A Typical Tuesday

Rei yawns and stretches in her bedroom above The Power Block. She rolls over and nuzzles the pony sleeping next to her.

‘Ohayo, Inkie-chan.’

Inkie moans and opens her eyes. She closes them again as she immediately loses herself in a kiss.

‘You have to wake me up like this every morning?’ the scientist sighs.

‘It has been three years without a complaint. If my wife is happy, then I’m happy.’

‘Your wife is very happy.’

Inkie laughs and pulls the covers over them as she rolls on top of her wife.

Inkie finishes her breakfast while reading the morning news posts. Across the table, Rei is devouring a large bowl of cereal. Inkie stops to take a sip of her coffee and notices the time.

‘Oh! Rei. You’re almost late.’

‘Bah. The squirt can handle the store without me for a few more moments. We have plenty of time to fool around again.’

Inkie stands. ‘In that case, I’m going to work now.’

Rei looks down the hall at Inkie’s lab. ‘But you work from the home.’

‘Sorry, I’m at work now,’ the scientist calls as she trots to her lab.

The pegasus moans and gets up. She goes to the living room window, opens it wide, spreads her wings and takes off flying. Seconds later, she lands across the street on the roof of Neighponese Imports. She turns and waves to Inkie who is at her laboratory window. Inkie waves back and blows a kiss to her wife. Rei smiles as she trots downstairs to go to work.

The pegasus passes through the living quarters on top of the shop. Piles of clothes spill out of an overflowing hamper. Bedding is strewn about in two bedrooms, both with trails of blankets leading to a study packed with instant noodle cups and coffee mugs around a pair of computers. In the kitchen, empty food cartons, pizza boxes and soda cans cover the counter space and table while the refrigerator remains cracked. The wildlife living in the washroom is slowly spreading down the hall. The only clean area is in front of the large television in the living room. Rei sighs as she closes the bedroom and study doors before heading to the main store. She trots past her assistant who is setting up the displays for the day.

‘Clean it by tomorrow, or I’m burning your paycheque,’ Rei threatens. ‘Again!’

‘Come on!’ Scootaloo complains. ‘It is not that bad. Since when did you turn into my mom?’

‘As soon as you asked if you could move out of her place,’ the older pegasus grumbles. ‘And if you get her to help you again, I am just going to pay her instead.’

‘Fine!’ the younger pegasus moans. ‘I’ll have it clean by tomorrow.’

‘Don’t forget Daring’s room this time. I know you use it when she is away.’

‘Yes, ma'am.’

‘Oh, and Scoots...’

‘What?’

Rei tackles her assistant in a big hug and gives her a big kiss on the cheek. ‘Ohayo, Tori-chan!’

Scootaloo groans and tries going back to work.

A lot has changed in the past seven years. After The Wandering Physicist and Twilight Sparkle married, they packed up in their TARDIS and disappeared. Rei was left alone in The Power Block, but she was able to carry on with the help of her friends. She took over running Neighponese Imports from Daring Do, allowing the adventurer more time to explore the world. After Scootaloo finished school, she started working full-time for Rei. Together, they help support Daring and provide her a base of operations. Rei also mentors Scootaloo in her training to join The Wonderbolts, like her hero Rainbow Dash. With Rei and Scootaloo working full-time, Flitter went back to working with the weather crews full-time as well.

Three years ago, Rei married Inkie. Inkie runs her soil science consulting business from a lab in their home. Somehow, The Wandering Physicist left the ability for Rei to rearrange The Power Block at will, giving the scientist a way to adapt her lab to the needs at hoof. The main store of The Power Block is run by Lucas and Mimi. They still spend time with Rei and Inkie and see their friends every day. On the whole, The Nerd District is a lot quieter than it used to be.

‘Thank you! Come again, bro!’ Rei calls after a customer.

The sky blue unicorn laughs as he trots away. ‘Oh, you know you will see me around.’

Rei waves as the unicorn leaves. Scootaloo comes out of a back office.

‘Rei, something’s come up.’

The pegasi head to the back office. Scootaloo sits at a computer and puts on a headset.

‘Daring just sent a message,’ the younger pegasus reports. ‘Seems she has run into a bit of trouble in Thaigerland. It appears Ahuizotl was using his time off from constantly getting stomped by her to set himself up as some sort of warlord. She’s going to need help if she is going to reclaim the Sapphire Statue.’

Rei taps her chin and thinks. ‘Who is free?’

To aid Daring on her adventures, the group has teamed up with the Trio Ad Libitum out of Canterlot as well as using contacts with various other groups (including The Wonderbolts), pegasi and even griffins in case of emergencies. The Daring Support Network is ready to go anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice.

Scootaloo calls up a screen. ‘Silver is in class. Flitter is on assignment in Baltimare. Surprise keeps claiming to be retired.’

‘Kaeko in Neighpon again?’

‘Right. She should be there for the new expansion of Skybound East. I’ll contact her right away!’

‘Great. And send a message to Reggie, too. If he thinks the mother of his foals is in danger, he might pull some strings with the Equestrian Air Force.’

‘Already on it,’ Scootaloo replies, typing. ‘Hey. Is there anything really pressing you need me to take care of after this?’

‘Other than your room?’

The younger pegasus grumbles to herself. ‘Other than that.’

Rei stops and thinks. ‘Not really.’

‘Great. Then I am going to clock out early. I have plans later.’

‘Featherweight or Diamond Tiara?’

‘Actually, Sweetie Belle is coming into town for a visit. We’re getting the band back together.’

‘Please tell me she is the only member of that band.’

‘I’m not tha...’

‘We can hear you across the street.’

Scootaloo growls again. Rei giggles and goes back to the shop.

A loud bell rings inside Golden Oaks Library. Inside, a pack of schoolfoals stampede to the door. They are all carrying books. Cheerilee sets down her bell and looks over her class.

‘Okay, everypony,’ the teacher shouts over her class. ‘I hope you all picked out a book. This is your last chance to find a book for your book report, otherwise you have to come back here on your own.’

‘Yes, Miss Cheerilee!’ the class replies.

The new librarian steps beside the teacher. ‘Great. Y’all line up and Ah’ll check y’all out,’ Apple Bloom says.

The class giggles.

‘Y’all know what Ah mean,’ the young mare grumbles.

After Spike moved back to Canterlot, which was coincidentally around the same time Rarity and Sweetie Belle moved there as well, Apple Bloom took over running the library. She had a tough time on her own at first, but she was able to balance school and her new responsibilities until graduation. She was able to run the library all on her own, too, rejecting her sister’s constant offers of assistance. The overworked pony keeps the spirit of the library alive to honor her mentors’ love of knowledge.

‘You’ve done a great job with the library, Apple Bloom,’ her former teacher compliments.

‘It was mah pleasure,’ the young mare replies as she stamps the foals’ books. ‘It woulda been a shame if we lost a great place o’ learnin’.’

‘Indeed it would have. I just wish you had let your sister help more in the beginning. Things would have gone a lot smoother.’

Apple Bloom growls and grits her teeth. ‘Ah don’ need her no more. She’s done enough t’ embarrass the family already. Ah didn’ need her screwin’ this up t’.’

‘How has my mother embarrassed the family?’ a small voice asks.

Apple Bloom looks down. A light red colt with a yellow and orange mane stares up at her through his glasses. He is carrying a book almost as big as he is. The young mare frowns and snorts.

Ten months after The Wandering Physicist left, young Satsuma was born to Applejack. She had kept her pregnancy secret from everypony until she could hide it no longer. The obvious fact that Satsuma shared no features with a batpony infuriated her coltfriend Sunshine, causing him to leave her after a massive fight. When Applejack revealed who Satsuma’s real father was, her friends and family were upset with her. It took years for the trust to be rebuilt in some cases. Apple Bloom was so upset by her once-beloved big sister lying to her that she left the family completely, first staying with Rei then moving to the library when it opened up. Despite Applejack’s genuine efforts to reconnect with her sister, the young mare has barely said a dozen words back to her in the past year.

‘She’s a dirty liar,’ Apple Bloom growls.

‘My mother has not lied to me once,’ the young colt snorts back. ‘She has been a great mother. I cannot see why you hate us so much.’

‘Ah don’ hate ya. Ah hate the thin’ ya crawled outa.’

‘Do not speak of my mother that way! Uncle Mac forgave her. You should, too!’

‘Ah can talk ‘bout her anyway Ah want! If it ain’t anythin’ nice, then that’s jus’ ‘cause there ain’t nothin’ nice t’ say!’

The young mare leans down to butt heads with the young colt. They stare at each other growling.

‘Okay! Hold it!’ Cheerilee shouts, forcing herself between the two ponies. ‘I don’t want to see two of my best students fighting each other over something stupid. Apple Bloom, you’re the adult. Apologize for yelling at Satsuma.’

Apple Bloom looks away. ‘Sorry.’

‘Satsuma, you know your aunt is very touchy about that subject. Apologize for continuing to antagonize her.’

‘Sorry,’ Satsuma snorts.

Cheerilee groans, ‘Good enough. Come on class, let’s get you back before it is too late.’

The students follow their teacher from the library. Apple Bloom stops Satsuma.

‘Didn’ stamp yer book,’ she mumbles.

The librarian stamps the book and puts a bookmark inside. The young colt sighs. His aunt starts to clean up the library.
…

Satsuma trots through town after picking up his saddlebag from school. He enters the produce market and wonders around. He gets friendly greetings from all of the farmers as he passes. After passing one stall, the operator comes out and stops the young colt.

‘And where do ya think yer goin’, mister?’

Satsuma turns and smiles. He hugs the pony. ‘Hard to get anything past you, mom.’

Applejack laughs and ruffles her son’s mane. ‘Y’all know Ah ain’t gonna let ya slip from me that easy.’ She lifts her son onto her back and lets out a grunt. ‘What are they feedin’ ya at school? Ah know our apples can’t make ya that heavy.’

‘Oh! We have to do a book report for class. I just picked out one that looked interesting,’ the colt replies. He gets his book out once they return to Applejack’s stall.

Applejack looks over the massive tome. ‘The Complete History of the Rise and Fall of Pre-Dracoequuian Equestria? Ah don’ know if y’all are takin’ after yer pa or his wife with that one.’

‘The odds of me carrying the genetic memory of somepony I am not related to are slim to none at best.’

The mother ruffles her son’s mane again. ‘That’s what Ah’m expectin’ t’ hear. What’s this ‘bout anyway?’

‘It is the history of the Equestria before the arrival of Discord. Doesn’t it sound awesome!’

‘It sounds somethin’...’ Applejack hedges. She notices the bookmark. ‘What’s this?’

‘It’s a bookmark, duh. Not that I will need it,’ Satsuma laughs. ‘I should be returning the book in a couple days.’

‘Then ya don’ mind if Ah keep it?’

‘Whatever,’ the colt says dismissively as he starts reading his book.

Applejack smiles and tucks the bookmark under her hat.

A tall, slender unicorn steps off the train at Ponyville Station. Her pink and purple mane flows from under a hat dusted with emerald powder. She throws an iridium-lined cape over her platinum-trimmed dress before making her way through town.

Everypony stops and stares at the diva passing by. Several get out cameras to take pictures, but the jewels and a little magic keep the unicorn’s identity obscured. The young mare stops her journey outside of Golden Oaks Library and smiles. The sun catches her outfit once more, causing a massive flash of light just before the the mare knocks on the door. There is a scream above her as an unlucky pegasus is blinded and flies straight through an open window. Apple Bloom looks back and grimaces as she answers the door.

‘Yer both on time, but did ya have t' blind Scootaloo with that gaudy gown?’

Sweetie Belle gasps. ‘But this is the latest from my sister’s new line. She has been making bold design choices ever since she got those contracts to redesign half of Canterlot’s school uniforms.’

‘She only got those ‘cause yer friends with yer teachers. Now come on in before Fluttershy sends Sunshine t’ warn us ‘bout blindin’ a flock o' ducks or somethin’.’

Apple Bloom shows her guest in and takes Sweetie’s cape and hat. Sweetie looks around and smiles at a library that feels smaller every time she visits. The added touch of Scootaloo sloppily and hastily reshelving books makes her feel even more at home. Apple Bloom trots back into the room with a cake.

‘Couldn’ ya have used the door like a normal pony?’ she snorts at Scootaloo.

‘Hey! You weren’t the one that was blinded by that spotlight you keep on your porch. Besides, you always leave that window open for me.’

‘That’s ‘cause ya never use the door!’

Sweetie Belle laughs at her friends. Apple Bloom moans and helps her friend up. They all sit at the central table.

‘Yer stayin’ after t’ clean that up properly,’ the host snorts.

‘Come on!’

‘I really miss this in Canterlot,’ Sweetie giggles. ‘None of my friends there are half as fun as you.’

‘Speaking of, why don’ ya ever brin’ any with ya? We’d love t' meet 'em.’ Apple Bloom looks down at the cake. ‘Shoot. Fergot t' slice it. Give me a sec t' get a knife.’

Apple Bloom gets up and turns around. The sound of a blade being drawn and retracted causes her to turn around. The cake is now sliced. Scootaloo is staring at the cake with shocked expression. Sweetie happily licks frosting from a hoof as she uses her magic to serve the cake.

‘How the hay..?’

‘I used my magic,’ Sweetie replies. ‘Right, Scootaloo?’

‘Right! Nothing terrifying at all.’

‘How’d ya get frosting on yer hoof?’

‘You know, clumsy, old Sweetie Belle,’ the unicorn giggles.

‘Hmm... Ah guess that checks out...’ their host mutters as she sits again.

‘Excellent!’ Sweetie cheers. ‘Now, the most important question: who is dating whom?’

Apple Bloom waves as Scootaloo flies away in the evening. The pegasus dips a bit since she is tired from shelving books. The librarian laughs at her friend and goes inside. She trots to the shelf and finishes putting the books away. With her task complete, she looks around her empty home. All the gossip with Sweetie Belle earlier only reminded Apple Bloom that she is the only one of her former classmates without a special somepony. The lonely pony does her best to force back tears. She reaches into her bow and gets out a laminated piece of paper.

‘When are ya comin’ back, Starlight?’ Apple Bloom sobs. ‘Ah know ya’ll keep yer promise. Please come back soon.’

Apple Bloom gives the paper a small hug before putting it back in her bow. She wipes her tears and goes to make herself dinner.

Scootaloo lands outside of Neighponese Imports. A note is taped to the front door.

I hope you have enough supplies. Anything ‘borrowed’ from the store will come out of your pay. - Rei. PS: We’re having tempura tonight if you’re still hungry.

The pegasus groans and goes inside to her second cleaning job of the day.
…

Rei looks out a window as Scootaloo enters Neighponese Imports. She giggles as she turns back to her wife. Inkie is watching a program in the living room.

‘I put her laundry in the drier already, right?’

‘Yes, dear.’

‘Good. I don’t want to have to burn another paycheque. I promised her mother I would make her a well-functioning pony, and I will!’

‘She has a receipt for that promise, right?’

‘Store policy is for returns up to thirty days after purchase and only in their original packaging.’

‘So when you promised to take me to see the Trio perform..?’

‘Oh, we’re totally doing that. Daddy would be upset if Tavi-tan was allowed to perform freely.’

Inkie laughs. ‘You are the greatest wife ever.’ She trots over and kisses her wife on the cheek. ‘I might have a special present for you in the bedroom later.’

Rei’s eyes go wide, and she disappears. ‘Technically, it is later now!’ she shouts from the bedroom.

Inkie laughs again and goes back to the couch.

Sweetie Belle is trying to nap on her train ride back to Canterlot. Pop music plays, and she levitates her mobile to her ear.

‘I am almost back. Couldn’t you have called sooner?’ the unicorn demands. She pauses. ‘Fine. Dodge Junction. I understand.’

Sweetie groans and gets up. She starts trotting to the back of the the train. Along the way, she flips her cloak around and inverts her hat, exposing the white underside of both. She attaches the hat and cloak to her dress and pulls the brim of her hat down, obscuring her face. A whistle blows, signalling the arrival at Canterlot Station. The disguised unicorn watches as a train starts leave next to her arriving train. She gets a running start and leaps from her train through an open window at the back of the passing train. She stands and wipes the dust from her clothes. A conductor stares at her in shock.

‘Dodge Junction?’ Sweetie asks.

The conductor nods.

‘Excellent.’ She leans close. ‘You never saw me, understood.’

The emeralds on Sweetie’s hat reflect in her eyes, making her look like a changeling for a brief moment. The conductor nods in terror.

‘Wonderful.’ Sweetie starts trotting away. ‘I’ll take the kosher meal in my cabin once it is ready. Ta~!’

The unicorn looks into nearby cabins to see if they are free. The conductor whimpers and reconsiders leaving the Cloudsdale weather crews.

Applejack tucks Satsuma into bed and gives him a kiss on his forehead.

‘Now, don’ stay up too late finishin’ yer book.’

‘I won’t, mommy.’

‘G’night, Satsuma.’

‘Goodnight, mommy.’

Applejack trots from the room and closes the door. She sighs and goes to her room. Inside, she unties her mane and tail and takes her hat off. The farmer smiles when she sees the bookmark. She lifts it up to look at it again. There is writing on the small slip of paper.

You have a good son and you’re a good mother, but I still hate you.

Applejack sighs. She goes to a small jewelry box and puts the note with several similarly worded notes.

‘Ah miss ya, Apple Bloom.’

Applejack wipes the tears from her face before getting ready for bed.

A dark figure trots through the middle of Ponyville. It ducks into a shadow when a batpony flies past. The figure comes out once it is in the clear.

‘Seems my freedom came a little too late for me to have some fun with my favorite plaything. Oh well. I’ll just have make do with his friends and family. Once I am done with them,’ -- the figure steps into the light, revealing a dark grey stallion with a messy blonde mane -- ‘everypony will bow before The Master.’

Piece of Cake

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Pinkie Pie sits behind the counter at Sugarcube Corner. The Cakes are busy loading a large cart full of baked goods.

‘You are certain you can take care of everything?’ Cup Cake asks.

‘Yeah, you know how the twins can be, even when they are behaving,’ Carrot Cake adds.

‘You have nothing to worry about, Mr and Mrs Cake. Pinkie Pie has everything covered,’ Pinkie replies.

‘Okay...’ Cup Cake hems. ‘We left a warning with Sunshine just in case.’

‘Look at the time, honey bun! We have to be across town in three minutes!’

‘We’ll be back late! Don’t wait up!’ Cup Cake shouts as she and her husband rush out the door.

Pinkie sighs in relief once they are gone. She looks at a nearby clock and gets a hard hat from under the counter.

‘Three. Two. One.’

A loud explosion rocks Sugarcube Corner, shaking the whole building and blowing out all of the windows.

‘Pinkie! He did it again!’ a filly’s voice shouts from upstairs.

Pinkie groans and gets out a broom.

With the two ponies she loves travelling the universe together, Pinkie Pie has spent the past seven years working more closely with the Cakes and throwing parties whenever she can. The years have not been all lonely. She has close bonds with the Cake twins, and they have a lot of fun together.

Pound Cake’s love of pounding things only grew when he started school and learned about science and pyrotechnics. He pours himself into learning physics and chemistry in order to create more spectacular explosions for his flying stunts. Most of the time, he ends up blowing up his room or other parts of the house. Fearing for her wife’s safety, Rei refuses to let Inkie tutor the young colt no matter how much Pinkie begs.

Pumpkin Cake, on the other hoof, went a completely different route. She developed an athletic streak and plays as many sports as she can. She even tried to use her magic to allow her to compete in pegasus-only sports. A lot of her day is spent training her body and magic in the myriad of sports she plays. It is advised to duck often when she is around.

Both twins are close friends with Satsuma Apple.

Pinkie puts away the broom and resumes her post at the counter. The fire department is not outside so Pound’s latest experiment must have only caused superficial damage. She takes a deep breath and puts on a big smile right as a customer trots in. The dark grey pony looks around, sees Pinkie, smirks and goes to the counter.

‘Hi! How may I help you?’ Pinkie greets.

‘I happen to be looking for you, Miss Pie,’ The Master replies, grinning evilly and tapping his hoof four times on the counter.

‘Do I know you? I know everypony in town. Wait! I don’t know you! Hold on! There is a song I have to sing.’

Pinkie starts clearing her throat.

The Master holds up a hoof to stop her. ‘That won’t be necessary. I think you might know me. We have a mutual acquaintance.’

‘Dashie?’ Pinkie guesses.

‘Who?’

‘The princess? Any of the princesseseseses?’

‘Uh...’

‘Oh! Is it Gilda? I haven’t seen her in ages! How is she doing?’

‘Actually, it is The Wan...’

‘Oh. James.’ Pinkie frowns and her mane drops a little. ‘I haven’t seen him in five-ever. Worse! Seven-ever!’

Pinkie chokes back a tear.

‘He actually used his real name?’ The Master scoffs. ‘He is even dumber than I thought.’

‘James is not dumb! He is the greatestest pony I have ever known, and I know almost everypony!’

‘Settle down. Settle down.’ The Master calms. ‘I came here to play a little game. For you see, I am Th...’

Pinkie’s tail twitches. A hoofball nails The Master in the side of the head. He collapses immediately.

‘Sorry!’ Pumpkin shouts downstairs.

‘Pumpkin! What have we told you about playing hoofball in the house?’ Pinkie shouts back up.

‘Ha! Ha! You’re in trouble for playing hoofball in the house again!’ Pound taunts.

‘At least I didn’t blow us up again!’

‘I’ll have it fixed before mom and dad get home!’

Pinkie punts the ball back upstairs. ‘Why don’t you play something else? Or help your brother clean up?’ she suggests.

‘Fine. I’ll do something else,’ Pumpkin moans.

Pinkie sighs and helps The Master up. ‘Sorry about that. You were just about to say your name.’

The Master’s head spins. ‘Vote for me, Harold Saxon. I know I would.’

‘Harold? That’s a funny name.’

The Master shakes of the daze. ‘What? No. Call me M...’

Pinkie’s tail shakes. An Equestrian-style hooffball slams into The Master’s head.

‘Pumpkin!’ Pinkie yells.

‘What? It is technically not hoofball. Just ask most of the world,’ the filly shouts back.

Pinkie turns to The Master. ‘Do you want me to get an ice pack or something?’

‘You are not alone. Brilliant. Just brilliant.’ The injured pony groans and sits up again. ‘Yes, something for my head would be great.’

Pinkie’s tail twitches. A basketball bounces off The Master’s face.

‘Not what I had in mind,’ The Master moans.

‘Hold on. I’ll be right back.’

Pinkie gallops off to get a first aid kit. An orange unicorn with an orange mane trots partly downstairs.

‘Sorry, mister,’ Pumpkin says as she levitates her basketball and trots away.

‘Bow to me,’ The Master growls.

‘What was that?’ Pinkie asks as she returns.

‘Nothing,’ The Master groans.

Pinkie places an ice pack on The Master’s forehead. ‘So, you said you were here for a game. What sort of game? Pin the tail on the pony? I’m good at that.’

‘No. We’ll be playing a better game. A more exciting game.’

‘You mean like Tanto Cuore?’

‘And here I thought I was the one with brain damage...’ The Master stands and shakes his head. ‘No, we will be playing one worthy of being designed by The M...’

A baseball flies downstair. The Master catches it, growls, turns and throws the ball towards the shattered window. The ball ricochets off the wall and nails The Master right between the eyes. Pinkie’s tail twitches as the rogue Time Lord falls. The Master lays on the ground, holding his sore head and swearing under his breath.

‘Want me to get a doctor?’ Pinkie offers.

‘With my luck, you’ll get him. No thank you.’ The Master hobbles to his hooves. ‘Anyway, about my game...’

‘Maybe we should play another time. Give you time to rest your head.’

‘Actually, Miss Pie, the game has already begun.’ The stallion looks up the stairs. ‘Kids, can you come down here for a moment?’

‘Stranger danger!’ Pumpkin shouts back down.

‘I have presents. It is the one thing you always wanted.’

The foals cheer and gallop downstairs.

‘My own fireworks factory!’ Pound cheers.

‘No more little brother!’ Pumpkin shouts.

‘Hey!’ Pound pushes his sister. ‘I’m only five minutes younger.’

‘Kids, your parents are at 912 Celestia Boulevard, correct?’

Pinkie tenses up and snaps her attention to The Master. The twins look over to Pinkie, confused.

‘How did you know that?’ Pinkie asks.

‘Because I am the one who invited them.’ The Master grins. ‘If you want them to see tomorrow, you might want to get there quickly.’

Pinkie pins the evil stallion to the ground. ‘What did you do to them! What are you going to do to them!’

‘I just invited them. It is the Autons you have to worry about.’

‘Who are they?’ Pound asks.

‘ “What” is a more appropriate question,’ The Master giggles. ‘Clock is ticking.’

Pinkie growls and looks around. The foals are shaking where they stand. ‘Pound, Pumpkin, I am going to get your parents back. It will be okay.’

Pound looks at his sister and nods. ‘Pinkie, we’re going, too.’

‘It is not safe. I have been in far worse danger than this.’

‘No, you haven’t,’ The Master taunts.

‘Shut up!’

The Master stands, throwing Pinkie aside. ‘Nopony tells The Master what to do!’

‘Master...’ Pinkie thinks. ‘You’re the one who was mean to James in school...’

‘One of my finer...’

‘You’re the one who made him sad! You monster!’

‘I take that as a...’

Pinkie tackles The Master and slams him into the far wall. The stallion grunts as he is knocked through the building. The furious mare steps over the prone stallion, her limp mane hanging down over her face.

‘I should make you pay for what you did to James,’ Pinkie snarls. ‘You’re lucky I have other things to attend to first. Kids! We’re leaving. Madam La Flour, you watch him. We’re making cupcakes later...’

Pinkie trots off towards the address The Master gave her. The Cakes hop out of the hole in the house.

‘You shouldn’t have made Pinkie angry,’ Pumpkin warns.

‘Yeah. The last pony that made her angry, we never saw ever again,’ Pound warns.

‘See ya!’ the twins say in unison before galloping after Pinkie.

The Master lays in the dirt for a few moments before letting out a high-pitched moan. ‘Ow....’ He tries moving. ‘What is holding me down?’

The Master looks up to see a sack of flour on his chest. He looks to his left and right. A stack of rocks and a ball of lint are beside him.

‘Please tell me you’re not this world’s version of Angels...’

Pinkie gallops through the streets of Ponyville. Pumpkin and Pound chase after her by hoof and by wing respectively. Pound catches up to the older pony.

‘Pinkie, who was that?’ the young pegasus asks.

The pink pony growls. ‘I don’t know much about him, but The Master used to bully and hurt James all the time. He is the reason James was always sad and upset. He is the EVILEST pony to ever live... not that that will last long.’

Pound backs away from Pinkie, a little terrified of her. The two foals follow Pinkie to a large, well-lit house. The sounds of a party can be heard from inside. The angry pony charges the door and kicks it open.

‘Where are the Cakes!’ Pinkie shouts at the confused partygoers.

Everypony stares at Pinkie.

‘Um, sorry to interrupt. Can you tell us where our parents are?’ Pumpkin asks.

‘Stay back, kids,’ Pinkie warns.

‘It is just a party,’ Pound says, looking for his parents. ‘Doesn’t look like they’re here. Maybe in back?’

‘This isn’t a party. These are monsters!’

‘Oh, geez,’ Pumpkin groans.

The partygoers look at each other and move forward.

‘Tell us where they are, you freaks,’ Pinkie growls.

The ponies stop and raise their forelegs, pointing the limbs at the newcomers.

‘Pinkie...’ Pumpkin worries as she hides behind the older mare.

‘Pound, do you have your latest experiment with you?’ Pinkie asks.

‘It is not ready yet,’ the colt replies, fumbling with some small charges.

‘Perfect.’ Pinkie turns to the party. ‘You have until the count of three to safely return the Cakes. One.’

The partiers’ hooves fold down, revealing some sort of weapon.

‘What is that?’ Pumpkin wonders.

‘Two.’

The weapons start charging shots. The twins turn to flee, but Pinkie holds them back.

‘Three!’

Before the weapons can discharge, Pinkie pulls out her party cannon and blasts the party. The weapons discharge in every direction as confetti and streamers distract the attackers. Pinkie grabs Pound’s explosives and throws them in front of her. The explosives clear a path, sending ponies and pony parts everywhere. Pinkie grabs the twins and gallops through the fray. She quickly locks the door behind her before herding the twins to another room and locking that door too.

‘What just happened?’ Pumpkin panics. ‘Did you kill somepony?’ She grabs her brother. ‘You could have been killed with your stupid experiments!’

‘I didn’t hurt anypony,’ Pinkie snorts. She tosses a leg on the floor, earning screams from the twins. ‘See, plastic.’

‘What the hell is going on here?’ Pumpkin screams.

‘Well, at least I know not to use that mixture again,’ Pound sighs.

‘How can you be so calm! Our parents are missing. There are weird plastic ponies everywhere. And to top it off, Pinkie has gone full Sunshine on us! Nothing makes sense anymore!’

‘Pumpkin, hush,’ Pinkie hisses. ‘Auntie Pinkie Pie is trying to think.’

Pinkie paces while muttering something to herself. Pound tries hugging his sister, but she pushes him away.

‘Plastic ponies.... Where have I heard of plastic ponies before?’ Pinkie muses. She turns to the twins. ‘And don’t say Rarity’s bedroom.’

‘Who’s Rarity?’ Pound asks.

‘Ah! I remember! James told me about them. Well, not really told. We were cuddling after...’ -- she looks at the twins and blushes -- ‘cuddling.’

‘She means sex,’ Pound whispers to his sister, who groans in return.

‘I sorta learned about them when our heads touched.’

‘So, what are they?’ Pound leans forward, excitedly.

‘They are called “Autons”. They have some sort of external intelligence controlling them. If we can find the intelligence, we can free your parents.’

‘How?’ Pumpkin asks. ‘You are talking about evil, plastic ponies out to kill us! How can you reason with it?’

‘Who said anything about reasoning with it?’ Pinkie goes to the door. ‘I am going to find it then call Rei to use her lightning on it.’

‘But how will we get our parents back?’

Pinkie groans. ‘I didn’t say we’d get rid of it right away.’

‘Pinkie! Listen to yourself!’ Pumpkin snaps. ‘First, you are threatening that pony back home. Then, you blew up all of those plastic ponies. Now, you are going on about some weird mind-controlling alien thing. What is going on here!’

‘Sis, maybe you need to calm down a bit,’ Pound suggests.

Pinkie snatches the Auton pony leg from Pumpkin’s magic before she can use it to harm her brother.

Pumpkin looks at the others, tears forming in her eyes. ‘I want to go home!’ the young unicorn sobs. ‘I want to go home and make a cake with my mom and joke with my dad and yell at my idiot brother!’

‘Hey!’

‘I want a normal, pony slice of life!’

Pinkie hugs the crying filly. ‘There, there. Just leave everything to Auntie Pinkie Pie. Just stay here and I’ll be back with your parents in two shakes of a pony’s tail.’

‘Do you promise not to hurt the pony back home?’

Pinkie glances to her left briefly. ‘Of course.’

‘Pinkie Promise?’

The mare takes a deep breath and mimes the actions.

Pumpkin hugs Pinkie again. ‘Thank you. Be safe.’

Pinkie nods and slips out of the room, leaving the two foals behind. Pound tries consoling his sister again, only to get shoved away.

Pinkie slinks through the house, looking for the Cakes. She avoids the Auton ponies as best as she can. The pink mare creeps around a corner and spots two Autons. The plastic ponies stop and turn away from Pinkie. She breathes a sigh of relief and starts moving forward when she feels something land on her rump. Pinkie looks back to see an Auton standing behind her. She tries screaming, but her mouth is covered.

‘Shh!’ a harsh voice hisses in her ear.

Pinkie watches as the Auton’s head slowly melts. A hoof is drawn towards the ceiling. It is covered in a fierce-looking claw. The Auton is knocked over as a steel-grey bat pony in purple armor drops from the ceiling. The bat pony wipes the plastic from the claw.

‘Sunshine!’ Pinkie cheers as loudly as she dares. ‘What are you doing here?’

‘I have been watching you since Pound blew up his room... again,’ the bat pony replies. ‘Third time this week.’

‘He’ll calm down once school starts again.’

‘If he makes it that long.’ Sunshine looks around. ‘Let’s hurry and get out of here.’

‘Not yet. We have to save the Cakes.’

‘Let me get you to safely first, then I’ll return with the whole police force.’

‘I promised the twins I would save their parents.’

Sunshine growls, exposing his long canines. His ears twitch, and he presses his pad into his claws, activating an electric field around them. He raises a claw and points it at Pinkie’s head. The mare screams and ducks. A head of an Auton pony falls to the ground.

The bat pony pushes Pinkie behind him. ‘I think I heard them this way. Follow me.’

Pinkie giggles and hugs Sunshine as he tries leading her away.

Sunshine slinks through the house as he hunts for the Cakes. The stallion grumbles to himself and scrapes plastic from his armor.

‘Maybe they’re in here,’ Pinkie says as she opens a door. She slams it closed and ducks as laser fire rips the door to pieces. ‘Nope!’

Sunshine groans and flies into the room. The bat pony rips the Auton ponies to pieces. Pinkie calmly enters the room and searches for clues regarding the Cakes. With the threat taken care of, Sunshine takes a few deep breaths before attempting to clean his armor again.

‘Mr Sunshine, you were watching us back at the shop, right?’ Pinkie asks.

‘That is correct.’

‘Did you... take care of that evil pony for me?’

Sunshine looks over, eyebrow raised. ‘Miss Pie?’

‘He... hurt the pony I love. I promised Pumpkin I wouldn’t hurt him, so can you get rid of him for me?’

‘It would be illegal to do anything you are thinking of.’

Pinkie pouts. ‘Please?’

‘Once we are done here, I will have him arrested,’ Sunshine sighs. ‘We’ll let the legal system take care of him.’

Pinkie frowns and moans. Sunshine comforts her by placing a plastic-coated claw on her back. Suddenly, Pinkie’s ears flop, her eyes flutter and her knee twitches.

‘Pinkie sense?’ Sunshine asks, stepping away.

‘Don’t worry,’ Pinkie assures. ‘You’re not near any doors.’

A trap door slides open under Sunshine, and the knight tumbles down a set of stairs. He collects himself and looks into the hoof-mounted lasers from the Autons surrounding him. Pinkie is forced down the stairs by more Autons.

‘Bloody brilliant,’ the bat pony grunts as he dusts himself off.

Sunshine scans the room. The Cakes are tied up by the far wall. A large vat fills the center of the room. The Autons shove Pinkie beside Sunshine.

‘You can tell The Master that this is a really bad game,’ Pinkie huffs at the vat.

Sunshine groans, ‘And now, you are fighting with a...’

‘Silence, equine!’ a voice booms from the vat. ‘Your puny mind couldn’t grasp my true self.’

The bat pony rolls his eyes. ‘My first assignment when I became a royal guard was patrolling the statue garden. I think my time with Discord can help me understand what a psychic entity is.’

‘Your planet is mine,’ the voice says. ‘It will make a fine protein planet to feed the Nestene.’

‘Not if I have anything to say about it.’

Sunshine activates his claws. The Autons charge their weapons.

‘Sunshine, stop,’ Pinkie warns. ‘You don’t want to upset Fluttershy.’

‘Then how do we defeat this thing?’ Sunshine snarls.

‘I have reinforcements coming.’

‘Where?’

There is a scream from upstairs. An Auton is knocked off the stairs and crashes to the floor. A disembodied plastic leg swings and knocks the head off another Auton. Pumpkin leaps in the air and kicks it into the advancing forces. She swings the leg to hold the Aurons at bay.

‘Now, numbskull!’

Pound flies into the room while the Autons are distracted. He holds a flask in his hooves.

‘Okay,’ the colt states. ‘This is either the formula that I used to dissolve Pumpkin’s favorite doll, or it is dad’s blueberry frosting recipe.’

Sunshine slices the heads off the Autons surrounding him. ‘Who cares! Maybe it is allergic to blueberry!’

Pound closes his eyes and drops the flask into the vat. The Nestene within roars in pain. Sunshine dashes around the vat, slashing cables and tubes. The Nestene’s cries slowly die down. The Autons stop moving and fall over. Pinkie goes up the stairs to comfort Pumpkin, who is beating a deactivated Auton. Pound lands and starts untying his parents. Sunshine climbs to the rim of the vat and inserts a claw, just to make sure the Nestene is dead. Pinkie comes down with Pumpkin in time for the filly to hug her freed parents.

‘Is it done? Is everything over?’ Pumpkin asks.

Sunshine jabs the vat again. ‘As far as I can tell... I’ll have a team come in and clear out the house.’ He looks up. ‘After I escort you home, of course.’

Pinkie leans out of a late-night train to Canterlot. The Cakes wait on the platform. Pipsqueak and Dinky Hooves rush aboard another car.

‘Sorry for running off like this,’ Pinkie apologizes. ‘I tried sending a message to the princess about tonight, but the mail lines are down. I have to tell her right away.’

‘We’ll be fine,’ Cup Cake assures.

‘Sunshine got us police protection until he is sure we’re safe,’ Carrot Cake adds.

‘Okay. I promise not to take too long. Hug the twins for me.’

‘We will,’ Cup Cake replies.

The train starts pulling away from the station. Pinkie waves before settling into her seat for the journey. The Cakes turn to leave.

‘All right, kids,’ Carrot Cake begins, ‘I know we had a busy day, but I want you going to bed right away.’ He looks around. ‘Kids?’

The Cakes look around. Pound Cake waves from the back of the train while his sister tries pulling him back inside. Carrot Cake facehooves.

Cup Cake sighs and waves. ‘At least they are safe this time.’

A Stormy Condition

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A dark purple unicorn filly with a magenta and silver mane watches an oven. She smiles as she sees the timer count down. She stops the timer right as it goes off and immediately removes a tray of cupcakes. The filly places the tray on the counter and examines the various frostings she assembled. She smiles and uses her magic to frost the cupcakes, casting spells on each. Once every cupcake is frosted, she places them on a plate and carries it out of the kitchen.

‘Mommy! Daddy! Come try my new cupcakes!’

‘Ooo! Those smell good,’ a mare’s voice says as a silver aura lifts a cupcake.

A magenta aura levitates a treat. A stallion’s voice says, ‘These are pretty...’

Several snapping fireworks go off as the ponies eat their cupcakes.

‘Hee, hee. Sugar firework frosting. My newest recipe-spell. Do you like it?’ the filly asks.

Trixie hugs the filly. ‘Spectacular, Razzle Dazzle.’

Stormy hugs his wife and child. ‘The best, Razzleberry.’

Razzly giggles and squirms under the affection.

Shortly after The Wandering Physicist married Twilight Sparkle, Stormy took the advice of his mentor and his mother and dropped out of school to marry Trixie and travel the world with her. Rumor has it a certain brown pony briefly appeared for the wedding. The two unicorns travel around the world with their daughter Razzly. The filly marvels at all of the wondrous locations she gets to see while trying to follow in both her parent’s hoofsteps.

Razzly presses her face against the glass as a train barrels through a light snow. Her parents laugh as they watch the filly.

‘This is so exciting!’ Razzly exclaims. ‘You’ve never performed in the Crystal Empire before!’

‘It is not like they have a Crystal Faire every year,’ Stormy comments.

Trixie snorts. ‘In all of the years since she restored the Empire, Cadence has never seen fit to invite me. I blame her sister-in-law.’

‘It is not Twilight’s fault,’ Stormy groans. ‘It was only last year that the Wonderbolts were invited to perform. The Crystal Ponies are very connected to tradition.’

‘Hmpf! I hear the princess isn’t even going to be there to greet us.’

‘Cadence and Shining were called to Canterlot. Probably just a quick meeting with Celestia. They will be back before the Faire is over.’

Trixie sighs. ‘I guess I can save my best material until then. I’ve been working on reenacting the battle against King Sombra.’

‘I can’t wait. I’ve been practicing crystal berry dishes.’

‘Mmm,’ Trixie drools.

‘Is that it!’ Razzly calls as the snow starts breaking and a large tower comes into sight.

The parents stand with their daughter and watch the Crystal Empire come into view. The train comes to a stop at a bustling train station. Razzly gallops out to the station while her parents levitate their luggage to a cart. The station is full of tourists from across Equestria. The crystal ponies greet their guests and give out pamphlets for the Faire. Stormy leads his family across the fields to the city. Razzly gawks at all of the crystal buildings, streets, lamps, trees and everything. The parents laugh their kid’s reaction. As they pass, the crystal ponies watch the group of unicorns, a rare sight in the Crystal Empire. The group reaches their hotel and head up to their suite. Razzly immediately gallops out to a balcony to watch the city. Stormy and Trixie place their bags in their rooms and join their daughter.

‘Truly a beautiful country,’ Trixie marvels.

‘And when the festival starts, we’re going to take them by storm,’ Stormy adds.
…

Back at the train station, a grey pony watches the passengers trot to and from the trains. He taps a hoof against the wall four times and trots out. The pony crosses the fields until he finds an empty spot on the edge of the farmland and the snow with just a few crystals and berry bushes about. He picks up a crystal.

‘Hate,’ the pony whispers before dropping the crystal.

The crystal turns black and jagged before it hits the ground. A pair of green eyes with red irises surrounded by a purple aura flash on the crystal as darkness starts spreading.

The next morning, Stormy and Razzly set up the stallion’s stall in the market. The stallion works on setting up the ovens while Razzly prepares the batter for all of her father’s dishes. The other ponies around are mostly crystal ponies setting up their booths. A few tourists are previewing the stalls. One sees Stormy and Razzly and goes over to their stall.

‘Stormy? Is that you?’

The two unicorns look up. A green unicorn mare with a green crystal mane, tail and horn smiles back.

‘It is you! I recognize that scar anywhere!’

‘Jade Emerald?’ Stormy asks. ‘What are you doing here?’

Jade squeals. ‘You remembered me! I knew you were great.’

‘Yeah... And my other question?’

‘Oh! I am here for the festival. I come whenever I have time off. I’ve been researching my family line, trying to match records in Equestria with records here.’

‘You have really pretty hair,’ Razzly comments.

‘Thank you!’ Jade smiles and fluffs her mane. ‘I love coming since it makes me so sparkly!’ She looks Razzly over. ‘You must be Stormy and Trixie’s daughter. You’re adorable!’

‘Actually, I’m Razzly. But yes, I am Clever and Spectacular.’

‘How did you know Trixie is her mother?’ Stormy asks.

‘I remember our assignment and the prom and you running off to be with her.’ Jade sighs. ‘You became quite a catch that last year. I am happy somepony you loved was lucky enough to snag you.’

‘Do you have a special somepony?’ Razzly asks.

‘Not that many good stallions left in Ponyville these days. But don’t worry about me. Is Trixie around?’

Stormy rolls his eyes. ‘She is preparing for her show later.’

‘She’s still in bed,’ Razzly translates.

Jade laughs. ‘I look forward to seeing her perform.’

‘As do I,’ another voice says.

The unicorns look over to see a grey pony trotting up. The Master grins evilly.

‘Tickets on sell over there.’ Stormy points.

The Master shrugs. ‘Of course, the better show will be watching King Sombra take over again.’

Jade loses her crystalline properties. ‘What do you mean?’

‘Oh, nothing. Nothing at all.’ The Master smirks. ‘Nothing about releasing a corrupt crystal near the wastes for Sombra’s spirit to inhabit.’

‘Th-there’s no way!’ Jade protests. ‘Everypony has been happy since Cadence returned!’

‘Who said it was one of you?’ The Master drops a small blacked crystal to the ground. The darkness spreads across a small patch of the crystal street. ‘Oops.’

Stormy blasts the darkness away. ‘Why are you telling us? Why not just let us get enslaved while the princess is away?’

‘She’ll be taken care of soon enough, but you... Your mentor was one of my favorite victims. I should be able to get some joy out of watching you and your family suffer.’

Stormy glances around to make sure nopony is watching. In the clear, his horn briefly glows as he throws The Master against the nearest wall. ‘If you want to fight me, attack me directly. Leave my family and the Crystal Empire out of it.’

The Master dusts himself off. ‘And where would the fun in that be?’ He starts trotting around the street. ‘You have to face off against a force of pure evil. His brat has to face her worst nightmare. His son will be fed to his monster’s kind. His first wife gets her mind rewritten and will do the same to her kids. The pink one has everything she loves destroyed. I hired a bounty hunter to do some chicken hunting. His one “friend”... Well, I’ll take care of him personally. And that leaves’ -- he cringes -- ‘that stallion. Torn apart by the ponies he swore to protect. It is all poetic, really.’

‘Existentialist free verse dadaism,’ Stormy snorts. ‘The worst form of poetry.’

‘Snobby much?’

‘A gentlepony does not dabble in such lowbrow tripe.’

‘Whatever floats your goat.’ The Master shrugs. ‘I have a train to catch, and you have an ancient evil to watch slowly devour this land. Ta!’

The rogue Time Lord turns and trots away. Trixie trots past, yawning. He sees her husband glaring furiously while Jade and Razzly shake in fear.

‘Okay. We’re getting me some coffee, and you’re going to tell me the bad news.’

The four unicorns explore the fields at the edge of the Crystal Empire. Jade has calmed down enough so that her hair and horn appear crystalline again. Stormy explains everything The Master said to Trixie. The tired mare sips a venti Ponybucks as she wraps her head around the situation.

‘So, basically,’ Trixie surmises, ‘We have to defeat King Sombra alone. Something the Elements of Harmony, the Crystal Princess and the Captain of the Royal Guard had a hard time doing?’

‘Pretty much,’ Stormy replies.

‘Oh, I better get made a princess for this. I mean, if Twilight couldn’t do it with all that assistance, The Great and Powerful Princess Trixie is a fair compromise for such a daunting task.’

‘Yeah. That ain’t ego much,’ Jade groans.

‘Silence, knave!’

‘One thing at a time, Trixie,’ Stormy sighs.

‘Fine! I’ll settle for The Great and Powerful Duchess.’

‘Is there a way to turn her off?’ Jade snorts.

‘Just talk about Twilight Sparkle,’ Razzly answers. ‘She hates that.’

‘Or have your daughter walk in your bedroom after having a bad dream,’ Stormy adds. ‘Real mood killer there.’

‘Or it could be an infuriating husband and a bratty daughter!’ Trixie snaps.

Stormy laughs and kisses his wife on the cheek. ‘I love you, too.’

‘My mommy is the greatest!’

Trixie nods and snorts. ‘That’s better. Trixie deserves more respect than being teased about things such as a petty princess. Hmpf! Just because she gets to explore the universe while I am stuck here...’ She shrugs. ‘I won out in the husband department, though. Smart, handsome, extremely talented.’

‘Daddy is a good baker.’

‘Oh, that too.’

‘Is this really how you talk in front of your kid?’ Jade groans. ‘She isn’t even ten!’

Stormy smiles down at his daughter. ‘Razzly is a very smart and mature girl. We treat her like we treat everypony else.’

‘Well, if I were her parent, I would impose more limits. Just because we lucked out and had Scootaloo for our assignment, doesn't mean every foal is as mature as her. You can’t be such a lax parent. She might turn out to be a delinquent.’

‘Razzy is growing up fine,’ Stormy groans.

‘And I am Clever and Spectacular, too!’

‘The ego wouldn’t be there either.’

Stormy and Razzly groan. The stallion bumps into Trixie, who has stopped. Stormy whistles when he sees what his wife is staring at. Razzly squeaks and backs away. Jade’s crystalline features instantly disappear.

The ponies stand before a several-meter tall black crystal. The ground around the crystal is grey and lifeless. A ghostly image of King Sombra crosses one of the faces.

‘Slaves...’ Sombra growls when he sees the ponies.

‘Trixie thinks we need a bigger boat.’

The unicorns sit around Stormy’s stall while the stallion and his daughter bake and sell his wares to the faire-goers. They are trying to figure out a solution to King Sombra without alerting the public to the situation. Stormy serves a crystal berry pastry while mixing more dough behind him.

‘Still think you can handle this, princess?’ Jade asks.

‘Trixie knows she can defeat Sombra. She just needs to figure out how.’

‘If we had a way of getting in contact with Cadence, she could use the Crystal Heart on him again.’

‘Why can’t we do that?’ Stormy asks.

‘Did you see her when she greeted me at the station?’ Trixie snorts.

Jade looks over to the baker. ‘She hasn’t even returned from her meeting in Canterlot yet. She might not make it for the festival.’

The stallion groans. He gets out an empty box from under the counter and cuts it up. He levitates the pieces to his wife’s back and places an empty pie tin on her head. ‘There. You’re a princess now. You don’t need her as long as you have the Crystal Heart to focus and amplify the crystal ponies’ love to defeat him.’

‘Yeah, because without their princess, they will totally stand up to Sombra,’ Jade moans.

Trixie stands and poses in her new costume. ‘They don’t need to know it is really him.’ Her horn glows, and the wings appear real and the tin changes to look like a crown. ‘I am the greatest showmare to ever live.’

Jade stares at Trixie, confused.

‘We put on a show,’ Stormy says. ‘She has been practicing the story of his defeat. We just have to rally all of the crystal ponies and use the Crystal Heart against him. Simple as that.’

‘Simple as that? Really?’

Stormy shrugs. ‘We just need the props and the right venue.

‘Mommy is really good at magic, and daddy is really smart.’

Trixie removes the crown, changing it back to a pie tin. ‘Trust me. I am Great and Powerful.’

Trixie and Jade trot through the Crystal Colosseum. Outside, jousting matches entertain faire goers. The two unicorns make their way towards the building manager’s offices. The mares find the staff watching the matches on a television. Trixie clears her throat. Failing to get any attention, she casts a firework spell. A startled secretary trots over to the calm showmare.

‘May I help you?’

‘Yes. Please tell me where and when I can begin setting up for my performance later.’

‘And you are..?’

Trixie gasps. ‘I am The Great and Powerful Trixie! I was personally selected by Princess Cadence herself to perform feats beyond imagining for the Crystal Faire.’

‘We don’t have any record of any performances scheduled...’

‘Are you calling The Great and Powerful Trixie a liar? Or are you saying that The Crystal Princess would not want all the citizens of the beautiful Crystal Empire to witness the spectacular that is The Great and Powerful Trixie?’

‘N-no, I am just trying to tell you that there is no...’

‘Fine!’ Trixie turns around, her cape flapping around her. ‘I’ll just have to tell my close, personal friend Princess Twilight Sparkle that her sister-in-law’s people refuse to allow her best friend in all the world the performance she was hired for.’

‘You know Princess Sparkle?’

‘She and I happen to be great friends. I was one of her bridesmaids as she was for me.’ She huffs and stomps the ground. ‘I wasn’t going to play this card, but I may have to call Princess Celestia about this.’

‘P-p-princess Celestia?’

‘I am off! I guess The Great and Powerful Trixie is forced to perform on the street like some commoner.’

‘W-wait!’

‘Please. Trixie does not want your pity.’

‘What time were you expecting to perform? Maybe we can arrange something.’

Trixie turns and smirks. ‘The Great and Powerful Trixie is glad you asked.’
…

Trixie and Jade trot from the offices. The smug unicorn has a proud grin on her face.

‘Was anything you said in there true?’ Jade asks.

‘Would you believe me if I told you?’ Trixie replies.

‘Touche.’

Trixie laughs smugly and leads the other mare away.

Stormy and Razzly trot through the Crystal Palace. They march to the gallery containing the Crystal Heart. Guards surround the relic. The unicorn stallion trots right past the guards and levitates the Crystal Heat from its stand. Instantly, spears are aimed at him.

‘Problem?’ Stormy asks.

‘Return the Crystal Heart or this will get ugly fast.’

‘But I need to to borrow it for reasons. I should have it back tonight.’ The spears are pressed into his neck. ‘Do you know who I am?’

‘Enlighten us?’

‘I am The Wandering Physicist. The Doctor and I need the Crystal Heart for a very important project we are working on.’

‘Ha! You’re a unicorn. We all know The Wandering Physicist is an earth pony.’

‘Regeneration, genius. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist like me to get that much.’

The guards look at each other and back off.

‘Have it back tonight.’

‘You have my word.’

Stormy levitates the Crystal Heart and trots away leaving several confused guards.

Throngs of crystal ponies and tourists pack the Crystal Colosseum. Rumors have spread about Trixie and the show. Nopony knows what they are in for, but they are certain it will be spectacular.

Backstage, Trixie and the others apply their makeup. Jade styles Razzly’s mane to cover her horn. The filly casts a spell to make her appear to be a crystal pony. Stormy adjusts his purple and gold prop armor.

Trixie applies her eyeliner. ‘Does everypony remember your lines?’

‘Grr. Grr. Snarl. Slaves. Crystals. Grr,’ Stormy grumbles halfheartedly.

‘Uncanny,’ Jade groans.

‘Just remember, we only have to inspire an entire nation to vanquish an ancient evil,’ Trixie reminds. ‘Nothing too complicated.’

‘Right, because we do that every day.’

Trixie claps her hooves. ‘Okay! Places everypony! It is almost showtime!’

Jade and Razzly sneak out and hide among the crowds gathered around the stage. Trixie takes a few deeps breaths. Stormy hugs and kisses his wife. She smiles, levitates her hat to her head, goes to the curtains and casts her firework spells.
…

After a magical show, Trixie has the audience in her hoof. Her illusions dazzle. Her audience participation astounds, leaving one volunteer questioning whether he is really a dog in a pony body. Her illusory stories keep the crowd on their edge of their seats. She has successfully distracted the crystal ponies from the continued encroachment of King Sombra’s shadow which has entered city and is drifting toward the colosseum. Knowing it is almost time is almost called for the final act, Trixie wraps up her current story and gets a drink of water.

‘Thank you! You are truly the greatest audience!’ Trixie says between sips. ‘But sadly, time has come for my final illusion: a reenactment of the defeat of your dreaded King Sombra.’

A number of crystal ponies gasp in fear. Some even lose their crystalline features. Trixie levitates out props which become illusory wings and places a tiara over her hat. She uses her magic to create illusions of the events she describes.

‘Not so long ago, the spell that once protected the Crystal Empire faded and returned you from a thousand-year slumber. The lovely Princess Cadence and’ -- she licks her lips, getting Stormy to groan -- ‘handsome Prince Shining Armor’ -- Stormy trots on stage in his costume -- ‘came to greet and investigate your lovely country. Unfortunately, they found that the evil King Sombra still lurked.’

Trixie creates an illusory Sombra on stage. Several crystal ponies scream and more lose their crystalline features. The real Sombra swirls over the colosseum.

‘Princess Cadence used her magic to protect the Crystal Empire while Prince Shining Armor ventured out to assist the crystal ponies and call for help. Assistance arrived in the form of six ponies and a small dragon. Led by future Princess Twilight Sparkle, the new visitors learned all they could about the Crystal Empire and revived the Crystal Faire. The joy it brought to the crystal ponies forced Sombra’s darkness back.’ The illusory king starts fading. ‘But it wasn’t to last...’

The real king snarls and crashes onto the stage. He regains his true form. Thinking it is still part of the illusion, the panic created is minor, but the majority of crystal ponies have lost their features. Stormy readies a spell to defend his wife.

‘My slaves,’ Sombra hisses.

Trixie nervously backs away. ‘Cadence’s magic faded and King Sombra was allowed back into the Crystal Empire, but there was still hope!’ Trixie throws off her hat to reveal the Crystal Heart. ‘The crystal ponies were able to rally around Cadence, realizing she was the Crystal Princess. Together, they were able to reignite the Crystal Heart and drive Sombra back to the darkness, never to return!’

The Crystal Heart flickers as too many crystal ponies are scared. Trixie looks into the audience for Jade and Razzly.

‘Think maybe I should throw you at him?’ Stormy whispers.

‘Hush!’ Trixie turns to the audience and laughs. ‘Seems the Crystal Heart is losing its juice. We might need some more support to recharge it. Who has the courage to stand up to Sombra?’

The crystal ponies look among themselves and murmur. There is a bright flash.

‘I am not afraid of him!’ Jade calls, using her magic to enhance her crystalline features.

The crystal ponies around her cheer and regain their crystalline features. The Crystal Heart’s glow increases.

‘We need more! Is the Crystal Empire doomed once more? Who will save us all?’

‘Ham it up a bit more,’ Stormy groans.

‘SHH!’

‘I’ll save us!’ Razzly jumps on stage, still in her crystal pony illusion. ‘I’ll drive him off!’

Stormy and Trixie resist grabbing their daughter as she trots up to King Sombra.

‘I’m not afraid of you!’ Razzly shouts in the king’s face. ‘The Clever and Spectacular Razzle Dazzle commands you to go away and never return!’

‘Yeah! Go to hell!’ ‘We’re not scared of you!’ ‘The Crystal Princess will protect us!’

Inspired by the brave filly, the crowd starts jeering their former enslaver. They start regaining their crystalline forms, and the Crystal Heart’s glow becomes blinding. Sombra tries disappearing into the sky again, but it is too late. The Crystal Heart bursts with energy, turning everything crystalline, even non-crystal ponies, and destroying the evil king once more. Still thinking it is a show, the crowd cheers the performers.

The Crystalline and Iridescent Trixie takes center stage and bows. ‘And that is why they call me “Great” and “Powerful”.’

Late at night and with their crystal forms fading, Stormy, Trixie and Razzly lean out of a train window. Jade stands on the platform.

‘Don’t forget to get the Crystal Heart back to the palace. I think the guards might be a bit cross if you don’t soon,’ Stormy says.

‘Don’t worry. I’ll take care of everything here,’ Jade assures. ‘You have to find Cadence and tell her what happened.’

‘Rest assured that The Great and Powerful Trixie will turn Canterlot over looking for the princesses.’

Jade glares. ‘You’re going to ask to be made a princess too, aren’t you?’

‘I was going to tell them what happened here! I mean, how else will they know to properly reward me?’

Jade groans.

Stormy smiles at his friend. ‘Jade. It was great seeing you again. Sorry you got wrapped up in this.’

‘Are you kidding me? I would have gone nuts in the library if it wasn’t for you. Not to mention, I got to know your wonderful family. Take care, Stormy.’

‘You too, Jade.’

‘Bye, Miss Jade!’ Razzly calls as the train starts moving.

‘I’ll see if you can get made a dame or something for your role!’ Trixie shouts back.

Jade laughs and waves. ‘In another world, that could have been me...’

A Town Called Appleoosa

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Sweetie Belle groans as she makes her way through a train. She is careful not to let anypony too near her new dress from Rarity, and her new hat is fitted with a hole for her horn. She has another long mission and has a car all to herself. That is what she thinks until she reaches her car.

‘Hey, Sweetie Belle!’

The unicorn stares into her formerly private car with a combination of surprise and annoyance. Waiting for her, an orange pegasus sits on one of the benches. The guest smiles and removes a rainbow wig from her purple mane.

‘What are you doing here, Scootaloo?’ Sweetie huffs.

‘I saw ya on the platform,’ Scootaloo replies, ‘so I got on the station’s network and added one to your car.’

Sweetie groans and sits on the opposite bench.

‘So, where ya headed?’ Scootaloo asks.

‘I have a, uh, meeting in Appleoosa.’

‘Sweet! I’m off to the Wonderbolts show in Appleanta. Dash is hooking me up with backstage passes and stuff.’ She squishes her cheeks together. ‘So awesome!’

Sweetie groans, drops her saddlebag and settles into her seat, pulling her hat over her eyes.

The overnight train ride is relatively calm. The two friends spend the time gossiping and sharing the bags of Neighponese snacks Rei gave to Scootaloo. A few hundred kilometers from Buffalo territory, the young mares relax in their private car. Scootaloo plays a hoofheld game while she holds a whole box worth of Pocky in her mouth. Sweetie Belle rests in a trance-like state. Suddenly, the unicorn snaps to attention and dives to the ground.

‘Take cover!’ she shouts.

‘Huh?’

There is a loud whistle and a snap. The train car starts slowing down.

‘Crap. That was just the warning shot. Get down!’

Scootaloo looks around confused. There is another whistle and a large explosion knocks the train car off the tracks. The two ponies tumble around. Sweetie ends up hanging from her bench; Scootaloo, kissing the nearest window. Sweetie drops and pulls a cloak from her saddlebag.

‘Get up. We have to get out of here.’

Scootaloo looks up, her head spinning. ‘No, Featherweight. You have to be on top sometimes...’

‘Scootaloo!’

The pegasus turns to her friend. ‘Yo.’

Sweetie shrieks. Scoolaloo’s face is streaming blood from a gash going across her forehead. Scootaloo blinks and stares. Sweetie immediately starts digging through her supplies.

‘Something wrong?’

‘Your face! It is bleeding. We have to stop it.’

Scootaloo touches her head and looks at the blood on her hoof. ‘Nah. I’m good. Just give me a moment.’

‘But you’re..!’ Sweetie stares as she sees the wound on her friend’s face visibly close. ‘How did you..?’

‘We all have our secrets, Miss Assassin.’

‘How did you know!’ Sweetie gasps.

‘The Daring Support Network works with the Trio all the time.’ Scootaloo wipes the last of the blood from her face. ‘Now, what are we doing about that friend of yours?’

Sweetie Belle goes to side of the car and peeks out the damaged door. A glint in the distance gives her her target. A bullet whizzes through the capsized car.

‘Assassin! Come out and pla~y~!’ a voice taunts.

‘Damn it. He has us pinned down,’ Sweetie grumbles. She starts charging a spell. ‘I know a shield spell, but it might not be enough for both of us.’

‘Got ya.’ Scootaloo nods and stretches her wings. ‘I run distraction, and you catch the creep.’

‘That is not it at all! You stay here where it is safe’ -- a bullet whizzes through the car -- ‘and I’ll take care of him. You could get shot!’

‘Don’t worry. I had a big breakfast. Oh! When you do make a run for it, make sure you bring my bag. I’ll definitely need snacks afterwards.’

Scootaloo slides open a window on the roof of the car and bolts out. Sweetie swears, pulls her hat down, casts her spell and dashes out of the car. She gallops for the nearest rocky formation. Another bullet impacts the shield before she gets to cover.

‘Hey! Jerkface! Up here!’ Scootaloo taunts.

‘Bonus round,’ the attacker grunts.

Scootaloo dodges a bullet and starts doing complex aerial maneuvers to avoid more incoming fire. Sweetie growls and charges for her target’s hiding place. Bullets fly as the attacker tries to pick off both targets.

‘I didn’t think they would send the child,’ the attacker taunts and Sweetie gets close. ‘I would have thought I was a higher priority.’ An explosion causes the charging unicorn to take cover. ‘Or maybe you are no longer their golden child.’

‘It is over, Card Switch!’ Sweetie shouts as she adjusts her dress around her forelegs. ‘We have you surrounded.’

A steel grey unicorn with mechanical wings steps out from under an outcrop. He is levitating a high-powered rifle to his eye. ‘Please. What is the worst your silly friend can do?’

A stream of liquid lands on the stallion, causing him to scream in disgust.

‘Ah! Much better,’ Scootaloo sighs from above. ‘I was trying to hold it until we got to town, but, well...’

Card Switch swings his gun upward. ‘You are disgusting!’

Scootaloo laughs and dodges the bullets that are fired at her. Sweetie levitates several daggers from her robe and shoots them at Card Switch. They clip his wings, drawing his fire back to the hiding unicorn. As pieces of Sweetie’s rock fly off, she presses herself down as low as she can. She shoots the rest of her daggers, most of which go wide. Card Switch advances on the rock and levitates his gun over the barrier. Sweetie rolls out of the way and extends her hidden blades. Before she can stab her target, a barrage of laser fire cuts a line leading up to the Assassin and her victim. The two unicorns stop their attack and gallop back to Card Switch’s hideout.

‘Friends of yours?’ they accuse.

‘You know I work alone,’ the stallion retorts.

‘And it was just dumb luck I ran into... Scootaloo!’

‘On it!’ the pegasus shouts before flying away.

‘No! Get back here!’

Card Switch laughs. ‘I’d go after her, but somepony decided to turn my wings into a cutting board.’

‘Blow it out your ass!’

Sweetie Belle gallops after her friend. Card Switch steps out of hiding, shrugs, picks up his rifle and turns to trot away. A large shadow looms over the unicorn. He lowers his sunglasses to get a look at it with his good eye.

‘Buck me.’
…

Scootaloo chases after her target as fast as her wings can take her. She almost catches up to what looks like a winged, balloon-less airship, barely the size of a pony. It appears to be propelled by rotable rockets at the end of the wings. The craft rotates a turret and fires a laser burst at its pursuer. The pegasus screams and tries dodging, but her wing gets clipped and she plummets to earth. Her fall is stopped by a magical cushion. Sweetie Belle catches up to Scootaloo, panting.

‘I thought you were trained to run forever or something like that,’ Scootaloo jokes.

‘Shut the buck up! You could have died.’

‘Thanks for the catch, by the way.’ Scootaloo gives her friend a peck on the cheek and trots back towards their wreck. ‘Did you bring my snacks?’
…

Scootaloo flies a perimeter around the wrecked train car before waving her friend over. Sweetie Belle is amazed at how her friend can fly so soon after being shot in the wing. When the unicorn gets to the car, a Pocky stick is shoved into her face. Scootaloo devours the sticks she dropped during the crash.

‘A little dirty, but still good,’ the pegasus says as she gobbles the snack.

‘How can you eat at a time like this?’ Sweetie asks.

‘Gotta keep the strength up if I’m going to fly for help.’

‘Speaking of which, how can you be flying? You were shot by a laser!’

‘And then I healed. Duh.’ Scootaloo laughs and looks around nervously. ‘It isn’t like anypony said I might never be able to fly or anything. You were there when Nurse Redheart gave the class examinations. She said I just needed to develop muscle mass.’

‘What? No. I always knew you could fly. You’re a pegasus.’

‘Then why are you surprised I can fly now? Nothing weird about that.’

Sweetie groans. ‘Whatever.’ She levitates more Pocky sticks from Scootaloo.

The two friends sit and eat more of Scootaloo’s snacks before deciding they have had enough. Scootaloo steps outside and stretches her wings again. She is about to take off when she sniffs the air.

‘Trouble,’ the pegasus growls.

She turns toward where Sweetie left Card Switch. Sweetie comes out of the shelter and looks. Card Switch slowly limps forward until he collapses a few hundred meters from the wreck. He reaches and tries dragging himself forward. The two young mares slowly creep towards the injured unicorn.

‘Help me,’ Card Switch rasps.

‘Why should we?’ Scootaloo demands. ‘By the way, you smell like piss.’

‘Gee. Whose fault is that? Just help me you, twa...’

Scootaloo steps on Card Switch’s good hoof and turns away.

‘Scootaloo, if you know anything about my group, you know we seek legal justice first. I must help him.’

‘Whatever. I’ll tell Sheriff Silverstar to come with the rescue team to lock him up.’

‘Actually, you won’t.’

Card Switch levitates a small sphere from under one of his damaged wings. The sphere activates, and a holographic projection of a scarred, hairless ape appears.

`Greeting, equine creatures,` the projection states. `If your friend has lived long enough to deliver this, then he will attest to my ability to cause harm. If not, then that is an even better example. I was hired by one of you calling himself “The Master” or some such garbage. It doesn’t matter. The pay is enough. I am to eliminate the pair of you before moving to my next target. Something called a “Rainbow Dash”.`

Scootaloo stomps the ground and growls.

`Since I am a sporting gentleman, I will offer you this: you survive for three days and I let you live, reporting back that you are dead. Simple as that. Killing me is another way to win, but that is nearly an impossibility. Oh. And if you think you have a choice...`

The projection changes to one of Appleoosa. There is a shimmering dome around the town.

`I have your town as a hostage. Only way to deactivate the force field surrounding it is for one of us to win the game. I’ll give you some time to regroup and prepare yourself. Since I am nice, I’ll give you, oh, ten hours. Good luck. Oh. This message will self-destruct.`

Sweetie Belle uses her magic to launch the sphere into the air before it explodes. She stops and looks down at Card Switch. ‘Where did you leave your gun?’

‘That thing destroyed it. Custom built parts everywhere. I could kill that thing. What was it anyway?’

‘It was a human.’

‘Pfft! No such thing as humans. Just superstitious nonsense. They barely teach you how to kill, and I guess they barely teach you anything else.’

Sweetie steps over to the prone unicorn and extends a hidden blade right in front of his eyes. ‘How much of the horn do you want to lose? My big brother told me he'd rather be gelded without painkillers than crack it again.’

Scootaloo trots away and spreads her wings. ‘You two stay here. I’ll be right back.’

‘Where are you going?’ Sweetie asks. ‘We can’t go to Appleoosa. It is sealed off. And Celestia knows how far it is to anywhere else.’

‘That is why I am going to find that hunter and take care of him first.’

‘Scootaloo, that is just insane! First of all, you don’t have nearly a third of the combat experience as either of us. Second, your only “intense” flying training is with Rei. You don’t even work weather patrol outside of Winter Wrap Up. I’m the only one in any condition to fight this guy.’

‘So, what? While you are out there, wandering the canyons trying to find him, me and pisshead are supposed to wait here for him to send the drone after us again? You need airpower!’

‘I can do this!’ Sweetie screams. ‘I was picked to go after Card Switch for a reason! I can handle some crazy alien in my sleep!’

‘You couldn’t even stop Card Switch without my help! Now this whole situation has gone to hell, and he smells worse than when you and Rarity would have burrito night!’

‘Again, whose fault is that?’ the injured stallion moans. ‘Now, can one of you get me some medical attention. It pains me to say it, but I think the only thing keeping me from infection is the annoying one’s urine.’

‘Hey! Sweetie Belle isn’t that annoying!’

Sweetie clocks her friend on top of the head. ‘Let’s just get back to the train car. We can plan everything from there.’

Scootaloo groans and trots back, leaving Sweetie Belle to levitate the injured pony.

The wrecked train car has been made into a small camp for the three ponies. Card Switch has been bandaged and rests against a wall. The two young mares retrieved some supplies, notably water and a map, from Card Switch’s camp and are planning their next action.

‘I chased the drone over the desert, but I bet it came from the canyons,’ Scootaloo states.

‘Right. Because that makes sense,’ Sweetie groans.

‘Which one of us is a flyer? We can travel great distances and use that to redirect our enemies.’

‘Unless, of course, he was thinking that and wants us to trot right into a trap.’

‘That’s what I’d do,’ Card Switch interjects. ‘Rig the canyon with explosives and bury you.’

‘Listen, if we can knock down the drone, I can get into its flight recorder,’ Scootaloo says. ‘We eliminate the drone threat and get a leg up on the human.’

‘Not a human!’

‘Shut up, pisshead!’

‘That is a good idea...’ Sweetie hems, ‘but how do we get it down? You’re not a fighter, and I don’t know any offensive magic.’

‘Stink boy will help us.’

‘How? By acting as a stationary target while they shoot me to pieces?’

‘You buried explosives around your hideout, right? We just dig them up and...’

‘No map of where they are. I just spread them around willy nilly. I think I was drunk at the time.’

‘Okay...’ Scootaloo growls. ‘Plan B. I just use this.’

The pegasus holds up Sweetie’s foreleg and pulls it down to reveal one of her gauntlets. The gauntlet has a gun built-in.

‘You don’t know how to use it,’ Sweetie complains.

‘I don’t need to. I just need to get close enough to put a bullet in the engine.’

Sweetie frowns. ‘I don’t like that idea. It is too dangerous.’

‘Well, unless you can hit a target that flies faster than Rainbow Dash, it is the best we have.’

Sweetie Belle grumbles and takes off her gauntlet. She gives it to Scootaloo who instantly straps it on.

‘Geez! You have skinny legs.’

It is dark by the time the ten hours are up. The wait is wearing on the two mares as they become increasingly restless. Scootaloo watches the sky from atop the wrecked train car in between rounds of the hoofheld game she plays. Sweetie Belle patrols around the car, whistling a new song she is composing. The unicorn stops her patrol and groans. She steps towards the car to get a snack when a loud roar fills the air. She looks up to see the contrail of the drone passing overhead and Scootaloo taking to the sky after it. Scootaloo does not get far before the drone comes back.

The drone hovers around the camp before it lowers its laser turret and fires at the ground-based targets. Sweetie uses her magic to shield herself and shoot back. Scootaloo charges at the drone, but it backs away and shoots at the pegasus. One of Sweetie’s bolts hit the drone. The drone performs a series of maneuvers to get away from the defenders and launches a number of small explosive charges. Sweetie hides under her shield. Scootaloo flies over the attack and aims the leg-mounted gun. She gets a shot off that hits the drone in an engine. The laser swings up and fires a volley at the pegasus. Scootaloo dodges and gets another shot off, shooting through a wing. The drone dips a bit, allowing it to get hit by another magic bolt. It launches more explosives, rotates its engines and takes off in the direction it came.

‘Wait here,’ Scootaloo says before chasing as fast as she can.

‘Get back here!’ Sweetie shouts as she chases after her friend.

Scootaloo flaps her wings as hard and as fast as she can. She raises the gauntlet and takes aim as she slowly gains on the drone. Suddenly, the laser spins around and fires. Scootaloo is hit at the joint between her right wing and her body. The pegasus screams and falls. The drone retracts its laser and increases its speed.

Scootaloo spirals toward the ground. There is a loud explosion overhead. Scootaloo looks up to see a rainbow-colored shockwave spreading and a rainbow streak heading right toward her. Seconds later, the falling pegasus is caught by her mentor and adoptive sister, Rainbow Dash.

Dash raises her flight goggles. ‘Hey, squirt. Try not to bleed on the uniform. Dry clean only.’

‘Dash? After that.’

‘Hold on a se...’

‘We need part of it or we might die.’

‘Okay. I hear ya. Hold tight.’

With another burst of speed, Rainbow Dash takes off after the drone. Even with her passenger, the Wonderbolt catches her target. Scootaloo raises her foreleg again and fires, hitting the drone in an engine, sending it spiraling to the ground. Rainbow Dash lands by the wreckage. Scootaloo hops to the ground and starts tearing through the drone.

‘Yo, squirt, do you really think you should be do that now?’ Dash asks. ‘You’re practically missing a wing.’

‘This?’ Scootaloo holds up her limp wing. ‘Just a flesh wound. I’ll be fine. Right now, we need the data recorder before this thing blows.’

Sweetie Belle gallops up and pants beside Rainbow Dash.

‘Thought they trained you to run forever or something?’ the pegasus asks.

‘Bite me,’ the assassin pants.

‘Aha! Right here!’ Scootaloo turns back. ‘A little help, Sweetie?’

Sweetie sighs and uses her magic to remove several computer components from the drone. Scootaloo folds her wing up and trots over to the others.

‘Once we get back to camp, I can use my computer to access the flight data and find out where this has been.’ Her friends stare at her. ‘What?’

‘You nearly lost a wing. That’s what,’ Dash states.

‘I’m fine. See.’

Scootaloo flaps her wing. She is able to move it a little, much to her friends’ surprise. Sweetie stares at the wound for a moment before turning and vomiting.

‘Sorry,’ the diva apologizes, ‘but I can see your bones and muscles and...’

The unicorn pukes again and sits while she catches her breath.

Scootaloo looks. ‘Oh, wow. That bad? You don’t happen to have any snacks on you, do you?’

Sweetie forces her stomach back down.

‘How can you think of eating when..!’ Dash gasps. ‘Did your wing just regrow skin instantly!’

Scootaloo grimaces and looks away. ‘I guess it had to come out sometime... Come on. I’ll tell you on the way back.’

---------------------------------------------

In Ponyville park, Scootaloo flaps her wings like mad and hops in order to only get a few centimeters of air before landing. The frustrated filly pants and growls before her next attempt. She falls to the ground and screams.

‘Can you keep it down?’ a voice asks. ‘I am supposed to be relaxing away from the store now that I have an employee.’

Scootaloo growls and looks up. The Wandering Physicist sits at a nearby bench with his laptop and mobile out. A recent trip to The Power Block where the stallion sold her a rated ‘M’ game, over Lucas’ denial, possibly out of sympathy for the black eye Scootaloo had gotten from her father that morning, plays back in the pegasus’ mind.

‘Sorry,’ Scootaloo grumbles as she picks herself up.

The Concerned Physicist watches the filly. ‘Hey. What’s bugging you?’

‘Nothing... Just my stupid wings! They won’t let me fly!’

‘Come here.’

Scootaloo groans and goes to the adult. The Technological Physicist slips a device on his hoof and points it at the filly. The device shoots a beam that covers the young pegasus. The stallion nods and goes into his bag.

‘Just underdeveloped. You’ll grow into them naturally. That is unless you want to be flying tomorrow.’

‘Uh, duh,’ Scootaloo grunts. ‘I want to fly now.’

‘I might be able to help you,’ the stallion holds up a cylinder, ‘but it might hurt a bit.’

‘Just give it!’

‘Okay....’ The Wandering Physicist presses the cylinder to Scootaloo’s back. ‘And by “a bit”, I mean “excruciating pain”.’

Scootaloo screams as the cylinder discharges. She spins around and flies in the stallion’s face. ‘That bucking hurt, flankhole! What the buck is wrong with you!’

‘When you notice it, you’ll thank me.’

Scootaloo stares, confused. Then it hits her. She is hovering almost a meter off the ground.

‘Oh. MY! CELESTIA! I can fly!’

‘And there are other benefits. Just eat healthy and your body will do the rest.’

‘Thank you so much!’

Scootaloo grabs the stallion’s head and gives him a big kiss. She flies away, dropping a bit before gaining air again. Twilight Sparkle trots past the excited filly to meet with her friend.

‘I never expected the first pegasus to kiss me would be a foal,’ The Shocked Physicist comments.

‘What was that?’ Twilight asks.

‘Nothing.’ The stallion shakes off the shock. ‘Well, I’m outside. Now what?’

‘Well, we just hang out and stuff,’ Twilight groans. ‘You’re new to this, aren’t you?’

‘A little.’

‘Anyway, what was that about?’

‘Oh. I just had to give Scootaloo an injection in her backside.’

Twilight raises an eyebrow.

‘No! I meant that I had something to put in her.’

The alicorn shakes her head.

‘No! I mean, I have this thing and it goes inside ponies and...’

Twilight facehooves and groans.

‘Nanomachines! I gave her a shot of nanomachines that will help with her health and well-being.’

Twilight pats her friend on the back. ‘Mr Wanderer, one day we’ll make you a normal pony like the rest of us.’

The Wandering Physicist sighs. He holds up a hoof with a piece of candy on it. A white and blue streak takes the candy without touching the hoof.

---------------------------------------------

‘So it took me a while to figure out what happened,’ Scootaloo explains, ‘but I found if I ate right, my wounds would heal faster, like when my dad hit me and stuff. I’ve gotten into the habit of always having a lot of snacks on hoof in case I get hurt and need a quick boost.’

The pegasus takes a long swig of the energy drink Rainbow Dash had with her. Her friends stare in shock, but seem calmer.

‘That’s Jimmy for ya,’ Dash comments. ‘Always helpin’ but still doing it weird.’

‘Can-can we catch those nanomachines from you?’ Sweetie asks.

Scootaloo shrugs. ‘Don’t know. Never gave blood in case they spread like that. If they are in other fluids, Diamond and Featherweight ain’t caught them.’

Sweetie Belle blushes and squeaks when she realizes what her friend is implying. Rainbow Dash gives the other pegasus an examination. Scootaloo’s wing is mostly healed. All that remains of the wound is some scarring and a lot of missing fur and feathers.

‘Who else knows about this?’ Dash asks.

‘Just Mr Wanderer, Rei, Daring, maybe Twilight. I never told anyone. I didn’t want them thinking I was a freak or a science experiment.’

‘Good call. If anypony finds out or comes after you, tell me and I’ll have The Wonderbolts and Celestia protect you.’

‘Thanks, Dash. You’re the greatest.’

‘I knew that already,’ the humble pegasus brags.

‘Are-are you immortal now?’ Sweetie asks.

‘I... don’t know,’ Scootaloo replies. ‘I think I can die normally if I just stop eating. If this wound is any proof, I can take a lot of punishment, but I can still be killed.’

Sweetie squeaks even louder at the thought of losing her friend.

‘Hey, don’t worry about it. It is just one more trick up our sleeve when we face the human. He won’t know what hit him.’

Dash stops. ‘A human? In Equestria? Do you know how dumb that sounds?’

Sweetie shrugs. ‘Perfect cover. Nopony will ever believe or even want to hear a story about humans in Equestria.’

‘Yeah, that is just dumb. I hardly believe it myself,’ Scootaloo agrees. ‘Now, if we were all humans, that would be a cool story to tell.’

‘I don’t know,’ Dash hems. ‘Sure it is good on occasion, but it might get played out if it is done all the time.’

The three friends stop and sigh in unison.

‘Anyway,’ Scootaloo holds up the computer components. ‘Let’s get hacking.’

Scootaloo sits outside of the train. She has finished hacking the drone’s flight data. She stares up at the night sky as she keeps watch. Sweetie Belle trots out of the car and sits by her friend.

‘So, we’re going after the human in the morning,’ the unicorn says.

‘Shouldn’t be that bad.’ Scootaloo nods. ‘We have his location. I think we can drive him off.’

‘Yeah... Are you sure you want to come? It might be dangerous.’

‘I’ll be fine. You saw that I can heal. You know I can fight.’

‘Right...’ Sweetie Belle sighs. ‘Sorry for earlier.’

‘Why?’

‘For my reaction to hearing about your healing. I just lost control of myself.’

‘Nah. It is all good.’ Scootaloo hits her friend on the back. ‘I did the same thing when I found out.’

‘You did?’

‘Well, not exactly, but I still freaked.’

‘What happened?’

Scootaloo groans and leans back. ‘My dad caught me clopping one night. He called me a demon while he beat me. When I was checking my injuries in the mirror, I could feel my teeth resetting themselves and saw my black eye disappearing. I thought he was right.’ She stares at the ground and sighs. ‘When I started figuring it out and asked Mr Wanderer about it, I was a lot less worried. I learned to eat right and took better care of myself so everypony wouldn’t see and freak out. Dealing with the pain still sucks, but I’m tough.’

Sweetie wraps her forelegs around her friend. ‘I’m so sorry. You always get it rough.’

‘Nah. Diamond and Featherweight are usually pretty gentle and caring.’

Sweetie glares at her friend. ‘Are you talking about sex?’

Scootaloo grins. ‘Still curious about what comes after kissing?’

The unicorn grimaces. ‘I live with Rarity. I knew what was in for Spike his first time long before he did.’

The pegasus laughs. ‘Good times.’

Sweetie scowls and punches the ground. ‘I almost cracked my hoof training that day. I prefer not thinking about it.’

Scootaloo gets up and kisses her friend on the cheek. ‘You’ll find a special somepony one day. You’re too great to remain single.’ She trots away. ‘BT-dubs, you’re on watch now.’

Sweetie Belle sighs and stares at the sky.

Sweetie Belle trots through the canyons south of the wreck. Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo fly overhead, the younger pegasus leading them towards their destination. The unicorn watches her friends, trying to keep her worries in check.

‘Are you sure it is safe leaving the pisshead back there?’ Dash asks.

‘His legs were pretty busted,’ Scootaloo replies. ‘ ‘sides, Sweetie was sent to off the bucker anyway. Right, Sweetie?’

Sweetie jumps at the question she was not paying attention to. ‘What?’

‘You were really on a trip to take out Card Switch, right? No need to hide that from us anymore.’

‘I’d rather bring him in if I could...’

Rainbow Dash drops to the ground. ‘Don’t worry, kid. We’ll all make it out okay. Or my name ain’t...’

‘Rainbow Dash!’

The ponies look up too see Scootaloo going eye to laser cannon with another drone. The pegasus growls as she faces down the threat.

‘You are quite amazing for tiny horses,’ a voice says.

Rainbow Dash searches around and spots the human stepping to the cliff face near Scootaloo and the drone. He appears to be using a sheathed sword as a cane. Rainbow Dash growls and prepares to launch herself at the alien.

‘I wouldn’t do that,’ the hunter warns. ‘At this range, I doubt this one would survive another hit from my drones. In fact, I am shocked it is alive right now.’

‘I’m a lot tougher than you think,’ Scootaloo spits.

‘Yes... It makes me wonder how much you might be worth on the open market...’ The human gets a scanner from a pocket and points it at Scootaloo. ‘Hmm... Not that much, but some intergalactic collector might be interested. Fire.’

The drone shoots Scootaloo in the chest. The hunter swings his sword out and uses it to catch under her wings and pull her to him.

‘Oh, my Celestia!’ Sweetie shouts. ‘He killed Scootaloo!’

‘You bastard!’ Rainbow Dash adds.

The hunter rolls his eyes as he holds Scootaloo by the neck. ‘I never said what collector would want it. Should yield enough meat for the right gourmet.’

Rainbow Dash growls and moves slightly. The drone’s turret swivels around and aims at her.

‘Please don’t try anything,’ the human sighs. ‘This bounty is the closest thing to a vacation I have had in a long time. I want to draw it out as long as I can. If I am forced to kill you so soon...’

Suddenly, Scootaloo coughs and lets out a big gasp.

‘Dear sweet bucking Celestia on a pogo stick! That hurt,’ the injured pegasus moans.

‘Scootaloo!’ Sweetie calls.

Scootaloo tries to look toward her friend and smiles.

‘You’re alive?’ The human examines his victim. ‘Well, you seem to be intact, if a little cooked.’ He shrugs. ‘Oh, well. I’m not a butcher. I’ll let them do you in.’ He turns to leave. ‘I’ll be back for the rest of you soon.’

The hunter walks away, dragging Scootaloo behind him. Before Rainbow Dash can give chase, the drone fires several shots into the cliffs, causing a rock slide. The pegasus turns and flies back down. She lifts Sweetie Belle to her back and carries her away from the falling rocks. The drone fires more volleys into the cliffs behind the retreating pegasus. Rainbow Dash bursts from the canyons and loops around, landing on the nearest cliff. The drone and human are nowhere to be found. Sweetie Belle falls to the ground in shock.

‘He has Scootaloo,’ the unicorn mumbles. ‘This wasn’t supposed to happen.’

‘Don’t worry,’ Dash assures. ‘We’ll get her back.’

‘He shot her. In the chest. He will kill her!’

‘Not if we get her back first.’

‘She’s as good as dead! So are we! It is over!’

Rainbow Dash turns and slaps Sweetie Belle. ‘Geez! What does Octavia teach you at that school? Even if it isn’t part of your killing lessons, your acting lessons have to have included “The show must go on”! You are supposed to be a lot tougher than what I am seeing! I bet they arranged your assignment since they knew you would need Squirt’s help catching Card Switch.’

‘That’s a lie!’ Sweetie shouts. ‘I am the best student they have ever had!’

‘Two problems with that. One, if you wanted him arrested, you let the nearest military figure, me, leave him unguarded, near a rail line, where he can easily escape. Two, if you wanted the other option, he has been in range for over a day now and’ -- she kicks Sweetie’s foreleg from under her, tripping the young mare and extending her hidden blade -- ‘he is still alive. I’ve seen what Lyra and Vinyl can do with a computer. They are more killers with their hacking then you are at this moment.’ She turns and spreads her wings. ‘I’m going to save my friend. You can wait here, where it is safe.’

Rainbow Dash launches herself into the sky and flies after the drone. She looks down and smiles as she sees Sweetie Belle galloping ahead of her.

The human presses some buttons on a wall after entering his spaceship. The sound of the drone landing elsewhere in the ship can be heard as he drags Scootaloo to an empty spot. He goes to a chair by a console and gets out a flask.

‘Yo,’ Scootaloo calls. ‘If ya want me to be healthy for market, you could try getting me some food and water.’

‘Shut up, you... whatever you are,’ the hunter groans.

‘I think the term you are looking for is “pegasus”.’

‘I prefer thinking of you as “giant buffalo wings”. I am betting you taste like chicken.’

Scootaloo groans, ‘Right. Because a horse totally tastes like chicken. The pony who hired you chose a bucking winner.’

The human growls and gets up. He goes to a small mess and gets a cup of water and an apple. He sets them in front of Scootaloo.

‘Here’s your damn food,’ the human grumbles. ‘If putting that in your mouth doesn’t shut you up, I have something else you can put there.’

‘Pfft. Only in your dreams,’ Scootaloo scoffs as she eats her meager meal.

The hunter goes back to his console and drinks from his flask. He turns away from his captive to go over recent scans of the area. He laughs at Rainbow Dash and Sweetie Belle searching aimlessly for his ship. Scootaloo pats her chest after eating and smiles when she notices the scarring disappearing.

‘So, this is a spaceship, huh?’ Scootaloo asks as she silently rises to her hooves.

‘I know your primitive, ass-backward mind can’t grasp the concept, but yes, this is a spaceship. If I had the will to do so, I could probably subjugate this world in a matter of hours.’

The pegasus starts digging under a wing. ‘I don’t know about that. You probably saw my friend’s magic. There are a lot more unicorns with better magic than hers.’

‘Ha!’ the hunter laughs. He drinks from his flask. ‘Magic. Such nonsense. Unlike my drones, this baby has shields capable of deflecting a point-blank assault from a Sontaran cruiser. Your magic wouldn’t even scratch the hull.’

Scootaloo pulls her muzzle from under her wing. She has a small pistol in her mouth. ‘Well, what if we teleport in and attack you directly?’

‘Tch. Teleportation. More insanity. There is no way you would be able to ambush me.’

‘I wouldn’t be so sure about that...’

The hunter turns to face his prisoner. His eyes go wide with shock when he sees the gun in Scootaloo’s hoof.

‘Surprise, mother bucker.’

Rainbow Dash and Sweetie Belle rest under an outcrop. They have not seen any sign of their friend, the hunter or the drones. Sweetie levitates a canteen to Rainbow Dash after taking a drink. The pegasus puts a foreleg around the younger mare.

‘Don’t worry. We’ll find her,’ Dash assures. ‘Hell, she could come flying up right now.’

A form appears in the distance. It waves after spotting the ponies at rest. Sweetie immediately jumps to her hooves. She gallops out and hugs Scootaloo as the pegasus lands.

‘Scootaloo! I can’t believe you are safe!’ Sweetie cries.

‘Told you I was tough,’ the pegasus laughs.

Rainbow Dash comes out of the shade and puts a hoof on her friend’s shoulder. ‘Great to have you back. Hope you weren’t followed.’

‘Nah. We don’t have to worry about him anymore.’

Sweetie backs away. ‘Huh? What happened to the human?’

There is a giant explosion from the direction Scootaloo came. ‘He died.’

Sweetie stares at her friend in horror. ‘You didn’t...’

‘Sweetie, you ain’t the only one with some dark secrets. You think I didn’t pick up any “special skills” with all of the time spent living and working with Daring Do?’

‘Well, uh...’ The unicorn kicks at the ground. ‘What about the ship? Or his body? Shouldn’t we have saved it?’

Rainbow Dash sighs and shakes her head. ‘Kid, anypony in the military can tell you, unless the artefacts can be easily retrieved by Trotswood, standing order is to destroy any alien technology. Don’t want everypony freaking out.’

‘Stupid Trotswood.’ Sweetie shrugs. ‘Captain Jack is cute, though.’

Rainbow Dash starts trotting away. ‘Come on. Let’s get back. The recovery crews have probably arrived by now, and I really should be reporting back to the rest of the squad.’

Scootaloo gives her friend another hug. ‘We can talk about everything on the way back. Oh, and no telling Apple Bloom.’

Sweetie shudders. ‘Agreed.’

The two young mares gallop after Rainbow Dash.

Sweetie Belle sleeps on the train ride back to Canterlot. Rainbow Dash brags about the adventure to everypony that will listen to her. Scootaloo has her mobile out.

‘So, what do you think, Featherweight?’ Scootaloo asks. ‘Do I have a story?’

A skinny pegasus stallion types on a keyboard as he sits on a bed. He is barely holding a mobile to his ear.

‘Sounds a little made up,’ Featherweight replies. ‘I’ll show it to my editor, but I doubt it will make it to publish. … Just be safe until you get back to Ponyville. Love you.’

Featherweight hangs up his mobile and finishes typing.

To: Harpflank
From: ParkerReilly

Ms Lyra. Do you think this story has any merit in the usual circles?

Seriously! Scootaloo met an actual human! How crazy is that!

Like Apple Pie

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Applejack trots to Ponyville park. She is carrying a couple saddlebags with her. The farmer scans the park. She sees Fluttershy and her foals packing up a picnic before spotting who she came for.

‘Satsuma!’ Applejack calls. ‘Time t’ go.’

The young colt groans and packs up his book. He trots to his mother right as Fluttershy and her family trot up. The pegasus smiles at her friend.

‘Good to see you, Applejack,’ Fluttershy greets.

Fluttershy was the first friend to forgive Applejack for the less-than-honest origin of the farmer’s son. Because of her Element of Kindness and her previous transgressions with Satsuma’s father, the shy pegasus supported her friend through tough times. By the same token, Applejack helped her friend gain the courage to court and wed her future husband, despite Fluttershy going after Applejack’s former coltfriend. The two friends have remained close, and their foals get along well.

‘Howdy, Fluttershy,’ Applejack replies. ‘Great seein’ ya ‘round.’

‘Hi, Miss Fluttershy,’ Satsuma greets.

‘Freya, Kain, aren’t you going to say “hello”?’

A young batpony colt groans. ‘Hello, Miss Applejack and Satsuma.’

A batpony filly squeaks and hides behind her mother. Satsuma waves slightly at the other foals, causing the filly to hide even more.

‘Looks like you are going on a trip,’ Fluttershy notices.

‘Yep!’ Applejack replies. ‘Babs Seed is havin’ a get t’gether in Manehatten and has invited the whole family. Satsuma and Ah are leavin’ t’day.’

‘That sounds great.’ The pegasus smiles, but a thought strikes and she gasps. ‘Oh! Does that mean that Apple Bloom will be there too?’

Applejack frowns. ‘Ah hope she is. She and Babs got along fine all these years. It’ll be good seein’ her happy fer once.’

‘She is always in a good mood when we take class trips to the library,’ Satsuma interjects.

Fluttershy hugs her friend. ‘Don’t worry. She can’t stay mad at you forever.’

‘Ah hope so,’ Applejack sighs. ‘Ah really hope so...’

Apple Bloom searches through a crowded train for her seat. The young mare forces her way past the conductor. She glances back as she moves to the next car. She lets out a groan as she has to force her way past the other passengers before arriving at her seat. The young mare sighs in relief then growls when she sees the pony she is sitting with.

‘Uh, good t’ see ya, little sis,’ Applejack greets.

Apple Bloom snorts and looks away. Satsuma looks at his mother and his aunt. A whistle blows, and the train starts moving.

‘So, uh, are y’all excited t’ see yer cousin again?’

Apple Bloom does not look at her sister.

‘Have ya at least been well?’

Apple Bloom scowls and glances at her sister.

‘She always says she is doing fine when I see her in Rei’s or Lucas’ shops,’ Satsuma speaks up.

‘O’ course Ah’m fine,’ Apple Bloom grumbles. ‘Ah don’ have t’ put up with yer mom there.’

Applejack shakes her head. ‘Ah’m only respecting your space.’

Apple Bloom snorts again as she stares out of the window. Applejack sighs, knowing that it is going to be a long trip.

It is getting late on the trip to Manehatten. Satsuma puts his book back in his saddlebag and starts helping his mother get out their dinner. Apple Bloom sighs and looks around for the meal service.

‘We brought plenty if ya want some,’ Applejack says, offering an apple.

Apple Bloom ignores her sister and continues watching for an official. The older sister sighs and sets down the apple.

‘Ya don’ have t’ talk t’ me t’ accept a gift from me.’

Satsuma picks up the apple and holds it out. ‘Come on, Apple Bloom. This will save you some bits.’

The young mare snatches the apple. ‘Thanks. Yer a good kid. Somepony could learn a lesson from ya.’

‘Ah know yer upset with me,’ Applejack sighs, ‘but how can Ah make it better if ya won’ talk t’ me?’

‘Ah wouldn’ have t’ talk t’ ya if Ah got t’ pick mah seat,’ the younger mare hisses. She catches a conductor as he passes. ‘How much longer until we reach Manehatten?’

‘Oh, you’re almost at your final destination,’ the conductor laughs.

The conductor turns and leaps at the passenger. Apple Bloom springs from her seat, spins and kicks him into the wall. She lands by punching another passenger into the floor. The other passengers raise and surround the Apples. Applejack and Satsuma look around, scared and confused.

‘One of mah best friends is a changelin’,’ Apple Bloom snorts. ‘Don’ ya think Ah could tell y’all are too?’

Green flames surround the other passengers as they revert to their changeling form. Satsuma grabs his mother for protection.

‘Ah thought Celestia and Chrysalis made peace,’ Applejack says, getting up and moving Satsuma behind her.

‘If ya thought she was the only queen, then yer dumber than Ah thought,’ Apple Bloom spits back.

Applejack snorts at the insult. ‘Fine. Y’all take the ones over there. Ah’ll handle the rest.’

‘Ha! Ah’ll be sure t’ get the ones ya can’t handle.’

The changelings advance. Apple Bloom raises to her hind legs and delivers a roundhouse kick to the nearest changeling. She swings a punch, knocking out another changeling. Applejack plows through several changelings and throws one into the wall. She bucks one out of a window as it tries going after Satsuma.

Applejack tosses her son onto her back. ‘We have t’ get t’ another car.’

‘Are ya blind and stupid?’ Apple Bloom shouts as she punches two changelings at once. ‘We’re the only ponies who ain’t changelin’s on the train!’

‘What?!’

‘Mom. I’m scared.’

‘Don’ worry. We’ll make it out of here.’

‘Right, and how do we do that?’ Apple Bloom snorts.

Applejack looks around frantically. She notices something outside of the train. ‘This way.’

The farmer grabs her sister’s bow and pulls her back. Applejack pushes Apple Bloom out of a window, holds her hat and jumps out a second later. The three ponies land in a river.

‘What the hell!’ Apple Bloom shouts once she surfaces.

‘We’re safe from the changelin’s ain’t we?’

‘Del hid as a pegasus! Changelin's can fly!’

Apple Bloom points back towards the train. Hundreds of changelings swarm forward.

‘Ah, horse apples,’ Applejack curses.

‘Mom!’

Applejack looks behind her. Satsuma is no longer on her back. The young colt is being washed downriver, struggling to swim back to his mother.

‘Satsuma!’

Applejack swims as hard as she can after her son. A changeling swoops down at the farmer. Another attacks Apple Bloom. The two sisters swat at the changelings as they dive bomb. Applejack turns away from her defence when a small swarm flies after Satsuma.

‘Satsuma! Swim t’ yer left!’ Apple Bloom shouts.

The colt starts swimming as fast as he can. Applejack tries swimming after her son, but Apple Bloom pulls her in the other direction. Ahead of the ponies, a large boulder splits the river in two.

‘Ya want us! Come and get us!’ Apple Bloom taunts as she drags her sister down the right path.

The changeling swarm stops at the fork as the ponies are swept in two different directions.

‘The little one won’t take much,’ a changeling notes. ‘A few of you follow me. The rest can have the others.’

The other changelings nod. The swarm splits and chases after their prey.

Applejack and Apple Bloom wash up on the shore of a small island. Both mares pant as they regain their strength. Applejack glances at her sister, growls and punches Apple Bloom in the muzzle. She climbs atop her sister and starts shaking her.

‘That was mah son!’ the farmer shouts. ‘Ya let them have mah son! Mah son is out there alone! What is wrong with ya!’

Apple Bloom pushes her sister off of her and stands. ‘He’ll be fine! He is a smart and tough kid! Not like anypony needs your help! Nopony needs ya! Yer stupid and ya get in the way and we all hate ya! Yer a stupid liar, and Ah hate ya!’

Applejack throws herself forward and swings a punch. Apple Bloom blocks the attack and headbutts her sister in the muzzle. The farmer bites the librarian’s mane and drags her around. With a mighty toss, Applejack throws her sister into a tree, untying her bow as she does. Apple Bloom picks herself up, her mane blowing free in the wind. The young mare gasps when she sees a piece of paper wafting towards the river. She gallops forward. Thinking she is being attacked, Applejack charges her sister. Apple Bloom jumps and uses her sister to gain height and catch the paper before it floats over the water. She clutches the paper tight.

Applejack snorts and adjusts her hat. ‘A piece o’ paper is important, but mah son ain’t?’

‘Shut the buck up!’ Apple Bloom shouts, crying. ‘This is all Ah have t’ remember ‘im by. Ya get Satsuma t’ remind ya of the pony ya love. Ah got nopony! Jus’ this piece of paper...’

‘Mah son is alone and surrounded bah changelin’s!’

‘So are we, but ya don’ here me complainin’!’

Applejack looks around. The changeling swarm surrounds the two ponies. Apple Bloom grumbles and retrieves her bow. She slips the paper back inside before sighing and adopting a fighting stance.

Satsuma gallops through a forest. His changeling pursuers hiss as they fly after the scared colt. The terrified colt trips over a fallen branch. He scrambles to retrieve his glasses. When Satsuma looks up, he is surrounded by changelings. The young colt whimpers and adjusts his broken glasses.

The changelings hiss and advance, but one hangs back. Green flames briefly surround the changeling as it becomes taller, slender changeling with long red hair and a dark blue chitin. The taller changeling grabs another changeling’s neck in her fangs. She kicks another into a tree, denting the tree. She throws the changeling from her mouth into the others. The taller changeling charges a spell on her horn and casts a spell binding the other changelings to the ground. She steps over Satsuma and extends a hoof.

‘Come with me if you want to live.’

‘W-who are you?’ the young colt stammers.

The changeling smiles. ‘What? You don’t recognize your big sister?’

‘Rei? You’re a changeling?’

‘No,’ Del groans. ‘I’m Del!’

Satsuma accepts the offered hoof. ‘Oh, Del! We never see you.’

Del lifts Satsuma to her back. ‘Not surprising. I’ve been travelling for most of your life.’

Del spreads her wings and takes off. Satsuma holds tight as they fly away.

‘Why are you here?’ Satsuma asks.

‘My sister heard of a rogue changeling group operating within Equestria’s borders,’ Del explains. ‘I volunteered to investigate. When I heard somepony calling himself “The Master” hiring them to attack your family, I had to help.’

‘Thank you, Del.’

Del swoops around. ‘Now, let’s find your mother.’

Applejack and Apple Bloom have been backed against a cliff. The changelings swarm around them. The sisters are covered in cuts and bruises.

‘Hate t’ admit it, sis, but we’re beat,’ Applejack pants.

‘Never! Starlight promised he’d see me again,’ Apple Bloom growls. ‘Ah ain’t seen ‘im yet, so it ain’t over!’

‘And Ah want t’ see Jimmy again, but that ain’t gonna happen at this rate.’

Apple Bloom pounds a changeling into the ground. ‘Ah ain’t never givin’ up! Even if Ah have t’ do it on my own! Ah can do it!’

The younger mare punches another changeling, but she gets bit in the leg. She screams and backs away holding her injury. Applejack unties her ponytail and wraps the wound.

‘Ya can’t do everythin’ on yer own. Whether we fight or fall, Ah’m here with ya,’ Applejack assures her sister.

‘No!’ Apple Bloom screams. ‘Ah can do it on mah own! Ah don’ need yer help. Ah don’ want yer help.’ She falls against her sister’s chest and sobs. ‘Ah don’ need yer love. Ah don’ miss ya. Ah don’ wanna admit it...’

Applejack hugs her sister. ‘Ah missed ya too, AB.’

‘Ah’m so sorry, Applejack. Ah was stupid t’ hate ya for all this time. Yer son is the best. Ya and Jimmy had a great kid. Ah don’ know what Ah was thinkin’. Ah don’ know if Ah was jealous or what, but Ah’m sorry.’

‘It’s okay. Ah hurt y’all with my lie. Ah kept mah pregnancy secret from y’all, even Jimmy. Ah’m a horrible sister.’

‘Even if it’s the last thin’ Ah do, Ah forgive ya, Applejack. Ah love ya.’

‘Ah love ya, too, little sis.’

The changelings hiss as they move in on their victims.

Apple Bloom holds her sister tight. ‘Ah’m not gonna see ya again... Ah’m sorry, Starlight.’

A sharp whistle cuts across the trap. Everypony looks up to see a unicorn’s form silhouetted atop the cliff. A light blue glow surrounds the unicorn’s horn, lighting a lock of green mane.

Apple Bloom gasps. ‘Starlight?’

‘PK STARSTORM!’

Large bursts of magic fall from the sky. The changelings try fleeing as they are struck down by the rain of magic. Applejack has to restrain her sister from climbing the cliff.

‘Starlight! Down here! Starlight!’ Apple Bloom cries.

Soon, the rain of magic stops. The changelings lay defeated around the base of the cliff. A few trees smolder within the blast radius.

‘Starlight!’

‘He’s gone, Apple Bloom.’

Apple Bloom gets control of herself and looks. The unicorn is no longer on the cliff.

‘That was ‘im!’ the young mare cries. ‘That was Starlight! He’d never let anythin’ happen t’ me. He came t’ save me!’

‘It’s okay, AB. He’ll be back.’

‘Are ya sure?’

Applejack nods. ‘Ah’m sure of it. Yer too special t’ let go. Ah never did, even if ya hated me.’

Apple Bloom frowns. ‘Yer right... Come on. Let’s find mah nephew.’

‘Ah think he found us.’

The mare look up to see Del fly down. The changeling princess looks at the unconscious drones scattered about. Satsuma drops from Del’s back and gallops to his mother.

‘Such a waste of drones,’ Del sighs. ‘I hope that light show alerted my uncle to our battle.’

‘I was so scared, mommy,’ Satsuma sobs as he hugs his mother.

‘We were worried for ya too,’ Applejack soothes. ‘It will be okay now.’

‘Is that ya, Del?’ Apple Bloom asks. ‘Yer a lot bigger than Ah remember.’

Del smiles. ‘Good to see you, Apple Bloom. May I suggest we catch up later? If this hive is anything like mine, reinforcements will arrive soon.’

Applejack tosses her son onto her back. ‘Ya lead the way. We’ll follow.’

Del nods and flies ahead of the ponies. Satsuma reaches under his mothers hat and uses her sonic to repair his glasses. Apple Bloom gallops beside her sister.

‘By the way, if ya lost that book ya had on the train, ya owe the library fifty bits t’ replace it.’

Applejack just laughs, glad she has her sister back.

Blast into the Past

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Pipsqueak fidgets as he sits on a couch. Beside him, Dinky Hooves watches the romantic movie she picked out for them. The young mare sighs happily and leans against the young stallion next to her. Pipsqueak nervously puts a foreleg around Dinky. It has been several long years, but tonight is the night for him to make his move.

‘Um, Dinky...’

‘Yes, Pip?’

‘Well, uh, we’ve been dating for a long time now and, well, you know I care for you deeply, and I believe it is time we should.... How do I put this delicately?’

The young mare tackles Pipsqueak and gives him a big, sloppy kiss. ‘You are so cute when you ask the silliest things.’

‘Y-y-you mean you don’t mind if we maybe...’ He gasps. ‘You’re touching it!’

Dinky laughs and leans in to kiss Pipsqueak again. Suddenly, the door is kicked open. The Master jumps in and slides a pad into the middle of the room.

‘Finally found you, Doctor!’ The Master laughs. ‘Now, I will... WHOA! Put that away!’

Pipsqueak screams and covers himself, knocking Dinky to the floor.

The unicorn picks herself up and charges a spell on her horn. ‘Who are you? What do you want?’

‘Oh, please don’t bother defending your beloved Doctor, Miss Derpy. You have already lost.’ Dinky fires a magic bolt that is absorbed by a force field. ‘The pad creates a field preventing magic as well as acting as a bit of a transmat... with some added additions, of course. Give up, Doctor. You lose. The Master wins.’

‘Doctor? Who are you talking to?’ Pipsqueak asks, standing.

‘Don’t play dumb, Doctor. I recognize your silly accent anywhere. Not to mention your raggedy appearance.’

‘Silly? Raggedy?’ The young stallion moans.

‘What are you going to do to us?’ Dinky demands.

The Master snorts arrogantly. ‘My dear Miss Derpy, I intend to eliminate you as interference from my’ -- he giggles -- ‘master plan.’

‘That pun is as dumb as you are,’ Dinky groans. ‘Besides, what threat do two young ponies pose?’

‘Like you don’t know.’ The Master points at Pipsqueak. ‘He is a meddler! He always meddles in everypony’s plans. Release a horde of zombie dinosaurs on a planet, he interferes. Create giant robotic spiders that spit fire while I turn a planet’s inhabitants into my personal army of mindless slaves, he mucks it up. Torture that damn, whiny pet of his, and he steps in to help. Not today. Today, you won’t be able to do a damn thing to save your precious Wanderer now.’

‘Mr Wanderer? But he left seven years ago.’

‘Yes,’ The Master sighs. ‘You may have been able to save his wedding, but you won’t be able to save his friends and family.’

‘What did you do to them? What about his wedding?’

‘Like you don’t know about the wedding.’

Dinky sits beside her confused coltfriend. ‘Enlighten us.’

‘Oh, right. This is after he abandons you. Poor stupid Derpy.’

‘Why does he keep calling you..?’ Pipsqueak begins.

‘The wedding wasn’t my doing.’ The Master smirks. ‘It would have been delightful if it were.’ He starts pacing. ‘The planet was threatened by a Dalek invasion that day. The Doctor here and his companion battled them and won, making him late for that disgusting display of romance. Oh, if it only turned out like that other universe.’ He smirks evilly at Pipsqueak. ‘You know the one. The one his tiny brat is from. Correction: was from. The Daleks should have’ -- he mocks a Dalek voice -- ‘EX-TER-MIN-ATED(!)’ -- he returns to normal -- ‘her by now.’

‘Miss Rei is a saint! She will pull through!’ Dinky yells.

‘ “Was” a saint. Was.’ The Master turns away. ‘Your Doctor failed that day in that universe. He failed. That unicorn died.’ He grins. ‘That... worthless waste of a Time Lord died, and we got Discord in his stead.’ He sighs. ‘Oh, how a second Discord would have made this world beautiful. Lands torn apart by chaos. The pathetic princesses dead. Ponies living in fear. It would have been perfect.’

Dinky shakes her head. ‘You are the sickest mother bucker I have ever met.’

‘Don’t care. I win. Say goodbye to your world. You won’t be in it for much longer.’

The Master presses a button on a control pad. Pipsqueak starts screaming. The two trapped ponies fade and disappear.

Pipsqueak's scream echoes throughout a jungle. Dinky groans as her coltfriend grabs and shakes her during his freak out. The young mare pushes herself free and stands. She scans the area, pondering what to do next.

‘Dinky,’ Pipsqueak sobs. ‘Who was that? What did he do to us? Are we dead?’

‘Calm down, Pip. We have to find a way to contact The Doctor and get back to Equestria.’

'Who is The Doctor?’

Dinky giggles. ‘Exactly.’

‘What?’

‘Nothing.’ The young mare starts trotting through the jungle. ‘The Doctor is mom’s alien friend. Well, one of them. Mr Wanderer is the other one.’

Pipsqueak follows Dinky. ‘What do you mean “alien”? Mr Wanderer looked like a normal pony.’

‘Technically, we look like them.’

‘I don’t get it at all.’

‘That is usually a good start. Anyway, I think we are on another planet. We just have to figure out when and where we are to leave The Doctor a message.’

Pipsqueak stops Dinky. ‘This way.’

‘How do you know where to go?’

‘You know I help at my family’s antique shop and work with Miss Do on occasion. My talent is for adventure and archaeology. This direction has my archaeologist’s instincts tingling.’

‘Archaeologist’s instinct? That was the same excuse you used when I caught you in my closet.’

‘I was looking for precious artefacts!’

‘You were...’ Dinky shakes her head. ‘No. I don’t even want to think about what you were doing.’

‘You used to make me wear your dresses when we were kids!’

‘We were playing! Geez! You used to be smaller than me.’

‘Well, I am much bigger now!’

Dinky steps back, looks away and blushes. ‘I noticed earlier...’

Pipsqueak blushes. ‘I-I-I’m sorry.’

The young mare sighs and kisses her coltfriend. ‘When we get out of this, we can pick up where we left off.’

Pipsqueak’s blush increases. ‘Right. Shall we?’

Dinky nods. Both ponies take a step... in opposite directions. They turn and look at each other.

‘This isn’t going to end soon, is it?’ Dinky sighs.

The two ponies sit beside a campfire. Pipsqueak makes a map in the dirt. Dinky stares up at the stars.

‘I don’t think we are on our planet anymore,’ the unicorn comments.

‘How can you tell?’

‘The stars all all different. I help Apple Bloom with the astronomy club sometimes, and this is nothing like Equestria.’

‘Could we be in a different part of the world? Thaigerland or something like that?’

‘No. I know enough constellations to know we are somewhere completely different.’

‘Damn. I was hoping we were just in the Everfree.’ The young stallion sighs. ‘I mean, those mountains sort of look like the ones near Chrysalis’ castle.’ He smiles stupidly. ‘It would have been nice to see her again.’

‘Do you have a thing for Chrysalis?’

‘Luna might be best princess, but Chryssy is best queen.’

‘I thought that was you after you raided my closet.’

‘I only tried on your dress for science!’

Dinky groans. ‘My coltfriend, the crossdresser.’ She snorts. ‘Not to mention, you’re into older mares.’

‘I only had that one dream about Luna!’ Pipsqueak scratches the back of his head. ‘At least, I think it was a dream.’

Dinky groans.

‘Dinky... You know I love only you. I ditched school every day when you were suspended for your magic duel against Sweetie Belle. That was the sweetest thing anypony has ever done for me.’

‘I remember your mother yelling at you for missing all that school.’ Dinky smiles. ‘You said it was because you love me. That was the first time you said that.’

‘And I mean it.’ Pipsqueak takes Dinky’s hooves in his. ‘I would do anything for you.’

‘Oh, Pip... Get down!’

Dinky shoves Pipsqueak down and falls on top of him. There is a rustling as three bipedal lizards in body armor and carrying odd-shaped weapons walk out of the jungle. The lead lizard studies the ponies carefully. Dinky growls and charges a spell on her horn.

The leader stands back. ‘She is just protecting her mate. Let’s leave them be.’ She stares at Dinky. ‘Though, I have never seen an equine this size before.’

‘Dinky, I know you wanted to continue when we got back,’ Pipsqueak stammers, ‘but that doesn’t mean we have to make a whole new Equestria right now.’

One of the warriors laughs. ‘Not “protecting”. More like “trying to”.’

The other warrior laughs. Their leader glares at both.

Pipsqueak lifts Dinky’s rear off of him ‘What’s going...?’

The young stallion screams and pulls Dinky on top of him again. The young mare yells and hits her coltfriend. The warriors start laughing again. The leader helps Dinky to her hooves.

‘Mammals that speak. Equines no less. Very interesting.’

‘I would be surprised by talking lizards, but you are barely as tall as a teenaged dragon,’ Dinky counters. ‘Spike is way cuter and way tougher than you lot.’

The leader laughs. ‘We apologize for interrupting your mating, but tell us, where are you from? Why have we not seen creatures such as you before?’

‘First of all, we were not mating.’

‘Then why were you directing your stud towards your reproductive organs? Are they not located there?’

Dinky blushes. ‘Well, they are, but that was not what we were doing.’

‘They’re just mammals,’ one of the others says. ‘Give it a rest.’

The leader bows. ‘Apologies once more. You were telling us where you were from.’

Dinky takes a deep breath and starts telling the warriors about Equestria.

The ponies sit in a dimly lit laboratory. More of the lizard creatures watch the strange visitors. The lead warrior and a scientist talk with Dinky. Pipsqueak nervously watches the others, fearing that he could become dinner.

‘Interesting,’ the scientist says. ‘A world entirely populated by ponies. Truly fascinating.’

‘We aren’t the only species,’ Dinky explains. ‘There are zebra and griffins and dragons and all sorts of things.’

‘And you use magic?’

The unicorn levitates several items in the laboratory. ‘I think that is a “yes”.’

The scientist taps buttons on a handheld scanner. ‘Thank you for supplying some actual data of magic! I never thought I would see it with my own eyes.’

The warrior rolls her eyes. ‘You sound just like that “Doctor” you claim to have met.’

‘The Doctor? He is friends with my mom.’

‘You know him too? We have been trying to reach him.’

‘So have we. He is our way back home.’

‘Maybe we can help each other.’

‘How so?’

The scientist paces around his laboratory. ‘Well, if you or your mother can contact The Doctor, you could pass on the message that we need his help.’

‘But we don’t have a way of reaching him...’

‘What about Mr Wanderer?’ Pipsqueak speaks up. ‘Rei has to have a way of reaching him.’

‘Mr Wanderer?’ the scientist asks.

‘He is like The Doctor,’ Dinky explains. ‘But we would still need to get home to try and reach him.’

The scientist smiles. ‘I think I might have something to help you with that.’ He goes to a glass chamber. ‘I have been attempting to construct a quantum teleportation pad that can send anything to any point in time and space.’

‘Can you say it in a way that makes sense?’ Pipsqueak asks.

‘Remember how we got here?’ Dinky counters.

Pipsqueak nods.

‘Same thing.’

‘Okay, then how do we know we will get back to Equestria and not end up somewhere else?’

‘That’s the trick, isn’t it?’ the scientist sighs. ‘Unfortunately, we have no way of locating where you are from.’

‘Um... My sister taught me a teleportation spell,’ Dinky says. ‘Would that help?’

‘No!’ Pipsqueak shouts. ‘It is too dangerous. You have never gotten the spell to work.’

‘This is important! We need to get home. This might be the only way...’

‘I don’t want to risk you. We can find another way!’

Dinky looks away. ‘Pip... If I can help in someway...’

‘But we will only get two shots. We just don’t know what will go wrong.’

‘Two?’

‘You’re using it on me first. If it fails the first time, you still have a chance.’

The scientist clears his throat. ‘Not to sound crass, but that would be the best solution. If you fail the first attempt, you will have a chance second.’

‘What if the first attempt succeeds?’ Dinky asks. ‘How will we know?’

‘I’ll get in contact with Rei right away,’ Pipsqueak replies. ‘She’ll contact her father, and he’ll come to help you here.’

Dinky frowns. She looks into Pipsqueak’s eyes. The young stallion stares back, resolute. The unicorn sighs, leans up and kisses her coltfriend. The lizards get uncomfortable watching the display. The couple breaks the kiss. Pipsqueak goes to the pad.

‘Let’s do this,’ the young stallion says.

The scientist takes a breath and goes to his equipment. ‘Miss Unicorn, please come here.’

Dinky goes to the scientist. He enters commands on a keyboard then gets out a pair of electrodes. He places them on Dinky’s horn.

‘When I give you the signal, start casting your spell. I will channel the energies through my teleporter and send your friend to his destination.’

‘Okay.’ Dinky nods. ‘I’m ready.’

‘Dinky,’ Pipsqueak calls. ‘I love you.’

‘I know.’

The scientist activates his teleporter. ‘Now!’

Dinky casts her spell. Pipsqueak braces for what is to come.

Pipsqueak screams as he falls from the sky into a stack of garbage cans. The loud noise echoes around the surrounding neighborhood. A loud, high-pitched scream follows the crash. Dinky looks out of a nearby window and looks around.

‘Stop your screaming,’ she sighs. ‘It was probably just a cat or something.’

The unicorn goes back into her house. Pipsqueak moans and picks himself out of the garbage. He looks around and goes Dinky’s window. He sees the unicorn setting up a movie on her television while another version of Pipsqueak stares at the mare’s flank. The peeping Pipsqueak stares for a moment before dropping back out of sight.

‘Okay. That was about a hour before we were ambushed. Gotta find Rei.’

The young stallion turns and gallops into town.

Pipsqueak reaches The Power Block later than he expected thanks to accidentally running into a dark grey stallion and having Sunshine stop him to ask if he saw any suspicious ponies about. The young stallion pants for a moment before rounding the building and pounding on the back door.

‘Rei! Inkie! Are you there!’ Pipsqueak calls. ‘We need your help! REI!’

Getting no response, the young stallion goes back around the building and crosses the street to Neighponese Imports.

‘Scootaloo!’ he shouts, pounding on the door. ‘Daring! Anypony!’

Nopony comes out to investigate.

‘Okay,’ Pipsqueak pants. ‘Think.’ He catches his breath. ‘Sweet Apple Acres is too far. Sugarcube Corner is closer. Okay. Time to... The closet! The sleepovers with Del. Mr Wanderer’s closet.’ He turns and looks at The Power Block. ‘This might hurt a bit.’

Pipsqueak puts his head down, kicks the ground and gallops forward. He leaps and flies at the display window. A light purple aura catches him before he crashes head first into the window. He is tackled by Dinky.

‘You idiot!’ the mare shouts, hitting Pipsqueak in the chest. ‘You stupid idiot! You would have hurt yourself. Do you know how sad that would have made me!’ She stops hitting him and nuzzles his chest, crying. ‘You dummy.’

‘Did we find Rei?’

Dinky nods. ‘The Doctor just dropped me off. We have to go to Canterlot to find Rei and contact her father.’

‘Let’s get to the train station before the last train. What are we waiting for?’

‘We’re waiting for...’

Pipsqueak lifts Dinky’s head and gives her a big kiss. He breaks away and smiles. ‘I love you, but don’t ever scare me like that again. I was worried I’d never see you again.’

Dinky smiles and lets her coltfriend up. ‘I love you too, idiot.’

Pipsqueak laughs. The two ponies gallop away to catch the train.

Out of Tune

View Online

‘Guess who is going to be a father!’ Lyra declares as she bursts into her shared office.

Silver Fox and Vinyl look up from their desks. Octavia keeps clicking away at a game she is playing.

‘Is it that unicorn couple you caught snogging in the washroom?’ Silver asks.

‘Maybe it is the royal guard she found stalking her neighborhood last week,’ Vinyl guesses.

‘Oh! The one painter who was watching the track team!’

‘Will you keep it down!’ Octavia shouts. ‘I’m trying to work here!’ A chime comes from her computer. ‘Damn it, Vinyl! I was in the middle of leveling.’

‘Lyra was just about to share some gossip,’ Vinyl replies. ‘This is important.’

‘It is Lyra. When is it ever important?’ the cellist grumbles.

‘Don’t mind her,’ Silver groans. ‘Who is it?’

Lyra grins widely. ‘It is me!’

Silver and Vinyl look at each other, confused. Octavia goes back to her game.

Vinyl uses her magic to flip Lyra over. ‘I always thought you were a mare. How could we have missed that?’

‘Maybe “she” had samples frozen when “she” had the operation,’ Silver replies.

‘Knock it off!’ Lyra yells, forcing herself up. ‘Remember when I moved back to Canterlot and had my family’s company buy that biotech firm?’

The other mares nod. Octavia grunts from her game.

‘Well, they finally found the right combination of genetic engineering and magic so that Bon Bon and I can have a child.’

‘Couldn’t you have done that before?’ Silver asks.

‘If we were both unicorns, yes, but we needed a special method to mix tribes.’

Octavia groans. ‘The thought of another one of you fills me with disgust.’

The others roll their eyes.

‘Which one of you is going to carry the foal?’ Silver asks.

‘It was one of Bon Bon’s eggs, so she is going to be the mother,’ Lyra explains. ‘If we decide to have another foal, it will be my turn.’

‘That is really cool. Congrats,’ Vinyl congratulates.

‘Thanks. If everything goes well, we’ll totally give you and Octavia a discount when we go public.’

‘That’s it!’ Octavia shouts. She shuts down her computer. ‘I’m out of here. Rarity was coming for a tour today. I guess I am the only one responsible enough to see to her.’

‘But, Tavi,’ Vinyl protests, ‘what about our baby?’

Octavia groans and slams the door as she storms away.

Rarity trots through Octavia’s school. As an investor and lead costume designer for the school’s productions, the unicorn likes to tour the campus to check on her investments and get an eye for the fashions the students are into. She tries to schedule her visits for when Sweetie Belle is out on assignment, and with her sister currently heading to Appleoosa, she figures there is no time like the present.

Rarity enters the administration building. Octavia breaks from conversing with Arctic Fox and trots over to the visitor.

‘Good to see you, Rarity,’ Octavia greets.

‘Likewise, Octavia,’ Rarity replies. ‘Shall we be off?’

‘Indeed. I believe you will enjoy what we have in store for you.’

Suddenly, the two mares are surrounded by a bright light and disappear in a flash. Arctic Fox stares in shock then gallops away to find her daughter.

Rarity and Octavia reappear in the middle of some sort of plaza. Lyra, Silver Fox and Vinyl appear next to them. Canals and waterways crisscross the plaza and run into a number of low buildings. A magical dome surrounds the entire area, shielding everything from the ocean outside. The city is lit by fluorescent lichen.

Octavia turns and glares at Vinyl. ‘What did you do?’

‘How is this my fault?’ the DJ defends. ‘We were just coming up with names for Lyra’s foal and then, whoosh! We’re here.’

‘I still think “Bob” is a great name,’ Lyra says.

Silver groans. ‘That is stupid. Locke is the best.’

‘Technis. A million times Technis,’ Vinyl argues.

Octavia bites her friend’s ear and pulls her back to reality. ‘We have more important things to worry about!’ She snorts. ‘Besides, something classy like Symphonico is what is needed.’

‘Tavi, you’re cute but an idiot. Now, shh!’ Vinyl hisses.

The mares quiet. A sound can be heard coming closer.

‘Whatever that is, it is quite catchy,’ Rarity comments.

Octavia’s ears shoot up. ‘Uh, oh. I recognize that song. We have to get out of here.’

Lines of creatures can be seen nearing the group. Silver growls and flares her wings, ready for a fight.

Vinyl’s grin grows. ‘Oh, I have to record this for remixing when we get back.’

♩..oo be .., shoo ... .. ..o ♬ is heard getting closer and closer.

‘Make it stop!’ Octavia screams, covering her ears.

Lyra’s expression changes from confusion to glee. She gets out a camera. ‘And everypony called me crazy. Well, who’s laughing now!’

♩Shoo be doo, shoo shoo be doo ♬ the sea ponies sing as they draw closer.

‘They won’t stop until our souls are gone!’ Octavia tries diving into the nearest stream, but she jumps back out when more sea ponies emerge.

‘What darling creatures,’ Rarity notes from a safe distance. ‘And their song is adorable.’

‘Yeah, they aren’t all bad,’ Silver adds as she sits by one of the arriving schools.

The sea ponies fill the streams surrounding the group, singing and dancing. Octavia whimpers and hides as her friends sing along with the welcoming committee.
…

Fifteen minutes later, Lyra is the only pony still singing with the sea ponies. The unicorn is holding a lime green sea pony with a small horn on its head in her hooves. The others have joined Octavia in trying to drown out the song in any way possible.

‘It was bad enough when there was only one of them,’ Octavia moans.

The song hits a crescendo and comes to a close. Lyra and the sea pony look sad. The other ponies uncover their ears.

‘Is it over yet?’ Octavia asks. ‘Can I die peacefully now?’

A pair of armored sea ponies splash from a large pond. ‘Announcing the ruler of the sea ponies, Lord Gugu!’

The guard blow trumpets, raising the fear that more singing will follow. Instead, a large form bursts from the water. Lyra and Vinyl use their magic to shield the group from the resulting splash.When the water subsides, a male sea pony towers over the visitors, his iridescent scales and silver mane sparkling in the fluorescent lights, amplified by a light spell from his horn. The visitors stare up at the king of the sea ponies. Vinyl gets out her mobile and takes a photo. The king shrieks. Octavia punches her friend.

‘Great. You doomed us all,’ the cellist hisses.

‘I’ll say,’ Lord Gugu replies. ‘You didn’t get my good side. Let’s try that again.’

The king raises up on his tail and poses. Vinyl takes another picture.

‘There. Much better,’ the king laughs.

‘So majestic,’ Rarity gapes.

‘I know. Aren’t I though?’

‘Why are we here?’ Octavia growls.

The king sighs. ‘Always to the point, aren’t you, Octavia?’

Octavia stands on her hind legs and activates her hidden blades that have magically appeared on her forelegs. ‘How do you know my name?’

‘Because I am a huge fan!’ Lord Gugu levitates a number of CDs forward. ‘Can I have an autograph?’

‘Sweet!’ Lyra trots forward. ‘Uh, do you have a pen that isn’t water soluble?’

‘This is not the time for autographs!’ Octavia shouts. ‘We were kidnapped from our school and headquarters in the middle of the day. They breached the protective spells we had in place! Shouldn’t that be more of a concern?’

Lyra facehoofs. ‘I knew there was something I forgot to do. My bad. I’ll renew the spell when we get back.’

‘I hate you,’ Octavia groans. ‘What about the kidnapping?’

‘Probably just want a concert,’ Vinyl replies. ‘Just tell me where to set up, and I’ll get to it.’

‘Oh, a concert would be lovely!’ Lord Gugu squeals. ‘But now is not the time. We need your help with a matter of grave importance.’

‘Son of a...’ Octavia moans.

‘One of your kind has broken into a forbidden shrine and unleashed an unspeakable evil upon the oceans,’ the king explains. ‘No longer can we frolic as we please, teasing passing vessels with our presence, sending many a sailor off the deep end, both literally and figuratively.’

‘Yeah... We’re more of the “target a corrupt figure and remove him from power” type of heroes. Not the “fight an ancient evil type”,’ Octavia retorts.

‘Actually, I sort of am,’ Rarity says.

‘Shush!’

‘But thou must!’ Lord Gugu pleads. ‘You are our greatest heroes! We would ask somepony else, but Full Moon refuses to return my calls.’

‘White pegasus about yea high?’ Octavia motions with her hooves.

‘Or the wedding crasher?’ Rarity asks.

‘The second one.’ The king sighs. ‘I just love her to death. She has the most beautiful voice. I’d let her drain my love any day.’

Octavia and Rarity stare at the king, eyes twitching.

The king bows, his flowing mane barely brushing the ground. ‘We beseech you! Help save the sea ponies!’

Lyra looks up from signing CDs. ‘I’m in.’

Vinyl sets down her pen. ‘Me too. Come on, Tavi. The king himself is begging you.’

Octavia grumbles, ‘Fine.’

‘If Octavia is in, I’ll help too,’ Rarity sighs. ‘Miss Silver, how about you?’

Silver stares, mouth open and wings erect, at the king, obviously frozen since he first breached the water.

‘She’s in,’ Octavia groans.

‘Wonderful!’ Lord Gugu cheers. ‘We will help you prepare for your confrontation immediately! But first, we have to sing the traditional song of new friendships.’ He clears his throat. ♩Shoo be doo, shoo shoo be doo ♬

The rest of the sea ponies and Lyra soon join in the song. Octavia looks at the nearest stream and contemplates putting her head under until the bubbles stop.

A squadron of sea ponies escort the Trio ad Libitum, Vinyl and Rarity through the underwater currents. The ponies are wearing hastily-adapted sea pony armor. They are on a small chariot surrounded by a bubble. Lyra’s new friend swims beside the bubble.

‘This is so amazing!’ the sea pony giggles. ‘I always told everypony that land sea ponies existed, but who is laughing now!’

‘Exactly!’ Lyra agrees. ‘Nopony listened to me when I said there were sea land ponies.’

The two ponies laugh maniacally. Octavia reaches to push her friend out of the bubble but stops. She sits and stews. A grey octopus wearing a bow tie swims past and sighs too. Rarity pats her friend on the back.

‘Excuse me, Mr Sea Pony,’ Rarity says to one of the escorts.

‘That is actually “Miss Sea Pony”,’ the guard replies. ‘But I prefer Tempest.’

‘Sorry. I guess that is another thing I should ask, too. Anyway, what can you tell us about this fiend we are to face?’

Tempest sighs. ‘Well, I have only heard of it in legend, and I have only been to the shrine once while on patrol.’ She sets her spear on her shoulder. ‘The creature is some sort of giant octopus or squid or something. A real nasty one. It would eat sea ponies whole.’

‘My wife fought a kraken,’ Lyra brags.

Lyra’s new friend claps. Everypony groans.

‘So why the all-female troupe?’ Rarity asks.

‘Legend has it that the creature only appears around mares. Since we don’t know if the legends are true or not, we are not taking any chances. We’ll defend you with our lives.’

‘I hope it doesn’t come to that.’

‘What about using us land-based ponies?’ Vinyl asks. ‘We saw how much flank you could kick back in Neighpon.’

Tempest lets out a long sigh. ‘We thought we were safe placing the shrine ensnaring it on land. Like your Discord, it was encased in stone by your princesses. I believe some of your guards aid in protecting it. I fear what may have happened to them.’

The ponies grimace at the thought. Soft lyre music starts playing. Lyra gets out her mobile and grins.

‘Sweetie and Scootaloo met an actual human,’ the unicorn reports. ‘How cool is that!’

The other ponies groan and roll their eyes. The sea pony unicorn claps and does a flip.

Silver clears her throat. ‘Um, back in Neighpon, we got help from the sea pony queen, but here you have a king. Are there two different tribes?’

Tempest laughs. ‘We are both the same. The king rules the western ocean, and the queen rules the east. Together, they share the northern ocean, where they meet to plan our future, share stories of overworld encounters and, uh,’ -- she blushes -- ‘spawn.’

‘I’m going to be a daddy!’ Lyra declares.

Lyra’s new friend claps. Everypony else grimaces at the thought.

‘On that note,’ Octavia grumbles, ‘Miss Tempest, can you tell us more of the fiend? Any of the legends could be key to its defeat.’

Octavia hides behind a pillar on an island. Vinyl and Lyra hide a few pillars closer to a beach on either side of a walkway. The walkway leads to a large temple on a hill. Silver circles the temple. Around the island, the sea ponies patrol for any sign of the creature. Rarity waits back at the beach with Tempest. Octavia looks up and gets the nod from Silver. She gallops up to the shrine and stands against a wall. The shrine is empty. Silver flies down and uses clamps to grip the ceiling.

‘I don’t trust this,’ Octavia growls.

‘When do you ever?’

‘Just give us a sweep of the building. I don’t want too many surprises.’

The pegasus nods and scampers into the building. Lyra and Vinyl gallop up. Vinyl’s horn loses a glow.

‘I am not detecting any electronics inside,’ the unicorn reports.

‘Name me one ancient evil that uses electronics,’ Octavia snorts.

‘Your coltfriend, for one,’ Lyra snipes.

‘Discord’s origin is pure speculation. I don't believe for one second that alleged origin.' She pauses. 'Besides, he is not like that. Especially since he left with that hussy.’

‘Right. And you didn’t play at the wedding either. Let’s just get in there.’

The ponies gallop into the empty shrine. The silence is eerie.

‘I found a...’ Silver starts.

‘Prison complex. I was paying attention to the history lesson,’ Lyra finishes. ‘Vinyl. Tell Rarity and Tempest to meet us down there. There might be ponies for her to evacuate.’

Vinyl nods and gallops away. Silver drops to the floor and leads her friends down to the prison. They are wading through knee deep water by the time they arrive.

‘Hello!’ Lyra calls. ‘Anypony here?’

Octavia punches her friend. ‘Quiet! You’ll give us away!’

‘Like your bickering doesn’t alert everypony.’

‘I am not bickering. I am being a good leader.’

‘Since when are you our leader?’

‘My school. My organization. My team.’ Octavia sticks her tongue out.

‘My money,’ Lyra growls.

‘My plea deal forcing me to work for you for free just so I don’t have to adopt that stupid persona anymore,’ Silver snorts.

‘But you still dye your coat that cute shade of green,’ a new voice says.

Silver’s ears perk up. She sniffs the air and gasps. The pegasus flies away with her friends in close pursuit. She stops outside of a cell. Another pony trots up to the bars. Silver reaches through, pulls the pony as far out as she can and gives the pony a big kiss.

Daring Do backs away to catch her breath. ‘Good to see you too, cutie.’

‘What are you doing here?’ Silver asks.

‘I could ask you the same thing.’

‘Sea ponies asked us to take care of some ancient evil,’ Octavia replies.

‘I was following somepony called “The Master” who was causing some trouble in my area,’ Daring explains. ‘I tried to help stop him from releasing Orthros.’

‘Orthros? That is a stupid name,’ Octavia scoffs.

‘Doesn’t matter, you spoony bard,’ Silver growls. She pulls her lockpicks from under her wing. ‘We have to get out of here. Where is it now?’

‘He is out to dinner.’ Daring frowns. ‘The last of the male guards, if I were to guess.’

‘Anypony else down here?’ Lyra asks.

‘Just me and the few female guards. Get out of here. I can handle myself.’

Silver swings the door open. ‘Not without you.’

Daring comes out and kisses Silver again. ‘Have I told you how great you are?’

‘Not enough.’

Lyra looks down the hall. ‘What about the others? Where are Rarity and the others?’

‘They are waiting for you upstairs.’

‘Thanks, Tavi.’

‘Uh, wasn’t me.’

Lyra turns. A large purple mass of tentacles grins a row of sharp teeth. The ponies scream in terror.

‘Hey, pretties,’ Orthros greets as he whips his tentacles out and wraps the party.

Orthros drops his new captives beside Rarity, Vinyl and Tempest in the main hall. He looks over the captives and laughs a lecherous laugh.

‘I just love pretty, pretty ponies,’ the octopus giggles. He runs a tentacle across Rarity’s face. ‘And you, my dear, are by far the prettiest pony.’

‘Thank you for the compliment, but’ -- Rarity tries biting the tentacle -- ‘if you continue to touch me like that, I’ll call my beloved and he’ll light you on fire!’

‘YEOWCH! Seafood soup!’ Orthros pulls his tentacle away. ‘I think we can fix that, eventually.’ He goes to the two pegasi. ‘Such lovely little fliers. I can’t wait to play all sorts of games with you on the ground.’

‘You’ll get no such pleasure from us!’ Daring snaps. She glances at Silver. ‘Right?’

Silver groans. Orthros pets Vinyl.

‘Love your mane, cutie.’

‘Rinse, wash, repeat. Always repeat.’

Octavia kicks her friend. Orthros laughs and goes to Lyra.

‘Save me, sea land pony!’ the unicorn cries. ‘I don’t want to die before I am a father!’

‘Let go of me!’ Tempest yells back.

Orthros giggles to himself and slithers to loom over Octavia. He stares down at her. She stares up and growls at the octopus.

Orthros pats Octavia on the head. ‘You are a cute little filly. Don’t worry, I don’t harm fillies. Uncle Ulty will get you some candy later, you cute little filly.’ He turns back to the others. ‘As for the rest of you... NWEHEHEHE....’

Orthros stops laughing. Slowly, a trickle of blue-purple blood streams across his face. Octavia twists her hoof, turning her hidden blade inside the octopus’ head.

‘I am NOT a filly!’ the cellist screams. She retracts the blade and trots away. ‘Let’s get the hell out of here.’

The Day of a Quiet Family

View Online

The young bat pony Freya and her mother, Fluttershy, enjoy an afternoon playing in Ponyville park. Both ponies are quietly sitting and watching the other ponies after finishing their picnic lunch. Fluttershy leans down and nuzzles her daughter. Freya smiles up at her mother. Well, smiles as best she can with her favorite stuffed animal in her mouth. Fluttershy looks to her other side and groans. The pegasus stands up.

‘I’m going to find your brother, Freya,’ Fluttershy says. ‘You wait here.

Freya nods. Fluttershy smiles again and trots away shouting ‘Kain!’ Freya returns to playing with her stuffed animal, a small white rabbit named Angel after her mother’s former pet. Like her mother, Freya is extremely shy and timid. She rarely speaks, even with her family. The young bat pony is almost always seen carrying her Angel with her wherever she goes. Somehow the bunny stays pristine and unweathered despite all of the travel it sees.

Freya looks up from playing with Angel to scan the park. At a nearby bench, she sees Satsuma Apple reading a book. The bat pony lets out a sigh as she watches the earth pony. A shadow looms over Freya. She turns to see two teenaged unicorns standing over her.

‘Well, well, well,’ one of the unicorns says. ‘Look what we have here.’

‘It is one of the bat weirdos,’ the other laughs.

Freya squeaks and grips Angel tightly. The unicorns use their magics to pull the bunny away and hold it over the young bat pony’s head. Freya squeaks and whines as she reaches for her beloved toy. Suddenly, a small rock hits one of the unicorns in the side of the head. They look over to see Satsuma approaching.

‘Don’t you know it is not nice to beat up on pretty girls?’ the earth pony taunts.

Before the bullies can react, Satsuma gallops forward and headbutts one of the unicorns in the gut. While the one falls, the other is slapped in the horn, releasing Angel. Satsuma kicks the bully in the side of the head. The two bullies collect themselves and run from Freya’s defender. Satsuma snorts and turns to Freya. Freya gives Satsuma a small, happy smile. The young hero picks up Angel in his mouth and carries him to his owner. He leans forward, offering the bunny. Freya timidly leans forward as well.

Right before she takes the rabbit, Freya whispers, ‘Satsuma.’

Satsuma drops the doll, leans closer and whispers in reply, ‘Freya.’

‘Freya! Freya!’

The young bat pony is snapped from her fantasy by her mother’s calls. She quickly looks around. Satsuma is still reading his book. Fluttershy and bat pony colt younger than Freya are trotting up. The young filly blushes and squeezes her bunny tightly. Fluttershy gives Freya a nuzzle.

‘Let’s go home and get started on dinner,’ the mother says.

Freya nods and gets up to help her mother and brother clean up. She gives Satsuma one last look and sighs.

After Applejack revealed her deception about Satsuma's origin, her coltfriend Sunshine was furious with her. The two ponies had a big fight, ending with them dissolving their friendship. Their relationship remained sour for years. Without a family to turn to, Sunshine got some unexpected comfort from a more courageous Fluttershy. The unlikely couple of the Captain of the Lunar Guard and a shy pegasus animal keeper turned into a great romance, with the couple married less than a year after Fluttershy first comforted Sunshine. Sunshine left the Lunar Guard and became the police commissioner for Ponyville, patrolling all night in his old uniform (which Luna insisted he keep). The two ponies had a pair of foals, both bat ponies like their father. The older Freya is very much like her mother, even down to the yellow-grey coat and purplish pink mane. Kain is a ball of energy willing to protect his family at all costs, much like his father. His nature is reined in by Fluttershy’s overprotectiveness. The little bit of excitement the foals get usually comes from visits from their adopted sister Rei.

‘I understand. Be safe,’ Fluttershy says before hanging up her mobile.

The pegasus sighs before turning to her children. The two foals are at the table waiting to start dinner.

‘Your father is going to be a bit late.’

‘What is it now?’ Kain asks.

‘Apparently, Auntie Pinkie Pie is up to something, and he is following her.’

‘Probably just some surprise party. Dad’s always freaking out about those.’

‘Hopefully it is just that...’ Fluttershy worries, remembering the details she was told about Pinkie tackling somepony through a wall and running off with the Cake twins. She sighs and shakes her head. ‘Okay. Let’s dig in. No sense waiting when we have good food on the table.’

Kain cheers and starts eating. Freya gives her mother a concerned look, sets down Angel and starts eating.

Late at night. A loud metallic sound wakes Freya up. She looks around and sees a robotic pony standing by her bed. Before she can scream, the robotic pony puts a hoof over Freya’s mouth, and the two disappear from the room.

Sunshine drags himself home after a long night out. He is still wearing is Lunar Guard armor and claws over his hooves, still coated with plastic. He is ready to shower and spend the night with his wife. He gets to the door of the cottage and pushes it open. Before he takes a step inside, his ears twitch.

‘Fluttershy?’ the bat pony calls. ‘Are you in there?’

Getting no answer, Sunshine enters the cottage, secretly tapping the power button to electrify his claws. He looks and listens as he makes his way through the living room. Before he can sweep another room, loud metallic footsteps come from the back of the house. A robotic pony steps into view.

‘I know you from my wife’s stories,’ Sunshine growls. ‘You’re a Cyberpony.’

‘Correct. You have been deemed fit to serve.’

‘Serve who? Where are my wife and kids?’

‘Familial bonds are irrelevant. You will serve the Cyber Queen.’

‘There is only one royal I serve, and her name is Luna.’

Two more Cyberponies flank the Lunar Guard.

‘Your devotion to your former master is admirable. It will serve you well after your upgrade. We may even give you the honor of deleting your former master.’

‘Wrong choice, bub.’

There is a crack of electricity as Sunshine stabs the Cyberponies flanking him in the necks. He steps back and jumps, pulling himself forward with his embedded claws. The guard lands on the lead Cyberpony and rips apart its armor. He stops, holding his claw centimeters from the Cyberpony’s head.

‘Do you need me to repeat the question?’

The Cyberpony tries moving a leg.

‘Oh? A teleportation device. Thank you.’

Sunshine stabs the Cyberpony in the head and activates the transmat. He instantly appears on a Cyberpony ship. He quickly scans the area before disappearing into the shadows to hunt for his family.

Freya wakes in a cell of some sort. Kain is throwing himself against a force field. The young filly squeaks to get her brother’s attention.

The young colt looks back. ‘Hey, sis. You up?’

Freya nods. Kain trots over and sits by his sister. She hugs and nuzzles him. A door opens, and a Cyberpony enters. Kain immediately jumps up and growls, showing the bat pony’s large canines.

‘Where are we! Where is our mother!’ Kain demands.

‘Your maternal unit has been chosen to be the new Cyber Queen,’ the Cyberpony replies. ‘She was deemed fit according to data we obtained from an ancient Cybership that crashed on your planet centuries ago. This data was provided by somepony calling himself The Master.’

‘Doesn’t mean a thing to me! Now let us go and we’ll destroy you nicely!’

‘Your enthusiasm is great. You will serve the queen well.’

Kain screams and leaps into the force field again. Freya helps him up and whimpers. Kain sighs and looks at the Cyberpony again.

‘She wants to know where her bunny is.’

‘Stuffed toys are irrelevant. The need for them will be eliminated when you are upgraded.’

Freya looks up at the Cyberpony and growls.

Fluttershy is led to a large control room. Cyberponies stand at stations monitoring their ship and the planet below. The central viewscreen displays the continent containing Equestria. The pegasus is forced towards a Cyber Controller. The cyborg turns and looks at the scared pony.

‘This is our future queen?’

‘The records indicate that this is Fluttershy. She will be our new queen,’ one of Fluttershy’s escorts replies.

‘Y-you w-want me to be your queen?’ Fluttershy asks.

‘Records indicate your potential to be an effective Cyber Queen at 99%. The data core provided us stated such. You will lead the Cyberponies to victory over the universe.’

‘A-and why w-would I help you do that?’

‘We have your family. Your children are awaiting conversion. Your mate has been ambushed in your home. If you wish to protect them with the last ounce of your useless emotions, you will surrender yourself to us.’

‘Please! Anything but that! Spare my family!’

‘Your cooperation will make the conversion process much simpler.’

A golden helmet lowers from the ceiling. The Cyber Controller takes it and holds it out. Fluttershy sighs and steps forward. Before she puts on the helmet, she stops and smirks.

‘Did your records say what happened last time somepony tried to convert me?’

Fluttershy looks up at the Cyber Controller, an intense stare in her eyes.

Kain leads Freya through the Cyber ship as they search for a way out. Every room they find seems to lead to more Cyberponies. They hear the approach of some Cyberponies and hide behind a grate. Unfortunately, four Cyberponies stop in front of the grate. Freya whimpers and shrinks as small as she can.

‘Excuse me, gents. I am looking for my wife and kids,’ a familiar voice states.

Weapon fire fills the hallway and is soon silenced after the last Cyberpony falls in a heap. The grate slides open.

‘I know that whimper anywhere. You’re safe now, Freya,’ Sunshine says, poking his head inside.

The adult bat pony is tackled by his two children. He laughs as he tries to hug them both.

‘I knew you would come, dad! I knew it!’ Kain cries.

Freya just sighs as she nuzzles her father’s coat. Sunshine laughs as he stands back up.

‘Come on. I found a spare parts shed near here. You can hide there while I get your mother.’

The foals nod as they follow their father down the hall. He leads them to a storage room filled with Cyberpony armor. Kain marvels at the technology.

‘Now stay put. I’ll be back shortly.’

Sunshine turns to leave, but his back left leg feels heavier than normal.

‘Freya, you’ll be safe here. Trust me.’

The filly lets out a long whimper.

Sunshine sighs and looks back. Kain is trying to climb into a bin of leg guards.

‘Freya, I need you to watch after your brother. Make sure he does nothing stupid, okay?’

Freya raises an eyebrow.

‘Okay. Nothing stupider than normal. You’re his big sister. He needs you.’

Freya pouts.

‘Just be safe. We’ll be home before you know it, and Angel will be so happy to see you.’

Freya sighs and lets go. She rolls her eyes as she trots to the bin and pulls her brother out by the tail. Sunshine laughs and gallops back down the hall. Freya glares at her brother, getting a groan in reply.

‘Well, if I am not allowed to help save mom, I might as well try to learn what I can about the attackers.’

Freya points at the ground. Kain groans and sits.

‘Fine. Pick up any new songs you want to try out?’

Freya taps her chin then smiles. She clears her throat and opens her mouth right as the door opens and a Cyberpony walks in.

Sunshine kicks down the doors to the control room. He lands growling, his claws sparking with electricity.

‘Hi, dear!’ Fluttershy greets as she gallops from one panel to the next.

Sunshine looks around. All of the Cyberponies are on the ground. Their heads look like they have exploded.

‘Sorry about the mess, but I didn’t have time to clean up if I wanted to stop the alarm from sounding.’

‘What are you doing?’

Fluttershy presses a button. ‘Oh. I’m just causing the ship to enter the atmosphere at a really steep angle so it burns up before crashing into the ocean near Manehatten. I think they are due for a festive light show after their weather patrol lost control of that storm and caused them to get a hurricane.’

Sunshine watches his wife work. ‘And you know how to do this how?’

Fluttershy stops and kisses her husband on the cheek. ‘You know my last husband taught me how to fly his ship.’

Sunshine growls. ‘I wish you’d stop bringing him up.’

Fluttershy stops and kicks a lever. The ship starts moving. The pegasus trots to her husband.

‘That was the first time I mentioned him in half a year. I was going to offer to do page thirty-one once we made it out of here, but now I am not so sure.’

The stallion freezes and squeaks in a perfect mimic of his daughter. Fluttershy laughs and give him another kiss.

‘Come on, hero. Let’s get out of here.’

The two ponies gallop from the control room. Sunshine pulls ahead.

‘Got to pick up the kids first...’

Several Cyberponies drive Kain and Freya against the back wall. Freya does everything she can to hide while Kain stands his ground.

‘I’ll take you all on! Bring it!’ the colt shouts.

Kain jumps to do an aerial attack, but his target swings a foreleg and knocks the young colt into a bin. Cyberpony head plates fall across the floor. Freya looks around for anything that can help them as the Cyberponies step forward. The scared filly sees the head plates and gets an idea. She dons a head plate like a helmet and pulls a piece of pipe from the wall for a makeshift spear. She jumps and flies over her brother. The young filly narrows her eyes and growls, ‘My brother.’
…

Sunshine leads Fluttershy back to where he left their children. They pick up their pace when they hear a loud crash ahead of them. As they near the room, the tip of a spear pierces the door. A loud scream followed by Kain shouting ‘Freya!’ is heard. The parents panic and force the door open as best they can. Inside, Freya has her brother pinned to the ground and licks his mane. The young colt squeals with laughter and shouts at his sister. The parents make their way around the smoldering Cyberponies. Fluttershy gasps at the one impaled on the door. Freya looks up and tackles her mother in a hug. She turns and smiles at her dad.

‘You did a very good job protecting your brother,’ Sunshine compliments.

There is a loud crash, and an alarm start sounding.

‘Oh. Looks like we’ve begun reentry,’ Fluttershy notes. ‘Up we go.’

Fluttershy lifts Freya onto her back. Sunshine picks up Kain, who is trying to fix his mane, and gallops from the room.

‘I got here from one of their teleportation things. If we can get it to work, we can get home.’

‘You lead the way,’ Fluttershy replies. ‘I’ll get us home.’

Sunshine leads them through the corridors to the transmat platform. He and Fluttershy climb on. Fluttershy puts her muzzle under her wing and pulls out her sonic screwdriver.

‘You had that with you this whole time?’

‘I always have it with me,’ Fluttershy scoffs.

‘Always!?’

‘Don’t start that now, dear.’

Fluttershy snorts, points the sonic at the control panel and the ponies disappear.

Back at their cottage, Fluttershy sits in her kids’ room, watching them sleep. Freya is gripping Angel extra tight. The mare laughs and kisses her daughter on the forehead.

‘I tried contacting HQ,’ Sunshine says as he enters the room. ‘No luck. Something big must be happening.’

Fluttershy gets up and closes the door to the room. ‘We have to get to Canterlot. If something bad is happening, Luna is going to want all of the Elements on hoof.’

‘Are you sure it is safe to leave the kids? What about the things that attacked Pinkie or the Cyberponies?’

‘Pinkie is fine. I know it. As for the Cyberponies...’ Fluttershy holds up her mobile. ‘Meteor sightings are trending all across the east coast. If any are left, I am sure Trotswood can handle them.’

Sunshine kisses his wife. ‘I should just trust that you can handle everything.’

Fluttershy giggles. ‘You’re right about that. Or do you just want page thirty-one?’

Sunshine smiles. Fluttershy giggles again. The two ponies trot downstairs to begin leaving for Canterlot. In her room, Freya stirs. She goes to the window and sees her parents leaving. After getting a good grip on Angel in her mouth, the young bat pony silently flies out of the window and follows her parents away.

Nightmare Full Moon

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After her father left on his honeymoon, Rei was left behind to take care of Del and The Power Block. She felt depressed and alone until Inkie moved in with the sisters. With Inkie’s help, Rei was able to beat her depression and return to enjoying life. The couple married after a long pre-engagement followed by a long engagement, both requiring Rei to overcome her self-doubt. The couple live in wedded bliss in their home over The Power Block.

Between Rei’s ownership of Neighponese Imports and her stake in The Power Block, the couple are pretty well off. Inkie still maintains her soil science business, but it takes a bit of a dive during the winter. Rei hired Scootaloo to work full-time at Neighponese Imports and would rehire Flitter if she wanted to come back. She is also willing to allow Lucas and Mimi hire more employees of their own, but the couple prefers to run The Power Block by themselves. Rei also invested in Octavia’s school and Lyra’s biomagitech company, knowing the secret activities they engage in.

In her free time, Rei maintains the Daring Support Network and helps Scootaloo with her Wonderbolts training. Thanks to both of her shops, Rei sees her little brother all the time. She and Satsuma have a great relationship, and she even taught him how to speak Neighponese. She is also close friends with Freya and Kain, since she still considers Fluttershy her mother. The two bat ponies admire their adoptive sister, with Freya secretly wishing for Rei’s courage and outgoing personality. Rei also acts a minor bridge between Apple Bloom and Applejack. When the filly left her family, Rei and Inkie were the ones to take her in at first. They helped support her when Apple Bloom started running the library on her own. The hardest moment since their father left was letting Del leave to explore the world. Rei still maintains her sisters room, knowing Del was given Chrysalis’ key allowing her to come home whenever she wants. It has been years since she saw her sister.

Though she misses her father and sister with all of her heart, Rei happily lives with her wife and sees her friends all the time. She is extremely happy and knows nothing can go wrong.

Upstairs in The Power Block, Rei and Inkie have Lucas and Mimi over for dinner. The three ponies and the changeling joke while Rei cooks up one of her massive feasts. Rei sets a large plate of her famous bread on the table and sits with her loved ones.

Suddenly, somepony gallops up the stairs and slides a pad under the table.

‘Not even giving you a chance,’ The Master says, activating the pad.

The ponies and changeling disappear from the kitchen. They reappear in the middle of a metal room with one door.

Inkie and Mimi scan the room for weaknesses. Lucas readies a spell on his horn. Rei charges her electric affinity. Around her body, a dark blue aura forms. She gains a breastplate, helmet, wing guards and leg guards as her Moon Armor manifests.

‘Friend of yours or friend of mine?’ Rei asks.

‘I have no idea,’ Lucas replies.

Inkie bonks her wife on the helmet. ‘You forgot to lock the back door after cleaning up Scootaloo’s apartment, didn’t you?’

‘I totally locked it! They must have left it unlocked when they came over.’

‘We just went upstairs after work,’ Mimi counters. ‘And is that really our top concern right now?’

‘It looks like we’re in some sort of cell. But who would have teleportation technology?’

Rei shrugs. ‘Skybound is on our side. Discord is on our side. Chryssy is on our side. Nopony comes to mind.’

An odd mechanical sound comes from the hall. Rei readies her electricity around her wings and hooves. Lucas aims his spell. The doors slide open and three things that look like pepper pots glide in. Rei growls, the electric field around her growing.

‘EXTERMINA-’

The Dalek is cut off as Rei flies across the room and blasts it with a Thunder Shot. Lucas tries firing a magic bolt, but it is too late. Rei has electrocuted the others. She stands over the smoking shells, the tips of her wings turning black. She goes out into the hall and looks around.

‘What are those?’ Mimi asks.

‘Daleks,’ Lucas replies. ‘Before we met, before Rei even came to our Equestria, I helped The Doctor and Boss save Derpy from them. It was... pretty horrible. If it wasn’t for Twilight, we would have lost Boss.’

‘If it is before Rei, why is she so worked up?’

‘Because on her world...’ Inkie begins.

‘Because where I am from, they ruined my dad’s wedding,’ Rei growls as she returns. ‘Right when he and Twilight were about to be married, they destroyed Ponyville. I’ve seen pictures of the devastation. Less than a hoofful survived, thanks to my dad and the Doctor hiding them in their TARDISes. Lucas, I know you lived since I met you when my dad would visit me. But they killed everypony! They killed Fluttershy! They killed Twilight! They even tried to kill my dad! They are the reason for Discord! They are the greatest evil to ever live!’ She turns away. ‘And like Discord in my world, that is something I will correct. … Like father, like daughter...’

Rei marches into the hall, her legs also appearing black. Her friends nervously follow.

Rei leads her friends through the Dalek ship. The pegasus has an angry sneer and her pupils appear more catlike. Lucas and Mimi hang back from the furious pegasus. Inkie trots beside her wife, who has seemingly grown to the same height as her.

‘Rei, maybe you should calm down,’ Inkie tries soothing.

‘Calm! How can I be calm when there are Daleks ahoof! Don’t you see the danger they present?’

‘Please stop yelling. We’ll find a way to get home, and we can ask your father or The Doctor for help.’

‘Not unless we eliminate them first.’

‘Rei, do you hear what you are saying?’

Rei spins around and glares into her wife’s eyes. ‘Yes! And I am the only making sense right now!’

The sound of Daleks moving about are heard behind a door. Rei growls and gallops through the door. While the pegasus dispatches the aliens, Lucas and Mimi comfort Inkie.

Inkie chokes back tears. ‘I knew she was upset about what happened to her world, but I’ve never seen her like this.’

‘Once we find a way back to Equestria, she will calm down,’ Lucas assures.

‘It is almost as if she is possessed by some demonic force,’ Mimi comments. ‘It is not the first time I have seen her like that.’ She sniffs the air. ‘She has a lot of negative emotions within her.’

Rei comes out of the room. Her mane has turned ethereal and her wings are completely black. Her ears and muzzle have also turned black, and the color is spreading across her face.

‘Nothing in there except some scientific equipment,’ Rei reports. ‘Let’s go.’

‘Wait!’ Inkie interrupts. ‘I might be able to get a map or find some way to get us home.’

Inkie goes into the room. Rei growls and looks around.

‘Are you feeling okay, Rei?’ Lucas asks.

‘Who said that?’ the pegasus snaps. ‘Who called me by that name!’

‘Rei?’

Lucas gets hit with a Thunder Shot. Mimi instantly jumps in front of her husband and hisses.

‘That is not my name! I am Full Moon!’ Full Moon bellows, her body becoming completely black. ‘I am Full Moon, daughter of James Sparkle and Queen Luna! Adopted daughter of James Wanderer! Don’t you dare call me by such a common name! You will RESPECT me!’

Lucas groans as he stands up. ‘Sorry, Full Moon.’

Mimi hisses at the pegasus towering over her.

Inkie returns from the room, thinking. ‘Who is “The Master”? Why would he want to get rid of us?’ She looks at the standoff before her.

‘Full Moon?’ she asks.

Full Moon looks her wife in the eyes. ‘Ready?’

‘I think I found a command center. It is...’

Full Moon turns and trots away. ‘About time. We will exterminate this Dalek scum and return home.’ She glances back and smirks. ‘I hope your body is ready for the celebration that will follow.’

Inkie gasps as her wife trots away. Mimi hisses again. The rest of the ponies follow their leader.

The Daleks are on high alert as the ponies make their way through their ship. Guards surround the command center, prepared for anything. Electrical energy surrounds a door. Two Daleks aim their lasers at the door. The door bursts from its frame, crushing them. A two-meter tall black pegasus in dark blue armor with an ethereal mane trots into the command center. Electricity crackles around her as laser blasts are deflected by her shield.

The Daleks shriek ‘Exterminate!’ as they try to repel the attacker.

Full Moon looks around the room and grins evilly. ‘In answer to your question: Yes, I am.’

Full Moon laughs as she electrocutes the Daleks. The aliens shriek in pain and are quickly silenced. The pegasus keeps up her assault after the screams have died.

‘Full Moon! Stop!’ Inkie shouts.

Full Moon snarls and ceases her attack. Inkie enters the command center and starts searching for a way to get home. Lucas and Mimi creep around the pegasus to help Inkie. Full Moon trots around the command center, knocking over Dalek armor, smiling as smoke escapes the shells.

‘Looks like there is a teleportation room near here,’ Inkie reports. ‘Thanks to somepony, the navigation is fried. We just have to activate a self-destruct or something, and we can escape without worry.’

‘Repair the navigation system,’ Full Moon commands. ‘We will take the fight to them. Wipe them out before they can become of a nuisance.’

‘Rei, are you insane!’

Full Moon turns and fires a Thunder Shot at Inkie. Lucas barely pulls his friend out of the way in time.

‘Don’t call me that! I am Full Moon! You will assist me in my conquest of the galaxy! We will exterminate the Daleks and everything else that threatens friends and family!’

Inkie glares up at Full Moon. ‘Then why don’t you start with yourself.’

‘WHAT!’

‘You claim to be Full Moon, but you are not. The real Full Moon is kind and gentle. She cares for her friends and family. She does not attack out of anger, nor does she instigate violence against others. She is an angel, not the the monster I see before me.’

‘How dare you! I am the true Full Moon! I am the one who will protect my home from all threats. If that means wiping out a few useless species along the way, so be it!’

‘You are not the real Full Moon. You are Nightmare Full Moon.’

Nightmare Full Moon raises a hoof and slaps Inkie. ‘You are my wife! You will do as I say!’

Inkie holds her wound. ‘I might be you wife, but you are not the Full Moon I fell in love with. Goodbye.’

Inkie turns and leads the others out. Nightmare Full Moon stands in the center of the command center and screams. Inkie silently weeps as she leads her friends away.

‘Inkie, I am so sorry...’ Lucas says.

‘She had given into her evil side. We lost a good friend,’ Mimi moans.

Suddenly, the ship rocks and an explosion is heard. Inkie stops. Her ears twitch and she smiles. She turns and gallops back to the command center. The room is destroyed. The consoles are all blown out. On a viewscreen, Equestria is quickly approaching. Inkie judges the ships angle and velocity to be too steep and too fast for the ship to survive atmospheric entry. In the center of the room, Rei weeps. The remains of her Moon Armor slowly dissolve around her. Inkie goes over to the weeping mare. Rei looks up and immediately turns away.

‘Go away,’ Rei sobs. ‘I’ll only hurt you again.’

‘That was Nightmare Full Moon,’ Inkie replies. ‘You are the real Full Moon.’

‘You can call me Rei if that is easier.’

Inkie hugs her wife. ‘I married Full Moon. I love Full Moon.’ She turns Rei to face her. ‘I love you, Full Moon.’

Inkie leans in and kisses her wife. The two ponies remain kissing as the ship enters the atmosphere. Lucas gallops over and taps the mares on the shoulder.

‘I hate to break you up,’ the stallion apologizes, ‘but Seaddle is coming up really fast. Hold on tight.’

Rei smiles and rubs her head against her wife’s chest. Inkie hugs the smaller mare. Mimi joins the ponies in the center of the room. Lucas charges a spell on his horn. The stallion stares at the viewscreen as a large mountain races towards them.

‘I love you guys,’ Rei coos as Lucas teleports his friends to safety.

The Master Game

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Royal guards hold back a mob at the gates of Canterlot Castle. The rioting is led by a winged Zony with a broken heart cutie mark. The guards do their best to hold back the mob. A purple dragon as tall as Celestia uses his fire breath to keep the mob at bay. Even the Lunar Guard is active in helping shield the palace and drive back flyers. The growing restlessness of the mob is making it hard to keep the peace without hurting innocent citizens.

In the palace, Celestia, Luna and Cadence are meeting with Shining Armor about the situation. The rulers are trying every magic they can think of.

‘My magic can only do so much,’ Cadence sighs. ‘I can use my love magic on a few, but I cannot fix the whole city.’

‘But we saw the lights from the Crystal Empire,’ Luna says. ‘The Crystal Heart was revitalized in your absence.’

Cadence shakes her head. ‘Maybe if it were here, I could do something more.’

‘It is okay,’ Celestia assures. ‘We’ll spread your spell to as many mages as we can. They will help heal those being controlled.’

Luna scowls. ‘This reminds me of why we sealed Discord. Where is he! Bring him here!’

‘I’m kind of busy right now,’ Discord replies, staggering into the hall. He has his claw to his temple, and his eyes are closed.

‘What are you doing?’ the Princess of the Night demands.

‘I’m doing all in my power to keep the spell causing this attack from infecting us here.’ He falls to the floor. ‘As much as I'd like to, I can’t just snap my fingers and make it disappear.’

The doors to the throne room are thrown open. A dark grey stallion with a messy blonde mane trots in. The guards quickly rush to intercept him, but he knocks them out with a single kick to each of their heads. Shining levitates a spear to defend the princesses.

‘Now, now. That is no way to greet your new ruler,’ The Master taunts. He stops and looks at Discord. ‘Good to see you again, James. Oh, wait! You’re Discord in that form. Silly me. Here, I thought you were the whiny little brat I went to school with.’ He smiles evilly. ‘Instead, you’re the whiny little brat whose wife died in his arms.’

Discord snarls and tries to stand. ‘If I wasn’t protecting my friends from your influence, I would do to you what I did to The Daleks.’

‘Pity.’ The Master examines a hoof nonchalantly. ‘You might have a way around the mages I control but if my adoring public outside is able to be cured,’ -- he looks at the princesses -- ‘it will be in time to accept their new Master.’

Celestia stands. She glares down at The Master. ‘I do not know who you are or what you are trying to pull, but I will not stand for my citizens being threatened.’

‘I’m not threatening them. I’m merely liberating them from their former ruler. Now, if you will kindly stand aside...’

‘You’re a fool to think you can overthrow us. We have handled pests like you before. Shining Armor, remove him.’

The unicorn advances on The Master, spear ready. The earth pony rolls his eyes and knocks the spear away. Shining fires a magic bolt, but The Master dodges the attack. He charges and headbutts the unicorn in the chest. Shining staggers back and swings a punch. The Master takes the hit and swings a punch of his own. The unicorn is knocked back. The Master keeps up his attack and keeps swinging away. Soon, Shining is pressed against the wall. The unicorn casts a shield spell, knocking The Master back. He lifts the earth pony with his magic and throws him across the hall, into a pillar. Shining fires a magic blast, bringing the pillar down on the rogue Time Lord.

The prince takes a deep breath. ‘I hate having to end somepony, but you left me no choice,’ he snorts towards the rubble.

‘Oh, you haven’t won yet,’ The Master replies, picking himself up from the debris.

Everypony takes a step back, shocked to see the attacker still alive.

The Master pops his neck and joints as he steps forward. ‘You seem to have missed the part where I am a Time Lord. That just makes me better than you.’

Shining stares at the attacker, trying to read him. He glances around the room, looking for something that can help. He smirks. ‘And you seem to have missed the arrival time for the late night express from Ponyville.’

‘What?’

There is a loud hiss as Sunshine drops from the ceiling on The Master. The earth pony struggles to keep the bat pony’s claws from slicing him to pieces. The Master gets his hind legs under Sunshine and kicks him away. The bat pony flips and lands beside Shining. The prince has another spear levitating beside him.

‘Please. I was just making him look good so that he’ll be really humiliated when I beat him.’

‘So, you were just showing off for the wife?’

Shining looks at Cadence and winks. ‘Like you don’t have the same motivation.’

Cadence blushes and clears her throat. ‘Uh, boys?’

The princess points. The Master slowly gets back to his hooves. He has a few cuts from where Sunshine almost slashed him.

‘What the hell are you doing here?’ The Master demands. ‘You should be a Cyberpony by now!’

Sunshine smirks. ‘Their queen had other plans.’

The bat pony looks over. Fluttershy is hiding behind the door. She gives a barely audible cheer for her husband. The Master sneers. He moves slightly, and Sunshine darts between the Time Lord and his wife. The guards and the attacker watch each other closely to see who will make the first move.

Celestia leans down to Luna. She whispers, ‘Find a way to get to the Elements of Harmony. If Fluttershy is here, hopefully the others will join you soon.’

‘I’ll do my best, sister.’

Luna slowly slinks back, but The Master raises a hoof.

‘I wouldn’t do that,’ the rogue Time Lord warns. ‘You might not like the results.’

The stallion gets out a small device with a button on the end. He presses the button. Screams can be heard coming from outside. They slowly die out when he releases.

‘Make one move towards your Elements of Harmony and your populace will die a very painful death,’ The Master threatens. ‘Of course, I could just activate it now while you try wrestling control from me.’

Sunshine hisses and dives at The Master. The Time Lord turns to counterattack, but he is stopped when Shining grips the device with his magic. The Master laughs, drops the device, ducks under Sunshine and gallops after Fluttershy. The pegasus shrieks and tries flying away. The Master leaps and tackles her from the air. He locks the mare in a chokehold.

‘Now I think my bargaining power has increased slightly,’ The Master gloats. ‘Mr Bat Pony, will you kindly activate my device? Otherwise, I might have to’ -- he puts pressure on Fluttershy’s neck, making her scream -- ‘snap!’

Sunshine growls. He looks at Shining, who has the device in his magic. ‘Don’t make me fight you for it, Shining...’

‘You’re not seriously considering what he is saying!’ Shining shouts back.

‘If it was your wife?’

Shining looks back at Cadence. The princess shakes her head.

‘Don’t, Sunshine,’ Luna commands.

‘I’m sorry, princess,’ Sunshine replies. ‘I have no choice.’

‘I trust he’ll do the right thing,’ Fluttershy says, trying to smile.

‘Which would be killing everypony outside,’ The Master adds. ‘See how well this works out for everypony?’

Sunshine looks over and smiles at his wife. He turns back to Shining, glaring. The unicorn glares back. He glances briefly at The Master and Fluttershy. The stallion puts pressure on Fluttershy again, making her squeak. Sunshine dashes at Shining. Before the bat pony can reach the device, Shining tosses it towards The Master. Sunshine changes direction in mid stride and charges the rogue Time Lord. There is a scream. Fluttershy falls to the ground.

The Master screams in pain as Freya latches on to his neck, her fangs digging into him. The stallion flails about, trying to dislodge the filly. Sunshine kicks The Master’s device out of the room as he skids to a stop beside his wife. Fluttershy smiles and gives him a quick kiss before they see what is going on.

‘My baby!’ Fluttershy shrieks when she sees Freya.

The Master swings a punch and knocks Freya from him, taking a bit of fur from his neck as well. The filly tumbles around but comes up standing by her parents.

‘Don’t hurt my mommy!’ the filly growls.

Sunshine and Fluttershy stand beside their daughter and growl as well. The stallion reactives the electricity in his claws. The Master looks at the position he is in. Shining Armor in front of him. Fluttershy’s family surrounding him. Three princesses ready to strike from their thrones.

‘Well, this can’t get any worse,’ the trapped stallion comments.

A commotion is heard from outside.

‘Bend it, Buckham!’ a young male voice shouts.

‘That doesn’t make sense!’ a young female voice shouts back.

‘Behave or you have to go home,’ an older female voice sighs.

‘Yes, Pinkie,’ the young voices moan.

Pinkie plows through the throne room doors. Behind her, Pound Cake tosses a ball towards the mare then dives for cover. Pinkie bumps the ball up. Pumpkin Cake runs up Pinkie’s back and kicks the ball at The Master. The stallion dodges before the ball strikes the ground and explodes.

‘That was a bomb!’ Pumpkin yells at her brother.

‘You’ll be amazed what you can make with things you find under a train seat,’ the colt laughs nervously.

‘You could have killed me!’

‘Sorry.’

‘Behave,’ Pinkie groans. She looks around the room. She find her target and glares. ‘Mr Master, will you join me in the kitchen? You promised to help with some baking.’

The Master backs away slowly. He turns to run, but a light purple flash appears in front of him. He stops before he runs into a sword being held by Pipsqueak. Dinky stands beside her coltfriend with a spell ready.

‘Of course, you find a way back, Doctor,’ The Master groans.

‘I’m not The Doctor,’ Pip replies, ‘but I won’t let you harm the princesses.’

Luna laughs. ‘You’re always so gallant, Pipsqueak.’

‘Thank you, best princess.’

Celestia groans. Her sister laughs.

‘She’s not the best,’ Pinkie argues. ‘That one is currently traveling the universe with her husband.’

Celestia groans again. She focuses her attention on The Master and readies a spell. ‘It seems you have lost. Release my citizens and I’ll be lenient at your sentencing.’

The Master weighs his options, knowing he is trapped. ‘I seem to have made a small miscalculation in trusting certain allies. No matter. Change of plans!’

The Master backs to the wall. He taps the window behind him a few times and smirks. He hops backward, through the window. Shining instantly teleports after the criminal. Sunshine gives his wife and daughter a quick hug and flies after The Master.

Celestia trots down from her throne. ‘Luna, you and the other Elements of Harmony get to the vault. Get the Elements and be prepared to use them. Cadence, you stay here with the foals.’

Luna follows her sister. ‘What will you be doing?’

‘I’ll be handling that pony personally.’ Celestia storms out of the throne room. ‘And somepony take care of Discord!’

‘I’m good,’ Discord moans from a corner. ‘Could use a drink though. And maybe a bottle of aspirin.’
...

The Master lands in a courtyard. He dusts himself off as he trots away from the falling glass behind him. The stallion steps aside just as Sunshine swoops down. The bat pony misses his target. Shining teleports into the courtyard. The wayward bat pony slams into the unicorn, causing both to tumble into a bush. The Master yawns as he continues his escape.

Suddenly, there is bright rainbow flash above the courtyard. A rainbow streak shoots from the sky and slams into The Master. Rainbow Dash forces the stallion into the ground while she punches his head. The Master rolls to his back and kicks Rainbow Dash away. The pegasus’ crash into a tree knocks her out.

The Master stumbles to his hooves. ‘What the hell hit..?’

An orange streak slams the stallion into a tree. Scootaloo deals body blows to the trapped stallion. The Master flails, trying to hit back. He catches a branch and swings it, hitting Scootaloo in the head. The pegasus drops with a massive head wound.

‘Holy hell!’ The Master exclaims. ‘What is up with you ponies?’

Scootaloo moans and holds her head.

‘Can’t you bloody stay down?’

The Master kicks Scootaloo in the head and gallops away. He reaches an area away from the castle and stops to catch his breath. Two ponies in hooded white robes drop on either side of the tired stallion. One has a grey muzzle sticking out, the other has a white one.

‘Bollocks!’ The Master swears. ‘Don’t you ever give up? I’m a Time Lord! There is no way you can defeat me. Twice the hearts, infinitely more stamina, more healing energies than that orange smear back there. Can't you just give up already?’

Octavia and Sweetie Belle stand on their hind legs and extend blades from under their robes. The Master groans and stands as well. The assassins stab forward. The Master ducks and knocks their attacks behind him as he rolls forward. He sweeps a kick back. Octavia jumps over the kick. Sweetie catches the leg with her magic and flips The Master over. The stallion lands crouched and charges forward. He slams a foreleg into each of their guts. The mares stagger back. The Master stands and swings down. Octavia dodges to the side, but Sweetie is smashed into the ground. Octavia stabs forward again. Her attack is blocked, and The Master hits her in the head. The mare falls. The stallion drops back to all fours and sighs.

‘Didn’t one of my plans work!’ the exasperated stallion shouts.

‘Nope!’ a pair of voices reply behind him.

The Master turns in time to get simultaneously bucked in the head by Applejack and Apple Bloom. The stallion sails across the courtyard before landing and tumbling to a stop. A pair of black hooves step up to the prone stallion.

‘One second,’ The Master groans. ‘I just need a moment to find all my teeth.’ He shakes his head and realizes something. ‘Wait. If they are here, then those monsters failed... That means this is... his... monster...’

The Master looks up. Del looks down, hisses and lunges at the stallion. He rolls out of the way and gets to his hooves. The stallion jumps back as Del snaps at him. Around the courtyard, the other ponies are getting up. Applejack and Apple Bloom help Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo to their hooves. Rarity tends to her sister as Spike helps Octavia, having followed Rarity when she arrived. Shining and Sunshine join the growing ranks. Celestia teleports in. She trots beside Del. The changeling princess stands with the pony princess and hisses at The Master.

‘Surrender,’ Celestia snorts. ‘You are outnumbered. My guards are curing the ponies you brainwashed. If you keep fighting, it will only end in your death.’

‘I’m a Time Lord!’ The Master shouts back. ‘There is no way you can defeat me. I am stronger and smarter than all of you combined. You hurt me, I heal faster than you ever could. You kill me, I regenerate. You can only defeat me with another with Time Lord blood. The closest thing you have is her brat!’ He motions to Applejack.

‘My sister can beat you!’ Del hisses.

‘She’s dead!’ The Master yells back. ‘She is sleeping with the Daleks now. Any moment, they will come down and kill you all. She’s gone! Kaput! Finished! She! Is! Not! Coming!’

A blue and white streak slams into The Master. Rei stands over the stallion and beats him into the ground. She delivers a punch that gets a loud grunt from the stallion. The Master swings a punch of his own that knocks Rei from him. He grabs one of her hooves and spins her into a tree.

‘You damn runt!’ The Master shouts. He stands over the mare. ‘You think you can stop me? You’re as dumb as your father. You two are the weakest, most pathetic excuses for ponies, and you will die!’

The Master raises up to stomp the prone mare. A magic bolt strikes him in the chest. He looks over to see Lucas readying another spell.

‘Don’t touch my wife!’ the unicorn threatens.

‘What?’

The Master looks down. Rei smiles, exposing fangs. Mimi is surrounded by green flames as she returns to her normal form. She laughs at the confused stallion before her. Lucas uses his magic to pull his wife back to his side. The Master steps back, not knowing what will happen next.

Lucas smirks and steps forward. ‘I’ve waited years to be able to do this.’ He points a hoof into the air. ‘P-’

‘PLASMA BUSTER!’ everypony shouts.

‘Ah! I wanted to say it,’ Lucas moans.

A blue-white twinkle appears in the sky. It shoots down to the courtyard. A trail of swirling blue and white plasma follows behind it. The Master mutters an unheard swear as Rei slams into him. The stallion screams in pain as the electricity surrounding the pegasus surges through both of his hearts. Rei directs the plasma away from the palace as she flies them through a window and slams The Master into a wall. The stallion falls forward, face first into the ground. Rei snorts as the electricity evaporates around her. She turns and looks around. A window that once showed Nightmare Moon’s banishment is now missing the main antagonist. Rei smiles, seeing the damage. She looks at the representations of other key events in Equestria’s history as she waits for the others to arrive.

Celestia teleports in with the ponies from the courtyard. The doors to the hall swing open. Luna, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Pipsqueak and Dinky gallop in. Stormy is with them. Having seen the commotion from the throne room, Cadence and the foals follow Luna’s group. Discord is absent as he regains his strength.

Lucas looks at Stormy. ‘About time you show up.’

‘Sorry. The wife and I got sidetracked removing the hex from the afflicted ponies. How many did you assist?’

Lucas snorts and turns away. Rei goes to Celestia.

‘I am fairly sure I finished him,’ the mare reports. ‘I should have put enough electricity through both his hearts to light Las Pegasus for a month.’

‘It had to be done,’ the princess sighs. ‘I’ll have the body taken away.’

Rei nods. The two ponies turn to join the others when a low laugh fills the hall. They look back as The Master slowly gets back to his hooves.

‘You ignorant little twit,’ the stallion spits. ‘You fell right into my trap. Where is the one place you don’t put the pony that will kill you all?’ He trots back towards a stone doorway. ‘Right at the vault holding the most powerful magical artefacts in the universe!’

Everypony stares in shock as The Master goes to the door leading to the Elements of Harmony. He keeps laughing.

‘Oh, the looks on your faces. Priceless. You cannot believe you have lost. It was quite simple really. Make you think you are winning. Draw you in to a false sense of security. Then, BAM! Swipe the Elements from you and leave this pitiful city a smoking crater as I go off to conquer the world. Quite a lovely plan really.’ He looks around the hall, making sure to note Rei, Del and Satsuma. ‘Best of all, I get to wipe the stains that whiny little pest left on this world from existence. Think happy thoughts kiddies, because your daddy is next.’

The Master cackles as he stands by the door. He stands triumphant before everypony, laughing like a madpony.

Deus Ex Ending

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The Master stands by the doors leading to the Elements of Harmony, cackling like a madpony. His insane laughter echoes through the hall. The gathered ponies barely have the energy to face the foe. The Master’s laugher reaches a crescendo and suddenly stops. The rogue Time Lord is frozen in place. Everypony is shocked at the turn of events. Rei and Celestia creep forward. They look at each other and nod. Rei reaches out a hoof and taps The Master. She gets no reaction.

‘He’s dead,’ Rei states.

‘Not quite,’ a new voice says. ‘I placed him in a state of temporal lock. He’ll be virtually frozen until he can be dealt with properly.’ There is a slight pause. ‘The husband is calling the disposal crew.’

Everypony looks back. Twilight Sparkle is standing beside a newly-appeared doorway. Behind her, James is on his mobile.

‘Theta, we have a bit of a pick-up for you,’ the stallion says as he trots out. ‘The wife put him on ice so there isn’t a rush. Toodles.’

James hangs up his mobile and looks up in time to get tackled in a hug.

‘Daddy!’ Rei and Del cheer as they squeeze the life from their father.

‘Heh, heh. Hey, girls,’ James laughs, hugging his daughters.

Twilight laughs at her husband and his daughters until she is tackled in a hug as well.

‘TWILIGHT!’ Pinkie cries from the center of the group hug with all her friends. ‘I missed you so much! It has been forever!’

‘It hasn’t been that long, Pinkie,’ Twilight laughs. ‘It was only’ -- she turns to her husband -- ‘what?’

James escapes his daughters. ‘About five hundred years, give or take a decade.’

‘Yeah, only five hundred years,’ Twilight agrees. Her friends stare at her in shock. She gives Pinkie an extra big hug. ‘I’ve missed you all so much. We have a lot of catching up to do.’

‘F-f-f-f-fi-’ Pinkie stammers.

‘I know,’ Twilight groans. ‘I look ancient, but I’m still the same Twilight.’

‘Ancient, darling?’ Rarity snorts. ‘You look the same as you did seven years ago.’

‘Seven years passed?’ Twilight asks. ‘A lot must have happened.’ She sighs. ‘I wish I was there for it.’

‘Fi-fi-five h-hu-hu-hu-’ Pinkie continues.

‘Daddy doesn’t look five hundred,’ Del says, examining her father.

‘That’s because I’m eight hundred.’ He looks at Celestia. ‘Sorry, still prefer younger mares.’

The princess groans and rolls her eyes. James looks at his daughters. Rei looks the same as when he left. Del is much taller and looks more like Chrysalis than a regular changeling.

The stallion gasps, ‘Your brother!’

Satsuma jumps. He backs away, nervous about seeing his father for the first time. Applejack looks over at her son and smiles.

‘Right!’ Twilight agrees. She lets out a groan. ‘Where is he when we need him?’

The Sparkles get out their mobiles.

‘Wait, y’all ain’t talkin’ ‘bout..?’ Applejack begins.

Twilight shushes her friend. She counts down. The Sparkles put away their mobiles and shield their eyes. A blinding blue flash fills the hall.

‘Prepare to meet your doom!’ Starlight shouts at a wall. There is pop and his glasses land on his face, allowing him to see the stained glass window in front of him. ‘Discord!’ The unicorn spins around. ‘Am I late?’

Before anypony can say anything, Apple Bloom tackles the young stallion and gives him a big kiss. Starlight gasps for air when he is let free.

Apple Bloom shoves his note in his face. ‘Yes! A million times yes! Ah’ve been waitin’ mah whole life t’ tell ya “yes”!

The young mare gives the young stallion another big kiss. When let free again, Starlight stares up at Apple Bloom, his cheeks redder than her mane.

‘Really?’ Starlight asks, his voice cracking.

Apple Bloom nods and helps the young stallion up. Starlight kisses her on the cheek.

‘Mom! Dad!’ Starlight calls. ‘I’m going to marry Apple Bloom.’

Everypony stares, aghast, at what they just heard.

‘She is perfect for you,’ James shouts back.

‘That’s good,’ Twilight replies. ‘You’ll be wonderful together.’

‘Wait a second. You have a son,’ Rainbow Dash gapes.

‘Well, it was five hundred years,’ Twilight groans.

Applejack is in shock. ‘And he’s gonna marry mah sister? When did this happen?’

‘Well, we did meet a few years ago,’ Startlight says, trotting over.

‘He asked me back then,’ Apple Bloom adds, showing her sister the note.

‘But when ya said son, Ah thought ya meant...’

Applejack looks over at Satsuma. The others look too. The young colt tries hiding with the Cake twins. James jumps a bit.

‘Something else we have to talk about,’ the stallion nervously laughs.

‘There is much we have to converse about,’ Celestia states as she joins her friends. ‘I suggest we go to a better location if we are to continue our conversation.’

Despite a citywide riot just ending, Celestia has the palace chefs working overtime to cater the reunion in the main ballroom. All the ponies are celebrating the defeat of a major enemy and the return of their friends. James and Twilight are going around the party, trying to catch up with their friends individually.

The couple is chatting with Pinkie. The pink mare blushes and whispers something to her friends. They laugh and whisper something back to make her blush even more. They both kiss Pinkie on the cheeks, too. While Pinkie is calming down, Applejack trots up to the group. Before she can say anything, Pinkie snorts and trots away from her friends.

Twilight watches Pinkie go. ‘What was that about?’

Applejack groans. ‘She’s still sore ‘bout Satsuma.’

‘H-he’s my...’ James starts.

Applejack nods. ‘Ah don’ blame her fer bein’ upset. Ah lied t’ y’all. Ah even lied t’ ya at yer weddin’. Ah hurt everypony with mah actions.’

‘I’m sure Pinkie will forgive you some day,’ Twilight comforts.

‘It’s been a while, but Ah’m startin’ t’ get back t’ normal. She’s finally started invitin’ me t’ parties again.’ Applejack sighs and frowns. ‘Only t’ Satsuma’s birthday parties, but at least it’s somethin’...’

Twilight hugs her friend. ‘It will work out. I know it.’

Applejack backs away. ‘Y’all ain’t mad at me? Ah mean, Ah was pregnant with his boy durin’ yer weddin’. Ya were always yellin’ at me befer he proposed, and Ah even broke the promise Ah made then. Ya should be furious at me!’

Twilight tries not to laugh but ends up giggling. ‘Can I tell her?’

James tenses up and shakes nervously. ‘No,’ he squeaks.

‘Tell, me what?’

Twilight laughs. ‘A while back, long before Starlight was born, James had a little incident that offered infinite forgiveness for all of his dalliances when he was younger.’

The stallion squeaks. ‘So many legs. They were everywhere.’

‘We had a bit of a run-in with a giant insect queen. She quite fancied James.’

James shakes in terror. ‘I hate bugs.’

‘We spent the next few days in the medical bay removing all the eggs it laid. Very good bonding time. Literally too, since I had to reseal his stomach.’ Twilight nuzzles her husband. ‘He knows better than to do anything, or anypony, without my permission. Isn’t that right, dear?’

‘So many eggs. Couldn’t sit for weeks.’

Twilight smiles at her friend. ‘So in answer to your worries, I am not upset with either of you one bit. I just have to remind him of all the fun times we had.’

Applejack stares in shock. ‘Well, uh, that’s good t’ hear. Ah guess.’ She looks over at her sister and Starlight together. ‘Uh, yer boy doesn’t take after his father, does he?’

‘Not as far as we know,’ Twilight replies. ‘He has travelled on his own a bit since I taught him a time travel spell. This is the first we’ve seen him interact with anypony his age.’

‘So, he ain’t like ninety years old or somethin’?’

‘He’s twenty-two,’ Twilight groans. ‘He’s the same age as your sister.’

Applejack laughs. ‘Sorry fer upsetting ya. Jus’ didn’ wanna worry ‘bout mah sister.’

Twilight sighs and turns to her husband. ‘Aren’t you going to say anything?’

‘So many feelers. They were everywhere,’ the stallion whimpers.

Twilight groans and goes to catch up with her friends.
...

Apple Bloom introduces Starlight to her friends. The young mare stands proudly beside her coltfriend while Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo stare in shock.

‘Told you he was real,’ Apple Bloom brags.

Dinky and Pipsqueak trot over. Behind them, Rei looks upset as she trots away.

‘So, are you the famous Starlight?’ Dinky asks.

Starlight grins. ‘Well, I’m not exactly famous, but that is a great start.’

Dinky smirks and holds a hoof towards Sweetie Belle. The other unicorn groans and puts a small bag of bits in the extended hoof.
...

Rei trots to a table, still deep in thought. A pair of forelegs wrap around her. She squeaks in fright.

‘You have no idea how much I miss doing this,’ James moans. ‘I always loved giving and getting hugs from my lovely Rei-chan.’

Rei sighs. ‘I love you, too, daddy.’

James sits beside his daughter. ‘It was, what? Three years ago? Your wedding?’

Rei nods. ‘Others don’t think you were really there, but Inkie and I were glad to have you two there.’

‘Anything for my little girl.’

The stallion is wrapped in a hug.

‘What about me?’

James leans back and half hugs Del. ‘Anything for you, too. How’s your sister doing?’

Del sits. ‘Chyssy is doing fine. She, uh...’

‘I know about her key. It is good that she gave it to you.’

Del smiles. ‘She also taught me a lot about changelings. They are very... different from ponies.’ She nuzzles her father. ‘I like ponies a lot more.’

James laughs and kisses Del on the forehead. ‘You’re still my lovely angel.’

Rei laughs and gets up to rejoin the party.
...

Spike kneels and holds a plate of treats in his large claw. Rarity sits against the young dragon as she levitates a tart. Twilight giggles as she watches her friends.

‘Glad to see he finally confessed,’ Twilight comments.

Rarity reaches up and scratches Spike’s chin. ‘I just wish he said so sooner. He is the sweetest dear and the greatest lover I have ever had.’

Spike blushes. ‘Don’t say that in front of Twilight...’

Twilight laughs. ‘Yeah, and you didn’t have to scrub the library before you left it for Apple Bloom.’

Spike blush deepens. ‘Don’t say that in front of Rarity...’

Rarity giggles. ‘Oh, he is ever so modest. I was so sad when he left us to return to Canterlot, but Sweetie’s admission to Octavia’s school offered the perfect opportunity for me to reunite with my lovely Spiky-wicky.’ She nuzzles Spike’s snout.

‘Octavia’s school? You know they...’

‘I’m their lead, uh, “costume” designer. Not to mention, I get access to all the best performances in Canterlot.’ She nuzzles Spike again. ‘Thankfully, the concert halls were willing to install larger seats. I would have hated to go alone.’

‘But you go with Sweetie and Fancy Pants and Fleur all the time,’ Spike points out.

‘Those are for business,’ Rarity counters. ‘With you, it is always for pleasure.’

‘Oh, Rarity,’ Spike sighs.

The dragon leans down and kisses his fillyfriend. Twilight smiles at her friends.
...

Celestia stares at Trixie. The unicorn is using her magic to help relate the harrowing tale of the re-emergence of King Sombra and the pains she went through to defeat him once more. Cadence stands beside her aunt with a large smile on her face. Stormy watches and tries not to laugh at the princesses’ reactions.

‘... And thus, with the power of the Crystal Heart restored, I, The Great and Powerful Trixie, was able to destroy King Sombra and save the Crystal Empire!’

Celestia groans, ‘That was a load of bu-’

‘That was amazing!’ Cadence cheers. ‘You were very clever to defeat Sombra in such a spectacular fashion!’

‘Actually, it is Razzly who is clever and spectacular,’ Trixie replies. ‘Though, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.’

Stormy covers a laugh.

‘I take it you want some sort of reward,’ Celestia moans.

‘Well, Trixie did do something Twilight Sparkle struggled with. A little compensation would be nice.’

‘UGH!’ the elder princess grunts.

‘Oh, auntie, be nice,’ Cadence sighs. ‘It really did take a major effort from Shining, the Elements and me the first time. The fact that Trixie and her family were able to defeat him again is truly worthy of some praise.’

Trixie looks at a hoof nonchalantly. ‘Trixie hears duchies are nice this time of year.’

‘How about a damehood?’ Celestia counters.

‘Celestia~’ Cadence begs.

Stormy laughs openly.

‘I’m not just going to hand out royal titles!’ the older princess argues. ‘Look what happened to Blueblood.’

‘Marquess?’ Trixie suggests.

‘Baroness,’ Celestia offers.

Cadence sighs and stands over Trixie. She bows, tapping her horn on the unicorn’s shoulders. ‘I, Princess Cadence of the Crystal Empire, hereby deem you Countess Trixie Lulamoon of the Crystal Empire for the act of banishing King Sombra and saving the Empire from utter destruction.’

‘Cadence!’ Celestia gapes.

Trixie smiles and bows. ‘I guess it will do.’ She checks her back. ‘What? No wings?’

‘Don’t push it,’ Cadence warns.

Stormy laughs at his wife.

Trixie laughs too. She stands and hugs both princesses. ‘Thank you for everything.’ She bows and goes to rejoin the party. ‘Now, if only I can find a way to save Full Moon. It would be great having Chrysalis owe me one.’

The princesses stare in shock. ‘How does she know?’

Stormy laughs and follows his wife. ‘Well, she is great and powerful.’
...

The foals sit at a table of their own. Pound Cake stuffs his face. Pumpkin Cake scolds her brother. Razzly makes notes on the dishes served and ingredients used for future baking. Freya has retrieved Angel from where she hid him when she entered the castle. The young bat pony tries to hide behind her stuffed toy while the others talk. Satsuma nervously snacks while he watches the room. He is scared to meet his father for the first time and confused about a brother he never knew he had.

‘Slow down! You’re going to make yourself sick!’ Pumpkin scolds.

‘Come on, sis,’ Pound moans. ‘We’re at a feast at the palace. We have to live it up a bit. If not for us, for our parents.’

The filly groans. ‘Can you believe him? Satsuma, talk some sense into him.’

The young colt jumps at the mention of his name. ‘Bwah!’ He looks at his friends. ‘What was that?’

Pound swallows a cake. ‘Geez. What are you so nervous about?’

Razzly sighs. ‘This is the first time he is meeting his father and brother. I know I would freak out if that happened.’

‘I am not freaking out,’ Satsuma groans. ‘I am just a little on edge.’

‘SATSUMA!’ Rei shouts from across the room.

The young colt screams in surprise. He turns around to see his big sister pointing his father in his direction. James slowly trots over to the table. Pumpkin quickly leaves, dragging her brother with her. Freya scampers off but looks back, curious. James smiles at the filly. She jumps and hurries to find her mother. Razzly calmly keeps eating. Pumpkin returns and takes the other filly by the foreleg.

‘Come on,’ Pumpkin hisses.

‘What? I am perfectly fine right.. OW!’

Pumpkin moves her grip to Razzly’s horn and drags her away. With the table empty, James takes a seat by his son. Both stare at each other, not knowing what to say. They simultaneously adjust their glasses and laugh.

‘Uh, hi,’ James greets.

‘Yeah...’ Satsuma replies.

‘So, uh, Satsuma, right?’

‘Yeah...’

James rubs the back of his head. ‘You would think marrying the friendliest pony ever would teach me some social ski-’

The stallion is interrupted when Satsuma hugs him. The tearful colt squeezes as tight as he can.

Satsuma sobs, ‘Mom has told me all about you. I never thought I would actually meet you. I am so glad to see you, dad!’

James smiles and hugs his son. ‘It is great finally meet you, too.’
...

Freya gallops to her mother and hides under her. Fluttershy and Sunshine chat with Twilight. The princess notices the hiding filly and leans down.

‘Hello there,’ Twilight greets.

Freya lets out a scared squeak and hides further behind her mother.

Fluttershy sighs and moves aside. Sunshine lifts his daughter to his back.

‘Sorry about Freya,’ Fluttershy apologizes. ‘She gets that from me.’

Twilight giggles. ‘It is quite all right. You should have seen Starlight the first time he left the TARDIS. He just stared at every alien we encountered in total shock. We had to explain to him that to them we are the weird-looking aliens.’ She sighs. ‘Since then, he has done all he could to make friends with them.’

‘Sounds like you raised him well,’ Sunshine comments. He leans back and nuzzles Freya. ‘Freya might be a little shy, but she is the sweetest little filly. She’s very smart too.’

‘Definitely her mother’s child.’

‘Her brother, on the other hoof...’ Fluttershy moans.

‘Oh, Kain’s not that bad, dear,’ Sunshine sighs. ‘He is just more like me.’

Freya lets out a quiet groan and rolls her eyes.

Twilight giggles. ‘I bet you have to protect him all the time.’

Fluttershy and Sunshine snap their attention to their friend. Freya giggles, using Angel to hide her reaction.

‘Nopony outside of the family understands her,’ Sunshine gapes.

Twilight laughs. ‘As Fluttershy can tell you, a little kindness can help you understand anypony.’
...

Starlight laughs and jokes with his new friends. After Apple Bloom introduced him to her friends, he immediately befriends them and shares tales of his adventures with his parents and his personal travels. In the middle of a story, he is tapped on the back.

‘Yes?’ the stallion asks, turning.

‘You’ve been coming to my shop for years, haven’t you?’ Rei accuses.

Starlight grins. ‘Finally caught me.’

‘Why didn’t you tell me you were my brother?’

The young stallion’s grin grows. ‘Because it was worth it for your reaction when you found out.’

Rei laughs and hugs her brother. ‘You are so much like our daddy.’

‘Thank you.’

‘Speakin’ of yer pa,’ Apple Bloom interrupts. ‘Are ya goin’ back t’ travelin’ with him now that yer done here?’

Starlight thinks. ‘I hadn’t thought about that. But...’ -- he looks into Apple Bloom’s eyes and smiles -- ‘I think I can stay a while.’

Apple Bloom smiles and kisses her coltfriend.

‘So, you’re staying, huh?’ a voice says behind Starlight.

He jumps and turns to face his parents.

‘It is wonderful that you want to stay,’ James says. ‘Who will you stay with? One of your siblings?’

‘Maybe he should get a job,’ Twilight suggests. ‘I hear working in a library is a good job. I’m sure Apple Bloom would love an assistant.’

Apple Bloom blushes. ‘Ah would? Ah mean, Ah would!’ She smiles at Starlight. ‘Ah wouldn’ mind havin’ ya ‘round the library.’

Starlight blushes too. ‘Th-thank you.’

James and Twilight laugh at their son’s reaction and return to the party. Pinkie waves to them and slips out of the hall. The couple giggles and follows their friend.

Late into the night, the party is still going full steam, but two members are leaving early. Twilight unlocks the TARDIS while James watches for guards. The doors open. The ponies turn to enter, but they are trapped in a green aura. They get levitated back into a hug.

‘Please don’t go,’ Del whines. ‘I miss my mommy and daddy.’

The ponies squirm and face the lonely changeling.

‘Don’t worry, Del,’ James assures. ‘We’re still around.’

‘And even if we’re not here, you still have the rest of your family,’ Twilight adds. ‘Even more now with Starlight staying.’

Del moans and sets the ponies down. ‘But I don’t want to be alone again...’

James stands on his hind legs and hugs his daughter. ‘You can always return to Ponyville. I am sure all your friends will love having you back.’

‘Can I come with you?’

Twilight shakes her head. ‘Your place is here in Equestria.’

Del squeezes her father tight and starts crying. James grunts from the hug and looks at his wife. Twilight takes a deep breath and gives a slight nod. James smiles, stretches up to Del’s ear and whispers something. The changeling gasps, smiles and hugs even tighter, getting her father to groan in pain.

Del lets go and steps back. She wipes her tears. ‘I’ll miss you.’

James motions Del down so he can kiss her forehead. ‘We’ll miss you, too.’

‘We’ll miss you more than you know,’ Twilight adds. ‘We love you, Del.’

‘I love you, too.’

The ponies enter the TARDIS. Within a few moments, the ship disappears. Del wipes more tears. She trots back towards the party. The castle shines brightly. Del smiles, turns away from the castle and flies away.