times to tend to and he stands aside to let Ponyville’s neighborly princess take this stand to give a few words of inspiration.

Twilight approached the mike to prepare to give out a little speech herself.

“Well, at first, there were different villains that when I first came here I never expected what we would go up against.” Twilight spoke off to say in recalling those that she and her friends have face.

While Twilight continued, two more Steel Golems were attacked and fell while they were outside view of anyone seeing or noticing the communication. Something is vastly approaching that the Steel Golems can’t keep up.

“Truer villains like the Changeling Queen, Boris, Tirek, the Eight Demon Lords were terrible foes.” Twilight stated with a serious face in bringing up memories of such wicked villains. “Others that could be turn to good, like Nightmare Moon, Discord, & the Three Tribe Rulers were but innocent victims.” She spoke in stating how there were others that may have been bad or evil, but in the end, they became good.

As the princess spoke, Omega was near a sight where he found a few Steel Golems that were busted and broken to be nonfunctioning. He was giving a report of what he found to his comrades.

“Now we face hard enemies like the Apocalypse Ponies, the Dark Mystics, and even the worse of the bunch, Grimmore.” Twilight spoke forth in stating that the group face far greater threats out of anything they are up against now. “We truly wanna end the madness, as soon as possible, but it’s a slow progress.” She spoke to look down in feeling that they are still so far away from helping to stop the worse villains from being active.

“And you have no reason to doubt yourself, why….the test is so BIG, it’s not so simple to do.” Ronson took over to speak happily about Twilight’s group and their valiant efforts. “Why, there have been few heroes up to the challenge. Such like…Tough Apple & Big Macintosh of the Apple Family…” As he stated such factors, many of the crowds were clapping or stomping hooves to cheer for those two names. “Others that aren’t here like Johnny Brock, Crashfire, Kilik, Azuma…” He mentioned off these other hero names that many know very well who they are. “And another hero that has helped you since the Brotherhood, Golden Heart!” He spoke off to point at a nearby hero that was also with them to help out.

Golden stopped when the spot light was on him as he sheepishly gave out some waves. Then he heard some weird nosies from above a building and narrow his eyes to it.

“What have we here? Hmmm….better check it out before reporting it in.” Goldie responded in having some suspicion of what he saw and decides to take to the skies.

“You and your friends have been helping out and many new heroes are either popping out or joining the cause.” Ronson spoke off in stating this fair amount of honesty over how the situation stands. “As such, there have been no major casualties and many are alive today. Which is why I wanna request an alliance with you, to help make sure….Ponyville becomes the happiest, safest place in Equestria!” He stated off the good and wishes to help bring more contribution to help make sure, Ponyville is a safe haven from all dangerous evil.

The crowds were cheering so loud in loving this news, they were not getting enough of it.

But during the loudest, something was making lots of racket above before the noise cease. It was the mysterious cloak figure from before by the train station as he finished dealing with the last Steel Golems. Now he comes over to stare down from a good view of where Ronson was giving his speech while not seeing the threat ready to pounce.

“A little different from joining a crowd, don’t you think?” Golden Heart’s voice spoke out from flying nearby to see what was going on here as he found someone who was sticking with the crowd.

“Hugh?” The mysterious cloak guy turns to see Goldie, but then…. “Guuuagh,” Then without a sudden warning, something glowed over him and made him smack against a wall nearby as Goldie’s magic was working wonders to pin this suspicious foe.

“So you’re the threat that’s after the mayor of Manehattan.” Golden Heart sternly address who this guy was from having a good guess from the waste of Steel Golems on the ground, those things aren’t easy for average ponies to beat. “What’s your deal with him?” He was trying to interrogate this guy to solve what was the deal in getting Ronson.

“That ain’t none of your business!” The mysterious cloak guy spoke off with a slang tone.

“I think I might make it my business when I have you brought in for questioning.” Goldie narrows his eyebrows in what will happen if this guy doesn’t explain himself.

“Try it if you can, but didn’t Ronson mention it?” The cloak guy spoke off this issue that he ain’t scared and also mentioned something here.

“Mention what?” Goldie raised an eyebrow in what this guy was trying to say now.

“That I’m a Metal Rogue and you’re about to see how I got that name,” The guy head his head under a hood, but he slowly push against the magic pinning him to raise his right sleeve.

“Frusvhhmmm….” Then without warning and in a crazy sounding sense, a metal pillar was shot out of this guy’s sleeve heading for Goldie’s spot at an extending rate. “Waaaahhhh,” Golden Heart yelps out loud from not having enough time to react to this before….things go blank.

Meanwhile below what was happening, Ronson was giving his speech to help encourage the ponies ever more.

“So I say that with this, we can protect all life.” Ronson spoke off diligently over the manner of what they can do to help another. “Ponies, woodland creatures, sea creatures of our oceans, and creatures in the skies…” He was making this very much statement sound very well inform until… 

“DUCK!” Pinkie Pie pops up near Ronson to issue this with a yelping expression, much to her friends' puzzlement.

“Yes, even from the birds in the skies, ducks must also be…” Ronson nods in thinking the silly pink pony was trying to bring that up, but….

“NO! DUUUUCK,” Pinkie Pie shook her head while pointing up that they really should…duck and cover!

That last shout by the pink pony made many now look up to see a falling Golden Heart plummeting down. And soon the guy crashed by the mike stand, causing a few folks to get all wondered of what was going on.

“Golden Heart,” Nyx shouted out in seeing their friend before coming arounds to check him out.

“What happened to you?” Ben asked off in what did that to the tough Alicorn.

“Ugh…sorry, I let my guard down. But I…didn’t expect him to pull such strange move.” Goldie stood up to rub his aching head, feeling like he got hit hard but something made a metal, which in truth, wasn’t a lie.

“Strange move,” Twilight asked off puzzled, what did her friend mean?

“Look, over there!” Rainbow Dash pointed out in seeing something that made her friends follow their gaze at what was earning their attention now.

Soon something was leaping out from atop of the building to land on the ground with a heavy ‘pound’ effect. And soon the cloak figure was rushing ahead while the crowds began to panic.

“Quickly, all of you must flee from the dangers.” Ronson spoke to instruct the civilians to get out of harm’s way like a kind stallion that he is.

Hearing that, the crowds began to leave, leaving only fewer to get caught up in this.

“Captain, deal with this!” Ronson spoke to his Steel Golem captain, but his tone of voice sounded more deeper, angry, and much more opposite. Even when Pinkie Pie & Pinkamena were far from hearing, they somehow yelp from almost feeling….something being off to give them the hiby-gibbies.

“Yes sir!” The captain of the Steel Golems responded to hearing the order before turning to his own troops. “All Steel Golems; capture the rogue!” He issued the order in what they need to be doing here, capture that rogue that has revealed himself.

Soon many of the Steel Golems charged in as many were jumping to dog pile on the mysterious cloak hooded being. At first, it looked like that would be it, but….

“Stabfruvhmmm…/Slashcruvhmmm…/Bashfruvhmmm…/Crussfruvhmmm….” There were a few steel breaking sounds and cutting sounds of some strange metallic weaponry that broke the Steel Golems to fall apart. But afterwards, the cloak that hid the character was soon made clear of what he look like underneath. He looks like an Earth pony, but he’s mostly a stallion seen in a red/black stripe style costume, seen wearing metal bands around his hoofs & leg regions, and a metal chest plate up by the front. He also has his dreadlocks coming from his mask, as the only eyes seen are just white. The appearance alone shows his physically strong & athletic. And on the custom was his Cutie Mark of a metal sun-star that represents the whole being of metal look. Truly, he’s someone that is not every day if he’s seen in such an outfit.

“Yo Ronson, I’ve already cleared out much of your steel golem goons, now it’s time for you and me to settle things. Z-Strap is here to end your little game.” The revealed individual within the strange getup announced who he was and what he’s here for.

“Z-Strap,” Fluttershy spoke off surprise to be hearing that name so suddenly now.

“Who in Sam Hills is 'dat there pony,” AJ asked off in not knowing who it was they got to be dealing with.

“A very unusual one, I saw him turn a part of his body to metal.” Goldie spoke from being serious at the moment while he got himself up.

Soon Z-Strap was cutting across Ronson’s Steel Golems that were left that were in the way while the Mayor of Manehattan was quickly being help get evacuated by his other guards.

“You ain’t getting away this time! You ain’t in control of this town like you are in the big city, time to end this!” Z-Strap declared this off as his own tone of being serious, as he takes the stand.

“Frusvhhmmm…” Soon Z-Strap stretched off his right hoof that became like a metal pillar expanding to impact against the target. “Clunkfruvhmmm…” But then something impacted that attack as it was a familiar shield held up by Ben while dining his Iron Boots for the heavy weight effort.

“Wha the,” Z-Strap yelped off to say while turning his hoof back to normal, what was this guy doing here.

“Sorry buddy, but if you want Ronson, you gotta go through us!” Ben announced off to say from summoning his Master Sword to prepare himself for a fight here.

Soon Z-Strap was seeing the Mane Six, the baby Dragons, Shining, Iron Brave, Omega, Pinkamena, & Golden Heart join up in surrounding the guy on all sides. Now the heroes have cornered this strange rogue while the CMC & Nyx were helping to get any crowds out of the danger.

“Man, this was something I was hoping to avoid!” Z-Strap complained off to say in seeing what he has got that he’s gotta deal with.

“So you’re that Metal Rogue we were warned about, hugh? What’s with the costume?” Rainbow Dash asked off in eying the guy with suspicion.

“Yeah, and do you know it’s a style similar to someone that sells sneakers?” Pinkie Pie randomly issued off to say in a very random moment.

“Wait, wha now?” Z-Strap asked off a bit confused when he was told that.

“In any case, give up! Ye out number,” AJ stated to get back on the serious matter of stopping this foe.

“Sorry, but I’m not likely to just give up without a fight. Ain’t my style.” Z-Strap issued off saying this with a stone stern face that was seen on his mask.

“Really, funny, cause most of us here have a style like that. Though, some are more dramatic in appearance then others.” Rarity stated to say this while saying some have more style than of others.

“Never mind, let’s get him!” Pinkamena stated that they save the talking and just fight here.

Soon few of the members were attacking with the first being close melee work. But Z-Strap proves that he’s also very good in fighting with turning his body parts and forging different weapons to help him clash with different methods. Many were ducking from strange blades to scythes, chain iron balls, you name it, he even made a horn drill appear from his forehead that almost caught the group off guard if Omega didn’t dodge that from getting dental work.

“Firing attack patterns!” Omega announced forth in changing his hooves to gatling mode. “Bang-Bang-Bang-Bangvhmmm….” Now he was firing off his rounds rapidly to hit the target.

“Druhfruvhm-Durhfruvhmmm-Durfruvhmmm…” But then Z-Strap made metal wings come off his back and then acted like a shield. None of Omega’s attacks were even piercing that thick metal wall.

“Golden Heart; you said he used metal type magic? How could any pony do that and without a real horn to produce magic?” Twilight asked her golden friend how this masked pony rogue character was even doing such feats.

“Only one source I can think of, but I almost thought it was lost.” Golden Heart stated this off in having to make a guess in what source this was. “He has the same power as you & Ben have, he’s an Element User?” He pointed out in having a good guess in what Z-Strap was, he’s capable of using an element.

“An Element User,” The others responded in being very shock to hear this piece of news.

“So that means he can use….a Metal Element?” Twilight asked off in realizing who they are fighting here.

“Correction, the Element of Metal. But close enough!” Z-Strap spoke off in hearing the discussion to make his own issue over the manner.

“Powfruvhm-Powfruvhm-Poowfruvhmm….” Suddenly, Z-Strap fired off metal spikes off his hooves which caught the others by surprise.

“Waaaughhh!” Much of them were dodging and blocking, but strangely…some seem to not really came close to harming them.

“Hey, if he’s metal, then lets burn his flank!” Phobos spoke off an idea that could work for them.

“Right, let’s use our fire ability!” Spike smiled in seeing if they turn up the what, metal will melt.

Soon both Dragons breathed off fire that melted the launched spikes before the rogue guy made of metal dodge that attack.

“Tch, darn it, I forget they had Dragons! Gonna have to get rougher!” Z-Strap curses the issue and knew he has to change his tactics a bit. “Grususvhhmm….Powwfruvhmmm…” Then he held out two hooves that fired off iron chain balls that impacted Spike & Phobos.

“Gaaaaughhh,” The baby Dragons were tossed off across the ground as they were knocked out of it.

“Eat this!” Rainbow Dash shouted off to dive down with her nun-chucks.

“An' here’s some fro' me!” AJ stated from heating up her right hove for a blow too.

Soon Z-Strap shaped his hooves into human hand fingers and managed to grasp the attacks while almost being pushed a bit.

“Aw man, do you two really wanna go at this?” Z-Strap remotely issued in wishing he didn’t have to be doing this, he has Ronson to deal with.

“Yes!” Both tough mares responded that they wanna be doing this.

“And I’ll hit you!” Rarity spoke from wielding her gem scepter to jump up and preparing to land her hit.

“Yo, pretty thing, I think you got a split end on your mane!” Z-Strap raised an eyebrow in quoting a matter of something mares are always so focus on.

“WHAT! WHERE,” Rarity ceases her attack to check herself, she didn’t have a split, good.

“RARITY,” Both AJ & Rainbow shouted off in disbelief, was their friend really gonna be going through such matters.

“Kickfruvhmmm….” Then Z-Strap kicks the group off across the field while they were all distracted.

“Infinite Shots,” Fluttershy used her mane to turn to needle points and fired them off against Z-Strap.

“Grusvhmmm…./Topvhm-topvhm-topvhm….” The Z-Strap made a wall of metal that help stop that attack from getting to him. “Grusvhhmmm…CUopfruvhmmm…” Then he stretched it near Fluttershy which morph into some cage that trapped the pegasus.

“Eeek! I’m trapped!” Flutterhsy yelped to see that she can’t get out of this.

“Don’t worry, ain’t no thing. In a while, you’ll be free. When I’m long gone and done.” Z-Strap spoke off to tell this little matter of what’s to happen in some little bit.

Soon Twilight & Ben fired off their Twilight Star Shower & Sword Beams while Pinkie Pie, Omega & Pinkamena fired off blast or dagger throwing shots.

“Tch, yo, why are you trying to get in my way, I gotta score to settle with Ronson and no beef with you!” Z-Strap complained off towards those here that are trying to stop him from doing what he needs to do.

“Why are you trying to harm a good mayor?” Golden Heart asked this question again, wanting an answer for this action.

“Like you believe me, your all supposed to be heroes, but you can’t see pass what’s happening!” Z-Strap rolled his eyes behind the mask to state this, much to anyone being confused by such words. “Now step off! I gotta get him!” Then he made his hooves be like a skateboard and performed skating moves to slip pass the group and was about to almost escape.

“Not so fast, I’m gonna get’cha!” Pinkamena pops up to say this, as she was preparing a familiar eye trick. “Your Time’s Upp…” She was about to say those creepy words that freak folks out until….

“Powwwfruvhmmm….” Suddenly, Z-Strap made a metal wall appear to block the crazy pony’s eye sight, but she flung herself too quick…that she smack it to make her expression into the metal frame.

“Oooooowww…..” Most of the gang cringed in seeing that, if Pinkamena wasn’t a tough oddball; that could seriously hurt a normal pony.

“Okay…I wasn’t actually trying to hurt you, you should know that.” Z-Strap spoke off in his own defense in not actual was trying to bring harm here.

“Hmmm….hmmmhmhmhm-Urrghmm-Grruvhmmm….” Pinkamena was heard saying some things, but from her face in the metal of her image, it sounded all muffle like.

“Yo, some pony can get her off, and if she wants to keep it, she can have it.” Z-Strap stated to say this that if anyone wants to help this pink pony’s face stuck to a metal plate, they can, and also keep it; cause it seems kinda whacky.

“Sis, hang on! Omega, give me a hand pulling her off this!” Goldie and Omega approach Pinkamena while Z-Strap got away, they got a plate to get off this pony.

“Roger!” Omega nodded his head in understanding the issue.

Z-Strap turned his hooves into chains with iron grapplers as he was about to attack his target when….

“Sword Beam,” Ben shouted to fire a sword beam from his blade that cut off Z-STrap’s attack. “Prrusvhmmmm….” Ben’s attack almost caught Z-Strap, but he got out of the way just in time.

“Yo, are you really that bend on protecting that guy? You barley know him!” Z-Strap protest in annoyance in what Ben was doing here.

“Then tell us why you’re after him.” Ben sternly requested what this masked stallion was up to.

“I told you, you never believe me. And I don’t have time wasting against you.” Z-Strap complains to say that this was not the time or place to explain.

“Then you’ll have to! Nyx, now,” Twilight issued before looking up to see her daughter above and in her Battle Form.

“Night Blast,” Adult Nyx was soon firing off her strong black beam blast.

“Yoowch,” Z-Strap dodged that move with just enough evasive maneuver.

“I’m here mother, me, Tough Apple & Big Mac made sure all the citizens were away.” Adult Nyx looked to her mother in giving the reported situation.

As Z-Strap performed another move in firing off metal spike balls, Twilight was yelping to dodge them while Ben came and swoop her away. Then a blast beam almost got Z-Strap if he didn't dodge it to see another contender appearing...it was Shining Armor.

“So, you're the rebel? Alright, pal; you've got some nerve in attacking my friends and my SISTER! I'm gonna tear you into pieces, metal head!!” Shining Armor snapped off to say while getting his sword ready, as he was not gonna take this guy’s action.

“Yeoch. Someone's sure knows how to be sensitive.” Z-Strap responded off in seeing that this pony, really is a bit over doing it over him fighting his sister.

“Come on!” Shining Armor shouted off in wanting this rogue to bring it on.

Shining blasted his Unicorn Burst for three times at Z-Strap, but he swung his swords at the blasts while charging at Shining Armor. Shining Armor thrown in some punches, sword swings, and blasted his Unicorn Bursts at Z-Strap, who fought back with punches, weapon swings, and blasting for multiple times from either dodging or defending. Shining Armor and Z-Strap gave the hard punches on each other's faces hard; they departed. Z-Strap was about to punch on Shining Armor, but he dodged down and rammed Z-Strap to the wall. Z-Strap grabbed Shining Armor when he thought he was down, and kicked him up high before he jumped up and punched on him hard across the field. Shining Armor skidded across the ground hard, as he moaned painfully.

Z-Strap held his forge metal sword at Shining Armor's throat, but not too close as if wanting to end his life.

“Look, my beef ain’t with you, and I didn’t wanna end up fighting you OR your sister.” Z-Strap issued to explain himself so the guy would follow.

“Then why?” Shiny asked why this guy was even doing this to begin with.

“It’s complicated kay?” Z-Strap issued off that his reasons are a complicated matter.

Suddenly without warning, Z-Strap’s metal blade moved down to the ground, and he felt something forcefully push him to his knees.

“What the….I’m being magnetized? How’s it possible, Magnus isn’t in the area!” Z-Strap yelps from what was affecting him, and this was not good cause he’s using metal base properties.

“Maybe not him, but maybe someone who still has a bit of his element,” Spoke another voice that enters the area in question.

Soon those around saw Iron Brave was nearby in holding his hoof that let off a magnetic wave that was affecting Z-Strap’s body.

“Aw great, a Mystic; Like this wasn’t bad enough,” Z-Strap moans to complain in seeing who as here.

“It is bad, when I see my element I let whoever to wield it use it in such a manner.” Iron Brave issued off in stating what he sees is being done here.

“Nrrrugh….sorry if I gotta cut our fight short,” Z-Strap stated to change his two front hooves into metal pillars. “Powfruvhmmm….” But the force of the magnetic waves sent his front side’s hooves into the ground and not be aim at the Mystic.

“I’m keeping your metal hid down for the count, you can’t hit when magnetic force keeps you from moving.” iron Brave explained the case of what he’s doing here.

“Good thing…I’m resourceful!” Z-Strap explained himself in almost sounding very sure that he had a way to escape this magnetized trap.

Then without warning, the ground began to shake that alerted Iron Brave of this which was too late; as multiple metal bars shot off at once to give off multiple hit strikes. The force of those attacks sent Iron Brave backwards to skid across the area until he stopped, and was temporally daze to where he was struggling to snap himself and return to his standing.

“Iron Brave,” Shining Armor shouted off to quickly rush over to check on the guy in seeing if he’s okay while after Iron Brave was only temporally down, the magnet force wore off on Z-Strap.

“Aw man, like my street credit isn’t bad enough the way Ronson makes it, now he’ll use this of beating a Mystic to my record!” Z-Strap groans to complain in seeing that now he’s really done it now, making a Mystic his enemy is another burden on his watch. “That should at least keep him knock out for a brief moment while I plan my escape.” Z-Strap explained off to say in feeling that while Iron Brave is only temporally out of commotion; he needs to figure out how to get out of here.

“Popfruvhmmm…” Soon Pinkamena’s face got free from her brother and Omega fro that metal plate, “Gaaaaugh….wow; that’s a new experience; How do I look,” She spoke off to ask in how she was looking now.

“Um, if any of us say the same, will you not freak out?” Rainbow Dash slowly spoke in hoping to not sound mean.

“Nope,” As Pinkamena said that, she took the metal that had her face frame on it, “Although, this metal frame of me seems like a neat likeness.” She smiled in actually liking what was caught as her ‘Brrr’ expression, not many could catch it.

“Dat’s a fine statement 'ta it.” Applejack rolled her eyes to say this in being surprised.

“Alright, this time, we got him!” Rarity spoke in seeing they have the rogue stallion here.

Big Mac & Tough Apple works together to free Fluttershy from her cage to rejoin them.

“Oh, thank you.” Fluttershy smiled to thank those here for the aid.

At the moment, Ronson was soon sitting in a cabby driven by his own Steel Golems as he watched Z-Strap try to handle the heroes now ganging up in more numbers.

“Sir, we’ve prepared a safe area to keep you secure.” The captain of the Steel Golems reported the situation they have done here.

“Excellent, then let us get moving.” Ronson stated to say in wanting them to move.

“Yes sir!” The captain responded in hearing this before moving out.

“I don’t know how Z-Strap got here, but hopeful those heroes can handle him.” Ronson spoke in sounding a bit concern in how the one stallion he has trouble with got here. “I’m so close; he can’t interfered with the plan.” He stated this to himself, like he was keeping something a secret here.

“Should we try again to handle him sir?” One Steel Golem asked off if their mayor would want that.

“No, just get me far away.” Ronson issued off to order that he wants to get away firstly. “It’s me he wants, but it’s me he won’t get. Now Move!” He made this snappy tone in wanting his golems to get moving now, sounding a bit more mean and forceful than he was earlier.

“Yes sir!” The other Steel Golems responded in hearing their orders and be loyal to Ronson.

With that, Ronson was seen leaving the sight to get far away and go a bit under to not be seen or found for some time.

As at this moment, Z-Strap was still dealing with the Mane Six group and their allied friends; it wasn’t long until something came to mind.

“Z-Strap, listen. Ronson has left, he’s already out of range now.” A hidden comm-link spoke out from being hidden on Z-Strap; it was the old mare’s voice from before that knows him.

“Grrr….darn it; we were so close this time!” Z-Strap growled in fury, their target has escaped.

“Nevermind that, get out of there so we can come up with something else,” The voice of the old mare issued that the guy gets out of there so they can think up a plan.

“Easier said than done, I’m kinda stuck here,” Z-Strap responded to complain that such an issue ain’t easy now.

“So do something to get out of there. Cause something to surprise them before they arrest you.” The voice of the old mare stated in wanting the guy to move it.

Z-Strap sighed when he was done on the comm-link, he needs to get out of here with the target now gone. As he looked around, he spotted one pony that might serve to give him an escape route.

“Yo Pinky,” Z-Strap spoke off towards the pink pony that he hasn’t dealt with.

“HEY! I’m a Pink with an ‘I’ & ‘E’, not a ‘Y’ in my name!" Pinkie Pie snapped off to say this about how her name is spelt.

“What’s the difference?” Z-Strap shrugs off his shoulders in not seeing any difference between two meanings.

“Oh you ask for it! Now I’m gonna blast ya with my party cannon set for Max Wild & Crazy Party Mode!” Pinkie Pie stated from about to go all crazy, as she set her cannon to such a crazy mode. “And Fi….” She was almost about to say here until….

“Frusvhmmm…Clupowwfruvhmmm….” Suddenly, Z-Strap stretched a hoof off that turn into a metal plug that got stuck in the cannon.

“Rrrrreee,” Pinkie Pie lastly spoke off with a stump expression, that was unexpected.

“Frisissiisfruvhmmm….” Suddenly from the cannon, it began to vibrate strangely here. And it was even beginning to glow bright red and look to be inflating weirdly.

“Uh oh,” Pinkie Pie spoke off to yelp in seeing what was happening, that ain’t good.

“I don’t like the sounds of that!” Phobos stated off in hating it when Pinkie says ‘uh oh’ as it’s never good.

“Um, Pinkie Pie…what’s wrong with your cannon?” Spike slowly asked off in having a bad feeling about this.

“Three words….SHE’S GONNA BLOOOOOW!” Pinkie Pie slowly says before shouting out that they need to run.

That message was enough to get everyone to look a bit panicky before quickly deciding to flee while one character had himself stuck to the cannon.

“Oh man, I hope this works or I might as well be done in!” Z-Strap remarked off to complain in what he was doing, this better give him time to escape or else. “Trussfrvhmmm…” Then he made metal wings expend from himself to cover himself like a dome.

The Party Cannon was about to go nuke and then, as steam escaped from it and it glow brightly red and blotted like a balloon before….

Outside of Ponyville, it seems all was peaceful and calm even with a battle going on. And this was what happened a second afterwards. “Kurpowwfrussuvhhmmm….” Then a giant nuclear explosion of large colorful pastry flavors erupted that covered the entire town and it was raining streamers and confetti all over.

As the camera zooms in, everything is covered in pastry, party streamers & confetti, stuff used a lot at parties. And a lot of the Mane Six and their pals were stuck against walls while they were covered in red pastry creme stuff. Once they got unstuck and saw the mess they were in….

“AAAAAHHHHH; WERE COVERED IN THE GUY’S BLOOD,” Phobos screamed out in seeing what has happened to them.

“Blo-Blo-Blood; as in we…..huuuuagh,” Rarity gasped in hearing this before she fainted here.

“Ooooouuaaghhh,” Even Fluttershy fainted from not believing they were in blood of a dead pony.

“Hold it! It’s not blood! Lick…” Applejack suddenly licks the stuff to determine what it truly was. “It’s red pastry crème!” She pointed out that this was just creme, not blood.

“WUUAAAAAGH; WERE COVERED IN RED PASTRY CRÈME,” Phobos screamed out again to make another weird statement out of nowhere.

“A little on the extreme, isn’t it?” Spike spoke off to say in seeing how Phobos was behaving.

“Man, I haven’t been hit like that since I was a Demon Pony.” Ben rubbed his aching head from recalling his previous experience by Pinkie’s party cannon.

“Yeah, aunt Pinkie Pie sure knows how to make them.” Nyx spoke to say from returning to her filly form.

“Crufruvhmm…” Then dropping out of nowhere, the party cannon was newer the pink pony. “Oh, my cannon returned! Yeah,” She smiled for joy in seeing what has return to them just now.

“Don’t look now, but de Metal Rogue is gone.” AJ spoke off in noticing that Z-Strap has fled the scene during the confusion.

“How’d he elude us?” Rarity asked off in pondering the question of thought.

“I don’t know." Fluttershy shook her head in being unsure.

“He must have slip by when Pinkie’s cannon went off.” Ben stated in what happened when they were lost and confused.

After Iron Brave was helped up by Shining Armor, he sees what has happened. Apparently, Z-Strap got away and looks to have cause some commotion for the time being.

“Hugh. Perhaps that was my biggest mistake. The one chosen for my Element Of Metal.” Iron Brave sighs in seeing this display of Z-Strap might make him feel the next chosen wielder was…a mistake on his part.

---------------

The scene changes to what seems like a black & white version of a story long ago, as Iron Brave seem to recall something of the past that may involve Z-Strap. Iron Brave looks at a scene near a hole, and a little flashing light happens from there.

“The light my element found a worthy user, I saw it happen before my own eyes. I hid the thing in a place none would think about, but I never guess it would be found so soon.” Iron Brave narrates the situation of what was going on that he was there during the moment.

Then someone comes out of the hole, and it’s Z-Strap, and he was showing that he looks excited to be out of that hole and was performing some metal forging tricks. Iron Brave saw the new user; he saw how easy he was in forming materials so fast; the guy must be an artist to understand that work.

“I had seen the next worthy user; he found what I left behind. I firmly believe he could do wondrous good in the world.” Iron Brave narrates to explain in who he saw, Z-Strap who showed much potential, and could be the next worthy user.

Then the moment of the happiness change to sorrow, as papers showed Z-Strap and told stories about what he’s been doing. Iron Brave was secretly there to pick up the newspaper from a stand, and as he read it, was shock.

“But when I learn that the one I felt was a worthy user fight against the Manehattan Mayor’s forces, I felt shock. The one I believed to be a hero, was acting more like a rogue. Why?” Iron Brave questioned this out in being unsure what was going on here, why was Z-Strap trying to foil things related to Ronson?

As time pass by, Iron Brave secretly watched the action as a blended in member of the crowd, as he seen Z-Strap doing things that seem like they are good, but Ronson’s words spoke otherwise in changing the subject. Many of the citizens felt like trusting Ronson, but Iron Brave felt…something didn’t make sense.

“Ronson already made Z-Strap like a criminal rogue that should be stop, but I’ve watch him fight…he’s only after Ronson, at first…I wasn’t following until…certain questions came up.” Iron Brave’s narration spoke in beginning to question something to this mystery. “I want to believe the one which my element chose is true, but….the way things are, we might just…” He spoke in almost feeling like his belief and trust in the candidate might be faulty, but when he was getting to the next part however….

------

“Hey Iron Brave, you okay?” Returning to reality, Iron Brave snap out of his daydream in seeing Shining Armor was speaking to him. “You seem to go off into space; does it have to do with Z-Strap?” The guy asked in seeing that the Mystic was deep in thought.

“It matters not, its private matter Shining Armor.” Iron Brave shook his head in changing the subject from whatever happened in the past. “Tell me, did you notice something strange?” He asked Shiny if there was something odd that was strange to them.

“Yeah….why would Z-Strap go after just Mayor Ronson? And when he fought us, he seem to almost be…holding back.” Shining Armor spoke in finding much of these things puzzling, like none of them made sense. “He didn’t even take a chance to finish you; villains usually don’t let an opening like that go to waste.” When Z-Strap attacks Iron Brave with that surprise move, instead of attacking again, he ignore the chance to finish off a Mystic; usually true evil bad guys never miss that opportunity.

“I don’t know. But something tells me that there is something dark about that Mayor.” Iron Brave responded in being puzzled while concerns were elsewhere it seems. “Getting famous for a day? His army had hardly put any effort. I sense something dark within those metals he calls Steel Golems. That much, is hardly possible to determine with golem creations. He's up to something, and only Z-Strap has the answer while we don’t.” He explained the case that Ronson’s appearance in coming to power, yet his side should have put up better even as the heroes fought, something isn’t right and only one rogue knows what’s going on.

“Yeah... How so does he know?” Shining Armor asked off in pondering the question itself.

“Let us follow along and find out.” Iron Brave spoke wisely of his words in what they should do as Shiny nods in agreement.

Both stallions nod in silent agreement, this seems like a case they should figure out first then tell the others.

“Great, and where’s the Mayor from Manehattan?” Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes in seeing that it’s not one pony that’s gone, so is their important guest.

“I can tell you.” Mayor Mare came to the group after her own escape to speak. “He left to go under for a while and says he’ll leave you in charge to find the rogue and stop him before he can come out.” She explained what Ronson did during the attack, as he’ll be hiding out until the rogue is caught for it to be safe for him to move.

“Oh dear, this kinda thing must have been hard on him.” Fluttershy spoke in feeling sorry for the guy, being attacked during a speech that ruins things, it’s surprising he’s fine with that.

“Hugh….already my first diplomatic act as a princess to an important visitor turn into a giant mess,” Twilight sighed in seeing what has come apart on her all of a sudden.

“We best begin, operation, clean up!” Omega spoke in what they need to do from looking around the messy town covered in pastry tastiness.

“Hey sis, you okay, you’re not still hurt from that metal frame thing, are you?” Goldie asked in making sure his sister was fine while she looked at the metal frame of her expression.

“No, but I can’t help but feel there is something strangely going on about Mayor Ronson & Z-Strap; Like the roles played out are all wrong.” Pinkamena spoke off in feeling there was something bothering her, like why was it that the action of a hero and villain at this time, seem more wonky then it should be, it makes her feel like there was something WAY off here.

“Well, we’ll figure it out…after we clean this up.” Golden Heart stated from looking around, they can figure this out after they are clean up.

“Or eat it up! Come on Ponies, dig in!” Pinkie Pie cheerful stated from suddenly taking out a bid to begin EATING the creme & pastry stuff all over.

“Pinkie, you are very random not just sometimes, but anytime.” Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow in seeing such weird action from her friend.

“Thanks!” Pinkie Pie smiled off to say without having a second thought.

So now the group and the citizens will be taking some time to begin some cleanup duty….boy will this take a while.

-----------------

Meanwhile behind some dark alley was the other cloak hooded figure, like she was waiting. Then something came from above that landed nearby the figure as it was Z-Strap. He returned from when the operation didn’t go so well that he had to fallback. Though the pony in costume seems silent near the other person, like he’s telling she might be upset or something.

“I know, I made a real mess of things.” Z-Strap spoke off in sounding bum out over what he’s gonna get an earful from here.

“Oh really, is that so? Was if before when you were spotted and rash off to get Ronson or afterwards when you made Ponyville become the biggest desert topping in Equestria?” The old mare voice spoke from under her cloak and hood in rhetorically stating that Z-Strap didn’t mess up from what happened that she doesn’t know about.

Z-Strap was quiet in knowing he had no excuse for the action, and not against this pony it seems.

“Hugh, what am I gonna do with you?” The other pony sighs to say this like an elderly mare scolding a child here that was not understanding such circumstances.

“But I had him! Those ponies and baby Dragons got in the way, thinking that they were protecting someone worth it!” Z-Strap spoke off to make his claim about what he was trying to do before it fell apart.

“And why shouldn’t they if you told them the truth?” The old mare of mystery spoke in stating how this guy could have convinced those he fought to know any better.

“They never listen to me; no pony would believe the truth about Ronson!” Z-Strap protest off to say none would ever go against the good and respectable Mayor Ronson.

“Well, maybe we should try going about this differently. Instead of fighting, we should just get to know them.” The mare spoke from looking away to think up of something they haven’t tried yet.

“You do realize I just fought them, I doubt they’ll wanna be friends after that.” Z-Strap raised an eyebrow in hearing the old mare under the hood speak such nonsense.

“Trust me boy, there is some pony here that we have an old past with. And she’s the grandmother of one of them.” The old mare pointed out to say this while sounding a bit more positive over this. “Trust me, the best way to gain trust….is to not fight them…But to learn about them and be friends. You following,” She spoke as she patted her hoof to Z-Strap like some parental guidance to the guy, saying there is another way that they can try.

“Sure thing, if you say so?” Z-Strap slowly nods his head in getting the picture, he’ll give that a shot.

“Good, then change out of that and follow me. We got some introductions to make.” The old mare from under the hood and cloak spoke in wanting Z-Strap to get out of his costume to appear as someone else when they meet those for the first time.

With that said, the two walk down the alley way while Z-Strap seems to change from a nearby light from a shadow reflecting a morph of his appearance. Looks like as things may have gotten a bit out of whack the first time, seems like they’ll be a different approach to be made here. What is the mysterious going on with Z-Strap & Ronson, what plan will either side be cooking, and who will meet the Mane Six bunch? Those are questions left….for another time.
> Chapter 03: Zan Alloy Comes In
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 03: Zan Alloy Comes In


Meanwhile, in Pinkamena’s secret dungeon, the group who stayed behind to hold the fort AKA a former villain, his lover and a couple of Light Elves are busy as Autumn Gem moves close to Sombra.

"You know, I have this strange feeling that a Changeling is within Ponyville." Sombra spoke off in suddenly speaking from a strange sense that was in the air. 

That got many in the room to focus on him; it's as if the guy was trying to pull a Pinkie Sense act on them as a joke; which ain't funny.

"Are you sure?" Autumn Gem asked in worry on the subject.

Sombra looks at Autumn Gem and the others, knowing he has to be a bit more specific.

"Even if they can take forms to hide their scent of dark evil, it is not hidden to the trained minds and focus in seeking the truth behind the lies." Sombra explained the case of what one can truly discover from the right kind of training.

"Hmmm...well I read about it or heard it from the Mistress. She says that some that trained hard enough, gain a strong skill in which they can be able to sense the essence of good and evil. And have a skill to see what others cannot see like what the Hero of Time perform in the Lens Of Truth that ben could gain in due time." Havis spoke in deep thought over the subject that such skills can help one see the truth within the lie, but only through certain training or by having an object to help one out.

The others lightly nod their heads in feeling that was an agreeable subject.

"How did you ever learn that, my love?" Autumn Gem asked Sombra in not knowing how he came across such a skill.

"When one is trap inside a dark cage, his body taken and soul locked into a dark cave alone, they have all the time in the world." Sombra explained his old brief moment of time from what he's done when he was the evil King Sombra, he had to pass by the time somehow.

That made everyone cringe a bit in knowing what he is saying, they don't wanna think how a guy who was evil even stood for that.

"Well even so, you’re freed from that dark cave and cage." Autumn Gem nuzzles Sombra to speak these gentle words.

Autumn Gem hugs her love as Sombra smiles lightly and hugs her back.

"Indeed I am." Sombra gently spoke back in reply.

Then both Sombra & Autumn Gem give a light kiss. Course while that played out, Jack Zen decides to head out to aid his Prince and tells the others to man the fort as they nod and he heads off with Hikari. 

"We best make sure things are in check with our sleeping Light Elves." Havis says holding Hikari's hand in what they can do here.

"Indeed." Hikari lightly nods in agreeing to that subject there.

As the two Light Elves leave to check their brethren, the scene goes dark as this display is over. And we'll return to what's happening at this moment.

--------------

As much of Ponyville was trying to clean off the mess from so much pastry gunk all over and party streamers and confetti, we look to those that are signing from exhaustion. The Mane Six, the CMC, the baby Dragons, Shining, Iron Brave, Goldie’s group and Ben have been working with both their muscle strength to magic abilities to clean up. Heck, most of the time the gang were surprised in seeing Pinkie Pie actually EAT the mess away. But they were resting while trying to still cleanup this whole thing before looking for Mayor Ronson.

“You know, I don’t get why Ronson doesn’t just make more of those golems and help out.” Rainbow Dash complained off to say from seeing their situation wasn’t getting any cleaner.

“I explained it before; golem casting spells are more different. You can create them, but you need the right amount to have them move from whatever amount of magic one gives.” Twilight spoke to tell her friends that the trick to magically creating golems needs both skills and lots of creativity from a spell caster; it ain’t the easiest thing to perform even for some unicorn class ponies.

“Twilight’s right and Ronson did lose a lot of them so his troops are kinda down.” Ben stated how Ronson must be magically casting to make more of his Steel Golems to help out.

“Well you think he could even spare any he’s still got going?” Phobos asked off in thinking that mayor dude should spare some helpful hands to aid them with the mess that they got.

“I don’t think so, right now, Mayor Mare told us he’ll be keeping low until it’s safe.” Nyx stated the reason they were told about earlier about why the guy isn’t showing up.

“Oh my, he must think if he comes out again, he’ll almost put more ponies in danger!” Fluttershy spoke with some concerns if such a pony that is targeted is out, it may cause more a commotion.

“Boy, it’s gotta be tough to be the center target of some crazy foe.” Spike shrug off to say in how someone they got is being targeted, it’s not easy when an enemy has it out for you.

“Right, I mean. We’re basically living that right now from the Three Lords.” Pinkie Pie randomly spoke off in seemingly thinking that’s what is going on with them at this exact moment.

“Not precisely a statement we all like ta agree on Pinkie.” Applejack raised an eyebrow in hearing that claim of how Pinkie Pie described it.

“Omega, how soon are we gonna be done?” Golden Heart asked the robot in how long they got until they get things all fix up.

“Approximately three or so hours, give or take.” Omega shrugs off to say the math of how long they still gotta go for.

“Hugh, brother, at this rate, we’ll never figure out the case mystery between Mayor Ronson and Z-Strap! And I can’t help but think there is something so off about them that it’s driving me crazy!” Pinkamena was signing to say this much stuff and rub her head in feeling like she’s gonna go bonkers until she calm down. “But not crazy to like start being my freaky crazy self. Just to assure this to everyone else,” She stated this with a friendly smile across her face here.

Most of the gang sorta laughs that off while trying to get ready to get to work until…

“Hey there pony pals, how's things brewing?” Granny Smith spoke off to enter the scene with Big Mac & Tough Apple nearby with her.

“Hey Granny; it’s kinda so-so here.” Apple Bloom waved off to tell her grandmother this noted fact.

“Right, we’re only halfway done.” Scootaloo pointed off in seeing how much they still gotta work.

“And I think our tummies are almost too full to eat anymore.” Sweetie Belle rub her belly like the other CMC, they helped to eat, but now are too full to help.

“Well maybe some good news will perk ye up. De craziest thing happen, I bump into an old friend of mine from Manehattan.” Granny Smith smiled off saying that there is someone here they have to meet.

“Who’s dat? Babs Seed or her folks,” AJ raised an eyebrow to ask who it was her granny’s talking about.

“Nope; not an old family friend AJ, an old friend I once knew. Come on over a say hi!” Granny Smith stated to say this while waving for the pony to make an entrance here.

Now entering the scene was some new pony the gang had not met before. It was an old chubby tan brown Earth mare with gray mane & tail that tied into a bud in the back, and light brown eyes. She wore some sorta dark green military short uniform with a pink apron tied around the front and wears on glasses. She looks like some ordinary old mare, but she looks like someone that has some military standard issues in her background.

“Hello there, I see my old friend has already told you a little about me.” The new old mare spoke with a smile and greeting to the bunch.

“Um, a little…um,” Nyx was about to say while also at the point did not get this pony’s name.

“Call me Grams, practically every pony does.” The revealed pony issued in what the group here can call her.

“Wait, what’s with those clothes?” Rainbow Dash asked off in noticing the strange outfit hidden under the apron.

“Didn’t Granny Smith tell you, well how’s about I show you? Hoof wrestle me, child.” Grams spoke off to sit down and wanted to hoof-wrestle the strong Rainbow Dash.

“Oh you’re so on!” Rainbow Dash eagerly accepted this and got herself set.

“Remember Rainbow, go easy. She’s Granny Smith’s age.” AJ spoke with a serious honest face, Grams is an old senile pony, one wrong move might hurt her.

“Relax; I’ll try to go…” Rainbow was saying as she got her hoof to Grams’s hoof.

But then when the signal was made of when the two start, Grams took down Rainbow’s hoof in an instant, instantly stunning everyone at such strength.

“Easssy,” Rainbow Dash finished with a stump look, she lost, and to an old mare who might have the strength of a bear.

“Hmph, child, lesson one, always know everything about someone, so they don’t get the drop on yah.” Grams smiled off to say in telling the young mare here an important matter to keep in mind for future reasons. “Otherwise, you would have known I’m a sweet, but tough Ex-Marine Corps pony. In short, a Drill Sergeant,” She proudly spoke this off about who she is that not many could tell right away.

“Drill Sergeant?” The others responded in being stun, Grams is like a commando-type pony, even if she looks to be retired.

“Wow. And I thought hearing that Big Mac called himself Sergeant Steel Hooves was amazing." Spike off surprise in learning this second surprise right after learning about Big Macintosh’s past history of being on the battlefield.

“Yo Grams, you there,” Spoke another young voice, one that almost made the gang stand on edge ready.

“Alert; Unknown entity approaching,” Omega responded to bring out his weapons and pointed them out at the direction.

Soon what entered into our view of sights was another new pony after Grams. It was an Earth stallion who’s physically fit, with tan brown color fur, gray-black dreadlocks mane & medium flow tail, and light brown eyes. He wears a red bandanna on his head in the front, red stripe wristbands on his hooves, grey sneakers. On his flank is a metal sun-star mark that is his Cutie Mark (sorta looks familiar to another). He also likes to have a red skateboard with him whenever he can. And when he was looking, he saw that some crazy robot was pointing his blasters and cannons at him.

“Wow! Ugh, what’s this?” The new young stallion asked off with a familiar slang & accent tone in seeing this action.

“Hey metal-motor, put those things away before you hurt my grandchild!” Grams sternly was telling Omega to stand down and not someone of her family.

“Grandchild,” The others responded in having a second stunning moment of now meeting with someone who was the grandchild to Grams who is an old friend to Granny Smith.

“My apologizes.” Omega responded while putting away his weaponry.

“Yeah, sorry, it’s just, his voice sounded familiar.” Golden Heart spoke in being a friend of Omega gave his apology to Grams for this unexpected behavior. Even Shining and Iron Brave glares at the newcomers in suspicion.

“Yeah, very familiar indeed,” Pinkamena slowly spoke in having a strange suspicion about such actions.

“Allow me to introduce my grandson, Zan Alloy.” Grams spoke to proudly have everyone’s eyes be on her grand baby here.

“Hugh. I never knew ye had a grandchild, what about yer son? Oh, heheh; is he married, an dat young fellow is his son.” Granny Smith smiled off to say from being puzzled until she figured it out a bit.

“Um, Granny Smith, best not to talk about them, okay.” Grams spoke from looking a bit worried about the subject, so was Zan apparently.

“Why, how come,” Pinkie Pie asked off to bounce around happily to this family until…

“Cause it’s too depressing, my folks….I barely know if they’re alive or not.” Zan spoke off to say this with a little sorrow look which even made Pinkie stop bouncing in hearing such a sad deal.

“My goodness; How very sad to hear,” Rarity gasped in hearing such sad news, they never knew about that.

“Please, don’t think badly of us….if we said too much.” Fluttershy pleaded to not want to be mean to this new pony.

“Nah, its fine; Yah didn’t know.” Zan waved off to say it’s cool, he’s not mad, just…kinda sad.

“Well anyway, it’s nice to meet you Zan? I’m…” Ben spoke to approach in offering a hoof shake of friendship towards the guy until…

“Ben Mare, Celestia’s child, yeah, heard about you, and everyone else here. News travels fast in Manehattan.” Zan spoke off to simply state the issue of already knowing this group before they even knew it.

“Oh, does it really?” Fluttershy asked off in being amazed to learn of such a thing that went on.

“Wow, that’s some surpassingly fast newspaper work!” Pinkie Pie responded off to say from hearing such a thing.

“So did you two come here with Mayor Ronson?” Twilight asked this question since these ponies came from where the mayor of Manhattan was also from.

“No honey, we came to Ponyville almost three days trip by taking the natural walkway.” Grams spoke off with a straight up face about what travel plan they did.

“You walked all the way from Manehattan?” Golden Heart asked off in almost finding that a bit hard to believe. “I never heard of ponies doing that. Did you even know Ronson was coming here?” He was very surprise, but wondered if these two knew about Mayor Ronson at all.

“Not really, we weren’t much of knowing what our mayor does.” Zan Alloy shrug off to say about such matters without much care for them.

“How so,” Big Mac raised an eyebrow in hearing this that earn some attention.

“Cause we do.” Zan stated off to simply state the issue as it is. “Hey Grams, is it alright if I look around, you look like you got some catching up to do.” He requested for his grandma to let he look around to see what he can find.

“Oh come on child, relax a little. Hey, tell you what. Ask the princess and her friends, to give you a tour.” Grams spoke off to say while also giving an idea to help Zan out.

“What, Grams come on, they must have way bigger things to deal with then hang out with a guy like me!” Zan Alloy spoke off to make an excuse of why he can’t be having the Mane Six come with him.

“Why, think ye ain’t good enough?” Tough Apple raised an eyebrow in thinking that was an insult, but…

“No, it ain’t that, it’s just hard for others to like my grandchild. Especially since he’s good at making metal artwork out of old junk and ponies never got his artist side.” Grams explained her grand child has a hard time getting along with others, some folks never even get Zan’s unique passion for art.

“WOW! An Artist! How pinkie kin is that!” Pinkie Pie smiled off to say in liking the sounds of this little discussion right off the bat.

“Sounds neat,” Apple Bloom cheered off to say from hearing this.

“Sound awesome!” Scootaloo shouted in liking the idea very much.

“Let’s see some!” Sweetie Belle declared in wanting to see the cool artwork stuff of junk.

“Yeah, I like to see how he makes something of mine look cool.” Rainbow Dash brag off in thinking she has things Zan can use to make fine artwork.

“Evidentially, Dashie has some stuff she never thrown out.” AJ rolled her eyes to say with a wise crack, much to her friend’s annoyance.

“Well Zan, wanna show us your skills?” Ben smiled off to say in seeing they win;t gonna drop the subject unless the guy agrees.

“Hugh, alright, but you might be bored.” Zan sighs in defeat, but he can only hope this group won’t be bored from what he does.

“We’ll be the judged of that.” Twilight humbly spoke in telling this guy to not worry, they’ll decide what is bored and what is exciting.

“Right, let’s go!” Nyx cheered off to say in liking to get this started now.

“All-aboard the party train!” Pinkie Pie pops up to announce with her perky smile of wanting the fun to begin.

Soon the Mane Six were taking the CMC, Spike & Phobos as Ben help lead Zan Alloy. They would show the new pony around before helping the guy make some interesting metal junk artwork, especially since not a lot of the ponies have seen such things.

“Excuse me, Zan was it, can we ask you something? This will just take a minute.” Iron Brave interrupts the plan to show Zan around with a little question of thought.

“Um, sure,” Zan responded off in not being bothered by this.

Soon Iron Brave gets Zan & Shining Armor away from the others while they have a private conversation between three stallions.

“I must say, you showing up when Z-Strap was in town seems almost a coincidence.” Iron Brave spoke off in sounding somewhat suspicious, like he is looking pass the boy’s outer form.

“Hugh, yeah, well…just calls us lucky.” Zan huffs a bit before making some rhetorically excuse about this being on a coincidence.

“I’ll say, had you seen what he did in attacking in broad daylight?” Shiny stated off in feeling a bit upset in how Z-Strap did out there during Ronson’s speech.

“Well, you know how he does things….folks don’t get him.” Zan reacted a bit like hearing this guy him to look away, feeling like he had concerns on his mind about the subject to which the other two saw.

“Best save it, hearing about it from you won’t get us anywhere. But we will find out the truth of such reasoning.” Iron Brave held up a hoof in stating that just talking about Z-Strap from a guy who only seen him and isn’t him, can’t know what’s going on even from another viewer’s view.

“The guy may have not hurt my sister, but if he does, next time, I will show him a side of me he won’t like.” Shining Armor spoke off to sound like he get really serious if someone hurts his sister.

“Right, got it; Good luck with that.” Zan spoke off to sound almost a bit, sorry, in hearing how Shining Armor said the next time Z-Strap hurts his sister.

“Hey you guys, are you done talking?” Pinkie Pie asked out from watching the three almost finish, the others are waiting.

“Yeah, you ponies can have him now. We just wanted to chat.” Iron Brave smiled off to say this while patted Zan on the back to get going.

“Sure, if you call twenty questions chatting.” Zan shrug off to say in feeling the matter of what they went through was whack.

While Zan went near Twilight’s group to prepare for the tour, Iron Brave & Shining Armor finished up their private conversation.

“No questions asked, he and his grandma managed to lies their way through, despite it being the worse, but gullible thing to pull off.” Iron Brave shook his head off to silently speak this to Shiny in stating what he’s managed to see.

“Wait, lying,” Shiny asked off quietly in hearing this right.

“As a former member of elements, I could sense it, the Element Of Metal, Zan Alloy…is Z-Strap.” Iron Brave stated quietly in saying that Zan was the real pony under the masked costume rogue; Z-Strap, he was the wielder of the metal element.

“What! Why didn’t you say so, we have to tell the others!” Shiny yelps in hearing this and feels they need to inform the rest right away.

“Not yet, let’s watch him and see how things play out.” Iron Brave held up his hooves in stating they wait to see how things play out. “Like we discuss before, his actions and Ronson’s are all mix up in whose good and evil.” The guy was feeling Ronson has something to hid in the dark, and Z-Strap is the key, if they keep watch on Zan Alloy, they are sure to undercover something.

“I see, but….is that really the only thing?” Shiny nod in thinking that was a fair point, but was it the only reason.

“In truth…I wanna believe he’s not just some reckless rogue that’s out to cause trouble. But I also need you to help judge him, will you aid me Shining Armor.” Iron Brave shrug off his shoulders in feeling that Zan Alloy is a good wielder to his element, but he can’t trust his judgment and needs Shiny to help him so he can finally come to a conclusion.

“I will, he doesn’t seem like it, but if it’s just a front, then we’ll find out by watching him closely.” Shining Armor nods silently in seeing where this was going, they best watch to see if Zan Alloy is indeed hero material or not.

With that, Iron Brave and Shining Armor nod their heads in agreement before also leaving the area to keep watch over Zan Alloy and learn whether his actions are true good or evil. Only way to find out is by getting to know the guy.

“Tough, Big Mac, ye can help around here while we have some chitter chatter.” Granny Smith smiled off to those of her family to help around town in cleaning up some leftover messes still.

As Tough & Big Mac was heading off to help with more of the cleanup crew, this gave the old mares some time to have some conversation.

“So wha’s de deal here Grams, why did ye come ta Ponyville?” Granny Smith raised an eyebrow in starting to talk like her old friend was here more than just the fine feeling of wanting to visit.

“Nothing gets by you as some folks think with your old age. But in any case…..It’s confidential reasons, can’t tell it to you.” Grams spoke off to respond in only giving a few statements about her own reason of being here.

“Oh come now, my kids & grandson been through them military jumbo stuff, and I’ve learn a thing or three myself.” Granny Smith spoke off to tell off about her own family having learn some things about being military commando style stuff and whatnot.

“Hugh, let’s just say, we’re here to discover the truth, but that’s all.” Grams signs to only tell this much to her old friend of why they are even here to begin with.

“Oh fine, but I’ll get ye ta tell me sooner or later.” Granny Smith pouted in seeing it’ll take more time to crack the shell of Grams than it looks.

“Hmph-hmph, nice to see you haven’t changed a bit.” Grams chuckled off a bit in seeing Granny Smith is the same as always.

Now as the old mares were chatting, Goldie’s group was keeping a far distance, but could overhear things…thanks to Omega’s advance hearing and recording soundtrack system.

“Hugh. So Grams & her grandson are not just here for some plain visit,” Golden Heart spoke off to say from finding this news feat a bit puzzling to him.

“Yep Golden, maybe….it has something to do with them, Z-Strap and Ronson.” Pinkamena spoke off in having her own suspicions of these mysterious characters that have come, are connected “The clues are slowly coming around, but we better listen closely.” If they wanna learn more about what’s going on, they need to really hear off more of what the old mares are talking about.

“But what about the Mane Six and their friends that went with that Zan Alloy character?” Omega spoke to remind them of the others with that grandchild of Grams.

“Twilight’s group can handle it, if anything, we need to slowly wait to learn more about anything of the true enemy’s moves.” Pinkamena stated off to say this much to those with her.

“True enemy,” Goldie & Omega responded off confused, is there some deeper meaning going on than just Grams & Zan Alloy visiting, Mayor Ronson being in town and why Z-Strap is here?

“Hugh, sometimes, I almost wish I could be capable of predicting the stuff she can do.” Golden Heart sighs in wondering if he be better off knowing more of how his sister can know so much or feel like she’ll know what happens eventually.

Soon Goldie’s group kept a distance while still helping with the cleanup work. Something was going on, and unless they can learn a bit more about it, they aren’t gonna do anything risky.

--------------

At this particular moment that was going on, a train arrived by the train station. As it stops and the doors open to reveal who would be coming out, but Flare Tiger, and as she steps out, along with her Quadruplet children, with smiles. That is until she inhaled the fresh air and gasped in realized with familiar scents of two subjects she detected: metal and....a Changeling.

"Hugh...Zan Alloy?" Flare Tiger gasped in realizing what she deduce by the scent of one of them.

"What's going on, Mom?" Blaze Leo asked off in not knowing what was up.

Flare Tiger sighs a bit before explaining. "Trouble, Ah think. Ah better sit this one out for a while. Ah like a little chat with Pinkamena and a little old friend of mine." She explained this case of which she felt this state was best left out for her while she needs to chat with someone.

Flare Tiger's family nodded as they ran off to home. As Flare Tiger sighs again, she then leaps into the sky and soar around until she found Pinkamena, along with her group who were chatting about Ronson in their discussion. Flare Tiger land on the ground, as she trotted toward Pinkamena.

"Oh, Hey Flarey," Pinkamena gasped in looking at Flare Tiger by surprise.

"Howdy Pinkamena, Got a minute?" Flare Tiger smiled off to say while requesting this.

"Sure." Pinkamena nodded her head at that.

Flare Tiger and Pinkamena walked away from Golden Heart & Omega's group.

"Hugh, I know what this might be about. Look, Rainbow Dash got me off really good." Pinkamena sighed a bit in getting on a random subject.

"Really," Flare Tiger spoke off in being shocked to hear that.

"Hehe....yep; When she read the words, 'Don't look back,' she knew it; And... BANG! She got me!" Pinkamena giggled in talking about the subject.

Flare Tiger chuckled a bit in hearing that story. "Ah see... However, Ah' need talked ya about... a certain pony...someone new & is in town." She explained the case to her friend.

"Oh! That's probably Mayor Ronson, he's Mayor of Manehattan. What's going on?" Pinkamena awed off in thinking that question is easy, or is it.

"Ah don't think that pony is.... Normal," Flare Tiger looked at this case with a serious thought about Ronson, which caused her to growl a bit.

"I see... However, there is another problem; it's about Z-Strap who we saw attacking him." Pinkamena nodded to hear this while discussing another matter.

"Z-Strap; Oh... Ah see... Ya can trust him if ya wanna side with him." Flare Tiger spoke off in hearing that name to smile with relief.

"Woah...Do you know him?" Pinkamena gasped in surprise, did this girl know about Z-Strap?

Flare Tiger smiled from being asked such a question. "Eeyup, please, let him speak the truth on why he kept his target on Ronson. Like Ah said, Ronson isn't normal." She explained the case of what this pony should do for the future.

Flare Tiger trotted away as Pinkamena thought carefully of what Flare Tiger said of her warning as she turned to her group and trotted toward them

"Sis, was that Flare Tiger?" Goldie asked his sister of who that was they saw.

"Yep, that's her!" Pinkamena responded in stating that was Flare Tiger.

"What was she telling you?" Omega asked off the subject.

"I'll tell you later. For now, let’s do what we gotta do for now." Pinkamena stated to say in telling the guys later.

Goldie & Omega were puzzled, but decided not to ask since that was just Pinkamena being herself as the scene goes dark from this strange mystery to grow into another.

----------------

As the scene opens up to somewhere else, Flare Tiger is seen walking around until she found an old mare who sighed in worry on something as Flare Tiger realized who this might be.

"Grams; is that's ya?" Flare Tiger chirped a bit in knowing this old pony from somewhere.

Grams turn around to gasp to see Flare Tiger nearby. "My goodness, I didn't know that you’d be here, Kitty!" Grams responded in seeing this familiar pony was in the neck of the woods.

"Ah live here too. Is this about Ronson?" Flare Tiger smiled at first before it became a bit blue on a new subject.

"Yup, I just hope my grandchild, Zan Alloy, tells the truth to them younger folks about him." Grams nods off a bit causally in stating the subject in question.

Flare Tiger nodded in hearing that thing, "Me too, me too. Mind if Ah sat next 'ta ya?" She asked off the next question that came to her.

"Go ahead." Grams smiled in not minding that at all.

Flare Tiger sat next to Grams, as Grams brags about life and Flare Tiger told her some of the tales of her travels as well. So while this is going on, things will play out for the others in question...

-----------

At this time, much of the Mane Six, CMC, baby Dragons and Ben were showing Zan Alloy around. Zan managed to figure out much of the stuff that was shown around him, Fluttershy’s cottage, the CMC’s school house, the Apple’s Farm, Rarity’s place, even the Sparkle’s home. And as they were eating some cupcakes at Sugarcube Corner from where Pinkie Pie resides, the dude was stating to make some chats. During this time, Shining and Iron Brave were nearby, watching and keeping an eye on them, especially Zan Alloy.

“Say, before I try to make any sorta….you know; artwork with some metal objects.” Zan was speaking out to those he could consider…new friends, about something he’ll do but first needs to say something.

“You mean with junk? Ow?” Phobos asked off before getting whacked by Spike for being rude there.

“Yeah, I like to ask, does Mayor Ronson, you know, own anything around here? Since he came?” Zan asked off this straight forward answer in having some suspicion.

“Why would a mayor from another city own anything here?” Spike shrug off to say in not figuring out that tricky riddle.

“Cause I’m sure, he’ll have this logo on it.” Zan showed a strange logo symbol of ‘R’ that’s blue & yellow line coloring. “Ever saw this before?” He asked off in liking to know if the gang has seen this around in their home, they surely wouldn’t have missed a simple marker.

“Hugh, now that I think about, there is a building compound that’s supposed to be condemn by those wearing uniforms from Mayor Ronson, Mayor Mare requested them since they were very good to help construct a new sight.” Rarity spoke in having some thought about the manner herself, as she knows of what Zan was asking here.

“I see; where’s that place,” Zan raised an eyebrow in having gotten something he likes more info on without raising suspicion.

“Oh, it’s just over there, silly. Real easy,” Pinkie Pie pointed over across their area where some old compound looked like it would be demolition soon.

“Thanks.” Zan nods to say after he had gotten this intel that could be helpful.

But before Zan would move off after finishing his cupcake and he put down his skateboard to almost move out when….Ben got in his way suddenly; cutting him off.

“Wait, why do you seem so interested in something that belongs to your mayor,” Ben asked off in thinking there was more to the question than they first believed.

“Well, you know. You happen to find cool stuff that his Steel Golems forget. They aren’t the sharpest tools in the shed, you know?” Zan rubbed the back of his head to simply state a fact about him going to such a place to get things Ronson’s enforcers never seem capable of noticing much.

“Hugh, I hear that!” Rainbow Dash smirked off to exclaim how the Steel Golems are about as smart as rocks or steel.

“Plus, I don’t mind doing that, lets me feel a bit more at ease. And anything I find, I could make into an art form.” Zan addressed off the manner of never having a problem, it helps him settle out some issues and helps him find stuff to help him relax and do stuff of his hobby.

“But that would be trespassing; we can get into trouble if we did that.” Fluttershy spoke in concern about what they do that be likely them breaking the law it seems.

“Yo, aren’t you all councilors to your own princess that runs this town? You should be the ones to make sure things are clear so no pony else fiddles around?” Zan asked off to remind the group, that the Mane Six are the Council of Friendship, so they have as much right to go into places in their town that’s too dangerous for citizens to get mix in.

“Well, that does make sense, but still.” Twilight slightly responded in hearing this with some other thought to it.

“Come on, let’s check it out before it gets to be seen as rubble.” Zan spoke in inviting the bunch to follow him to check that compound before it gets demolition.

“Now hold up there partner. Is there something’ ye ain’t wanna be saying?” AJ asked off in raising an eyebrow with some suspicion in her tone.

“Yo, what are you talking about?” Zan raised an eyebrow in not getting what this pony was getting on about.

“How’s about ye think there might be something hidden there, just cause Mayor Ronson is involved?” Applejack asked off this question that seems to almost push Zan on an edge here when hearing the name.

“But Auntie Applejack, why do you think that?” Nyx asked off lost, why was AJ even bringing up such a suggestion.

“Cause ever since he came, we got trouble from dat suspicious Z-Strap character, and now two folks from Manehattan are here. Wha’s de deal here?” AJ asked off in feeling this was almost too much a coincidence, there must be something going on, it ain’t by chance.

“AJ’s right. It IS a little too convenient.” Rainbow Dash spoke in now starting to have suspicion over this case and with Zan too.

“Seriously, you think like that?” Zan raised off an eyebrow in hearing what this bunch was telling him now.

“Well, Omega did react when you came in.” Sweetie Belle spoke off to say this to the guy about what happened earlier.

“Right, your voice and speeches sound alike.” Scootaloo stated from hearing Zan Alloy & Z-Strap, they sound perfectly alike.

“But why was he even going after Ronson?” Apple Bloom asked off in why Z-Strap wants to pursue Ronson so much.

“Worse, he’s an Evil Element User, like Shadow Dragon!” Phobos spoke off in thinking this Z-Strap is some evil user to an element, just like another foe they have to be dealing with.

Zan looked like he was having a hard time hearing such claims of Z-Strap being evil with an element he’s got, but then someone spoke of for the guy….

“Now calm down, maybe we don’t know for sure if that’s true.” Ben spoke to calm the others here to hear him out now. “Shadow Dragon of the Dark Mystics does have the Element of Darkness, but Z-Strap, I can’t explain it, but he fought us and when I replay that fight….he looked like he was trying to hold back.” Ben spoke off in what he was recalling from their first fight against Z-Strap, the guy fought hard to take out the Steel Golems to get Ronson, but against the heroes, he seem like he was only on a fighting level to keep the gang off him.

“Hold back. But he sure didn’t look like that?” Spike asked off in feeling like that claim seem almost weird for them to think.

“Hmmm, you know, me and Pinkamena almost felt like we were more likely fighting a good guy than an actual villain, it’s so weird.” Pinkie said with a weird look on her face.

Ben turn to Zan who almost felt like the other Earth stallion was trying to peak into his soul. “Zan, you must know something about Z-Strap, right?” Ben asked off in thinking that maybe Zan, a citizen from Manehattan, knows about Z-Strap from the same place.

“Well, say I do, I can tell you; he doesn’t trust Ronson.” Zan spoke off to remotely issue that Z-Strap, he doesn’t like Ronson, not one bit.

“But why?” Fluttershy asked off a bit shy to ponder what was wrong that someone didn’t like Mayor Ronson.

“Cause a few folks think he’s hiding something. Something he wants to be covered up. And that he has tries to hid the truth, even keep it off from the Royal Sisters.” Zan spoke off in stating this much that Ronson may have been seen as a good spokes model for the public, but there lies something darker in the shadows.

This made the others feel strange, could Ronson really be doing things in the dark nobody knows about. But the guy seem so perfect and seem like he was a promising caretaker to his own kind. But then when an old memory of the Changeling Queen during the Canterlot Wedding came up, that’s when things began to make some have some new thoughts of doubt.

“Zan, can I ask that you tell us everything if we let you do this?” Twilight spoke humbly in asking for their new friend to tell them everything that’s going on.

“Wait, what? Where’d this come from?” Zan yelped off in being almost caught off guard by this sudden development.

“I wanna trust you, Ben feels like it, so I should to. Friends can help you out if you open up to them.” Twilight spoke to say this with a smile about if Zan can let them in, they can help him. “You might think we won’t understand, but…we’re willing to try if you let us.” She spoke kindly that if the guy tries to, they can learn more about Zan than they think.

Zan felt hesitant, this group that was at first all so much being Ronson’s supporters now wanna learn if there is something going on in the shadows. In the past, many that thought Ronson had some dark secret were proven wrong and that many of the others around just laugh it off. Zan recalled such memories from hardships, but…he calm down a bit before looking at this group.

“Hugh, alright, just hoped that you can stomach the truth of whatever it is.” Zan respond to sign in this debatable argument, and just look serious to let the others know…what they find, might be hard for them to accept.

With that, the gang begins to head to the compound. But as Zan was ahead, he seemingly spoke to himself.

“They actually trust me like true friends. Hugh, but how long can that be kept…before they know who Z-Strap REALLY is?” Zan spoke under his breath from when a strange fad image of Z-Strap was seen near him that only he could see by his imagination before it faded.

The gang continues while some new and interesting mysterious are being played out. Could Zan Alloy & Z-Strap truly have a connection, are they closer than one expects? And what secrets is Mayor Ronson hiding? All of these things are what will be later confirmed by those investigating the case….later on…

"They're going. Come on." Iron Brave said quietly as he and Shining continues following. The truth of Ronson and Z-Strap will soon be revealed!
> Chapter 04: Be Told In The Dark
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 04: Truth Be Told In The Dark


The scene opens up to where near an old compound building that’s due to be demolition stood, Ronson’s logo mark was seen that stated he was a part of the deal. A few Steel Golems were posted in the front of the building to keep ponies out from trespassing on property by ownership of a demolition crew, even if Mayor Mare had ordered it out. As the golems were patrolling the spot, something came rolling out that earn their attention…and even more when magic made it levitate upwards and then….started to show lights & play funky dance music. And then what happened was…the golems began to boggy down. And during a weirdest of moments, the sound and light show was playing faster and faster, so did the dancers until….they broke apart from over exlierating their limits; And when it was over, Zan peak from a corner with the Mane Six party nearby.

“Okay, I’m no expert on how you party down, but I like how you pulled it off.” Zan smiled off to say this from liking how he saw the gang take down those golems even if they were supposed to be on the heroes’ side.

“Just another way from having handy Disco Balls to make my enemies dance.” Pinkie Pie smiled off to say this in being proud of what she’s got to get things rolling.

“An with a simple fast movement spell fro' Twilight, they busted a move alright.” Applejack proudly gave credit to their smart friend for doing such a crazy maneuver like that.

“Yeah, each other,” Phobos smiled off in finding that to be funny to him.

“Okay, follow me.” Zan instructed those near to follow his lead here.

“Right,” The others responded in hearing this before they followed Zan along.

Soon the scene shows two opening slide doors which reveal the group entering a darken room. There, there was nothing inside but dust, cowers, and rusted old junky things. There were a few office tables and file cases and desk drawers, but they are hard to know if they have been touched at all.

“My word, it’s a complete filthy mess in here!” Rarity protest the urge of stepping into a place so filthy, but oh well; such as they are.

“Oh my, could anyone really be doing anything illegal here?” Fluttershy asked off in not being sure if there is anything bad to be found here.

“Other than letting this place collect dust?” Spike stated from seeing this place has seen better days.

“Let’s spread out and see if we can find anything.” Zan stated what they should do, fan out and find anything that looks like a clue to what they are seeking.

The gang was split off to cover all over this rundown compound, to find anything that would prove there is a dark secret behind Ronson’s actions. Soon after an hour or so has pass, the Mane Six, baby Dragons, Shining, Iron Brave, & Ben came up to Zan, shook their heads ‘no’ for their finds of anything. The CMC group was still searching in being a bit more energetic in their determination.

“Sorry Zan, couldn’t find anything?” Ben shrugs off to say that neither he or the others seem to have located anything.

“Nothing on my end,” Rainbow shrugs off to say that she got nothing.

“Mine too.” AJ nods in a firm agreement on that one.

“Me three,” Pinkie Pie also responded to say this as not finding anything.

“You think we find something?” Spike rubs the back of his head in thinking from their search that something was around.

“Right, dust, junk, and more of both apparently,” Phobos rolled his eyes.

"So far, nothing to be found," Shining admits in concern. He and Iron Brave reveal themselves and helped with the search but even they too didn't find anything.

“Man, I thought for sure that...” Zan spoke off in feeling like their search was in vein. “Powwfruvhmmm…” He smacked his left hoof to a nearby table to let off some stress. “Rrrrugh, it’s always the same! He never leaves clues that show who he is!” He was seen struggling from feeling like he’s not getting anywhere with exposing Ronson.

“Woah, take it easy.” Ben yelped from seeing Zan be so stressful here.

“Why do you sound like you hate the guy?” Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow that Zan was being more suspicious about what they were trying to find here to expose Ronson.

"Right, Zan. Even I am getting concerned by this." Iron Brave said in agreement.

“Hugh, you never believe me anyway?” Zan sighs in feeling like even if he explained, the group never believes him.

The group froze in almost feeling like they heard that sentence before from Z-Strap. They all began to have ‘what ifs’ in their minds, but that was put on hold from seeing the depressed Zan Alloy looking ready to be broken, both body, heart, and spirit in what he’s struggling for.

“Zan, um….I know maybe I might sound pushy but, what did Ronson do that was so bad?” Fluttershy questioned the guy if Ronson did anything that it seems those like Zan & Z-Strap don’t like the guy.

“Hugh…you really wanna know, but if I tell you, you’ll just leave me alone.” Zan spoke off with a sorrow face that once he tells this bunch, they won’t like him very much.

“Hey, you seem like you’re really hurting, no good friend would leave another to suffer when they have something that needs lifting.” Ben spoke to help cheer the guy up to not feel so down in the dumps.

“Hugh, alright….you know about my parents not being around?” Zan sighs in feeling he may as well start about what this bunch already knows about his missing folks. “They were fellow military agents that went on an important mission of importance, only…they never return. So I was raised by my grandmother who was a retired veteran, she took care of me when I was still a baby while we lived in a boathouse and I attend a school in Tall Tale.” He explained the moments of his history to those he feels that they can follow how he’s been raised.

“Oh my, that is sad to hear! But, what does it have to do with Mayor Ronson?” Rarity spoke in feeling sorry for the poor dear, but what about Ronson, where does he play in this?

“Cause while he makes a living, crimes have happened in other towns, but slowly he begun to take over and crime disappeared without a trace.” Zan issued off to say this with a straight face of feeling the serious case of what has been happening that trouble e rising, but Ronson fixes it, something that fast ain’t right. “I had my suspicions of him, and once more…he might have been involved in my parents' disappearance.” He issued this off with a frown to look away, knowing the guy was involved in another case, why his folks vanished.

The gang felt pretty bad for Zan Alloy here, his parents got mix in something and for some unknown reason, left the child to not be seen or heard again. One member of the group felt hard for Zan, cause there was a pony whose doesn’t have parents either it seems.

“Gosh, Ah hadn’t known.” AJ spoke to take her hat off to approach Zan to give her thoughts on the matter. “Mah folks are pretty much not around, so Granny Smith been raising me, Big Mac & Apple Bloom all our lives.” She spoke off in stating how most her sibs got raised without parents, only their grandmother has done the loads of work.

“Sorry to hear, so tell me….you still think that I’m wrong about my suspicions?” Zan spoke off in feeling bad to hear AJ had similar problems, maybe this bunch won’t follow his reckless suspicions now.

“Right or wrong, we can help you uncover the truth.” Twilight spoke boldly to say this to the stallion, much to his surprise.

“Twilight’s right. We came this far, we wanna make sure we help you out get over this.” Ben nods with an okay expression that they are here to help, and help they shall.

Zan looked around in seeing such honest faces that showed smiles, those that were on believing Ronson to be a good person, are wanting to help a guy who’s trying to exploit an evil act. Zan had fought alone with maybe his grandma behind him, but now…it feels like he has a real team to back him up.

“Thanks.” Zan smiled off to say in feeling like, it was nice having buds that look out for one another.

At this very moment, Shining Armor pulls Iron Brave into a private conversation for the two to have after listening a bit to what Zan has told them.

“I think he’s telling the truth.” Shiny whispered to Iron Brave in feeling that Zan was speaking true on the matter of his words.

“Want to elaborate for me, just in case I second guess?” Iron Brave whispered back in liking Shiny to give him more details.

“Well, his tone and his expression... I had those before in my life when I lost Starlight. I was filled with anger and hatred on Lorcan. I was so determined to get back at him. I won't stop until I finish him off. That's the kind I had in my life. And Zan, well his Heart spoke the truth.” Shiny explained from just telling that what Zan 

“You're right about one thing, Shining Armor. I believe in him.” Iron Brave slowly nods in feeling like Zan Alloy was not speaking lies or nonsense, he spoke with his heart, and that means his choice was not a mistake, but the right one. “I’d say we leave the others for now and find Ronson first. His appearance is not at all as it seems.” After getting this new intel, the two stallions feel something is up with Ronson more than ever, and they need to get to the bottom of it.

“Got it,” Shiny Armor nods silently in agreement; they need to excuse themselves from everyone to figure things out.

“Twilight, I’ll have to borrow your brother for a moment, we need to head somewhere to finish some errands at this time.” Iron Brave spoke in giving some excuse on the matter at hand here.

“Really; Right now,” Twilight asked off surprise, when did this come from.

“Don’t worry Twily, I have faith that you’re in no danger. This is just something me and Iron Brave are gonna do.” Shiny stated that this was just something he has to do now.

“When will you be back?” Nyx asked her uncle in when he’ll be back.

“He’ll return after we finish some errands.” Iron Brave explained the case to the others.

“Okay, good luck then. We’ll find you when we’re done here.” Ben nods in understanding this message clearly.

With that done, Iron Brave & Shining Armor soon head out of the building while the others watch them go; and then afterwards, they went back to doing their scavenger hunting activity to help Zan out. Maybe they’ll find something to prove there is something not right about Ronson.

The scene shifts to the outside part of the old compound, where Shiny & Iron Brave was leaving the doorway and were heading away from the place. And as they were out of ears dropping distance, did they begin to have a chat with the other.

“This is not good in what we’ve learn! We've gotta warn Princesses about this!” Shining Armor exclaimed that if what Zan told them is true from no lies in his heart, then Ronson is the likely enemy.

“Chill, Shining Armor; it'll be fine.” Iron Brave patted Shiny’s shoulder to ease of his tension.

“Fine; how can you say that; the princesses need to be warn of this.” Shiny protest in beginning to worry in knowing they have to warn Celestia & Luna of what maybe going on.

"Don't worry. I've got plans. And this rotten mayor is gonna like our tricks.” Iron Brave spoke off in stating this with a claim emotion that their foe will be surprise in what they are going to dish out.

------------

Meanwhile, we return to the Mane Six bunch that was still doing the scavenging hunt with the old compound. They’ve been searching after Shiny & Iron Brave left mere moments ago that was about half an hour or so. They have been searching and searching until finally….

“Hey every pony, you gotta see this!” Nyx called out to the group that made them snap to their attention here.

Soon the group raced over to where the CMC were by something that had earn them to investigate something they must have missed.

“We were just looking around like the rest of you.” Scootaloo stated off to say of what they are talking about.

“Right, but then we found something strange.” Apple Bloom stated off in what they uncover seem strange.

“Yep and there it is! What do you think of it?” Sweetie Belle points off in what they found to show.

They all lean down where there was a strange plug-in cord box, but hidden behind it was actually a red button. Once more, there was Ronson’s signature symbol on it; that proves that it’s a clue.

“I don’t believe it, we found something.” Zan responded off to say in actually starting to feel pretty good about now.

“Good work girls, you did it.” Twilight smiled to her daughter and friends for uncovering something for their search.

“Maybe you girls could be the Cutie Mark Scavengers.” Nyx stated in what her friends could be if they were to uncover their true talent.

“YEAH; CUTIE MARK SCAVENGERS,” The CMC shouted off this loudly of liking the idea, which luckily, no one else was around to know that they are here.

After getting over the loud yelling, the gang checks the clue that was found. But once they remove what was keeping it seal and push the button, did they yelp to back away from the ground shaking. But what actually came out of it, was a hidden stair case that lead down to something. The gang were almost too astounded by this, the building compound was supposed to be demolition, but Ronson never sent word to Mayor Mare of when it would take place, all his men did was do…something. This was getting more suspicious by the minute, and soon when they reach the button, the lights came on to find….a secret underground railway base operation. There were some finely crafted materials of tables, boards, crystal balls, arsenal of armor and weapons, magic-what’s-its, you name it, and most of it looked almost too conspicuous to be ordinary defense works against battles with any enemies.

“Woah! Heavy stuff,” Rainbow Dash spoke off in just looking around this weirdo place.

“A little much, don’t you think?” Rarity stated in thinking this much stuff hidden here seem, uncoiling for a kind mayor.

“Right, an de guy was suppose ta tear this spot down?” AJ raised a new suspicion in thinking Ronson was hiding a fact that they weren’t clued in.

“But then, why is there a hidden room here?” Fluttershy asked off the major question about this suspicious room.

“Maybe it’s a surprise party for a secret underground railroad bunker?” Pinkie Pie randomly spoke off that earn some weird stares at her.

“We better look around.” Twilight suggested what they best do here while being cautious.

“Okay, Spike, Phobos, help Nyx and the fillies while we look around, okay?” Ben nods in agreement before asking the baby Dragons to look after the fillies.

“Roger!” Spike & Phobos saluted in hearing that before they and everyone was checking out the mysterious hidden room.

“Aw man, look at all this!” Zan spoke from checking some lay out documents that were label off from different objectives and some seem to hide a few cases of other stuff that might have been illegal, “Makes me wonder if I had found this kinda place out from before….before things changed.” He looks down in pondering how things could have gone, had he found this much from beforehand.

Zan went into a deep thought of the moment, as if…reliving the past.

---------------

The scene opens up to a location near Smokey Mountain, there were some suspicious actions happening near the forest of some Steel Golems wrecking & digging up the place. Zan was nearby as a young pony back in the day as he watched in suspicion of something going down. He overheard some of the golem troops speaking to someone by a magic comm.

“No sign of the magic object sir. The others are trying to find it as we speak.” The captain of the Steel Golems spoke on a comm-link to inform his boss of their progress.

“Then keep looking, I want it found!” Ronson’s voice issued off with a stern growl tone, not like his peppish and happy sound.

“Yes sir.” The captain responded in hearing this, they’ll continue no matter what.

Zan was watching and trying to figure out how his reckless action of coming here alone could stop Ronson’s strong troops until…

“Hey, there’s someone over there!” One Steel Golem pointed out in spotting Zan which made him yelp to ’tch’ at being caught.

“Eliminate any witnesses!” Ronson’s voice gave the order in hearing the commotion of their being someone that saw their hidden scene of criminal activity.

“Yes sir!” The captain responded in hearing this and so they shall get to it.

Zan panicked to run away from the sight as a few of Ronson’s golem troops gave chase. The guy ran until he took a path to avoid being attacked. When it look like the boy was almost caught, he fell into a pit that he didn’t see that Ronson’s group made to throw away garbage while not caring for how to properly handle it. As Zan fell and was in a deep pit of junk, he luckily landed on a mattress pad that bounced him off.

“Aw man, too close. But how do I get out of here?” Zan questioned to look around as he saw that he had to figure a way out. “Hugh, guess if I’m in a junkyard, I’ll just be…creative.” He’ll do what he does best with his talent, so that he can escape this place and get home.

Soon in about three hours, he used his genius of making metal art to build a ladder, and just as the guy was trying to use it, it couldn’t hold that it gave out.

“Darn, I’m missing the right stuff to keep it steady. Hugh, looks like my state is hopeless.” Zan sighs in seeing that he can’t get out without the right materials to make his escape strong enough. “Nothing here looks even remotely strong enough, and I’ll starve if I don’t get some food.”

As Zan sat down in giving up on his hopeless state, he suddenly found a mysterious box with a metal sun-star that was like his Cutie Mark because he had a theme of metal art while being a free runner.

“Weird, why’s this box like my Cutie Mark; was it from another metal artist or something?” Zan asked off puzzled, his Cutie Mark is an original, isn’t it, “Hugh, may as well open it and find out what’s in it.” He shrug off in guessing if the box has his mark, maybe it’s something he’ll take ownership of what’s inside the box.

Soon Zan opened the mysterious box, only to be caught off guard by a sparkling metal object that was there.

“Wow, I never seen metal so pure and left perfectly intact. Whoever made this was a genius. I wonder how…” Zan was so marvel by the object that he was slowly reaching out to touch it…

That’s when a blind light blinded him from the object, and then the metal became goop to grasp onto the stallion while he made a scream from panicking. During the moment, the metal goop was seemingly fusing with the pony until he appeared in a new appearance.

“Ugh, what…happened?” Zan asked off from coming to realizing something whack happened to him, he found a nearby broken mirror to see….he was wearing a strange costume getup. ”What? When…how did I get into wearing this?” Zan yelped to freak out from seeing this, but that wasn’t all. “Frusvhmmm…” Suddenly, the guy’s right hoof changed into a metal object from his appendage. “Okay, this ain’t normal, how am I doing this? I’m not a unicorn?” He asked off in feeling this was weird, was this magic, or something else?

After a few minutes of calming down from what has happened to Zan, he began to try to figure out what has happened to him and what he could do. So far, he learn that he became a being that can turn and forge parts of his body into living metal. Then looking at the box he found, he saw what was label on it: ‘Element Of Metal’, and it sorta dawn to him. Zan must have been chosen tone the wielder of the element, something like finding an element of legend he heard from his Grams as a tall tale was true.

“Okay, let’s see if I got this down now.” Zan spoke off in feeling like he’s gotten the basic stuff down, time to test what he’s learn.

Soon with his skills as an artist with making junky metal stuff, he thought up a plan to form metal object to help him escape the dumpster pit to return to the surface. And from feeling relief, Zan had something control to change himself out of the outfit costume he wore to be as his usual daily self.

“Yes! I’m free!” Zan cheered in seeing he’s finally out of that pit. “Man, I love this! I can’t believe it, I never expected to be this good, ah, I feel like I could do anything and…” While he was enjoying what he has done and felt, something came to his mind….the time of day. “Wait, what am I saying, Grams must be worried about me being gone for so long! Hugh, she might be surprise when she sees me like this!” He signs in knowing he’s gotta get home and inform his grandmother, but she might be surprised by this discovery.

Soon after leaving the area to head home, Zan managed to meet with his Grams on their boathouse, and boy was the grandmother surprise to see her grandchild. But not as surprise to learn what Zan found in uncovering an element that was in a scrape yard, and that Ronson’s Steel Golems were searching for something important, which was the Element of Metal.

“Oh Zan, must you worry your grandma so much?” Grams sighed in seeing her grandchild has made her so worried. “I can’t tell if I should be mad or glad your home safely.” She spoke off to say this stuff in wondering what is she gonna do with the boy.

“Sorry Grams.” Zan spoke in looking sad that he worried his only relative.

“But still, this is a big deal, you’ve been chosen. And the box you showed me is no doubt, someone knew you come to uncover it.” Grams spoke off in seeing that Zan getting the Element Of Metal, it’s like they knew the boy would claim it. “The chances of an image of a cutie mark and it belonging to you because it’s your mark even from a major time difference is a billion to one.” She was puzzled, how was it that her grandson who discovered his talent, finds the same image on a box that had an element and he fuse with it?

“Grams listen, I’ve given it some thought, and…I wanna use this new gift…to fight off Ronson’s evil underhanded plot of our town.” Zan spoke off to tell this to his grandmother about using this new power of his to help out and fight against Ronson.

“Now child, don’t be thinking you can do it so easily. You march up there to cause a ruckus and Ronson will have his whole Steel Golems sick on you! By then, he’ll target us.” Grams stated with a frown that her grandchild would do something foolish, the moment Ronson knows who has the Element of Metal, he’ll come after Zan and her to get them out of the picture.

“No, he won’t get the chance.” Zan spoke this before magically changing into his new outfit that surprised Grams. “I can change into this form; I’ll still be Zan Alloy, normal everyday stallion. But in this form, I’ll become something Ronson will fear. I’ll be a rogue hero, a Metal Rogue by the name…Z-Strap.” He declared himself that he can use the costume that came with his chosen part of wielding the metal element, he’ll go under a new superhero identity to fight Ronson’s manipulative control of their fair city.

“Hugh. Then you may as well need my support, just remember, you ain’t fighting alone.” Grams signs in feeling her child here would wanna be like her, not a supporter of Ronson from his shifty actions and they both wanna expose him….guess she should have seen this coming from how she raised Zan.

Zan, as Z-Strap nods his head in agreeing there, and then turns to head on off. Many scenes are shown showing Z-Strap fighting against what should be peaceful plan works by Ronson, but in truth, he’s just attacking stuff that’s more for evil twist for later. But while doing good Ronson has made Z-Strap known as a Metal Rogue that must be stopped, and so Z-Strap continues to do good while the citizens of Manehattan don’t know the real truth. But someday, Z-Strap will exploit Ronson and end his evil once and for all…

-----------

“Hey Zan! You awake?” Rainbow Dash’s voice is heard that was calling Zan’s attention.

“Hey. What?” Zan snaps from his daydream moment of his past to look at Rainbow Dash and the others looking at some blueprints here.

“Twilight found something darling.” Rarity stated to Zan of them finding something truly puzzling to them.

“Right, an' it don’t look good neither.” Applejack nods with a serious face in what they are looking at. 

“What is it? Hugh-hugh, hugh? What is it?” Pinkie Pie asked off in not knowing what it was that they are seeing.

Soon the new princess was looking over what was found for everyone except for the fillies was busy looking for anything else around the area. And boy what they were ending up finding was gonna be something to take surprise to a whole new level in their judgment on Mayor Ronson.

“Ronson’s plan is to take command to become leader and ruling everyone in Equestria!” Twilight spoke off in being very shock in seeing the cage logs and blueprints of structures of Ronson being in charge.

“But only princesses or kings have that authority!” Ben stated in knowing the duty handle by such ponies of royalty.

“Oh my, um, what does it say in how he could even do that?” Fluttershy yelped in fearing this bit of news that didn’t sound so nice at all.

“According to this, he needs aid from the rulers before they vanish and he takes command.” Twilight explained the planning steps of those he needs to have control over many.

“How’s he gonna do that?” Spike asked off in not knowing how one unicorn would have control over so many.

“If they stand on this weird contraption here, it looks like…an Alicorn Sphere Trap.” Twilight showed the schematics of what was drawn as some mechanical circle ring which cast a dotted circle over captive Alicorns; trapping them.

“Sounds bad,” Spike replied off in hearing this that sounded bad.

“Question, is it what Nyx and the others are touching?” Phobos raised a claw to point out something that he was notching seem vaguely like what they were talking about.

Looking behind, a strange black ring device was seen as the fillies were trying to get a closer look to it, much to the adults that were worried.

“Girls; Get away from that!” Twilight shouted to rush over to the fillies that did not know what they were doing.

As Twilight jumped in, she only pushed the other CMC out while grabbing her daughter. But then the ring became active to cast a blue sphere that trapped the two inside.

“Twilight; Nyx,” The others shouted to rush over to inspect their friends and family members trapped in something.

Twilight and Nyx were trapped as they tried to use magic to get out, but their horns would not glow, this sphere must be cutting them off from tapping into their magic ability. The others were banging or smacking the sphere, but nothing was getting through. But before they could do anything, the sphere magically teleported out of the area itself; Then without warning, much of the room’s openings began to have some heavy thick metal doors drop down with some glowing prism orbs from the center walls.

“Yikes!” Sweetie Belle yelped from seeing something else was happening.

“Wha happened?” Apple Bloom asked off in not knowing what was going on.

“What’s going on?” Scootaloo asked from having bad feeling about this whole thing.

“If you’re listening to this, then it appears those of you that snooped your noses in unnecessary business have triggered my security system.” Ronson’s voice was heard over some loud speakers in the room, but it was not his perky sounding voice that was jolly of sorts.

“Ronson,” Zan snarled off in hearing that voice, the guy knows they are here.

“But I must thank you, you sent me two Alicorns who’s magic will be useful in my takeover operation.” Ronson’s voice complimented those trapped for giving him Twilight & Nyx as they’ll fit nicely in his plans. “A pity none of you will get out of here alive.” He spoke this off with a deep threatening tone of his voice.

Then suddenly, other hidden doors opened up to show some Steel Golems entering with their batons in hand. The any yelped to get into some defensive positions in seeing they are being out numbered here.

“The room is sealed and the prism orbs will cancel any magic used inside to destroy or teleport out of here. My enforcers shall finish you all off.” Ronson’s voice stated from having made sure to take every measurements to make sure, the heroes can’t get out. “Now, I have some important guest visiting me, they’ll also serve an important role for me.” Ronson declared this before his voice was cease being heard while just making more of the others puzzled and concern.

“Other important guest,” Spike asked off in not knowing what that was about.

“Who does he mean?” Phobos asked off from having bad feeling here.

“Mom and Aunt Luna; they were coming to visit Ronson after the attack! He’s setting up to capture them!” Ben yelped in feeling more concern that more of his family is being targeted. “We need to get out of here!” As he spoke, he quickly summoned his Master Sword, preparing for battle here.

The rest nods while they got some of their equipment and things out to help them fight.

“Darn it Ronson! Don’t think I’ll go down like this without stopping you from having control here like you did in my town!” Zan curse under his breath in seeing Ronson has gone too far, he won’t stop until he’s stopped that mad-stallion from becoming supreme ruler of all of Equestria without any knowing the truth behind his lies and manipulation.

Soon much of the group was charging into battle while others were staying behind at this moment; Though with more Steel Golems coming in from the hidden doors, this fight will take some time for them to finish off.

-----------------------

Meanwhile aboard Ronson’s armored train, Princess Celestia & Luna left their Royal Guards outside as they were in a dark room. In front of them, Ronson was in a chair, staring at something of a crystal monitor that showed things. But the Alicorn sisters didn’t know what they were about to get into here or of what dangers are awaiting.

“Mayor Ronson, we have come to check on your situation.” Celestia spoke to Ronson in knowing this important visitor wanted to have something to say to them.

“We are sorry for the inconvenience of what happened.” Luna apologized for the inconvenient attack during the stallion’s first speech presentation earlier.

“Oh don’t be, and if you like to help, just stay right there if you could.” Ronson playfully spoke off cheery and not bothered at all; much to the Royal Sisters confusion of his speech pattern.

Then without, the same ring devices glowed to make magic blue spheres appear that seem to catch the Royal Sisters in something that now and them trapped.

“What the; what is this?” Luna shouted in shock to see this and tried to use magic, but her horn would not glow, “Sister!” She cried out to her sister from seeing they are trapped in something.

“Urrgh, we can’t escape! What did you do?” Celestia struggled from being unable to get out of this sphere that cancels their magic and demands Ronson explain the meaning of this.

“Oh nothing, nothing at all,” Ronson said playfully to turn around from his chair as he stood up to approach the Royal Sisters with a smile. “Just making certain that when you go missing, all of Equestria will go into a panic….letting someone many ponies trust lead them.” He spoke this off with a deep voice that made him sound completely different from earlier, sounding more…sinister.

“You…..you want to rule over the ponies!” Luna exclaimed in dare shock of hearing such a ridicule declaring statement.

“You can’t! Even if you could, my sister and I are needed to raise the sun & moon!” Celestia protest this pony’s plan to have takeover of their kingdom.

“Oh, but I can do that and so much more.” Ronson slowly spoke when his Steel Golem troops were coming in to secure Celestia & Luna’s trapped states. “You see, the plan is that I have this kingdom, under my ‘complete’ rule and no oppressors of any kind. It will be paradise, where there will be no ill will of conflict and all will obey one ruler….” He declared that he wants to make sure; all will be under his rule, without anyone trying to stand in his way. “That’s why having you five here, will give me the satisfaction….in preparing the perfect Equestria.” He stated in what he’s aiming for, and he’ll need these ponies for that plan.

“Five, what does thou mean?” Luna spoke off puzzled in knowing only she and Celestia are here, who are the other three?

Suddenly appearing from a line row was three sphere cells in the ring devices; they were Twilight Sparkle, Nyx, and even Candace. They were apparently in a suspended animated state while they hovered in the air of the spheres that they were trapped inside.

“Candace? Twilight; Nyx,” Celestia responded stump and surprise in seeing those she cares for are trapped in the same state as the Royal Sisters.

“I visited the Crystal Empire, and when I left, I told Shining Armor that his love would be needed for important duties.” Ronson stated how he had Cadance taken, it was a simple feat for him. “As for the latest two, they seem to have stubble onto something of my conspiracy plan. But no matter,” He shrugs off about how he gain Twilight & Nyx, their friends learn something they shouldn’t and won’t escape to tell. “My plan is going very well. Soon, I’ll achieve what my sister never did.” He stated from having that which a sister of his never managed to acquire.

“Your sister couldn’t do?” Luna raised an eyebrow in hearing this declaring statement in confusion.

“Who is your sister?” Celestia questioned who it was that Ronson was stating, was it someone they know.

“Sorry, afraid we don’t have time, as of right now…I’m expected to help deal with a panicky crowd all over the kingdom shortly soon.” Ronson slowly spoke off to say this in having a sly smile in getting himself ready when there is a crowd of ponies that need guidance. “Until then, enjoy your new commendations, you’ll be here for an eternity under my rule.” He stated off to say while turning away to smile proudly in what will be his moment to stand in to lead when all hope is lost…how perfect.

With that, Ronson moves off while some of his Steel Golems position the Royal Sisters in the same line row that unleash knock off gas that put the alicorns to sleep. Outside, some Royal Guards were knocked out by some Steel Golems when the area was avoided of any live witnesses. Then with that, the armored train begins to move off with those that are inside to be used for the evil Ronson’s plan to have complete control in running all of Equestria. What will he do from here, who can stop him and save those used in his scheme? Those are questions to be left answered for another time it seems….

During the moment Ronson had captured the Royal Sisters, both Shining Armor & Brave Heart were carefully peaking from one window that gave them just enough view to see…the evil that was performed. Namely the holding of Celestia, Luna, as well as Twilight & Nyx, and even Cadance from the Crystal Empire, he had them all and there was no one that was gonna stop him.

“No!” Shining Armor silently cried out in protest in seeing this. “We’ve got to help them! Now!” He and Iron Brave got down from the window and ran off to get behind a building, so they can speak with tone voices to not be loud while issuing the situation. “Whoever Ronson's sister was, it's not good! And I'm not going to let that jerk get away with this!” No way was Shiny gonna let Ronson get away with using his family for his own glorify needs and obtaining power.

“Don't worry. This is just what I had hope for.” Iron Brave put up a front smile in stating this matter to Shiny which…came as a surprising shock.

“What! What do you mean ‘what you had hope for’ to happen?” Shiny yelps in hearing this right, Iron Brave knew that Ronson was gonna do this, then why didn’t he step in?

“Listen to me, Shining Armor.” Iron Brave spoke these words with a calm and collective expression even when the situation looks bad, this was not the time to panic. “After everything you had been through, your instinct had led us to discover and learn the truth. And your heart trust Zan for learning his true-self and true heart, isn’t that right.” He explained the situation of what has been played out thus far to this moment of the truth.

“So then….You actually knew about it?” Shining Armor slowly asked off a bit surprised to hear this.

“Hey, it's a test. What can I say? I keep it to myself until I'm very certain.” Iron Brave shrug off to say this in knowing he had to keep things from others while testing them. “And it looks like you're ready.” He spoke in seeing the stallion is now ready now.

“What do you mean? Ready for what?” Shiny asked in not following this discussion until…something began to happen.

Then without warning, Iron Brave’s body glowed in silver color brightly. Shining Armor gasped in shock, what was the Mystic doing now. And then without any warning, the Mystic began a strange chant.

Iron Brave chanted: Element of Harmony,

Heed my pray,

I besieged you,

I had found a worthy one,

One who shown his heart,

A Heart who never abandon Innocents,

Therefore, remove me from your power.

Bestow it on him,

One who show the true meaning of Harmony,

Successor of the Element of Steel.

Afterwards, Iron Brave's body glowed in silver light, and with his eyes closed. Then phasing out from his body, the appearance of a silverish ball with three curved stripes on top had hovered over Shining Armor’s forehead. It circled around on his head for three times. It then swoop and strike’d at Shining's body hard, as he cringed painfully from the unexpected matter. It wasn’t long until the guy was taking in some deep breathing breaths form almost feeling like he ran a marathon.

“Was that….did you…am I…? For reals here…?” Shiny was so stump, he was almost speechless; he’s now the new wielder to the Element of Steel?

“Indeed, now before you go off, I’ll explain how this works. During which, I’m certain your friends will escape and plan a way to expose Ronson.” Iron Brave explained himself to the stallion of the case and about that they have time to go over things before a battle comes up.

Having no doubt that the Mystic was speaking true, Shining Armor decided that he will learn from what Iron Brave has to explain to him about using his new element. It will take some time, but hopefully by the time he has it all narrow down, he’ll join in the good fight, and help put an end to Ronson’s wicked little schemes; for the rule is, you mess with family, and family will mess with you. Everything goes dark at the moment, as the story is coming to fruition.
> Chapter 05: True Face of A Hero & Villain!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 05: True Face of A Hero & Villain!


At this moment, those from Pinkamena's Secret Dungeon yelp when Sombra reacts from sensing...something.

"The truth's within the lies are coming out! The true evil will be known and the true hero will come in the light!" Sombra spoke these words from what he could sense of both forces of evil and good.

"Really; I hope so, my love. For if this isn't resolved, then all is lost," Autumn Gem spoke from feeling worrisome if victory isn't given to the RIGHT good guy, all maybe fallen in darkness.

Without much to be said, only those in the group in Pinkamena's place gets ready for what's about to come next.

--------------------------------------

At the moment, much of Ponyville’s residences were gathered up from Mayor Mare’s orders near a new railroad sight. Soon appearing was Ronson’s train, as it came to a stop, the doors opened for the Steel Golems to exit out of it to be in a secure manner. Then a stage platform appeared above the train, and out of it came Ronson who unknown to the crowds was going to be making himself look like a savior to them. He fix his tie, put on his usual expression of being a pony that can be trusted, as magical orbs appeared above him that projected his face around the rest of Ponyville and some parts of Equestria too.

“My fellow ponies, it is deep hardships that I report a terrible feat has happened.” Ronson spoke in feeling there is sad news that he must regretfully tell. “Something has happened to our princess; Celestia, Luna, Cadance and even Twilight Sparkle have all vanished from sight. Even the rest of the Mane Six & Ben Mare, who have gone off looking for them, had disappeared without a trace.” He spoke in giving the bad news to the crowds of very important missing figures.

This caused the crowds to become worried very much; what will they do if they don’t have any princess to rise the sun, the moon, or provide love, and worse, the hero that became the symbol lot friendship. What will become of them, what will the remaining Mane Six do without their leader?

“But never fear, we at the Ronson Foundation have taken steps for every measurement if they were ever taken by enemies.” Ronson spoke in being bold to smile in statin this to those here to not panic here, they shall take care of everything.

“What about raising the sun?” Mrs. Cake asked off an important question that was on their mind.

“R-R-Right; and the moon,” Mr. Cake nods slowly with worry that they can’t tell when to sleep or wake up.

“Don’t threat, we took care of all needs, thanks to modern science.” Ronson issued forth the worrying Cake Family of the crowd of having such states being under control.

Soon appearing from the armored train came some strangely advanced satire o-ray beam which its disk opened to reveal a magical capsule core of spiraling magical energy. This was enough to settle the crowds to begin to see things differently.

“The Ronson magic spiral will instantly allow us to move the sun and moon. So time will not stop for anything!” Ronson smiled proudly in announcing that they have this device to help them move the sun and moon even without the Royal Sisters.

“But what about if enemies attack us, who will save us?” Derpy asked out the next question from the crowd.

“Not too worry, as of now, my Steel Golems has been newly upgraded from a marvelous new magic source, making them tougher than before from how they were from my last speech.” Ronson spoke forth in declaring this issue of safety insurance that his own forces are now MUCH stronger than when was shown during Z-Strap attacking him from before.

Much of the crowds were muttering in recalling that event, it’s true that before that Ronson’s Steel Golems didn’t stand much a chance, but maybe now, there is hope for them.

“And to top it off, the Ronson magic spiral will even have the strength to create barriers for towns and cities to keep good citizens safe and all foes pushed out.” Ronson spoke forth in announcing another feature that will revolutionize their safety for the citizens and other innocent bystanders. “I will take good care of you all, I don’t care how great the responsibility is, for me, there is no obstacle, I cannot overcome from the support and belief, of all good ponies of Equestria!” He spoke in making this proud speech that was very much very effective in getting many viewers to listen and give him support.

Pretty much, a lot of crowds were swallowing this stuff up; hook line and sinker as the cheers are heard roaring and hooves stomping on the ground like loud herds of buffalos. But unknown to anyone, from inside the armored train, the imprisoned princesses Celestia, Luna, Candace, Twilight Sparkle and even Nyx were seen in a coma state while slowly, their magic was being taken to power Ronson’s machine. Truly if nothing is done soon, it won’t end with Ponyville, but all of Equestria to fall under Ronson’s control.

--------------------------

Meanwhile, Ben’s group were still having their own fair share of things on fighting against a couple of Steel Golems that were pouring out like crazy in an abandoned & supposed condemned place that has them all sealed up. They found out about Ronson’s little scheme, and now if they don’t get out of here to put a stop to it, he’ll end up having control of all of Equestria. And they just gotta get outta here to warn their fellow citizens and friends of the truth…if they survive. The CMC were yelping behind some desk while the Mane Six, Ben, Spike, Phobos, and even Zan Alloy, were just handling what they could while the latter never was revealing something about himself.

“Brother, these things are harder ta get rid of than a couple of wild cattle drive!” Applejack spoke off stating from lassoing another golem bunch to throw with all her might to smack them into their other buds.

“You’re telling me!” Rainbow Dash responded from firing her nun-chuck blasters to break down the steel hard golems to be scraps metal.

“Man, I heard of nonstop parties, but this is too much! Even for ME,” Pinkie Pie replied to say while firing her party cannon that really blew the foes away.

“Ah, I fear that I might be sweating from all this!” Rarity yelped from noticing that she was sweating from this exhausting workout, that’s not good for a mare that likes to be seen lovely and stuff.

“Ben, what do we do from here?” Fluttershy asked from using her Sonic Screech to scream her voice across some enemies, they can’t keep up this much longer.

“We have to bring down those secret compartment doors; that’s how they keep coming in.” Ben issued from using his Megaton Hammer to bash the Steel Golems, if they can stop where the fox keep coming out, that should help out.

“Even if we could, we take down five, twenty-five come to take their place!” Phobos complained in seeing when they take down one, two more take their place, and so forth the larger number.

“Oh man, I wish something could help us get that door up there open again!” Spike yelps a bit to say in seeing that even the strongest can’t stop what maybe an endless supply of troops, they need a miracle here.

Then suddenly, the sealed trap door above the gang’s heads began to unseal itself. And if that wasn’t a surprising moment, then the next thing really took the cake.

“Some pony asked for some help?” Grams's voice came out of the sealed trapdoor before she poke her head out, much to anyone’s surprise.

“Grams,” Zan responded off surprise in seeing who actually came to their needy rescue. “What are you doing here?” He asked off in why his grandmother was here.

“I’ll explain later, right now, I recruited some folks to back us up here after decoding that security lock pad.” Grams responded off to say while taking out some bazooka marine-class weapon to hold up front.

Then entering pass Grams was Golden Heart, Pinkamena, Jack Zen and Omega, all in battle position, weapons out, and raring to go; so this was the recruited bunch that the old Ex-marine mentioned.

“Omega, you know what to do!” Pinkamena signaled her bot pal in knowing what to be doing here.

“Roger, preparing for total wipe-out mode!” Omega responded before bringing out his hidden compartments now.

“And here’s something for good measurements!” Golden Heart stated from when his horn was lighting up with a magical glow, preparing a spell it seems.

“Trusvhmm…Clopfruvhmm…” Then from a spell Goldie used, the door that opened for the Steel Golems soon shut itself on any that didn’t get out or simply crushed any that were unfortunate to not make it out.

“Alrighty then,” Scootaloo cheered in seeing what just happened now.

“Now dat’s helping’ out!” Apple Bloom replied off with a smile on her face.

“Now we got a fighting chance!” Sweetie Belle issued in seeing now they can end this.

“Alright then, let’s take care of these guys!” Ben announced with a determine face, time they put an end to this room filled with Steel Golems before making their next move.

Pretty soon, a few good minutes pass by that from Goldie’s group, and even surprising help from an Ex-Marine like Grams, turn the battle around with the Mane Five & Ben along with the baby Dragons partaking in this. Once the matter was settled, did there soon come forth a conversation.

“So where you knew where to find us?” Zan raised an eyebrow in questioning how his grandmother and these others found them all the way out here?

“Boy, a grandmother always knows when her grandchild needs a flank saving.” Grams sweetly spoke off in telling it like it is, a grandma knows if her grand baby needs help.

“I thought it was because you put a chip on his skateboard. Oops!” Pinkamena blurted out to say, but yelped in knowing she blew a secret that was told to them to be kept, oh well.

Then Zan check under his skateboard to find what was spoken to be true. There was indeed a little tracer chip tap to his board that made blinking responses, issuing where one can track it’s location.

“Ahaah, smooth there Grams and you knew I never end up breaking it.” Zan replied off with a little laugher in seeing how sly his grandma was and knew just what to do in knowing her grandson.

“Do you think I don’t know how skilled you are with that board, next to your talent for making metal artwork.” Grams put her front hooves on her hips to issue with a sly smile to raise an eyebrow, stating that she knew her child so well, that it makes sense that the tracer be in a place it won’t break.

“I would not mind seeing such artistic displays.” Omega stated from hearing how well Zan can make metal artwork, as a robot of metal, he wouldn’t mind seeing one.

“Where are Twilight & Nyx, I thought they were with you.” Golden Heart asked off in noticing two characters were not here, and that earn some cause for worry.

“They were transported in a magic sphere prison; Ronson wants to take control by removing my mom and aunt Luna.” Ben spoke off in stating with a worried face about an evil plot planned by an evil and cunning mayor of Manehattan.

“It’s true!” The CMC responded off to say about the issue was no lie, Ronson was no good pony, but a bad one.

“We have to find them and save them!” Spike stated in what they need to do here, go off and finds their missing pals.

“Right, who knows what diabolically evil, sick, twisted, in pony, degrading, psychotic…” Phobos was dramatically stating the horrible facts that could be happening to their buds until….

“Phobos,” The Mane Six & CMC scolds the Moon Dragon for going over board and they get the picture.

“Oops, got overly carried away.” Phobos sheepishly spoke in seeing he went too far that just imaging that bunch make anyone feel uncomfy.

“Can’t be hard to find, he’s already giving his big speech all over Equestria in taking control of the issue for all the corners.” Grams spoke off remotely in stating that Ronson’s location shouldn’t be hard to find, he’s already broadcasting his plans to have control already. “And it’s most likely, with Ben Mare not around, and Blueblood not ready for such things, Ronson’s image and reputation makes him the next best candidate.” The old mare pointed out the major facts that would prove Ronson has the wins here.

“Wait, what? But what about me; I’m technically a prince, sure I been staying here than my own place, but…” Golden Heart was protesting about he is also a prince, surely Ronson couldn’t get control if ‘he’ was around, but…

“I am receiving an update.” Omega spoke from taping into a radio-transmission signal of what Ronson was saying while they are missing out on what happened earlier. “Ronson says he will give the task of you, Golden Heart, in searching for the princesses and that you can’t help run Equestria.” The bot explained what was clearly an assignment task to keep Goldie’s hooves busy.

“Seems like Ronson thought up of everything. He knew you have ties and would use your devotion to your pals to find the princesses while being on a wild goose chase, making sure that he has no loose ends to tie.” Zan spoke off to mention with a rolled eye expression, seeing Ronson did research on Golden Heart, and knew JUST how to handle him while knowing how the gold stallion respond.

“Ooooooh, that sneak; I knew there was something about him I found suspicious, but only one-half of it!” Pinkamena made a stern frown in feeling like Ronson was truly a sneak for catching them in such a cunning ploy.

“One-half,” The others responded off puzzled, what was the pink pony lookalike talking about.

“Yeah, I can’t quite figure out that last half out yet, but it must be evil.” Pinkamena shrug off to say about not having the facts all cleared up yet, but she’s getting to it.

“So what do we do now to clear this mess up?” Rarity asked off in how they can help settle the manner and show Equestria Ronson’s true colors.

“I say we charge in and MAKE him spill the beans of being behind that!” Rainbow Dash spoke off with a determine face in they boldly go in and take it to the man, or stallion that’s running the politics.

“Yeah, Ah think ye might be fer-getinn’ dat Z-Strap done dat, an' it only made him look like a victim than a crook.” Applejack rolled her eyes to rhetorically state a fact of what happened to the last pony that did such a reckless act to be seen as an enemy than as a hero.

“So if we attack, would he think up something like we were being magically manipulated & that we need to be detain cause we’re loopy?” Pinkie Pie asked off this thought though most of the group looked to the pink pony in thinking that ‘loopy’ part was already a part of her anyway.

“Oh my, he seems to be ready for almost anything. And we don’t know where he might have our friends.” Fluttershy spoke in concern in what they can do to make sure they can get back their friends and not be falsely accused of anything.

Many were in deep thought on what to do and how to plan this out. They are up against someone who has pretty much a good rep in the art of deception and appearance alone and author power makes him harder to exploit any weakness or fowl play. What can they do to exploit the evil behind that friendly face.

“Maybe there is a way to catch Ronson off guard.” Grams spoke with a small smile showing up on her face. “He has a plan for those of you here if you manage to get out, right?” She spoke off to mention this little manner of what their adversary will try.

“Right,” The group replied off in knowing that was very much true here.

“And he knows about you three who were spying on me to learn about my reason of being here.” Grams narrow her eyes in knowing very well that Goldie’s group spied on her and Granny Smith while the Ex-Marine knew about them.

“Again, we’re sorry, but with everything of what happened, we just don’t know what to make of it.” Goldie rub the back of his head to apologize for the matter.

“Good, then since Ronson doesn’t know you helped out when I jam his cameras there, I believe we can save your friends and expose him.” Grams smiled off to say that with the security footage jam from saving their friends here; Goldie’s group can help out in another task job.

“If it’s to save my family, I’m willing to listen.” Ben spoke froth in willing to do whatever it takes to save those that he cares for. “We’ll do whatever it is you have in mind.” He stated from awaiting to hear what the old Ex-Marine mare has to say.

“Well you seem like a well raised child, kinda reminds me of another pony here I help raise.” Grams smiled off to commenting how well behave Ben is, raised by Celestia and stuff as she looks to Zan Alloy in how the old mare raise him.

“Ugh, Grams, can we just get to your plan to help us out?” Zan spoke off to skip the sappy stuff of reliving memories to get on with their deed to save the day.

“Right, now here’s the plan. And trust me; it will catch even Ronson off guard!” Grams nod her head while asking everyone here to come around as she’ll tell them the plan.

Soon the group gathers around into a big circle to begin muttering and whispering a plan in what they can do here. And how they can perform it so well, that not even Ronson could see it coming and will help to exploit the stallion and save their captured friends & family. With that, the scene goes dark for a moment…

----------------------

At the time moment, many ponies were watching and seeing Ronson’s rise up with giving more encouraging words and vows that make him skyrocket. All while they are unaware of the truth that is kept from them.

“Do not despair fair citizens, ponies of Equestria, I give you my word that I shall prepare a team of searchers to find the princesses and the Mane Six party, wherever they maybe. Even finding the ones with them, including Prince Ben Mare.” Ronson spoke humbly in announcing that he shall make sure that they find the missing princesses and those that are also missing that have not been seen.

Many of the crowds were cheering in hearing much of this as they felt some happiness and relief of someone they can truly trust here. Ronson was gonna make sure that everyone that counts in being missed will be found, what a great guy, what a….

“Scuse me, pardon us, coming through here!” Pinkamena’s voice was heard cutting through the crowds to which she, Goldie, Jack Zen & Omega are seen entering the front side near Ronson’s box stand.

“Ah, Golden Heart, I see you and your team have come here after hearing what’s happened.” Ronson spoke calmly in addressing those that are here before them.

“That we have, Mayor Ronson.” Golden Heart nodded his head to respond to this guy here.

“Then tell us and the rest of the good citizens, what task you shall preform.” Ronson spoke forth in smiling in what plan the god stallion will make in the search to find the important ponies that are missing.

“The answer is simple. We’ll have to wait it off and come up with a plan to find the others.” Golden Heart spoke forth with a serious face in stating the issue of what they shall do.

This acting caused many to almost gasp in wonder and concern; why would Golden Heart, a well-known hero and friend along with his group, say such things. In truth, many were expecting that he go off without wait to help out. Even Ronson who saw the commotion felt a little sweat drop escape off his forehead before clearing his throat to try to take control of the undeveloping situation.

“But…surely it won’t be long, I have some leads of where some criminal underground foes may have taken our beloved princesses.” Ronson spoke with a little cheeky response about how surely such good heroes would not hesitant to go find the missing princesses; he’ll even help them with leads. And by that, more likely keep them away.

“Thanks, but no thanks, we can’t rush these things.” Pinkamena waved off without worry about they are in no hurry.

“What?” Snips asked off shock to hear what they just heard.

“But why,” Snails questioned this statement of why Goldie’s group is not acting more over the issue.

“Confidential. We cannot explain ourselves, for blabbing out our course of action is likely telling our enemies our movement.” Omega stated of what they are doing is to not give away much, for if they do, it’s like telling the enemy of what their move will be.

“I see, that is very much true.” Ronson made a stern frown to likely nod at this, but while it seem like he was agreeing, something inside said otherwise.

While the discussion seem to be happening that caused many attention to be focus, none saw Ben leading the Mane Five, the CMC and baby Dragons to get behind the armored train. And they had help from Zan and Grams as they were ‘secretly’ handling the Steel Golems patrolling to allow the group more easier entry. Course how such things could be done by a young stallion and an old mare, the heroes never questioned.

“And how many allies are going to be assisting you in the process? My Elite Enforcers, the Steel Golems can be more than…” Ronson spoke humbly with a smile to offer his troops in the valiant effort attempt; but there may be a catch to that to.

“Nope; Goldie’s team is just us!” Pinkamena declared off to say they and they alone will be plenty to handle the task.

“But, surely searching all over Equestria, you’ll need a much larger search party.” Ronson spoke off a bit surprise to wipe a hanky on his forehead, almost sweating in how this bunch is trying to make things harder for them, especially him.

“Sorry, we couldn’t take your offer. After all, you maybe now the prime target of many pursuers.” Golden Heart spoke off to say this much important fact that Ronson can’t give away his troops, cause he’ll need them and to make sure this guy doesn’t have the golems attack them when their guard is down.

“Now that you hold the currency of power, it makes the logical choice.” Omega responded off to mention this other important fact here.

As the crowds began their chats, something began to happen behind the armored train where some Steel Golems by a slide entrance. But then Grams and Zan gave them the drop in surprise tackle from above, and then Ben’s group charged in during the distraction. It wasn’t long until the golems were busted a bit that they lay out around them.

“Alright Zan, do your little magic trick and pick the lock.” Grams spoke to her grandchild to begin picking the lock to get them in.

“On it,” Zan replied off to say in hearing this.

As Zan went behind to the other mid-section of the train, the gang were waiting. Then Zan strangely formed a metal crow-bar…from his hoof before jabbing it to bust open the door. As no one aw him do that, he quickly came back to tell them his success.

“Okay, it’s done, come on!” Zan spoke to say in having already finished his part.

“How he do it?” Rarity questioned how Zan even got the lock off so easily.

“Silly Rarity, they said it’s his magic trick.” Pinkie Pie smiled off to say this with a random straight face.

“We know that Pinkie Pie.” Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes in hearing the pink pony go along with that statement.

“Question is, how he do it so fast, Ah barely saw anything he had dat could’ve done de job?” Applejack questioned the method as it takes much time unless Zan carried something ‘very’ handy.

“Well, maybe since it was a metal object & he has a talent for metal art, maybe….he figured it out easily.” Fluttershy meekly said in thinking of a possibility that could be what was the answer here.

“I don’t mind as long as we get in there, come on.” Ben spoke off to tell this to the others, as they need to get in and help rescue their party & friends.

Soon the group pushed open the metal slide doors to enter a room that was lit, and found what they seek. There in some control room center, five magical sphere prisons with the unconscious figures of Celestia, Luna, Cadance, Twilight and Nyx seen. There were trails of magic slipping from them through wires that lead to somewhere. But first, was trying to approach those that the group came to save.

“There they are!” Sweetie Belle spoke off to approach Nyx’s sphere prison while she slept.

“An' there’s Nyx an' Twilight!” Apple Bloom spoke when they found the black filly and Twilight too.

“So how do we get them out?” Scootaloo asked off the bigger question, busting their pals out.

“Man, we should’ve brought Omega!” Rainbow Dash complained in what they are seeing, some weirdo tech that even she can’t figure out from using her laptop.

“Right, de guy is mechanical.” AJ nods in knowing if they brought someone that was mechanical, he could crack this manner instantly.

“Maybe I can figure it out.” Pinkie Pie spoke off in wanting to help here.

“Maybe not darling, tricky gizmos we’re not familiar with.” Rarity spoke calmly to say this was a manner, they best not get involved in what they have no clue about.

“So then, how do we get them out?” Fluttershy asked in pondering how to get the five ponies trapped in those spheres out.

“Child, that’s easy, and it’s staring us in the face.” Grams pointed to a strange generator device in the backside of the prison spheres. “Ben, think you can jab something heavy to cause that thing to fry up?” She asked if Celestia’s boy can do the deed.

“I got it right here.” Ben announced in summoning his Megaton Hammer, it’s more than capable of doing the job.

“Good, Zan, get the charges set, time to make an entrance.” Grams nods in issuing this to her grandson in what to do next.

“Yo, coming up Grams.” Zan nods with a smile in getting everything set now.

Now the group needs to work fast in setting up some chargers around the other side of the armored train. In the words of Pinkie Pie, they plan to make a big entry, and boy, will it be something. As the screen goes dark, Ben lifts up his heavy hammer over a generator device and then….well, that will be explained afterwards.

--------------

Outside with Ronson and some of his Steel Golems, Goldie’s group have spoken their claims while trying to cause a distraction as much as possible. But Ronson was starting to get impatient and wanted things settle for his own plans to continue.

“Though I must ask, what do you plan to do first?” Ronson asked off in feeling like there was some suspicious activity in what Goldie’s group was up to.

“We’ll deal with a problem of someone that has become the center of the problem.” Goldie spoke off in stating this major fact to all ponies here.

This made the crowd feel worried and concern, what did the gold stallion even mean by someone else was a center problem.

“I see, you mean the Metal Rogue?” Ronson issued off in knowing what problem that must be left to tend to.

“Funny thing about that masked guy, tell them Omega.” Pinkamena spoke off in having something interesting about Z-Strap and has Omega explain it.

“I have confirmed the meaning of the word ‘rogue’ for the one called Z-Strap.” Omega spoke off to say this while preparing to go into some details about the meaning. “It means in one term operating outside normal or desirable controls. But as logic determines, he’s simply not following someone that calls the shots, namely the Mayor of Manehattan.” He finished giving the explanation of what he was trying to state out here.

Now this action caused much more of the crowds and anyone that heard this broadcast to question things. Ronson began to see that his supporters are becoming distorted; he needs to regain control here.

“What are you saying that Z-Strap is not some rogue villain, but a rogue hero?” Ronson raised an eyebrow in finding this strange; folks normally don’t see Z-Strap as a hero since he’s the main center face.

“Close around the latter part, since he’s mostly done things in being almost like a vigilante.” Pinkamena pointed out a fact of what Z-Strap’s character was more likely to be.

“Well, he hasn’t been much good in making attack threats on my life or disrupting the peace in Manehattan.” Ronson sternly spoke with a frown in reminding the ponies of Z-Strap’s actions speak louder than mere words.

“Perhaps or perhaps there was another action going on in which no pony ever saw.” Goldie spoke with a stern and serious face to bring something up to their attention. “An action that was so covered up, it make the Metal Rogue seem like a threat instead of a hero.” He pointed out this issue that would make some question logic of one’s actions that had another hidden agenda.

“Just what are you trying to say, Golden Heart?” Ronson asked off in hearing such nonsense here. “You sound like you’re saying there was another involved in the mess?” He was beginning to think the gold stallion might be knowing more of the truth than let on about.

“Only one who holds much authority to control the law in their grasp has such connections.” Omega stated to make this point very clear indeed. “Therefore, it stands to reason, that someone in your office, has been scheming behind all citizens backsides.” The robot stated a calculated fact of what would make the logical sense of the true meaning behind everything.

This made more of the ponies feel like there was something very serious and that there was someone that was doing evil under Ronson’s nose. Ronson began to show bit a bite mouth expression from looking worried and annoyed, his control is slipping with this news about that which may relate to himself; He has to fix this before all his plans come apart.

“And just where is this evidence to prove your point?” Ronson asked off, almost sounding like he was gonna lose his positive tone

“Kaboomfruvhmmm….” Suddenly, an explosion happened from directly behind Ronson that came from the side wall of the armored train.

“Right, here,” Ben’s voice was heard from within the explosion cloud behind Ronson.

Soon coming out was Ben, the Mane Six, CMC, the baby Dragons, even Zan Alloy & his grandmother. And from behind the open wall, many saw the lying bodies of their missing princesses. 

“Look! It’s Prince Ben & the Mane Six!” stated out from the crowd in recognizing those that were seen first.

“And there’s the CMC, Spike & Phobos are with them!” also declared in what they see were the other members of the Mane Six.

“And is that…Celestia, Luna, Cadance, even Twilight and her kid Nyx?” Derpy slowly spoke in seeing their princesses were with the gang to.

This was causing lots of ponies to chatter and show many expressions of concerns, caution, suspicion, frown faces and looks of anger. Ronson was seeing this and knew that this wouldn’t look well, he gave a signal to the captain of the Steel Golems to cut the magic live feed which cease broadcast. Ronson then looked to those that came out and then to Goldie’s group with a furious expression.

“You did this, didn’t you?” Ronson stated with an angry face to look sternly at Golden Heart, he did things that he himself never do when he knew how important his friends were….he set up this downfall for Ronson.

“Every second of it buster,” Pinkamena smiled off proudly to stand by her brother’s side, they got Ronson good.

“Ponies of Ponyville, listen to me! Ronson has deceived us all!” Golden Heart spoke off to fly up to speak to everyone present here. “He had plans to take over the kingdom and rule Equestria by taking away those that we follow leadership under.” He spoke off in explaining this, including the part where he wouldn’t help out despite being a prince himself.

“He lied his way to pretend that he was a compassionate stallion, but it was all for a ploy.” Ben spoke forth in declaring this manner with a frown of being upset. “Just look at what he’s done, he used my mom, aunt, my cousin, my love and child’s magic for his own scheme. No self-righteous pony would do this!” He points at how now those that are Alicorns, are now free but are very weak from their magic being sapped a bit.

“He’s been behind covered up evil acts since day one when he became mayor of Manehattan.” Zan spoke off in announcing Ronson’s true aim the entire time till now.

“Um-hmmm, that’s right. But now he messed up on a crucial fact that those of us that fought for our own rights are here to put a stop to it.” Grams nods with a firm agreement in stating that Ronson had them all fooled, but no more.

Soon many angry protestors from the crowds were saying things and some even threw objects at Ronson while his Steel Golems kept the crowds at bay. But now they know the truth and won’t be filled by what they can clearly see before them. All of this sneaky stallion’s planning has gone down the drain from those that just couldn’t keep their noses out of this.

“Grrr…..SILENCE!” Ronson growled in feeling like this sorta action he was not needing until….he snapped to yell this out.

This caused everyone to gasp and stop to mutter their voices softly to themselves. Soon the upset stallion looks to the heroes in looking pretty much ticked off now.

“You ponies think you’ve figured it out?” Ronson spoke off in revealing his low, heavy, and not so happy going and peaceful voice to sound furious. “Well, thanks to your blundering, I’ll have to resort to drastic measures….in order to keep my appearance to those that aren’t watching us.” As he spoke this, something was happening when his horn lit up.

Then many Steel Golems were magically teleporting in all around, cutting in cornering the citizens in a large circle. Many of the heroes saw this as even some Steel Golems appeared off the train and some looked like they had a more shiner job down to them as they appeared more improved and could prove to be tougher. And the weaponry they carried seems more illegal than just simply detaining foes, they look like they could destroy things and cause serious damages.

“Ponyville will be wiped off the map, this Rainbow Kingdom will be under a new rule….even if the resistance are detained or eradicated.” Ronson spoke off with a firm stern face in what he’ll do, level Ponyville; make up an excuse so that no one will know the truth and his appearance shall not be question again.

“That’s all we needed to hear to know your true evil, Ronson.” Ben made a stern face to wield his sword in seeing Ronson for who he is, and they won’t let that evil act happen. “Lets go!” He stated this out to the others that it’s time they quickly put an end to things, here and now.

“Yeeeah,” The other Mane Five & baby dragons cheered while the CMC were helping to wake up the sleeping princesses. Soon the gang went into a battle that seem like it was gonna be even crazier than when those that were trapped in that compound area that was owned by Ronson’s team to tear down. But now with some newly buffed Steel Golems, their metal hide proved to be a bit more tricky to pierce and break. Everyone was getting it while also helping to get the citizens free from being eradicated by Ronson’s vision. Applejack along with Big Mac & Tough Apple helped use a little muscle to clear a path to help get rid of some golems and get the folks out. Rarity & Pinkie Pie used gems and party favors to distract the Steel Golems before hitting them with their more stronger shots. Fluttershy went crazy to smack an Iron Bear Claw move when one bulk Steel Golem almost crush a poor mole that didn’t see well, and her move sent the target bashing into its buddies. Rainbow Dash was taking to the skies to firing off her nun-chuck shots without hitting her pals. Spike & Phobos did their fire breaths; Goldie & Pinkamena used their sword teamwork with Ben along with omega’s heavy firepower against a few other foes. 

“Grrr….bring in more, flatten them out of existence!” Ronson gritted his teeth in watching this, and look to his captain in giving the order.

“Yes sir!” The captain of the Steel Golems saluted in hearing the order before preparing to move out.

“Not so fast!” Zan appeared to tackle the captain to knock him down before turning at Ronson. “You’re not getting off so easily!” As he spoke, he was about to tackle the evil mayor.

“Grrrr….keep this stallion down, you fools,” Ronson growled off to say while ordering any Steel Golems to handle this.

“Yes sir!” Soon a bunch a Steel Golems appeared before their master to attack Zan, as the guy was just barely fighting at a half-best effort.

Then without warning, the explosion above caused the satellite disk to tumble down and fell directly over the Steel Golems and Zan, crushing them all underneath it.

“ZAN,” The others cried out in stopping their fighting to see what has happened.

“Under such heavy weight, the odds are that he would have been crush to be showing no….” Omega was calculating the work that under such weight, it would kill a normal pony, but…

“Wait, what’s that?” Golden Heart spoke off in seeing something strange that was happening.

“Frsuvhmm….” Suddenly, some liquid metal goop was seen moving around from underneath the rubble like it was alive. “Wruspfruvhmm…” Then the silver goop began to reform and reshape it’s self into a silver metal form figure version of….Z-Strap the Metal Rogue.

“Z-Strap,” The others responded off stump and surprise, what was this guy doing here?

“What’s going on?” Sweetie Belle asked off in being lost here.

“Why is Z-Strap there?” Appel Bloom asked a good question that was on her mind.

“Yeah and where’s Zan?” Scootaloo asked the bigger question that they like answered.

“Guess there’s no use in keeping a secret.” Grams shrug off with a smile in blasting a golem with a bazooka. “Truth is, Z-Strap is actually my grandson you all know as Zan.” She stated of who was the masked costume stallion, it was her grandson Zan, who is Z-Strap.

“What?” The Mane Six’s five members responded in almost being so stumped shock, the guy that they became friends with was also a foe they thought was an enemy. How weird is that?

“Then he was the Metal rogue?” Rainbow Dash asked off in finally seeing who Zan Alloy truly is.

“And the Metal Element User,” Pinkie Pie asked off in knowing Zan was an Element user like them.

“Ah don’t believe wha Ah’m hearing?” AJ spoke off in finding all of this so surprising to believe.

“Me neither, who could have guess it?” Rarity spoke in finding much of this to be very surprising.

“But that means, he really was a good pony after all.” Fluttershy stated in knowing what this could have meant from beginning.

“Oh sure, if we can forget about the pain he dish out on us.” Phobos rolled his eyes to make a rhetorically statement of what this guy did to them earlier.

“Let’s think about that later.” Spike issued off that they worry about such issues for later.

“You….” Ronson growled off to say in glaring at the revealed hero. “You were behind all of this. You chase me all the way and you ruin my operations. Just how far are you intending to go?” He was arguing over the matter that Z-Strap who has been a continuous pain in his hide has now become his greatest headache right now for ruining things he planned so well.

“Plenty and to see that you get what’s coming after all you’ve done!” Z-Strap spoke off with a stern tone in seeing the time to end things is now. “Hrruaagh…./Frusvhmmm….” Then with a quick reflex of his right hoof, he sent forth a fast shaping pillar of iron metal.

“Bangruvhmmm….” Then Z-Strap’s attack hit Ronson’s horn along with his entire face, “Uarrrughhh!” Ronson roared out in pain to hold his head from what hit him just now but also caused a sparkle of unstable magic.

Then at that sudden moment, the image of Ronson’s figure seem to shift a bit like it was magically cast to keep his image as it was. This caused many to wonder what was happening and boy did they get an answer of…the truth beneath Ronson’s true character; but much more. For his unicorn appearance vanished, and from it appeared what looked like….a Changeling! Yes, only this Changeling looked different from the swarm Queen Chryalis commands, he was more like an Alicorn insect version but seem to wear royal garments & armor, his insect wings were darker shades of emerald and his eyes were white-blue color. This is, Ronson’s true appearance. 

“You’re a…Changeling?” Ben slowly responded in seeing this and not believing it, Ronson was not a pony, but a Changeling.

“Correct. Allow me to reintroduce myself.” Ronson spoke from standing upwards in making his new self be seen. “I am the Changeling King, Ronson, the brother of Chrysalis!” Ronson announced forth of who he is and was to all.

“WHAAAAAH,” Everyone responded in hearing this in almost being so shock to believe; there was actually a Changeling King? They never knew there was even a KING from a swarm of insect type ponies!

“AH-HA; I knew there was something about him that reminded me of a Changeling and there’s something about him having connections to Queen Chrysalis!” Pinkamena declared in having a feeling her knowing of Ronson having some connection to the Changelings was correct.

“For years, I’ve been building a powerful empire by secretly obtaining love gave off by all ponies as the good mayor stallion. And during which, I’ve become even more powerful than when Chrysalis defeated Celestia during the invasion of Canterlot.” Ronson declared off in announcing how over the years, he’s built a powerful stature to which he’s even far stronger than his sister was.

“So is the rest of your brethren here or are you acting solo?” Grams asked off the bigger question, where are the Changelings since all they been fighting are Steel Golems.

“Chrysalis has command for being the queen while I had less command over them before going off to make a name for myself, but even so…I gain power on my own!” Ronson announced forth in stating his explanation of his situation. “When I heard of her defeat and by those she couldn’t win against, I had to prepare to do what my sister couldn’t do.” Then he narrows his eye sights to Z-Strap and the other heroes as he was showing himself becoming angry. “But thanks to you all, I’ll make you regret seeing my TRUE FORM!” He roared off with showing his eyes glowing red in wanting to eliminate these pest for causing this much trouble.

Then suddenly, Ronson’s magic aura sky rocketed to a height that made everyone feel a force pressure push them off. The guy wasn’t kidding; he’s far more stronger than Queen Chrysalis was when she got more power from Shining Armor’s love for Cadance that toppled Celestia’s own magic might. And right now, he was on pair to be from the last strong adversary that the heroes have fought.

“Yo, what’s with that aura?” Z-Strap held up his hooves to withstand this kinda power boost.

“Fool! The absorbing of not only many ponies that gave me their love to fuel, but those Alicorns’ magic for my machine was only part of my act. In truth, I’ve been absorbing their magic slowly, but surely.” Ronson explained how he was suddenly getting his extra power boost from at this moment. “Now I’ll do what even Tirek couldn’t do, finish and absorb all your powers!” He announced forth in going to eliminate those that not even the terrible Tirek couldn’t do.

More Steel Golems were appearing and being created by Ronson’s newfound strength. Soon the gang was up to their noses in having to fight even stronger Steel Golems, or would they…?

“Ben, you and the others fight Ronson, we’ll hold the fort!” Goldie responded from where he, Jack Zen, Omega & Pinkamena took command of fighting off these large numbers.

“Okay, let’s go!” Ben nods in hearing what the gold stallion said as he and the others quickly rush over to Ronson.

“Firing more ammunition,” Omega declared forth in bringing out more of his arsenal to start blasting like no tomorrow.

As Golden Heart’s party fought off any remaining strong Steel Golems with Grams giving a little aid with a bazooka action, Ben, the Mane Five & the baby Dragons were charging up to fight against the true threat, Ronson. Even Z-Strap went off the stage to attack his foe and join the heroes for their cause to end things. And during the moment, the CMC were still seen trying to help wake up those that were still unconscious at the time, cause their friends & family need all the help they can get to take down the evil Ronson fellow.

“You think you’re so special? You’re nothing but food to help me grow in power!” Ronson spat off to those that even think they stand a chance, hardly.

“Then Ah suppose yer act o' complimenting us was phony baloney then?” Applejack raised an eyebrow in having a feeling this guy was never honest when they first meant.

“Wait, so all the nice things you said about us, you never meant any of it?” Rainbow Dash spoke off in hearing this and was becoming upset that all the great things said were not true.

“Hmph, a good spokesmen will say anything to get such foolish lambs to follow his orders.” Ronson remotely spoke off to mention this issue to the blind fools.

“How dare you, you sir, are most rude! And as if we didn’t have hard times with Twilight in believing her, we should have trusted Zan of suspecting you!” Rarity spoke off in feeling that was the sorta action that was uncalled for.

“Yeah; I mean, sure, it could have been one lousy guy that just didn’t like you, but that kinda suffering was no act! Your act is bad for being mean!” Pinkie stated off in knowing they thought Zan Alloy was jumping the gun about Ronson, but the truth is the truth and this guy’s a meaner.

“Hmph, like I care about anything other than securing my fame to rise above all else.” Ronson spoke off in not caring in the least bit.

“Then all the things you did, even helping poor ponies and animals, they were not even satisfying that you did something kind?” Fluttershy asked off in feeling like she was going to get mad from hearing all these mean and horrible things, then what about he good this guy has done while pretending to be a good mayor.

“Kindness blinds others to the truth and so long as they believe what they see and not question, then nothing will make me more satisfying.” Ronson remotely stated that he only did such things to gain trust, nothing else; he didn’t even care so long as it was to help with his own goals.

The Mane Five made stern faces; this guy Ronson seems just as bad as his sister Chrysalis. They will not let up; they shall fight with all they got. They were attacking from all corners, but Ronson was proving to be tougher than expected, faster, stronger, and retry much smarter than from being a simple handsome face to compete against the heroes.

“Ronson, you seem to be a low villain, you deceive us and you try to put the blame on others, just so that you can fool us.” Ben spoke off in being upset by how this guy tries to fool everyone, tries to be their friend, but in truth was using them.

“Humph, I’ve done well, even to trick that ugly pink pony and her stupid brother and tin-plated junk-pile.” Ronson spoke off to remotely issue this fact of how he had been so skilled, he fooled Goldie’s group.

Pinkamena heard this while fighting against the Steel Golems to which she twitched in hearing this to look…annoyed.

“What…did…he….SAAAAAAAYYYY?” Pinkamena screeched off to say in hearing such remarks about her and her family and friends to which look like…she could snap at any moment.

“Alert; Unknown emotion rise is detected!” Omega warns the group of him and Goldie of seeing the pink pony’s reaction.

“Step away Omega, this may get ugly!” Goldie warns the bot to where they have to get away and not a moment too soon.

“WAAAAAAAH/Powwwfruvhmmmm…” Then Pinkamena was seen plowing against to bashing all of the Steel Golems to rubble while looking like she was really, REALLY on the loose rampage.

“It seems that she pretty much wasted half the numbers.” Omega pointed out the pink pony’s progress of letting her anger guide her.

“Best not relax yet, there is still the other half to deal with.” Golden Heart stated that they shouldn’t relax just yet.

While Goldie’s group was still detaining more of the improved models of the Steel Golems, Ben and the other heroes were fighting off against Ronson who was clearly as powerful now than ever before. They group were fighting with their nun-chucks, lasso ropes, gem controls, party cannon action to using animal moves. But so far, Ronson had seemingly study their abilities enough to know how to handle them, including the Dragons and Ben’s swordsmanship and other magical weapons.

“Doesn’t anything get this guy to drop?” Phobos complained off in seeing they barely are even making a dent on this strong Changeling.

“I know, I thought he be weak without those golems protecting him!” Spike stated in thinking they had the upper advantage, but that was unlikely.

“My golems are nothing without my power that makes them move. And thanks to so much feed of love from all the ponies of Equestria from the broadcast, including the princesses, I can’t lose!” Ronson spoke off in stating that he’s grown so powerful now that he is on a new level to which he shall defeat his foes.

“We aim to prove otherwise!” Ben spoke off to disagree on that term.

“Right, you’re going down!” Z-Strap stated from forming a blade off his hoof.

Soon Ronson summoned magical dark blades to counterattack Ben & Z-Strap’s sword play movements. The guy seems to have learn much to become strong in so many areas that he was not leaving any openings. And pretty soon, the guy knocked his opponents against the Mane Five and the baby Dragons.

“Didn’t you listen in what I said, I’ve more powerful than my sister Chrysalis now! I’m even stronger than Tirek! You stand no chance against me!” Ronson declared off that he’s now far more powerful that the heroes will stand no chance against him being this powerful.

The gang was not giving up as they were all rushing in to attack with everything they got. Ronson was still proving himself to be an acceptable fighter, he may have done lots of training or he absorbed that power from those he feed off from. But whatever the case maybe, the guy was proving to be a very dangerous threat, and if the gang don’t stop him, there’s no telling what he’ll do next.

“Hang tough guys, I know that with Twilight still out, you can’t figure out if you can activate your Rainbow Power, but….” Ben spoke to encourage the other Mane Five that even without Twilight being here or not knowing how to completely control their Rainbow Power forms, they can’t give in yet.

“WATCH OUT!” The baby Dragons shouted out in seeing something about to come at them here.

“BAM-Boomfruvhmmm….” Then Z-Strap acted fast to form large metal walls to cover his friends from Ronson’s powerful bombardment attacks. But when it was over, but of the gang are seen almost looking a bit exhausted, they fought strong Steel Golems and now a powerful evil mayor Changeling, this wasn’t their best day.

“Now is the time to end our little conflict, for me, and Z-Strap, and many of you that stand in my vision of a Utopia world!” Ronson declared off that he shall now end things for those that have gotten in his way for the last time.

Soon Ronson was charging a powerful dark sphere that hovered in front of him. The gang made stern expressions to prepare for what was gonna come at them pretty soon here.

“Give up, now that I’ve become so powerful, this world….is MINE!” Ronson declared that victory is his and that there is nothing the heroes can do to stop him.

“I wonder about that.” Twilight’s voice was heard from afar that made everyone yelp, did that mean….

“Gruspvhmm…/Guuaah,” Suddenly, the ground around Ronson felt heavy that made him yelp on the ground before turning to look behind him. “Y-Y-You…..” As he spoke off, he saw Nyx had transformed into her Adult Form as she used her Gravity Moon-Drive move to press him down.

And not only that, but Twilight, Cadance, Luna & Celestia were now awake with the CMC smiling proudly from apparently trying to help wake up the grown up princesses.

“Great job girls, you helped us wake up. Enough to allow me to use my Love Restoration to recharge our depleted strength,” Cadance smiled to thank the fillies for helping them get up from being out cold and recovering their full strength.

“You’re welcome,” The CMC smiled off to say in accepting the praises there.

“Ruuurrrroughhh; Even with your added addition, your powers cannot and WILL NOT stop my image from coming true!” Ronson growled from the weight of Adult Nyx’s gravity effort, but he was pushing upwards as he was still proven to be tough and won’t go down until he’s won.

“I rethink that if I were you.” Shining Armor’s voice interrupts the villain’s gloating moment.

And as everyone heard that voice, many turn their faces and even those still battling against the Steel Golems were focusing on seeing what look like Shining Armor, but appeared….different. For one factor, Shiny’s body had grown a bit bigger & taller while his form was made into a steel version of himself and his mane becomes like a shiner steel color plate that’s solid, not to mention his eyes become white. And from his stomping approach above the rooftops, he looks to be more heavier, but looking far stronger than before.

“Mind if we join in?” Shiny exclaimed to ask if he could join in on the action now. At the same moment, Iron Brave comes into the picture

“Shining Armor!” The Mane Six, CMC, baby dragons & Ben responded in surprise to see who was here and man did their pal look different.

“Oh my, is that really Twilight’s brother?” Fluttershy asked off in being surprised in seeing who was here.

“Ah think in honesty, it is him alright.” Applejack nods slowly on the subject.

“Wow, what’s with the new look?” Rainbow Dash asked off in liking what they are seeing.

“I say, you look rather…shiny, Shining Armor.” Rarity smiled off in being marvel by Shiny’s new shiny armor feature.

“Right! And no matter how much I scrub in the tub never came out that shiny.” Pinkie Pie randomly quoted here that puzzled everyone.

“Man, that looks like some armor.” Spike stated off in what they were seeing.

“I’ll say, never imagine he look so cool!” Phobos nods off to say in what they are seeing.

"You like my new armor? Thanks. I've just become the Wielder of Element of Steel. And trust me, it was awesome.” Shiny exclaimed to explain himself of what has happened after everyone got a load of what he’s now become.

“That’s right, I’ve pass my last element to Shining Armor. So, get ready for some flank-kicking, your arrogant highness.” Iron Brave exclaimed here while he was looking around at the foes that were starting to show up. “Let's see how you like to challenge me. Show me what you've got, you jerks!

“Rrrrughhh; ALL AVAILABLE Steel Golems, DESTROY THEM!” Ronson growls in fury while many of his new enhanced enforcers go off to attack more heroes that have shown up.

Shining Armor and Iron Brave jumped on the ground hard from above the rooftops while seeing lots of Steel Golems charging at them. Shining Armor blasted his Unicorn Bursts at some of Golems, breaking them into pieces. Few of the surviving Golems punched on Shining's head for a few times, yet he felt nothing; his steel defense was protecting him from such ineffective damage. Shiny then punched on the Golems' respective heads, limbs, and chests as hard and quick as he can. Shiny grabbed the first Golem and threw him at the five Golems, knocking them all to the ground. Shiny continued to dodge and blocked the attacks while fighting back at his enemies.

“Nice of you to join the party; where were you? And what have you been doing?!” Twilight smiled off in seeing her big brother has join the battle, but where was he until now.

“What can I say sis? I just love to make dramatic entrances, and especially for kicking certain butts of Changelings!” Shiny exclaimed to say while he threw in more hard punches against more incoming Steel Golems. “We were just keeping an eye on Ronson. And Iron Brave was right about him and so I earned my Element of Steel before you all started to throw down.” He explained himself as best he could while ducking, dodging, and defending against more enemies while clobbering them.

“Heh-hehheh…Well then….Welcome to the club, big brother,” Twilight giggled happily in seeing that her brother has now join the club of chosen element wielders and can fight with more strength than ever.

The Golems charged at Iron Brave, who stood on the ground while holding his Avenger Broadsword on his back. Giving a smirk, Iron Brave swung his heavy and strong sword to defeating five to seven Golems, breaking them into pieces; from right to left, and then to right and did some routine three times. Iron Brave threw his Avenger Broadsword at the Captain of the Golem's chest hard. Iron Brave charged in while punching and kicking on that Golems' faces, chests and limbs, causing them to break into pieces while blocking or dodging the attacks for a few times. Reaching to his Avenger Broadsword, he took it out from the Captain's chest. Iron Brave turned and swung it at charging Golems into pieces. All of Golems that Shiny & Iron Brave were faced to handle were now wiped out.

"Tch….Their metals aren’t so great and it’s pathetic. These aren't real metals or steel achievements in my book.” Iron Brave scoffed off to say in seeing that these guys weren’t much to get so work up over.

“This isn’t HAPPENING! I’ll destroy you all, and EVERYTHING ELSE!” Ronson snarled off to say in having had enough of this as he shall end this by destroying everything in sight. “Kruspowfrusvhmmmm…” Soon Ronson’s attack was growing even bigger than before it looked ready to wipe out all of the town.

“Now’s the time we give you a little payback for trying to use us!” Twilight sternly stated in seeing it’s time they pay Ronson back for what he’s done to them.

“Luna, shall we?” Celestia turn to her sister in asking if she was ready.

“Yes, let us do so!” Luna nods to her sister in raring to go here.

“Unicorn Burst,” Twilight announced forth in charging her horn.

“Gaia’s Sun!” Celestia spoke off in charging her horn with a glowing heated magic aura.

“Lunar Wave,” Luna spoke off to channel her horn with a luna aura of the moon around her horn.

“Prrususfruvhmmm…” Soon from a spiral beam, a burning sun sphere and even a beam wave of luna energy were all fired and conjoined into one force. “Bammgrufvhmm….” All three powerful attacks from three restored powered up Alicorn princesses got the drop on Ronson.

“Gruuaaauaghhh,” Ronson let off a wailing cry from the pain as he gritted his teeth to keep his own attack from fading from being attacked from behind while he has the heroes he’s almost beaten before him.

“Now’s our chance, we gotta put everything we got! And we mean everything! And that means for me to really let loose!” Z-Strap shouted to the others to make their final stand, this is their last shot here.

“Right,” The Mane Six nods their heads along with Ben and the baby Dragons.

“Unicorn Cannon,” Rainbow Dash shouted to turn her nun-chucks into their bombardment cannons and fired off her shots.

“Ho-Down Wallop,” Applejack was charging some spheres in her lasso before firing.

“Eternal Style - Gem Assault,” Rarity announced to fire off her best projectile attacks.

“Sonic Screech,” Fluttershy announced forth in taking a deep breath and unleashed a sonic wail screech wave.

“Party Blast,” Pinkie Pie announced from firing her party cannon with it’s max power.

“Sword Beam,” Ben had swung his sword to fire a sword beam.

“Fire Breath/MoonBreath,” Spike & Phobos fired off their Dragon flames from their mouths.

“Time I let you hear my complaint, mayor.” Z-Strap issued off while preparing his next attack, “Iron Dragon’s Roar!” Suddenly, he inhales a fairly large amount of air before he then proceeds to release it. “Pruussfruvhhmmm….” The attack becomes a very powerful tornado from his masked mouth, which poises incredible blunt force at the opponent, which in the process, sharp metal shards are dispersed, which seem capable of shredding the opponent’s body.

“Powwfrusvhhmmmm….” Soon all the attacks impacted against their target, even eliminating Ronson’s final attack, “GRUUOOOAARRRRUGHHHH!” Ronson was heard making a loud wailing cry from taking such pain from all sides without any defense. “Kurpowwfruvhmmm…” Soon a giant explosion had occurred that blocked all view from what happened.

Once things cleared up, did those that made their strongest final blows when they had the shot, saw a body on the ground in a crater. Much of the town’s folks that were hiding soon saw it was the evil Changeling Ronson as he looked pretty bang up and looked like he could do them no harm or anyone else for that manner. He showed signs of movement, which meant he had not lost conscious yet, but it looked like he opened his closed eyes to gaze out for a few moments.

“Huaagh…Huuuagh…Grrr….Grrruarghh…” Just as Ronson was struggling to push himself up in about to escape, even though he’s just staggering, “Stompfruvhmm…” But the guy tripped from his unbalanced position when the ground shook from something heavy that dropped into the crater. “Wha…Whaaat?” Ronson turns his head while trying to move up again, and found approaching him was….Shining Armor who showed a very serious and upset expression. “You accursed pony….you think you’re special now? You were nothing when my sister controlled you!” Ronson issued off to say as he pushed himself up and ran to punch on both sides of Shiny’s front for three times. 

“Hmmm…./Punchfruvhmmm….” Shining Armor growled in anger before he punched Ronosn’s muzzle hard that knock him back.

“Grrugh…GRUOOOAUGH!” Ronson struggled from that blow but yelped when he felt his collar of his garments pulled up by an angry Shining Armor.

“That's for lying to and tricking me, Ronson!” Shiny shouted off before he delivered another steel hoof punch into the guy’s gut for two times.

“Cough…Coughrrugh…” Ronson coughs in aching pain before Shiny tossed him to slam across the ground while he tries to push himself up again.

“Hurrruaghhh…Gruuuoghhh!” Then Shining Armor jumped up into the air before performing a wrestle move on the target. “Bashfruvhmmm….” And Shiny had slammed on Ronson's back hard. 

“Gruuoooaarughhh,” Ronson lets off another painful howl in feeling that pain in his backside.

As Shiny gets up in seeing the creep isn’t staying down, he decides to go into a more offensive motion. 

“AND THIS IS FOR HURTING MY FAMILY AND THE VERY SISTER THAT I LOVE, YOU MONSTER!” Shining Armor roared off in showing he was really ticked off as he was gonna let this creep be given what he deserves. 

“Guuagh..Huuuahaaaughh,” Ronson just barely tries to finally get enough strength to use his wings and magic to brace for anything as something was now coming.

“Seven Steel Strikes!” Shining Armor shouted from wielding his own steel sword in his hooves.

After announcing his attack, Shining's body magically created six more steel swords that he uses his horn’s magic to levitate. Then he charged forth to deliver seven swings of the steel at such speed, the powerful blow of being hit by seven blades against Ronson’s being, he felt great harm against himself as being dealt with seven blows simultaneously.

“Gruuooarrrughhhhaaaahhh,” Ronson moaned painfully while his body felt unable to support himself as he slowly drops onto the ground face first.

“That will teach you.” Shiny scoffed off to say in seeing he’s now made his point clear.

As soon as the guy was coming out of the crater, Shining Armor had his Steel Form deactivated while he was receiving comments from those that watch his fight.

“Awesome!” The CMC, Rainbow Dash & PhoboS responded together.

“My, Shining Armor was so….wonderful in his words.” CadAnce spoke off to say in having never seen any like that before her eyes.

“And now we see what happens when you upset my brother.” Twilight smiled off proudly in what her big brother could do.

“Heheh, guess uncle Shiny is now one of us.” Adult Nyx giggled under her breath in seeing now her uncle Shiny is now a part of the strong element users in their battle against evil.

“Boy I’ll say, he really didn’t let up.” Spike nods off to quote in how bad Shiny gave it to Ronson, he almost feels sorry for the foe…almost.

As everyone was having their moment, Ronson was seen again struggling from his bruised and beaten state from not just everyone’s efforts, but against Shining Armor’s attacks.

“Da…darn it….all my efforts, my plans to rule….ruined.” Ronson complained to struggle to say his words while he lied on the ground. “My vision….my vision to what I’ve strived to work hard to achieve a goal, Gone….” He spoke to curse what has happened, everything he was making, was now falling apart, all from those that stopped his ambition. “Darn you all to….Tartarus….ugh.” With his final curse word, Ronson lost consciousness at that moment which at that remote instant caused all of the remaining Steel Golems to cease activity while giving those that were facing them a break.

“The enemy unit seems to have cease activity.” Omega stated from seeing what has started to happen to the Steel Golems.

“Probably cause Ronson was the caster, and while he could be powerful enough to keep making them, if he’s out cold, then these guys will cease being active.” Golden Heart spoke to explain why these golems cease being active, from Ronson’s defeat no less.

“Yep, that just shows that it’s another win for our side in the battle of good against evil, especially in politics.” Pinkamena smiled in having calm down from her outburst in being glad such a meany was beaten.

With Ronson defeated, did the others regroup around those that have finally returned to them. And much of Twilight & Nyx’s group came to hug their pals with Shining hugging Cadance, relieved that she is okay.

“Twilight, Nyx, I’m so glad you, mom, aunt Luna & can dance are okay.” Ben hugs his family in having felt like he lost them.

“We’re okay Ben, don’t worry.” Twilight smiled to pat her love’s back to relax now.

“Hey girls, sorry for the delay, did we miss much?” Nyx smiled to her friends from knowing she was out of it for a bit.

“You kidding, the way you made that awesome last move at the end!” Scootaloo stated from what they saw was the best thing to be seen all day.

“Right, dat there was de best thing we ever seen ye do yet!” Apple Bloom nods in giving Nyx credit in what she did that caught Ronson off guard.

“You were like one of those late heroes or heroines that right in the nick of time.” Sweetie Belle stated how they saw Nyx was like a hero that arrived at the perfect timing to turn the tide.

“We thank you all, for your valiant effort in stopping Ronson.” Luna smiled to give thanks to the group for helping to save them and stop the evil.

“Aw, it wasn’t nothing; But if you wanna go on, then by all means. Do so.” Phobos spoke off to say in liking the credit given here.

“Actually, we had help, and from the Metal Rogue, Z-Strap, him and his grandmother.” Spike stated to point out another group that were helpful and where they were.

“Really now; the famous rogue that caused such uproars in Manehattan that I heard in the reports?” Celestia raised an eyebrow in looking to the costume masked pony near Grams in having heard of the former.

“Uh-oh, Grams, better grab on, sounds like we’re still wanted.” Z-Strap spoke in having a bad feeling about this as he prepares to spread metal wings to fly them, but….

“Now hold up boy, you think after saving every pony’s hide, they throw the book at you?” Grams spoke off to say that after what they just did, the princesses would do something like that.

“Your grandmother speaks true; in fact, we want to thank you for your help in what seem like a hard struggle for you.” Luna spoke in humbly stating the matter as she and her sister approach those from Manehattan.

“You fought against things that were not seen by lawful eyes, and with that, you are not a threat or a villain, but a hero who should be a proud example that Manehattan is lucky to have.” Celestia smiled to dignify how very lucky Z-Strap is to be a true hero, he may not have earn recognition from the bad rumors, but this may change things for him.

“Gee, um, I…don’t know what else to say.” Z-Strap spoke in feeling almost too stun shock to say much here.

“Really, you fought against the hardest battles till now and you can’t even say thanks to royalty? Didn’t I teach you some manners?” Grams raised an eyebrow with a smile to jab her grandchild to be a little considerate of such praise worthiness.

“Ugh, right. Thank you, your highnesses.” Z-Strap rubbed his head to look up to say his thanks to the Royal Sisters.

“Twilight, if you can, please prepared to gather your citizens, we shall have a new celebration event,” Celestia smiled to speak this to Twilight to get things ready as some Royal Guards now appear.

“Right away Princess Celestia,” Twilight nods her head in hearing this and will begin work right away as a planner.

Soon, many of the gang was getting around to have much of the citizens prepare to gather near the town hall for a NEW, and this time, safe and true announcement. During the moment, the Royal Guards were confiscating the inactive Steel Golems and the unconscious Ronson while binding his magic with Magic Canceling Collar around his neck. As for what will happen from Z-Strap’s foe finally been dealt with and what will become of Zan Alloy & Grams, those are mysterious to be solved in a bit. As the scene goes dark to prepare for what will be a closure to such works….

---------------

From afar and nearby, those from Pinkamena's Secret Dungeon had witness the victory event where Ronson was defeated and Z-Strap recognized as not a villain, but a hero from the evil Changling's ruse plot for Equestria.

"It is done. The Changeling has lost and Ponyville is saved, and............the Crystal Empire is safe from his grasp." Sombra spoke with a sound of relief, but also concerns around the last part.

Autumn Gem hugs and kisses her love on the chee, as he lightly blushes from that affection.

"That's wonderful, my love, and maybe we can see Cadance off." Autumn Gem suggested this from out of nowhere.

"Hugh, I am still unsure if she will react kindly to seeing me after what I done in the past." Sombra sighs in feeling regret of that idea might not be a good one.

"Do not worry, my love, we have lots of support on our side." Autumn Gem spoke in stating that they have plenty of those that know Sombra isn't evil and can back up the claim if asked.

"You are right, my love, but that is for her to decide, not me or others." Sombra lightly nodded to this while only stating the choice is Cadence's to make when she sees him.

And with that, do the two fade out for the time being, as something else will soon stir up in the near conclusion of this story...
> Chapter 06: Z-Strap, Hero’s Moment
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 06: Z-Strap, Hero’s Moment


It wasn’t long after the defeat of Ronson, now revealed to be the Changeling King and relative to Queen Chrysalis, has been removed from his title as Mayor of Manehattan from all his deceiving actions. Now after repairing and fixing the damages and clearing away any leftovers of Ronson’s troops were there a stage set near Town Hall. 

As everyone was making preparations for another big announcement, certain discussions were going around. Most of which were focus on Shining Armor after he became an Element User.

“Yo, congrats there Shiny,” Rainbow Dash spoke in giving a job well done to this stallion.

“Ho doggy, ye sure surprise us.” AJ spoke off in telling it like it is.

“Even me, I was so surprised!” Pinkie Pie smiled off to say this to the guy.

“You were magnificent out there, darling!” Rarity happily spoke in giving praises here.

“Oh yes, we’re all so happy for you.” Fluttershy smiled to nod a bit in agreement there.

“Thanks guys, I’m glad I could finally do more and make a difference now. Maybe have better luck in the future battles,” Shiny responded in feeling grateful to all these comments from being the wielder to the Element of Steel.

“Nice work out there, Shining Armor. You're the stallion.” Iron Brave pats the guy’s back in complimenting him.

“Thanks, Iron Brave. I couldn't have done it without you. You're best teach I could ask for.” Shiny responded in also returning the compliment back to the guy for helping him out.

“Hah-hah…I did my best, and especially helping friends. So, better Pinkie Promise. Make sure my Element of Steel is safe from harm. Got it?” Iron Brave let off a chuckle while asking that Shiny keeps the Element of Steel safe from harm.

“Got it; Pinkie Promise,” Shiny smiled in making that promise that he’ll wanna be keeping.

“Hey, Iron Brave…you were the original user to the metal element, right?” Zan asked this off in wanting to ask this question at this very moment here.

“That I was, why?” Iron Brave slowly nods in confirming that, why was Zan asking of this.

“Listen, because of everything I’ve done, well I…” Zan rub the back of his neck in feeling a bit hard in saying this, but he sighs to take a deep breath in getting his courage. “Hugh, what I’m saying is. I want you to take my Element of Metal away. I prove... unworthy and a problem to you all…” He spoke in just standing there awaiting for his element to be removed for proving unworthy.

This surprised everyone in hearing this, was Iron Brave really gonna take away the element that choose Zan Alloy to wield the Element of Metal. This was a question that was on many of their minds right now, would it be done or not…?

“Heh, nah. Keep it, Zan.” Iron Brave waved off to scoff the subject of taking what is now Zan’s, much to everyone’s shock.

“Wait, what?” Scootaloo yelps in hearing that.

“But why,” Sweetie Belle asked off the question.

“Isn’t it yers?” Apple Bloom stated in what they have heard.

“”Yeah, you can be the user again, why you turning it down?” Phobos stated to question Iron Brave’s choice to regain his old element again.

“Cause it already found it’s worthy successor when I left it in that box in that junkyard.” Iron Brave explained the case of what has happened can’t be simply undo, the element picked Zan for a reason. “In reality, Zan, I was testing you too.” This surprised many more of the group in hearing this out of nowhere. “It was a test to put your leap of faith and trust on the friends you had made, but more importantly, keep on having your Heart of Steel in you. Always,” He issued off in explaining the case here for Zan to never forget this lesson.

“Really; you sure you’re not pulling my hoof here?” Zan responded off in being surprised to hear this, he gets to keep his element.

“Nope; just don’t make me think I’ve regretted my choice or I may have to take it back. You get me?” Iron Brave responded off to say this while making it clear that he wants Zan to keep doing good with that power.

“Ugh…” Zan was kinda surprised to hear that, but before he could respond…his grandmother got up to the Mystic.

“Now just a moment, you saying my grand baby is a poor choice, well who do you think raise him? Hmmm….” Grams spoke off in letting this tough Mystic see that she was looking like she was gonna fight him. “Listen up, you dare to touch him in thinking he ain’t on the straight and narrow, then I’ll show you how tough this old Ex-Marine Drill Sergeant is! Cause I help in making sure he ain’t evil!” Grams declared that she helps Zan out and that if this guy thinks her child ain’t good enough, then she’ll show him how tough and scary she can be.

“Woah Grams, easy, he’s a Mystic, you know?” Zan spoke to pat his grandma on the back to ease up, she almost looks like she’ll fight against Iron Brave.

“Zan, unless it’s somebody that’s looking for a beating, no matter if it’s Mystic or not, he better watch what he says.” Grams look to her child in stating a fact that if this buster don’t watch his words, then she don’t care otherwise.

“Ghahahah, it’s okay, it’s okay; I trust Zan. Believe me, I can tell how scary mares are when they are angry. And your grandmother is just as almost as scary as my sister was.” Iron Brave made a slight chuckle in waving his hooves down to calm the picture here in stating that he understands perfectly well of Zan being true, and that after seeing how his sister Frozen Sage gets, it’s best not to get any mare upset for even tough old gals can be scary when one least expects it.

“Still, no sweat, I won’t let you down.” Zan smiled off in giving the A-okay on the matter at hand here on the subject.

“That’s what I like to hear, Z.” Iron Brave smiled off to say this while nodding towards Zan.

Both Zan & Iron Brave gave a hoof clap as many of the others were cheering and stomping their hooves down for joy of the happy moment as things go dark here before something else begins to take place soon...

The good mayor of Ponyville decided to come forth to speak to her pony citizens with this announcement.

“Attention Ponyville citizens, here with us are those we can truly, and I mean to say, TRULY trust, that we believe in.” Mayor Mare spoke to gather everyone’s attention, and this time around, those here are ones they truly can have fate in their words, “Princess Celestia, Luna, Cadance & Twilight.” She points towards those that are here with them as she moves aside to left hem take the stage.

Much of the crowds cheered while those called forth soon approached the center stage. Once the cheering had settled down a bit, did one of the princesses decide to speak out her words.

“Citizens of Ponyville, we are all glad that the ruse of Ronson’s true scheme was exposed.” Celestia spoke proudly in what has happened before them, the truth of one villain has now been exposed now.

“Indeed, and we owe much to the small effort of these two ponies from Manehattan.” Luna spoke off to look at Zan & Grams from behind them in being given credit.

“Grams & Zan Alloy, will you please step forth.” Twilight spoke off with a smile in wanting those called out to come forth for all ponies to see the saviors of the hour.

“Go on, don’t be shy.” Cadance smiled off to say in giving some encouraging words to any of those that maybe a bit shy from all this attention.

“I ain’t shy, just…surprised.” Zan spoke off to look away, trying to not be seen like he was afraid to go up to be in front of a crowd, usually, he’s as Z-Strap so none know who did the deeds, but…

“Oh come on boy, just follow my lead.” Grams smiled off to pat her grandchild’s back to give him some encouraging words and to get him to move it.

Soon both Zan & Grams approached the center stage of the town hall spot as many ponies cheered for their arrival.

“For your service, I wish to help by working to undo all the evil that’s been played out over my watch.” Celestia spoke to humbly insist that she sets the right of the wrongs done by Ronson as acting Mayor of Manehattan.

“Wait, what? Y-You don’t have to do nothing special, this wasn’t your fault!” Zan yelped in hearing this as he tried to let Celestia know that none of what happened was her fault and shouldn’t be taking all the responsibilities.

“No, my sister and I know now of the truth. Had we not been fooled by Ronson’s deception of lies and false information, we could have avoided all of this.” Luna spoke firmly to tell Zan that this was much their fault as any for letting Ronson be let loose to control and gain power through means they did not foresee so well.

“Therefore, you are to be commended on your efforts. And that now, every pony here, even those all over Equestria, know you are a true good hero with a good heart.” Candace smiled to state this as the princess of love, that Zan & Grams are heroes from following their hearts and never denying what they truly believe.

“In truth, you went through what I had with Ronson’s sister, but I managed to stick to my beliefs and they paid off.” Twilight smiled to give some words here about how she thought Cadance who was really Chrysalis seems strange and that none believed her until the very end. “So we understand and you stood with your resolve, the only thing needed were some good friends.” She smiled to state another important fact that was something needed to what could have helped Zan even more…having reliable friends to help one out.

“In truth, having friends would have been nice. Other than Grams here, I almost thought I continue my fights alone.” Zan spoke to look down while looking at his grandmother to ponder the very thoughts in his mind. “But I guess, that’s changed, and for the better to.” He looked up at the princesses with a little smile in thinking that with the mess now over, maybe he’ll be much more alright now than before.

The crowds were ‘awing’ at this as they were soon stomping their hooves for joy in what they heard. And from the stage watching this and the crowd’s reactions, Ben, the Mane Five, CMC and baby Dragons smiled in seeing how much things have come along. Whoever would have expected such a twist, the good guy was the bad guy, and the bad guy was actually the good guy, you never see that coming from a mile away. But at least things ended well in the end, that’s what counts.

“Hey Everypony, I got an idea in what we can do! Let’s celebrate with a party!” Pinkie Pie smiled to shout this out over the crowds to give them an idea in what they should do.

“YEAH,” The crowds cheered in liking that idea very much now. They should throw a party to honor the ones that helped save them from Ronson’s conniving evil ploy.

“Seriously, does she always like to throw a party?” Zan asked off to the others in finding the pink pony always wanting to throw parties seems….a bit much.

“You have NO Idea.” The rest of the Mane Six, CMC, & baby Dragons responded in stating that it’s a fact that not many know until they’ve gotten to know Pinkie Pie.

“Say, whatever happened to those Steel Golems?” Spike asked off in noticing that the enforcers of what Ronson made aren’t around.

“Beats me; like we even care where those guys are.” Phobos shrugs off to say in a none caring manner over such an issue.

“I heard Goldie’s group took them up to be in the Armory.” Pinkie Pie spoke off in telling this to her pals in what she heard was being done.

“Oh my, isn’t that where…” Fluttershy spoke surprise in just hearing and knowing about that.

“The Machines of War, yes indeed, I believe so.” Rarity stated in firmly recalling such a manner of where that place is and what it stores.

“Probably since without Ronson around, they’re just empty shells,” Applejack spoke off to state how such golem type creatures ain’t nothing without the one that cast to make them and move them being around.

“Yeah, but why even keep something from that jerk,” Rainbow Dash spokes off to say while pondering an issue that she just couldn’t figure out.

“It’s the same thing like what the Flim Flam Brothers made when we fought Lorcan. They’re dangerous in the wrong use, but we can use them for a better purpose.” Ben shrug off to casually state this fact that only something made if used inappropriately will cause harm, but if there was another use for a better purpose, they should look into it.

“So that’s why grandma asked Goldie to do it. Hope they can manage carrying that many.” Nyx spoke off in recalling that Celestia asked those to handle the job in putting away those golems made of steel.

The others nod in agreement that even golems made of such heavy steel would not be a cake walk to move them if they were like frozen statues. And boy is it hard flying to Canterlot with such heavy loads and the multiple teleportation trips ain’t no breeze either. But knowing Goldie’s group, they’ll manage something on their own.

-------------

At the time, we find Golden Heart, Pinkamena, & Omega with some of the other Royal Guards in finally completing their task; they brought every last Steel Golem near the Armory spot in Canterlot before shutting the big doors to keep anyone else from coming in. The task was hard, the other Steel Golems in the compound that were seal and trapped from Ben’s group fighting, had to be brought to the area too. Sir Spell Nexus was entering the area to congrats the soldiers while Flash Sentry help lead them out. Now this left Spell Nexus near Goldie’s group for some discussion to take place it seems.

“Thank you for your efforts to move these golems here.” Sir Spell Nexus spoke to give thanks to those that helped out here.

“Sure thing,” Golden Heart nods off to say to the guy.

“No problem!” Pinkamena waved off like the deed wasn’t bad at all.

“We function to aid.” Omega replied off to mention this statement.

“So what’s the deal in having Ronson’s specially improved golems here?” Golden Heart asked off to the professor here about having these magically created golems here anyway?

“Like the Machines of War, these golems were made to be of an advance mineral orc of steel, they’re very powerful use in the world of warfare and conflict. Such they serve as spell caster’s performance when fighting.” Spell Nexus spoke off to explain how these uniquely crafted golems are meant to function it seems.

“It’s true, and if not for the mistress’ little outburst, they would have been harder to contend to.” Omega stated how if Pinkamena did not get upset, they have more harder times handling these golems.

“Yeah, but nobody insults me or my group!” Pinkamena stated off to make her claim right here for all to hear now.

“And now with Ronson now sent off to Grimdark, I can begin trying to perform certain spells to decode their magical programing. Thus, allowing them to be more active use in helping to keep Equestria safe.” Sir Spell Nexus stated that with Ronson now gone off to their max security facility prison, they can use the Steel Golems for a better use, to do more good than bad by the sounds of it.

“Hugh, I never thought of it like that.” Golden Heart rubs the back of his head in hearing this that caught his attention. “Turn what was left from what our enemies use for evil for a good purpose, I guess it makes better sense than destroying them." He spoke off that if they do use such a method, it saves them time with other means and could help them out later in the future.

“Indeed, golems are meant to be loyal minions to anyone that crafts them, but when whoever made them is gone or has been removed, others can use them.” Spell Nexus explained how a golem is supposed to function forth when one magically creates them. “Sometimes, powerful spells are put on them to be forever active in their duty; we’re lucky that Ronson never did that even after he was knocked out.” He stated another method in what the golems are even used from those even more powerful that they can keep going even if their caster creator is long gone.

“That would have made things more difficult for sure.” Omega declared that if that were the cast, they have a harder time to defeat such foes.

“I again thank you for this, now leave the rest to us now.” Spell Nexus spoke to give his thanks to this bunch again for their efforts as he would take over in repurposing these Steel Golems for a new life to help them out.

Goldie’s group nods as they are walking to head out the door, they see what Spell Nexus is performing. He’s performing a complicated spell on what was the captain of the Steal Golems, decoding it’s magical code features of what it should do and who it should be loyal to, that seems like very hard stuff to even achieve. But what can one expect from a skill professor that was also Twilight’s teacher for Celestia’s school for gifted unicorns.

“You know, I agree what Spell Nexus is thinking. And he seems to wanna turn whatever the bad guys used to our advantage.” Pinkamena spoke off in liking to agree in what method Spell Nexus was going for.

“He must be trying excessively hard, considering the other matters?” Omega concurred to say of what such a pony wants to do.

“Well he still wants to help, after the whole Cult thing was pass over to resurrect the evil Nightmare Moon and he was forgiven, he wants to do everything in his power to make sure we’re all safe.” Golden Heart spoke firmly in understanding the guy’s position of wanting to help cleanse things of his past mistakes. “It’s kinda like what my sister here’s been doing with her Light Elves project.” He stated to look at Pinkamena in how the girl was creating an army to help protect them; Spell Nexus was doing something very relative.

“Guilty as charge; Speaking of which, better get back to check up on Havis and the others now; plus, find Cadance with something to tell her before she leaves,” Pinkamena stated from thinking that was very much a true fact before deciding what they outta do now.

With that much said and done, did the group in Goldie’s party finally make it out the doors; Now they’ll be heading back with some sorta plans of what to do while pondering a question; how the Mane Six gang are doing and what Zan Alloy & Grams will do from now on with Ronson finally out of the picture.

-------------------------------------------

The scene opens up to where Cadance had said her farewells to Twilight’s group as she was heading off to rejoin with Shining Armor in the Crystal Empire, her leave of sudden absence must have made lots of ponies worried sick. Course before that was gonna happen, Pinkamena's group made plans to enter the scene before Cadance would leave town...

“Um, Princess Cadence,” Just then, some pony from nearby an alley spoke in getting Cadence’s attention before she would take off…as the princess saw it was Autumn Gem.

“You…aren’t you…a citizen of the Crystal Empire?” Cadance spoke off in recalling who this pony was, but why was she here?

“I can explain, with their help.” Autumn Gem stated to turn her head near Golden Heart, Pinkamena, Omega and Jack Zen coming out.

“We want you to see something.” Goldie stated off in what they have to tell the princess before she leaves.

“Right, it’s about Sombra, roll the film Omega!” Pinkamena stated this off as she asked her bot to play a certain image.

Soon a few minutes have passed by in which Cadance was updated with some surprising info as it relates to her and the Crystal Empire; it was about Sombra. Omega played out a recording about what a pony named Unalaq said about having plotted to turn Sombra into an evil puppet for the Three Lords, and though the king tried to stop his evil side, it fuse and gain control and made the guy be what has happened a 1000 years ago. Cadence gasped in shock in seeing this before it all was sinking it; she realized that what happened was not Sombra’s fault all those years ago.

“I feel sorry for him, Sombra was a good king, but when he went evil…we never understood why. Now….now I feel that I wonder, if I’ll have the chance to speak to him and discuss the issue itself.” Cadance spoke in starting to feel sorry upon learning of the devastating matter of what played out in Sombra being forcefully turn evil.

“Maybe you can.” Autumn Gem spoke from when she walks to the corner of the alley; there, she talks to some hooded pony.

As Cadance watched puzzled, Goldie’s group was not phased; The hooded pony shook his head as if displaying an expression of worry, but Autumn Gem leans in to lightly kiss the lips while saying ‘I will be right by your side’ as words of comfort. The hooded pony sighs, but nods in giving in to this as he walks forward and was in front of Cadance as he lightly removes his hood. Cadance gasped in seeing the hooded figure was Sombra; alive, and not within the Frozen North, how? Just as the princess was looking worried, that faded when Sombra did the un-expected…he lightly kneels before Cadance, much to her puzzlement.

“Princess Cadance, Ruler of the Crystal Empire. You may still think I maybe evil, but….what they speak is true.” Sombra explained the fact that he is not the evil that he once was. “But even if so, you may think I want to become ruler of the empire I started, wanted to protect before everything happened.” He stated in knowing that with his return and freedom of evil, he could take back what he lost.

“Then, I guess I and Shiny…would leave from ruling your….” Cadance spoke in feeling sorrow in where this was going, but…

“Let me finish. However, after all I heard and been told of what happened, it seems you and your love have done so much more, better than I could ever done when I was ruler. Before evil took me.” Sombra spoke off to explain the case about what he’s managed to observe of Cadance’s work in running his empire, “Which is why I….former King Sombra, hereby renounce the throne and rule of the Crystal Empire…to you; Princess Cadance. After all, you did have all the rights to rule it with your love, but I do hope…from deep in your heart that you can forgive me. But if not, I will understand.” He declared that from this moment on, Cadance shall have the throne and rule over the Crystal Empire, all he wants is to ask to be forgiven.

Everyone around heard this and were very wondering of what was to happen as Cadance absorbed what Sombra said. Soon her decision came and it was in the form…of a smile.

“Rise up.” Cadance spoke with a soft and gentle voice and smile as the stallion did as he was told. “King Sombra, your words show they do not speak lies, but they do speak truthfully. I, Princess Cadance, forgive you of your crimes, for they were not of your own will. And that you are welcome to visit the Crystal Empire anytime you want.” She spoke with a sincere smile that this stallion is forgiven and that Sombra can be welcome back to his old home anytime he chooses.

Hearing this, much of Goldie’s group cheered in hearing this great news. Autumn Gem then leaps up and hugs Sombra as she was being really happy about this. Even Sombra shows signs of being happy for Cadance’s forgiveness towards him.

“Thank you princess, for now, my home shall be with these ponies.” Sombra spoke in stating he’ll be staying with Pinkamena and her friends to be around Ponyville. “But at least I can visit the Crystal Empire whenever I want to, you have my thanks.” He issued this off from his own last words to speak here.

“It’s yours to make whenever you choose. I wonder, have you told my aunts?” Cadance asked forth in pondering something on her mind; does Celestia & Luna now know.

“We have, they know right after we introduce the guy to Twilight’s group. At least the second time around went better than the first.” Jack Zen replied off that they told the Royal Sisters about Sombra’s case.

“Indeed, since we had evidence and how Twilight responded to his judgment.” Omega responded to say that with the footage evidence, it made their explanation a lot easier.

“Then I must go now, I’ll have to inform my love and many others of the evidence about your innocence, so that way, when you come back Sombra, no one will think you otherwise.” Cadance spoke forth in seeing that she’ll need to head home now and inform many of this news.

“Thank you.” Sombra nods back in thanking the princess for her concerns.

With that, Cadance soon takes off into the air before she teleports out of sight. Goldie’s group soon decide to return to their home now after seeing all things have finally turn out well for them as everything fads out at this moment before changing scenery.

-----------------

The scene opens up towards where after much ponies where having a swell time, the Mane Six bunch was seen near Zan & Grams. Turns out they wanted to speak to this bunch from when they first met to now this party. So after what were a few good minutes of when the party started, did things begin to go serious now.

“Well I gotta admit, I haven’t enjoyed a good time in a long time.” Zan spoke off to give his compliments to the party planner herself here.

“Seriously; Where and what have you been doing?” Pinkie Pie asked off shock, what was this guy doing if not going to parties.

“Saving Manehattan from Ronson, every single day, the boy needs another career option in my book.” Grams rolled her eyes in stating what Zan has done with most of his time, train, get strong, and the only times he relaxes is skateboarding to even making his metal artwork.

“Come on Grams, Ronson controlled our entire neck of the woods, someone had to step in.” Zan spoke off in stating his own issue of how they were supposed to handle such matters.

“Well, what you did was very kind and very nice in the end.” Fluttershy spoke to give some compliments to Zan for his good deeds even when no one really saw the hero he was.

“Boy howdy, ye take much of being like how Granny Smith was acting young, an' yer Grams probably is as full of spirit as any pony.” Applejack some off to proudly state this in seeing how these two are as lively, even as how her granny behaves sometimes if she was younger.

“Oh now stop, you’re making me blush.” Grams smiled off to wave off AJ’s words that were getting to the old mare.

“Still, you both were pretty awesome, and if I say it, it must be true!” Rainbow Dash declared off to say this in feeling like giving credit where it may be due.

“Glad to hear that, but listen, there’s something we gotta tell yah.” Zan spoke out in having something important to tell this bunch. “As fun as this party was, for us, in a long time with our fight against Ronson, it’s time we head on home.” He stated that it was time he and his grandma get ready to head on home about now.

“Awwww,” The CMC pouted in hearing that, it sounds like their new pals are gonna have to leave.

“But wait, when are you leaving?” Spike asked off in when these two are leaving them.

“Unfortunately, after we had our fun here, sorry youngsters.” Grams shrug off to say that as much it been nice staying here, they gotta return home.

“You mean you’re going home after the party’s over?” Phobos asked off shock in what they are hearing here.

“Might be sooner, now that Celestia will work out in undoing any evil workings Ronson still had set back in Manehattan, she needs to find a new mayor to run it.” Zan stated that once they get home, Manehattan will need to elect a new mayor, one that won’t be as bad as Ronson was.

“Well gee, Ah sure hope my cousin is doing okay.” Apple Bloom spoke in knowing her cousin Babs Seed lives there and it be hard if there was a bad mayor running things.

“That’s right; we set up a Cutie Mark Crusader group there with her running it.” Scootaloo spoke off that they set up their club branch in another town.

“What if Ronson got to her and turn it all evil like?” Sweetie Belle gasped in thinking of a horrible thought that came to them.

“Now hush up now! Not every pony is having themselves be sold off to let Ronson have his logo on everything. After all, some folks like to run their shops, business, without the extra policy or merchandise from the guy.” Grams spoke off to settle the fillies worries over such issues that they don’t have to worry over, cause not much of what happened as been set in stone.

“Gee, that sounds very good to hear.” Nyx sigh to smile in liking what they heard now. “But what will you do now that your secret identity is revealed?” She asked this question towards Zan Alloy, will he continue to be Z-Strap now that folks may know about him.

“Hey, I’ll still be a hero; I’ll just change into something that makes me feel a little more comfortable.” Zan smiled off to say that even though others will know him, he’ll get in his getup to allow him to still fight crime and such.

“But with Ronson now gone, won’t Manehattan be safer now?” Twilight asked off the bigger question that was on the mind, if peace will return with an arch-rival opponent now gone.

“Maybe not Twilight, don’t forget, we have other enemies that are still wanting to conquer and destroy our homes and all of Equestria.” Ben stated this with a stern face in knowing that they have to think about the Three Lords: Apocalypse Ponies, Dark Mystics, even Grimmore, until they are gone, peace can never truly prosper. “So it looks like you might still have more of being Z-Strap a bit more, Zan.” He stated that Zan will have to be more the Metal Rogue hero known as Z-Strap, if he comes across anyone else in the future.

“Yo hey, no problem, I’m alright with that.” Zan smiled off to mention this as being cool over the issue. “Besides, if ever you need me as an ally, I’ll step up my game and lean you a hoof.” He stated this as he’ll offer his aid to the bunch when they need him, no matter where or when.

The gang smiled in hearing this, that would be nice to have another ally in their fight against evil. Zan Alloy, the Element User of Metal, and who goes by the name Z-Strap the Metal Rogue, truly both are one hero in all sides.

“Oh what are we getting sappy about and at a nice party here?” Grams spoke off to change the subject in seeing they need to turn their frowns upside-down. “Come on grandson, get crazy with the bunch.” She spoke to Zan to get out there and have a little more fun now.

“Aw Grams, really,” Zan asked off in sounding like he was not the type to do such things.

“Don’t backtalk me boy, you work too hard, you’ll be crabby. Cut loose and have some fun now!” Grams spoke off in advising her grandchild to live a little and to not be so much as to miss out on things.

Then Grams pushed Zan against his will outwards, much to the others being surprised. Zan bump into two ponies while getting his balance back before looking up to say that he’s sorry to them, only to come across some new faces. One was an Earth mare with light violet fur coat, pink wild style mane and tail, wore yellow hoof shoes, and had light emerald eyes, and with a Cutie Mark being of a book. The other was a young Earth stallion with dark emerald color fur coat, wore a red vest, had spiky blonde mane & tail, and had emerald eyes and with a Cutie Mark shaped like a sneaker pair related to being cool.

“Um, hey,” Zan yelped a bit to say hello to this unexpected encounter with a mare he’s never seen or lay eyes on.

“Hey there yourself,” The new mare responded with a friendly smile towards Zan in not being bothered.

“Yo sis, its Z-Strap, dude, you were awesome out there!” The stallion who’s younger than Zan spoke off in being so excited to see and meet this dude for the first time.

“Thanks, um…” Zan raised an eyebrow in hearing the young stallion compliment him, though he sounded almost like a fanboy or something.

“My name's Ellie and this little annoyance is my brother, Matt. We’re a part of the Martin Family.” The mare Zan bumped into introduced herself and her brother.

“Hey man, maybe we can hang out, after all, our folks got a job in Manehattan, maybe we can hang.” Matt stated off to say while bringing up this issue that they’ll be in the same city area as Zan will be and they can hang out.

“Um, well…I don’t know about.” Zan rubbed the back of his head in feeling that might be a little much to expect out of nowhere. “You fine with hanging out with me?” He looked to this strange pony bunch siblings to ask the big question; are they fine with being with him.

“Sure, you seem like a great guy.” Ellie replied off in not being bothered to hang around with this guy she meant.

“You think so?” Zan asked off a bit stump, he never thought someone other than his new friends would say that?

“Yes, I do.” Ellie replied back in her sincere tone with a friendly smile.

“Yo sis; lets hit the dance floor before our big moving day!” Matt spoke off to interrupt the two having some strange moment to get down in having fun with the party going on around them.

“Heheh, do you dance?” Ellie chuckle a bit to see her younger brother go off to have fun before she asked if Zan knows how to dance.

“Um, no…do you?” Zan sheepishly chuckled to say he don’t be dancing before asking this question out of the blue.

“Kinda, but not much; But I can teach you.” Ellie shrug off her shoulders in saying she knows the basics, but not really into it, but be glad to show Zan how to.

“Well, okay.” Zan smiled a little in feeling okay to agree with that idea.

Soon Zan went off on the dance floor to have some fun with two new friends. Matt was having fun with some other ponies while Ellie and Zan seem to have hit it off on having a good time. Watching this, the Mane Six group and Grams smiled in seeing that Zan seems to have made some new friends here, how nice is that. And those new friends of Zan will be with him makes it all the better for the guy.

“Well now isn’t that a surprise, he’s already making friends already.” Grams smiled off to say in feeling so proud of her grandchild already having another chance in making friends here. “Guess you really help make even his metal heart beat for real now to help him out.” She turn to Twilight in feeling that it’s thanks to her and her group of friends, Zan cannot be a hard case, but be someone to have friends help him out as he helps them out to.

“Well, I could say, he helped out us and we owe such thanks to you both.” Twilight shrug off to say this to Grams about how she & Zan helped them out. “I do hope we’ll see each other again.” She stated in helping they’ll meet again in the future, they are good ponies to know.

“Child, don’t you threat none, now why do you and your prince charming get moving too. Shake a leg!” Grams spoke off to say that Twilight has nothing to fear about that and spoke off with a go-getter act of wanting the girl to dance with her sweet heart.

Soon Grams pushed Twilight & Ben out into the dance floor as they got their hoof feet together before seeing what was going on. They looked back at their smiling friends before each other to blush a bit.

“Well, she seems as fun as Applejack’s grandmother.” Ben smiled off to make the first chat with his love in how Grams is very much like Granny Smith, always eager to push the young to get their lives going.

“Fun doesn’t describe it, but I think I know how to have fun here.” Twilight raised a sneaky eyebrow to her lover before she raised her hoof and… “Honk-honk,” She gave a little playful honking on Ben’s nose, just to playfully tease him.

“Oh, okay then, let’s dance then.” Ben spoke off slyly in seeing how that is, time he sweeps Twilight off her hooves for that little stunt.

Soon Ben & Twilight dance to another funky dance music number and soon everybody was joining in to have some fun tonight. And boy would you not believe how much all the Mane Six, CMC & baby Dragons were having more of a blast at the party along with Grams, Zan and his new friends. This will be a good night to remember for them all. With that, the scene goes dark with a good feeling that this is a forge metal band on friendship not many are even gonna forget no matter what.

------------------

Meanwhile back at Sugarcube Corner, a mailman earth stallion named Post Haste is seen. He’s seen pulling a big cart with a wrapped up package box seal up from being noticed. But as he looked at his chart, he was not able to figure something out? Then he sees the Cakes, and intrudes on their moment to figure something out that he needs help with it seems.

“Um, sorry to bother you folks, but…where’s Pinkie Pie’s Secret Dungeon’s mailbox, I got a big package here I was asked to deliver by a fellow named Zan Alloy.” Post Haste asked off in pondering a location, he’s at the right address, but he can’t find the mailbox around the place; probably cause it’s a secret anyway.

“Oh, well this might be a first. Usually Pinkie Pie brings things to those that live below us.” Mr. Cake spoke a bit surprise to hear and even learn of such a thing happening at this moment.

“Not to worry, listen, just slide it down that secret dungeon shot and it’ll get there.” Mrs. Cake spoke to calmly address the issue of what’s happening here for them all to handle now.

Then Post Haste looked nearby to see in a surprise, some sorta transit floor elevator. How did that get there, and bigger question is, when was it put in. But that look like something to head down to the secret dungeon below Sugarcube Corner.

“Hugh, I can’t believe I didn’t notice that was there.” Post Haste rub the back of his head in puzzled by this as he never would have guess that was there.

“Pinkie installed it for such an occasion if someone below ever get mail.” Mrs. Cake explained this to the mailman pony of such a contraption.

“Right, and it was recently finished by her, if you can believe that.” Mr. Cake stated how their pink pony managed to get this thing done just recently.

So without making such a fuss over it, Post Haste set the big package box on the trap door slot and pushed a button to see that it was sinking down below while two tops on the side closed it afterwards. Post Haste thought it was strange, but he only shrug it off while he had a signature from the Cakes, got a tip of which was from Pinkie Pie’s coin jar for paying her mail orders or for someone below as the guy left afterwards.

And below in the secret dungeon, the elevator trap door lowered itself to a stop with the package box still there in one piece. And when Goldie, Pinkamena & Omega return back, they saw it. And when they approached it, there was a note that was address to…Omega. As it read ‘Here’s a metal artwork I hope you’ll like, from one being of metal to a mechanical metal bot, but you know wha I’m saying. Sign, Zan Allow, AKA, Z-Strap.’ which was the end of the note. Being curious, the group slowly begin to open up the package box that was about the size of a pony size and they see saw what was there.

“Oh my…” Pinkamena gasped in surprise in seeing this object they opened up.

“Wow.” Goldie replied off in being stunned by something…incredible.

“Such frame work…such artist designs…such flawless structure of metallic craftsmanship.” Omega slowly spoke in addressing the manner of what he can say was like an artwork that he never seen before.

Soon the camera zooms away to see what look like a metallic dark gray metal mare statue. And it had some pose of rising upwards from some ground to make a stand as if being seen as being proud. And there were pink and blazing colors made around it to make her look like she came up through a brilliantly lit light to almost…resemble Pinkamena Diane Pie. Now this sorta felt a bit odd, but, it’s art, what can you say about it?

“I think I’m in love.” Omega spoke off to say from grasping his front hooves to the metal statue’s hooves.

“You’re in love with that metal statue figure of a mare?” Goldie raised an eyebrow in questioning such a bold action of declaring a love for an object.

“Aw, I think it’s sweet. Hey, look, more inscription words on the metal plate.” Pinkamena replied off to say before noticing a metal plate at the bottom of the metal state with words crafted on it to say something. “It says ’Here be the beauty of metal that burns a desire to be everlasting and ever ageless. Make no mistake, she can represent Pinkamena for her achieving feats and now stands in the light. Thus, the metal statue’s name shall be…Pink Iron, to show the spirit of which such a hero should be’, and that’s it. Wow, guess he was not kidding about being a good artist in making metal figure structures.” Now the pink pony was surprised an amazed by this statue in how it’s supposed to be like her, yet different in the spirit form of art or something.

“I’m surprised that he knew Omega cared about you to make a metal statue of you.” Goldie stated how he’s surprise Zan Alloy knew such info to make this.

“I shall place this in my quarters, so that in my spare moments, I can marvel at such artwork.” Omega declared this out before carefully picking up the metal mare statue to bring it to his place.

“Well, this will be taking some time to get used to.” Goldie slowly stated in seeing this will be something new to get by of Omega’s actions.

“Hehe, yep, can’t wait to see how the others respond to what we got.” Pinkamena giggled a bit while imagining how the others will say once they see Omega has a nice artwork of a metal mare model of herself in his rest area.

With that, both brother and sister make off with some laughs. And then they slowly move off to follow how Omega shall choose where to put his new artwork. As things begin to go dark, many things are left in puzzlement, but at least things have a certain way of turning out for the best, in some way of speaking.

-----------------

At this moment, the scene opens to the train station where Zan, Grams, and their two new friends are getting ready to board a train to take them all back to Manehattan. As they were saying goodbye to Twilight & friends, someone was seen coming up to also give a little goodbye to those about to leave.

"Grams; look; Ain't that Flare Tiger?" Zan asked off in noticing someone coming to them.

"Why it sure seems so, must be here to say goodbye before we head home." Grams replied off in seeing the girl coming here now at the timing.

"Haha, Ah glad ya' fine along with ya' new friends!" Flare Tiger laughed off a bit in seeing this group and those that are Zan's new friends.

"Hum-Hum....Agreed. The truth's already been told. Hehe, but you didn't expect to see Flare Tiger lives here too, did yah?" Grams replied while she chuckle a bit on the statement of what Zan missed out on.

"Well yeah, I thought... you know. She still lived in Digitrisland...or wherever it was she came from." Zan replied off confused on the subject that left him in the dark.

Flare Tiger nodded in hearing that statement before speaking. "Eeyup, but Ah discovered about the Tree of Harmony and told mah family as they've decided to move here for a few reasons." She explained the case of her being here and such.

"Let me guess. Protected the Tree of Harmony?" Zan asked off in already figuring one reason in particular.

"Eeyup." Flare Tiger grinned to say this before speaking another subject. "At least mah being away, Ronson missed one more Alicorn, and...it was checkmate." She giggled a bit in finding that last statement kinda funny since if Ronson knew she was in town, he caught her and get even more powerful, but oh well...too bad for him.

"Wait minute... Zan? You know Flare Tiger?!?" Twilight Sparkle asked off when she noticed this sorta pattern of discussion.

"Eeyup," Flare Tiger replied off with a chuckle before going on with some listeners. "Ah still remember, since Ah bump into him long ago as I was able to smell his aura." She explained that part out which sounded weird, but hey, the gang have heard weirder things.

"She almost blurted out my secret, if I didn't get her to Grams for an explanation." Zan issued off the fact which made Flare Tiger giggle sheepishly cause she almost said he was an element user in front of a live crowd and with eyes & ears open in which Ronson almost heard them...almost that is.

"Turns out, Flare Tiger knew who he was a Bearer of the Element and she decided to reveal her element to us." Grams explained the case of how things went down of their meeting.

"Then to prove to them Ah was fer real, Ah had no choose but asked Zan if he's wanna learn how to use his element. As Ah told him that's how Ah know someone who had knowledge of a Bend technique called; Metal-bending." Flare Tiger explained her case of what she did for the two in helping to educate their minds, and for Zan in using his Metal Element.

"I didn't know if what she said was true or not, so we agree." Zan shrug off his shoulders in stating that he and his grandma didn't know why, but they allowed it.

"She disappeared through a strange dimensional portal and gave us a scroll." Grams nodded before she told the story of how things happened next.

"Ah brought them a scroll from another world where the bending techniques exist." Flare Tiger nodded while she explained the case of the matter. "That scroll was made from the first bender who discovered a specialized bending and her named is Toph Beifong, she's a human." She explained this other part of her discussion on the matter.

Iron Brave whistled a bit in hearing such a story of there is a human that discovered a metal bending art. "I wish I could meet her. I would've been glad to get to know about that." Iron Brave almost wished that he met the human who discovered such a unique bending art.

"You know, that's the thing, Flare Tiger told us who she is..." Zan slowly spoke off in about to tell this matter. "She maybe human, but unlike others, she has one problem since birth; she's blind." The guy slowly pointed out the drawback of Toph's succession is that she can't see a thing.

"WHAT," The Mane Six bunch & some of the others yelled out in hearing this; the one who made such bending is blind; but then how?

"But that's....Impossible! If she's really blind, how was her bending even discovered or even achieve!?!" Iron Brave yelled out in protesting against the thought of someone that made such a bending art with metal is blind, how could they achieve that. "

"Easy, she's born an Earthbender." Flare Tiger smiled off to state this other fact. "Then she did discover her seismic sense, due to her childhood. Then in the end, she used it for years until she was a young lady as she discovered that she had another bending, which is Metalbending, due to her seismic sense." She explained off that last batch of stuff for those to understand here.

Some that never heard this story were a bit intrigued while some are baffled.

"According to the scroll that my grandchild studied, anyone that wants to know about bending techniques, then they gotta head out to her special school called; 'The Bending Elements' Techniques School, or known as BETS." Grams explained the case about what she and Zan heard about from the scroll Flare Tiger brought them about Metalbenders.

"While my element works differently, some forms might be useful." Zan pointed out the case of how his Metal Element and Metalbending are different; some ideas aren't bad in using. "So nice chatting with yeah Flare Tiger, but it's time me, my family, and new pals, head on home." The guy pointed out as the final whistle from the train was heard that was the last call before it would depart.

"Of course, have a swell time!" Flare Tiger smiled off to give a little farewell wave to the group.

Soon after a few more goodbyes were done, Zan, Grams, along with the guy's new pals; Ellie & Matt, boarded the train before it closed its doors. And with a final whistle, the train finally departs, as much of those on the train wave their goodbyes to the gang, as they shall always remember this day. The day a guy who was believed to be bad, turn out to be good, as the lesson is learn; never judge a book by its cover, until you've looked inside to judge. And soon everything goes dark with this story....finally come to its ending.


The End