> Equestria Wars: The Magic Unleashed II > by sonicdash123 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Once upon a time in a magical land of Equestria.... EQUESTRIA WARS The Magic Unleashed II Equestria is finally at peace after the Nightmare incident. Now that the Castle of the Two Sisters has been reclaimed, it is now the main base of operations. A few months later after the cerebration of Nightmare Night, Twilight gave birth to a unicorn filly and named her Light, the future princess of Equestria. As Twilight and her friends hung out in the throne room as she introduced her first newborn child, Charming Thunder oversees the peaceful town of Ponyville as he is on a private chat with an officer about a new type of TIE Fighter that is being constructed for the fleet.... > Chapter 1: The TIE Defender Project > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- At the castle in Ponyville, Twilight held the baby with her magic as the others gathered to meet her. "She is so adorable," Rarity said. "Have you and Charming thought of a name for her yet?" "Yes we have," Twilight said. "We are going to name her Light." "Just like your name," Pinkie said. "Only that the word 'twi' is removed." "Let me put her in her room. She sis sound asleep and needs some rest." Twilight got up from her throne and walked to the direction to the hallway. She then entered a room with a cradle in the middle of the room full of baby themed decorations. She placed the baby in the cradle and kissed her on the forehead. She then quietly closed the door and walked to the elevator which takes her to Charming Thunder's room. The elevator door opened and revealed a hologram of an officer of the imperial fleet talking to Charming Thunder as he is seated on his rotatable chair. "The project is now underway, sir," the officer said. "Soon we will have a new type of TIE Fighters that is the same thing as a bomber. I personally call it; the TIE Defender." "Very good, commander," Charming Thunder said. "Once you have some finished, have them ready for me and the princesses to see as a demonstration. Dismissed." The hologram faded as Twilight walked up the stairs to him. "How's Light?" "She's asleep." She paused and wondered about something. "Is something bothering you?" "No. I was just thinking about Sunset. I just wonder how she's doing with her new friends ever since we left." "You never told me how you two were related ever since we reunited at the dimension." Charming Thunder sighed and explained, "She was my first mare friend before you. We always hang out together at the castle gardens, school, even in the castle when Celestia was around. You should've seen the look on Celestia's face when we accidentally threw a piece of cake at her. It was a most funny moment I can ever remember." Twilight giggled as he continued. "She wished that someday, she wants to be like Celestia. I was surprised that she left because she wanted to know more about the mirror. I missed her so much since then." "That's sweet. How come you never told me about her?" "I didn't remember her from a couple years since she left Equestria. But thanks to you and your friends from the other dimension, she finally understands what it means to have friends." Twilight walked up to the right side of his chair and placed a hoof on his hoof. "I'm sure that she is still thinking about you right now." Twilight then kissed him on the cheek and nuzzled him. --------------------- Three TIE Defenders flew past the window as the princesses along with Charming Thunder oversee the demonstration. Outside the window viewed three damaged starfighters on each platform. "Now watch as we demonstrate its weapon capabilities," the officer said. The TIE Defenders flew towards the starfighters and fired torpedos at them. They then exploded after the impact and flew over the rubble of the fighters. "Impressive," Celestia said. "Most impressive," Charming Thunder said. "We will have them ready by the time they are ready for real combat." "You have done well, commander," Cadence said. "Have one delivered to my hangar," Charming Thunder said. "Of course, sir. Consider it as a gift from the empire." --------------------- Charming Thunder looked out of his window as was seated in his chair. He then started to remember what his father said after he was redeemed from the dark side. He wondered to himself, "What did you mean by me being a king?" An image of his dark time flashed in his head as he heard voices from that time. He closed his eyes as it became louder and louder and louder. It stopped when he heard a beeping sound from his chair. He pressed the button and said, "Yes?" "You have a call from Admiral Octavia, sir," the voice said on the communicator. "Thank you." He then pressed another button and the window revealed a live feed of Octavia. "It is great to see your face again." "The pleasure is mine," Octavia said. "And congrats on your newborn child. You should be proud." "Thanks." "Now for the reason why I am calling. Our spies have discovered a pirate base near the Castle of the Two Sisters and that we request that we demolish the base and take some prisoners." "You may do as you wish with the pirates. Report to Celestia about this and she will take care of the rest. Dismissed." Octavia saluted before the screen turned back into a window viewing the town. The elevator door opened and Trixie now the new Crystal Knight walked up the stairs and stood in the middle. He then turned his chair and got up to walk to her. "It is great to see you again, Charming," Trixie said as she bowed to him. "Its great to see you too." "I just came to report to you that I have found more artifacts relating to the Old Lunar Republic. And I must say that I am astonished by the research I looked over at the temple." "That's good news. Why don't you tell me about your findings?" "Of course. But I just don't know where to start." > Chapter 2: The Return to the Dimension > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A few hours later since Trixie's visit, Charming Thunder watched the fleet flying back to Canterlot from their attack of the pirate base. Twilight then came out of the elevator and ran towards him. He turned to see her coming towards him and asked, "What's the rush?" "Something's going on at Canterlot High," she said. "Our friends need our help. Come with me." Charming Thunder then followed Twilight to the elevator and went down to the castle hallway. The doors opened and they walked out of the elevator and walked to the room where everyone gathered at a round table with a book in the middle. "The way Sunset Shimmer described them, I think these new girls sound an awful lot like... the sirens." "Not the sirens!" Pinkie shouted. "I don't actually know what that is!" "The sirens were three beautiful but dangerous creatures who had the power to charm ponies with their music," Twilight explained. "But to maintain this power, they had to feed on the negativity and distrust of others. The more of this negative energy they consumed, the stronger their voices became, and the farther they could spread their dark magic." "I don't think I like this story very much," Fluttershy said. "If the sirens had their way, they would have divided and conquered all of Equestria. But a certain Star Swirl the Bearded wasn't having it. Rumor has it he found a way to banish them to another world – one where he believed their magic power would be lost. That world must have been the one where my Canterlot High friends live." "Impossible," Charming Thunder said. "But Star Swirl must have sent them there ages ago," Applejack said. "How come they're just surfacin' now?" "I don't know. But if my hunch is right and it is the sirens who have come to Canterlot High, this spell they've cast is just the beginning. My friends need me. I have to get back to them." "I hate to burst your bubble, Twilight, but the connection between their world and Equestria will still be totally cut off for a super long time," Rainbow said. "She has a good point," Charming Thunder said. "Who knows how long we have to be there for." "Okay, first of all, if there was bubble-blowing going on, why wasn't I told about it?! And secondly, if the connection is totally cut off, how was Sunset Shimmer able to get a message to Twilight?" "Pinkie," Twilight gasped. "You're a genius!" "Yeah, I get that a lot." --------------------- The group were at the library with the same mirror that was originally from the Crystal Empire. R4 helped Twilight with carrying a couple of things. "...And the interval between the two points is defined as the square root of the sum of the squares of the separation between the points along three spatial dimensions," Twilight said. "Say what now?" Spike asked as he scratched his head. "Duh!" Pinkie answered. "She's gonna take the magic in here and put it in there. That'll make the portal open up so that whenever she wants to, she can go from here to there. There to here. Here to there. Here there! Here there! Here—" "We get the deal," Applejack said. "Now to see if it actually works." Twilight levitates the book to the empty space on top of the mirror and it began to make magic noises when placed. "Don't suppose we could join you this time around?" "Better not. It could make things pretty confusing if Canterlot High all of a sudden had two of all of you." The group agreed and nodded. "Guess that means I'm not going this time?" Charming Thunder asked. "Sunset Shimmer needs you as well. I'm not sure why but I think its important." "But I still get to go, right?" Spike asked. "There isn't another one of me at Canterlot High. And you never know if you might need your trusty assistant." Twilight nodded as Charming stood next to his droid. R4 beeped something to him and then said, "R4 said that he wants to come along as well." "Sure thing, buddy," Twilight said as she patted the astromech on the head. "We won't be long. Take care of Light while we are gone." Twilight then walked next to Spike as Charming Thunder and R4 did the same. "Ready, Spike?" "Ready!" Spike said as he stretched. Twilight and him were the first to run through the mirror as Charming Thunder and R4 followed. --------------------- Sunset held a book as she laid next to the school statue waiting for Twilight and Charming Thunder. Applejack and Pinkie were playing cards as they sat on top of the statue. Rainbow Dash sighed and said, "I'm starting to think she's not coming." The portal opened and Twilight and Spike flew out and landed far from the group. "Twilight!!" the group shouted as they ran to her. "I'm back," Twilight said as she got up. Sunset helped her up as the group came and hugged Twilight. "And I've got some bad news about those new girls." The portal opened again and Charming Thunder flew out and impacts on the ground like a meteor crash. He raised his head and became dizzy. He then shook his head and got up to the see the group. The portal opened and R4 flew out as it made a loud beep and impacts on Charming Thunder. "Ouch!!" Charming Thunder said as the group help get R4 off of him as Sunset helped him up to his feet. "You okay?" Sunset asked. "I felt worse." > Chapter 3: Meeting the Dazzlings > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight and the others were at the café as they sat at a table as they talked. "Oh, I do hate that you had to return at a time of crisis," Rarity said. "There's so much catching up to do!" "For starters, a certain blue-haired guitar player was just askin' about you," Applejack said. "Flash Sentry was asking about me?!" Twilght asked as she started to play with her hair. She then cleared her throat and said, "Isn't that nice?" She then takes a sip of her milkshake as Charming Thunder rolled his eyes. "Who is this...robot of yours, Charming?" Fluttershy asked. "He looks so adorable." R4 beeped as Fluttershy hugged it. "He is my faithful companion named R4," Charming Thunder explained. "We work together as a team when it comes to situations in the air combat." "Perhaps you would give us just the slightest bit of gossip from your world?" Rarity asked. "She's got an official title now," Spike said and imitates a fanfare with his dog biscuit. "The Princess of Friendship!" "Wow, that's really impressive," Sunset said. "Guess you really were Princess Celestia's prized pupil." "She's even got her own castle!" "A castle?! You have your own castle?!?" Rarity then cleared her throat and continued. "Ooh, uh, lovely." "That's not the only thing," Charming Thunder said as he came closer and whispered. "We have a new baby girl." The group gasped as R4 beeped and rolled next to Sunset. "Congrats to both of yall," Applejack said. "What's new here? I mean, besides your school becoming the target of dangerous magical creatures from Equestria?" "Yeah, so, that isn't exactly the only strange thing that's happened since you left," Rainbow said as she took out her phone and showed her a recording of her playing the guitar as ears and wings magically appeared. "Pretty sweet, huh? It happens to all of us when we play." "Hmm. My crown was returned to Equestria, but some of its magic must have remained here at Canterlot High. Now that we're all back together, we can use that magic on the sirens. Just like when we were able to use it on Sunset Shimmer when she turned into that horrifyingly awful winged monster! No offense." "None taken. Heh. I'm used to it," Sunset said in a disgruntled tone. "They'll never even know what hit 'em!" Rainbow Dash then did some karate as she yelled. "We've got nothin' to worry about now that Twilight and Charming Thunder back." "Oh, I'm pretty sure I could find something to worry about," Fluttershy said. "But it won't be the sirens." "The sooner we do this, the better. Any idea where the Dazzlings might be?" "There's a big party tonight for all the bands who signed up to be in the showcase!" Pinkie said after she sipped her shake. "That would include the Dazzlings." "Then that is where we must go," Charming Thunder said. "Looks like we've got a party to crash," Twilight said. --------------------- Students argued in the gym as the group entered. Charming Thunder walked the other direction to grab a drink when he saw Cadence standing next to the punch bowl. He grabbed a cup and filled it with punch until Cadence noticed him and said, "Hey, Charming. Its nice to see you again. Where were ya'?" "Oh you know," Charming Thunder said. "Places to be and stuff to do." Charming Thunder took a sip of his drink as he kept an eye on Twilight and the others. "Hey, maybe you can join my band." "You're competing as well?" "Not exactly. We are going to be performing after the winner has decided." She was about to tell him about the other members when she heard a voice shouting in the room. "There isn't going to be a Battle of the Bands! We're gonna make sure of that!" Twilight shouted. "Alright, girls, let's do this! Friendship is magic!" There was then an awkward silence in the room as Charming Thunder face palmed and nodded. "Uh, weren't there rainbows and lasers and stuff last time?" Rainbow said. "I don't understand. We're all together again. Why isn't this working?" Spike popped out of Twilight's bag and whispered, "You, uh... really need to go ahead and do that whole "magic of friendship" thing now." "I'm trying, Spike. I thought the six of us standing together against the sirens would bring out the magic we needed to defeat them. That's what happened before." "Talk about throwing down the gauntlet!" Adagio said. This group is obviously serious about winning! A little cocky though, aren't they? Claiming there won't really be a battle. Seems they think they already got this thing all locked up." "Not if the Great and Powerful Trrrrrixie has anything to do with it!" Trixie shouted. "Whatever, Trixie!" Flash said. "We're the best band at CHS!" "No! The Crusaders are gonna win!" Applebloom said as the argument resumed in the room even louder this time. Charming Thunder observed some sort of green mist going into the pendants of the Dazzlings. "Their source must be the pendants," he said to himself. His focus was lost when Cadence tapped him on the shoulder. Charming Thunder turned to gaze at her as she said, "What's the matter with these people? They are always arguing everytime the Dazzlings bring up the upcoming event." "I'm not sure," Charming Thunder lied. "That's a true mystery that needs to be solved." He then noticed her friends leaving the room. "Excuse me, Cadence. I'll come back to you once I'm done with my friends so you can introduce me to your band." "Alright." Charming Thunder began to leave the room as well when Adagio noticed him and said, "Hey." He then froze and turned to face the Dazzlings. "You must be the one with the others as well huh?" "What's in it for you?" "Its just that we haven't seen you around before and that you aren't under our spell," Sonata said. Adagio jestured her to shut up as Charming Thunder pretended that he didn't here what Sonata said. "What she meant to say was that there is something familiar about you," Aria said. Adagio walked up close to him and place her hand on his chest and eyed on his lightsaber as she said, "Perhaps you would like to show us your toy of yours on your belt and--" Charming Thunder interrupted her by grabbing her hand and shoved it away from him as he said, "Nice try. You know that it is no ordinary toy. And when the time comes, I shall enjoy giving you three pain." He then walked away from the trio as Adagio giggled. "So be it." "And here I was starting to like that guy," Sonata said. > Chapter 4: Cadence's Band > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- After confronting the Dazzlings for the first time, Charming Thunder made his way to the others outside of the school to find out why the magic wasn't working. He stepped out to see the others as Twilight had an idea and said, "So maybe the way to use that magic to defeat the sirens is by playing a musical counter-spell!" "You mean like a song?" Fluttershy asked. "And in order to free everyone who's been exposed to the sirens' spell, we'll need them all to hear it." The group thought for a moment when Rarity gasped and said, "The band competition! That's the next time we can be certain everyone will be in the same place at the same time." R4 beeped excitedly. "Guess the Rainbooms are the band to beat," Applejack said. "And I believe you, Twilight, just became the Rainbooms' newest member," Rarity said. Charming Thunder thought about the request Cadence gave him as the group continued to talk. R4 beeped to him and replied, "No, R4. I don't think that the Dazzlings will be a problem." R4 beeped to him again as Charming Thunder fixed his collar on his short sleeved jacket. "Cadence asked me to work with her in her band. I just don't know how Twilight and the others would take it." He then gazed at Twilight as the group continued to talk. "But I'm sure I could figure out how to write one," Twilight said. "Totally!" Spike said. "Twilight can write a spell like it's nobody's business. That's pretty much how she got to become a princess in Equestria." "Technically, I helped finish a spell. And there was a little more to it than that, Spike." "Yeah, whatever." "I've got this. C'mon." Twilight and Spike then walked back to door of the school when Rainbow asked, "Where're you goin'?" "Well, last time we were here, Spike and I spent the night in the library." "Are you crazy?!" Pinkie shouted. "We're besties now! Slumber party at my house!" The group then noticed Charming Thunder on the top of the stairs as Sunset Shimmer stepped up to him. "How much did you hear?" Sunset asked. "All of it. I wish that I could join but...Cadence requested me to be in hers." "Is she competing as well?" Twilight asked. "No. I sense that she is not under the sirens spell. I'm not sure why but it is a good sign. Hope it is fine with you girls that me and R4 would stick around with her." "Its ok, Charming. Just be careful." "I will. Hopefully that one of you can check on me when I'm at the school." R4 beeped as it rolled next to him. "What did R4 say?" Fluttershy asked. "He's wishing you girls luck with the band. Come along, buddy." R4 beeped as he followed him back inside the school. As he walked through the hallway, he saw Cadence at a locker and walked up to her. "Cadence?" Cadence closed her locker and turned to see Charming Thunder and said, "Oh, hey. I was just about to gather the rest of the band members and head to my place." "Mind if me and my science experiment go with?" R4 beeped at him angrily. Charming Thunder leaned over to it and whispered, "Play along." "Of course you can. I'm sure that there is room for your robot friend." --------------------- Charming Thunder, R4, and Cadence along with Cloudchaser, Flitter, and Soarin were hanging out in Cadence's room as they had a slumber party. R4 was brushing Flitter's hair with his claw arm holding the hairbrush as Soarin and Cloudchaser were playing a card game. "So what is your band called?" Charming Thunder asked. "We are called the Crystal Stars," Soarin said. "Sweet name." The card game ended as Cloudchaser got up and sat next to Charming Thunder. "What instrument do you play, Charming?" Flitter asked as R4 fixed her red bow on her head. "When I was young, I learned how to play the organ." "Nice," Cloudchaser said. "I'm sure you'll do just fine in our band." "I may have an organ downstairs if you want to try it out later," Cadence said. "That will do just fine," Charming thunder said. R4 beeped excitedly as the group continued to talk. --------------------- Everyone is now asleep in their sleeping bags. Charming Thunder, who couldn't sleep got up and carefully walked over the others. He softly closed the door and made his way downstairs to the living room and sat down on a couch. He looked out of the window and watched the night sky. He then saw a bat flying to a branch and hung upside down. "Life's not fair is it, my friend?" Charming Thunder asked. "You see my father thinks that I am going to be king. And you, don't even go out in the day." The bat then flew off in the distance as he got up and walked towards the window. (Note: Sung to the tune of The Hunchback of Notre Dame's Hellfire) Sung by Charming Thunder Auntie Celestia You know I am a righteous one But my virtue I am justly proud Auntie Celestia You know I am so much purer than The common, vulgar, weak, and licentious herd Charming Thunder started a fire in the fireplace with his lightning and walked up towards it. But tell me Celestia Why I see them walking there Why their smoldering eyes have scorched my soul I feel them, I see them The sun as their spotlight in their hair Is blazing me out of control Like fire Hellfire This fire in my skin This burning Desire Is turning me too dark Hooded figures popped up at each side gazing at him. Its not my fault I'm not to blame It was the Dazzlings The witches who sent the flame Its not my fault It was Star Swirls plan To banish them to an innocent world like this Fire surrounded him and when the thunder clashed it faded away and he got on his knees with bat wings magically appearing on his back. Protect me, Celestia Don't let those sirens cast their spells Don't let their fire sear my flesh and bone Destroy the Dazzlings And let them taste the fires of your sun Or else let them give their magic to me "Those sirens tried to put me under their spell. I will find a way to stop the sirens even it means to take their pendants by force." Hellfire Dark Fire Now Dazzlings, its your turn Surrender or your pyre Give me your magic or you will burn Charming Thunder puts out the fire with the force and took a few steps back to the wall. Celestia have mercy on them Celestia have mercy on me Their magic will be mine Or they will burn! Charming Thunder lays down on the floor face first and the wings on his back magically began to fade away. > Chapter 5: The Audition > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cadence walked downstairs and saw Charming Thunder laying on the floor asleep. She walked up to him and shook him gently. "Charming?" Cadence asked. Charming Thunder groaned and turned his head to see Cadence. "Good morning. Are you feeling alright?" "Ugh." Charming Thunder groaned. "I had a little trouble with the fireplace." "I see. Come on. Let me help you up." Cadence grabbed Charming Thunder's hand and lifted him off of the ground. "The others are just about to wake up to have breakfast. Then we are off to my garage to rehearse the song Soarin wrote to show Principle Celestia and Vice Principle Luna that we can perform." Charming Thunder nodded as he rubbed his head and stretched his legs. He then walked to the kitchen to grab some breakfast so that he would be ready for the day. --------------------- The band continued to play their instruments as the song almost ended. Soarin played the drums ash Cloudchaser played the bass guitar, Flitter played the electric guitar, and Cadence as the lead singer. Charming Thunder watched with R4 as they played the song. The song ended as Charming Thunder clapped as R4 whistled happily. "Nice job, everyone," Cadence said. "The auditions are ending soon so lets pack everything up and load up." Everyone grabbed their equipment and puts it away in their bags and carries them outside. "In the meantime, let me show you the organ before we go." Charming Thunder nodded and gestured his droid to wait with the others. He then followed her downstairs to the basement and Cadence flipped a switch to turn on the lights. "Its a little dusty but I just keep it down here for safe keeping." Charming Thunder walked up to the keyboards and placed his hand on it. He then slid it side ways and dust flew off of the keyboard. "How did you manage to bring it down here?" Charming Thunder asked. "Its huge." "The pipes were detachable and I had a little help from a friend of mine. Anyways we should be heading to Canterlot High or we'll be late." "Right." --------------------- As the students leave, Cadence and the others were on stage tuning their instruments as Charming Thunder sat on a chair. He then saw Twilight and the others leave. R4 beeped as it followed them. Charming Thunder then saw Adagio and the others leave as well. He then got up from his chair and walked up to the stage and said, "I'll be outside of this room if you need me." "Alright," Cadence said. Charming Thunder then walked out of the room as Principle Celestia and Vice Principle Luna took their seats at the table. "You may begin when you are ready," Celestia said. Cadence nodded and Flitter started to play a tune with her guitar. (Note: Sung to the tune of Moulin Rouge's El Tango De Roxanne) Sung by Charming Thunder, Cadence, and (chorus) As Charming Thunder walked in the hallway and heard music playing, he came across Twilight and the others talking to Flash Sentry. He leaned against a locker as he overheard the conversation which actually turned out to be an argument. "Yeah, and then you decide to come back here just so you can beat me in the Battle of the Bands," Flash said. "I want this, Twilight, and you're trying to take it from me! Some friend." "That's not why--" Twilight said when she was interrupted by Applejack. "Come on, Twilight," Applejack said. "We've got things to do." "You really think you're gonna help them?! Ha! I bet you have no idea what you're even doing!" R4 beeped angrily at him and bumped him on the leg really hard and rolled along back to the others. "And take your science project too." R4 shook angrily and turned at him. He then popped an electric charge gun and zapped him three times. It beeped as it the gun popped back in its head and rolled back to join up with the others. Roxanne You don't have to put on that red light Walk the streets for money You don't care if it's wrong or if it is right Roxanne You don't have to wear a dress tonight Roxanne You don't have to sell yourself to the night Charming Thunder continues to walk through the hall as he noticed the Dazzlings. He began to follow them back the room where the music is being played. Their eyes upon their faces Their hands reaching towards them Their lips caressing their skin What's more that I can't stand Roxanne Why does a heart cry Roxanne Feelings they can't hide You're free to leave this world and never return And please believe me when I say I will stop you The Dazzlings stopped to see Sunset Shimmer leaning on a wall. Charming Thunder hid at the edge of the wall as he listened. "You're never gonna get away with this," she said. "Why? Because you didn't?" Adagio asked. Sunset then got nervous as she remembered the time when she used Twilight's crown for her own use. "Oh, we know all about you, Sunset Shimmer. You've got quite the reputation at Canterlot High." "I've changed! I'm in a much better place now!" The trio then began to circle Sunset Shimmer. "Waiting in the wings while your friends have all the fun?" Aria said. "Oh, yes, you girls are so tight. And yet... they didn't ask you to be in the band." "Probably afraid no one will want to see them play if she was in the group." "Too bad! So sad!" Sonata said. 'If it's any consolation, no one is going to remember you at all by the time we're done." Adagio bumped past Sunset Shimmer as they walked through the door. Charming Thunder popped out and walked next to Sunset and placed his hand on her shoulder. "You know that we will defeat them in the end," Charming Thunder said. "I know but all those things they said are a little bit true." "Wait for me outside for a sec while I go to Cadence and the others." Charming Thunder walked to the door and went inside to see Cadence's band still playing. He noticed the Dazzlings watching them as he clenched his hand in anger. Roxanne Why does a heart cry You don't have to put on that red light Feelings they can't hide You don't have to wear a dress tonight (Why does a heart cry) Roxanne You don't have to put on that red light (Feelings they can't hide) Roxanne You don't have to wear a dress tonight (Roxanne) (Roxanne) (Roxanne) Celestia and Luna applauded for their performance as the song ended. "That was beautiful!!" Celestia said. "It was very emotional," Luna said. "I should say the same thing," Charming Thunder said. "I'm sure we'll see your band perform after the Battle of the Bands." > Chapter 6: A Hooded Foe > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Charming Thunder walked out to see Sunset Shimmer waiting for him at the stairs of the school. He then sat next to her and placed his hand on her shoulder. "Something bothering you?" he asked. "Yeah," Sunset replied. "When the Dazzlings brought up my past life here, I felt scarred." Charming Thunder wrapped his arm around Sunset as he said, "And the students are not giving you respect after what you have done?" "Exactly." "Oh, my dear Sunset. You don't know that I went through the same thing as well since I went back to Equestria. I do. I do." (Note: Sung to the tune of Hunchback of Notre Dame's Out There) Sung by Charming Thunder and Sunset Shimmer It began after a war A terrible war The day when the empire found the armor of Nightmare Moon Along with a glove I was sent to deal with its spirit And end its threat forever But it then possessed me and forced me to kill innocent lives of Equestria "Let me clarify what I mean, Sunset." Charming Thunder got up as Sunset Shimmer did the same and followed him around. I was deformed You were deformed And I was a monster You were a monster And made crimes Which the made the world Kneel before me And I could not forget I had that same feeling The glove gave me power that I couldn't imagine That power Power which can make a dark army So dark Why do I still remember that time I felt guilty for So I tried To fight it Fight it Control its power Even yourself And when the time came My friends helped Redeem me to the light Redeem you to the light "You are a great friend to me," Sunset said comforting him. "I'm sorry." "No need," Charming Thunder said. "But remember, Sunset. The light will show you the way." "The light." Safe with my friends in this world that I now live in With people that don't even trust me All my life I tried to show them that I am in a new leaf But return me with disrespect All my life I tried to help others Knowing them as they don't know me anymore All my life I wonder how it feels to show them That I am not evil But that I am good And out there Walking in the sun Giving me one day out there All I ask is one For a second chance Out there Where they all live unaware What I'd care What I'd dare Just to live one day out there Out there among the houses they live in Through the windows and doors where I can see them Everyday they talk and talk all day long Heedless of the time I have to be them If I show them the new me I'll prove to them that I am like them Out There Strolling by the garden Taste the morning out there Like normal people do Who freely walk about there Just one day and then I swear I'll be caring With my share Won't resent Won't be rude Leave my past I won't care I'll have spent One chance Out there R4 rolled towards Charming Thunder really fast and stopped as it beeped. "Where?" Charming Thunder asked. The droid beeped a reply and turned around and rolled away. "He said that the others are waiting for us." "What about Cadence and the others?" "They know where I'm at. For now lets get going." Sunset nodded and followed him and his droid companion back to Twilight and the others. --------------------- A hooded figure stood on the roof top of a small building as he watched Charming Thunder and Sunset Shimmer walking together. He then walked to the edge where he was about to make his jump and waited for the right moment. Charming Thunder stopped and looked around. "What is it?" Sunset asked. "We're not alone," Charming Thunder said. He grabbed his lightsaber from his belt and turned to see a hooded figure activating his lightsaber as Charming Thunder did the same. "R4, get Sunset to safety." R4 and Sunset Shimmer began to run as the duel began. Charming Thunder was the first to strike and tried to hit his opponent. He blocked the strike and twirled his lightsaber to make his move. As they both entered a clash, Charming Thunder saw a lage garbage can and used the force to throw it at him. The hooded figure then got hit by the object and impacts on a wall. Charming Thunder deactivated his crimson blade and made a run for it back to Sunset Shimmer and R4. The hooded figure slid the garbage can aside and got up. He grabbed his lightsaber and placed it on his belt. --------------------- Charming Thunder met up with Sunset Shimmer in front of Applejack's house. He then stopped to take a few breaths as Sunset walked up to him with a little worry. "Are you alright?" Sunset asked. "For now," Charming Thunder said. "What was it?" "I'm not sure. But there was something familiar about that guy. For now we should meet up with Twilight and tell her about the encounter." They both then walked in the house and met up with Twilight as she was still coming up with a song. "Charming, you look like that you have been running around," Twilight said. "More than running for my life. Just had an encounter with a hooded guy with a lightsaber." "So the Dazzlings are not the only problem." "Not to worry. When the time is right, I should deal with him again." > Chapter 7: The Final Round > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Charming Thunder gazed out of the window as cars drove by the house as he tries to figure out who that hooded figure he encountered was. A knock was then heard on the door and Fluttershy entered. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything," she said as she slowly entered. "No not at all," Charming Thunder said. "Come in." Fluttershy smiled as she sat on a chair in the room. "The girls and I were wondering how it went with Cadence. If you don't mind me asking." "Their band was amazing. Even the principles thought of the same thing." "But something else is bothering you. Is it?" "No. I just hope that Twilight's plan to stop the Dazzlings will succeed and not end up in chaos." Fluttershy felt a little worried and realized something that might cheer him up. "Wait here." Fluttershy walked out of the room to grab something as Charming Thunder noticed her book left on the chair she was sitting on. He grabbed the book and opened it to see what was in it. He was amazed with what was written in it. When he heard the door open, he closed the book and puts it back on the chair. Fluttershy rolled in a wardrobe and positioned it to the wall. "Rarity made something for you ever since you and Twilight left." Charming Thunder walked up to the wardrobe and grabbed the handles of the doors. He then pulled it open and revealed the armor he wore during the time he faced Sunset Shimmer. "How did you manage to make that?" "Rarity did have a photo taken of you wearing that as you were talking to Sunset Shimmer." Charming Thunder grabbed the helmet from the wardrobe and took a long glimpse at it. "Tell her that I thank her for this." Fluttershy smiled as Charming Thunder looked at the armor even more. --------------------- The next day at Canterlot High, Twilight and the others gathered backstage as Charming Thunder looked at a tournament bracket with names of bands on it. The Rainbooms are up next playing for the final round as Trixie's band played. "This is it!" Sunset said. "Last round and you're in the finals! Unless you think the counter-spell is ready to be played now." "Don't worry, Twilight," Applejack said. " Finals aren't until tonight. We'll get in a little more practice before we're supposed to hit the stage. We won't let you down!" The others nodded in agreement as Charming Thunder left the backstage. He noticed Cadence as she waved at him as she was seated on a bench. He smiled and walked up to her as Trixie's performance ended and the audience cheered. "Didn't know you were here," Charming Thunder said. "Why shouldn't I be?" Cadence asked. "I'm only here to see who is going to the finals. Have you thought about performing with us since we had to do ours without you?" "Why yes I have. And I have a costume already in mind for me." The room became quiet as the Rainbooms took the stage. As the song began, Charming Thunder kept an eye out to make sure nothing goes wrong. Rainbow did her guitar solo and ears began to slowly appear. She then got tackled by Sunset Shimmer and the music then stopped. Fluttershy squealed as Flash said, "Now that's the bad girl we love to hate!" The crowd then jeered as Charming Thunder got angry at Flash. "I knew she was still trouble!" Octavia shouted. "The real Sunset Shimmer is back!" a male student said. "No," Sunset said. "It isn't like that." "What was that?!" Rainbow shouted. "You were showing them your magic. I-I didn't know what else to do." "Ugh. Close the curtains?" Rarity said. " Unplug her amp? Give us a chance to deal with the situation?" Charming Thunder then noticed Flash walking past him and then looked back at the stage. He then headed to the back stage to check on his friends. He saw them as they were being confronted by Trixie. "It wasn't a fit of jealous rage!" Sunset said. "If you say so," Trixie said. "Ooh! Looks like they've already decided who'll be moving on to the finals! I'm guessing it wasn't too difficult a decision." The doors opened as the Dazzlings along with Celestia and Luna. Charming Thunder eyed Trixie as she walked to the backstage. Principle Celestia announced as he walked to Twilight and the others, "The band that will be joining the Dazzlings in tonight's finals... The Rainbooms!" "What?!" Trixie shouted. "I'm confused as well as Trixie," Charming Thunder thought to himself. "Congratulations, girls," Celestia said. "You deserve it." "Seriously?!" Pinkie said. "We didn't even finish our—!" "See you at tonight's big show, Rainbooms," Adagio interrupted. "We are really looking forward to it." "Yeah, well... not as much as we are!" Rainbow said. The crowd then began to jeer again. "Zis never should haf been you, Rainbooms!" Photo Phinish shouted. "As Principle Celestia said, they have earned it," Charming Thunder said. "If you have a problem with that, then you all better just find a new hobby." He then leapt off the stage and landed in front of the crowd. "They didn't even finish their song," Flash said. Charming Thunder walked up to Flash as he said, "That may be true, but it was the principle's choice to choose who goes to the finals." He then grabbed him by the shirt and dragged him up. "I expect you to accept it." He then dropped Flash back to the ground and walked past him. > Chapter 8: A Familiar Face > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rainbow Dash and the others were on stage along with R4 as they setup their equipment on stage. "This doesn't make any sense," Fluttershy said. "We were awful. Doesn't anybody else think it's strange that we're the ones that made it to the finals?" "Very strange," Trixie said. "What are you doing here, Trixie?" Rainbow asked. "Pretty sure the losers are supposed to be up there in the cheap seats." "The Great and Powerful Trixie is the most talented girl at Canterlot High. It is I who deserves to be in the finals. And I will not be denied!" Trixie snapped her fingers and the trap door below the group and fell under the stage. "See you never! And your other friend too." She laughed menacingly as the trap doors slammed shut. --------------------- Charming Thunder was putting on his armor as he heard music being played outside until he heard a knock on the door. He then puts on his helmet and the breathing sound started to go off as he walked towards the door to answer it. He opened the door to see Adagio and the others as he said, "Shouldn't you be ready for your performance after the Rainbooms?" "As a matter of fact, the Rainbooms were dealt with and I have a score to settle with you," Adagio said. "Whatever you have done with them, you better let them go or I shall destroy you." Adagio laughed as she said, "You won't. He won't let you." She then pointed to the direction to the door which then opened to reveal the same hooded figure he fought. "You again," Charming Thunder said as he came face to face with his enemy. "Why don't you show them who you are, my friend." The figure removed his hood to reveal his black tattooed red face with horns on his head. "MAUL!! You survived?" "I used Luna's training and I have waited a long time for this moment," Maul said. The Dazzlings began to walk away as Adagio said, "You two have fun while we are up on stage." Maul then removed his cloak as he grabbed his new double bladed lightsaber and activated the blades one by one. Charming Thunder grabbed one of his new lightsabers that as a round blade surrounding the hilt and activated it. Maul twirled his lightsaber as Charming Thunder struck at his left blade. They moved through the room as the battle continued. --------------------- A few minutes later, Rainbow, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Rarity have been arguing under the stage as the music was heard. "Stop! You have to stop!" Sunset said. "This is what they've been after all along! They're feeding off of the magic inside you!" "How can they be using our magic?" Applejack asked. "It's the magic of friendship." "Ever since you started this band, you've been letting little things get to you. I never said anything 'cause I didn't feel like it was my place. Not when I'm so new to this whole "friendship" thing. I still have a lot to learn. But I do know that if you don't work out even the smallest problems right at the start, the magic of friendship can be turned into something else." "I can't believe all this tension was happening right under my nose and I didn't realize it," Twilight said. "I'm supposed to be the one with all the answers. And all I've done since I got here is let you down." "I don't think anyone is supposed to have all the answers. But you can count on your friends to help you find them." "I think you already have. C'mon! We need to get out of here!" They were about to try to break through the door when they suddenly heard a sound from the other side. "What in tarnation is goin' on out there?" "And that breathing sound..." Rarity then realized what is going on. "Charming Thunder is in trouble!" --------------------- The duel continued as Charming Thunder and Maul proceeded to the back of the stage. Maul kicked Charming Thunder and leapt back. He then kicked open the door which lead outside and twirled his lightsaber over his head. Charming Thunder charged at him and struck at him as Maul blocked them. Charming Thunder then kicked Maul outside and jumped outside to the grassy ground. Maul quickly got up and blocked Charming Thunder's next strike. He got a hold of his strike and shoved him to a door. Charming Thunder then heard a voice calling to him from the other side. He attempted to open the door but got kicked in the face by his opponent. Maul then leapt to the top of the railing as Charming Thunder did the same and clashed their blades together. --------------------- Twilight and the others tried to breach through the door until it opened to reveal Spike. "Spike," Twilight said. "Sorry I took so long," Spike explained. "I had to find somebody who wasn't under the sirens' spell to help me get you out." Vinyl then popped her head as the others were relieved to get out. "Why isn't she under their spell?" "Never takes off her headphones." "Come on, y'all!" Applejack shouted. "Time to prove we've still got the magic of friendship inside us!" "And there's only one way to do it!" "We're getting the band back together?" Pinkie asked. "We're getting our band back together!" Rainbow said. Pinkie then cheered with relief. "Ooh, which version of the counter-spell are we going to play?" Rarity asked. "I don't think it matters what song we play, as long as we play it together as friends," Twilight said. " I know just the song. Fluttershy's written a really great one." "We're about to save the world here. Personally, I think we should do it in style. Rarity?" Rarity smiled as she said, "I thought you'd never ask!" She then dragged out a cart that displayed costumes hung on it. R4 beeped for joy as he rolled up next to her. --------------------- As the Dazzlings continued to play, the duel above raged on as Maul and Charming Thunder clashed their blades together. Maul then headbutts him and forced Charming Thunder to fall and hang on to a railing. As Maul prepared his strike, Charming Thunder grabbed the round blade from his lightsaber and threw it at Maul like a frisbee. Maul then fell backstage as Charming Thunder jumped down as he caught the round blade and placed it back on his lightsaber and landed in front of him to strike but Maul kicked him in the face which pushed him back. They struck their blades as Maul moved back to the edge. Maul then jumped over him and kicked him which made Charming Thunder hang on to the edge. Maul slowly walked to the edge and kicked his lightsaber away. He then struck the floor to make sparks so he can try to make Charming Thunder let go. He was interrupted when he heard Twilight's singing voice and a flash emitted from the other side. Charming Thunder then leapt from the edge and grabbed his lightsaber with the force and stabbed Maul in the stomach. He then deactivated is lightsaber and let Maul collapse to the floor and went into his pocket to take out a tool that will get rid of the corpse. In the canister was a glowing green liquid. He took the top off and dumped it on Maul's corpse and threw the tube away. He then walked away as the corpse disintegrated into dust. > Chapter 9: The Defeat of the Dazzlings > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- As the armored Charming Thunder made his way to the stage, he heard a crowd booing and saw the Dazzlings avoided getting hit by thrown vegetables. He then used the force to stop them from being thrown and tossed them aside. He noticed the pendants shattered on to ground and walked to it. He then knelt down and grabbed a shard as he said, "As I suspected. The source of your singing voices are these pendants of yours." Adagio got angry and started to charge at him. She was stopped when Charming Thunder grabbed her hand and shoved her back. Charming Thunder then took out a trigger which then caused the button to blink red. He then turned to the audience as the Dazzlings did the same as Twilight and the others made their way towards the stage. Charming Thunder then looked back at the trio to see Adagio enraged. "All of this was your friend's fault," she said. She then started to yell as she swung some punches at Charming Thunder. He jumped back away from the strikes until he was cornered to the wall. He then grabbed Adagio's fist as she used her other hand to flick the trigger out of his hand. He then pushed Adagio back as she then grabbed the trigger and grinned menacingly. She pressed the button and fireworks began to fly out back stage. Charming Thunder's cape then turned into a swarm of bats as his bat wings popped out of his back. The bats then attacked the trio which forced them to run away. The bats then returned to him and reformed into a cape. Sunset Shimmer grabbed a shard of the pendants and looked at it. "Guess that explains why these were so special to them," she said. "Without those pendants and the magic you brought here from Equestria, they're just three harmless teenage girls," Twilight explained. "Rainbooms rule!" Flash shouted as he ran in to hug Twilight. "That was amazing!" All except Charming Thunder giggled. Trixie splits them apart and said, "You may have vanquished the Dazzlings, but you will never have the amazing, show-stopping ability of the Great and Powerful Trixie!" She threw down a smoke bomb as a magic trick for disappearing. As the smoke cleared Pinkie gasped and said, "She's gone!" She then took a long pause and saw Trixie climbing over a ledge. "Oh, wait. There she is." Trixie then fell to the ground and shouted, "Trixie's okay!" Charming Thunder chuckled as he adjusted his glove. "How did you do that?" Fluttershy asked. "Do what?" Charming Thunder said. "When the fireworks went off, your cape turned into a swarm of bats which forced the sirens to run." "All part of my plan. The bats I do not know. Maybe it was the Equestrian magic in me." "You know, Twilight is going back to Equestria soon," Rainbow said. "The Rainbooms could really use someone to help Fluttershy on backup vocals." Sunset grabbed a guitar and played a tune with it. "I also play guitar," Sunset said. "We'll see." "Now since that is out of the way, I have a performance to prepare for." --------------------- The stage was setup for the special guest performance as the crowd waited. Twilight and the others were on the front of the stage with the crowd as Principles Celestia and Luna. "Ladies and gentlemen," Celestia announced. "After that stunning performance, it is our pleasure to welcome our special guest band; the Crystal Stars." Celestia and Luna then stepped off stage as music began to play from the other side of the curtain. The curtain opened to reveal Cadence and the others playing their song as Charming Thunder danced to the beat in front of the microphone wearing his regular clothes. (Note: Sung to the tune of Aladdin's Friend Like Me) Sung by Charming Thunder, Cadence, Soarin, and (Flitter and Cloudchaser) Well I had about forty thieves And about a hundred tales But then he was in luck, 'cause up his sleeves He's got a brand of magic that never fails You got some power in your corner now And some heavy ammunition in your house Fireworks fired in the air as the song continued. You got some punch, powers, yahoo and how See, all he had to do was raise his arm and them this happened: Lightning from my fingertips and telekinetic powers in my blood Whenever there is trouble, I'm around You ain't never had a friend like me Life is sometimes like a restaurant and I'm your maitre'd Come on its like lifting weights You ain't never had a friend like me (Yes, everyone, he prides himself to service He's like a hero, a knight in shining armor) When I see danger, its my job To take care of the source of danger Have some of Column A And all of Column B He is there to help you all You ain't never had a friend like him (Oh my. No no. My my my.) Can your friends do this? Charming Thunder lifted a random object with the force and placed it back on the ground. Can your friends do that? Charming Thunder shot lightning from his fingertips in the air. Can your friends pull this Out of your sleeve? Can your friends go poof? A cloud smoke appeared out of nowhere over Charming Thunder. As the smoke cleared, it revealed Charming Thunder wearing the armor but not wearing the helmet. Well looky here Can your friends go abracadabra, let 'em rip And then make the sucker disappear? Charming Thunder's cape turned into bats and they flew of his back. His bat wings magically appeared on his back as the music continued to play. So don't just sit there slack-jawed, buggy-eyed, I'm here to answer all your mid-day prayers, You've got me bona fide certified; You've got a friend to for charge d'affaires I've got a powerful urge to help you out, So what's the trouble, I really want to know? You've got a list that's three miles long, no doubt, Well all you've gotta do is rub like so, and oh (Lightning from his fingertips and telekinetic powers in his blood He is on the job) You big nabob (You ain't never had a friend, never had a friend You ain't never had a friend, never had a friend) You ain't never Had a friend (Like) Me Fireworks fired in the air as Cadence did his guitar solo. Charming Thunder grabbed Cadence's hand and danced with her as the music continued to play. You ain't never had a friend like me The song ended and the crowd began to cheer loudly for the performance. --------------------- Twilight and Charming Thunder along with the others were at the school's statue as Twilight, Charming Thunder, and R4 were about to say their goodbyes. " Sure wish you could stay longer," Applejack said. "Me too," Twilight said. "But I have responsibilities in Equestria that I have to get back to. Its citizens need me. But now I can go through the portal whenever I need to. This isn't goodbye. It's just goodbye 'til next time." "I'm going to miss you, R4," Fluttershy said as she hugged the droid. R4 beeped as his claw holding a rose popped out of head. She took the rose from its claw as it beeped a reply to her. "He said that he will miss you, too," Charming Thunder said. "Ready?" "Ready," Spike replied. "Ready." Twilight, Charming Thunder, Spike, and R4 entered the portal together as they returned to Equestria. --------------------- After Charming Thunder and the others returned from the dimension, Charming Thunder looked at the same book that Twilight received a message from Sunset Shimmer as he read a letter that was meant for Twilight. Dear Princess Twilight, Missing you already, and I hope you'll be back soon. Things are definitely looking up for me here at Canterlot High. But I know I still have a lot to learn about friendship. Hope you don't mind if I write to you for advice when I need it. Your friend, Sunset Shimmer. P.S. Tell Charming Thunder that I miss him too. Charming Thunder smiled as he closed the book and walked to the balcony where Twilight stood as she held their child. He looked at Twilight, then to the sunset, and then to Light who is sound asleep. Twilight then looked at Charming Thunder and nudged him as they both watched the beautiful sun set. THE END > Epilogue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The human version of Twilight ripped a piece of paper form the seismograph and pinned it next to the picture of Canterlot High. Around it were newspaper articles about a mysterious rainbow and some red lines that are connected to the school. "No doubt about it, Spike," Twilight said. "There's definitely something strange going on at that school..." Spike barked and continued to eat his dog food as Twilight walked to her microscope. "And one thing I still don't understand is how you are able to sense what's going on using this 'Force'." Twilight said turning to her boyfriend who was sitting in a meditative position while hooked up to a bunch of wires. "I told you, Twi. The Force is an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us, penetrates us, and binds the galaxy together," Charming Thunder explained opening his eyes. "Well I don't know about that," she said looking into a microscope. "But I do know that it does have something to do with those microbes I found in your blood." She looked up as she held the microscope slide she was just looking at to the light.