> Sparkling Harmony EQG: Agents of SMILE: Yule Tide Assistance > by Captain_Cosmos > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Episode 1: Christmas Soul > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Canterlot Mall Airwave’s Airwave December 21st, 2022 1930hrs The music came to an end, and Clear-Cut the dragon roared and let out a burst of flames, signaling the end of the performance. The patrons at Airwave’s Airwave all cheered and applauded Airwave and his staff. Airwave took a bow before he addressed the crowd. “Thank you. You’ve been a great audience. Stay smooth!” He said. As the staff got back to work serving tables. Airwave turned to Sparkler. “Another great performance.” He said. Sparkler chuckled as Clear Cut landed on her shoulder. “Always a pleasure Airwave.” She said. She heard Clear Cut roar, and smiled. “And Clear-Cut says our shifts are his favorite time of day.” She said. Airwave laughed as he pet Clear Cut’s head. “I think many patrons can agree with that.” He said. Sparkler nodded and got back to work herself.  Over at a booth, Twilight and BonBon, both of whom were off work, applauded the performance. “I wonder if Airwave ever thought he’d have a freaking dragon as a mascot.” Bonbon mused. “Much less one that is real and is willing to entertain patrons.” “Before I came to Canterlot High, I would have thought it was impossible.” Twilight said. “And then I started picking up magic readings.” “Yeah.” Bonbon responded. “So, when does Sunset get back from pony land?” She asked. “Tonight actually.” Twilight responded. “So then tomorrow morning the three if you will head out to Saddle Arabia?” Bonbon asked. “Four. Daydream’s coming along.” Twilight corrected. “She is?” Bonbon asked. “Yeah. Sunset is her only family. If she didn’t come along she’d be all alone for Christmas and NO one wants that.” Twilight explained. “Good call.” Bonbon responded. Twilight nodded as her thoughts drifted back over the past few weeks. She almost couldn’t believe how much had happened in such a short time. She met and started dating Sparkler, learned that she was a secret agent, and she was now dating both Sparkler and Sunset together in a three way mutual relationship. Also, Twilight’s and Sunset’s demons were let loose, but to offshoot that, Daydream Shimmer also was pulled from Sunset’s mind. Twilight couldn’t help but smile as she thought back to Daydream’s first days as her own physical entity outside of Sunset. It came as a surprise to everyone that the De-Evilizers sucked the Angel out alongside the demon. More so because it seemed as though wings, pony ears, and a ponytail was her DEFAULT form rather than her super form. But once they got past all the surprise, they welcomed Daydream with open arms…and a classic Pinkie Pie welcome party. Over the next few days, they helped Daydream acclimate to this new world she found herself in. Registering her as a student at CHS, settling her in with Sunset, who offered to share her apartment with her, and even getting her a job at the sushi place Sunset worked at. Ever since, Daydream had assimilated beautifully into human society. Twilight was brought out of her thoughts when Clear Cut landed on the table and roared at her. Twilight chuckled and held out her hand, which Clear-Cut nuzzled with his head. That was the other thing that happened in the time she had known Sparkler. She, and everyone, learned that Clear-Cut was some kind of key to Sparkler’s apparent Crystallizing Pony-Up and her powers. “You certainly loosened up and warmed up to us haven’t you.” She told Clear-Cut, who was dressed up in a cute little Santa outfit made by Rarity. “Has he revealed anything else about Sparkler’s power?” Bonbon asked. “Nope.” Twilight responded with a head shake. In the 2 months since Clear-Cut was released from Sparkler’s pendant, Clear-Cut, who they knew under no uncertain terms knew a great deal more about Sparkler than they did, had refused to come out with any new information about Sparkler’s powers, and his excuse had always been “She is not ready yet”. “One of these days you’ll have to tell us you know.” She told Clear-Cut. Clear-Cut just roared at her in response. Bonbon rolled her eyes. “I’m guessing you said she isn’t ready yet.” She deduced. Clear Cut nodded his head at Bonbon, telling her she guessed right. “Of course.” Bonbon said. Clear-Cut nodded and took off, getting back to his job. “That just makes me even more curious about what he’s hiding from us and Sparkler.” Bonbon said. “Whatever it is, it must be good.” Twilight responded, wondering just what Clear-Cut knew about Sparkler that no one else did. Canterlot High School Canterlot City December 21st, 2022 2130hrs Later that evening, Sparkler and Twilight stood outside CHS, standing by the portal awaiting the return of their beloved. Twilight was on the phone with her parents. “Yes Mom, We’ll be back the day after Christmas day…Mom we’re going to the desert, I doubt I’ll need snow pants…Yes I have Sparkler’s and Sunset’s gifts. I’d never forget those.” Twilight said. Sparkler just leaned against the statue itself, Clear-Cut giving her a confused look. Sparkler chuckled. “She’s talking with her mom about last minute trip preparations. Mothers can often go a tad overboard in packing.” She explained. Clear-Cut roared. Sparkler smiled and took him in her hands. “Speaking of. Let’s get one thing clear Clear-Cut. The same rules apply as they do in school. You only get one chance before I put you in the Cat Carrier. No one you’re going to meet is evil. And none of the unknown boxes will be malicious. The point is to surprise the person with a gift.” She explained. “So no torching the gifts. Got it?” She asked. Clear-Cut roared at her in response. Sparkler smiled. “I’m glad you quickly mellowed out.” She said. It was a tad rough at first, but Sparkler was pleased that Clear Cut was actually listening to her and behaving himself. She only had to use the Cat Carrier one time. And not even because Clear-Cut misbehaved, It was because he accidentally sneezed fire at a test she was taking and vaporized it. Luckily for her, her teacher had predicted that and had a spare ready, and was kind enough to give her extra time to finish it, after she returned from cat carrying Clear Cut. Since then Twilight created a fire retardant workout wrist sweatband for him to use. At that moment, Both Sparkler and Twilight saw the portal start to glow, and out jumped Sunset Shimmer, Twilight pocketed her phone and she and Sparkler burst out smiling. “See you in a few days Mom.” Twilight said quickly before hanging up. “Sunset!” She and Sparkler exclaimed excitedly as they hugged their girlfriend. Sunset took a moment for the dizziness to go away before she smiled and hugged her girlfriends back. “Sparkler. Twilight. I missed you so much.” She said as she returned the hug. “We missed you more.” Twilight responded with a giggle. “How was Christmas Pony style?” Sparkler asked as they all separated. “It was…Definitely something.” Sunset responded. “But I might need to go back there soon.” She added. “How come?” Twilight asked. “I’ll tell you later. Right now, I just want to enjoy Christmas with my family here.” Sunset told them. Sparkler and Twilight could see it clear as day that Sunset’s time in pony land wasn’t as jolly as they thought. But they decided not to press the issue. “Well, Come on. Let’s go home and load up the Sparkmobile so we can get an early start tomorrow.” Sparkler said. “Got a long trip ahead of us.” “Ooh. Yes let’s go.” Twilight said. “I’m so excited to see your hometown Sparky.” She added. “Yeah. Me too.” Sparkler responded. “And I’m excited to have a hassle free holiday. No demons, no work, just us spending time together.” She said. “Oh I can definitely use that.” Sunset said as they headed to the Sparkmobile. North Pole Region North Pole December 21st, 2022 2200hrs “Finally, after several weeks, we finally found it.” Midnight Sparkle said. “Time to ruin the most wonderful time of the year.” Sundown Shimmer responded, both of them began laughing maniacally and evilly, excited to put their plan into action. To Be continued… > Episode 2: Coming Home > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- North Pole December 22rd, 2023 0630hrs “Sir! We got two bogeys incoming. They’re right on top of us.” “Take us to condition one. Prepare for Silent running!” “Yes sir.” No sooner had that exchange happened than when an explosion and an earthquake-like shake rocked the location the exchange had taken place, and all power went out. “…What happened?” Silence, until another person spoke up. “Sir…the generator’s gone!” “What?! How?!” “Sir, backups are coming online. We have security feed up…sir, you’re gonna want to see this.” The lead person watched the screen, and their expression changed to one of horror. “We’re going to need help.” 45 Main Street avenue Heart of Canterlot City December 22nd, 2022 0700hrs Morning time In Canterlot City, while most were still getting ready for work and the like, Sparkler, Twilight, Sunset, and Daydream walked out of the apartment building home. Autumn had joined them. “So, going home eh?” Autumn asked. “Yep. For a few days. Then we’re coming back to spend Christmas with Twilight’s family.” Sparkler responded. “I’m so excited!” Twilight chimed in. “Getting to see where you grew up is going to be fun.” “Oh I’ll bet. Meanwhile I’ll be spending Christmas with AJ.” Autumn said. “Yeah. Have fun.” Sparkler said. “Have a very merry Christmas.” Autumn said, waving goodbye before going back inside. Sparkler smiled as she turned to her lovers, and Daydream. “Alright. All aboard the Sparkmobile.” She said. The four girls, and one dragon, all climbed into the Sparkmobile. Flappy spoke up. “All luggage is secured and the flight systems are primed and ready Sparkler.” He announced. “Thanks Flappy. How about you put on some Road-trip Christmas music.” She said. “Yes, Sparkler.” Flappy responded as music started playing. “Alright. Anyone get airsick easily?” Sparkler asked. Twilight’s eyes widened as it dawned on her HOW they were getting to KiliHima Town. “Wait, we're FLYING there?” She asked. “Yep.” Sparkler responded as she engaged the car’s cloak. “Is that a problem?” Twilight took all of two seconds to respond excitedly. “Let’s fly!” She exclaimed excitedly. Sunset and Daydream chuckled. “You’re excited aren’t you.” Sunset said. “I’m about to take my first flight in a FLYING CAR. Of course I’m excited!” Twilight responded “In that case, seatbelts everyone.” Sparkler responded as she flipped the switch for the Sparkmobile’s flight mode. The Sparkmobile’s wheels turned into thrusters as exhaust pipes popped out of the rear. It ascended from the ground and took off through the sky. As they soared through the city, flappy picked up a strange disturbance. “Hm. Odd.” He commented. “What is it Flappy?” Sparkler asked. “Sparkmobile sensors are detecting a strange anomaly over the Celestial Sea.” Flappy responded. “Wait, this car can detect things all the way out there?” Sunset asked. “Yeah.” Sparkler responded. “If we picked it up I’m sure SMILE did too. So we’ll let them handle it.” She told Flappy. “Yes, Sparkler.” Flappy responded. “What do you think the anomaly is?” Daydream asked. “Don’t know. But I won’t care until after the holidays. This week, and next. Secret Agent Medley is not available.” Sparkler said. “She is spending the holidays with her friends and family.” “Aww.” Twilight responded as she pecked Sparkler on the cheek. “You’re sweet.” “I try to be.” Sparkler responded. “Now hang on.” She said as she threw the Sparkmobile into maximum thrust. The car jerked forward and they rocketed out of the city. KiliHima Town Saddle Arabia December 22nd, 2022 1200hrs The bell rang at KiliHima High, signaling the beginning of lunch period. In the cafeteria, a particular group of friends sat down at their usual table. “So you two are finally a thing?” Asked one of the friends. “Yes Mark.” Another friend responded. “As of last week, Nova and I are a thing.” They said. The girl sitting next to them nodded. “That’s right. Brad and I finally are together. Just in time for Christmas.” Nova said. “That’s cute.” Mark said. “Now we can do double dates together.” The girl sitting next to Mark said. “Up top!” Brad said. The four friends high-fived each other. At that moment, Brad’s phone rang. He checked the caller, and smiled widely at the name. “Head’s up gang, Sparkker’s calling.” He said. “She said she was going to call when she entered town limits.” Nova said as Brad placed the phone on the table, accepted the call, and put it on speaker. “Yo Sparkler.” Brad said. “Howdy Brad. Are Mark and Amber on too?” Sparkler asked. “We’re here Sparks.” The girl named Amber responded. “Please tell us you’re back in town.” She said. “Just crossed into town limits.” Sparkler responded. “Sweet!” Amber responded. “God, I wish we didn’t have school. We coulda met up for lunch.” “We can easily do something after you guys get out of school. Is ElectroScratch still open?” Sparkler asked. “Tonight just so happens to be karaoke night.” Brad said…as an idea came to him, and his friends. “Anyone thinking what I’m thinking?” “We grace Karaoke night with a reunion performance of the KiliHima Glee Group.” Mark responded. They heard Sparkler chuckling. “Seems my passengers like that idea. Let’s go for it.” “Sweet. Our signature song?” Brad asked. “Sign me up big time.” Sparkler said. “Our first performance as a Quintet. This is going to be fun.” Brad commented. “Quintet?” Sparkler asked. Mark and his friend glanced at each other, confused, before it dawned on them that they forgot to tell Sparkler about Nova. “Right, we never told you.” Amber said. “Bradford has a girlfriend now.” Mark said. “Shut up. Really?” “Yeah. And she has since joined our friend group.” Brad responded. “So I’ve been replaced?” Sparkler joked. “Of course not!” Mark said as they all laughed. “No one could ever replace you, Sparks.” “For one thing I’m pretty sure she can’t crystalize whenever she feels in sync with the beat.” Amber said. “Yeah. Speaking of, I got something really cool to show you guys. Wanna come over after school before we head into town?” “Sure.” Brad, Mark, Amber, and Nova said. “Great. See you then.” “See ya later Sparks.” With that, the connection was cut. Meanwhile, Sparkler smiled as she pulled into the driveway of her parents’ house. “And here we are.” She said. Clear Cut roared and started scratching at the window, clearly wanting to get out. Sparkler chuckled as she shut off Sparkmobile and opened the door, as did her passengers. Clear Cut Immediately flew out of the car and into the sky, stretching his wings after a long flight stuck in the car. Daydream chuckled as she got out of the Sparkmobile. “He sure was itching to get out of there.” She commented. “Being stuck in a car for 5 hours will do that to you.” Sparkler responded as they heard familiar voices.  “There they are!” Sparkler glanced around until she saw her parents come out from the house. “Mom. Dad.” Sparkler said happily as they reached her and pulled her into a hug. “Welcome home Sparks.” Aurora said. “We missed you around here.” “Good to be home for a few days.” Sparkler responded. Thundercracker nodded and turned his attention to the others that came with Sparkler. “Twilight, Sunset, Daydream. Good to see you three again.” He said. “Good to see you too Mr. Medley.” Sunset responded. “Thank you for letting us crash your Christmas celebration.” Daydream said. “The more the merrier.” Aurora responded as she hugged each of them. “You are always welcome here.” They all heard a roar, and Aurora and Thundercracker saw Clear-Cut descend to hover before them. Aurora smiled and reached out to pet Clear-Cut. “Clear-Cut. Nice to see you again.” She said. While Clear-Cut accepted having his head pet by both Aurora and Thundercracker, Sparkler smiled fondly. Her parents were quite shocked with all that their daughter did in the 4 months she had been in Canterlot, but they immediately supported her relationship with both sunset and Twilight, and after they calmed down over the fact that there was a “BLEEPING DRAGON” living with her, they were happy that Sparkler not only had an apparent protector, but also had discovered more of herself. “Whoever left you with that pendant must have known about Clear-Cut.” Aurora had said. As for Sunset’s sister Daydream, they had said, with agreement from everyone, that a human with wings and pony ears as a default form wasn’t the strangest thing they had seen. Because they had a daughter who could Crystalize. Overall, Sparkler was glad that— “Warning. Anomaly detected 10 kliks north of KiliHima Town.” Flappy interrupted her train of thought with that warning. “Ugh. Flappy, from now on any “warnings” are to be ignored. I told you. I’m on leave.” She said. “Sparkler?” Twilight asked, confused. “Flappy detected another anomaly in the region. It’s probably nothing.” Sparkler responded. “If you’re sure.” Twilight said. Sparkler nodded as Aurora ushered all of them inside. Completely unaware that a major disaster was pending. North Pole December 22rd, 2023 1930hrs “Sir, we managed to track them down. But we’ve yet to track down where the demons took the generator.” “Good. Give her a call. Tell her that the world needs her now more than ever.” “And the generator sir?” “Keep looking. I’m sure she’d appreciate it if we had a location ready.” “Yes sir.” To be continued… > Episode 3: The Call > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- North Pole Region North Pole December 22nd, 2022 2000hrs “Hm. I wonder where we should sow chaos next.” Sundown said. “How about we do an all out chaos attack?” Midnight asked. “Once we finish my greatest invention. We’ll be able to cause vast chaos world wide. And while the goody two shoes are busy with that. We’ll pick them off one by one, take their Geodes, and we’ll rule not only this world, but the alternate pony world as well.” She explained her plan while cackling evilly. “We are NOT killing Sparkler.” Sundown corrected her. “She is mine.” Midnight rolled her eyes. “Whatever. You do you.” She said. She glanced back at the massive device she was building. Smiling as she looked at its power source. “Still can’t believe how easy it was to grab it.” She commented. “The Fatso never thought he’d be attacked. They were defenseless.” Sundown responded. “I will admit that I am impressed you were able to find them.” “They use magic as their main power source. It was EASILY traceable.” Midnight responded. KiliHima Town Saddle Arabia December 22nd, 2022 2000hrs Sunset, Twilight, Daydream, and Clear-Cut all watched Sparkler and her KiliHima crew perform on stage at ElectroScratch on Karaoke night. Once school had let out in the area, Bradford, Mark, Amber and Brad’s girlfriend Potion Nova all biked over to Sparkler’s parents’ house, where Sparkler introduced them to her two lovers, Sunset’s sister, and Clear Cut. As to be expected, Sparkler’s old friends all backed up in terror when she told them about Clear-Cut, and were weirded out about Daydream’s wings and pony ears. But once they got past that, they, as Sparkler had expected, were happy for her. And as Bradford had said to her new suited up form. “That is the coolest thing, EVER!” So overall the reunion went well. Now they were in ElectroScratch for an early dinner after showing the Canterlot City girls around town. And it was Karaoke night so Twilight and Sunset had another chance to hear Sparkler’s angelic voice again. “Any chance to hear her sing I’ll take.” Twilight commented. “Yeah. She’s amazing isn’t she.” Sunset responded, both of them dreamily listening to Sparkler sing. “Her friends sound good too.” Daydream said. “All of them together sound great together.” “I suppose.” Sunset said. “But Sparkler’s still the best singer. In my totally biased opinion.” Twilight said, freely admitting that it was a biased opinion. “Of course you’d say that.” Daydream responded as they all watched Sparkler pony up and Crystallize.  Twilight saw it, and taking the chance, whipped out her phone and aimed it’s camera at Sparkler, snapping a picture of her in her crystallized pony up form. “Finally, I got a new phone wallpaper and background.” She said as she immediately set the photo to her wallpaper and background. “Sunset if you want I’ll send it to you later.” She said as she put her phone away. “Please?” Sunset asked. “I totally didn’t think about it.” Twilight pecked Sunset on the cheek as the song came to an end. The crowd cheered and applauded as Sparkler and her crew got off the stage. “OMG Sparkler. Your new Crystal appearance is amazing!” Nova, who Brad introduced Sparkler to, told her. Sparkler glanced behind her and saw her wings. When she saw them she knew that she must have felt in sync with the beat. “It happened when I moved to Canterlot.” Sparkler explained as they reached the table they had claimed at the joint. “Originally I only crystallized. But then in Canterlot I gained wings, a ponytail, and pony ears as an addition to my crystallization.” “Yeah. Canterlot is kinda the hotspot for magic that’s seeping into our world from another dimension.” Sunset explained. “We think Sparkler’s pre-existing Crystallizing ability reacted to Canterlot City’s magic and permanently upgraded her ability.” “And then Clear-Cut came along from Sparkler’s pendant and we realized that maybe there was something more to it.” Twilight said. “Because Sparkler’s had the pendant her whole life.” Mark deduced. “Exactly.” Sparkler said. “Unfortunately Clear-Cut has been tight lipped about what he knows.” “And we’re positive he knows more than we do.” Daydream said. All eyes turned to Clear-Cut, who roared at them. “Clear-Cut.” Sparkler responded. “You can’t keep it to yourself forever. Eventually you have to fess up.” She said. “Wait, you can understand him, Sparks?” Mark asked. “Yep. That’s why we believe he knows more about me than we do.” Sparkler responded. “…What could make him talk I wonder?” Amber asked. Clear-Cut shot Amber a glare in response. Amber raised her hands in defense. “Kidding.” She said. “Won’t make you talk if you don’t want to.” Clear-Cut nodded. Sparkler breathed a sigh of relief that Clear-Cut was playing nice. At that moment, her phone started ringing. She checked the caller, and it said unknown, but the caller icon was red and green. “…I’ll be right back. Gotta take this.” She told her companions, leaving before anyone could question it. She walked outside of the joint and snuck into an alleyway. Once she was sure no one would hear her, she addressed Flappy. “Flappy, malware defense protocol alpha.” She said. “Malware defense engaged.” Flappy responded. With a nod, Sparkler accepted the call. She opened her mouth to speak, but the caller got the first word in. “When is it right to turn the frown upside down?” Sparkler’s eyes widened. The tone of that question matched SMILE’S authentication tone, but she didn’t recognize the voice at all. “Who’s calling?” She asked. “When is it right to turn the frown upside down?” The caller repeated with the same tone, ignoring Sparkler’s question. “I’m not answering any questions until you tell me who you are.” Sparkler responded sternly. “All I’m saying for the moment is that I am on your side. Cross my heart and hope to fly stick a cupcake in my eye. I believe that promise means something to you?” The caller asked. Sparkler heard the ominous forever from Pinkie, and it was enough for her to do what she did next. “…It’s always the right time to SMILE.” She said, in the tone that SMILE agents used to identify each other. “Good. I was worried we got the wrong number. Have you detected any anomalies recently? In the Celestial Sea and north of KiliHima Town specifically?” The caller asked. What the heck is going on here? Sparkler thought. Some stranger contacted her, pinkie promised they were on her side, initiated the SMILE authentication code, and apparently knew about the anomalies. “…what do you know about them?” Sparkler asked, deducing that this mystery caller knew more about them then she did. “We know what’s causing them. We own the device that’s causing them. And we need your help.” The caller responded. Sparkler opened her mouth, but closed it again, contemplating her response. The secret agent in her was telling her to help, but the loving girlfriend side of her was telling her to tell them to call another agent if they knew the SMILE code. She had Pinkie Promised Sunset and Twilight that SMILE agent Medley was currently MIA for the holidays. And she was not about to break a pinkie promise. She must have taken too long to answer because the caller spoke again, calling her by name. “Sparkler. I realize this is a bad time. But the world needs you now more than ever.” They said. Sparkler hesitated, before giving them her answer. “If you don’t hear from me again before midnight tonight, call another agent. Clearly you have the means.” She said. “Alright, we understand. But really, consider it. This is a global crisis level threat, and it could threaten Christmas itself.” The caller said before the connection was cut. Sparkler pocketed her phone and sighed. Her mind racing. “What are you going to do Sparkler?” Flappy asked. “I don’t know.” Sparkler responded. “I just don’t.” At that moment, Sparkler noticed something she knew wasn’t supposed to happen, under any circumstances. The Sky became overcast with clouds, and snow started falling. Although she didn’t feel even the slightest temperature drop. Flappy spoke up after a sec. “Warning, anomaly detected.” He said. “No spit Sherlock.” Sparkler responded. Something is definitely wrong. To be continued… > Episode 4: The Story of Our Lives > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Medley Residence KiliHima Town December 22nd, 2022 2030hrs “Snowing? In KiliHima Village?” Aurora asked. “That’s never happened before.” Thundercracker said. “And the temperature doesn’t change?” “There’s only one explanation.” Daydream said. “Magic is involved, science alone couldn’t create this kind of weather.” Sparkler nodded. “Yeah. It must be magic.” She said. After word in ElectroScratch spread that snow was coming, the place pretty much cleared out because…well it was unusual for a desert town and people didn’t know that a little snow wasn’t going to hurt anything. So everyone went home, while Sparkler took Twilight, Sunset, and Daydream back to her parents’ house. “SMILE is probably already on it as we speak.” She said. “Is that what that call you took was?” Sunset asked. “Was it SMILE?” Sparkler said nothing, not sure if she should talk about the call. I just wanted a happy holiday with those I love most…now I’m not sure what to do. The two sides of her were in conflict. The secret agent part wanted to check it out and solve the mystery, and the civilian part just wanted to leave it up to SMILE. “Sparkler?” Sunset asked after a moment of silence. Approaching Sparkler, who had been looking out the window at the falling snow. Sparkler glanced at Sunset’s concerned face, before sighing. “SMILE is probably on it…but they weren’t the ones to call.” She revealed. “If not them, who were they?” Daydream asked. “I don’t know. They never said.” Sparkler responded. “All they told me was that they knew what was causing these anomalies, it’s a device that they own. And if I had to make a guess, it was stolen, and they want my help to get it back.” She deduced using her sleuthing skills. “Oh? Are they coming to pick you up or something?” Twilight asked. Assuming that Sparkler had agreed to help. “No…because I never gave them a yes or no answer.” Sparkler admitted. Everyone stared at Sparkler in disbelief. Not expecting her to not have automatically said yes. Sunset placed a hand on Sparkler’s shoulder, and wanted to ask if something was wrong, but her empathic powers activated suddenly and her eyes glowed bright white as she entered Sparkler’s mind. Within her mind, Sunset could see the conflict Sparkler had going on. One side was saying go be the hero she was, and the other was reminding her that she had told Sunset and Twilight that this Christmas would avoid becoming an adventure of that variety. Sunset could also see how the conflict really affected Sparkler, making her have doubts about the future. And how she had REALLY been feeling her whole life. Sunset’s power deactivated as quickly as it activated and Sunset’s eyes turned back to normal. Sparkler’s eyes were wide, having felt Sunset enter her mind, but Sunset paid it no mind for the moment as she turned to the others. “Daydream, could you, Aurora, and Thundercracker give me and Twilight a moment alone with Sparkler please?” She asked. Daydream understood and silently urged Sparkler’s parents that they needed to give them some privacy. While Aurora and Thundercracker didn’t fully understand what just happened, they were told of Sunset’s ability and trusted that she would help Sparkler. So the three NOT in the relationship cleared out, and Sunset coerced Sparkler over to the couch. “Sparkler, I saw what was going on within you.” She said. Twilight moved over so Sunset and Sparkler could sit on the couch, and she immediately gave Sparkler a concerned look over what Sunset just said. “Sparkler? What’s going on?” She asked. Sparkler sighed. “I just…I don’t know what to do.” She said, as spontaneous music started playing. “The two sides of you are conflicting with each other.” Sunset said. “They are?” Twilight asked. “How come.” Sparkler glanced at Twilight, before getting on her feet as she started singing. 🎶For as long as I can remember I've never really fit in Sure I had family and friends But could any of them crystalize? Living in a lonely world Turned upside down When I learned to SMILE. Up until now  I've maintained a balance two sides of my coin A harmonious duet Never a shroud of conflict Found within That is...Until now. “Something’s changed that?” Twilight asked. “Yeah…” Sparkler admitted. Moving to Canterlot I planned to hold the duet But then something sparked in me Something I did not expect.🎶 “That would be us.” Sunset deduced. “Me and Twilight.” 🎶I’m not sure what it is What you girls have done But when I’m around you I finally truly feel ordinary Now I'm torn being pulled in two directions I hear the call, but you are here. Do I answer or sit it out Leave it be or deal with it. I'm at a crossroads I don't know where to go. I just don't know...🎶 Twilight’s heart sank, as did Sunset’s. They did know the double life that Sparkler was leading, but they had no idea before now just how much they threw it out of balance for her. It was enough for them to stand up and pull Sparkler into a loving hug. “Sparky…” Twilight cooed. “Why didn’t you tell us any of this before?” Sunset asked. “Because I had pinkie promised you on the way here that agent Medley was on leave, promised to spend christmas with you two instead. Heck, I went as far as to leave all my secret agent gear at home.” Sparkler responded. “Save for my glasses and watch…And the Sparkmobile and…Look the point is, I didn’t want to ruin Christmas for you two.” Sunset and Twilight glanced at each other, nodded, and pulled away from Sparkler as they started singing. 🎶Ever since you came to us We’ve been drawn to you Whether it was charm or gifts You intrigue us to no end. The time we spend with you We cherish every day Now we ask that you  hear what we have to say The story of our lives It comes with twists and turns Sometimes we’re just meant For extraordinary lives. With all that you are And all that you can do It’s clear as day That normal isn’t for you. You’ve faced villains Stopped doomsday Probably saved the world Once or twice You fight for what’s right And you never give up. It’s who you are. It’s who you are.🎶 “Is it though?” Sparkler asked. “I’m currently questioning whether I should get involved when other agents are still on duty.” “And that’s wrong because…?” Sunset asked. 🎶Sometimes we’re pulled in two separate directions Not sure where to go But You’ll ever be alone The people in your life Will pull you through when you fall And no matter where you go We’ll always be with you If you hear the call We’ll always understand The world needs you It’s calling for its hero It’s calling for its angel.🎶 The music faded away as Sunset and Twilight pulled Sparkler back into a hug. Sparkler, hearing what they were saying, couldn’t help but let a few tears fall as she hugged her lovers back. “You two wouldn’t mind? Really?” She asked. “Something is trying to sow chaos on Christmas. And NO ONE likes that.” Sunset said. “We fully understood what we were getting into when we agreed to date you.” Twilight said. “Course I didn’t find out until AFTER we got together but still.” She joked. Sparkler couldn’t help but chuckle. “I don’t deserve either of you.” She said. “No, you do. You absolutely deserve to get the girl.” Sunset said. “Or both of them in this case.” Sparkler giggled as she pecked her lovers on the lips in a quick kiss. Twilight giggled and smiled. “Now, go be the hero we know you are.” She told Sparkler. “We’ll still be here when you get back.” Sparkler hesitated for a few seconds, making sure she knew what she wanted to do, before she pulled out her phone and called back the mystery caller. After they did the SMILE authentication exchange, Sparkler cut to the chase. “I’m in. What’s the mission exactly?” She asked. “I’m sending you coordinates. We’d prefer to discuss it in person.” The caller said. “Also, Bring Twilight, Sunset, and Daydream with you. Their skills would also come in handy.” To Be Continued… > Episode 5: Stormy Arrival > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Somewhere in the Celestial Sea December 22nd, 2022 2100hrs. Sparkler, as well as her passengers, were confused as all heck. After deciding what to do, Sparkler called the mysterious caller, and the caller had sent coordinates for what they had believed was a rendezvous point…only it was in the middle of the Celestial Sea and as far as they could see there was NOTHING but water. “Flappy are your sensors picking up anything submerged?” Sparkler asked. “Negative.” Flappy responded. “Nothing that wasn’t already there before.” Clear-Cut roared, and Sparkler nodded. “I don’t like this either Clear-Cut.” She said. “We were all requested to come, we got coordinates, and we get here to find nothing.” Daydream said. “Anyone feeling like this is a trap?” “Well, at least if it is, we do have 3 flyers, and Sunset can help Flappy pilot the Sparkmobile in a fight.” Sparkler said. “Actually 5 flyers if you count the Sparkmobile’s drones.” Flappy commented. “Point is, we can probably handle anyth—oh crap we got incoming!” Sparkler exclaimed as all of a sudden, a water tornado formed right in front of them. “Warning! Anomaly detected! Recommend immediate evasive maneuvers!” Flappy exclaimed. Sparkler didn’t need to be told twice as she threw the Sparkmobile into full reverse to avoid hitting the water tornado. Her car came to a full stop and at that moment, snow started falling, thrown around by the wind the water tornado was creating. “What the heck is this?!” Sunset asked, looking out the window at the crazy weather. “Best guess? We’re in the middle of a class 4 storm.” Flappy responded. “What?! But that’s impossible. Class four storms scientifically can’t form all the way out—“ “Magic is at work Twi!” Sparkler cut Twilight off as she threw the car into full throttle and yanked the steering wheel to the side. “I’m gonna try to slingshot us out of here!” She said. “Hang on!” The Sparkmobile entered what amounted to an orbit around the shaft of the tornado. Everyone inside felt the car shaking from the turbulence. After a moment, Sparkler yanked on the wheel to straighten their course. “Brace yourselves! It’s gonna be bumpy!” Sparkler called as the Sparkmobile blasted away from the tornado, going so fast it actually broke the sound barrier and created a Sonic Rainboom that sliced through the vertical axes, giving the Sparkmobile a rainbow trail. Sunset and Daydream looked behind out the rear window and saw it. “Whoa! We’re going so fast we made a Sonic Rainboom!” Sunset said. “Of course we did. The slingshot propelled us at great speeds.” Twilight reasoned. “Yeah, this actually isn’t the first—“ Sparkler started before the Sparkmobile rocked, and entered a vortex that Sparkler had not seen coming. Sparkler whirled her head forward to see what was going on, and she couldn’t believe it. “What the?!” She asked, confusion, shock, and a little fear crept up in the vehicle. North Pole December 22nd, 2022 2105hrs. In the cold vastness of the North Pole, a vortex opened up, and subsequently spat out the Sparkmobile, sending it spiraling out of control. Warning alarms were blazing inside as the four girls couldn’t help but scream. “Warning! If control is not regained NOW. Crashing will be imminent!” Flappy called out. Sparkler shook her head to refocus, before tapping at the dashboard. “Engage emergency landing sequence!” She ordered as she fought to regain control of the Sparkmobile. Managing to level out in the nick of time. The Sparkmobile automatically transformed to its road configuration and managed to land on a flat area of snow, albeit roughly. Sparkler and her passengers let out a grunt as she fought the controls again to avoid them veering off course and crashing into a snow pile. The car swerved a bit, but eventually skidded to a halt, just seconds before it would have hit a snow dune. Silence. Everyone sat stockstill in total shock, their brains catching up to what had happened. Silence, until Flappy chimed up. “External temperature dropping fast, converting Sparkmobile to off-road snow mode.” As the Sparkmobile’s front wheels retracted and were replaced with vehicular skis, and the back wheels became treads, Sparkler was the first to snap out of it. “Everyone ok?” She asked. “Yeah.” “I think so.” “That was terrifying.” Clear-Cut roared, while Sparkler started looking out the window. All she saw was snow, snow falling, snow on the ground, snow everywhere. “Flappy.” She said. “Where are we?” She asked. “According to the SMILE GPS, we’re…directly on the top of the globe…in the North Pole.” Flappy responded. “The North Pole?” Sunset asked. “But…but how? We were in the Celestial Sea just a moment ago.” Twilight said. “Readings indicate that we had entered what the transformer franchise dubs a Space Bridge. Or more accurately, a ground bridge.” Flappy responded. “So…that vortex must have brought us here…” Sparkler concluded. “Should we try to go back through?” Twilight asked. “Sensors don’t detect the Vortex’s energy signature recorded during the transit. It seems to have closed.” Flappy responded. At that moment, a call came. “Incoming call…from the Mystery Caller.” He said. “Put it through.” Sparkler responded. Getting riled up. The call connected. “Sparkler. I trust you’re now calling from the North Pole?” The caller asked. “You knew about that vortex didn’t you.” Sparkler responded, deducing what must have happened. “Yes. We did. We actually sent it for you, to bring you to us.” The caller responded. “And you didn’t think to WARN us?!” Sunset asked, clearly getting agitated. “My apologies, we did not expect you to go through it so soon. Our sensors detected the anomaly right as you entered the vortex.” The caller responded. “But you did intend for us to go through it.” Sparkler responded. “You still coulda said something.” “In hindsight, yes, we probably should have told you.” The caller said. “Alright. Well, we’re here. Now, are you going to tell us where you are or are we going to keep talking over the phone?” Sparkler asked. “Keep looking forward…and you might want to fly again. We’ll open up the entrance for you.” The caller said. As the connection was cut, the five of them saw a hole in the ground form, a hole big enough that it looked like something long could fit through it. “The heck?” Twilight asked. “I-is that the entrance that caller talked about?” Daydream asked. Sparkler was about to switch back to flight mode, before she had an idea. “Flappy, send Zora to investigate what’s down there.” She said. “Activating Zora Drone.” Flappy responded. The drone on the port Spoiler pylon activated and they saw it fly over them and enter the hole. “You named one of these drones Zora?” Sunset asked. “Yeah. Like that sentient AI in Star Trek Discovery.” Sparkler responded. “What’s the other drone’s name?” Daydream asked. “Cortana.” Sparkler responded. “From Halo.” “Aww. I love how nerdy you can be.” Twilight said as she hugged Sparkler. “Yeah yeah. Now, Flappy, bring up Zora’s feed.” Sparkler responded. The view screen on the dashboard lit up and they all saw what Zora was seeing, and while at first all they saw was fog, the fog cleared up, to a sight that NONE of them expected. An entire city surrounded by ice walls. “Holy jolly berry.” Daydream said. “An underground town?!” Twilight asked. “How?!” Sparkler’s eyes widened as she came to a conclusion. “Guys…I think…I think we may have been summoned to THE North Pole. As in…” “Santa’s workshop…” Twilight finished her sentence. “Sweet candy…it’s real…” To be continued… > Episode 6: Mission brief > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- North Pole December 22, 2022 2110hrs Sparkler was seeing it, but she still couldn’t believe she was currently piloting the Sparkmobile through the hole in the ground and descended into an underground area that previously eluded all sensor sweeps of the region as far as she knew. And if that weren’t enough, it was SANTA’S WORKSHOP of all places. The place which was a myth at BEST. “I don’t believe it…” She whispered. “We’re descending on Santa’s workshop.” Daydream said. At that moment, there was a knock on Sparkler’s door. Sparkler turned her head to see a person with pointy ears gesturing down. Sparkler guessed they meant the window and she rolled it down. “Sparkling Medley, Twilight Sparkle, and Sunset and Daydream Shimmer?” The person asked. Sparkler glanced down to see that the elf had jet boots. She glanced back up at the elf. “And Clear-Cut…but yeah.” She said. Clear-Cut roared while the elf nodded. “Follow me. We have a landing area all ready for you.” The elf responded before they flew off, past both Zora and Cortana, the two drones that Sparkler set on defense. Just in case things got dicey. Sparkler continued their descent and followed the elf down to the ground, where indeed they had drawn a landing site in the snow. On the way down, Sparkler and her friends could get a closer look at the town below, and it was clear that some sort of battle took place recently. A few buildings were on fire, and they could see elves everywhere fixing things. “What happened here?” Sunset asked. “Something tells me whoever stole the device that’s causing the anomalies came in loud.” Sparkler responded as she landed the Sparkmobile on the ground, automatically converting to snowmobile mode. After a quick change into warmer clothing through the Sparkmobile’s advanced technology, Sparkler and her friends climbed out of the Sparkmobile. In awe of the sights around them despite the damage. “Holy crap we’re actually standing in the middle of the freaking North Pole…” Twilight said. “This place was always a myth at best…” Sparkler said. “It’s so much more than a myth. As you can see.” Said a familiar voice. The four girls and one dragon turned to see an elf walking towards them. The elf smiled as he held out his hand. “Alexander. Head elf around here. We talked on the phone.” He introduced himself. Sparkler, still in awe that they were talking to one of Santa’s elves, took the hand. “N-nice to meet you Alexander.” She said. “Likewise Sparkler.” Alexander said. “Excuse the mess. We’re usually a lot tidier.” He said. “I take it this has to do with the recent theft of your device?” Daydream asked. “Yeah. The culprits did not take the stealthy approach for sure.” Alexander responded. “Who are the culprits?” Sunset asked. “The big guy will explain more. He wanted me to take you to him as soon as you arrived.”Alexander responded. “Come on.” He said. The group followed Alexander into the largest building in town, and it was clear this was where the main toy production was happening. All around they could see elves working hard. “Please refrain from interfering in the toy making process in any way shape or form.” Alexander said. “With this incident we’ve been—“ Alexander was interrupted again when the lights flickered. “Is something wrong with your electrical grid?” Twilight asked. “Without the generator we’ve had to rely on backup batteries. But with our requirements we’re going through them faster than we initially expected.” Alexander explained as they ascended a flight of stairs. “Has something like this happened before?” Sparkler asked. “Never. Otherwise it wouldn’t have been so easy for the culprits to take the main generator that sustains us.” Alexander responded. “And just who are the culprits?” Daydream asked. “A pair of adversaries you four all know.” Said a low, beefy voice that belonged to the man waiting for them at the top of the staircase. Sparkler and her friends gasped and their eyes widened at who was waiting for them. A man with a long white beard and wearing a red coat. It could only be. “S-Santa Claus…” the four of them whispered in unison, disbelieving that they were standing in front of the man, the myth, the legend himself. Clear Cut had a different reaction. He dismounted from Sparkler’s shoulder, and flew right up to jolly ol st. Nick’s face, studying him. Clear-Cut roared at Santa after a second. While Sparkler was inwardly panicking at what Clear-Cut was doing, Santa responded to Clear-Cut. “Ho ho ho. You’re very observant for a little dragon. Yes. The promotional material all across the world is shockingly accurate for the makers never having seen me before.” He said. Sparkler couldn’t help but stare in shock. As far as she had known she was the only one who could understand Clear-Cut, but now… “Y-You can understand him?” She asked. Santa smiled at Sparkler in response. “I can communicate with all living creatures in the world. So long as they believe in the Christmas Spirit.” He explained. “Even creatures that come out of Pendants.” He added. Sparkler still was having trouble wrapping her head around the idea that Santa could understand Clear-Cut. Meanwhile Twilight, who had previously been recovering from the shock, suddenly snapped out of it. “Oh dear gosh you’re Santa Claus It’s an honor to meet you sir I have so many questions not the least being how you deliver all the gifts in one night and--Mmph!” Twilight got cut off when Sunset slapped a hand over her mouth to shut her up. She signaled her that now was not the time. “Sorry about that.” Sunset said. “She’s excited is all.” Santa chuckled. “Hohoho. No worries my dear. I am sure you all have questions, and I would be happy to answer them but unfortunately we must get down to business.” He told them. That snapped Sparkler out of her shock and she nodded. “Right. So, What exactly happened here?” She asked. “Follow me.” Santa responded. Sparkler, Sunset. Daydream, Twilight, Clear Cut and Alexander all followed Santa through a few hallways. “I trust you’ve been detecting anomalies popping up everywhere?” Santa asked. “Since this morning.” Sparkler responded. “Alexander says it’s the device.” “Our magic generator.” Santa responded. “It’s basically our power source.” “With the generator we’ve been able to stay off the radar and power our entire operation for generations.” Alexander explained. “Without it we won’t last for very long.” “Like the heart of a person.” Sunset responded. “It’s the heart and nerves of this operation.” Santa responded. “And up until now it was never stolen. Not even an attempted theft.” “Alright.” Daydream said. “So who was stupid enough to do something like–Oh my golly…” Daydream was cut off when they entered a large area that was clearly supposed to be a command and control center. “Welcome to the brains of this operation.” Alexander said. “Here we handle pretty much everything.” “Impressive.” Sparkler said, everywhere she looked she could see screens. “Indeed.” Santa responded as they approached a large screen. “It was here where we were able to identify the crooks responsible for this theft.” “And who are they?” Twilight asked. Alexander tapped a button on a console and the big screen lit up. “Here’s the security feed.” He said. Sparkler, Twilight, and the Shimmer Sisters all watched as everything seemed quiet at first, Until an explosion was recorded, and from the smoke emerged a pair of girls that Sparkler and her friends all recognized. “Sundown.” “Midnight.” Sunset and Twilight identified the attackers. “I’m sure you can now understand why we called you in to help us.” Santa said. “I’m beginning to.” Sparkler said as Clear Cut started growling at the screen. In an instant, Sparkler was running through possible scenarios where a pair of crazed demons having a magic generator was a prelude to armageddon. “Why did they steal the thing?” “Wish we knew.” Alexander responded. “But I think we all know how disastrous this is. And not just because now Christmas is in trouble.” He said. “Them with a magic generator could sow global chaos.” Sunset said. “Whatever they’re planning it’s got to be naughty.” “So you need us to get it back.” Sparkler deduced. “If it is not too much trouble.” Santa responded. “I know you girls wanted a quiet christmas this year, but we wouldn’t be calling on you if we thought anyone else could help.” He said. Sparkler glanced at Clear-Cut, who nodded her way, it was clear that he was looking to kick the demon’s butts. She glanced at Daydream, Sunset, and Twilight, all three of them nodded, agreeing to the mission. Sparkler smiled and turned back to Santa and Alexander. “We just need a location and we’ll get that generator back from the grinch and scrooge.” She told them. “You can count on us.” “We’re still figuring out a location. Our sensors have been wonky since the theft.” Santa responded. “Maybe I can trace their magical signature.” Daydream responded. To Be Continued… > Episode 7: Triangulation and Revelation > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- North Pole December 22, 2022 2130hrs “Never thought I’d be spending my first Christmas as my own physical entity helping to SAVE Christmas.” Daydream commented as she scanned the room for foreign magical signatures. “And yet here we are.” Sparkler responded. “Life of a hero am I right?” She joked. She and Daydream were in the room that was SUPPOSED to house the magic generator, but now was a total mess. “So the generator has NEVER been stolen before Alex?” She asked the head Elf, who was with them. “No one had ever even ATTEMPTED to steal it. We always flew under any radar the world might cook up.” Alex responded. “And now that those two demons are around, we have no idea how we’re going to prevent it from being stolen again.” Sparkler nodded as she used her watch to try to look for anything that could help them. “Want my advice? Train an elite squad of elves dedicated solely to its defense. A few good agents goes a long way.” She said. “Of course you’d say that.” Alex responded with a chuckle and a head shake. Daydream chuckled, as she completed her scan of the room. Her hands dimmed back to normal, as did her eyes, and she sighed. “Well, I know a few things. They used magic to break in, they used magic to pry the generator from its perch, and then they teleported away.” She reported. “Anything we didn’t already see?” Sparkler asked. “Sadly I can’t detect any residual magical trace. It’s like they were never here.” Daydream responded. “So much for tracking them that way.” Sparkler responded as she completed her own survey. “No DNA strands, no footprints or fingerprints. They clearly never touched anything.” She said. “So nothing in here’s gonna help us.” Alex deduced. “Nope.” Sparkler responded. “Maybe Flappy picked up their scent on SMILE’s Magic Sensors.” “Doubtful.” Daydream responded. “If their sensors could detect their magical signatures we probably wouldn’t be dealing with this problem right now.” “True. But then again, they weren’t near probably the most POWERFUL magical generator this side of the portal.” Sparkler responded. “If sensors can’t detect them, the generator should light the sensors up like—“ “Don’t finish that sentence.” Alex cut Sparkler off. “Please? We get enough of that here as it is.” He said. “—I was going to say light up like a Deflector Dish preparing to fire a tachyon beam in Star Trek.” Sparkler respond. “Oh…ok then.” Alex responded while Daydream laughed. “Of course you go for the nerdy option Sparkler.” Daydream said. “I’m a nerd to the core, I ALWAYS go for the nerdy option.” Sparkler responded, which had everyone in the room chuckling. Right then, the lights Flickered again.  Alex sighed as the lights stabilized. “Let’s get to your vehicle, the sooner we find those demons, the better.” He said. “Right, let’s go.” Sparkler said. The three of them exit the generator room into the main workshop. Meanwhile, Clear-Cut, getting permission from both Sparkler and Alex, explored the main workshop, curious to see what was going on. He flew over elves working and fixing, and even helped a few of them with his abilities. Soon though, he spotted something that caught his attention, he landed on the spot with the object of interest, and saw that it was beautiful. He roared at it and stepped closer. “I’ll say this for my evil alter ego. She knows how to make noise.” Sunset commented. She and Sparkler’s drone Zora, and Twilight and Cortana were paired off and scoping out the area surrounding the main workshop, looking for any clues the demons may have left. “She and Midnight certainly make a show.” Said an elf named Cornelius, who was introduced as Alex’s assistant head elf. Cornelius tagged along with Sunset and Zora. Zora scanned the latest find, which was a patch of burnt snow, and displayed the data for Sunset and Cornelius to see. “Hm. Looks like they actually teleported to this spot before proceeding.” Sunset said. “So we can’t determine where they penetrated the perimeter.” Cornelius responded, sighing. “Crud. These demons are no joke.” “Oh you have no idea.” Sunset responded. At that moment, Sparkker’s voice came from Zora’s chassis. “We didn’t find anything useful in the generator room. Heading back to the Sparkmobile to see if Flappy can trace them.” In another area of the town, Twilight nodded as Sparkler and Sunset reported in. “Cortana Santa and I didn’t find much either. Just signs of a clear struggle. They didn’t restrict their attack, that’s for certain.” “Let’s all meet back at the Sparkmobile. There has to be SOMETHING we can do the track those lunatics.” Sparkler suggested. “Heading back now.” Twilight responded as the connection was cut. Cortana took off back to the Sparkmobile and Santa and Twilight headed back on foot. “Hey, Santa?” Twilight asked, glancing at the jolly man. “I’m sorry about this. If it weren’t for me you wouldn’t have had to deal with two demons.” She said. “You’re still going on about that?” Santa asked. “My dear, you are not to blame for Midnight Sparkle’s existence.” He said. “But a lot of people are now in danger because of me.” Twilight responded. “It was bad enough when she lived in my head, but now she’s out. Her own entity, able to do a LOT more damage. Because of me.” She said. “Does anyone blame you for that?” Santa asked. “What?” Twilight asked. “Has anyone ever told you it was your fault?” Santa asked. “Well…no not exactly…” Twilight admitted. Sure she got some backlash from a few Crystal Prep students because it was a tie rather than a CPA victory, but it only lasted until she officially transferred to CHS. And so far no one had blamed her at all when Midnight got out. “Because they know Midnight took advantage of your heroism.” Santa responded. “They knew you were only trying to save Sunset that day. You never meant for the demon to come out.” “I guess…” Twilight responded, seeing where Santa was coming from. “I still feel bad though…” “If it helps. You continue to have a perfect record on the nice list.” Santa responded. “You have never come close to being on the naughty list.” Twilight opened her mouth to say something, thought about it, before relenting. “Ok maybe that does help a little.” She admitted. “Thanks Santa.” “It’s what I do.” Santa responded with a ho ho ho. They all soon met up at the Sparkmobile as Flappy completed his task of scanning for magical signatures. “Nothing.” He reported. “I can’t find their magical signatures or the signature of the magic generator.” “How?” Sparkler asked, perplexed. “The magic generator especially should light the sensors up like a rydonium explosion in Star Wars.” “They must be blocking the signal somehow. Interference of some kind.” Flappy responded. “We have to find a way to find that generator.” Cornelius said. “This entire operation depends on it.” “And we only have…” Alexander checked his watch. “26.5 hours before Santa’s due to fly. And our backup batteries won’t be enough.” “Short of scouring the entire globe manually I don’t think there’s much we can do.” Sparkler responded, not sure what else they could try. Twilight looked at the holographic map of the world in deep thought. Running through possible things they could try, until she thought of something. “The anomalies.” She said. “Anomalies?” Sunset asked. “What about them?” “I mean we could use them to try and triangulate the Generator’s location.” Twilight explained. “Flappy, how many anomalies were detected since the theft?” “10 anomalies Ms. Sparkle.” Flappy responded. Sparkler put together what Twilight was trying to say and smiled. “All the anomalies had to originate from a single point because the generator is the only thing that can create them. Twilight you’re a genius!” She said as she started using the Sparkmobile’s computer. “Flappy, display all locations where an anomaly was detected on the map.” She said. Ten red dots appeared on the map. They all took note of their positions and noticed the pattern almost immediately. “The generator has a maximum range.” Sunset observed. “Four of the dots are arranged in a curved line.” “Of course it does. It need only power this little operation.” Santa responded. “Flappy, triangulate a location based around the anomalies’ positions.” She said. “Triangulating.” Flappy responded. Circles were drawn on the map, connecting each layer of dots, and then the circles collapsed together to form an 11th dot. “Got it.” He said. “The generator must be…in the Lunar Trench.” He said. “The Lunar Trench?” Daydream asked. “Deepest trench in the world.” Sparkler explained. “Underwater as well.” “That may explain why we’ve been unable to locate their magical signatures.” Flappy said. “They’re hiding out deep in the trench.” “Well at least we narrowed down our search significantly.” Twilight said. “But now we have a new problem.” Sparkler responded. “How do we get down there.” “Does SMILE have anything that can help?” Daydream asked. “They have a number of submarines, but none that can traverse down all the way to the bottom of the Lunar Trench.” Flappy said. “Nothing can survive down there.” “With magic it’s possible.” Twilight responded. “According to the triangulated location of the magic generator that is.” Sparkler nodded, her mind racing. After a moment, she turned around. “I’m gonna go find Clear-Cut.” She said. “If there IS a way I can get down there, he’ll probably know.” She said. “You’re not thinking you go ALONE are you?” Sunset asked. “Unless Clear Cut comes up with a miracle for all four of us to go not, much of a choice.” Sparkler responded as she walked off to find Clear Cut. Cornelius looked at Sparkler, then at the Sparkmobile…and smiled as an idea formed in his mind. “I’ll be back.” He said as he scurried off, leaving behind some confused folks. A few minutes later, In the main workshop, Sparkler searched the area for her pet dragon. “Clear-Cut. Where are ya bud? I need to talk to you!” She called out. “I saw him going to the plushie section, maybe he’s still there?” A nearby elf told her. “I’ll check there. Thanks.” Sparkler responded as she followed the following directions to the plushie section. “Clear-Cut, you here bud—Clear-Cut?!” She exclaimed when she found her dragon…with a stuffed dragon plushie doing…Shs quickly squeezed her eyes shut. “Dude, really?” She asked. Clear-Cut eeped when he heard Sparkler’s voice, and blushed in embarrassment when he realized he was caught. Sparkler took a deep breath before snapping her fingers. “You and I need to talk.” She said. She turned around and opened her eyes, and saw an elf staring at the scene. She sighed. “Sorry you had to see that.” She said. “I’ll make sure he doesn’t do that again.” She said, feeling secondhand embarrassment from what her pet had done. “Oddly enough, this isn’t even the first time.” The elf responded. “I’d deep clean the thing before it touches a kid’s hands.” Sparkler suggested. “Exactly what I was thinking.” The elf said, holding up a pair of kitchen claws. Sparkler nodded as she felt Clear-Cut on her shoulder. She quickly made her way to an empty hall before plucking Clear-cut off her shoulder and placing him on the ground, with her squatting down in front of him. “Dude, what the heck?” She asked. Clear-Cur roared in response. Sparkler shook her head. “We are here to help these guys get their generator back. Not disrupt their entire process by doing…whatever it is you just did.” She said. Another roar in response. “If Santa doesn’t bring you the toy for Christmas I’ll get you one when we get back. But ONLY if you behave the rest of this mission. Got it?” She asked. Clear-Cut roared in response, Sparkler nodded. “Good boy.” She said. “Now, to why I wanted to talk to you. We believe we know where Sundown and Midnight are…in the Lunar trench. Right now we don’t have a way to get down there.” She explained. “I don’t suppose I have the power to get down there?” She asked. Clear-Cut’s eyes glowed bright white, as did Sparkler’s. In her mind, Sparkker saw Clear-Cut appear before her, melding minds. “You wish to traverse the deep sea.” Clear-Cut said. “Yeah. We need to in order to get the magic generator back.” Sparkler responded. “Can I get down there with your help? Or better yet, can I get me, Twilight, Sunset, and Daydream down there with your help?” She asked. “There are limits to your power. This is one of them unfortunately.” Clear-Cut responded. “So I don’t have the power to do it.” Sparkler responded. “That’s unfortunate.” “Indeed.” Clear-Cut responded. “However, that is not the only thing on your mind.” He said. Sparkler let out a sigh. It was true she did have something else on her mind. “Last time I faced demons, I had my gear with me. Now, I don’t. And I doubt that guitar you unlocked for me is gonna cut it.” She said. “Is there anything you can unlock for me that will help save the day?” She asked. “As I have said before. You are not yet ready to learn the full extent of your powers.” Clear-Cut responded. “However, since it is Christmas and given the circumstances. I will reveal that you have all the tools you need on your finger.” He revealed. “My finger?” Sparkler asked. “What does that mean?” “The ring that you wear now.” Clear-Cut responded. Much to the momentary confusion of Sparkler, before her eyes widened in realization as to what he was talking about. Out in the hall, the ring on Sparkler’s finger began to glow brightly, and an ominous voice projected from it. ”With courage and might, and everything right, let this ring be the beacon of light, shining in the night.” To be continued…. > Episode 8: New Toys > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lunar Trench Celestial Sea December 22nd, 2022 2200hrs “Midnight, how’s this thing coming?” Sundown asked. “Nearly done. But this magic generator is being stubborn.” Midnight responded as she tinkered with the generator. “Well hurry up.” Sundown responded. “The sooner we get this weapon online the better.” “Don’t you think I know that?” Midnight asked. “You know full well who’s out there that could possibly stop us.” “Which is why we need to finish this weapon before THEY get wind and come knocking.” Sundown said. “Relax.” Midnight responded. “We’re at the floor of the deepest trench on this planet.” She said. “They don’t have the capability to come down here.” “Still, sooner is better.” Sundown responded. “I know. Now shut up and let me work.” Midnight responded. “As soon as we get this weapon finished, no one can stop us.”  North Pole December 22, 2022 2200hrs “Cornelius?” Alexander asked. “What exactly are we doing here?” Cornelius smirked in response. “I think there might a way to traverse the entire Lunar trench safely. And it involves a little magic.” He said. “Magic? Cornelius, I wouldn’t be able to get down there. My power was limited when I was pulled out of Sunset.” Daydream responded. “Maybe YOU can’t.” Cornelius responded. “But perhaps the Sparkmobile can.” “Sparkler said it couldn’t.” Twilight interjected. “Maybe not now. But with a little magic, it just might.” Cornelius responded as a cylindrical object appeared in schematic form on the main screen. Everyone stared at the screen in confusion. “What is that?” Santa asked. “A little invention of mine. A mini magic generator.” Cornelius explained. “A mini magic generator?” Sunset asked. “20% of our main generator’s power in 5% the package, not powerful enough to power our operation here. But more than sufficient for a small vehicle like the Sparkmobile.” Cornelius explained. Twilight widened her eyes in realization to what Cornelius was getting at. “If that was installed in the Sparkmobile, it might allow it to go anywhere in the world.” She said. “And traverse any region it enters.” “Exactly.” Cornelius responded. “Sounds like we have our way into the Lunar Trench.” Daydream said. “Do we?” Alexander asked as he and Santa shared a glance, both thinking the same thing. “Cornelius, there’s a caveat to your idea. Any magic generator, the main one or THIS one, needs someone with a magic organ to draw its magic from.” He explained. “Not other dimension originated magic or magic coming from a geode. It has to be someone from this universe and coming from the person themself.” He added quickly when he remembered Daydream and Twilight and Sunset “Magic organ?” Sunset asked. “What’s that?” “An internal organ that myself and all the Elves possess.” Santa explained. “It enables us to use magic while also providing the Generator a source to draw from. Essentially, while the Generator channels it into energy, it’s us that provide the magic.” He said. “Whoa.” Sunset responded, unbelieving of what she was hearing. “That’s insane.” “Yeah.” Twilight said. Cornelius nodded. “Yeah. Now take a look at this.” He said. Everyone looked at the screen again. And saw a Picture of Sparkler. The picture changed to an X-Ray, zoomed in, and revealed a star shaped organ tucked away in her ribcage. Santa and Alexander’s eyes widened as they recognized the organ. “A magic organ.” They said. “That’s a magic organ?” Twilight asked. “Located right where it’s supposed to be.” Cornelius responded. “That little organ should power the mini magic generator.” “Should?” Daydream asked. “Obviously we won’t know for sure it’s gonna work until we actually do it.” Cornelius responded. “Just need to program it to only accept the magic coming from Sparkler’s magic organ.” “Would that be enough? Because Sparkler used the Sparkmobile a lot.” Twilight asked. “Magic efficiency, plus the insane recorded output of magic from the average magic organ should be more than sufficient to power this thing.” Cornelius assured Twilight. “Meanwhile we’ll go find Sparkler.” Sunset responded. “Cornelius could you send that X-Ray to Twilight’s phone?” “Done.” Cornelius responded as Daydream, Sunset, and Twilight left the control room. When they were gone, Santa turned back to Alexander and Cornelius. “She has a magic organ. That should be impossible.” Santa said. “At this point I’d say anything is possible.” Alex responded. “Should we tell her the truth?” “It’s not our place to tell.” Santa responded. “That falls on Derrick and his contacts.” “Shouldn’t we at least tell her about her biological family?” Cornelius asked. “We don’t need to tell her about her origins but that’s what Christmas is all about. Family.” “Again. Not our place to tell.” Santa responded. “Though…I guess it couldn’t hurt to tell her that they ARE out there. Alive, and well.” “In my opinion we should give her more info than that but you're the boss.” Cornelius responded as he worked. Meanwhile, Sparkler and Clear Cut were at the Sparkmobile, Clear-Cut showing Sparkler what her ring could do. “The ring is an extension of your mind.” Clear-Cut said in Sparkler’s head. “Whatever you can imagine, the ring will create in Crystal Form, with some concentration.” “Just like a Lantern Ring from DC Comics.” Sparkler responded. “Is there an emotion attached?” “No. You are only limited by your mental capacity.” Clear-Cut responded. “Are there ANY limits to this ring?” Sparkler asked as she thought of a small cube, focused the thought being created by the ring, and the ring created the small cube in her other hand. “If used nonstop for 4 hours, it will require a one hour charge.” Clear-Cut responded. “However, since it has been dormant for 17 years, it has built up an absurd reserve of power to draw on.” He revealed. “And how do I recharge it?” Sparkler asked. “Just don’t use it.” Clear-Cut responded. “That simple.” “Good to know.” Sparkler responded. “Sparkler!” Sparkler and Clear-Cut heard a trio of voices call out. They turned to see Sunset, Daydream, and Twilight approach. “There you three are.” Sparkler said. “I came back to see the Sparkmobile abandoned.” “Yeah. We were in the control room.” Sunset responded. “We may have a way down the Lunar Trench.” She announced. “You found a way?” Sparkler asked. “Found more than that.” Twilight said as she handed Sparkler her phone, with the X-Ray pulled up. “You’ve seen X-Rays of yourself, correct?” She asked. “Yeah. I have.” Sparkler responded as she glanced at the phone screen. “Wait, how did you get an X-Ray of me?” “Cornelius had it. But for good reason.” Sunset responded. “Turns out you had a secret internal organ this entire time.” She told Sparkler. “What?” Sparkler asked. She watched as the picture zoomed in on her rib cage and she saw the magic organ…except she coulda sworn it wasn’t there before. “The heck is this?” She asked. “Around here they call it a magic organ.” Daydream explained. “This is the true power source. The generator draws from each magic organ here.” “Does it now?” Sparkler asked. “Huh. Interesting. So why do I have one?” “We have no sweet clue.” Twilight responded. “But I guess it’s a good thing for us since Cornelius made a mini generator that can be installed in the Sparkmobile, and with any luck, that will allow the Sparkmobile to traverse any environment possible.” She said. “Even the bottom of the Lunar Trench, that’s genius.” Sparkler responded as she gave Twilight back her phone. “It is.” Sunset responded. “So, what happened with Clear-Cut?” She asked. “Well, I can’t get us there myself even with his help…at least in the way I had imagined.” Sparkler said. “But he did tell me why I had this ring this entire time.” She added as she held up her ring, which glowed with but a thought and a beam of light projected from it. Twilight, Daydream, and Sunset all gasped and stepped back as they watched her ring come to life. “Oh my Lantern!” They all said. To be continued… > Episode 9: Blossoming Abilities > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- North Pole December 22, 2022 2220hrs Cornelius, Santa, and Alexander approached the Sparkmobile, where the girls and Clear-Cut were. “Alright everyone!” Cornelius called out. “Got the Sparkmobile’s newest upgrade right here.” He said. Sparkler, Sunset, Twilight, Daydream and Clear-Cut all turned to see Santa and the elves approach, and Sparkler saw the little device for the first time. “Is that the Mini Magic Generator?” She asked. “The one and ONLY mini magic generator in existence.” Cornelius responded. “Course it won’t be that way for long. But to make more we would need the big generator.” He explained. “Is it fully charged?” Twilight asked. “Not yet. I had to drain it in order to reprogram it’s magic tractor chip to only draw power from Sparkler.” Cornelius said. He held the device out for Sparkler to take. “Here. It should activate the moment you touch it.” He said. Sparkler glanced around at all the eyes screaming with curiosity. After a moment, she took the mini generator in her hand, and she and the device became enveloped in little golden sparkles. A computerized voice came from the device. “Magic signature accepted. Mini Magic Generator online and charging. Time to full charge, 20 minutes.” “Wow. Considering what that little thing will allow the Sparkmobile to do, that’s a pretty fast and efficient charging timeframe.” Twilight commented. “I made this thing to be more efficient then the first generation we’ve been using.” Cornelius responded. “Now, Sparkler does the Sparkmobile have any open module slots?” He asked. “A few.” Sparkler responded. “So we’re just gonna hook this thing up and that will be that?” She asked. “That’s the plan.” Cornelius said. “With any luck, Flappy should be able to control it.” “Any negative outcomes we should worry about?” Sunset asked. “…Sparkmobile Explodes, worst case Scenario.” Cornelius revealed. Sparkler and everyone blinked, befofe Sparkler used her new abilty to take hold of the Mini Magic Generator in a Crystal hand. “Good thing I now have the power to do things like this at a distance.” She said. Everyone put some good distance between themselves and the Sparkmobile, while Sparkler gulped as she used her ring to make an extendo arm that would make installing the potential detonation device safe. Though she wasn’t entirely elegant in the movements, she did eventually manage to do the entire upgrade, putting the Mini Magic Generator in a module slot right next to the Hypno Defryer from Halloween. Everyone winced when the Sparkmobile began to glow the moment the generator was hooked up, but rather than explode, the Sparkmobile became engulfed in little golden sparkles flying around it. Sparkler’s watch also became surrounded by golden Sparks. Both the watch and the car stopped glowing after a sec, and Sparkler’s watch immediately projected a HUD in front of her, a HUD she didn’t recognize. “Whoa. What is this?” She asked. “Sparkler.” Flappy said. “It’s incredible. I have control of the Generator. And it allows for amazing things. That HUD in front of you? It’s a selection menu for changing the Sparkmobile’s appearance, functions, and properties.” He explained. “What?” Sparkler asked. Curious, she decided to look through the selection screen, and her jaw dropped when she realized what selections there were. “Holy Kringle.” She said. “What?” Sunset and Twilight asked as they approached Sparkler, curious to see what she was looking at. “Girls…hang on to your socks.” Sparkler said as she chose a random selection, pressed the accept button, and everyone watched as the Sparkmobile glowed brightly with golden sparkles flying around it, and after a few seconds, it dimmed and everyone saw not the Sparkmobile, but in its place sat a helicopter. Twilight gasped as she watched what happened. “Whoa! Is that the Sparkmobile?!” She asked. “Yes Ms. Sparkle.” Flappy responded. “The Sparkmobile now, through the Mini Magic Generator, has the ability to become any land, sea, and air based vehicle of similar or anything a little larger.” He explained. “It can even adopt the properties and functions of those vehicles.” “No way!” Sunset exclaimed. “That’s awesome!” Sparkler looked through the selection again, and beamed excitedly when she found her new selection. She pressed the accept button, and the Sparkmobile changed into a Star Wars U-Wing. “This is my new favorite thing.” She said simply. While Sunset and Twilight lost their minds over that, Daydream just smiled and shook her head. “I’m pretty sure you just made their whole year.” She told Cornelius. “If they HADN’T immediately changed the Sparkmobile into a Star Wars vehicle I would have been disappointed.” Cornelius responded. At that moment, a very loud call was heard through everyone’s ears. “Look out!” Everyone turned their heads to see a reindeer coming right for them. A reindeer with a bright red nose.  Santa widened his eyes as he recognized who the reindeer was. “Rudolph, pull up, pull up!” He called out. “He’s too low. Look out!” Alexander called out as they ducked Sparkler and her friends ducked as well as Rudolph just BARELY missed they with his legs while pulling up. “Sorry! I’ve lost control!” They heard the reindeer call back. “Did that reindeer just talk?!” Sunset asked. “That does not look like proper flying technique.” Sparkler commented. “Not to worry lassies. Cortana and I will wrangle that reindeer in.” Said a new British female voice that no one recognized. Not too long after, Sparkler saw the Sparkmobile’s drones fly after the out of control Rudolph. Something that confused Twilight, who was the first to register what was said. “W-was that Zora?” Twilight asked. In the sky, Zora and Cortana caught up to Rudolph, flying on either side of him. “Never fear young chap.” Zora said. “We’re here to help.” She said. “What the, who are you?” Rudolph asked. “Cortana and Zora. Sparkler’s SMILE issued Spydrones.” Cortana responded. “We’re gonna help you land.” She assured Rudolph as she and Zora closed in and sandwiched Rudolph, acting as braces.  “Just leave the maneuvering to us.” Zora said. From the ground, Sparkler and everyone watched as the drones steered Rudolph back to the ground, and helped to keep him steady. “Flappy are you telling the drones to do that?” Sparkler asked. “I am not in control.” Flappy responded. “I…think they’re doing it on their own.” “How?” Daydream asked as they saw Rudolph and on the ground and slow down to a complete stop in front of them. When Rudolph stopped, Zora and Cortana both hovered away from him. “There we go lad.” Zora said. “T-thanks.” Rudolph responded, steadying himself from the flight. Santa and his elves approached Rudolph when it was safe to do so. “Are you alright Rudolph?” Alexander asked. “I’m fine.” Rudolph said. “What happened? I thought you had control over your flight when flying solo?” Santa asked. “I’m gonna blame the loss of the generator. Without it our Magic’s been wonky.” Rudolph responded. Meanwhile, Zora and Cortana hovered back to the Sparkmobile, where they saw Sparkler and her friends staring at them. “What?” Cortana asked after a moment. “You never seen us do our job before?” She asked. That brought Sparkler out of her shock that she was in upon realizing the drones were TALKING now, when before they could not. “You’re talking…both of you.” She said. “Yeah? And that’s—wait a minute.” Zora stopped when it dawned on her she was talking. “Wait, we’re talking? Like we’re actually talking?” She turned to Cortana. “Cortana can you hear me and respond?” She asked. “I can.” Cortana responded. “But before I couldn’t. I could only communicate in binary. How are we speaking English right now?” She asked. All eyes turned to the Sparkmobile, and more specifically, they turned to the still open module compartment where they had installed the Mini Magic Generator. “The Mini Magic Generator.” Twilight concluded. “It must have brought Zora and Cortana to life…or at the very least upgraded them.” Sparkler said. “Flappy do you still have any control over Zora and Cortana?” “No.” Flappy responded. “I have lost ALL control over the drones.” “Oh my stars. This is AMAZING!” Cortana said as she did a loop the  loop. “We’re like Exocomps from Star Trek!” She declared. “I HOPE not like Peanut Hamper.” Sunset mumbled to herself. Referring to Star Trek Lower Decks. “It would certainly seem that way.” Sparkler responded to Cortana. “It’s Uhm…nice to meet you two.” She said, not sure what else she could say. “A privilege to meet you as well.” Zora responded. “And now that I can communicate there are about a thousand things I wish to say.” She said as she went off saying those things. While Zora was talking, Clear-Cut let out a soft roar into Sparkler’s ear. Sparkler just chuckled and shook her head. “The most wonderful time of year.” She said. She held up a hand to stop Zora. “As fun as it is learning that you’re now alive.” She said. “Now that we have the means and the location. I think it’s about time we got under way to pay the demons a little visit.” To be continued… > Episode 10: operation Yuletide is Go > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- SMILE HQ Canterlot City December 22nd, 2022 2230hrs Director Derrick stormed out of his office as SMILE’s alarms blazed. “Report!” He barked out to the agents in the CIC. “Magical build up of massive proportions sir! Signature matches anomalies detected within the last 48 hours!” An agent called out. “Reports coming in of snowmen coming to life and attacking civilians!” Another responded. “Santa statues are spewing coal everywhere!” A third agent called out. “Source?” Derrick responded. “Working on it.” An agent responded. Derrick looked out the window to see the snow turning into a blizzard. “I want all available agents on this.” He said. “And get me Medley. We need everyone we can get.” North Pole December 22nd, 2022 2230hrs Sparkler, Sunset, Twilight, and Daydream watched as an 11th dot popped up on the holographic globe being projected by Flappy in the Sparkmobile. They recognized where that dot was indicating. “Canterlot City.” Daydream said. “Figures they’d attack our home.” Sparkler commented. At that moment, Flappy chimed in. “Incoming call from Director Derrick.” He said. “Figures. Put it through Flappy.” Sparkler responded. A hologram of Derrick’s head appeared in place of the globe. “Agent Medley. I hate to do this but I must recall you to duty. Canterlot’s under attack.” He informed her. “Yeah, we know. Flappy’s detected all 11 anomalies.” Sparkler informed Derrick. “And I have good news. We have a good guess as to where the source is and are gearing up to stop it once and for all.” She added That caught Derrick off guard, and it showed. “Well that was incredibly fast.” He said. “We had a head start you could say.” Sparkler responded. “But to put it simply, the demons are responsible.” “Sundown Shimmer and Midnight Sparkle.” Derrick concluded. “They haven’t reared their heads since October.” “Yeah. And we may now know why we haven’t been able to find them since.” Sparkler said. “I’ll make a full report later sir. But right now, Daydream and Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Clear-Cut and I need to get going.” She said “Agent, PLEASE do not tell me you intend to take CIVILIANS on a mission.” Derrick said, knowing full well who Sparkler was talking about. “Hey, If it makes you feel any better.” Sunset said. “We were all called in by the owner of the device causing all this.” She told Derrick. “Device? Owner?” Derrick asked. “Long story, not sure how much we can tell, but don’t worry Director. We’re on it.” Sparkler responded before she cut the connection. “I hope he doesn’t discipline you for taking us along.” Daydream responded. “Once I tell him the full story he’ll understand.” Sparkler responded.  “I’m gonna need to ask you to refrain from mentioning anything about this place or us.” Santa chimed in. He, Rudolph, Cornelius and Alexander approached the girls. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep all this under anonymity.” Sparkler responded. “But we need to go now.” “We’ll fire up the Kringle Bridge.” Cornelius responded. After stifling her laughter over what she suspected Alex referred to the vortex as, Sparkler shook her head. “Bad idea. The demons are aware that nothing can get to the bottom of the Lunar trench…ALMOST nothing. So we have the element of surprise. If you vortex us there, it might tip them off.” She explained. “We’ll need to slowboat it there. But, once we get there and secure the generator, then the Kringle Bridge can come pick us up.” She proposed. “Sound plan.” Santa responded. “But won’t the water interfere with communications?” “It’ll probably take at least 15 hours to get to the trench.” Twilight said as she made the globe reappear and zoomed in on a plotted course. “Depending on how fast the Sparkmbobile can ultimately go with it’s new powers is unknown but if i had to make an educated guess, I’d say it would take 20 hours total to get to their base of operations. So if you give us 22 hours, we SHOULD have the generator secured by then.” She explained. “That’s cutting it close. We only have 25 hours left before Santa’s due to fly.” Alexander responded. “We’ll make it.” Sparkler responded. “Surprise is on our side. The Sparkmobile can mask its signature from any sensor. So they won’t see us coming until we’re literally on their doorstep.” “Oy! We’ll get those crackpots by surprise yet!” Zora chanted. “I do see one problem. How to get the thing out of there.” Daydream said. “You were in there Sparkler, the thing is clearly huge.” “I can help with that.” Rudolph chimed in. “Rudolph. You’re not going.” Alex responded, sensing what Rudolph was thinking. “Oh come on, at least hear me out.” Rudolph complained. “Rudolph, Secret of Santa.” Cornelius reminded Rudolph. “Which you broke to call Agent Medley and her friends here.” Rudolph countered. “WE were in control of the situation then, if you go out there, we lose control over who knows about us.” Alex responded. Whole Rudolph and the elves fell into an argument, Santa just facepalmed. “Every time.” He commented. “Those three bickering is common?” Sunset asked. “Always something to complain about. But it’s not surprising. Rudolph just turned 13 the other day. And you know teenage rebellions.” Santa responded. Sparkler rolled her eyes. “That figures.” She said. Santa nodded, before he turned to the arguing reindeer and elves. “Hey guys knock it off!” He scolded them. The arguing stopped and Alex grumbled. “Yes sir.” He said. “Now, Rudolph what did you have in mind?” Sparkler asked. Curious to hear what Rudolph had to say. “I was gonna say that thing weighs about the same as Santa’s bag. A single reindeer can pull it, and our antlers can shrink things if need be.” Rudolph responded. “And in an emergency I can shoot a flare that will alert any sensors to our location.” He said. “That’s what’s most concerning.” Cornelius responded. “Someone else could get to you before us.” “That’s what the Kringle bridge is for.” Rudolph commented. “Can I please go Santa?” He asked. While Alex and Cornelius objected, Santa instead turned to the girls after thinking about it for a sec. “Think there’s a benefit to a reindeer on the team?” He asked. “Given none of us can move something that weighs so much…I think it might be.” Twilight responded. “Plus an emergency flare does have its uses.” Daydream added. “Agreed.” Sparkler responded. “He can come so long as you’re ok with it.” She told Santa “Please Santa?” Rudolph asked, giving Santa the puppy dog eyes. Santa just let out a ho ho ho in response. “So long as you exercise caution, you may go.” He said. “Yes!” Rudolph exclaimed excitedly as he trotted up and nuzzled Sparkler, pleased to go with her. Sparkler giggled when Rudolph Nuzzled her. “Glad to have you on the team Rudolph.” She said as she turned to her other teammates. “So, everyone ready?” “Operation Yuletide is go.” Daydream said. Sparkler smirked as she called up the vehicle selection HUD on her watch. “Flappy can you reconfigure the HUD to act like the omnitrix from Ben 10?” She asked. “Right away Agent Medley.” Flappy responded as Sparkler selected a Vehicle, and the Sparkmobile changed from its normal form, which it had reverted back to, into the original Phantom from Star Wars Rebels. “Alright people. Let’s go save the world!” She said. They all loaded up into the Sparkmobile and Sparkler lifted off from the ground. Santa, Cornelius, and Alex watched them blast off for the surface. “Good luck team Sparkler.” Cornelius said. To be continued… > Episode 11: Submersion > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Approaching Lunar Trench Celestial Sea December 23rd, 2022 1900hrs “The Anomaly disappeared and all returned to normal last night.” Darrick said. Sparkler nodded. They were about 20 minutes from the Lunar Trench and Derrick had called again. “That’s good.” She said. “But another can appear at any moment, I’d stay alert.” She recommended. “Of course.” Derrick responded. “What’s happening on your end?” “We’re twenty minutes out from the Lunar Trench, where Sundown and Midnight are supposedly operating from.” Sparkler responded. “The Lunar Trench? Nothing can survive down there.” Derrick said. “These two demons command a power still largely unknown to us.” Sparkler deadpanned. “You really want to suggest they can’t do it?” “And what about YOU?” Derrick asked. “Your vehicle cannot go that far down.” “Maybe not before. But I came across something that should correct that.” Sparkler responded. “You came across?” Derrick asked. “Again, full report later, but I will warn you now. The one who called knowing what’s causing these anomalies has requested anonymity. And I intend to uphold that.” Sparkler said. “Convenient.” Derrick responded. “And perfectly within their rights.” Sparkler reminded Derrick. “Indeed. I will admit I am intrigued as to what this report will entail. Keep me posted.” Derrick responded before the signal cut. Sparkler took a deep breath. Wondering if Santa wanted her to do everything possible to keep SMILE from finding the magic generator, assuming he let her keep it at all. “Hey Rudolph.” She asked as she turned in her seat to look back at her passengers. “Yes Sparkler?” Rudolph asked. “Does this Secret of Santa thing cover the Mini Magic Generator? Like am I allowed to talk about the magic generator?” Sparkler asked. “Assuming of course Santa let’s me keep the thing?” “Not sure. This has never happened before.” Rudolph responded. He turned back to his fellow passengers and glanced down at a holographic projection of a chess board, he was playing a game of chess against Daydream. “So king can go in any direction no matter how far?” He asked. “That’s the queen.” Twilight responded. “The king can only go ahead one space in any direction.” She corrected him. “Ah. Ok.” Rudolph responded as he moved his queen forward all the way to the other side of the board. Right next to Daydream’s king. “Is that a checkmate for me?” He asked. “It’s a check.” Daydream responded. “However.” She moved her king one to the side, and took Rudolph’s queen. “THAT was a checkmate.” “Aww man.” Rudolph responded when he realized his mistake. “I thought I had that.” “Ya lasted longer than a newbie normally does.” Sunset responded. “So that’s something to be proud of.” Rudolph smiled as his spirit lifted back up. “Really? Neat.” He said. “Another game?” “I wouldn’t.” Sparkler responded. “We’ll be there soon.” “Alright.” Rudolph responded. As they neared the trench, Twilight decided to ask Rudolph a question she had on her mind. “So Rudolph. Do you…know how it is you have a red nose?” She asked. “Like is it a genetic thing or…?” She asked. “Believe me I wish I had an answer. But nope.” Rudolph responded. “For all I know my red nose is a magical gift from the magic of Christmas.” He said. “Well it’s certainly come in handy.” Sunset said. “Is it true you actually guided Santa’s sleigh?” “Yep. And have every year since.” Rudolph responded. “The sleigh’s travel times have actually decreased since I joined the Reindeer.” He stated. “Nice.” Twilight said. Soon, they arrived at the trench…well, over it. Sparkler brought the Sparkmobile in for a hover. And we are at the trench.” She said as she raised her watch. “Flappy, what’s the best submarine for the job?” She asked. “The SeaTruck from Subnautica Below Zero.” Flappy responded. “With a single passenger compartment. Sparkler saw the vehicle on her watch face and she smiled as she tapped it. “Hang on everyone.” She said. Everyone watched as the Sparkmobile changed form into a submarine, and dropped into the water. “Time to dive.” Sparkler said as she made the vehicle dive into the water, towards the bottom of the trench. Lunar Trench Celestial Sea December 23rd, 2022 2100hrs In their not-so-secret-anymore base, Midnight smiled wickedly as she tightened the last bolt on her latest invention. “Finally! Our ultimate weapon is FINALLY complete!” She declared. “About time.” Sundown responded. “What should we target first?” “Sundown. This thing can now attack multiple targets at once. We can hit every capital city on this planet!” Midnight responded. “With this device, the world will be at our mercy. Once we show its power, they will have no choice but to surrender.” “Excellent.” Sundown responded. “After that, we can use this planet’s resources to enact a complete take over of Equestria on the other side of the portal. And we will rule TWO worlds instead of one.” “And the best thing of all, NO ONE can stop us. Even if they know where we are.” Midnight said as she and Sundown laughed maniacally. Unbeknownst to them, the Sparkmobile had parked itself right outside their base, inches away from the shield perimeter around said base, with Sparkler and her team gazing upon it with their own eyes. “Wow.” Sunset said. “They actually have a base down here.” Twilight said, still not believing it was true. “I’ll give them this. This was a clever hiding spot.” Sparkler responded. “Too bad they decided to mess with Santa.” “So. We’re just gonna go in and blast our way to the generator?” Rudolph asked. “The two demons will be on us immediately. So here’s the plan.” Sparkler, the only person there with any tactical training whatsoever, said. “Two teams. Team A will engage Midnight and Sundown directly and keep them busy. While team B secures the generator.” She said. “What are the teams?” Twilight asked. “Daydream and I will be on Team A, we’re the best suited to keep the demons busy. Team B will consist of Clear-Cut, Twilight, Sunset, and Rudolph.” Sparkler explained. Clear-Cut immediately roared his objection to his assignment, stating that Sparkler’s protection is his number one concern. Sparkler shot him a look. “Dude, you are in no position to argue right now.” She said, reminding him of the little incident. “I have my ring. Which YOU activated.” That shut Clear-Cut up. Sparkler nodded and continued. “Zora and Cortana will jam their sensors so that they won’t see us coming until we want them to see us.” She said. “On it Sparkler.” Cortana said as she and Zora began emitting a jamming signal. Flappy meanwhile detected something disturbing. “Sparkler, there’s a massive buildup of energy occurring.” He reported. “What is it?” Sparkler asked. “If I had to guess, it’s whatever they stole the magic generator for.” Flappy responded. “Then we don’t have a lot of time. Flappy get the lower access port inside the shield. We’ll take it from there.” Sparkler said. “Acknowledged agent Medley. Good luck.” Flappy said as he moved the Sparkmobile into position. Sparkler meanwhile got out of the pilot’s seat and pressed a button that opened up part of the Sparkmobile’s mobile armory. “Sunset, Twilight. I’m granting temporary authorization for you two to carry one of these weapons for protection. By law you are required to return them when they are no longer needed unless they are rendered destroyed or otherwise unrecoverable.” She said, going through the procedural spiel. Sunset and Twilight marveled at the selection, before each grabbing a pistol from the rack. “Finally all those VR first person shooters are going to come in handy!” Sunset said. “Good thing we put in the hours.” Twilight commented. Sparkler smiled as they all gathered around the access port which had opened by then. “Alright team.” She said. “Let’s rock and roll.” “Right!” Everyone responded as they all jumped down the port one by one. To be continued… > Episode 12: Three pronged engagement Pt 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lunar Trench Celestial Sea December 23rd, 2022 2230hrs The underwater base wasn’t a small one. With all their sneaking around and avoiding detection as much as possible, Sparkler and her makeshift team weren’t going as fast as they wanted. Sparkler looked at the map of the base on her watch, which they were easily able to get when inside the base. “Ok, this is where we split up.” She said. “Sundown and Midnight are in the control room. Generator is in another room.” She said in a hushed voice. “Is alerting the demons really needed?” Twilight asked. “If we play it right we can just walk out off here without them knowing.” “Whatever they’re using the generator for is powering up. They’ll catch onto us real quick once we move it.” Daydream responded. “Facing them directly will give us the best chance of success.” “Seconded.” Sparkler said. “Team B, turn right and go straight until you reach the end of the hallway. THat’s where the generator is.” “Roger that.” Sunset responded. “Good luck you two.” Clear-Cut roared. Sparkler shook her head. “Clear-Cut, the generator is our number one priority. It has to get out of here, no matter the cost.” Clear-Cut relented and nodded, seeing that he couldn’t change Sparkler’s mind. So split up they did. Sparkler and Daydream continued on to the control room while the rest went for the generator. “Flappy, be ready to tow hook the generator and punch it up to the surface.” Sparkler said. “Roger that Sparkler. And all com units are operating at optimal levels.” Flappy responded. “Good.” Sparkler said. A short time later, in the control room, Sundown and Midnight were both tapping at a console, charging up their weapon and targeting SMILE HQ. “First we destroy SMILE, THEN we will take over this world.” Sundown said. “And nothing will stand in our way. Heheh.” Midnight responded. “Well well well. Ms. Scrooge and the Grinch. So THIS is where you two ended up since October.” Said a voice that genuinely scared the living daylights out of the two demons, who turned to see two girls they didn’t expect. Sparkler and Daydream. “WHAT?!” Sundown shrieked. “How did you two get down here?!” Midnight exclaimed. “You two stole a magic generator. You REALLY think we wouldn’t notice?” Daydream asked, both she and Sparkler in combat stances. “I gotta hand it to you two. Setting up down here was clever.” Sparkler said. “If only you hadn’t stolen the generator.” Sundown and Midnight growled as they flared up with magic and charged at Sparkler and Daydream. “WHATEVER YOU’RE PLANNING IT WILL NOT WORK!” THey growled at them. “Funny. We were gonna tell you the same thing!” Sparkler retorted as the demons crashed into them. Meanwhile, in the Generator room, Twilight, Sunset, Clear-Cut, and Rudolph stared in disbelief. They had found the generator, but it was not going to be as easy as they thought. It was integrated into what was clearly a weapon. “A weapon. Why is it always a weapon?” Sunset sked. Twilight glanced around until she found a console. She dashed over to it and started interfacing with it. “I’m attempting to see if I can shut it down from here.” She said. “I doubt it.” Sunset responded. “If this thing was built by your evil alter ego, She probably thought of that.” “Well we need to do SOMETHING. I doubt we can move the generator while this thing is charging.” Twilight responded. “Intruder alert, Intruder alert!” Sunset, Clear-Cut, and Rudolph all jumped when they turned and saw some drones coming right for them.  “Defense drones!” Sunset warned as she raised her loaned blaster and began firing at the incoming drones, while Clear-Cut swooped in and started burning them with his fire breath. Twilight kept her focus on the console, waging her own little battle against her alter ego’s programming. I’m actually fighting my own brain. She thought, quickly realizing that she needed to think of things she WOULDN’T think of. Her access did not go unnoticed. While Daydream had Midnight pinned in a sword lock, she heard an alert from the console and glanced at it to see there was a breach in security. Her eyes widened. “They’re not alone!” She exclaimed. “Someone’s in the weapon room!” Upon hearing that, Sundown smirked at Sparkler, who she was locked in her own sword lock with. “You’re a distraction.” She deduced. “Security’s understandably light here.” Sparkler remarked as she pushed Sundown back. Hearing that made Midnight raging furious as she pushed Daydream away, flared her wings and rocketed out of the control room. Sparkler saw this and turned directly to Daydream. “Go after her! I got Sundown!” She called out. Daydream didn’t need to be told twice as she flared her own wings and raced off after Midnight. Sundown growled as she kept the pressure on Sparkler. “You think you can stop us, think again! Once we take care of SMILE, this world is ours!” She declared. “Oh I can think of about eight billion people who will gladly disagree with you!” Sparkler responded as she defended herself. As Daydream chased after Midnight, she commed Team B. “Heads up! Midnight’s gunning it for you guys!” She warned. “Gah. Our hands are full as it is!” Sunset responded. “Keep her off us!” “As if I’d do anything else.” Daydream responded as she caught up to Midnight and tackled her to the ground, stopping her in her tracks. Midnight grunted as she hit the ground hard, the two rolled on the floor before they stopped. They got to their feet, with Daydream blocking Midnight’s path. “You will fall by my hand.” She declared. “Try it.” Daydream responded as they went at it again. Back in the control room, Sparkler was holding her own, but it was clear that without her gear, she was at a disadvantage, as Sundown was able to shatter the two combat rods she had made with her ring, before she roundhouse kicked Sparkler back. Sparkler grunted as she was knocked down onto the floor. “Oh. Did you lose your rods?” Sundown taunted. “Looks like without your gear you don’t have a chance.” She said. Sparkler panted as she started getting up. Sundown had a point, she wasn’t faring as well as she had last time. That’ll teach me to never leave home without my gear. She thought, she briefly wondered how she was gonna keep it up, before it dawned on her that she had something even better. The heck am I doing?! I have all I need on my finger! After mentally kicking herself for not remembering her power ring’s capabilities sooner, Sparkler smirked. “I don’t need my gear to beat you. Just my imagination.” She said. She concentrated hard and her ring glowed. Sundown saw it and momentarily wondered what was going on, before she shook her head and fired at Sparkler, intending to knock her out so she could take her for herself. The blast hit Sparkler and there was a puff of smoke, Sundown watched as the smoke cleared, to see something that made her furious, Sparkler was still standing, and suddenly had a round shield which had blocked the fire. “What!” She growled. Sparkler only gave her a smirk as she took the shield and threw it right at her, while also thinking up another weapon. Sundown blasted the shield out of existence, but from the resulting smoke, Sparkler came out at her with a pair of Tron Identity Discs, which she swung at Sundown. “Surprise!” She exclaimed as she began using her second wind. Back in the control room, the drones kept on coming, and Sunset, Clear-Cut, and Rudolph were all trying to keep them off Twilight. “How’s it coming Twi?” Sunset asked. “I’m past the initial access. Attempting to disrupt the charge.” Twilight responded as she continued her hacking. She’s using a similar codebase to my own whenever I program a new invention. She thought. Even though she despised Midnight and woulda preferred if she NEVER existed, she had to give Midnight credit for retaining her smarts. Speaking of Midnight, Daydream dodged a magical strike as she sent her own right back to Midnight. “You remember what happened during our LAST encounter right?” Daydream asked. “Oh I remember. And this time will be DIFFERENT!” Midnight growled as she blasted at Daydream with magic. To Be Continued… > Episode 13: Three Pronged Engagement Pt 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lunar Trench Celestial Sea December 23rd, 2022 2250hrs Midnight sent a shockwave of magic right at Daydream, who sent her own shockwave in a perpendicular orientation to slice through Midnight’s. She followed up with magical energy throwing stars right at Midnight. “You’ll need to try harder than that.” She quipped. “Oh I got more. SO much more!” Midnight growled as she dodged the stars and blasted at Daydream. Meanwhile, in the weapon room, Clear-Cut burned another drone with his fire breath, Sunset dual wielded hers and Twilight blasters against the drones, and Rudolph used his flight ability to kick, check, and bat drones into walls. “Twilight! How’s it going?” He asked. “Almost got it…” Twilight responded, after a few more key taps, she saw the screen change and the charge timer stop. She smiled as the progress bar emptied. “Weapon is Discharging! It’s safe to free the Generator!” She called out. Sunset beamed as she aimed the blasters and fired at the cage doors which granted access to the generator. The door was blasted off its hinge and fell to the ground. Rudolph landed next to Sunset. “Once I touch my antlers to it, it will shrink and I’ll be able to carry it in my mouth…But only for a limited time.” He said. “How long is that timeframe?” Sunset Asked. “Best guess? Ten minutes.” Rudolph responded. “Well they know we’re here so no use sneaking around, Let’s snatch and dash.” She said. Clear-Cut roared as he flapped his wings and rocketed out of the room, Rudolph watched him go. “Where’s he going?” “Probably back to Sparkler.” Twilight said. She tapped the earpiece Sparkler equipped all of them with. “Generator is secured, Commencing Evac.” She announced. In the Hall, Daydream smiled at Twilight’s announcement and smirked at Midnight. “Aww. Looks like your plan failed.” She said as she charged at Midnight and roundhouse kicked her into a wall, which knocked Midnight out cold. Right then, Clear-Cut shot passed her and down the hall. Daydream wondered where he was going, before it dawned on her. “Sparkler.” She deduced as she flapped her wings and flew after him. In the control room, Sparkler dodged a magical shot from Sundown and threw her disks so they bounced off walls and slammed into Sundown from different angles, before boomeranging right back to Sparkler. Sundown growled as she was hit, and became enraged when she heard the announcement. “You are NOT leaving here with that generator!” She growled as she levitated everything not bolted down and threw it at Sparkler, it was a lot. Sparkler just leapt out of the way of the debris again, and readied her ring again. “Oh but we are. And I think it’s time we did something about this base of yours.” She declared as she aimed and fired a sonic blast at the console. While Sundown had to cover her ears. The computer went haywire as a voice frizzled in. “Error, Error, System malfunction. Selselself destruct active. Total detonation armed, t-minus 15 minutes.” the computer said. “No! Dea-gah!” Sundown was cut off when she was knocked in the back of the head with one of Sparkler’s Disks. She growled as she turned around, only to be met with a giant crystal wall that slammed her against the wall. Sparkler smiled when Sundown was buried in the wall she made. “MAN I love this thing.” She said as she made her disks disappear. “It’s been fun Sundown. Please NEVER call again.” She said as she ran out of the control room. She met up with Clear-Cut and Daydream, and they all eventually caught up with Twilight, Sunset, and Rudolph. “Did Sundown set the self destruct Sparkler?” Sunset asked. “Nope, I did.” Sparkler responded. “Those demons aren’t going to be using it anymore so I figured I’d scuttle it with THEM still inside.” “I thought you had standing orders to capture them?” Twilight asked. “Capture if possible, destroy to save ourselves if needed. And they woulda slowed us down.” Sparkler said. “If they actually go down with this thing this will be the best Christmas ever.” Sunset said. Almost as if she had jinxed it, They all heard growling, and they turned to see Sundown and Midnight gunning it for them. “If we’re going down ALL of you are going down with us!” Midnight growled. Sparkler, seeing what needed to be done, turned to Clear-Cut. “Clear-Cut! Time to Crystal Pony Up!” She declared. Clear-Cut roared and flew in front of her, stopping, and glowing so that Sparkler would merge with him as she ran. As they merged, Sparkler transformed into her crystal pony up form, complete with her soundblaster guitar. “Go on ahead, I’ll deal with these demons.” She said as she turned and started playing the guitar, sending out a continuous sonic pulse that stopped the demons in their tracks. “Get to the Sparkmobile and get out of here!” Twilight and Sunset stopped while Daydream and Rudolph kept running, they turned around to look back at Sparkler. “What?!” Twilight asked. “What about you?” Sunset asked. “I’ll use my ring to protect myself from the water pressure long enough to catch up! GO!” Sparkler ordered. Twilight wanted to protest this idea, but Sunset gave her a look. They both knew there was no point in arguing with a trained secret agent. So instead Twilight just nodded. “You better catch up to us.” She said as she and Sunset ran after the others. Clear-Cut talked to Sparkler through her mind. “You DO realize that while it can make anything you can imagine, that doesn’t make it indestructible.” He said. “I know. But it’s a risk I’m willing to take to ensure that this demon business ends now!” Sparkler responded. “I would say you don’t need to go down with me, but I already know what you’re gonna do.” “If this is the end it’s been an honor.” Clear-Cut responded. Soon, Daydream and her friends blasted their way out onto the landing pad that they used to enter the facility. Rudolph placed the generator on it. “I can’t keep it shrunk anymore! Hang back!” He called as the generator began to grow. Within seconds, it returned to its true size. Once it was done, Twilight commed Flappy. “Flappy! Tow cable the generator. Sparkmobile should be able to carry it now.” She said. “On it.” Flappy responded as the Sparkmobile fired tow cables that wrapped around the generator, the Sparkmobile had moved inside the base shield at this point. Daydream grabbed Sunset and flew up with her into the Sparkmobile, Rudolph meanwhile urged Twilight to hop on. “Hop on, I’ll get you up there.” He said. Twilight nodded and mounted Rudolph, who flew the both of them into the Sparkmobile. Once everyone was on, Flappy piped up. “Where’s Sparkler?” He asked. “Stayed back to keep Sundown and Midnight from escaping, we got a minute before the whole place goes up.” Sunset responded. “She said she’ll catch up using her ring, punch it Flappy!” She said. “Aye aye.” Flappy responded as he threw the Sparkmobile into maximum throttle, and bolted out of the shield, with the Magic Generator in tow. He sent the Sparkmobile into a steep incline as Twilight looked back down on the base, which she saw was starting to crumble. “Come on Sparky…” She prayed Sparkler would make it. A few seconds later, the base absolutely went up and exploded. Everyone watched the destruction, and remained silent, waiting anxiously for a sign Sparkler survived. For a moment, nothing came up, nothing but silence. Until they all saw a crystal pod ascend from the chaos towards them. “Look! She made it!” Sunset exclaimed. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief as Sparkler made it aboard the Sparkmobile without them taking on TOO much water. “And that’s how ya end a mission.” Sparkler commented as Sunset and Twilight pulled her into a tight hug. “Oh thank god you made it Sparkler!” Twilight said. “Can you try not to have any more close calls?” Sunset asked. “I make no such promises.” Sparkler responded. She looked out the back window and saw the mushroom cloud of bubbles following them. “Not sure if they made it out. But I doubt they did.” She said. “So, that’s it? Sundown and Midnight are gone now?” Sunset asked. “I for one won’t miss them if they are.” Daydream responded. “A few people will be happy to hear that.” Sparkler responded. She turned back to the front. “Flappy, contact the North Pole, let them know we’re on our way back.” She said as the Sparkmobile swam towards the surface. Soon later, back down in the rubble of the base, it was dark, before a purple light glowed from underneath, before there was an explosion, followed by a magenta orb floating above the wreck, inside the orb were none other than a VERY ticked off Sundown and Midnight. “Foiled again!” Midnight growled. “They will PAY for this!” Sundown growled. To be continued… > Episode 14: The Nuclear Option > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- North Pole December 23rd, 2022 2330hrs “Ooh you guys shoulda seen it! It was so epic! When Sunset went all Captain Rex with her dual wielding the blaster pistols, Daydream went all avatar with Midnight. Oh! And when Sparkler remembered what her ring could really do and went all Captain Equestria and Tron on Sundown. They were all like whoosh, and then they were like hiya! And then Sparkler slammed Sundown with a Crystal wall! It was her best fight ever!” Cortana was fangirling a million miles a minute recapping what went down in the Lunar Trench for Alexander and Cornelius. Sparkler just chuckled and shook her head at Cortana’s recap as she, Daydream, and Twilight helped Flappy and Sunet to lower the recovered Magic Generator back into its proper place. Zora meanwhile shook from side to side to simulate shaking a head. “She could show a bit more majority for a sentient Artificial Intelligence.” She commented. “She’s just excited Zora. She just went on her first mission as a Sentient AI, one that’s only been around for about 5 months just like you.” Sparkler responded. “Yeah. I’m sure she’ll mellow out in time.” Daydream commented. The Generator soon touched the ground in exactly the right place, settling on the mounts screwed into the floor. After hearing the satisfying clank, Sparkler smiled. “Generator is secured in place.” She said, she glanced up at the Sparkmobile. “All good. Release tow cables.” She said. “Copy that.” Sunset responded. A moment later, the tow cables fell from the Sparkmobile, releasing the generator. “I’ll land and meet up with you guys.” She told them. “We’ll be here.” Sparkler responded as the Sparkmobile moved off to land. “Now we just need to reattach the cables and we’ll be all set.” Cornelius said. “Sparkler, Daydream, if you don’t mind?” He asked. “Sure thing Cornelius.” Sparkler responded as she and Daydream started hooking up the cables to the magic generator, reconnecting it to the grid. Alexander couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief. “We really can’t thank you guys enough for coming to help. You literally saved not just the world, but Christmas as well.” He said. “Well, we couldn’t let those two demons ruin a good day for millions of kids.” Twilight responded. “Luckily, it’s unlikely we’ll ever hear from them again.” “I’m sure that’ll make a lot of people happy.” Alexander responded. Twilight nodded. “Yeah.” She said. “So, where’s Santa? I had thought he would be there to greet us upon return.” She said. “He’s in the mail house, making sure we didn’t miss any requests before he takes off.” Alex responded. “Can’t have a kid disappointed on Christmas.” “Yeah that would really not be good after all this.” Twilight responded. “You can say that again.” Alex responded. “Speaking of mail, since we got you here we’ve been meaning to talk to you about—“ “Uh, Alexander?” Said an elf’s voice from Alexander’s watch, cutting Alex off.  He raised his watch to respond. “What’s going on George?” He asked. “We uh, we might have a small, teeny, MASSIVE problem.” George responded. Alex blinked, before he responded to George. “What…happened.” He asked simply. “This is bad. This is bad. This is very, very INCREDIBLY BAD!” Alex kept saying as he paced back and forth in the North Pole Hospital. Sunset, Twilight, and Sparkler were with him. Sunset raised an eyebrow, not knowing what happened. “So what happened?” She asked. “Santa and I were in the mailroom cross checking the requests with the manifest for tonight’s flight, when a cracked rack leg broke and fell right on him, burying him in filing boxes.” George from the postal department responded. “It was too quick to do anything.” He added. “HOW did that thing even break? It’s never broken before!” Alex exclaimed, exasperated. “We’ve never been attacked by a pair of demons before.” George responded. “A LOT of damage was caused.” “Oh dear god why did this need to happen NOW?!” Alex asked, going back to his pacing. “Alex, calm down, I’m sure Santa’s going to make it.” Sparkler told him. “Ultimately he’s probably fine.” Alex said. “That I have no doubt. THAT’S NOT THE PROBLEM!” He said. “He’s due to fly in 20 minutes. And with this accident now he’s at risk of not being cleared to fly!” He said. “Well don’t go panicking yet, the doctor’s still looking him over.” Twilight said. At that moment, the doors opened and a doctor elf came out. “Good news, he’s going to make it.” The elf said. “He’ll be back on his feet in no time.” “Please tell me no time means he’s already up.” Alex responded. “Still out cold unfortunately.” The elf responded. “Definitely won’t be cleared to fly tonight.” He reported. That sent Alex into a panic frenzy. “That’s it. We’re done. Presents won’t be delivered. Kids will wake up tomorrow and NOT find anything under their trees. They’ll stop believing in Christmas, and that’s bye bye Santa and Elves!” He said. “Don’t you guys have a backup for this scenario?” Sparkler asked. “Given we didn’t have a contingency for the magic generator being stolen what do you think?!” Alex retorted, before realizing his tone and sighed. “Sorry, just stressed out right now.” He apologized. “I know the feeling.” Twilight responded. “Isn’t there anyone here that can fly in Santa’s place?” “No. Elves are incapable of doing this flight. None of us are able to do what Santa can do to get into houses.” Alex responded. “If not for that, all we’d need is a Magic Organ and I wouldn’t be panicking right now.” He said. Sparkler listened to Alex’s explanation on why only Santa could do the flight, and when her brain connected that whoever flew needed to be able to get into houses quickly, and needed a Magic Organ, two things that she herself could do, it came back with an idea she KNEW was insane, but for some reason, still opened her mouth to suggest it. “…I could do it.” She said. At the utterance of that line, Alex stopped panicking and all eyes turned to stare at Sparkler. “...What?” Sunset asked after a moment. “I know it sounds insane, but if the only two prerequisites are being able to sneak into houses quickly and possession of a magic organ. A secret agent trained in infiltration, with a magic organ in her rib cage, is probably the best bet in this moment to fly in Santa’s place.” Sparkler reasoned. Everyone continued to stare at her, not entirely sure what to say to Sparkker’s suggestion. After a moment of no sound or movement, the doctor Elf reached into his pocket and pulled out what looked like a medical scanner. He held it out towards Sparkler and moved it from side to side at her. After checking the screen, he nodded. “She’s medically fit.” He said. That finally got Alex to snap out of his shock. “Sparkler. Setting aside another problem for just a moment. Do you realize what it is you’re volunteering to do?” He asked. “This is not just any mission. This is probably THE mission. You need to go faster than you’ve ever gone before. And also probably need to break several trespassing laws in order to pull this off.” He said. “There’s very little margin for error and you CANNOT trip any alarms that could signal local law enforcement agencies.” He told her. Sparkler heard him, and she quickly ran through all potential scenarios, and also making sure she was willing to go through with this. “I haven’t managed to trip any alarms alerting local law enforcement agencies so far. I’m confident I can pull it off.” She said as she stood up from her chair. “All I need is the list.” “That’s not all you need.” Alex responded. “You also need a sleigh, and the sleigh stored in the barn that USUALLY flies this mission will not respond to you. It will only respond to Santa.” “Maybe the real sleigh won’t.” Sparkler said. “But the Sparkmobile masquerading as a sleigh will.” “It will need to be pulled by the Reindeer. You must do everything you can to not be seen, but if a kid who successfully stays up all night waiting for Santa DOES see you…why burst the kid’s bubble.” Alex explained. “I’ll probably need to wear the suit too for that reason.” Sparkler reasoned. “Are you absolutely SURE about this?” Alex asked. “Yes. I am.” Sparkler responded. “Santa’s due to fly in 15 minutes. And as far as every kid worldwide is concerned, Santa WILL come to town.” Alex and Sparkler stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity. Everyone could feel the tension in the air. Finally, Alex nodded. “Let’s hope your infiltration skills pan out.” He said. “You’ll need every one of them.” Sparkler nodded her head in understanding. “Understood.” While Alex proceeded to the door to make preparations, Sunset and Twilight finally snapped out of it. “Sparkler.” “You’re really going to do this.” They said. “For the sake of every kid on this planet, you bet your rear ends I am.” Sparkler responded, determination clear in her demeanor. To be continued… > Episode 15: Prepping for launch > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- North Pole December 23rd, 2022 2349hrs “We can’t let Flappy access our computers directly. Privacy concerns and all that.” Cornelius told Twilight in the North Pole control room. “But, We can download both the flightplan and the manifest onto a flash drive. All the necessary information Sparkler needs access to to pull this off.” “Around the world in one night. Still impossible to actually imagine.” Twilight commented. “Anything’s possible with a little magic.” Cornelius responded. “You should know that by now.” He said. “Boy do I ever.” Twilight replied, thinking back to her experience with magic. She glanced around the control room, all the elves were taking their seats at their stations, ready to support the big flight. “Still can’t believe I‘m about to watch the ultimate mission this world has ever seen.” She commented. “Suppose you can thank that mail rack for breaking and knocking Santa out of commission.” Cornelius responded. “Otherwise you’d be long gone by now.” “Right, and of course I woulda rathered that rack NOT do that.” Twilight responded. “But you can’t blame me for being fascinated.” “Who wouldn’t.” “So, is the list going to be in order according to the flight plan?” Sunset asked. “Yes. Each kid and item has been compiled to go in order from the start of the flight to the end.” Cornelius said. “And the stops are even time coded to ensure Santa stays on schedule, with only a few minutes allowed for error.” He explained. “That’ll be appreciated by Sparkler I’m sure.” Daydream said. “First time Santa and she’s not getting any training beforehand. She’ll need to rely on everything she has now in order to pull this off.” Cornelius said. “Wait, you’re serious?” Rudolph asked as he walked beside Sparkler and Alex, who told him what happened. “Dead serious Rudolph.” Alex responded. “Santa’s out of commission so Sparkler’s flying in his place. Gather the Reindeer and get them into position in front of the Sparkmobile.” He said. “Aye aye! Can’t wait to fly with you Sparkler!” Rudolph responded as he galloped away. Sparkler meanwhile raised her watch as they neared the Sparkmobile. “Flappy, we’re going on Santa’s route due to injury. You’re gonna get to be the sleigh.” She said. “Sweet!” Flappy responded as Sparkler selected a sleigh and tapped the accept button. The Sparkmobile changed forms instantly to an elegant sleigh matching a known iteration of Santa’s Sleigh. “God bless Cornelius’s brain.” Alex commented. “That little invention of his saved Christmas.” “In more ways than one.” Sparkler responded. “Oy! Sparkler!” Called out Zora. Sparkler and Alex glanced behind them to see Zora and Cortana catch up to them. “We heard the news. You’re Santa now?” Cortana asked. “ACTING Santa.” Alex corrected. “For tonight only.” “But yeah.” Sparkler added. “Congratulations.” Zora responded. “And don’t worry. Zora, Clear-Cut and I–” “Nope, Santa always needs to fly Solo.” Alex cut Cortana off. “No drones or drag–” Clear-Cut roared angrily at Alex, a loud terrifying roar. Alex backed up a bit. “Fine, fine, No time to argue, Drones and dragon ok.” He said. Sparkler just facepalmed. “Clear-Cut!” She snapped. “Did you really need to shout like that?” She asked. Clear-Cut roared in response, saying he was not going to separate from her this time. Sparkler rolled her eyes. “Oh get over it. I needed you with team B because they needed all the protection they could get.” She said. Alex took a deep breath, before gesturing to the main building. “Right, well, come on, it’s time to get you dressed.” He said. He led Sparkler and Clear-Cut into the main building, right up into Santa’s office, and came back from a closet with the Santa suit on a hanger. “Here, put this on, and while you’re doing that, I’m gonna need to see your watch.” He said. “Why?” Sparkler asked. “So I can load a special nonlethal Neuro-agent spray into it that will erase a kid’s memory of you should they catch you. Standard S.O.S. protection protocol.” Alex explained. Sparkler eyed him for a second, before undoing her wrist watch strap and handing the watch to him. “Will the suit scale down to my size when I put it on?” She asked as she took the hanger. “Yes it will.” Alex responded. “It’s magically coded to fit its wearer, so long as it recognizes that you intend to fly tonight, which it will.” “Good to know.” Sparkler responded as she ducked into the closet and began to change, Clear-Cut and Alex waited by Santa’s Desk. While he was working on the watch, Alex called to Sparkler. “A few things to keep in mind for tonight.” He said. “Shoot.” Sparkler responded. “The Santa bag is linked to the list and the flightplan.” Alex responded. “So long as you go to the exact houses on the list, all the houses in that town will get their gifts and get the right ones.” He explained. “So basically I just need to go to one house to cover a whole town?” Sparkler asked. “Yep.” Alex said. “Well that explains a bit how Santa hits the whole world in one night.” Sparkler commented. “It IS handy. That’s for sure.” Alex said. “Next up, Put the milk and cookies left out in separate pockets in the suit. If you want any along the way you can eat them and drink the milk.” “Cookies and milk in separate pockets? You mean in the suit?” Sparkler asked. “Yes. Don’t worry the pockets are bigger than they look, and liquid proof.” Alex responded. “So what happens when the flight’s over?” Sparkler asked. “We convert the milk and cookies to resources we need that the magic generator can’t make. Such as toy making supplies and the like.” Alex responded. “It’s called bio-recycling.” “Huh…Smart, and maybe a tad gross.” Sparkler replied honestly. “Don’t worry we make sure everything comes out safe for kids to play with. When you’re in a frozen desert, you gotta make do with what you have.” Alex said. “Fair enough.” Sparkler said as she tightened the belt on the Santa suit, the final piece to the look. As soon as she did that, she felt the suit automatically start to fit her form comfortably, so that it didn’t look like she was wearing a sack. When she felt the suit settle, she stepped out of the closet. Alex blinked, as if not believing what he was seeing. “Well look at that.” He said. “How does it look?” Sparkler asked. “It suits you.” Alex responded. Clear-Cut roared and flapped his wings to return to his rightful place on Sparkler’s shoulder, upon doing that, magic surrounded him and dressed him up in a cute little elf outfit. Sparkler giggled. “Looks like you get to be my little elf helper.” She told Clear-Cut. “Now, Are you ready for the mission of your life?” Alex asked as he handed Sparkler her watch back. Sparkler gave a determined nod in response as she took the watch and strapped it to her wrist. “Operation Santa Claus is coming to Town is go.” She said, Clear-Cut let out a roar, a roar of determination when about to enter into a mission. To be continued… > Episode 16: Dashing All The Way > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- North Pole December 23rd, 2022 2355hrs In the town square, elves were gathering around, there to see the sleigh off on its worldwide journey. Twilight and Cornelius inserted the Flash Drive with the necessary mission information into the Sparkmobile’s Dash. “Here Flappy. Everything Sparkler needs to pull this off.” “Acknowledged and received.” Flappy responded. “Excuse me Flappy.” Zora the drone chimed in. “Could you maybe add the pylons so Cortana and I could dock up for the trip?” She asked. “I’ll see what I can do.” Flappy responded. A second later, a pair of tiny wings poked out the sides of the sleigh, the pylons for Cortana and Zora.  “That’ll do nicely.” Zora said as she and Cortana docked. Up front, one of the front Reindeer eyed Rudolph suspiciously. “I am confused.” He said. “Santa is out of commission. So why are we being reined in for flight?” He asked. “Because we still have a job to do and we’re going to do it.” Rudolph announced. “But Santa is out of commission.” Another reindeer responded. “We cannot fly without him.” “We cannot fly without SANTA. But the mantle of Santa is not bound to just one individual.” Rudolph responded. While the other reindeer did not quite understand what Rudolph meant by that, Cornelius glanced around idly until he saw Alex, and a suited up Sparkler approaching. “Right on time.” He commented. Everyone turned to see Sparkler and Alex approaching, and while all the elves looked on in awe, as they always did whenever Santa got ready to fly, Sunset and Twilight admired Sparkler for some different reasons. And they would be the first to admit that one of those reasons was pure eye candy. DARN IT their girlfriend absolutely rocked that Santa outfit! “You suit up nicely there Sparkler.” Daydream said when Sparkler approached. “Thanks Daydream.” Sparkler responded as Alex approached Cornelius. “Everything good to go?” Alex asked. “Presents loaded, Flappy’s armed with the knowledge Sparkler needs to pull this off. All systems go.” Cornelius responded. “And now we clench our butts hoping nothing happens.” Alex responded. Meanwhile, Sunset and Twilight smiled at Sparkler. “Best Christmas ever. If only because you absolutely rock that outfit Sparks.” Sunset commented. Sparkler blushed and giggled at Sunset’s comment. “Thanks.” She said. “Nervous?” Twilight asked. “A little bit. Not gonna lie.” Sparkler responded, trying to keep her breathing under control from the second thoughts she was beginning to have. “Don’t worry Sparkler.” Daydream, who had come up beside Sunset, said. “You got this.” “Thanks for the confidence.” Sparkler responded. “Listen, I’m sure that if you three asked, they’d Kringle Bridge you back to Saddle Arabia. Just, tell my parents SMILE recalled me.” She told them. “Sparkler?” Sunset asked, confused. “What’re you talking about?” “Well, I DID kinda volunteer for this insane mission without talking to you girls first.” Sparkler responded. “With the Sparkmobile out and about you three are pretty much stranded here…” She said. Indeed, when her brain caught up to her actions, she immediately realized that she was effectively stranding her friends in the North Pole for an extra day. Twilight got what Sparkler was trying to say, and smiled as she took Sparkler’s hands on her own. “Sparkler, there are plenty of things we could say right now, but we don’t have time, so we’ll just say this. We’ll be right here when you get back.” “And we’ll be with you through coms the whole time.” Sunset said, before she and Twilight each took a turn to lightly Kiss Sparkler’s lips, an act Sparkler gladly returned. “Now.” Daydream said after the kisses. “Go out there and be what we all know you to be.” She encouraged Sparkler. Sparkler took a deep breath, and nodded. “Right, thanks girls.” She said as she gave Sunset and Twilight gave her hands one more gentle, loving squeeze, before the three gave Space for the sleigh to take off. Sparkler spied Rudolph, looking back at her with an encouraging smile. She smiled back as she quickly approached the lead Reindeer. “Hey Rudolph, mind if I ask a favor?” She asked him in a hushed voice. “Anything you need.” Rudolph responded in an equally hushed voice. “Not sure how quickly I’m gonna pick up sleigh piloting so I might need you to do most of the piloting at first.” Sparkler requested, embarrassed over having to ask. “Don’t worry, Sparks. I gotcha all the way.” Rudolph responded, giving her an encouraging smile and wink. “It’s actually easier than you think though, so I’m sure you’ll pick up real quick.” He told her. “Thanks Rudolph.” Sparkler responded. “I’ll try my best. I promise.” “Let’s fly high.” Rudolph responded. Sparkler nodded and walked back to the sleigh itself, Alex and Cornelius helped her settle into the pilot’s seat. “You know On Dasher on Dancer?” Cornelius asked. “Yep.” Sparkler responded. “Good, go through that, and then say dash away Rudolph to get going. Should only need to do that once.” Cornelius explained. “Got it. Thanks.” Sparkler responded. “Give us 5 minutes to get to the control room and then we’ll be available the whole time to guide you.” Alex told her. “I appreciate it.” Sparkler responded as she took the reins. “And one final thing. Don’t crack the reins too much. The reindeer already know to go fast. Cracking the reins too much just annoys the heck out of them.” Cornelius warned her. That got Sparkler to chuckle a bit. “Duly noted.” She said. “Good luck, Santa Spark.” Alex told her as he and Cornelius back up from the sleigh. Sparkler nodded and looked straight on ahead. “Ok, here we go.” She said. “You are cleared for launch! Go Santa go!” Cornelius called out. “Go go go!” All the elves chanted in unison in response. Sounded like a tradition. Sparkler nodded, and went for it. “On Dasher, on Dancer, on Prancer and Vixen.” One by one, as the reindeer were named, they stomped their foreheads and smacked their antlers together. “On Comet, on Cupid, on Doner and Blitzen.” Sparkler gripped the reins as she prepared to crack. “Dash away Rudolph!” She called out as she cracked the reins. Rudolph felt the crack and smiled. “Let’s rock and roll!” He called out as he glowed his bright red nose and he and all eight reindeer started galloping, pulling the sleigh. Sparkler and Clear-Cut braced themselves as they took off into the air. Flying towards the hole that led to the outside world. Back on the ground, Alex nodded. “Alright elves, let’s get to the control room, She’s gonna need all the help she can get!” He called out. Everyone gathered acknowledged his statement and they all moved towards the main building, headed for North Pole control. Well, almost everyone, Daydream herself stopped when she felt something, a disturbance. “What?” She asked in a hushed voice. She looked back towards the outgoing sleigh. She concentrated on the disturbance, before her eyes widened in realization. “Horseapples.” She said as she flared her wings and took off after the Sparkmobile sleigh, a slight panic in her demeanor over what she sensed. Outside, Midnight and Sundown were standing right at the edge of where the hole would appear. “Finally!” Sundown commented. “We made it.” “And now we can destroy this place and end this wretched holiday once and for all!” Midnight growled. At that moment, the hole opened up, and not two seconds later, Sundown and Midnight barely avoided being smacked by reindeer hooves and sleigh landing struts as Santa and her reindeer blasted out of the hole and soared into the night. Sundown watched the sleigh go and smirked wickedly as she flared her wings. “And we’ll start by destroying that fat jolly saint himself!” She declared. To be continued… > Episode 17: Final Confrontation (For now) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- North Pole December 24th, 2022 0000hrs Rudolph and the reindeer pulled the sleigh through the air over the North Pole, going as fast as they could. Sparkler, in the sleigh itself, was taking deep breaths, calming herself down from the exhilaration of going as fast as they were. “Ok this is faster than I thought.” She commented, making a mental note to brace herself every time the rest of the mission. Once she calmed down enough to focus, she addressed Flappy. “Alright Flappy, Where to first?” She asked. She saw her Glasses HUD light up with a map, on one side and the list on the other. “Griffonia in Griffonstone.” Flappy responded.  “Right. Let’s see if they’re ready on the Kringle–” Sparkler was cut off when something slammed into the sleigh and knocked it to the side. The resulting explosion knocked the sleigh off course and temporarily spun out of control. “What the?!” Sparkler gripped the reins tight and she and a startled Rudolph struggled to regain control, which they did in a few moments. “What the hay was that?!” Rudolph called out. “Warning! Two incoming bogeys at 2 o’clock!” Flappy responded. Sparkler glanced back in the direction Flappy called out, and her eyes widened when she saw what was coming, or rather, WHO was coming. “Are you freaking kidding me right now?!” She exclaimed. “Two bogies are converging on Santa Spark!” An Elf called out as Alex, Sunset and Twilight dashed into the control room. Not even 2 minutes after Sparkler left did the alarms go off. “Two minutes in and we already have a problem, on screen!” Alex responded. The screen lit up, and everyone saw the sleigh being attacked by two familiar people. Sunset and Twilight couldn’t believe it. “You have got to be KIDDING me!” Sunset said. “We left them in an exploding base at the bottom of the Lunar Trench!” Twilight said as they watched SUNDOWN SHIMMER AND MIDNIGHT SPARKLE attack Sparkler. “Apparently these girls are like cockroaches.” Said Daydream through a com system. A viewer showed her flying towards the action. “How much time do we have to deal with this before Sparkler falls behind schedule?” She asked. “There’s an hour of buffer time total worked into the plan.” Cornelius responded. “However, realistically I say about 5 minutes MAX.” “Roger that.” Daydream responded. Back in the air, Sparkler and Rudolph worked together to dodge out of the line of fire whenever they could, with Midnight and Sundown chasing after the sleigh and firing wildly at it. “Sweet Kribble Krabble! I think they’re angry.” Rudolph commented. “Gee, Ya think?!” Sparkler responded. Soon, Midnight caught up to the sleigh and peered into the seat. “Well if it isn’t–WHAT?!” She exclaimed when she saw Sparkler, totally not what she thought she’d see. “YOU!” She growled. “Yes. It’s me.” Sparkler responded as she aimed her watch and fired lasers at Midnight, who shielded herself. “We WERE going to destroy Santa Claus and cancel Christmas forever.” Midnight said. “But I’ll GLADLY take you instead!” Sundown flew on the other side of the sleigh and saw Sparkler. “You?!” She asked, shocked. “You’re not Santa!” “And YOU’RE not supposed to be here.” Sparkler retorted as Clear-Cut roared and breathed fire on Sundown, Midnight and Sundown were forced away some. “Zora, Cortana, could use a hand here!” Sparkler called. “Copy that Sparkler.” Zora responded as she and Cortana undocked from their pylons and went after Midnight and Sundown, firing lasers at them. Daydream meanwhile caught up to the Sleigh and flew alongside it. “These girls are cockroaches. They just don’t die.” She said. “Yeah. Any ideas?” Sparkler responded. “I do actually have one.” Daydream responded. She contacted the control room. “Is the Kringle Bridge primed?” She asked. “Primed and ready, but we can’t open a vortex when they can fly through it after Sparkler.” Cornelius responded. “What if we tricked them into flying through it INSTEAD of Sparkler? And send them to the south pole on the opposite side of the planet?” Daydream asked. “Will that even work? This isn’t a movie.” Cornelius responded. “They aim to destroy the sleigh right? So they’re likely to follow her anywhere. If she pulls away at the last second, that will give them no time to react.” Daydream reasoned. “And since they’ll be on the opposite side of the world, we shouldn’t hear from them again.” Sparkler added. “Worth a shot I guess.” Cornelius responded. “Setting vortex coordinates. Shall I dump them in a cave?” “Absolutely.” Sparkler responded. “Actually, I just had a better idea.” Daydream chimed in, a better thought coming to her. “If the Kringle Bridge can reach as far, let’s dump them on the moon. Banish them like Celestia banished Nightmare Moon a thousand year ago.” “The Moon?” Sparkler asked. “Where they won’t be bothering us again for a very good while at least.” Daydream reasoned. “I second that.” Sunset said over coms. “The Kringle Bridge CAN reach that far. Alright, I’ll dial in the vortex coordinates. Tell me when to open.” Cornelius said. Sparkler nodded. “Rudolph! Straight ahead. And get ready to pull up on my signal!” She called. “Roger that Sparkler!” Rudolph responded as he steered the sleigh into a straight line. Sparkler smiled and contacted Zora and Cortana. “Zora, Cortana, break off and regroup with the sleigh. We’re pulling a fast one on those demons.” She said. “Copy that, circling back around.” Zora responded as she and Cortana flew back to the sleigh. Sparkler glanced at Clear-Cut. “Wanna grow giant and tail whip them through the vortex?” She asked. Clear-Cut roared in response and flared his wings. Hopping off Sparkler’s shoulder and diving down from the sleigh, He glowed and started growing to the size of the giant dragon that he was when he first emerged from the pendant. Sundown and Midnight in the meanwhile chased down Zora and Cortana, blasting away at the drones. Zora and Cortana dodged each shot with ease and made it to the Sleigh, docking backup on their pylons. Daydream smirked as she took shots at Midnight and Sundown, wanting to make sure they chased after them. “You demons must be really slow if you haven’t managed to stay on the sleigh’s tail this whole time!” She taunted. “Oh we’ll show you slow!” Sundown growled as she and Midnight blasted towards them, not seeing what Clear-Cut was doing. Sparkler glanced back at the incoming demons. “That’s it, closer, closer…” She eyed where Clear-Cut was, and when she saw Clear-Cut grow, she smiled. “Open the Vortex NOW!” She instructed. Seconds later, the vortex opened up, and Sparkler gripped the reins, she waited for as long as she could, before she yanked hard on the reins. “Climb climb climb!” She called. Rudolph arced up and led the reindeer and the sleigh to climb in altitude at a sharp angle, exposing the demons to the vacuum of the vortex, which they were caught in before they could react. Sundown and Midnight gasped as they immediately did a u-turn and flapped their wings as hard as they could to try and escape. “No! It will NOT end like this!” Midnight growled. “We’ll be back!” Clear-Cut, who was now full sized, roared loudly and proceeded to whip his tail at them, Sundown saw it coming and deadpanned. “Not again.” She said as she and Midnight were smacked into the vortex by the tail. The Moon… A vortex opened on the moon, and after a second, Midnight and Sundown were spat out of it and they crashed onto the surface. They came to and got up as the vortex closed, effectively trapping them on the smaller planetoid. Due to them being magical beings, they didn’t suffocate from lack of oxygen, but they DID see the earth from their position, and after a few moments of silence, Midnight let out a terrifying scream. “Grah! When we get back to Earth, they will PAY for this!” She growled. “IF we ever get back.” Sundown commented. “They actually pulled a Nightmare Moon on us…I can’t believe I’m saying this, but clever thinking.” She admitted. Meanwhile, back over the North Pole, Sparkler watched the Vortex close, and trap Midnight and Sundown on the Moon. “And THAT ladies and gentlemen, is how you deal with cockroach Grinches and Scrooges.” She said. “You can say that again.” Daydream responded. In the control room, the elves were cheering in celebration while Twilight and Sunset hugged each other, their eyes watering. “Finally. They’re really gone.” Sunset said. “For a great while at least.” Twilight responded. “Hopefully they don’t return in our lifetime.” Alex smiled as he and Cornelius fist bumped each other. “We should limit the range of the Kringle Bridge.” Alex said. “Just to make sure it can’t go that far again.” “On my todo list.” Cornelius responded. “For now, priming the Kringle Bridge to take Santa Spark to Griffonstone.” He said. Out in the north pole, Daydream smiled as Clear-Cut shrunk back down and took his seat next to Sparkler. “You really are Santa Spark.” She said. “You just helped to give the world the greatest gift of all, safety from a pair of lunatics.” She said. “Couldn’t have done it alone.” Sparkler responded. “Sparkler, Prepare to Kringle Bridge to Griffonstone.” Cornelius told her. “Acknowledged.” Sparkler responded. She glanced back at Daydream. “See you back at the North Pole?” She asked. “See you in 24 hours.” Daydream responded as she made a U-turn, right as the vortex opened up in front of the sleigh. Sparkler smiled as she called out to Rudolph. “Ready to get back on track Rudolph?” She asked. “Ready when you are, Santa.” Rudolph responded. “Then by all means, Dash away.” Sparkler said as they flew through the vortex. To be continued… > Episode 18: A Not so Jolly Encounter > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- North Pole December 24th, 2022 0300hrs In the North Pole Hospital, the elf doctor came into the room they set Santa up in when he heard a noise coming from the baby monitor (They are not just good for babies) on his desk. He looked to the bed to see Santa sitting up. “Santa!” He exclaimed as he rushed over to his side. “Santa, are you ok?” He asked. Santa let out a groan in response. “I feel like I just fell off the sleigh and hit my head” He commented as he rubbed his temple. “Precisely why you’re not flying tonight.” The doctor responded. “Oh, no no no I can’t sit here I need to–” Santa froze when he noticed a clock on the wall, and what it said. “God Silver Bells!” He exclaimed as he realized he was late. He proceeded to get out of bed and ran out of the room before the doctor could stop him. “Santa! Wait! You should be taking it easy!” The doctor called out as he ran after him. In the control room, Everyone was working hard supporting Sparkler through the night. “That is Griffonstone, Seaquestria, Hippogriffock and Dragonland complete. She’s moving on to Trottingham now.” An Elf reported. “Making good time.” Alex responded. “Alex!” Came a familiar voice that made everyone jump. Alex, Sunset, Daydream, Twilight, and Cornelius turned to see a panicked Santa rush into the control room. “Alex, Prep the sleigh and saddle the reindeer. We’re 3 hours off schedule and we need to go now!” He said. Alex stared at his boss in shock. “Santa, You’re up.” He said. “Yes, and three hours late.” Santa responded. “We need to get going!” “Don’t worry Santa.” Cornelius responded. “We’re way ahead of you.” He told Santa. It was then when Santa noticed a trio of girls standing in the control room. “Sunset? Twilight? Daydream? You’re back from the trench.” He said. “Yes we are. And we managed to get the generator back, before you were due to fly.” Twilight responded. Santa raised an eyebrow in confusion, he looked between the girls and Alex. “...Something tells me I missed a few things.” He said. “Well sir, you were knocked out by a mail rack avalanche 20 minutes before you were due to take off, and…well, just take a look at the screen.” Alex responded. Santa glanced at the big screen, and at first he didn’t see anything but the roof of a house. It didn’t take him long to realize the feed was from one of the reindeer. “The presents are being delivered?” He asked. “By who?” It was at that moment when he saw a pair of gloves grab onto the roof, followed by a girl pulling herself up onto the roof, a girl decked out in the Santa suit, carrying his bag. His eyes widened as he saw who it was. “Sparkler?” Dragonland December 24th, 2022 0310hrs On the roof of a house in Dragonland, Sparkler hoisted herself back up onto the roof after sneaking out through a window, just like she had to do pretty much for every stop since she couldn’t fit down most chimneys. “Ya know, I think I get how Santa has never gotten bored of doing this every year.” She commented as she got fully on the roof. “No two houses are decorated the same, and some people REALLY go out.” “What was in this house?” Rudolph asked. “A tree which had its ornaments meticulously arranged to make a picture of Santa. And they had LED strips that were shaped to resemble the outlines of the reindeer and sleigh. Seriously, I would never think of any of that in a million years.” Sparkler responded as she reached into a suit pocket. “Christmas can bring out the creativity in people.” Rudolph responded with a smile. “And it’s been fun to see the impressive displays.” Sparkler responded as she pulled out some bite-sized carrots. “Anywho, this family left out something for you guys too. Carrots.” She announced. “Sweet! I love carrots!” Rudolph responded excitedly as Sparkler fed each of the 9 reindeer a carrot, each Reindeer thanked Sparkler and accepted their carrot. After feeding the reindeer, Sparkler climbed back into the sleigh, and pulled out a pair of cookies from a pocket. “Here Clear-Cut.” She said as she gave a cookie to her dragon. “Chocolate Chip cookie this time.” Clear-Cut let out a hushed roar in thanks as he took the cookie and started nibbling it. Sparkler smiled as she snacked on her own cookie while waiting the required two minutes so the reindeer could digest what she just fed them. Of course with Alex’s consent. “It’s a 24 hour mission. Of course they’ll need a few snacks to keep their energy up.” He had said the first time around. “Now that Dragonland is out of the way, the next place to go is Saddle Arabia.” Flappy told Sparkler. “Mm. Is my hometown the first town in that country?” Sparkler asked. “It is indeed.” Flappy responded. “Neat.” Sparkler responded as she finished her cookie and took the reins, the two minutes being up by now. “Alright, let’s–” “Well well well. What is it that we have here?” Asked an unfamiliar male voice that spooked everyone on the roof. Sparkler instinctively armed her watch just in case things got hostile while they saw a man with a staff reveal himself from behind a chimney stack, with a devious smirk on his face. Rudolph took one look at the man and rolled his eyes, recognizing him. “Oh great. It’s YOU.” He said. “You know him Rudolph?” Sparkler asked. “He should. After all, I visit the North Pole every year.” the man said as he approached the sleigh. “As for you, I believe some introductions are in order. The name’s Frost, Jack Frost.” Jack introduced himself. “What the Candy Cane do you want Jack?” Rudolph asked. “We’re busy.” “Are you?” Jack asked as he looked Sparkler up and down. “Did the big guy have a daughter he didn’t tell his fellow legendary figures about? Or is something else going on?” He asked. Clear-Cut let out a low growl at Frost, sensing the clear mischief in his voice while Sparkler eyed Jack cautiously. “I can assure you that nothing fishy is going on.” Sparkler told him. “Really? The North Pole is attacked for the first time ever and suddenly a teenage girl is wearing the big guy’s suit and flying his Sleigh. Makes one wonder.” Jack commented. “Did the big guy meet his end and you’re the new Santa, or maybe something more nefarious.” Frost had leaned in closer, and Sparkler had leaned back in response, now she was feeling slightly uncomfortable. “Look, you can ask Santa yourself. I have their blessing to be here right now.” She told Frost. “Oh I will. And I think the other legendary figures will be VERY interested in this little development.” Frost responded. “If I were you, I’d take that suit off and send Rudolph and the others home.” He warned as he jumped off the roof and used his staff to make an Ice slide to fly off. As soon as he was gone, Sparkler pressed a button to com the North Pole. “Hey, guys? We just ran into Jack Frost.” She said. “We saw.” Cornelius responded as Sparkler cracked the reins and they took off into the sky. “And heard everything.” He added. “Should I be worried about divine retribution?” Sparkler asked. “Nah. The Legendary Council’ll understand the situation.” Cornelius responded. “Speaking of, Got someone here who wants to talk to you.” He said. After a second, a new voice came through the Com system. “I must say Sparkler that you make a good Santa.” Sparkler nearly fell on her side when she heard the voice of the REAL SANTA speaking. “Santa!” She shrieked in surprise. “You’re up!” “Yeah. Woke up not too long ago. Imagine my surprise to see you in the sleigh out delivering presents.” Santa responded. Sparkler at that moment became very very worried that Santa was mad at her. “Yeah…I hope you don’t mind that I went out in your stead, I heard you wouldn’t be cleared to fly and I just…Well I didn’t want kids worldwide to be disappointed on Christmas due to something they’ll never know.” She explained. There was silence for a moment, before she heard Santa chuckling through the coms. “Bless your soul Sparkling Medley.” He said. “You really have a heart of gold to go beyond our initial agreement and take on this critical mission when you coulda just left.” “My conscience probably woulda yelled at me for that.” Sparkler admitted. Another chuckle in response. “So, How does it feel being Santa?” Santa asked. “Well, I understand now why you don’t get bored doing this every year. You would not believe some of the decorations people put up.” Sparkler said. “I would never think to do some of the stuff I’ve seen tonight.” “I know right?” Santa asked. “I’m blown away every year. Christmas really brings out the creativity in people.” “You can say that again.” Sparkler responded as they soared in the air, a conversation ensuing about the most creative decorations they’ve seen. To be continued… > Episode 19: The time for Family and Holly and Jolly > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Around the world December 24th, 2022 Several hours Throughout the night, Sparkler and the reindeer continued their flight around the world, and when they stopped at a house, Sparkler, not being able to fit through chimneys, had to get creative when getting in. Zora and Cortana were extremely helpful most of the time due to their security jamming abilities and their ability to project a camouflage screen to shield both the sleigh and Sparkler from any external surveillance. Whenever she snuck in, Sparkler internally thanked SMILE for equipping Zora and Cortana with sensor jamming capabilities, because otherwise Derrick might have been on her tail about all the trespassing she was doing. “For a good cause.” She always told herself whenever her conscience objected to breaking and entering. One by one, they cleared out country after country. Successfully delivering gifts to kids everywhere, and if one of them happened to catch her in the act, a quick spray of the special neuro-agent protected the Secret of Santa…as much as she hated having to do that. Meanwhile, back at the pole, An Elf Spoke up. “Santa! Multiple Legendary level signatures converging on Sparkler’s final destination.” “Legendary level?” Santa asked. “Oh no. The fool actually told them.” He groaned as he realized what happened.” “Who told who?” Sunset asked. “Jack Frost told the Legendary Council, Sandman, Tooth Fairy, Cupid, all of them, that Sparkler was flying in my place. And he probably told them in a way that made it look like it was deliberate and malicious.” Santa explained. “But that’s not true at all.” Sunset responded. “Right, but they probably do not know that. Alex is Sparkler flying my Sleigh?” Santa asked. “No sir, she’s flying the Sparkmobile masquerading as the sleigh.” Alex responded. “Alright plan B, Speaker phone.” Santa responded. “Patch me through.” “Something tells Jack’s not all that benevolent.” Daydream commented in a hushed voice “You know about Q from Star Trek?” Cornelius asked. “Yes.” Sunset, Twilight, and Daydream said. “It’s like that.” Cornelius responded. “Frost is Q, Santa and the rest of the Legendary Figures are Every Starfleet officer he’s messed with. I’d say he’s 60% friend and 40% that one guy that’s ultimately harmless but likes to mess with people.” He explained. Daydream and her friends shared worried glances at each other, they all heard the way Jack was talking to Sparkler. They all were thinking the same thing. That they would see Jack again after this adventure. Mayor’s house Canterlot City December 24th, 2022 2330hrs By the time Sparkler made it to her final stop, which was surprisingly Canterlot City, Sparkler knew for a fact that she would be out like a light the moment she got back to her parents’ house after this. But at the same time, she could definitely pat herself on the back for actually managing to pull it off. “Whew, What a night.” She commented. “Definitely long, that’s for certain.” Rudolph responded as they landed on the Mayor’s roof. “But it’s worth it to bring joy to kids everywhere.” He added. “Yeah.” Sparkler responded. “Now, Flappy, you Zora and Cortana are jamming SMILE’S sensors in this area right?” She asked. It was not lost on her the MAJOR risk she was at with the Sparkmobile being on the roof of Canterlot’s Mayor’s house. “This area has been browned out as far as sensors go.” Flappy responded. “And Zora and Cortana are again jamming the security systems. Just like every other time, you should have no trouble sneaking in.” Sparkler took a deep breath. She again told herself that it was for a good cause to ease her conscience and that Santa needed to do it too in order to do what he did, and raised her watch to call up a house floorplan to find the best way in. “Tonight’s gonna haunt me for a bit no doubt.” She said under her breath as she got out of the sleigh and slung the Santa Bag over her shoulder. “Haunt you?” Rudolph asked as he glanced back at Sparkler. “As a secret agent, one of the very first things they grill into you during training is to respect all local laws while on a mission whenever possible.” Sparkler responded. “I probably broke several laws tonight to get in and deliver presents.” She explained. “Not exactly good for my conscience.” “If it’s any consolation, you breaking the law means a lot of happy kids waking up to gifts under the tree.” Rudolph told her. “That’s what I’ve been telling myself.” Sparkler responded. “Still doesn’t do very much for my conscience.” “Well, at least you only need to do it one more time.” Dasher commented. “For real Sparkler, we all owe you a debt of gratitude, you saved Christmas for literally millions. Going WAY above and beyond the initial request.” He said. “Well, I couldn’t have done it without you guys.” Sparkler responded. “You guys are the real MVPs for getting Santa everywhere.” “It’s what we do.” Rudolph responded. Sparkler nodded as she located the way in nearest to the Christmas tree. “Right, well, wish me luck.” She said as she went to slide off the roof. Before she did though, she was stopped in her tracks by an arrow that was shot right in front of her. The sudden arrow appearance spooked Sparkler, made her drop the bag, and almost immediately raise both her watch and her ring and start looking around for the archer that shot the arrow. She glanced around to find nothing at first, before she heard a voice from behind and above her. “So what Frost said was true…For once.” Said a male voice. Sparkler immediately swerved around and aimed right at the source of the voice…to see a winged man in a diaper, and a quiver full of Arrows. “What the…” She said out loud. The flying man raised his hands the moment he was aimed at. “Whoa whoa hey. Easy with those things. No need to be alarmed.” He said. Sparkler lowered her arms slightly as she realized who this guy was. “C-Cupid?” She asked. “At your service.” Cupid responded. “What’re you doing here Cupid?” Rudolph asked. “I called him here.” Said a familiar voice. Sparkler whirled around to see Jack Frost land on the roof. “Frost.” Sparkler IDed him, and aimed an arm at him. “That’s me, and we’re not alone.” Frost responded. At that moment, Sparkler heard Santa’s voice through her earpiece. “Sparkler put me on speaker, you’re about to have company.” He said. Sparkler’s eyes widened as she became surrounded by other people. Given that Frost and Cupid were there, she deduced who these other newcomers were, At least some of them. The Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, and Sandman. “Yeah…No kidding.” She responded to Santa. “Greetings Sparkling Medley.” Said a woman in regal attire. “I am Mother Nature.” Mother Nature introduced herself. Sparkler glanced around, her guard still up. “Flappy.” She said. “Erect a soundproof cloaking dome around everyone here.” She said. “Aye Sparkler.” Flappy said as a purple transparent dome erected around everyone there.  Once the dome closed off and became invisible, Sparkler turned her attention to the Newcomers. “Now we can speak without anyone in the surrounding area seeing or hearing us.” She told them. “Considerate, but unnecessary.” Mother Nature said. “By our nature, us Legendary Figures are invisible and soundless to outsiders when we all gather.” She informed Sparkler. “Sparkler, put me on Speaker, please.” Santa repeated. “Alright Santa, Flappy, put him on speaker.” Sparkler told Flappy. “On speaker now.” Flappy responded. “Hello, can you guys hear me?” Santa asked. “We can hear you Santa.” Tooth Fairy responded. “Great.” Santa responded. “Frost what the heck were you thinking?” “I merely brought my concerns to the council. They motioned to come investigate.” Frost responded. “Tattletale.” Rudolph spat at Frost. Clearly annoyed with the Herald of Winter. “Look, I don’t want any trouble.” Sparkler told the Legendary figures. “There was an accident at the North Pole, and I was the only one capable of flying in Santa’s place so I volunteered for this.” “It’s true.” Santa chimed in. “Accident in the mail house, I was deemed unfit to fly, and Sparkler had all the necessary prerequisites to fly in my place.” “And this came after she helped us get back the Magic Generator that was stolen from us.” Rudolph said. “So she was already at the North Pole when it happened.” “Yeah that’s definitely more believable than Frost’s story of deliberate Maliciousness.” Sandman said, the other Legendary Figures agreed. Sparkler, sensing that she didn’t need to worry, lowered her arms, standing down. Frost meanwhile wasn’t smiling. “Ahem, excuse me, you seriously are not going to believe the word of of a young teenage girl over a trusted and valued member of this august council are–” “Frost.” Mother Nature cut Jack off. “You might be valued, but you are not trusted.” She said bluntly. “You have attempted so many frivolous accusations that we can’t take you at your word. Why do you think we immediately motioned to come here?” Cupid asked. “If I may interject–” “You may not.” Mother Nature cut Jack off again, it was clear the council was sick of Jack’s Shenanigans. “This Council meeting is adjourned.” She announced. With that, Cupid, Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny, Sandman and an elderly man disappeared. Mother Nature smiled towards Sparkler. “Our apologies Sparkler, you do understand the circumstances are…Unique.” She said. “Yeah I know. First time for everything. And…It was an honor to be in your presence.” Sparkler said. “You have a heart of gold Sparkler. You have our eternal gratitude for what you’ve done this year.” “All in a day’s work madam.” Sparkler responded. Mother Nature nodded. “I shall let you get back to it.” She said a she shot a glare at Frost, before disappearing. With her gone, Rudolph shot Frost a nasty look. “So, what exactly was your plan?” Rudolph asked. “Merely concerned for the future of Christmas.” Frost responded, acting innocent. “Yeah, well you have exactly 5 seconds to beat it, before we need to be concerned for your wellbeing.” Rudolph warned. “And what could you do to me Red Nose?” Frost asked. “I’ll see ya around Sparkler.” He said as he left. Acting like it never happened. With him gone, Rudolph rolled his eyes. “Ugh. That guy is SO annoying.” He said. “Seconded.” Santa commented. “What should I watch out for?” Sparkler asked. “I’ll tell you later, right now, You got a job to finish.” Santa said. “Right.” Sparkler responded as she picked up the Santa bag and slid off the roof. As carefully and as quietly as she could, Sparkler slipped through a window that let her into a hallway. This hallway was connected directly to the living room where the tree was according to her glasses HUD. But there was a problem. She saw a light coming from a room that was in the hall before the living room, and she could hear talking. Crud! Mayor or one of his relatives is still up! She thought. This just got a bit tougher. Taking a silent deep breath, and engaging her glasses’ infrared vision to check for heat signatures, she tiptoed down the hall, and when she got to the door she pressed her back against the side and waited for the people inside what was clearly the kitchen to not be looking. While she was waiting, she couldn’t help but overhear the conversation, and she could hear both sides. And clearly there was tension. “Why won’t you just send me their gifts. It’s not like they’ll need them anyway.” A lady barked. “The fact that you are even THINKING to ask that just proves how utterly unfit you are to be their legal guardian!” A man she recognized as the mayor responded. “What you are asking me to do is inhumane, wrong, and I will NOT do it. You lost custody of them for a reason and this very well SHOULD be one of them if it wasn’t already!” He said angrily. “You honestly think they deserve a single gift? They ruined my life!” The woman scolded the mayor. “THEY ruined YOUR life? Aren’t YOU the one that’s treated them horribly their whole life because of their syndrome? And aren’t you the one that’s stolen all their gifts every year and pawned them off for money before they even wake up on Christmas morning?” THe mayor asked, to which Sparkler’s eyes widened in total shock. “They deserve it for ruining my image.” The woman said. “No, no they don’t. They have NEVER deserved the way you’ve treated them. They had every right to every single gift they were supposed to get, and I am GLAD that CPS was called on you. Because now they’ll finally be able to experience the joy of opening gifts on Christmas.” The mayor said. “And that is my final word on the matter. I would wish you a merry Christmas but that is more than you deserve.” The mayor said before Sparkler heard the phone hanging up. In the moment after the fact, Sparkler did not move, or even make a sound, too shocked to do so. What, did I just overhear? She couldn’t help but think. She inferred that the mayor was talking to a mother, and it sounded like her kids were the ones she was delivering presents for now, And based on the conversation…Have they NEVER opened presents on Christmas before?! She thought. The mere thought of such a possibility broke Sparkler’s heart, having been a kid herself, and also infuriated her when she connected dots in relation to what she just overheard. She struggled to compose herself, but she quickly regained composure and waited for the mayor to turn his head. Which he did after a second, as Sparkler snuck past the doorway, she heard him muttering under his breath. “God I hope Santa hasn’t written them off by now. They’ll finally be able to get what he brings.” Oh they will, Trust me. Sparkler thought as she tiptoed her way to the living room. Along the way, she heard a voice through her earpiece. “Sounds like Martha’s as pleasant as ever.” Alex said, the sarcasm clear as day in his voice. As quietly as she possibly could, Sparkler responded. “You KNOW about this?!” She asked. “Of course we do. We have tried literally everything to prevent what Martha’s been doing to her kids where their gifts were concerned, but nothing worked.” Alex explained. “This would be the first time they actually get what we bring them.” That only worked to infuriate Sparkler even more. The mere thought that a mother could do something so horrible to her kids was almost inconceivable to her. “Any notes from you guys in their presents?” She asked. “No, why?” Alex asked. Sparkler didn’t answer, instead she got her crystal ring ready, a course of action forming in her mind. I won’t tell them exactly what happened, that’s for the mayor to tell, but I’m definitely going to make sure to tell them that Santa never gave up on them. She thought. She entered the living room and found the tree. It wasn’t decorated anything special, but she didn’t care. After checking behind her to make sure the mayor was still either in the kitchen or better yet, walking back upstairs, she made her way to the tree and reached into the bag to pull out their presents. She learned right quick that the bag knew whose presents went wear so she didn’t need to worry about accidentally leaving the wrong one. In total she pulled out about 70 gifts, most likely 7 for each kid for each year both kids ended up with nothing, and after that, she had her ring construct a piece of paper, and a pen, which she wrote. Dear Light Wing and Dark Wing, Normally I do not bring 35 gifts for per kid I deliver to, but you two are special cases. I am sorry that you two never got to open the gifts I brought you, but just know that Santa always delivers. And never gives up on a kid for any reason. And I shall be back next year to deliver gifts to you, and every year for a long time. Have a very merry Christmas and a happy new year, Santa Claus. After checking the note over to make sure it was perfect, she slid it into an envelope, tied a ribbon around it, and placed it on a branch on the tree where she knew they’d find it. Breaking laws be darned. Worth it to be able to bring smiles to kids faces. She thought. “S-Santa? Is that you?” Sparkler froze solid when she heard the sound of a little boy talking. Aww crud. She knew in that moment what happened. She slowly turned around and indeed, the two boys she was delivering for were standing there, staring at her as if they had seen a ghost. Which they might as well have seen given what Sparkler heard. After a few seconds of thinking of a response, Sparkler just smiled. “Yeah.” She said. “It’s me.” “You don’t look at all like all the posters we saw at the mall.” One of the boys said. That got Sparkler to let out her best impression of Santa’s laugh as she knelt down to their level. “Well, don’t believe EVERYTHING you see.” She told them. “Light, Dark, What are you–” Said a male voice before Sparkler and the boys saw the mayor turn the corner, probably having heard the boys talking. The mayor stopped when he saw who the boys were talking to. “S-Santa.” He said, surprised. “Hello there Mayor Copperbottom.” Sparkler responded. Copperbottom smiled in relief, something Sparkler knew the meaning of but the boys clearly did not. “Here to deliver gifts I imagine.” He said. “Yeah. Just like always.” Sparkler responded. “Santa, were we on the naughty list until now?” One of the boys asked. “Why did we never get a visit from you before?” Sparkler in reality had no way of knowing if her response was true, but she didn’t care as she shook her head. “No, you two have never been on the naughty list.” She assured them. “It was something out of my control. But I promise from here on out you will find my gifts to you under the tree.” She assured them. “I’ll tell you boys what’s really been happening in the morning.” Copperbottom chimed in. “But right now I’m sure Santa is very busy and probably has to get going.” “Ok Uncle Jon.” One of the boys said. “Wait.” The other boy said, he ran over to a desk, picked up a card, and rushed back over. “Here, Light and I made if for you, just in case you did show up.” Dark explained. Sparkler would have been shocked that they made a card for Santa, but it wasn’t the first time she found such gifts for Santa tonight, so instead she just smiled and accepted the card. “Aww. Thank you. It’s lovely.” She said. “Merry Christmas Santa.” Light said. “Merry Christmas Light, Dark.” Sparkler responded. The boys smiled and turned to leave when Sparkler remembered something. “Wait, Light, Dark, could you two do me a huge favor please?” She asked. “What?” Dark said. “I would really appreciate it if you kept this a secret. No one can know that you met me, it will destroy the magic of Christmas. Think you can keep this to yourself?” Sparkler asked. She knew full well that she was taking a massive, unauthorized risk in not just spraying Light and Dark into forgetting their encounter with Santa, but given that they probably were close to losing all belief in Santa, she reasoned that they deserved to spend at least one year having hard evidence that Santa was indeed real. And she guessed Alex agreed with her, since he wasn’t shouting into the com to just spray them. “Yeah. We can keep it a secret.” Light responded. Sparkler smiled and held out her pinkie finger to them. “Pinkie promise?” She asked. Light and Dark each wrapped their own pinkie around Sparkler’s. “Pinkie Promise.” They said. Sparkler nodded as they said merry christmas, and proceeded upstairs to bed. Copperbottom watched them go, and then turned back to Sparkler who was standing back up with the bag. “Thank you for not giving up on them Santa. You have to have known what their biological egg donor was doing.” He said. “To think ANY parent could do that to their kids.” Sparkler shivered as she responded. “She’s definitely on the naughty list.” “As she so rightfully deserves to be after all the crap she’s pulled since Light and Dark were born.” Copperbottom said. Sparkler was tempted to ask, but she knew it was none of her business so instead she just decided to get going. “Well, I better be off, but before I do, Sadly I’m gonna need to modify your memory.” She told Copperbottom. “Yeah I figured.” Copperbottom responded. “No one can know Santa’s actually real.” He said as he went over and sat on the couch. “Merry Christmas Santa, and thank you.” He said. “Merry Christmas Mr, Mayor.” Sparkler responded as she aimed her watch at the mayor and sprayed him. The mayor fell asleep immediately, and with nothing else there, Sparkler took the milk and cookies she was required to take, and managed to sneak out of the house. She got back onto the roof and got into the sleigh. “Alright boys.” She said to the reindeer. “Our job’s done here, let’s go home. Dash away Rudolph!” She called out as she cracked the reins. Rudolph and the reindeer took off pulling the sleigh, and set course for home. Along the way, Sparkler decided to call something out she had been wanting to call out the whole time. “Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas to all! And to all a good night!” She called out as the Kringle Bridge opened up to bring them back to the North Pole. To Be Continued… > Episode 20: Merry Christmas to all... > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- North Pole December 25th, 2022 0030 The North Pole was bristling with a crowd of cheering elves, who were all gathered in the town square to welcome the reindeer and Sparkler home. Once they landed, Sparkler dismounted from the sleigh, and gave each Reindeer a pat on the head as a thank you. She barely finished patting Rudolph on the head when saw Twilight and Sunset running towards her, braced herself as they both gave her a big hug. “You did it!” Sunset cheered. “I knew you could do it, I always knew you could!” Twilight exclaimed happily. Sparkler chuckled as she wrapped her arms around her two lovers. “Couldn’t have done it without the reindeer.” She said. “Eh, don't even try to sell yourself short.” Daydream responded as she joined them. “Takes someone absolutely special to pull off what you did.” “Eh, I won’t argue that.” Sparkler responded. “Welcome back, Santa Spark.” Alex said as he and Cornelius approached. “Congratulations. You really did it.” Cornelius said. “It wasn’t just me, It was all of us.” Sparkler responded as a few elves began unhooking the reindeer from the Sparkmobile, and removing the bag from it. "Now Santa would like to have a word with you girls, if you will follow me." Alex said. A few moments later, Alex led them into a room where they saw Santa looking out a window. He turned to see the girls and Clear-Cut enter with Alex. "Ah. Sparkler, welcome back. And congratulations on a successful run." He said. "Thanks Santa." Sparkler. "A bit touch and go there, but I for one can't argue with the results." "Two demons banished to the moon and millions of kids not having to wake up to no presents under the three. Definitely can't argue with those results." Daydream said "Yeah. Thank you all for everything. We know you sacrificed spending time with your family to help us." Santa said. "Eh, just another Tuesday for us superheroes." Twilight said. "Indeed so." Santa responded. "Now, If I may have a moment alone with Sparkler? I would like to talk to her privately." He requested. Sparkler's friends nodded and left. Once they were alone, Santa smiled at Sparkler. “I truly cannot thank you enough for all you’ve done these past few days.” He said. “Especially flying in my place. We never agreed to that. You had no obligation to do any of what you did actually.” “Yeah well, You could say the secret agent in me won out over the civilian side, even after I strictly told that side of me that it was currently on leave.” Sparkler responded. “And because of that, millions around the world are waking up to presents under the tree. As it should be.” Santa said. “Yeah.” Sparkler responded. “As it should be…” She trailed off as her mind drifted back to The Mayor’s house. Santa noticed her expression change. “Something wrong Sparkler?” He asked. Sparkler let out a sigh. “I had a run in with a pair of kids, Light Wing and Dark Wing…And I overheard their uncle talking to their mother.” She told him. Santa understood what Sparkler was talking about and nodded solemnly. “It’s sad that some people feel it’s ok to do that.” He said. “It broke my heart when I first heard it. I remember being excited to see the presents under the tree every year on Christmas day when I was a kid. To hear the things that monster did, it actually worked to clear my conscience of the laws I was breaking. I would absolutely do it again  without hesitation if it meant I could help more kids like them.” Sparkler said. “Speaking of laws. Alex told me that you didn’t spray them?” Santa asked. Sparkler nodded. “Yeah, I just had them pinkie promise not to tell. I felt that they deserved to live with the knowledge that Santa was real for at least one year, after all their previous years were thoroughly Santa-less.” She explained. “If that gets me on the naughty list, fine. Do it. It would be worth it.” She said. “Sparkler, the Secret of Santa is our most sacred policy and must be upheld above all else.” Santa responded. “That being said, even that must sometimes be waived for the greater good. And I can think of no greater good than what you described.” He assured her. “You did an amazing job given the circumstances. And for that I will forever be grateful.” Sparkler nodded, then remembered the cards she had in her hand. “Oh, Uh, here.” She said as she handed the cards to Santa. “All the cards kids left out for you.” She said. “Ah. I always like getting these.” Santa said as he took the cards. “Bless some kids’ hearts.” “Must feel nice to know they appreciate you.” Sparkler responded. “Always a great feeling.” Santa said as he looked through the cards. He got to the one Light and Dark made and stopped. He looked at the card, before reaching out to hand it to Sparkler. “Here. I believe this one is meant for you.” He said. “Me?” Sparkler asked. “But it’s addressed to Santa?” “Exactly. They made this card for the one who came to their house this year. And that person was not me.” Santa responded. “I-I can’t.” Sparkler responded. “It was addressed to Santa, and I was ultimately just a stand in.” “Sparkler, please, I insist, take it as a reminder of the good you’ve done tonight.” Santa insisted. Seeing that Santa was not going to take no for an answer, Sparkler relented and took the card. “Thanks Santa.” She said. She glanced down to see she was still wearing the Santa suit. “I should probably change out of this should I.” She said. “Ah, before that.” Santa said. He produced a glass, took some of the milk and a pair of cookies from the suit, and handed a cookie to Sparkler. “Celebratory Cookie?” He asked. Sparkler chuckled and took the cookie offered to her, dipped it into the milk in the glass, and she and Santa enjoyed a nice milk soaked cookie together. Soon, Sparkler, back in her winter attire, Twilight, Daydream, Clear-Cut, and Sunset were getting ready to leave in the Sparkmobile, which was transformed back into its original car mode. Zora and Cortana flew in and docked with the pylons. “And now we can enjoy our own Christmas.” Cortana said. “Ditto that.” Zora responded. “I for one cannot wait to see Mr and Mrs. Medley’s reactions to us.” Sparkler chuckled. “They’ll be shocked, that’s for sure.” She said. “I just hope they don’t pry us for details.” Daydream commented. “Secret of Santa and all that.” “Glad to see you intend to keep the secret.” Alex called out. The girls turned to see Alex, Cortana, and Santa with his bag approach. “We just want to thank you again for all you’ve done. You all are going on the permanent nice list.” Santa announced. Sunset couldn’t help but chuckle. “Wasn’t that long ago I never would have heard those words spoken to me.” She commented. “And now that part of you is on a whole other planetoid.” Twilight responded. “Best, Christmas, EVER!” “Here here.” Sparkler said. “If you ever need us again, just call.” She told Santa and his elves. “I doubt we’ll need to but thanks.” Cornelius responded. Santa smiled and reached into the bag. “Now, before you go, I got a few more presents to give out.” He said. Sparkler raised an eyebrow. “Huh? But I already delivered all the presents?” She asked. “You did. This is a Christmas bonus as they say.” Santa responded as he pulled out a familiar stuffed animal. “For Clear-Cut, a stuffed lady dragon.” He said. Clear-Cut beamed in joy as he took the stuffed animal in his claws, nuzzling it. Sparkler recognised the stuffed toy from before. “It’s indestructible right?” She asked. “Fire retardant material. That thing will never burn or tear.” Santa responded as he pulled out the next gift. “Daydream, I believe you’ve been wanting one of these.” He pulled out an electric guitar and handed it to Daydream. “Whoa! My own shredder!” Daydream exclaimed. “Thanks a lot Santa!” She beamed in joy. Santa nodded and handed the next gift to Sunset. “Sunset, You’ve been wanting to try Snowboarding I hear?” He asked as he pulled out a snowboard, with flame decals on it. “Whoa. That looks sick.” Sunset responded. “Thanks Santa, I love it.” She said as she took the board. Santa nodded and pulled out a book for Twilight. “Here you go Twilight, A new book to add to your collection.” Twilight took the book and looked at the title. Her eyes widened. “Daring Do and The Mystery of the Cosmos?! How did you get this? It doesn’t come out for another two weeks!” She exclaimed. “I have my ways.” Santa winked. Twilight beamed and thanked Santa. Santa meanwhile pulled out one final gift and handed it to Sparkler. “And finally, for Sparkler.” He said. Sparkler took the package and opened the lid, and what she found was a Santa hat. “My own Santa hat?” She asked. “Yep, you’re very own genuine, one of a kind Santa hat. A sign that you are now an honorary, certified Santa Claus.” Santa announced. “Congratulations Sparkler.” Sparkler choked a smile. “Thank you. I promise to take good care of it.” She said. “And there’s one more thing.” Alex said. “Sparkler, they haven’t taken out the Mini Magic Generator.” Flappy informed Sparkler. “What?” Sparkler asked as she looked at Santa and his elves in confusion. “I believe a secret agent will find uses for a device that allows her vehicle to turn into any vehicle she might need.” Cornelius said. “You’re seriously letting me keep it? Aren’t you afraid of it falling into the wrong hands?” Sparkler asked. “It’s coded to your unique magical signature.” Cornelius responded. “So you are literally the only one able to make it work. Should a bad guy try to use it, it will do nothing.” “Still, You guys are sure about this?” Sparkler asked. “We trust you Sparkler.” Alex responded. “Just…Try not to destroy anything when you inevitably joyride a Sci-Fi vehicle.” He warned. Sparkler blushed when Alex coined exactly what she was thinking of doing, and cleared her throat. “Well…If you insist…” She casually raised her watch and selected the sleigh she used. Before pressing the accept button, she turned to Santa and the elves. “Mind if we ride out of here in the sleigh?” She asked. Everyone around her couldn't help but laugh as Santa nodded. “Go ahead. You’ve earned it.” He said. Sparkler beamed as she put on the Santa Hat she was just gifted, and Flappy used the mini magic generator to summon a pair of reindeer. Twilight, Sunset, Daydream and Clear-Cut climbed in as Sparkler waved. “Well, It’s been fun, but we should go now. Merry Christmas guys.” She said. “Merry Christmas to you all. And Again, thank you for everything.” Santa said as Sparkler took the reins, cracked them, and they took off. Headed for home. TWO DAYS LATER… Two days after the big Christmas Rescue as they came to call it, Sparkler, Twilight, Sunset, and Daydream were back in Canterlot, spending Christmas and new years with the Sparkles. As she had predicted, Sparkler pretty much had been sleeping more lately due to being up for a whole 24 hours, and it didn’t help that the minute they returned, Sparkler was called into SMILE for a debrief.  Fortunately, Sparkler managed to avoid giving specifics about the North Pole and Santa, and even managed to explain the Sparkmobile’s new power and Zora and Cortana’s new sentience as a side effect of the chaos device. And Derrick was also ecstatic to learn that Sundown and Midnight were now banished to the moon. Now, in between family events, Sparkler, Twilight, and Sunset all laid, cuddling on the couch, while Spike the dog and Clear-Cut snuggled in the dog bed, with Clear-Cut clutching his new toy. “Mmm. After the adventure we had, this is exactly what the doctor ordered.” Sunset commented. “Us, cuddling by the fire, enjoying each other’s company.” Twilight said. “I’m only sorry it took as long as it did to get here.” Sparkler said. Twilight sighed. “Sparky, I thought we talked about this, you have nothing to be sorry for.” She said. “And just think. Because we decided to help, Sundown and Midnight are now banished to the moon.” Sunset said, chuckling. “Wait until I tell Princess Celestia we took a page from her book.” “I’m sure she’d be proud.” Twilight said as the three giggled. “Yeah well, I’m still sorry we spent half our vacation NOT on vacation.” Sparkler responded. “Sparky. Just stop apologizing. You are never going to get us to believe you are at fault for it.” Sunset told Sparkler. Sparkler saw the looks Twilight and Sunset were giving her, and relented. “Alright, if you say so.” She said. Sunset and Twilight smiled as they kissed Sparkler’s cheeks. “We should take the Sparkmobile out tomorrow and see what OTHER vehicles it can now turn into.” Twilight suggested. “Battlestar Galactica’s Raptor anyone?” Sunset suggested. “Star Trek Runabout.” “A Halo Pelican.” “So many options.” Sparkler said. “Bad guys look out.” Sunset said. “The world's best secret agent is now armed with all of Sci-Fi at her fingertips.” All three girls giggled in agreement. Meanwhile, Spike Lazily glanced over at Sparkler’s Santa hat, and he noticed something in it. “Hey Sparkler?” He asked. “What’s that in your hat?” Sparkler raised an eyebrow as she glanced at the hat she had laid out on a small table next to the couch. Being way too comfortable snuggled between her girls to move, Sparkler just used her ring to grab the hat, and look inside, she found a note in there that she coulda sworn wasn’t there before. She took the note out. “Huh? What’s this? She asked. “What’s what Sparkler?” Twilight asked as Sparkler unfolded the paper. Sparkler looked for a signature and she raised an eyebrow when she found one. “It’s from Santa.” She said. “Santa? What does it say?” Sunset asked. Sparkler glanced at the note and read. Dear Sparkler, Christmas is about the time you spend with the ones you love. Be they Family, Friends, or overprotective dragons. (Sparkler had to snicker at that one, as Santa was obviously talking about Clear-Cut.) On the subject of family, I know that You have always had questions about yourself. And the powers that you possess. But most of all, I know that you wonder about your biological family, and why they gave you up. Well, here is some information to make your search for them easier. They are indeed alive and well, and they may be closer than you believe. Keep doing what you do best, and make the world a better place for all. Sincerely, Santa Claus. “Wait, Your biological family?” Twilight asked, reading the note for herself. “Yeah…” Sparkler responded. “According to him, they’re out there…And maybe closer than we think.” “Could they possibly be here? In Canterlot?” Sunset asked. “It sounds like it could be possible.” Sparkler responded. After a moment of looking, she folded the note back up and slid it back into her hat. “But we can worry about that later, right now, I just want to spend now with you two.” She said. Twilight and Sunset smiled as they snuggled with Sparkler. “Merry Christmas…Santa Spark.” They said. “Merry Christmas you two.” Sparkler responded with a chuckle as they cuddled together by the fire. Basking in this moment they had together. To be Continued Next Time…