Join the girls and Spike as they follow a girl into Four Magical Realms that're in grave danger. Only they and their allies have the means to restore order in the Realms.
Twilight, her Friends and their new friend Chetgeki Chan Gecko are in for a magical journey to a a new and different world the likes of which they have never seen before. Come and join the group as they journey through the Four Realms, meeting a young girl form another world, a Nutcracker Soldier, the Regents of the Realms and many surprises along the way. However twists and turns are soon to come as they discover a great evil that threatens the realms. Can the group find the courage and light to restore the Realms? Find out as you follow the adventure in the world of the Holiday Classic Nutcracker and the Four Realms.
This is a story written by my friend BozzerKazooers who requested I post his fic from deviantart to here.
It is Heartwarming Eve in the magical land of Equestria where our story begins in Ponyville. All the town was cover a huge blanket of snow, thanks to the hard effort of the Pegasus of Cloudsdale. Everypony is getting ready to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with lights and tinsel decorations placed all over the town, jingle bells places at every corner of the cottages, trees wonderful decorated with lights and ornaments that shine bright at the cottages, bakery and candy shops presenting the finest sweets and treats in their heavy scents, every pony doing some last minute shopping before night fell and the fillies galloping and embracing the most wonderful experience as they do each and every year.
Over by the school of friendship, every pony and creature student, like always try to wrap up their last day of school so that they can return to their homes and celebrate the holidays with families and friends. Some from all over Equestria must take the train home or even fly back.
Right next to the school is none other than the great Castle of Friendship where our beloved Princess of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle has the whole castle decorated with all described before and prepared the big day tomorrow. Of course she couldn’t have done so without the help of her friends.
“Everything looks great every pony,” Twilight commended her friends for the hard work as always, “And just in time.”
“Yes indeed,” Rarity commented, “As always the detailing is simply naturally.”
“Phew, I didn’t even think we ever get this here done,” Applejack commented as she wipe the sweat off her forehead, “Heh heh not like last year.”
“You can’t blame me for that whole Winterzilla barging into the castle, in spite that it was Discord's idea for Fluttershy,” Rainbow pointed out, “Nor Twilight with that giant stream of pudding for Pinkie Pie.”
“Don’t remind me Rainbow,” Twilight responded as she face-palmed her forehead.
“Now now, the Winterzilla is still a sweetheart,” Fluttershy reminded Rainbow, “Even after that destruction, he did apologize and went back to his family after Heartswarming Day.”
“The pudding that Twilight made for me is still super duper yummy,” Pinkie Pie spoke as she licked around her lips, “I still feel the loving taste from it.”
They then heard a knock on the castle door. Twilight went to open it and saw none other than their new friend from the tropical peaceful island outside of Equestria, Chetgeki Chan Gecko. He was a upright gecko wearing a heavy winter jacket.
“Ho Ho Ho girls! Happy Heartwarming Eve to you all!” Chet greeted everypony.
“Chet, you finally made! Happy Heartwarming Eve to you too!” Twilight cheered as she welcomed him inside with an embrace.
Chet returned the favor, as he then took off his winter wear and placed it on the coat rail, reveling his usual wear with trench coat, fedora hat, blue t-shirt with a snake wrap around the Yin Yang symbol, skater shorts, and carrying with him is his two sacred katana swords, which he put to the side along with his coat.
“Well howdy Chet!” Applejack tipped her hat.
“Chet man! whats happening,” Rainbow flew over and the two slap some skin.
“Hello darling,” Rarity greeted with an embrace and peck on Chet’s cheek, “Oh so wonderful for you to join us on HeartsWarming Eve. ”
“CHETGEKI!!” Pinkie shouted as she bounced over, squeezed embraced and nuzzled their friend.
“Good...to see...you too....Pinkie,” Chet gagged for air, “Choking.....not breathing!!”
“Oops, sorry” Pinkie let go of Chet and gave a squeak grin.
“Hey Chet! You made it!” A voice from above called out. None other than Spike flying down from finish decoration the chandlers. He flew to Chet, slapped some skin and embraced.
Chet returned the favor by giving Spike a noogie to the head, “Glad to be here too little buddy!”
“Hello Chetgeki,” Fluttershy went over to nuzzle Chet’s face, “Very kind of you to accept our invite.”
“I should be thanking you all for your kind hospitality,” Chet spoke, “This would actually be my first time experiencing this Holiday celebration with you all in Ponyville.”
“Well more friends are definitely the merrier I always say,” Twilight responded, “And hope you’ll love what we have planned to tonight and tomorrow.”
“We got some songs to sing and stories to tell,” Applejack brought it out.
“We also got some awesome game to play around with,” Rainbow Dash shared.
“There’s tones of treats made for all of us to try, fresh from the oven,” Pinkie beamed with excitement.
“Best of all we got some gifts to exchange,” Spike mentioned.
“Oh. If I haven’t known sooner, I would got time to find a gift for each of you,” Chet spoke as he felt a little embarrassed, “Not really sure what each of you would really like.”
“Actually, Chet, the best gift we got this year was you being here with us,” Twilight nudged Chet’s shoulder playfully as she smiled.
“Well I guess when you put it that way,” Chet smiled as he scratched the back of his head.
“Trust us, this is a Heartwarming Eve you will never forget,” Twilight assured.
“I only certainly hope we can get through this Heartwarming Eve without having much disasters running amuck,” Rarity spoke for every pony, “I simply cannot take anymore surprises at the last minute.”
“Uh I think ya spoke too soon Rarity,” Applejack pointed out as she noticed Spike gagging and then burping out a present.
“Nice one,” Chet commended as he caught and inspected the gift, “Looks like its addressed to you Twilight.”
Chet then presented the gift to Twilight who used her magic to levitate the gift to her and read the tag.
“It’s a gift from Starswirl the Bearded!” Twilight spoke in excitement as she began to unwrap it without hesitation. What she saw next in the box contained what seems to be a key and a letter.
“A key?” The group asked in confusion.
“Why would Starswirl give you a key as a gift?” Spike asked in wonder.
“I’m not sure but maybe this letter inside should explain it,” Twilight replied as she deviated the letter in front of her and began reading it.
“Dear Princess Twilight Sparkle,
I surely hope that you and your wonderful friends are enjoying this spectacular Holiday Season with every pony else in Ponyville.
You might be wondering why I presented you with this key as a gift. To tell you the truth. it was given to me a long time ago, one night in town by a mysterious hooded figure. I did not quite get a good look at him but he did told me that this key contains a very rare magic as a way to unlock and open any door to a very special realm far beyond Equestria.
I was not given the full detail of the story because by the time I examined that key, the figure disappeared. All that was left of him was simply a feather. Try as I might I could not seem to figure which door had the capability to open that gateway. That is why I sent that over to you. Perhaps if any pony could figure out this puzzle, you can.
Have a truly blessed Heartwarming Season Twilight. I look forward to the next time we meet,
Starswirl”
As Twilight finished, the group then pondered.
“A magic key that can open a gateway within any door eh?” Spike spoke in curiosity, “Wonder why Starswirl was not able to use it?”
“Better yet, I wonder who was that figure that gave the Key to Starswirl who left a feather?” Rarity pondered
“I’m not sure,” Twilight replied with a puzzled look.
“But Starswirl’s right about one thing, if any pony could find a way on how this key works, you can,” Applejack pointed out.
“No,” Twilight corrected Applejack, “We can.”
The group got excited in hearing that response.
“Well, what are we standing around here for?” Chet rhetorically asked, “What say we go test this key on every door of the Castle and see if we can find the gateway?”
“Yeah!!” The group agreed.
“I hope this doesn't take all night,” Fluttershy spoke, “It is Heartwarming Eve after all.”
“Aw come on, Fluttershy,” Pinkie replied, “Tonight is a Magical night. There’s no telling what might happen.”
The group then set off as they began their search for the gateway.
As the group start their search for the gateway, placing the key into every keyhole of each door and every one of them in the castle did not seem to fit well. Quite a few hours has been spent as they grew closer to the last few doors. The group came to a halt at the main door entry. The group started to get a little tired out.
“This door better bring on the gateway,” Rainbow complained, “I don’t know how many more doors we have to go through.”
“It's got to be,” Applejack responded, “We come to the bitter end of this wild needle in the haystack routine.”
“Regardless of it, I’m not giving up this opportunity to explore new Realms, other than my time in the CHS world where Sunset and the Rainbooms are,” Twilight spoke in confidence, “Well, here goes nothing.”
Twilight then placed the key in the keyhole, and turned it. Finally they heard a magic click sound. The key started to glow and the doors open up revealing the special gateway. The group smiled brightly as they gazed at the portal with excitement.
“Well what do you know?” Chet rhetorically asked, “Right in front of us the whole time!”
“Alright! New adventure awaits us!” Rainbow declared.
“It l-l-looks sooo sc-sca-scary,” Fluttershy gulped and shivered.
“Don’t be afraid, Fluttershy dear,” Rarity calmed her, “It’s not like one of us is going on the journey alone.”
“She’s right, Flutters,” Chet spoke, “Nothing to fear.”
“Oooo! I’m so nervicited!!!!” Pinkie exclaimed as she bounced up and down non-stop.
“Oh boy! Oh boy!” Spike shared the cheer, “Another chance to see another world!”
“Well, YEEHAW!! Let’s get going y’all,” Applejack declared.
“Oh, hold it, I have to figure what to pack!” Rarity halted in realization, “Just be a moment.”
Rarity dashed to pack a few things and came zipping right back, “Ahem...Onward!!”
“Yeah I better go ahead and grab my katanas,” Chet pointed out, “Never know when I might need them.”
Chet dashed over to grab his swords and came back to the group, “Alright. Good and ready to go!”
“Everypony else ready?” Twilight asked as the group gave a nod in agreement, “Alright. Let’s go!!”
And so the group entered the portal together before the door closed behind them. The group was flying through the heartwarming color vortex, mostly screaming at the process as they were going through too fast. They saw a bright light at the end as they were closing in and entered through.
Moments later, the group woke up trying to regain consciousness.
“Is every pony ok?” Twilight checked on her friends.
“I’m alright,” Chet responded brushing the snow off his sleeves.
“Yep.” Applejack responded, shaking the snow off her hat.
“Yeah I’m ok.” Spike replied.
“Mmhmm.” Fluttershy responded.
“I’m quite fine, darling.” Rarity spoke as she shook the snow off her mane.
“Yeah I’m good.” Rainbow shook some of the snow off her ears
“Yepperooni!!” Pinkie beamed with a squeak smile.
The group then looked around to what seems to be a forest filled with many pine trees. Everything around the group was simply covered by huge blanket of snow.
“Whoa Nelly! Where in tarnation are we?” Applejack asked.
“This looks like a pine forest, but all covered in snow,” Twilight examined the area.
“This certainly does look like a peaceful forest, not at all scary as the Everfree Forest,” Fluttershy examined with a smile.
“I must say, this snow scenery is simply divine,” Rarity gazed at the winter landscape in awe.
“This might be even perfect for some fun!” Rainbow spoke, as she grabbed a snow ball and threw it at Applejack.
“Oh yer in for it now, Rainbow!!” Applejack declared, as she and Rainbow went at each other with snowballs.
“Whee! This is fun!” Pinkie laid on her back and started making snow pony angels.
Rarity, Fluttershy, and Spike looked at the icicles hanging mourned the branches in awe and wonder.
“Ooo! These icicles might make a great addition for new line up in Winter,” Rarity spoke in excitement.
“”Yeah they ought to be cool and iced!!” Spike joked as the two mare giggled.
“They are lovely,” Fluttershy commented, until she saw some of the woodland creatures coming out, “And so are the animals around here.” Fluttershy got down on her knees as the animals gather around her to greet her.
As everyone was enjoying themselves, Twilight and Chet stepped to the side and looked around more of the scenery.
“Who would’ve thought a magic key could lead to a winter wonderland.” Chet commented.
“I know that Starswirl said that this key is magic but I didn’t think it would be powerful to actually open a gateway.” Twilight levitated the key in front of them as they looked and wonder how could it be so.
Their curiosity was cut short as suddenly out of nowhere, a shadow of a small creature jumped and snatched the key from Twilight. The two looked over where the the creature landed and it turned out to be a mouse with the key in its mouth.
“Hey, you! Get back here with that key!!” Chet called out.
The two went after the mouse who scurried through the rest of the group.
“Stop, thief!” Twilight called out, “That mouse has stolen the key!”
The group gasped and decided to help with the chase.
All through the forest area the mouse was running through obstacles to try and shale loose them, but the group was still in hot pursuit. Chet and Twilight taking the lead to try and catch the mouse. Suddenly, something else caught their eyes ahead. They spotted another mouse with a key in its mouth was on the run, as it joined along the first mouse on the same pathway.
What wasn’t expected was that the group accidentally ran up to a figure who was chasing that second mouse and they all crashed into each other and landed in a snow pile. The group regained their conscience as they began to once again brush the snow off them.
“Oh my head!” Rainbow groaned, “What the pony feathers was that all about?”
“Not sure,” Twilight spoke, “I think we bumped into something.”
All of the sudden, the figure that they bumped into popped it’s head out of the snow and revealed to be a human girl as she shook the snow off her head.
“Not something. Someone actually.” the girl spoke in a distraught phase.
The group gasped at the sight of the girl as she got herself out of the snow pile and brushing it off her. She wore a nice blue/purple ball gown with a big bow tied behind her hair.
“A human? Here?” Twilight asked in shock.
“Whoa and I thought we seen most of them back in CHS.” Spike spoke in surprise.
The girl gazed at the group sharing the same shock and wonder.
“What in the world is this? Some little ponies?” the girl asked before getting a good look at them before gasping in realization, “It...it can’t be! Some pegasi? a Unicorn? And.....is that an...Alicorn?” looking at Spike and gasped, “Is that a baby dragon too? I’ve only read about you through bedtime stories and ancient mythology. I can't believe you’re actually real!”
The girl got all awed and wondered before she then turned to Chet, “And a reptile in a coat and hat? I must have hit my head too hard.”
Chet went up to her and place his hand on the girls forehead and spoke, “No, I’m afraid you have not. Otherwise I would felt that bump on your head.”
“Goodness you all are real then!” The girl continued to be amazed.
“As much as you are to yourself.” Pinkie gleamed at her side.
Rarity then cleared her throat, “Forgive me to interrupt your debacle, dear, but I think some introductions are to be lined up.”
“You're right,” Twilight cleared her throat, “Ahem. Hi my name is Princess Twilight Sparkle. And these are my friends. We all come from the magical land of Equestria.”
“Howdo sugarcube. I’m Applejack,” Applejack introduced herself as she tipped her hat.
“Um...hi. I’m Fluttershy,” Fluttershy greeted as she was drawing circles on the ground all nervous.
“Hi, I’m Pinkie Pie!! Certified Party Planner at your service! And I’m always happy to meet a new friend,” Pinkie spoke as she popped all over the place and embraced her new friend, despite the girl feeling a little bit squeezed.
“Hello darling, I am Rarity,” Rarity greeted before noticing the girl’s gown, “I must say you are certainly shining bright in that beautiful gown of yours.”
The girl took it as compliment fro Rarity’s critique.
“Names Rainbow Dash! The most awesome pony you ever met,” Rainbow zipped around as her way of greeting.
“And I’m Spike,” Spike introduced himself as he pounded his chest, "Coolest dragon around too!”
“The name’s Gecko. Chetgeki Chan Gecko. Chet for short. At your service my lady,” Chet greeted as he took off his hat in shivery and bowed.
“A pleasure to meet you all. My name is Stallabaum. Clara Stallabaum,” Clara intruded herself.
“The pleasure is ours actually,” Chet responded and asked, “So now we know each other by name, what’s a innocent girl like you doing out here in a snowy pine forest anyway?”
“Oh well I was at my Godfather Drosselmyer’s Party at his Mansion, looking for my Christmas present from my Godfather by following the string,” Clara explained.
“Uh what’s Christmas?” Rainbow asked in confusion.
“Christmas is a Holiday that the Humans celebrate, much like use celebrating HeartsWarming Day in Equestria,” Twilight explained before turning to Clara, “Sorry for interruption Clara. Go ahead.”
“Thank you Twilight. The next thing I know, I ended up in this snowy forest following the string which lead me to my gift, a beautiful key I was about to reach for it until a mouse came out of nowhere and snatched it,” Clara explained more.
“Did you say a mouse with a key in it’s mouth?” Chet asked.
“Yes,” Clara replied.
“What a coincidence cause a mouse snatched Twilight’s key as well,” Pinkie spoke.
“You have a key as well?” Clara asked Twilight.
“Yes. It was actually a gift from a very dear friend of ours, Starswirl the Bearded...” Twilight explained before she was cut off by Spike.
“I hate to interrupt your explanations here, but look there are the mice,” Spike spoke as he pointed the direction where the two mice holding the keys are standing.
The group gasped again seeing the mice.
“Come on after them!!” Twilight declared.
And so the chase was on again. They followed the mice through a frozen stream and few other trees Their chase lead them toward a frozen river where the two mice slide across the middle of the frozen river. They looked back at the chasers.
“BRING BACK OUR KEYS!!” Clara shouted at the two mice, who are then teasing the group showing off what they had in their possession.
Clara then tried to get on the ice and see if she can reach them but the ice started to crack as she then went back to shore.
“Filthy little mice,” Clara mumbled.
“Now now, Clara,” Fluttershy calmed Clara, “I’m sure the mice didn’t mean to cause us trouble. Maybe they just wanted to play.”
“Or could be for something else,” Rainbow not buying Fluttershy’s words.
“Hey look there y’all!” Applejack called out, “A bridge for us to cross.”
The group went over to the bridge end close to them but seems to be sealed off. What then gang then noticed was a figure right next to the gate, whom seem to be standing half frozen stiff.
“What is that?” Spike the dragon asked.
“Looks like some sort of solider guard. Notice the sword he’s carrying?” Chet shared his thoughts and pointed out the sword the solider is carrying.
Clara took a good look at the solider and in her thoughts, she remembered the same Christmas ornament she hung on her family Christmas tree years ago when her mother was still around and the same wooden Nutcracker toy her brother Fritz was playing, she spoke out, “Its not just any soldier. Its a Nutcracker Solider!”
“Uh….a nut what now?” Applejack being puzzled.
Twilight upon hearing Clara’s explanation gasped, “Of course! I read about them in one of my books in Ponyville. It says that the Nutcracker is a Holiday traditional antique used for cracking nuts with it’s teeth. Also it was used as a prop in the Holiday Ballet Story ‘The Nutcracker.’”
“Oooo I love that story! Especially the part with the land of Sweets!!” Pinkie excitingly jumped up and down while imagining sugarplums dancing in her head.
“Oh yes, my parents use to tell me and Zephyr that story when we were little,” Fluttershy pointed out.
“Not to mention he is quite a charmer. Oh I do adore the Ballet as well,” Rarity sighed heavenly.
“Hmm, this one is about our size and seems to be not moving much,” Chet pointed out while inspecting the solider.
“Well what’s he doing way out here half frozen?” Spike asked.
“Probably just been guarding the bridge and must have dozed off,” Rainbow responded.
Afterwards, the gang went to the gate and noticed the mouse is still on that frozen bridge with the key. They began to ponder on how to get through the bridge.
“We need to get Clara’s key back from that little mouse,” Twilight instructed.
“How are we going to do so when the gate’s blocking the way?” Rarity asked, “We obviously can’t just go through it. It just be plain rude and violating the principle”
“Duh we can just fly across,” Rainbow Dash
“I hate to be the bad apple of your idea Rainbow, but not all of us have wings,” Applejack spoke as she pointed out that she, Rarity, Pinkie, Chet and Clara don’t have wings, “I recon we could tunnel our way to the other side.”
“And get my hooves dirty or be frozen numb? I should think not!” Rarity argue with a huff, while trying to keep her fashion looks intact.
“Ooo I know, we could skate across the frozen river!” Pinkie pointed out another idea.
“Pinkie I don’t think I want to relieve that embarrassing skating moment,” Twilight shared her thought as she recalled her accidental skating moment back in Ponyville while trying to see which part to partake in “Winter Wrap Up.”
The gang continued to share/argue suggestions, while Chet, Clara and Spike stood and watch.
“At this rate, we’re not going anywhere if they continue to argue and probably going to freeze standing out here,” Clara stated while feeling a little cold.
“Hey don’t lose hope Clara. There must be someway to cross over without any problem. Besides, even if we are not going anywhere, we could have Spike start a little fire for us to keep warm,” Chet spoke as Spike nodded his head in response to the idea.
They then started to ponder more as Clara tried to find another way.
Fluttershy wanted to step away from the group bickering and get a good look at the Nutcracker once more. Only to her surprise, the Nutcracker’s eyelids flung open and began to breath. Fluttershy frighten, zipped over and hit behind Chet. Chet, Clara and Spike noticed. The gang noticing Fluttershy shaking scared, cease their bickering and went to her.
“What wrong Fluttershy?” Spike asked.
“What is it? You look like you just saw a ghost?” Chet asked.
“Th-th-the Nnnnu-Nutt-Nutcrack—Nutcracker. Bbbb-bri-bright eeeeeeeee-eyed,” Fluttershy shivering scared and not making sense to speak.
“There there. Calm down Fluttershy. Breath and speak calmly what’s the matter,” Clara instructed.
Fluttershy took a few deep breathes and calmed herself down. Before she could say anything, she noticed the Nutcracker standing right behind them and then pointed them to the Nutcracker while still feeling scared.
“Halt!” The Nutcracker spoke in a firm voice as he drew out his sword, “Who goes there?”
The group was then in shock in seeing that the Nutcracker Soldier has come to life.
“Whoa Nelly!” Applejack cried out.
“Oh, my gosh!” Twilight spoke in shock.
“It’s just us.” Clara replied trying to clam the solider down.
“State your purpose just us.” The Nutcracker ordered.
“No my name is Clara,” Clara corrected the Soldier, “And these are my friends.”
“At ease soldier! We’re just passing through,” Chet tried to explain.
“Impossible! Nobody crosses the bridge of the Fourth Realm without direct order from the regions.” The Nutcracker explained.
“Fourth Realm?” The group asked.
“Regions? Who are they?” Spike asked.
“More importantly where are we?” Clara asked.
“You are all in the Christmas Tree Forest. But that is the Fourth Realm which is currently at war with the other three realms,” The Nutcracker explained.
“War?” the group asked.
“That is correct Miss Clara Justus and Friends,” The Nutcracker responded.
“No. My name isn’t Clara Justus,” Clara corrected him, “It’s Stallabaum. Clara Stallabaum.”
“Before y’all go on arguing, I think some introductions are in order?” Applejack suggested.
“Right,” Twilight confirmed before clearing her throat, “Hello I am Princess Twilight Sparkle from the world Equestria. And these are my friends: Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Spike the Dragon.”
“They call me Gecko, Chetgeki Chan Gecko. Chet for short,” Chet introduced himself and then presented his two katana swords, “A fellow warrior and skilled swordsman like yourself.”
“So I see,” The Nutcracker examined, “A pleasure to meet you all, even you Princess Twilight Sparkle from the Land of Equestria,”
The Nutcracker then bowed to them before turning to Clara.
“Pardon my curiosity Clara, but are you in relation to Marie Stallabaum?” The Nutcracker asked.
“She is my mother,” Clara answered while nodding her head.
“Forgive me your majesty. I didn’t recognize you Princess Clara,” The Nutcracker got on one knee and bowed to Clara.
The group was in shock to hear of it as they looked at Clara.
“Princess?” Clara asked with a giggle.
“Captain Phillip Hoffman. At your service your majesty,” Phillip stated.
“Whoa whoa whoa! Time out!” Rainbow spoke, “Your saying that Clara whom we met moments ago is a princess?”
Rainbow then started to burst out laughing with Applejack chucking along with her.
“Now I’ve heard some tall tales in my time, but this one really takes the apple pie!” Applejack spoke in between laughs.
“Mmmm pie,” Pinkie spoke with thinking about cake having her mouth salivated.
Clara turned to the others and whispered, “Maybe I’ve been spending too much time in the attic. I must be dreaming.”
Spike then flapped up to Clara’s arm and gave it a pinch. Clara felt the pain and reacted.
“Nope, you're definitely awake,” Spike spoke up.
Chet spoke to Twilight, “Looks like you’re not the only Princess to be treated with respect, eh?”
“I guess so.” Twilight responded a sheepish giggle.
All that aside Clara cleared her throat and spoke up, “We need to cross over that bridge, that little mouse took something from me that my Godfather had me find.”
“Us too,” Chet motioned the rest of the gang.
“Are you certain, Princess Clara?” Phillip asked in concern, “The Fourth Realm is a very dangerous place.”
“Yes, I’m certain. But please call me Clara,” Clara assured Phillip.
“Very well then,” Phillip responded as he then went over to lift the lever and open the gate. This in turn left the group confused and dumbfounded.
“Come on then,” Clara declared.
“If I may, I wish to come along with you. You will need me to guide you through the Four Realms,” Phillip asked permission.
“Alright, you may come. The more friends the merrier,” Twilight responded as the rest of the gang nodded in agreement.
"Thank you," Phillip spoke before he went over to what seem to be a horse to wake it up from sleep, "Jingles. Jingles, wake you lazy horse!"
Jingles neighed in response as he was ready to go.
“Alright then guys, let’s go get those mice,” Chet instructed as the group proceeded on to the Terrifying Fourth Realm. Who knows what await them there.
As the group with their two new friends Clara, Captain Philip, and Jingles the horse, they continued their search through the spooky woods of the Fourth Realm in search of the two missing keys. Step by step they walked with extreme caution, not knowing what lies in the woods. Clara was riding on Jingles with Philip guiding the way.
“Seems I’m not in London anymore,” Clara looked around the woods.
“What is London?” Captain Philip asked.
“From what I learned from Sunset at Canterlot High, London is one of the biggest cities of her world,” Twilight explained.
“Yes. It’s my home,” Clara responded, “I suppose I will need to get back there somehow.”
“And we need to find our way back to our home once we obtain our key,” Twilight pointed out.
“The sooner we find those keys the better we leave this scary wood area,” Fluttershy shivered in fright.
“You don’t have to tell me twice,” Spike shares the fear with Fluttershy as they both clung onto each other.
“Stay strong, you two,” Applejack calmed them down.
Clara then took noticed of the Captain looking a bit nervous, “Are you afraid, Captain?” Clara asked.
“Me? No of course not, just being cautious and all,” the Captain responded.
“Pardon me, Captain,” Rarity cleared her throat, “I don’t wish to be rude but I must ask are there any other Nutcrackers in this world?”
“I’m afraid not, Miss Rarity,” Captain Philip responded, “I’m the only Nutcracker in the Kingdom.”
“Oh my, don’t you feel lonely?” Fluttershy asked in sympathy.
“Not really. I am quite happy with my place at my post,” the Captain responded.
“Lucky. I wish I knew my place,” Clara felt bad for herself.
“Why say that?” Rainbow asked as she fell over the group.
“I just feel like I don’t really fit in my world,” Clara explained, “I’ve spent way too much time in the attic instead of the reality, when really it just doesn't make any sense to me.”
“I know how you feel, Clara,” Chet spoke, “I use to feel that way myself in wondering how I fit in where I come from before I found out my destiny and knowing about Equestria and my friends. You might miss out on a lot of things out there if you keep isolating yourself form the world. You just might need to give it a chance once more.”
“Chet’s right, Clara,” Twilight vouched for Chet, “Even the friends that might be waiting for you to try and reach out.”
“Perhaps,” Clara spoke still feeling doubt.
“Ahem, so these keys we are looking for,” the Captain cleared his throat, “Are they really important?”
“Yes. I is imperative that I must get my key back,” Clara confirmed, "And my friends must get their’s as well.”
As Rainbow flew around the group, she took notice something crawling on the tree root and saw the two mice again, “Hey! There they are!!” Rainbow called out.
“They still got our keys!” Pinkie cried out.
“It’s Mouserinks and Ratsputtle!” Captain Philip state their names.
“So that’s their cute names?” Fluttershy asked.
“You know them, Captain?” Rarity asked as she was still disgusted by the two mice.
“Yes. Flithy little rascals!!” Captain Philip responded, “Those two and all other mice have been given the Kingdom trouble for years now.”
“Come on! Let’s get those little varmints!!” Applejack declared
“We must approach with extreme caution,” Captain Philip called out tot the group as they began to run after the mice. He then notice Jingles running off in the other direction.
“Coward!!” Captain Philip called out to Jingle,s as he followed the catch up with the others.
And so the group began chase once more as the two mice lead the group toward the dead tree stump and gave them the slip.
“BRING BACK OUR KEYS THIS INSTANCE YOU ROTTEN LITTLE MICE!!” Clara shouted through the stump hole as she tried her best to reach over to them, “I MEAN IT!!”
“Um Clara, I could be wrong but that’s not the way to bring the mice over to us,” Spike brought out the facts.
“Fluttershy, think you can use that there stare to convince the two to give us the keys?” Applejack asked.
“Oh no! I couldn’t. Not to sweet adorable Mouserinks and Ratsputtle,” Fluttershy politely refused.
“Fluttershy, darling, I’m afraid there is nothing sweet or adorable about those two filthy mice,” Rarity spoke in disgust.
Suddenly a mysterious figured started approaching the group from behind. Chet suddenly sensed its presence and turned around to see. What he saw was seriously shocking.
“Uh, guys,” Chet spoke, “I hate to interrupt you discussions, but I think we got huge problem!!”
Chet then pointed at the direction where the figure was coming towards them. It was a swarm of mice coming together as one gigantic mouse monster as it attempts to try and reach the group.
The group let out a scream and gasped.
“All of you run!!!” Twilight declared as the group made a break for it before the Mouse Beast could grab them.
Captain Philip not far from the group overheard that and ran towards the sound.
The group ran as fast as they could away from the giant mouse, dodging every tree obstacle with beast hot on their trail. It went around the tree bends and suddenly surprised Clara by swooping toward her and snatched her, carrying her away form the group.
“It’s got Clara!!” Spike cried out.
“Come on! After them!!” Chet ordered.
As the group was chasing the Mouse Beast, Clara struggled hard to get free from the monster’s grip while trying to not be scared of the mice crawling around her.
“Put me down this instant!!” Clara cried out as she noticed Mouserinks and Ratsputtle on top of the Mouse Swarm head.
The group got closer and closer until they saw Captain Philip coming their way.
“Captain!” Twilight called out, “That giant mouse has Clara.”
“I’ll see to that,” the Captain declared as he then reached for Clara’s hand and began to pull her out. He succeeded and got her out.
“I could use some assistance over here,” Captain Philip called out.
“You got it Captain,” Chet responded as he then drew out his katana swords and joined in the slice and dice. He then threw in a few fast snap kicks which also helped reducing the swarm.
“Come on! Let’s all help out!!” Twilight ordered as her friends nodded in agreement.
They then went to join the fight, with Twilight and Rarity blasting the Giant Rodent with their magic, Spike flying around and fire breathing the beast, Rainbow Dash flying around delivering hoof punches and kicks, Applejack lassoing the big brute and pulling the swarm apart, and Pinkie Pie started blasting the swarm with her Party Cannon. Meanwhile Fluttershy hid herself from the conflict trying not to get hurt. At first the group was getting the upper hand, but with each attack the Mouse swarm kept on regenerating and gained enough strength to push some of the group out of the way. Fluttershy horrified at the sight of her friends getting hurt, she decided she had enough but to stand against it. The Mouse Swarm then pinned Captain Phillip to the ground. As it was about to finish him off Fluttershy began shouting and used her stare.
“HOW DARE YOU!!” Fluttershy shouted, “LISTEN HERE MISTER!! JUST BECAUSE YOUR A GIANT SWARM DOESN’T MEAN YOU GET TO BE A BULLY!! YOU DO NOT, I REPEAT YOU DO NOT HURT...MY...FRIENDS!!!
Fluttershy continued to lash out the swarm as she then unleashed the stare upon them, while Clara seeing the distraction, reached for her slipper and aimed for the two mice on top.
Unfortunately the swarm seems to be immune to the stare, as in too many mice to stare, then slammed Fluttershy out of the way until Chet managed to catch her.
With the swarm not looking at her, Clara then threw her slipper at the head of the Mouse Swarm and knocked the two mice off there, thereby loosing control of the swarm. The group then watched as all the mice retreated back in the dark parts of the woods. The group then started to recuperate.
“They are gone,” Chet spoke as he sheathed his swords, "Vanished."
“Is everyone ok?” Twilight asked as everyone confirmed their responses.
“That could’ve gone a lot better,” said Spike brushing off the dust.
“This was my first time rescuing a damsel in distress,” Captain Philip felt pleased as he shed his sword.
“Didn’t I save you?” Clara asked in correction as she picked up her slipper and put it back on her foot.
“I think you both did,” Rainbow feeling annoyed by this little argument.
“No,” Twilight spoke up, “It took all of us to save each other.”
“What in tarnation was that big thing though?” Applejack asked.
“That was the Mouse King,” Captain Philip responded.
“MOUSE KING!!!” Rarity screamed as she jumped on Chet feeling scared.
“And here I thought I seen it all,” Chet points out as he gently put Rarity down, “But never have I seen a swarm of mice coming together to form a monster mouse king.”
“I know, I never even knew mice can even do that,” Fluttershy spoke and feeling depressed, “Much as I can’t even believe my stare has no affect on them.”
“You did the best you could, Fluttershy,” Twilight comfort her, “I think it was too many mice to try to stare all at once.”
The group then suddenly heard a neigh sound.
“Who goes there?” Captain Philip called out as he and Chet prepared to draw out their swords again.
The neigh sound however turned out to be Jingles coming towards them.
“Jingles,” Captain Philip spoke, “Good boy. It is not safe of any of us. We must leave at once.”
“I’m not leaving without my key,” Clara refused to go.
“Neither are we,” Rainbow refusing to run away.
They then heard a thunderous sound from behind them.
“WHO DARES ENTER MY DOMAIN?” The voice spoke loudly.
The group turned and saw what seems to be a giant mechanical female behind a few trees.
“Ok maybe it is time to leave,” Clara stated her second opinion as Philip got onto Jingles.
“I second that!” Rainbow agreed and do the rest.
“Chet, hop on!” Applejack called Chet as he then nodded, went to Applejack and got on her back.
“IS THAT YOU CLARA STALLABAUM?” The voice spoke again, “WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?”
Clara looked at that mechanical giant in confusion until Captain Philip called her and pulled her up on Jingles.
“I HAVE YOUR KEYS!! WHY DON’T YOU COME AND GET THEM!!!”
They all began to ride off away from the Mechaincal Menace as they heard her cries once more.
COME BACK!!! COME BACK!! COOOOMMME BAAAAAAACK!!!! The Giant called out.
“Who was that?” Clara asked.
“That was Mother Ginger,” Captain Philip answered, “This is her territory and she doesn't like intruders.”
The group followed Phillip and Jingles away from the danger until they were out of the forest fog.
After escaping the danger lurking in the fourth realm, Captain Philip lead our heroes to the fourth realm entrance and what lied ahead was the grand castle in what seem to be at the grand center in the great big pond. What was also there were three other great realms in the likes of which the group never seen before. The group was taken in amazement in knowing how big the world is they’re in.
“And I thought Equestria was big,” Rainbow Dash commented.
“You haven’t seen nothing yet,” Captain Philip responded.
As they made their way toward the Castle gate, they were halted by two solider guards, one largely wide and one rather skinny carrying what seems to be an evaluation sheet.
“Halt!” The guards called out
“State your purpose for leaving your post soldier,” The large solider stated.
“This is Captain Philip Hoffman and I demand you let us all through,” Captain Philip ordered.
“Oh, demand is it?” Skinny soldier asked.
“Demand oh Captain of the famous Hoffman is it?” Large soldier asked with a chuckle.
“If we known you were coming, we would have rolled out the red carpet!” Skinny solder mocked,
“Booked the trumpeters “Captain Hoffman has arrived!”” They both laughed.
The group gave the two solider a dead face look at the sight of the two laughing at them.
“Man, can you believe those two?” Rainbow Dash asked the group.
“I know, how rude,” Rarity responded in disgust.
"And here I thought Snips and Snails were annoying," Spike spoke with a deadpan look on his face.
“As if they’re the ones to be guarding the post bridge in the Christmas Forest,” Applejack commented.
“For goodness sake!” Captain Hoffman spoke before mentioning Clara to them, “She’s a princess!”
“And so is our friend here,” Pinkie referred Twilight to them before showing off Twilight’s wings, much to Twilight’s irritation, “She’s got these to prove that.”
“Well, we all said that these days,” Skinny soldier spoke in disbelief, “Wishing don’t make it so my loves.”
“Overindulging fathers,” Large one spoke, “That’s what I put it down.”
“Would it help if I told you that her name was Clara Stallabaum, daughter of Queen Marie Stallabaum?” Captain Philip brought up that fact.
“As well as you’re in the presence of Twilight Sparkle, The Princess of Friendship from the land of Equestria? The same for her friends and myself,” Chet brought up the fact to the guards.
The two guards stood in shock at hearing the news to them.
“Or unless you need to jot that down on your list,” Rainbow Dash flew to their faces and give them a smug look, “The hard way!”
The guards stood still and was still in shock. One of them finally broke silence.
“J-J-Just a few questions your highnesses and you all will be on your way,” the large one spoke.
“This is ridiculous,” Captain Philip spoke in disbelief.
“Indeed,” Rarity agreed.
The Skinny one cleared his throat, “Have you all had any contact with mice or mouse-like entities recently?”
“Well we were in the Fourth Realm...” Clara spoke before she was cut off.
“Thank you,” Skinny soldier spoke again, “Do you have any cheese or based products on our value person?”
“Uh...”Clara tried to speak but was cut off again.
“Thank you,” Skinny Solider spoke again, “And how would you describe your sympathies towards rodents in general?”
Clara paused for a moment before speaking, “Well...”
“Thank you,” Skinny Soldier cut her off for the third time, “Good. Right well that is the survey completed.”
“There’s no ink coming out of the pen!” The Large one spoke while the Skinny one tried to write it all down, “You may all pass. Attention!! Lower the gates!!”
The gate was then lowered down allowing the group to pass.
Rainbow turned around and spoke to the guards, “Just remember who you're dealing with next time”
The guards resume their duty while still feeling a little embarrassed from what has past.
And so the group entered the palace, they were amazed with the courtyard and the residents walking about. Many of them gazed upon the group that was coming in, but not as much more than they gazed upon Clara. As the group made their way inside, the trumpets sounded off announcing the group’s presence.
“Make way for the Princess and her friends,” the announcer spoke.
“Oh my!” Rarity being astounded by such praise and the residents bowing to them, “Such chivalry.”
“For land sake, Rarity,” Applejack whispered, “It ain’t the first time. We get that in Equestria all the time.”
“I know,” Rarity whispered, “But I don’t wish to be rude to them and not accept their grace.” Applejack rolled her eyes as the group continued walking.
As they walked, they all took in awe and amazement at the structure of the Palace layout.
"Whoever lives in this palace ought to give Princess Celestia and Luna a run for their bits," Chet spoke too Twilight.
"Yeah, I never would've thought such a palace would be as great as Canterlot Castle," Twilight agreed.
Clara took noticed of a portrait with a familiar looking female wearing a gown and a crown.
“Mother,” Clara recognized her right away.
“That’s your mother?” Twilight asked
“Yes,” Clara, “I know her face anywhere.”
“Who would've thought your mother’s the queen of all this,” Chet spoke to Clara who smiled.
As the group kept walking, they came upon the throne room with four thrones where three tyrants sat at there own. The first tyrant was dressed in green suit with flowers all over and even as hair. The second tyrant wore a blue suit with icicles for fingers and hair as well. Finally the third tyrant was a female all in pink/purple gown and has cotton candy for hair.
Captain Philip stepped forward to the tyrants and cleared his throat, “Your excellencies, may I present you Queen Marie’s daughter, Princess Clara. Along with her friends from the land of Equestria, Princess Twilight Sparkle, Chetgeki Chan Gecko, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Spike the Dragon and Rainbow Dash.”
The three tyrants got up and greeted the group in surprise and excitement.
“Oh! Never thought I live to see this day. I am Hawthorn, Regent of the Land of Flowers as you may have guessed,” the first one known as Hawthorn spoke.
“My name is Shiver, the Regent of the Land of Snowflake,” Shiver greeted with a bow to the group, “And may I present the Regent of the Land of Sweets, Sugarplum Fairy.”
The female Tyrant known as Sugarplum bowed in grace and excitingly rush to the group, “Oh such wonderful news to hear of your coming. And to know from stories about your land, Equestria! A real pleasure to make your acquaintances Princess Twilight and friends,” Sugarplum then turned to Clara, “Please tell us, how is our Marie?”
Clara stood in shock for them not hearing the grave news, “You don’t know?” Clara paused for moment before she spoke again, “My mother......has died.”
A gasp ran across from the group and the regents of the horrifying news.
“Oh Clara,” Twilight spoke in sympathy, “I’m so sorry. We didn’t even know that it happened.”
“You poor darling,” Rarity spoke as tears ruined her mascara.
“I can’t really imagine losing a mother,” Fluttershy spoke in sobs.
“I can,” Applejack spoke as she recalled her parents loss.
“So can I,” Chet spoke in thought out of sympathy.
There was a moment of silence before it was broke by Hawthorn.
“Oh poor Queen Marie. Do have died so young!” Hawthorn grieved
“This is terrible!” Shiver spoke, “With Marie gone, we are in a shiver of trouble.”
The tyrants then show Clara and the group towards another room that also had a throne, but was covered up in Queen Marie’s absents. The servants took the cover off.
“This was your mother’s throne your grace,” Shiver pointed out
“Yes,” Hawthorn nodded in agreement.
“Have you and your friends come to save us, Clara?” Sugarplum asked in hope.
“No,” Clara responded as the tyrants felt sadden, “I’m sorry. I didn’t even know this place existed before today. You see I was looking for a Christmas present from my Godfather.”
“I love Christmas!” Hawthorn spoke in excitement before he whispered to Sugarplum and Shiver, “What’s Christmas?”
“And then I ran into this horrible little mouse who stolen something from me,” Clara continued explaining.
“Mouse?” Shiver asked in shock.
“And along the way is where I met my friends,” Clara motioned the group.
“Yes. We too had something that was stolen by another little mouse who met up with the first mouse that stole from Clara,” Twilight explained.
“And boy did those two ever gave us a wild goose chase,” Applejack stated.
“And then afterwards, we all met the Captain,” Clara motioned Captain Philip who then stepped into the throne room.
“If not for the help of my friends, we would not escape from Mother Ginger and the Mouse King,” Captain Philip stated.
“Yes, the Mouse King Swarm that was controlled by the same two little mice, Mouserinks and Ratsputtle, truly gave us a challenge but we wouldn’t have manage to chase it away if not for Fluttershy standing up to it with her stare and Clara with her slipper throwing,” Chet commended, earning a smile from both Fluttershy and Clara, “And then, we managed to escape the Fourth Realm before Mother Ginger got to us.”
“You all met Mother Ginger?” Sugarplum asked in shock, “Oh my dears! You’re all lucky to be alive.”
“You must all promised never go back to the Land of Amusements,” Hawthorn informed the group.
“Doh, Hawthorn!!!” Sugarplum exclaimed.
“It’s title has been rescinded!” Shiver spoke in anger
“Oh oh of course. I meant the Fourth Realm. Apologies,” Hawthorn apologized, “I’m just so upset Forget I ever mention the Land of Amu.....”
Hawthorn was cut off by Sugarplum and Shiver by warning him never to say it again.
“Um, excuse me, but what is the reason the Fourth Realm is forbidden?” Twilight asked in curiosity.
“And what do you mean that “it’s title has been rescinded”?” Spike asked.
“All in due time, friends,” Shiver responded as they exited Queen Marie’s throne room, “But right now we have other matters to discuss. With Queen Marie gone, we cannot afford to lose you, Princess Clara.”
“And with all that has happened today, in your honor Princess Clara, we must prepare a celebration party and festivities of you and your friend’s coming,” Hawthorn shared out the facts.
“As well as a tour of the the other Realms,” Shiver pointed out.
“Oh this is so exciting!” Sugarplum excitingly spoke before her Fairy wings emerged and flapped with excitement, “I do love a good party!”
“Oooo me too,” Pinkie spoke as she share the moment with Sugarplum. The rest of the group also got excited of the idea.
“That’s sounds lovely but I do need to get back to my Godfather’s Christmas Party,” Clara spoke.
“And we need to figure out the way back to our world as well,” Twilight spoke up the fact, leaving the group a little dismantled.
This got the Tyrants chuckling and laughing.
“What’s so funny?” Pinkie asked.
“Whatcha laughing about?” Rainbow asked.
“They don’t know,” Hawthorn chuckled.
“Time moves differently in our world,” Shiver said.
"Very," Hawthorn confirmed.
“Come, I’ll show you all,” Sugarplum suggested.
“Clara and friends, I will be returning to my post now,” Captain Philip spoke.
“You will not leave our side,” Clara whispered as she denied that idea, “That’s an order.
The group who overheard nodded in agreement. The Captain not refusing to the order also nodded in agreement. With that, Sugarplum lead the way with the group following.
After meeting the regents, the group followed Sugarplum down the great hall while taking the admiration on some of the great portraits paintings.
“Forgive me, Sugarplum, for asking, but who exactly is Mother Ginger?” Clara asked in curiosity.
“Yeah what’s her problem anyway?” Spike asked.
“Oh, well you see Mother Ginger was once a regent like us and her region was once known as the land of,” Sugarplum paused and the whispered very low, ”Amusements.”
“But, now she’s banished,” Sugarplum spoke in her normal voice.
“But why was she banished?” Twilight asked.
“We had no choice. Alas when Queen Marie left us four in charge of the Realms, Mother Ginger tried to take it all by force and we have been at war with her ever since,” Sugarplum explained, “And with Queen Marie gone, things have gone from bad to worse for all of us. But with you here, Clara, and all of you, we can finally turn things around.”
Sugarplum lead the group in a joyful skip along the hall. She then lead them what seem to be a large room full of gears, grinds and clockwork parts. This pretty much lead the group once again in amazement.
“Look anything familiar, Clara?” Sugarplum asked
Clara looked around for a moment before responding, “These look like the same mechanisms from my Godfathers grand father clock, but it can’t be.”
“Come I’ll show you,” Sugarplum lead the group to the clock face platform. She had them all line up in one row and then pulled the lever. The platform began to move toward one of the door opening, “Stand very still and watch what happens.”
So the group stood still as the platform continued to move til the door opened allowing them to enter into another world. Within that the group took a gander what it could be. What they saw were giant forms of other human beings and dressed in suits and gowns.
“This is my Godfather’s mansion,” Clara realized where they were at and what was going on, “The party is still going on.”
“So this is your world, Clara,” Chet spoke, “I never actually seen more humans than I can count.”
“Oh, my!” Rarity spoke in amazement, “They all have such exquisite suites and dresses. Most of which I have never seen.They all have such fine taste in the fashion world.”
“This is amazing,” Twilight spoke in amazement.
“How is this possible?” Clara questioned.
“Your world moves a lot slower than in our world,” Sugarplum explained as they continued to move around.
“There’s my brother Fritz and my sister Louise,” Clara noticed them dancing and playing around before noticing her father, “And there’s father.”
Clara took noticed of him sitting there looking depressed.
“He looks so sad,” Clara spoke, “He looks.....lost.”
“Maybe it has something to do with your mother being gone,” Fluttershy spoke out of sympathy.
“Maybe,” Clara responded as they were coming through the other door back into the clockwork room and waited for the platform to come to a halt.
“Come friends, I wish to show you something else,” Sugarplum lead them to another clockwork room identical to the first one and like the first one, she had them stand on the platform and she pulled the lever.
It began to move with the door opening to another world. This time the group immediately recognized where they were at.
“It’s our home! My castle!” Twilight gasped in amazement, “Guys, we’re back in Equestria!”
The group smiled brightly and cheered as they then noticed everything was still the same as they left it
“Hey there’s my coat still hanging there,” Chet noticed before noticing something else next to it, “And there’s the box opened that had your gift Twilight.”
“Looks as if we never left long,” Applejack spoke.
“So this is your world,” Clara spoke and noticed the environment around her, “The crystal structure is beautiful. Your castle looks wonderful, Twilight.”
“Thank you, Clara,” Twilight respond with a smile, “But this is only the main entrance. It’s a lot bigger than you can imagine.”
The group then entered the other door back into the room once again and waited for platform to stop.
“Sugarplum, how is it you know of our world?” Twilight asked in wonder.
“You see it was long ago when we were visited by another unicorn. He had what seems to be a wizard’s hat, a cloak, and a very long white beard,” Sugarplum explained before Twilight gasped in realization.
“Starswirl the Bearded!” Twilight spoke out.
“Oh, you know him?” Sugarplum asked.
“He’s one of the legendary Pillars of Equestria. He and the other Pillars got stuck in limbo until we found a way to bring them back to our time,” Twilight explained.
“Yeah and it was not only them but we accidentally brought back the Pony of Shadows in during that event,” Rainbow pointed out while still feeling a bit shaken from that time.
“Buuuuut, he was also know as Stygian who felt a bit left out from the Pillars being praised throughout Equestria so that he took some of the artifacts and tried to make copies of them so that he would fight along the pillars side by side, but due to a misunderstanding the pillars banished him and then he came back all dark and shadowy and the pillars ended up trapping him limbo until we brought them all back and we realized it was all a big understanding and we somehow manage to separate Stygian from the shadow using the elements of harmony and the artifacts together and all was forgiven and forgotten,” Pinkie fast talked and finished with a bright squeak smile.
The group was left jaw dropped and shocked in seeing how fast Pinkie spoke and remember all of that event, even Chet and Clara were a bit surprised.
“My goodness,” Clara spoke, “And I thought Fritz was being out of control.”
“Ahem any who,” Sugarplum cleared her throat and continued, “When Starswirl came to our world he then shared information and ways of his world as we did for ours. In fascination, it was then that Queen Marie created something for Starswirl to use in case he decided to visit us again. An object that could open a gateway from Equestria to our Realms.”
“The key!” The Mane six, Spike and Chet spoke together.
“Gracious,” Sugarplum was surprised, “You do know everything then.”
Later on that day, Sugarplum escorted Clara and the Girls to the gown dressing room where she showed any different gown dresses for Clara to try. The girls were astounded with so many gowns, but not as much as Rarity who nearly fainted in all of the fashion excitement.
“Viola,” Sugarplum spoke and asked Clara, “Which gown would you like to wear for today?”
“Um, they’re all so lovely, but I'm not very good with dresses or doing hair,” Clara feeling a little embarrassed.
“I can help you with that,” Sugarplum offered, “Might I suggest this one.”
Sugarplum presented a white and gold gown with sparkle and shine brighten all over.
“As for your hair, I can certainly help you with that,” Sugarplum also offer.
“As will I, darling,” Rarity offered also,“ I do have a naturally taste in fashion hair style, dear.”
“Uh, no offense yer grace, but I don’t think these gowns will fit nicely on all of us,” Applejack.
“Oh, Applejack, nonsense,” Rarity giggled a little, “I have come prepared!”
With that Rarity levitated her bag over and got out six of the ball gowns that they usually wear at the Grand Galloping Gala back in Equestria, with some new improvements.
“Hey those are our gowns from our first Grand Galloping Gala together,” Pinkie noticed.
“Yes indeed, Pinkie, I knew these ones might due for such an occasion,” Rarity pointed out.
“I’m impressed, Rarity, that you came prepared for this,” Twilight commended as Rarity handed over the gowns to the girls to start getting ready.
Meanwhile a few doors down from the girls, Chet and Spike were with Hawthorn and Shiver as they were helping getting Chet and Spike all prepped up with their suits. Shiver was working with Chet and Hawthorn was working with Spike.
“I simply must ask, this Equestria world that you both came from,” Hawthorn spoke, “What’s it really like?”
“Well much like the realms, there are lots of things, mountains, skies islands, ocean, rivers, grass fields, towns, and even cities,” Spike explained.
“Does it have many types of flowers?” Hawthorn asked.
“More than you can count, sir,” Spike responded as Hawthorn got all excited..
“I hope one day I could see it for myself,” Hawthorn dreamed as he was about finished with Spike, “There you are, young sir.”
Spike then looked at himself in the mirror, checking himself out in wearing a snazzy green suite with a few flowers on his right side coat chest pocket, with nice dress pants, shoes and socks and on top he has a distinguished looking Hat with a rose and a feather on the side.
“Well, what do you think?” Hawthorn asked.
“Wow! I definitely look professional,” Spike responded. Spike then spoke in thought, “I just hope there isn’t any Dragon Sneeze on this outfit, I hate for it to be burned to a crisp,” Spike then spoke again as he smiled heavenly, “Rarity’s gonna go gaga when she sees me.”
“Right, I almost forgot you had a thing for Rarity,” Chet overheard the conversation while Shiver was putting the finishing touches on Chet.
“Master Chetgeki, I must ask you in your world do you get snowflakes and other winter events?” Shiver asked.
“Yeah I believe my first time seeing snow was when I first came to Equestria from my island. From what Twilight and the others told me is that in our world the Pegasus are in charge of all kinds of weather, including snow. Only occurs in HearthsWarming all the way to Winter Wrap up,” Chet explained.
“Very interesting your world sounds,” Shiver commended, "I do believe I might visit your world one day at your convince. There, all finished.”
Chet then looked himself in the mirror. He had on a nice brighten blue suite with snowflakes crystals on the sleeves and on the pant leggings. He had a snowflake piece on his right side chest coat pocket. Finally he wears on his head a snazzy white hat with yet another snowflake crystal on the one side.
“Well, what do you think?” Shiver asked.
“I look coooolio,” Chet responded as he struck a pose.
“Very good,” Shiver responded, “”Now then gentlemen, I do believe it is time to meet up with Sugarplum, Princess Clara and the girls so that we must begin the tour.”
“Lead the way, my good man,” Chet spoke as they then started to head over.
Back on the girls side, Rarity assisted Sugarplum with doing Clara’s hair.
“Did my mother ever talk about me during her time here,” Clara asked.
“Oh yes, most everything about you everyday,” Sugarplum responded as she was braiding a section of Clara’s hair, “It's like as if you are right here with us. You are every image of a mother's daughter.”
“Yes, I can definitely see the resemblance between you two,” Rarity commented as she used her magic to braid around another section..
“Now, I just need to close your eyes,” Sugarplum spoke, “Go on close them.”
Clara did so while Sugarplum and Rarity were putting on the last few touches
“Now open them,” Sugarplum instructed as Clara did so and looked at herself with her hair all braided and bunched up together on top of her head with a few golden bows tied on a few ends..
“Do you like it?” Sugarplum and Rarity asked din hope
“Like it? I simply love it!!” Clara admired the result as she looked at herself in the dress Sugarplum recommended.
“You look simply divine, darling,” Rarity commented as the rest of the girls came back in wearing their Grand Galloping Gala outfits and different hair styles.
“As I said once before,” Sugarplum spoke, “You are ever inch of a mother’s daughter should be. Now then girls I do believe now it is time to meet with the boys that we must begin our tour of the realms, And then we must attend to the Grand theater. A special play will commence.”
And so Sugarplum lead the girls outside the Palace. They soon met up with Shiver, Hawthorn, Chet and Spike who were waiting for them. They all looked at each other in awe and admiration.
“My my, you all look simply beautiful,” Shiver commended.
“And simply fresh and clean,” Hawthorn commented.
Chet and Spike could not help but stare in amazement with how the girls turned out.
“Rarity, you can never get anymore beautiful in my eyes,” Spike gleamed.
“Oh Spike, your such a flatter,” Rarity responded as she came to him and peck him on the cheek, this in turn made Spike stutter for a bit.
“Girls, nothing in mind can even described how beautiful you all are,” Chet shared his thoughts as the Girls giggled.
“Thank you, Chet,” Twilight thanked him, “And by the way you two are dressed, you both look cool and distinguished.”
The rest of the girls agreed at that response as they all begin to following Sugarplum, Shiver and Hawthorn on the tour.
All throughout today, each of the regent introduced their realms to the group in their own unique way.
Sugarplum took a the group in a hot air balloon with a spectacular view over the Land of Sweets. Pinkie Pie could not stop giggling and stuffing her face with all kind of sweet treats that the residents offered to the group.
Hawthorn escorted the group on a carriage ride throughout the Land of Flowers where the residents kept on hand Clara and Fluttershy some flower bouquets as they were riding through the town.
Shiver did the same with the group on another carriage ride throughout the snowy town in the Land of Snowflake. Rarity could not take her eyes off the snowflake crystal striation on the buildings and houses as everything continued to snow.
Finally after the tour was over, they all attended back to the Palace to the grand theater. Once inside they all were approaching the entrance with the trumpets sounding off and the presenter spoke out, “Presenting her royal majesty for the first time in many years, Princess Clara Stallabaum. Daughter of Queen Marie Stallabaum. And also presenting for the first time in years, from the land of Equestria, Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends.”
The audience applauded as the group started to walk in. Among the audience who stood waiting for them is Captain Philip who presented himself and bowed to the group. He went along with the group to their seats as the play was about to begin. The stage lights begin to shine on the stage as the orchestra got ready on their end as the Maestro prepared to lead them. The music began to play with the opening of a beautiful ballerina dancing forward as the scenery of the palace appeared.
“The Ballet tells the story of the Four Realms,” Sugarplum explained, “How your mother discovered our world. First the Land of Flowers.”
The first scene, then shifted to another with the opening of the Ballerina dancing to the land where prop flowers pop form the floor, trees popping out with pedal confides, a prop windmill running and other dancers dressed in flower theme coming forward to join Marie Ballerina. The scene was then shifted to another scene where it began to snow.
“Now the Land of Snowflake,” Sugarplum introduced the next scene.
The scene takes place in a more snowy mountain. Much like the Flower scene, Marie Ballerina danced over to the scene and the dancers dressed in wintry clothing came down and danced majestically as props from the scenery make it snow as it does in the Land of Snowflake. Then it was shifted to yet another scene. Where the sweet and candy props appeared
“And the Land of Sweets,” Clara spoke as Sugarplum smiled at her before continuing to watch.
The Sweet Scene follows the Ballerina Marie and the dancers with their candy canes and a prop that contains a mountain full of all kinds of sweets, from fruitcakes to ice cream to candy canes to lollipops, gumdrops, cotton candy, gingerbread and so on.
Finally the scene shifted to the last Realm that contained what seems to be a circus tent with an elephant in top front with a prop merry go round and a Ferris wheel.
“Now we finally come to the Fourth Realm,” Sugarplum spoke feeling uneasy, “Watch closely friends. This is where our troubles began.”
“You mean with Mother Ginger,” Chet responded as Sugarplum nodded.
Suddenly in the scene came out more dancers dressed in what seems to be mice.
“And the mice,” Clara spoke as Sugarplum took a piece of Cotton Candy Hair and began to much on it nervously.
“Beastly woman! There is nothing Motherly about her,” Sugarplum spoke nervously.
“Well judging by the way you much on that cotton candy, it must be serious,” Pinkie commented as Sugarplum once again nodded.
The Mice dancers wind up the others as they began to dance wickedly at the tone of the music thereby showing how much trouble they have caused in the other realms.
“Mother Ginger was the one who began this war,” Sugarplum spoke as she then turned to Clara, “I hope you’ll be the one to finish it. With the help of the rest of you.”
“What do you mean?” Clara asked.
The play came to a majestic end with all four scenery's coming together as the grand finale. With that the group and the audience applauded the performance.
Sugarplum then spoke, “Come with me and I will show you all more on how we can end the war.”
With that the group and Captain Philip followed Sugarplum to wherever she’s leading them to.
After viewing the Ballet story, Sugarplum lead the group the downstairs palace.
“Dear Queen Marie kept Mother Ginger in line,” Sugarplum explained more as they walking down and entering a room in what seems to be filled with crates and boxes, “But now that she’s gone and with Mother Ginger seeking dominance over our realms, we are utterly defenseless.”
“Why say that?” Chet asked.
“Well, you see dear, we were once toys. Mere play things to children,” Sugarplum explained, “But when Marie arrived, she changed everything. She gave us life.”
“How exactly?” Clara asked.
“With this,” Sugarplum pointed to what seem to be a giant microscope machine in color blue, “The Engine.”
“That’s my mother’s invention,” Clara remember one of he mother’s creations.
“Yes. When we were toys we felt nothing,” Sugarplum spoke, “But with Marie’s Engine, we were brought to life and now we have feelings like you all do. Happiness, Sadness, Anger, Love,” She paused for a moment before saying,“Fear.”
“There’s plenty of that going around,” Captain Philip spoke.
“You’re quite right sweet captain,” Sugarplum responded, but now it has been set down, "Our spies tell us that Mother Ginger is on the warpath, gathering her forces. The Engine is the only way that we can build an army to defend ourselves. But it doesn't work! If we can't get it to work, then all is lost.”
Clara thought about it before speaking, “Perhaps I can fix it.”
“And I can help you with that,” Twilight offered, “I do know how to tinker with some mechanisms.”
“Oh it’s not broken,” Sugarplum interrupted that idea as she was climbing on the platform where the Engine controls are, “We’re simply missing the key. We have been searching all around but we could not find it.”
Sugarplum showed them the pile of keys that none seem to fit, “I fear your mother must've taken it with her when she left us and now that she’s dead we are at a loss,” Sugarplum felt grieved of the situation before she calmed herself down and then turned to Twilight, “And I’m afraid the key that Starswirl gave you would not fit to the keyhole either.”
Clara examined the keyhole to the Engine controls and noticed something familiar on the lock. She then reached in her pocket and pulled out what seem to be a metal egg shape and looked on its lock. She then compared the two and noticed that they are the same.
“Everyone, look this is a Christmas gift my Mother gave me. The lock on it is the same shape as the Engine Control Lock. Which means they share the same key,” Clara spoke.
The group was astounded to hearing the fact.
“Wow what are the odds in that?” Pinkie spoke as the others.
“This key you speak of, is it with you, or back in your world?” Sugarplum asked in hope.
“It was that horrid little mouse that snatched my key in the Christmas Tree Forrest,” Clara recalled.
“The same thing with my key from Starswirl. Another mouse swiped if from me,” Twilight shared.
“Both Mouserinks and Ratsputtle,” Captain Philip stated while looking in some crates full of toys and stuff, “Crafty little sneaks.”
“We chased them both to and in the Fourth Realm where we ran into the Mouse King and Mother Ginger,” Applejack mentioned.
“Then that would mean, Mother Ginger has both of those keys,” Sugarplum fell into depression before realizing a terrible thought, “Oh, poo! And I’m afraid with the key Starswirl gave to you, Mother Ginger will be able to use it to open the doorways, lead her army to Clara’s home and Equestria and she will be able to rule three worlds.”
“WHAT?!?!?!” The group screamed together.
“She wouldn’t,” Fluttershy nervous spoke will feeling scared at that thought.
“Our home, our family and friends are in grave danger,” Spike shuttered as the group share sympathy thought for their friends and family in the peril they will be in.
“We got to get our keys back from Mother Ginger,” Clara decided with the group coming to an agreement.
“Go back to the Fourth Realm?” Captain Philip asked in shock, “That is ludicrous!”
“No no we can’t let you all risk your lives. We already lost our Queen. We can’t afford to lose you all too,” Sugarplum forbid the idea.
“We got to do it,” Twilight spoke in determination, “If we don't do something, all our worlds are doomed.”
“I agree,” Chet vouched for Twilight, “We must prevent the demise of our worlds from Mother Ginger, the Mouse King, and their forces.”
“This is too risky,” Captain Philip spoke in concern, “Are you all certain?”
Clara went to the Captain and spoke, “This is why my mother send me. My mother created this world for all of you to live together. And I am certainly not going to let it be ruined or fall apart by those two. I got to get that key back.”
Sugarplum and Captain Philip still both share concern of the decision the group made, but they then saw courage and determination within them and eventually agreed.
“But if we’re gonna do this then we must come up with a plan of attack,” Rainbow pounded her hooves.
“And we will need plenty of food and rest tonight,” Applejack spoke.
“Ooh I need to figure what to wear tomorrow,” Rarity with her sense in wear spoke with the group rolling there eyes.
“Alright friends, we have a lot to do but not much time,” Chet spoke before declaring, “So let’s get to work!”
The group piled their hooves and hands together and let out a cheer. They soon bang discussing a plan of attack. They eventually thought of an idea, an element of surprise, without any of them seeing them coming. Sugarplum then made all the arrangements to assemble the palace guards to accompany the group to the Fourth Realm. Everything else was then in preparations for tomorrow. With that everyone decided to get some rest.
During that night all were sleeping peacefully in their warm beds, enough for them to be ready. However not everyone was asleep. Twilight who couldn't sleep decided to get some fresh air up on the palace tower. Aside from being astounded by the view of all the four realms, what she didn’t noticed was she was not alone.
“Beautiful evening eh?” A voice called from above Twilight. She looked up and saw that it was Chet.
“Oh, Chet, I didn’t’ see you there,” Twilight spoke, “I thought this area was empty.”
“Nah, I’ve been up here for a while, needing some fresh air and all,” Chet replied as he then climbed down using his gecko instinct skills to meet up with Twilight, “Assuming the same for you or something else on your mind?”
“No, actually I couldn’t sleep. I’ve been thinking about what we were about to do tomorrow in hoping what we’re doing is right,” Twilight sighed, “But more importantly, I’m worried about Clara. Not just for her safety but noticing her still feeling grieved for her loss.”
“Yeah I know,” Chet spoke, “I couldn't sleep either because of those reasons, but we must remember and you said so yourself, the fate of our worlds rests upon our shoulders. This will certainly be no different than our past encounters separate, but along with the recent defeat of the Storm King in Canterlot and stopping Cozy Glow from taking all the Equestria Magic and ruling not just the school but the world as well.”
“Yeah I recalled those recent events, but this isn’t Equestria,” Twilight pointed out, “This is something new that we never encountered before.”
“No matter what Twilight,” Chet spoke as he laid his hand on Twilight’s shoulder, “We do what we must to bring peace to all our worlds.”
Twilight gave Chet a smile before hearing something coming up the stairs. They turned to see who that was and it none other than Clara in her white night dress. She took noticed at Chet and Twilight.
“Oh, hello, you two,” Clara greeted, “I thought I heard some voices up here. I just didn’t know who it was.”
“Oh, Clara, we were up getting some fresh air and all,” Chet explained before he joked, “I suppose you’ve come to join us for that?”
Both Twilight and Clara giggled a bit. Clara’s sense of humor was soon turned to bitter sorrow, before Chet and Twilight took noticed.
“I know that bitter look,” Chet spoke, “Come on over here and tell us what’s really the matter? What are you doing out of bed?”
“Well, I couldn't sleep because I had a memory revisit of my mother,” Clara began, “I remember the one time at Christmas when she and I were decorating the tree. I found the Nutcracker ornament. He was one of my mother’s favorites. She said he reminded her of a land she once discovered which I assume it was the Four Realms. She promised me that one day she would take me to that world before she felt ill once more. Being concerned I had to check on her but she assured me she was alright. She also told me that there are some journeys that I must go alone and that I am unique and brave unlike my sister Louise. But more importantly she told me that whatever I do, she will always watch over me, before she had me hang the Nutcracker ornament on the tree. After that memory I heard a sound from my window and noticed it was an owl. The same one from my Godfather’s workshop downstairs in his mansion. The bird flew upwards and I followed. Somehow lead me here and to you two. Thought coming up here would help clear my mind, but it hasn’t.”
Clara then paused for a moment before speaking again.
“Now that she’s gone, I really miss her so much. I felt so miserable and depressed for some time now I just could not feel in my heart that she is there,” Clara placed her hand on her heart and suddenly began to cry with tears leaking down, “My sister Louise and my brother Fritz also grieved over loosing mother as well. But father, all he ever cared about is appearances. As if he shows no sympathy at all.”
“Clara,” Twilight begin, “That’s not true. I’m sure that deep down your father really misses your mother. I wouldn’t jump to the wrong conclusions.”
“Yeah, I’m certain your father loves your mother as much as you three do together,” Chet pointed out.
“I appreciate what you two are saying, but I wouldn’t expect neither of you to understand this feeling I have inside, what it’s like to loose a mother,” Clara sniffed as she tried her best to hold back her tears.
There was a moment of silence until Chet finally broke it.
“Actually I do,” Chet began as Twilight and Clara looked at him surprisingly.
“What do you mean, Chet?” Twilight asked out of curiosity.
“Well you see, you already know that I came to your castle in Ponyville Twilight under my sensei, Master Oshi’s wishes. But there is more to the story of why I have come to Ponyville,” Chet explained before he took a sigh and began telling his story.
“You see when I was very young, I once had a mother and a father like everyone else in my island village. My mother was most kind, caring and most loving creature to everyone in our village. My father was a skilled warrior, a student to Sensei Oshi and loyal to all in the village. Both of them were proud to have a wonderful son of their own and we were all happy together. That is until we heard about the Storm King and his armies taking over half the world, spreading fear and despair over the innocent. Then one day, my father was then sent with others to fight off against the Storm King and his Armies. He has been gone for several months. When we heard word that the warriors were coming home, but not all of them returned...alive! The grave news I received and it was hard on me the most is that my father fought valiantly against the Storm King himself but by delaying his plans for conquest, he sacrificed his life to stop those plans. All that was left of him were his two magic Katana swords, which I now carry and wield.”
Chet referred to his two Katanas that he used in his battles and continued on.
With my father gone, my mother became very ill. She struggled hard to make our loving life last, but hard she tried the worser she gotten. Master Oshi, also being a healer to our village, did all that he could to halt the illness from spreading. But it was far too great, in the end, it took my mother and I was left alone. I felt so empty inside, that void was then filled in when Master Oshi took me into his home, raised me as his own son, and trained me in the way of the skilled warrior that you both come to know. But in the past few years, the emptiness in me of my mother and father being gone still continued to haunt me.”
Chet place his hand on his chest and felt his heart ached over that empty void.
“However, when we heard the news of you Twilight and your friends ultimately defeating the Storm King at Canterlot, Master Oshi decided to send me to Equestria and seek you out, to learn on how the Storm King’s demise was possible, Chet continued, “Many days and nights had past in my travel but I eventually made it to Ponyville and met up with you and your friends.”
“And I think you know the rest of the story,” Chet finished at ease. However, telling such a dreadful tale left a tear running down Chet’s face. Twilight and Clara took noticed and felt great sympathy for him.
“Oh, Chet,” Twilight place her hoof on her heart and had tears filling up, “I had no idea you had to go through such hard times and with the reign of the Storm King that time.”
“I honestly didn’t know that you lost both your mother and father,” Clara who was also in tears, decided to go to Chet and embrace him. Twilight went over and did the same, embracing the love and sympathy. Chet accepted the gesture for a long moment until he spoke.
“But all that void emptiness really changed me since my time being there at Ponyville,” Chet shared his thoughts, “At that school you all were hosting, you not only had me be both student for learning under you education but also gave me the chance as a teacher to share my knowledge in way of living of my island village but also sharing my way of defense. It proved to be more to the test when we stopped Cozy Glow from stealing the magic in Equestria. You had shown me what the Magic of Friendship was really about. Each of you has taught me the qualifications of not only what being a friend means, but the ones that is needed for family. You Princess Twilight Sparkle and you friends turned out to be the family I needed after all. And you Clara, have become a part of my family as well.”
“Off and all, whatever happens over at the Fourth Realm, and come face to face with Mother Ginger and the Mouse King, we all must know that family stays together to the end,” Chet made a promise to the two.
Twilight and Clara felt more touched at Chet’s words that they then embraced him once more.
“Thank you Chet for you sweet kind words,” Twilight smiled and feeling warmed, “Also I’m very proud in knowing how far you have come and how much you’ve learned from us in the Magic go Friendship.”
“Yes. Thank you even more, for understanding what I’m feeling, for accepting me as a member of your new family, and for believing what we all can do, as a family,” Clara also smiled as she began to wipe her tears.
Chet then placed his hand on Clara’s shoulder and spoke, “Also remember this, just because your mother’s gone, doesn’t mean her spirit is also gone too. And this was something I did not realize until after the Storm King was defeated, but the spirit of my mom and pop still lives in me. That would mean your mother lives in you.”
Chet placed his hand onto Clara where her heart is, “In here.”
Clara smiled again as she place her hand onto Chet’s, “Thank you.”
Just then a little gust of wind blew at them as the three looked at the sky and noticed a shooting star. For a moment, Clara thought on it and realized it was a sign that her mother is with her. She then noticed the owl that was sitting on the rail watching all that was going on started to fly away. Clara then regained her thoughts and spoke.
“I believe I feel better now and ready to get some more sleep. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow,” Clara declared, as Chet and Twilight agreed.
The three started to head back down and went back to bed to sleep more before dawn approached.
As the sun began to rise, all in the palace awoke and prepare for today’s battle plan with weapons arranged as followed, sword and spear sharpened, rifle guns and cannon’s loaded and lanterns lit. All the soldiers outside the palace were too getting ready to set forth to the Fourth Realm, even the group themselves.
“Alright everyone, this is the day when we put things right again,” Twilight declared, “Not just The Four Realms, but also both Equestria and Human worlds.”
“And no matter what happens in there, we must all stay together,” Chet also declared.
The group nodded in agreement as they kept on hearing a boom sound.They turned and see what it was Pinkie firing her cannon, gathering all the confide, and put them all back. She then stuffed even more confide in her cannon. Much to the groups confusion.
“Pinkie Pie, what are you doing?” Rarity asked in a firm tone.
“Practicing the Big Bang when preparing the “we finished the big battle saving three worlds and claim victory” party, Duh!” Pinkie spoke all in one sentence and finished with a “duh.”
The group sighed and rolled they’re eyes.
“Pinkie, just because every time we set off to do big things in saving Equestria or some other, doesn’t mean you have to practice and create such a ruckus,” Rainbow spoke in annoyance.
“Well when was the last time that you practiced your “Sonic Rainboom” for anything this big? Huh Huh?” Pinkie asked with one of her “huh’s.”
“Pinkie, I don’t need to practice my Sonic Rainbow when clearly it already is awesome enough,” Rainbow responded with a chuckle.
Fluttershy whispered to the group at the side, “At least Pinkie didn’t bring along her “Big Bertha” cannon. That one still gave me a heart attack.”
“I hear that, that already got me on my nerves when we trying to put together that play for Princess Celestia’s One-versary,” Applejack recalled that time, “Or all of the other props she used to replace that old Sun prop.”
“Don’t remind me,” Twilight recalled that last prop that even made her ticked, courtesy from Trixie.
“Hey guys here comes Clara,” Spike called to the group as they turned and saw her wearing a solider outfit with eh solider shirt, ling red skirt, boots, solider hat and her hair all out in bun behind her head. She was coming down the stairs with Sugarplum. They were talking before approaching the group.
“Just know that my tippy top tooty fruity soldiers will be there for you,” Sugarplum spoke, “And will look forward to your return safely. Good luck my brave girl.”
Clara smiled at that pep talk, before Sugarplum spoke again.
“Until then,” Sugarplum paused for a moment, “Adieu!”
Sugarplum left and returned up stairs into the Palace as Captain Philip and the group approached Clara.
“Well, look at you all ready to lead into battle,” Rainbow commented with a smug on her face.
“My my, Clara, your wear looks simply divine!” Rarity complimented as Applejack rolled her eyes.
“For land sake Rarity. Clara’s prepared for war, not for a fashion show,” Applejack spoke up.
“Still, one can try to make this as a bright side darling,” Rarity replied with a huff.
“I appreciate the compliments you all have, but I still hope what we’re doing is right for the Kingdom that my mother created,” Clara replied.
“Just remember, you have us. We plan to stick together and see this through,” Chet reminded Clara as he placed his hand on her shoulder, “You’re mother would be proud for you making this stand.”
“Chet’s right Clara,” Twilight spoke right beside Chet, “With us you have nothing to fear.”
Clara smiled as she then got on her horse, “Thank you all.”
Captain Philip then went over and got up oil his horse, Jingles and spoke, “You are very lucky to have such good friends by your side.”
“Even you Captain,” Clara smiled as Captain Philip returned the gesture.
The group then heard someone clearing throat. They turned and saw it was none other than the two guards they met at the Palace gates.
“Begging your pardon your majesty,” the Skinny guard spoke before her us interrupted.
“What are you doing?” the Large one spoke, “You’re saying it wrong! You don't say “Beggin' your pardon” like that!”
“Oh what do you know!” The skinny one replied before facing the group again, “As I was saying, my comrade, Caviler and I, Harley Quinn, have decided to join...”
“To join in the battle side by side with you all,” Harley Quinn finished.
“You two?” Clara asked in confusion.
“You’re kidding right?” Applejack chuckled being dumbfounded, “No offense but y’all don't look like you have any fighting experiences.”
“On the contrary, my dear, we are professional,” Caviler spoke for the themselves.
“We are trained killers,” Harley Quinn spoke as he was tossing up his knife but didn’t look to catch the knife as it dropped to the ground.
“Trained Killers...right” Rainbow snickered.
“They look like to be two royal jesters if you ask me,” Spike whispered as the group giggled at the thought before Twilight shushed him.
Clara then cleared her throat before calling, “Attention!!”
With that all the soldiers started to gather in two line formation, while the group gather round Clara and Captain Philip. Chet then got on Applejack once again to ride her.
“Lower the gate!” Clara called out again as the Palace gate was lowered down, “Forward March!!”
The troops then began marching across the Bridge from the Palace to the Fourth Realm.
As they approach toward the tree entrance there was a bit of shivering int he teeth going on with the soldiers as if none of them has ever entered the four realm before. Only been hearing terrible stories about it. But regardless they proceeded onward.
Through the spooky wood pathway, the group and the troops proceeded with the upmost caution.
“Remember your training,” Caviler spoke to Harley Quinn, “Stay alert!”
“I’m not alert. I’m scared here,” Harley Quinn whimpered.
The group looked around the wooded environment as they started to hear noises.
“Um....is it just me or did the woods seem a lot more spookier than last time?” Fluttershy shuttered in fear.
“Stay strong, Fluttershy,” Chet spoke to her in confidence, “This is nothing compared to the dangers back home.”
Eventually the group and the troops halted as they then came upon the entrance gate in the shape of a toy clown. With fog coming from behind it. Within the fog, they heard music noises, creepy kinds.
“Why did we stop?” Clara asked, “Come on what are you afraid of? It’s just a bit of fog!”
“Its not just the fog, Clara,” Captain Philip pointed out, “It’s what within the fog they’re afraid of.”
“Uh, Clara, I think judging by that clown looking gate,” Spike flapping his wings noticed before he started to shutter, “I’m understanding why they’re afraid.”
“Well, said, sir dragon,” Harley Quinn spoke in fear, “Say here’s an idea why don’t we just stay out here in the nice safe woods?”
The group gave Harley Quinn a deadpan look as Clara and Captain Philip got off their horses. Chet then got off of Applejack as the three then proceeded first to the gate followed by Twilight, Spike and the girls and then the troops.
“Or we just go into the fog,” Harley Quinn winced since no was for his first idea and then he and Caviler went in.
When they all got through the fog, what they saw next was an old abandon amusement park with rides looking run down and Monkey statue props looking little bit more creepy than usual. They then heard crows cawing from all over. Fortunately, the soldiers all had their rifle lanterns on bright as they all looked around.
“Oooo an Amusement Park!!” Pinkie spoke in excitement before looking a bit disappointed, “Looks like it has been running good in years.”
“What a mess,” Rarity spoke in disgust, “Just look at what this amusement park has gone through past times.”
“Sheesh, and I thought Mount Aries looked a bit like a ghost town before the Hippogriffs rebuild their homes,” Spike looking a bit creeped.
“A gh-gh-gh ghost town?” Fluttershy feeling even more scared clung onto Spike, despite him being squeezed too tight.
“There’s nothing to be scared of as long as we stay together,” Twilight reminded the others.
“Twilight’s right, no use in trying to separate this time,” Applejack agreed.
The discussion didn't last long. As things got a bit more quieter, they then heard a crumbling sound. They looked about and noticed a few soldiers were missing.
“Uh, where did some of our soldiers go?” Fluttershy looked around still clinging on to Spike.
Rainbow flying around looked at some holes, started to get suspicious, “I think a better question would be where did these holes come from?”
The group pondered on that matter for. A brief moment until they noticed a few more soldiers being sucked down by the holes being made.
“Everyone gather at the Carousel!” Captain Philip ordered as they all gathered at that ride.
They all kept they eye out for anything that could be responsible for the soldier disappearances. But it was stop dark and foggy to see.
“We can’t fight what we can’t see,” Clara spoke as she then found a switch to turn on the lanterns.
Soon it made it a little better to see all of the Amusement park. but it was cut short when they then heard scurrying noises from all directions. The noises soon became louder and louder.
“It’s the mice!!” Clara shouted, "They're under us!".
Rarity shrieked at the sight of the many rodents. The group gasped in seeing the thousands and thousands of mice coming toward them and got under the Carousel. They soon then began burrowing.
“They trying to bury us!” Captain Philip noticed as he then drew his sword out ready for battle, “Everyone off the Carousel and scatter!!”
They all then got off the ride and started to run away from the mice. They then notice some of the mice started to form mini versions of the Mouse King.
“Good Grief!!” Chet spoke in shock, “As if facing the Mouse King wasn't enough.”
Chet then drew out his swords and he and Captain Philip began to fight off the mini mouse swarms, trying to clear a path for the others.
Princess Twilight and Rarity used their magic to blast some of the min swarms away but they kept on regenerating from every blast. Spike flew around and breathed fire at the mini swarms in which some started to retreat. Applejack lassoed a few and buck kicked them away from them. Pinkie gathered a few of the mini swarms, stuffed them into the party cannon and fired them away from the area, must to her laughing in amusement. Rainbow flew around a performed aerial attacks on the mini swarms which knocked them away as well.
Rainbow then noticed Fluttershy whimpering on a tree, “Uh Fluttershy? Aren’t you going to oh I don't know....Help?!?!”
“Sorry, Dashie,” Fluttershy whimpered, “But I can’t harm these little mice. Especially if they being nice.....giant...evil swarm versions of the Mouse King!!”
The remaining soldiers commence firing their rifles at the mice swarms as well but some of them were being over powered by the min swarms. Afterwards they started to retreat. Even Caviler and Harley Quinn.
Rainbow who noticed what they were doing called out to them, "COWARDS!!!"
Clara continued to run from the mini swarms but in her attempt to escape, a hole was being made right in front of her and tried to dodge but she slipped on the edge and fell in the hole. Captain Philip who noticed rush to Clara and grabbed her hand and started to pull her out.
“Hold on Clara I got you!” Captain Philip tried but then noticed a bunch of mice underground who made these holes grabbed hot dog Clara and began to pull her down.
Captain Philip called tot he others, “I need help!”
To avail, Chet and Twilight rushed to him and grabbed hold of Clara and tarted to pull as well.
“Hold on!!” Twilight cried.
“We gotcha!” Chet called, “Don't let go!! Come on pull!!”
And so the three tried. However due to the might and strength of the mice, they pulled not only Clara but Chet and Twilight as well into the hole and started to carry them away.
“Clara! Chetgeki! Twilight!!” Captain Philip called through the hole.
The others who overheard the cry, rushed to the captain.
“What happened here Captain?” Spike asked.
“The mice carried Clara, Twilight and Chet away through that hole!” Captain Philip responded.
The group gasped in fright.
“This is terribly bad!!” Fluttershy began to freak out.
“What ever are we going to do?” Rarity panicked in distress
“We must go after them,” Captain Philip declared before jumping in the hole and started crawling, “Follow me!!”
Spike followed the Captain, Pinkie laughingly jumped in. Rarity being stubborn to not get her hooves dirty was then push inky Applejack before she jumped in. Fluttershy looked down at the hole and was too scared to go in. That is until Rainbow grabbed hold of her and the two flew in as well following the others to wherever the hold path leads.
Through the hole tunnel a swarm of mice still carried Clara, Chet and Twilight as they held onto each other while trying to brush the mice off of them. Eventually the swarm went up and they all popped out of the ground and landed on their backs, Then the mice disappeared. Just as they were regaining conscience and try to get up, a giant mechanical hand reached for Clara and picked her up by the collar of her battle uniform and lifted up toward the face of Mechanical Mother Ginger. At the sight of it up close got the three startled.
“Well if it isn’t Princess Clara Stallabaum,” said the mechanical beast, “I’ve been expecting you!”
“I’ve come to reclaim what you stolen from me and my mother!” Clara yelled, “My key!”
“Please come in,” Mechanical Mother Ginger spoke and then tossed her through her giant gown dress.
Clara landed flat on her front on the floor. She regained her conscience yet again and looked around. She realized she was in some sort of a circus tent. What she saw next was the face of a Polichinelle Clown all smiley in which startled Clara at first. As music was playing, he then got up, began to dance and laugh silly before opening his gut to reveal another Polichinelle chucking, that again had Clara disturbed. The second Polichinelle popped out and again open his gut with another one popping out. The process kept repeating least four more times in a circle around Clara as they all then began to dance around her silly, laughing, singing and taunting.
“Clara Stallabaum! Welcome Clara Stallabaum!” the first Polichinelle sang as he did that creepy head body twist. As did the others.
“It’s our Princess Clara!!” another Polichinelle sang.
“She looks so cute!!” the third Polichinelle sang and clapped.
While Clara wasn’t looking, one of the Polichinelle playfully bumped her from behind and cause her to fell flat on her front again.
“What a clumsy thing she is,” one of the Polichinelles commented as he opened his gut again, but this time in opposite direction, making him appear to be walking on fours. Once again started Clara as she backed away. What she didn't see was the smallest Polichinelle was right behind her.
“Look ouuuut!!” The little Polichinelle called as he playfully trip Clara, falling on her back. The other Polichinelle joyfully laughed at the misfortune.
Clara un-amused by this while the little Polichinelle wasn't looking, kicked him to the big Polichinelle as she then got up and tried to escape for the exit. Unfortunately, two Polichinelles blocked her her way.
“Where are you going?” One of the Polichinelles asked playfully, “Leaving so soon?”
All the other Polichinelle gathered around Clara as they all then bounced around her in an escort to a seat in the middle of the circus tent.
“Step right this way,” one of the Polichinelles spoke, “We have a surprise for you!!”
They all cleared the way for the little Polichinelle to perform his roll bump. Clara caught on but was too scared to move. By the time the little Polichinelle bumped into her, the impact pushed her to the seat.
“Have a seat!” one of the other Polichinelles pulled a lever as it started to go upwards to the very top, “Bon Voyage! Adios!”
By the time she got to the top, the music then stopped.
Meanwhile while no one was looking, watching all that was going on from a hole of the tent gown was Chet and Twilight who too were being disturbed by the Polichinelles and their silly game.
“And here I thought Pinkie was being the funny goofy one,” Chet whispered.
“Yeah. I thought I seen it all,” Twilight whispered, “But we gotta get in there and help Clara. But how?”
The two started to ponder out ideas until they heard something.
“If it's ideas we’re up for the job!” said a voice coming from behind them. They turned around and saw Pinkie’s head sticking out of a hole. She, Captain Philip and the rest of the group came out.
“Pinkie! Captain! everypony!” Twilight cheered as she ran to her friends, “Thank Celestia you’re safe!”
“We’re just glad we found you two,” Applejack spoke, “We were so worried!”
“Wait a moment, where’s Clara?” Captain Philip noticed Clara was missing.
“In there,” Chet pointed them inside the Mechanical Mother Ginger, in which appeared to be immobile, “The real Mother Ginger must be inside pulling the strings. We must get in there a save Clara!”
Chet turned to the others, “Think you all can keep Mother Ginger’s minions busy while Twilight, the Captain and I make an attempt to get Clara away from Mother Ginger?”
“Aye Aye, Sir!!” Rainbow Dash saluted as the others agreed.
“Y’all can count on us!” Applejack declared.
“Please be careful, those round clowns can be tricky” Twilight warned them.
“Mother Ginger’s Polichinelles,” Captain Philip spoke in dislike, “Crafty clowns!”
“Clowns you say?” Pinkie spoke with a sly grin on her face, “I know how to handle clowns!”
“Oh, dear,” Rarity gasped.
“Oh, boy,” Applejack spoke in shock.
“She’s got that look in her eyes,” Spike feeling shuttered.
“I’m scared,” Fluttershy whimpered.
“No time for that now,” Chet ordered, “Make the distraction happen. Let’s move!”
The group proceeded in one direction while Chet, Twilight and Captain Philip went around behind the gown tent for the plan to carry out.
Back on top of the gown tent, Clara was searching around the room she was in and spotted two familiar objects hanging on the chandelier, the two keys that were stolen from her and her friends. She tried to reach for them until a voice startled her.
“Hands off!” A voice spoke who stepped out of the curtains. She wore ragged clothing, her hair was messy, and her face was a little bit broken.
“You’re Mother Ginger?” Clara asked in shock.
“And you’re Queen Marie’s Daughter apparently,” Mother Ginger replied as she pulled the switch release the two keys as they both fell into her hands.
“Yes,” Clara replied as Mother Ginger started to walk towards Clara as she started to step back.
Meanwhile back down below, the Polichinelles stood waiting for more orders from their “Dear Mother.” That is until they heard voices from behind.
“Could I have your attention PLEASE!!” Called the voice as the Polichinelles turned and seeing the group coming in all dressed up as Clowns.
“You clowns want to play?” Pinkie asked as she was giggling silly, “Well, bounce on over here to this party group.”
And so the Polichinelles bounced over all giggling and chuckling to play with the group. Just like that they took the bait. They all started to act silly and bounce like crazy.
“This is so embarrassing!” Rainbow complained as she danced around with one Polichinelle.
“Come on now. I always wondered what it would be like to be a rodeo clown,” Applejack chuckled as she swung dancing with another Polichinelle.
“Not really my style, but perhaps I could work something more with it,” Rarity critiqued her outfit.
“I for one think you’re great,” commented another Polichinelle.
“Please, darling, your too kind,” Rarity responded, “I must say your design is unique.”
The Polichinelle giggled in response.
Another Polichinelle was bouncing around as he was holding onto Fluttershy and Spike.
“Oh dear, I think I’m gonna be sick,” Fluttershy not looking too well.
While the distraction going into play, Chet, Twilight and Captain Philip sneaked around the other side of the Gown Tent without anyone noticing.
“Alright, Captain, you ride on Twilight up to the top. I will climb my way up in a stealth sneak attack,” Chet instructed as the two nodded their head, as they then carried out the plan of rescue.
As the three made their way to the top they can see and overhear Mother Ginger continuing to question Clara with her business in Mother Ginger’s domain.
“Now what business brings you to the Fourth Realm?” Mother Ginger asked in curiosity, “Don’t you know it’s dangerous here?”
“I’ve come to get what belongs to me and to my friend,” Clara stood her ground, “Those keys.”
“If those keys belong to anyone,” Mother Ginger pointed out, “They both belong to your mother and Starswirl the Bearded!”
“No she left her key to me,” Clara corrected her, "And Starswirl gave his key to another, Princess Twilight Sparkle from Equestria.”
“Princess Twilight Sparkle? I have never heard such a princess. I was only aware of two princesses,” Mother Ginger spoke the fact before asking again, “And why would your mother give the key to you?”
“My mother,” Clara began, “She passed away.”
A moment of silence was placed upon Mother Ginger as she was then stirred by the grave news of Marie.
“Queen Marie is dead?” Mother Ginger asked in shock and surprise.
“As if you care?” Clara spoke in disbelief, “You're trying to destroy everything my mother created!”
Mother Ginger regained her senses and asked, “Is that what Sugarplum told you after she alone banished me from the Palace? I much sure it was the other way around.”
What do you mean by that?,” Clara confused by what was said.
Mother Ginger tried to approach Clara but was sudden stopped by two throwing stars on the wooden bar. And then from from the hole was Chet as he front flipped between the two and drew out his swords. Twilight flew in from above with Captain Philip getting off of Twilight, drawing his sword and got in alongside Chet.
“Get away from her!” Captain Philip called.
“Give it up, Mother Ginger,” Chet spoke, “We got you surrounded!”
“Clara, are you alright?” Twilight asked as she stood in front of Clara with her horn lit up with Magic and ready to blast.
“Yes I’m fine,” Clara spoke.
“You’re all making a big mistake coming up here,” Mother Ginger warned the three.
“No, your mistake was taking our keys and having your mice kidnap us,” Twilight talked back.
“No, I mean the platform cannot hold us much longer!” Mother Ginger pointed out but it was too late the floor gave way as the five came tumbling down to the ground with a thud. By all that commotion, the group and the Polichinelles stood in shock in seeing what happened.
“Mother!!” The Polichinelles called as they rushed to her.
“Guys!!” The group called and rush to them as they helped them up as they regained their conscience.
Clara noticed the two keys close to her and quickly snatched them, “I’ve got the keys!! Let’s get out of here!!”
With that the group scrammed out of the gown tent.
“No! Wait!!” Mother Ginger tried to call out but it was too late, the group already escaped. They all ran away from the amusement park and back into the woods.
Mother Ginger went back up to the top of the tent and muttered, “Foolish girl!” She then noticed Mouserinks and Ratsputtle scurrying up to her, “Our fate depends on that girl. Quickly you two to the Palace!”
Mother Ginger opened the small doorway for the two mice to skedaddle over by her order.
Meanwhile, as the group came to a stop near a few blossom trees, they all caught their breathes in relief.
“Thank goodness! We’re all safe and sound,” Twilight panted.
“I can’t believe we all made it out alive!” Fluttershy panted and cheered.
“I can’t believe we haven’t played with the Polichinelle a bit longer,” Pinkie sadden as the group glared at her, “What?”
“It was great that our attempt was success, despite that fall from the top,” Captain Philip rubbed on his back, “But more importantly, we got back the keys!!”
The group cheered at their victory.
“Although from overhearing the conversation between Mother Ginger and Clara, something kinda threw me off,” Twilight spoke, Have you noticed there was some sympathy and concern from Mother Ginger?”
“Yeah now that you mention it, when we swooped in, Mother Ginger gave the impression of not wanting to fight us, but tried to warn us about the floor breaking?” Chet asked, “A villain would never try to warn us or be concerned for safety of others. Something just doesn’t feel right. I’m getting a feeling there’s more to the story then what we know of.”
The group was confused and pondered on that before Clara spoke, “That can wait. Right now, there’s something I need to do.”
Clara went over to a rock and sat down.
“Now for the answers I seek,” Clara spoke as she got that egg shape gift from her mother and her key. She place it through the lock and unlocked it. She opened it and all came out was music playing. The group caught on the sound of it and were in awed.
Clara confused of this questioned it, “This can't be it! It’s....it’s just a music box.”
“Clara, what’s wrong?” Chet asked.
“My mother told me in her letter that “Everything I need is inside.” I thought by finding my key, I would find the answers. Find if it would make sense. But there's nothing,” Clara looked disappointed as she closed the music box.
“There’s music,” Captain Philip pointed out.
“And it sounds quite lovely,” Rarity marveled at the music rhythm and sighed heavenly, “Simply divine!”
“I even find it calm and peaceful,” Fluttershy smiled.
Clara felt she was back to square one. She went to the Captain and handed him her key and spoke, “Take the key to Sugarplum.” She then began to walk away.
“Uh, Clara, where are you going?” Applejack asked.
“I’m going home,” Clara spoke in depression, giving the other s shock look.
“But you can’t leave,” Captain Philip spoke, “We need you.”
“No. You need my mother,” Clara corrected him, “ She was the queen and I'm not.” Clara started to shed some tears feeling more lone than ever.
“I know how you feel,” Captain Philip said, “When I was assigned to my post in the Christmas Forrest, I knew my place and I was happy. But then, when you all came and wanted to go in the Fourth Realm, I knew right away I must go with you. I saw confidence, courage and determination.”
“I don’t feel confident,” Clara spoke in despair, “I feel more lost than ever.”
“You led an entire quadrant of soldiers into the Fourth Realm and took back your key and Twilight's key from Mother Ginger. You’re not lost Clara,” Captain Philip comfort her, “Your place is here with all of us.”
“He’s right, Clara,” Chet vouched before he let it slipped his past, “How did you think I felt, when I lost my parents. I felt the same thing as you. There is an old saying, “Every Cloud has Silver Lining.””
“What’s that got to do with anything?” Rainbow questioned Chet before she was shushed by the group.
“The point is, when I lost my parents, I have also gained something more. Not just my father’s swords, but also a new family,” Chet motioned Twilight, Spike and the girls who were cooing and awing at his words.
“Your mother would be very proud of what you are doing for all of us in the Kingdom,” Captain Philip spoke in truth.
Clara gave some thought of what was passed from her friends. She smiled and whipped the tears off her face, “Thank you, Captain. And thank you all.”
“Oh, that is the most touching moment I have ever experience,” called a voice which startled the group as they looked around until they saw up in the tree was the same owl that was at the tower last night. It flew down and morphed into a more humanoid owl with a cloak and reading glasses.
“Who are you?” Clara asked.
“Oh, forgive me, your highness, I always forget my manners. My name is Wiser Dros, a loyal friend to your Godfather,” Wiser introduced himself with a bow, “And the key deliverer to Starswirl the Bearded.”
“You were that mysterious figure that Starswirl mentioned in his letter?” Twilight asked in shock.
“Correct Twilight Sparkle,” Wiser spoke as he then began to flap his wings, “But more on that later. Right now I am here to escort you all back to the Palace. But for u Clara and Captain Philip, I believe you will do well with them getting you over to the Palace.”
Wiser then pointed over to where Jingles and Clara's Horse stood waiting.
“Right then,” Captain Philip declared, “It’s time to save the kingdom.”
The group feeling confident and determined agreed with the Captain as they began to follow their new feathered friend out of the Fourth Realm Woods.
After a successful attempt to retrieve the keys the group passed through the Fourth Realm gate and back across the bridge toward the palace. After reaching and entering the gates, Clara, Captain Philip, and Chet dismount the two horses and Applejack. After a brief relief of the journey, they then heard a cheery voice coming from within the crowd was Sugarplum.
“Everyone! Everyone!” Sugarplum came running to them.
“I’ve got my key!” Clara shared her excitement.
“And I got mine back as well!” Twilight smiled brightly.
“We also met a new friend along the way,” Chet spoke as he was about to introduce Wiser but was interrupted.
“Oh, bravery to you all! I’m afraid that will have to wait. Come to the Engine!” Sugarplum declared as they all hurried along to the Palace basement.
After running down the long circular stairs, they made it to the engine. Sugarplum got onto the Engine Control platform.
“Clara, the key please?” Sugarplum asked as Clara then handed the key over to her, “Oh how I’ve waited for this moment.”
Sugarplum then placed the Clara’s key through the lock as a perfect fit and turned it. The system gears finally started to move thus conducted the power to turn the Engine on. By that result everyone was astounded by the results with the “oooing and the ahhing.”
Afterwards Sugarplum turned to her guards and ordered, “Bring out the Tin Soldiers!”
“Tin Soldiers?” Captain Philip questioned, "But these soldiers are mindless and no will of their own.”
“Oh, they will after I give them life,” Sugarplum assured him.
Captain Philip being concerned turned to to Clara, “Are sure about this?”
Clara seem to question in thought the same thing as well before speaking, “She needed to defend the Realms somehow.”
"Yes, a perfect simple way of doing so," Sugarplum spoke.
Meanwhile, a guard went up with stairs to the top on the Engine with a box full of Tin Soldiers and dropped them on the top Engine floor.
“Ready? Steady? Here we go!” Sugarplum pressed the button to activate the Engine.
The Engine magnifying blaster unleashed the power stream on the Tin Soldiers as they began to grow into human size. Afterwards they began to move and to stand up.
“Hello, boys,” Sugarplum greeted.
"They're huge!!" Pinkie exclaimed.
"I know!" Sugarplum spoke with excitement, before turning to the group, “Watch what happens after I give word.”
Sugarplum then turned to the Tin Soldiers, “Soldiers, Attention!”
The Tin Soldiers got up and stood in focus position.
“Report!” Sugarplum ordered as the Tin Soldiers started to march down the stairs.
“Prepare to march on the Four Realm!!” Sugarplum ordered leaving the group in surprise.
“March on the Fourth Realm?” Clara asked, “But I thought they are suppose to be defending the Palace.”
“And they are a defense to the Palace under my orders,” Sugarplum assured, "Imagine the perfect solider under my command.”
“But my mother wouldn’t want this,” Clara responded in concern.
“I don’t care what your mother wanted!” Sugarplum replied out of not caring. This in turn left the group even more surprised of this event.
Clara not liking what she was hearing ordered, “As Princess of the Palace I demand you stop this!”
“You commanding me? Well, well, well. Finally ready to be queen are we? Too Late!!” Sugarplum teased and revealed her true self, “I only needed you to bring me the key. Now that I have it, I have no further use for you. Soldiers seize them!”
The Tin Soldiers came toward Clara and grabbed her.
“I order you to release her!” Captain Philip spoke to the Tin Solider who has hold of Clara but was then graved by other Tin Soldiers who then took his sword.
“Hey let them both go!!” Chet called out before he was grabbed by another Tin Solider. The rest of the group were then grabbed by more Tin Soldiers, as they started to squirm around.
“Hey let me go!!” Rainbow cried out.
“Unhand me you big brute!!” Rarity called out.
“I'm terribly sorry,” Sugarplum giggle in a sinister tone, "But I gave them life. They'll only listen to me!”
“Traitor!!!” Captain Philip called out.
“Sugarplum, why are you doing this?” Twilight asked in concern.
“Why?” Sugarplum asked as she began to feel angry and miserable, “Queen Marie abandoned us! What then? She expected us to carry on and play nice, well I don’t want to play nice!!”
Clara upon realizing what Chet and Twilight were discuss before about Mother Ginger not putting up a fight and showing sympathy toward them then spoke, “Mother Ginger never did anything wrong did she? You...you lied to us!! You've lied to everyone in the Kingdom!!”
"I knew something was wrong when Mother Ginger wasn't really being the villain!!" Chet confirmed his theory.
"You were only playing us from the beginning!!" Twilight shouted, "You're the wicked one!! Not Mother Ginger!!"
“Very persistent you all are. And I have special plans for her, the Four Realms,” Sugarplum paused for a moment and spoke in more tense, “And even your worlds!!”
“WHAT?!?!?!?” Then group spoke in shock.
"Watch this," Sugaplum replied and she went back to her innocent mode, "Oh, guard, would you stand over the platform pretty please?"
The guard carried out the order, as Sugarplum then pressed the button and the Engine activated firing the beam off the guard and cause him to shrink to toy size. The group was shocked at the result of it.
"Funny thing though," Sugarplum spoke with a sinister grin on her face, "There is one perk to your Mother's invention. It works both ways!"
“Solider, bring me that other key,” Sugarplum ordered as the Tin Solider holding Twilight snatched the key from her and gave it to Sugarplum.
“No!” Twilight called in shock.
“You can not do this, Sugarplum!” Wiser spoke as he was trying to struggle, “Queen Marie entrusted me to give that Key to Starswirl, which I done so. And when he finds out what you’re doing he will....”
“Oh, go ruffle your feathers, you old bird!!” Sugarplum interrupted out of annoyance, "You have also been a thorn on my side since you been hiding from me for so long, trying to avoid my grasp for the keys"
Sugarplum then faced the group and spoke.
“Since I also have the key to Equestria, I have the capability to enter your worlds with my army and not just rule one, but three worlds!!” Sugarplum explained with a sinister look on her face.
“You’re horrible!!” Clara spoke out of anger.
“How dare you speak to your Queen that way!!” Sugarplum shouted before turning to the Tin Soldiers and ordered, “Soldiers, take them all to the tower and lock them up!!”
The Tin Soldiers obeyed that command and taken the group up to the tower. The group continued to struggle and shouted to be released but no avail.
“You won't get away with this Sugarplum!!!” Chet called out, still struggling to get free.
Sugarplum watched her prisoners being taken away while placing the two keys in her side of her Cotton Candy Hair, “On the contrary my friend, I already have!!”
Sugarplum laughed all sinister once more as she then order the soldiers to continue to build up her army to march on the Fourth Realm.
After being betrayed by Sugarplum who revealed her true intentions, the Tin Soldiers escorted the group to the astronomy tower, placed them all in, closed the door and locked them in. They all walked up the staircase to the astronomy part and saw a door that leads to outside. They stepped out and looked around and down trying to find a away out.
“I’m afraid there’s no way out of here,” Captain Philip feared.
“Uh...we can fly down...duh!!” Rainbow suggested.
“Again I tell you, Rainbow, not all of us have wings,” Applejack reminded her.
“A.J’s right, it's too dangerous to fly everyone down, especially that it is long way,” Twilight spoke as she referred to how far up they are.
Fluttershy looked down and whimpered, “Eep! Too high up! Too high up!”
The group then heard more noises coming from downstairs as they then heard the door closed and locked. Two figures walked up stairs and it was none other than Hawthorn and Silver.
“Oh, alas,” Shiver noticed the group, “It would seem you all are in here as well.”
“What’s happening out there?” Hawthorn asked in fear, “What is Sugarplum doing?”
“Long story short, Sugarplum has been lying about everything to the Kingdom and about Mother Ginger,” Chet explained, “She’s gone crazy and building an army to attack Mother Ginger and shrink her to toy size!”
“I’m really sorry, this is all my fault!” Clara felt let down.
“No, Clara, it isn’t your fault. Sugarplum lied to everyone,” Twilight comfort her.
“But I brought the key to her and she’s gonna lead those soldiers to the Fourth Realm to finish Mother Ginger off!” Clara spoke in distraught.
“Clara, listen to us,” Captain Philip try to reach out but was stopped by Clara.
“No! I wanted to go home, but you stopped me!” Clara spoke in angry, “And now I’ve ruined everything!!”
Clara stormed off to one corner of the astronomy room leaving the group in depress.
Meanwhile down below, Sugarplum continued with her evil plan to invade the Fourth Realm by having on Tin Soldier man the engine controls in making more and more Tin Soldiers to expand the army.
“Yes! Think bigger I always say,” Sugarplum talked to herself, “Something about a man’s uniform that makes me quiver in excitement!”
All citizens from the other Realms fled back to their homes away form the palace. And the former guards of the palace were locked up in the dungeon, including Harley Quinn and Caviler.
“Well, it could be worse,” Harley Quinn tried to see a bright side as Caviler and the other guards glared at him, making the scene a bit awkward.
Back in the astronomy tower, Clara fell into a great decline, believe that it was all her fault. Upon grieving, she heard a sound form her pocket. She realized that her music box was accidentally opened and the same music began to play. She got the music box out and examined it again. She then noticed at the bottom of the top that there was something else not he other side of it. She flipped it over and revealed that it was small mirror. She sees herself and then she thought of something that she hadn’t thought before.
“Everything you need is inside,” Clara recalled her mother’s message. She thought even more about her in spirit, her father, Louise, Fritz, Godfather Drosselmyer and all her friends. At that moment and she then struck in realization, “It’s me. It’s me!! That’s it! I just needed to believe in myself and in my family and my friends!!”
Clara then looked over and noticed that some of the group was also in decline, except for Twilight who was pacing around trying to figure out ideas, and Chet who sat on the floor meditating over everything that has passed. Clara then got up and walked to the group.
“Captain, everyone,” Clara spoke, “I owe you all an apology. I finally realized what my mother was trying to tell me in her message, she has left me everything I need, the rest of my family and all of my friends who love and care. It’s the same with what you all are trying to tell me. I just needed to believe in myself. I understand it now. The fault is not yours, it’s mine. And I’m going to fix it. Will you all help me please?”
Captain Philip at first was filled with doubt. But then came to his senses, “Of course I will,” Captain Philip responded, “Nutcrackers are always loyal to others in need.”
“Indeed you are,” Clara smiled
“And you have all of us who are behind you all the way,” Princess Twilight smiled in determination.
“You betcha,” Applejack spoke.
“Indeed, darling Clara,” Rarity smiled.
“I’m also loyal to my friends, even you Clara,” Rainbow confirmed.
“Yes indeedly!” Pinkie cheered.
“Yaaay,” Fluttershy cheered in a whisper.
“It’s not even a question,” Spike confirmed he’s in.
"To the end my sweet friend," Wiser concurred.
The group all turned to Chet who approached to Clara with a smile on his face.
“It seems you finally found the answer you seek,” Chet began as he then place his hand on Clara’s shoulder, “You may also count on my support to see this to the end.”
The whole group cheered while off to the side watching everything was Hawthorn and Shiver who also smiled in admiration. They both walked over to the group.
“You may also count on our loyalty as well Princess Clara,” Shiver bowed to her.
“How can we help, your grace?” Hawthorn asked after he bowed to her.
“I have plan of escape,” Clara began, “But we have to hurry. Sugarplum will be setting forth to Mother Ginger.”
And so Clara explained what her plan that required that huge rope on the chandelier. She had Captain Philip, Chet, Applejack, and Rainbow lower it down gently. Unfortunately they accidentally let it slip through their grip and the chandelier came crash down, freighting the group at first. Clara then began to gather the rope and brought it outside where she stood on one side with the end of her rope, while on the other side stood Phillip with his end of the rope. Watching from the doorway, Shiver and Hawthorn stood in fear.
“This is too risky!” Shiver spoke.
“Please don’t do this, Clara!” Hawthorn begged her not to.
“There’s nothing to fear, you two,” Twilight calmed them down.
“Yeah we do this kinda thing all the time back in Equestria,” Rainbow spoke up.
“It’s just the laws of physics,” Clara clarified the two.
“Do those laws always work?” Captain Philip asked.
“Yes,” Clara confirmed before she paused for a moment and doubled checked, “As far as I know.”
“Ready?” Captain Philip asked.
“Ready,” Clara responded as she stood ready, “Go!”
Clara the jumped off with the rope. Captain Philip then threw his end as the weight part started to spin around, tying around the edge where Clara was standing on. Shiver and Hawthorn ran to that spot and watched in fear. As soon as the loop around a few times were done, the rope stopped with Clara almost at the ground. She let her end go and she dropped and landed gracefully, thus giving a sigh of relief from the two regents. The group then. Started to make their way down with Captain Philip carrying Applejack and Pinkie down the rope line, Spike Wiser and Rainbow carrying Rarity as they flew down, Twilight and Fluttershy flying down carrying Shiver and Hawthorn on their backs, and Chet used his gecko scaling wall ability to climb down to where the other are.
“Now Shiver and Hawthorn, head down into the dungeons and free the guards. Then head back to your regions and seal the gates. Keep your people safe in case Sugarplum decided to send the Tin Soldiers to you,” Clara instructed as Shiver and Hawthorn nodded in confirmation.
“Meanwhile the rest of us are gonna find a way into the Engine room and shut it down. And then we can deal little miss Sugarlips herself,” Twilight mentioned with the group nodded in confirmation.
“Sugarlips! Good one Twilight!!” both Pinkie and Rainbow laughed.
“I’m afraid without my sword, I'm afraid I can’t do battle,” Captain Philip stated that fact.
“I wouldn't say that Captain,” Chet spoke in a sly grin, “Because what do I have under my sleeve?” He reached into his left sleeve and pulled out what seem to be Captain Philip’s sword, “TADA!!”
Everyone who saw that trick was in surprise, in awe and amazement.
"Chet, did you? How? When? What?" Twilight spoke in a few puzzling questions.
"My word!" Wiser hooted in amazement.
"Wowwie!!" Pinkie cheered and hoof clapped.
"Hoo Wee!" Applejack shouted.
"Goodness!" both Fluttershy and Rarity looked surprised.
"Whoa! awesome trick!" Rainbow commended
"I'll say," Spike nodded.
“Chetgeki, you clever little sneak,” Captain Philip surprised, “How did you accomplish it?”
“Used my tail to grab your sword from tin can’s grasp and hid it under my sleeves while they weren’t looking,” Chet explained, “Consider it as an early Christmas/Hearthswarming gift my friend.”
"My my that is quite a trick my clever friend!" Shiver commenced as Hawthorn agreed as well.
“Many thanks my friend,” Captain Philip smiled as he then attached the sword and case back on his belt.
“Alright then everyone, let’s put everything right for the Kingdom!” Twilight declared, as the group cheered as went their separate ways to put right.
After escaping their prison and down safely on the palace ground, Shiver and Hawthorn went sneaking past the Tin Soldiers and to the dungeons to free the palace guards, while the group went off to find a way into the Engine Room. Unfortunately, with the whole Palace crawling with Tin Soldiers, there was no way. As the group kept themselves hidden, they noticed coming down the stairs towards the gate was Sugarplum and more Tin Soldiers, some playing the drum to the march beat.
“This is more like it,” Sugarplum spoke and then ordered, “Out with the old, in with the new. Stand by the gate and wait for my command.”
The Tin Soldiers did as they were told as Sugarplum returned to the Palace.
“With all those Tin Soldiers marched in line and patrolling the Palace, there’s no way to get in,” Rainbow pointed out.
“No matter what it looks, we just gotta get in there and shut down the Engine, before Sugarplum ends up continues further forming her army,” Twilight instructed.
“We just need to figure out another way in, since the main door is blocked off,” Chet pointed out.
Suddenly, they then heard a couple of squeaking voices coming from under them and noticed none other than the two mice, Mouserinks and Ratsputtle.
“Mouserinks and Ratsputtle!” Captain Philip noticed as he began to try and stop them despite their annoying squeaks, “Get out of here you two!”
“Wait, Captain!” Fluttershy called him as she over heard the squeaks, “I think they trying to tells something,” she leaned down and lend her ear to them as the mice began to squeak something in her ear as she began to understand, “They say there’s another way to the Engine room. They say follow them. Lead the way, my little friends.”
“She can understand them?” Captain Philip asked feeling dumbfounded.
“That there’s our Fluttershy, Captain,” Applejack responded, “She understands all kinds of critters large and small.”
The group then followed the two mice over down by an alley where they came upon a lid that leads tot he sewer. In order to proceed Captain Philip and Chet got down and began to lift the lid up and slid it to the side. One by one they all got in the sewer, despite Rarity being disgusted by the idea.
“Ok, so where to know?” Spike asked Fluttershy whom once again let the mice squeak and point them the way. “They say it’s this way,” Fluttershy pointed the direction.
“Are you sure we can trust them?” Captain Philip asked, then Mouserinks and Ratsputtle put up their fists and argue in squeaks.
“Don’t you two start with me,” Captain Philip warned them.
“Stop it, all of you!” Clara got in-between them, “This is no time to argue. We need to work together.”
Mouserinks and Ratsputtle agreed to work together, and Captain Philip, despite not liking the idea, saw no other option. The group then proceeded until they came upon a side sewer lid where the water stream flowed to the outside. They opened the gate and found themselves facing near the great waterfall and river.
“Where do the two go?” Captain Philip noticed where the two went off.
Clara noticed where they are and pointed the way, “This way.”
The group carefully proceed toward the edge where they then saw the water mills still moving.
“Looks like there’s an entrance that lead straight to the Engine room,” Twilight noticed as she remember where the engine room was.
“Alright, I’ll go first,” Captain Philip volunteered until Clara stopped him.
“No, I need you and the rest of you to go warn Mother Ginger. Sugarplum is going to set off the Soldiers into the Fourth Realm. She needs to know what’s going on,” Clara instructed.
“What? But we can’t just leave ya to do this alone,” Applejack not liking the idea.
“I can handle this, Applejack,” Clara assured her and the group, “You must trust me on this.”
“I do,” Captain Philip confirmed.
“And so do we,” Twilight spoke on behalf of the group.
Clara then turned to Mouserinks and Ratsputtle on her right shoulder, “Can you two take the Captain and the rest of my friends to Mother Ginger?”
Mouserinks and Ratsputtle nodded in agreement as Clara then handed the two over and place them on Captain Philip’s shoulder.
“You all be very careful and safe,” Clara instructed before turning to the Captain and pointed her finger at her, “And that’s an order.”
Mouserinks and Ratsputtle did the same to the Captain, with mimicking the finger pointing. Clara then began to start climbing down her way to the water wheels. She accident slipped, but Captain Philip caught her hand just in time, saving her life, and a sigh of relief from the others.
“Oh, please be very careful Clara darling,” Rarity calming herself down.
“And you be safe as well,” Twilight instructed
“Yes I know, Rarity and Twilight,” Clara spoke before turning to the Captain, “Thank you, Captain.”
“Please call me, Philip,” Philip instructed Clara before turning to the others, “That goes for all of you.”
“Yes. Thank you, Philip,” Clara understood and rephrase that ‘thank you.’ Philip then lower her down until she was ready to proceed.
Philip then turned to the mice and spoke, “Lead the way mice.”
The mice squeak to the Captain, much to his squeekin' being rusty, “I don’t speak mouse.”
“They say there’s a short cut to the Fourth Realm bridge,” Fluttershy spoke for the mice as the group started to head to the bridge.
Clara continued to climb her way toward the water mills. She was started by a few crows flying through a hole she came upon but she pushed forward. She eventually made it to the water mill hold climbed up and grabbed hold of the water mill as she was then pulled up tot the Engine room.
Meanwhile the group hurried across the bridge to the Fourth Realm and into the woods. They made their way toward Mother Ginger’s Amusement Park and found the Mechanical Mother Ginger. They looked around to see if she was around but were greeted by the six Polichinelles who were ready for payback.
“Wait,” Philip halted, “We all come as friends. Look see,” he motioned to the two mice as they showed signs of the group being friends.
“Let them all through,” came Mother Gingers voice who emerge from her gown tent and walked towards the group, “Where’s Clara?”
“She’s back at the Palace with a plan,” Twilight explained.
“Mother Ginger, please listen, Sugarplum is sending an army of Tin Soldiers over here,” Philip pointed out, “She’s coming for you.”
Mother Ginger faced the group, “Sugarplum thinks she can divide all of us. But a long time ago we all took an oath to Queen Marie to protect the Realm at all costs,” she turned to Philip, “Are you still willing to live up that oath?”
“No matter the cost. I’m ready if you are,” Philip declared.
“And you have our support as well Mother Ginger,” Chet spoke on behalf of the group who nodded in agreement.
Mother Ginger placed her hand on Philip’s shoulder, “Brave Nutcracker,” she then turned tot he rest of the group, “And brave friends of Starswirl the Bearded from Equestria. Now we need draw Sugarplum to us. Lure the fight to us.”
Mouserinks and Ratsputtle went over to Mother Ginger and whispered squeak message into her ear. Mother Ginger looked to where the mice were talking, as did the group and the Polichinelles looking in the same direction referring to the giant mechanical version of Mother Ginger, and so another plan was forming.
Meanwhile, keeping watch from the Palace Patio, Sugarplum examined all the Realm landscape to view which of the Realms she would start her “plans” first after she’ through with Mother Ginger and the Fourth Realm. That is until something caught her attention. She pulled out her telescope to get better look. What she saw was the Giant Mechanical Mother Ginger marching on the warpath toward the Palace.
Without hesitation, she ordered the palace gate to be lowered for the Tin Soldiers to march to the Fourth Realm to commence the attack. Coming out from the Fourth Realm are the six Polichinelles rolling toward the Tin Soldier army to due battle as each side were coming toward each other, the Polichinelles continued rolling while the Tin Soldiers drew out their swords. The Pollichinelles then crashed into the army knocking them down and off guard. Sugarplum used her fairy wings to fly over her marching army and noticed the attack.
“Never you all mind those rollie pollie clowns,” Sugarplum ordered, “It’s Mother Ginger I want!!”
The Tin Soldiers got up as ordered and continued marching to the Fourth Realm, ignore the Polichinelles as they entered the Palace with not having suspecting them.
Back in the Engine room, Clara started to sneak around and viewing a few Tin Solider guards patrolling around with one on the Engine controls continuing in making more and more Tin Soldiers to the army. Clara had to figure a way to get past those guards and by noticing a box full of toy mice, she had an idea. She took the box and got the toy mice out, began winding up the keys and set them scurrying loose. The Tin Guards noticed and took the bait as they tried to slice them down with their swords. With the guards distracted, Clara snuck over to the medal water wheel and began to turn them slowing, there by slowing down and stopping the water wheels. Soon as she was finished Clara then hid behind another crate but accidentally knocked down a box full of toy toppers. The sound got the attention of the Tin Soldier guards as they spotted Clara and then went over to capture her. Clara made a run for it while dodging and pushing the Tin Soldiers out of her way.
Meanwhile in the fourth realm, the tin army entered and came face to face with the Mechanical Mother Ginger, they commence the charge attack on it. The giant then started to sweep away the army with her arms and using any tree to brush off and smack down the army. Unfortunately, the Tin Army gained the upper hand by climbing on the giant and overpower it as it came tumbling down.
Sugarplum flying over the battle cheered, “Victory is ours! Come out Mother Ginger!”
Sugarplum then saw something coming out of the Mechanical being, unexpectedly it was Philip, Chet, Twilight and her friends, Spike and Wiser, much to Sugarplum’s surprise.
“The Nutcracker? The Gecko Warrior? The Princess Pony and her friends? The Dragon? And The Owl?” Sugarplum shouted angrily.
“Who were you expecting? The Storm King Goons?” Spike joked as the group laughed.
“WHERE IS MOTHER GINGER?!?!” Sugarplum shouted.
“Carrying out the plan,” Chet stated with a smug look on his face.
“Get them!!” Sugarplum ordered
The group then started to run.
“That’s right come and get us!” Philip called out as the Tin Soldiers marched after them, leading them away from Sugarplum who then took a gander back to the Palace and noticed that the Waterwheels stopped working, she got suspicious and started to fly over.
The group continued to lead the army away from Sugarplum until they stopped and prepared for battle.
“No matter the cost, I’m ready,” Philip spoke as he drew out his sword.
“Correction. We’re ready!” Chet as he drew out his swords corrected Philip as the group nodded.
Suddenly appearing right beside them were Mouserinks and Ratsputtle as the other mice started to gather round and form the Mouse King. Along side him were several hundred of the Mice Minions who all stood ready to fight.
“Ew,” Rarity being disgusted, “I never thought I'd be fighting alongside these rodents.”
“Hey just be grateful they’re on our side,” Applejack rolled her eyes
“Now my friends,” Philip began, “Let’s show these tin cans what are we made of!”
The group cheered and the mice squeak cheered as they all charged to battle. Rainbow flying and crashing through the army with her aerial attack, Applejack used her lasso and buck pony kicks against the soldiers, Pinkie Pie firing her Party Cannon at them, Rarity using her unicorn magic to blast her way through, Spike flying around and breathing fire on the army, Wiser using his owl talons to pick up and soldier and throwing it against the others, Fluttershy on top of the Mouse King lead the mice charge as they attack the tin soldiers and overpowering them, Philip using his sword to slice and slash his way through the Tin army, Twilight flying around and blasting at the army with her Alicorn magic, and finally Chet used his double katana to slash his way through while performing tail whips, punches and spinning kicks knocking several tin soldiers out of his path.
Back in the engine room, Clara continued to fight off the Tin Soldiers. Suddenly a Polichinelle clown came rolling over and opened his gut and out came Mother Ginger herself, feeling a little dizzy from all that rolling around.
“Mother Ginger?” Clara gasped.
“At your service, your majesty. Duck!” Mother Ginger responded as she whipped out her red whip and attacked a Tin Solider from behind Clara. Mother Ginger then whipped another one behind her as well.
“I’ll try to rearrange the mechanisms of the Engine,” Clara spoke.
“Go! I’ll handle this lot,” Mother Ginger replied as she continued to fight out the Tin Guards as Clara then headed for the adjustment section of the Engine.
As the battle continued on, Chet spotted Sugarplum flying over them as Chet turned and spotted where Sugarplum was going, the Palace.
“Guys, Sugarplum must’ve figure out whats’s up. She’s heading back for the Palace. We gotta head back and help Clara and Mother Ginger,” Chet called out.
“We can’t abandon the area yet!” Philip replied as he continues to slice down another tin soldier, “We need to push them back a little more!”
“I’ve got this!” Spike called from above as he then swooped down and started to breath fire again, this time creating a wall of fire separating the group from the tin soldiers. By the time he finished he called out, "Now we can go.”
“Good job, Spike!” Twilight commended, “Everyone quickly back to the Palace!”
The group then started to rush back toward the Fourth Realm gate. They then noticed army enter through the fire and continued to march towards them.
As they ran, Fluttershy spoke up, “Mouserinks and Ratsputtle just told me to keep going ahead. They say they and all the other mice will continue to hold the Tin Soldiers back.”
“If they're sure they all can handle them,” Twilight replied.
Fluttershy looked at Mouserinks and Ratsputtle who nodded their heads, “They’re sure of this”
“Very well. Be safe my two little friends” Philip told the two mice.
The group ran ahead as the two mice on top of the Mouse King then lead the charge again to keep the tin army distracted.
The group then got out of the Fourth Realm and head to the Palace as fast as they could in hope to help their friends.
As the fight in the Engine continued on, Mother Ginger fought valiantly against the Tin Army. More and more kept coming as she started to get tired out.
“Clara! Please hurry!” Mother Ginger called out as Clara in the meantime kept on trying to adjust the mechanisms of the Engine as she came pretty close.
More and more Tin Solider marched towards Mother Ginger as she retreated up the stairs to the Platform. As was about to whip another, it was halted from above by none other than Sugarplum who caught up.
“Mother Ginger,” Sugarplum called as she lifted Mother ginger up, “So kind of you to drop in!”
Sugarplum released Mother Ginger to the Tin Soldiers down below who then grabbed and used her whip to tie her up. Sugarplum then went to the wheel and turned it back the other direction, thereby turning the watermills back on. She then returned to the Engine controls and walked up the stairs.
“You just had to interfere with my plans once again,” Sugarplum mocked, “You are so pathetically predictable!”
“I’ve stopped you once before and will do so again!” Mother Ginger struggling to get free.
“You only delayed the inevidable,” Sugarplum stood near the Engine control as she used Clara’s key to turn the Engine on once again, “But nothing but a simple fix wouldn’t hurt,” She then looked at Mother Ginger asked, “Where is the Princess?”
“Gone, far away from the likes of you!” Mother Ginger lied.
“Then I’m the queen of the castle!” Sugarplum sang in boast, “And you’re a dirty rascal!” She then turned to the Tin Army and ordered, “Put her on the platform!”
Meanwhile hiding and watching from the entrance to the Engine room was the group who were in shock.
“Oh my gosh!” Twilight whispered, “Sugarplum’s already turning the Engine back on!”
“And worse still, She's captured Mother Ginger!” Spike whispered, “She’s gonna shrink her to toy size!”
“Whatever shall we do?” Rarity being a little dramatic.
“We gotta get in there and act quick!” Rainbow declared, “Before I hear anymore of Sugarplum’s boasting.”
“But how? We’ll never reach them in time!” Fluttershy pointed out.
Chet examined the room for a bit before noticing over behind the Engine was Clara finishing up with he adjustments.
“There’s still time,” Chet spoke as he pointed to where Clara is, “Clara’s almost fulfilled her part of the plan. Let’s get in closer to them.”
The group nodded as they proceeded in full stealth mode.
“Sugarplum I know you miss Marie. We all do but this won’t make everything better!” Mother Ginger called out.
“Banishing you from the Palace was so delicious! And this is gonna be exquisite!!” Sugarplum spoke evilly before saying her farewell, “Adieu! Au revoir! Farewell!”
Sugarplum was juts about to push the button until she heard a voice. It was none other than Clara.
“Sugarplum, stop!” Clara called out, “Don’t do this!”
Everyone who saw her entrance were in surprise and in shock.
“Clara, run! Get away from here!” Mother Ginger warned her as she was left on the platform.
“Seize her!!” Sugarplum ordered as two Tin Solider grabbed her by the arms, “It was rather foolish of you to come back here to stop me.”
“That’s where you’re wrong, Sugarlips!!” Called out an echoed voice.
Suddenly, Sugarplum felt a breeze of wind from behind. She touched her hair and felt something were missing.
“The keys!! Where are the keys?” Sugarplum looked around until she heard another voice coming from the platform. None other than from Chet, Twilight, Philip and Wiser.
“Hey, Tinker Belle!!” Chet called out from the Platform as Sugarplum looked up, “Looking for these?” He held in his hand the two keys, “And just for the record, it was foolish of you to even let your guard down! NOW!!”
Chet gave the signal as the rest of the group came out of hiding, Rainbow and Applejack took down the Tin Soldiers that were holding Clara and appeared right beside her must to Sugarplum’s surprise.
“Save yourself the trouble, traitor!” Philip called to her, “It’s all over. Most of your guards are too busy for you.”
“Yer pretty much outnumbered here!” Applejack called out.
“We can do this the easy way, or the hard way!” Rainbow pounded her hooves.
“Sugarplum, this madness must stop! This isn’t what my mother wanted, nor for any of us!” Clara spoke in sympathy.
“Us?” Sugarplum spoke in anger and sympathy, “Clara, your mother left us! She left you too!”
“No. She left me everything I needed, my family and my friends. I’m not alone. Sugarplum, we are not alone,” Clara motioned her friends in support.
“Your right,” Sugarplum almost came to her sense before spoke angrily and again sympathy, “I have my big army to protect me! No one will ever hurt me again!!”
“Sugarplum, I know you’re angry, hurt and scared,” Twilight spoke in sympathy, “We understand where you’re coming from. We don’t have this. You can still do the right thing.”
“Listen to them, Sugarplum,” Mother Ginger called, “Don’t you remember our promise and oath we made for Queen Marie? This isn’t what she wanted for the Realms!”
“NO!” Sugarplum shouted, “A true queen does best for herself!” She pushed the button as the Engine was starting to charge up. Mother Ginger felt like it was the end shut her eyes.
“No,” Clara spoke, “A true queen does best for her subjects.”
Suddenly the Engine started to shift from Mother Ginger and aiming to where Sugarplum was standing.
Shocked at this move, Sugarplum turned to Clara, “Clara! What have you done?!?!”
“I’ll tell you what she’s done,” Chet spoke before he made a pun, “Doing what’s right for the citizens of the Realms, turning the tables on you and made you.....a SHRINK!!!”
With that the Engine fired at Sugarplum.
“NOOOOOOOO!?!?!?!?!?” Sugarplum shouted, as she started to shrink down to toy size. She dropped to ground as her life was taken away.
Afterwards, all the Tin Soldiers in the Engine room started to drop down to the ground as they too lost there lives, They became lifeless toys again.
All around the palace as the Polichinelles were fighting the Tin Soldiers, they noticed that the Tin Soldiers were falling flat on their backs, becoming lifeless toys again. The Polichinelles cheered as they spoke “They did it! They did it!” several times.
Back in the Fourth Realm, all the Tin Soldiers what were fighting the Mouse King and the mouse minion, started to loose their lives and they fell to the ground as well. By that result all the mice rejoiced at their victory as they lifted Mouserinks and Ratsputtle for their bravery and leadership to all the mice.
Clara and the ponies went upstairs to the Platform middle where Mother Ginger was sitting.
The two embraced feeling a sigh of relief that the nightmare and the war was finally over.
Mother Ginger then looked at the group.
“And well done to all of you,” Mother Ginger spoke in pride, “You’ve all fought valiantly to save the Realms. You’ve all made an old tyrant very very happy.”
The group feeling great on the accomplishment as they cheered and savior their victory.
“Made you a shrink!” Rainbow started to laugh, “Nice pun intended Chet!”
“Yeah I know,” Chet snickered, “Thanks.”
“That’s most funniest pun I have ever darn heard!” Applejack snorted.
“Yeah,” Spike chuckled as he laid on the floor continuing to laugh
“Oh my I need to calm myself before I faint,” Rarity spoke before feeling the need to.
The whole group continued to laugh and giggle but then started calm down and chatted over all that had happened today.
“So, now that Sugarplum is stopped, what are we going to do with her?” Fluttershy asked as they group looked back at the Engine control.
“Oh I have a something in mind,” Wiser started to think of an idea. As he flew over to pick up the lifeless Sugarplum with his talons.
“But any-who, first things first. Let’s get Mother Ginger untied,” Twilight spoke as Clara and Chet began to loosen up the whip around Mother Ginger.
Mother Ginger got up and spoke, “I believe now is the time to restore order to the Realms and arrange a grand celebration for the War finally ended.”
The group cheered and liking the idea.
“I will announce the arrangements at once,” Philip spoke as the group began to take their leave up back the palace.
“I can help with that too Philip!!” Pinkie cheered, “Oooo I’m so excited. I’m also so nervicited!!”
“Again, Pinkie, not sure that’s even a real word,” Applejack rolled her eyes.
“This is gonna be so awesome!!” Rainbow hovered over the group.
“You bet it will be!” Spike few around with Rainbow.
“I’m hoping Mouserinks, Ratsputtle and all the mice will join us,” Fluttershy hoping.
“Indeed, my dear,” Mother Ginger replied, “After their services, I will see to it that they are welcomed with open arms.”
“Oh, I must simply bring out other gowns I brought for each of us. And perhaps design a gown for you Mother Ginger,” Rarity suggested, “No offense, I do admire the wear you have on, but I’m afraid it won’t due for the gran celebration.”
“Quite right, Miss Rarity,” Mother Ginger saw her point, “I do feel like I’ve worn them too long. I shall leave that to you for help saving the realms.”
The group laughed as they continued upstairs as they then prepare to start the celebration.
With the war finally over, all the residents of all the kingdom were united and together once more. All gathered at the Palace to help prepare the Grand Celebration. The news of this were spread all over, further from the kingdom as more came to embrace the moment.
Up near the Palace view terrace, Clara was wearing another on of her ball gowns, with the help of Rarity of course. She stood in front of her window waiting for the others while reflected on all that has happened. She wore at bottom of the gown alight pink dress with pearls and sparkles, top part light purple with sparkles, a wide white neck viser on back of her shoulders, a beautiful white crown, her hair little curled with pearls ribbons and sparkles, finally wearing around her neck was her mother’s special key.
Few moments later, she then saw Chet, Princess Twilight, and the others come in all dressed up in their outfits all ready for the festivities to begin as well. Chet Wiser and Spike each had on another dress suite with colorful bow ties, both similar to Grand Galloping Gala. And the girls they wore their outfits from the moment when Twilight was first crowned Princess. Around Twilight’s neck was her key gift from Starswirl. They too all reflected with Clara over all that has happened.
“Clara, darling, I just want to say how absolutely proud we are of you,” Rarity spoke.
“Much as you showing your strength from your friends by your side,” Applejack added
“Yeah you were awesome down there!” Rainbow commended.
“You really brought the happiness and smiles to all of the Kingdom!” Pinkie jumped up and down in joy.
“We couldn’t even be more happy for u bringing kindness back to all the Realms,” Fluttershy smiled.
“You’ve shown courage, sacrifice and loyalty to the Kingdom every sophistication and qualifications of what a true friend does for others,” Twilight spoke, “And we are proud to be friends with you.”
“As are we,” Chet put his arm around Wise as they both smiled.
Clara smiled brightly, “I should be the one to thank all of you. I wouldn’t be able to retrieve my key and save all the Realms if not for all of you. I’m also very proud to have you all as my friends.”
The group all gather round Clara for a big group embrace, just before Philip and Regents came in with their outfits on. Philip remained his usually wear but has a creamy yellow and pink stash with a medal of honor, Shiver and Hawthorn had their outfits from before, and Mother Ginger
“Everyone, we owe you all a debt of gratitude,” Shiver began.
“All the Kingdoms are united as well as reinstated the Fourth Realm as the Land of Amusements,” Hawthorn proudly spoke.
“Hey you finally said the name!!” Pinkie bounced in joy.
“And order has been restored as well,” Mother Ginger came in dressed up in her original true form before she was banished. She wore her big red dress gown, red pearl earrings, and her hair was all bunched up. She came to towards Clara and offered her hands to her.
Clara accepted them with her own, “All of this could’ve been avoided if I have just listened to you from the beginning Mother Ginger.”
“The same for us,” Twilight spoke, “We’re really sorry for thinking that you were behind this mess.”
The group nodded in agreement feeling a little sympathy.
“Yes. Apologies for the whole charging in your Realm deal,” Chet apologized.
“Oh it’s not any of your fault my dears. No one else believed me either,” Mother Ginger assured the group before giving a look to Shiver and Hawthorn whom looked a little embarrassed. She then turned back to Clara, “You’re mother would be very proud of what you have done for the Kingdom, wherever she may be.”
Mother Ginger then turned to Philip and Wiser and spoke, “Captain Nutcracker, as soon as the festivities are done, would you escort Clara, Twilight, Chetgeki and their friends back to their homes and in return you shall proceed with your new post as ‘Captain of the Guards!’ As for you oh brave Wiser, when you also return back here you shall have your new role as the Court Chancellor!”
The group gasped in excitement for the two’s new places of the Kingdom.
“I accept the new role your grace,” Philip spoke in pride.
“It would be an honor your excellency,” Wiser bowed to Mother Ginger.
The group came up to the two congratulating them.
Clara then spoke to Philip, “But what about your bridge?”
“Well, I think I will miss it. Besides I’m not alone anymore, I have friends now,” Philip motioned to both Mouserinks and Ratsputtle whom were on his shoulders and nuzzling him on the cheek, and to Wiser as he put his arm around him. Wiser smiled.
“Wiser,” Twilight began, “None of this was ever possible if you haven’t given the key to Starswirl who then gave to me. We couldn’t have save the Kingdom without you,” she then went over and embraced the old owl. He returned the favor and was soon found being embraced by the rest of the girls and Spike.
Chet came to him, “I must admit, you really have shown honor and loyalty out there,” he offered his hand as Wiser then accepted it and shook on it.
“The honor of experiencing this with all of you is quite all mine,” Wiser stated.
“There is one thing that still puzzles me,” Twilight spoke, “Wiser what exactly did you do with Sugarplum?”
“Oh my dear. She will be doing her time in the toy box to think long and hard over her actions. Until such a time when she is ready to return,” Wiser explained, “In meantime however, the Land of Sweets will be under new regent. May I introduce to you all Sugarplum’s sister, Sweetie Gumdrops.”
Entered the room was Sweetie Gumdrops, almost identical to Sugarplum but a slight change. She wore a more colorful gown with all colors showing in rows, Her hair was too made of of cotton candy but was in color white magenta and also have gumdrop jujubes all over, even on her gown.
“Hello, everyone. I am Sweetie Gumdrops, sister to Sugarplum. It is an honor to finally meet the saviors of the Four Realms,” Sweetie Gumdrops introduced herself before bowing, “I simply must apologize for my sister’s behavior and action. She was all so needy, no matter toy or life. I assure you that as regent I will do my best to protect my land at all cost as well for all the other lands.”
“The honor is all ours, Sweetie Gumdrops,” Clara bowed in returned as did the others.
Just then a servant entered and announced, “Your majesties and honored guests. It is time.”
The group nodded in response as the servant took his leave.
“Well then, it is time to put on a show and proceed with the festivities,” Shiver spoke as the group then began to head to the terrace deck.
The trumpets sound as the regents with addition of Sweetie Gumdrops entered for all the crowd to see, followed by Philip, Wiser, Spike, Chet, Twilight and the girls. Finally Clara entered as the crowd continued cheering over their saviors of Realms from all over.
Later on that day, the Grand Party was commencing with dancers dancing all over the dance floor. One by one all the delights of the land in turn shared their dances and with their own music number. The group decided to join in on the action as well.
From the Spanish Hot Chocolate. The music entered in such great beat and the dance was in full swing. In such grace, Chet, Twilight, Rarity, and Spike all jumped in and tap danced through the music rhythm. They finished with ease by the time the music stopped.
Next was the Arabian Coffee as in the dancer herself. Slow, soothing music played with addition of the chime bells in between the rhythm. Rarity in fascination of the Arabic dance decided to join in and dance the routine. Not wanting to go alone, she had Spike dance with her, much to Spike liking the idea of dancing close to his lover.
The third was the Chinese Tea, involving two China Girls dancers with fans, a China Man dancer and a Chinese Dragon. The three dance in a much honor fashioned. Chet intrigued with the Male dancer with his sword jumped in and drew out his sword as part of the act. Spike in fascination of the Chinese Dragon had to get in on the action with the two breath fire as part of the dance act.
Up next was the Russian Trepak Trios. Alot of kicking and arms crossed occurred during this routine. Rainbow, Applejack and Chet got a kick out of that dance as well while shouting “Hey” multiple times until the dance stopped.
Following next was to Marzipan and her Shepard girls. Their dance started slow with the flute sound and the dance all tippy toed in such grace and danced elegantly. Twilight and the girls in such move and mesmerized by the harmonic tune, joined in and danced in harmony.
Next was Mother Ginger’s Polichinelle Clowns. The clowns as usual rolled on in and being silly in their number. Pinkie getting all excited decide to hop in and danced around with the clowns as she wished. It ended when all the clowns rolled in and crashed into each other as part of their act. This in turn had everyone laughing at that entertainment, even Pinkie.
The next to last was Hawthorn with his Garland of Flowers. Much pedals spread all around and such elegance shown from the flower dancers. Fluttershy in fascination of the Flower dance decided to hop in and share her dance of the flowers, much to her being shy of everyone watching. Luckily, Mouserinks and Ratsputtle were with her to keep her calm and confident.
Finally for the grand finale, the music number Pas De Lux started to play as Clara and Philip entered and began dancing close together in such grace. Watching from the audience, Chet felt like he should share this with another. He looked at Twilight and decided to move in. He was a bit nervous and blushing at first but had to courage to nudge her and motioned her to this dance. Twilight caught on his move, smiled, giggled, blushed, and nodded her head yes. Chet then offer his hand as Twilight placed her hoof on his as the two proceeded tot he dance floor and danced right next to Clara and Philip. Spike and rarity noticed and decided to join it follow by the rest of the girls and Wiser as they all danced closely next to each other sharing the grand beat together. By the end of the music, the crowd appalled and cheered as they all continued to enjoy the rest of the celebration before the sun began to set.
After the grand celebration ended, Clara, wearing her same gown from Godfather’s party, Chet wearing his normal clothing, Twilight and the rest of the group said their farewells to the regents and set off through the Land of Amusements, and crossing the bridge to the Christmas Tree Forrest once again escorted by Philip, his horse Jingles, and Wiser. As they got to the other end of the bridge they soon came to noticed stuck inside the post were the two knucklehead guards, Harley Quinn and Caviler.
“Your majesties and friends,” Caviler shivered as he bowed, “And Brave Captain Nutcracker.”
“It is an honor to be serving at your post,” Harely Quinn shivering up in the cold as he and Caviler saluted.
“Keep up the good work men,” Philip saluted them as the group giggled and snickered before heading further into the woods.
With the group gone, Caviler spoke to Harley, “Alright on three. One….Two…Three!!”
Then the two tried a shard as they could to get out of the post they were squeezed in together but to no avail they remained where they are.
“Stop! stop!” Harley almost out of breath, “This isn’t working.”
“I’ll say it isn’t. You’ve really put on weight!” Caviler insulted.
“Me? You’re one to talk! For eating too much pound cakes!” Harley Quinn responded and suddenly felt a sneeze coming and accidentally sneezed on Caviler.
“Auuuuggghh! Next time just say it, not spray it!” Caviler spoke in disgust. The kept on arguing through their cold time in the bridge post.
Meanwhile the group arrived at the tree root hole where Clara told where she came from. She turned to her friends.
“I’m afraid this is where we must part ways,” Clara spoke as she looked at each of the group, “I simply can’t thank you all enough for all that you’ve done in helping me see this whole thing through.”
“We’re glad to have met you Princess Clara Stallabaum and to share this adventure in the Four Realms,” Twilight spoke with a wink as the group smiled.
Clara then went to each of the group, embracing and saying their goodbyes. Each of them were shedding tears, but they were joy. Clara then came to Wiser. The old stood in hesitation for a moment before speaking.
“It..was certainly…an honor to watch over you, Miss Clara,” Wiser held out his feather hand. But to his surprise he was taken aback by Clara embracing him and pecked his feathered cheek.
“You’ve done beautifully in watching over me. I will be sure to tell Godfather where you are and that you are safe and happy with your new position,” Clara assured Wiser whom smiled.
Clara came to Twilight and hugged her, both were in tears.
“It’s been an honor to have a pony princess for a friend,” Clara spoke, “Thank you for helping me see the light in my heart.”
“The same with having another Princess for a friend as well,” Twilight replied, “And the feeling is mutual. I wish you a Merry Christmas to you and your family in your world.”
Clara replied, “A Happy Heartwarming to you as well.”
Clara then came to Chet as they both smiled at each other and embraced.
“I want to thank you for understanding my situation and for believing in me,” Clara spoke as she then pecked Chet on the cheek.
Chet feeling blushed replied, “It was nothing really. I too want to thank you for understanding as well on my end.”
Finally Clara turned to Philip. The two eyed on each other for a bit before one of them spoke.
“Please come back to Realms one day,” Philip spoke.
“Of course I will,” Clara responded as she then took Philips hands and held on to them, “Maybe one day you will visit my world and meet my family.”
“Are they like you?” Phillip asked.
“They are different, but you would surely love them,” Clara responded.
Standing on Philip’s shoulder were Mouserinks and Ratsputtle, as they were waving goodbye to Clara. She smiled and used her fingers to rub on the mice’s head and backs.
“I will miss you two as well,” Clara spoke, “Take care of each other, all three of you.”
The two mice nodded as they once again nuzzled with Philip.
Philip hesitated for a moment before speaking again, “I’m going to miss you.”
“I will miss you too,” Clara spoke in return as she shared her words of wisdom, “When you think of the ones you miss, they don’t forget you. They remember you and have you find a way to smile when you see them again.”
“Truer words were never spoken,” Chet spoke as the group agreed.
Philip smiled a bit before saying, “Goodbye Clara.”
“Goodbye Philip,” Clara responded as she began to go in the tree stump. She stopped and paused for a moment. Then taken by the group surprise, Clara turned, rushed to Philip, and embraced him tightly.
“I’ll really miss you most of all!” Clara spoke as she then placed a hidden kiss onto Philip’s lips, much to his surprise.
The girls cooed and awed at this response.
“What just happen here?” Spike asked in confusion.
Chet placed his hand around Spike and spoke, “That my friend is a fellow warrior fallen victim to a True Love’s Kiss.”
“Yes. Quite right,” Wiser agreed.
After they broke, they smiled and giggled as Clara started to head through the tree stump. She waved farewell to her friends and then disappeared into the darkness. With that the group journey back to the area where they first arrived to the Christmas Tree Forrest.
By the time they arrived at the spot, the group looked around.
“Uh, just where exactly is the portal?” Rainbow asked as she hovered around.
“I’m not sure how actually,” Twilight began to ponder, “When we used the key on the keyhole of the main door of my castle, it opened the gateway to this place. But I don’t see any keyholes around here.”
“Oooo, maybe we just need to say the secret magic word to open the portal,” Pinkie suggested as she started to guess, “Let’s seem um Abracadabra! No no um Hocus Pocus! Um Open Sesame? Wigglawama Ding Dong?”
“Darling, I’m not quite sure if that obviously would work,” Rarity spoke.
“I believe there is another option Twilight,” Wiser began, “All you must do is touch the key and think of home. Only then will the gateway open.”
“It’s worth a shot,” Twilight, then placed her hood on her key and then thought of home in Equestria. Suddenly by surprise the key glowed and fired a beam toward a hug pine tree trunk and thus created a portal.
The group was then amazed at this phenomenal.
“Heh heh well by golly,” Applejack chuckled.
“Our ticket way home!” Rainbow shouted.
The group then turned to Philip and Wiser as they then said their goodbyes with hugs and tears of joy all around. One by one they each stepped through the portal.
Rarity still in tears running down her mascara, embraced Philip, “Adieu Captain and thank you for not leaving our side to the end.”
“Adieu to you Miss Rarity,” Philip took her hoof and placed a kiss on it, thus made Rarity giggle. She then step through the portal.
Fluttershy flew up to Philip’s shoulder where the two mice are and rubbed their little heads, “Take care you two and thank you both for helping us at the end.”
The mice squeaked as they nuzzled with Fluttershy. She then spoke to Philip, “Please watch out for them.”
“You have my word, Miss Fluttershy,” Philip replied as the two embraced each other. She then stepped through the portal.
Twilight walked to Philip and Wiser and embraced them both.
“Thank you for everything you two,” Twilight spoke, “It’s something I’ll never forget.”
“Neither will we your highness,” Wiser bowed as he said his farewell.
“And I’ll be sure to tell Starswirl you said hello as an old friend,” Twilight assured.
“That would please me much Princess,” Wiser smiled.
“Take care of yourself. Until we meet again, Princess of Friendship,” Philip bowed as Twilight returned the favor. She then went to the portal and stood waiting before entering.
Chet was the last one to say his goodbye as he offered his hands to Philip and Wiser. The two took them and shook on it.
“Take care you all,” Chet spoke as he bowed, “And Wiser thank you for your aid in the end. You were of great help to our cause my fine feathered friend.”
“Oh, it was the least I could do for you all,” Wiser smiled and bowed in return, “I hope one day we might come visit you in Equestria.”
Chet spoke again, “Perhaps one day if fate allows it, then we will return to the Realms for a visit.”
“We hope so as well, my friend,” Wiser responded.
“Yes indeed. It was an honor fighting by your side Master Chetgeki,” Philip spoke, “One swordsman to another.”
“The honor is all mine, Captain Nutcracker,” Chet responded as he saluted to him as Philip returned the favor.
Chet then went over to Twilight and the two step through the portal before it closed.
With that Philip and Wiser with Mouserinks and Ratsputtle went back through the Christmas Tree Forrest and the Land of Amusements alone as they return to the Palace to their new positions for the Kingdom.
Back in Twilight’s Castle Equestria, all seem quiet until the main door entrance of the castle magically opened with the portal showing as each of the group stepped out of it. They each shown their happiness of being home again while taking noticed that nothing has changed since they left with all Hearthswarming decorations still hanging, Chet’s coat still hanging and Twilight’s gift still unwrapped and opened.
“Ah home sweet home,” Rainbow hovered.
“Heh heh, right where we left everything,” Applejack chuckled.
“Oh it feels so wonderful to be home again,” Rarity sighed heavenly.
“Yeah and check it out,” Spike flew over to Twilight's grandfather clock and nothing the time, “Its just about nine. It was like seven thirty or eight when we left. Double awesome!”
“Remember what the regents told us,” Twilight began, “Time in the Realms moved faster that in our worlds.”
“Yeah but hey come on we still got Hearthswarming to celebrate!! Whose up for some warm Apple Cider!! They’re on me!!” Rainbow cheered in excitement as she then zipped on over to Twilight’s kitchen to start making some.
“Hey you can’t make any without me here, Rainbow!” Applejack raced on over to Rainbow.
The rest of the group laughed as they then started to head over the same direction to join in. However Chet kept back a little and started to head off to the balcony. As he stood leaning against the balcony rail outside gazing over the view of Ponyville covered with snow and the town still decked out with lights and tree decorated, he pondered and reflected on everything that has happened. Even thought about his mother and father as he looked up in the sky. He was at that state for a moment until he heard something coming from behind.
“Bits for your thoughts, Chet?” called a voice who was none other that Twilight.
“Oh Twilight, I was just.,.” Chet hesitated before he was interrupted.
“Thinking about your parents,” Twilight spoke as she walked towards him and leaned up against the rail, “I know that look on any pony else when they’re feeling like that.”
“Alright, yeah I was,” Chet admitted, “I suppose still in me, part of me still wishes they were hear and witnessed all we went through together.”
“I know. But you know they are watching you from the great beyond no matter where you go or what you do,” Twilight explained and reminded, “But it was like you said before, ‘Every Cloud has a Silver Lining.’”
“I remember,” Chet spoke as he then put his arm around Twilight, “And I am grateful that I have you and your friends to have me be part of your friendship family.”
Twilight smiled as she wrapped her arms around Chet embracing in during the snowy Heartwarming night.
“I wonder how things are going with Clara and her father,” Twilight pondered on another matter.
“Yeah, so am I,” Chet shared his thought.
Suddenly, out of no where and taken by surprise of the two, Twilight’s key started to glow and then blasted into thin air opening up what seem to be a screenplay or window and what they have seen was Clara and her Father embracing and reconciling with each other. The two then started to dance along with the music from Clara’s music box gift. Not long until Clara’s older sister and younger brother, Louise and Fritz approached and joined in the dance.
“Well I’ll be,” Chet spoke as he put his arm around Twilight once more, “It looks like the bond between the two is much stronger than ever.”
“Yeah, I almost feeling like crying over this beautiful moment,” Twilight’s eyes filled up with tears as she huddled close to Chet and warped her arm around him as well.
The two then watched the screen playing through as they noticed the rest of the group coming in and watching the dance number play through. They all were in awe and astounded that Clara has a happy ending after all. It was a while until the screenplay faded away and the group decided to head back inside and enjoy the rest of the evening with their planned party before deciding to sleep and look forward to the next morning when the real event begins, with the spirit of giving tradition continues on as do all who truly believe in the spirits of both Hearthswarming and Christmas.
A Happy Hearthswarming and a Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!
