> Power Ponies: Rise of the Loonatics > by Titan Commander Sebaste > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue/Chapter 1: Disturbances and awakenings > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- BRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGG! The dismissal bell’s announcement caused Trot to sigh in relief as the students in front of her began to put away their school belongings and prepare to go home. While she enjoyed spending time with her students, there was always the odd troublemaker that would make the day hell for her. Today was no exception. A loudmouth pegasus by the name of Steep Dive kept catcalling to an Earth pony named Sweet Strike, making crude remarks about her family. While she didn't show it, Sweet Strike was boiling over with anger and indignation. Eventually, it got to the point where Trot strode over and yanked Steep Dive out of her seat before escorting the Pegasus to the principal's office. As Trot closed her bag, her cell phone rang. The light pink unicorn glanced at the caller ID and raised an eyebrow.  “Trot Summers, what's up?” she said. “Not much, what, can't I chat with a friend?” a brisk voice replied, a teasing tone in her voice.   Trot rolled her eyes, recognizing the voice to be that of Maretropolis's top detective. “Marey, couldn't this have waited until after I got home?” she asked. “Unfortunately, this is a little bit important. My department's been getting reports of weird sightings and we're not getting any closer to figuring them out.” This grabbed Trot’s attention. “You think it might be Mane-iac or a new villain?” She asked, lowering her voice. “Not Mane-iac, last I checked, she's still in prison with her goons. So it's possible it's someone new.” Marey replied. Trot frowned. “Alright, pass the word to the others, meeting at my place tonight. We’re gonna find out what's going on, and if it's a new villain, take them down.” she said. A voice shouting was heard on the other line. “Oops, gotta go. Boss wants us to get back to work.” Marey said. “I’ll let the others know, but you know how Mare-velous and Zapp can be. And Radiance… she's so full of herself, it's a wonder she even listens to what you say.” Trot snickered at that. “Alright, I’ll see you later tonight.” “Bye!” The line then cut off. Trot levitated the phone back into her purse before exiting the school. Her mind however was puzzling over what Marey said. ‘Let’s hope we can get to the bottom of this… because I have a feeling we’re gonna be over our heads with this mystery…’ Trot Summer’s House, Downtown Maretropolis “Marey, can you tell us what these sightings consisted of?” Trot asked. The members of the Power Ponies had convened at their leader’s house to learn more of what these sightings were about. Marey, a light green mare with a light orange mane and tail and a magnifying glass with a lightning bolt behind it for a cutie mark nodded. “The reports don't really say much, other than seeing occasional flashes of light in some places and what appeared to be glowing eyes.” Aurora, a white Pegasus with a indigo mane and tail along with a stormburst cutie mark scoffed. “Art thou certain they weren't lamps that failed or car headlights?” she asked in an Old Equish accent, raising an eyebrow. “I’d have to agree with Aurora here, that isn't exactly the thing that would warrant our attention.” A cream colored earth pony with a black mane and tail said. Her cutie mark consisted of a star and lasso. This was Mistress Mare-velous, or as she was known outside her costume, Mareia Star. “That’s the thing, the reports mention the ponies who saw these flashes swore they saw a strange figure or figures before the flash ended.” Marey replied. Green Gardener, a yellow unicorn with a indigo mane and tail frowned. Her cutie mark consisted of a single diamond. “Do you think it's a new villian? In league with Maneiac?” she asked. Trot shook her head. “Marey said she’s still locked up. But we can't be too careful. They probably have their own motives.” Spruce Springer, a grey pegasus with a light brown mane and tail gulped nervously. Her cutie mark consisted of a veterinarian needle over a biohazard symbol. “P-perhaps they're not from Maretropolis?” The five other mares glanced at her with surprise in their eyes. “It’s possible…” Trot mused. “I’ve heard of other cities having their own heroes and villains. It's not uncommon for a villain to move to a new location…” Just then, a young dark green earth pony colt with a brown mane and tail skidded into the room, nearly bumping into a nearby side table. This was Trot's adopted son and protege, Ray Summers. “Ray, what have I told you about running in the house?” Trot scolded. “Sorry Mom, but have you checked the news lately?!” he panted. “There was some sort of incident near the outskirts. A weird flare up in an alley.” Trot's eyes widened. “Thank for letting us know.” she said, putting a hoof on her son’s shoulder. Ray grinned in response. “Alright ponies, let's suit up and investigate.” the five mares nodded in response. Ray left for his room to put his own costume on, while the six mares raised their hooves and chanted “In brightest day, in blackest night, no evil shall escape our sight, let all who fear know our power, the Power Ponies’ might!” There was a flash of light and when it cleared, the heroes of Maretropolis stood where 6 normal mares had been. Humdrum soon walked back into the room, completing the group. “Let’s go.” Matterhorn said. Bursting out her front door, the Power Ponies soon began the trek to the outskirts of the city. “What’re we gonna do if we find whoever's making these disturbances?” Humdrum asked. “I don't know… but if they prove to be hostile, we’ll put a stop to their antics.” Matterhorn replied. Humdrum nodded, but his eyes showed he was worried about who or what they would encounter. Maretropolis Outskirts, a few hours earlier... A lone figure stood in a shadowy alley, watching ponies, gryphons, and the occasional Minotaur walk by his hiding place. His long ears twitched as something moved behind him. “How long do we plan on hiding? I'm getting bored of all this sneaking around!” A voice whispered to him. There was a distinct lisp as the owner of the voice spoke. “We don't know where we are, and we can't exactly contact Zadavia to learn about this place. Where ever that portal dumped us, it cut us off from any contact to her.” the figure replied in a Manehatten accent. “Great…” the voice muttered. A second voice spoke up, this one female. “Ace, what if we can't get back home?” The figure sighed. “I don't know, Lexi. But I’m sure Tech will find a way. In the meantime, let's keep low for now. Besides, I don't think these folks would really take too well to us.” There was a muttered chorus of agreement, before the figure slipped into the shadows. A few seconds later, there was a flash of energy. When the flare ended, there was no sign of the figure. But his disappearance hadn't gone unnoticed as a nearby civilian had recorded the flash of light. Unknown location, near the Crystal Empire... Inside a hidden cave, something stirred. For over a thousand years, she had slept. The ponies had called her Ice-bringer, Storm-Maker, and many other names. But she had been know by a different name: Frost Striker, the Windigo Queen. An Alicorn with the power of the cold Arctic North, she had sought to rule over Equestria, to turn it into a barren frozen wasteland. It took the combined powers of both Faust and Nyx to defeat her, but at the cost of the northern half of the country becoming what it was in the present day. As Frost Striker opened her bright blue eyes, the wind and snow began to pick up speed outside until a massive blizzard had formed. As the wind howled, the snow white Alicorn spread her wings and took to the skies, her dark blue mane and tail whipping in the high winds. A peal of laughter rang out from her before she turned her sights to the south. “Let’s see if Equestria is ready for their one true ruler… because ready or not, here I come!” she said before flapping her wings and heading towards her destination, the blizzard following in her wake as a massive wall of clouds and wind. As she flew towards Equestria, a single thought burned in her mind: I will rule Equestria… and this time, Faust and Nyx won't stop me… She soon blasted past the Crystal Empire, buffeting the magical shield protecting it as the blizzard enveloped the city. Inside the city, the current leader of the Empire, a pink Alicorn named Mia Amore shuddered as she heard the storm shriek outside the protection of the shield. She glanced down at the small form in her arms, her only daughter. “Faust protect us… The Storm-Maker has returned….” she whispered. [br] Unkown Island, off the coast of Equestria A shadowy figure opened bright orange eyes and chuckled. “So my sister has awakened…” it said with a voice like crackling magma. A strange glow began to form around it as the ground began to soften and melt. “And so I shall join her… if they fear the chill, they shall also fear the scorching heat…” The figure then stepped out into the sunlight to reveal a black alicorn, but unlike Frost Striker, her mane and tail were the orange of flames. As she looked up at the sky, both began to smoke before becoming infernos. Her body began to ooze molten rock that hissed and spat as it made contact with the wet rock. This was Heat Breaker, Frost’s twin sister and an even deadlier threat. Her power was controlling intense heat, heat strong enough to turn a town or city into a burned out shell. As she spread out her wings, cinders began to fall out from her feathers. With a flap, she leapt into the air in a wave of incinerating heat, scorching the plant life nearby. Igniting her horn, she then let out a massive plume of flame into the air that washed over the island, turning the peaceful paradise into a hell on earth. As the island burned, Heat Breaker turned towards the coastline. “Your retribution comes for you, Faust…” she hissed. “You and your sister shall pay for what you did to me and Frost Striker….” She soon began the long flight towards Canterlot, leaving a firey trail behind in her wake. The Islanders who had survived looked up as she flew past. “May the Creators protect those on the mainland…” an elderly mare muttered. In the year 2772, a meteor struck the city planet of Acmetropolis, knocking it off its axis. The shockwave from the strike embued a select few with supernatural powers while incapacitating others. These select few were the descendents of the original Loony Toons gang. Now, with their newfound powers, they protect Acmetropolis as the group of heroes known as the Loonatics…. But now a freak accident has sent them into a new world, a world that has its own heroes and villians… Power Ponies: Rise of the Loonatics > Chapter 2, Pt. 1: Devestation and Surprises > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Faust, the current co-ruler of Equestria and mother of Celestia and Luna, stared at the report in her hoof in shock. Her golden eyes looked up at the guard, a Pegasus, who had brought it. “This information is accurate?” she asked, her voice neutral. The guard nodded. “Yes ma’am, we estimate they will arrive in at least five weeks, if not less than.” he said. Faust nodded and waved a hoof in dismissal. The guard saluted before trotting out of the room. As soon as he had left, Faust collapsed onto the floor, tears streaming down her face. “Sister? Is everything okay?” A black Alicorn with a wavy light blue mane and tail asked. Her worried hazel eyes looked down at her crimson maned sister. “They’ve returned...” Faust said shakily. Nyx’s eyes widened in shock. “Frost Striker and Heat Breaker..?” she whispered. Faust nodded. “The report says they're on their way here. Frost Striker was  was last seen passing the Crystal Empire and is nearing Stalliongrad. Heat Breaker is near Mareami. Both will then converge on Manehattan, and then Maretropolis. ” “Where our daughters are stationed?” Nyx asked. “Yes, and the Power Ponies. But they’ve never faced anyone of Frost Striker's or Heat Breaker’s caliber. Even Mane-niac was child’s play compared to what she's capable of…” Faust shuddered as she recalled being buffeted by high winds and nearly being incinerated. Nyx nuzzled the alabaster alicorn. “We stopped them before, we can stop them again.” she said as she helped her sister and lover up. “I hope so. Because if we fail, Creators help us all…” Faust murmured. Stalliongrad, a few hours later… The blizzard struck without warning, catching many pedestrians off guard. As they were buffeted by the high winds and snow, they never noticed the single alicorn hovering over the city. Grinning madly, Frost Striker charged up her horn before taking a deep breath and sending a wave of super cold air into the city. Anything or anypony that was hit was instantly flash frozen. She soon began to zip through the city, leaving freezing waves of air in her wake while the blizzard began growing more and more intense with every second. All that the ponies who hadn’t succumbed to the bitter cold or had been flash frozen could do was huddle together and keep warm. All the while, the shriek of the storm was ever constant, along with the laughter of the one who created it. Soon, Stalliongrad was cut off completely.  In one home, a young unicorn cuddled her little sister as the storm raged outside. “Princesses… where are you…?” she whimpered. But there was no answer, only the wail of the wind. Eventually, the storm passed, but left in its wake was a city frozen and devestated. Many had frozen to death while those who had been flash frozen had been killed almost instantly. Many more were trapped in their homes and vehicles. It was a somber sight for the two princesses as they surveyed the city. “We were too late…” Faust whispered, her breath misting in the chill air. Nyx put a wing over her sibling. “Let’s get to Manehattan. We can get the citizens prepared and evacuated before she arrives.” Faust nodded before she spread her wings. The two alicorns leapt into the air and began the flight to Manehattan. Mareami The city burned. Everywhere that the eye could see was covered in flames. As Heat Breaker strode through the once beautiful city, she left melted and bubbling hoofprints in the asphalt. The skeletons of ponies who had been caught in the tidal wave of flames she had launched as she had closed in on the city littered the streets. Stallions, mares, even fillies and colts weren't spared as the flames incinerated everything in their path . Cars and buses were left as burnt out husks, while the once proud buildings were now barren, smoking torches. But the final horror was about to begin as the alicorn drew in her power. With a hoarse shout, she raised her head. The ground began to shake before a 20 meter long fissure ripped open the earth, spraying and oozing lava into Mareami. Soon, all that was left was a sea of molten rock where the city had once stood. Those who had managed to survive quickly left the ruined city, leaving it and those who weren't able to escape to their gruesome fate. A single jet fighter flew above the devestation, the pilot relaying what he saw with a shaky voice. He then saw a trail of flame flying away from what was once Mareami, and he uttered one word: “Inferno Bringer…” Maretropolis Outskirts The Masked Matterhorn studied the spot where the energy flare had been seen, a frown on her face. “Whoever was here, they weren't alone.” She said. Zapp snorted. “That much is obvious, even I could see that.” she said, getting an exasperated glare from her teammate. “From what I can tell from the footprints, they're bipedal. But they look like prints from different animals…” Matterhorn creased her eyebrow. “A duck, two rabbits, a diamond dog, a bird of some kind, and an unknown creature…” Saddle Ranger flew down and took a look at the tracks. “A Roadrunner and Tazmaneian Devil.” She said. Fili-Second blinked in surprise. “Huh, that training from Ms. Fluttershy sure came in handy for you.” The Pegasus gave a shy smile at the praise. Radiance looked over at Matterhorn. “Can you track the energy to its originator?” she asked. “I can try…. but I'm not too skilled in that branch of magic. I paid more attention in offensive magic class than in tracking magic class.”  Matterhorn replied. The yellow unicorn groaned in response. Closing her eyes, Matterhorn focused on the energy trail the newcomers had left after they had teleported. When she opened them, a bright trail of magic could be seen leading away from the outskirts and into the city. “They’re in the city. Somewhere in the south quarter.” she said. “What art thou waiting for? Let's go!” Zapp cried before zooming off. “Zapp, wait!” Matterhorn cried, but by that point it was too late. The pegasus had already vanished. “I swear, princess or not, she’s gonna get herself hurt or killed if she pulls this type of stunt again…” she groaned. “I have to agree with you on that, darling.” Radiance said. Using her powers, she formed a helicopter and jumped in, the others following after. With a whir of blades, the construct lifted into the air and followed the direction Zapp had flown. Maretropolis South Area, seconds later… “She’s a Pegasus in a black and white suit with a lightning pendent, how in Tartarus is she so easy to lose track of?!” Matterhorn growled as she scanned for Zapp. Humdrum put a hoof on her leg. “She’s eager to prove herself, and that makes her act first, ask questions later.” The unicorn opened her mouth to say something before her helm communicator began beeping. “Matterhorn, what's the emergency?” she replied. “No need for formalities, after all, you were my favorite student.” a gentle voice reprimanded her. “Professer Celestia! What's the problem?” Matterhorn asked, her voice concerned. “My mother recently alerted me to a new threat approaching Maretropolis. Are you familiar with the tale of Frost Striker and Heat Breaker?” Matterhorn shuddered at the names. “Yes, I remember hearing about them. They nearly destroyed Equestria with their power. It took Faust and Nyx several years to halt them.” “Indeed. Unfortunately, they’ve awoken and will be converging on Maretropolis on their way to Canterlot. I hope your team will be ready by then.” Celestia said, but as she did, Matterhorn heard an undercurrent of fear in her voice. The unicorn then realized that behind the calm voice, the professor was scared for both her and the city. “Don’t worry, we’ll be ready!” Matterhorn replied, trying to keep her voice upbeat. There was a slight pause before Celestia spoke. “Be careful. And good luck finding the ones making those flashes.” “Thanks Professor. Matterhorn out.” Tapping the communicator, she cut the link just as Radiance suddenly swerved to the left. “Whoa, Radiance, what…?! “ Matterhorn yelped before her jaw dropped at the scene before her. Zapp had engaged what appeared to be a bipedal yellow and black rabbit armed with a sword. Worse, he wasn't alone. A blur zipped up a building before dodging a lightning bolt cast by the hot headed pegasus. On the ground nearby, a duck in a what was now realized by the team as some kind of suit and a cape charged up two energy spheres and tossed them at Zapp, who easily flipped over them before getting blasted by a bolt of magic from another rabbit on black and pink, her eyes glowing. A diamond dog with a narrow muzzle in green and black colors and a purple and black Tazmaneian Devil stood in the sidelines. “I’ve heard of thunder and lightning, but this is ridiculous!” the rabbit joked as he dodged another lighting bolt. His eyes lit up before a blast of energy emanated from them, forcing Zapp to jink out of the way. Unfortunately, the laser blast continued on its path and struck Radiance’s construct. “Oh dear… hang on everypony, seems we’re due for a crash landing!” she shouted as the helicopter spun out of control. “Jump!” Matterhorn shouted before leaping out of the construct with Humdrum on her back and forming an ice ramp from her horn. Fili-Second, Mare-volous and Radiance soon floated down on a crystal carpet while Saddle Ranger soared down on her own power. Zapp soon joined them as the newcomers looked on in surprise.     “Great, as if we didn't need more to worry about…” the duck muttered under his breath.     The blur from earlier soon screeched to a halt to reveal a roadrunner in a red and black costume. “FromwhatIcantellthey’renot liketheotherswe’veseensofarandfromwhatI’veheardfromciviliansthey’retheprotectorsof thisplace.” he said in a rapid fire voice.     Matterhorn winced. “He sounds like Fili when she gets hopped up on caffeine…” she muttered as an aside to Humdrum, who snickered. The diamond dog and the Tazmaneian Devil soon walked over to their teammates, while a tense silence pervaded as the two sides studied each other.     “So you're the law enforcement here? Bit underwhelming if ya ask me.” the black and yellow rabbit said, causing Zapp and Mare-velous to bristle in anger.     Matterhorn gave the two warning looks before speaking. “Funny, you're the ones causing the trouble with your teleportation flashes.” she retorted.     “Hey, I can't help it if my Quarking gets too bright!” the duck groaned.     “Just who art thou?” Zapp growled, hooving her amulet and glaring at the strangers.     “We could be asking you the same question.” the rabbit replied as he leaned on his sword and chewed nonchalantly on a carrot he had procured from his pocket. “We weren't exactly expecting to run into something out of a cartoon show.” Zapp took a step forward in anger.     “Zapp… let me do the talking.” Matterhorn snapped at the pegasus, who snorted in reply. “How do we know you're not hirelings of Mane-iac?” she then directed the question at the group.     The duck gave a stiffled snort of amusement. “Mane-iac, who comes up with these names?” he chuckled.     “Says the guy who keeps trying to make up names to inflate his own ego.” the female rabbit retorted.     “...Touche.” the duck muttered. This got a chuckle from some of the others.     “To answer your question, we have no idea who this whacko you mentioned is, besides, we would’ve carted their ass to jail. No offense.” the first rabbit added to a glaring mule nearby. As the offended donkey walked off in a huff, Matterhorn shook her head to clear it of what she just witnessed.     “So you're heroes like us?” Radiance asked. She looked over at their costumes. “Hmm, not as flashy or fabulous as mine…” she murmured to herself.     “At least I don't look like a walking jewelry store.” the second rabbit retorted. Radiance's eyes widened in shock and anger. But before she could utter a single word, Matterhorn clapped a hoof over her mouth.     “Don’t. I’d rather not risk the city getting damaged over a personal insult. Besides, we have a bigger problem to worry about than these six.” she warned. As the yellow unicorn raised an eyebrow, she whispered, “I’ll explain later.” Turning back to the group, she said, “We got off the wrong hoof. I am the Masked Matterhorn, leader of the Power Ponies. And these are my teammates, Radiance,” the forementioned unicorn nodded her head in greeting, her eyes glaring at the pink and black rabbit. “Mistress Mare-velous,” the red suited Earth pony bowed. “Saddle Ranger,” the pegasus gave a meek little wave. “Fili-Second,” the speedster saluted. “And you already know Zapp.” the pegasus princess snorted but didn't move. “And this is my protege, Humdrum.” the colt gulped and waved. “Charmed. Name’s Ace.” the black and yellow rabbit said. “These guys are Lexi, Duck, Tech E., Rev and Slam.” he continued, gesturing to the rest of his group. “We’re known as the Loonatics.” “The ‘Loonatics’? Sounds like thou belongest in an insane asylum.” Zapp snorted. Ace gritted his teeth at the slight. “And you sound like someone who’s a bit too much into Shakespeare, your point?” he quipped. Before Zapp could angrily retort, a band of magic clamped her muzzle shut. “My apologies, she's the more hotheaded of my team.” Matterhorn said in a strained voice. Ace smirked. “Sounds like someone I know.” he said. Mare-velous stepped forward and asked, “Why are you here in Maretropolis?” “Would you believe a freak accident involving one of Tech’s toys?” At this, the diamond dog had the courtesy of looking embarrassed. “How was I supposed to know the teleporter was gonna create a wormhole that would send us here?” he objected. “I made sure everything was working properly!” Duck shrugged. “Something must’ve gone screwy. Although I do recall there was a storm going on at the time…” Tech facepalmed. “Lightning must’ve shorted out the circuits… great… and thanks to us being stranded here, I can't fix the problem.” “Well, while you're here, we can help you with learning about our world, if you’ll tell us a bit about yours.” Matterhorn said. Duck raised an eyebrow. “How do we know you won't try and backstab us when you get the chance?” he asked. “For all we know, you might use the info against us!” Matterhorn frowned at the accusation. While it was unfounded, it did have a ring of truth to it. Ace soon spoke up. “Duck, I think we can trust these gals not to spill. Besides, we have no clue about where we are and they're more familiar with the place.” “IagreewithAce,theycanhelpuswithfindingoutwhatthisplaceislike.” Rev said. Duck groaned, but he had to agree with what Ace had said. “Fine…” Lexi twitched her ears as her hearing picked up on the thwip-thwip-thwip of several helicopters heading their way. “Ace, we should go. We got choppers heading our way.” As she said this, four MTPD helicopters rounded the corner with their spotlights blazing. “Alright, follow us.” Matterhorn said as she and the Power Ponies slipped into the shadows, the Loonatics hesitantly following after. Ace was the last to follow, as he looked up, he couldn't help but think ‘Almost like home… if humanity was replaced by wacko horses…” He smirked before vanishing into the alleyway just as a spotlight focused on where he had just been standing.