> Spike's Omnitrix
>  by JSan82
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> And So It Begins
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Within the depths of space, right near a planet known as Jupiter, there is a cruiser carrying precious cargo. Then, there is a ship much larger shooting laser cannons and missiles at the intended target. The one responsible for the raid is nonother than Vilgax. 

Vilgax is a humanoid creature with a face resembling that of an octopus. He has tentacles dangling in the front of his face, like a beard. His skin is pale-green with yellowish spots on his face and tentacles; He doesn't have a nose or a visible ear. He has red eyes. He wears a black and red-brownish armored suit and gloves; His armor is spiked at the shoulder and arm pads. He has green sacs on the sides of his head. His mouth was attached to the sacs by a respirator.

Vilgax is an intergalactic alien warlord and conqueror seeking to obtain the Omnitrix. The Omnitrix is a weapon with advanced technology to turn into other alien species across the cosmos. Vilgax intends to use the Omnitrix to create an unstoppable army to plague galaxies for his conquest. 

The ship getting bombarded by Vilgax's cruiser belongs to Xylene. Xylene's spaceship is shaped in a very peculiar manner, being mostly horizontal but with a ring surrounding the back of the ship, seemingly acting both as thrusters and landing gear. It is navy blue, with some components being green.

Xylene is in charge of delivering the Omnitrix to its destination. She knew that Vilgax would attempt to steal the Omnitrix but won't go down without a fight. She commands her crew to deploy lasers and shields to protect the Omnitrix from the clutches of a tyrant. 

Xylene has mint green skin, with two tentacles on her head and one on her lower back. She has four long fingers and ankles that bend inward; Her feet have three claw-like toes, two pointing forwards and one pointing backward. Xylene also wears a tight blue jumpsuit.

Vilgax sits on his throne in the command station of his cruiser, known as the Chimeran Hammer. It's a legendary battle cruiser that's greatly feared by many in the cosmos. The Chimeran Hammer is an immense ship brown with orange egg-like constructs all around, used to accent the body and some used as portholes. Shape-wise, it resembles an Earth taser, with two long extended pieces constantly generating orange electricity between them. Its back end features a propulsion system that resembles wires holding a ball of red energy.

Within Chimeran Hammer, Vilgax commands a robotic army since robots do not hold emotions. Robots would not question his command or be afraid since Vilgax is largely feared. Vilgax's minions are known as Bioids. Bioids are robotic humanoids that are black and orange. 

Xylene's spaceship shoots lasers, damaging the Chimeran Hammer. The Bioids report that their ship has sustained damage. 

"I have come too far to be denied. The Omnitrix shall be mine!" Vilgax proclaims. He feels destined to wield its power for his gain. "There is not a being in the galaxy that dares stand in my way!" Vilgax slams his arm on the throne's armrest. 

A crew of Xylene's ship confirms critical damage taken by Chimeran Hammer. Her ship will not withstand another attack. Chimeran Hammer continues to bombard Xylene's spaceship with heavy artillery. 

A Bioid sees the backends of Xylene's spaceship getting blown up by a laser strike. "Their propulsion systems have been destroyed."

"Prepare to board. I want the Omnitrix now!" Vilgax commands. 

"Xylene! We lost control!" Xylene's crew reports to her after receiving mass damage.

"Prepare to deploy the Omnitrix in the probe and wait for my signal to launch it!" Xylene commands. She would rather have the Omnitrix in a distant part of the galaxy than in Vilgax's grasp. 

"Yes, Ma'am!" Xylene's crewmates shout, getting the Omnitrix in the probe launcher. 

"Fire at the head of Chimeran Hammer!" Xylene commands, knowing it'll slow Vilgax's possible boarding on her ship. 

Xylene's crew retaliates with a laser strike, hitting the command station of Chimeran Hammer. Vilgax took massive damage from the blow. The lower half of his body is gone, rendering him helpless. The Bioids rush to their master and carry the remains of Vilgax into a healing tube. With Chimeran Hammer in smokes, it shoots another laser, destroying half of Xylene's ship. 

"Damn it!" Xylene knows it's only a matter of time before the boarding process commences. "Launching probe now!" She hits a button to activate the sequence. She sighs in relief, hoping the Omnitrix is safe from evil intentions. 

It's a beautiful day in the lands of Equestria. Spike overhears Twilight going camping with all of her friends. All except him. Spike wished to go camping and spend time with Twilight and the others. However. Twilight had ignored Spike and was oblivious to his feelings. 

"I've never done anything but work with Twilight. I wish I could do more than work all the damn time!" Spike frustratedly shouts. It's good that no one is around to hear his cries of anger. "I want to experience the life of camping!" Spike contemplates a bit. He's deciding whether to go alone or go with friends. 

An hour after putting much thought, Spike decided to go camping alone. With Empress Ember and Thorax busy ruling their kingdoms and Smolder spending quality time with her friends, Spike doesn't have much to ask. He thought about Discord, but he would cause chaos and ruin his first camping experience. Big McIntosh would refuse since no one else would attend Sweet Apple Acres since Applejack is going with Twilight and the others. 

Spike is packing up for three days and two nights. He'll leave a note for Twilight stating that Princess Celestia has summoned him for private affairs. Spike needs a good cover story so Twilight won't pop in and teleport him back to the castle, though he feels a little discouraged to lie. However, when has Twilight spent any time with him when she was free? Only with Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash. 

After another hour, Spike is ready to embark on his camping trip in solitude. He sees that the sun is setting. With a map in his claw, Spike reads it and takes flight. 

"If I remember correctly, Twilight wanted to take her friends to the Tree of Harmony. So, for my camping trip to go undisturbed, I need to be away from the Tree of Harmony. Anywhere near a river will do." 

Spike flies past the Everfree Forest and turns away from the glance of the Castle of the Two Sisters. His instincts are to go to Twilight, but she made a list specifically for her friends, not him. Spike is used to being alone from all the times Twilight went on her adventures and outgoings, so for the next three days, it'll be a norm for him. Spike sees the perfect spot for him to pitch a tent. A vast space with trees circling the area. He sees the river not far, which will be perfect for him to fish. 

Spike lands in the middle of the vast space and unloads his backpack. He pitches his tent while humming a song, he thought. Half an hour later, Spike finishes pitching his tent. He sees the beautiful night skies that Princess Luna conjured after raising the moon. Spike smiles widely, but it slowly fades. With no friends to embrace the night sky with him, the feeling becomes dread, like he's alone in the castle. 

"No!" Spike shrugs the uneasy feeling. "I'm here to have fun, and that's all I'm having!" Spike's stomach growls. "Oh, right. I skipped lunch with the feeling of being left out on a camping experience," Spike reaches for a bag of trail mix he made back at the castle. It consists of peanuts, berries, and small gemstones. 

Spike is sitting on the ground looking up, wondering about his future with Princess Twilight Sparkle. "Will I continue to be her assistant forever? Is that all I'm going to be? Sure. I am a hero at the Crystal Empire, but Twilight doesn't take me with her there. She takes her friends but leaves me behind..," Spike sheds a tear. "Am I not her friend or just an assistant? I wish I could be more than an assistant. I wish I had a calling in life than being a helper to the Princess who gets left behind! I want destiny to call on me! I want to embrace a life of adventure that is for me!" Spike shouts since no one is around to hear him. 

After shouting, Spike calms down. "I wish to embrace a new adventure with friends I can call upon..," Spike looks up to see a shooting star. It's orange with a trail of smoke. "Whoa, it's a shooting star. I wonder if it'll grant my wish!" Then the shooting star redirects itself, causing it to come straight at Spike. "Crud!" Spike gets up and moves out of the way. He jumps right before the shooting star crash; Spike pants heavily and wonders why a shooting star would change course after a glimpse of its' beauty. 

Spike gets up after seeing the crash landing of the shooting star. It created a crater and wiped out several trees. Spike gets closer and feasts his eyes on a metallic sphere. While standing near the small hole, the ground collapses, causing Spike to fall. 

"What is that thing?" Spike gets closer to the sphere and backs away when it opens. Inside, a green light shines. Spike walks closer to inspect what's inside. "A watch?" The watch looks like a large wristwatch, primarily black and grey, with a grey or black dial in the middle, which has a green hourglass shape. It has a circular tube. "Cool watch," Spike reaches for it. That's when the watch attaches itself to Spike's left arm. "Whoa, this is freaky!" Spike panics and tries to shake it off but to no avail. "Get off of me! Get off of me!" Spike tries several times and gives up. 

Spike flies out of the crater and sits on the ground. He feels and observes the watch latched onto him. "Wow, I guess you answered my call, huh?" Spike talks to the watch. "You and I are intertwined now. That means an adventure is about to take place. The question is, what happens next?" Spike ponders a bit. "Hmm, what do you do exactly, my new friend?" Spike twists the watch, which triggers the faceplate to rise, revealing a silhouette of an unknown creature. "Wow, that looks cool. I wonder what will happen if I press down on it," Spike presses the faceplate back down. "Gah!" A green flash bursts.

Spike feels his scales transforming immediately. Spike's body is composed of a super hot inner plasma covered by dark reddish-brown volcanic rocks. His body radiates high amounts of heat. His feet have a slight oval-like design with only two toes and one back toe. His tongue is also made of fire while his collarbone resembles a volcano which generates a fiery hair that covers his head, leaving his mask-like face visible with no nose or ears. The hourglass insignia of the watch is placed on the center of Spike's body. He appears to be six foot two inches tall. 

"Wow," Spike looks at his arms. One thing about being a dragon is getting used to extreme heat, but judging from his new physique. Spike is literally made of fire. "I wonder what I can do with this new form," Spike sees his hands yellow-orange with four fingers. He looks at a tree. "Time to test out my new abilities!" Spike sticks out his index finger and shoots a flaming bullet at a tree branch, blowing it off. "AWESOME!" Spike does a fist pump. "Let's see what else I can do!" Spike claps his hands and forges a fireball. His excitement gets the better of him; He throws it at several trees. "Yeah! Watch it burn!" Spike realizes his mistake. "Uh oh," Spike inadvertently causes a forest fire. "Not good! Not good! Not good!" Spike rushes into the forest fire and tries to stomp the fire on the ground. It creates more of a spark. "Aw, crap!" Spike grabs the back of his head. More trees burn as branches fall apart. "What to do?! What to do?!" The fire continues to spread. "I'm going to be in so much trouble!" 

Twilight Sparkle and her friends had a rough day traveling into the forest. It was like their friendship was getting tested along the way. They arrive at the campsite to see it destroyed. Twilight groans a bit after everything she and her friends endured. Pinkie, on the other hoof, laughs it off. 

"This was the WORST. DAY. EVER!" Pinkie smiles in glee. 

Twilight, Starlight, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie laugh in unison. 

"C'mon, every pony. We can fix this campsite in no time," Starlight encouragingly says. 

"Spoken like a true camper," Applejack said. She's impressed with Starlight for embracing the greatness of camping. 

"Eh, don't push it," Starlight says. She's still not in favor of camping but is to spend time with her friends. 

Many birds chirp in fear which catches Fluttershy's attention. The birds see Fluttershy and alarm her of a forest fire happening not far from them. 

"Fluttershy, what's wrong?" Twilight asks. She sees the worry written on Fluttershy's face.

"There's a forest fire happening as we speak!" Fluttershy shouts in horror.

"WHAT?!" The rest of the girls freaked out. Then they see smoke coming from the skies. 

"Rainbow, gather as many clouds as to put out the forest fire!" Twilight commands. 

"On it!" Rainbow Dash zooms off, locating the nearest clouds to gather. 

"Starlight, I want you to come with me. We're going to create a barrier to ensure that the forest fire doesn't spread," Twilight said. "The rest of you help Fluttershy and escort the animals away from the fire!"

"Right, let's go!" The girls shout in unison. It's time to save the night. 

Twilight, Starlight, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Rarity gallop toward the direction of the forest fire. Meanwhile, Spike is figuring out the best solution to wipe out the forest fire. 

"Since water is not an option, I wonder if starting a new fire would cancel each other out," Spike takes a deep breath. He hopes that his theory is correct. Otherwise, the fire would be too much to handle. 

Spike runs off to the other side of the forest fire, where he believes it'll be a good position to start a new one. Once he's in the clear, the sounds of running hooves become louder. 

"Uh, oh," Spike looks back to see Twilight and Starlight coming near. 

"Twilight!" Starlight stops herself from crashing into Spike. "WHAT IS THAT THING?!" Starlight is terrified by Spike's new form. 

"It's going to be obliterated in the next second!" Twilight ignites her horn, preparing herself to vaporize Spike. 

"Twilight! Stop! It's me, Spike!" Spike shouts. 

Twilight is confused. The creature towering over her does not sound like Spike. The creature's voice sounds deep and raspy.

"Spike?" Now Starlight is confused. Yet again, Spike will never hurt any friend of his. "Prove it."

"Twilight put a curse on her plush, Miss Smarty Pants, to force a friendship problem so she can solve it," Spike replies. He laughs a bit, seeing Starlight's shocked face with her jaw hanging. 

Twilight steps forward. "It is you..," Then a spark enrages her. "What's the meaning of this!? Why are you out here?! Why do you look like that?! YOU HAVE A LOT OF EXPLAINING TO DO, YOUNG DRAGON!" Twilight is infuriated. A top of a tree burns off. It's about to plummet on Twilight and Starlight when Spike punches it, incinerating it. She and Starlight are dumbfounded by Spike's new power. 

"We'll talk later!" Spike said. He urges Twilight and Starlight to flee before getting choked up by the smoke.

Starlight snaps out of her trance. "Spike, start a new fire and let it burn into the old fire. They'll snuff each other out. Think you can do it, Spike?"

"Shooting flames? I can definitely do that," Spike runs away to get breathing room from the flames.

"You think that will work?" Twilight asks Starlight. She's worried about the fires expanding more when they collide. 

"I read a manual about fire safety and protocols. I know what I'm talking about, Twilight," Starlight replies.

Spike stops at the other side of the forest fire when he sees Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie galloping. They gasp in horror and believe he's the reason why there is a fire judging from the outlook. 

"What in tarnation?" Applejack is perplexed about seeing a new creature existing. 

"What a wretched beast!" Rarity shouts in disgust. 

"He's hot!" Pinkie Pie laughs at her pun.

"It's me, Spike! Watch this!" Spike extends his arm, shooting a heat wave at the trees in front of him. 

Rainbow Dash returns with the clouds to witness the fires clashing with each other. Rainbow Dash watches how the fires get snuffed out in amazement. "That was the coolest thing I saw today," Rainbow Dash looks down at the fiery monster. "That's twenty percent cooler 'cause I get to fight a monster!" Rainbow Dash flaps her wings and soars down to tackle the demon.

"Rainbow, stop!" Starlight sees Rainbow Dash about to collide with Spike. Using her magic, she withheld Rainbow Dash from the impact.

"Hey, what was that for?!" Rainbow Dash is livid that she can't beat up the monster. 

"Rainbow, it's me, Spike," Spike said. 

"Spike?" Rainbow Dash is confused. She knows this creature is lying from the tone of his voice.

"Probably best not to touch Spike unless you want to get burned," Twilight said. She's upset with Spike about his new transformation.

"What happened, Spike?" Rarity is appalled by his physical appearance.

"Yes, do tell. Explain why you were out here, to begin with?!" Twilight is fuming. 

"Calm down, Twilight. I'm sure there's a reason for all of this. Come to our camp, Spike," Starlight reassuringly says. 

"Okay," Spike said in defeat. 

Ten minutes later. Spike arrives at a destroyed campsite. Nonetheless, it doesn't take long for the girls to fix it up nicely. Spike would help but fears he'll burn their tents. Applejack puts a few logs in the center of the ring of rocks. Spike shoots a small flame to ignite the campfire. 

Everyone sits around the campfire. Spike looks down, mentally preparing himself for any question Twilight may ask for interrogation. Twilight calmed herself long enough to try and be fair with Spike.

"Spike," Twilight calls his name. "What happened?" 

"Why are you like a flaming torch monster?! How did you turn into it?! Can you teach me how to do it!? Can you-" Twilight interrupts Pinkie's pestering questions.

"Pinkie!" Twilight angrily shouts.

"Oops, my bad," Pinkie replies. She reaches for a bag of marshmallows to roast. 

Spike sighs. "After the day ended in the School of Friendship, I overheard that you had plans to take your friends camping. I got excited, but you decided not to include me. After much thought, I decided to go camping in solitude."

"That's because you had chores at the castle, mister," Twilight responds. 

"Psst, whatever," Spike's feelings are hurt. Again with the chores excuse. He sounds annoyed.

"Pardon me?" Twilight didn't like the attitude coming from Spike. Tensions are rising, and the girls are not liking it. "What do you mean by whatever?"

Spike stands up. "It's the same excuse you tell me every time!" The fiery hairs erupt like a volcano in anger. The girls were not expecting this outburst from Spike. "You talk about hanging out with your friends constantly! Am I not your friend? NO! Because you're blind to see it! You see me as an assistant and nothing more! You have no idea how much you have taken me for granted! You tell me I'm your friend but have completely pushed me aside! YOU SAY YOU'RE GOING TO BE WITH YOUR FRIENDS ON MANY OUTGOINGS, ADVENTURES, AND PARTIES! WHAT ABOUT ME?! YOU LEAVE ME BEHIND IN THE CASTLE TO DO ALL THE WORK WHILE YOU SPOIL YOURSELF WITH YOUR FRIENDS! I AM DONE TAKING CARE OF YOUR SORRY ASS!" Spike finishes his rant. The flames of his hair decrease. He takes many deep breaths cause it's been eating him alive for so long. 

Twilight tears up a bit after taking it all in; It's true. Twilight left Spike behind many times and had all the opportunities to have him come along to many of her social gatherings. She doesn't remember helping Spike clean the castle or having him around. She preplanned a camping trip with her friends but not inviting the one friend who stood beside her for many years. It's rare to hear Spike use a swear word, but he's on point. 

"So," Pinkie breaks the ice. "Are you going to stay like that fiery demon forever, or what?" 

"I don't know," Spike replies. He hears and sees a red blinking alarm on his hourglass insignia go off, reverting him to the dragon he once was. "Whoa..," Spike looks at his arms. His scales are purple, and he sees the watch now red instead of green. 

"Cool watch, Spike! Let me try it on!" Pinkie hurries over to remove the watch. She fails in her attempt for pulling it off. She tries to bite it off, but it won't budge. "Aw, it won't come off!" Pinkie is upset. She wanted to turn into the fire demon. 

"So," Rainbow Dash hovers over to Spike. "It won't come off?" 

"No. I tried everything. The watch is alive, and it latched onto my wrist. It came from the skies," Spike points up. 

"Spike..," Twilight said in tears. "I'm.., I'm.., I'm so sorry for neglecting you.., abandoning you like that..," Twilight sniffs. She's aware of the pain she inflected Spike throughout the years. "Can you forgive me..?" 

Spike sees Twilight and reads her body language. She's wrapped up in guilt and shame. She hates herself for becoming a horrible friend to Spike. She can't call herself a friend to Spike from how she took care of him. Well, more like him taking care of her.

Spike decides not to allow his emotions to get the better of him despite wanting retribution. He now has great power, which comes with great responsibility. Spike walks up to Twilight and hugs her. Twilight hugs back, crying her eyes out and vowing to never make the same mistake again. The girls promise to invite Spike more often whenever they devise a get-together. Pinkie Pie feels awful for forgetting to include Spike in any of her parties thrown. 

After the hug, Twilight insists Spike to stay and have fun camping with their friends. Spike accepts Twilight's proposal. 

In the outer reaches of space, Vilgax waits, anxious for his prized possession. A Bioid enters the healing chambers to report to Vilgax about the boarding process. 

"What do you mean it's not there?" Vilgax is not pleased. "This battle nearly costs me my life, and you say the Omnitrix is no longer on board the transport?"

"Sensors indicate a probe was jettisoned from the ship just before boarding. It landed on an isolated planet not far from our position," The Bioid confirms. 

Vilgax turns to one of the robotic soldiers. "Go. Bring it to me!" Vilgax watches his soldier leave the healing chambers to depart from the Chimeran Hammer.

While roasting marshmallows, everyone hears Spike's watch making a bleep sound. It turns from red to green. 

"So, it has a timer," Spike twists the faceplate, and it rises. 

"Cool!" Pinkie scoots over to Spike to see the image displayed. 

"So, that's how it works?" Twilight examines the watch while trying not to trigger the transformation. 

"Yea. I'm trying to see how it functions," Spike twist the faceplate to see what happens. New images appear. 

"So, what was it like being a fire freak?" Rainbow Dash asks. 

"I felt like I was somebody else while I maintained consciousness. It was weird, but it was natural," Spike sees something intriguing to turn into. "Girls, you may want to step back. Also, it may cause you to shield your eyes." 

"Okay, Spike," Twilight and the other step back a few inches. 

"Here we go," Spike presses the faceplate. A green flash bursts.

Spike feels his body changing once more. He's turning into an orange dog-like creature with no eyes, ears, nose, or tail. He stands on all fours. His teeth are very defined, and his bottom jaw sticks out of his mouth. The various spines found across his body function similarly to whiskers with tactile sensing and are not fur. There's a shoulder pad adoring the hourglass symbol on the front left of Spike's arm. Spike roars after the transformation. 

Twilight, Starlight, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack open their eyes. They see Spike as an actual beast. 

"Spike? Is that you?" Twilight walks closer. She can't believe the second creature has no eyes, nose, or ears. 

Pinkie waves her arm in front of Spike's face. "Can you see what I'm doing?" 

"Aw, such a cute dog," Fluttershy trots to Spike and rubs under his chin. Spike coos a bit. 

"Wow, I thought the other beast was hard to look at," Rarity said. She didn't mean to be rude but had no other words to describe Spike. To her, she's looking at a horrid beast. 

Rainbow Dash gets an idea. She grabs a stick and hovers behind Spike; she's preparing to swing at his behind. 

Three gill-like nostrils located on the side of Spike's neck open up. Spike can feel and hear Rainbow Dash's movements. Rainbow Dash attempted to swing but missed horribly due to Spike's reaction time. Spike is above the stairs. He smiles. 

"Wow!" Twilight is amazed by the reaction time. "Spike, you can't see and smell, but your other senses are heightened! What else can you do?!" Twilight wants to document everything about the mutt Spike turned into. 

"You got lucky, Spike," Rainbow claims. "I'll hit you, eventually!" 

"Rainbow," Twilight sternly says. She doesn't like the sound of Rainbow abusing Spike. That is something she must never do again now that she realizes it. 

"Hehe," Rainbow nervously chuckles. "Sorry, Twilight. Sorry, Spike!" 

Spike does a front flip, landing on all fours. Pinkie Pie claps for the maneuver Spike performed. 

"Say, Twilight. Don't you think we should report to the Princesses about Spike's discovery?" Applejack asks. 

"We'll go to them after our camping trip is finished. I just persuaded Spike to stay with us. I don't want him to think we're switching gears." 

"Are there better-looking beasts inside that watch?" Rarity asks. 

Spike hears something coming from the skies. He hops up and follows the sound. 

"SPIKE! WHERE ARE YOU GOING!?" Twilight shouts. She was not expecting Spike to take off. 

"You think he heard something that we couldn't hear, Twilight?" Rainbow Dash asks. 

"Probably. Let's follow Spike and see what he senses," Twilight and Rainbow Dash fly in hot pursuit while the girls gallop up the stairs. 

Spike jumps on a tree branch. He leaps forward while listening to the sounds of a crashing not far. The three gill-like nostrils open, giving him the sense of echo direction. The echoes go quiet. Spike decides to wait and hear if something comes to him. 

Spike cancels the shouts of Twilight's voice to concentrate. His three gill-like nostrils open, allowing Spike to jump down, avoiding a laser attack that shatters a tree. Spike swings while a drone continues to shoot laser after detecting what it's after. 

"Twilight, you hear that!?" Rainbow hears the sounds of trees getting blown up by an unknown source. 

"I hope it's not Spike's doing," Twilight flies faster, hoping to see what's causing the carnage. 

Spike uses his three gill-like nostrils to hear whatever is after him. A mechanized drone hovers over the area. It's shaped like a ufo at first, but it expands. It has a head with a camera setting. It also has several small limbs armed with lasers and blades attached. Spike climbs a tree and lunges himself onto the robot. It fires a red laser, trying to annihilate the intended target. Instead, the robot shot many trees down with its' laser. Spike bites the limb and tears it apart. The robot tries to shrug Spike off. It crashes into several trees in its' attempt.

Twilight and Rainbow Dash see the robot fly past them with Spike riding on top of it.

"WHOA! YOU SEE THAT, TWILIGHT?!" Rainbow Dash is flabbergasted at seeing a strange creature. 

"I have never seen technology so advanced! I must study it!" Twilight zooms after the robot and Spike.

Spike tears off the head and senses the robot is about to crash into a tree. He hears the warning of the hourglass flashing red. He jumps off right before it's about to crash, reverting to his dragon self. 

"That was a close one," Spike pants after fighting the robot. He becomes terrified when he sees another robot. Just like the one he destroyed approached him. "Crud." 

"Stay away from our friend!" Applejack uses her lasso to pull the robot down and bucks her hind legs at it. She's able to put a dent in a laser limb. 

Starlight ignites her horn and uses her magic to destroy the robot. It explodes. She made sure it was down. 

Twilight and Rainbow Dash catch up. Twilight is disappointed that both robots left nothing for her to study but is happy to see her friends are safe from danger.

"Is every pony alright?" Twilight asks her friends. "Are you alright, Spike?" 

"I'm alright. I think those things are after my watch," Spike said. 

"Twilight," Applejack trots up to her. "We need to go to Canterlot. We can't delay this, especially with a threat more powerful on its' way."

"Okay," Twilight sighs and complies with Applejack. "Let's get going." 

Spike burps a letter in front of the girls. Twilight reads the letter. "We are needed in Ponyville, ASAP!" 

In Ponyville, there's a towering attack robot standing forty feet tall with more humanoid features and three insectoid legs. It has large claws that shoot lasers. Ponies in Ponyville scream in terror and run away from the titan. The Wonderbolts, led by Spitfire, try to stop the robot's tyranny but get blasted out of the sky. The Royal Guards throw their spears which do no damage. Unicorns of the Royal Guards use their magic for offensive purposes. Their spells didn't put a dent into the physique of the robot. It shoots lasers at them, destroying the magic shields they conjured up. 

Spike flies with Twilight and Rainbow Dash to Ponyville; Starlight, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy arrive moments later. They see the robot wreaking havoc. Spike's watch turns from red to green. 

"Okay, this is the plan. I'll turn into another creature to battle that thing. You and the girls should help evacuate ponies to safety."

"Alright, Spike. Please be careful," Twilight said. She's worried that the watch is draining Spike's life force or something of that magnitude. 

"Don't worry, I will," Spike twists the faceplate of the watch. He scrolls to see which of the creatures will be best suited. "Here we go!" Spike slams on the faceplate. A green light bursts. 

Spike's body starts crystallizing. He becomes a super-hard, greenish-blue diamond-like creature. Spike's body is composed of durable pale green crystals. He sports four crystal shards on his back and has a sharp head. His eyes are yellow. Spike is wearing a uniform that is black on the right half and white on the left, with a black patch on the left shoulder where the hourglass symbol is on. 

"Whoa, this is cool. I'm so glad I don't have the craving to devour myself," Spike said. 

"Hey, Spike. Can I have a piece of you?" Rarity is scheming many fashionable ideas by using Spike's crystal. 

"NO!" Spike angrily responds. He runs after the robot near the city hall. 

"That was rude," Rarity didn't like Spike's reply. She finds it offensive. 

"Rarity, we have other matters to attend to," Applejack reminds Rarity to help evacuate the citizens of Ponyville.

"Oh, alright," Rarity still wants a literal piece of Spike's new creature. 

Spike confronts the robot at city hall. Every pony around is confused to see another creature. They hope he's here to help them out. 

"Hey, ugly!" Spike grabs the robot's attention. "Pick on somebody your own size." 

The robot scans Spike and analyzes the Omnitrix. It shoots a laser at him. Spike gets hurled into a house from the impact, not knowing the capabilities of this new creature. The robot shoots again, blowing up the house. Spike's arm turns into a sharp-edge blade; He cuts the debris like paper. Then shards extend from his arm. 

"Cool," Spike sees the robot drawing near. He runs up and tries to cut one of the legs off. The robot jumps up and spins its legs like a tornado. It lands on Spike, pinning him to the ground and creating a wider crater from the impact. "Okay, didn't see that coming." 

The robot picks up Spike and chucks him into another house. The robot shoots another laser, destroying the house. 

Spike gets up. He reads and times the robot's next move. The robot grabs him again and plans on ripping Spike's arm off. It was a bad move for the robot when Spike turns his arm into a sharp-edge blade, ripping the hand off the robot. 

"Gotcha!" Spike shouts in delight. Then the robot uses its other hand to blast Spike into another building. Spike gets an idea about using the lasers against the robot. "Hey, stupid! Follow me!" Spike runs out of the building and stands behind him. He turns his other arm into a sharp-edge blade and stands still, preparing for another laser attack. The robot proceeds to shoot another laser at Spike. "What comes around goes around!" Spike redirects the laser, hitting the robot. The top half of the robot gets blown up while the lower half collapse. Then it explodes. 

Many ponies were amazed to see how the robot fell. They question their hero and who it is. Unfortunately, Twilight and her friends did not witness the battle. They were busy helping ponies flee from Ponyville. Spike decides to leave before a cult following gives birth and pesters him with many questions. 

Vilgax's cruiser is above the planet of Equus. He saw on his monitor how a young dragon is in sole possession of the Omnitrix. He's irate that his robots did not get the job done in obtaining the Omnitrix. Vilgax vows to hang Spike on his trophy wall once he's recovered. 

Spike arrives inside the Crystal Castle. He hears the alarms of the hourglass blinking and sounding off. Spike is his dragon self again. "Alright, I'll admit. That was exhilarating. I can get used to this," Spike does a fist pump in satisfaction. Spike burps out another letter. Since Twilight is not around, he reads it. "Spike, I want you and your friends in Canterlot Castle. Do not delay. Signed, Princess Luna."
> The Next Step
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spike leaves the castle after reading the letter Princess Luna sent. He sees Mayor Mare addressing the crowd about the attack and drawing ideas on honoring the hero that saved the town. Spike sees Twilight, Starlight, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity returning with a group of ponies after hearing the news of the titan's downfall. 

"Twilight!" Spike runs to Twilight. 

"What's wrong, Spike?" Twilight asks. Then she notices the letter in Spike's claw. 

"Princess Luna wants all of us at Canterlot Castle this instant!" Spike said. He wonders if Princess Luna knows anything about the watch.

"Finally!" Applejack shouts a hallelujah. 

Within an hour of travel, Spike and the girls arrive in Canterlot. Twilight uses her magic to teleport to the gates of Canterlot Castle; The Royal Guards escort them to the throne room. The Royal Guards are eerie concerned about the mechanism of Spike's watch. They have never seen any device, especially in their training. 

Princess Celestia, Luna, and Cadance are in the throne room with Shining Armor. Princess Twilight Sparkle wonders why Cadance and Shining Armor are in the throne room. Something is amiss. Twilight will find out in the next few moments. As for Spike, he knows it's about the watch; why else would Princess Luna specifically ask about his presence? 

"Thank you for coming on short notice," Princess Celestia formally says in front of her subjects and Princess Twilight Sparkle. 

"Why are we here, Princess? Why did Princess Luna require Spike's summoning?" Twilight asks her former mentor. 

"Unfortunately, that detail is not for me to discuss. Luna, if you would," Princess Celestia turns to her sister. 

"Before I proceed with my explanation. Do any of you want to be a plumber?" Princess Luna asks. She's looking for honest answers. 

"Yuck! A plumber? No thanks!" Rainbow waves her arms in protest. "I'm happy to be a Wonderbolt! Thank you very much!" Rainbow Dash refuses to become a plumber. She's a Wonderbolt and is proud to be one. 

"I can't. I have the farm to attend. Plus, I am a teacher at Twilight's School of Friendship," Applejack honestly says with respect. 

"Ew! I'm not looking forward to getting dirty as a plumber. I wouldn't be caught dead wearing those awful attires! I'm not fixing bathrooms!" Rarity refuses to associate any business with Princess Luna about being a plumber. 

"Uh, no. Sorry. I have my animals to take care of when I'm not teaching at the School of Friendship," Fluttershy calmly declines the offer. 

"No can do, Princess. As fun as plumbing sounds, I have many parties to throw, and I'm still teaching at the School of Friendship!" Pinkie shouts. She offers a lunar cupcake to Princess Luna. It is a vanilla cupcake with blue frosting with star-shaped sprinkles on top of it.

"Nay, Pinkie," Princess Luna politely deny the offer. 

Princess Twilight shakes her head. "I have my duties as Headmare at the School of Friendship. Also, the map at my castle can alert any of my friends to solve a Friendship Problem. If duties call for Friendship, I'll withdraw any duties a plumber may uphold," Twilight formally informs Princess Luna. 

"I'm interested, Princess Luna," Starlight steps up. She's intrigued to know why plumbers are vital. 

"You know I'm in for it, Princess Luna," Shining Armor states. He's aware of the role of being a plumber. 

"Shining?" Princess Cadance is confused. "What are you hiding from me?"

"Nothing. I told you I had two jobs as Captain of the Royal Guard and a plumber." 

"What are you doing, Starlight?" Twilight asks her. She thought Starlight would refrain from becoming a plumber due to her obligations as a Counselor at the School of Friendship.

"Princess Luna asked us if we wanted to be plumbers. Since you six have rejected the offer, I thought about accepting it," Starlight replies. "Why do you sound upset?"

"Because you are a counselor at my school. I thought you would stand by my side."

"Shining. You didn't tell me anything about being a plumber. You never brought it to any discussion we had," Princess Celestia said. She had many meetings with Shining Armor about progress and status reports throughout the lands of Equestria. 

"There's classified information for Equestria's safety," Shining Armor collectedly says. 

"Classified?" Princess Celestia, Cadance, Twilight, and the girls say in unison. Spike is curious as to what classified information a plumber conceals. 

"Yes. I swore to keep the truths hidden from the public hearing. That includes my wife and the Princesses," Shining Armor said. He knows he'll receive an earache from Twilight and Cadance. 

"So, why did you call me here, Luna?" Spike asks. He knows it's about the watch, but maybe it's something else.

"Your watch. It has my attention," Princess Luna answers. She's aware of Spike's transformations.

"What watch, Luna?" Princess Celestia is confused. Then she sees Spike wearing a large black wristwatch. 

"Come closer, Spike," Princess Luna commands. 

Spike walks up to Princess Luna. She observes the watch. 

"Are you planning to remove the watch?" Twilight asks. She hopes that is the case. 

"This technology far exceeds any in Equestria and across the lands of Equus. No amount of our magic can strip the watch off Spike's wrist." 

"So, what happens now?" Rainbow Dash asks. She hopes to embark on many adventures with Spike by her and her friends' side. 

"You six can get going. I'll have a private meeting discussing the next phase of operations with Starlight, Shining, and Spike." 

"WHAT?!" Twilight, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Rarity shout in shock. "WHY WOULD YOU NOT INCLUDE US!?" All except Fluttershy shout. 

"Plumber business," Princess Luna states. "Since you revealed your true colors and set your priorities, I do not need your assistance." 

"Did I just fail a test..?" Twilight starts to hyperventilate. She didn't think Luna's question about being a plumber was a test. Twilight inhales heavily. 

"Easy, Twilight. You didn't fail. I require your circumstances regarding the plumber position. Each of you gave me clarifications that plumbing is not suited for you," Princess Luna allaying says.   

Twilight sighs. "So, there are no takebacks?" 

"It's evident that your responsibilities are a priority. Especially with you as the Princess of Friendship. What I'm about to address is top secret. Those with fewer responsibilities are welcome into the plumbers' organization."

"We understand, Princess Luna," Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy say in unison. All but Fluttershy are upset that they can't be part of something secretive. 

"Princess Twilight Sparkle," Princess Celestia said. Her next decree won't be easy for Twilight's ears. 

"Yes, Princess?" Twilight wonders what Princess Celestia has to say to her. 

"I relieve Spike and all of his duties as your assistant. I also relieve your custody to Spike." 

"WHAT?!" Twilight Sparkle is infuriated by Celestia's decrees. "WHY ARE YOU TAKING SPIKE AWAY FROM ME?!" 

"I inquire Celestia to make that decree. As you're aware of Spike's new capabilities and the recent attacks, he has become a target." 

"But we fought creatures, monsters, and evildoers! We can have Spike fight with us when they arrive!" Twilight retorts as she stomps her front hooves in anger. 

"From what I saw on the balcony, the robot that invaded Equestria was stronger than magic attacks. Our weapons don't dent the metal of the robot that terrorized Ponyville. These attacks and raids are not for you to tackle with your friends." 

"I bucked a limb of a robot thing when Spike reverted from that orange dog, mutt.., whatever he was at the time. I've never felt anything that strong before. I'm surprised my hind legs didn't break," Applejack confesses. 

"My magic destroyed the smaller one, but I overused my power at the time. I was thinking about getting it away from Spike when he was vulnerable," Starlight chimes in on her confession. 

"When I was that diamond guy. I'm thinking about calling him Diamond Head. I want to say the robot I fought was forty feet tall. Maybe more. I felt all sorts of pain, but I refused to acknowledge it. Wherever it came from, I believe this is only the beginning of it. And, more of those things will be stronger than the last." 

"I concur, Spike. I'm sorry, Twilight. It's for the best that Spike embarks on this adventure without you," Princess Luna sincerely expresses, knowing her decisions will hurt Twilight even more. 

"You're taking Spike away from me and denying me the information about the plumbers. NOW, YOU'RE SORRY?!" Twilight didn't mean to bark at Luna. Her emotions got the better of her. Princess Luna remains still after Twilight's outburst. "Princess Luna.., I'm.., I'm sorry for-" Twilight sees Princess Luna raising her hoof. 

"All is forgiven, Twilight. I anticipated this outcome from you. I know how much you care about Spike. However, what I'll discuss with your brother and Starlight will not be shared with you. I'll send daily updates about Spike's progress with his new weapon."

Twilight sighs in sadness. "Very well, Princess Luna," Twilight is heartbroken. She just became anew with Spike and was looking forward to create new memories. Now, that will have to wait. 

"I wonder if the Wonderbolts know anything about the plumbing business?" Rainbow thought to herself. 

"We need to get going. Let's go, Shining, Starlight, and Spike," Princess Luna is about to trot out of the throne room when Rarity blocks the entryway. 

"Wait! Spike, can you please turn into that Diamond guy? I want a sample for my fashion design!" Rarity begs. 

"No. My shards are considered lethal weapons now," Spike walks with Princess Luna. 

"Please?" Rarity tries to seduce Spike with her beauty, winking at him in hopes of suckering him. 

"NO!" Spike shouts. "I'm not a tool of your amusement, Rarity." 

Princess Luna uses her magic to levitate Rarity away from the entryway. She escorts Spike, Starlight, and Shining down the corridors. Princess Celestia orders the Bearers of the Elements to remain in the throne room until she raises the sun. Princess Celestia adheres to her sister's arrangement to ensure no pony spies during her meeting. 

After ten minutes of walking down the corridors, Princess Luna uses her magic to reveal a door invisible to the naked eye. Starlight and Spike oohed and awed at the door from all the times they walked down these corridors. Shining Armor uses his magic to open the door. Once he steps inside, it'll allow Luna to close the door and use her magic to make it back invisible. Shining. Starlight, Spike, and Princess Luna walk three flights of stairs down. The staircase is illuminated with fire torches mounted on the walls. 

Shining Armor opens the door to the meeting room. There's a long desk with several chairs stationed around it, tube lights on the ceiling to brighten the room, and a map of Equus on the left side of the wall with red bulletin points marked on it. To the right of the meeting room is a door that leads to another room. 

"Please, have a seat," Princess Luna goes to her commanding officer chair at the head of the table. Spike and Starlight Glimmer sit next to each other. Shining Armor stands next to Princess Luna. 

"Princess Luna. What is all this?" Spike asks. 

"This is a hidden base of the plumbers, Spike. We are an intergalactic law enforcement organization," Princess Luna explains.

"SAAAAAAAAY WHAAAAAAAAAT?!" Spike and Starlight shout in shock. Their jaws drop from the sudden revelation. They are appalled to hear the plumbers fighting extraterrestrial aliens. 

"Our initial name is Redspots, but having the identity plumber covers our tracks. For you see, we plug the leaks. We ensure that monsters, ghosts, or aliens not native here don't make a public appearance. No Royal Guard or Wonderbolt obtain the training we plumbers have," Shining Armor continues explaining the plumber's protocol. 

"By having the name plumber, we don't exist. Ponies will think we fix pipes, not fighting something abnormal," Princess Luna said. "I orchestrated the movement during my banishment on the moon. Even though I was Nightmare Moon, I faked my evil intentions to greet a fellow alien." 

"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!" Spike and Starlight shout again. It's like everything they knew is becoming a lie. 

"Wait, wait, wait, hold up a minute," Spike has a serious question in mind. "What about that Tantabus creature that bothered you in your slumber? The one you claimed to create?"

Princess Luna takes a deep breath. "That was a cover story, Spike. The Tantabus was an alien. I had to protect the oath of the plumber while attacking the alien. I needed help to slay it since there was another problem elsewhere. I told you, Princess Twilight and the rest, I needed help. Sorry for deceiving you like that," Princess Luna nervously chuckle. 

"Wow, that's dexterous of you, Princess Luna. I wouldn't have thought about that," Starlight Glimmer is impressed. 

"Now, I'm glad Twilight is not here. She would have a heart attack about the clever deceitfulness to protect the plumber's organization," Spike said with a sigh of relief. 

"Agreed," Shining Armor and Starlight concur. 

"Back in the day, at the Castle of the Two Sisters, I couldn't allow Celestia to intrude on my business whenever I would disappear for a few days. Ever since gaining my magical powers to control the moon, I see and hear what goes on in my night skies. I see the change and patterns, stars imploding. I needed to investigate the situation. However, I couldn't leave Equus defenseless. So, I interviewed various creatures we were associated with to read the formations of the stars throughout the years. Then they decipher the constellations I created to investigate the sighting of the extraterrestrial or to meet up with the other plumbers that gave them advanced equipment to battle any alien creature that invades Equus." 

"Knowing my little sister, she would not keep the plumbers a secret. When she spoke about her obligations to correct a Friendship problem, I knew Twilight wouldn't be a plumber. I prayed that she doesn't discover what we are; she would have documented everything and exposed it for all to see." 

"Even with a Pinkie Promise, Twilight would not refrain from telling someone about the plumbers," Spike said. "She would have written books detailing each event and try to use Friendship to solve each outcome." 

"She also has a habit of spying whenever something crucial comes around. She spied on me when I was solving a Friendship crisis with Luna and Celestia."

"I wished she hadn't meddled in your business, Starlight," Princess Luna said. She remembers how awkward Twilight inputs herself into a celebratory moment to drag Starlight away. "My sister and I were about to ask you to stay for dinner." 

Starlight sighs after hearing that comment. Spike understands the feeling all too well. 

"So, who did you have to meet on the moon, Luna?" Spike asks. 

"An intelligent but small creature known as Azmuth. His spaceship landed on the moon when Princess Celestia used the Elements of Harmony to banish me there. I cast aside my Nightmare Moon persona to talk with him. He informed me that many alien species are after planets with plentiful resources. Azmuth told me about hungering conquerors looking to enslave galaxies. He saw Equus as a primary target for those attacks, which would explain why Equus gets bombarded with threats of the unknown for years. He shared his technology with me. I told him to send a beacon to an isolated location far from the populace." 

"From there, according to the documented records, General Guardian Angel met with Azmuth and gathered their technology. The original plumbers practiced and fought the aliens, monsters, and ghosts; in secret. Some within the organization thought it would be wise to slowly advance Equestria's technology. Newer inventions to inspire ponies to create which would keep them occupied while the plumbers continued with their missions undetected," Shining Armor noted from his memory. 

"We ask vague questions to see who is willing to become a plumber; Since you were intrigued, Starlight. I welcome you to the group." 

"Thank you, Princess Luna. Wow, that is a whole lot to take in, and keep it silent," Starlight imagines the stress that comes along with knowing Twilight and the others will pester and interrogate her. 

"As for you, Spike. I don't know the name of the device you're wearing, but you have the power to turn into an alien," Princess Luna said. 

"So, they're not demons?" Spike thought they were. 

"Many ponies and creatures will claim them as demons. We plumbers know them as aliens," Princess Luna states. 

"Do you remember what Azmuth looks like? Can you get in contact with him?" Starlight asks, hoping he knows anything about Spike's watch. 

"I lost connections with him. I don't know if he's around or not. I don't know if someone else has taken his work. I'll do all I can to reach him by other means. Also, I don't remember what he looks like. It's a blur to me, Starlight." 

"So, what am I going to do with this watch?" Spike asks Princess Luna. 

"You're going to embark on a new adventure while learning how to use the watch wisely. For this trip, you three will be traveling all of Equus." 

"Three?" Spike and Starlight wonder who's the third. 

"Shining Armor," Princess Luna turns to him. 

"I'm not going to enjoy this, aren't I?" Shining Armor knows what Princess Luna is planning. 

"You are to go with them. Train them and have fun. When was the last time you spent time with Spike?" 

Shining Armor bites his lip. He doesn't remember spending quality time with him. "So, who's going to help Princess Cadance in my stead? Who'll take care of Flurry Heart when Cadance is tired?"

"That'll be me, brother," Prince Blueblood enters the room. He sounds more vigorous than his royal persona perceived him to be. 

"Prince Blueblood..," Spike's jaw drops. He remembers how Rarity described him as a royal snob. 

"Wait, you're a plumber as well?" Starlight laughs in disbelief. She would have never thought someone absurd like Blueblood to become a plumber. 

"Auntie Celestia doesn't suspect a thing from me. She believes I throw royal balls or enjoy the riches in Canterlot. In truth, I'm the Captain of my squad that searches for anomalous activity," He trots to Spike. "What an interesting accessory you have, dear dragon. What does it do?" 

"The watch allows me to turn into aliens," Spike replies. He doesn't see Prince Blueblood as a snob. He sees him as a genuinely nice stallion. 

"Can I see a demonstration?" Prince Blueblood is eager to see the alien Spike can turn into. 

"I would like to see it as well, Spike," Princess Luna said. 

Spike twists the watch, which triggers the faceplate to rise. He turns to the left and sees one he recognizes. He presses the faceplate back down. Green lights bursts. 

Spike's body starts crystallizing. He becomes a super-hard, greenish-blue diamond-like creature. Spike's body is composed of durable pale green crystals. He sports four crystal shards on his back and has a sharp head. His eyes are yellow. Spike is wearing a uniform that is black on the right half and white on the left, with a black patch on the left shoulder where the hourglass symbol is on.

"Incredible," Prince Blueblood is astonished to see such a magnificent alien. 

"Wow, Spike! You look sharp!" Shining Armor chuckles at his pun. 

"You're not the first to make puns over my aliens. Pinkie Pie beat you to the punch hours ago when I was a torch alien." 

"So, what will you call this or any of your aliens?" Prince Blueblood asks. "It'll be good to know; in case my team suspects you of an invading alien." 

"The crystal alien I am now, I'm naming him Diamondhead. That torch alien I turned into, I'll call him..," Spike thinks it over. "Heatblast! As for the doggie alien, I'll call him Wildmutt." 

"How many aliens are registered into that watch of yours?" Princess Luna asks. 

"I counted five of them. When the timer is up, I'll start recounting."

"So, how will we travel? Walking to places? Having the Royal Guards fly us in carriages?" Starlight asks Princess Luna since it's going to be a long fascinating trip. 

"Our top scientists have been working on a new motive of transportation. Follow us," Princess Luna and Shining Armor said in unison. They trot to the door on the right and show the science laboratory. There are many inventions on the shelves, weapons that are eerie similar to the lasers that robots shot Spike, and blueprints for future weapons and devices to remain undercover throughout their missions. 

Spike and Starlight gaze at every invention. So metallic and futuristic in their eyes. A light-brown earth pony with a brown mane and an hourglass cutie mark approaches Princess Luna. 

"Doctor Whooves, what is your latest work for transportation?" Princess Luna sees that Doctor Whooves has worked up a sweat.

"Could be the spark of a new trend in Equestria, Princess Luna!" Doctor Whooves gasps. "An alien! Oh my! What a sight to behold!" He observes Spike's Diamondhead form. "Remarkable, an alien made of crystals. You must be powerful! Follow me so I can reveal my latest work!" Doctor Whooves excitedly expresses. He can't wait to display his newest invention; He gallops to his storage unit. 

Spike and Starlight wonder who else is part of the plumbers' organization. They'll have to think differently than obviously. Many of the scientists stare at Spike's Diamondhead alien form. They are happy to see an alien by their side in Equestria. 

Princess Luna, Shining Armor, Prince Blueblood, Starlight, and Spike enter the storage unit to see a vehicle. The vehicle is a motor home with three wheels on each side. It's coated in white while having red and blue horizontal stripes. The top of the motor home features solar panels. 

"What is that?" Spike asks Doctor Whooves. He's confused by the strange wagon's appearance. 

"This is Equestria's first-ever recreational vehicle, or RV for short. This baby is equipped with the newest plumber equipment to battle any outcomes ahead of you. Inside, I have a list detailing each weapon and tech. I've installed a bathroom, an air conditioning unit, a kitchen, a bedroom, and a living room. As for money issues, I devised a machine to produce bits continuously. You'll never run out to buy anything you feel like during your travel." 

"Outstanding, Doctor Whooves. I need one whenever I need to go on vacation," Prince Blueblood said in his royal tone, sounding like an unruly punk. 

"Thanks, Prince Blueblood. I see your character has improved more. I already want to resent you in giving you an RV!" Doctor Whooves and Prince Blueblood laugh. 

"We're living in opposite worlds," Starlight said to Spike. She can't believe the bond Prince Blueblood has with Doctor Whooves. 

"Phenomenal job, Doctor Whooves," Princess Luna is impressed with Doctor Whooves. 

Doctor Whooves trot up to Shining Armor. He gives him the keys to the vehicle. "Use your magic to drive the RV. Think which way to and the RV  will respond to your mental command. The same applies to stopping and parking." 

"Okay, sounds easy enough. When do we depart, Princess?" Shining needs to know so he can explain to Cadance about going away for the next few months. 

"Later today, Shining. I'll orate the situation with Princess Cadance. You'll drive  all over the countryside before going into the other kingdoms." 

"Yes, Princess," Shining Armor nods. He walks up to the RV and uses his magic to open the door. He trots inside to explore his new home for the next while. 

"Let's check it out, Spike," Starlight wants to see the interior of the RV.

"Coming, Starlight," Spike hears the alarms of the hourglass blinking red and sounding off. Spike reverts to his dragon self. Doctor Whooves flops in glee after witnessing a transformation. 

"I'll remember that, Spike. I'll send a status report about a young dragon transforming into aliens and reverting later," Prince Blueblood said. 

"Thanks. I'll see you around," Spike steps inside the RV. He sees a couch to sit on and relaxes.
> Moving Forward
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Princess Luna teleports out of the hidden base and arrives in the throne room. Instead of Twilight and her friends leaving on cue, they trot up to Princess Luna, questioning her about Spike's involvement with the plumbers. Princess Cadance confronts Princess Luna about Shining Armor. She wants to know what her husband will be doing. Princess Celestia wants answers from her sister and the plumbers' association; however, she knows that knowing too much can be problematic. 

Princess Luna dismisses all questions spoken by the Bearer of the Elements. Her response to each question is private until further notice. Twilight refuses to relent and will attempt different procedures to uncover the truths Princess Luna is avoiding. Princess Luna notifies Cadance that Shining Armor will have an extended vacation with Starlight Glimmer and Spike, traveling the world. Princess Luna advises Cadance not to send or hire anypony for espionage. 

Princess Cadance is distressed that her husband won't accompany her at the Crystal Empire for who knows how long. She can't take care of Flurry Heart alone and needs support. Princess Luna reveals a chosen delegate who'll accommodate until Shining Armor returns to the Crystal Empire. Every pony tries to speculate the hand-picked pony qualified to aid Princess Cadance at the Crystal Empire. 

Rarity becomes flabbergasted and livid seeing Prince Blueblood in all of his glory strolling into the throne room. Out of anypony promising, Princess Luna chose the one who'll act absurdly imperial. Even Princess Celestia is not fond of her nephew partaking in the role at the Crystal Empire. 

Prince Blueblood trots up to Princess Cadance, speaking in his dignifying tone. "Princess Cadance. Shall we embark on the return trip to the Sovereign Crystal Castle?" Rarity cringes from being closer to Prince Blueblood. Now, if showcasing or emergencies arise at the Crystal Empire, she will contemplate. 

"No offense, but why him, Luna?" Princess Cadance is not indulgent in allowing Prince Blueblood to assist with the tasks at hoof. 

"He's qualified to handle any circumstance, and he owes Shining Armor a favor," Princess Luna harmoniously replies. 

Princess Cadance gives in, knowing that Shining Armor has cashed his favor. She sighs in defeat. "Very well," Now Princess Cadance smirks. "I hope you can handle diaper duty, mister," Princess Cadance starts laughing and imagining likely scenarios where Flurry Heart will give him trouble. 

"Diaper duty?" Prince Blueblood's eyes want to pop out, and now fear getting dirty. He's appalled by any scenario involving an uncontrolled Alicorn foal. His shocked face causes Rarity to burst into laughter. "Playing charades with these ponies is too much fun. However, I do hope Shining Armor planted his weapons at the castle. I'll need them since more invasions will take place than usual." 

"Thank you, Luna. Oh, this'll be a blast!" Princess Cadance's imagination gets the better of her. Hearing the whining from Prince Blueblood will be gold. 

"You take care now," Princess Luna watches Princess Cadance leap for joy while Prince Blueblood slowly lopes to his demise. 

Prince Blueblood taps his blue bowtie. It's a telepathic communication network that no magic spell can detect. "I'll watch for anything inconceivable during my stay at the Crystal Empire. I will report to my squad. Hopefully, the Crystal Empire doesn't become a target with the Spike statue plastered in the Empire." 

"Understood, Blueblood. I'll keep you in touch about Spike's progress and what I see on night duty." 

Prince Blueblood taps his blue bowtie, canceling the telepathic communication. Princess Luna leaves the throne room. 

"Twilight? What are we going to do since Spike and Starlight won't be coming back to school with us?" Pinkie asks, breaking the icebreaker. 

"Continue as is for now. I'll announce the notable changes in the school and prepare to-" Twilight gulps, realizing a crucial flaw since Spike is not with her. 

"Twilight, what's wrong?" Applejack reads Twilight's body language. Something is not right with her. 

"Spike is not coming home..," Twilight looks down at the floor. 

"Twilight, what's wrong? Tell us so we can help you," Princess Celestia walks up to Twilight, trying to understand why she's bothered by Spike's departure. 

"Oooooh," Twilight doesn't want to reveal the harsh truths to Princess Celestia. She knows Princess Celestia will scold and scorn her for being irresponsible. 

"Oh boy," Rainbow Dash picks up Twilight's uncertainty real quick. Spike's confession during the night and how Twilight mistreated him. She recalls Spike doing so much in the castle. Now, Twilight is alone to pick up Spike's chores and more.

"Is it about Spike's rant last night, Twilight?" Pinkie Pie eagerly asks, which causes Twilight's pupils to shrink. 

"What rant?" Princess Celestia wants to know what Spike said. Now it's correlating to Twilight's sudden mood change. 

"Pinkiiiiiiiiiie!" Twilight is fuming. Now she has to tell the truth. 

"Sorry!" Pinkie Pie backs away from Twilight, not wanting to upset her even more. 

"Twilight. What did Spike say?" Princess Celestia commands in her royal tone. 

While Twilight explains Spike's rant and the reasoning behind Spike's involvement with the watch, Starlight finds a list detailing all the devices Doctor Whooves modified within the recreational vehicle. 

"What you got there, Starlight?" Shining asks after test-driving the RV in a simulator. 

"A list of the devices Doctor Whooves equipped to the RV. Here, check it out and tell Spike and me how it functions." 

"Alright," Shining Armor takes the list. 



Turbo engine 

Solar Panels: To charge all equipment in the RV during the day. 

Lunar Panels: To charge all equipment in the RV during the night.

Thrusters: Powerful jet thrusters deploy from the rear and sides of the RV.

Grappling Hook: A high-tensile strength cable with a spike at the end to attach onto things.

Electric Pulse: The wheels of the RV can discharge electrical currents.

Flamethrowers: The exhaust pipes of the RV can expel a superheated plume of flames.

Gyro Blades: Reconfigures the paneling along the sides of the RV to emit a powerful energy beam.

Laser Turrets: Turrets deploy from the back of the RV that fire laser blasts.

Plasma Cannon: A narrow cylindrical gear that deploys out of the side of the RV. It produces a powerful plasma discharge.

Hidden Gun Compartment: In the cup holder between the driver and passenger seats lies a hidden compartment that holds a gun.

Ejector Seats: Both cab seats can be ejected and have built-in parachutes for a slow descent.

Intergalactic Monitoring System: An advanced threat detection interface when something abnormal reveals itself.

Ram: The grill of the RV extends out and to the sides. It glows with energy and can ram objects with great force.

Rocket: A rocket launcher positioned on top of the RV.

Caltrops: Small spiked balls are deployed behind the RV to pop a pursuer's wheels or anything to prevent the chase.

Autopilot: A system that drives the RV autonomously.


"Doctor Whooves thought of everything in detail. Not much for me to explain when it's written. He is a mad genius at times." 

"So, what is our first destination on this so-called vacation?" Spike does the quotation mark gesture with his fingers. He wants to know what kind of training is in session. 

"Las Pegasus. I'll drive the RV there to inspire many engineering ponies to construct more vehicles after they bear witness to this RV," Shining Armor said. 

"This thing will take weeks to get there," Starlight said. 

"Which makes an excellent road trip. Also, you can use the time to practice your alien powers," Doctor Whooves bud-in the conversation. 

"That's true. Who knows what else I may encounter on the road trip? Possible aliens, monsters, and villains that went unnoticed by the friendship map at the castle," Spike said. 

"Spoken like a true plumber," Shining chuckles a bit. 

"Déjà vu," Starlight said. She heard the same sequence with Applejack about speaking like a true camper. 

Spike checks his watch, and it turns green. Spike twists the faceplate to start the initial count. After a few minutes, Spike wrote ten numbers on the paper. He labels the three names of the aliens he turned. Now, he'll wait to test out the others. 

"Any aliens you're eager to try next, Spike?" Shining Armor asks after taking a look at Spike's notes. 

"The four-armed alien and this alien that has balls as feet. I'll give them their names once I've tested their capabilities. So, when are we hitting the road?" 

"In a few moments," Princess Luna teleports into the RV. "Doctor Whooves, I love the interior of this vehicle." 

"Thank you, your highness," Doctor Whooves bows in respect. 

"What's the status, Princess Luna?" Shining Armor asks. 

"Princess Cadance has accepted Prince Blueblood's services. She has devious scenarios running amuck in her imagination." 

"She doesn't like Prince Blueblood?" Starlight Glimmer thought he and Cadance has some fellowship. 

"Prince Blueblood's character is irresistible irritation. Rarity is opposed to the presence of Blueblood. He pretended to be fearful of diaper duties and anything unpleasant and unclean," Princess Luna confirms. 

"Which is why he's perfect to handle my hidden weapons at the Crystal Castle." 

"Hidden weapons?" Starlight and Spike wonder what kind of weapons are undiscovered. 

"Since the robots are after what you possess, the Crystal Empire will be subjugated since there's a Spike Statue. I don't think the Crystal Heart is capable of protecting the empire from intergalactic aliens. Prince Blueblood is the only pony with the training to use my weapons. He's the sole protector of the Crystal Empire unless his squad comes in stealthily." 

"Oh crap! I forgot about the Spike Statue! Thanks a lot, Twilight for not bringing me to the Crystal Empire more often!" Spike groans in anger. 

"The Crystal Empire is in good hooves, with Prince Blueblood protecting it in secret. Have fun with your training and Shining Armor," Princess Luna stares into Shining's soul. 

"Y-Yes..?" Shining Armor stutters due to Luna's glare. 

"Stay on course," Princess Luna refers to the map inside the RV. 

"I-I-I but..," Shining Armor sighs in defeat. He was hoping to make a quick trip to the Crystal Empire. "Yes, ma'am." 

"Good," Princess Luna steps out of the RV with Doctor Whooves. She pats the side of it to alert everyone. "Alright, everyone stand aside. The RV is about to depart from the station!" 

All scientists gallop away from the RV, and signals on the floor light up. There are yellow arrows to help guide Shining Armor out of the hidden base. Spike and Starlight look out the windows to see everyone waving bye, wishing them good luck on their venture. Shining Armor uses the key to ignite the engine of the RV and uses his magic to drive. 

"We're moving," Spike laughs in excitement.

"Hey, does the map say what pitstops we can make or take?" Starlight asks Shining Armor. 

"First stop..," Shining Armor takes a look at the map. "Ponyville. We can buy rations for the long trip to Las Pegasus. Also, you and Spike can gather your belongings at the castle before Twilight returns." 

"Uh, there's not much for me to get. I won't be needing my Power Ponies comic. I have a real superpower on my wrist. I need to stay focused and control the powers to help every creature." 

"Wow, Spike. That's mature of you to commit," Starlight is impressed with Spike's decision-making.

"The watch is not a toy. However, that won't stop me from having a little fun once in a blue moon," Spike chuckles a bit. It scares Shining Armor a bit. 

"Since that's the case, I just want to say farewell to my friend, Trixie. Will that be alright, Shining?"

Shining Armor smiles. "Of course. I'm sure Trixie will understand."

Shining Armor focuses on his magic to drive the RV smoothly. Following the yellow arrows, the RV rises from an underground chamber. The hatch closes and uses a mechanism to disguise itself as grass. The RV is below Canterlot near the waterfall. Spike and Starlight look out the window and see the sun rising. It's now the dawn of a new day and a new adventure.
> Transitions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shining Armor slowly drives the RV on the fresh meadows of Equestria. He's going twenty-five miles per hour to test the stability of Doctor Whooves' invention. During the simulation, Doctor Whooves urged Shining Armor to feel the engine of the RV and grow a passionate relationship as pony and machine. In due time, Shining Armor will gain the confidence to accelerate and fully tests the limits of the RV. 

Starlight Glimmer is reading a book about the plumbers' history and the many encounters with strange anomalies throughout the lands. She jots notes about crucial information about certain aliens, including an unknown world conqueror. The name is blurred and scratched. She wonders if Doctor Whooves forgot to mention hoof-held weapons when an alien, monster, or robot starts running amuck, making any life miserable. Starlight hopes that Shining Armor can train her to use any weapon to the fullest. 

Spike looks out the window and sees the green pastures. He relishes the feeling of embarking on a new adventure. One that doesn't include Twilight Sparkle, which is refreshing. Spike laughs a bit. He just imagined a horrible breakfast Twilight might cook. 

When Spike said his rant last night, he meant it. He's through taking care of Twilight. He refused to allow history to repeat itself even after they hugged. Twilight was oblivious to Spike many times before, and she's more committed to her kind than another now that Spike thinks about it. Spike shrugs that thought aside despite his feelings saying otherwise. 

Princess Celestia finishes raising the sun. She is highly upset by the story Twilight revealed about taking care of Spike. Twilight expects a scolding on how to treat another species, especially one living with her for many years since infancy. Instead, Princess Celestia made her decree permanent about Twilight losing custody. At first, it was supposed to be temporary, so Spike could venture into the world and practice his new weapon. Now, it's different. There are legal boundaries every pony must follow in Equestria. As a friend, Celestia will forgive Twilight for the misdeed and allow her to keep Spike. From Spike's testimony, Princess Twilight Sparkle committed child negligence and exploitation. Therefore,  as a Princess, Celestia's obligation is to uphold the laws within her country, no matter how painful the sentence is. 

Princess Twilight Sparkle is devastated. She asks Princess Celestia who'll be Spike's legal guardian since she no longer has custody of Spike. 

"It's evident that Shining Armor has treated Spike like a younger brother; he and Princess Cadance will become Spike's new legal guardians," Princess Celestia answers Twilight's question with sympathy. 

"So, that's it?" Twilight Sparkle is angry that Princess Celestia can't give her a warning. She starts to resent Princess Luna by asking Princess Celestia to make a bold arrangement. She's livid at Pinkie Pie for exposing a dark truth to Princess Celestia. 

"Yes. I will make arrangements with Princess Cadance to allow you to make visitations with Spike. I'm sorry, Twilight," Princess Celestia reads Twilight's body language. She knows Twilight is fuming with the loss of caring Spike. 

"I can't get a second chance to redeem myself?!" Twilight feels betrayed that Princess Celestia can't disregard a situation based on her actions of saving Equestria numerous times. "I helped save Equestria many times! I apologized to Spike, and he forgave me! You owe me this favor!" 

"Spike is still relatively young for a dragon. You, of all ponies, should know about obeying the law," Princess Celestia coldly states. "You are the Headmare of your school with laws and constitutions that you created! I can't ignore what you've done to a child because of your heroic deeds. I don't owe you any favors for violating a law. You are a Princess, and as a Princess, uphold and learn from your failures." 

"Oh, like you failed your sister, Luna?" Twilight heartlessly says. Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash steer clear of Twilight's presence. It's a new side they have never seen in their friend and don't know how to cope with it. "Better yet, trusting a child with a superweapon. How professional," Twilight sarcastically says. 

Princess Celestia takes a deep breath. What Twilight said about her sister hurt her, but she won't reveal her feelings. "I entrusted you to take care of Spike even after I sent you to Ponyville and make friends, not to abandon him once you made friends. I entrusted you to raise your relationship with Spike with your new friends. Not to let him rot alone in the library and castle doing your chores and having him take care of you. A child doesn't care for the grown pony. The grown pony cares for the child. You used Spike as a slave." 

"A SLAVE?!" Twilight Sparkle is conflicted with that statement. 

"Your claim as Spike being an assistant has turned into slavery. From what you told me about Spike, he's done the cleaning, the cooking, the running around, and subjugated for your experiments. That alone is a felony! You don't understand the gravity of the situation, Princess Twilight Sparkle," Princess Celestia sternly said in her royal tone, glaring rigidly at Twilight. 

Twilight Sparkle pants heavily. She never thought of committing a felony, especially with supporting a young dragon. What Princess Celestia spoke is the truth. Now, if Twilight weren't a Princess, she'd be in worse circumstances than she is. 

"Uh, Celestia?" Rarity interjects herself into the conversation. "What will happen to Twilight, now?" She cautiously asks after seeing how heated Princess Celestia is. 

Princess Celestia glares at Rarity and sees her cowering in fear. She closes her eyes and releases a long sigh to calm down. "Princess Twilight Sparkle will resume her duties at the School of Friendship. She will learn what it takes to become a more responsible Princess and now parent if she chooses to bear a family. For the next three months. Princess Twilight Sparkle will care for herself at her castle. She won't receive any help, especially from the five of you. I expect full reports on what Twilight learned from stepping in Spike's footsteps. Princess Twilight Sparkle." 

"Y-Y-Yes.., Pr-Pr-Princess..?" Twilight Sparkle nervously replies. 

"If I receive word that you plan to stalk or spy on Spike during his vacation, I will strip you of your title as Princess of Friendship. Your wings will be removed as well. Do I make myself clear?" 

Twilight Sparkle nods extensively. 

"Good. Do NOT disappoint me," Princess Celestia turns away from Princess Twilight Sparkle. "You may leave now." 

Twilight Sparkle leaves the throne room with her head down. Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie follow in pursuit. Once the throne room doors close, Princess Celestia releases some of her emotions. She failed Luna and suffered the consequences. One of her greatest downfalls is a painful reminder. 

It's been three hours since Shining Armor drove the RV. Many curious ponies swarm around the RV, taking many pictures and wanting entrance in front of the city hall at Ponyville. Shining Armor is fed up with the constant flashes of cameras. He honks the horn to make them leave, but the ponies are more interested in learning more about the RV. 

"Any other ideas you have, Shining?" Starlight asks. She sees fillies and colts hovering by the windows, trying to get a peep inside. 

"I could blast them. However, that's against protocol," Shining replies with a dark joke. 

"Starlight, can you teleport me to the castle?" Spike asks. 

"How would that help us?" Starlight turns to Spike. Then she sees what Spike's planning. 

"I believe Ponyville will be much more interested in seeing their hero than this contraption." 

"You got it!" Starlight ignites her horn and shoots a beam at Spike. She teleports him to the castle. 

"It's hero time!" Spike activates the watch and twists the faceplate twice. Then he slams it down. Green lights flashes, turning into Diamondhead. "Alright, time to shine," Spike runs to the RV and gathers everyone's attention. "Alright, it appears this town is thriving better than I thought." 

"It's Diamond Dude!" Pipsqueak shouts. He diverts his attention from the RV to Spike's alien. "Can I have your autograph?!" Pipsqueak unintentionally draws the group to get closer to Spike. He flies ahead of his friends to see Spike personally. 

"It is him!" Lyra and Bon Bon squee loudly. 

"We love you, Diamond Dude!" Many ponies chant. 

"My name is Diamondhead. I'll allow my adoring fans to call me Diamond Dude," Spike poses in front of his peers. 

Mayor Mare excuses herself to greet Spike's alien. "Mister Diamondhead. It's a great honor to have our beloved hero in Ponyville. We want to throw you a parade and a celebration in honor of your heroism when you fought that titan last night!" Many ponies around the Mayor agree in unison. 

"Shining! Now will be a good time to drive us out of here!" Starlight urges Shining to use the opportunity before the timer of Spike's watch deactivates. 

Shining Armor drives the RV out of city hall. He has decided to park it near several trees and a purple wagon outside Ponyville. Starlight sees Trixie lounging on her chair outside her wagon; Trixie is wearing her sunglasses, relishing the cool breezes of the first day of summer. 

Starlight gets excited and leaves the RV. "Trixie!" Starlight shouts happily to grab her friend's attention. 

"Starlight?" Trixie removes her sunglasses to see Starlight trotting up to her. She sees Shining Armor in the windshield of the RV. Shining Armor nods. 

"Trixie, I've come to see you and let you know that I'm going away on vacation," Starlight honestly says with a smile.

"Why are you with Shining Armor? Why not with your friends?" Trixie asks out of curiosity. "You two are having an affair or something?" Trixie seductively asks. 

"Oh, well.., you see..," Starlight blushes and rubs the back of her head with her right front hoof. She's having a hard time explaining the plumbers' business and Spike's watch. 

Trixie giggles. "Sorry, Starlight. I couldn't resist. Especially with my commanding officer sitting in front of the RV." 

"Wait! How did you know..," Starlight's eyes widen in shock. "YOU'RE A PLUMBER?!" 

Trixie bursts into laughter, seeing Starlight's reaction. Starlight Glimmer's jaw drops. She didn't anticipate her best friend being a plumber; Shining Armor chuckles from the RV. He heard Starlight's surprised shout. 

"Indeed I am, Starlight," Trixie hugs her friend. "It's against protocol to reveal my identity unless my commanding officer approves it. I'm part of Shining Armor's squad." 

"Who else is part of it?" Starlight is keen on knowing who else is part of the organization. 

"It's not for me to tell, Starlight," Trixie stops hugging Starlight. "We're supposed to be nonexistent. How did you wind up becoming a plumber?" 

"It's all thanks to Spike," Starlight's eyes widen. "I have to go and get him!" 

"What's wrong with Spike?" Trixie is worried about Starlight's expression. 

"Shining will fill you in! I have to go!" Starlight gallops to Ponyville. 

Spike is getting overwhelmed with many ponies wanting an autograph and to take a picture. He's trying to elude the crowd, but it becomes restless. Pretty soon, his time as Diamondhead will sound off. Starlight arrives in Ponyville after using her teleportation spell. She sees Spike backing away and devises an idea. One she'll regret if somepony exposes her. Starlight shoots a magic beam, hitting Sugarcube Corner and setting it on fire. Starlight hides behind a barrel in hopes that no pony has seen her. 

"Fire! Oh, my gosh!" The fire spreads rapidly at Sugarcube Corner. "My husband and the kids are inside!" Mrs.Cupcake shouts horridly. She's afraid of losing her family. 

"It's hero time!" Spike jumps out of the crowd and runs to Sugarcube Corner. Ponies follow to watch the extravaganza. Many colts and fillies start chanting It's Hero Time! 

Spike sees Carrot Cake holding onto his foals. Spike looks up and notices the ceiling starting to crack. Carrot Cake coughs while the smoke gets to him. It's blinding his vision. Spike runs to Carrot Cake when the ceiling gives way. Pinkie's bed fall and Spike turns his right arm into a sharp-edge cutter to slice the bed in half. 

"Are you okay?" Spike asks Carrot Cake. 

Carrot Cake coughs. "Never better. Please, get my children out of here!" Carrot Cake coughs more. The smoke becomes overwhelming. 

Spike picks up Carrot Cake, Pound Cake, and Pumpkin cake. He rushes out of the bakery as the whole building collapses. Starlight hopes no one saw what she committed for Spike to flee from his peers. 

"My babies!" Mrs.Cupcake rushes to her family. Pound and Pumpkin Cake are fine. It's Carrot Cake that got the worst ends of the fire. Spike puts him on the ground. 

"I'm fine," Carrot Cake coughs. "Thanks to Diamond Dude," Carrot Cake turns to him. 

"All in a day's work," Spike poses. Then his hourglass symbol starts bleeping and blinking red. "That's my cue to help the next creature! Farewell!" Spike runs away. Every pony waves bye and hopes to see Diamond Dude once again. 

Spike runs near a bridge and reverts to his dragon self from underneath. He walks out, sighing in relief. Starlight Glimmer comes out of hiding. She refuses to speak about her action to draw Spike's attention elsewhere. Starlight tells Spike that he did well for using the rest of Diamondhead's time to save the Cake family. 

Starlight and Spike walk back to the RV. They see Shining Armor hooking Trixie's wagon to the rear of the RV. Starlight knows that Trixie will be tagging along on the journey. Spike is confused, but Starlight reveals that Trixie is part of Shining Armor's team. Spike's jaw drops. He can't believe that Trixie is a plumber. 

Trixie comes out of the RV and approaches Spike. She observes the watch. "Wow, this technology is so advanced. Shining Armor told me you can transform into an alien." 

"I just did. Shining Armor drove the RV into Ponyville, and we got swarmed. I turned into Diamondhead to alter their attention span. Right now. The watch is on red, meaning it needs to recharge." 

"What color it's on for you to transform?" Trixie asks. 

"Green. When my watch is green, I can turn hero," Spike explains. 

"Get ready to hear Spike's trademark, Great and Powerful Trixie," Starlight chuckles. 

"I know I'm great and powerful due to my training with the plumbers, Starlight. My whole Great and Powerful persona is deceitful, Starlight. I'm sorry for deceiving you with an annoying character." 

"What?! Who's idea was it?" Starlight can't believe the magician's persona is a lie. 

"Honestly, we pick a subject from a hat and dedicate ourselves to fit that character," Trixie said. "We undergo a lot of training for any outcome, including becoming somepony else." 

"With Trixie tagging along, your training has become smoother, Starlight. She's hoofs-on using hoof-held guns and saddle launchers. Also, Trixie will gather rations and supplies."

"I'll get us good stuff in-" Starlight cuts Trixie's speech. 

"The next town!" Starlight frantically says. She doesn't want her friend to find out that she started a fire in Ponyville. 

"Good call. Ponyville has become destination Diamond Dude," Spike said. "By going elsewhere, less attention." 

"Good enough for me," Shining Armor starts the RV. "Alright, onto Dodge City or Junction. However you creatures call it," Shining Armor drives the RV. Spike waves bye to Ponyville. Trixie starts talking about her involvement with the plumbers. Starlight starts taking notes and mentally prepares herself when her training arrives. Spike hopes to test a different alien at the next destination.
> Wild West
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's been a slow five-hour drive for Shining Armor since departing from Ponyville. Trixie spoke story after story about encountering different creatures not native to Equus. Starlight becomes enlightened by the breeds and prowesses of each alien, monster, ghoul, and dormant entities Trixie spoke. Spike looks out the window and notices a town that looks deserted. Shining Armor stops the RV and figures this location is perfect for Spike to test his other aliens. 

"Everyone, we're at our first pitstop," Shining Armor announces. He turns off the RV's engine. 

"Where are we?" Starlight looks out the window. 

"Gold's Village," Trixie replies after reading the broken sign above. 

Gold's Village is an abandoned mining town where settlers and miners worked to dig gold back in the day. It has a western-type field with several buildings and shops, a rusted water tower, a mill, and a saloon. 

"Why is it called Gold's Village?" Spike asks Trixie. 

"Two hundred years ago, this location was a hot spot for gold. However, it ran out after fifty years. Ponies back in the day never rationalized what they got. Some hoarded their workers until a revolt happened that caused a semi-civil war. Both sides wiped each other out," Shining Armor explains the origins of Gold's Village. "With no pony or creature around, utilize the opportunity to analyze the rest of you aliens." 

"With no one here, I'll do a little sightseeing before experimenting with my other aliens," Spike leaves the RV. He wanders around the town. 

"I would advise one or both of you to keep an eye on Spike. I need to see how the shower works in the RV." 

"Alright, Shining. Trixie and I will do just that," Starlight trots out of the RV.

"I'll keep you updated on any phenomenons around the area, Shining," Trixie said. She puts on her saddle bag. 

"Carry on," Shining salutes Trixie and watches her leave. Shining goes to the bathroom to test the showers. 

In the depths of space outside Equus' orbit, Vilgax has hired three bounty hunters worthy of delivering the Omnitrix to him. They are known as Kraab, SixSix, and Tetrax Shard. 

Kraab is a fiddler mechanic crab with a goldish brown-colored armor, a sideways mouth, four scythe-like legs, and a large, powerful pincer for a left hand. Within the pincer, there is a power blaster combined with a chemical sprayer. He has orange lines running over his body, and his eyes had the same color as the highlights of his pincer. Kraab has enhanced strength, durability, and digging. The rest of his equipment features electric beams, gas generation, scanner vision, rotating head, and thermographic vision. Kraab is capable of hunting any creature or object in any climate, in scorching deserts, and underwater. 

SixSix adorns a metallic jumpsuit armor. He has purple pads covering his central joints, a belt, and four central lines on his helmet to provide outlines for his face, which are his eyes and mouth. He carries many weapons and equipment such as laser guns, an energy buzzsaw, a jetpack, missiles, bombs, electric discs, energy whips, energy swords, a sonic weapon, a life support system, and now, an Omnitrix Radar. 

Tetrax's attire features a shiny grey suit with a retractable black helmet. Under the helmet, the suit went all the way up to the bottom of his neck. This triangle was also on the center of his utility belt, and there were markings resembling it on either shoulder pad. He has enhanced strength, durability, acrobatics, speeds, and fast reflexes. He carries a hoverboard, energy gun, sonic device, and smoke grenades. 

Vilgax watches how each bounty hunter annihilates his meager drones and robots with precision. He's impressed with the skills and technicality of each bounty hunter. Vilgax devises a game for the first to retrieve the Omnitrix will be abundantly rewarded. The three bounty hunters deploy from Chimeran Hammer to the world of Equus. 

Spike enters a mill to see what was made and left behind in their era. He overhears Starlight and Trixie's hoofsteps and decides to prank them. He activates his watch and turns the faceplate into a silhouette of his liking. He presses the faceplate, and green lights burst. 

Spike starts becoming intangible. Then his body becomes gaseous with claw-like hands and grey skin with black lines running all over him. His hourglass insignia peeks out of the skin on his lower left chest, and he has one pink eye with a black pupil.

"Whoa, this is freaky," Spike said in a faint and whispery tone. He looks at his reflection from the broken pieces of mirror on the ground. "I look like a ghost!" An idea pops into his mind. "Perfect," Spike giggles and goes into hiding. 

"Spike? Where are you?" Starlight said. She becomes unnerved by an unfamiliar presence. 

"We'll find him, Starlight. I'm sure Spike is standing still, trying to imagine the era of this town," Trixie enlightening says. "This is a town full of hidden secrets," Trixie hears rummaging near a mill. 

"You heard that, Trixie?" Starlight said after hearing the rummaging. 

"Shhhhh," Trixie quiets Starlight. 

Trixie and Starlight slowly trot to the mill when Spike rises from the ground, scaring the two with his faint and whispery voice shouting. "BOO!" Starlight and Trixie hug each other and scream in pure horror at the sudden arrival of Spike's ghostly alien. Spike burst into laughter. "Hahahahahahaha!" Spike points at the two, hugging each other in pure terror. "You should have seen the look on your faces." 

"SPIKE! THAT WASN'T FUNNY!" Starlight shouts in anger. She lets go of Trixie.

"You scared us to death, Spike!" Trixie shouts in annoyance. She examines Spike's new alien. "So, what is this alien called?" 

Spike's pink eye moves within the black line to stare at Trixie. She's a bit creeped out by the moving eye. "Ghostfreak since I freaked you both," Spike chuckles. "I'm sorry for how I scared you. I couldn't resist." 

"It's alright, Spike. I'll admit, you had me good," Starlight honestly states. "You should pull a prank similar to Shining Armor." 

"Duly noted." 

"How long ago you turned?" Trixie asks out of curiosity. 

"A few minutes ago. Why?" Spike sees Trixie getting serious which is scaring him. 

"Trixie, what's wrong?" Starlight asks with a level of concern. She sees Trixie's eyes scanning left to right, up and down. 

"Deactivating cloaking mode," Trixie reveals her monitor visors that detect probes. "I'm picking up two signatures entering the atmosphere," She uses her magic to place a communicator mic on her ear. "Shining Armor. Inbounding bogeys at twelve o'clock." 

Shining Armor receives the transmission from the RV. "Copy that. Return to base."

"Understood. Starlight, Spike. It's time to return to the RV." 

"Right," Starlight nods. 

"What's coming now?" Spike wonders if it's two more robots from last night. Then the ground starts quaking. Spike grabs Starlight and Trixie before a collision takes place. They're hovering in the air. "What is this?" He puts the two down away from the crash. 

"Not what but who," Kraab emerges from the ground. He walks on his four scythe-like legs. His head pops to examine Spike. 

"What is that thing?!" Spike and Starlight shout.

"Hand over the Omnitrix, and I promise you won't suffer.., much," Kraab pinches his metal claw.

"The Omni-what?" Spike is confused. 

"He's after your watch, Spike!" Starlight warns her friend. 

"Activating Saddle Launchers!" Trixie uses her magic to turn her saddle bag into laser torrents. There's one cannon on the left and right side of Trixie. The muzzles and barrels extend. Starlight's eyes widen in shock. 

"You believe that little toy can scathe me?" Kraab laughs until Trixie blasts him with a laser blast. Kraab collides into a steel cauldron from the ceiling. Kraab falls face-first into the floor, and the cauldron lands on him. 

"That was cool!" Spike said. 

"I'll say!" Starlight is astounded to see the power of the laser cannons. 

"No time in celebrating. We need to move! Now!" Trixie fires another laser at Kraab and gallops out of the mill. Starlight and Spike follows Trixie. 

Kraab gets up and tunnels into the ground. He follows the heat signatures of Trixie and Starlight. He zooms past the two and rises from the ground. "You're mine!" Kraab opens his pincer and sprays Spike with a solidifying chemical, rendering him unable to go intangible. 

"What is this stuff?" Spike tries to become tangible but becomes useless when Kraab uses his pincer to grab Spike and tosses him into a building. 

"Stay away from him!" Starlight ignites her horn to shoot a powerful wave of magic at Kraab. He takes the hit, and smoke covers the area. "Did that work?" 

"Only in your dreams, Starlight," Trixie straightforwardly said. She sees Kraab emerging from the smoke. 

"That barely tickled," Kraab opens his pincer, preparing to strike Starlight with a laser beam. 

"Proton Energy Shield deploy!" Trixie's left laser torrent shoots an energy shield, protecting Starlight from Kraab's blast. 

"What!?" Kraab sees how efficient Trixie's cannons are. "I have underestimated you, creature. I better take care of you first!" Kraab hears horns honking. He turns to see Shining Armor driving the RV straight at him. The RV collides with Kraab, causing him to hurl into a building. 

"Activating missile sequence!" The front bumpers open a hatch. Shining Armor uses his magic to fire several missiles at the building Kraab crashed into; it blows up. Shining sees a red flash to his left. Spike comes out with brown goo. "All of you, get in!" 

Spike and Starlight waste no time entering the RV. Trixie sees the two bogeys altering their landing sequence. She gets in the RV, telling Shining Armor to floor it. 

Shining Armor uses his magic to accelerate the RV's speed, leaving Gold's Village. Starlight sits down, panting heavily and questioning her magic power against powerful alien forces. 

"Word of advice, Starlight. Magic alone is not strong enough against robots, bounty hunters, or aliens. They far exceed anything magic and use technology," Trixie said. 

"That means Twilight and the others would be..," Shining Armor finishes Starlight's statement. 

"Dead. I love my younger sister but foes that plumbers fight are more omnipotent than any other creature. That includes Lord Tirek and Discord." 

"Wait? If they are that powerful, could you defeat Queen Chrysalis and her Changelings when they invaded Canterlot during your wedding?" 

Shining Armor sighs heavily. "Yes," Spike gasps. "All those Changelings at the time were easily killable. Due to my prodigious training, my weaponry alone will make them bow before me. Even after Queen Chrysalis absorbed mine and Celestia's magic would be too easy. The only reason why I withheld my motives was to ensure Cadance's safety, and Princess Luna forbade me from revealing myself. Also, I didn't have my visors, and my team was outside the protection bubble Celestia wanted me to conjure. Luna and I couldn't go inside our hidden base with every Royal Guard stationed and patroling the castle daily. So, I had to stay in character and endure the whole experience." 

Spike is speechless. This whole time, Shining Armor wasn't that hopeless or defenseless. It makes him think how powerful Shining Armor is compared to his Royal Guard status. "Are you more powerful than Twilight?" 

"Yes. Twilight wouldn't go for the kill. She'll befriend the creatures even after they attempt to kill her. Twilight would make monologue speeches which would be her undoing. Alicorn or not, Twilight doesn't have a killer instinct or to subdue an enemy without mercy. Believe me; when I say this; most aliens, creatures, ghouls, or robots show no mercy. So, why should we?" 

"Unless, of course, they are our allies," Trixie corrects Shining Armor's comment. 

"I have a question for you!" Starlight wants to know if Trixie lied about her knowledge of magic. "When you came to the castle, and I helped you elevate your magic, were you holding your true potential?"

"It was refreshing to learn the fundamentals, Starlight. Yes, I held back my understanding of magic to pretense my character. If I had to compare my magic power with somepony, I would say we're equally matched, no pun intended," Trixie said. 

"How was that possible?! You wore the Alicorn Amulet to overwhelm Twilight when she was a unicorn!" Spike remembers Trixie being a pushover with magic. 

"There's a spirit dormant within the Alicorn Amulet that wants freedom. If no one wears the Amulet within a hundred years, the entity is free and can unleash carnage the world never saw before. The plumbers were monitoring the status, and the sentient was close to escaping its' prison when I came along. I knew I needed to put the specter to sleep for the next hundred years, so I had to become a willing host." 

"A willing host?" Spike and Starlight say in unison. They want more answers from this story. 

"The spirit within negotiates a bargain. He will give you the power of an Alicorn and fulfill your heart's desires in exchange for a body. Since my character faced a humiliation unlike any other, it was perfect to bestowed a revenge plan upon Twilight, knowing she would succeed in the end." 

Spike is stunned by another truth bomb. He shrugs the feeling because another memory spoken by the Great and Powerful comes to his mind. "So that story about the Ursa Major? Can you slay it?" 

"Of course, I can; I've done it in the past. A mad scientist took control of the Ursa Major, wrecking towns; I had to slay it with what I got. I retold my story and switched the images of an Ursa Major with an Ursa Minor in hopes of ponies believing in what I said. I convinced many ponies with my fictional story for years. It was a great cover story until Snips and Snails derailed my depiction."

"Wow, Trixie," Starlight is speechless. Yea, she helped every Changeling convert except for Queen Chrysalis, but compared to Trixie; Trixie has better feats than her. 

Everyone hears a loud thud on the roof of the RV. Spike, Trixie, and Starlight look up to see a buzzsaw cutting through the ceiling.

"Trixie, take care of it!" Shining shouts as he drives the RV. He can't afford to lose concentration. 

Metal claws pull and peel the ceiling. SixSix is above and dodges a missile from Trixie's cannon. That's when Shining Armor uses his magic to cease the RV's movements, causing SixSix to fall off in front of the RV. Trixie jumps to the ceiling and rolls on the roof; Shining Armor uses his magic to accelerate the RV's velocity, running SixSix over. It was a mistake. The wheels of the RV start to deflate. 

"Shit!" Shining Armor didn't mean to curse, but he's happy Flurry Heart is not around to mimic the word. 

Trixie looks back, preparing herself to fire another missile at SixSix. Shining Armor, Starlight, and Spike leave the RV. They notice an entrance into an abandoned mine. 

"Go! I'll hold this guy back!" Trixie shouts. She's ready to beat down the bounty hunter. 

SixSix speaks in his alien language. "This'll be quick." SixSix confidentially says. 

The ground starts to tremble. Kraab emerges from the ground. "The Omnitrix is mine!" Kraab uses his pincer to slam SixSix. 

"Take this!" Trixie leaps into the air, shooting laser blasts at Kraab. Kraab dodges the projectiles and fires back, intercepting Trixie's onslaught. 

"Let's move!" Shining Armor places Spike on his back and gallops fast into the mine entrance. Starlight follows Shining inside. 

Spike's Omnitrix is still red. He hopes the charge is complete before Trixie gets obliterated.

"Launching smoke grenades!" Trixie's cannons fire smoke grenades at Kraab and SixSix. The smoke covers the area. 

"Have a little taste of your own medicine!" Kraab opens his pincer to spray thick dark smoke at Trixie. 

SixSix speaks in his alien language. "Take this!" SixSix takes out his laser gun and shoots at Trixie. 

Due to the smoke, Trixie's visors become blind. Then her left cannon gets neutralized from the impact of SixSix's laser beam. Trixie drops her saddle launcher and activates the detonator. She gallops inside the mining entrance, hoping the blast radius doesn't affect her, Shining, Starlight, and Spike inside. 

"Say, how about we work together and split the reward?" Kraab asks SixSix. 

SixSix speaks in his alien language. "Might as well. Those creatures protecting the user of the Omnitrix are putting up more of a fight than I'd imagine." SixSix accepts Kraab's proposal. 

Kraab and SixSix were about to enter the mine when the sounds of a timer ticking on Trixie's saddle bag were explosive. 

"SON-OF-A-" Kraab and SixSix shout in unison as Trixie's saddle bag explodes. Kraab and SixSix receive minor injuries and dents on their armors. "I'm going to skin them alive!" Kraab and SixSix go inside the mine. They are boiling in rage. 

Trixie uses her visors to locate Shining Armor's plumbing equipment. He, Spike, and Starlight are near a chasm, looking around to find another exit. Spike is tapping on the Omnitrix; he starts to become a bit impatient. 

"Shining! A cable car to your right!" Spike points at it. 

"Nice find!" Shining Armor activates his visors. He looks back to see Trixie coming with Kraab and SixSix chasing her. "Great. Activating Saddle Machine Guns!" Shining Armor uses his magic to turn his saddle bag into sentry torrents on his left and right side. The barrels of each torrent extend. "Come to daddy," Shining Armor uses his magic to power up the machine guns. 

Spike and Starlight get inside the cable car. Trixie gallops with SixSix and Kraab chasing her and shooting laser projectiles. Trixie sees Shining Armor positioned and rolls aside, allowing Shining Armor to shoot laser bullets at Kraab and SixSix. 

"Trixie, inside the cable car, now!" Shining Armor commands. "Activating saddle thruster!" The right saddle back turns from a machine gun into a jetpack mode. Shining Armor flies and uses the left machine gun to fire more laser bullets at SixSix and Kraab. The two are taking cover. 

"Geez, this guy is good!" Kraab admits while taking cover from Shining's onslaught. 

SixSix speaks in his alien language. "Don't compliment the enemy, stupid!" SixSix uses his jetpack and flies out of range of Shining's laser bullets. He launches missiles of his own at Shining Armor. 

Shining Armor gasps and flies out of range of SixSix's missiles. He shoots them before they explode near the cable car. "Trixie! Go without me!" 

"On it!" Trixie uses her magic to turn on the cable car. She uses her magic to teleport to Starlight and Spike on the cable car, descending into the chasm. 

Kraab sees the perfect opportunity to strike. "You're mine!" Kraab runs to the edge and leaps to the cable car. 

Shining Armor is about to intercept when SixSix tackles Shining Armor, crashing into the rock walls of the chasm. 

"Shining!" Trixie, Starlight, and Spike shout in horror after witnessing the impact of the collision. They turn to see Kraab about to pinch the cable car wire. 

Spike hears a ping from the Omnitrix. It turns from red to green. Without wasting any time, Spike activates the Omnitrix and slams the faceplate without looking. It flashes green light. 

Spike feels his body changing drastically and grows well-developed muscles, two pairs of four-fingered arms, and red skin. A black stripe goes from his chin to his lower lip, and he has four eyes, with the top pair bigger and a set smaller. Spike lacks ears and a nose. He has whisker-like spikes on each forearm; Spike wears a white T-shirt with a black line going down it, black pants, and fingerless gloves. The Omnitrix symbol is on his upper left shoulder. His eyes are yellow, and he has no hair. Spike's new alien is ten feet tall. 

"Oh no, you don't!" Spike jumps from the cable car and uppercuts Kraab with his lower right arm; Kraab crashes into the rock walls hard. Spike's new alien gives him super strength. Spike grabs onto the cable car wire after the punch. 

"WHOA!" Starlight and Trixie is shocked to see Spike's new alien. They can't believe Spike now has four arms. 

"Be safe!" Spike shouts. 

"We will!" Starlight shouts, speaking on behalf of Trixie. 

Spike swings on the cable car wire, launching himself into the wall to punch and beatdown Kraab. That's when Tetrax swoops in on his hoverboard, taking Spike away from the conflict.

"Hey! What's the meaning of this!?" Spike punches Tetrax's helmet with his upper left arm; Tetrax releases his hold on Spike. The two are near several abandoned homes near another mining entrance. 

Tetrax examines Spike's physiology. "Billions of beings on this planet, and the Omnitrix winds up on the wrist of a foolhardy youth." 

"Foolhardy? Listen, punk. I may be young, but I'm not stupid!" Spike starts reading the body language of this alien in front of him. 

"Hmm, the boy is attempting to learn my capabilities. However, I must extract the Omnitrix." Tetrax thought to himself. 

"Just like those that came looking for me!" Spike lunges at Tetrax. "The watch doesn't come off!" He attempts to punch Tetrax. 

Tetrax avoids Spike's feeble punch and gut-punches him. Spike stumbles back from the blow. "OF COURSE IT DOESN'T! Its power utilizes alien DNA, which binds to the host's own genetic structure. It cannot simply be removed like that!" Tetrax removes his helmet, revealing himself. Tetrax looks like Diamondhead. 

"Whoa, you're the alien I turned into earlier today and last night," Spike now knows that he may encounter other species as his alien forms from the Omnitrix. 

"More likely on brute strength, without regard for any strategy. Do you ever pause to consider your actions at all?" Tetrax demeaningly asks. 

"I transformed into this four-armed alien not because of brute strength but to defend my friends from an incoming attack! I didn't look to see who I was choosing! I went with whoever I turned within the moment, hoping it was a good selection!" Spike defends himself with an honest reply. He sounds upset about being accused of reckless action. 

"Defending his friends? Perhaps I underestimated him. I watched him having some fun before getting attacked by Kraab. However, he sounds genuine with the usage of the Omnitrix." Tetrax thought to himself. He's impressed with Spike's motives. 

"Look, if we're done talking, I have to get back and make sure those punks didn't harm my friends!" Spike is about to take off when Tetrax grabs his shoulder. 

"I'm coming with you. I had suspected you of abusing the Omnitrix when I failed to realize that you have good intentions. I'll help take down SixSix and Kraab," Tetrax said. He hops on his hoverboard and offers his hand to Spike. 

"Let's roll," Spike said, grabbing Tetrax's hand. 

Shining Armor is fighting SixSix with an energizer sword. SixSix is amazed to see someone else using an energy sword. Kraab continues to shoot missiles from the ground, hoping to kill Shining Armor or distract him long enough for SixSix to deliver the final blow. Shining Armor saw Tetrax taking Spike away from the battlefield. He believes the third bounty hunter reluctantly agrees to work with his allies rather than for self-interest. Trixie and Starlight are down below, watching the scenery. Trixie doesn't have any weapons on her. The wagon is too far to call upon her equipment to aid in battle by using her visors. 

Tetrax travels swiftly, with Spike holding on. Spike jumps off of Tetrax's board, pummeling Kraab. Tetrax launches himself, removes his gloves, and punches SixSix. Shining Armor is confused; He uses the time to catch his breath. 

Spike uses three of his arms to lift Kraab and toss him aside. He jumps and stomps Kraab's lower body; He dents the front scythe-like leg. He rips it off. 

"Hey! I needed that!" Kraab uses his three scythe-like legs to get up. 

"Not anymore!" Spike does a front flip. He jams the leg into the neck of Kraab by mistake. However, the tip leg impales nerve cluster and other components. 

"AH CRAP!" Kraab starts sparking and going haywire. His movements become erratic. 

"Here, have a seat!" Spike leg-sweeps Kraab. He falls on his back and continues to spark. Kraab is unable to get up. 

After Shining Armor catches his breath, he sees Tetrax and SixSix fighting in the air. Using his machine gun torrent, he aims at SixSix's jetpack. Shining Armor fires a laser bullet at SixSix's jetpack. It connects. 

SixSix speaks in his alien language. "Ah, shit!" SixSix flies unstably, allowing Tetrax to turn his arm into a sharp-edge cutter, slashing SixSix, and altering his direction. 

Spike sees SixSix about to crash and runs away from the collision course; Kraab sees SixSix coming and swears that he hates Equus. SixSix lands on Kraab. Now, the two are not out of commission. 

Spike's Omnitrix insignia starts flashing red. He reverts to his dragon self. Tetrax thought Spike was a filly. Seeing him as a dragon, who matured, makes him believe that the Omnitrix is with the right host. 

Trixie and Starlight use their magic to levitate to the top after witnessing the final climax of the battle. Shining Armor lands next to them. 

Tetrax lands near Kraab and SixSix. "You traitor!" They say in disgust. 

"I was never a bounty hunter, to begin with; I am a noble warrior," Tetrax shoots an energy cube to detain Kraab and SixSix. He turns to Shining, Trixie, and Starlight. 

"WHOA! HE LOOKS LIKE DIAMONDHEAD!" Shining, Starlight, and Trixie shout in awe. 

"I'm Petrosapien. It's the name of my species, the same genetic code within the Omnitrix," Tetrax explains. "I came here in search of the Omnitrix and to retrieve it. It seems the Omnitrix is in good hands of mature, draconic youth. Forgive me for the misunderstanding of your tactics, Spike. I wasn't aware that you'll use the Omnitrix for the right reasons."

"It's alright. There's more to the Omnitrix for me to utilize to the fullest. I only had it for less than a day's worth. I plan on studying each alien to master every strength and turning a weakness into an offense." 

"Spoken like a true warrior. I shall return. Farewell," Tetrax rides his hoverboard, leaving Equus. 

Vilgax watched the whole sequence on his monitor. "A dragon wields my Omnitrix? When I recover, I shall extract the Omnitrix from his cold dead body!" Vilgax proclaims. He envisions the future of the galaxies in the palm of his hand.

"Hey, Shining? Do you have those saddle launchers in the van?" Starlight asks. She's eager to test and practice the plumbing equipment. 

"We have different varieties for you to try, Starlight. Right now, I need a good nap," Shining replies. 

"I wonder how Twilight and the others are doing at this moment," Spike ponders. 

At this exact moment, Pinkie Pie is in front of Sugarcube Corner. She sees the building burned down, and her bed and private rooms burnt to a crisp. She's been sitting for hours with her mouth open wide. The Cakes have checked into a hotel until the repair ponies come and rebuild their bakery and home. Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash sit next to Pinkie to comfort her. They hear ponies praising Spike's Diamonded Alien in the background. Pinkie growls because whatever happened; was due to Spike's presence being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
> Night One
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pinkie Pie has remained motionless since coming home from Canterlot. She can't determine what happened to her home, whether there was another fight or karma for blurring out Spike's rant when Princess Celestia asked about Twilight's condition. Her bed,  party planning journals, and room are now dust and ashes. Pinkie Pie has nowhere to sleep and live. 

Twilight Sparkle was about to offer residence when a guilty conscience clouds her mind. Princess Celestia told her to endure what Spike experienced for the next three months without help, knowing that Spike completed all his tasks in solitude. In the back of Twilight's mind, she was thinking about having Pinkie help her do some work in the castle before going to the School of Friendship. Also, Twilight is still mad that Pinkie Pie forced her into revealing compelling truths that made her forfeit any legal right to keep Spike's custody. For now, all Twilight can do is hope that any of her friends can propose for Pinkie to stay in their place. 

Applejack offers Pinkie Pie refuge at Sweet Apple Acres since she treats her like family. Pinkie Pie accepts the offer and trots with Applejack to Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack warns Pinkie about farm life when Pinkie reminds Applejack about the rock farm life. 

Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash fly home. They hope things get better tomorrow with something more exciting and thrilling to do as friends, even if it's another day at teaching in the School of Friendship. If not, they'll plan something to enlighten Twilight's mood and strengthen her confidence. 

Rarity says her bye and gallops home to check on Sweetie Belle. After witnessing Twilight losing guardianship of Spike, she refuses for someone to call the CPS and strip her of Sweetie Belle from negligence. She vows to spend more time with her younger sister. 

Twilight Sparkle slowly lopes to her castle with her head down. Last night was supposed to be a fantastic night of hanging out with her friends, camping, and going along with her schedule. Instead, a new chapter began with Spike gaining advanced super technology from the depths of space. Yes, Twilight has forgotten about Spike throughout the years, and it was her fault for not including him; Twilight feels that Spike should have opened up and revealed his feelings in private than exposing them in front of her friends. Twilight couldn't stop thinking about Spike. She can't stop thinking about the watch, how it slowly burrows into her heart, and how it's causing calamity in her friends' lives. She wishes Spike's new weapon would have chosen someone else or gone to a different planet. 

It's 8:00 at night near the remains of Gold's Village. Trixie has set up a campfire outside the RV to roast marshmallows and discuss what will happen moving forward. Spike uses his fire breath to ignite the campfire rather than turning into Heatblast. Shining Armor comes to sit around the campfire after he finishes repairing the tires that deflated earlier. 

"What a day," Spike yawns a bit. "The first all-nighter without any sleep." 

"I have to make modifications tomorrow with my cannon out of commission," Trixie said. 

"Gosh, the way you moved with those heavy cannons, how were you able to maintain speed and strength?" Starlight asks. She has her notebook and pen to document what Trixie will say. 

"Intense physical training, Starlight. Also, the saddlebags Shining and I wore is an exoskeleton that enables strength and speed with a flight mode." 

"Before you get the exoskeleton, you need to gain muscle mass and durability; Getting hit with lasers hurt like hell. Anyone not trained will die from the impact, regardless of how powerful you are in the magic world. Lasers penetrate magic shields. Trust me, I've tested it myself," Shining said. "Spike, you remember my bubble shield during the week of my wedding, right?"

"It covered all of Canterlot. Canterlot is not a small town. It's the capital of Equestria," Spike replies. 

"Any laser shot by those bounty hunters will go through, creating widespread chaos. The magic here can withstand organic or natural magics performed by other species. Ninety percent of the time, our sorcery will be unsuccessful against those not of this world. When I heard Starlight took out a lesser drone while you overused your power, I knew she was exhausted from the attack. Now, is my prediction accurate?"

"I was exhausted. I've never seen a drone that shot those lasers, terrorizing the forest and Spike when he turned into Wildmutt."

"Uh.., when Lord Tirek was on a powered-hungry trip, could you have stopped him?" Spike asks. 

"Yes, I could have. Like before, Princess Luna forbade me from attacking Lord Tirek using my plumbing equipment. The same applies to Discord." 

"ME?! MOI?!" Discord's face appears on the ground where Spike, Shining, Starlight, and Trixie are sitting. Spike and Starlight quickly get up, flinching from his sudden arrival, while Trixie and Shining remain motionless. His eyes are burning in rage, literally. "You have the efficacy on terminating meeeeee?" Discord is angry after hearing how casual Trixie and Shining sound for claiming to take him down. 

"If Princess Luna deems you untrustworthy and greenlit me to exterminate you, I would have," Shining Armor calmly replies. 

"Ditto," Trixie concurs. She's roasting a marshmallow. 

Discord rises from the ground, moaning like a zombie. "You two; Stopping me? It took the Elements of Harmony to turn me into stone! What can you two do to me that the Elements could not?" Discord dares Trixie and Shining to make a move. 

"This," Trixie flicks her right front hoof.  

"A little flick of your wrist. How scary," Discord laughs while mocking Trixie. "OW!" Discord feels a slight pinch on his neck. He yanks it out to see a small but efficient yellow dart. "What is...," Discord slumps over and collapses. He snores in his sleep. 

Spike and Starlight are dumbfounded by how quickly Trixie took out Discord. Their jaws drop to the ground. 

"Wha-What did you shoot him with?" Starlight asks Trixie. 

Trixie deactivates a cloaking mode for her hoof-held gun. "Anti-Magic Tranquilizer Dart. Nullifies all magic within any creature whether they're a deity or not." 

"The dart is invisible to any eye regardless of magical prowess. Those with visors or different usage of scanners can see the dart coming. Since most of Equestria don't fathom the technology we use daily, they won't see what's coming," Shining replies. Then he places a collar on Discord's neck. "This collar is unmovable unless spoken with an authorized voice command. Any attempt to use magic will result in a painful jolt." 

"Wow..," Starlight sits down on the ground. She can't believe how easy it took for Trixie to take down the Lord of Chaos. Then she starts jotting down what Trixie and Shining said. 

"Despite the acclaimed title as the Lord of Chaos, his reality-warping powers don't frighten me as a plumber. As the Great and Powerful, I must display fear to keep my identity a secret. Creatures like Discord are a one-trick pony. Others out there are different and complex. Tricky and unpredictable. Guns blazing or straight-up rampage."

"Then why let everypony in Equestria undergo the suffering from these vicious villains?" Spike asks Shining and Trixie. 

"Princess Luna's direct orders to ensure that Equestria can build a defense team to combat the inhabitants of the world. We engage the extraterrestrial, extrasensory, and extraordinary. Princess Luna wanted to bring down Discord, Lord Tirek, Sombra, and others but refrained from doing so. Princess Celestia envisions Twilight Sparkle as heir to Equestria someday. Rumor has it that she intends to retire and wants Princess Luna to join her," Shining Armor answers. He's watching Discord's body language in his sleep. 

"If Princess Luna decides to retire, she's free to work with the plumbers in secret, undisturbed. However, Princess Luna is contemplating due to one major problem," Trixie notes. She eats her marshmallow. 

"The hidden base," Spike answers. 

"Correct. If Princess Luna follows Celestia into retirement, Twilight will scour the castle and eventually find the plumber base. However, if Princess Luna rejects Celestia's offer, Luna solely rules Canterlot and will have fifty percent, while Twilight gets the other fifty. I imagine many trips for dignitaries and royalists to meet with my sister during the day as Luna will uphold the responsibilities of raising the sun and moon."

"We can only hope that Princess Luna decides to remain in place while Celestia enjoys her retirement. Until then, we keep moving forward, protecting Equestria from the invaders in secret," Trixie said. She turns to Starlight. "Tomorrow, I'll teach you how to use the saddlebags, and we'll do some exercises." 

Starlight sighs. "A twist of worlds. I helped you with your magic, and in return, you'll help me use weapons." 

"Well, you helped my character gain confidence. So, I'll help the real Starlight gain wisdom and knowledge as a plumber." 

"Thank you," Starlight hugs Trixie. 

"What are friends for," Trixie smiles. 

Spike looks at the Omnitrix. "Twilight knows I'm a plumber. The Omnitrix changes everything for m-m-m-" Spike burps two letters with the seal of L and C for each letter. 

"Two letters?" Shining Armor sees them floating. 

"One from each Princess," Trixie said after seeing the seals tied to the letters. 

Starlight uses her magic to grab both. She opens Celestia's letter to read;  Her eyes widen in shock. "Oh, my."

"What does it say?" Trixie and Shining ask in unison. 

Dear Spike,

Today, I have announced that Twilight will lose full custody of you after hearing what has happened throughout your span with Princess Twilight Sparkle. Your job as an assistant is false, for Twilight has used you as a slave. You did not receive a pay raise & you did not receive vacation time. You are still relatively young. However, from Twilight's point of view and her honest description of your commitment, you took care of Twilight Sparkle. A youngling handling the responsibilities of not only one but many mares is unacceptable, a youngling who does everything only to be abandoned and forgotten. Twilight Sparkle has committed child negligence and exploitation. A felony. With that said, I hereby give custody to Shining Armor and Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, Princess Cadance. They will care for you from now on. 

Shining Armor. I'm entrusting you to be the older brother to Spike as you once did before you began your training to become a Royal Guard. Do not make the same mistake as Twilight Sparkle commenced. I hope you enjoy your vacation, Spike & Shining. Hope to hear from you soon. 

Sincerely, 
Princess Celestia

Starlight finishes reading the letter. Shining Armor is dumbfounded and upset that her younger sister committed a felony. Child negligence and exploitation are not cool under any circumstance. He covers his face with his hooves in shame. Spike looks down in sadness; He knows in his heart that Twilight treated him as a slave but refuses to acknowledge it. Trixie looks at Spike and sees how heartbroken he is. The trauma of being left behind and forgotten must have been devastating. Starlight is not sure she can look at Twilight Sparkle the same way. 

"Spike," Shining Armor trots to Spike and sits by him, putting his left front arm around his neck. "When Celestia told Twilight she was losing custody was a ploy to have you come with Starlight and me undisturbed. You were supposed to return to Twilight once the vacation passed and trained with the Omnitrix on your wrist."

"But.., the letter..," Spike doesn't understand. However, he knows better. The letter sent to him is now official. Princess Celestia knows what he experienced during his tenure with Twilight in Ponyville. Otherwise, why would Princess Celestia write and send the letter to him and for Shining Armor to hear? 

"It appears; Twilight confessed a dark truth and now has to pay the consequences of the law she broke. I promise you things will get better. I will be more involved with your life."

"You will?" There is one thing Spike fears more than dying. It's being alone in the darkness with no one to help him. 

"Of course, I will. You are still my younger brother, and brothers stick together," Shining smiles to enlighten Spike's mood. 

Spike sniffs. Spike becomes happy and can't wait to experience family-fun days with Princess Cadance and Flurry Heart. 

"So, what did Luna say in her letter?" Trixie asks Starlight. 

"Oh, right!" Starlight unveils the second letter and reads. 

Dear Shining Armor, 

I have informed your wife, Princess Cadance, about having legal guardianship of Spike. Also, I want to address a situation caused by Starlight Glimmer. While it was clever to set a building on fire to allure Spike to rescue civilians before exposing himself in front of a large crowd, I would consider not using that tactic. We plumbers have eyes and ears everywhere. We don't need citizens to get mangled in a deadly situation when we are sworn protectors in secret. Trixie Lulamoon, I want you to train Starlight Glimmer to your best abilities. She'll make an excellent plumber and teammate for Shining Armor's squad. 

Spike, I'll visit you from time to time when I can. I still have my nightly obligations to uphold. Nightmares will be a hassle for the next few nights with the destruction of Sugarcube Corner and remorseful guilt wrapped inside Princess Twilight's mind. I want you to document everything in a plumbing audio log in the RV. We want to hear your discoveries and learn how we can devise special forces to correlate your aliens when newer threats arise. Please write to me if you have questions that Shining Armor cannot answer. 

Sincerely, 
Princess Luna

"YOU SET A BUILDING ON FIRE?!" Trixie, Shining, and Spike shout in shock. 

Starlight sighs heavily. "Yes... I did it cause the crowd was overwhelming Spike like a magnet sticking to the metal. They pestered him and wouldn't give him breathing room." 

"Which is true. However, when the Omnitrix blinker sounded and flashed, I told Ponyville that I was getting called to help another creature. They believed my claim and watched me leave." 

Starlight Glimmer facepalms herself; she regrets setting Sugarcube on fire. "Oh, great. More guilt coming my way!" She flops and lands on her back. "I'm not going to hear the end of it, huh?" Starlight looks at her friend. 

"I don't rub salt in the wound from any friend. Only those who I fight against; I'm not going to remind you of your misdeed. I'm going to encourage you to do better." 

"Same with me, Starlight. We don't scold each other but learn. We take what we experience and apply that to our knowledge for future outcomes. If there is a time for a mirage, we will activate it. Until then, we search for other alternatives during a situation," Shining said to uplift Starlight's mood. 

"Thanks," Starlight sits back up. "Thanks for understanding. I thought I'll get a scolding for sure." 

"Nope. Instead, you'll have to train harder in the morning," Trixie said. "With the heavy backpack." 

Starlight gulps a little; She's not looking forward to wearing something heavy on the first day of training. 

Discord starts waking up from his slumber. He groans from the lack of magic that resides in him. "What the..?" Discord tries to snap his claw to conjure a chocolate milkshake. "My magic is..." 

"Gone," Trixie answers Discord's status about his magic power. 

"You.., defeated.., Moi?" Discord is in shambles when he realizes that a single unicorn took him down without using any magic. He feels something itching his neck. When he goes to scratch it, he feels a metal collar wrapped around it. "What is this?!" Discord attempts to pry it off when the collar gives him a heavy jolt, causing him to drop on his sides. "OOOOOOOOW! THAT HURTS!!!" Discord felt a hundred thousand bolts of electricity coursing through his body painfully. Normal creatures would die, but since he's immortal, Discord lives through the awful experience. 

"You're wearing a voice command collar. No amount of magic will deactivate the collar. No one can simply remove it. It gives the wearer and those who attempt a jolt unlike any other. Do you yield, Discord?" Shining Armor asks. He sounds menacing to Discord. 

"Yes, I yield! Get this thing off of me!" Discord demands. He doesn't want Fluttershy to think he got owned by plumbers. 

"Remove nullification collar," Shining Armour commands. 

"Voice recognition. Shining Armor. Collar remove," A security voice within the collar approves Shining's command. It detaches itself from Discord's neck and drops. 

Discord snaps his paw, spawning a cactus. He eats the cactus for its' nutrients. "Oh, so satisfying," Discord burps the pine needles of the cactus out. "So, you won't tell anyone about this, right?" 

"You're not going to tell about our business, right?" Shining Armor counters Discord's question with another, like a proposal. 

Discord zips his lips, letting Shining and Trixie know that he won't reveal any evidence of their plumbing business to anybody. Then, he set his eyes on Spike's Omnitrix. "Well, well, well," Discord slithers to Spike, his eyes popping out to examine the watch. "What do we have here?" 

"It's my Omnitrix, Discord," Spike replies. 

"Can I try it on?" Discord uses his magic to remove the watch when a green aura zaps his eagle-claw fingers. "OW! That hurt!" He shakes the feeling from the shock. 

"The Omnitrix chose me. It's not for anyone else to wear," Spike said. He did laugh when the watch struck Discord. 

"This thing doesn't have more power than me!" Discord grabs a wrench and tries to yank the Omnitrix off of Spike. Once again, the Omnitrix sends a wave of green energy to zap Discord's claw. This time, Discord turns to ashes while his mouth remains intact. "Fine. I don't want that stupid watch anyway. It's just a kiddy toy." 

"Say what you want, Discord. The Omnitrix is mine to wield."

"Whatever," Discord's ashes ride with the wind. "See you all later!" His mouth gets lifted by the wind. 

Spike yawns. "I can get some shuteye," Spike becomes sleepy. 

"Well, I think now's a good time to sleep. Tomorrow is a whole new day," Shining decrees. "Time for bed, everyone," Shining trots to the RV. 

"Alright. I'm going in my wagon," Trixie said. She trots to her wagon and goes inside. 

Starlight puts out the campfire; She and Spike enter the RV together. 

It is now 11:30 at night. Princess Luna is on her way to the kitchen. She sees Princess Celestia grabbing a midnight snack; She turns to Princess Luna. Princess Luna reads her sister's body language. 

"Luna," Princess Celestia walks up to her sister. She's not wearing her crown. "You know you can tell me anything, right?" 

Princess Luna nods. "If you inquire about the plumbers, I cannot reveal such information to you." 

"Why, Luna? Why can't you tell me?" Celestia wants to know what they do. She wants to know what else goes on in Equestria that she isn't aware of.

"There's nothing for me to say to you. I love you, Celestia."

Princess Celestia sighs in defeat. She knows not to interrogate her sister about her private affairs. "I love you too, Luna. Is there any way I can help?" 

"Continue your duties, Celestia. Leave me be with my responsibilities. When I need you, I'll come to you." 

"And inform me about the plumbers?" Princess Celestia smiles, hoping Luna would cave in a little. 

Princess Luna smirks. "Not even in your dreams, Celestia. You have your defenders of Equestria. I have mine. Now, if you excuse me," Princess Luna opens the fridge to grab a box of donuts. "I have a long nightmare shift to attend to," Princess Luna leaves the kitchen with the box of donuts floating next to her. "Good night, Celestia!" 

"Good night, Luna..," Princess Celestia's smile fades. She slowly trots to her bedroom when Twilight's heartless statement returns to haunt her about failing Luna in her time of need.
> Changes
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's a beautiful sunny day in Ponyville. Twilight's alarm clock sounds off at 7:30. She uses magic to shut off the ringer and yawns. Twilight Sparkle did not have a good night's sleep; she'd practically cried herself to slumber when she realized she was all alone in the castle. "Spike, can you make me some breakfast!" Twilight instinctively shouts. A norm for her every morning throughout her time in Ponyville. "SPIKE!" She yells again after hearing no response. Twilight gasps with sudden realization. "Spike is not.., not..," Twilight groans bitterly. She was tasked by Princess Celestia to take care of herself for the next three months and to document everything.., every day. 

Twilight grabs her pillow and wails into it. She's not looking forward to writing day one of feeling like Spike. She is not thrilled to hear Princess Celestia's response letter if she writes one. Twilight gets out of bed and fixes it properly. She trots out of her room and down the corridors. All Twilight can hear is the echoes of her hoofsteps. Since Starlight is with Spike and Shining Armor, it becomes eerie for Twilight. Did Spike feel disturbed when he heard his footsteps and nothing more when Twilight forsook him? Now more guilty conscience clouds Twilight's mind. 

Twilight arrives in the kitchen and opens the fridge. It's half empty. "I thought I asked Spike to do groceries the other day!" Twilight is fuming, but she relents. Spike skipped his chores that day to go camping in solitude. "Am I a horrible friend?" Twilight shrugs the feeling and uses her magic to levitate eggs to the stove. She opens a cabinet to retrieve a pan to make perfect yokes. "Okay, a simple crack, then pour it into the pan. Should be easy," Twilight attempts to crack one egg, and it splatters all over the place. "HOW?!" She thought she had done it carefully. "What am I doing wrong?" Twilight goes forth to break the second egg delicately, and this time, it didn't chink. "OH, C'MON!" In frustration, Twilight flicks the egg across the kitchen, and it splatters. 

She groans and trots to the fridge. "Fine, I'll have a bowl of cereal," Twilight grabs the milk and hovers a bowl and spoon to the table. She pours the milk into the bowl and trots to a different cabinet to get cornflakes. She walks back to the table to pour the cornflakes into the bowl. With a satisfying sigh, she sits down. "Okay, I'll have Spike take note of what I need to get. Spike!" Twilight shouts his name. Once again, no response. "Shit," Twilight's head slumps onto the table. "Another entry to document about thinking of using Spike for my gain, again!" Twilight uses her magic to lift a spoonful of cornflakes into her mouth and eats it. A second later, she spits out her food. "AH! THE MILK TASTES SPOILED! SPIKE! I THOUGHT I TOLD YOU TO GET MORE GROCERIES! AAAAAAAAAH!" Twilight's anger gets the better of her. She huffs and puffs for having a crummy start. "This is going to be a living nightmare!" 

Pinkie Pie wakes up after hearing Granny Smith calling her grandkids to wake up. She stretches and looks at a journal she thinks is a birthday journal. After flipping through the pages, Pinkie becomes upset. She remembers her home; her room got destroyed by the blazing fire. Her mane deflates a little. "Who attacked Sugarcube Corner and why? What did sweets ever do to someone that is coldblooded and vile?" 

Pinkie Pie leaves the guest room and scours the morning of an Apple. She sees Big McIntosh and Applejack going over their early morning routine before she goes to the School of Friendship. Apple Bloom invites Pinkie to the clubhouse to hang out with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. She cheerfully declines despite sounding sad. She hopes the School of Friendship can enlighten her mood. The idea of laughing during the darkest hour can still bring light that shines out of the darkness of sorrow. Granny Smith finishes making breakfast and offers Pinkie apple cinnamon pancakes. Pinkie takes five pancake stacks and drowns them with syrup. She gobbles down after tasting the sweet flavor from the first bite. 

Applejack suggests visiting Twilight since she'll be lonesome for the next few months. Pinkie frowns, knowing that Twilight partially blames her for losing full custody. However, that won't deter their friendship. Right? Pinkie hopes that the Princess of Friendship can overlook an accidental blur. Pinkie Pie accepts Applejack's suggestion and hops to the Castle of Friendship. 

At the Crystal Empire, Prince Blueblood strolls around the castle, taking in the beautiful scenery of the corridors. He observes the Crystal Guards when he hears Princess Cadance calling his name. Prince Blueblood has his visors on to detect hidden weaponry stashes that Shining Armor planted for emergencies since the plumbers believe the Crystal Empire will be an ideal location for alien activity. The visors are invisible and untraceable by all forms of magic. 

Prince Blueblood knows where Princess Cadance is calling from, Flurry Heart's room near Princess Cadance and Shining Armor's quarters. Prince Blueblood trots inside to see Princess Cadance with a wicked smirk on her face. 

"Would you be a dear and remove Flurry Heart's diaper?" Princess Cadance uses her magic to hover Flurry Heart with an overloaded stinky diaper. 

Prince Blueblood cringes with every fiber of his body and quivers in fear. He detests cleaning up anything unclean, especially from a toddler. He gulps and slowly trots to Princess Cadance, sweating like crazy while biting his lower lip. He uses his magic to take hold of Flurry Heart. 

"I must get going. I have a Crystal Guard meeting since Shining Armor is not present. I have to thank him for selecting an amazing helper," Princess Cadance strolls out of Flurry's room while laughing, knowing that Prince Blueblood is about to suffer the stench of Flurry Heart's behind. 

Prince Blueblood hears Princess Cadance's hoofsteps radius out of reach and sighs in relief. "She believes this is torture? Please, I had to battle a hydra controlled by a crazed-up scientist. Diaper duty is nothing compared to searching for strange anomalies with my team." Prince Blueblood relaxes and hums a lullaby to Flurry Heart while removing the dirty diaper and tossing it away. He swiftly cleans Flurry Heart, who is behaving quite well. She sees the truth written on his face and knows that Prince Blueblood is not a bad pony. She doesn't understand why her mother treats him with disrespect. 

After Prince Blueblood finishes cleaning Flurry Heart, he softly strokes her mane. "Maybe someday, you'll be an excellent plumber?" Prince Blueblood puts on the new diaper on Flurry Heart. "There you are, clean as a whistle," Prince Blueblood hears hoofsteps. He grabs a bottle to drench himself and bloodcurdling screams. 

Princess Cadance returns to check on Prince Blueblood and Flurry Heart. She bursts into laughter, seeing Blueblood in a mess. She is somewhat surprised that Prince Blueblood managed to put a diaper on her foal. 

"There's a shower in your room, stinky," Princess Cadance takes Flurry Heart away from Prince Blueblood and walks away. Flurry Heart frowns a little and looks at Prince Blueblood, smiling and waving before leaving the room himself. 

"If only you knew the real me, but you had your chance when you rejected the offer of a plumber's position. How quaint of you, Cadance. Revealing your colors in front of your foal while relishing my character's misery. Your daughter will make a fine plumber if she chooses to become one of us."                                                           

Pinkie Pie hops to the Castle of Friendship. She hears Twilight screaming and gallops inside to see what's wrong. Twilight is flailing in anger with food on the floor; Pinkie smells it and gags, knowing the food is rotten. 

"What happened, Twilight?" Pinkie sees a bizarre face from Twilight. It reads wrathful with the bloodshot eyes coming from Twilight. Pinkie steps back.

"My first day without Spike is a living nightmare! Because of you, I LOST FULL CUSTODY OF SPIKE!!!" Twilight grotesquely points at Pinkie. "ALL YOU HAD TO DO IS KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT, AND I WOULD HAVE STRETCHED THE TRUTH WITH PRINCESS CELESTIA ABOUT HOW I FEEL!!!" Twilight pants heavily. "YOU JUST HAD TO BLUR OUT SPIKE'S RANT, HUH?! YOU COULDN'T KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT!" 

Pinkie swells in tears. Yes, she mentioned Spike's rant when Twilight was uneasy, but in front of Princess Celestia, she understands it was unfortunate timing. "But, Twilight. Spike said he was through caring for you." 

"SHUT UP!" Pinkie cowers with Twilight's enraged state. Twilight stomps up to her. "DO YOU KNOW WHAT'S LIKE TO HAVE SOMEONE TAKEN AWAY FROM YOU OVER AN ACCIDENT?! OR BETTER YET, DO YOU KNOW HOW IT FEELS TO LOSE SOMEONE CLOSE TO YOU THAT YOU ARE RESTRICTED FROM COMING CLOSE?!" Twilight grits her teeth. 

Pinkie Pie balls herself. The outburst from Twilight is unlike anything she'd ever witnessed. Her mane deflates, her cheerful color becomes dread, and her high-spirit nature decreases with every bark spewed from Twilight's mouth. She shakes her head and sniffs, holding back the urge to cry. 

Twilight calms herself down. Last night, she felt abandoned in her castle, with no one to talk to or vent to; Spike was always there for her when she needed attention. Starlight would have given her advice about loneliness. Twilight breaks down and cries. She calls for Spike and Starlight, wishing for their company and embrace. Pinkie Pie feels awful about her predicament timing; however, Princess Celestia needs to know the full extent of Twilight's feelings no matter the outcome. Pinkie Pie didn't anticipate this outcome from Twilight, who is now; broken. 

Twilight Sparkle officially declares the suspension of the School of Friendship for a few days. She is not in the right mind to teach any of her curriculums. Pinkie Pie pursues to hug Twilight, and she grabs Pinkie, hugging her tightly, apologizing for what she's become in less than a week. The last thought that comes to Twilight's mind is Spike's watch. Because of that item, Twilight starts to deteriorate and anything her friends are going through. In the back of her mind, she feels the need to remove the watch. 

It's 10:30 in the morning. Spike wakes up after having a goodnight's sleep. He looks at the time and panics, knowing that Twilight expects him to make breakfast. Spike notices the bed below and another across and sighs. He looks at the Omnitrix and remembers the letter written by Princess Celestia; Twilight Sparkle no longer has Spike's custody due to child neglect and exploitation. With that said, Spike thinks about his future mornings and days, knowing that a burden is off his chest. 

"That's right. Also, I told Twilight I'm through taking care of her sorry ass," Spike chuckles to himself. "Who would have thought my words would lead to an official statement by Princess Celestia, freeing me from the chains Twilight has cast on my life?" Spike stretches and goes to the fridge. He grabs a fire ruby. "Hello, my beauty," The heart-shaped gemstone sparkles majestically. Spike takes a bite. "Mmmm, so good," Spike takes another bite. "I wished Rarity didn't sucker me into giving up the fire ruby I aged a week before my birthday. Although it was nice to give, she didn't ask for it, just using her charms to have it her way. Well, good thing I'm over her," Spike takes another bite when he hears sudden explosions outside the RV. "WHAT WAS THAT?!" Spike activates his Omnitrix and slams the faceplate, not seeing who he picked to fight the next invader. 

Spike feels his body morphing. He grows black orbs on his feet, and his legs are blue. His dragon tail turns black with five blue stripes. Spike's claws become blue and bulky, with three fingers that can only open and close. He wears a black cone-like helmet with a protective visor that slides over his face. Spike's face is blue, his eyes are green, his lips are black, and stripes run under and in between his eyes. Spike wears a black bodysuit and a turtleneck-like shirt with a white stripe in the center. He appears to look like a semi-velociraptor. 

Spike zooms outside to see what the fuss is about; Starlight Glimmer is fumbling around with the added weights on her saddlebag. The explosion was set off by accident when Starlight triggered the cannon sequence. 

Shining Armor trots to the RV and notices the Omnitrix symbol on the chest of Spike's new alien. "Wow, Spike. What do you call this alien?" 

"Hmm, not sure yet," Spike's voice sounds raspy. He runs to an old mill and back in seconds. "WOW! This alien is fast. I'll think of something unique later. Also, I want to say with this new alien. I'm faster than Rainbow Dash!" Somewhere in Ponyville, Rainbow Dash feels challenged, and she doesn't know why while moving the clouds over. "So, mind if I run to the nearest town to gather rations?"

"I do mind, Spike. As much as you're needed to test your aliens to the fullest, you can't be foolish with a weapon unlike any other. For needed supplies, we'll stop by different towns. No one is going awol on my watch," Shining said. "Plus, I need you to practice your aliens in the obstacle course I devised just for you." 

"Very well. Then, I'll go and blow off steam until the timer runs out," Spike replies. 

"Stay within eyesight so I can you in sight. We don't know what today will bring." 

"Don't worry. I will!" Spike runs in circles, far away, and inadvertently creates a tornado. He runs in the opposite direction to deceased the tornado he made. 

Starlight is doing a jogging exercise with Trixie. There are a hundred pounds on each saddlebag from last night's discovery as a punishment. Starlight refuses to complain about the weight holding her back. She knows the heaviness of carrying equipped cannons on each side of the saddlebag exo-suits regardless of the enhancers. 

"Don't worry, Starlight. In a few weeks, it'll feel like nothing, and you'll move swifter than before," Trixie said. "All of us endured the same exercise." 

"It feels like hours," Starlight replies. She's struggling to gallop as Trixie can. 

"First, it's only been ten minutes. You are overexaggerating," Trixie straightforwardly responds. "Second, this is your morning routine. You'll have an afternoon routine and an evening one. Also, after the routines, you'll be practicing the weapons that'll suit you more." 

"Eeeeeh," Starlight pouts a bit. "So.., how long will the morning routine take?"

"Until you finish. There are no standard time slots for a routine," Trixie said. "Now, let's get moving. We're doing twenty laps around the course Shining made for Spike's aliens."

"Aw, crap," Starlight groans a bit. She jogs while Trixie takes the lead with her galloping. 

Shining Armor grabs his gear and strolls to the training course he made for Spike's aliens. There are target practices, gauntlets, and workout gear. It's half a block long with a built-in track to test the speeds of Spike's aliens. Shining Armor hears the groans of Starlight after he sees Trixie pacing backward to watch Starlight's progress. 

Spike runs faster to test his new alien to the limits. A large trail of smoke builds up as he sprints. He halts himself and notices that when he stops, there is no whiplash of the effect. "I have full control of my speeds. This alien is amazing! I bet I can even run on water!" Spike's Omnitrix symbol blinks red and bleeps. He reverts to his dragon self. "One thing I find confusing is that my dragon wings are not added onto the aliens." 

"I assume different DNA strands to aliens mean no mismatching whatsoever. Are there any aliens you have that fly?" Shining asks Spike out of curiosity. 

"There's one. So far, I haven't turned into four other aliens. I have turned into six but only named five of them. Heatblast, Wildmutt, Diamondhead, Grostfreak, and Four Arms. I'm still working on names for the alien I just turned into; Then, I have four unknowns."

"What alien are you willing to try or turn into when we commence your training?" 

"I don't know, Shining. I'll start with one I haven't tried." 

"Alright, then," Shining turns to Starlight and Trixie, jogging on the makeshift track. Starlight is panting while Trixie is showing off a bit. "This'll be a while." 

Time passes, and Spike hears his Omnitrix bleep and turns green. Starlight falls over, begging for water which Trixie gives willingly. Trixie advises Starlight to enjoy a break session to watch Spike turning into an alien. 

Spike activates the Omnitrix, and the faceplate rises. He scrolls left to see which alien to turn into next. "This one looks good," Spike presses the faceplate down. Green lights flash. 

Spike's body starts changing color from purple to grey. He now has four-razor-sharped-fingered hands. Spike's Omnitrix symbol is a black patch over his left pectoral. The new body consists of many aquatic creatures such as eels, alligators, leeches, sharks, and anglerfish. Spike also has a phosphorescent light on his head.

"Whoa, I'm a fish?" Spike flexes his fingers and feels. He opens his mouth and believes he can compete with Pinkie in eating contests. 

"An alien for the ocean..," Trixie gallops. "I'll be back!" She sprints to the RV. 

"I don't think this alien can withstand dry land for too long?" With the scorching desert of the wild west, Spike slowly becomes dehydrated. 

"Here, Spike," Starlight trots to Spike and dumps her bottle of cold water on him. 

"Aaaaaaaah," Spike sighs in relaxation from the cold water. "Thanks, Starlight. You're the best," Spike starts moving to get acquainted with his new physique. 

"Heads up!" Shining launches logs at Spike to dodge. Instead of avoiding contact, Spike uses his jaws to crush and snap one in half. "WOW!" Shining didn't think Spike could do that with his jaw. 

Spike pants heavily and collapses. "Need...water....," Spike falls over. "Can't...breathe..." 

Trixie returns with a bucket of water and splashes on Spike. He sighs in relief. "I knew that would work, and I have something for you." 

"What did you bring him, Trixie?" Starlight asks. 

"Here, Spike," Trixie gives Spike a supplement. "This pill will enable you to breathe the air. Once you ingest the air, it turns into water particles, allowing you to keep going on dry land." 

"Really?" Spike grabs the supplement. He swallows it, and his body feels moist. "Hey, the air feels wet," Spike touches his arms and feels the coolness of the water. His sweat turns into cold droplets of water. "Amazing." 

"Nice thinking, Trixie," Shining is impressed with Trixie's fast critical thinking. 

"I would have never thought of that," Starlight astoundingly states. "Where did you get that supplement?"

"The RV has a three-dimensional printer with passcodes for sustenance. We take different pills that override any magic spells for environmental circumstances," Trixie answers. 

"Will it affect only my aquatic alien or the rest of me?" Spike asks with some concern. 

"Well, it should affect your alien. I made sure the supplement was for aquatic creatures and aliens only. When you revert, you should breathe air as usual. We will need to see if the supplement I gave you is temporary or permanent."

"Okay," Spike's Omnitrix symbol flashes red and bleeps. He turns to normal and takes a breath of air. It doesn't have any water properties. "I can breathe air. It doesn't affect my dragon self."

"Interesting. Hopefully, you can attempt to turn into that alien again," Shining said. He wants to test Spike with many different attacks on the alien. 

"When I turned into that alien.., I'm naming him Ripjaws. It felt like I was Discord when I turned into Ripjaws. A fusion of multiple sea creatures into one entity." 

"Nice name," Starlight compliments. She wouldn't have thought of that name for Spike's alien. It sounds cool to her. 

"Alright, you head back to the RV. Trixie and I will continue to train Starlight Glimmer with our equipment. When your Omnitrix is ready, come back out." 

"Sounds good. I'm getting hungry. I'll whip us some lunch while I'm at it." 

"You sure, bro?" Shining doesn't want to have Spike resume his routine since he has to care for him. 

"I enjoy cooking and don't worry about how I'm caring for you, Starlight, and Trixie. It's something I want to do on my accord. Usually, Twilight would ask me, and I just.., do it without hesitation. Wow..," An eerie thought came to him. "Not once I ever declined Twilight's command. Just do as she pleases and take advantage of..," Spike sighs. He looks at his Omnitrix. "You know, having the Omnitrix is the best thing that could have happened to me. I'm free of the bondage Twilight bestowed on my life, and for years, until I said my rant, she ignored me, turned her back, and used me," Spike turns to Starlight. "Can I be honest with you, Starlight?" 

"Sure, Spike. What are friends for?" Starlight smiles. 

"After the rant, even after Twilight apologized, I didn't really accept it. I pretended that I did because I didn't believe how sorry she was. She's only sorry cause she got into trouble. If I didn't say my rant, all Twilight would do is try to remove the Omnitrix and make sure things go back to normal. She never cared about me unless things got worse. Also, if she cared..," A daunting memory returns to Spike. It's a nightmare he dreads almost every night whenever he's sad. "She wouldn't have laughed at me with her friends when I nearly drowned in the lake during Winter Wrap-Up Day. The ice block I slept in was melting, and I got a cold." 

"SHE WHAT?!" Starlight, Trixie, and Shining Armor are appalled and pissed off to hear Twilight, the Princess of Friendship, laughing at Spike's misery for drowning in a freezing-cold lake. 

"Instead of resting, she made me write a letter to Princess Celestia about her friendship lesson. Due to that day, I have nightmares about dying with no one coming to my aid. I tried to sell the illusion that I was over it, but..," Spike sits on the ground. "I couldn't. I made several attempts to talk to Twilight about it, and she ignored me to hang out with her friends and handed me the list of chores to do every time. When I tried to send a letter to Princess Celestia about how I felt, I would get yanked into a predicament I wasn't fond of, then get used as an unwilling test subject..," Spike covers his face with his claws. "As I said, I acted fine but deep down, I was depressed. After all, I'm Twilight's number one.., slave..," Spike breaks down and cries. He has finally vented his feelings and frustrations to those willing to listen to him. 

Trixie and Starlight comfort Spike while Shining looks at the sky. Shining can't believe that Twilight would ever do such a thing. Her younger sister, the Princess of Friendship, laughed at Spike for nearly drowning in a freezing lake and knowing wholeheartedly; that Spike is cold-blooded. 

"I can't believe my sister did that... Twily..," Shining's jaw drop, and he sees how much Spike has suffered from the vent he spoke. It shows that Twilight didn't care about Spike's safety unless things got serious or she got exposed for neglect. The thought of Spike being alone with the nightmare included was too much for Shining. His brotherly instincts are now activated for Spike more than ever. As for Twilight, there will be much discussion. "I'll be back," Shining Armor trots to the RV. 

"Where are you going, Shining?" Trixie asks as Starlight rubs Spike's back with her front left hoof. 

"To the RV. I need to call the Princess," Shining Armor knows what he wants to say to the Princess.

Princess Luna comes out of the dream realms after battling a horrendous nightmare. Some colt dreamt about getting chased by a reaper pony seeking to harvest souls. Princess Luna yawns and wants to go to bed. She trots to her bedroom and spots her sister trotting down the corridor. Princess Celestia walks up to her sister, who has bagged eyes. 

"You don't look so good," Princess Celestia said after observing Luna's body language. 

"Some colt read too many horror books and was deeply distraught and horrified about the reaper pony. He believed the reaper was collecting souls to harvest for a sentient creature looking to plague all of existence. It was a joyous battle, to say the least. Most nightmares are effortless," Princess Luna yawns. "What time is it?" 

"12:30 in the afternoon. I thought about inviting you for lunch, but I clearly see you need your rest," Princess Luna nods. "Luna, is there anything you want to tell me?" 

"Nay, Celestia," Princess Luna yawns more. "Too tired to talk." 

"Can I be a plumber?" Princess Celestia wants to learn what Luna knows. It's been eating her alive even before the banishment. 

"I asked you long ago. You laughed, scoffed, and told me no."

"I was different back then. I've changed immensely." 

"It doesn't matter, Celestia. You have more priorities to attend to; you've shown me your colors, and there's nothing to discuss. I love you, Celestia." 

"Is it a grudge? Because I used the Elements of Harmony to banish you to the moon?" Princess Celestia breathes heavily. She knows Luna still has trust issues with her. 

"It has nothing to do with my banishment, Celestia. Now," Princess Luna yawns longer. "I need some shut-eye." 

A Royal Guard has a note written for Princess Luna labeled urgent. Princess Luna reads the letter, and her eyes widen in shock. The urge to slumber has dissipated with the shocking conclusion from a testimony. Princess Celestia wonders what has stunned her sister. 

"Celestia. Did Twilight reveal any incriminating details about Spike?' 

"Twilight briefed all the wrongs she'd committed during her tenure in Ponyville. All the times she made Spike do everything while acting spoiled and rubbing in Spike's face about the fun she endured. Especially leaving him behind during her birthday celebration here in Canterlot. Along with other festivities here and at the Crystal Empire." 

"What about laughing at his misery for nearly drowning in a freezing-cold lake?"

"WWWHHHHAAAAAAAAT?!" Princess Celestia is livid about that excruciating detail. She takes the letter and reads what Shining Armor reported. "She never told me about that!" Princess Celestia turns to Luna. "Where is Spike?" She wants Spike to summarize his perspective about the treatment he received from Twilight Sparkle and now the Bearer of the Elements. She craves to understand the fulfillment of Spike's depression. 

"I'll take you to him later. I need some rest," Princess Luna desires for slumber despite how she's feeling at the moment. 

"Very well. We'll see Spike later tonight."
> Unforgiving
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Moments before sending the telegram

Shining Armor enters the RV and opens a hatch to a hidden room to make documentaries, audio logs, and emergency calls to any plumber base throughout Equus. He uses his magic to turn on the monitor. "This is Captain Armor. Plumber Number: 19-8-9-14-9-14-7 calling in about an urgent message to Princess Luna." 

Within the hidden base of Canterlot Castle, Doctor Whooves answers the transmission from Shining Armor. "Shining Armor. What's the status?" 

"Make sure the transmitter jots down every word I say and print it. It's vital newsworthy for Princess Luna to read," Shining replies. 

"Very, well. The transmitter is active. Say what you need to express, and I'll have some pony deliver the message asap," Doctor Whooves activates the transmitter. He returns to his work until the transmitter uploads Shining's message. 

Shining Armor inhales. "Princess Luna. I'm not sure if Princess Celestia had told you what Twilight could have done to Spike during her negligence stage throughout the years. We got the letter about Spike being freed from Twilight's custody indefinitely. However, I must confirm that the abuse Spike had to suffer was more severe than I imagined. Spike revealed that Twilight left him on a melting ice block in the lake while sleeping. She and the bearers laughed at his misery, especially drowning in the cold-freezing lake. The way Spike spoke, being free from bondage, hurt me. Hurt me in the sense that I, the older brother, failed my brother even though I had no clue what was going on in his life. I believe Twilight has done more harm than what she led on. Spike is crying. He broke down after reflecting more about his life after taking the first day without Twilight being there. Spike has been suffering from an endless nightmare about dying, with no one coming to his rescue. I believe Twilight Sparkle is not worthy of being the Princess of Friendship for how she treated Spike for years. She'd basically discriminated against a species without knowing it cause she forced Spike into accepting his role as an assistant and made him her bitch. There's no safeguarding what Twilight and her friends have done. I believe there's more to the story, and I will ask Spike what happened in his life. You are more than welcome to come and learn from Spike's point of view. If Celestia comes, let her. She needs to be more involved in Spike's life and understand the gravity of the situation." 

Doctor Whooves and a few others heard what Shining Armor reported, and it's sickening. The transmitter printed the letter. Doctor Whooves gives the letter to a Royal Guard who is a plumber in disguise. He takes the note and leaves the hidden base, disgusted. 

Shining Armor signs out and turns off the monitor. Now, he'll have to wait until later today or tonight to hear more in-depth about Spike's past in Ponyville. He stomps his front left hoof in anger. Shining Armor can't believe Twilight would be that cruel to Spike, a baby dragon that helped her in more ways. "Twily has taken Spike for granted. I'm glad Spike spoke up rather than allowing his depression to eat him alive. I vow to be there for Spike. The same vow I made to my wife and daughter. Spike is family. My family. As for Twilight, she'll have a rough road to walk through until she becomes a better pony." Shining Armor leaves to check on Spike. 

Twilight Sparkle is in one of her many libraries reading a cooking book to prepare many meals until she can hire a chef. She has her list for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Pinkie Pie had offered to help, but Twilight reminded Pinkie that Princess Celestia forbade any help to experience what Spike went through. It's not even the end of the day, and she's miserable.

With the School of Friendship suspended for the next few days, the Young Six wanted to visit Twilight and understand why she was disturbed and upset. Sandbar noticed Starlight and Spike weren't in the school, standing by Twilight's side when she made the announcement. Smolder and Ocellus believe something horrifying happened between the two. Like, both of them got sick, which made Twilight worried and over hyperventilating about a possible new plague to spread throughout the lands of Equestria. Yona suggests helping Twilight until school resumes. Gallus and Silverstream concur. What else can they do since there are no classes? In the Young Six's minds, they hope this'll grant them extra credit.

Luckily for the Young Six, the Castle of Friendship is a few minutes away from the school. They hope to find solutions to ease Twilight's pain. Silverstream becomes the first to knock on the castle's doors. Twilight hears the door knocking and wonders who wants to see her. In the back of her mind, she imagines Princess Cadance with Flurry Heart while Prince Blueblood suffers from diaper duties. 

Twilight opens the door and is amazed to see Sandbar, Yona, Silverstream, Ocellus, Smolder, and Gallus by the door. "Can I help you?" Twilight asks. She wants to know if her students are that eager to learn about Friendship, like a private tutoring session. 

"Hey, Headmare Twilight Sparkle," The Young Six say in unison. 

"We were wondering if you are alright and needed help?" Smolder speaks on behalf of her fellow friends. 

Twilight weakly smiles. "Oh... I wish I were alright, Smolder. Things as of late are changing, and I wasn't expecting to embrace it immediately," Twilight stretches the truth. She decides not to disclose any information about Spike and Starlight's sudden resignation from their jobs at the School of Friendship and losing Spike's custody. 

"What happened to Spike and Starlight? Are they sick or something? We didn't see them when you made the announcement a while ago at the School of Friendship," Sandbar said. 

"They're on vacation. Princess Celestia asked them to embark on a new quest qualified for them," Twilight stretches the truth again while sounding sincere. 

"That means you have no help in your castle, right?" Silverstream asks out of curiosity. It's a painful indication that plagues Twilight's mind. The loneliness to endure in the castle for the next three months. 

"Yes," Twilight looks down. 

"Say, how about we help you a little?" Yona suggests to Twilight. That way, she doesn't feel lonely. 

"As much as I would love your company in my castle, I decline the friendly gesture," Twilight replies. "I can't accept because Princess Celestia forbade me from receiving any help whatsoever." 

"Well, don't take it as owing a favor, but maybe, count it as extra credit?" Ocellus said, hoping it'll entice Twilight into allowing them to help around and enlighten Twilight's mood. 

"Extra credit?" Then it clicks for Twilight. Her eyes widened with a smile stretching from cheek to cheek. A face that made her look crazy and funny. "EXTRA CREEEEEEEDIT!"

The Young Six step back, believing Twilight snapped and doesn't look good. 

Twilight's grin becomes nerve-racking. "Princess Celestia forbade me from hiring or asking for help for the next three months. She'd technically not decreed about having students perform extra credit for me!" Twilight uses her magic to pull the Young Six into a group hug. "I love the idea of extra credit! Thank you!" Twilight will now use extra credit as a loophole to bypass Celestia's decree. She will document some truths while maintaining some secrets. After all, not every Princess is perfect, and not every Princess is informative about revealing such secrets. 

"So, how can Yak and friends help teacher?" Yona asks. 

"Follow me inside. There is so much to discuss. Also, many group activities for extra credit!" Twilight uses magic to drag the Young Six inside the castle and closes the doors. 

Shining Armor regroups with Starlight and Trixie. Spike continues to cry about his gruesome experiences. Shining Armor postulate Spike's past and how extreme it was. "Spike?"

Spike's eyes are red from the tears shed; he turns to Shining Armor. "Yes?" Spike sniffs. 

"I promise you; things will get better from here and out." 

"How?" Spike stares into Shining's eyes. He wants to know if Shining is honest and not his imagination running amuck, giving him false promises like he was with Twilight, hoping things would progress smoothly. 

"By ensuring Twilight and her friends will never abuse or use you for their selfish gain or amusement. I've sent a message to Princess Luna, announcing that you suffered from an endless nightmare caused by the abandonment and near-death experience. Princess Luna will visit later today or tonight." 

Spike sighs. "I might as well impart all I've been through to Princess Luna; that way, Twilight nor her friends can never bother me again." 

"That would be wise, Spike," Shining Armor encouragingly says. 

"I don't think I can look at Twilight the same ever again. Even the rest of the bearers, if I hear horrid atrocities. I will have to resign as counselor of the School of Friendship, knowing I'm working with a hypocrite." 

"Would you be interested in working as my assistant for the Great and Power Trixie?" Trixie sounds like her magician self. The same pony Starlight befriended over a year ago. 

"I would be happy to accept that proposal, Trixie. I'll be honored to work with a real friend rather than a child abuser," Starlight harshly said about Twilight. "No offense, Shining." 

"No need for the apology. Twilight crossed a border no pony should ever cross. Even as a Princess that every pony turns to, I don't think I can look at my Twily the same after discovering hidden facts Spike will mention later today or at night. Right now, I'm not sure to call Twilight my sister." 

Spike sadly sighs and lets go of Starlight's embrace. "I'm going to take a nap." 

"Let's all head back," Trixie suggests. Starlight and Shining nod. They follow Spike to the RV. 

Princess Celestia is in her room mentally preparing herself to accept the facts spoken by Spike later tonight. Also, a guilty conscience clouds her mind. The time she spam-mailed Twilight through Spike during the return of Discord's tyranny. She sent letter after letter, not understanding the possible torment on his fragile young body. 

"Uuuuuagh!" Princess Celestia is angry at herself. More memories cloud her mind about the times Twilight brought her friends to Canterlot while leaving Spike behind. "I can't believe I was so stupid!" Princess Celestia facepalms herself. "I never bothered asking about Spike whenever Twilight and her friends came to Canterlot!" She groans bitterly. "He wasn't there at the Gala, the National Dessert Competition; Hell, he wasn't there during the Best Young Fliers competition. Twilight could have used that spell of hers to make Spike walk on clouds!" Princess Celestia continues to reminisce about seeing more of Twilight and her friends except for Spike; each memory unfolds with all the fun and life lessons without Spike's presence. 

Princess Celestia walks in circles in her room. She excused herself from royal affairs. She's more concerned about Spike than any pony in Equestria. Also, one glaring detail is not allowing this sudden revelation to reach the Dragon Lands. Princess Celestia wants to avoid war with the Dragons; if word gets out about the mistreatment of a young dragon from pony kind, it will cause a rift with every creature affiliated with Equestria.
> Revelations
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Princess Cadance receives a letter from Princess Celestia. It's 3:30 in the afternoon at the Crystal Empire. 

"Hmm, I wonder what Celestia wants me to know," Princess Cadance unveils the letter and notices Shining Armor's name at the top. "Huh?" Princess Cadance reads the letter thoroughly, and her heart sinks, her jaw hanging loose with tears overflowing at the awful trauma of Twilight and her friends laughing at Spike's misery for nearly drowning in a freezing-cold lake. "I can't believe her..," Princess Cadance is speechless. "PRINCE BLUEBLOOD!" She yells at the top of her lungs.

Prince Blueblood detects no danger and suspects that Princess Cadance has another diaper duty for him to handle. He strolls down to the throne room and sees the horrific look on Cadance's face. Something is amiss, and he wants answers. 

"What seems to be the problem, Princess Cadance?" Prince Blueblood formally asks. 

"I'm going to visit-" Princess Cadance gets cut off by the sudden explosions within the Crystal Castle. A towering forty-foot robot scans for any signs of the Omnitrix. Many Crystal Guards are on the floor, wailing in agony after failing to stop the robot's advances. Some Crystal Guards received scars from the laser strikes. 

"Shit. It has started sooner than I anticipated." Prince Blueblood thought to himself. He recognizes the robot that plagued Ponyville the other night. 

"Blueblood! Get my daughter out of here!" Princess Cadance springs into action. She flies directly at the towering robot. The robot uses its' left claw to grab Cadance and throws her aside like a paperweight. She crashes into the wall, landing harshly on the crystal floors. 

The robot scans Prince Blueblood and shoots a laser from its claw. Prince Blueblood leaps behind the throne and slams the back of the chair. To his surprise, a hatch opens. It appears Shining Armor planted a saddlebag launcher inside the throne for safekeeping. 

"Shining! You handsome blue devil you!" Prince Blueblood laughs, now having the upper advantage in this fight. 

Princess Cadance gets up and cringes a bit. She feels her right Alicorn wing got bruised from the impact. "Okay, I'll use all my magic to defeat this titan!" Princess Cadance gallops to the throne room. She pauses and witnesses something she had never expected from Prince Blueblood. 

"Activating Saddle Cannons!" Prince Blueblood uses his magic to turn the saddle bag into laser torrents. There's one cannon on the left and right side of Prince Blueblood. The muzzles and barrels extend, firing a laser beam at the robot. It stumbles back from the impact immensely. "Firing Grappling Hook!" The left cannon shoots a silver metallic grappling hook with a cable cord, piercing the left shoulder. "You're going down!" Prince Blueblood uses the momentum of the cable to swing closer. "Wahoooo!" 

Princess Cadance is dumbfounded. The way Prince Blueblood sounded. He didn't sound like an absurd royal pain. He sounds like a genuine thrilling pony which is way out of character. She gallops and sees Prince Blueblood firing laser beams all over the robot. It tries to snap the cable; so it can stomp on Prince Blueblood, but he shoots the arms off, making it difficult for the robot to attack even more. 

"Activating Saddle Bazooka!" The two torrents combine as one and are above Prince Blueblood's back. "Initiate Thrusters!" Prince Blueblood's bowtie vest is actually an exo-suit in disguise. It has a jetpack sequence that allows the wearer to hover forward or backward. Prince Blueblood releases his grappling hook cable to fly back and aim at the robot's chest. He uses his magic to charge the bazooka. 

The robot jumps up and spins its legs like a tornado, hoping to collide with Prince Blueblood, injuring or killing him. 

"Say hello to oblivion!" Prince Blueblood fires a plasmic beam of energy at the robot coming closer to him. Not only does the robot gets blasted by the bazooka, but it also crashes through the throne's walls and soars in the skies. It blows, and the debris disintegrates. 

It dawns on Princess Cadance. With Shining Armor being a plumber, Prince Blueblood is one as well. She slowly trots to Prince Blueblood. 

Prince Blueblood stops hovering after observing Princess Cadance's position. He lands on the floor with many Crystal Guard reinforcements arriving. "Deactivating Saddle Cannons," The bazooka splits in two and reverts to saddle bags. 

Princess Cadance frowns a bit. She's approaching a pony that saved the Crystal Empire from a threat no pony could withstand. Her demeanor from earlier, laughing at his unfortunate moment with Flurry Heart, made her think she was the real royal pain. 

"Blueblood.., I.., uh..," Princess Cadance sighs. 

"I forgive you. I know all of this is much to comprehend." 

"Why? Why the facade? Where did you get that weapon? I have never seen such a device," Princess Cadance inspects the saddle bag. 

"Follow me to my quarters," Prince Blueblood trots to his quarters. Princess Cadance goes to Flurry Heart's room and brings her to Blueblood's room. Flurry Heart is soundly asleep and not disturbed by the unwelcome guest.

Princess Cadance walks into Prince Blueblood's quarters. She feels unnerved by his presence when she was taunting him earlier. "So, are you a..?" 

"Yes," Prince Blueblood replies. 

"How do I become a plumber? I need to understand what is going on with the upcoming invasions." 

"To become a plumber," Prince Blueblood reveals his visors to Princess Cadance. "You must be willing to keep certain things away from the public hearing. That includes those closest to you." 

"I can do that," Princess Cadance hopes by being a plumber, she'll understand more of Shining Armor's involvement. 

"Now, since you are interested in becoming one of us. I need to take a photo of you for identification purposes. Please, put Flurry Heart on my bed."

"Of course," Princess Cadance places Flurry Heart on his bed. She made sure Flurry Heart was tucked in comfortably under the blanket. 

"The flash might sting, but it'll create a code that the plumber base will detect and create your ID Number. Then, I'll train and teach you everything about our organization." 

Princess Cadance's heart beats rapidly with excitement. She's finally going to uncover many mysteries that the plumbers withheld. Possibly anything related to Princess Luna's involvement since she's the one that took Shining, Starlight, and Spike away. 

"Initiate Camera Mode," Prince Blueblood's visors take a snapshot of Princess Cadance. The flash knocked Princess Cadance out. She falls asleep next to Flurry Heart. "You won't remember this confrontation and conversation," Prince Blueblood's visors when it initiated the camera activates the amnesia protocol. Any creature caught in the flash will forget crucial moments. Princess Cadance will remember the letter sent to her and nothing more. 

Prince Blueblood leaves the two alone and searches for every Crystal Pony that saw the robot to erase their memories from the assault. 

Princess Twilight Sparkle has arranged three teams for the extra credit project. One group for cooking, cleaning, and gathering materials. Well, for the gathering part, Twilight corrects the term for a scavenger hunt. Twilight pairs Ocellus and Silverstream for cooking, Gallus and Smolder for cleaning, and Sandbar and Yona for the scavenger hunt. 

For the past three hours, Twilight examined each group for their team effort; She tasted the exquisite cooking from Ocellus and Silverstream. They made buttermilk chocolate chip pancakes with scrambled eggs. Twilight gives Ocellus and Silverstream an A+ and mentions that extra credit will apply to their next exam. 

Twilight walks with her clipboard to analyze Gallus and Smolder's cleaning project. Twilight notices several bite markings on the crystal columns. She deducts extra credit points from Smolder, knowing her bite marks are different than Spike's. However, Twilight inspects the rest of her castle. Everything is squeaky clean and sparkly. Gallus and Smolder are wiping the last windows outside. It catches the attention of Pinkie Pie when she's delivering cupcakes to every pony in town. They are Diamondhead theme cupcakes since Ponyville can't get enough of him. 

Pinkie Pie hops to the Castle of Friendship. "Uh, what are you doing?" 

"Doing some extra credit for Headmare Sparkle," Gallus replies. 

"Since the School of Friendship got suspended and Headmare Sparkle looked depressed, we thought of cheering her up," Smolder said. She finishes scrubbing the windows. "There, we are done with our assignment." 

"Extra credit?" Pinkie Pie tilts her head to the left. "I think Twilight found a loophole to Celestia's decree. I wonder how she'll document her day and send the letter to Princess Celestia." 

Twilight comes outside and turns to Pinkie. Since Pinkie doesn't want any other problems from Twilight, she gallops away. "Smart move, Pinkie." 

"So, how did we do, Headmare Sparkle?" Smolder asks. She and Gallus put the window wipers in the bucket of water. 

"Gallus gets an A+ on his extra credit assignment. I recognized several bite marks on the crystal pillars in my castle, much larger than Spike's. So, I'm diminishing some extra credit points from you, Smolder." 

Smolder slightly chuckles at her decision-making. In truth, the crystals inside the castle are delicious for any dragon's eyes. "So.., what's my grade, then..?" Smolder sweats a bit. 

"A B+. Still, pretty good for cleaning with your partner to make the castle spotless," Twilight smiles. 

"We're back!" Yona shouts while carrying a large sack of items Twilight wants Sandbar and her to grab. "Yona thought the scavenger hunt was challenging." 

"Especially going through different stores in Ponyville, waiting in line, double-checking the materials and pricing, marking off each item on the list, which was a long list. I could only imagine the irritating intricate responsibility of someone managing the task alone," Sandbar said. 

Twilight observes each item in the sack and nods with satisfaction. "Yona, Sandbar. You both get an A+," Twilight is impressed despite it taking Yona and Sandbar three hours to complete the job. Usually, Spike finishes his work in an hour or less, depending on the weather outside. Twilight will let it slide since Yona and Sandbar tackled the exercise for the first time. "You all did fantastic on the extra credit assignments. Now, run along and spend the rest of your day as friends. If you need more extra credit, even when school resumes, you know where to find me." 

"Can do, Twilight," Smolder, Gallus, Yona, and Sandbar nod and concur in unison. Smolder decides to fly inside the castle to grab Silverstream and Ocellus, letting them know it's time to go and spend the rest of the day together as friends. 

Twilight releases a happy sigh. With chores done for the day, Twilight can relax and prepare to write her letter about day one without Spike. Unbeknown to Twilight, Pinkie Pie was hiding in a bush when she overheard the extra credit continuation. She's not fond of Twilight taking advantage of her students to use as servants. For now, Pinkie will watch Twilight closely, hoping she doesn't succumb to eluding Princess Celestia's decree by any means necessary. 

Spike is on his bed, taking a nap. Starlight, Trixie, and Shining Armor are in the living room of the RV. They are discussing the situation with the possible involvement of Princess Celestia in the midst. Shining Armor and Trixie will handle the procedures with Princess Celestia about the plumbing business. All Starlight has to do is take Spike to the RV after a debriefing. Now they wait until Princess Luna arrives. 

It's 7:00 at night in Canterlot Castle. Princess Celestia decides to lower the sun and raise the moon for Luna. Princess Celestia is eager to know what Spike withstood during his time in Ponyville. It'll help her understand the mistreatment of species and friends by giving a lecture for Twilight and the Bearers. 

Princess Luna wakes up after having a good day's rest. She stretches and yawns. "What time is it?" Princess Luna inspects her clock. "7:05?" She tilts her head and trots to her window. She sees the moon has risen. "Did Celestia raise the moon for me?" 

Princess Celestia knocks on Luna's door. "Are you awake, Luna?" 

Princess Luna opens the door with her magic and trots up to her sister. "I am now. Thanks for raising the moon for me." 

"You're welcome. Now, can we visit Spike?" 

"Yes. Follow me, and I'll guide you," Princess Luna opens her doors to the balcony and takes flight. Princess Celestia follows in pursuit. 

Spike wakes up after taking a long nap. He smells the fresh aroma of salmon fish and onion rings; Shining is the one cooking dinner for Starlight and Trixie. He sees Spike coming to the table. Starlight and Trixie smile, hoping it'll ease Spike's emotions. 

"Hey, Spike, how are you feeling?" Trixie asks. 

"I'm good.., I think..," Spike sits next to Starlight with a lot on his mind. 

"Spike," Shining turns to him. "I called dispatch to inform Princess Luna what you told me. She and possibly Celestia can arrive at any minute to discuss everything you've been through since transferring to Ponyville with Twilight." 

Spike sighs. "Okay. What will happen after I testify?" 

"I'm not sure. It's up to the Princesses' decision; If I had to guess, re-educating Twilight and her friends on the importance of treating a different species equally as they do with other ponies," Shining replies. 

Starlight shudders at the mention of the term equally. It reminds Starlight of creating an equal village. "Please don't use that vocabulary around me. I still have daunting memories of the old me." 

"Duly noted, Starlight," Shining Armor finishes making haystack fries for Starlight and Trixie to share. 

"So, how did you like the afternoon and evening routines, Starlight?" Trixie asks her friend. 

"Brutal. You saw how many times I've collapsed with those weights. I'm carrying two hundred pounds!" Starlight complains a bit at the table. 

"We carry more than a few hundred pounds daily, Starlight. Plus, it's part of the punishment for setting a building on fire," Trixie reminds Starlight of her unfortunate deed. 

"I thought you weren't going to put salt in the wound of your friend?"

"She got you there, Trixie," Shining said. "You told her yesterday about it." 

"Hah," Spike chuckles a bit. 

"What are you going to do to me, Commander? I already sleep in a wagon." 

"Starlight will join you in your slumber tonight," Shining commands. 

"What?!" Trixie and Starlight shout in shock. Spike couldn't help but laugh. 

"I'm used to one snoring pony. I thought you should experience the same feeling," Shining smirks. 

"I got too much junk in my space. There's no way she can fit," Trixie responds, hoping it'll persuade Shining Armor to insist on withdrawing his command. 

"Adjust, clear some space to allow your friend to bunk with you for the night!" Shining Armor commands. He scares the daylights out of Trixie by using his Captain of the Royal Guard signature tone. 

"Yes, Sir," Trixie said in defeat. 

Shining Armor places the food he made on the table. Spike is curious about the salmon since Twilight makes sure he eats vegetarian. Sometimes gemstones, but not a lot. Starlight ponders why fish is on the menu. She never ate it before. 

"What's with the fish, Shining?" Starlight asks. 

"It's the main course. I have more steaming in case one isn't enough. Salmon is good in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Most ponies in Equestria don't eat fish, thinking they're more civilized. However, fish is a delicacy within the plumbing agency. Also, there is a meat chart that specifies what meat we can eat. Trust me when I say this, fish is good for you." 

"You may need to bring a second or third one to the table. I highly doubt one is enough," Trixie advises, knowing that Starlight and Spike will have more than their fill. 

Princess Luna flies swiftly in the night with Princess Celestia. Celestia sees a village she regrets ignoring years ago. Gold's Village. Princess Celestia wonders why Shining, Starlight, and Spike would be camping near a desert. One thing that catches Celestia's eyes is the RV with what appears to be a wagon behind it. Princess Celestia sees her sister descending, indicating that Shining, Starlight, and Spike reside in the RV. 

Princess Celestia lands and scans the RV. "What is this contraption?" She hovers around it to get a better glimpse. 

"An RV, Celestia," Princess Luan calmly replies. 

"I've never seen such a vehicle. Are there others like it?" Princess Celestia imagines herself riding in style rather than in a carriage. 

"Not yet, Celestia. In due time, more of its' features will touch the hearts of many engineer ponies to develop further into advancing technology. Right now, we're here for Spike's testimony," Princess Luna reminds Celestia about the true objective here. 

"Oh, right," Princess Celestia got sidetracked. She couldn't help but stare at the RV. 

Princess Luna knocks on the door to the RV. Princess Celestia smells an unfamiliar aroma that makes her drool a little. Princess Luna is a bit creeped out by Celestia's first scent of fish. Shining Armor opens the door before anyone is about to eat. 

"Princesses, welcome to our recreational vehicle," Shining Armor pronounces professionally. 

"Thanks," Princess Luna steps inside. 

Princess Celestia steps inside to see how amazing the RV looks. She slowly looks around the rooms. "Wow." "This is what I need when I retire. A place to go around, undisturbed, while enjoying the best years of my life in peace." "What is that?" Princess Celestia sees the salmon on the table next to two plates of haystack fries and a picture of grape juice. 

"Salmon," Spike and Starlight reply. 

"Would you like to join us for dinner, Princesses?" Shining asks. He has more food in case they say yes. 

"Of course; I would, Shining," Princess Luna sits with Trixie. Trixie scoots over to make room for Luna to sit. 

Spike and Starlight move over to allow Princess Celestia to sit by the table. Princess Celestia takes a whiff at the salmon once more. It's a delectable not served in Canterlot or Equestria, for that matter. 

Shining Armor cuts a piece of the salmon and gives a portion to Princess Celestia with some haystack fries on the side. 

Princess Celestia takes a bite, and her eyes water with satisfaction. "Oh, my..," Princess Celestia eats another piece of the salmon. "It's so goooood!" 

"I want to try now!" Spike and Starlight say in unison, eager to taste the new flavor. 

"Coming up," Shining Armor attempts to cut another portion when Princess Celestia keeps the salmon to herself. Shining Armor and the other couldn't help but laugh. Now, he's glad he has more steaming. 

Shining Armor goes to the kitchen to grab two more plates of salmon. Princess Luna opts to eat the haystack fries. She can eat fish whenever she wants. Although, she prefers to witness the sensation of first taste coming from Spike and Starlight. A smile before Spike fades when he speaks about his life in Ponyville. 

Shining Armor returns with two plates of salmon for Starlight and Spike. Spike grabs a fork to taste his piece. He takes a bit, and his eyes go up. 

"WOW, SHINING! THIS FISH IS DELICIOUS!" Spike gorges on the fish as he would with gemstones. Something about the texture and flavor brings much joy to Spike. 

Starlight uses her magic to levitate a piece of the salmon. She chucks it into her mouth and chews on it. "Oh, my, Celestia," Starlight said while relishing the flavor. 

"I'm right here," Princess Celestia said. She finishes eating her plate of salmon and burps loudly. Everyone by the table laughs while blushing in embarrassment. "Excuse me," She slightly smiles. 

After a good laugh, everyone continues to eat dinner and enjoy each other's company. Princess Celestia knows that the RV is part of the plumber's technology. She wants to be more involved with Luna's life and her secrecy in being a plumber. It still eats her alive, knowing that her sister answers vaguely daily. 

After an hour, Shining Armor advises everyone to have the meeting outside. Trixie is the first to leave so she can start the campfire. Princess Celestia and Luna mentally prepare themselves for the possible gruesome terrors Spike may reveal as a scary story told in the woods. Spike sits with Shining Armor and Starlight around the campfire. He uses his fire breath to ignite the flames once Trixie installs a few logs collected on the way. Princess Celestia and Luna sit next to each other and across from Spike. Trixie sits next to Starlight after gathering some marshmallows to roast by the flames. 

Spike's smile fade. He just had a fantastic dinner with his friends and brother. Now, to confess his tale. It will take all night at best. "Where to begin..?" Spike sighs deeply. 

"At the beginning, Spike, or where the abuse started," Princess Celestia said. She and Luna are concerned about Spike's mentality. 

Spike groans and gets up. He feels the need to walk while explaining his story. "The big one was when I nearly drowned. After that, it got worse." 

"How worse, Spike?" Shining Armor asks before the Princesses. 

"I got bumps and bruises when Twilight forcefully made me a participant in the Iron Pony competition. Twilight suggested Applejack and Rainbow Dash use me as a guinea pig for the Bronco Buck and hogtying rounds." 

"TWILIGHT EASILY HOOF YOU OFF FOR SPORTING?!" Shining Armor is appalled to hear that Twilight suggested using Spike as a dummy for sport. He's downright livid that his younger sister put Spike as an unwilling volunteer. 

"DISREGARDING YOUR FEELINGS OR SAFETY?" Princess Celestia and Luna are disturbed hearing that confession. Spike used as a tool for the bearer's amusement. 

"Applejack hogtied you, and she didn't think how hurtful that was?" Starlight is disgusted that her friend, Applejack hogtied Spike as cattle instead of using an inanimate object to resolve the issue. 

"Did you land on something soft during the Bronco Buck 'cause I did shows near rodeos?" Trixie asks. 

"When Applejack bucked me off hard, I thought I landed on hay, but it happens to be Rainbow Dash under it. Then, she had her turn, and I landed on top of the scoreboard, which was very unpleasant. Applejack hogtied me tightly with her ropes while showing off to many ponies that were coming to see the extravaganza." 

"SHE DID WHAT?!" Princess Cadance arrives after hearing about Spike used like a dummy. 

"Cadance?" Shining Armor can't believe his wife found him. 

"I sent a letter to your wife, Shining," Princess Celestia informs. 

"Oh, boy," Shining can only imagine the horrid face on his wife earlier today. Princess Cadance lands next to Shining Armor. 

"That's beyond wrong, especially on a child," Trixie can't believe Twilight would put Spike in that situation. 

Princess Celestia covers her face in shame. "Twilight never told me that. What else happened after that?"

"I can't believe Twilight forced Spike into a situation knowingly he'll end up hurt or injured," Princess Cadance now sees Twilight as a different pony than the one she knew long ago. 

"Although I wanted to help Twilight, she did use me as her lab rat for her magic spells. There were a few setbacks where I received the worst ends of it. I got the bumps on my head to prove it. She once disregarded my feelings when she brought in a pet to assist her," Spike facepalms after reliving an awful stage of his life. "Then comes one of the worst nights of my life..."

"Worst nights of your life?" Everyone says in unison. They want to know but fear how severe that night went for Spike. 

"I went to the Grand Galloping Gala for the first time with Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Rainbow Dash. I was looking forward to spending time with all my friends. Instead, they departed. Dashed to do their thing while leaving me behind.., again." 

"TWILIGHT LEFT YOU BEHIND KNOWING SHE TOOK YOU TO THE GALA?!" Princess Luna, Cadance, Starlight, Trixie, and Shining shout. They are outraged that Twilight, of all ponies, would leave Spike behind, knowing she's responsible for him. 

"I remember that night. Twilight wanted to be by my side throughout the night. I had no regard for Spike at the time. I thought he would be with one of her friends, having fun. And Spike," 

"Yes?" Spike turns to Princess Celestia. 

"I'm sorry I spam-mailed Twilight when Discord took over Equestria right after the Gala. I should have known better than a child's body cannot withstand an overloaded surge..," Princess Celestia sheds a tear. 

"Now, that's one apology I believe to be sincere. I forgive you, Celestia." 

"Thanks, Spike," Princess Celestia remembers how the night ended with laughter at Donut Joe's. 

"So, what you ended up doing for that evening?" Princess Luna asks. 

"I ate donuts at Donut Joe's for three.., four.., I lost track of how many hours. I was depressed that night until Twilight and her friends came looking for me, or maybe; they wanted to grab a bite at Donut Joe's, and I'm lucky they remembered me..," Spike sighs. "Honestly, even though I sounded okay, I want to say that I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time." 

It's gutwrenching for every pony to hear. Calling it luck that Spike was in the right place at the right time. 

Spike tells about Rarity suckered him into relinquishing a fire ruby gemstone he aged without asking. Rainbow Dash mocks Spike about being a dragon, with Applejack, Pinkie, Rarity, and Twilight laughing at him. Being called a lame dragon when he made desserts for the girls to enjoy during the dragon migration. Many times he would carry every pony's luggage without any help whatsoever, piles of books falling and burying Spike. The relentless pranks Pinkie and Rainbow Dash pulled on him. 

"I suffer from many whiplashes from Twilight's magic or getting tossed around like a punching bag. I get left behind at parties and social outings. Plus, Twilight doesn't bring me to the Crystal Empire. Just give me a list of chores, and I do it. I've helped my so-called friends, and they showed little appreciation. Rarity used me more and rarely thanked or rewarded me. I never heard the end of it when I wrote them to Celestia or heard Twilight boast about it. I'm the only one that cleans the Castle of Friendship and does everything else. You can use your magic to look further into my memories for answers. I don't think I can talk about it any longer."

Spike sits on the ground. Trixie tosses him a marshmallow as comfort food; Spike takes a handful and uses his flames to burn them. Princess Celestia trots to Spike and uses her magic to see his memories. Princess Celestia sheds many tears while going through each memory in a moment. 

"Celestia?" Princess Luna is now worried about her sister's condition, and  Celestia may conduct towards Twilight and her friends of all the wrongs they have done. 

Princess Celestia uses her magic to give every pony a share of Spike's horrific memories, including the nightmare he goes through nearly every night. 

"No wonder why I didn't see Spike when Twilight came with her friends to the Crystal Empire to bring the Equestrian Games. I asked all her friends, and she excluded Spike!" Princess Cadance groans in frustration. "I should have asked to bring Spike..," Princess Cadance releases a pitiful sigh. 

"I chose to care for their pets, Cadance. I wanted to make a gem cake, and I exhausted my supply. That incident was on me than Twilight." 

"That's one time. As for the other occurrences, I inquired about Twilight and her friends..?" Princess Cadance shakes her head. "This is not the Twilight I remembered." 

"Okay, using a bucket of water to wake Spike up for sleeping on the job is not cool. It's obvious he had no help cleaning the library," Trixie said. It's the first memory that caught her attention. 

"I can't believe Twilight didn't invite Spike to help devise a party for Pinkie Pie and the many parties she got invited to, not once bringing Spike with her," Starlight said. "Not even to her own birthday party in Canterlot!"

"Or the fact Rarity used Spike as a slave! She used him as a pincushion, stomped on his tail in excitement, telling him he stunk after taking out her trash, literally suckering him into giving up a gemstone which I don't think Spike is eating much!" Shining is mortified about the ponies Spike hung out with despite being Equestria's defenders. "Rarity used Spike's love emotions for her personal gain!" 

Spike frowns at the statement, no matter how true it is. "I'm over Rarity. I no longer have feelings for her in any way that leads to a relationship. I know there's someone specifically for me." 

"I don't understand why Twilight didn't defend Spike from others who mock or tease him. If anyone were to disrespect my Flurry Heart, I would skin them alive," Princess Cadance snorts, making her statement clear. 

"I don't understand how they are great at friendships when they discriminated against another species," Starlight said. 

"If I were a pony, I would have been treated far better than anything," Spike said. He sees his friends concur and nod with that bold statement. "They better not show up on my birthday," Spike crosses his arms. 

"Don't worry. They are forbidden to come in contact with you, Spike. I've seen more than enough in your memories," Princess Celestia officially decrees. "If you run into them during an emergency, it won't count. However, judging from what I saw that you didn't speak of, I will account for and modify adjustments to all visitations at the Crystal Empire and Canterlot whenever you come by for a visit. 

"Shining..," Princess Cadance turns to her husband. 

"Yes, Cadance?" Shining knows what his wife wants.

"Can I be a plumber?" Princess Cadance would be more involved with Spike's life if Shining allowed her. 

"Luna?" Shining Armor turns to Princess Luna. Only she has higher authority than him. 

Princess Luna stares at Princess Cadance and reads her body language. She's aware of the opportunity that was given to her and the report from Prince Blueblood on wiping her memory. 

"Me as well, Luna," Princess Celestia asks again. 

"Spike, Starlight. As you know, I shared valued information about my progress and reasoning. Should I allow them to become part of us?" 

Spike and Starlight look at each other. Spike then looks at his Omnitrix. Being a plumber has a lot of value with responsibilities. Holding a weapon beyond the stars makes him think more about honesty and loyalty. Starlight reads Spike's body language after he inspects the Omnitrix. The two nod as they understand each other. 

"Princess Celestia. Will you understand and keep the secret about the plumbers? No matter what happens, you can't be mad at your sister or disappointed?" Spike asks. 

"Will you make sure that no one else knows about our involvement? Only those in the agency?" Starlight asks. 

"Yes," Princess Cadance thought long and hard after those questions. "As a Princess, I will uphold my duties and keep the plumbers secret. I won't reveal crucial information to anyone. Including those closest to me." 

"The same applies to me. I held many secrets in my life. One more wouldn't hurt," Princess Celestia said. Finally, she'll know what Luna has been doing for eons. 

"Shining? Trixie?" Princess Luna turns to them. 

"Deactivating Cloaking Sequence," Shining and Trixie say. They show their visors to Princess Cadance and Celestia. Their jaws drop at the advanced technology. 

"Cadance and Celestia are truthful, Luna," Trixie confirms. 

"No deception within their tone of voice and heartbeats," Shining affirms. 

"Th-Th-Th-Those things can detect someone being a liar?" Princess Celestia and Cadance are shocked to see such technology advancing magic power. 

"Yes. What we engage in are those more omnipotent than Discord. Magic power will not get the job done. Not even Alicorn Magic unless it's amplified through our technology," Shining explains. 

Princess Luna sighs heavily. "What I'm about to show you will change your lives forever. Celestia," Princess Luna takes a deep breath. "Don't be discouraged from my memories and involvement. Everything will explain itself."

"I won't. Finally going to get the answers you eluded me for so long. I've been waiting for this," Princess Celestia said. She becomes ecstatic to become a plumber. 

Princess Luna ignites her horn, zapping Princess Celestia and Cadance with a memory spell. Within a few moments, Princess Celestia becomes agitated. 

"THE WHOLE NIGHTMARE MOON WAS A RUSE THIS WHOLE TIME!!?" Princess Celestia looks at the sky in disbelief. "FOR A THOUSAND YEARS, I SUFFERED FROM LONELINESS WITHOUT A SISTER, A PLOY TO MEET UP WITH THAT ALIEN?!" 

Princess Luna expected this outburst from her sister. "You scoffed at the plumbers' proposal when I came to you about it; years ago. It was vital to gather the information, Celestia. What else I was supposed to say?" 

Princess Celestia pauses and remembers her younger self's ambitions. She had no desire to be a plumber and laughed about the possibility of fixing pipes when she had Alicorn Magic. However, the term is misconstrued, and perhaps she should have listened thoroughly than judging a book from its' cover. Princess Celestia sees the different alien species Luna encountered as Nightmare Moon while having consciousness; that's more to life outside than within Equus. 

Princess Luna approaches her sister, not sure what to do next. Princess Celestia grabs Luna and pulls her into a hug. "I'm not mad, Luna. I'm upset at myself. You protected Equestria far differently than I could. I should have listened to you than belittled you," Princess Celestia takes a deep breath. "I promise to be a better sister from now on."

"Celestia," Princes Luna steps back from the hug. "You're going to cancel many duties for the next few weeks," Princess Celestia's eyes widen in shock. "I'm going to teach you what you need to know. Your only duty is to raise the sun and nothing more."

"Except reading and responding to letters Twilight will send daily," Princess Celestia reminds Luna about Twilight's punishment. 

"Besides that, I need to catch you up to speed. You may have more authority as a Princess, but I have higher ascendancy as Commander of the plumbers in Equus. Do I make myself clear?" 

Princess Celestia double-takes a bit from the resurgence of Princess Luna's royal tone in an assertive tone. "Yes, Luna," Princess giggles, seeing the opposite worlds of chain in command.

"Shining. Since Princess Luna will teach Celestia, who will train me since you'll be on vacation?" 

"There's already a plumber at the Crystal Empire. I'll send a direct message to his visor," Shining Armor sends a telepathic message to Prince Blueblood, alerting him about the new recruits. "Done."

"So, who is she?" Princess Cadance assumes the plumber to be a mare. 

"Prince Blueblood, Cadance," Shining smirks. 

"WHAAAAAAT?!" Princess Cadance can't believe Prince Blueblood is a plumber as well. 

"My nephew is a plumber?!" Princess Celestia turns to Luna. 

"Indeed. Prince Blueblood has been quite helpful throughout the years. I gave you memories of my involvement. I didn't give you the identities of all plumbers. We are to remain in secrecy, Celestia. This is not for the public hearing." 

"How would I know who to trust?" Princess Celestia starts to second guess which of her ponies are plumbers in disguise. 

"Trust me, Shining, Trixie, and Blueblood. I will help you every way I can."

Princess Celestia sighs. "Very well, Luna," She smiles. 

"I'll introduce you to the rest of the crew another day. Right now, we got what we came for; more of Spike's testimony, and now we have his memories. Spike." 

"Yes, Princess Luna?" Spike turns to her. 

"Forgive me for not helping you with your endless nightmare. Being the Princess of the Night has its fair share of difficulties when battling other pony's dreams."

"I forgive you, Princess Luna. All is well between us." 

"Good," Princess Luna flaps her wings. "Time to go home, Celestia." 

"Is that a direct order?" Princess Celestia jokes with Luna. 

"Yes," Princess Luna is serious about her command. "I have much to teach you." 

"Sorry for the disrespect, Luna," Princess Celestia lowers her head in shame. She thought Luna was kidding when she wasn't. 

Princess Luna and Celestia fly home to Canterlot. Princess Celestia has much to learn as well as devising methods to teach Twilight and her friends the importance of treating another species fairly than disrespecting. 

"I'll see you later, Shining and Spike," Princess Cadance flaps her wings. "Please come by to the Crystal Empire when you can!" She flies back home. 

"I will," Shining responds. "In a month or two," Shining still has to stay on course with the vacation plan. He gets a telepathic message from Prince Blueblood. "Oh wow."

"What?" Spike, Trixie, and Starlight turn to Shining Armor. 

"Blueblood had erased Cadance's memory when a robot you fought the other day made an appearance. Things are going to be awkward on their end." 

"I can only imagine," Spike said. 

Shining Armor yawns. "Time to hit the hay," Shining trots to the RV with Spike. Starlight follows when Shining reminded her about bunking in with Trixie for the night. Trixie starts making room in her wagon, removing the magic items to make space for Starlight. Trixie is not fond of snoring ponies. 

With Celestia and Cadance now part of the plumbers, Spike hopes Twilight and her friends do not become plumbers. He hopes for a better day tomorrow. 

Princess Twilight Sparkle starts writing her letter:

Dear Princess Celestia

Today, I had a not-so-great morning. I called for Spike to make breakfast and yelled in frustration about not doing his job. I admit my many faults of taking advantage of Spike for all he does. He used to clean and cook for me. I tried making breakfast, and it backfired on me. The eggs wouldn't crack, and some food spoiled, making it inedible for consumption. I have never felt so lonely in my life during that morning, hearing my hoofsteps and no pony else around me. It was a terrifying experience.

I had to suspend the School of Friendship for the next few days. I need time to cope and adjust to my new life without Spike being with me. I know I took him for granted, and I have remorse for my actions. When I complete my task, I want to prove to you and me that I can be an exceptional friend to all creatures; That I'm not one-sided with my kind. I still have Discord, which is all creatures put together, Zecora, Cranky Doodle, Empress Ember, Thorax, and Prince Rutherford. The list of species can go on. I admit to mistreating Spike, but I have not forsaken Empress Ember. She and I are great friends. 

I asked Spike to take care of the situation when I failed to realize that Spike is with my brother and Starlight. Once again, I called Spike for work. I've completed my tasks for the day in my castle. I had no help, nor did I ask for it. It took me hours, but I am satisfied with my progress. I hope you are pleased with my letter. 

Sincerely

Princess Twilight Sparkle

Princess Twilight Sparkle finishes writing her letter. "Spike, can you mail..," Twilight screams in her room. She has Spike on her mind constantly. "How am I going to send the letter?" Twilight sighs when an answer comes to mind discreetly. "Post office. Right."   

Twilight inserts the letter into an envelope and seals it. Twilight staples a seal of Celestia's initial on the envelope to make it an urgent delivery. She leaves the room and slowly strolls to her bedroom. Like this morning, her hoofsteps echo, making Twilight feel uncomfortable about solitude. 

In her bedroom, Twilight looks out the window. She wishes Spike a good night's rest and prays that Spike will return to her and start anew. For now, one day at a time until her sentencing gets uplifted.
> Omni-Log Part One
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shining Armor brings Spike to the monitor room, where he can make audio logs. Shining Armor gives Spike a switch to activate and deactivate the audio session since he doesn't possess magic. Spike thanks Shining and sit on a cushion on the floor, facing the monitor so the plumbers back in HQ can hear his progress. 

Spike looks at his Omnitrix and decides to make each audio recording for each alien he turns into except Wildmutt. Spike wipes the sweat off his forehead and flicks the switch to start his audio logs. 

{Audio Log #1}

Spike: "So, this is my first audio log. First, of many, I should say. I think; I should rename it into Omni-log since I have this Omnitrix." 

[Spike views the Omnitrix in front of the monitor]

<End of Recording>

{Omni-Log #1}

Spike: "Okay, now that the log has the name changed, let me tell you something about my progress. I have tested each alien except for two; The one that looks like a being with big eyes and a winged alien. I will turn into seven of the eight aliens since one doesn't speak any language fluently. I doubt you or anyone could understand Wildmutt's language. Since I know everything stays within the plumber database and only plumber officials will hear of this, I mentioned my backstory to the Princesses, Shining Armor, Trixie, and Starlight. Twilight Sparkle and the Bearers don't know any testimony I spoke of last night. I prefer to keep it that way. Also, since having the Omnitrix, I reflected more on my life, and I'm happy that the Omnitrix broke the shackles of my life. I have a real purpose and an adventure of a lifetime. I could blab about my past, but  I'm speaking about my new life."

[Spike activates the Omnitrix. The faceplate rises, and he scrolls to the right]

Spike: "Here we go!" 

[Spike slams the faceplate down]

<End of Recording>

{Omni-Log #1.5}

Heatblast: "This is the first alien I turned into a few days ago. Back when I went camping in solitude since Twilight took her 'friends' and left me behind with chores. I made a wish, and the shooting star redirected itself and nearly crashed into me; Long story short. Curiosity got the better of me, and the Omnitrix latched itself onto my left wrist. With that out of the way, allow me to introduce you to the alien I am. I am Heatblast. An alien that consists of Magna rocks and fire that possibly rivals the sun itself. Unfortunately, I tested the raw power of Heatblast in the worst ideal location. A forest. I caused a forest fire after getting too excited due to Heatblast's capabilities. If it weren't for the help of Starlight Glimmer, I would have caused a wildfire that could wipe out the Everfree Forest. It's because fire from an alien differs from magic power. Discord attempted to remove the Omnitrix, and he's a deity with reality-warping prowess. The Omnitrix would not budge for Discord, and the protection of the Omnitrix turned Discord into ashes. Obviously, he was fine, but still. It makes you think about the true potential of the Omnitrix itself. With Heatblast's power, I need to be cautious of what's around me and control the fires to the fullest. It turns out that I can teleport by casting fires around me, but for a short distance. If I need to fly, I can use the flames as boosters on my feet or hands. If I want to get explosive, my flames can generate small or large flame combustions. One thing I notice when I turn into  Heatblast or any of the aliens is that my wings don't fuse with the aliens. They disappear."

[Heatblast's Omnitrix insignia flashes and beeps, reverting Spike to normal]

Spike: "I guess using the time to talk shortens the time span of the transformation. When the Omnitrix recharges, I'll be back with the next Omni-Log." 

<End of Recording>




Half an hour Later.

{Omni-Log #2}

Diamondhead: "So, my next alien is Diamondhead. Diamondhead is the third alien I turned into; the second was Wildmutt. I figured to turn into the aliens in the order I tried. In Ponyville, after two robotic drones attacked me, an alien-tech titan plagued the citizens of Ponyville because it was searching for me. The Royal Guards and many unicorns tried to defend themselves and slay the robot, but they failed miserably. So, I inserted myself into the battlefield and challenged the robot. It took me a while to figure out the weaknesses of my opponent. One thing was clear; I didn't sustain any injuries when the robot tossed me around like a ragdoll. Sure, it shot lasers at me, but being made of crystals meant I didn't have the flesh and muscles to feel the aftermath of the impact. A certain someone wanted to take my crystals as a fashion idea. Screw her ideas! My crystals are lethal weapons!" 

[Diamondhead's arms become razor-sharp. The edges of each hand turn into cutters]

Diamondhead: "As you can see, I can slice anything like butter. I can burst a robot's hand and make them useless. I tested the cutting edge on Shining Armor's shield during practice. Let's say his shield popped like a bubble. Shining Armor's defense spell once repelled a swarm of Changelings that couldn't get into Canterlot even when Queen Chrysalis weakened him. Shining Armor's magic is unlike any unicorn in Equestria so testing my alien against his magic proved that Diamondhead's capabilities overpower any unicorn and possibly an Alicorn. Being an alien made of crystals allows me to redirect lasers, absorb energy and refract. I can shoot shards of crystals, generate crystals on the ground, and create a wall to protect myself or others from inbounding strikes. I do have enhanced jumping and acrobatics like Four Arms. Who is another alien I'll turn into later." 

[Diamondhead's Omnitrix symbol bleeps and flashes red, causing Spike to turn back]

Spike: "See you in the next half hour or so." 

<End of Recording>




An hour later.

{Omni-Log #3}

Ghostfreak: "Yes, I am a ghost in front of the monitor." 

[The pink eye moves all over the black lines. Spike does that to see if some feel crept or freaked out by the sudden eye movement]

Ghostfreak: "So, I named this alien Ghostfreak. I scared Trixie and Starlight the other day when we were in this mill by Gold's Village. Little did I know that a bounty hunter would come searching for me. Trixie showed me her visors, and she was tracking bogeys. The bounty hunter sprayed me with this brown ooze that enabled him to land a physical blow on me. It made me vulnerable to phase through walls or the ground. I was saved by Shining with the RV and Trixie's quick thinking. I want to say that I have the ability to possess creatures of any kind and allow them to become tangible if I grab them and phase through walls. One moment." 

[Spike goes through the wall and drags Starlight into the room. She is disturbed by the feeling of getting dragged into the wall while feeling nothing]

Starlight Glimmer: "Spike! What was that for?!" 

Ghostfreak: "Testing my powers as Ghostfreak; it turns out you can phase through walls when I grab you. Pretty neat for hefty escapes down the road. Wouldn't you agree?" 

[Starlight sighs]

Starlight Glimmer: "It is pretty cool to feel the effects of a ghost despite having a living form. Next time, ask before taking." 

[Ghostfreaks' Omnitrix blinks and sounds off. Spike is normal]

Spike: "I'll remember that. Now, I'll take a break and watch you train some more." 

Starlight Glimmer: "More like watch me stumble and fall before two hundred pounds becomes four hundred pounds." 

[Spike laughs a bit. He follows Starlight out the door]

<End of Recording>




Two hours later.

{Omni-Log #4}

Four Arms: "My fifth alien. Four Arms. Pretty much self-explanatory by my appearance. I'm ten feet tall with brute strength, agility, durability, acrobatics, and much more. I turned into this alien when a bounty hunter was about to attack Trixie, Starlight, and me. I didn't think about who I wanted to turn into; I hoped I picked the right one for the job, and I did. This alien that looked like Diamondhead snatched me away from my friends and brother. He wanted to retrieve the Omnitrix and believed I was an uncaring child who exploited the weapon as a toy. Sure, I used it for fun, but I did it twice. One was to draw the crowd away from the RV in Ponyville, where I got showered with praises. The second was when I scared the daylights out of Starlight and Trixie. Either than that, I used the Omnitrix wisely. I used it to save lives from an alien conqueror or something vile that wants to use the Omnitrix for their purposes. I don't have all the answers. Perhaps Princess Luna can shed some when we have a private discussion in my dreams or a remote area. I don't know. With Four Arms, I tore this mechanic crab-alien and disabled his mechanisms by ripping off his leg that looks like a sharp-edge scythe or sword, and I somehow caused him to retract and malfunction." 

[Shining Armor enters the room]

Shining Armor: "Spike, I'm about to start the RV. I finished packing our equipment and training course into the RV. You can continue the audio recordings." 

Four Arms: "Omni-Logs." 

Shining Armor: "Nice name. Anyway, you can continue with your Omni-Log. I didn't want to startle you when you feel the RV's movement." 

Four Arms: "Thanks for the heads up." 

[Shining Armor leaves the room]

Four Arms: "That was Shining Armor. Uh, letmethink, letmethink, letmethink.., where was I..? Oh, yea! The Diamondhead warrior guy says he'll return after taking the two bounty hunters away. I saw how awesome Shining was when he activated his saddlebag weapon. It was amazing! I can only imagine how Starlight will be with those cannons mounted on her sides. She will be a wiz at utilizing the full effect of the saddlebag launchers." 

[Four Arms Omnitrix insignia flashes red and bleeps. Spike is back to normal]

Spike: "I think; I want to wrap up this audio log by explaining the last two aliens. When I heard a commotion outside the RV, I turned into this blue alien that ran super-fast. I want to say it is faster than Rainbow Dash's flight speed. Also, having complete control of stopping myself without the whiplash effect is stellar. When Rainbow halts herself, she crashes at times or causes what's around her to fling ahead of her. When I stop, everything stops. Trixie came up with a cool name for the alien too. XLR8. Her version for accelerate. That name fits so perfectly, and it's short. Shining and Starlight approved of the name. I told them if they come up with clever names for each alien I turn into, I'll keep it. I have two aliens left to try, so I'll hear what they'll call them." 

[Trixie comes into the room]

Trixie: "Spike, I'm making dinner. You want anything?" 

Spike: "Surprise me. Also, can you put a bowl full of gemstones? I'm craving for them." 

Trixie: "Not a problem." 

[Trixie leaves the room]

Spike: "The last alien I turned into is known as Ripjaws. He's an aquatic alien composed of different sea creatures merged together, like how Discord is part of every animal combined. Unfortunately, Ripjaws is not made for dry land. The heat and lack of water caused him to dehydrate. However, Trixie made this supplement for Ripjaws, enabling him to breathe the air. The air turns into moisture, the sweat becomes cold droplets of water, and the skin, scales, the physicality of Ripjaws become wet. I forget if Ripjaws has skin of scales. He is strong, and his teeth can shatter anything. As Ripjaws, I munched a log in half. I'll need to test Ripjaws in water to have a better thorough examination of his strengths and weaknesses. Until then, I'll have to wait and see where Shining Armor is taking us. This is Spike signing off." 

[Spike flips the switch, deactivating the audio logs]

<End of Recording>

Spike leaves the monitor room. He sees Starlight and Trixie having fun making dinner. Spike walks to the front and sits next to Shining Armor. He watches Shining leaving the desert region of Gold's Village. 

"Had fun with the Omni-Logs, Spike?" Shining asks while driving the RV with his magic. He sees a small bridge next to the train tracks and goes in that direction. 

"I did. I had fun watching Starlight training when I took my break. Starlight moved better today than yesterday." 

"Soon, two hundred pounds will feel like nothing. When Starlight removes the weights and tests her speed, she'll be amazed to see how quickly she can sprint than she usually does." 

"So, where are we off to?" Spike asks. 

"Well, we need to get rations for the next upcoming destination. So, I'm driving us to Appleloosa."
> Learning Curves
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Princess Celestia wakes up after having a good night's sleep. She raises the sun after Princess Luna lowers the moon; Celestia wonders what today's training will be like as a plumber. The excitement gets the better of her when some pony knocks on her door. 

Raven Inkwell is the mare knocking on Princess Celestia's door with a long list of appointments, meetings, and priorities. Princess Celestia opens her door. 

"Morning, Princess Celestia, we have much to-" Raven Inkwell gets interrupted by Princess Celestia. 

"All of my duties are suspended until further notice, Ms.Inkwell." 

"Wh-Wh-WHAT?!" Raven Inkwell doesn't have the training to react to such a command from the Princess. "Princess, reconsider. Think of the-" She sees Princess Celestia closing her door, making her point evident. "I don't get paid enough to do this job at times. How will I explain to the populous about the Princess' absence?" Raven Inkwell trots to the throne room to make a disappointing announcement to all citizens of Canterlot, including the scientists, royals, and generals. She is not thrilled about the moaning, groaning, complaining, and whining; every pony will blur afterward. 

"Alright, with that out of the way, I wonder if the training will initiate now?" Princess Celestia mentally prepares herself for all scenarios Princess Luna may say or teach. 

Three hours later. Princess Celestia is reading a book to pass the time. She often thinks about other recent events that were the plumbers' business. So far, the memory of Nightmare Moon stings her the most. After learning that Nightmare Moon was a ruse, she wonders about the other magical villains that friendship sought to disperse and correct. 

Princess Luna enters Celestia's room after hearing a fallout in the throne room. Raven Inkwell tried her best to defuse the situation; however, Princess Luna used her royal tone to shoo and silence the uproar. Many ponies fled, not wanting to displease Princess Luna about Celestia's nonappearance.

Princess Celestia turns to her sister. Her adrenaline spikes higher than earlier. Years of waiting about the plumbing business and wanting to associate with their organization. One thing that caught her attention was the letter Princess Luna levitating to her left. 

"Princess Twilight Sparkle's Day One documentary, Celestia," Princess Luna allows her sister to read the report. 

"I expected much from Twilight to repeat her morning routines. She had a fiasco in the kitchen, which was predictable. I don't recall her making anything for herself besides tea and coffee. Suspending the School of Friendship is a wise decision. I give her credit for the new beginning in her life. How interesting about her friendship with those who are royal? What about those who aren't in their kingdoms? If Empress Ember were to discover the travesty of Spike's plight, would she still call Twilight her friend? Twilight completed her chores. That's something I need to examine with my eyes. I believe she had outside help. What do you say, Luna?" 

"Empress Ember will disband her friendship with Twilight after perceiving Spike's status and mistreatment. That's a guarantee, Celestia. Second, I highly doubt Twilight would complete her tasks in a few hours. From Spike's memories, it took him all day and parts of the evening to complete his chores. I know Twilight may have found a loophole." 

"How can you be certain?" Princess Celestia observes her sister's body language. She knows Luna can confirm her theory. 

"Within the plumbing agency, Celestia. We have eyes and ears all over Equus. I have not disclosed all members within the organization. However, those listening report the smallest detail to the nearest plumber base. It's to ensure the safety of anything unusual and abnormal. Your nephew documents in that department and made sure that he and his team diminishes the threat in secret." 

Princess Celestia gasps in shock. "Eyes and ears..? Who's in Ponyville disguised as a plumber?" 

"I cannot reveal their identities. Some have requested to remain anonymous during their investigations."

Princess Celestia sighs. She has a lot more to learn about secrecy than she realizes. Then she asks. "What loophole have they discovered?"

"Twilight Sparkle is using students for extra credit work." 

Princess Celestia's right eye twitches. "Extra.., credit..?" She sounds both pissed off and impressed that Twilight would resort to using an escape clause to bypass her decree about her punishment. 

Princess Luna sees her sister wanting to take off and confront Twilight about using students as an alternative instead of embracing the penalty Celestia gave to her the other day. "Princess Celestia," Luna walks up to her. 

"What?" Princess Celestia snorts in anger. She's overwhelmed with mixed emotions due to Twilight's lie in her letter. 

"Before you take off and deliberate due punishment to Princess Twilight Sparkle, I suggest waiting a while. I'll notify you if Princess Twilight Sparkle perdue the usage of extra credit on more of her students. If she exceeds the number within the three months, you may do as you wish." 

"What number would that be, Luna?" Princess Celestia is intrigued by Luna's strategy. Instead of facing Twilight immediately, she'll wait and scrutinize to entertain all of Twilight's excuses before revoking her title as Princess. 

"Ten. The number of aliens Spike has in the Omnitrix. When Twilight surmounts the digit, do as you please. Until then, I advise you to work on your patience." 

Princess Celestia takes a deep breath to calm herself. "Very well, Luna. I shall wait upon further notice." 

"Good," Princess Luna uses her magic to spawn a book of records in front of Celestia. "It's time I train you starting with the foundations of the agency. After that, I'll show you our base, and you'll meet with ponies you may be familiar with; They'll answer any question."

"What about weapons training?" Princess Celestia wonders if she would wear the plumbers' tech. 

"Armaments are too soon for you to handle, Celestia. I will thoroughly discipline you when the heyday arrives. Until then, you're learning the fundamentals as the Princess you are. Alicorn magic and plumber's tech do not correlate promptly. That takes years of practice and self-control," Princess Luna calmly answers. 

"What if I don't have years?" Princess Celestia asks in case her time in Equestria was to cut short due to a probable attack. 

"Then, you will not partake in the events of the battle. You will protect your subjects and help them evacuate!" Princess Luna bellows a bit. She needed her statement clear to Celestia about knowing what protocols to establish during any predicament. 

Princess Celestia recoils a bit. She knows Luna is taking it seriously to another level. "What's with the seriousness, Luna?"

"There are two likely scenarios when imminent dangers arise; Acting in command as a Princess or acting as a plumber. If not armed when aliens, robots, bounty hunters, or anything not seen in Equus, it's your duty as Princess of Equestria to evacuate the innocents. When armed, engage in battle. Our magic has no effect against the invaders from off-world. Alicorn magic rarely tickles them. Their weapons and technology far eclipse us in any shape or way. I need you to understand your line of duty even when we train. It's not about being in charge of what goes on since you ruled for a thousand years. No one cares about your status as Princess of Equestria. You are not a commander, and I want to make that CLEAR. What I say goes, and you are not to document anything unless the agency hears it. We are to remain in secret." 

Princess Celestia is shocked at how momentous Luna said. The weight added on and not to boast. Princess Celestia understands the severity of being a plumber and how much it means to Luna. 

"Understood, Ma'am," Princess Celestia sees Luna as a different pony. Someone with more control and further understanding and wisdom. She bows with much respect. 

Princess Luna smiles. She sees Celestia maturing nicely as a plumber. "Celestia. I love you as a sister dearly. That will never change. We can have fun, but we must be discreet with those around us."

Princess Celestia smiles. "Understood, Luna. So, when do we begin?" 

"Right now," Princess Luna opens the book of records. 

It's 9:30 in the morning. Prince Blueblood enters Princess Cadance's quarters. He alerted a Crystal Guard not to disturb Princess Cadance as he stretched the truth about a private discussion. Princess Cadance has Flurry Heart in her arm, feeding her milk from the bottle. 

"Morning, Prince Blueblood," Princess Cadance welcomes with gratitude since she knows about Blueblood's involvement with the plumbers. 

"Morning, Cadance," Prince Blueblood trots up to Flurry Heart. She giggles at him. "Adorable, isn't she?"

"Flurry Heart has a way of seeing the truth within any pony. I guess she knew you more than I, huh?" Princess Cadance chuckles slightly. She then sighed sadly for the crap she treated him. 

"There is no need to apologize, Cadance. You treated my facade poorly, not the real me."

"Why did you play charades all this time?" Princess Cadance wonders why Prince Blueblood revealed distorted colors. 

"If any pony were to discover my calling as a plumber, there would be no need for the Royal Guard or defense team in Equestria. Everyone would be reliant on the plumbers' assistance every time. Also, my character is to blend in with society whenever I'm off duty." 

"So, were you mad that Princess Celestia didn't give you a kingdom to rule?" Princess Cadance knows that Blueblood earned his rank as a Prince, and Celestia was to test his confidence in leading ponies into prosperity. 

"I have mixed reviews about Auntie Celestia's decision. She rarely spends time with me to get to know me thoroughly. She used her opportunities to be with you and train you. I didn't have the luxury of Luna to relay Celestia about my progress. I had no one. So, I took action. I went forth to discover lost kingdoms, hidden mysteries, and languages. I came across a crystal spike in the snowy region, which is now the Crystal Empire," Princess Cadance gasps. "However, by removing the crystal spike, I unleashed a creature buried in the snow, my first alien encounter. It discharged a cold breath that would have encased me and killed me from hypothermia. That's when the plumbers arrive out of the blue, shooting lasers from saddle launchers. I was amazed to witness the quickness of subduing the alien. It was like; they were waiting for the right time to oppose the alien. It was then they asked me a simple question. One that I agreed to; immediately after witnessing the fallout of the alien's demise through a precision attack. I've been with the plumbers for ten years." 

"Ten years?!" Princess Cadance repeats Prince Blueblood's comment in utter shock. 

"Now, to finish answering your question. I was devastated. Auntie Celestia trusted you to lead more than me. She loved you more than her nephew. Princess Celestia doesn't believe in a Prince to rule any nation since the King Sombra incident. Celestia feared that I might go rogue and rule with an iron hoof. Auntie Celestia tolerates Prince Rutherford and Thorax to lead with excellence, confidence, and humility since they are friends with Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends."

Princess Cadance looks down a bit. She feels remorseful about Blueblood's feelings. "I'm sorry. I.., I didn't know how you felt..." 

Prince Blueblood exhales. "I'm not looking for pity. Celestia has her morals, and I have mine. I lead by example within my team. I trust them, and they trust me." 

"Princess Celestia will know the real you soon," Princess Cadance hopes to brighten Blueblood's mood. 

"There's no kingdom for me. Celestia is not giving me Canterlot to rule. She's transferring her authority as Princess to Twilight Sparkle when she retires. That's set and done. She valued her student more than me. My rank is a joke, and those royals laugh and scoff about me being a failure for elite status. Even in disguise, I'm sad, and I couldn't reveal those emotions while I'm an acting agent. Celestia will see a side of me she destroyed. I'm not fond of her being a plumber. I hope she's not registered with my team. That is the last I need, more headaches and discomfort. Before receiving the info last night, I was glad to move freely in Equestria to do my job as a plumber, undisturbed. At the time, having no kingdom meant fewer responsibilities to uphold. If I were to govern a nation, I would have access to move while managing my priorities as Prince and plumber discreetly." 

"You had everything thought out?" Princess Cadance asks. She's burping Flurry Heart.

"Of course. I ran through thousands of possibilities; in case Auntie Celestia was to grant me power, even if it was temporary. I would have utilized what I got to the fullest. However, that day will never come. Celestia will anoint another mare with magic power over me in a blink of an eye. That's how she viewed me. That won't change regardless of my status as Commander of my squad."

Princess Cadance tries to see otherwise, but she knows Prince Blueblood is right. During her days with Princess Celestia, she had more time with her than seeing Blueblood. She was not fond of Blueblood's behavior because he was born with status, and she an orphaned. She thought Blueblood was a spoiled brat, but from his testimony, Cadance believed Blueblood was lonely and had no one but maids and butlers to attend to him occasionally.

"Do you wish to renew your relationship with Princess Celestia?" Princess Cadance nervously asks. 

"Renew? There wasn't one, to begin with; she rarely saw me and thought about me. During the Grand Galloping Gala, all her attention went to her precious student, Twilight Sparkle. I was idly going around my business, waiting impatiently for any assignment from the plumbers' base since I wanted to separate myself from a boring showcase. This Rarity fellow desired to become my mate. She didn't want me for me; she wanted elite status. Spoiled in richness beyond imagination. I saw it within her eyes the moment she gazed upon me. Rarity is a Gold Digger seeking fame and fortune by trying to date some pony with noble status. She motivated me to exploit my character by having her resent me. It was fun, especially throwing a tantrum about getting dirty and having my fur coated cleanly."

"Why go in the first place?" Princess Cadance starts changing Flurry Heart's diaper. 

"When not on duty, I continue the lifestyle as my character, so no pony gets suspicious. With the royals wholeheartedly knowing that I attend the preeminent festivities, the more social class will oblige and give my auntie the utmost respect. There would be a chain reaction if I were to step away from the revelment."

"I never knew you tolerated going to the Grand Galloping Gala each year. Here I thought you enjoy the praise and attention." 

"Hmmph," Prince Blueblood scoffs. "I get praise and gratitude from my teammates and workers within the plumbers' organization. Other ponies dislike, deplore, and condemn me by any means necessary. You have shown me distorted colors." 

"I know," Princess Cadance sadly states. "It was wrong of me to express vilely at you whenever I saw your face." 

"I do attract all sorts of emotions. I practiced diligently to make myself irresistibly irritating. The more, the better results from those who despised me." 

Princess Cadance giggles a bit. "You are a master in your craft." 

Prince Blueblood smirks. "Thanks for the compliment." 

"When do we begin my training?" Princess Cadance tosses the dirty diaper away and places Flurry Heart in her playpen after attaching a new diaper to her. 

"In a while. I'm expecting a package from the base. A book of records since Shining Armor did not obtain the book when he moved here with you," Prince Blueblood said. "Which is wise of him with many Crystal Ponies around and a bookworm of a Princess soon to be arriving since the Brave and Glorious is not around," Prince Blueblood refers to Spike. He did his research after spotting the Spike Statue outside, where many Crystal Ponies took lots of pictures. 

"Do the Crystal Ponies need their memories erased once they see Spike with the Omnitrix?" 

"That's a question Princess Luna should answer since she's in charge of the agency. I can give you my opinion. Let Spike's ponies know he can protect them better with the Omnitrix. They view him as their savior, so that shouldn't change."

"Thank you for your honesty," Princess Cadance smiles. 

"You're welcome. Right now, I'll train you to use saddle launchers. First, without using magic," Prince Blueblood uses his magic to spawn a saddlebag filled with two hundred pounds on each side. "Can you move around with this?" Prince Blueblood attaches the saddlebag to Princess Cadance's back. 

Princess Cadance squints her eyes and grunts a bit. "It's a little heavy!" She stumbles back a bit by trying to move and falls. Flurry Heart sees and laughs. She groans bitterly. 

"Get ready for the morning training with a jog at the Crystal Empire's arena, where they hosted the Equestrian Games." 

Princess Cadance pouts a bit. She stands up and walks while carrying four hundred pounds. She pants a bit due to the heaviness. "Are these weights necessary, Blueblood?" Her knees tremble a bit. 

"Yes. When four hundred feels like nothing, it gets doubled from there. Saddle Launchers are heavier than our eyes perceive them to be," Prince Blueblood states. "I would advise you to have a Crystal Guard babysit Flurry Heart for the next two hours." 

"TWO HOURS?!" Princess Cadance is not thrilled with the time slot. 

"When you get to the track, the timer begins. Now, no more complaints. You wanted to be one of us; now you'll have to train and work like us," Prince Blueblood lofty commands. 

Princess Cadance groans and accepts Prince Blueblood's training methods. She asked to be a plumber now she has to endure their training physically and mentally. She wonders how Princess Celestia's day is going.
> Appleloosa
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shining Armor parks the RV near the Buffalos' territory. Starlight and Trixie finish making dinner and call for Spike and Shining to the table. Shining Armor turns off the RV and walks with Spike. They sit together while Starlight and Trixie carry a bowl of salad, hayburgers, fish tacos, and new meat to try. Starlight and Spike look at what appears to be a small chicken coated in brown sugar sauce. Trixie and Shining can't wait to see the reactions of Starlight and Spike. The chicken smells delicious. It causes Spike and Starlight to drool. 

"Here, Spike," Shining Armor uses his magic to hover a knife to cut a drumstick. "Try the chicken's leg." 

"If fish tasted so good yesterday, I could only imagine the flavor of chicken!" Spike grabs the backbone of the drumstick. 

"Celestia was the first to taste the meat before us, Spike. I was confused with Trixie for putting a bird in the oven." 

"As I told you, Starlight. There are different meats we can digest; Chicken is an excellent source of protein. The sauce is my mom's world's famous sauce. Only I can make it," Trixie smiles in delight. 

Spike takes a bite from the top of the drumstick. His eyes widen with astonishment at the flavor. He begins to eat more of the chicken without saying a word. That's more than enough to persuade Starlight into eating a piece. She loves eating chicken and cuts herself a portion to stuff her face. Trixie and Shining laugh, knowing a pair of friends enjoy eating chicken. They grab their plates and eat. 

After an hour of eating and enjoying each other's company. Spike, Shining, Starlight, and Trixie lean back with satisfaction. Spike pats his belly. He enjoyed eating chicken and a bowlful of gemstones. 

"Shining," Trixie looks at her commanding officer and friend. "Does Trixie need her Great and Powerful Assistant in the wagon tonight?" Trixie asks in character. 

"Nay, Trixie. Here," Shining tosses Trixie new and improved earplugs. "It'll cancel Starlight and Spike's snoring."

"Guilty as charged," Spike admits that he snores in his sleep. He couldn't help but laugh. 

"Okay, and I convinced my village we were attacked by bears," Starlight admits devising a story to draw out her snoring. Spike, Shining, and Trixie burst into laughter. 

"Thanks for the soundproof, Shining," Trixie said. "Now, I can sleep well in my wagon tonight." 

"Sleeping sounds good right now," Spike gets up and goes to the upper bed. 

"Alright, everyone hit the hay. Tomorrow, we have a long day ahead of us," Shining Armor commands. 

Shining takes the dishes and washes them as Starlight follows Spike to the bedroom. Trixie leaves the RV and goes into her wagon. After a few minutes, Shining sets his alarm and notices his visors detecting small tremors. Since the RV is near the Buffalos' land, he believes they're out on their run into their sacred land. 

A few hours later. Shining's visors alarm and wakes up. The tremors are increasing dramatically. "Oh, no. Oh, nonononononononononono!" Shining Armor fears the worst is about to happen. "WAKEUP! WAKEUP! TREMORS ARE QUAKING RAPIDLY!" 

Spike and Starlight get startled by Shining's yelling. They turn and see red flashes on his visors, indicating that something awful is awakening. Trixie enters the RV, suited for any imminent danger in Appleloosa or around them. Her visors say that tremors are amplifying immensely. 

"What is happening, Shining?!" Starlight uses her magic to hold everything inside the RV; so nothing falls over. 

"Is it hero time?" Spike activates his Omnitrix, preparing to turn alien to save the day. 

The tremors stop, which worries Shining and Trixie; Then, the RV starts to rock. "Hold on tight!" Nothing happens after Shining gives the command.

"Uh, what happened?" Spike and Starlight ask after the one rockiness from the RV. 

Everyone hears the door to the RV knocking. Spike walks to the door and opens it. He sees Little Strongheart for the first time in years. Along with some of the Buffalos. 

"Spike! Oh, thank heavens you're here! We need your help!" Little Strongheart hopes Spike can assist the tribe with a calamity crisis. 

"What seems to be the problem?" Spike asks. 

"Follow us, bro," A light brown Buffalo said. He and his brothers charge toward their traditional stampeding grounds. 

"Follow that herd, Shining!" Spike shouts. 

"Right!" Shining sits in the driver's seat and uses magic to turn on the RV. He drives the RV, following the stampede. 

Ten minutes later. Shining stops the RV from going over a cliff. Starlight, Trixie, Spike, and Shining see the devastation from the apple orchard. A crack stretches across the entire land where the Buffalos run their yearly traditional stampede. Several apple trees are uprooted and scattered. 

"This is the first earthquake in the history of our nation's existence," Tribal Chief Thunderhooves said in awe. "My father; and his father; and his father before him; and his father behind him; and his father before him; and his father-" Little Strongheart nudges the Chief. The other Buffalos were getting bored with the backstory. 

"They get the idea, Chief," Little Strongheart said; she was tired of the long thought-out stretch of Thunderhooves' forefathers. 

The Tribal Chief sighs. "This earthquake was unlike anything we've ever felt before. We believe something is amiss with those settler ponies." 

"Wait, I thought you had no conflicts with Appleloosa," Spike remembers the commitment of the Buffalos and Appleloosian to share the land. 

"For eons, we had no worriment until they showed up and planted their trees. After the agreement, I sensed something malignant within each stampede to retrieve apple pies and fruit. We believe those ponies caused this catastrophe," Tribal Chief Thunderhooves acclaims. 

"I tried talking with the Sheriff and some ponies in town about the presence, but they ignored us. They thought we were speaking nonsense," Little Strongheart bitterly explains. 

"Now, they are blaming us for this disaster!" A red Buffalo angrily says. 

"Alright, we'll help settle the dispute before it escalates," Shining Armor activates his visors in search of anything abnormal. "I'll investigate the fault line, Trixie." 

"Yes, Sir?" Trixie waits for her command. 

"Take Spike, Starlight, and Strongheart to Appleloosa. We need to find some pony that'll listen to reason," Shining said. He turns to Thunderhooves. "If it pleases you, Tribal Chief, allow me to command some of your finest Buffalos for my investigation." 

"Very well, proceed to uncover the mysteries of the fault line," Tribal Chief Thunderhooves allows seven Buffalo to follow Shining Armor to their stampeding grounds. "You have earned my respect, unicorn." 

"Thank you," Shining bows in respect. "Let's go," Shining Armor gallops to their native stampede ground. The seven Buffalo follow him. 

Spike and Little Strongheart lead the way to Appleloosa. Starlight wonders if there are any plumbers living in Appleloosa. Trixie confirms since the birth of Appleloosa, plumbers monitored the area but did not settle in. She lets Starlight know about her concerns about being close to the fault line. 

Ponies in Appleloosa are going along with their business as usual. Spike looks to his left and notices an elderly pony growling ferociously before entering his home. 

"That's new." Spike thought to himself. 

"Spike! Is that yooou?" Braeburn gets close and personal with Spike's space. He observes Strongheart, Starlight, and Trixie with curiosity. "Who are these friends, Spike?" Braeburn is aware of Little Strongheart. 

"Oh. Uh. Starlight and Trixie," Spike points at his friends. Starlight is to his right, Trixie to his left. 

"Weeeeell, hoooooowdy!" Braeburn shakes Starlight and Trixie's hooves so fast that he lets go; Trixie and Starlight's arms are still shaking. "What brings you, ladies, into town?" 

"Braeburn, listen. There's a-" Braeburn interrupts Little Strongheart by nudging and pushing her, Trixie, and Starlight for the grand tour of Appleloosa. 

"Something peculiar is wrong here. It's unlike Braeburn to interrupt someone's speech. I better turn into Ghostfreak to scour the town for clues." Spike activates the Omnitrix, and the faceplate rises. Spike turns to the left and slams down the faceplate. Green light flashes. 

Spike starts becoming intangible. Then his body becomes gaseous with claw-like hands and grey skin with black lines running all over him. His hourglass insignia peeks out of the skin on his lower left chest, and he has one pink eye with a black pupil.

"There we go," Spike notices that the ponies around him didn't bat an unusual eye. "Now, to find anything suspicious," Spike goes through the wall and sees a different elderly earth pony mare minding her business and trying to swat a fly. "Looks normal." Spike sees the mare launching herself to the ceiling and eating the fly. "NOOOO WAAAAAY! I HAVE NEVER SEEN OLD FOLKS WITH THAT KIND OF AGILITY BEFORE!" Spike watches the old mare come down and rotates her neck, making bone-chilling neck cracks. It was more than enough for him to turn back. 

Spike becomes invisible to the naked eye to wander around Appleloosa for more disturbing evidence. He sees two ponies in cattleman brown cowboy hats, one riding the wagon with a rug and the other dragging the wagon. Spike follows the two near a back alley. In the back, Spike can see the remaining apple trees still standing from the earthquake. He sees the front pony expanding his front limbs to vault over the fence. The wagon and pony go over the wall without any problems whatsoever. 

"Perplexing." Spike phases through to see why the urgency of going over the wall rather than opening up the gate. He sees what appears to be a wine cellar. "A wine cellar? Something is awry, and I need to figure it out. More importantly, report to my friends and brother about what I found so far!" Spike hightails away from the scenery since he doesn't know how much time he has left before his transformation expires. 

Braeburn wastes time blabbing about the richness of Appleoosa, the fun activities, and new buildings to bring in more businesses. Starlight shouts to get Braeburn's attention. She is infuriated with Braeburn's obliviously over common sense when some pony tries to get his attention. 

"Sorry, I can get a bit carried away. I'm prideful of Appleloosa," Braeburn blushes in embarrassment for getting sidetracked. 

"Look, Braeburn. You're the only pony that'll listen to us," Little Strongheart approaches him. "We are not the cause that shattered your apple trees. We buffalos had nothing to do with it." 

Braeburn tilts his head and sighs. "I know you lot are not at fault. The Sherriff doesn't know who or what else to blame for the orchard's destruction. I tried speaking my mind, and he shrugged me off." 

"What do we do now?" Little Strongheart turns to Trixie and Starlight since ponies in Appleloosa are lost-cause. 

"Find Shining Armor. Hopefully, he uncovered the mysteries of the fault line," Trixie advises, knowing her commander performs explicitly under any circumstances. 

Shining Armor and the seven Buffalos examine the fault line near an apple tree Applejack gave as a present. Shining Armor's visors detect residual alien activity. It scares him and creates an uncomfortable discussion with the Buffalos, who won't understand what aliens look like or their desirable plan to colonize. The Buffalos sense an ominous presence underground and back away in fear of the unknown. 

"Alright," Shining Armor turns to the Buffalos. "I'm going inside the crack to explore the activity," Shining Armor places a small radio on the ground. "I'm going to document what I see, and you'll hear what I find. Understand?" 

"Yes, Sir," The Buffalos nod in understanding. As they don't go down under, they'll do anything else Shining Armor commands. 

Shining Armor hops down. The drop is steeper than he realizes. He activates his saddlebag thrusters to hover down smoothly. His visors bleep rapidly, detecting a higher frequency of alien development. Shining Armor lands on the ground, and he triggers the flashlight mode. 

"Whoa..," Shining Armor sees the caves smeared in green ooze. "Alright, I'm in some cave underneath the orchard."

"A cave?" The Buffalos say in unison. They didn't think a cave would be under their sacred grounds. 

Shining Armor looks around and feels his heart beating immensely. An eerie presence is lurking in the shadows. It moves, causing Shining to turn at the movement's sound. He pants while trying to calm himself. 

Shining Armor trots to his right, hoping to find the source of the alien endeavor. "I see nothing but the green ooze on the ground and walls. I think I'm walking in the wrong..," Shining Armor sees a silhouette of a small shadow moving swiftly. "What was that?!" 

The Buffalos start becoming scared of Shining Armor's progress within the caves. It's like listening to a horror story late at night. One Buffalo flees from the fault line from the description of the audio. 

Shining Armor turns left and screams. The Buffalos scream and hightail away from the apple orchard. A green semi-humanoid blob attacks Shining Armor and wraps around him, subduing Shining Armor before allowing him to activate a homing distress beacon. His body gets dragged into the darkness. 

Ghostfreak's Omnitrix insignia flashes and bleeps; Spike turns to normal with no pony in sight. He sighs in relief and needs to find Trixie and Starlight. He runs in search of his friends. Luckily for him, Spike collides with Braeburn, knocking him down by accident. 

"Sorry, Braeburn," Spike helps him up. 

"Apologies accepted, my friend," Braeburn sees the worry in Spike's expression. "Something bothering you, friend?" Braeburn pats Spike.

"Yea, Spike. It looks like you've seen a ghost," Trixie made a pun. She laughs at it, knowing about Ghostfreak.

"I saw something you guys wouldn't believe," Spike said, biting his lower left lip in fear. 

"What did you see, Spike?" Starlight asks. Now she's worried about the situation in Appleloosa. 

"Guys," Trixie's visors indicate Shining Armor's plumbing equipment went offline. 

"What's up, Trixie?" Starlight turns to her friend. 

"Shining is in trouble," Trixie knows whenever a plumber's visors go offline, it indicates that an ambush has happened. 

"We need to go!" Spike gets on Starlight's back. 

"I'm coming with y'all," Braeburn wants to prove the Buffalos' innocence to the Sherriff. 

"Follow me!" Trixie gallops to the last location marked on Shining's visors. 

During the trip, Spike revealed an old mare sticking onto the ceiling of her home to eat a fly, and a pony, extending his front legs to jump over a wall in the back alley with another pony riding a wagon where some apple trees were visible to the orchard. Spike mentions a wine cellar; however, Braeburn confirms no wine cellars in Appleloosa. There is nothing hidden from him. Braeburn knows everything about Appleloosa since he's one of the founding members. 

The gang runs into six buffalos, fleeing for their life. Little Strongheart tries to calm them down and inquires about Shining Armor's whereabouts and status. The Buffalos say Shining Armor went into the fault line to prospect the area. They heard screams from the radio and ran from danger. 

Little Strongheart thanks them and allows them to return to Tribal Chief Thunderhooves. She is upset that her brethren abandoned Shining Armor into the unknown but understands the predicament, not knowing what else to do.

Trixie picks up the pace to the orchard. She, Starlight, Spike, Little Strongheart, and Braeburn gasp at the size difference of the crack. From farther away, it looked smaller. Braeburn sheds tears from the devastation. Many apple trees didn't survive the carnage. Some uprooted, some snapped in two, and some apple-less. Little Strongheart extends her left hoof to rub Braeburn's back. 

"Alright, this is the plan. I'll go down and search for Shining Armor. Braeburn and Strongheart. Go back and investigate the cellar Spike saw. It could lead to a base of operations," Trixie commands. 

"Trixie, as much I admire your well-thought operation, I suggest a better one," Starlight said. 

"And what would that be?" Trixie finds it a bit offensive that Starlight diminishes her idea. "In case you have forgotten, I have the equipment best-suited for the search." 

"Exactly. However, you should go with Braeburn and Strongheart." 

"Why would I go with them?" Trixie wants to test Starlight's brainstorming. 

"Because I have teleportation magic. I will take Spike down below and conduct our search. When we locate Shining Armor, I'll teleport us back to Appleloosa lickety-split."

"Hmm," Trixie gives it some thought; her teleportation magic is on par with Starlight, but there could be an assault waiting in the cellar. If aliens are involved there, Starlight will not have the proper measures to fight them off. "Alright, Starlight. I'm trusting you and Spike to locate Shining Armor. In the meantime, I'll go with Braeburn and Strongheart."

"Thanks for trusting me," Starlight says with relief. She thought Trixie would reject her plan. 

"What are friends for?" Trixie smiles at her friends. "Let's get moving," Trixie follows Braeburn and Little Strongheart back to Appleloosa. 

"Think you can lower us down?" Spike turns to Starlight. 

"Mmhmm," Starlight nods. She casts a magic bubble to hover Spike and her into the fault line. It's steeper than they thought. 

Spike looks at his Omnitrix; it turns green at the right time. "Starlight, I'm turning into Wildmutt. You can ride on my back. I believe; I need a strong sense of awareness in the caves." 

"Understood, Spike," Starlight was about to suggest Spike turn into Wildmutt. Great minds think alike. 

Starlight lands on the ground and sees the green ooze plastered all over. Spike activates his Omnitrix. The faceplate rises with the image of Wildmutt in front. It's like the Omnitrix is navigating the choice for the alien selection. Spike presses the faceplate down. 

Spike feels his body changing once more. He's turning into an orange dog-like creature with no eyes, ears, nose, or tail. He stands on all fours. His teeth are very defined, and his bottom jaw sticks out of his mouth. The various spines found across his body function similarly to whiskers with tactile sensing and are not fur. There's a shoulder pad adoring the hourglass symbol on the front left of Spike's arm. Spike roars after the transformation. 

"I'll take that roar as a get-on-your-back-and-hold-on-tight," Starlight said. Spike nods and leans down, allowing Starlight to climb on board. "Okay, this feels exhilarating!" Starlight enjoyingly admits. Spike sniffs and runs down the path. 

Braeburn, Little Strongheart, and Trixie return to Appleloosa. Many ponies turn to them awkwardly. Trixie's visors scan each pony and receive red flags. 

"What are you doing with that raging Buffalo?!" The Sherriff approaches Braeburn. "Don't you know creatures like them destroy with their stampedes! Look what they have done to our land after agreeing to share!" The Sheriff snorts irately. 

Little Strongheart is taken aback by the sudden hostility; She growls at the Sherriff. Braeburn is confused. The Sherriff is behaving like the days before the war with the Buffalos. 

"Who are you?" Trixie prepares to attack the deceivers. 

"Brae, why are you siding with these-" The Sherriff gets shot by a laser bullet by Trixie's hoof-held pistol. 

Eyes widen for Braeburn and Little Strongheart. What they were wasn't magic. The impact of the laser bullet gave the Sherriff a hole in his left eye that regenerated swiftly. Braeburn and Little Strongheart horridly shout and are mesmerized to witness an abnormal sequence. 

"Get back!" Trixie activates her saddlebags when she jumps back. "Activated Saddle Machine Guns!" The saddlebags on each of Trixie's sides sentry torrents. The barrels and muzzles extend, thus allowing Trixie to use her magic to change the mode of laser blasts into bullets. 

The Sherriff and several ponies around transformed, turning into green-humanoid slime creatures with dark-pink organs visible. They have multiple eyes, extra arms, and fin-like protrusions. 

Braeburn and Little Strongheart wanted to puke after seeing the booger-like hideous creatures that were disguising ponies this whole time. Trixie continues her onslaught on the aliens, but they easily dodge Trixie's maneuvers. Braeburn snaps out of his trance and attempts to buck the slob-like alien, but his kick goes through their bodies. The slime-like alien stretches its' limbs, grabs Braeburn, and tosses him aside. He crashes into a barrel of water. Little Strongeheart informs Trixie of bringing an army back. Trixie hopes the Buffalos are more than enough to drive these aliens away. Right now, lasers do not affect them. 

It had been twenty minutes since Spike turned into Wildmutt. Spike continues to run into the caves with Starlight riding on his back. Starlight sees a gap and instinctively tells Spike to stop running before going off a small abyss. Wildmutt's Omnitrix bleeps and flashes red, transforming Spike to his original state. He falls over since Starlight is a bit heavy. They are a few feet away from the gap. 

"Sorry, Spike," Starlight gets off of Spike and helps him up. 

"It's alright..; whoa," Spike is in shock, and so is Starlight. 

Down below, an enormous room with a massive spaceship in the middle and small green pods lining the entire floor. Starlight uses magic to conjure a bubble to hover safely in the area. Within the pods, it gives Starlight an eerie feeling about Queen Chrysalis and ponders if she's an alien all this time. Many of these pods have Appleloosian ponies submerged. Including one that went missing; the moment Trixie informed the group of Shining Armor's disappearance. Spike and Starlight see Shining Armor in a deep sleep within the chamber. 

"Oh, there you are," Shining Armor approaches the two from behind, startling Spike and Starlight. He sounds calm and genuine. 

"Shining, thank heavens you're here!" Starlight thought of the worse and figured Shining had outsmarted whatever creature captured the Appleloosian ponies. 

"Everything is alright. We need to get moving before the invaders come and capture us!" Shining Armor warns Starlight and Spike. 

"What about these ponies?" Spike asks Shining. He needs to hear if this Shining will think selfishly. 

"I've called backup. Should be arriving soon," Shining replies. Shining won Starlight's trust. 

Spike sees no tech on Shining Armor. Knowingly, Shining trusts his friends in the plumbers and is more revealing with his visors. "Call Princess Luna with those visors of yours. She will need to deal with this UFO." 

"Oh, uh," Shining sounds hesitant, which is now more than enough for Starlight to blast the fake with magic. The fake's body split in two; however, the body turns into green ooze and molds into a green-humanoid creature. "It knows too much!" More of its' brethren arrive. "Get them!" 

Spike runs for cover, hoping his Omnitrix recharge process is quicker than before. The glop-like aliens sprint after Spike, trying to seize him before things get out of hand. 

Starlight shoots a magic beam at Shining's pod. He comes out, breathing heavily and waking up from a deep slumber. She casts a defense bubble to repel the aliens' advances. 

"Damn, those things got me good," Shining Armor takes a breather. He sees them chasing his brother. "OH NO, YOU DON'T!" Shining Armor takes immediate action and uses his magic to teleport in front of the aliens. "Saddle Bazooka!" Shining Armor's saddlebags form into a singular cannon, blasting the aliens. To his surprise, the laser beam from the bazooka doesn't affect them in the slightest. Shining switches gears and shoots a flamethrower at them. It turns out the aliens are heat-resistant. Shining grits his teeth and change gears again, hoping that something in his arsenal can weaken the aliens. 

Starlight flies around in her defense bubble while the aliens pursue her. They couldn't sink through her magic but decided to let Starlight be the damsel in this situation. Starlight sees Spike trips over a green puddle, which happens to be a trap devised by one of the aliens. Starlight flies to Spike, allowing him inside the bubble that turns out to be her undoing. Another alien was in stasis near a pod and lunged at Starlight, causing her to disable her defense bubble. Starlight gets pinned down by so many aliens that they start to encase her. 

"Stop!" Spike sees the overwhelming numbers getting to Shining Armor; Shining tries to fire a lightning beam with his saddle cannon but gets overrun by the aliens. Spike hears his Omnitrix fully recharged and green. Spike activates the Omnitrix and slams the faceplate down, not seeing who he's choosing. 

Spike's body starts changing color from purple to grey. He now has four-razor-sharped-fingered hands. Spike's Omnitrix symbol is a black patch over his left pectoral. The transformation is a fusion of many aquatic creatures, such as eels, alligators, leeches, sharks, and anglerfish. Spike also has a phosphorescent light on his head.

The aliens, Shining and Starlight, turn to see Spike as Ripjaws. Spike breathes in and feels his body moist. His sweats are droplets of cold water. "Ah, much better now," Spike turns to the aliens. "Release my friends and prepare for a merciless beating!" 

The aliens laugh. "Buddy, your friends are hopeless. These ponies are worthless. Weapons and magic have no effect on us. What can you do to us!" 

"You're going to find out!" Spike leaps at the alien and claws him. It screeches, and their brethren become timorous. 

"What's wrong?" One of the aliens asks their comrade. 

"Something about his skin, I felt something putrid like..," It doesn't want to reveal a crucial detail that can lead to their downfall. 

"My skin?" It clicks for Spike. Since he's an aquatic alien, the air is moist, and his sweats are water. "Shining! Water is their weakness!" 

"OH, NO!" The aliens panic. 

Starlight smirks and uses her magic to teleport out of the caves. She knows about a water tower in Appleloosa and decides to bring some refreshments to the party. 

"WHERE DID SHE GO?!" The aliens turn to Spike and Shining after seeing her disappearing act. 

"Where she needs to be," Spike replies. He resumes his onslaught on the aliens. Since his body consists of water, they can't touch Spike. "Shining! Find pods inside the UFO and bring them out!" 

"On it!" Shining Armor gallops to the UFO. 

"OH NO, YOU DON'T!" The aliens go after Shining Armor, but Spike jumps in and attacks them. They scream and pull away due to the water dripping on his body. 

Starlight appears in front of Trixie and Braeburn. They are trying to defend themselves from the onslaught of the ooze-like aliens. Starlight casts a defense bubble before they lunge at them. 

"There's no stopping us! Give up now!" The aliens start striking the defense shield relentlessly. It cracks. 

"Starlight? Any progress?" Trixie asks. She conjures a defense bubble to strengthen the hold from the attacks. 

"Water is their weakness!" Starlight shouts with delight. The aliens growl and step back in horror after hearing the dreadful news. 

"You don't say," Braeburn looks at the barrels aligned around town. "Care to give me a lasso?" Braeburn becomes excited and wants payback from the invaders that took his friends and family. 

"One energy lasso coming up!" Trixie uses her magic to produce a lasso made of pure energy and laser from her saddlebag. She gives it to Braeburn. 

"Kill them before they kill us!" The aliens prepare themselves once the shields are down to advance and subdue their enemies. 

Starlight transport Braeburn to the nearest barrel behind the aliens. The aliens search around while maintaining focus on Trixie and Starlight. Using his new lasso, Braeburn grabs and tosses the barrel at the aliens. On impact, water covers them, causing them to shriek and rive in pain. Some disperse and go after Braeburn. He sprints to the nearest barrel. 

Trixie and Starlight go their separate ways. Starlight runs to the water tower and hovers on top. She enchants the top of the tower and contains the water. Then she teleports back to Spike and Shining Armor. Trixie feels the ground quaking and sees Little Strongheart with Tribal Chief Thunderhooves charging with all of the Buffalos. Trixie alerts about water being the alien's weakness. The aliens flee from the Buffalos. They are more scared about getting pummeled than drenched with water. 

A Buffalo helps Braeburn and puts him on his back. Braeburn uses his lasso to grab each barrel to chuck at the aliens. Water splatters, causing many to wail and dissipate. They see the majority of them running toward the wine cellar. 

Trixie sprints in front and shoots a laser beam with her saddle launcher, creating an enormous hole for the Buffalos to chase them even more. 

Shining Armor removes the pods within the UFO. He sees Spike taking down the aliens that try to swarm and multiply. Since they can't touch Spike, it's a futile attempt. 

"I can do this all day!" Spike confidently shouts. He laughs at the misery of the aliens' agony. Then his Omnitrix symbol bleeps and blinks. "NO! NOT NOW!" A red light flashes, reverting Spike to normal. "Ah, shit!" Spike's confidence fades instantly. 

The aliens are smiling now they got the advantage. Spike steps back while Shining Armor prepares to defend Spike as best as he can. 

"All that talk, and now, you're at our mercy!" The aliens laugh in victory. 

"Oh really!" Starlight is behind them with tons of water. 

The aliens turn to see Starlight hovering with what appears to be a bomb in their sights. "Nono, no!" The aliens are waving their limbs then they see much of their race fleeing in fear. 

"RETREAT! RETREAT!" The fleeing aliens cry while the Buffalos, Braeburn, and Trixie chase them. The aliens that fought Spike and Shining flee from the Buffalos and activate the UFO thruster sequence. 

"Take this and never come back!" Starlight throws the magic bubble containing water at the UFO. 

Most of the aliens shrill loudly when the water touches their bodies. The hatch closes with some aliens melting away. The UFO launches itself into the air and leaves Equus' orbit. 

Every creature shouts its warcry now that they win the battle. Spike and Shining Armor sit back and relaxes. All of the Buffalos see Appleloosian ponies within the pods. 

"We will help bring them to the surface and explain all that happened today." 

"I can use a bath," Spike said. "A long hot one." 

"You'll have to wait your turn. Being inside those pods was very uncomfortable," Shining said. "Being submerged by them was gruesome enough." 

Hours later. The Buffalos unloaded the pods they carried on their backs and freed all the Appleloosian ponies from captivity. The Sherriff snaps out of his trance and remembers what attacked him days ago. Little Strongheart explains what transpired and the destruction of their sacred grounds. 

Every pony is devastated that the land is beyond repair, and Appleloosa now has to relocate. The Buffalos wish they could run on their sacred land but know it'll take decades to fix naturally. 

"So, what shall we do, Sherriff?" A local earth pony mare turns to him. 

"Return to our families and find help with restoring the land. Hopefully, someone will lend a hoof," The Sherriff turns to Tribal Chief Thunderhooves. "I'm terribly sorry for the loss of your sacred land." 

"No need to feel sorry. We're glad you and everyone are safe from the invaders," Tribal Chief Thunderhooves replies. "Perhaps we can work together on restoring the land." 

The Sherriff smiles at the gesture. "That'll be great. I wonder why those aliens came after us and not you." 

"Judging from those pods, I want to say those aliens had a craving for apple meat," Starlight theorizes, which made every Appleloosian pony cringe. 

"Cousin Applejack told me that Changelings would harvest love from any creature as food. Maybe those things are distant cousins?" Braeburn suggest. 

"Good Celestia, I hope not!" Shining Armor doesn't like the sound of that theory. "Also, judging from the ooze within the caves, they didn't look fresh. It's possible they were down there for decades." 

"More likely they wanted to consume the Buffalos but were scared due to their sheer size and strength?" Spike comments on the possible conclusion. 

"Maybe our apple tree gave them new nutrients and be subtle with us pony folk?" A random earth pony stallion says. Now everyone cringes at that circumstance which correlates to Starlight's suggestion. 

Braeburn sighs deeply. "Hopefully, cousin Applejack won't mind us staying at their orchard for a while." 

"She'll be devastated that her favorite tree got demolished," An Appleloosian bystander says, knowing how prideful Applejack can be with her apple trees. 

"Also," The Sherriff and Tribal Chief Thunderhooves turn to Shining, Spike, Starlight, and Trixie. "Thank you for helping us," They say in unison. 

"You're welcome, Shining, Spike, Starlight, and Trixie reply with gratitude. "We're happy to help." 

"Also, if it's not too much to ask, can you not talk about our weaponry?" Shining Armor asks the Sherriff and Thunderhooves. 

"My lips are sealed. Who'll believe a Buffalo speaking about lasers and missiles?" 

"Alright, partner. We'll keep this silent. However, we'll say you four helped greatly during our crisis. Nothing more or less," The Sherriff replies. He shakes Shining's hoof to seal the deal. 

"Thank you," Shining Armor bows to Tribal Chief Thunderhooves and shakes the Sherriff's hoof. 

Shining Armor, Starlight Glimmer, Spike, and Trixie walk back to the RV. After an hour, Spike starts preparing dinner for his friends and brother. It's his turn in the rotation of cooking meals. Trixie and Starlight are preparing the table while Shining Armor answers a doorknock. Shining Armor sees Little Strongheart alone. 

"I want to say thank you for coming," Little Strongheart smiles. "Please, give these gemstones to Spike. It's a sack full of turquoise gemstones."

"I will," Shining Armor uses his magic to lift the sack inside the RV. "You'll make sure to report to the agency for any other activity." 

Little Strongheart looks around her and deactivates the cloaking mode on her visors. "They already know, Sir," Little Strongheart smiles and salutes to Shining Armor. She activates her cloaking sequence on her visors and gallops away from the RV. She doesn't want Tribal Chief Thunderhooves to send a wave of Buffalos to bring her back home. 

"Shining! Dinner's ready!" Spike shouts from the kitchen. 

"Coming!" Shining Armor closes the door and goes to eat dinner with his family.
> Who's To Blame? What To Do Next?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Uh oh," Big McIntosh said after receiving today's paper. 

The headline reads: APPLELOOSA IN SHAMBLES! The newspaper documents the surreal earthquake fault line stretching across Buffalo's sacred land and the apple orchard. Apple trees are uprooted, scattered, and appleless. Pictures of several apple trees made Big McIntosh shed many tears and wonder how their families would recover from the crisis. 

Applejack walks into the kitchen with Apple Bloom after taking care of their morning routine. Granny Smith is sleeping on her rocking chair. 

"Morning, Big Mac! How's it going?" Apple Bloom turns to her older brother. 

"Somethin' bothering you, Big Mac?" Applejack tries to read her brother's body language. 

"Uh," Big Mac tosses the newspaper to his siblings. He couldn't utter a word to describe his feeling. 

"WHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAT!?!" Applejack is more appalled at the headline than Apple Bloom. She's irate after reading more about the coverage. 

"So, what happens now with Appleloosa?" Apple Bloom turns to her older siblings. 

Big McIntosh shrugs. He's clueless about tackling the situation. 

"Mysterious ooze and creatures stumbling around?! Nothing in Equestrian history about creatures dragging pony folk?!" Applejack sounds more angry than frantic as she reads more about the incident. "THIS HAS TO DO WITH SPIKE'S DOOHICKEY! SPIKE BROUGHT THEM THINGS TO APPLELOOSA!" Applejack loses her temper. 

Apple Bloom and Big McIntosh are equally confused about Applejack's rant and claim. They wonder why Spike's involvement has anything to do with the current state of Appleloosa. 

Granny Smith wakes up from Applejack's clamor. "Enough!" Granny Smith shouts with authority. It's more than enough to silence Applejack's complaint. "Now, I have no idea why the youngling would be the cause of Appleloosa's plight. Enlighten us, Applejack. Why would Spike jeopardize Appleloosian's apples?" 

"Yea? What do you know about Spike and what doohickey he has?" Apple Bloom wants to know if it is related to Diamond Dude. 

"Eeyup!" Big McIntosh concurs. 

Applejack bites her lips. She fears her explanation would spread throughout Ponyville like Heatblast's wildfire in the forest. "Swear that none of you blab about what I'm going to say." 

"Alright, Applejack. I won't speak to anypony," Granny Smith solemnly swears in honor of the Apple Family Name. 

"Cross my heart, hope to fly! Stick a cupcake in my eye!" Apple Bloom performs the Pinkie Promise. She knows better than to break a Pinkie Promise. 

"Eeyup!" Big McIntosh's signature reply also means he won't tell a soul about Spike's possible involvement. 

Applejack takes a deep breath. She explains the watch Spike wears on his left wrist, enabling him to turn into an alien. Applejack mentions Diamond Dude being Spike the entire time. Apple Bloom smiles widely and leaps for joy, knowing that her friend is the one that saved Ponyville and everypony from a threat, not from this planet. Granny Smith is amazed to hear that Applejack's friend can help every creature as her granddaughter could. Big McIntosh will miss Spike during the Guy's Night Game Night. He understands that Spike now has newer responsibilities to uphold. 

"Now that y'all know. Don't bombast anyone about Spike being the Diamondheaded alien." 

"I won't, Applejack!" Apple Bloom responds. She performed the Pinkie Pie ritual. 

"My lips are shut, Applejack. No need to fret," Bic McIntosh calmly replies. 

"I won't say anything. However, Spike is not to blame for Appleloosa's demise since he uses the doohickey for righteousness," Granny Smith implores Applejack. 

"Them aliens occurrences are a magnet to Spike, Granny! How can I not!?" Applejack retorts. "Who would you blame?" 

"Those things could be underground for centuries, plotting and scheming. I say it's more on them than Spike. We don't know what happened, and not all the evidence gets documented in a single newspaper article!" 

"She's right. I'm sure the Princesses came up with a cover story to hide all the other thrilling details," Apple Bloom replies. She understands the world of journalism through her experience. 

"Whatever happened to Pinkie Pie? I haven't seen her for breakfast," Granny Smith asks Applejack. 

"She slept over at Rainbow's house after going on a pranking spree, Granny. Anyway, I'll be back later. Going to visit my friends for a get-together," Applejack leaves her home. She's eager to know if Twilight developed some spell to pry Spike's watch and send it elsewhere to kingdom come. 

Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash wake up to a bright and sunny day. They had a blast by fooling every pony into thinking Diamond Dude was visiting Ponyville to sign autographs, wasting everyone's time for half a day. The two get out of their beds and stretch. 

"Man, that was an awesome dream!" Rainbow dreamt about saving the Wonderbolts from a wicked beast. 

"I'll say," Pinkie giggles. She dreamt about being on an island made of candy. 

"So, when do you think Twilight will reopen the school?" Rainbow asks Pinkie. She sees her friend with a blank expression. "Pinkie?" 

Pinkie shakes her uneasy feeling since knowing the truth about Twilight using her students as servants, which Princess Celestia forbade her from receiving help. "Sorry, Dashie. I got sidetracked by something peculiar," Pinkie didn't mean to lie to her best friend, but she didn't know how to say something without troubling Twilight even further.   

"What's on your mind, Pinkie?" Rainbow flies up to her friend to look her in the eye. 

"It's Spike's watch," Pinkie lies to Rainbow Dash. She feels guilty but brings up Spike's aliens as an evasion for her deception. 

"What about it?" Rainbow is suspicious about Pinkie bringing Spike into the conversation. 

"I'm worried about who else may get impacted immensely with consequences. First, it was Twilight who lost custody of Spike for life. Then, my home with the Cakes gets burned down. I'm worried about an unforeseeable pattern that may affect the rest of our friends." 

"Well, you did accidentally blur the mentioning of Spike's rant that led Twilight to cough up more incriminating details, Pinkie. Also, we don't know what sparked the fire at the Cakes' shop. We can't jump to conclusions about Spike's involvement. He's not the catalyst that initiates the suffering," Rainbow replies. With her element of Loyalty, she's showing that to Spike as her friend. She knows that Spike did not start a fire that wrecked Sugarcube Corner. From what she knows, Spike saved the Cake family. Also, she remembered Spike's rant that led to him quitting caring for Twilight. 

"Oh..," Pinkie thinks it over, still avoiding her actual feeling about Twilight's ploy to use extra credit as a loophole for Celestia's decree. "I guess you're right..." 

"C'mon!" Rainbow hypes Pinkie up with her demeanor. "Let's go meet up with our friends!" 

"Yeah!" Pinkie becomes energetic. She hops out of the Cloudominium. She rides her balloon down while Rainbow Dash flies to the ground. 

Upon arrival, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash meet up with Applejack. They see her pissed off. 

"What's wrong, Applejack?" Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie ask with concern. 

Applejack looks sternly at her friends. Some ponies around back away from her presence. "I rather discuss this privately," Applejack refers to the Castle of Friendship as an ideal location for any discussion. 

"Okay," Pinkie and Rainbow nod in understanding. They follow Applejack to the Castle of Friendship. 

Twilight, Fluttershy, and Rarity are preparing for a picnic inside the Castle of Friendship. A day to spend time with their pets since two creatures won't accompany them. Spike and Starlight. Fluttershy and Rarity hope this decision can clear Twilight's mind of losing Spike due to Celestia's command. Twilight struggles to find peace with everything that Princess Celestia stole from her. Losing Spike permanently still is a crushing blow. Learning to care for herself is harder while being alone in the castle. However, she's determined to prove herself worthy to Princess Celestia by sharing friendships with every creature else, not a one-sided friendship. 

Applejack barges through the castle's doors, scaring the daylights out of Twilight, Fluttershy, and Rarity. They come out and see their friend distraught. 

"What happened?!" Twilight shouts in shock. 

"Why are you upset, Applejack?" Rarity asks. 

"Please.., tell.., us..," Fluttershy said in a quiet but loud enough to hear tone. 

"IT'S SPIKE'S FAULT!" Applejack bellows in the corridors of the Castle of Friendship. The echoes reach throughout the castle. 

"What?!" Rarity and Fluttershy are flabbergasted by Spike's involvement with Applejack's dismay. 

"What did Spike do?" Twilight trots up to her friend. She extends her left wing for an embrace and comfort. 

"I'll show you what that varmint had done!" Applejack snorts. She pulls out her hat to reach for today's newspaper. "Take a look for yourselves!" 

Twilight reads the newspaper to her friends. APPLELOOSA IN SHAMBLES! Twilight reads loudly about the destruction of the apple orchard and Buffalo's sacred land. Apple trees uprooted, appleless, and scattered. A fault line that stretches far and wide, leaving no room to undo the damages. Reports say that an earthquake caused the events. Also, mysterious ooze and ponies stumbling has every pony else confused; Nothing in Equestrian history about creatures dragging others into the unknown. 

"That.., is terrible!" Pinkie shouts in sadness. 

"Horrible," Fluttershy concurs with Pinkie's statement. 

"Whoa, I guess you were right about Spike's watch, Pinkie," Rainbow Dash feels eerie about Pinkie's explanation earlier. 

"What in tarnation did you say, Pinkie?" Applejack turns to the pink mare, wondering if she jinxed the rest of her friends. 

"Well..," Pinkie sweats a bit. "I had a peculiar feeling that Spike's involvement with aliens may affect us severely..." 

Fluttershy, Applejack, and Rarity groan loudly. Rainbow Dash believes nothing wrong will happen to her and the Wonderbolts. Twilight understands the feeling since she was the first to feel the wrath of consequences. 

"Hey, wait a minute!" Pinkie grabs everyone's attention. "Why can't we have Discord restore what was damaged?" 

"Because, Pinkie," Discord rises from the ground after hearing everything spoken. He stretches and pops every bone in his body in place. "These events are not mine to clean up and fix. Whatever happens beyond my magic is the ponies' problem. What Spike does with the Omnitrix is his business." 

"Omni-what?" The girls look at Discord in confusion. 

"Spike's watch. It has a name. Omnitrix." 

"Cool name," Rainbow digs the name. She finds it twenty percent cooler. 

"You met with Spike, Starlight, and Shining?" Twilight asks Discord. She's eager to know how Spike is doing. 

"Oh, I have. Spike, Shining, and Starlight are having fun traveling the continent together. I saw them around a bonfire," Discord stretches the truth. He didn't reveal Trixie traveling with the crew. 

"Say, Discord. Can your magic remove Spike's Omni-watch?" Applejack turns to the Draqonecuus, hoping his magic can bypass the protection on Spike's wrist. 

"Can your and our magic be strong enough to remove the watch?" Twilight asks, knowing wholeheartedly that Princess Celestia, Luna, and Cadance will not be involved. 

"I don't know. I never attempted to remove the watch, nor would I ever try. Spike is enjoying his life, so I shall not intervene. You can try it if you like. If it means no more alien involvement and ruining his life," Discord lies about his attempt. He knows the Omnitrix has an overpowering protection mechanism that his chaos magic cannot remove. Also, the time when Trixie and Shining Armor defeated him in seconds. Spike has his protection. 

"No, no. We're not ruining Spike's life. It has nothing to do with that, Discord," Twilight replies. 

"Then, what is it?" Discord is intrigued to know Twilight's true intention. Snapping his eagle-like claw, Discord spawns a bucket of popcorn coated in chocolate and caramel. "Enlighten me!" Discord said in a playful and taunting manner while grabbing a pawful of popcorn. 

"Alien activity started spiking since Spike got the so-called Omnitrix, and they laid devastation, tracking Spike wherever he went and afflicting every pony, bringing misery. These aliens are detrimental, and their only objective is accroaching Spike's watch. If we efface the situation by detaching the Omitrix, we could send it to another planet where those aliens would forage and leave us alone."

"Hmm," Discord didn't think Twilight would endanger another world to get the aliens to leave Equus alone. Discord reads Twilight's body language and knows something is amiss. The way Twilight detailed the Omnitrix being the cause is one thing. However, she hasn't explained the Spike portion. Where does he fit with her theory? "What about Spike? How would this impact him?" 

"I'm sure he wouldn't mind making a sacrifice for the benefit of all life on Equus," Twilight is confident with Spike's intelligence and would relinquish the watch if it means saving all lives. "Also, he'll still be with Starlight and Shining on their vacation. Still an adventure." 

"I don't know if Spike will be willing to sacrifice like that. He'd seem too attached and is improving his skills," Discord says, knowing Spike is doing better with his aliens. 

"THAT VARMIT SHOULD NOT ALLOW HIS GREED TO CONSUME HIS MIND!" Applejack snorts. 

"Applejack!" Eyes widen for Pinkie, Fluttershy, Rainbow, and Rarity. They are stunned to hear Applejack's rage speaking more than her stubbornness.

"How dare you call Spikey-Wikey a varmit!" Rarity is disgusted with Applejack's behavior. 

"SPIKE HAS BECOME GREEDY BEFORE! HE GREW INTO A RAMPAGING DRAGON HOARDING ALL SORTS OF STUFF AND LOST HIS MIND! HE'LL DO IT A SECOND TIME BECAUSE OF THAT WATCH! IT'LL ONLY BE A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE SPIKE BRINGS AN INVASION CAUSING ALL CLOTHING TO GO OUT OF STOCK AND ANIMALS TO GO EXTINCT!"

"Applejack, you're going too far. Calm down!" Rainbow Dash closes her eyes and back-hoofs Applejack in the face to snap her out of the rage. 

Applejack growls and pants heavily when she sees the terror written on her friends' faces. She steps back to recompose herself. 

"Bravo!" Discord applauds. "What a show!" Discord throws roses at Rainbow Dash for snapping her friend back into reality. 

"Discord!" Fluttershy raises her voice at the Draqonecuus. 

"What?" Discord turns to his best friend. 

"It's impolite to laugh," Fluttershy reminds Discord of what a friend should be doing in a crisis like this. 

"If Spike continues to wield the Omnitrix, it could mean the end of us. Alien or not, his involvement will become problematic to replace your Chaos," Twilight firmly states to entice Discord into helping strip Spike's Omnitrix. 

"Replace my Chaos..?" Discord knows Twilight is trying to coax him like an idiot. For now, he mustn't reveal the defense protocols of the Omnitrix. Otherwise, Twilight will succumb to madness. "Well, Twilight," An idea struck his mind, something devious that he couldn't pass up. "When the time arrives, I'll assist you in prying the watch. I hope, by then, you have something of greater power that'll remove the Omnitrix." 

"Don't worry," An image of the Alicorn Amulet comes to Twilight's mind with the Elements of Harmony. "I'll have something by then." 

"Twilight, you can't be serious?" Rainbow Dash is now worried about Twilight's state of mind now that Discord wants to help.

"I wouldn't want to make a decision you'll regret, Twilight," Pinkie urges Twilight not to pursue selfish ambitions since discovering the loophole the other day. 

"Don't do it, Twilight. It's not worth the trouble," Rarity said. She's nervous about the consequences down the line. 

"Please don't," Fluttershy frowns at taking something precious away from Spike. 

"Despite how I feel during my enraged state, I say do it, Twi," Applejack wholeheartedly says while calming down. 

"NO!" Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie shout. They are not thrilled with Applejack's advice. 

Twilight shuts her eyes and exhales. "Think it over, girls. You'll see that we're right. A sacrifice must be made to stop an ongoing threat from coming."
> Mutant Animals
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Ah, shit!" Shining Armor curses to himself as he realizes he took a wrong turn and turns off the map of Equestria.

"Shining, what's wrong?" Trixie approached Shining Armor after noticing his sudden change in demeanor.

It's been two days since vacating Appleloosa. Shining Armor and Trixie delegated Little Strongheart to discreetly clarify the details about the Buffalo's sacred land and Appleloosian Orchard's fallout. They obtained a transmission about the newspaper Equestria published yesterday from the agency. The news article records no aliens, only a bizarre creature the authorities managed to suppress without too much conflict, a more conceivable story than most ponies in Equestria would consider. 

"The map glitched, and we're going the wrong way!" Shining retorts and gets up.

The RV's navigation system encountered a problem, and Shining Armor misread the map. As a result, they ended up further away from Las Pegasus and closer to Baltimare. Feeling frustrated, Shining Armor trots to the kitchen and opens the fridge to grab a soda can. After taking a sip, he feels his nerves and his tension ease.

Starlight is with Spike, playing parchisi to pass the time since Trixie permitted her to have a break day from yesterday's exercise session. She didn't want Starlight to become so overwhelmed that her body gave out, and the two turned to Shining. 

"Everything alright, bro?" Spike asks as he hears Starlight rolling the dice. 

"Hah! Five!" Starlight moves her third piece into the home sport. "One more piece to go!" 

"Uuuuuh," Shining Armor groans first before taking a deep breath. "We'll be reaching Baltimare in the next hour or so. We'll be taking the more extended route to Las Pegasus." 

"Sounds good to us," Starlight and Spike say in unison, not minding the change of plans. 

"Wanna take a break and join our game?" Spike asks; he has three pieces on the board and grabs the dice, hoping to roll on a seven to even the playing field. 

"I can't. Maybe later, Spike," Shining hovers his drink into the driver's seat. Taking another sip, Shining focuses and uses his magic to steer the RV on the pathway. 

"So, what's the plan for Baltimare since we're here early?" Trixie asks Shining Armor. 

"Go around and have fun. Maybe go to a game or concert or something. We're on vacation, so we should enjoy the festivities." 

"Hmm, maybe the Great and Powerful can-" Shining interrupts Trixie. 

"No!" Shining takes a deep breath. "As much as I marvel at your personality leaping into the concern, this is not the time for it unless all others fail us." 

Trixie pouts. "No fair. The Great and Powerful Triiixie requests to showcase her mastery among her peers!" Trixie says in character, sounding irritated and childish. 

Shining Armor rolls his eyes; Trixie's impersonation is so sterling Shining feels like driving off the cliff. Trixie knows how to burrow under any creature's nerves when it's time for bragging and demonstrating. Starlight and Spike overhear their exchange and start laughing. Spike rolls a seven and shouts with a fist pump. Starlight got anxious about losing her commanding lead, with Spike accumulating momentum. 

Half an hour later. The gang arrives in Baltimare. Spike and Starlight are in a standoff in their game. The roll of the dice gave them numbers not needed to win. Starlight needs a three to win, while Spike needs a two. 

"Hey guys, we're here!" Shining shouts with excitement. He can't recall the last time being in Baltimare. 

"FIIIIIRE!" Trixie shouts, seeing the smoke rising from a burning building, an apartment complex at the corner of the street. Many ponies assemble in expectation of loved ones reaching out unharmed. There are no firefighters present to settle the problem. 

"WHAT?!" Starlight and Spike drop the game and run to the windshield of the RV. They see the apartment complex's windows bursting and smoke rising into the skies. One pony took the leap of faith and landed harshly on the ground. 

"Alright! I'm going in as Heatblast! I'll get through to anypony trapped in their rooms." 

"Alright, Spike. In the meantime, we'll help stop the flames from spreading into the streets and other homes!" Shining Armor responds. 

Spike activates his Omnitrix. The silhouette of Heatblast immediately appears when the faceplate rises. "You and I think alike, huh?" Spike talks to the Omnitrix, presses the faceplate down, then a green light flashes. 

Spike's body becomes a super hot inner plasma covered by dark reddish-brown volcanic rocks. His body radiates high amounts of heat. His feet have a slight oval-like design with only two toes and one back toe. His tongue is also made of fire, while his collarbone resembles a volcano, which generates a fiery hair that covers his head, leaving his mask-like face visible with no nose or ears. The Omnitrix symbol is on his chest. 

"It's go time!" Spike vacates the RV and uses his hands to shoot flames as boosters to fly in the air. Many ponies above see Heatblast and wonder what type of monster will plague their city. Spike arrives on the fourth floor. 

"Mommy! I'm scared," A young blue colt said, hugging the front leg of his mother. 

"Don't worry," The yellow earth mare leans down to hold her child. "Everything will be alright!" The ceiling starts to quake, causing the wood to collapse from above. 

Spike lunges forward and catches the debris from plummeting and squashing. "Gotcha!" Spike tosses the rubble aside. 

"Who are you?" The young colt looks in awe at his savior. 

"Heatblast!" Spike extends his arms, hoping to see if he can absorb or put out the fire around the room. To his surprise, Spike manages to put out the flames, clearing a path toward an exit. 

"WOW!" The mother and son duo said in astonishment. They are glad to have someone saving them from this disaster. 

"Follow me!" Spike kicks the door open. The stairs crumble, and many ponies cry for help. "Crap!" Spike shouts in his mind; he doesn't want to scare the duo. 

"What do we do now?!" The young colt screams in fear, not wanting to perish like this. 

Spike skims around and glimpses a window. An idea comes to him. "I have an idea!" Spike shoots flames from his palms, piercing the wall around the window. 

"Do you expect us to jump!?" The mother sternly questions, comprehending it's a drop that ushers severe harm. 

"Not quite!" Spike uses his flames to disseminate him and the two ponies. The fire forms a tunnel beam that permits secure travel from out the window to the ground. The fire disbands, leaving the son and mother silent and intact. "I have to get back inside!" Spike uses his flames as boosters once more and returns to the floor. 

The firefighters arrive and witness Shining Armor, Trixie, and Starlight putting out the flames and saving the lower floors' ponies. They felt embarrassed for coming a little late. The young colt welcomes his friends and notifies them about this anomaly that rescued him and his mother. When he mentioned Heatblast's name, every pony began chanting Heatblast's name for motivation. 

Shining Armor gallops to the stairs and steps back when the wood gives out. He sees Spike on the fourth floor. "Heatblast! We've got the first and second floors secured. Check the third floor!" 

"Will do, townie!" Spike held in his laughter before going to the third floor; he reviewed the rest of the fourth floor. No pony is up there, so Spike plunges to the third floor. He sees a horde of ponies gathering by the windows for air since the smoke sucked the oxygen. Some unlocked the windows, calling for help and huffing for breath. "Hey, everypony!" Spike shouts to get their awareness. Within the second, everypony screams in terror until one of them hears the chanting of Heatblast's name. 

A stallion trots up to Spike. "Are you, Heatblast?" 

The structure starts quavering. "Yes!" Spike shoots flames from his palms, incinerating the window and wall. He uses his fire to engulf the herd out of the third floor. As before, the fire didn't burn or give any pony any markings. Many ponies that witness the phenomenon applaud Spike for his heroics. 

"MOVE!" Shining Armor shouts after detecting the structure of the building's deterioration. Everyone flees away as the apartment complex collapses. Shining Armor, Trixie, Starlight, and many firefighter unicorns combine their magic to create a protective bubble to protect everyone from the smoke and combustion of the building, especially with the boilers blowing up. 

After a few moments, the burning debris clears. Many ponies are unhappy that they lost their home and possessions but are pleased they have their lives spared from a potentially torturous death. 

Everypony gathers around Heatblast and thanks him for saving the day, causing Spike to smile at the glory he's earning when his Omnitrix emblem flashes red and bleeps; he tells everyone that his task is concluded and is needed elsewhere. He uses his flames to fly out of the neighborhood as many ponies wave bye and whistle. They hope to see their hero return to help once more. 

"Hey, thanks for lending a hoof," Some firefighters extend their hooves to Shining, Starlight, and Trixie. 

"You're welcome," Starlight smiles and shakes their hooves. 

"We're glad to help," Trixie nods with respect and shakes their hooves. 

"Well, it's part of my life's work to help and protect ponies," Shining Armor explains a little side story about being Captain of the Royal Guard. Then, he shakes their hooves. 

Heatblast's Omnitrix's logo flashes red, reverting Spike to normal. He sees a gang of ponies ransacking a jewelry store and wonders if they started the fire as a diversion to attract a spectacle elsewhere. The robbers fled as the police proceeded in for questioning. They chase the robbers. 

Spike returns to the RV. It's parked around the corner and sits by the table in the kitchen. Shining Armor, Trixie, and Starlight return a few moments later. Each of them inhales from their venture. 

"Trixie wonders how the fire sprung in that apartment." 

"Could be the robbers I saw after turning normal," Spike said since it correlates with the crime scene. 

"What robbers?" Shining, Starlight, and Trixie are now intrigued by Spike's discoveries. 

"A gang of them were burglarizing a jewelry store. Then the police showed up and started chasing them," Spike replies. 

"In that case, we must leave it to the local authorities. We have our protocols as plumbers," Shining harshly commands since the plumbers still need to be secretive about their approach. 

"Yeah," Trixie concurs. "We still have to stay secret unless Princess Luna says otherwise. Our priorities come first; however, since you have the Omnitrix, Shining and I are taking extra precautions to work and theorize appropriate management when working with you in public spaces." 

"Well, I'm still a rookie, so I can overlook those precautions, right?" Starlight nervously asks, hoping to find a loophole with her involvement. 

"Uh," Trixie turns to her commanding officer. 

"No. Rookie or not, you are sworn to secrecy. Therefore, you'll understand that certain affairs are not for us to embark on. It's for Equestrian divisions to manage their predicament. We take care of anything unnatural outside magic." 

"Understood," Starlight looks down a bit; though she is still learning the curves, there's more to sustain than she acknowledges. 

"So, now what?" Spike asks since chasing the robbers is out of contention. 

"Well, we can buy supplies at the Baltimare Mart. It opened recently; I'm sure scouting there could do us some wonders," Shining said; he opened the fridge to make himself a peanut butter sandwich. 

"Oh, there could be other games and comics!" Spike shouts with glee. 

"I thought you were through with the Power Ponies," Starlight reminds Spike. 

"I can read other comics not based on them. I can get into horror comics or mystery comics. Something else to keep me entertained whenever I'm not practicing my aliens or not combatting any other species seeking to destroy and conquer."

"Fair point," Starlight calmly replies. She comprehends possible days of exhaustion from future routines she'll endure with Trixie as her instructor during her training procedures. 

"The Great and Powerful Triixie could use new magic items for her Great and Powerful performance!" 

Shining groans and face-hoofs himself. Trixie's character gets him every time. "I swear, your character is more obnoxious than Blueblood's." 

"What can I say, Shining Armor? The Great and Powerful.., mmph!" Shining Armor shoves a peanut butter sandwich into Trixie's mouth. 

"You won't receive milk until you drop the character!" Shining Armor is at his boiling point, an angry tic forming on the upper left side of his head. Trixie muffles, okay. 

"Damn, Shining. I didn't know Trixie's character drove you to do that," Spike couldn't help but chuckle at the situation. 

"She's a great performer; I give her that. However, I have my boundaries on tomfoolery. She knew better than to press my buttons," Shining Armor starts the RV. 

"Are you alright, Trixie?" Starlight gives Trixie a glass of milk from the fridge. She's worried about her friend's position. 

Trixie drinks it after eating the forced peanut butter sandwich. "I'm fine. It's not the first nor the last. We sometimes have annual events whose character is more credible with the cover story. Blueblood, and I tie every time." 

"Really?" Starlight thought for sure her friend won every time. 

"Yea. Blueblood, with elite status, creates the perfect cover-up on his character. I don't have that luxury, and I edge him slightly on certain topics." 

Shining Armor drives the RV to the Baltimare Mart. Many ponies gaze at the vehicle and wonder where it came from and how to obtain it. Some took pictures of the RV in hopes of recreating it. The Mayor of Baltimare wants her mechanics to construct building one for her. She's captivated by the next stage of development with transportation. 

The trip took an hour due to many ponies crowding the RV, trying to look into the interior from the windows. The only contrast between Baltimare and Ponyville ponies is that Baltimare has a stricter property policy. Since the RV belongs to Shining Armor, no one can come within a certain distance unless permission granted. The Mayor of Baltimare made that law evident after hearing about a Gabby Gums Column evading personal space and private affairs. Her sister, Mayor Mare, reported that ordeal days after she got exposed. 

Shining Armor stays focused and operates the RV in the parking lot, where there are many carriages of taxis for shopping. Many ponies were ogling at the RV with amazement, wonder, and awe. They knew to keep their distance; they took many pictures and drew some sketches to create their own someday. 

Spike, Starlight, Trixie, and Shining Armor leave the RV. They head inside the new Baltimare Mart to explore and find what they desire. The interior is massive, wave after wave of aisles full of hardware, supplies, and more. Spike and Starlight decide to stay together, while Trixie and Shining separate. They agreed to meet up by the register in an hour. 

Starlight and Spike gaze upon the books in one of the aisles. Spike flaps his wings and flies to the upper shelves, hoping to locate horror comic books. He sees one with great interest and pulls, only to be knocked down by an enormous mutated frog with a griffon riding on top. 

The griffon has pale green fur, yellowish eyes, white hair, and eagle-like claws that are black. The griffon is wearing a machine made of an odd-looking helmet and vest, also wearing a transmodulator and red goggle-visors. The mutated frog has two small horns on its forehead and two bone horns on the sides of its head. It has four red eyes and orange lumps. It has an olive, spiky tongue.

The frog leaps ahead of the two as panic fills the Baltimare Mart. Spike is in a trance, seeing a frog that huge; he's lucky that Fluttershy isn't here; otherwise, she would prevent Spike from harming the mutant animal. The griffon commands the mutated frog to hurry over to the electronics department. 

"Starlight..," Spike is dazed to see a deranged griffon on the loose. 

"I'll grab our friends. You stall for time!" Starlight shouts and gallops to Shining and Trixie. 

"Right! It's hero time!" Spike activates his Omnitrix and scrolls to the right with the faceplate. He sees XLR8 and slams the faceplate down.

Spike feels his body morphing. He grows black orbs on his feet, and his legs are blue. His dragon tail turns black with five blue stripes. Spike's claws become blue and bulky, with three fingers that can only open and close. He wears a black cone-like helmet with a protective visor that slides over his face. Spike's face is blue, his eyes are green, his lips are black, and stripes run under and between his eyes. Spike wears a black bodysuit and a turtleneck-like shirt with a white band in the center. He appears to look like a semi-velociraptor.

"Alright, time to take down that creep!" Luckily for Spike, no one saw his transformation. He races after the mutant frog and griffon. 

The griffon hops down from his mutant frog to gather much-needed supplies. In the reflection of some electrical components, he sees Shining Armor shooting a laser blast from his saddlebag torrent. 

"Hold it right there, Animo!" Shining Armor aims at Dr. Animo's head. 

"Shining Armor," Dr. Animo sinisterly laughs. "Just the stallion I've been itching to see!" Dr. Animo has been yearning to settle the score with Shining Armor after the many confrontations they endured. He's aware that Shining has aligned himself with the plumbing agency and failed many times to expose them. 

Trixie is in a position to take out Dr. Animo with her saddlebag sniper cannon. She's aiming for anything suspicious from the Doctor. She's on a shelf a few feet away from Dr. Animo's eyesight. 

"Will you come quietly this time, or will things get messy?" Shining Armor is holding his ground. 

"Sic 'em!" Dr. Animo commands his mutant frog to attack Shining Armor. 

The mutant frog's tongue grabs hold of Shining Armor and eats him, holding him captive in his mouth. It causes Trixie to divert her aim at the mutated frog, allowing Dr. Animo to flee elsewhere in the store. She shoots multiple laser blasts at the mutant frog. It leaps out of the way, causing Trixie to miss her target. She activates her saddlebag thrusters to fly after the frog and free her commanding officer. 

Spike sees the mutated frog and uses its' momentum against it. Spike scratches the sides of the mutated frog with his claws, causing him to spit Shining Armor in green ooze. Shining Armor gets pinned to the floor by the sequence. 

"Eeeew!" Shining Armor is disgusted. He hates that a green ooze covered his coat twice this week. 

The mutated frog turns to Spike and tries to attack him with his tongue. Spike is too quick for the frog's advances. Trixie helps Shining Armor and uses her magic to remove the slob from him. 

"Miss me!" Spike is to the right of the frog. He tries using his tongue to grab him. Spike moves to the left. "Miss me again!" Spike continues to toy with the frog. Then, he runs in circles around it, creating a mini vortex to raise the frog and ceasing his run, causing the swirling ends, slamming the frog hard on the ground. "Now, to go after the creep!"

"We're with you, Spike!" Shining and Trixie shout in unison, preparing to bring down Dr. Animo. 

A startling, frantic scream catches the attention of Spike, Starlight, and Shining Armor; they see a mutated hamster and parrot chasing Starlight. Starlight's magic cannot defeat such behemoths when controlled by Dr. Animo. 

"What are you?" Dr.Animo stops his pursuit and sees Spike in his alien form. He's on top of the mutated parrot. 

"The guy that's going to end your reign of tyranny!" Spike declares. Then his Omnitrix insignia blinks red and bleeps. "Oh! Sh-" Red flashes burst, turning Spike to normal. "it." 

Dr. Animo gasps. "A little dragon with that kind of power?" An idea struck his mind. "Let's go!" Dr. Animo commands his parrot and takes flight. It penetrates through the roof, creating a hole. The mutated frog and hamster are about to follow when Shining Armor and Trixie shoot them with their saddlebag cannons to subdue the mutant animals. The mutated frog and hamster land harshly on the floor with severe bruises and bleeding. 

Starlight pants heavily and grabs a broken piece of pipe from the ceiling, impaling the mutated hamster and frog to prevent them from attacking again. Due to the impact, the hamster and frog lose their' transformation and die. 

"Let's move! We have a Doctor to stop!" Shining Armor commands his squad, rushing them to return to the RV and pursue Dr. Animo. 

"Who?" Spike and Starlight are confused about the creature they are pursuing. 

"I'll explain in the RV," Trixie said. "Let's get going!" 

Moments later. Shining Armor is in the RV, driving in hot pursuit of Dr. Animo's mutated parrot. Trixie explains the origins of Dr. Animo to Starlight and Spike. 

Dr. Animo was once a respected and promising researcher in veterinary science who went crazy with the desire to rebuild animal DNA into superanimals. His career ended when the plumbers discovered that he was performing twisted genetic experiments on animals. He had hoped that his research would win him the Verities Award, which is an award in veterinary science. 

Tree Hugger, an earth pony who uncovered a twisted genetic program involving the Breezies forged by Dr. Animo, reported to the authorities and condemned all scientific research. Dr. Animo lost his license, but the mad griffon refused to relent; He made it evident that griffons can outsmart ponies. What he sought before losing his certified documentation was the Verities Award. Another Doctor claimed that prize. Dr. Jelly. 

"We had many encounters with the lunatic. Dr. Animo is the reason that a hydra exists. He's also responsible for the Chimera. Different hybrid species are Dr. Animo's demented research," Trixie takes a deep breath, finishing her explanation. 

"The mad genius got inspired by Grogar's entitlement as Father of Monsters, and after reading documented history, he wanted to create his own for scientific research and purposes, but it was bullcrap," Shining Armor noted the explanation while following Dr. Animo's flight pattern on his parrot. 

"If Animo's new contraption can turn any animal into a mutant, where would he go next?" Starlight asks Trixie and Shining. 

Shining Armor and Trixie ponder likely locations where Dr. Animo may strike to plunder or worse. Trixie's eyes widen in horror, and Shining Armor immediately inspects the destination Dr. Animo is going. 

"THE MUSEUM!" Shining and Trixie shout in unison after drawing the same conclusion. 

Shining Armor uses his magic to increase the velocity of the RV to the Baltimare Museum like no tomorrow; he avoids the angry taxi ponies cursing at him. Trixie remembers reading an article about Baltimare's Exquisite Animals with a section detailing ancient extinct creatures; she explains to Starlight and Spike the possibility of Dr. Animo's attempt to conjure an undead or reanimate army. The notion made the duo more afraid, which caused Spike to rush Shining's driving. 

With the gear Dr. Animo had taken, he adjusted his transmodulator while standing next to a mammoth. Shining Armor, Trixie, Starlight, and Spike enter the museum after noticing several feathers by the front doors, indicating that Dr. Animo is inside, preparing to unleash his wrath upon the populous. 

"Animo!" Shining, Starlight, Trixie, and Spike shout in unison, preparing to defend and fight off Dr. Animo's monstrosities. 

"Very persistent, are you," Dr. Animo turns to the group. 

"This is where your vile experiment ends, once and for all!" Spike declares as he activates the Omnitrix, knowing who to select. 

Dr. Animo laughs, initiating his transmodulator. "Sorry, dear boy. It has only begun! See! I only needed a few components to push my work into phase two: the reanimation of dormant cells!" Dr. Animo turns the dial twice this time. His transmodulator shoots beams into the mammoth, bringing it to life. It lets out a trumpet as it stomps down from its pedestal. "Behold the genius that is Dr. Animo!"

"Behold the display of -" Spike presses the faceplate down, transforming into Four Arms. "Four Arms!" 

"Spectacular!" Dr. Animo is intrigued with stripping Spike's Omnitrix to further his genius of creating mutated alien-animal hybrids of his likeness. 

"Trixie! Starlight! Let's bring down Animo before he reanimates every creature from dormant!" Shining Armor activates the saddlebag thrusters, launching himself into combat when the gigantic mutated parrot tackles him. 

"Shining!" Starlight pants heavily after the sudden attack. 

"Shining will defeat the bird; our objective is apprehending the mad scientist." Trixie reminds Starlight about their goal to end Dr. Animo's goal before he creates an unstoppable army. The duo chases after him. 

Spike is wrestling with the mammoth, performing a superplex by holding onto the tusks. He reads the mammoth's body language and is determined to remove one tusk. The mammoth charges with the intent of colliding into Spike to trample him; however, Spike sidesteps to grab the left tusk, yanking it off after using his right foot for leverage when he stepped on the mammoth's front leg. 

Hearing the mammoth's screeching in agonizing pain reminded Spike of Fluttershy's kindness. She wouldn't hurt nor harm any animal, even if given the opportunity of revival. He closes his eyes, imagining the heartache Fluttershy may read from the newspaper with the speculation of animals dying by his hands. It didn't matter with Spike since Dr. Animo would violate more of the animals he came in contact with if he'd escaped the plumbers' clutches. Spike uses the tusk to penetrate the mammoth's eye socket, piercing the brain to see if it dies, which it does. 

Shining Armor activates the saddlebag machine gun on the left side, with the right torrent operating as the thrusters for his jetpack sequence. The parrot falls after succumbing to many wounds from Shining's assault. He sees Dr. Animo attempting to reanimate a Lochness Monster while dodging many magic beams and lasers from Starlight and Trixie. 

Spike runs down the hallway after hearing the commotion of magic and laser beams firing at Dr. Animo; he sees him trying to bring a monster to his beckon calling. "Noooo!" Spike shouts, alerting Dr. Animo to turn to his attention, which was his undoing. 

Starlight and Trixie take down Dr. Animo with their combined assault, causing Dr. Animo to collide into the wall near an exit. Dr. Animo sustained minor injuries from the impact and sees his opportunity to flee elsewhere to generate a new army to bring devastation to the plumbers; however, Spike grabs his transmodulator from his head and crushes it. 

"Nooooooo! My life's work!" Dr. Animo watches his creation destroyed while Spike reverts to normal after the red light flashes. Shining Armor and Trixie aim their saddlebag guns at him, causing him to surrender. 

"You will never corrupt or endanger any species now, you sick bastard!" Shining Armor punches Dr. Animo's face, knocking him unconscious for every monstrosity creation he made that plagued the world for a decade. 

Trixie contacts the plumber base in Baltimare, informing them to send the authorities to apprehend Dr. Animo and create a cover story about the damages and recent mutations many ponkfolk bears witnessed. 

Spike, Shining, Trixie, and Starlight leave the museum after the authorities arrest Dr. Animo; the plumbers disguised as the police thank Shining Armor and his crew for finally capturing the crazed-up griffon from creating more wicked beasts to unleash on the populous. 

The gang returns to the RV after a long day; Shining Armor receives a thank you message on his visors from Princess Luna and Prince Blueblood since they failed to capture the mad griffon during their confrontations and can finally be at ease unless he escapes, which would be complex to achieve. Spike and Starlight return to their game while Trixie cooks a late dinner for everyone, her treat. Shining Armor decides now will be a good time to vacate Baltimare and resume their travel to Las Pegasus.