A human gets mysteriously warped to U.E and falls under suspicion during a crisis
It's the rule of making MLP fiction, everyone has to do it, even Anti-Bronies like me
Original Publish Date: June 25, 2015
Mykan Stevens (Voiced by me, but NOT AT ALL a real version of me) A young astronaut, while making a solo flight around the Earth, gets sucked into a portal that takes him to the Dimensional Universe where he must cope and live with the ponies, while under extreme suspicion as well as the ponies now face what could be certain danger.
Only Mykan knows the truth of what is happening, but most of the ponies do not believe him and think him a spy.
Will Mykan find a way to convince the ponies, and will he ever be able to return home to Earth?
My name’s Mykan Stevens, I’m eighteen years old. Peach-colored skin, short dark-brown hair, brown eyes... Oh, and, believe or not… I am an astronaut.
I was a bit of a child prodigy when it came to science, physics, astronomy and all that stuff; I just couldn’t get enough of it. I also enjoyed working out and toughing myself up. I was in college when I was only twelve, and then went to university when I was sixteen.
My father was an air force pilot, and I had been up with him on many flights. Sometimes we’d even do cool tricks, which was how I was able to build up nerves of steel and a body for speed and endurance.
Then one day, the international space program contacted me with exciting news; they had chosen me to be the first person under twenty to ever go into space.
Man, was I thrilled, and for one and a half years I trained at NASA, and I passed with flying colors.
Now, here I was a couple of months later. This was the day! This was where history was going to be made, and I was going to go down in in.
The newspaper stands were flooded with people demanding papers. The front page headline read…
“World’s Youngest Astronaut Ready for Solo Orbital Flight”
The news stations and TV broadcasts were shown and heard all over the world to cover this day. I was going to orbit the Earth in a one-manned shuttle, which could also be remote-controlled from NASA as well in case anything went wrong.
The director of NASA, Mario L.T. Danti, the man in charge of all this, was there with my whole family, my parents, my older brother, two twin younger sisters, and my 19 year old girlfriend, Michelle, whom I met at college; all there to see me off.
“You’re lookin’ great son.” said my Dad as he shook my hand, and then we hugged, and my mom couldn’t stop blubbering, and almost squeezed me to death. My brother, Neville, gave me a noogie and my sisters, Sarah and Jane, hugged me, and wished they could some with me. “We’ll talk about that, in about another five years.” I joked hinting they were still only in junior high school.
Then I spent an extra while saying goodbye to Michelle. “I can’t believe this day’s come for you.” she said as she hugged me warmly.
“I can, but I don’t want to.” I teased.
We kissed softly, and then I slipped something in her hand. A very small box wrapped in paper, but I told her to wait until I got back to open it, although, everybody had a good idea what it was; an engagement ring.
“Okay folks, let’s get a move on.” Mario said “You got history to make, Mykan.”
I nodded, and bid a final farewell to my family and Michelle, promising I’d come right back…
…but if only I had known what was about to happen to me, I might never have gotten on that rocket!
Soon, I was strapped in, the countdown was underway, and liftoff of the solo craft Starlight-1. My mission was to spend only a quick few hours in space, just to orbit the Earth a couple of times and be brought back safely.
What a sight it was, in space. Next to Michelle it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen and could hardly catch my breath.
With my expert skills, I safely guided the ship one around the Earth, but during the second orbital, NASA began to detect strange energy sources building up. “What’s going on?” Mario demanded to know.
“I don’t know sir.” said one of the men “We’ve detected some unknown source or energy.”
It wasn’t radiation from the sun, and nothing from my craft, but whatever it was, it was slowly building up.
While I sat in the cockpit admiring the view, a bright flash of light caught my attention, just as I was about to cross the horizon. At first I thought it was just the sun coming in view, but this light got brighter and wavy.
“What the--” Then I could see… in the area between me and the way towards the Moon was big swirling flash of colorful lights, almost like some sort of space warp. I radioed NASA “Tell me you guys are seeing?”
“We see it, Mykan...” said Mario “We don’t know what it is though, so fire your motors and steer clear of her at all costs.”
“Roger that!” I said and I grabbed the controls and tried to steer away, but I was still moving forward towards the lights. “Hey, something’s wrong…!”
“Mykan what are you doing?” Mario snapped over the radio “Fire reverse thrusters.”
“I am… It’s not working! Those lights, they’re pulling me! I can’t break away!”
The alarms began to sound at NASA “What the hell is happening?!” my father growled.
“I don’t know. We’ve never seen anything like this before.” said Mario, and my mother grabbed him and yelled furiously “That’s my boy up there! DO SOMETHING!!”
My sisters were very worried, and Neville had to comfort them both, and Michelle was hyperventilating. “Mykan…?!” she cried.
“Mykan listen to me…” Mario said into the radio “We going to fire your rockets by remote, and you fire them on our mark from your end. It just might pull you out.”
“…Hurry!” I shouted.
We put our plan into action and my rockets fired with all the power we had, but the lights were still pulling me in. I got closer, and closer, and the lights seemed to get bigger and brighter.
“…HELP ME!!”
“We’re losing contact with the shuttle!” cried one of the men.
“…MYKAN!!” Michelle screamed.
The lights soon became too bright for me to look, and I felt myself spinning and stumbling about. “WHAT’S GOING ON-----!!?”
The lights had vanished as quickly as they had appeared. “It’s gone!” cried another man “There’s no sign of the craft anywhere.”
Everyone felt their hearts breaking in pieces!
The news had gone crazy with reports that the craft had vanished and there was absolutely no hope at all.
As for me, when lights dimmed out and I could look again, I wondered if I was still alive. I seemed to be in one piece, and I still seemed to be in outer space, but it sure didn’t like any backyard I had seen. The void of space seemed a little brighter, but still dark, and the stars seemed to shimmer as if there was air around them.
Suddenly, the ship, I, and everything else seemed to be glowing, as if we were being teleported by magical rays from the void of space itself. “Oh, no…! What now…?” I cried “Where I am going!!” In all the thumping and stress, I hit my head hard on the back of my seat and fell into unconsciousness.
At that moment, I and my craft had vanished-- teleported to whom from my world knew where?
Far out in dimensional space, a very large spacecraft about two miles wide, was on a course for the planet United Equestria, supposedly on a mission of peace with the intention of starting an alliance with the inhabitants of that world.
This massive ship had come from the distant planet of Kallan-- the name meaning “Powerful in battle”
Was under the command of Princess Avyanna; he name meaning strong, powerful, beautiful woman.” And she did indeed look every inch a beautiful princess.
She was a humanoid creature, with pointy elf ears. Her skin tone was a pale yellow, and she had voluminous brown hair, that was beautifully curled at the bottom, and very loose and wavy.
She was practically considered the most beautiful creature in the galaxy to many, but she was also known to be extremely tough. Her entire world was that of a strong warrior race, which normally made a life of plundering, and settling down on other planets, by force if necessary.
However, when Starfleet began to spread throughout the galaxy, intergalactic laws were put into effect, limiting her privileges and desire to gain more.
Now, she was on her way to United Equestria, after making a deal with the authorities to help them with a recent crisis… one that she herself was responsible for.
Her ship was still several days away from reaching its destination. She could not take a dimensional pathway as United Equestria was still dealing with its recent crisis, making it unsafe for such travel. Plus, she insisted upon arriving via her own personal flagship, The Kallanium, with the intention of present it, stripped of weapons and hostiles as a gesture to the United Equestrians.
Onboard, her crew of many ladies and men from her planet, including her right-hand-man and second-in-command, Commander Mayne-- his name meaning Powerful, were busy preparing for their real plot, to conquer United Equestria and make it another planet for themselves, by planning a massive attack upon their arrival.
Suddenly, the alarms sounded.
“Commander Mayne!” cried a lady lieutenant “We’ve detected an unusual object just off our stern.”
Mayne turned to face the lieutenant and scoffed “What are you speaking of?”
“See for yourself, sir.” said the lady, and she showed him her monitor showing off the stern of their ship at what was to them, indeed, a most unusual craft. “Sir, it just appeared out of nowhere. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Even Mayne was surprised. The ship’s database had no information. “You say it appeared out of nowhere; it must be a surprise attack. Alert our outer defenses!”
Before long, and squad of fighters were launched in miniature ships, heading straight for the strange craft. Two of them opened fire and shot the side of the ship with their lasers. “Wait!” shouted the wing leader.
“What is it?”
“Look at it… it’s just drifting. It must’ve been damaged, and it just popped here by the teleporting powers of space.”
“It doesn’t even have a single gun. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“Let’s take it in tow and get it on the ship.”
“Hurry, before it disappears again”
The squad used their ships electro-beams to safely encase the craft in a barrier to protect it from Dimensional Space teleporting it again, and they began to tow it back to their mother ship.
Mayne supervised the inspection of the strange craft once it was hauled aboard. He had to report this to princess at once.
The Princess, Avyanna, was enjoying her daily spa treatment, with all her servants tending to her, prettying her, and massaging her. “Sometimes I wonder what the peasant folk do in their spare-time.” he sighed as she slipped off into deep comfort… only to be interrupted by Mayne’s sudden intrusion.
“Your highness…”
“Mayne!” she snapped at him so suddenly, frightening her groomers “What have told you about disturbing me while I am deeply relaxed?”
“My apologies, but we have inspected the alien craft…”
“Let me guess: It is nothing that which any of us have seen before; I’m fully aware of this, Mayne.”
“There is more…” Mayne said “We found a life form onboard it.”
Avyanna’s interests began to peak. “A life form you say? Of which class…?”
“Unknown.”
“What?”
“Our database has no information on this creature whatsoever, yet he appears to strongly resemble our kind.”
Avyanna blinked once “He…? A male…?” she sounded rather soft spoken in her voice.
Mayne didn’t like the tone of her voice, fearing what was coming. “Yes, Princess. He was found unconscious, and he now lies in the sickbay. So far he shows no signs of critical injury.”
Avyanna twiddled her fingers softly “Tell me… this creature… is he young or old.”
“Quite young...”
Then came the question Mayne was expecting her to ask…
“Is he more of a handsome and charming type…?”
Mayne felt a bit cold inside, but kept his cool and asked “Perhaps your highness would care to examine him?”
Avyanna took his hand and walked with him to the sickbay.
There she saw the strangest creature she ever saw, lying flat on a bed and hooked to life support. She was also surprised to see just how Mayne was right, and he strongly resembled the Kallanaians. Only his skin was not pale, and a peachy color, his ears were round, and he had brown hair, the same color as Avyanna’s.
He wore a simple blue uniform with strange badges, an unusual flag saying “United States”, the same words were found on his ship, and a nametag saying “M. Stevens.”
“An unusual name…” Avyanna muttered.
“My lady…” the doctor said “His vital signs are slowly peaking, but I’m afraid he shows no positive signs of awakening.”
Avyanna smiled cheekily.
“Princess…?!” cried Mayne “Surely you don’t intend to…”
“I do…” she snapped “And I’ll thank you NOT to question me. Besides, aren’t you eager to find out more about this man?”
Unable to argue, Mayne kept quiet.
Avyanna then move close to the bed, and moved her face closer towards the young man’s. She then softly placed her lips over his, and at once, the man began to glow softly as his vital signs rose sharply.
It was a special quality only the princess possessed; her kisses had healing properties that could help the injured. Even if you were an inch from death and she kissed you, whether you were a man or woman, you would be healed magically.
Of course, she would only heal you if she desired it, and it usually came at a price.
Mayne hated seeing her do this, preferably with every handsome young man they came across, almost as if he had feelings deep down for Avyanna, but his only real interests were that of her well-being and nothing else.
*Mykan’s Pov*
Was I alive, or was I dead…?
Well my head felt like someone had hit me with a truck, so at least I knew I was alive, but my vision was taking a while to clear up, but I just assumed that somehow I was back home again and being treated.
It was hard to make out where I was.
“Where am I? What’s happening?”
“We will ask the questions.” a man practically snarled at me. “Who are you?”
I could barely speak in more than a fatigued, groaning tone, but I was slowly gaining my strength back as my vision cleared.
“Mykan Stevens…”
All the people around me exchanged looks with one another.
“State your business of affairs.” said the man.
Now I felt confused “Business, affairs…? I just want to go home, to Florida.”
Now all the people were confused.
“Florida?” said, what had to be, the pretties lady I had ever seen “What is Florida? Is it your planet?”
I chuckled “What are you talking about? It’s part of the United States, on Earth.”
“Oh, you are from, Earth?”
Now I felt uneasy. “You mean… this isn’t… Earth…?”
With my vision clear and I could see what these people looked like. I almost felt like I was at some weirdo sci-fi convention.
“Where am I? What’s all this for?”
The lady approached me, and our eyes met. “You are onboard the flagship; Kallanium, commanded by myself, the Princess Avyanna.”
My heart skipped a beat or two “Princess… You…?”
Her features sharpened “That’s right. Now if there are no further questions…”
“Wait a minute… this is… a ship? That’s impossible! I mean how is all this even real…? What am I even doing here?”
I kept talking at such a fast rate, the Mayne ordered the doctor to sedate me, she did so simply by flicking a switch, and I went out like a light, flat on the bed.
*POV ends*
“You didn’t have to go and do that.” Avyanna scolded.
“My apologies…” said Mayne “The question now is; what do we do with him?”
It was obvious to the others that Mykan had not a clue of where he was or what was happening.
“So, this is an Earthman.” said Mayne “This can only mean one thing…”
“It means that our partner’s plan has succeeded.” said Avyanna.
“I shall inform him at once.” said Mayne.
In less than a minute, the two were standing before a large monitor on the ship, and using what had to be a super dimensional contact wavelength, speaking to their dealer.
He was a big man, an Earth human, he but appeared on screen as a black shadowy silhouette to hide his actual features.
“I see…” he said when he was told of what happened “That is very good to know. It means that I have taken the first step, but I will require more time to perfect my master plan.”
“I’m happy for you…” said Avyanna “But what does that leave for us?”
The man’s voice hardened “Are you complaining?” he growled “I already gave you a vast force of ships and powers to aid you in your quest, in return that you help destroy my enemies as well as assist me with my master plan.”
“The princess meant no insult.” said Mayne.
“Correct, and I apologize.” added Avyanna.
“That’s better.” hissed the man “Now, I have what I wanted to know, and you have as you desire. I shall not be contacting you ever again. You are on your own from this point out. Good luck in your quest.”
“Wait…” snapped Avyanna “What of the Earthman?”
“He is of no further concern to me. He has served his purpose. Do as you wish with him.”
Then he signed off and was gone, never to be contacted again.
“Anything I want with him…” Avyanna muttered softly, and then… she got an idea.
“Let him go.”
Everyone gazed at her in shock.
“Your highness?!” cried Mayne.
“You heard me; prepare his ship for flight.”
Soon, Mykan’s unconscious body was buckled down into his seat of his shuttle, and the aliens had also infused the ship with a special, but temporary shielding that would protect the ship from Dimensional Space’s teleportation magic again.
The ship was then launched out into space, and then caught in the beams of squad of fighters that escorted Mykan and his ship to a nearby planet. Their plan was to send the shuttle on a dimensional pathway to United Equestria, so it would reach there faster.
“Are you certain about this your highness?” Mayne asked for the umpteenth time.
“Ask me that once more, and I’ll have you scrubbing my swimming pool for a week.”
“I apologize.”
They continued to watch until their ships were out of sight, and then watched as Mykan’s ship was sent hurtling through space at fantastic speed on the magical pathway.
Avyanna grinning wickedly as she softly sneered “Now it… begins!”
United Equestria was indeed suffering a huge crisis.
Over the past few weeks since Lightning returned home from his Starpops adventure, strange crafts appeared in space; marauders which had been harassing United Equestria’s shipping lines.
One of Starfleet’s many functions was to help other innocent races, as well as protect them from evil. They would do so by delivering food, and supplies to other planets that had recently been attacked, and even a work crew to help rebuild communities that were trashed in the chaos, and a few med teams to help with the injured.
But the recent harassment of the marauders, plundering their supplies, and attacking the dimensional pathways made it impossible for any shipping to get through or any conventional space travel for that. So no supplies could go through, and the planets in need would remain helpless, not to mention Starfleet was getting plundered of supplies and food from the attacks, and ponies were getting hurt.
No matter what, these pirates would not be reasoned with, and refused any negotiations. They came only to cause trouble and refused to cease any and all hostilities.
Fortunately, Starfleet was able to fend off these pesky pirates by shooting them out of the skies from below, and others would attack the ships in space directly, among them was Commander Lightning Dawn, using his Enticorn Powers to shield himself from being teleported by the magic of space.
His friends all joined with him, wearing special spacesuits combined with their battle-suits.
These suits were recently perfected by Professor Brain by using scrap metal remains of shot down pirate fighter ships. This alloy was of a high condensed metallic-rock, and rocks and alloys of that density were somehow immune to the teleportation magic of space.
This made it easy for the Professor and his team of experts took this alloy, condensed and polymerized it into fabricated material and forged into suits and armor, complete with space helmets. They did seem light, but they were extremely strong, even to that of megaship laser cannon.
In addition, the suits could also let the ponies use their magic attacks, and even provided them with a limitless supply of oxygen.
As long as the fighters kept their suits on, they would not be warped in space, but despite the suit they would have to take well care of their suits to make sure they did not get damaged, as well as keep an eye on their oxygen feed batteries, which would require charging every so-and-so. If they failed, then the oxygen would fail, and the ponies would have to remove their helmets to breathe the oxygen around them in space, but this would allow them to be teleported.
Still, with all this, the biggest mysteries on hand: who were these pirates, where did they come from, and why were they doing this?
Day and night, the ponies would ponder and theorize, but they came up with nothing. As for the pirates themselves, they were just a gaggle of thieves from various other planets all working together as one.
This was not enough, Starfleet required more, but every time they managed to capture a pirate, and try to get an answer, the pirate would destroy himself or herself-- blow themselves up in suicidal explosions.
So the mystery was still a blank and the Starfleet’s shipping were still being threatened, and if this were to continue, the whole galaxy would possibly be soon thrown into disorder.
Today, however, all was quiet. Some days the pirates attacked, and some days they didn’t, but the planet was still on high alert and Starfleet and allies were maintaining a constant vigil for further attacks.
Commander Lightning Dawn and his wife Starla shine had been summoned to the palace. They had all just been transported near the palace, via Krysta’s warping magic.
“Thanks for the lift, Krysta.” said Lightning.
“Hey, no sweat.” said Krysta “But I wonder what you’ve been called for.”
“We’ll soon find out.” said Starla.
The guards stopped them at the gate, but after seeing Commander Lightning, and him saying “At ease, guards.” They saluted and graciously let him and the others through.
As they walked through the palace, they saluted to all the guards and other soldiers that passed by them, finally emerging in the throne room, where their majesties, Grand Ruler Celesto (Che-less-tow) and Queen Celestia were waiting. Princess Luna was with them too, as well as Cadance and Shining Armor.
The friends bowed to their supreme majesties.
“Master, how goes the investigation?” Lightning asked.
“Not very well, I’m afraid.” Grand Ruler answered “We still have located not a trace of where the pirates are coming from, or who is sending them.”
The friends sighed “I wish Princess Avyanna would hurry and arrive.” said Krysta “With her ship and forces, we could really show those pirates whose tough.”
“Krysta…” Lightning said sounded surprised “We’re accepting her as a new ally, not a tool for warfare.”
Celestia cleared her throat “The reason we have summoned you… Shining Armor and Cadance will explain.”
The couple stepped forth and Cadance explained. “Just recently, one of our astronomers within the New Crystal Empire discovered a mysterious object in the skies.”
She used her magic to show them all images; which nearly made Lightning stop breathing “Galloping Galaxies! That’s an Earth craft.”
“We thought you’d recognize It.” said Shining Armor.
The girls were equally as shocked, preferably Krysta. “What’s an Earth craft doing out there?”
“We’re not even sure it actually is an Earth craft.” said Cadance “We have our suspicions that this could be a clever trick set up by the pirates to infiltrate United Equestria.”
The friends and even their majesties were uncertain what to think of that; creatures like the pirates didn’t seem to be the type to know of the human world, but it was questionable if whether or not they had somehow learned of it, and thereby made copies of crafts there, which would explain how they got all this power.
“This craft is headed straight for our planet on a dimensional pathway.” said Princess Luna.
“Dimensional pathway?!” cried Starla “But, that makes less sense than ever. Why would a craft need a pathway to travel?”
Lightning was beginning to get the drift, and his master nodded at him. “I want you to go out there and investigate. I want to know what this thing really is, what it’s doing here and why. If you can’t figure out on first glance, bring it here, we’ll have the teams standing by.”
The friends nodded and prepared to leave. They quickly donned their spacesuits, and then Krysta used her magic to send them off into space.
“Celesto…” asked Celestia “Supposing this ship really is a trap sent by the pirates…”
Her husband pondered over that deeply “We won’t know for a while yet, but we must be on guard for anything. There are many mysteries that still await us out in this vast dimensional universe.”
Lightning and Starla soared across on their pathway, and they could see the mysterious craft in almost no time. “Okay…Now!!” cried Lightning, and he and his wife jumped off their own pathway and landed directly on the craft’s port wing. Their spacesuits protected them perfectly, and they got a good chance to examine the craft with their visors.
“What do you make of it?” asked Starla.
Lightning had never actually seen a real shuttle from Earth before, only pictures in books, however all his scans revealed alloys much and other traces of chemicals and other things not common to United Equestria, or even the pirates.
“It seems Earthly like…” he said “But I just go on it with all this. We need more time to scan it more effectively.”
Starla poked round at the front of the ship, and looked through the viewport. “Lightning…!” she cried “Come here…!”
“What is it?”
“Look, there’s someone in there.”
They both took a good look at the creature sitting, unconscious, in the seat, and tightly strapped in.
Lightning was at a near loss for words. “It’s… it’s an Earthman! At least, I think it is.”
They both scanned the man with their visors, and all vital signs showed perfect normality. No magi whatsoever, no hidden abilities, and Lightning was able to defiantly make out the composition of human bio-signs.
However, my vital signs were dropping slightly, and Starla could detect traces of a powerful alien sedative in the man’s body. “He doesn’t look so good.” she said with worry.
Lightning was still uncertain if the man and the ship were both from Earth, realizing the man needed medical attention, and that his ship needed further investigation, he knew his orders.
“Let’s get it back to the planet.”
His wife agreed and flew over to the other side of the ship.
That’s when another pathway sped past them, and they could see all their friends waving at them.
They all jumped over onto the ship’s pathway.
“Grand Ruler sent us to meet you here.” said Buddy Rose.
“Whoa! Check this thing out.” cried Rainbow.
Rarity was disgusted by the sight of the ship. “My heavens…! Whatever is this filthy object?” she groaned.
“Never mind that now…” said Lightning “Take hold of it, all of you.”
Everyone headed for a respective end of the ship, and combined their super strengths to pull back and slow it down as the planet approached.
*Mykan’s POV*
The sudden deceleration gave me a slight nudge, and my eyes opened slightly. I felt very weary and my head really hurt. My whole body felt like jelly and I could barely move. It was hard to make things out.
But there was a bright light before me; I had no way of realizing it was actually a planet. I could also see out my view ports, I could see what looked like humans with wings, I couldn’t see their heads or faces due to my weariness and the light.
“Angels…” I could only assume “I’m really going…”
…Then I passed out again.
*POV Ends*
An air-raid warning alarm sounded all over new Canterlot, as the palace was sealed off, and the surrounding neighbourhoods nearest to it had been evacuated, as the team along with the giant ship materialized in the skies.
Flag ponies guided the team to carry the ship carefully onto a landing area prepared on the other side of the palace.
“Hurry up!” cried Spike “…This thing is killing my shoulders!!”
“Almost there!” said Artie.
“I don’t think I can make it!” cried Fluttershy.
Her husband, Rhymey, poured on more strength and shouted…
“No, no… Don’t let go!”
Finally, they managed to set the heavy ship down softly on the solid ground.
“Whoa, Nellie!” cried Applejack “I’ve hauled some heavy loads before, but this is a bit much.”
“Really…? I thought it was fun.” chirped Pinkie Pie “Think we could do it again?”
All the others glared at her with shocked expressions.
“Bad idea…?”
“Let it go, Pinkie.” said Dyno.
“Si, we’ve got work to do.” added Myte.
The first thing they did was breaking their way into the ship’s cockpit and get the unconscious man out. Lightning, Starla, Rarity Spike and Krysta helped get him straight to the sickbay on a stretcher.
Once in the sickbay, the doctors and nurses, led by Dr. Penny Sillon who had been summoned, got to work to revitalize the man.
“How is he, Penny?” Lightning asked.
Penny checked the man’s heartbeat and breathing, and felt his pulse. Then she said “He should be waking any second now.”
The friends all gathered round close as Penny placed a cold wet washcloth on the man’s forehead.
*Mykan’s POV*
I felt myself coming back to my senses. I almost felt as if I had been asleep for a-hundred years, and my vision cleared very quickly, but when I looked up…
As strange pony-like creature, wearing a doctor’s uniform, was gazing down at me and asked “Are you alright?”
…I SCREAMED in shock!
The doctor winced and leapt back in fright.
I fell out of the bed, and quickly sprinted onto my feet, but backed away shaking nervously, not noticing the other creatures behind me.
I bumped right into one of them-- Rarity-- I took one look at her, and screamed again, nd she screamed too in fright.
I backed away like a coward.
“Please… no need to scream.” one of the creatures-- Lightning-- said to me.
“Get back! Keep away!!” I shouted as I scooted away “This is impossible; mules don’t talk!”
Rarity looked like she was going to burst in rage “Mules?... MULES?!!” she snarled “We, sir, are NOT mules! We are ponies! Do you understand me? PO-NIES…!”
“Well not me, I’m a dragon.” said the dragon.
Now I was really freaked out “P-P-P-Ponies and dragons don’t talk either!” I bumped into the wall behind me, jumping in fright.
Starla approached me and spoke gently, “Well, our lips are moving and words are coming out. What would you call that?”
Despite that I could see that, I also noted their humanoid bodies. They didn’t look like your average normal ponies, but rather magical things out of a fairy tale.
I was now hyperventilating with extreme anxiety. “Okay… okay… it’s all a dream!” I said as I turned round with my back facing the gang. “That’s it; all a dream.” I began to slap my own face and head furiously like a madman shouting to myself “Come on, come on wake up, man! WAKE UP!!”
The others all felt embarrassed and awkward at my attitude. “Okay, this needs to stop.” said Krysta.
Still with my backed turned, I caught hold of myself and tried to convince myself while speaking out loud “This is not happening. I am not here. They are not here.
...I do not believe in aliens!”
“Um… we can still hear you.” said Lightning.
My eyes widened as a shocked groan escaped from my throat. I turned round slowly, and could see they were all still there… just as real as I felt. “I’m… not… dreaming?”
Lightning tried to approach me and be peaceful, “Now, if you’ll kindly get a-hold of yourself...”
“Stay away!” I shouted “Stay away… whoever or… whatever you are.”
The friends were already convinced that I would need some time alone to get a-hold of myself. “Take him to the white room.” Lightning said.
Penny agreed, and she and her doctors ganged up on me. I fussed and screamed like a kid throwing a tantrum-- a rather natural attitude to someone in extreme shock-- but I couldn’t escape.
The next I knew, I had been stripped of my uniform, and was wearing simple white plain pajamas and a white bathrobe. I was locked in a bright white room, almost like something in an insane asylum. I wasn’t even strapped down or chained up. With the exception of a simple bed, and a table with chairs, there wasn’t much in this room. I felt all along the white walls
After a couple of hours and a good rest, I had calmed down immensely after a while. I was starting to feel more convinced that all this was real, but still… what was happening to me? What was all this?
I felt along the walls of my room, fascinated by the sealed walls. I had never seen anything like them before. It almost felt like I was in some sort of giant scanning machine.
Then, the door to my room opened wide, and two pony guards walked in. I still found it very shocking to know they were real creatures, and then I saw two tall ponies walk in. Both dressed in royal garbs like a King and Queen.
The male had three golden horns, very dark hair with shimmering sparkles, he wore golden armor with jewels encrusted, and a red shimmering cape that seemed to flutter without any supporting breeze.
Next to him, the female seemed very beautiful. She wore a white top with a golden gown, and her long mane and tail were multi-colored and seemed to flutter like the red cape, without any wind.
“How do you do, Mr. Stevens.” the male said kindly to me.
All I could do was stare awkwardly at them both.
“It’s alright. We mean you no harm.” said the female.
Her husband nodded “I am Grand Ruler Celesto, and this is my wife Queen Celestia. We are both very pleased to meet you.”
I approached them both, but spoke rather severely to them, which they expected. “Just what’s going on? Where am I and what are you doing with me?”
“Just relax.” said Celestia “At the moment, we’re all studying you. It’s all painless.”
“That’s right…” said Grand Ruler “Yet so far, we are as boggled as you are, but your testing is producing incredible data.”
I was feeling very annoyed and confused by this point “That doesn’t answer my question. What is going on here? Look I’ve been through a lot here, and I’ve been waiting a long time for some answers here. Am I dead or what?”
“I assure you, you are very much alive.” said Grand Ruler.
He and his wife sat down by the table, and Celestia magically made a huge tall cool glass of water appear, which amazed me. “Come…” she said “Sit down and have a drink.”
“No, no… I don’t need a drink.” I said.
“Yes you do, Mykan. You’re extremely dehydrated from your ordeal.”
I approached them, not actually astounded they knew my name-- after all they did take my uniform which had my name on it, as well as my identification passes from NASA.
I gazed at the glass of water sitting on the table. “How… did you do that?”
“Simple magic.” said Celestia “Of course if you like, you can have lemonade… Apple juice… fruit-punch...”
Every drink she said, she made appear before me and then changed the drink back to water. I could hardly blink my eyes and gazed at both ponies “Magic…?”
They nodded at me.
I finally sat down “What is all this?”
Grand Ruler knew hesitated a moment “We know this is difficult for you to understand, but, while you were unconscious, we probed your mind to gaze at your memories.”
“Whoa, wait… you mind-raped me?”
The ponies felt shocked at my words. “We did not mean you harm…” said Celestia “And from what we saw, we determined that you, Mykan Stevens, were making a solo orbit around your planet, Earth, in your craft.”
I thought deeply, and remembered “Yes… that’s right. I was there, everything was fine, and then… I remember the white light. It pulled me in.”
Grand Ruler nodded and said “We have no solid proof of how, but it seemed that you were sucked through a rouge wormhole, a portal which lead you here to our world, the planet United Equestria.”
That was it, I was officially stunned.
“You are now in a mutli-dimensional and magical universe outside of your own.” said Celestia.
I didn’t respond. I didn’t move, blink, or even breathe too loudly.
“Mykan, are you alright?” asked Grand Ruler.
“Are you upset?” asked Celestia.
I blinked once, but was still horribly in shock. “I… think I will have that drink now.”
Their majesties could see it would take me some time to get adjusted, but at least some progress was being made.
The next day, after much explaining to Mykan of all the basics he would need to know, their majesties held a meeting with Lightning and the others to ultimately determine my fate.
“All-in-all he sounds like a wonderful young man.” said Lightning.
“Meh, I guess he’s alright.” said Rainbow.
“Wonderful?” said Rarity “I would hardly call him that, he did act rather brash and insulting.”
“Well, personally, I can’t say that I blame him.” said Starla “I mean… all this is strange and new to him.”
“I think we’re all forgettin’ somethin’ else…” said Applejack “We still don’t know if he’s really from Earth or not. He could still be workin’ for someone.”
She had a point; Mykan’s ship and suit were still being heavily examined, as well as Mykan’s recorded thought patterns and vital signs. Every inch was being looked over, but still there was no evidence to really prove much of either side.
“What possible harm can come from Mykan? He is only one powerless man.” said Rhymey.
“Perhaps…” said Princess Luna “Still, he may be a spy after all, or a saboteur sent to discredit our upcoming treaty with Princess Avyanna and the Kallans.”
“But he’s made no such attempt, and I don’t think he intends to.” said Celestia “He comes to us bewildered and frightened.”
Grand Ruler nodded “Still, as much as it pains me to do this, until we have successfully proven much, he is to remain under constant surveillance. Therefore, all of you will keep watch over him in shifts.”
The others agreed, and Pinkie was giddy with excitement “I think I’d better organize a welcoming party for him. It’s always fun to make a new friend.”
Fluttershy agreed “Well, it would be nice to show him that we’re friendly.”
Most of the others weren’t so keen on that. “I’m not sure Mykan will be up to all that just yet.” said Buddy Rose.
Artie nodded “Yeah, remember the bad news we told him…?”
*FLASHBACK: Mykan’s POV*
Despite all the wondrous things I was told about United Equestria, and all the magic ponies. This was the greatest discovery anyone of my world, or whole universe could ever hope to have found: There really WERE alternate universes with life after all.
However, the last thing I was told really changed my newly found optimism and excitement…
“You can’t send me back to Earth?”
Their majesties shook their heads and gazed at me with regretful expressions.
“But… Lightning told me you guys built a magic gateway that links to my world.”
“Yes, that is true…” said Grand Ruler “…However, I’m afraid there is a large problem with that, and it’s you.”
“Me?”
Celestia nodded and she explained to me the problem. “Whenever any of us from this world transfers through a gateway such as our portal, magical dimensional properties transform us into Earth-like creatures, and then when we return we resume our normal forms.”
“Yeah, I got all that. What’s your point?”
“That is the point…” said Grand Ruler “You were transported here by an unnatural portal. We don’t know what it is, where it came from or how it works, but retained your human state. If you were to go through the mirror portal, you would transform into a humanoid pony.”
My stomach churned at that thought “You mean… if went thought he gate, I’d look like you.”
Their majesties nodded.
I would be back on Earth, but a strange looking creature. People of my world wouldn’t recognize me, nor would many of them believe my story even if I told them. They would shun me, or worse, I’d be captured and put in some laboratory and poked with needles and wired up to machines.
…the latter of which was the mostly likely to happen, because though Lightning told me stories of how he came to my world, most of the people of Earth still knew nothing about this alternate universe, and wouldn’t believe it.
“Well, can’t you do anything about that? Cast a spell on me-- Look, I just want to go home!”
Their majesties sadly shook their heads again. “I’m sorry, Mykan…” Celestia “I’m afraid there is nothing we can do. There are too many dangers involved.”
It was finally sinking in, and I felt horrible. “I can’t believe this…” I said softly.
Their majesties felt awful for me.
“Mykan…” Grand Ruler said “We realize this must be hard for you. We really wish we could help you.” He paused as he saw me looking up at him sadly “…But I’m afraid… you’re just going to have to fit in here with us. United Equestria is your home now.”
He and Celestia then left me alone so I could search through my feelings and pull myself together.
*End of FLASHBACK and POV*
The Spanish Twins almost like crying “Eso es tan triste--That’s so sad.” said Dyno “Is he going to be alright?”
“He will… in time.” said Myte “But, maybe we should at least try and be patient with him.”
“That’s a good idea.” said Spike “But still, I’m worried about the tests. What if it still turns out he is a pirate or a spy?”
The room fell silent, and then Krysta spoke up “You know what has to be done…” said Krysta “But still, it could all just our imaginations.”
“Krysta’s right…” said Grand Ruler “And don’t forget we also must prepare for the arrival of the Kallanium, and the Princess Avyanna.”
The Kallanium was still on its way through space to the planet; all the forces onboard spent nearly every moment preparing for the big conquest that was to take place in three more days once they got closer to United Equestria.
Avyanna was sitting comfortably while admiring her reflection in the mirror. “Do I look fat…?” she asked herself slyly “Nahhh…” and she kissed the air.
Mayne was viewing an image of United Equestria on the monitor “Look at them all…” he said to himself “The fools will never know what hit them.”
*Mykan’s POV*
That afternoon, the ponies decided to extend to me some comforts and hospitality.
They already got me a fresh set of new clothes; I was now wearing a simple light-blue spandex suit, a white armor vest, which felt surprisingly light to me, and a pair of silver boots.
After that, Lightning, Starla and Krysta escorted me to a house in the village near the palace. Its occupants had moved away long ago, and to the ponies it was just idealistic for me, and though I didn’t have a job or any money to afford it, at the moment it would serve until what they would decide what to ultimately do with me, as I was still under suspicion.
We all stepped inside, and I looked around.
“This is your new home, Mykan.” said Lightning.
“Cozy.” I simply said.
“No, really, Mykan, it is.” said Starla “We live in New Ponyville, but when it comes to most places, New Canterlot is quite the choice, especially when being near the royal palace.”
I took a bigger look around and climbed up the stairs to my bed area “Looks pretty ordinary to me.” I said as I gazed at my new bed.
“Not really…” said Lightning “This bed is infused with the latest in comfort technology. It balances out the right temperature, firmness of cushion, all stimulated by the requirements of your own body. You won't feel uncomfortable in this kind of bed; at least not physically.”
“Hmm… o-kay… What else…?”
Starla showed me to the small library in the den, completed with stacked shelves of books, and computer screen. “All these books contain records and knowledge of worlds beyond your imagination. You can also look up physics, sciences, and arts; it will truly be your eyes to the world and adapting you to your new surroundings.”
I took a slight peek at one of the books, and was quite impressed, and then I just put it down on the coffee table. “Well I guess that’s something…”
“You’ve got to see the kitchen features.” said Krysta “The food-synthesizers can make you virtually anything you want… and…” she stopped when she noticed I was still looking a little down.
“Mykan, are you alright?” asked Lightning.
“Well, yeah… I mean considering I’ve never been so bewildered in my life.” I continued to look outside “I mean… is that a donkey having a milkshake with a moose?”
The friends detected the cynicism.
“It still bothers you, doesn’t it?” asked Starla.
“Yeah, it does.” I said “I mean… I’m talking to a couple of horses, and a fairy. I stopped believing in all this fairy-tales and magic stuff a long time ago, and now… I find it’s all real; what am I supposed to believe?”
“Sometimes…” Lightning said “Believing is what makes us who we are, and what we choose to believe is what makes us different from others. My master taught us all that. You don’t have to believe this if you don’t want to, but it is real.”
I did believe it all, in a shocking sort of way. “Still… I wouldn’t mind having a little firsthand knowledge of this world as well.”
“We figured you might…” said Lightning “We’ve arranged for Princess Cadance and Shining Armor to give you a full tour of the basic environment.”
“A real princess and her husband are going to give me a tour?” I asked.
“Rarity and Spike will be joining you as well; they’ll be off duty.” said Starla. “We’d escort you, but our duties call.”
“Oh, her…” I had remembered Rarity well, and she and I didn’t seem to be getting off on the right foot ever since I said “Mule”
“Mykan, believe us…” said Krysta “Rarity can be tough as nails, but she really has a caring soul. We all do. She’s willing to try if you are.”
I smiled softly. “Thanks.”
Then the friends had to leave me to await the arrival of the others to begin my tour. I was both excited and scared of what I would see and learn, but above all things, I was still feeling a little down about the fact I was stuck here, and left all that I knew and loved behind me.
*POV Ends*
As the friends left mthe house, they all felt that maybe Mykan could be trusted after all.
“If he’s not a spy, maybe he could… join up with us?” Krysta suggested.
“I don’t know, Krysta.” said Starla “He’s not like us. He doesn’t have any magic, and his strengths are rather weak compared to ours. I don’t think he could handle it.”
“Maybe…” Lightning said “But he does have heart and spirit. He reminds me of… well, me. More than most would think.”
Naturally, he referred to how he lost his home-world, almost like I did except mine wasn’t destroyed. Still, he didn’t let it get to him, and he and the girls could only hope for the best when the results of the tests came in.
*Mykan’s POV*
The tour went along nicely.
I was escorted using a flying coach, and I got to see so much…
New Ponyville, New Manehattan, New Fillydelphia, New Horn Kong. There we settled down for some dinner which was prepared by Chef Cookie Dough and his wife Khana Ling.
I could hardly believe it, Ponies of different cultures, yet they ate the same foods humans ate, of course that was understandable seeing as they had human bodies and therefore required the same kind of nutrition.
I even got to see New Cloudsdale where Rainbow Dash and the Wonderbolts were going through some serious drill-training to keep up their strengths. To me, it was like watching an air show, only without planes.
The Dragon’s land seemed a wee bit nightmarish, and the dragons did try to pull a few pranks on us, by shooting hot molten-balls at us as we passed.
Spike took just one look at them and called “You’re going to regret it if you make me come down there!”
Fearing Spike, for he was the Dragon Knight, the dragons ceased their mischief.
“Gee, I wish I could’ve made the bullies in school cringe like that.” I said.
The others all chuckled softly.
At the end of the day, we were all at the New Crystal Empire, standing on the tallest terrace of the palace. I could see for miles.
I also saw a statue of Princess Twilight Sparkle, and was told by her brother the tragic news. It made him feel sad a bit, and I apologized. “It’s okay…” Shining Armor said, but he still felt a little sad.
“We all miss her, more and more each day.” said Cadance “We try our bests not to let our emotions get to us, but we’ll always remember her.”
Realizing all the honesty, and openheartedness, I took the opportunity to apologize to Rarity. “The whole mule business; I was little out of it yesterday.”
“I accept your apology.” Rarity said softly, but I still felt the tension within her.
We all gazed over as the sun began to set over the horizon.
“Tell me about The Great War?” I asked to the others.
“I’m afraid we can’t…” said Cadance “That’s far too classified for you to hear, and it’s not something we like to talk about.”
I gazed at her deeply, and said to all of them “Well until I hear it, feel it and understand it better, it isn’t real.”
The others all gazed at me with deep concern at my words.
“Look, I’ve lost everything that was important to me; a mother, father, brother, sisters, a girl I loved, and until I hear something to convince me otherwise, there’s still a chance that I’ll see them again.”
Cadance knew how I felt, especially, but she didn’t want to bring up the subject that she had lost a lot herself; her parents, her original home, her older brother, and Twilight.
She knew I was already hurt enough.
We all went into the palace for tea, and cocoa, and we talked a little more.
“So, I’m still under suspicion.” I said “I’m telling you, I was indeed on the Kallanium.”
“I’m sorry, but we don’t have any evidence to prove your story.” said Shining Armor “Once we’ve all finished with our tests, your final determination will be discussed.”
“Tell me, the alliance with the Kallans and the princess…” I asked “What is it all for?”
Since that whole ordeal was not top-secret, nor of seemingly much harm, Rarity and Spike told me about the pirates and the shipping lines being attacked.
“Our forces were sent a message from Princess Avyanna, which were then relayed back to us, via intergalactic mail.” said Rarity “She has agreed to help aid us in this situation, in return for landing privileges on our planet.”
“And you really think you can trust her?” I asked.
“We weren’t sure at first…” said Spike “But the princess has offered us her assistance and pledged her loyalty into aiding us. She’s shown no signs of dishonesty, at least none that we can recognize.”
I thought deeply about something, and then asked “Do you think before I adjourn home that I could see my ship?”
“Of course…” said Rarity “Your ship is still being examined, but we are permitted to view it, as long as the workers are not disturbed.”
Cadance and Shining Armor bid us goodnight, as they had to stay behind. I shook Shining’s hand and kissed his wife’s hand thanking them for the tour. Then I headed back to New Canterlot with Rarity and Spike by a warp-portal.
We arrived near the main gates, and Rarity and Spike’s passes allowed us through to the landing area where my ship still stood.
“Gee, those warp portals tickle.” I said.
“Oh, you get used to them.” said Spike “Besides; it’s the fastest way to travel around here.”
“I’ll bet it is…”
As we approached my ship, we could see all the ponies were still working hard, scanning my ship over, and examining every nook and cranny at it. It was still in one piece though.
I led the others near the front of the ship and pointed at two burn marks on the side of the nose. “Do you recognize these?”
Spike and Rarity hadn’t noticed them before, but the technicians had, but no one had a clue of what they were.
“Perhaps you were struck by a few meteors on your journey.” said Rarity.
“That’s impossible.” I said “I know these things from my studies. A meteor would have caused greater damage. These marks were made by laser-fire. You can tell; the cordite is still un-oxidized, and part of the metal is melted.” I paused and gazed at the two “Did your forces open fire on me?”
“No, of course not.” said Spike.
“Then who did?”
Rarity thought it over “Perhaps you were attacked by the pirates who keep attacking our shipping lines.”
“Oh, really? I doubt that.” I said.
Rarity’s features were starting to harden, but she did her best to maintain her cool “What makes you say that. It’s a perfectly logical explanation.”
“Then why am I still here? Why didn’t they finish me off? Why didn’t they rob the ship, or even at least open it? You think pirates would want to check out a strange ship, especially if they shot at it.”
Rarity was starting to lose. She didn’t like how I was talking her nor trying my hardest to prove her wrong. Spike didn’t like this one bit and felt a fight was coming on.
“There’s only one explanation…” I said “Princess Avyanna’s fighters must’ve shot at me before they brought me onto her ship.”
“Now that is highly impossible.” said Rarity “Her ship is unarmed. That is what she agreed to.”
“Well, she seems to have tricked you.” I said my voice sounding a bit stern. “I know what I’m talking about; I was there. I saw them even with my bad vision I know what I saw. In the sickbay, I could see monitors showing me images of the landing bay.”
“I’m sorry, but I do not believe you.” said Rarity.
Spike took note of what I said, and finally spoke up “You know, Rarity. He could be right…”
Rarity looked at him sharply. “Spike…?!”
“Well, I mean, we don’t really know much about Avyanna. Maybe we should search her ship we allow to get near the planet.”
“Out of the question!” sneered Rarity “If were the princess I’d feel most insulted. That’s no way to begin an alliance based on good faith.”
“Good faith is for bureaucrats.” I said “its things like that that gets you a city handed to you a silver platter. Now I’m telling you, stop that ship while you can before it’s too late, or you’ll be easy prey.”
Finally, Rarity lost patience “I have tried to be patient with you, and I have tried to be civil and understanding, but I will not involve the risks of our planet and other planets beyond that need our help.”
“Rarity…” Spike said.
“Spike, keep out of this, and that’s and order.” she snapped. Spike had no choice but to obey. He was Captain, she was a major. She outranked him.
She then turned back to face me “I am an officer with Starfleet, and I have much more experience than you. So, kindly reserve your opinions until you are able to fully prove your story is true.”
I could see by now what everyone meant by Rarity being tough as nails; stubborn was more like it, but rather than argue with her anymore. “Okay…” I said simply said “I won’t bother anymore. You seem to have the situation under control, just like my world did… and they didn’t know what they were doing either.”
Then I walked off for home.
*POV ends*
Spike had never seen Rarity act so uncharacteristically before; this wasn’t her character at all. He wondered if maybe all these constant struggles with the pirates and all the excess work she had been pouring in were starting to affect her.
“Rarity…”
“What?!” she snapped at her.
Spike winced as if she had just slapped him.
“Never mind.” He simply said and he flew off.
Only then did Rarity realize what she had just done. “What’s happening to me? This isn’t like me.”
*Mykans POV*
It was getting dark as the sun set.
I was at home, wearing my PJs and bathrobe, but I didn’t feel like sleeping. Rarity had gotten me so riled up, that I was determined to learn more and more about United Equestria, but also to find some way to help prove I was right about the Kallanium bearing arms.
“Ugh!” I groaned as I slammed my book down on the table. “This isn’t getting me anywhere at all.”
“It certainly isn’t.” said a voice from behind.
I looked round and saw their majesties standing near my door.
“Well, I thought this was supposed to be my house.” I sneered.
“We were on our way back from setting the sun…” said Celestia “We also heard you had a small fit with Rarity.”
“Yeah, so what…?” I snapped.
Their features hardened slightly “You’re being very rude, Mykan.” Grand Ruler said.
“You’re being very nosey; butting into my privacy.”
“Mykan…” Celestia said “We realize this is hard for you, but we are just trying to help you adjust, and advise you against regrettable actions. There is so much you don’t know.”
“Ah!” I said, then I stood up and marched over to the window “And that is exactly my problem. I don’t get this world at all, and I especially don’t get Rarity.”
“Mykan…” Grand Ruler said softly “We understand what you must be feeling.”
“Oh, you do?” I snapped as I turned round to glare at them both “You think you could possibly how it feels to be Totally Alone?!! Look I didn’t ask to come here; I got yanked out of my world.”
“It’s hard to let it go, isn’t it?” said Celestia.
My outrage faded into sadness as I slunk into my armchair, my voice sounded low and sadder as I spoke. “I’m sorry…” I said “I really am, but it is hard. I had a life, I had a family, and I was going to marry my girlfriend… and now… I don’t have anything.”
“That’s not true, Mykan.” Grand Ruler said “Believe me, I’ve had my share of what you’re going through and so have many others, but that’s not my point, but just know that we only wish to be here for you. We want you to think of us more as your friends, and not your enemies.”
He had me there; they were kind enough to give me a home and food, comforts, everything else. They practically saved my life.
“I think you should get some sleep now.” said Celestia “And don’t try and deny it. You’ve had a very big day.”
I sighed, and then marched up the stairs to my bed area. “All right, but don’t you try any tricks, because I don’t feel much like sleeping.”
I undid my robe and threw it on my chest of drawers, then hopped into bed. “I mean it!” I called “I’m going to have one eye on you guys at all times.”
The soothing functions of the bed started to kick in, and I let out a huge yawn. I tried to fight it, but I suddenly drifted off into a deep soothing sleep. I didn’t even shut off the lights.
*POV ends*
Their majesties gazed at one another, and nodded. Then used their magic to shut off the lights, and then left so Mykan could sleep.
“He’s a good man, I can feel it.” Grand Ruler said.
His wife agreed, and then she let out a huge yawn. They both headed back to the palace to get some sleep themselves.
The next morning, Lightning, Starla and Krysta were at the café for breakfast with Spike. Rarity wasn’t with them as she didn’t feel like coming along.
“She’s exhausted…” Spike said “Poor thing was up half the night talking to herself, complaining about the way she acted, and then at 3 A.M she was sleepwalking. I found her in her sewing room; she tried to make three different dresses and ended up sewing them to the carpet.”
The others couldn’t help but snicker. That did sound rather funny, but Spike scowled at them all. He didn’t like it when others laughed at his Fiancée like that, even if it was funny. “I’m really worried about her.”
“She’s just overworked…” Lightning said “We all are. If only we could find where the pirates are coming from, we could rest easier and save the shipping lines.”
“All the more important this treaty with the Princess goes well.” said Starla.
The others all agreed.
Just then, a magical letter appeared before Lightning, addressed from the palace in New Canterlot.
Lightning opened it. “It’s from their majesties.”
“What’s it say?” asked Krysta.
Lightning read the message silently, and then he looked shocked and a bit regretful “Oh my…”
“What? What is it?” Starla asked.
Her husband gazed deeply at her and answered “It’s bad… very bad.”
*Mykan’s POV*
I awoke, and I sighed as I looked around my home. “Shoot.” I groaned. I had hoped I would’ve woken up and find I was home on Earth, and that this was all a dream.
…No such luck, but at least I slept well. “Maybe it’s not so bad here after all.”
There was a knock at the door.
I opened it to find no one was there, but there was a small yellow box done up with big pink ribbon sitting on the porch. Attached to it was a little tag that said “Open Me.”
This looked freakishly suspicious, like those old gag presents where when you opened it a big pie would splat you in the face, but this box looked a little big for that.
I picked it up and gave it a little shake, it felt as if it was completely empty.
Unable to resist, I pulled the ribbon, and the box began to glow and vibrate.
“Whoa! Hey…!”
I threw the box down to the ground, and it burst wide open with a shower of confetti and balloons, and out popped Pinkie Pie.
Music started to play, and she began to sing and tap dance with a straw hat and cane.
Good morning, Good morning! Good morning and how are you. Good morning! Good morning to you.
Good morning, Good morning! I don’t know what else to say But Good morning, Good morning today!
That was it, and I felt a wee bit shaken, but I brushed the confetti off.
“Meh, Hiya doin’, Pinkie.” I said in a low tone.
She blinked once, gawking goofily at me. “So… did you sleep well?”
“Slept like a baby, not a care in the world.”
I then tapped the insignia on my PJs twice and magically was dressed back in my outfit from yesterday. “Cool.”
“So, what’dya feel like doing today?” Pinkie asked while bouncing with excitement “We could play cool games, or sing funny songs… or even eat cupcakes.”
I couldn’t help but giggle at how funny she was acting. “I thought you guys were supposed to be a serious organization?”
Buddy Rose and Applejack came along after finishing their early morning patrol. “Oh, we are…” said Buddy “But don’t forget, even we have normal lifestyles.”
“Eeyup.” said Applejack “Nothin’ like kickin’ back and enjoyin’ the sweetness of life.”
This made me think back deeply. I did have some fun on Earth, but most of the time I was so fascinated by my studies and working out, that was usually all I ever did. Even when I went and did something most people considered fun, all I could do was contemplate when it would be over so I could get back to work.
“No! Really?!” cried Pinkie “Well that won’t do at all. Mykan, you really need to let loose, and expand your view of things, and by that I mean…”
Another song started.
“Where’s that music coming from?” I wondered, but Pinkie and the others began to sing again as they led me all over town.
[Pinkie]
You may be a stranger to our kind and all our ways
And then there’s Artie… He loves to sculpt and paint, and it’s so pretty, you’ll faint But wait there’s more…
[Pinkie]
Rarity complains… But that girl sews like a pro; Her ideas grow and grow She’s just a Fashion Galore.
Rarity, who had been sleeping all that time, sat upright in her bed and lifted her sleep-mask, and looked around her room, wondering who was just there, but she dismissed it all and then went back to sleep, as she was still exhausted.
[Applejack]
So, don’t feel too bad that you’re stuck with us, Cuz life’s too short to put up much a fuss, So let it be…
[Buddy]
There is a whole world waiting here for you
[Pinkie]
It’s all standing right before you
[ALL]
So, come on, there is lots to do and see.
I couldn’t believe it, but I was actually enjoying all this, and getting into the groove of the music. Things around here weren’t all that different back home on Earth.
[Pinkie]
You may be a stranger to our kind and all our ways
[Buddy]
You're like a lost man stranded in the haze
[Applejack]
So we'll show you how we go about our days.
[ALL]
There’s much to do and see
[Pinkie]
Rainbow Dash enjoys a casual fly
[Buddy]
Relaxation for Rhymey and Fluttershy
[Applejack]
The best way to know how is give it a try…
[ALL]
There’s much to do and see
[Pinkie]
The twins dig up things in their very own mine
[Buddy]
But even they get a bit of sunshine
[Applejack]
Some like some things, others don’t, but hey that’s fine.
[ALL]
There’s much to do and see
[Buddy]
When danger calls… We fighters rush to the scene Fight off the evil and mean, We’re really strong
[Pinkie]
But while off duty… We love to work, share and play It makes us happy and gay That’s why we’re singing this song
I actually twirled around with the others like a professional dancer, and many other ponies form all around joined in, adding their lines to the song.
[Mr. Cake:]
Come and try this cake we made.
[CMCs]
Let’s have a Cutiemarks parade
[Cheerilee]
Or how to make a day of learning cool
[Abra Kadabra]
Learn a magic trick or two
[Maud Pie]
Or sit at home; your rock and you
[Zecora]
A rock, now wait, that’s talking like a fool.
Ponies in the streets sounded trumpets and horns as practically everyone around seemed to dance with the group and I as the final verse was sung.
[Pinkie]
So, come on out and see the world
[Buddy]
Unleash your soul and make your mind unfurled, And you’ll agree…
[Applejack]
You can live a full and active life, And lose all the grumps and strife
[ALL]
You’ll find that there’s so much to do and see
There is a lot… A really big lot…
There’s lots… for you to do… and… SEE!!!
The large crowd of ponies and creatures cheered with joy.
After that, the three friends and I walked down the way, and I never felt so inspired before “You guys are right.” I said.
“Now you’re talkin’.” said Applejack.
“You’re going to fit in just fine with us, Mykan.” said Buddy Rose.
Pinkie Pie was so giddy that she just bounced all around, and back flipped like crazy, however… this moment of happiness did not last when Lightning and Starla appeared, after being teleported by Krysta.
They didn’t look happy at all.
“What’s up with you guys?” I asked.
Lightning sighed softly, and summed up all his nerves. “Mykan, I’m sorry to do this, but, I have an order from their majesties to place you under close arrest.”
The other three gasped in shock.
I merely blinked once and asked “Excuse me?”
*POV ends*
Before long, I was being kept in a solitary detention cell in the royal palace.
Lightning and all his friends were gathered in the briefing room with their majesties. Professor Brain joined them, and explained why I was arrested.
“Whilst my team of experts examined Mr. Steven craft, we found this little device.” He held up a small pirate transmitter, which all the friends gasped at.
“This transmitter came in with his craft.” said Brain “I’m afraid it has been giving away our secrets and strategies and relaying them to our enemies.”
“So… he really is a spy all along?” cried Fluttershy. Tears were coming to her eyes.
Rhymey shook his head in disbelief.
“How can this be? We’ve been deceived by such clever trickery.”
“I’m afraid there is more…” said Celestia “The medical scans revealed tiny traces of alien residue on his lips and a powerful alien sedative in his nerves.”
All this evidence made things very serious, but still many of the friends refused to believe it.
“Maybe we’re just reacting too fast.” said Rainbow “Maybe there’s another explanation.”
“And just what do you suggest…?” asked Rarity.
Rainbow tried to come up with an excuse, but she had nothing.
“Maybe, Mykan really isn’t in on this.” said Dyno.
“Si, what if he’s just being used as some sort of decoy?” added Myte.
“We have reviewed the tapes of his recorded memory patterns.” said Princess Luna, and she showed them all the recorded images, all that was shown was Mykan’s memories of him being pulled form his world through the wormhole.
After that, he had blacked out, and they stopped viewing from there.
They had only assumed because Mykan had blacked out, there was nothing left to observe.
Grand Ruler had thought of that as well “It is possible, but as of now the evidence we’ve gathered cannot prove otherwise. I’m afraid we have no choice but to take decisive action.”
“You mean a trial?” asked Lightning.
His mentor nodded regretfully.
*Mykan’s POV*
As for me, I was informed of everything, and I was feeling that same mixture of depression, isolation, anger, but most importantly I felt concerned.
I had spent so much time feeling like I could really fit in well in this world, I had completely forgotten about the Kallans and what I knew of. Yet still, I couldn’t prove it.
Now I was going to stand trial, and things didn’t look so good for me.
My cell door then opened, and in came Goldwin; I had been told about him, and talked to him before.
He came in along with a tray of well prepared food for me. “I was told to bring you your lunch.” he said to me as he set the tray down.
“Thanks, but I’m not really hungry.”
Goldwin felt really bad for me, and wished he could do more. “I also have a message from Lightning.”
He handed me a small letter, it read…
Mykan…
We know things are looking grim, but have faith. The evidence is still not as concrete as it seems, and we want you to know that we and all the others will do everything we can to help you.
Just keep your chin up.
--Lightning
“Huh.” I simply said “Well, that’s somewhat comforting; it means maybe I still do have friends.”
Goldwin patted my shoulder “I hope things go okay for you too.” he said.
I patted his hand back kindly and smiled “Thanks.” Then I looked him all over, and felt his hand a little deeper. “Um… I know I keep asking but, are you sure you used to be a statue? I mean… you seem so real.”
Goldwin pointed at his eyes “I’m real as long as I’m wearing this mask and I don’t leave the palace.”
He then had to leave, leaving me to contemplate on the trial ahead.
The trial was held the next morning.
The supreme pony council of United Equestria presided. The Chairman pony and his five councillors called the court to order.
“Mykan Stevens…” said the chairman “This court holds in contempt on the charges of espionage and treason to the United Equestrian Empire. Evidence has convinced this court that you are an aid to the pirates that have been choking off our shipping lines to other planets. Have you anything to say for yourself?”
I stood up bravely “For now, all I have to say is, all the evidence is not as concrete as it seems, and there might me more going on than you realize.”
I sat back down again.
Their majesties thought that was brave of me to say as they watched the court form their special seats.
“This court will now hear stories from all parties involved in this case.” said the chairman.
On the witness stand, anyone who was being questioned was forced to sit in a special chair that acted as a lie detector, and memory viewer. There would be no fibbing in that courtroom.
Lightning took the stand first.
“Commander Lightning Dawn. We’re you or were you and your friends not unaware of the potential dangers involved when you first brought Mr. Stevens to our planet?”
“We were not aware of anything at all.” Lightning answered, and as he spoke, the memory machine showed images of the whole events that happened just as they did. “We had first sighted Mr. Stevens and his disabled craft heading towards us on dimensional pathway. Our medical scans revealed him to be in bad condition and in need of help, as for his craft. There was no way we could search it while soaring through space, and we were under orders to bring the craft and its occupant here.”
“Yet, you were well aware of the potential risks at hand?” the chairman asked.
Lightning hesitated a brief moment and answered “Yes, I cannot deny that we were aware, but we were acting under orders.”
“Very well, Commander. That will be all.”
Many others were cross-questioned while seated in the memory chair.
Dr. Penny was told to show the recorded images of my memory, and again, she neglected to view any further than the part where I got sucked into the wormhole that brought me here.
“Wait a minute!” I shouted “There’s more on that.”
“Sit down, Mr. Stevens!” snarled the chairman “This court will not tolerate outbursts of anger.”
Shining Armor, and Princess Cadance were each cross-questioned about my behaviour on the tour they gave me, and only said that I was very well behaved, maybe a little short at times, but only because I was dealing with the negative emotions of losing my former home and life.
“Other than that, he is not a dangerous individual.” said Shining Armor.
“I second that.” said Cadance.
“An interesting story.” said the Chairman “However, it can also not be denied that you were showing a possible spy around our world, thus exposing more secrets that would have been delivered to our enemies.”
Even their supreme majesties felt the chairman was going way out of line, but they said nothing, no one did, and even Cadance and Shining Armor could not deny the possibility.
They were asked to step down.
Finally, I was called to take the stand.
“Mr. Stevens…” the chairman said “Testimony and circumstantial evidence has fully prove to us that you are indeed a human being from the planet Earth of an alternate universe, but other evidence now has us to believe that you were in alignment with our enemies. Do you deny this?”
I spoke calmly, not wanting to inconvenience the trial. “I not only deny it, but I still warn you all to prepare yourselves for a threat far worse than the pirates.”
“You still hold claim to your story about the Flagship Kallanium bearing arms?”
“Yes.”
“Yet you have no actual proof to suggest your story is true.”
“I was on that ship.” I cut in, and the chair did not detect any lying. Then the memory machine showed those missing images the ponies neglected to view.
Though the images were blurry, due to my fatigue at the time, the ponies could defiantly make out that I was indeed on the Kallanium, and the Princess, Avyanna, was right near me.
Unfortunately, my vision was too blurry as I looked at the monitors that showed the landing bay full of fighter ships, and the imagery could not be enhanced due to the fact it was just a memory.
“So, it seems as if you are telling the truth; that you were indeed on the Kallanium.” said the Chairman “But I’m afraid we cannot accept what have seen as proof to suffice your other story of the ship being armed.”
“What are you talking about?” I snapped “I’ve telling you the truth all this time.”
The chairman banged his gavel furiously. “Step down, Mr. Stevens!”
“Hold it!” snapped Lightning as he stood “I’d like to interject.”
The council objected to this, but the chairman allowed it, as Lightning was also acting as a defender as well as witness, and inadvertent aid to the charges.
“The defendant has a point…” Lightning said “He has not been lying to us, or the machine would have detected such things.” He then walked over to me. “Mr. Stevens… Mykan. Lie to the court. Uh… how old are you?”
“Um… I’m 21.” I fibbed, and sure enough, the chair glowed brightly, indicating my lie.
“Tell another fib…” Lightning said “Which planet are you originally from.”
“I was born on Mars.”
The chair glowed again.
“Now, tell the truth.” said Lightning. “You were onboard the Kallanium, and according you from what you could tell, despite your fatigue, it was filled with attack fighters?”
“That’s right.”
The chair did not glow, and the memory device showed those same burry images again.
“No further questions.” said Lightning.
The council and the chairman huddled together, and everyone in the courtroom, even their majesties were all unsure of what to think.
The chairman cleared his throat “Mykan Stevens. This new evidence that has been presented to the court may have tremendous implications regarding the charges brought against you. However, despite this, the facts are still not clear enough. It has been decided that further deliberation must be taken until an ultimate decision is made. Until that time, you are to be held in close arrest, and a watchful guard of all personal involved.”
He banged his gavel and declared “Court is adjourned!”
I was escorted from the court by two guards, and as I walked away, I couldn’t help but glare grimly at all the ponies I thought I could trust, which made them all feel a great deal of remorse.
Even Rarity seemed to be showing sympathy towards me.
*POV ends*
“Celesto, isn’t there something we can do?” Celestia asked.
Her husband shook his head “I’m afraid the council makes the decision, but we can speak with them in hopes of a suggestion. I happen to have one in mind.”
Later on, their majesties, all three of them spoke to the council. Lightning was with them.
“Search the Kallanium?” spat the chairman “Begging your majesty’s pardon, but you realize how insulting that would be toward Princess Avyanna. It would endanger the peaceful treaty.”
“I am well aware of all that.” said Grand Ruler “But I don’t see anything wrong with a fact finding mission, anything that would help us in this case against Mr. Stevens.”
“You show remarkable loyalty to a possible traitor?” asked the chairman.
“Perhaps I am, and perhaps not…” replied Grand Ruler.
“I second that.” said Celestia “And we should take into consideration the other possibilities; supposing the treaty with the Kallans is a faux.”
Princess Luna was inclined to agree with her sister and brother-in-law “We must consider the safety of our world and other worlds beyond.”
The council did seem somewhat inclined, but the chairman still had his doubts “And supposing after all this you are all proven mistaken? Supposing the princess will call of our negotiations...?”
Their majesties exchanged looks at one another and nodded in agreement. “If such, we agree to take full responsibility, but at the moment we have every right to be cautious. Our decision is final.”
“Very well…” said the chairman “The council moves to postpone the trial until the end results of the investigation.”
The council then got up and left the room.
“Lightning…” Grand Ruler said “I’m putting you in charge of the investigation. You and your team will fly the Kallanium and carry out any surveys that you can.”
“Understood...” Lightning said as he bowed to his majesty. “However, I would like to request one small detail.”
“What would that be?” asked Celestia.
An intergalactic message was sent from planet to planet, until a messenger brought the letter to the Kallanium for the princess to read.
She sent the messenger on his way without even tipping him, and read up the message.
“An investigation?” she spat in disbelief “Who authorized this?”
Mayne thought it over “Perhaps the transmitter you hid onto Mykan Steven’s ship had been discovered. Their suspicions are aroused.”
Avyanna had already thought of a way to cover her tracks. “If they wish to investigate, we shall play along with them.”
“But your highness, supposing they bring forth devices to help uncover our true intentions?”
“Mayne, you have the mind and spine of a weakling! I am well aware this, but as an old saying goes; know more about your enemy than they know about themselves.”
She reached under her massive bed, and pulled out a simple, small treasure chest, which had been given to them by their evil dealer. She opened the box, and a big burst of light seemed to envelope the entire ship.
“Are you satisfied now?”
Mayne nodded.
*Mykan’s POV*
All that day I spent locked up in my cell; all the ponies took their shifts watching me. Some even watched me in groups.
Now Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Spike were watching me, but all I did was lay flat on the hard bed with my hands folded behind my head.
“How can he be so calm like this?” Spike whispered to the others.
Rainbow agreed “If I were locked up like this, I’d be flying about in a rage.”
“Perhaps one of us should speak with him.” said Rarity, and then she noticed the others staring at her. “Oh… fine.” she groaned.
She approached me, and I just lay where I was.
“Don’t you have anything to say?” she asked me.
I didn’t even look at her and simple said “No, I don’t.”
Rarity was already feeling annoyed, but the others gave her a look warning her to watch it with her attitude. “Mykan, you have just been tried for treason. Do you realize what will happen if you are found guilty? You could be sentenced to prison for life. Now doesn’t that bother you at all?”
I finally sat upright and looked her dead in the eyes “Well as a matter fact, what really bothers me is that I don’t think anyone will actually be around to carry that sentence out.”
Rarity sighed softly and then she said “Despite that I am among those who do not believe your story, what if I were to tell you that we have all agreed to give you a chance to prove yourself.”
“How…?”
“Lightning is in charge of investigation in the Kallanium, and he has requested that you be present to verify your story.”
I practically sprung to my feet “I’m there.” I said.
What an incredible thrill this was; not only was able to breathe in space without a spacesuit on, but traveling so incredibly fast across the cosmos on a dimensional pathway with Lightning and his team.
“And you guys travel all the time like this?” I asked. “It’s the only fastest way to get from one place to another quickly in this universe.” Lightning answered.
The view was so incredibly breathtaking, that I nearly lost my balance.
“Watch it!” shouted Starla “Remember what we warned you…”
“I remember.” I said. I was warned very strictly that if I strayed from the path and fell into space, I’d get teleported to anywhere in the whole Dimensional Universe.
Since pathways could only connect to moons and planets, but not connect to vehicles, we were headed for a small moon in orbit of Conva, the prison planet. There we would be escorted by one of Princess Avyanna’s shuttle craft that would take us all to the Kallanium which was flying nearby on its way to United Equestria.
We arrived in the docking bay, and were greeted by the many guards before the princess was announced, everyone bowed to her, and Starla gave me a soft nudge telling me to bow too… so I did, when I looked back up our eyes met. She gave me a straight, but rather cheeky looking expression.
“Your highness…” Lightning said “We apologize for this, but--”
“Naturally, don’t apologize.” Avyanna quickly said. “After all, you are merely conducting your duty, and I have no objections to this search.”
She then gazed at me again, and I gazed back at her.
“Your highness…”
She nodded at me “Mr. Stevens… so nice to have seen you again.”
I kept a cool attitude, and smiled at her, which aroused the suspicions of the others.
“You two have already met?” asked Starla.
“Indeed…” answered Avyanna, and she explained how she found me in my disabled ship, brought me aboard and nursed me back to health. “I thought it best if I sent him all to you in United Equestria, so he’d fully regain his health.”
The ponies used their visors’ lie-detection as she spoke, the readouts showed them she was telling the truth, but I was not fooled for an instant, but I did not make any attempt to make a scene.
“Now then, shall we commence the inspection?” asked Lightning.
“Please…” Avayanna said as she instructed her guards to escort us all.
We searched the entire ship, including the landing bays, but much to my confusion, not a ship was found. The ponies even used their heat and radiation scans and could find no traces of there ever being any ships to begin with.
No burn marks…
No radiation traces of after burns…
…Nothing.
Deep down, I had anticipated something like this. Nothing convinced me different that Avyanna had sent all her ships out, and covered her tracks well the others could not detect or realize.
Still, I could not prove otherwise, so there was no point in trying… not yet anyway. I needed to come up with a plan, and act on my own… all I needed was one clear opening to get my chance.
We were all escorted back to the docking bay, ready to board our ship to head back down to Conva’s Moon, and from there, head back to United Equestria, via a pathway.
“Again, we apologize for having put you through this, your highness.” said Lightning.
“Again, there is no need to apologize.” said Avyanna “I was pleased to have eased your minds, and it was wonderful having you all here.” She gazed at me once more “I was especially pleased to have seen you again, Mr. Stevens.”
I smiled and tenderly kissed her hand, much to suspicion of the others, and the disgust of Mayne.
“Pleasure was all mine, Princess.” I said slyly.
Lightning cleared his throat, saying it was time to leave.
“I wish you all a safe journey home.” said Avyanna “I hope you will not run into any misfortune.”
As I prepared to board the craft, I gazed back at her and said “You know, your highness, there’s only one other thing I like less than misfortune… a liar.”
The others glared at me angrily, but Avyanna didn’t take it as an insult.
The ponies practically shoved me into the craft, and then we took off.
*POV ends*
Avyanna could see us set out.
“It was a good thing I had sent the fleet out, and used the magic spell from our dealer to clear the ship of evidence and manipulate their scanning. They never detected a thing.”
Mayne didn’t say a thing. He just stood where he was practically half sulking.
“Something disturbs you, Mayne?”
“You took an awful chance, your highness.” said Mayne “Such carelessness could be quite costly. You seemed to be acting in a rather peculiar way towards Mr. Stevens.”
“What I choose, Mayne, is my own priority, and right now your priority is to carry my orders and order the fleet to do their job. I trust you have no problem with that…?”
“None, whatsoever.” said Mayne, and then he headed off, but was still not pleased. He was worried that the princess was becoming infatuated with Mykan, which would lead her to stumbling, and ruin their conquest.
“You took an awful chance, your highness.” said Mayne “Such carelessness could be quite costly.”
“I do not remember asking for your opinion, Mayne.” she snapped at him. She was so impressed with Mykan’s attitude that she decided to do another little test.
*Mykan’s POV*
After setting on the moon, the craft returned to its mothership, and left us to prepare to head out.
The ponies were still giving me attitude. “You could have greatly insulted the princess with what you said back there.” said Buddy Rose.
Not giving too much attitude, I simply said “I wouldn’t call it an insult, especially when it’s the truth.”
“Mykan, the princess denies your story, and we could find no shred of proof that supported your belief.” said Lightning. “I’m afraid when we get back we’ll have to…”
“I know the drill…” I said “Let’s just go.”
Dyno whispered to Myte “How can he be so calm? He’s going to be arrested.”
“Do you think maybe we didn’t look hard enough up there?” Myte asked softly.
We were all just about to jump through the warp-portal, when suddenly…
“Hey, look!” Artie shouted, as a squad of miniature ships came soaring from out of nowhere and began to open fire on us.
“PIRATES!!” shouted Lightning, as we all jumped out of the way of the laser-fire.
“Where did they come from?” snapped Starla.
“Never mind that, let’s get them.”
“YEAH!!” the others all shouted.
Starla stayed down to keep me protected as we ducked behind a rock formation.
The others all took off into the air and began to return fire.
Lightning landed on one of the ships, and thrust his fist clear through the glass, striking the pilot had. Lightning then leapt off as the ship crashed and burned.
Rhymey drew his sword, and sliced another ship in half, right down the middle… causing it to explode.
Another tried to sneak up on him…
“Nice try…”
Then he zipped up high out the way,
“Bye-bye!”
And shot it down with one blast of magic from his horn.
Down below, Starla kept shooting any ship that came near our way with her Starlight Arrows and her Pulsar laser.
“I bet Avyanna just called them back.” I said.
“Mykan, will you get it straight, these are pirates. Why would they work for the princess.” snapped Starla.
“Look, all I’m saying is…”
“LOOK OUT!!”
And Starla jumped on me, pushing us both down behind the rocks before we got hit by a laser beam. “Stay down here out of sight, that’s an order!” She told me, and then went back to her shooting.
Buddy Rose was faced against three ships at once.
The pilots rammed at him with full speed, firing their lasers like crazy, but Buddy dodged their every blow.
“LEAF SWARM” He launched a barrage of his leaves which hit the cockpit view glasses of every ship, blinding the pilots’ view, causing them to all to crash into one another.
Dyno and Myte stood together, nodded at one another and joined hands; “BOOM-BOOM-ROCKETS” unleashing their missiles at the oncoming ships.
Artie launched his Paint Bombs at more, but just as the number of ships seemed to be nearly diminished, a whole new fleet soared in. “They’ve got reinforcements!” he shouted.
Lightning narrowed his eyes. “Get back, I’m going to go enticorn on them.”
The others gave him some space, allowing him to gather his strength and change into an Enticorn, then hopefully blow all the ships away in one shot, but for some strange reason…
As he tried to increase his power, he began to feel very weak, and began to float down to the ground, like a paper in a draft.
“LIGHTNING…!” cried Starla as she watched her husband fall to the ground.
The twins soared down and caught him before he could be shot by the pirates.
The ships were still flying in a huge group, far too many to shoot out one-at-a-time.
However, I got a good look at one ship in the middle, and calculated all the trajectories around it.
I tapped Starla and told her “Shoot that one, there in the middle.”
“Just back off, you don’t know what you’re doing.” she said.
“I know if you don’t shoot there now, they’ll shoot us. Just do it!”
Starla then took a good look at the ship I was pointing at, and realized my calculations. So she summoned up a big burst of energy into her horn “PULSAR LASER!” and fired at the ship, it exploded, and bits and pieces of it slammed into the other ships, causing the same thing to happen to the entire fleet… in one massive chain reaction.
Starla was impressed by my judgment of trajectories, and she felt a bit silly for not having seen it before, being under so much stress and having seen her husband fall…
“Lightning…” she cried.
“I’m okay…” he called as he and other regrouped around us. Starla leapt up and hugged him deeply. “What happened?”
“I don’t know… I just started to feel really weak, but thanks to you, the pirates are gone.”
“Um, actually… it was Mykan who showed me.”
The others all gazed at me, and were majorly impressed as Starla was.
“Can we go now?” I simply said.
*POV Ends*
From her ship, Avyanna and Mayne saw everything, both of them not feeling a bit remorseful of all the many ships and troops they lost, but to Avyanna, being a near ruthless warrior, it was well worth the loss.
“That Mykan has more spark in him than I thought.” she said, and she began to fade off into her warm and fuzzy thoughts again, much to Mayne’s dismay.
She came too almost at once. “Mayne… take a letter.”
“Yes, your highness.”
*Mykan’s POV*
We all arrived back in United Equestria, and were greeted by the rest of the gang.
“Lightning, what happened?” asked Krysta.
“We saw the whole the thing from the observatory, we were about to launch reinforcements to help.” added Fluttershy.
“I was actually looking forward to kicking some serious butt.” Rainbow groaned softly.
“Don’t worry; I’m sure they’ll explain it to you…” I said, and I began to walk off, but Rarity and Rainbow blocked my way. “Excuse me, please…” I said sounding rather gruff.
“Mykan…” Lightning said “You didn’t prove your story was true, we have no choice but to place you under arrest again, pending a new hearing.”
I turned and gazed at him, and then walked off again.
“Mykan!” snapped Rarity “Stay where you are, or we will shoot you?”
“Rarity…!” I shouted, then I calmed down “All of you… I’m not trying to escape, and even if I did, where would I go? The only home I knew and loved is in another universe, which I may never see ever again. So do me a favor and cut the theatrics until you all get your act together.”
A silence followed, and I walked off to my own jail cell.
The ponies thought Mykan behaved rather rudely, but he was right in many ways. Still, they didn’t know what harm could happen as long as I was in custody.
Spike was more concerned with Rarity’s behaviour than ever. “You didn’t have to be so harsh on him.” he said.
“Spike…” she practically snapped “He is under suspect. How else do you expect to treat him?”
Spike sighed “I give up…” and he walked off leaving Rarity confused and frustrated. She then turned to gaze at her faded reflection in a window; that grouchy, horrid expression finally made her realize…
“Oh, my goodness…!” she cried “Is this what I’ve been looking like these few days? I look simply… hideous.” She was acting rather dramatic and went off to console her thoughts and shame.
Meanwhile, Lightning was escorted to the sick-back for an examination after what had happened, and suddenly, the doctor found the reason, and pulled a small chip that was stuck under Lightning’s mane.
“That’s an Energy-Distorter…” Lightning said; it was a small device used to stabilize energy in control units, and prevent systems form overloading. It was very dangerous when used on biological creatures, and would leave them extremely weak when their energies suddenly increased.
“How did that get in your mane?” Starla asked.
Lightning had no idea, but began to wonder if maybe it happened while they were all onboard the Kallanium.
This made him wonder something else… why the pirate ships didn’t attack the Kallanium itself. It was just sitting there, completely unarmed, and most likely loaded with treasures of the princess.
“Could we have made a mistake?” Lightning asked “Maybe Mykan was right?”
They both were still uncertain, what with all the evidence they had gathered. It just didn’t add up.
Just then, their royal majesties entered the sickbay.
Everyone bowed at them.
“Glad to see you’re feeling better, Lightning.” said Celestia.
Lightning bowed to her in thanks, and then he said “We sent Mykan back to his cell until his new hearing can be arranged.”
“Speaking of Mykan, that’s why we are here…” said Grand Ruler, and he held out a letter.
“From Princess Avyanna…?” asked Starla.
“Yes…” said Celestia “It was sent to us moments ago. The princess has requested that Mykan attend the welcoming ball tomorrow night, as an apology.”
Lightning examined the letter himself, and it read that Avyanna did indeed wish Mykan to be present at the ball, and that she was sorry that the pirates attacked the group on Conva’s Moon, when she was certain they were after her and her unarmed ship.
Avyanna seemed to sound almost desperate to have Mykan there, which further stirred up the suspicion. “Your majesties, I think I have an idea…”
They all huddled together as Lightning explained his idea.
Their majesties were very skeptical about such a plan, and yet under the present circumstances, they too were beginning to feel doubtful about things. They gave Lightning their approval to proceed.
The next night, there was the most beautiful gathering I ever saw… even though I was seeing many fancy dressed and well-groomed ponies and other creatures too.
It still baffled me to why I was even invited to this ball, but here I was, and dressed in a nice tuxedo, which Rarity made for me in a snap.
She said that it was made as part of her apology, for being so harsh with me.
“I really don’t want to be your enemy, you know.” she said.
“Well, that’s a sweet gesture.” I said. “Uh… you look lovely in that gown.”
“Thank you.”
We said no more to each other, and Rarity went off to meet up with Spike.
Spike was also wearing a tux. Lightning and all the men of his unit wore their dress uniforms, which greatly resembled tuxedos, each was their corresponding color, and the girls, even Starla all wore fancy gowns.
Cadance and Shining Armor were present as well, but sitting in the royal box where their supreme royal majesties would soon appear when announced. Cadance’s mane was done in her special welcoming ceremonial style.
Being here was rather exciting for me, and yet I felt a little sad too. It reminded me of the first time I ever took Michelle to a fancy dinner and dance. That was our last date before I left on the shuttle…
My dear Michelle, how I missed her dearly, and my family…
What I would to give to find out what it was that brought me here to this world, and robbed me of all that was dear to me.
I was suddenly snapped out of my trance when the royal fanfare sounded, and their royal majesties were announced…
“Their royal majesties: Grand Ruler Celesto, Queen Celestia and Princess Luna… co-rulers of all United Equestria.”
Their majesties appeared in bright flashes of light; Grand Ruler was dressed in his pure white formal outfit, and the ladies were wearing their best royal garbs.
The crowds cheered and applauded as Grand Ruler welcomed them.
“Citizens of United Equestria…” he called out “We are gathered here to celebrate a new day of alliance and of peace and friendship.”
Celestia stepped forth.
“Near the boundaries of our planet, out in space, there floats a very large spacecraft from the planet Kallan. Yet, this amazing craft comes to us stripped of all arms, and all weapons. This ship is being presenting to us as a gift from the Kallans to help assist us in this dark time the pirates have caused, terrorizing our shipping lines.”
Princess Luna then stepped forth “And now, to the commander of the great ship given before us, we extend welcome and honored gestures to the ruler of Kallan: The Princess Avyanna.”
That’s when she, escorted by her guards and Mayne, entered the ballroom. Everyone gazed in extreme awe at the beautify that was her. She was a pure white dress with a flowing skirt. The sleeves were long and silky. Her long brown hair was braided into two large threads, just barely reaching the floor. Atop her head she wore a golden tiara with clear jewels.
Spike saw her, and could barely keep his mouth closed, much to Rarity’s chagrin. “How ridiculous.” she grumbled.
Applejack couldn’t help but giggle and tease “Sounds like somebody’s jealous.”
Rarity felt deeply offended “Jealous? I? Don’t be disgusting.”
“Not disgusting… beautiful…” Spike sighed.
Rarity finally lost patience, and pulled on his ear, snapping him out of his trance.
“Sorry…” he said.
I saw her, and she looked up. Our eyes met form across the room. She smiled softly at me and blinked her eyes once. I responded by blinking twice at her.
Lightning and their majesties noticed this as well, so did their majesties.
Earlier they had spoken, and were planning to keep tabs on me and on Avyanna.
“Greetings…” Avyanna announced “As you have been told, I present to you my flagship, the Kallanium, as a gesture for allow us to come to your world, and enlistment into your wonderful Starfleet. I understand these are difficult times for you; ours have not been so delightful either with those dreadful pirates out there. However, I believe that together, with our combined forces, we shall restore the balance and order, and maintain a wonderful treaty of friendship and negotiation.”
The crowds cheered, and the festivities began.
Avyanna took her place on a private throne, while the dances began. Most of the guests were already dancing, and others were chatting with friends or new acquaintances.
As for me, my eyes never left Avyanna, though she seemed to be a bit preoccupied with the many dozens of men who were lined up to greet and welcome her tenderly but gentlemanly.
This gave me an idea, and I softly snatched one of the roses from the décor that was directly behind me, so no one really noticed.
As Lightning and Starla danced, they managed to keep their eyes on me.
“What’s he doing?” Starla whispered.
“He can’t possibly want to meet with the princess after what he did the other day.” added Lightning.
Nevertheless, I was last in line to meet with the princess, the wait seemed rather short, as all those ahead me were only permitted no more than ten seconds, to greet the princess, kiss her hand, and then be off.
Avyanna’s expression lightened with slight delight as I approached her. “Why, Mr. Stevens…”
“Please…” I said “Let’s forget the formalities. Just call me Mykan.”
I kissed her hand, and offered her the rose, much to Mayne’s intense frustration.
“You are quite the gentleman, Mister-- I mean, Mykan.”
“Well, it was rather kind of you to request me here.” I said, and then extended my hand to her “Would you… care to join me in the next dance?”
Mayne stepped forth “The princess does not--”
“…Does not mind at all if she does.” Avyanna cut in as she took my hand, and I escorted her down to the dancefloor, ignoring all the gawking and silent exclaims form all the others.
Goldwin saw everything has he sat with the royal party “Gee, Mykan sure is lucky.” he said.
“Yes, it would seem so.” said Grand Ruler.
His wife and sister-in-law felt the same as he did; uneasy, and beginning to fear maybe I wasn’t the man they thought I was, but they still hadn’t enough proof.
Lots of room was given on the floor for the princess, as she and I danced slowly and softly. It was a good thing I remembered my steps when I danced with Michelle.
I even twirled her around so eloquently, and dipped her just as graciously.
“You’re quite skilled on your feet.” said Avyanna.
“I’m even more skilled off my feet, if you know what I mean.”
She fluttered her eyes seductively at me.
The ponies did not find this at all a good sign.
Rhymey and Fluttershy were the closest ones dancing near us.
“Do you think they’re… really together in something?” Fluttershy asked softly.
“It’s hard to say, I don’t know for sure, But we better keep tabs on him and on her.” said Rhymey.
I had heard them, which made a chill run up my spine.
“Are you alright?” asked Avyanna.
“Oh… yeah… I’m fine. It’s just this dance is getting a little too slow for me.”
“Well, if you have a request… it is my party after all.”
I smiled and asked “Have you ever heard of “getting on down”… “Shaking it loose”?
“I don’t believe I have. Will you show me?”
I excused myself from her, and approached the orchestra, and made my request. The musicians and the conductor were baffled, but when I told them of the request from the princess, they obliged, and began to play a funky jazz song…
Much to the confusion of everyone at the ball…
Then I rejoined Avyanna, and I began to get my groove.
“I… still don’t believe I understand this sort of dance.” She said to me.
“Ah, it’s easy, you just go with the flow, pick up your feet, and follow the beat.”
I demonstrated before, and she began to bop her head to the music, and tapping her feet under her dress, which she lifted up and began to move around in sync with me.
The rest of the guests could not believe their eyes, but it was really happening.
“This is… rather…”
“Cool…?” I said.
Suddenly, Rainbow and Pinkie began to groove to the beat where they stood. “Now this is my kinda dancing.” said Rainbow.
“Uh-huh…” added Pinkie as she moved and grooved.
The boys began to jump to the music as well. They hardly had danced all night due to lack of dates. “Any longer of standing still and I’d be a statue.” said Buddy Rose.
“Tell me about it, I was about to fall asleep.” added Artie.
Soon many were grooving to the music.
Their majesties even bopped their heads and tapped their hands and feet slowly to the beat, but still they kept their eyes on me and Avyanna.
“What happens if we bump into each other?” she asked me.
“Means we become engaged…” I joked.
She blushed at such a thought.
“So, how do you like it here in United Equestria?”
“Oh, it’s not bad, but it could be better.”
“Oh?”
“It’s just that everyone around here thinks I’m a spy.”
“Working for me…?”
“That or working for those slimy pirates.”
“Well, you wouldn’t have to worry about all that stuff in my service.”
“Is that an invitation?”
“Are you interested?”
Just then, Mayne interrupted us. “Pardon me, your highness, but the supreme council staff if New Canterlot requests an audience with you. Need I remind you of your royal priority?”
Avyanna felt annoyed, but she had to excuse herself from me. “I hope you’re not too upset.”
“No, no, it’s been a pleasure.” I said as I kissed her hand again.
“My private shuttle leaves at midnight if you still wish to take my little invite.”
Then she left me, and Mayne gave me an angry glare before following her.
I didn’t see or speak to her for the rest of the evening as she was very busy, but it looked like I finally had that edge I was looking for.
Some of the others confronted me about.
“Well, I’d say someone made a good impression.” said Rarity.
“Well, you don’t have to sound jealous.” I teased “You’ve got a fine dragon there on your arm.”
Spike couldn’t help but chuckled softly, prompting Rarity to nudge him.
“The princess seemed very infatuated with you.” Lightning said.
“There wouldn’t happen to be… something going on with you two, is there?” asked Starla.
“…Nothing of any consequence.” I said “Don’t worry, everything’s going to be just fine… I hope.”
I walked off before any of them could ask me what I meant by that.
*POV Ends*
By midnight, the ball began to quiet down and break up. Many of the guests had already adjourned home, or to their reserved suites in the palace.
Princess Avyanna and her court were bidding goodnight to all the officials, councils, and other guests before returning to her ship.
Finally, as Avyanna left for the docking bay to catch her shuttle, the main group noticed that Mykan was nowhere to be found. Princess Luna, Krysta and Lightning were also missing as well.
“Last time I saw Mykan, he was speaking with the princess again.” said Shining Armor.
“Maybe he’s just saying goodnight to her…” Cadance suggested.
“But then… why hasn’t he come back yet?” asked Spike “We were supposed to be watching him, remember?”
Everyone felt very awkward and a little embarrassed for having let their guard down.
Their majesties did look a bit pleased, and yet did not scold, raise their voices or anything, and they huddled everyone forward to explain Lightning’s plan.
“Oh, Nellie!” cried Applejack.
“Aw, shucks. I wish I could’ve done that too.” added Rainbow.
Fluttershy felt nervous and worried “What if something goes wrong?”
Their majesties felt the same way. “Let us just hope nothing does.” said Celestia. Her husband nodded, and gazed up at the sky. He could see the Kallanium just past the moon with his eyes alone. “Be careful up there…” he muttered softly under his breath.
*Mykan’s POV*
Onboard the massive starship, all the guards were busy on their shifts, and many others were making final preparations for the big attack on United Equestria, which was to take place at dawn the next morning.
Some of the ships didn’t even look like the pirate ships that attacked me and the team, or the ones harassing Starfleet’s shipping.
These ships were actually fighters from Avyanna’s home planet, Kallan, and they were being specially fitted to look like marauders, and the pilots were men and women from Kallan, who swore allegiance to their princess, and were disguising themselves as bandits and thieves.
I knew all this, because I was there on the Kallanium… having accepted Avyanna’s invitation as her extra special guest.
“This is all incredible…” I said “The ponies will never know what hit them, or have time to react to anything.”
Avyanna nodded and softly stroked my arm “I’m really glad you accepted my invitation.”
I smiled slyly “How could I refuse such persuasions. Anyone from my world would give their very souls for even half of all this.”
We gazed deeply into each other’s eyes, and Mayne was growing all the more frustrated.
…What I didn’t notice… was a small shadowy force slipped out from the bottom of my boots, and scuttled off deep into the ship.
Later on, I was in Avyanna’s master bedroom; Quite possibly the best place to be on the entire ship.
It was as big as my house back in New Canterlot, with many windows showing the vast and beautiful views of dimensional space.
The whole place seemed setup like a honeymoon suite, complete with dinner and champagne, romantic candlelight, soft music, not the kind from Earth, but soothing and lovely nonetheless.
“I must know… where and how did you get all this?” I asked.
“That is highly classified information.” said Mayne.
“Which I do not mind in telling, but later…” said Avyanna. Then she ordered Mayne and her guards to leave us both in privacy, to which they did, and at that, Mayne had lost the last of his patience.
He feared that Avyanna’s infatuation with me would lead to extreme danger; he was ready to take drastic measures to ensure the success of the conquest of United Equestria.
…This was exactly what I suspected, and was hoping for.
Meanwhile, Avyanna was freshening up behind a dressing curtain; all I could see was her shadow in the dim light. I had to admit to myself, but this felt rather comforting and I felt my temperature rise.
“Do you like what you see?” she asked in a soothing voice.
“I don’t know…” I flirted back “Maybe I’d like a clearer view.”
As Avyanna continued to freshen up, she had no idea that I was mixing up something in my hand…!
During the ball, I had ventured outside to the royal garden, still under tight watch, but while no one was watching, again, I managed to slip a few leaves from a plant into my pocket.
During my hours of freedom, before I was arrested for suspected treason and espionage, I had done a little studying on Equestrian plant-life, and the leaves that I had were taken from a plan called the Dozy. It was very much like a daisy, except that its leaves and petals --which could be easily grounded up in bare hands-- contained small amounts of sleeping properties, which when grounded up would produce odorless, tasteless, yet powerful sleeping powders, used to make medicine.
I then poured the champagne into two goblets, and spread the powder I had made into one of the goblets. The powder dissolved instantly and was quite odorless. “Please work.” I muttered so softly.
Just then, all was silent, and I slowly turned round, and I almost forget that I was supposed to just be playing along. Avyanna was quite a sight… wearing a beautiful, silky white nightgown, and a purple satin robe with sequins around the edges.
“Do you like what you see?” she asked.
“You really enjoy asking me that.” I said with a playful smirk.
She fluttered her eyes at me and sauntered up to me. I took her hand and tenderly kissed it. “Glad to see court-shipping rituals are just the same here as in my world.”
I passed her the drugged goblet, and took the other one for myself, and we both sat down on the edge of her large four-poster bed.
We clinked our goblets together and she toasted, “To conquest… to leadership…”
“…To us.” I said.
She smiled lovingly at that, and we both looped our arms, and sipped our respective drinks. The liquid had a nice soft and bubbly taste, non-alcoholic, and rather sweet like ginger-ale.
“Tell me…” I asked kindly “What made you decide to want to take over United Equestria?”
“It is nothing personal, but more of a desire. I long to rule over more and spread my race across the cosmos…”
“So a basic hunger for power?”
“One might say that…”
She was starting to look a little tipsy, hinting the drug was working.
“But how did you come to possess all this?” I asked.
In her tipsy state, topped with her infatuation, Avyanna foolishly answered me “He resides in your world presently, in the place where you worked… and his name is… Ti…tan…”
…then she was out like a candle. I caught her in my arms, and gently lay her down on the bed. “Sweet dreams, and thanks…” I whispered.
Then I silently snatched her master key that would grant me access to anywhere in the ship, including out of her bedroom through a second, more private and unguarded exit.
This allowed me to creep about, but I carefully ducked the guards to avoid being seen. Fortunately, I found my way to the restrooms, and it was completely unoccupied.
One of the guards came in and was about to go into a cubicle, when crept up behind him and gave a good blow to the head with my fist, knocking him out could.
“Well, I knocked…” I joked, and then I quickly donned his uniform, and left the restroom. The other guards all bought it, and I just walked right past them.
*POV ends*
Mayne was sitting on the command-deck, and his frustration had finally pushed him over the edge. “We shall begin the attack at once.” he declared.
“But sir…” said a guard “The princess strictly ordered the attack at dawn.”
“The princess has been going against protocol too many times!” snapped Mayne “As her second-in-command, I am hereby taking over command due to her lack of efficiency, as is the law. We will attack at once! Begin preparations!”
All over the ship, the alarm sounded, and an announcement was made to begin loading all ships for battle.
Many of the guard and fighters rushed down the hallways heading for the launching bay, where so many ships were stood ready for loading.
Still wearing the uniform I swiped, I was able to find my way to the launching bay easily what with all the hustling going, but still keeping well out of sight for what I was about to do.
Nearby was a small Amory room containing simple weapons, including miniature explosives, with metal shells? I quietly slipped some of the bombs into my pockets, and returned to the ships. There, when no one was looking, I silently slipped the bombs into the tailpipes of the leading ships of each row, and the ones at the very back as well.
No one seemed to notice as the ships had already been well prepared for launching.
“This better work…” I kept on hoping.
“Attention, Attention all personal…” said the man over the speakers “Attack will commence in twenty minutes. All fighter pilots complete final preparations, and proceed to launching bay.”
“Shoot!” I snarled softly “I gotta speed it up here.”
*POV ends*
That shadowy force that escaped from the bottom of Mykan’s boot and been slinking about all over the ship, until finally it was in a secluded area where no one could see.
The shadowy force then morphed into Princess Luna, Lightning, and Krysta, whom had followed Mykan using Luna’s shadow magic.
“Not exactly a first class method of travel.” Lightning said.
“You’re plan has worked, however…” said Luna “We are here on the Kallanium, but what now?”
“Psst… guys…” chirped Krysta “…Take a look at this.”
The two ponies stood up and peeked over the railing where Krysta was standing. They could see down into the launching bay.
“It cannot be!” cried Luna.
“Look at all those ships.” added Lightning “It’s enough to blow straight through United Equestria if we’re not ready. The treaty is a hoax after all.”
“Nevermind that…” said Krysta “Look there... it’s Mykan.”
They could see him, sneaking around and wearing the Kallanian uniform.
All three of them immediately assumed the worst; that I was working against them the whole time.
“We must recapture him at once.” said Luna “Then we must warn my sister and everyone else.”
The others nodded, and all three of them slunk off.
*Mykan’s POV*
“Ten minutes to attack, and counting.” announced the man over the intercom.
This put a lot of pressure on me as I continued to silently sabotage the ships. I was starting to sweat as well, but I had to keep going.
Suddenly, I heard someone speak to me.
“Don’t move, Mykan.”
I turned, and saw the three friends standing behind me, glaring at me angrily.
“What are you guys doing here? How did you even get here?”
“That is not important.” said Luna.
“Will you guys get out of here, I got work to do.”
“We can see that, you traitor!” sneered Lightning.
I could see these guys were going to leave me no end of trouble. I had to try and convince them. “Don’t you recognize these ships? They’re pirate ships.”
“Pirate…?” said Krysta “Pirate ships on a Kallanian cruiser. I don’t understand.”
“Never mind that Krysta.” said Lightning “Now you have a choice, Mykan: either come with us willingly or we take you by force.”
I was beginning to lose my patience. “Look here, you half-baked loads of magical, dimensional gibberish! Did it ever occur to you that I’m trying to sabotage these ships?” I showed them all the bombs, and what I was doing with them.
“I… don’t understand it.” said Princess Luna.
“Well if you’d listen to me, maybe you will understand.” I said “There are no pirate ships, and there never were any. These are Kallanian fighter-jets, disguised as marauders. Avyanna has been attacking your shipping lines in order to force you into a treaty with her.”
The friends thought it over and realized it was almost a perfect setup.
“Of course…” Lightning said “Then she moves in on United Equestria, and attacks us while our defenses are down.”
“We almost fell for their trap!” cried Krysta.
“You… you were telling the truth all the time. It appears we do owe you an apology.” said Luna.
“Eight minutes to attack, and counting.” announced the guard.
“Save it for later.” I said “I gotta hurry and sabotage more of these rockets.”
“Right, we must warn the planet below.” said Luna “But we must do it someplace quietly.”
I directed them to the armory room in back. It was the perfect place to work their magic and standby for action.
“Commander Mayne…” shouted a voice “We found a guard unconscious in the restroom.”
This immediately told all of us all that time were critical. So we all split up to carry out our plan.
*POV Ends*
The guards were rushing to launching bay faster than ever. All the ships were already given the go signal for launch. They didn’t bother to give them one final check to find the bombs planted on them.
The guards and pilots already began to prepare for launch, not even bothering to get any new weapons from the armory where the others were hiding.
“Hurry, Princess…” Lightning said.
“This will not be easy…” said Luna “There is much distance to cover.”
“Just do you best.” said Krysta.
Luna nodded, and then concentrated hard. Her horn began to glow as she conjured all the best her telepathy could give. “Sister… Brother-in-law… can you hear me?!”
“Oh, I hope they can they can hear her.” Lightning whispered.
Indeed, Celestia and Grand Ruler were still wide-awake, and could suddenly hear Luna’s voice, and both used their own telepathy magic
“Princess Luna?” called Celestia.
“Where are you…?” added Celesto.
“Lightning, Krysta and I are here aboard the flagship Kallanium. We followed Mr. Stevens as planned. Now please listen to me! We have all been greatly deceived. The Kallanium is not, repeat: NOT… and unarmed vessel. It is filled with a vast army of fighter-ships preparing to launch a full-scaled assault on our planet.”
Her sister and brother-in-law gawked at each other in concern. “Are you certain about this…?” asked Grand Ruler.
“I could not be more positive.” Answered Luna “Hurry, please! Scramble the fighters, at once. There is only moments left.”
“Yes, Princess Luna… we will.” said Celestia. Then she and her husband quickly sounded the alarms and shouted for all fighters to scramble.
Several minutes passed, and the attack was now just seconds away.
All the fighters were loaded and ready for launch, and they still had no idea of what sort of trouble was about to happen.
“Prepare for launch.” shouted Mayne.
The ships began to roar to life as the launch bay doors opened wide.
The final countdown was underway.
“Five… four… three… two… one…! …ATTACK!!”
POW!! The ships fired their thrusters and began to fly out in lines of ten.
Suddenly, as the ships got fifty yards out…!
POW!! The lead ships exploded-- the bombs loaded into their tailpipes. When the heat from the thrusters melted the metal shells, up they went. This caused the ships began to crash into it and into one another, destroying themselves in streams of explosions.
While the last ship in each line up exploded before it could launch, directly in the launch bay, causing massive explosions, fires to break out, and injured many of the guards.
“What’s happening?!” shouted Mayne.
“Our ships… they just explode.” cried a guard.
“That’s impossible!”
More and more ships launched, and they all exploded and were destroyed.
More ships exploded in the launch bay causing more damage to the ship itself.
“Get our ships out there!” shouted Mayne.
The other ponies and Spike were on their way, riding on a dimensional pathway to the moon, and then on Starla’s signal, they donned their outer-spacesuits, and leapt off the path, rocketing towards the Kallanium.
“Prepare to engage battle.” shouted Starla “Attack all bombers as the head out.”
As they got close and closer to the mothership, they could plainly see for themselves…!
“There are no ships to attack. They’re exploding as they emerge.” said Buddy Rose.
“It can’t be…” cried Applejack, but she could see just as the others could. However, not all the ships were sabotaged, and several of them did start to make it out into space.
“Get ‘em!” shouted Starla.
With that, a huge space brawl began as the ponies and Spike dodged and evaded the enemy ships and blasted them down with their powers.
“I don’t get it, where did they all come from?” cried Rainbow.
“We must’ve been tricked.” said Artie.
“Stay focussed!” cried Dyno.
“Si, don’t let them get near the planet!” added Myte.
*Mykan’s POV*
While all that was going on, more explosions went off in the ship, causing massive chain reactions in the ship’s systems.
My plan was working perfectly, and I still continued to work, sabotaging the ships… when suddenly, I felt someone tap my from behind.
I turned, and saw a big, burly guard, snarling and growling at me, ready for a fight.
I let him have in the face, and in the gut, but he felt nothing. “Oh, snap!” I shouted as he grabbed me and sent me skidding along the floor, right into the wall. “Whoa! Okay, that hurt…”
The guard roared and charged at me, and I quickly rolled out of the way, but he spun round and lunged at me, forcing me to dodge him again.
I grabbed a huge length of pipe and threatened “Don’t come any closer, or I’ll knock you out of the park.”
He just chuckled and snatched the pipe form me, and bent it in so many directions. Now, I was totally cornered.
The guard stomped towards me and was about ready for the pounce, when he felt someone tap him from behind. He turned round, and saw Lightning, glaring angrily at him, and then gave him a huge punch to the gut sending him sailing clear across the bay.
Princess Luna then helped me up.
“Thanks.” I said while grinning.
“You can thank us later. We must escape.” said Luna.
The others and I agreed, and the only way for me to escape was to take one of the ships that I hadn’t sabotaged. Fortunately for me the controls didn’t seem too different from my shuttle. “This baby better get a million miles to the gallon.” I said as I prepared for takeoff.
The others followed me, out into space, with their spacesuits on, and Krysta rod inside Princess Luna’s mane.
*POV ends*
The mothership was now in severe danger, on the verge of breaking apart any moment.
“Commander Mayne…” cried a guard “The Princess would like a word with you, over the intercom.”
Mayne felt nervous, but answered the call.
Avyanna had only just woken from her knockout, and she was most outraged when she heard what was going on. “MAYNE!!” she shouted “What is the meaning of this? You are attacking hours before dawn?”
Mayne stuttered and stammered a bit. “I… I was worried, your highness.”
“Well, you’re going to be more than worried when I’m through with you!” snarled Avyanna. “I am preparing to escape in my emergency craft, and unless you wish to remain here to die with the ship, I suggest you move it!”
Then she signed off, and Mayne angrily punched the monitor. Then he ran off.
*Mykan’s POV*
The swarm of attack fighters were still trying their best to move in and attack United Equestria. “Oh, no you don’t!” shouted Rarity, and she zapped one of the ships down.
Spike came along, and used his dragon sword to slice another in half, destroying it in a small explosion.
“Rarity, Spike! Behind you!” called Starla.
The two turned round and saw a whole squad of ships zooming right at them. They both screamed and braced for the big shot, when suddenly the ships got blasted by laser beams, and were destroyed.
Everyone looked and saw the craft I was flying in, with Lightning and Luna flying along my side.
“YE-HAW…! They never taught us this back at NASA.” I said.
All the other ponies were very delighted to see that I was safe, as well as their other friends.
The remaining spaceships began to retreat. “Let them go…” Lightning said “Let’s finish off the mothership for good.”
Everyone stood together, and charged up their powers as strong as they could. “FIRE!!” shouted Lightning.
All their powers combined into one huge flow of energy that shot clean through the top of the ship and out the bottom. “Thar… she blows!” I hollered with joy as we all watched the massive ship go up in a huge explosion.
*POV ends*
The explosion was so big, that it could be seen from United Equestria.
“They’ve done it!” cried Grand Ruler.
“They really have!” added Celestia.
They hugged, and cheered along with everyone else for joy.
Meanwhile, Avyanna and Mayne were soaring across the cosmos in their emergency shuttle, along with the remainder of their fleet following them.
Avyanna was still fuming at Mayne for his insubordination. “I would be ruler of United Equestria by now, if you hadn’t disregarded my orders.”
“On the contrary, your highness; Things would have gone more smoothly if you had not let Mykan Stevens onboard. You let your infatuations get the better of your initiative.”
“Silence!” shouted Avyanna “It was you who launched our ships, you who did not follow orders, and you whom did not inspect things. The fault is yours, Mayne. Add that to the many things I shall punish you for when we return to Kallan.”
Mayne was not looking forward to this.
As for Avyanna, she looked back at United Equestria. As her ship sped further and further away she vowed to one day return. “You have not heard the last of me, United Equestria… and especially not you, Mykan Stevens. I look forward to seeing you again.”
*Mykan’s POV*
With Kallanians defeated, and the planet safe. I was cleared of all charges, and eligible to receive honors for having played a big role in helping to stop the attack.
Still, the second we got back to the royal palace, I requested an immediate meeting with the gang and their majesties, and I told them everything that I was told from Avyanna.
The others were no less than shocked upon hearing the truth.
“It can’t be!” cried Lightning.
“I can’t believe it.” added Rarity.
“You’re quite sure of this?” Grand Ruler asked.
“I’m positive…” I said “Avyanna told me as much herself. Lord Titan was the one who supplied her with all that power, and now he’s hiding somewhere in my world, at NASA.”
This was very disturbing news, and it meant that my world was sure to be in grave peril.
“Master…” Lightning said standing up, and before he could say another word, Grand Ruler agreed “Yes, Lightning, you must leave at once. Prepare the portal gate.”
Krysta and Spike volunteered to accompany Lightning, as usual.
“I’m going too.” I said.
Everyone then turned to stare at me with concern, and before anyone tried to protest. “Don’t try and stop me. My mind’s made up, and besides, you don’t know NASA like I do. I know my way around that base, as well as where it is. Without me, you won’t get far.”
A long silence followed…
“Well, he did help save us all.” said Fluttershy.
“Perhaps we should let him go. He knows more of that world than any of us know.” added Rhymey.
Celestia finally spoke “Are you sure you wish to do this, Mykan?” she asked me “You know what will happen if you go through the portal, and the dangers ahead will be far more treacherous than what you have just faced.”
I nodded bravely “I’m not about to sit here and let some magical freak like Titan take over my home, or hurt my family. I’m going.”
“Very well…” said Grand Ruler “However, I think it would be unwise to send you into action unarmed. Therefore, we shall grant you these.” He and Celestia joined their hands, and concentrated. Their horns began to glow as two beams of light flew in circles around me. Then, in a bright flash… on my left arm was a mighty shield, and in my right hand, I held a sword. “Wow.” I said.
Their majesties smiled and told me that these weapons-- The Shield of Righteous Courage, and the Sword of Pure Soul-- were forged by the pureness of their majesties, and empowered by the courage and righteousness of their wielder.
“We have kept these weapons, waiting for a day when someone from outside of our clan would be eligible to receive them.” said Celestia “And from what we have seen form you, Mykan… you have proven your worth and allegiance to us.”
Her husband nodded and went explaining “These weapons shall strengthen your normal abilities, making you as strong as us, even when you don’t use them, but be warned, even with them by your side, we don’t know what sort of dangers you and the others will face. Remember, the greatest weapons out there, will be your wits, your hearts, and your courage.”
I and others agreed, and before long, it was time to go.
Lightning’s portal was setup in Professor Brain’s lab, and was powering up. “Gee… it’s like something from a Sci-Fi show.” I said.
“Wait until you try it.” said Lightning.
The others wished they could have gone with Lightning, but again it was advised they remain behind so as not to cause trouble with their human-doubles.
“I have sent word to our Ambassador.” said Celestia “She will meet you both upon your arrival, and will have brought reinforcements.”
Lightning nodded, and then Starla pulled him in and kissed him deeply “You be careful out there.”
“I will…” he promised her “I haven’t let you down yet.”
Rarity kissed Spike dearly on his cheek “Just promise, you’ll come back to me, Spike.”
He smiled at her and whispered into her ear “I promise.”
Rarity almost felt like crying.
“Come on, let’s go. We’re running out of time.” cried Krysta.
Professor Brain monitored the energy flow. “Everything is all stable. Ready when you are.”
We each stood upon the round platters on the platform, and Krysta stood on Lightning’s shoulder.
“Go with care…” said Lightning “And keep your wits and hopes with you at all times.”
Lightning nodded, and then said to Brain “Energize.”
The Professor activated the machine, and I could feel myself disappearing in a field of sparkles along with the others. “Oh, my god…!” I cried.
Then we were gone.
*POV Ends*
“Now, all we can do is wait.” Grand Ruler said.
Celestia nodded, and the others all felt the same.
We all materialized just before the statute at the front of Canterlot High, on Mystic Island. The school was closed due to it being summertime, so no one was around to see us appear.
Lightning was in his human form, Krysta a red-breasted robin, and Spike was a Great Dane. As for me, I gazed at my reflection in the polished surface of the statue. “My god…!” I had indeed taken the form of a genetically altered humanoid-pony. My coat was black, my mane was brown just like my natural hair. I even had a tail. I kept feeling my muzzle, and my new pony ears. This was all so strange to me, and of course the only way I could be human again was to go back through the gateway, back to United Equestria.
“We told you this would happen, Mykan.” said Lightning. “Do you still want to do this?”
Despite all this new strangeness to me, my mind was made up; I was going to go through with this.
Suddenly, the wind started to pick up and got stronger every second.
“What’s going on?” cried Spike.
“Look!” said Krysta.
We all looked up and saw a huge helicopter settling in over the school’s large soccer field. We all hastily dashed towards it, and the second we arrived, the hatch opened, and there stood Sunset Shimmer. “You called...?”
Lightning and the others smiled at the sight of her, then Sunset saw me, and it felt strange seeing an actual pony in the human-world, but she was told to expect this in her message from the queen.
“Get in, quick.”
Soon, the mighty ship took off, and we were flying over the ocean, and crossed the coast of California.
To Lightning’s expectations… all his human friends were there onboard, including Principal Celestia, and her husband, retired astronaut, Celesto Grandruler, who was flying the ship. I could hardly believe it; I had heard many stories about him, but now wasn’t the time to be all astonished.
Vice Principal Luna was not present, as she had remained behind to look after the Star Camp… but that was another story already known.
Starla was glad Lightning was back, and Fluttershy was happy to see Spike again, even though he was a Great Dane instead of the cute puppy he used to be…but now was not the time for pleasantries and stuff…!
We were all on our way to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
“Everyone hang on.” said Celesto, and with a flick of a switch the helicopter transformed into a massive jet, and rocketed forward, which would help us get there faster.
On the way, everyone talked and understood what was going on. “Ah, so you’re the famous Mykan Stevens?” said Celesto “I read all about you in the paper, but we thought you were lost.”
“No, you won’t get rid of me that easy.” I said.
Pinkie Pie was all giddy with excitement “I can’t believe I’m sitting next to first boy-astronaut. Can I have your autograph.”
She was making me feel a bit awkward, but then again she was the human version of Pinkie Pie; no major differences other than species.
Applejack frowned and said “Not now there, sugar cube, we’ve got work to do.”
“I can’t believe we’re actually going to face this Titan guy.” said Buddy Rose. The others felt just the same. They all remembered the stories that Lightning had told them about Titan, but never in their dreams did they ever believe they would actually be facing him.
“How did he even get into this world to begin with?” asked Rarity.
“That’s something I intend to found out.” said Lightning “I just hope that whatever he’s planning he hasn’t done much yet.”
“So, do I…” I agreed. I was actually more worried about my family and Michelle. My hometown was very close by the center.
Sadly… upon our arrival, what we saw churned all our bloods.
“What on Earth…?!” cried Celestia.
“My god!” muttered Celesto.
Everyone else had horrid and saddened expressions at we all saw…
The entire land was shrouded in a veil of darkness and chaos. It almost looked as if a meteor had hit the place.
Fluttershy felt like crying and held onto Rhymey, and he held her close feeling just as low as she did.
“No…” I cried softly.
Lightning clenched his fists angrily, “…Titan!”
We set down in a very large clearing, away from practically all major cities and areas, and exited.
The air was okay to breathe, but stepping outside into just darkness in the middle of the day was nothing short of freaky.
“Ah, man… look at this place.” said Spike.
“I still see such destruction in my nightmares.” added Krysta.
We all stood together and moved up towards the Space Center, and it seemed to be in better shape than anything else we had seen thus far.
“He’s in there… …somewhere.” said Rhymey.
“What do we do now?” asked Fluttershy.
“The only thing we can do, we’ve got to get in there.” said Sunset.
“No, not all of us…” said Lightning “I want the rest of you to stay out here, and be prepared for anything.”
“Lightning, are you sure about this?” asked Starla.
“There’s no sense in all of us being in danger.” I said “It may be our best chance if you all wait out here while we sneak in.”
“…I can help you.” said Celesto “I know the base better than even you do.”
He told me and Lightning to slip around back, and there was a secret entrance to the base just over the hill and past the first lookout tower.
Lightning, Krysta, and I then headed off…
*POV ENDS*
As the three friends headed of…
“I hope they know what they’re doing.” said Artie.
Sunset put her hand on her boyfriend’s shoulder and said “They obviously do, if they could make it this far…” but secretly, she hoped they could make it further without much trouble.
*Mykan’s POV*
It was quiet, much too quiet… it was almost like wandering in a haunted forest.
As we got closer and closer, we could see the base seemed to be under a tight watch. Many guards were posted around-- human beings-- they all looked as if they were in some sort of trance.
“Go, Krysta…” Lightning whispered.
Krysta nodded and fluttered her way along. Since she was very small, and only a robin, the guards suspected nothing.
Lightning and I stayed well hidden in the shadows. My black pony skin and Lightning’s dark clothes helped us to blend in with the darkness.
We watched everything, and could suddenly catch a faded glimpse of Krysta raising her wing, signaling us to move in. We carefully crept about, while ducking out of the way when any guards came marching forth.
After followed Celesto’s instructions, we came to an ordinary clearing, just on the other side of the hill near the first lookout tower.
“I don’t see any secret entrance.” whispered Krysta.
“Well, duh… it wouldn’t be easy to see now if it weren’t so secret.” I scoffed.
“Knock it off, you-two.” said Lightning “It has to be here somewhere…”
The best option was feel along the ground, and suddenly, Lightning felt something metallic, and he rubbed away the brush and leaves to find a small remote box with numbers on it.
“Guys!” he cried softly.
We huddled close to him, and remembered the code Celesto told us to punch in… it worked, a small hatch silently slid open near us revealing a small stairway deep into the ground.
Small, dimed lights were lit along the celling.
“Let’s go…” Lightning said, and we followed him inside.
The tunnel seemed long, and creepy, but we kept on going and going until we reached the end of, and I softly slid a secret panel along the wall, and we emerged in one of the executive’s office.
It was empty, the lights were out, but the lights from outside the door and in the tunnel gave us some light. Yet, the whole place looked as if no one had been in for days.
“Hey, I recognize this place.” I said “This is Mario’s office.”
“Who…?” asked Lightning.
I examined the desk, and looked at the name plate: “Mario L.T Danti, ” The executive director. “He was the one who first assigned me to NASA, and commissioned me into training for the project of sending a teen into orbit.”
Suddenly, Krysta noticed something on the name-plate, and pointed it out to me. I could feel something, like a sticker, on the plate. I pulled it away, and beneath it was a name “Dan Truman… Executive Director.”
“What the…?” I muttered under my breath.
Lightning even pulled a drawer on the desk out, inside were a whole bunch of files and stuff of a man with the same name “Dan Truman.”
The master records also indicated no such funding, or commission, or even proper authority permission of sending a teen into orbit.
“What…?!” I snapped as I checked over all the files. “My records… my files… they have to be here somewhere.”
Alas… other than a few newspaper articles, not a single scrap of my historical moment was ever recorded in these files was found.
“I’m starting to think this Mario guy knows something we don’t.” said Lightning.
Krysta nodded “We find him… and we get some answers.”
I was now more than eager to find Mario more than ever, having many questions of why my records were not on file.
We softly moved the door open and peeked round. When we couldn’t see any guards, we silently crept about.
“Careful…” I said “This way takes us to the main-ops. I remember it from my tours when I was training here.”
“My guess is that’s where all the big stuff is happening.” said Krysta “But how can we get there without being seen?”
I motioned for them both to follow me, for I knew of another way to get to the ops.
We slunk along the hallways, and up a few flights of stairs, just barely being able to avoid detection.
As we went along, Lightning kept wondering the same thing over and over: “Where are you, Titan?” he was still more than eager to find him, and tear him limb-from-limb.
Finally, we came to an empty room high above the main-ops, and we could look through the blinds, right down below, and what we saw made chills run down our backs.
The whole room looked different since I was last there. The whole place had been turned into, a type of prison, and lots of people from the city were in chains and irons. All of them looked as if they had been through a marathon…
They were all sweaty, dehydrated, and looked malnourished, as they were all running on treadmills, or in huge hamster-like wheels, and some were being strapped down and guards attached powerful electrodes to them… and zap them with powerful currents, that seemed to be absorbing their energy.
It was so horrible we almost screamed… thankfully we didn’t.
That energy was then transferred into a huge and sinister looking crystal--a generator-- which was beginning to pulsate with power. The more energy went into it, the brighter it got.
I could hardly believe my eyes “What is all this?” I asked softly.
“It’s Titan's doing…” said Lightning “Whatever he’s absorbing all that energy for can’t be good.”
Just then, there was a small, soft buzzing noise. “What’s that?” cried Krysta “Have the spotted us?”
“No, look…” said Lightning.
We saw all the prisoners filing out, in a marching pattern, and then a whole flock of new prisoners came into the chamber, and among them were a few faces I recognized…
“No!” I cried softly.
It was my parents, my older brother, Neville, my sisters, Sarah and Jane… and… “…Michelle!”
My sweet Michelle! I never thought I’d ever see her again, but… the way she looked, all tired, and beaten as if she had been through this torture for days, as well as the rest of my family…
I watched as my family was practically shoved into their stations by the guards, and they started running the treadmills and the wheels, generating more of their own energy into the crystal.
As for Michelle, she got the zapper! I watched as she cried and screamed in pain as her energy was drained.
“NO!!” I shouted loudly!
Michelle’s gasped softly at the sound of my voice, “Mykan…?”
Lightning and Krysta tried to shush me, but the guards already heard, and saw us… that’s when the alarm sounded.
“Oops!”
“Nice going!” grunted Krysta.
“Hurry, let’s get out of here!” cried Lightning.
We all got up, were about to head for the door, when suddenly, it burst wide open and many guards came rushing in.
Thinking, Lightning looked up, and then grabbed both me, and Krysta, and he leapt up high, crashing head-first, right through the ceiling, and right into the air-vent system.
It all happened so fast and boy was I shocked.
Lightning playfully knocked on his head “I always did have a thick skull.”
Krysta and I shrugged, and then we all began to crawl our way along the shafts. Unfortunately, I had no clue where we were going, as I never studied the ventilation systems.
Suddenly, I found I couldn’t move. Something was pulling me back. I could see that my pony tail had gotten caught on a few sharp edges in the corners. I painfully managed to pull myself out, snapping the hairs off “OOH… that smarts!” I groaned.
We continued to crawl along.
Suddenly, a panel opened wide beneath us, and sent us tumbling down a series of downward shafts, and we suddenly crashed in a giant room, simply flowing with vast amounts of energy and light.
“Where are we?” asked Lightning.
“This is the main generator room.” I said “This is where all the power for every piece of equipment in the base got its energy from, but, I don’t ever remember it being like this.”
All the large steel silos were torn down, and their place was a whole bunch of wires and pipelines, flowing with the energy from the giant crystal.
Then, we heard the sound of snickering, and someone said “Marvellous, isn’t it.” We all looked round, and could see someone in the bug room with us, standing in the shadows. The man stepped forth...!
“Mario…” I grumbled softly.
Mario sniggered softly “I’ve been well-aware of your little intrusion all this time, but either way, you ended up right here, just as I planned.”
All of our angers began to spike, and Mario gazed at me.
“Well, well… I’m most impressed you did survive your ordeal, Mykan. I was certain you would have perished after you served as my guinea pig.”
“Your what…?” I snapped.
“Oh, yes…” hissed Mario “You served me well, after you went that portal I created using the combined power of human energies and the secrets I possessed, but I had to make sure that it worked first.”
Suddenly, it all clicked in. All this time I wasn’t really selected to be some historical hero, but I was just a guinea pig in some crazy scheme, and look what it did to me… and to those I loved!
“You…!!” I snarled, and I charged forth, only for Mario zap me back with a huge blast of magic, much to Lightning and Krysta’s shock.
Even I was surprised as I looked up, almost frightened even.
Lightning glared at the man, and began to realize “It’s you…” he said “It was you all along!”
Mario nodded, and then using his magic he wrote his name in glowing streaks in the air.
“MARIO L.T DANTI”
Then, he waved his hands, and the letters swirled round and rearranged to form…
“I AM LORD TITAN”
All three of us were nothing less than freaked out, and Titan explained his story.
After he was defeated in Unicornicopia, Titan’s spiritual energy was forced to wander through space in search of a new way to revive himself again.
That’s when he was discovered and helped by Princess Avyanna of the planet Kallan. Avyanna helped give Titan’s spiritual energy enough to get him going, but she demanded payment for her service, which forced Titan to grant her all the power she possessed-- the massive ships, and cruisers, and even her large flagship, the Kallanium.
As a final part of the deal, Titan told her about the ponies, and United Equestria, and how it was the idealistic planet for her to conquer and rule with all the power she now possessed.
However, Titan was not willing to take any chances and decided to create a backup version of himself, if in the unlikely event he would return and be defeated again. So he sent a small portion of his spirit back to Unicornicopia…
It was then that Lightning was preparing to take his first-ever venture into the human world, after the Rainbow Rod was stolen by the Crystallites.
The spirit piece attached itself to Lightning as he jumped into the portal and hitched a ride to the human world.
Once there, Titan had fled and he spent time exploring the human world. He found it all to be rather primitive and substandard for his tastes, and yet so easily conquerable… if Titan could only regain his bodily-form, which would not be easy as he was forced to leave a large portion of himself behind in the dimensional universe, along with a lot of his dark powers as well
In his present state, there was only one way to do it… he possessed the body of a man, whom just so happened to be Dan Truman, the executive director at the space center, who was on vacation.
He controlled him while he was driving and forced him to drive off the road, and crash.
The car burst into flames, and there was no chance for Dan to have survived, which meant his lifeless body lay there just perfect for Titan to fully inhabit, and even fix up a bit using what powers he had with him.
Still, now he was just a frail human being, stuck in a world he didn’t exactly favor, despite how easy it would be to conquer, and he longed to find a way back to the dimensional universe, but it was already more than too late to follow Lightning home again.
He knew about the portal on Mystic Island, but knowing if he entered it in his current state, he’d transform into a pony. There was no chance he would be willing to take on the form of the very creatures he so despised, and plotted against, plus… he still needed to regain his full power again.
After feigning his way into being the new executive director of NASA, though careful manipulations of human minds…
He knew the best way to regain power was the same way he normally did; Converting natural biological energy into power. So he secretly began to absorb as much energy as he could from many people.
Slowly, but surely he was gaining power back, but it was long and tiring due to the fact that human energy was not like energy obtained from magical creatures.
Now, he still needed to create a portal to get back to the dimensional universe, and luckily for him… when he first came along with Lightning to the human world, he managed to absorb just a hint of the magical powers from the transport gem he used.
This, and combined with his ever-growing dark magic allowed him to actually open temporary rifts in the fabric of space, connecting to the two dimensions.
This could only be done however in space itself, above the Earth where the radiation from the sun and moonlight would strengthen the portal and expand it wide enough to get through.
However, Titan still required someone to test it… someone strong-willed, someone young and quick-witted.
…that’s where I came in.
He had read about me in the papers, and saw me on the news after I won all the science fairs and athletic games.
Being the exec, and using his mind control powers, he manipulated everyone into helping me become the first teen to go into orbit.
“You tested my portal well, and everything I struggled for was all well worth it. Of course, I never expected you to survive the traveling, and merely thought you’d just perish into space.”
By this time, I was so incredibly angry, I could hardly speak.
Krysta and Lightning were equally as infuriated. “If it all worked perfectly, why did you stay here?” Lightning asked.
Titan snickered and said “Simple, I can’t rightfully return home like this now, can I? This marvellous generator has been harnessing the energy the humans have given me, and slowly converting it. I have nearly all that I desire to return home with all my glorious power. Once there, I will finally be able to conquer the dimensional universe, and return to conquer this as well.”
All three of us finally were ready to rush him, but we had barely taken one step when he held up his hand shouting “OH YES… and one last thing.” he snapped his fingers, and panels on the wall flipped around revealing all our friends bounded by tight manacles.
“Lightning!” cried Sunset.
“Help us!” cried Spike.
Titan sniggered “You didn’t think I hadn’t noticed your friends were there, did you?” he taunted “Well… perhaps you should JOIN THEM!!”
In an instant, all three of us were slammed against the wall. Lightning and were bound by more manacles, and Krysta was gripped tightly in a single bind.
“Wow, these are tight!” I groaned.
Lightning tried with all his strength, but he couldn’t break them himself. He even tried to turn into an Enticorn, but it didn’t work.
Spike tried to transform, but it didn’t work. Sunset couldn’t change into her Shining Angel form either.
“No… don’t tell me…” said Lightning as he gazed down at Titan… who was nodding at him.
The entire room was magically cursed to drain the magical energies from their bodies, making it impossible to transform.
“You won’t get away with this!” snarled Pinkie Pie.
“Really…?” hissed Titan “It looks like I’m going to. Once I absorb all the power I need, I’ll use the remaining energies to open the portal to the dimensional universe. A pity none of you will be around to actually witness that.”
With that, his fingers actually morphed into sharp razor claws, which glowed with power. “It’s time I made no more mistakes, and was rid of you pests once and for all!”
“Um… case in point…” said Buddy Rose “This is only the first time a lot of us have even met you.”
Titan shrugged “Whatever…” and he prepared for the big kill.
Titan approached Lightning, deciding to get him first. “I have many fond memories of all the many lives I have taken, and yours shall be one that I shall treasure dearly after all our many conflicts.”
Lightning struggled as hard as he could, as did the others, but the manacles were too tight, and still draining their energy.
“Lightning!” cried Starla.
“Don’t do it to him!” Celesto shouted to Titan. Titan turned and gave him a small zap, softly cutting his cheek.”
“Celesto!” cried Celestia.
“You wait for your turn, Earthman.” hissed Titan.
I couldn’t stand this at all, but I couldn’t break free from bondage through my own strength. I couldn’t let Lightning be killed. “There’s gotta be a way…” I groaned softly.
…Suddenly, my sword began to glow in its sheath behind my back.
Titan didn’t notice; He was right before Lightning, pointing his glowing finger directly at his face and stopping at the last few centimeters “Any last words?”
Lightning gnashed his teeth furiously, but then something caught the corner of his eye. “Yeah… Look behind you.”
“Huh?” Titan looked round just in time as a magical blast struck him and sent him soaring across the room, slamming into the wall, and before he could look up and question where that came from, another blast struck him across his hands, shattering the power linkup through the manacles… causing them to release us all.
“WHOO!! We’re free!” squealed Pinkie.
“Si, but what happened?” asked Dyno.
Myte looked my way and gasped softly. “Dios Mio… Look!”
I stood on the floor, and drew out my sword. The blade was still glowing. I felt as though I knew what was going on, while at the same time I sort of didn’t either.
“The Sword of Pure Soul…” Lightning said for everyone to hear “It could sense your desire to help me, and all that pureness was generated into the blade and then fired out as pure magic. Something Titan can never conquer no matter what kind of evil he uses.”
The sword stopped glowing, and I held it bravely.
Suddenly, Titan roared angrily as he stood.
We all stood and glared him down, but Titan’s fury faded into a wicked sneer “I must admit, it was inexcusable for being rather reckless, but if any of you believe I am beaten again, you are sorely… MISTAKEN!!” and as he shouted, his generator began to go crazy as it glowed brightly, and his body began to glow along with it.
The light was so bright; everyone had to shield their eyes.
When the light had faded, everyone gawked in horror, as Titan now stood in his old, evil appearance, hood, robs, all of it, only now he was three times as large, his head almost reached the ceiling.
His voice now was even deeper and more ghastly than ever.
“Ah, it feels nice to finally be rid of that humanoid shell.” he hissed.
At the end of the room, his generator was still glowing with more power he hadn’t absorbed from it, and more energy was coming through from the slaves working hard up above, and giving their energy.
Lightning clenched his fists and looked Titan deep in his evil eyes, and the evil sorcerer glared back at him.
All the others and I stood with Lightning ready for a fight.
“This is it, everyone get ready.” Lightning said.
His friends nodded and got their energizers ready.
Titan glared at the heroes “I’ve waited for this for a long, long time.”
“Let’s go!” shouted Lightning, and he and the teens all transformed.
“STARFLEET MAGIC!!”
Then the main five girls transformed “HARMONY HOUR! FRIENDSHIP POWER!!”
Finally, Spike transformed. “Dragon Power!”
The heroes all stood together proud and tall, and the others stood to the side. Lightning turned to face us. “You all set the hostages free…” then he turned to face Titan “…We’ll deal with this.”
The rest of us nodded, and headed for the doorway, but Titan blocked it with a forced field. “I don’t think so. The party’s just about to begin, and you’re all invited.”
I tried hitting the barrier with my sword; the shield shocked me and threw me back hard. “Are you alright?” cried Sunset.
“Just a little shocked.” I answered.
“Now then… who is next?” hissed titan.
“Let’s get him!” shouted Lightning, and all the fighters charged at him at once, but Titan merely flicked his arm, unleashing a wave of energy which shot everyone back hard.
“Whoa! Low blow!” groaned Rhymey.
“He’s a lot stronger than we thought.” said Fluttershy.
Suddenly, their visors bleeped with warning. “Our power levels; their falling!” cried Arite.
They had all quite forgotten that while they were bound, their energies had been drained, and that Titan’s generator was absorbing more of their power the longer they stayed in that room.
“It is useless to resist this time.” Titan hissed, and he held his hands out, forming a huge energy ball. “Look out!” shouted Spike, and everyone dodged just in time.
The blast hit the generator, but rather than getting damaged, it absorbed the blast and reenergized Titan. It was like he was running on a long-lasting battery that never would give out.
“Does this mean we can’t attack either?” asked Rainbow Dash.
Titan snickered and said “No… you can still attack, but all you’ll do is strengthen my power even more, and make yourselves weaker and all the easier to crush.”
He was right; their power levels were dropping faster than ever. Lightning didn’t have enough strength to go Enticorn; the girls couldn’t activate their Valkyrie forms, Spike couldn’t go Majestic Dragon.
Sunset was really growing frustrated. “If only I could change into my shining angel form, I could supply them all with more energy, but then that would only help Titan as well.”
This worried me a lot. I tried to do what I did before and summon pureness form my heart to energize my sword, but it wasn’t working.
Suddenly, I began to feel a little tired. So did all the others.
“What’s happening?” I asked wearily.
“I feel… faint…” groaned Celestia.
“Our energy… it’s running… very low.” said Krysta.
The fighters began to look weak as well, and weren’t moving as swiftly.
“What’s the matter? Too tired to stand the pressure?” Titan mocked “Here, have some of my energy!” and he fired numerous, thunderous shots from his hands hitting the fighters. Sparks and small explosions flew everywhere as they all got hit, and fell to the floor.
“My hair…!” wailed Rarity “It’s... A MESS!!”
Some of the others couldn’t believe her, but were too weary at this point to scorn at her.
Titan was laughing with glee, enjoying seeing the heroes suffer “I had almost forgotten what this felt like.” he hissed, and zapped them all again.
By this point, their super suits were flashing, indicating they were running out of power and about to power down.
“What are we… going… to do?” Starla groaned. She felt so exhausted, she could hardly speak.
“My…kan…” Lightning groaned “The shield…”
I my head was spinning from the weariness, but I could still hear him… barely.
“The shield…!”
He was referring to my Shield of Righteous Heart that was on my back.
“Oh, another one of your little tricks…?” scoffed Titans. He could plainly see the shield, but scoffed again “What possible good can that puny little thing do? I’m even stronger than I was before. The same trick won’t work on me twice.”
He then raised his finger and zapped me, clear at my head.
Some of the girls screamed, and the boys gasped, yet strangely, when the smoke had cleared, the shield was right in front of me, and it had taken the blast before it got to me, and was now glowing with the same light as the energy that hit it.
“What?!” sneered Titan.
I also began to feel my strength slowly returning to me, enough, to get me back on my feet. Then, I held the shield against the barrier at the door, and magically, the barrier dissolved along the magic in the shield.
The same thing happened to the barrier around the generator as well.
“Impossible!” snarled Titan “What is this trickery?!”
I could hardly understand it myself, but Lightning, though weary, explained it was the ability of my shield.
“If the user truly has courage and righteousness, the shield will not only protect them, but it can be used to absorb small amounts of certain energy or magic.”
Titan’s blast that he hit me with was not very strong, and therefore, when my shield absorbed the blast, it not only could transfer some of the energy to me, strengthening me again, but since it was Titan’s magic, it was the only thing to break down the force-fields.
“Looks like things are turning around now.” I said, and I drew out my sword like a brave knight about to strike the giant down, but really, I spun round hard, and threw my sword like a javelin straight at the unprotected generator.
“Oh, no you dont!” shouted Titan, and he tried to zap the sword with his magic to halt it in midair, but I quickly dashed forth and jumped in the way, causing Titan to hit me instead, letting my sword smash into the generator, shorting it out, and causing it to explode softly as the energy all faded away.
“NO!!” shouted Titan.
With the generator destroyed, all the energy everyone had lost returned to them instantly.
Their suits and physical strengths were now at full power.
Titan growled loud and angrily as he clenched his fists. “This is far from over, and he began to glow brightly, and he shot through the ceiling like a rocket, smashing his way through.
“After him!” shouted Lightning, and he and the other fighters took off through the hole after him, leaving me and the others behind.
I walked over to the dead generator and pulled my sword out. I looked at it preciously. “I think I like this hero stuff.”
“Come on, let’s go.” cried Sunset “Remember, the hostages?”
I snapped back to reality and followed her and the others back into the base, but Titan’s guards began to rush us.
“This way!” shouted Celesto, and he lead us all through the base as he knew it. Once we were all safely a safe distance away, he opened a secret panel, he remembered, along the wall, and hit a red button, causing a huge steel plate to seal the hallway, cutting the guards off from following us.
We continued dashing down the corridors, running into more guards, and sealing them off as well.
Finally we managed to get to the main ops where the hostages were still being drilled.
Apparently, though I had destroyed the main generator, the giant crystal inside the room was still intact and holding power drained from the people as well.
Worse than that, more guards were all gathered around the entrance as well as inside and began to shove us all back.
At first we were all hesitant to hit the people, belonging they were brainwashed by Titan, but as we continued to struggle against them.
“Let go of me!” growled Celestia as she struggled and fussed, but then she noticed something was rubbing off on her fingers, and a small chunk was missing out of the guard’s hand.
“Hey! These guys aren’t even human. They’re made of mud.”
“If that’s so… let’s get ‘em!” shouted Sunset, and we all began to go crazy, attacking the guards and breaking them to pieces.
Even Krysta took out a few…
She wasn’t very strong in her robin form, but she was swift and clever, and flew out of the way as guards attacked her, causing them to strike each other instead.
“The bigger they are, the smarter they aren’t.” she teased.
Finally, we managed to bust into the chamber, after dealing with the rest of the guards. Irons and chains that held the people were regular, and the keys to release them were hanging on a hook near the door.
I used my sword to cut the chains off, and it was obvious whom I freed first.
I rushed over to the zap-table. “Michelle…” I cried. She looked in really bad shape after having so much energy drained from her. I hastily cut the wires to free her, but even though her weariness, she gazed at me strangely. “Who are you…?” she asked “And… how do you know my name?”
I stopped, and it felt awkward to tell her, not knowing how she’d react.
“Michelle… it’s me. It’s Mykan.”
Her eyes bulged, but she compared my voice, and looked into my pony eyes, but she realized, only I ever looked at her that way. Her eyes brimmed with tears.
Then my folks came up to me, having overheard.
“Mykan…? You’re alive?” cried my mother.
My siblings gathered near, all of them gawking at me like I was a creature from outer-space; which was pretty much what I looked like.
My mom fainted, either from shock, or due to her weariness, my father caught her.
Sarah and Jane could hardly believe it, and raised their hands to feel my muzzle, but they just couldn’t. “It’s okay, I understand.” I said.
My brother, Neville was stammering “Bro… how is-- what’s going-- It’s really you? We thought you were long gone.”
“It’s a long a story.” I said “I’ll try and explain it later…” That’s when the whole place began to shake. “…If I there is a later!”
The big crystal was pulsating wildly as more tremors shook the place.
We tried to lead the hostages out, but more of Titan’s drones came at us. Even the ones we had just defeated reformed like magic.
Those that we sealed up had just made it to the main ops as well. Now there were enough guards to fill practically a quarter of the base, badly outnumbering us.
Celestia and Sunset nodded at one another, and transformed.
Celestia was now the Valkyrie of Magic, and Sunset had donned her Shining Angel form.
“I wish I could that.” said Celesto.
“Never mind that now…” said Sunset. “It’s time to rumble!”
I drew out my sword “I was hoping you’d say that.”
*POV Ends*
Outside, Titan was harnessing more energy from the crystal, and preparing to open his portal gateway; sending the magic high up into orbit where it would combine with the energies of space, thus creating a stable warp hole into the dimensional universe.
“Yes!” he thundered with wicked glee “YES!! It’s all coming together!”
Suddenly, a few small blasts hit him from behind. Titan whirled round to see all the fighters staring him down.
“Party’s over, Titan!” snapped Lightning.
“For once, I actually agree.” said Pinkie “No party’s worth having an evil creep like you around!”
Titan merely sighed and shrugged. “Must we go through all this again?” Still, as it would take time for his portal to fully open, he decided to kill the time by brawling with the heroes.
“Bring it on…” Lightning said, and he concentrated hard, until he changed into an Enticorn, much to Titan’s delight. “So, the rumor’s I’ve heard were true. You really can use the legendary power. A pity it will avail you naught.”
“Really…?” said Spike “Well how about… THIS!!” and he changed into his Majestic Dragon form.
Titan was still not impressed “Are you about finished yet?”
The main five girls then smirked, and all stood together and shouted “VALKYRIA!!” and they changed into their Valkyrie forms.
Now that the gang was all charged up and ready, they all stood together, with Lightning at the head of the group. “Take a good look at our team, Titan.” he said deeply “You’re dark magic will not stand against all we have assembled against you.”
Titan folded his arms and hissed “We shall see…” and then he motioned for them to come at him.
“Go!” shouted Lightning.
They all charged at him, and he zipped out of the way.
“Where’d he go?” cried Dyno.
“Keep your eyes peeled.” said Myte.
Spike sniffed the air as he hovered around. “He’s here somewhere.” he said softly.
Suddenly, without much warning, he got punched hard from above, sending him crashing to the ground.
“Spike!” cried Rarity. She rushed over to help him, only for Titan to appear before her and punch her hard too.
“Too slow…” Titan scolded playfully.
Rarity and Spike weren’t hurt too bad, and got up again, and everyone charged at Titan.
The Starfleet fighters each grabbed their weapons, and slashed, whipped, and struck at him, only for him to skillfully dodge their every attack and blast.
Then the Valkyries stepped up, and faired not so well either.
“My turn.” Hissed Titan, and get began to punch, and blast at all the heroes, sending them skidding along the ground, but then, Spike and Lightning dashed forth.
Spike swung his huge dragon tail at Titan, who dodged it, and aimed a powerful blast at his face. Spike dodged it, and Lightning managed to get through and strike Titan hard in the face with his fist, sending him crashing through several busted buildings.
“Ye-Haw! That teaches him.” cheered Applejack.
“Save the cheers for later.” said Lightning “We’ve not won yet.”
Titan blasted his way back through all the wreckage, and was glowing furiously, but he spoke rather cold and deeply. “So, you do have the power to stand up to me. Perhaps this won’t be such an easy battle as I thought.”
“Glad you think that way.” said Lightning.
And the fight continued…
With Lightning and Spike backing up the others, and the others know getting more used to Titan’s battle style. The fight began to tip in balance…
“STAR SHOWER!” shouted Starla as she unleashed her barrage of stars at him. Titan protected himself with a small shield of energy emitted from his hand.
As the stars burned up, they created a soft patch of smoke.
Buddy Rose and Rhymey went next.
“LEAF SWARM!”
“DRILL QUILL!”
Titan raised his other hand and blasted the leaves and feathers into ashes. This stirred up even more smoke.
Artie and the twins stepped up.
“PAINT BOMB!”
“BOOM-BOOM ROCKETS!!”
Titan didn’t even have to try and block them this time, for the boys had aimed their shots so they colored into one-another, making even more smoke than ever.
“You think I can’t see you through all this?!” shouted Titan, and he lunged forth, aiming his glowing fists at the fighters, and they all jumped out of the way.
“Get him, girls!” shouted Rainbow, and all the Valkyries soared at him like jets, and swung their swords at him.
Titan smashed, and parried their ever attack at him, one after the other. Then the Starfleet fighters joined in the rush and began to attack him swiftly as well.
Yet, Titan still managed to parry their attacks and swerve out of harm’s way. “Pitiful fools!” he growled “I have destroyed whole star-systems!”
ZAP!!
POW!!
He punched Applejack and Buddy Rose.
“What you represent hardly amounts to even ants in their hills!”
With a thunderous blast, he knocked four more fighters down.
Suddenly, Lightning jumped into the fight and was able to move much more swiftly than the others, and he socked Titan hard in his gut.
Titan Raised his arm to attack back, but Rhymey and Fluttershy slashed at him with their swords, and Spike came in and gave him a good whack with his tail, sending him crashing through more buildings and making a huge crater in the ground where he fell.
“GET HIM!” shouted Lightning, and everyone flew directly above the crater and fired their strongest attacks straight at the crater so not a single shot had missed.
Practically that entire patch of area had been leveled by such a power. Thank goodness there were no people nearby, and it really seemed as if Titan was gone.
“Did we beat him?” asked Fluttershy.
Everyone gazed forth, looking down the crater and the big piled of small rocks and dust at the bottom, when suddenly, the rocks began to rumble and glowing light emitted through the cracks.
“Oh, no..!” It isn’t so?!” cried Rhymey.
Titan emerged from the crater, slightly bruised on his arms and hands, and his robes and hood only slightly tattered, but he didn’t look at all exhausted.
“This can’t be happening!” cried Spike.
“How could he have survived such an attack?” added Lightning.
Titan laughed wickedly “You just don’t get it, do you? I’ve been absorbing energy non-stop from the humans. My power never decreases.”
This reminded everyone of the large gem that was still inside the base.
*Mykan’s POV*
It was very difficult to fight all those guards in such a closed in space, especially watching out for the hostages and trying to keep them safe.
Krysta couldn’t even fight this time, and had to keep well out of harm’s way along with the hostages, but those guards just kept right on coming.
Sunset blasted a good row of guards down, and Celestia and I used our swords to slash more of them down.
Celesto fought valiantly as well, despite not having any super powers of his own, and using his great martial arts skills, he knocked many guards down too, but more guards just kept right on coming after us, and those that had been knocked down were soon regenerated.
“They won’t stay down!” I cried.
“They must be connected to Titan’s power.” said Sunset “As long as he’s around, they just keep coming.”
There was worse yet, as the large gem was glowing brighter than ever.
“It’s absorbing our energy.” cried Celestia.
“The more we fight, the more power is absorbed.” added Celesto.
All we were doing was making Titan and his forces even more powerful.
“Not anymore!” I shouted, and I dashed at the gem, gripping my sword, and I swung at the gem hard, but it didn’t even get scratched, and I ricocheted away from it hard.
“Mykan!” screamed Michelle.
“That’s it!” snarled my Father “I’m going in there!”
“Honey, No!” my mom shouted, but my dad had already leapt into the fight and began to sock it to those guards.
“Dad, stop!” shouted Neville, and he tried to run out to help get Dad out of there, but the guards rushed him. “Oh, you wanna go!” Neville growled, and he was soon fighting too.
This inspired more of the hostages to fight back for their freedom as well.
Despite that it was giving the gem more energy; it helped a great deal to get past all the guards and evening out the odds and would help us get out easier.
“All together…!” shouted Celesto “ATTACK!!”
In a huge suddenly move, WHAMM!! All the guards were thrown out and laid all along the floor.
“Let’s hurry before they regenerate!” cried Krysta.
In a big stampede we all rushed down the corridors.
Celestia, Celesto, Sunset and I stood at the corners of every corridor, guiding all the hostages which way to go.
Suddenly, as Michelle passed by me, she turned her head softly to see one last guard sneaking up on me from behind, and ready to slice me in two with a fire-axe.
“Mykan, look out!” she cried as she shoved me aside just in time. “Michelle!” I cried, but when I looked up… the most horrible thing I ever saw…!
“MICHELLE…!!!!!!”
She was hurt very bad, and her blood was gushing forth.
Sunset and Celestia heard my scream, and arrived to blast the guard to ashes with their powers…
…but Michelle!
I scooped her up in my arms, but she felt so cold and remained so still. She had no pulse, she wasn’t breathing, and it was too late for even Sunset to give her any energy.
My eyes were flooding with tears as I felt my heart shatter to pieces.
“The time has finally come!” Titan said “My portal is nearly complete in energizing. Very shortly I shall return to the Dimensional Universe, to rule it all with every bit of evil I possess.”
He then gazed at the fighters and sneered “And… may your last thoughts knowing that all beings shall suffer because of your failure.”
He blasted at all the heroes again, knocking them down.
Lightning and Spike got up and charged at him, engaging in a huge brawl; exchanging blows back and forth.
The others fighters got up and joined in, but despite being grossly outnumbered, Titan managed to evade all their attacks, and hit them back.
“Don’t give up!” shouted Lightning “Whatever happens, don’t let him get to that portal!”
Inside, the people had already begun rushing down the halls, heading to exit the building, but Mykan… as he clutched the dead body of his beloved Michelle; he was really in shock and lost in his heartbreak.
“Mykan, we have to go!” cried Celestia, but Mykan didn’t respond at all, or even blink his eyes.
“Mykan, come on!” cried Sunset.
Finally, realizing and understanding his devastation, Celesto picked him up, carrying him over his shoulder, and carried him along the corridors… leaving Michelle’s dead body behind, as there was no sense in dragging it along.
*Mykan’s POV*
Everything around me seemed so still, so empty…
My beloved Michelle…! I loved her so much, I was going to marry her, but then all this had to happen, and now… now she was gone, sacrificed herself trying to protect me.
“Michelle…” I cried softly “I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!”
I felt myself sinking deeper and deeper into the state of devastation around me.
Then, I could hear a voice calling to me.
“Mykan…”
I looked up and she appeared right before me, in a shimmering, spiritual image.
“Michelle?” seeing her like this only made me feel worse “Why?” I cried “Why did this have to happen to you?”
She understood my grieving, and she laid her hands on my shoulder. “I died protecting you because I love you. You would’ve done the same for me.”
“Yes… I would.” I said “But… but I…”
“Mykan, listen to me…”
She explained to me how after I had disappeared through the portal that took me to the Dimensional Universe, she was very devastated, everyone was. Disappearing like that; I was practically considered to be dead.
They were even planning a small service for me, complete with a monument stone, and a casket full of things I owned, loved, and a picture of me.
“You were going to do that?” I asked in surprise.
“Yes…” Michelle said “We felt it was proper, but… as for me. I felt so empty, so alone. My life hardly felt like much anymore. I almost even considered doing myself in, but your family stopped me. It was then that I had to try and keep on believing that maybe, just maybe, you were really alive, and you’d come back. Even when Titan enslaved us all, the only thing that kept me strong, even though all the tortures, was thinking of you and how you’d want me to be brave… and that’s what I want you do to for me.”
I didn’t know what to say or how to really feel about this.
“But, Michelle… I…”
“Whatever you decide to do, just be brave… and I’ll always be there with you.”
I wiped my eyes and promised her I’d do all that I could.
“I’ll always love you, Michelle. Always…”
She smiled at me, and leaned in to kiss me…
...that’s when I snapped back into reality, and all my sadness was replaced with fury and determination.
“Put me down!” I said.
Everyone stopped in their tracks when they realized I was awake, and Celesto set me down on my feet, before anyone could ask anything, I had already drawn my sword and dashed for the exit.
*POV Ends*
The others all stood shocked and puzzled, then quickly snapped out of it and followed him out.
Meanwhile, the fighters were starting to lose their edge. All their valiant efforts, brave as they were still no match for Titan’s newly acquired power.
His power just would never decrease, while their energy was starting to run low, and the more they battled, the more power Titan absorbed and strengthened the magic he needed for his portal in orbit to fully stabilize.
All the fighters were struggling to get up onto their feet, and their suits were glowing again, signaling they were going to de-energize.
Lightning and Spike weren’t doing so good either.
Both their lights were growing dim. Spike couldn’t even try to penetrate the darkness with his super power, or it would only strengthen Titan more.
“Lightning…!” groaned Spike “…I… can’t… hold up… much longer.”
“We’ve… got… to…” groaned Lightning.
Titan laughed hard as he watched the heroes squirm “You give up…?” he snickered. The heroes shakily got onto their feet.
“In… your… dreams!” said Rainbow.
“We’ll… never… give in!” growled Starla.
Titan was impressed that they were just barely standing, but he waved his arm hard, knocking them over with a strong gust of wind. “For the first time in so many centuries, things are starting to go my way.” he hissed “You all fought well, but I’m afraid it all ends for you now.”
He powered himself up, seemingly ready for the big kill, but really, the ground began to quake as the giant gem burst out from the space center, shimmering brightly and full of power.
“What’s he doing?” cried Rarity.
Titan then unleashed his own magic into the gem. The gem then harnessed the energy and shot it out in a big beam straight to the skies, right into orbit, and in a huge flash of light, there it was; the very portal linking the two dimensions together.
“Would ya look at that?!” cried Artie.
Everyone gazed in awe.
The portal was so very bright, many people across the world could look up at the sky and see it, not knowing what it was.
Titan laughed wickedly as he gazed up at his glorious portal. “Mine! It’s all mine!” he gloated “I’ve waited long for this moment, and now, victory will be mine.”
*Mykan’s POV*
“Think again!” I shouted.
“Huh?”
Titan looked down and saw me, and the others with all the prisoners now freed.
“It’s over, Titan!” snarled Sunset “You’re little game ends here.”
“You’re too late!” scoffed Titan “Nothing can stop me now.”
“Nothing, except all of us.” said Celestia, and she held her sword and shield bravely.
The other humans, though unarmed and still weakened from their ordeals, stood bravely behind Celesto.
Titan only laughed hysterically as if someone had told a big joke. “This is your last feeble attempt to stall me? You’re even more desperate than I thought.”
“Not desperate!” I snarled “More determined.” I gripped my sword tightly thinking dearly of Michelle, as if her spirit was right there with me.
Titan shrugged softly, and fired many shots just missing us all. Sparks and explosions flew everywhere, and we all fell down.
One of the shots hit my shield, and bounced it back right into the gem, which transferred more of that energy into the portal that was in orbit.
Lightning noticed this. “Wait a minute…” he said softly, and he gazed up at the portal high in the sky, and he formed an idea “… It’s risky, but it just may work.”
He levitated high and told Sunset “Do it now! Revitalize us with your healing magic.”
“What?” Did she hear him right? Heal them, knowing fully well that would only strengthen Titan even more?
Even Titan was confused by this, but who was he to question if they wanted to strengthen him or not. It didn’t matter much to him what they did.
Sunset then noticed Lightning wink at her, telling her to trust him.
Though she didn’t understand what he was planning, and thought it crazy. She did as she was told and used her magic to bring everyone, the fighters, Spike, Lightning, and all the people with us back to full strength.
Titan’s gem absorbed all this flowing energy as well, increasing his power immensely. “Yes! Power! Lots of it!!” he thundered and then laughed deeply, and he began to levitate up, and up, and up towards his portal in orbit.
“What have you done?!” cried Starla.
“Trust me.” shouted Lightning.
All the power had finally lifted Titan off the Earth and into orbit-the void of space did not affect him-- and there he was starring before his beautiful portal, ready to go through it.
Everyone was still scolding Lightning for having given Titan more strength, but he ignored this and just continued to watch Titan move closer and closer to the portal.
“Come on… come on… just a little further.”
Finally, he saw Titan reach out his hands and touch the portal as he started to go through it.
“NOW!! Everyone do as I do!” Lightning quickly shouted. “ULTRA UNIFORCE!!” and he fired his magic straight at the gem.
Everyone was startled at first, but then began to clue in on his idea.
I concentrated all the pureness I could into my sword. "PURE SOUL BEAM" and fired a beam of energy from it.
"Shining Light"Sunset fired her magic into it, and soon, all the fighters were channeling their power into a massive blast into the gem.
All that energy, all that force, the gem absorbed more, and more and more…glowing more madder than ever, until it shattered in a huge explosion…
This caused the portal to becoming crazily unstable, and it began to warp into a miniature black hole, not nearly big enough to cause any concern for Earth, but it did begin to pull Titan into its powerful unstable energies.
“NO!!!” Titan shouted as he sank into the swirling vortex “CURSE YOU ALL…!!!” were his final words as the vortex began to shrink, and collapse, destroying itself and Titan.
Then it was gone, in a small flash of light.
With Titan gone, his evil spells cast all around the land were dissolved. The Darkness was lifted, all the destruction and chaos had vanished, and all the buildings, landscapes, even the base, were all back to normal again, and all those who had been enslaved were back to full health.
All anyone could really do was cheer loud for extreme joy and victory!
“YEAH!!” shouted Lightning.
“WE DID IT!! WE DID IT!!” I cried.
Everyone else cheered and jumped for joy.
Sunset was very amazed. “Lightning, how did you…?”
Lightning smirked and said “Titan’s power just kept increasing, but he forgot that everything has its limits. I thought maybe if we gave the gem enough energy, it would overload, and destroy itself.”
Everyone else smiled at him, and some gave him noogies as a playful gesture.
As for me, I was very happy all was well again; except, Michelle was still gone. She could not be revived since she was killed naturally. That still ate away at me, but I knew then and there exactly what I had to say to myself and to her…
“That was for you, love. That was for you.”
Strangely, I could almost see Michelle’s spirit smiling at me, and blew me a kiss.
The next day…
Despite the cause to celebrate, it was only fair and very prudent for us to give Michelle, and several others who were lost prior to the arrival of the Starfleet Team, a small funeral.
Those who had lost their family members would never forget them, and promised to keep going and be brave to honor them.
Michelle, she was especially honored by me, not just for our love, but for saving my life. She really was the bravest human-girl I ever knew, and I would always love her.
It was sad, and very heartbreaking, but this was only the beginning.
I had done a lot of thinking, and I made a very big decision.
“You want to come back with us?” Lightning asked feeling very surprised. Spike and Krysta were surprised too.
I nodded and I was very serious. “It’s my choice isn’t it?”
“Mykan, are you really sure you want to do this?” asked Krysta.
Spike looked at my eyes and could tell “Yep, he’s positive.”
Sunset understood how I felt most of all. “It was hard for me when I left Equestria and came here, but I found so many interesting and neat things to explore.”
I nodded at her and said “That’s why I want to go. Don’t you see this is what man has always dreamed of, and what I’ve dreamed of too: Broadening horizons, whole new worlds to explore, and finally realizing the truths of a multiverse that we now know we’re part of.”
Those were excellent points that absolutely everyone agreed with. That… and the fact that staying here while I still looked like a pony wasn’t exactly too smart an idea; I’d stand out very badly among people, and it was likely that unscrupulous out there would want to catch me, and put in some institution to examine me like a specimen.
So it was settled.
That evening, Celesto flew the gang and all of us back to Mystic Island, and my family came with us, all to wish me off. As happy as they all were, it was hard to fight the tears.
Sarah and Jane hugged me so tightly they nearly cut off my oxygen. “We’re gonna miss you so much.” cried Sarah.
“Write us every day?” said Jane, but then she realize mail couldn’t travel between dimensions like that, and it made her really cry.
“Hey, it’s okay…” I said “The portal is still here, and I can come and visit. You’ll just have to get used to me looking like this, that’s all.”
This made the girls feel a little better, and I hugged them again.
Neville and I exchanged bro-fists, and we hugged “Go get em, bro. You’re gonna be famous.”
I smiled at him “So will you; you’ll be famous because I’m famous.”
Neville hugged me again.
Then I hugged both my parents alive. My mother couldn’t hold her tears back. “I always knew you’d make it big. I just never knew it would be this big.”
“You take of yourself, boy.” said my dad “I don’t think I could ever be more proud of you.”
Tears were streaking down my face “I love you both.”
You can bet, many of the others felt deep about this goodbye.
Celestia could barely look, and turned to cry softly on her husband’s shoulder.
“This… is so sad.” cried Fluttershy, and she held Rhymey’s hand tightly.
“Oh, my… I think I may cry.” he said.
Rarity could hardly hold it in either. “Oh, I can’t stand to see people cry.”
Pinkie Pie was already blubbering madly and blew her nose loudly.
After exchanging a few last hugs, and farewells, I stood by the statute with the others, and Lightning stepped forth.
“Thank you all for your efforts and help.” he said “There may come a time when the power will be needed again, until such a time, I hope that you all will continue forth brave and strong, and may goodness come your ways.”
Everyone nodded at him.
Then Lightning approached Sunset.
“Captain…”
Sunset stood straight and tall “Commander.”
Lightning stared deeply and bravely into her eyes. “You do a fine job here, and I will see somehow that you are well compensated for your actions. I leave everyone in your care again.”
“Thank you, sir.” said Sunset.
They both saluted to each other.
Then Lightning walked back to me and the others by the statue, and energized the portal, and one by one we all began to disappear in those sparkling flows of lights.
“Farewell my friends…” Lightning said.
“Good luck to you all.” said Krysta.
“Catch ya later.” said Spike.
As for me, I kept my eyes squarely on my family as I faded away. I smiled sadly yet bravely and said to them “…Until we meet again.”
*End of POV*
They were all gone, and the portal had sealed again.
Everyone wiped away their tears, but the sad feelings still crept up on them.
“What should we do now?” asked Neville.
Pinkie giggled “That’s easy, and she pulled out a small box she kept with her, and pulled the ribbon.
POOF!!
In an instant, and unexplainably, the whole school yard was all decked up in balloons, streamers, a stage with a rockband, tables with foods, and everything. “LET’S PARTY!!”
All at once, everyone’s sadness vanished into giddiness, and more people from around the neighborhood join din the party, brining snacks, drinks, and loads of pizza, and everyone had a great night dancing and singing and partying the night away.
Savouring the sweet taste of their victory and saving the two worlds.
*Mykan’s POV*
A few days later, I was finally starting to settle into my new life and my new home in United Equestria. It felt so good to be back in my normal human body.
I had also been well compensated for my heroism and efforts.
Their royal majesties had paid off the lease for my house, giving me full and complete ownership of it and the land it stood on. In addition to this, they also gave me two neat gifts…
-A red magical cape to wear on my outfit, it would allow me to fly like Superman, or if I were a winged pony.
-And a magical teleportation belt. Once I got the hang of how to use it, it would let me teleport to different places around the planet very quickly.
As for occupation, being the Ambassador of Earth, I became a teacher for Ponyville elementary schools, and a lecturer for the Starfleet Academy, to teach everyone as much as I could about the human world, and in turn learn more about their world.
I was also approved as an axillary Starfleet member. I wasn’t allowed to always rush into battle. Though I was fairly strong with my sword and shield, I wasn’t quite up to the ponies’ levels, but I was permitted to help out, ONLY if it were absolutely necessary. I still had a lot to learn about the many creatures and type of magic out there as well.
I really did deserve all this. Thanks to my efforts and helping, The Starfleet shipping lines were reopened and were now busier than ever delivering supplies to other planets to help those in need.
I received worldwide recognition from many and was praised as a hero, not just a newcomer.
Still, this was my new life, and as much as I missed my family every now and then, and grieved for Michelle, it was safe to say I was happy.
That morning, I was getting ready for work, when there was a knock at my door.
It was Lightning, Starla, Krysta, Spike and Rarity.
“Good morning, Mr. Ambassador.” said Lightning.
“Morning…”
“We were on patrol and thought we’d stop by and check on you.” said Starla.
“How’s the move in going?” asked Krysta.
I looked back into my house, there were still a few boxes and items scattered about I hadn’t decided what to do with yet. “Well, I think a couple of more days it’ll be more like home.” I said.
Rarity got a good look at all the things I had, and shook her head vaguely “I still say you should reconsider your decorative tastes.”
“Yeah, well maybe I will, and maybe I won’t.” I said “Nice to see you’re coming round again.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“Okay, chill you two.” said Spike “There’s no need to fight.”
“Oh, we’re not fighting.” I said.
“Certainly not.” agreed Rarity “We are merely having a disagreement with our opinions of taste.”
The others rolled their eyes, and said nothing. Rarity and I weren’t considered best friends, but at least we weren’t hostile with one another.
With that, they all decided to escort me to work. I really loved flying up high like a bird on the wing. What a great feeling it was.
While from the royal palace, their three majesties-- Grand Ruler Celesto, Queen Celestia, and Princess Luna were watching us all from a terrace, and they were all pleased that things worked out so well, and felt happy that I was beginning to fit in well.
There are whole worlds far beyond of the worlds that you live in
[Grand Ruler]
Places you never once knew that were there and could not be
[Luna]
Don’t try and hide, look inside and your thoughts may give in
[All three]
Belief and hope is the key, There’s so much you would want to see.
[Many ponies across the land]
In a magic world… magically beyond compare And wishing that you could be there Where dreams can all come true Welcome to this magic world… one that makes you say “Gee whiz” It can’t be real, but it is… There is a lot to do. It’s all in this magic world for you.
[Lightning and Starla]
Keep well in mind all the wondrous things that await you
[Spike and Rarity]
“How enchanting…” Things that can change how you think of how you once thought
[Krysta]
“That’d be neat.”
[Rhymey and Fluttershy]
The door is unlocked, don’t be shocked, just boldly walk through.
[The other Friends]
Just take some time to check it out…
[Mykan]
...and you’ll see what it’s all about.
[EVERYONE]
In a magic world… one that here for you today Somewhere that you’d like stay Where dreams can all come true Welcome to this magic world… one you’ll find was always there With many things you’ll want to share There is a lot to do. It’s all in this magic world for you.
(Credits roll)
It’s a magic world… (Magic World)
It’s a magic world… (Magic World)
It’s a magic world… (Magic World)
It’s a magic world… (Magic World)
(Fade out; music changes, credits continue to roll)
