Chapters The following takes place between 12:00pm and 1:00pm
A pair of fillies, a unicorn and a pegasus, played ring toss. The pegasus tossed rings on to the unicorn’s horn. One instance, the pegasus used her wings, and the unicorn used magic. They were both playing unfair to each other.
Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo walked home from school. They had a rough day.
“That homework is so difficult,” complained Apple Bloom.
“More like a never-ending task,” agreed Sweetie Belle.
“It’s an excuse to limit our free time,” concurred Scootaloo.
It’s just a normal day in Ponyville. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were going to their clubhouse.
“We could help each other,” suggested Sweetie Belle.
“You’re right. We can finish this faster if we’re together,” said Scootaloo.
“Best idea ever,” smiled Apple Bloom.
A unicorn wore a cloak, cover the horn and nearly all of his body. Hiding behind a house right near the post office. Derpy Hooves was outside on her break. She took a huge bite of her muffin. It was a mixed berry muffin, filled with strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries. The cloaked unicorn sneaked in the back, magic emitted from the horn created a key. He inserted it in the hole, unlocking the door.
Upon entering, he checked different mail bags. Letters and parcels being shipped to different parts of Equestria were in every bag. He moved the bags to the wall, clearing a path in front of him. He wasn’t interested in any of the mail. A cabinet was what he’s searching for. Using the magic from his horn, he searched through the folders.
Trotting hooves made him stop and hid behind some bags. A blue pegasus picked up a bag with her teeth, placed the strap over her head, and exited the room. The bustling noises of ponies filled the room for five seconds.
The unicorn moved the bag to the side after the door closed. He continued to search, finding a folder full of documents. They contained item being delivered in a few hours. He hid the folder in his bag and sneaked out the door. He tossed the cloak in a nearby trash can.
He headed for Canterlot. He arrived a mile away from the castle entrance. He didn’t want to cast suspicion by surprising any pony. He hid behind a bush, pulling out armour. He changed his mane, skin and eye colour, to look like one of the royal guards. The armour fitted him like a glove. He walked towards the two guards near the entrance.
“You’re the new recruit,” one of the guards said.
“Eagle Eye reporting for duty,” the unicorn saluted.
“Head to the east wing. One of the guards is nearly finishing his shift,” said the other guard.
Eagle Eye used a map to find the east wing. He kept an eye on anybody who might be following him. He went past some rooms before reaching the entrance.
He closed the door behind him, his contact was waiting inside. He’s wearing the same armour as the guards.
“Never knew guards have shifts,” said Eagle Eye.
“Never knew you came up with a ridiculous name, Sigma,” his contact replied.
“It was the first name that came to my mind.”
“Hope you brought those documents.”
Sigma handed him the folder. He was puzzled. “Why do you need them?”
“We’re going to replace them with other documents as cover ups for the real delivery. I have ponies working to make sure they don’t suspect anything.”
“Anything else?”
“Tell Beta to begin the next step.”
“You got it.” Sigma left the room and began his post.
He waited until there’s no pony in sight. He wrote a letter to Beta, which he teleported with his magic.
12:19pm
Beta found the letter floating in the air. He immediately read it and set to work. He donned as a mail carrier and went inside the post office. He came to the cabinet where Sigma peaked in. He placed the folder inside the cabinet. Just as he was about to leave, one of the carriers stopped him. “Hey, that area’s restricted.”
“Sorry.” Beta quickly apologised, he almost blew his cover.
12:28pm
Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo practiced outside. They were challenging themselves on who can reach the clubhouse the quickest.
“Get ready,” said Apple Bloom.
“Get set,” said Sweetie Belle.
“Go!” said Scootaloo.
Apple Bloom dashed, Scootaloo used her wings and Sweetie Belle used her magic. Apple Bloom struggled up the tree. Scootaloo struggled to use her wings. Sweetie Belle made her horn glow, a folder magically appear in mid-air. She originally wanted to teleport to the clubhouse.
Scootaloo was barely floating in the air, Sweetie Belle jumped on top of her. “Scootaloo! Look What I made appear!”
“Sweetie Belle I was almost there!” complained Scootaloo.
“You were floating for like five seconds. I was going to use my horn to teleport and I made this appear.” Sweetie Belle showed her the folder.
Apple Bloom was the first to reach the club house, she checked to see what’s happening. “Hey, what’s the hold up?”
“Sweetie Belle made a folder appear.”
Apple Bloom saw it and raced down to them. She stopped in front of them. “How did you do that?”
“I was going to teleport to the clubhouse and then that folder appeared,” explained Sweetie Belle.
They opened it, revealing the documents Sigma stole from the post office. After reading them, they’re shocked to learn what’s being delivered today.
“We better tell some pony,” said Scootaloo.
“But we must keep this safe,” suggested Apple Bloom.
They all agreed that it couldn’t fall into the wrong hooves. They hid the folder in a chest. They were heading home, when a crimson unicorn with navy mane and tail, prevented them from leaving. He was looking for them. “Hello fillies, nice day isn’t it?”
“What do you want?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“You have something that belongs to a friend of mine.”
Apple Bloom was nervous to speak. She stared into his evil eyes. “What is it that you seek?”
“A folder with documents. My “friend” is very impatient. If I don’t give him what you have, you won’t live to see your Cutie Marks.”
The unicorn threatened them with his snarly voice. Sweetie Belle decided to show him. “This way, it’s in our clubhouse.”
The unicorn stroked her mane, treating her like a pet. “There’s a good girl.”
He followed her inside. She unlocked the chest, she can see the folder under a lot of junk. She quickly noticed scraps of paper. She thought of an idea. Using her magic, she duplicated the print on the documents and placed them on the scrapped paper. She placed them in the folder and handed to the unicorn.
“There you go. Hope you friend will be happy.” Sweetie was so nervous, her legs were shaking.
The unicorn didn’t reply, he just teleported out of the clubhouse, instead of leaving on hoof.
Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were happy to see Sweetie Belle. They didn’t know what was happening inside.
“Are you OK?” asked Scootaloo.
“I’m OK. I gave him what he wanted. But he doesn’t know that it’s a copy,” said Sweetie Belle.
“You duplicated those documents?!” Apple Bloom was certain that she got into trouble.
“Hold it, he didn’t see me do it. I figured that if we keep the original and hand him the duplicates, we’ll bring him and the culprits to justice.”
A thought entered Scootaloo’s mind. “Maybe that will give our Cutie Marks.”
Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom thought it was an opportunity to good to miss.
“You’re right!” exclaimed Apple Bloom.
“Cutie Mark Crusaders…” They stopped mid-sentence. They didn’t what they might get Cutie Marks for, so they made one up. “…Bad Pony Stoppers!”
They gave each other “high-hooves” in the air.
12:37pm
The unicorn met the contact Sigma met in the castle. He was outside the castle grounds.
“Got what you wanted Alpha. That unicorn was easy to negotiate,” he said.
“You did a wonderful job. I’m glad I hired you, you were able to detect what’s wrong in a millisecond.”
“I learned that technique at the Centerlot School for Gifted Unicorns. That princess was a complete airhead, she never knew my real intentions.”
“Glad to see some pony doesn’t appreciate Celestia than any pony else.”
12:41pm
A group of ponies entered Sugarcube Corner. The locked the main door behind them. They each drew their weapons.
“Every pony on the floor!” shouted the leader.
They surrounded the area, barricading every door and window. One of them cornered Mr. and Mrs. Cake. “Empty that register!”
Mr. Cake was shaking in fright. He opened the register and the pony handed him the bag. “Fill it, every single bit.”
Mr. Cake struggled to place the bits in the bag. Mrs. Cake didn’t attempt any heroics. She feared her husband might get killed or injured if she tried.
The pony nudged Mr. Cake, telling him to hurry. Some of the bits spilled on the floor. Mr. Cake gathered them up and dumped them in the bag. The register was empty. The pony grabbed the bag. He turned to his companions. “Time to leave.”
They were leaving before a certain pony burst in. Mr and Mrs Cake knew it was. Pinkie Pie burst through the door. “Hello, every pony!”
“Watch out! Those ponies are packing heat!” said one of the ponies on the floor.
Pinkie can see the situation, all the ponies were on the floor. Some were under the tables and chairs. One of the thieves aimed his weapon at her. “You’re just in time to see us leave.”
Pinkie can what he’s holding in his hooves. They were mini-cannons attached to their hooves. Pinkie’s amazed with such contraptions. “Are those cannons?”
“Custom-made,” said the pony.
“Not as good as mine.” Pinkie Pie immediate showed them her Party Cannon.
The thieves were jaw-dropped. They didn’t know that a pink pony can carry a cannon this big. One of them wanted to give it a try. He ran to Pinkie, he gave a big grin. The leader found it creepy as hell.
“I wanna try it!” he shrieked.
He took hold of the cannon, he was ready to fire. Pinkie noticed something’s wrong. “Wait, I think it might be blocked.”
The pony fired the cannon, he flew back and crashed through the main door. He wrecked Applejack’s apple cart. Apples flew everywhere, some smashed and bruised. Applejack and Big Mac were in a mess. Some of the citizens drenched in crushed apples. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were the messiest.
“Ew!” they screamed in disgust.
Applejack was mad at the pony. “This will cost you everything!”
“Eeyup!” agreed Big Mac.
A band of armoured ponies arrived at Sugarcube corner. They entered and restrained the thieves.
“It’s OK, we’ll take them in,” the leader said in a calm comforting voice.
One of them handed back the stolen to the Cakes. The ponies didn’t leave until all of them left. Pinkie Pie rushed over to Applejack. The pony that ruined the apple cart joined with the rest. Applejack didn’t know what was going on. Despite bouncing around, she was able to know what happened.
“Did you see that? I saved Mr. and Mrs. Cake!” Pinkie Pie couldn’t hold it in any longer. “I let one of them use my Party Cannon, something got jammed inside and after he fired he flew and… crashed into your cart. Oops.”
“No big,” forgave Applejack. “We could always build another one.”
“Eeyup,” agreed Big Mac.
One of the culprits, a unicorn, attempted to use magic. The police restrained his hooves just before he fired a beam in the air. It created a portal to another world. One of the guards forced him to close it, after spotting it. After locking all of them in the wagon, it flew up in the air.
“Who were those guys?” wondered one of the spectators.
“That’s the new police force in Equestria,” said the pony next to her.
12:55pm
A strange object fell from the sky. None of the ponies spotted it. It just plummeted into a house. The loud noise shook up some of the animals. They ran away from Fluttershy, who was feeding them. She felt the vibration. She tried to comfort the animals, they were already gone.
“Oh my,” she said in a worried voice.
She went in her house to find it in a big mess. A big hole in the roof and ceiling, debris scattered everywhere, furniture covered in dirt, and a body under the rubble.
“Oh my.” Fluttershy was more worried.
She rushed over, pulling away the rubble. She carried chunks of wood and threw them aside. She struggled due to the weight. Her hooves swept away the tiny fragments, her eyes widen, and she gasped at the sight of the injured body. “Oh My!”
The following takes place between 1:00pm and 2:00pm
Fluttershy gasped at the sight of a human. She can see the injuries, luckily he’s alive. She lifted the body, placing him on a couch. He was groaning in pain, his mouth moved, struggling to speak. He rubbed his head. It took roughly a minute for his vision to return to normal. He stared at the yellow pegasus with pink mane and hair. “Now I lost it.”
“You lost what?” Fluttershy asked.
“My mind.”
“Oh my goodness. Your injuries are severe. We must get you to a hospital, and help you find your mind.” Fluttershy rushed around looking for his “mind”.
“It’s just a figure of speech,” he explained.
“Oh,” Fluttershy said embarrassingly. “It’s just I’ve never seen a creature like you. What’s your name?”
“Jack Bauer, agent of Counter Terrorist Unit Division in Los Angeles.”
“I’m Fluttershy,” she spoke in a soft voice.
Jack can definitely see why she has that name. Her mane covered her left eye and her head was lower. He can see she’s a kind caring creature, she wouldn’t harm a fly.
“Could you explain what happened to me?” Jack asked.
“I was feeding the animals and then a loud crash spooked them. I tried to calm them down but they all ran off. I found a hole in the roof and my house was in a terrible mess. That’s when I found you buried underneath.” Fluttershy changed the topic. “What is this Counter Terrorist Unit?”
Jack was about to explain we he looked at Fluttershy. He’s going to explain it to a talking pegasus, living in world full of talking animals. He wasn’t trained in this sort of field. He had to explain it in way she can understand. “It’s an organisation that… stops bad people from committing bad things.”
He felt embarrassed after explaining it. He still thought he’s hallucinating. Fluttershy spotted the blood on Jack’s head. “Oh dear, you’re even more hurt. Better find my first aid kit.”
She found a med kit on a shelf. She wrapped the bandage around Jack’s head. He watched her heal the wound, he allowed her to check for other injuries. He felt the pain in his back and left leg. Fluttershy was very careful, she lifted his clothes to see bruises and scratches. She applied disinfectant before applying the plasters.
“Are you OK now?” Fluttershy asked.
“Better,” Jack spoke with relief. “The first thing I need to do is to find out how I ended up here.”
A newspaper hit the front door. Fluttershy went outside to pick it up. The news of the hostage takeover at Sugarcube Corner was on the front page. Jack can see it after Fluttershy unravelled it. “Didn’t know there was a robbery.”
Fluttershy raised her eyebrows in confusion. She looked at the front page, she can see Pinkie Pie and the Cakes next to one of the police ponies. She only focused on the photo and the headline: Sugarcube Corner Robbery Foiled by Employee . “I’m glad Pinkie Pie and the Cakes are safe.”
Jack noticed the date and time on the paper. “This happened today?”
“Oh yes, news travels very fast here in Equestria.”
“Same with where I live,” Jack muttered.
A knock on the door got Fluttershy’s attention. She opened the door to see one of her friends. “Hello Twilight.”
“Hey Fluttershy, want to come to Ponyville? The Mayor is giving a reward to Pinkie Pie for saving the Cakes.”
“OK.” Fluttershy checked on Jack for a brief second. “Just let finish something.”
She walked to Jack. “I have to go, just get plenty of rest.”
Jack nodded and Fluttershy nodded back. Angel Bunny hopped over to see a human, lying injured on the sofa.
“Can you watch over Mr. Bauer while I’m gone?” Fluttershy asked.
Angel Bunny nodded and gave a military salute. Fluttershy left the house and Angel bunny hopped near Jack. He checked his watch. He quickly noticed it stopped ticking, making it difficult to determine when he arrived. It’s severely broken from the fall. Jack reached in his pocket, pulling out his cell phone. He managed to turn it on, and there’s no reception. “Guess I’m stuck in this world.”
Angel Bunny nodded in agreement.
1:14pm
Fluttershy and Twilight Sparkle entered Ponyville for the ceremony. All of Equestria gathered around. Mayor Mare stood near the podium. Two pegasi, one with blue mane and green skin, and one with puce mane and goldenrod skin; watched near the town hall. They couldn’t concentrate with Pinkie Pie being excited for getting a reward.
“I can’t wait this is so exciting! I busted criminal and I’m getting a reward!” Pinkie zoomed everywhere, she can’t keep still.
“Can’t you slow down for five minutes? At least, wait until the mayor announces your name?”
“Okie-dokie!”
“Thank Celestia that pegasus managed to stop that earth pony,” said the goldenrod pegasus.
“She seriously needs to see a psychiatrist,” said the green pegasus.
Derpy Hooves flew by with her bag full of letters. It was a heavy load. It landed near the pegasi with a thump. They lifted off the ground by a few inches. Derpy floated down. “Sorry. That bag contained so many letters and parcels, that it hurts my back.”
She dipped her head inside pulling out two letters. “Are you Long Range and Drop Shot?”
The pegasi confirmed their names while Derpy struggled with the heavy bag. She panted and flapped her wings like a fly. They wiped off the ink revealing their real names. The goldenrod pegasus named Drop Shot is actually Epsilon. The green pegasus named Long Range is actually Zeta. They ripped open the envelopes containing a letter. They’re written in a specially made ink only they can read.
“It’s my pleasure to reward a pony so brave, one of her tools of the trade can also save a pony’s life. I, mayor of Ponyville, will give this medal for bravery and courage.” She showed them a medal of a pony in gold, tied to a ribbon with the same colours as Celestia’s mane.
Pinkie pie couldn’t wait so she chased near the podium, just before the mayor announced her name. She placed the medal over Pinkie’s head. Everybody in Ponyville knows her name. There wasn’t any need for announcing her name.
“I’m so glad to receive this award. I never received an award, there was one time when I was a filly.” Pinkie talked at a fast pace. None of the ponies were able to hear every word.
“Pinkie’s very excited to receive such an honor,” said Fluttershy.
“Did any of you hear of a police force?” asked Rainbow Dash.
“We have,” replied Applejack. “They just came out of the blue with no explanation.”
Pinkie finished her speech in less than a minute. She galloped off the podium before any pony gave an applause. She rejoined with her friends, who couldn’t wait to see the medal. Rainbow Dash was the first to gaze at it. “It’s amazing.”
“That ribbon is beautifully designed,” said Rarity.
“We are all proud of you Pinkie.” Twilight congratulated her the most.
1:28pm
Sweetie Belle lifted the folder from the chest. She placed it on the table, spreading out the sheets of paper. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo looked at the documents. They scratched their heads in confusion.
“Who would want to replace these?” asked Apple Bloom.
Sweetie Belle remembered something. “When I made the folder appear, I saw some invisible printing on them.”
“There’s something on them?” Scootaloo asked.
“I don’t know how, but I will try to make it appear.” Sweetie Belle gave herself some room. She closed her eyes and magic glowed on her horn.
The printing slowly appeared on the documents. It’s written in a code they don’t understand. Every character is a symbol, most of them seem ancient.
“Must be a different language,” Apple Bloom suggested.
“Yet we don’t know what it means,” said Scootaloo.
A knock on the door alerted them. They think the crimson unicorn is back. The door knocked again, only it didn’t sound like some pony was about to burst in. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were puzzled. Apple Bloom crept closer to place her hoof on the handle. After opening the door, an injured pegasus collapsed.
He had broken wings with some of his feathers missing. His eyes bruised and swollen. His wounded back had dried blood mixed with mud. He didn’t wear any horseshoes, they’re removed by force.
They dragged the tortured pegasus inside. He was groaning in pain. They removed the damaged armour and clothing.
“He’s wounded badly,” Scootaloo spoke worryingly.
Sweetie Belle rushed to find a first aid kit. Apple Bloom approached the pegasus cautiously. “Who are you?”
He grabbed Apple Bloom’s mane and dragged her near his mouth.
“Do not let them have it. Once they seize it, everything will end in chaos.” The pegasus felt his throat ache when he spoke.
“He’s referring to the symbols you found,” Apple Bloom said to Sweetie Belle.
“Who did this to you?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“The crimson unicorn,” he whispered.
The fillies started to worry. They approached the pegasus to learn more.
“I was the one who placed those document in the Post Office. It was originally sent to one of the employees who knows the language. I couldn’t risk exposing his name.”
“Who is this pony you speak of?” Scootaloo asked.
“He’s an undercover agent like me. I’m supposed to receive the decoded script hidden in the documents, drop it in the Post Office, so a colleague can decipher it. It’s a vital step in stopping this hidden organisation.”
They thought for a bit. They didn’t have much time so they decided to help.
“We can assume he’s right,” said Sweetie Belle retrieving the folder.
“We should go to the library to learn more about this decoded message,” said Scootaloo.
“We better be careful on who we meet. They could persuade us in-”
A stray arrow pierced through the wall. They screamed and jumped. Apple Bloom hid under a table, Sweetie Belle laid flat on the floor, and Scootaloo landed on the chest.
After turning around, they got a fright to see the arrow impaling the pegasus’ head. They almost screamed before covering their mouths. They took the folder and climbed out the window. They knew whoever killed that pegasus, will be coming after them.
1:40pm
Fluttershy arrived home to check on Jack. He was lying on the couch staring at the ceiling. “How are you feeling?”
“OK, I guess.” Jack did check his injuries, he lied there for nearly an hour.
Angel Bunny did some last minute check-ups. He gave thumbs up to Fluttershy, indicating that Jack’s right about his condition. Jack struggled to get up. He can feel the pain in his arms and legs. He sat up straight and looked at Fluttershy. He doesn’t know whether he’s growing accustomed to her, or his head injury made him hallucinate.
“I think I should leave,” said Jack.
Fluttershy opened the door for him. “Hope we’ll see each other again.”
Jack smiled back before leaving. Angel Bunny waved back.
1:53pm
The Cutie Mark Crusaders managed to escape before they got captured. They decided on they should do.
“We should head for Twilight’s house,” said Sweetie Belle.
“Good idea,” agreed Apple Bloom. “Hopefully we’ll get some answers.”
They arrived at the front door, nobody answered after they knocked. The door swung open, inside was a gigantic mess. Books and broken furniture scattered everywhere. Shards of glass and sheets of paper covered the stairs. Spike crawled out from under the book shelf.
“Hi girls,” said a voice coming from behind.
They turned around to see Twilight Sparkle. Before she spoke, Scootaloo interrupted. “Your house is ran sacked!”
Twilight was in shock of the sight. She rushed over to help an injured Spike. “Who did this?”
“I was taking a nap when some ponies broke in and tore up the place. They roughed me up, asking me where I hid some documents.”
Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, now knew things were getting serious.
The following takes place between 2:00pm and 3:00pm
Bauer is in a completely different world. He saw birds chirping and rabbits hopping around. He still had a hard time realising, he’s alive and well, in a completely different world. He crossed over the bridge near Fluttershy’s house. He’s completely surprised that the animals act similarly to ones back home. He couldn’t remember the last time he contacted nature.
He continued going forward before seeing something in the distance. A pegasus descended at an accelerating rate. He did think it was Fluttershy. This pegasus had a rainbow tail and mane. He quickly realised that it’s heading towards him. He jumped into a bush.
He felt dirt and grass raining on his back. He landed on an area of his body that wasn’t injured. He glanced at the hole in the ground. Rainbow Dash struggled to stand. She felt her eyes spin around. “I’m starting to feel like Derpy.”
After her eyes stopped spinning, she saw Jack standing in front of her. She didn’t know how to react. Jack waited for her to do something. He checked his watch, he didn’t want to wait any longer.
Dash flew over to Jack just as he was leaving. “Wait.”
“Now you want to talk?” Jack asked.
“I just couldn’t find the words,” Rainbow Dash. “Now I remember. I was going to ask you to help me!”
“Who doesn’t?” Jack seemed uninterested in talking to another pegasus.
“I was going home when a unicorn attacked me. I tried to fight him but he’s too strong. I flew so fast I didn’t know where I was going.”
“Did you try flying high into the sky?”
“Tried that. This unicorn keeps zapping at my wings. I’m a flying target.”
“What did this unicorn look like?”
Rainbow Dash pointed to a unicorn charging forward. He had yellow mane and tail, with cyan skin. Pointed his horn straight towards them. Jack hid near some bushes. Rainbow Dash found it awkward. But when she thought for a few seconds, she noticed that he’s going to use a surprise attack.
The unicorn was on target. Just as he was going to piece Dash, Jack jumped and grabbed his head. They rolled over in the grass. The unicorn struggled and Jack held him down.
“Let me go!” shouted the unicorn.
Dash went over mocking him. “Not so tough now are you?”
“When I break free, there will be-” The unicorn couldn’t finish his sentence. Jack pressed his head in grass.
“Why did you attack her?” Jack asked.
“She ignored me.”
“Ignored you?!” Dash denied that statement. “He came up to me, asked me about some stupid documents, and all I did was tell him ask some pony else.”
The unicorn struggled to release himself from Jack’s grasp. He kept trying to reach for Dash.
“Since I have him in my grasp…” Jack decided to use one of his skills.
He dragged the unicorn to a nearby lake. The unicorn pressed his hooves on the ground preventing Jack from dragging him further. He couldn’t overcome a human’s strength, Jack dunked his head in the water. Rainbow Dash watched Jack interrogate. He pulled the unicorn’s head out of the water. The unicorn gasped for air. “Why are you doing it to me?”
“I have ways of making you talk.”
Jack dunked the unicorn for a few seconds and lifted him out again. “What do you want to know?”
Rainbow Dash approached with intimidation. “Why you attacked me after we talked.”
“I was just following orders.”
“By whom?”
“Screw You!”
Jack plunged the unicorn’s head in the water. Dash watched the unicorn shake its head underwater. Air bubbles popped after reaching the surface. Jack pulled him from the water.
“You might want to tell us your name,” suggested Jack.
The unicorn didn’t want to swallow water again. “My name is Nu. I’m part of an underground organisation. And yours?”
Jack dragged him away from the lake. He placed his head on the grass. “My name is Jack Bauer, an agent of CTU. If you make it easy, you better cooperate.”
Nu went through his options. He has a human lingering over him. He was going to use magic, but Rainbow Dash was about to grasp him and lift him up into the sky. Even though she wasn’t planning to.
“Guess I’m your prisoner,” sighed Nu.
Jack turned to Dash. “Do you know where we can hold him?”
Dash thought for a bit. She couldn’t fly them to Cloudsdale since they’re heavy to carry, and both can’t fly. “I know a place.”
2:16pm
It took a long time to clean up the library. The Cutie Mark Crusaders volunteered to help. Twilight finished patching up Spike’s injuries. He sat on a chair, he can still feel his arms and legs ache.
“Spike, tell us everything.” Twilight cared about Spike more than her library.
“I was finishing rearranging the books by author, when three ponies knocked on the door. I went to answer, one charged on me and the other two charged in,” Spike explained.
Apple Bloom came to Spike. She wanted some clarification. “Were they in weird colours?”
“Yes. I couldn’t remember their colour scheme, though I do know they’re pegasi. The other two were flying in the air sweeping books off the shelves.”
Twilight turned to Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. She can see their worried looks. “Is something wrong?”
“We came here to learn more about this.” Apple Bloom showed Twilight the folder.
“There’s a coded message hidden in the papers.” Sweetie Belle used magic to reveal it.
Twilight read every document. At first she thought why they have shipping documents from a post office. But when they explained, she immediately believed them.
“Where did you get it?” asked Twilight.
“I summoned it by accident,” said Sweetie Belle.
“Also there’s a pegasus who explained that these, shouldn't fall into the wrong hooves,” said Scootaloo.
“Unfortunately, before he could explain who he was, an arrow struck him in the head,” concluded Apple Bloom.
Twilight couldn’t imagine, how shocking it was to see a pony die in front of a filly’s eyes, let alone three. “Were you scared?”
“Not really. We just ran,” said Scootaloo.
“Better see which book can help.” Twilight turned to one of the shelves.
The Cutie Mark Crusaders helped as well. They each searched through a row of shelves. Apple Bloom searched the bottom shelves, Sweetie Belle used magic to search each book, and Scootaloo used the ladder despite being unable to fly.
A dusty, old book fell to the floor. Particles flew everywhere. Every pony coughed and rubbed their eyes. Spike slowly picked up the book and placed it on the table. He was careful not to do any damage to it. “I think this is what you’re searching for.”
Cutie Mark Crusaders and Twilight noticed the symbols in the book match the ones in the documents.
“This is from ancient times. During the early years of Equestria,” said Twilight.
Spike began reading the book. “It says that it’s a secret coded message used by an underground organisation. Some citizens of Equestria didn’t agree with one and another. They formed a group called Sect. Their goals mainly consists creating disorder and mayhem. They created minor incidents like falling trees, then escalated to exploding houses.”
“That’s terrible,” said Apple Bloom.
“There’s more.” Spike continued on. “It’s rumoured they’re creating an even bigger scheme than the last. Not a single pony, unicorn or pegasus, lived to expose them.”
“Until now,” Sweetie Belle reminded them of the deceased pegasus.
“Who wrote this book?” Twilight asked.
Spike check both front and back covers and spine. “There’s no name. This book’s probably a millennium old. The name could have worn off from ageing.”
2:29pm
Rainbow Dash led Jack to Ghastly Gorge. Nu didn’t try anything, to avoid being restrained again.
“How do you know this place?” Jack asked.
“There was a race to see which animal will be my pet,” said Rainbow Dash.
“Who won?”
“A tortoise.”
Nu grunted, he found it pathetic of a pegasus befriending a slow-moving animal. “That’s stupid. It’s like a unicorn with a baby dragon for a pet.”
Dash felt insulted. She didn’t like the way any pony would bad-mouth Twilight. She picked up Nu with her teeth before carrying him with her hooves. She placed him over the drop, Nu didn’t feel tough now. He started to have a feeling of vertigo.
“If you want to live, do no insult one of my friends. You got that?” threatened Rainbow Dash.
Nu turned to Jack. “Can you please control her?”
“No need, she’s already doing the job for me.” Jack slowly began to like her.
Rainbow Dash placed Nu back on the ground. She couldn’t hold him in the air much longer.
“I’m not sure a gorge can hold a unicorn.” Jack doubted the choice of location.
“I just felt like giving you a tour. You seem new in Equestria.”
Jack didn’t want a tour, he wanted a way home. “Do you have a police force of some kind?”
Dash thought for a minute. “I remember, there’s this group of ponies that arrested robbers at Sugarcube Corner. All thanks to Pinkie Pie.”
“Does news travel that fast?”
“Very much. Excuse me I haven’t introduced myself. I’m Rainbow Dash, Wonderbolt in training.”
Jack felt that the more he stays, the more he begins to lose his sanity. He didn’t want to show it in front of Dash. “Where is this place you know?”
“Up there.” Dash pointed to the clouds.
Nu felt uncomfortable, he didn’t like way this might be going. “Don’t tell me you’re keeping me up in the clouds.”
“OK then. You might want to hang on to me,” informed Rainbow Dash.
She lifted Nu on her back. She prepared to take flight. She spread out her legs, straightened her back, and tilted her head up. She shot into the air. Jack heard Nu screaming in fear. He spotted a rainbow path entering the sky.
2:38pm
Rainbow Dash arrived at the Wonderbolt Academy. What made her arrive there was how different it was. It’s under new management from the police force. The same one that placed the robbers in custody. The Wonderbolts themselves weren’t wearing their usual uniforms. It still hired new recruits Nu is just as confused as her.
Dash went inside and sped to Spitfire’s office. Nu still held on for dear life. Dash knocked on the door. She heard Spitfire voice, telling her to come in. When Dash entered, she quickly saw that the leader of the Wonderbolts looked unhappy.
“Hey Spitfire, what’s going on here? Who were those pegasi?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Hello Rainbow Dash,” said Spitfire in a depressed mood. “Apparently this new police force came in and announced their taking over.”
“That’s awful.”
“We’re still able to all new recruits, unfortunately they’re trained under their command.”
“I can see your still in your uniform.” Dash tried to lighten her up to no avail.
“Sadly it will be my last. I’ve been force to wear that pile of rages.” Spitfire pointed to her new uniform. Its colour scheme consists of crimson stripes on a navy background. Her name and rank stitched across.
“What brings you here?” Spitfire asked.
“This unicorn attempted to attack me.”
“Better report this.” Spitfire pressed a button near the speaker. “There’s a culprit in my office. Could you handle it?”
Two pegasi marched in, they weren’t friendly from their expressions. They’re trained and disciplined.
“Where is he?” asked one of them.
Spitfire pointed to Nu. They cuffed his hooves and carried him to a nearby jail cell. Even though Dash was glad to see that problem solved, she felt bad for what’s going on.
“Is there anything I can do?” Dash felt bad for Spitfire.
“I’m afraid there’s nothing you or I can do. It’s over.”
Dash didn’t believe a word she said. “No it’s not. You can’t let them take over. There’s nothing wrong with two force working together, but one overshadowing the other just ruins it. I’ve been through some tough times and managed to find a way. All we need to do is to stand up and put those law-enforcing equestrians in their place.”
“You’re right, but we’ll need help,” said Spitfire with delight.
“And I know who.”
“You better leave right now. If you stay longer, they’ll recruit you faster than Soarin at a pie eating contest.”
Dash spotted the same two pegasi coming to the office. She approached an open window. “Spitfire, you can count on me.”
Dash zapped down to the ground. Spitfire smiled believing in her. The two pegasi came to her office. One of them seemed puzzled.
“Where’s that rainbow pegasus?” he asked.
“Had to head home, family emergency,” Spitfire answered.
2:50pm
Rainbow Dash landed near Jack. He was checking his watch, it’s still working after that fall. “What took you so long?”
“A form of police force took over the Wonderbolt Academy. Something’s definitely going on.”
“I agree.”
“Well I have to go, I have plans with Scootaloo. I’m helping her to fly.” Dash levitated and waved goodbye. “Goodbye Jack, hope we’ll meet again.”
Jack waved back before she left. He started to like Equestria. It may take a very long time for him to appreciate its existence.
2:55pm
Phi and Rho, two pegasi in disguise, stood around near Sugarcube Corner. They discussed on what occurred earlier.
“Did you think that pegasus revealed on what’s hidden in those documents?” Phi asked.
“Hard to know. He’s already shot in the head,” said Rho.
A mail carrier pegasus landed near their table. He pulled and envelope out of the bag with his mouth. His voiced muffed. “Telegram for Cream Puff and Lily Flower.”
“That’s us,” said Rho.
“I’ve been told to deliver this to you here. They say it’s urgent.”
They waited until the mail carrier left. Their eyes glowed while they read it. A hidden message illuminated, even though the other ponies around them didn’t notice. Only they can read it.
“It appears the documents are counterfeit,” Phi spoke in a grim voice. “And we’ve been chosen to find the real ones and eliminate those who know.”
The following takes place between 3:00pm and 4:00pm
It took roughly 12 minutes for Jack to walk back to Ponyville. He began thinking something was definitely happening. Everywhere he turned, he couldn’t get the imagery out of his head. The one thing good about it is nobody will believe him when he returns. He had to make up some excuse.
Once he entered Ponyville, none of the ponies noticed his presence. They were busy discussing current events, fixing houses, and pretty much everything humans do. Jack continued to walk around, he can feel the pain in his feet. He sat on a bench, that long walk drained his energy.
The longer he stays, the more questions he raises in his head. He’s been to different places, but not from another dimension. He kept thinking on what the people at CTU will respond to his disappearance. After rubbing his head, he’s started by pony popping in front. “Hi!”
Jack fell back over the fence, landing in a bed of flowers. It’s Pinkie Pie who surprised him. She jumped on his chest smiling. “It’s been the greatest day of my life! I saved Mr. and Mrs. Cake, I got this medal, and I gave a speech…”
Jack stared at Pinkie while she mindlessly rambled. He didn’t try to push her off or interrupt her. Her hyperactivity prevented him from making a slight movement. Pinkie suddenly noticed a human under her hooves. “Aren’t you getting any of this?”
“You saved a couple from a robbery, given a medal, your friends congratulated you, and then you started to trail off,” answered Jack.
“Oh come on, every pony knew every word I was saying.”
Pinkie scanned to find the nearest pony. She grabbed Doctor Whooves, who was eating muffins. She placed him near Jack, he nearly fell back just after he got to his feet.
“Tell him what I just said to him,” insisted Pinkie Pie.
“You said you saved Sugarcube Corner…”
“Skip that part.”
“You wanted to throw a party for yourself. Then you thought they should throw one, but not a surprise party. You claimed it wouldn’t be a surprise if you already know. You then rambled on what the theme of the party might be. That’s all I can remember.”
Pinkie just shrugged. “Good enough.”
“I should go.” Doctor Whooves left them alone.
“It’s nice to hear your story, I have to find somebody who can send me home.”
“You don’t live around here?” Welcome to Ponyville.”
Hearing the name Ponyville, made Jack thought on how humiliating it will be for him. His attitude wouldn’t help him fit in. “Unless you know somebody… or some pony to help me, don’t get involved.”
Pinkie noticed Jack not feeling optimistic. She saw his arms hanging down and his eyes half-open. “Why do you look so tired?”
“I’ve been going around helping others. Instead of explaining where I am and helping me get home, I’ve been doing tasks that seem like cake walk.”
“Cake walk? I never heard of a cake that walks?”
“It’s an expression, meaning it seemed too easy. I helped stopped a unicorn charging at a rainbow pegasus, after being patched up by-”
“You know Rainbow Dash?”
“And that yellow and pink pegasus. She’s very kind-hearted.”
“You’re thinking of Fluttershy. We’re close friends.” Pinkie’s tail suddenly twitched sporadically. She quickly noticed it.
“What’s with your tail?” Jack asked.
“That’s my Pinkie Sense,” Pinkie explained. “Whenever a part of my body twitches or shakes, that’s when something’s about to happen. Watch.”
She pointed Jack towards a flower pot on a window sill. A pony opened the window causing it to fall. It landed on a pegasus’ head. The pony apologised and the pegasus forgave her.
“See?” Pinkie waited to see Jack reaction.
Bauer didn’t react, he thought it’s underwhelming. “I find that difficult to believe.”
Pinkie can see he doesn’t believe her. “Don’t you start, my friend Twilight Sparkle was very sceptic, but she learned to accept it.”
“Do you make friends with everybody you meet?”
“Every pony has to have a friend. Hey, I’ll be your friend.”
Jack hesitated after hearing Pinkie. Whenever he befriends somebody, that person would either double cross him or end up being used against him. Since he’s in a world full of talking ponies in a joyful world, he couldn’t see why not. “Is there anything else?”
Pinkie shifted her head left and right. She leaned close to Jack, whispering in his ear. “There’s something big going down in Ponyville today.”
This caught Jack’s attention. Not many people use that sentence from where he works. After roughing up that unicorn who almost charged at Rainbow Dash, he thought it’s just a minor inconvenience.
“Something big?” Jack asked.
“Don’t tell any pony, that robbery was just the beginning,” said Pinkie. “Those ponies who tried to rob Sugarcube Corner, got their hoof cannons from a dealer.”
“Hoof cannons?”
“They’re cannons that can fit on to hooves, like my party cannon.”
Pinkie Pie displayed her party cannon in front of Jack. It pointed straight at his head. He drew his gun in fright. Just before he could pull the trigger, confetti and balloons fired toward him. He wiped them off his head.
“Oops, must have fired it by accident,” apologised Pinkie.
“Don’t do that again.” Jack was so close in killing an innocent pony.
Pinkie saw the gun in Jack’s hand. “You have one too?”
“That’s a gun. Do you know anything about those hoof cannons?”
“Not really. I just showed up and blasted one of the ponies with my party cannon. No pony robs Sugarcube Corner. The mayor gave me this medal.” Pinkie showed Jack the medal, it shone in the sunlight.
3:25pm
Apple Bloom arrived at Sweet Apple Acres. She and the other Cutie Mark Crusaders decided to head for home. They didn’t have any luck finding other information regarding Sect.
She found a piece of paper nailed on the door. It read: Apple Bloom, Big Mac went off to buy supplies to repair the apple cart. I’m finishing off the repairs for Fluttershy’s cottage. Granny Smith is inside. Your sister, Applejack.
She went inside to find the house quiet. She doesn’t find it normal. “Granny Smith? Are you there?”
The house looked deserted. Everything was in its place. She thought she heard mumbling. It sounded like Granny Smith. Apple Bloom slowly crept pass the furniture. The mumbling grew louder, followed by light banging. She spotted the bathroom door moving. A key was still in the hole.
Apple Bloom dragged a nearby stool, she set it up properly near the door. She turned the key with her hooves. After unlocking the door, she opened it quietly. She found Granny Smith with the hooves tagged and her mouth gaged. Apple Bloom rushed over to untie her, she thought she could get a cutie mark for untying her.
Granny Smith almost felt her teeth fall out. She felt relieved for seeing Apple Bloom. “Thank goodness you came. Those hoodlum ponies barged in and locked me in the bathroom.”
“Where did they go?” asked Apple Bloom.
“I don’t know. I didn’t hear the door close.”
Apple Bloom checked outside the bathroom. She became suspicious. “It’s like they haven’t left.”
A pony with puce mane & tail, and goldenrod skin landed in front of her. “We thought we should stay.”
3:35pm
Sweetie Belle dropped by near the Carousel Boutique. She went past Rarity, who’s applying stitches to a worn dress.
“Sweetie Belle, how’s your day?” Rarity asked nicely.
“Same as always.” She didn’t want her sister to get involved in what happened earlier.
Sweetie Belle quietly went up to her bedroom. She’s worried about her friends. She feared they’re in more danger when they’re on their own. She did make that folder of documents appear after all. She didn’t notice a unicorn hanging on the door behind her. He was hanging on the coat hook that Sweetie Belle rarely uses.
He landed quietly on the floor, while Sweetie Belle still had her back turned. She jumped on her bed. The unicorn hid behind some drawers. He peeked underneath for better surveillance. He used his horn to scan the drawers to find the folder. He noticed it’s not there.
He sneaked around, aiming for the bed. Sweetie Belle’s snoring sounded like a broken lawnmower motor. The unicorn held his ears. The more he got closer, the more painful it was. He tried to stand on his hooves, the noise made him loose his balance. He slammed against the wall.
Sweetie Belle woke up, she saw the unicorn straightening himself. She jumped off the bed before the unicorn managed to catch her. She climbed on the furniture while he tried to zap her. A beam of energy blasted a hole in the wall. Sweetie Belle felt the blast and landed on the carpet.
The unicorn charged head on. Sweetie Belle dodged and the unicorn crashed into the wardrobe. Clothes fell creating a heap. The unicorn shook them off. Sweetie Belle used her magic to throw anything she can find. He dodged them and created a bigger mess. She crawled under the bed, the unicorn almost laughed. “You can’t hide under there. I know where you are.”
He dramatically lowered his head to find her gone. He climbed over the bed to the other side. Sweetie Belle hung on the ceiling, she used teleportation on herself. She disappeared and reappeared behind him.
He spun around in surprise. Sweetie Belle smiled, she managed to outsmart a colt unicorn. “Says the unicorn who just broke in.”
He zapped a beam of magic from his horn, Sweetie Belle also fired. They each flew back; Sweetie Belle hit the wall and the unicorn crashed throw the window.
Rarity heard the noise. “Oh my goodness! That came from Sweetie Belle’s room!”
She raced upstairs, bursting through the door. She gasped at the mess, she frantically searched the entire bedroom. “Sweetie Belle?”
She saw the broken window. She spotted the unicorn running away. She began to panic. “Oh my Celestia! Sweetie Belle, my little sister kidnapped. Why does it have to happen to me?!”
Sweetie Belle watched Rarity become a drama queen. She giggled while watching her performance. “You should take drama class.”
Rarity gasped after hearing that familiar voice. She immediately turned to see her sister alive and well. She rushed over and embraced her tightly. “By Celestia, you’re OK!”
“Good to know. Could you please loosen your grip? You’re crushing me!” said Sweetie Belle.
“Who would do such a thing?” asked Rarity.
Sweetie Belle didn’t answer. She couldn’t imagine what will happen next.
3:50pm
Scootaloo felt exhausted, being trained by Rainbow Dash made her wings hurt. She wanted to call it a day.
“Well, we made progress.” Rainbow Dash didn’t know how to summarise it.
“I don’t think I can flap my wings that fast,” Scootaloo panted.
“I think we’ll call it a day.”
Scootaloo agreed. She waved goodbye just as Rainbow Dash launched in the air. She slapped on her helmet and got on her scooter. She raced past some ponies.
A pegasus with silver mane & tail, and platinum coat flew beside her. He’s trying to go at the same speed as Scootaloo.
“Lovely day, huh kid?” he said in a friendly tone.
“What do you want?” asked Scootaloo.
“Just a friendly conversation.”
Scootaloo kept on pressing forward. She wasn’t interested in talking to some random pegasus.
“Why are you in such a rush?” he asked.
“I’m not interested in talking to you.” He’s starting to get on Scootaloo’s nerves.
The more she tries to get away, the more the pegasus catches up to her. “Stop following me!”
She quickly realised the pegasus is after her. She drove into a crowd, hoping she will lose him. She swerved around numerous ponies, dodging them so she won’t crash into them. The pegasus flew above aiming towards Scootaloo. A spray of dirt hit his eyes. Scootaloo skidded her hoof on the ground.
She sped past Jack and Pinkie Pie. The pegasus was concentrating on Scootaloo and didn’t see what was in front of him. He crashed into Jack, interrupting their conversation. Pinkie marched over. “Watch where you’re going mister!”
Jack immediately grabbed the pegasus’ wings, the colour scheme made him thought of the unicorn that nearly attack Rainbow Dash earlier.
“Care to explain why you were chasing that young pony?” asked Jack.
“That’s Scootaloo and she’s a pegasus,” corrected Pinkie Pie.
“I reckon you’re not from Equestria,” said the pegasus.
Pinkie Pie glanced on a symbol his flank. It looked very unfamiliar to her. “What’s your cutie mark?”
“Cutie mark?” Jack asked.
“It’s a symbol on a flank, it represent each pony’s talents. For instance my cutie mark has balloons. My talent is throwing parties. Of course I already said it. This one is the letter I. Could you talent be I Spy?”
“My name is Iota,” said the pegasus. “Living in a world needing cleansing.”
“OK, but that’s going to take a lot of soap.”
“That’s a metaphor.” It’s Jack turn to correct.
Iota headbutted Jack, blasting his way up in the air. He managed to disappear into the sky in five seconds flat.
While lying on the ground, Jack noticed a crate hidden in the ground near some bushes. He rubbed his head, that blow felt painful. He crawled to his feet, eyeing on the box. He pushed away the flowers, digging away the soil. He dragged it towards Pinkie Pie.
“What’s in the box? What’s in the box?” she asked with curiosity.
Jack tried to lift the top off with his fingers. All it did was give him splinters.
“Allow me.” Pinkie Pie used her hind legs to break open the crate.
The contents were hoof cannons. They were in different shades of colours. There was enough to give one to each classmate in a school.
“That’s a lot of hoof cannons. Who would hid a crate of them in there?” Pinkie asked.
“That’s what I want to know,” said Jack. “We can’t have them lying around. The authorities should handle them.”
“Good idea,” said an unfamiliar voice.
Jack and Pinkie saw an armoured pony, looking similar to ones who arrived at Sugarcube Corner. His mane slightly covered his right eye. He didn’t seem threatening. He just stood there smiling. “Brave Lance, officer of the newly formed, Equestrian Surveillance and Terrorist Countermeasures.”
“So you’re that new group who brought those robbers in,” replied Pinkie Pie.
“You’re Pinkie Pie. The one who stopped them.” He turned to Jack. “Don’t recall seeing you around.”
“Name’s Jack Bauer, agent of Counter Terrorist Unit.” Jack didn’t know whether he should shake hands, or just stand there.
Brave Lance gathered all the cannons and placed them back in the crate. He slammed it shut. His partner came over. “I’ll take it back to HQ.”
Brave Lance’s partner, a pegasus, carried it in the air.
“Isn’t it wonderful that you’ll learn something every day?” asked Pinkie Pie.
Jack agreed.
The following takes place between 4:00pm and 5:00pm
“Finally!” Applejack panted.
She made certain that the roof’s properly fixed. She pounded it with her hooves to check if it’s stable. Before she climbed down, Fluttershy swooped up. “Thank you for fixing my house.”
“Been meaning to ask, how did this happen to your cottage?” asked Applejack.
Fluttershy felt nervous. She didn’t know how to explain it. She’s scared to talk. Finding the right words was more difficult. She landed on the roof, lowering her head. Her voice was quiet enough for Applejack unable to hear. “I can’t say.”
Applejack didn’t try to force Fluttershy to talk. She can see something’s bothering her. “Why talk so quietly? Is something wrong?”
“Not really. It’s just you won’t believe me if I told you.” Fluttershy raised her voice slowly, almost at a speaking level.
“I’ll believe you,” smiled Applejack.
Fluttershy inhaled and exhaled slowly. She knew a true friend can’t hide secrets from each other. “A creature landed in my cottage.”
“What kind of creature?”
“It stood on two legs and has arms. He said his name’s Jack Bauer, and he said he’s from Los Angeles.”
“Is that a place in Equestria?”
“Not really. He fell from the sky and landed through the roof. I help him recover and he’s very friendly. After treating him, he left to find a way to get back home.”
“Where did he go?”
“He didn’t say, he could be anywhere.” Fluttershy felt better. She felt relieved after telling Applejack.
“Not to worry, he might come back if he needs help. Besides he knows where you live.”
Applejack check to see if there were any holes left. She then inspected the entire roof. Pressing each hoof to see if it can hold her weight. “All done Fluttershy.”
She climbed down to the ground. She placed the tools back in the box. She tossed it in the cart and placed the ladder in last. She hook the cart to her back.
“See you,” Applejack said before leaving.
Fluttershy waved back, she could get Jack Bauer out of her head. She’s worried that he’ll never get home. Her mind started to overthink.
“I’m worried about Mr. Bauer,” Fluttershy said as she floated down. “If only I let him stay and helped.”
Angel Bunny hoped over, patting her on the head. He wanted to cheer her up. Fluttershy slowly smiled. “You’re right. He can ask for help. At least he doesn’t look worried. Wonder what he’s doing now.”
Even though she has no clue where Jack is, she has confidence in him.
4:10pm
Jack’s time with Pinkie Pie was head-scratching. He felt like he accomplished a little. He normally accomplished both everything and nothing. He’s always aware of the consequences of every action he makes. He didn’t how ponies of Equestria will react if he did something rational.
Jack saw Big Mac pulling a cart of supplies. He decided to ask the stallion. It’s better to have an answer than no answer. “Do you know where I can find the ruler of this place?”
“Eeyup,” replied Big Mac.
“Can you take me there?”
“Nope.”
“Why is that?”
“I’m occupied. The place you want to go is Canterlot.”
Just from the name alone, Jack knew it’s the place to go.
Big Mac arrived back at Sweet Apple Acres. He parked the cart near the barn and headed for the house. Once he entered, everything was silent. He’s confused on why nobody’s home. He closed the door behind him and two ponies jumped on him.
4:15pm
Applejack arrived home. Just as she’s about to go inside, she forgot something. “I left my hat at Fluttershy’s.”
She dumped her tools near the house and raced off. She avoided hitting other ponies. They thought she’s in a hurry.
She arrived at Fluttershy’s cottage and found her hat near the bridge. She put it on and dashed back.
Just as she entered Ponyville, her hat lowered in front of her eyes. She saw Jack Bauer in her way. She tried to stop but ended up crashing into each other. Jack fell back while Applejack rolled forward. He landed on his back and she crashed into a fountain.
Jack can feel pain on his back and head. He felt dazed while trying to stand. That fall from the sky must have affected his mental and physical state. He ran to Applejack, he’s unsure if she need medical help after that collision.
“My jaw.” Applejack checked to see if it’s dislocated.
“You’re in a rush,” said Jack.
He helped her on her hooves. He checked her mouth. “Your jaw’s fine, you might have hit your chin.”
Applejack put on her hat before seeing Jack. She didn’t scream or run away. “Thanks for helping me. Sorry I didn’t see where I was going.”
“Forgiven,” replied Jack. “Why were you in a rush?”
“I left my hat after fixing Fluttershy’s roof.” Before she continued talking, she realised what’s standing in front of her. “You’re that human she mentioned.”
“How did you know I’m a human?”
“Let’s just say there’s a certain unicorn who wants to meet one. Some ponies say she wants to become one.”
Jack didn’t know how to take this. A unicorn who believes humans exist, despite ponies not believing her.
“Is Fluttershy that pink and yellow pony?” Jack asked.
“Actually she’s a pegasus. She seemed worried about you.”
This was probably the first time somebody worried about Jack. Applejack held rumbling noises. She giggled after discovering where it came from. “When was the last time you ate?”
Jack couldn’t find a good answer.
“You better come with me if you want a snack.” Applejack persuaded Jack to come.
After arriving at Sweet Apple Acres, Jack noticed shadowy figures inside. He recognised Nu by peeking through the window. He pulled her away from the door.
“What the hay? This is where I live,” remarked Applejack.
“There’s a pony inside that I met. It’s a long story,” explained Jack.
The house was under siege by Nu; Tau, a brown pony; Mu, a puce pony; and Omicron, the same unicorn who met the CMC, who wanted the shipping documents earlier. They have Apple Bloom, Big Mac and Granny Smith restrained. Omicron is keeping watch while Nu, Tau and Mu, guarded the Apple family. He didn’t see Jack and Applejack.
Jack checked the other window from a distance. He can briefly see Big Mac next to Nu. “We better call the authorities.”
“You mean that new pony force? Seems likely the only option.” Applejack can see Apple Bloom interrogated by Tau, while Nu and Mu restrained Granny Smith and Big Mac.
“Go find Brave Lance and tell him to bring in a small unit. Make sure to tell them to keep it quiet. We don’t want your family getting killed,” said Jack.
“How do I find him?” asked Applejack.
“Try calling for help.” Jack forgot to ask for a way of contacting Brave Lance.
Applejack raced down to Ponyville. When she arrived, two armoured ponies stood there on patrol. She thought asking one of them might be a good idea. She rushed over and stopped just foot from them. “You got to help me. My family’s held hostage at Sweet Apple Acres. I need to find Brave Lance.”
The armoured pony can see the worried look on Applejack’s face. He lowered his head to his left shoulder and spoke into a radio. He contacted Brave Lance, telling him to send a squad over.”
“Where did you get that?” asked Applejack.
“Custom-made radio. Standard ESTC equipment.”
4:25pm
“I’m going to ask, where are the documents?” asked Tau.
Apple Bloom was too afraid to speak. She couldn’t remember the last time she saw them. She didn’t want to put her friends and family at risk. “I don’t know. We might have left them behind.”
“Unless you show us, what my companion make you brother mute.”
Nu placed his horn near Big Mac’s neck. The tip suddenly became razor-sharp. He was eager to strike. Mu held his hooves behind his back.
Apple Bloom’s eyes almost overflowed. The more Nu’s horn comes closer to Big Mac’s neck, the more she wished she and her friends wished they didn’t find those documents.
“Stop! Don’t hurt him!” she shouted.
“OK then.” Tau told Nu to back away.
“My friends might have them. If we retraced our steps we might find them.”
Omicron noticed something rustling in the bushes. He’s unaware that an ESTC squad surrounded the house. Three ESTC squads surrounded the house. They have their crossbows armed. Aiming at the windows would risk hurting the Apple family, so they waited for orders.
Brave Lance quietly laid low behind the fence. He crawled closer to Jack, he told Brave what’s going on. Applejack arrived shortly after, still worried about her family.
“Any plans?” Applejack asked.
“One of us should distract them while they save your relatives,” said Brave Lance.
“I should go.”
Brave was sceptic at first, then he saw the gun in Jack’s holster. He decided to go with Applejack’s decision. “You go to the front door. Jack and I will back you up in case if anything goes wrong.”
Brave informed the squads of Applejack heading to the house. Applejack slowly breathed in and out, her mind couldn’t decide the outcome. After knocking on the door, hoof steps sounded like falling rocks. Big Mac opened the door. Nu was behind him, making sure he doesn’t expose them.
“Hey Big Mac, did Apple Bloom arrive home?” asked Applejack.
“Eeyup,” replied Big Mac.
“You managed to get the supplies for the apple cart?”
“Eeyup.”
Applejack wanted to check. “Is Granny Smith asleep?”
“Eeyup.” Big Mac responded nervously.
Applejack whispered into Big Mac’s ear. She informed him of ESTC coming to help. Her mouth was so close Big Mac’s ear, Nu wasn’t able to hear clearly.
“Shall I come in?” Applejack asked.
“Eeyup!” Big Mac ducked down, exposing Nu.
Applejack jumped on Big Mac’s back and bucked Nu in the head. Brave Lance gave the squads the go ahead. They crashed through the windows, arming their crossbows. They pointed towards Mu and Tau. Omicron tried to make an escape. Jack crashed through a window and aimed his gun in front of Omicron’s eyes. “Hope you have answers.”
Nu and Mu fought off hard, using magic and their hooves. Big Mac helped Apple Bloom and Granny out of the house. He picked up Apple Bloom with his teeth and carried Granny Smith on his back.
Applejack embraced them just in time to see the biggest fight they’re ever seen. They watched magic zapping all over the place. Crossbows struck the floor, walls and ceiling. They saw Jack fighting with Omicron with his fists. Every furniture breaks after a pony crashes into them.
“Yeah! Go get them!” Granny Smith enjoyed the action the most.
Then they ran upstairs. Nu tried to escape through the window. But an ESTC pony grabbed him by the mane and pulled him back in. Brave Lance hoof kicked both Tau and Mu at the same time.
Jack raced upstairs to check on Brave. He felt his lungs burn. “Better radio backup.”
Brave used his radio to contact headquarters. “We have four ponies in custody. Better send in the wagon.”
4:44pm
Beta was finishing his delivery rounds when Alpha suddenly appear in front. He jumped back and his empty bag flew off his neck. “Geez, a warning next time?”
“We need to rethink out plans. Nu, Mu, Tau and Omicron got arrested by the ESTC,” said Alpha.
“Hopefully I don’t have to wear those blasted wings.” Beta ripped them off, revealing they’re fake. He’s actually a pony. “But didn’t Nu get arrested already?”
“Yes but luckily, an undercover agent released him without the ESTC noticing.”
Both Alpha and Beta were the few experienced members of the Sect. They were always the first to receive information on the progress.
“We need to know about the Cutie Mark Crusaders,” said Alpha.
“There are two more,” said Beta. “One them named Sweetie Belle.”
They immediately know where they’re going next.
The following takes place between 5:00pm and 6:00pm
The house in Sweet Apple Acres was already a mess. Broken windows, damaged walls, smashed roof tiles, and furniture in pieces. The ESTC ponies managed to secure Sweet Apple Acres. They even set up a perimeter around the area. Some patrolled the air, some camouflaged in the grass, and others kept a lookout for another attack. They have the honour to help Equestria when needed. Though some ponies question why didn’t they come sooner in other times of need.
The Apple family watched Jack Bauer debrief with Brave Lance. It’s their way of trying to know why Sect targeted them. Apple Bloom hasn’t explained to them on what she and her friends know.
“It would appear that a unicorn we arrested, created a portal in the sky sending you here,” Brave Lance said to Jack.
Jack just accepted Brave’s explanation. He knew that nobody on planet would be capable of pulling it off. He doesn’t know how long he’ll be stuck here. With numerous incidents happening, it could take an entire day.
“How’s the Apple family doing?” Jack asked.
“They’re OK. It will take time for them to recover. As for their home…” Brave Lance looked around, seeing the mess. “…may take a week or so to repair the damage.”
Jack wondered if he could have some answers. “Has ESTC been around for very long?”
“A very long time. We just came after the Sugarcube Corner Robbery. We weren’t told why we’re underground, figuratively not literally. We’ve been searching and monitoring Sect for years. We didn’t want to disrupt the quiet life of Equestria. Sure there’s Nightmare Moon reigning darkness, Discord spreading chaos for his amusement, the changeling invasion and the Crystal Empire under the rule of a power-hungry king; we prevented Sect from taking advantage of the situation for their evil deeds.”
Apple Bloom can see Jack Bauer as the right person to help her. She was uncertain if ESTC can help with Sect terrorising Equestria. After witnessing him rescuing her and her family, she knew he’s the right person to trust.
Applejack was the first to see her sister eyeing Jack. “What are you thinking little sister?”
“There’s something I need to get off my back. I don’t know who I should turn, but after what occurred, I know who will listen to me.”
“Who might that be?”
Apple Bloom pointed to Jack. Applejack felt uncertain, nobody in Equestria encountered a human agent at all. “I don’t know if you should go to him.”
“It’s just I want to tell someone, I don’t know who will listen to me. I think he will understand.”
“Shouldn’t you go to one of ESTC ponies?”
“We barely know them.”
Apple Bloom definitely got her sister there. They both don’t know anything about Bauer or ESTC. Everything just occurred so suddenly, there wasn’t any time for explanation.
“Since he’s from another world and needs help in fitting in, I could offer helping him in return,” Apple Bloom thought. “Besides he’ll protect me.”
“Eeyup!” agreed Big Mac.
“You’re right,” said Applejack. “If he can stop renegade ponies, he can bodyguard a filly.”
“I wish you’ll stop calling me that,” said Apple Bloom.
She trotted to Jack, she inhaled and exhaled for a short time. She tried not to let her nervousness distract her. Jack and Brave Lance were finishing their talk. Apple Bloom stood next to Jack’s legs. “Excuse me.”
Jack was the first to hear her. He can see Apple Bloom looking up. Instead of seeing a pony traumatised, he sees a pony with a worried look.
“Can you help me?” Apple Bloom asked.
“Certainly.” Jack didn’t think helping a filly will go good on his record.
“I don’t know how to explain it, there’s a reason why they broke in our house.”
Jack listened to her story.
“My friend Sweetie Belle made a folder full of documents appear. Then a strange unicorn came and wanted it back. She created a duplicate and kept the real one. We then went to Twilight Sparkle’s house for help. It showed that they contain hidden writing.”
“Do you know where it is?”
“I think we left it at Twilight’s house. I worried about Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.”
“Is she another one of your friends?”
“Yes, we’re the Cutie Mark Crusaders.”
Jack’s been in Equestria for nearly quarter of a day, and already he’s overloaded with fantasy nonsense. Even though he tried accept it, the ongoing threat kept him from learning more. He can feel his head pound.
“Are you OK?” Brave Lance asked.
“Just a headache from all of this,” Jack replied.
Apple Bloom and Brave Lance can see his stay in Equestria irritated him. He doesn’t hate the world, he just couldn’t piece everything together, when something new pops up in front of him.
“I think it’s best we see her. She could be the next target,” said Jack.
“I’ll keep the Apple Family safe,” said Brave Lance.
They left Sweet Apple Acres, leaving the Apple Family in the hands, or hooves of ESTC. Apple Bloom has two things worry about. They slowly faded once Jack stood by her.
5:25pm
Jack and Apple Bloom arrived at the Carousel Boutique. Jack tried to piece the world of Equestria first. Trying to learn about the world and the conspiracy at the same time, could result in either choosing one over the other resulting in unpredictable consequences, or lose his sanity affecting his mental well-being.
Jack couldn’t imagine how upper class the Boutique was. He felt out of place just standing in the middle of the room.
“Sweetie Belle?” Apple Bloom shouted.
She called out again and Sweetie Belle came out from behind a mannequin. “You didn’t have to yell.”
Apple Bloom rushed over to hug her. Sweetie Belle hugged back. They felt relieved to see each other.
Rarity was busy stitching a dress when the noise disrupted her concentration. “Sweetie Belle. Help that customer or tell her to leave. This dress I’m working on is important.”
Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle went to a different room. She couldn’t let Rarity know anything about the siege of her house. She told them about ESTC and Jack Bauer. “I think Sect are targeting you.”
“A unicorn tried to attack me.” Sweetie Belle gave a small laugh. “She put on a show when she thought they kidnapped me.”
“Yeah, that was funny.” Apple Bloom nearly got off topic and reminded herself why she came to the Carousel Boutique. “They’re after the real documents. Since you managed to retrieve them, we thought you might know where they are.”
“I left them at Twilight’s house. And that’s after they trashed the place.”
“At least we have Jack Bauer to help us.”
“That creature you brought in? Is one of those humans that a certain unicorn keeps on bragging?”
Apple Bloom smiled, remembering Lyra’s escapades. “Now we know she’s not crazy.”
Sweetie Belle had a weird thought. “Has Jack met any pony?”
“Yes, the ESTC. Why’d you ask?”
“Can’t imagine how one will react.”
They heard Rarity scream in horror. They ran out to see what’s going on. It wasn’t Rarity screaming on seeing a human.
“Look at your clothes, they’re a mess!” Rarity can spot numerous holes, tears, and dirt on Jack’s clothes.
Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom raised their eyebrows. “Huh?”
Jack stood while Rarity inspected him. She took every measurement so she can make new clothes. Human measurements are different from pony measurements. She looked at the fabric and tried to find the same or similar fabric.
“Oh this is a challenge!” panted Rarity. “I never designed clothes for someone of this magnitude.”
Jack looked at Sweetie Belle, he was going to ask should he let her proceed.
“Better wait for a minute,” advised Sweetie Belle.
Rarity finished jotting down the measurements and started working. But before she touched the sewing machine, she heard a voice from behind.
“Listen,” Jack interrupted. “I didn’t come for clothes, I only came to help.”
“Help?”
“You’re in danger and so is your sister.”
Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom confirmed it.
“Remember when you thought I was missing?” reminded Sweetie Belle. “It has to do what happened.”
“Oh my,” answered Rarity. “How did it occur?”
“It’s a long story,” said Apple Bloom.
“We’ll explain once we retrieved the folder.” Sweetie was about to leave.
Apple Bloom followed her. Jack was going to follow until Rarity stopped him.
“It’s nice you’re helping my sister, but you’re not leaving in this attire. You’re about to wear a Rarity original.” Rarity immediately started working on making new clothes for Jack.
She frantically designed new clothes. She double checked the length of Jack’s arms, legs, waist, and shoe size. She checked Jack’s ruined clothes, so she can use the same stitching. Jack watched her design new clothes.
“If you’re done, I can I change somewhere private?” Jack asked.
“Certainly, you can use one of the rooms upstairs,” answered Rarity.
5:34pm
Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom went to Twilight’s house. They found the folder under the table. Sweetie Belle sneaked in and used her magic to pick it up. They didn’t check whether Twilight and Spike are home.
“Do you think you can teleport it to Jack and Rarity?” asked Apple Bloom.
Sweetie Belle wasn’t certain. It’s too important to lose it, she couldn’t risk it. “I don’t think my magic is strong enough. It could end you in Sect’s hooves.”
Apple Bloom agreed, they decided to bring it to them. They searched to see of any members of Sect were watching. They searched for crowds to blend in. They moved on to bushes until they reached to the Carousel Boutique.
Upon arriving, they spotted Jack’s old clothes lying on the floor. Rarity panted in exhaustion. She wiped the sweat off her forehead and horn. She turned to the fillies, she’s excited to show them her design.
“You’re just in time to see my new fashion design. After painful work and redoing it all over again, here’s my latest design: Undercover.”
Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle kept their expectations low. They knew designing clothes for a human is difficult, mainly for not knowing what they were.
Jack walked out wearing blue jeans, black shoes and grey jumper with white t-shirt. His gun and holster are hidden under the jumper.
Apple Bloom scratched her head. “Where did you come up with that name?”
“Jack told me everything about himself. Such a sad story. Love ones taken away, family feuds, friends becoming enemies; it’s a complete tragedy.” Rarity spoke in a dramatic fashion, it’s almost like she’s been there.
“Mr. Bauer?” Sweetie Belle called. “Here it is.”
Jack took the folder and looked inside. The seemed like ordinary documents you find at a post office. Then he saw the hidden writing. Even though he knows nothing about it, he knew it’s not part of Equestria. “We better go to the post office.”
5:41pm
Normally the post office closes after 5pm in the human world. The ESTC were at the location. Instead of Brave Lance, another pony stood watch. He had white skin, arsenic mane and tail. He spotted Jack, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom heading towards the post office. He stood up straight with a strong presence.
“Are you Jack Bauer?” he asked.
“Certainly,” Jack answered.
“My name is Dark Spear. Brave Lance told me to find you. We’ve been told that some pegasus at the postal service was behaving strangely. We think he’s working a mail carrier. There’s a chance he might have left something behind that can lead to them.”
Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were going to enter, before being stopped by ESTC ponies.
“They’re with me,” said Jack.
“Let them through,” commanded Dark Spear.
Jack found the room with cabinets. Using the documents in his hands, he searched through every one of them. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle helped. They covered the floor with paper and folders. Jack managed to find the folder Beta replaced. It matches the one they have.
“Why would some pony replace the folder we have with that?” asked Sweetie Belle.
“So they won’t see the hidden writing by accident,” explained Jack.
He can see the items on both documents. They’re definitely the same. He’s surprised on what will arrive in Equestria: 5l water, 2kg mixed gems, essence of poisonous plants, box of science apparatuses, and 26 drawing kits.
“Those items are definitely covering for something else,” said Apple Bloom.
Jack looked at the date: they’re arriving in less than 12 hours.
“Is that what the pegasus was doing? Exposing a threat to Equestria?” Sweetie Belle asked.
Jack became confused. Sweetie Belle decided to explain. “There was a pegasus who came to our clubhouse. He told us not to let that fall into the wrong hooves. They killed him after explaining.”
Jack noticed Sweetie Belle shaken by the event. Apple Bloom felt the same. He kneeled down to their eye level. He tried his best to comfort them.
“Everything Ok?” Dark Spear entered just to check on them.
“You should see this.” Jack showed him both documents: one from the cabinet and the one held by Sweetie Belle.
Dark Spear examined them both. He quickly saw the hidden writing. He recited the entire passage fluently. Jack, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom couldn’t believe a pony knew the dialect. “This will help us terminate Sect.”
5:50pm
Jack and Sweetie Belle returned to the Carousel Boutique. Apple Bloom went back to her family. Rarity was waiting for them.
Jack asked her an important question. “Can you take me to Twilight Sparkle’s house?"
The following takes place between 6:00pm and 7:00pm
Jack knew seeing Twilight is a priority. He had to see her immediately.
“You should hang on to this.” Jack handed the folder to Sweetie Belle.
“You’re going to Twilight’s house? What for?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“I can’t leave my sister alone!” exclaimed Rarity.
“Rarity. I fought against a unicorn, I can look after myself. Besides Apple Bloom will be with me,” said Sweetie Belle.
Rarity didn’t argue with her, she left the Boutique with Jack. She did worry that the unicorn who attacked Sweetie Belle will come back. She led Jack to Twilight. He wasn’t surprised that a unicorn lives in a library in a tree.
“Do you want to come with me?” asked Rarity.
“You better head home,” suggested Jack.
“Of course. I just can’t imagine seeing two fillies alone.” Rarity turned around headed back.
Jack hasn’t seen a unicorn this dramatic. He felt like he’s watching a play done by upper class snobs. He can see the library all cleaned up. While he waited, he spotted Owlowiscious staring at him. “I don’t think you can talk.”
“Who?” asked Owlowiscious.
“So equestrians can talk.” Jack couldn’t get the idea that unicorns, pegasi and earth ponies can talk, yet animals from his world can’t.
Twilight and Spike were searching through every book. She didn’t need the documents, Twilight can remember what they read in her head.
“Twilight Sparkle?” Jack asked.
She raised her head, she gasped at Jack. “That’s me.”
“My name’s Jack Bauer and I came here because you know something about what happened earlier.” Jack showed her the folder.
“I can’t believe it, a human!” Twilight nearly screamed in excitement. “Ponies thought they were a myth, but now you’re the real deal.”
“Let me guess you heard that from Lyra,” said Jack.
“She’s dying to meet one. Thankfully she’s not too obsessed.” Twilight went back on topic. “Where did you find it?”
“Rarity’s sister left it near you house and brought it to me.”
“You could have come sooner.” Twilight spoke in a stern voice.
“Your friend Rarity gave me new clothes.”
Twilight smiled. “She always want to become a famous fashionista.”
Jack immediately slammed the folder on her table. Some of the paper slid out. “Tell what the hidden messages mean.”
He opened the folder and placed each sheet in a line. The hidden writing slowly appeared. Twilight knew he’s serious. “It’s done by an organisation called Sect.”
“It definitely has something to do with those ponies with wild colours,” said Jack.
Twilight was going to tell him, many citizens of Equestria have different colours. Jack interrupted her just as she was about to speak. “I’m talking about the ones that raided Sweet Apple Acres.”
“Oh my!” gasped Twilight. “Is Applejack OK?”
“Her family’s safe. They’re being looked after by ESTC.” Jack managed to calm her down.
Twilight knew nothing about ESTC. Although she knew something’s wrong, the moment when the Cutie Mark Crusaders came in. She stared at the paper, rubbing her head in frustration. “I don’t know if I can give an accurate translation.”
Jack came closer, he thought he could help. He desperately needed to know about them, as he sees them as a threat. “I can help.”
“Always helpful to have someone assist,” smiled Twilight.
Translating was a tedious process. Twilight made a few mistakes and had to start again. Jack took his time. He never used quill and ink. He watched Twilight use magic to write, noticing the glow on her horn. He wrote slowly, taking his time. He wasn’t the writing type.
It felt like a long time translating. Twilight even double checked for accuracy. After reading it, they couldn’t believe what Sect is planning.
“It can’t be.” Twilight discovered a shocking plot.
They placed the papers together, revealing the conspiracy. It showed in exact detail of an assassination attempt that’s happening in less than an hour. The target is one of the leaders of Equestria and will happen in Ponyville.
“They’re going to kill a ruler of Equestria!” gasped Twilight.
“Who’s your ruler?” Jack asked.
“Princess Luna and Princess Celestia.”
“We have plenty of time. Gather your friends and meet them in your house.”
Jack was leaving before Twilight stopped him. “Where are you going?”
“Reconnaissance.”
6:25pm
Princess Celestia bathed in hot soapy water. She’s preparing for her visit in Ponyville. She wanted to relief the stress from her day. Her nose inhaled scents of mixed flowers, clearing her sinuses. She closed her eyes, she felt like she floated in the air. A knock on the door woke her up. “Enter.”
A royal guard came inside, all dressed up for the occasion. “We’re leaving in 30 minutes.”
Celestia emerged from her bath, all soaking, dripping wet. She wrapped a towel around her mane. She used magic to do so. She used another towel to dry herself. She put on a dressing gown, it had the same colour as her coat and hair. A golden C engraved on the front. “Glad to know you’re ready.”
“Couldn’t wait. After hearing about what occurred in Ponyville, I don’t think every pony can wait for us.”
Celestia felt uncertain about coming to Ponyville in the evening. Every event she attended had some importance, this time it just became serious.
“There have been reports of a human in Equestria, numerous attacks in Ponyville, and some group called Equestrian Surveillance and Counter Terror,” he continued.
“There isn’t any record of Equestrian Surveillance and Counter Terror in the archives,” said Celestia.
This all seemed new to Celestia. She’s unaware of ESTC. The organisation did whatever it takes to remain hidden. She slowly became desperate for answers. She thought she and her sister know everything since they began ruling Equestria. For millennia they knew their tasks, their pitfalls, their setbacks, and just about every stamp on history. Something that just came out of the blue wasn’t what she had in mind.
“Shouldn’t we ask about them?” Celestia thought.
“I don’t think any pony would know,” the guard denied.
They entered Celestia’s bedroom, she removed the towel from her mane. Her mane automatically dried both her mane and tail. She removed her gown and changed into her dress.
“You didn’t have to dress now. We have plenty of time,” he said.
“I don’t know how long another attack will happen.” Celestia slowly became concerned.
“This human was last seen at Sweet Apple Acres. He stopped a group of ponies after taking a family hostage.”
Celestia had a thought. “I think he might be useful.”
6:30pm
A brown ESTC pony trotted near the cells. A voice distracted him.
“Hey!” said a voice.
He turned around to see another ESTC pony in one of the cells. He didn’t wait around and took out the cell keys. “How did you get in?”
“One of them escaped!”
The ESTC pony used the radio to alert the other ponies of the escapee. After watching him leaving, the other ESTC pony was actually Mu. He had a light hazel glow in his eyes. He searched around to find an exit. He found a portal and immediately went in.
Mu appeared in the middle of Canterlot. He immediately changed his appearance. He became one of the guard ponies, only he didn’t have any armour. He noticed Alpha coming forward.
“Shape shifting in public will expose you and the rest of us!”
“I just bust out of a holding cell. And found a way in.” Just as Mu showed Alpha the portal, it disintegrated into air.
Mu couldn't believe his eyes. “They’re smart.”
Alpha searched around, seeing there aren’t any ponies around.
“You better put on armour,” Alpha told Mu. He showed Mu the armoury outside the Canterlot Garden.
Mu went inside to find not only armour to make him look like one of the guards, also plans on assassinating Princess Celestia. A map showed the route to Ponyville. Circles on the map pinpoint the possible locations of attack. Mu put the map inside the armour before putting it on.
6:40pm
Twilight managed to gather her friends in the library. Spike and the Cutie Mark Crusaders joined as well.
“We’re all here because of what’s been going on in Ponyville,” began Twilight. “I suppose you met someone or somebody named Jack Bauer.”
“We met him,” Applejack spoke in a low voice.
“He believes that whoever is causing those incidents will be attempting to kill Princess Celestia.”
“Why would they do that?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“We don’t know, but it will happen at 7pm. This Jack Bauer left for reconnaissance. Whatever that is.”
“He doesn’t know anything about Equestria,” exclaimed Spike.
“If I may interject,” wondered Fluttershy. “Maybe we should trust him. He seemed to know what he’s doing.”
They all agreed with Fluttershy’s statement. After their experience with him individually, they couldn’t think of any other option. They rarely met an experienced adult human.
“And what shall we do with Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo?” asked Rarity. “They’re in danger.”
“There’s the ESTC.” Pinkie Pie just brought them up without thinking.
“Good thinking Pinkie,” said Applejack. “They did save my family, with Jack’s help.”
Pinkie dashed out the door, leaving the other ponies confused. She came back with Brave Lance. He couldn’t believe how fast Pinkie Pie was. “This is Brave Lance. He’ll look after them.”
“How did you know where to find him?” asked Twilight.
“On my way here, I saw him near Sugarcube Corner.”
“Does she know every pony?” Brave Lance asked.
“Yes,” they all said in unison.
6:50pm
Celestia left the castle door and went to her carriage. Unknown to her, Alpha’s watching her every move. He closed his eyes, he wasn’t resting them. After a minute, he opened his eyes and Celestia left. He was sending a signal to Mu.
In Ponyville, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom were under ESTC’s protection. The other ponies watched the fillies being escorted away in a vehicle. Instead of a wagon pulled by ponies, it’s an armoured van driven automatically. Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Applejack were glad they’ll be safe, yet worried at the about Princess Celestia.
“What is that?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Our armour vehicle. Made from titanium,” answered Brave Lance.
“How are we going to contact Jack?” wondered Twilight.
“I know how.” Brave used his radio contact Bauer.
Jack’s cell phone started ringing. He immediately hid behind a building. He checked to see that his phone still has no reception. It read Unknown Number on the screen.
“Bauer?” he answered.
“Jack Bauer? This is Brave Lance.”
“I’m using a highly ranged communicator. Twilight wants to know where you are.”
Jack scouted his surroundings. So far he hasn’t found Mu. “I’m in Ponyville searching for a possible sniper nest.”
He spotted Princess Celestia’s carriage entering the village. He had to make a quick decision. “A carriage is entering the village. Whoever is in it is the target.”
Twilight overheard the conversation. “Princess Celestia is coming. We must save her.”
“A member of Sect is plotting to kill her.” Brave Lance was quick to uncover their scheme.
Jack spotted one of the armoured ponies separating from the carriage. Mu immediately shape shifted in his original form: a changeling. He climbed on top of the roof of a flower shop. Jack didn’t waste waiting, he loaded a clip in his gun.
Brave Lance and Mane 6 arrived almost when Mu attacked Celestia. They royal guards tried to fight him off, Mu gave a huge stomp on the ground, both stunning and disarming them. He had Celestia nailed on the carriage willing to deliver the killing blow.
A loud bang echoed and Mu violently flipped over and landed on the grass. A bullet wound entered the back of his head and exited out the front. Green blood drained from his mouth along with his eyes bulging.
All the ponies were in shock of seeing an actual death. Celestia was in deeper trauma to see the shooter. Jack Bauer stood in the middle of Ponyville, holding a gun with the barrel emitting smoke.
The following takes place between 7:00pm and 8:00pm
A long period of silence. The world of Equestria stood still. Jack killed an equestrian. They all remained in shock. The ESTC ponies arrived, one of them examined Mu’s body.
“He’s dead,” he spoke in a grim voice.
Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Fluttershy were speechless. All of the other ponies froze with their eyes widened and mouths opened.
Brave Lance took a glimpse at Celestia. He rarely met a ruler in years. He trotted slowly, he gasped for air. He can see how shocking for her to see Mu die in front of her. He tried to remain as sensitive as possible. “Princess Celestia? My deepest apologies.”
“Who are you?” Celestia nearly struck him with her horn after turning her head.
“Brave Lance, member of the Equestrian Security and Counter Terror. We uncovered a plot to take your life by an organisation called Sect. With help from this human.”
Celestia saw Jack putting his gun back in his holster. She also saw Twilight and her friends motionless. Jack walked to her carriage. “I think it’s best if they explain.”
Brave had to tell them. They have gone deep in the conspiracy. He escorted Jack, Celestia and Mane 6 to Canterlot. The ESTC placed Mu’s corpse in a body bag. Before they left, an ESTC unicorn zapped a light from his horn, erasing all of Ponyville’s citizens’ memories. He had to make certain that Celestia and the rest weren’t in range of the flash.
After gathering in a group, the unicorn used his magic to teleport out of the area. They didn’t know the left Jack behind. He wanted to know more about ESTC than anybody else.
“What now?” Jack asked to himself.
In the outskirts of Ponyville, Beta watched the entire assassination attempt. He wasn’t expecting a human to foil it. He left without being spotted.
7:08pm
Beta caught up with Alpha inside the castle. He felt his lungs burn every time he inhaled. Alpha didn’t expect him to arrive. “How did you pass the guards?”
“I told them Princess Celestia survived an assassination attempt. Couldn’t believe they took their ruler seriously.”
Alpha didn’t think every pony of Equestria would care for Celestia. He felt they shouldn’t take her for granted. He knew her sister will take her place once Ceslestia’s disposed. He wasn’t planning to have Luna as their ruler.
“Won’t be long until her sister hears the news,” said Alpha.
“She would have to raise both moon and sun. That would put a lot of pressure on her,” informed Beta.
“You know we’re not trying to make Princess Luna the rightful ruler. We have to make this plan go forward.”
Beta didn’t hesitate to tell Alpha grave news. “Mu died at the clutches of a creature not from Equestria.”
Alpha leaned closer to listen. “Continue.”
“He came to Ponyville and killed Mu just as he was about to strike Princess Celestia.”
“He’s expendable.”
Beta couldn’t understand what Alpha said. He thought Sect relied on every participant of the organisation. If one goes, Sect will crumble.
“What do you mean?” Beta asked.
“He should have put more thought in his plan.”
“Weren’t you the one who gave the job to Mu? I could have finished the job flawlessly.”
“I can’t risk you gambling your life, you’re my essential assistant. Whatever or whoever caused this scuffle, will see the rise of a renewed domain. The first phase has already gone accordingly. Even if everyone in Sect dies, it will go with no interruption.”
Beta became sceptic on the plan. Being an assistant doesn’t bother him. He didn’t want to underestimate Jack Bauer. “Unless that human gets ahead of us.”
7:18pm
A ball of light exploded, the ponies appeared in a building. It had numerous architecture from different places in Equestria. It’s like the whole world brought together in one spot. Each room monitored an area of Equestria. ESTC ponies monitored with orbs. They allowed them to see towns and places for oncoming threats.
“This place is huge,” Twilight spoke in amazement.
“Makes you wonder why they hide from the public,” said Applejack.
“Have you gone completely demented? Bringing ponies, unicorns and pegasi in our secret location goes against…” Dark Spear stopped talking once his eyes gazed at Celestia. He removed his helmet to show his respect. “Your majesty. It’s wonderful to see you in pony.”
Celestia felt shaken from but managed to smile and reply back. “Pleasure.”
Twilight felt bad for Celestia. She can see she’s traumatised after Jack killed Mu. Fluttershy and the others knew it will take her a while to recover, yet they don’t know how long.
Brave Lance explained why he brought them to ESCT headquarters. “Those ponies know about Sect. They tried to stop Mu from assassinating Princess Celestia. Thankfully a human named Jack Bauer stopped him.”
Dark Spear couldn’t believe a human resides in Equestria and one of its rulers nearly got killed. He watched the body bag being carried away.
“What are they going to do with that pony?” Twilight addressed Mu’s corpse.
“We couldn’t have a dead pony lying in Ponyville. We’re keeping it hidden until further notice,” Dark Spear explained.
“Can I ask something?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Certainly.”
Rainbow Dash zapped to Dark Spear. She wasn’t going to ask politely. “What’s the deal with taking over Wonderbolt Academy?!”
Her voice nearly deafened his ears. “What do you mean taking over Wonderbolt Academy?”
“Have you forgotten? Your colts took over the one place that will achieve my dream.”
Dark Spear noticed something’s awry. “We didn’t authorise that.”
“I remember from hearing from a pegasus, we used the academy as a prison,” replied Brave Lance.
Dark Spear and Brave Lance immediately alerted the other ESCT ponies. After returning, Dark Spear explained. “We think we’re compromised.”
“Compromised?” asked Celestia.
“A member of Sect impersonated one of us. He might be inside the building.”
Alarms blared the ponies’ ears. They weren’t loud to hurt their eardrums though. Dark Spear and Brave Lance brought them into an archive room. They didn’t want them getting distracted by the rush of ESTC going on high alert.
They slammed the door behind them, drowning the noise.
“And I thought I overreact,” thought Rarity.
The room they’re in was circular. A round table with a floating orb stood in the centre. Brave Lance explained. “It’s best if you learn everything.”
He pressed a button, causing the orb to illuminate. The table displayed images and files. Everywhere displayed a piece of history, from the beginning of time to present day. “We come from a different species of equines. Many of us are capable of creating new technology. Our species are ahead of your time. We couldn’t risk exposing our skills to every pony. We fear they’ll alienate us and turn on us. Creating Equestrian Surveillance and Counter Terror helped prevent attacks while keeping us secretive.”
It’s Dark Spear's turn to explain. “Sect was our first ongoing threat. The members got their names from an alphabet in a different language. We confirmed that it’s not an Equestrian language; it’s a language from a different world.”
Fluttershy looked at Celestia, she tried to cheer her up. “Are you doing alright princess?”
“I’m fine.” Celestia didn’t confess, she bottled up her feelings.
“It’s OK, you can tell me.”
It took a while for Celestia to smile. She knew Fluttershy was being kind and helpful. “I did get scared.”
Fluttershy hugged Celestia.
“How did you remain hidden for all these years?” Twilight asked to Brave Lance.
“We live regular lives as any equine,” he answered.
Brave Lance used the orb to show them footage of jail cells in the building, including where Mu, Nu, Tau and Omicron reside.
“If you’re so advanced, how come that changeling tricked you and escaped?” Applejack didn’t forget the siege.
Dark Spear gave a confession, which he rarely does. “The truth is… we let him escape on purpose. After hearing of a human who had similar capabilities as us, we took advantage and use him as a ploy to foil the assassination attempt.”
Pinkie examined each member of Sect’s names. “Jack can help what those names mean.”
“You’re right, he’s from another world and there’s a chance he might know,” agreed Celestia.
“So where is Jack?” wondered Rarity.
“We must have left him back in Ponyville,” said Brave Lance.
7:59pm
Jack wondered near a grassy hill. Dusk slowly became night behind his back. He wondered how fast could the sun set and become night in an instant. It took a short while for the stars to appear. A full moon lit up. He checked his watch, a second ticked. He realised the time in Equestria is different from Earth.
A shadowy figure floated from the sky. Wings flapped as it descends. White eyes lit like street lamps. Jack hesitated to point his gun. He waited for inevitable instead. Just as it landed, it spoke in a loud, powerful voice. “Are you the one named Jack Bauer?”
The following takes place between 8:00pm and 9:00pm
Jack had his gun pointed up high. That loud voice didn’t make him cover his ears. He watched it gracefully land on the grass. It stopped flapping its wings and folded them. It walked into the spot where the moon was brightest. It turned from a black creature with white eyes, to a gorgeous blue Alicorn. Jack lowered his gun. “A winged unicorn?”
“I am Luna, princess of the night. Royal sister of Princess Celestia and I’m an alicorn.” Luna spoke in her normal voice.
Jack placed his gun back in his holster. He can definitely see Luna is Celestia’s sister. He quickly spotted her cutie mark, mane and tail. “How did you know me?”
“Word spreads everywhere in Equestria. One of my personal royal guards told me of your arrival.”
“Wait, you’re supposed to the rule the night. Why were you there in the daytime?”
Luna smiled. “Celestia and I rule Equestria together. Just because one of us raises the sun and the other raises the moon, doesn’t mean we’re limited by the day and night.”
“What if one of you couldn’t raise the moon or sun?”
“One of us will take over from there.”
Jack rubbed his ears. “I think my ears are ringing.”
“My deepest apologies. I was using the royal Canterlot voice. Most ponies have gotten used to it, despite being an old way of speaking.”
“Do you take over while Celestia is absent or away?” Jack was curious in seeing how Equestria works with two rulers.
“Absolutely. My sister and I agreed to rule in each’s place in case some pony needs one of us.” Luna turned around searching. “Where is Celestia?”
“She went off with ESTC along with Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy.”
“They left you behind? Why didn’t they bring you?”
“That’s what I want to know.” Jack changed the subject. “What you said earlier, you’re an alicorn?”
Luna thought Jack already knew after meeting Celestia. “An alicorn is both a unicorn and pegasus combined.”
Jack knew nothing about Celestia. He thought he can learn more from her sister. He heard leaves rustling, he placed his hand on his gun. Luna heard the noise too. She moved in closer to Jack. She made her horn glow, waiting for an attack. They stood in one placing, searching around whoever’s hiding.
Another rustle made Jack fire his gun. A loud screaming unicorn fell on the ground. His cutie mark is an Upsilon. He attempted and escape with a limp leg. Jack wrapped his arm around the unicorn’s body. He dragged him to Luna. He lifted the injured leg, the bullet created an exit wound.
“You hurt that unicorn.” Luna almost raised her voice.
Jack carried the unicorn like he’s holding an antique porcelain animal. “This unicorn’s working for the same organisation that plotted to kill your sister.”
Her eyes shrunk and her mouth gasped. It’s like she’s going to charge and impale Upsilon. She refrained from doing so. She didn’t want to kill an equine mercilessly.
Brave Lance and Dark Spear raced feeling exhausted. They heard the gunshot after arriving back.
“Princess Luna.” Dark Spear removed his helmet and bowed.
Luna focused on her sister, not looking as cheerful as she was. “Celestia!”
Celestia ran faster than Luna. She needed some pony near her. “Oh Luna, it was awful.”
Luna heard her sobbing. It’s the first time she feared for her safety. She felt Celestia squeezing in closer. She watched her wings cast over her. Luna did the same, yet she doesn’t know why Celestia want to shield her, when she’s the one Sect tried to kill.
“Should we give them space?” Brave Lance asked to Dark Spear.
He stared silently at Brave Lance. They didn’t bother speak.
“We should go back to Canterlot,” suggested Luna.
Celestia agreed. They spread their wings and flew back home.
“This was a hard blow for the princess,” sympathised Applejack.
“What do we do now?” Twilight asked to Brave Lance.
“We better keep on finding the rest of Sect,” he answered.
Rainbow Dash landed near brave Lance. “Why did you leave Jack Bauer behind? He could have been helpful.”
Dark Spear decided to answer her. “It appears the unicorns used their magic to find them. And we forgotten about him.”
Jack noticed Dark Spear’s embarrassment. He didn’t care at all.
Alpha approached from a different entrance. He observed both princesses and Sigma. “They’re beginning to know our existence.”
Sigma didn’t turn around, he knew Alpha’s behind him. “We know it’s not just those ESTC sneaks. Celestia’s saviours are catching on.”
“Saviours? That’s an understatement.” Zeta dropped in followed by Epsilon.
Alpha expected Beta to arrive. He didn’t think those two will appear. Zeta and Epsilon were skilful and crafty.
“Beta told us to come. He’s preoccupied right now,” explained Epsilon.
Alpha glanced at the castle. “He’s with the princesses?”
“It’s confidential. He told us that he’s coming in close to Celestia’s and Luna’s minds.” It wasn’t a good reason to Epsilon’s knowledge, it’s the best way he could interpret.
Alpha knew Beta isn’t like him. He sees him like a duplicate than an original. He sees most of Sect as a mix of strong and weak changelings.
“Any word on the crates?” Zeta asked.
“Haven’t heard about them during my shift. Most likely they’ll arrive on schedule. Did hear that a human came to the post office, after the ESCT arrived. Correct me if I’m wrong, he’s the one who killed Mu,” Epsilon explain.
Sigma wanted to know Beta’s intent. He just stood up and left. He shapeshifted into one of the royal guards. Alpha didn’t tell him to stop. Zeta couldn’t think about why he let him go to the castle.
“Why are you letting him go to the princesses?” Zeta raised his voice.
“I don’t like the idea of Beta going undercover behind our backs. We have to follow orders that are given to us.”
“But aren’t you the leader?”
“Don’t think Sect needs one.”
There wasn’t any need for stealth. Although Sigma had to search around for the princess’ bedroom, he’s reluctant to ask any of the guards. He waited for Beta to exit the room. He watched him leave, just before stopping.
“Sigma?” surprised Beta.
“Listen to me,” informed Sigma. “It’s nice you’re doing nice eyeing on them. Less you know, it’s not your job to enter Canterlot and finish the job. We have to finish the mission and not a single backfire should distract us.”
Beta felt his frustrations pounding his head. He thought all ponies of Sect can choose their tasks freely. He started thinking Sigma’s intimidation is an example of preventing any pony from going ahead.
“I wasn’t planning on killing them, if that’s what you’re thinking,” grunted Beta.
Sigma saw Beta as a nuisance. “Both royal sisters know of our existence and are helping ESTC. That failed assassination already alerted them.”
Sigma walked around Beta, just to prevent him from re-entering the bedroom. Despite the door closed, Luna leaned against the door, listening on the conversation.
“Don’t try pulling a stunt again, we will make ESTC’s job easier,” warned Sigma.
“You’re not serious. Why don’t we just confess and everything will be at peace?” said Beta.
Sigma revealed his changeling horn. He couldn’t take it anymore. “It’s at times where a difficult job just became easier.”
Beta watched a green bolt fly into his eyes. He no longer stood on his hooves. He watched everything around him disappear. Sigma left the corpse behind while he departed.
Celestia’s still shaken from seeing a changeling die. Her memories of her trapped in a cocoon, during Shining Armour and Cadance’s wedding, didn’t haunt her at all. Celestia curled up in her bed. She tried to sleep, she had trouble keeping her eyes closed. Luna climbed on the bed. She lied next to her to keep her company.
A figure watched them from outside the window. It vanished quickly while the princesses weren’t looking. It looked as though it knew it's the figure's fault.
The following takes place between 9:00pm and 10:00pm
In Twilight’s Castle, Brave Lance, Dark Spear and Jack Bauer, discussed on what they know. Mane 6 and Spike listened in, they’re aware of Sect’s existence and want to know more. They gathered around a table with ESTC’s records of their findings. Jack examined the symbols that each member of Sect wore on their flanks.
“They’re letters of the Greek alphabet,” Jack explained.
“How did you know?” Spike asked.
“We have different languages back home. They’re twenty-four letters, now there are twenty-three left.”
Dark Spear placed his hood on his ear. He’s receiving a message from another ESTC agent. He has a minute earphone. He told them he’s been an update. “They found Beta’s dead body outside of Princess Celestia’s bedroom.”
“Which makes that twenty-two,” said Rainbow Dash.
“Does the princess know?” asked Twilight.
“Apparently he’s killed quickly and painlessly,” Dark Spear replied.
Brave Lance stroke a line across Mu and Beta’s names, along with their Greek letters. During their years of investigating and maintenance, ESTC slowly gathered their names. Sect’s very secretive like them, which prevented them from finding every one of them.
“Hope Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo are OK,” worried Applejack.
“They’re fine. Besides they’re under those ponies’ protection.” Pinkie Pie did her best to comfort her.
Twilight’s worried about Celestia. This was her first time seeing her in a state of fear. She pictured her as a faithful ruler. It’s like she’s taking her for granted.
“Are you alright Twilight?” Fluttershy asked.
“Yes,” Twilight spoke worryingly. “It’s that I haven’t seen Princess Celestia in this predicament.”
Dark Spear and Brave Lance read through the list of items being delivered. They began to wonder why the post office of all places. They could have delivered whatever they’re planning secretly.
“Their cargo’s disguised as art supplies? Can’t say I’m surprised,” said Brave Lance.
“We can already imagine what Sect will do to use them,” replied Dark Spear.
Spike felt a sudden rumble in his stomach. It slowly climbed up his oesophagus, it felt like a lump. When it reached his throat, Spike leaned his head back. He shot forward, breathing green fire from his mouth. A navy orb floated in midair and landed on the table.
Brave Lance and Dark Spear became cautious. They rarely saw a dragon cough up an orb. Another reason is the swirling clouds in it. A pair of eyes emerged, opening its eyelids, revealing dark green iris. They stood there in surprise.
“I had no idea I can send and receive orbs,” said Spike.
“Dark Spear, Brave Lance, it’s a pleasure to meet at last.” It spoke in a deep, brooding voice.
“You’re the leader?” Applejack asked.
“Already jumping the gun, that whoever’s speaking is a leader.”
Applejack took it as an insult.
“Sect doesn’t have a leader,” Brave Lance told them. “They work democratically. They rely on each other.”
“Glad to see you’re teaching them something that they don’t,” said the voice.
“Are going to explain why you’re here, or are you going to keep taunting us?” Rainbow Dash asked.
Pinkie Pie began to feel excited. “Can’t wait to see the villain’s master plan.”
“How could you be excited?” Rarity asked.
“We’ll get to see why they’re terrorising Equestria.”
Brave Lance and Dark Spear were speechless. They never saw a pony this stimulated.
“I knew you have a human companion, helping with your deeds. Killing off one of our own caused quite a stir,” the voice continued.
“Are going to tell us what you want or are you going to explain today’s news?” asked Spike.
The eyelids lowered, making them half closed, and shifted to Spike. It didn’t scare him, he just twiddled his fingers and smiled. The eyes returned to the centre of the orb and opened its eyelids. “Our loyal members are presently incarcerated in ESTC’s custody. Release them and we won’t bring any harm. Since we don’t get along with authorities, this job goes to those six.”
Dark spear began to worry. “They’re getting smarter. It’s like they already know everything.”
“Why us?” Twilight asked.
“It’s not just for Equestria’s sake.” The eyes went behind the clouds revealing, Tank, Opalescence, Angel Bunny, Gummy, Owlowiscious and Winona held captive.
They all gasped. Rarity screamed the most. “Opal?! Let her go fiend!”
Rainbow Dash stopped her from charging. “Hold it Rarity. You don’t want to lose it.”
“Release our pets now!” shouted Applejack.
“Complete our demand and we will. Don’t bother bringing ESTC, otherwise your pet animals will be our own. Bring Iota, Omicron, Tau and Nu to Ponyville in thirty minutes. I’ll be sending ponies to watch over.”
Dark Spear couldn’t hold it inside. He spent his life hunting Sect. He didn’t give any thought. “No amount of your kind will keep us from free will.”
“Now I know why that chose use and not them.” Pinkie Pie sneaked over to Twilight, just to talk quietly in her ear.
“Our reign will overshadow Equestria’s own.” The eyes closed before being engulfed by the clouds. The orb glowed and disappeared leaving no trace.
“What did he mean by that?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“They want to change Equestria’s ways by becoming a new monarch,” explained Brave Lance.
Jack heard it all before, he knew there’s a political side of this fantasy world. For a place with magic and talking equines, it has a long history. He became more interested in Equestria. Not just for stopping the threat, it’s also for going inside everything about it. He can see through the ponies’ reactions to any danger.
While Rarity got overdramatic, Fluttershy grew worried about Angel. Her eyes began fill up. “They have Angel. They going to hurt him and I feel helpless.”
Jack watch Fluttershy break down and cry. He saw the other ponies busy talking, not noticing one of her friends in distress. He couldn’t let her sob while nobody notices.
“Fluttershy? You’re OK?”
“Don’t know,” sniffed Fluttershy.
“Angel means a lot to you, doesn’t he?”
“Yes Jack. I also fear for the other’s pet’s lives, I’m more concerned about mine. For once this is where I find myself the most helpless.”
“You’re not helpless. You’re just shocked from seeing Angel in Sect’s captivity.” Jack couldn’t find another way of helping her, this was the best he can do.
“What made you say that?”
“I had years of experience with CTU and seen shocking events. There comes a price when you try to save lives.” Jack wiped the tears from her eyes.
Fluttershy slowly felt better. She’s glad she’s the first pegasus to find Jack. She hugged him and whispered into his ear. “I’m glad we got to know each other.”
Jack slowly placed his arms around her. He pretended that it’s his daughter Kim. “Could you do something for me?”
“What is it Jack?”
“Whenever you see your friend in peril, will you think of me and be brave?” Jack never gave an anecdote like this in his life.
“I will,” she said quietly.
Twilight noticed them and wondered what’s going on. “Is something wrong?”
“Just talking,” said Fluttershy.
Brave Lance told them the plan. “Listen, here’s what you’ll do.”
9:25pm
Once they released Iota, Tau, Nu and Omicron, they had collars linked to each other. Brave Lance and Dark Spear attached them to their necks. They’re made to prevent them from injuring the Mane 6. They’re attached to each other so if one goes, the rest will follow.
They arrived at Ponyville, just a few minutes earlier. They felt nervous, they don’t how it’s going turn out. Phi, Sigma and Rho arrived with the pets. They have them in custom-made force fields.
“OK, here’s what we’ll do. You’ll bring our pets while bring your pal from Sect. At the same time. And no funny stuff, believe me that’s my speciality.”
“Based on your cutie mark we can see why,” said Rho.
Iota brought the pets and Applejack brought ESTC’s captives. Once they met each other, Iota deactivated the force fields, Applejack unlocked the collars. All the pets ran to their respective owners. Nu, Tau, Iota and Omicron just rejoined the others.
“Since when do know how to use those collars?” asked Phi.
“We had help from Brave Lance and Dark Spear. Hope you’re familiar with them.” Rarity embraced Opal while angrily at them.
Sigma used his horn to scan them. He found nothing on them. “They’re clean.”
“Good to know that they’ve taken our word. Otherwise we would have to double cross,” Phi spoke grimly.
“So you won’t double cross? No way of keeping our pets while you keep your pals?” Pinkie Pie asked while staring closely into Phi’s eyes.
“No, just don’t come closer and get this crocodile off my wing.” He found Gummy gnawing at his wing.
“Actually he’s an alligator,” corrected Pinkie.
They watched them disappear via Omicron’s magic. Even though they got their pets back, something’s amiss. Jack came out from hiding behind a house. “I’m surprised they didn’t see me.”
“Apparently they care about ESTC more than you,” theorised Twilight.
9:43pm
“Tau?” Sigma asked. “Have you noticed some pony’s watching us?”
“Unless you’re talking about those guards, not a chance,” Tau answered.
“What is it you’re telling us?” Omicron wondered.
“When I was undercover in Celestia’s castle, I saw a figure swoop pass a window. It was watching both alicorn sisters.”
“Do you think it might have something to do with us?” Nu shapeshifted to different ponies to demonstrate their powers.
They all agreed on his theory.
The following takes place between 10:00pm and 11:00pm
It’s a relief seeing their pets unharmed. They decided to have them under ESCT protection. They’re relocated in ESCT headquarters. After the break in, they increased security and changed protocol.
Rainbow Dash eyed on Brave Lance and Dark Spear. She had a bone to pick with them. The others can see she’s filled with rage.
“Why did have to take over Wonderbolt Academy?” Rainbow Dash shouted.
“That wasn’t us,” denied Brave Lance.
“Tell that to Spitfire. She’s devastated.”
Dark Spear tried to calm her down. “Obviously Sect took siege of Wonderbolt Academy, pretending to be us.”
“It’s likely they’ll use the Wonderbolts against us,” theorised Twilight.
Jack rubbed his head. He remembered earlier, he and Rainbow Dash met one of them. He began to accept the way things work in the world of Equestria. He immediately jumped in on the conspiracy with Sect.
“Or probably they’re weakening their defences,” said Jack.
Some of the ponies didn’t think it’s possible. Jack explained more. “The Wonderbolts are like the air force. I think they’re removing Equestria’s defences, just to leave Ponyville and any other place, open for a surprise attack.”
They couldn’t find another reason for Sect’s motive.
“The Wonderbolts aren’t like the air force. They’re an aerobics team,” Rainbow Dash informed Jack.
“There’s definitely a reason behind it,” said Applejack.
“The Wonderbolts are not who you think they are.” Pinkie became sneaky. “They could be working for Sect the whole time!”
Jack leaned to Applejack. “Does she always act that way?”
“You’ll get the hang of her behaviour Mr. Bauer,” Applejack answered.
Dark Spear hesitated, he believes that ESCT’s compromised. He’s hoping Brave Lance is thinking the same. “We should go and see Spitfire.”
After going outside, Jack saw something appear on Twilight. Her wings flapped up and spread evenly. He’s suddenly abashed. “You didn’t tell me you’re an alicorn.”
“I’ve been using a spell that makes me look like a unicorn before I became a princess,” explained Twilight.
“You miss being a unicorn?”
“A smidge.”
He grabbed onto Twilight, while Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash waited for Rarity and Applejack to grab on. They immediately took flight. Pinkie Pie jumped and landed on Fluttershy. She felt a huge increase in weight.
10:19pm
Crates containing the items Sect need, arrived in a warehouse, waiting for impending delivery. Handled by the Griffon Express. An inspector checked the boxes, he didn’t find anything suspicious.
Underneath the supplies in the crates, were magical artefacts. They’ve been shielded to avoid them from going off.
10:22pm
A member of Sect, a unicorn named Lambda, inspected Tau for any trackers. He checked Omicron, Nu and Iota, they’re all clean. He’s surprised ESCT didn’t bother try to find their hidden location.
“There’s no need to use that disguise. They already know,” Iota told Lambda.
Lambda created a light green cylinder barrier around him, transforming him into a changeling. “After that botched attempt at Shining Armour and Cadance’s wedding, our faithful ruler disappeared. Thought it’s an excuse to live the rest of the equines.”
All of Sect are changelings. The one difference is they have letter of the Greek alphabet as cutie marks. They weren’t part of Queen Chrysalis’ plan of ruling Equestria. They’re much older than an average changeling. They can change into different ponies, instead of impersonating a real one. They can choose their own appearances, type of equine, and their voices.
“Wonder why Alpha killed Beta,” thought Nu.
“Good thing their feud has ended. Yet we still don’t get what it’s about. It’s basically a secret agenda,” answered Omicron.
10:27
Dark Spear immediately noticed what’s been going on at Wonderbolt Academy. He spotted the ponies wearing similar uniforms. They didn’t take notice of him or Brave Lance. None of them were concerned or taking notice of what’s going on for past hour or so. Rainbow Dash was the first to arrive at Spitfire’s office.
She saw Spitfire lying on her desk. She’s using it as a place to sleep; she had nothing to do. She opened her eyes after hearing the door open. She’s glad to see Rainbow Dash. When Brave Lance and Dark Spear came in, she prepared for an assault. Luckily Dash prevented her from charging.
“Before you make any sudden outburst, they did not take hold of the academy.” Rainbow Dash raised her hooves as a sign of the two ESCT ponies not being a threat.
Spitfire spotted some differences with the armour Dark Spear and Brave Lance are wearing, and the armour the ponies wore when they occupied the academy. She controlled her temper, retaining herself from attacking them.
“They came to see why would members of ESCT came here, just to take hold of the academy,” explained Rainbow Dash.
“I can tell by the uniform.” Spitfire pointed to Dark Spear’s getup.
Brave Lance looked at another armoured pony, noticing the oddities with his armour. He pushed them in the room, closing the door behind them. He spoke in a low, quiet voice.
“You don’t want to speak loudly, Sect’s using the Wonderbolts to weaken Equestria’s defences.”
Spitfire didn’t know what he’s saying. She didn’t see the Wonderbolts as a military force. There’s clearly more to tell. She listened to hear more instead of trying to deny Brave’s statement.
Jack told Spitfire about Sect’s reason for using Wonderbolt Academy. “We believe it is Sect’s first step.”
“Step in what?”
“We do not know, but we believe they want to weaken Equestria.”
Pinkie Pie jumped in. “You don’t have to worry, we got a human who can help you.”
Jack felt frustrated with Pinkie exploiting his duty. The hysteria is what prevented him from restraining any pony. He wished it will end.
“How are we going to get rid of the problem?” Spitfire asked.
“We need to find the others,” said Rainbow Dash.
“Soarin and Fleetfoot are in the detention cells. They rebelled against the changes Sect made.”
“And I thought I was the hot-headed one.”
Jack looked at the map of the entire academy. He peeked out the door and window. “I have a plan and it’s going to involve all of you.”
Derpy arrived at the front door. She knocked at the door. One of the impersonating ponies answered.
“Letter for Spitfire,” Derpy said in a polite voice. “Also a package for the Wonderbolts.”
The pony took both letter and package. When asked to sign, he used a fake name. Derpy flew away and just as she descended, she covered her ears with her hooves.
He brought it over to the Soarin and Fleetfoot, the other Wonderbolts were in the cells as well. He hands Soarin the package. He shook it; he first thought it’s a pie, he wanted to break out so bad, that he didn’t raise any hopes.
“Any idea what’s in it?” asked Fleetfoot.
“We’ll just see.” Soarin ripped it open.
Gas masks and a piece of paper were inside. Fleetfoot read it. “In about ten seconds after reading this, we’ll be setting up bust. Use the shackles on the bars and apply the masks.”
They tossed the masks and put them on. Once they counted down to one, when smoke grenades flew in. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy used their wings to spread the smoke, aided by Cloudchaser and Flitter.
Pinkie Pie used her party cannon to stun the ponies from Sect. Applejack charged, knocking them down like bowling pins. Twilight and Jack entered wearing gas masks, trying to find the keys to the cells. They managed to free them and entered the main hall.
After the smoke cleared, all of the Mane 6 rejoined, along with Cloudchaser and Flitter.
“Good job every pony,” said Spitfire.
Applejack looked at Jack. “How did you know that smoke grenades will work?”
“He’s worked for CTU for years. He knows this stuff,” said Rainbow Dash. “It’s also nice to see Rarity use magic besides for creating fashion.”
“Why choose Rarity?” Twilight asked. “I more experienced with magic.”
Rarity smiled. Jack persuaded her to tell. “It wasn’t easy. Jack gave me a description of what he needed. He thought I should be given a chance to try something out of my comfort zone.”
“At least got the Wonderbolts…” Rainbow Dash only saw Spitfire, Soarin and Fleetfoot. “…three of them?!”
The rest of the Wonderbolts stood still, staring at them. They were giving evil smiles and their eyes were glowing. The imposing ponies trotted in, they have control over them. Rainbow Dash noticed something suspicious. She looked at one of them. She pounded one on the head with her hoof, causing its disguise to wear off.
“Changeling!” she exclaimed.
They rest changed to their original forms. Jack can see he and the ponies are outnumbered, he slowly reached for his gun. Even though he doesn’t have enough bullets to kill them all, he wasn’t planning on shooting them. He came up with a different plan. He unlinked a belt with the last of the smoke grenades. Instead of pulling the pins, he put his gun on one, while keeping the rest in straight line.
“When I give the word, run,” Jack told Spitfire.
The changelings were ready to attack. The brainwashed Wonderbolts were ready too. Jack placed his finger on the trigger. “Go!”
He fired around, exploding all the grenades creating a cloud of smoke. Jack ran out of the academy and grabbed onto Spitfire. Soarin carried Applejack, Fleetfoot carried Rarity and Pinkie Pie jumped on Twilight Sparkle. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy chose Brave Lance and Dark Spear.
Spitfire marched to Jack. Instead of thanking him, she threw a fit. “Explain why we had to retreat. We could have taken them-”
“There were too many of them,” interrupted Jack. “If they capture us, we won’t be able to determine Sect’s motive for ruining Equestria.”
“He’s right,” said Rainbow Dash. “We need a plan.”
“How did you know they were changelings?” Spitfire asked Dash.
“We had a run-in with them at a wedding.”
She told her about the changeling invasion at Cadance and Shining Armour’s wedding.
“I think I should tell you that the changelings who are part of Sect, are your typical changelings,” added Rarity.
“You’re right,” agreed Fluttershy. “The changelings from Sect have their own voices and can change into different ponies rather than duplicating.”
“Any word on the changeling queen?” Spitfire asked.
“It appears she and her army might be under their grasp,” theorised Jack.
The following takes place between 11:00pm and 12:00am
It may be late at night, this didn’t stop Spike arranging some books. He’s trying to make like the library, before it got destroyed. He found an orb, similar to the one he spat out. He held it, feeling its weight. It wasn’t heavy even though it’s made of glass.
“I wonder,” thought Spike.
He wanted to check on Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. He couldn’t walk in ESCT and ask to see them. He had to go through clearance, which may take a long time.
He checked through one of the books to see how the orb works. He didn’t bother wonder why it’s there. He found the chapter on how to work it. He gazed into the swirling clouds. “I wish to speak to the Cutie Mark Crusaders.”
Another orb emerged and flew into his mouth. He swallowed with a gulp, followed by a burp. “Easier to digest than that homemade gem tart.”
Apple Bloom’s already asleep, sharing the same room with Sweetie belle and Scootaloo. The orb managed to pass every security personnel. It entered their room. Spike’s head emerged from the clouds. He tried to wake them without raising his voice too high. “Apple Bloom? Sweetie Belle? Scootaloo?”
He repeated their names, until they opened their eyes. A though came to his head. He wondered why the Cutie Mark Crusaders called it a house. They’ve been calling it a house, shortly after it replaced the library; courtesy of Tirek. He didn’t see it as something weird about the fillies.
“Spike?” Apple Bloom rubbed her eyes after hearing Spike’s voice.
“Hi, just checking on how you’re doing,” Spike replied.
“Where did you get that orb?”
“Found it in the new castle, or house you call it.” Spike made a small giggle.
“It’s just a slip of the tongue.”
Sweetie Belle climbed out of her bed. Her mane and tail were untidy from sleeping. “If you must know, it feels like a prison. You have every pony watching, the clothes are exactly the same, don’t get me started on the food.”
“What’s more, you get to engage anything exciting.” Scootaloo looked bored.
“You should trying telling them. Yet we don’t know much about them.”
The fillies looked at each other, agreeing with Spike. They haven’t tried asking a pony of ESCT want they want. They had to choose their words carefully though.
“How are Applejack and the others are doing?” Apple Bloom asked.
“They’re doing alright. They’re with Jack. They’re probably worried about you.”
“I just wish it will end soon.” Sweetie Belle’s more worried than the others.
Scootaloo tried to comfort her. She spoke softly, trying to cheer her up. “It will be OK.”
Spike can see they have each other. He wanted to know what’s going on. He’s certain they wanted to know as well. All he can do is wait for them to return.
He heard doors opening. He’s glad to see them return. He immediately faced the orb, feeling excited. “They’re back!”
The fillies huddled near the orb. Spike saw them taking one third of the sphere. Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Rarity ran after hearing those familiar voices.
Spike felt a shove, making him flew towards one of the thrones. He rubbed his head after it slammed hard. “And I thought queueing up for the latest Daring Do book was a painful experience.”
Jack’s impressed when he entered. Everything’s made of crystal. In all his life he rarely saw anything magical. He rarely had a chance to break away from reality from all the trouble he made, loved ones he had to save, breaking the rules to achieve what he needed, getting into trouble with numerous superiors and political figures, both reliable and corrupted.
Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Applejack kept pushing each other, just to see their favourite fillies. Dash tried to see them via levitating. Rarity used her magic to carry the orb. Applejack used her apple bucking skills from head on charging to hind leg kicking.
Apple Bloom stopped them after raising her voice. “Hey! Can’t you just give some space? It’s an orb after all.”
They each looked at one part of the orb. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo surrounded the other orb.
“Hey sugarcube,” Applejack said to Apple Bloom. “How are you doing?”
“We’re alright. Though it’s quite boring.”
“You’re telling me, your clothes are… blah!” Rarity couldn’t keep her eyes off the clothes the Crusaders were wearing. They wore white overalls with grey shading.
“They picked the clothes not us,” replied Sweetie Belle.
Twilight came to Spike, who’s rubbing his head while getting to his feet. “Spike, where did you find this orb?”
“I have no idea. I arranged some books when I found it in near one of the chests. It’s similar to the one I coughed out.”
“There weren’t any of them when we first came in.” Twilight grew suspicious.
Dark Spear confronted Jack. “We need to talk.”
Jack followed him to where Brave Lance was waiting near the lake.
11:15pm
Jack now knew the world of Equestria. He didn’t think Lance and Spear brought him outside, just to tell him the consequence of his actions. He’s used to hearing the outcome of his doings. The lake he’s going to is in between Ponyville and the Everfree Forest.
“We brought you here because we know you’re our reliable ally.” “Our sources say that the leader of the changelings is in Equestria as we speak,” Brave Lance told Jack.
“You think the leader has a connection with Sect?” Jack asked.
“We don’t think so. It’s likely the changelings in Sect aren’t your typical kind,” said Dark Spear.
Jack’s wondering why they’re telling him. He thought the other ponies should know about it. They fought changelings before. “Don’t you think they should know about this? They know what a changeling is and what it can do.”
Dark Spear thought Jack is not getting it. He understood what Jack’s saying, yet he has an agenda. “Jack, our ancestors have been protecting Equestria from Sect. They’ve been foiling their plans since the very beginning. Giving vital information to average equines, who aren’t up to our level, raises the possibility of placing them in danger.”
“We’re different from your average unicorn, pegasus and pony. We have superior intellect. We couldn’t risk putting the innocent in a dangerous situation. Witnessing loved ones die with blood on their hooves.” Brave Lance is more reasonable to Jack than Dark Spear.
“It’s vital that no pony will participate,” Dark Spear said gravely.
“They helped the Wonderbolts,” Jack protested.
“That’s because we managed to help them with no harm. We know what Sect can bring to harm every pony.”
Jack turned and walked. It looked like he’s about to quit. He stopped to give them a reminder. “I understand your concerns. As for the situation we’re in right now, it’s not me who makes the final decisions.”
11:30pm
Sigma and Tau browsed through the castle. They searched for the figure that spied on Celestia and Luna. The lights were dim, making them difficult to see. Sigma turned on a lamp, right before something jolted past his back.
Tau turned to the stairwell and Sigma followed. They couldn’t risk get caught by who or whatever was tailing them.
“I never thought I should ask, why are we running away?” Sigma asked.
“I think it’s the changeling leader. You know she’ll cream us if we’re caught,” Tau answered.
11:45pm
Jack’s resting in a room. Instead of sleeping with Mane 6, he’s staying in a rented cottage. He looked at his gun. He’ll run out of ammo soon and he doesn’t have magazines on him. He wondered if anybody’s living in the Everfree Forest.
Ponyville is in deep slumber. Jack just walked and entered the forest with ease. He can imagine the ponies having difficulty with their sleep.
He came to Zecora’s hut. He found the door open. He pushed the door more. It’s empty, the cauldron’s bubbling. He pulled his gun. He carefully treaded while avoiding the jars and masks. He hid behind the cauldron before Zecora entered. She carried a basket of sap.
Jack looked up to find Nu. He was aiming his horn directly towards Zecora. He pulled a silencer from his back pocket, installing it on the gun barrel. Instead of warning her, he aimed up and used all of his bullets. Nu struggled to breathe, he watched the cauldron come closer. He landed on the rim with his head.
A blast of energy from the horn hit Jack. He fell over in pain. Zecora rushed to aid. “Why are you in my hut in the night? Other than you saved my life.”
Zecora looked at the wound. “That injury looks severe. I have the medicine right here.”
She reached for the shelf, opened a bottle, emptying its contents on the injured abdomen. Jack watched the wound heal up before his eyes. He had to tell Zecora about Sect. “There’s an organisation planning to cause terror in Equestria. That’s why I came. Though it’s likely Equestria made me.”
“You arrival may be a mistake. But the timing is right now we’re at stake,” said Zecora.
Jack felt baffled about a rhyme-talking zebra. He can tell she’s wise, caring equine. “There’s something you should know. It’s about Celestia.”
11:59pm
Celestia felt relieved, she needed time to recover. Luna’s near the bed comforting her. She can’t imagine why some pony want her dead. “I don’t understand. I don’t know why some pony would resort to killing me. The ruler of Equestria.”
“Knowing who your enemy is the first phase.” A voice Celestia familiarised spoke inside her bedroom.
Luna stood guard. She searched around for the source. She even popped out from under the bed. She pointed her horn near one of the windows, the drapes were partially covering it. “Whoever you are, show yourself. Don’t make me use my horn.”
“I know that voice.” Celestia felt the painful memories coming back.
One of the drapes rolled back. A familiar alicorn emerged from the shadows. “A lot has changed since I first arrived.”
Celestia’s shocked to see... Queen Chrysalis!
The following takes place between 12:00am and 1:00am
Seeing Chrysalis caused Celestia to freeze. The memories of the wedding came rushing back. Luna didn’t move, she will do anything to protect her sister. None of them called the royal guards. They could be changelings impersonating them and this could be a siege. Chrysalis moved from the drape to the bed. Her smile and eyes were the two things Celestia didn’t forget.
“Why have you come?” Celestia tried her best to prevent her experience from distracting her mind.
Chrysalis took her time to answer. She enjoyed watching the sisters’ reaction to her presence. “Been hearing of some changelings running rampant. Whom I recall aren’t under my command anymore.”
“What made you so damn sure?” Luna asked.
“Where were you when your sister’s encased in a cocoon? Finding where all the moon and stars go when the sun comes?”
Luna felt taunted, she fired a beam of magic, only to have it deflected by Chrysalis’ magic.
“Luna, don’t let her get to you,” Celestia told Luna.
“Is she going to tell us more about the changelings, or is she going to enter our heads and screw them?” Luna retorted.
Chrysalis had enough enjoyment for herself. “After my failed attempt in ruling Equestria, my army slowly split. They weren’t leaving just to live with the citizens of Ponyville. I’ve noticed is the colour scheme. At first, it looked like they had trouble turning back to their original form. I had to work my wings off to aid them. Those minions can be unpredictable, then they got smarter.”
“Smarter? In what way?” Celestia asked.
“Some analysed my flaws and some planned to stab me in the back. Luckily I had some servants giving me the heads up. Later on, they left before they’re discharged from the swarm. Then came the news of Sugarcube Corner Robbery. I may seem like a random event, unless it’s done as a… ruse.”
“Those ponies who tried to rob the Cakes were the rogue changelings.” Luna replied.
“Sadly not part of Sect. Which I thought was just a folklore to scare fillies. Though I do enjoy telling it.” Chrysalis lower her eyelids until they’re half-closed and smiled.
It’s unknown to Celestia if Chrysalis wanted revenge. She doesn’t know anything about the queen of the swarm. Not giving Luna any information about them was a definite misstep. She could have helped her at the royal wedding. Instead Shining Armour and Cadance’s power of love saved them. She didn’t ask her sister where she was or why she didn’t help.
“There’s no need to offer any help. ESCT and Jack Bauer are all we need.” Luna tried to gain authority.
Chrysalis’ wasn’t easily intimidated and her mood remained the same. “Both of you need me. I’m sure your student and her friends will agree with you. After all, you’re Equestria’s ruler. You’re unaware they’re taking you for granted. Probably because you’re stuck at being a princess. They look down on you, the one who makes the decisions.”
She managed to make Celestia come to her senses. Chrysalis continued her anecdote. “You’re still a princess and yet haven’t stepped up. I’m a queen and not for power reasons. You haven’t been taken anything serious recently.”
“I have taken things seriously.” Celestia tried to protest in her defence.
“After Twilight and her friends met for the first time.”
“How did you know?”
“News spreads quickly in Equestria.”
Celestia wasn’t certain if Chrysalis is right about her status. Changing rank might go against those who look up to her. Sure Luna will still be a princess, Celestia is the one they turn to first.
12:10am
Jack explained what’s been going on in Ponyville. Zecora began to worry, but quickly change her emotion.
“This may seem unorthodox, can you give me unlimited ammo?” Jack asked.
Zecora looked at the gun. He showed her the magazine with the remaining bullets. She didn’t have any doubts. She grabbed a spell book, to find the right spell. “I know you’re a good person Jack. With Twilight and her friends, they got your back.”
She concocted a brew. Jack watched her pour in liquids, crushed plants, and stirred them in a cauldron. It simmered to boil.
“I have to place my gun in there?” Jack asked.
Zecora nodded. He dropped the gun and magazine full of bullets in the cauldron. He had to wait for a few minutes. Time isn’t Jack ally. He spent half of a full day in Equestria. Every minute counts.
Zecora reached in and pulled the gun. She carefully handed it over. Jack cocked the gun, pulled the trigger more than eight times. The gun didn’t click. Zecora covered her ears when Jack aimed. Ten holes in the roof showed a full moon. Jack gave an apology. “Sorry about your roof. I think I should go back.”
“Whenever you’re in dismay, come visit any day,” Zecora told Jack before he left.
He arrived back at the cottage. Sleep wasn’t what he’s planning. In every crisis, he doesn’t sleep until it’s resolved. When he entered, Fluttershy’s already inside. “How did you get in?”
“Your door’s unlocked.” Fluttershy looked worried.
“What is it you want?” Jack can see her looking worried.
It’s difficult for Fluttershy to explain. Jack wasn’t impatient, he waited for her to speak. “I saw an alicorn fly to Canterlot. It landed in the castle where Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are. I told the others about it, they’re probably too tired to listen.”
“Are the princesses in danger?”
“Not likely. I’m just worried that’s all.”
Jack can see her looking timid. It reminded him of his daughter Kim, at a young age. He reached over, trying to hug her. Fluttershy didn’t try to make him stop. She found it awkward.
“Why are you hugging me?” she asked.
“You remind me of somebody back home.” Jack nearly felt embarrassed, not for hugging a pegasus.
“Do you think they’re worried that you’re missing?”
“I have no idea. My cell phone has no range and I don’t what time it is there. Guess we’ll know once this is over.”
Jack went to the door, insisting Fluttershy to come with him. “Maybe your friends will listen when I explain.”
Fluttershy smiled.
“How much coffee did she drink?” asked Applejack.
“None. She’s been like this when we slept,” said Rainbow Dash.
Two guards stood in front of the royal bedroom. It’s very silent inside, it seemed calm. Jack didn’t think everything’s alright. “I like to speak to the princesses.”
The guards didn’t recognise him at first.
“Are you the one who saved Princess Celestia from a changeling?” one of the guards asked.
“Yes I am.”
“Proceed.” The other guard opened the door.
“Should we go in in as well?” asked Rarity.
“I think it’s best we wait. Besides, I need to sleep,” yawned Twilight.
“Good idea,” agreed Fluttershy.
Jack entered the bedroom to see Luna and Celestia on the bed. He couldn’t see anybody else. Celestia covered her head with her hoof. Luna told Jack about Chrysalis. “I’ll be outside.”
“Shouldn’t you be with her?” Jack asked.
“I think you should talk to her. You experienced turmoil before… you give words of encouragement.”
After Luna left the room, Jack didn’t ask on how did she knew of his past. He sat next to Celestia, he heard her crying quietly. “Your majesty? Is something the matter?”
“I don’t know who I am. I don’t even know if I’m rightful enough to rule Equestria.”
“Is this got to do what Fluttershy told me?”
Celestia’s confused at first, then Jack told her about what Fluttershy saw. “She thought you were in danger. Her friends are outside.”
“Did Twilight and friends end up saving the day?” Jack couldn’t believe he said that sentence.
“Only Cadance and Shining Armour’s love for each other stopped the swarm.”
“And you?”
“Trapped in a cocoon after being struck down.”
Celestia cried after she finished talking. Jack rarely saw a leader break down, after remembering a past experience with an enemy. He didn’t know how to help the leader of a magical land with talking equines and other creatures. Jack tried his best to comfort her.
“Things have been rough I know. I’ve seen tragic events on the field, and made tough decisions. All I can do is try to show I’m not stopping.”
“She also said I should have greater power.”
“By doing what?”
“Becoming queen.”
Jack didn’t see as a big deal. “Changes can be scary, but you must learn to accept them. If you want to show that you can be powerful, respectful, and not taken for granted, this is the first step.”
Celestia’s eyes leaked rapidly. “Do you think they’ll like me as a queen?”
“It’s not just the status alone, it’s to show you got what it takes, to show full responsibility. I met leaders who coped with obstacles. Whether it’s based on my actions, or world changing events. If your parents were around, they would probably tell you they faced the same turmoil as other prior.”
Celestia felt better. She didn’t bother wipe her eyes. She placed her head over Jack’s shoulder. Her wings acted as arms, wrapped around him. “OK Jack, I’ll take your word.”
Jack’s glad to see her smile. Before he left, he stroked her mane, just to see what it feels like.
Luna rushed to Jack once he exited the room. “So Jack, is my sister alright?”
He saw the other ponies wanting to know too. “She will be, we had a talk.”
“What is it about?”
“Becoming Queen Celestia of Equestria.”
The following takes place between 1:00am and 2:00am
Already thirteen hours have past. Sect has gone into deep water. Phi wondered how they’ll deliver the hoof cannons. He knew they were just a ploy, keeping from any pony of Equestria, figuring out their real intent. Chi, a changeling disguised as a pony, believes him. How did Jack and Pinkie, find the crate in the middle of Ponyville baffled them. It’s like some pony put it there on purpose.
Chi changed back to his original form. All of Ponyville is pretty much in bed. It’s unknown if any of them had difficulty in sleeping, especially after that assault on Celestia.
“For the first time in a millennium, we’ve been had,” Chi sighed.
Phi gave a snarky remark. “And the first time a human is causing our calamity.”
They don’t know why some pony would leave a crate in the open. An innocent citizen could have opened it, gave them away for bits and gems, kill a loved one, or injure unsuspecting bystander. The hoof cannons weren’t used to hurt anybody.
“Wonder if the ponies at the robbery could help us,” thought Chi. “With one of them being a unicorn, could recreate the portal that brought the human here, and use both world to our whim.”
“ESCT probably has control over the police. They could have tightened up security in every prison.”
Options were already running scarce. Whenever a new one’s brought up, it’s countered by a complication. All that’s left is to continue with the scheme. Preparing for whoever’s trying to get in their way, is another thing to focus.
1:09am
Brave Lance and Dark Spear had to arrange an interrogation with the robbers. Each of them will take turns observing.
A unicorn came in with cuts on his legs. He picked fights with the prisoners. He didn’t look at Brave Lance. He had a black eye one and a cut on the other. They’re so badly injured, they didn’t give him proper vision. He couldn’t open his eyes fully.
“You better cooperate, or you won’t be seeing anything for a long time,” Brave told the prisoner.
“It’s not my eyes I’m worried. I’m concerned if we live another day,” he responded.
Brave Lance’s surprised. The prisoner must have known about Sect’s masterplan. He had to learn more. “Is the robbery a ploy by Sect? Or did you just came up with on your own?”
“We received a letter regarding the crate of hoof cannons. It couldn’t be made by Princess Celestia’s army or Luna’s. They had no crest, so it couldn’t be from the royal guards. It explained we should rob Sugarcube Corner. It didn’t explain why, we just did our job.”
“And that portal in the sky?”
“It was me. I wasn’t thinking straight when we got arrested. I was a grad student in that School for Gifted Unicorns.”
“I had no idea they have grad students.”
“It was a suggestion by Princess Luna. She’s getting praise and forgiveness. She comes around every year for Nightmare Night.”
Brave Lance wanted to get back on the subject. He went down memory lane and quickly shifted. “Who gave you the weapons?”
The unicorn blew back from Brave’s voice. He wasn’t trying to distract him. He too was remembering Nightmare Night. “We didn’t get a name. The crate just dropped in front of us, with a letter telling us to use them. We were flat broke so we used them to rob ponies.”
“Did you learn how to open portals to other dimensions in school?”
He found it odd for Brave Lance, to jump on the topic of portals. “Mainly for transportation.”
“How about accessing other worlds?”
“Unlikely.”
“Do not even try to fool me.” Brave Lance
Dark Spear saw the guard next to him, looking embarrassed. He didn’t care, he liked the guard’s reaction.
The unicorn fell back. Before he hit the floor, he used his magic to break the fall. Mocking him wasn’t his original idea. Interrogating via torture could be worse than fights in prison. Although, he can avoid injury in fights, he can’t escape torture by some pony of high authority.
“Fooling you, is not my strong suite. I’m not the jokey type,” he said.
Brave Lance refrained from his attempted outburst. “Do any of your “friends” know who gave you the weapons?”
“How can they? They’re just as puzzled as I was.”
The hoof cannons couldn’t be property of the royal guard. The unicorn’s too inexperienced to use them. That’s probably why they didn’t use them during the robbery.
“You didn’t pull the trigger, not even once?”
“We loaded them, though we didn’t know how to use them. There weren’t any instructions. It’s almost as though, they presumed we know how to use them. I didn’t think why.”
Dark Spear grew worried, after learning that the robbery’s a ruse by Sect.
1:20am
In the cottage Jack slept in, Twilight grew suspicious. “This must be a threat.”
“Well Sect is made up of rogue changelings,” confirmed Applejack.
Jack disagreed with Twilight. He knew Celestia meeting Chrysalis, made her choose to become queen. “It’s not a threat. Celestia should become queen of Equestria.”
“You’re siding with queen of the mean, green, changing machines?” remarked Rainbow Dash.
“I’m not taking sides. In most monarchs, the eldest sibling must become king or queen, after the passing of their parents.”
“Where did you get this stuff?” asked Twilight.
Jack felt embarrassed to explain. “I used to read bedtime stories to my daughter when she’s a child.”
None of them laughed.
“Why didn’t Celestia become queen of Equestria?” Rarity asked.
“At least Luna can still be a princess once Celestia takes the throne,” said Fluttershy.
“Wait, Luna is Celestia’s younger sister? I thought they’re twins.” Jack’s baffled by this information.
“What made you think they’re twins?” Twilight asked.
“Let’s just say I read different mythologies in high school.” Jack couldn’t get any more embarrassed for revealing more of his past.
“I think Celestia becoming queen is a good thing,” said Pinkie.
The others didn’t know why, so Pinkie explained. “Every pony will look up to her and appreciate her more.”
“Pinkie Pie giving a motivational speech? This will be interesting.” Rainbow Dash sat and watched Pinkie’s showcase.
Pinkie stood at a podium, which came out of nowhere. She leaned into a microphone. “It’s time we see our glorified leader take a stand. We’ve been through difficult times: fighting the changeling swarm, restoring the Crystal Empire, turning Discord back into a statue… and then free him so he can change his ways with Fluttershy.”
Jack didn’t show a positive reaction to the spectacle. “Nice Pinkie, though it’s something Princess Celestia must handle.”
A door suddenly opened and closed. One of the royal guards arrived, he stared at Jack. “Are you Jack Bauer?”
“Who’s asking?” Jack asked.
“We need you to come with us.”
“Why do you want him?” Rarity asked.
“He’s not a member of the royal guard.” Jack drew his gun, cocked it and pushed it against his head.
All the ponies watched Jack put the soldier in a headlock. He leaned against the pony’s ear. “Who are you? Are you with Sect?”
“Fast thinker,” he smirked.
“How did you know he’s a changeling?” Twilight asked.
Jack turned to show a cut on the pony’s leg. Instead of red, his blood is green. The changeling transformed back to its original state. He has the Greek letter Pi as a cutie mark. Pi wiggled his head to avoid strangulation, and so he can speak properly. “Princess Celestia wants to see Jack privately.”
“What have done with her?” Twilight threatened to use magic.
“Nothing. She told me to tell you, to meet her outside Ponyville, near Froggy Bottom Bogg. Alone.”
Jack released him and give him a warning. “Pull a stunt like this again, and you’ll end up like the changeling I killed.”
Pi engulfed in green fire and disappears. Jack decides to leave. Applejack grew suspicious. “It might be a trap.”
“Might as well risk it.”
1:33am
He approached Froggy Bottom Bogg. He found it head-scratching for a rendezvous. He found Celestia near the bog. He had to ensure she’s alright. “You want to speak to me.”
“I couldn’t let any pony see me near Canterlot. I thought this place will be less suspicious.”
Jack noticed something’s off. “You’re not the princess, you’re the changeling queen.”
She engulfed in green flames, revealing Queen Chrysalis. “I was hoping we can talk.”
Jack stood and listened. He didn’t see her as a threat.
The following takes place between 2:00am and 3:00am
It’s already apparent that the confrontation will be secretive. Queen Chrysalis is an enemy of Equestria. She couldn’t reason with Twilight or her friends. They won’t listen to her. Jack knew why she wants to see him. Picking a location outside Ponyville and Canterlot was a good decision for Chrysalis.
Jack didn’t bother use introductions. “You want to see me and can’t be seen by anybody.”
Chrysalis didn’t answer. She gave a look to show he’s right. She regained her composure. “I’ve heard you’re excellent at saving lives.”
“Most of the time. Celestia told me of your attempt to rule Equestria with your swarm.” Jack’s kind enough to avoid tormenting her.
Chrysalis didn’t like being reminded of her failed plan. Though encountering a human made her forget about it. She didn’t bother go with the innocent talk, just to manipulate him for her needs. She can see him as a smart, risk-taking creature. “It’s vital you need to know what I’m about to tell you. You can pass it on to any pony.”
Jack listened well, Chrysalis slowly explained. “My army is slowly depleting. Although we feast on love, we also hunger for more than just that. Whenever a changeling becomes too weak and completely drain, it will have a mind of its own and break away from its leader’s rule. Some of Sect were from past changeling swarms. I fear some of my subjects will do the same.”
“What else do they feed on besides love?”
“Life, both flora and fauna. We rarely do it nowadays, right before that incident in Ponyville.”
“You know anything about the shipping of weapons?”
“We’re suffering from depletion of changelings, and you ask about weapons I know nothing of?”
She nearly became aggressive to Jack. She just reacted instead of thinking first. Jack walked closer, seeing if he calm her down. He regretted in choosing those words. “I’m not trying to intimidate anybody. I’m only telling you there’s more than Sect terrorising Equestria. Those hoof cannons must have a purpose.”
“Then why are you asking me?”
Jack had to come up a good reason. “I’ve been in this world for half a day, and I haven’t been able to keep my head straight.”
Chrysalis moved forward, making eye contact with Jack. She knew he’s having difficulty adapting in a world of equines. Instead of mocking, she gave advice. “Use it to your advantage.”
He didn’t understand it at first. Going along with it, is probably what she meant. He felt he should know more about Equestria. To him, it became an afterthought. “I don’t see how that will help.”
Jack became a difficult person for Chrysalis. He’s more grounded in reality than any pony. He’s more focused on the crisis than exploring a new world. “You’re the only one I can afford putting my faith in. I can’t see any option.”
Jack had to find a way to prevent her from double crossing him. “If we’re going to work together, we should keep our word. In my experience, I’ve seen many people going against us, after making a deal with them.”
Chrysalis didn’t want to betray him. Just from his expression alone, he’s not the guy anybody should play for a fool. She can’t trust any pony else. Only Jack is one she can count on. She lifted her foreleg, acting like an arm. Jack placed his hand on her hoof.
“You don’t want to stab me in back.”
“You don’t want to do the same to me.”
2:19am
An ESCT pony opened the box of hoof cannons. He placed each one in a row, wiping off the straw. He found ammo under a wooden slab. They’re roughly a quarter of the average size and lighter. He carefully dismantled one of the cannons, placing each piece separately from each other. The mechanism is similar to an average firearm.
He took another cannon, loaded it with ammo and brought it to the firing range. He aimed at the target. He pointed with one of his forelegs. He pressed a button on the right side. A cannon ball fired directly towards the centre. It completely trashed the target.
The pony couldn’t believe it packed so much heat. He tested it on Canterlot guards’ weapons, all that’s left is a pile of pieces. He reported immediately to Brave Lance and Dark Spear. They arrived back from the prison.
2:24am
Alpha grew frustrated. ESCT are getting closer to Sect. He had to make a plan. Before he could, Phi flew in unexpectedly. He carried a satchel. He put it on the floor, rubbing his neck.
“Now I know why I didn’t pretend to be a mail carrier,” Phi groaned.
Alpha opened the satchel, revealing an orb. “Where did you get that?”
“I found it in Manehattan.”
“You left Ponyville?!”
“I don’t see it as a big deal. We’re dominating every place in Equestria.”
The orb slowing float in the air. Slowly it glowed and a pair of eyes opened. Phi slightly panicked, Alpha just stood still.
“I want answers,” the voice yelled.
“Answers?” Phi asked.
The eyes shifted to Phi. “There are orbs all over Equestria, A human aiding Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, this ESCT coming closer to the truth. Why haven’t you told me anything?”
Alpha can see Phi in hot water. “We had complications. Some members couldn’t be discreet. Even before that assassination attempt.”
The voice groaned in frustration. Being the mastermind has its limits and flaws. “Do they know the artefacts?”
“Under their radar.”
The eyes in the orb hoped to keep it that way. “Any more slip ups, and I’ll force harsh matters.”
The eyes disappeared in the cloud. On the other end, a mysterious equine finished communicating Alpha and Phi. He shifted to changelings Omega, as a unicorn; Xi, as a pegasus; and Gamma, as a Pony. They’re wearing their disguises. They waited for their master’s orders.
“Learn more of the human. If you have the chance to eliminate him, take it. Be on your guard.”
The three changelings left him alone. He needed privacy.
He gazed upon a cave wall. Engraved are two alicorns, embracing each other. He knew what that image represented. He didn’t want Sect to know about it. Only he and nobody else. Every time he stares at the picture, his mind goes into another state. He planned everything accordingly. It would have gone well if Jack didn’t come into the picture.
2:35am
Jack didn’t want Chrysalis to follow him. They’ll arrest her the moment she’s spotted. He walked to the cottage when two ESCT ponies came to Jack.
“Jack Bauer, you need to come with us.”
“Is it confidential?”
The ponies didn’t answer. They gave him an expression to confirm it.
2:40am
He met Dark Spear and Brave Lance at ESCT headquarters. He can’t assume what they’re going to tell him. He kept his mind in neutral and not make any assumptions. He waited for them to talk. Unlike Earth, he’s unfamiliar with the organisation and how it’s run. If only he knew.
Brave Lance first spoke. “We learned that the hoof cannons aren’t your average, two bit knock offs, found in supermarkets. They’re deadlier than any weapon in Equestria.”
“And I’m the one who should know about it?” Jack wondered why him and not any pony.
“We figured that you’re an expert in coping with weapons of any sort.” Dark Spear answered.
They showed him two hoof cannons: one intact, the other disassembled. Jack found an object glowing inside one of them. He put his hand down the barrel to reach it. He showed them a rock, with the Elements of Harmony carved in.
3am - 4am
The following takes place between 3:00am and 4:00am
None of the ponies could get any sleep, even in their own homes. They met each other in the castle. Their experience with Jack and ESCT bothered them.
“None of you had any sleep?” Twilight asked.
Applejack rubbed her eyes. “Not a snooze. It’s like something’s preventing us from sleeping.”
Rarity stared at her mirror, examining her eyes. “I’m getting wrinkles and bags!” She used her magic to remove them from her skin.
“Have any of you seen Jack?” wondered Rainbow Dash.
“He’s probably do some investigating,” suggested Pinkie Pie.
Fluttershy seemed worried. Being the first equine to find a human, has developed feelings for him. She didn’t what her friends will think if they knew. She’s afraid to show express her feelings to them. “I think I should go and find him. If you… think it’s a good idea.”
Rainbow Dash showed optimism. “He can take care of himself. Even if he’s in danger, he can get out of it.”
Applejack became concerned. “There’s something bothering us though. Don’t you think Jack should rely on others instead of him saving Equestria?”
“What made you say that?” asked Twilight.
Rainbow Dash is on the same level. “I doubt any other pony can stop Sect. ESCT knows who they are and predict their every move.”
“What I’m saying is that he should let them handle the situation. We should send him back to his world.”
Spike, who just came back from the library, noticed something’s wrong. He noticed Applejack’s cutie mark, it’s slowly changing. Instead of jumping in and exposing an imposter, he had to think another way.
“We can’t,” interrupted Twilight. “He’s a reliable asset. He saved Princess Celestia, something ESCT hasn’t tried.”
“Are you questioning…”
“I’m not questioning, I’m addressing.”
Tension is growing between them. Rarity and Rainbow Dash try to stop them. The arguments grew harsh and unstable. Fluttershy couldn’t bear to watch her friends in a fight. She inhaled and exhaled pretty quickly. She felt a slight rage building up inside her. “Stop!”
All of the ponies and Spike stared at Fluttershy. “Look at what you’re doing. You’re arguing at a time all residents of Equestria are in dire need. Instead of trying to stop it, you just debate with no end. It’s like were not friends anymore.”
Fluttershy shed a waterfall of tears before running away. None of the other ponies bothered to go after her.
Spike saw Pinkie crawling on the ceiling. He thought it’s just another one of her goofy antics. He was going to dismiss it until he saw what she carried. He breathed in and out while aiming. He had to have sufficient fire power to reach that high. After inhaling for a fifth time, he blew a long stream of fire. It cindered Pinkie back, causing her to fall.
She landed on the table near the thrones. Twilight saw smoke coming from behind. “Spike! Why did you burn Pinkie?”
“I don’t know to tell you… Do you see Pinkie use that?” Spike showed her a weapon Pinkie was going to us.
“Hey, that’s a hoof cannon,” surprised Rainbow Dash.
Applejack snatched it, placed it on her foreleg, and aiming at them.
“This may come late for saying it: that’s not Applejack,” informed Spike.
He showed them the cutie mark changing. Rho’s disguise faded away. His Greek letter replaced Applejack’s cutie mark. Iota shrugged off his Pinkie Pie getup and joined his comrade. He made a hoof cannon appear with his magic.
“I got this!” Rainbow Dash charged forward before Rho and Iota fired a round each.
She felt blasts of pain on both of her wings. She crashed on the floor head first. Twilight and Rarity rushed over.
3:10am
It’s unbearable for Fluttershy to see an argument. She retreated to her cottage. Her head tucked under her foreleg while lying on her bed. The animals watched her sob. Angel Bunny sat beside her.
Jack was heading to the castle. He carried the rock from the hoof cannon he opened. He wanted to see of the Mane 6 knew anything about it. He stopped after hearing Fluttershy crying. It could be his chance of asking her, hearing the sobs changed his objective. He couldn’t let a pegasus cry all night.
He came inside to Fluttershy’s bed. Angel Bunny tried all he can to help. When he saw Jack, he left to give him a try.
“Fluttershy?” Jack spoke in a soft voice.
She lifted her head after feeling Jack’s hand touching her mane. Seeing Jack gave her relief. “Jack.”
“Is something the matter?”
“Yes, my friends are arguing. I couldn’t bear to watch. They’re concerned about you than what’s going on. I yelled at them and ran. I couldn’t take it anymore. It’s they’re no longer friends.”
She leaped and embraced Jack. He’s suddenly reminded of when he looked after Kim, before his wife died. He’s glad Fluttershy found him first when he stumbled in Equestria.
“Listen Fluttershy,” Jack whispered. “Your friends are in a difficult spot. They’re just can’t decide on how they can deal with it. All they need is a more expansive perspective.”
“Do you think so?” sobbed Fluttershy.
Jack looked at her with honesty in his eyes. He’s unaware that he’s grown closer to Fluttershy. Doesn’t matter anyway, now he’s focusing on trying to settle a feud. “I’ve seen this happen all the time. If you need help, let me know. You can tell me.”
Fluttershy felt better. She didn’t need to shed tears anymore. “Thank you.”
“We should have a talk with them,” Jack suggested.
Fluttershy agreed and they left the cottage. Angel Bunny wiped a tear from his eye. He’s happy to see Jack lift her spirits.
3:15am
Once they arrived at the castle, they heard voices. They noticed more than five persons in the building. Jack pulled his gun and Fluttershy followed quietly behind. He made sure his footsteps aren’t loud. The corridors can easily echo a single sound. The voices grew louder when they got closer.
He pushed the door open, eyeing on the commotion. He saw another pony enter the room. It’s a changeling from Sect named Kappa. He backed away to avoid getting caught.
“We’re going to need help,” said Jack. “Fluttershy, go to Dark Spear and Brave Lance. Tell them tour friends are held hostage by Sect.”
“Kappa? Why have you come?” Iota asked.
“Our leader sent me to survey.” Kappa looked at Rainbow Dash. “A Wonderbolts wannabe. Not surprised you got in.”
“How did you know?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“We’ve been around for millennia. Longer than the alicorn sisters took the throne,” Rho answered.
Kappa didn’t mind the interruption. He already told Sect’s history over and over, he sounded like a broken record.
“Why are you doing this to us? What have you done with Pinkie Pie and Applejack?” Twilight asked furiously.
“You’re a nuisance to Sect. Splitting the six of you was a plan that should have gone flawlessly. Unfortunately, that dragon and some changeling’s inability to disguise its flank mark properly,”
“Listen Kappa,” Rho burst out. “It wouldn’t be a bust if someone picked someone more… professional.”
“We’re all the same,” said Iota.
“Yet we think differently Iota,” reminded Kappa.
“Where are Pinkie Pie and Applejack?” Twilight repeated.
“They’re safe. Even in their sleep, they’re cooperative.”
Spike saw Jack peeking through the door. He made a split second glance before the changelings noticed. Keeping them distracted before help can arrive is all he can do. He lowered his voice to call over Rarity.
“What is it Spike?” she whispered.
“Jack has arrived.” Spike pointed towards the door. “You should probably check on him… and Fluttershy.”
“I think it’s best if you go.”
Spike understood what she meant. He’ll do anything for her. He sneaked to Jack peeking through the door, and closed it behind.
“Spike? How did you sneak past them?” Jack asked.
“I practically live in this castle. What I didn’t tell any pony is I build my own secret passages. Every castle has to have them.”
It didn’t take long for ESCT ponies to arrive. One of them came to Jack. “What’s the situation?”
“Three changelings, two armed; one pegasus down, both wings injured.” Jack gave them details, acting like he’s on the field.
Jack remained hidden while the ponies surrounded the castle, both interior and exterior. One of them, named Cutting Edges, stood near Jack. They waited until the ponies were in position. He spoke into his radio. “Do not enter until Jack does.”
Jack looked at Fluttershy. He’s risking her friends’ lives. He opened the door all the way. He raised his voice, just as the ESCT crashed in, pointing their crossbows at the changelings.
“Drop them changelings!” Cutting Edges commanded.
Iota and Rho refused and aimed at them. Kappa lowered the weapons, he decided to talk. “We meet at last, this time with eye to eye contact.”
The ESCT ponies were head-scratching. They met every changeling of Sect over the past millennium.
“I think he’s referring to Jack,” said Rainbow Dash.
“You know about him?” Twilight asked.
“Right down to his arrival,” Kappa said in grim tone. “We at Sect had a great opportunity to dominate Equestria. That robbery at Sugarcube Corner was just a warmup. We serve a purpose: a new rule over Equestria. Our leader should be the rightful king. At least, when we’re disposed and unneeded.”
“What do you mean?” asked Rho.
“I suggested that we should perish after it’s finished. It’s not like he needs us later anyway.”
Rho and Iota baffled at Kappa’s statement. It’s just a slip of the tongue. They each shot an arrow at Kappa. He only caught a glimpse before collapsed. They felt their bodies pierced by arrows.
Cutting Edge received a transmission. “They found Applejack and Pinkie Pie.”
“Where?” Twilight asked.
“They’re tied up in an underground cave outside Appleloosa.”
Fluttershy came in, she looked at her friends, and not the corpses. She didn’t want to see the sight. Twilight was about to apologise but Jack prevented her.
“It’s not your fault. Sect wanted to break your friendship,” said Jack. “They knew you’re stronger when together and weaker when separated.”
“Any word from Dark and Brave?” Rarity quickly corrected herself. “I mean Spear and Lance.”
There was a small giggle from Rainbow Dash.
“They’re going to find the crate Sect ordered,” Jack told her.
3:33am
Once Brave Lance and Dark Spear entered the warehouse, they used the rock to find the crate. Each of the stones resembling the Elements of Harmony, slowly glowed when they got closer. The crate’s vibration grew violent. They hid away the rock and the crate stopped moving.
Brave Lance hoof-kicked the padlock. Dark spear looked inside. “They found them.”
Rocks glowing green, black, and purple surrounding a red horn.
The following takes place between 4:00am and 5:00am
“Explain!” Omega shouted in front of Sigma’s eyes.
“What do you mean?” Sigma asked.
“Beta’s death. You’re the last pony with him. Don’t bother pull the innocent look on me.”
“Can’t say I deny it. I killed him for reasonable purposes.”
Omega knew the leader would want to know. He hates to see how he’ll react. Their plans continue to foil; ESCT buffed up their surveillance; the longer Jack Bauer stays, the more it becomes complicated. Both Sigma and Omega weren’t afraid of their leader, unlike anybody in Sect.
“Hope you can gave a reasonable explanation.” Omega hoped Sigma knew what he’s doing.
Sigma had the nerve to tell. He can’t lie his way out of it, Omega can see it through his eyes. “He wasn’t following orders. He believes talking will help, which our leader won’t suffice.”
“Was he always like that?”
“Not before I met him. He sounded like he’s going to double cross us.” Sigma thought Beta was going to betray them, so killing him was a reliable action.
Going soft is the least of their concerns. Sect facing casualties added some stress. They’re uncertain how their leader would cope.
“Do you think he has another plan?” Sigma asked.
“If you’re taking about our leader, he’ll have to take drastic measures.” Omega found it puzzling after Sigma asked.
Any member of Sect would think the same thing. Some forget about it, or just brush it off. They can’t imagine how it goes when ESCT go deeper.
They made certain that the lair isn’t spotted. A cave under a mountain could be easily spotted. They used magic as camouflage, sealing up the entrance. They can see Alpha inside. He’s sitting, waiting for him to arrive. They don’t see any other entrance.
A cylinder barrier of green light appeared in front of Alpha. Sigma and Omega walked closer. Showing their presence instead of hiding, may tick him off if they’re spotted. Wings spread wide, legs appeared slowly, a jagged horn emerged from the head, and a pair of eyes opened in a nanosecond. A male changeling alicorn stood tall and stared down at them.
“I bring you news my liege,” Alpha spoke. “ESCT have found the artefact.”
“They’re catching on to us,” Sigma said in surprise.
The alicorn changeling blinked slowly. He talked in booming voice. “And the human?”
“He’s still with those six equines. Already he’s becoming a reliable asset to them,” said Omega.
“Celestia has gotten desperate after that attempt on her life. Now she’ll see why she should be more responsive to threats. Probably already has when she banished her sister.”
“You know the alicorn sisters?”
“Longer than Chrysalis.” He can already see the past coming back.
It’s an enigma for Omega, Sigma and Alpha to know anything about their liege. Others members of Sect, know nothing of his past. He rarely speaks it to them. All he does is give orders and reveal motives. A few of them questioned about his background. They tried to ask him, he didn’t reply. He doesn’t want them to know.
“Any word on those who are still alive?” Alpha asked Sigma.
It’s like they’re turning on Sigma for killing Beta; highly unlikely after he gave an explanation. It may take some time before they entrust him again.
“They’re not going to find peaceful solutions,” Sigma hesitated.
Omega looked at the drawing of the alicorns. He glanced at it for a short time before the leader could catch him. While the debate is still going, he noticed a connection between them.
4:16am
Bringing the horn back to ESCT headquarters was a daunting task. They’ve yet to discover what it does. The stones surrounding it puzzled Brave Lance and Dark Spear. They must serve a purpose.
“I think they act as a barrier.” Dark Spear lifted the horn slowly in his hooves.
Brave Lance felt a small dose of energy. It came from the rocks and the horn. He felt different strengths of energy, when he inspected each of the rocks. He noticed some familiarity with the horn.
“Do you recognise…” Brave Lance asked.
Dark Spear looked at it. He knew what or who, originally owned that horn.
4:19am
“Do any of you recognise this?” Jack showed Twilight and the others the rock.
“They’re the elements of Harmony,” Twilight answered. “Where did you find it?”
“In one of the hoof cannons. It’s likely someone is sending us a message. There might be a connection with the Elements.”
“So whoever’s responsible knows about the Elements?” Applejack asked.
“What are the Elements of Harmony anyway?” Jack asked.
Pinkie interrupted Twilight and explained Jack what they are. She talked so fast, it took half a minute to tell the entire thing. Jack managed to hear the entire story. Pinkie’s use of visuals made it easy to remember.
“Do you use them at any time?” Jack thought they could be useful.
“When it’s absolutely necessary. Sadly we don’t have them anymore,” replied Twilight.
“We gave them to the Tree of Harmony to save Equestria,” said Applejack.
“And the castle?” Jack asked.
“We received items which are keys for a box from the Tree of Harmony,” Rainbow Dash.
Jack thought he’ll lose his head after that exposition. He wondered if the rock with Elements of Harmony carve in, might have a connection with Sect.
“Who would put that rock in a hoof cannon?” Rarity glanced at it, observing the finest detail.
While the others inspected it, Jack felt a presence. He didn’t want the other ponies to know. He looked at the door, seeing Chrysalis’ eye. He didn’t want her to enter just yet. He hasn’t told them about his encounter with her. A surprise is the last thing they want at the moment.
“Do you think there’s a connection with the Elements and Sect?” wondered Rainbow Dash.
“Seems likely.” It’s the only possible reason Jack can agree with. “Listen, I know a “pony” who can help us.”
“Who is it?”
“You’re not going to like it.” Jack faced the door. “You can enter now.”
Queen Chrysalis trotted in slowly. Mane 6 were immediately surprised. They didn’t try to attack, they noticed she’s wasn’t as powerful as before. She appeared normal to them.
“What’s wrong with her?” asked Applejack.
“She looks weak,” replied Rainbow Dash. “It’s like her energy’s drained.”
Fluttershy flew over to check Chrysalis. “Are you OK?”
“Not quite,” Queen Chrysalis answered. “Sect’s using me and my swarm to energise themselves.”
“That’s awful.”
Jack helped Chrysalis near one of the thrones. Rarity scratched her head. “This turned out unexpectedly.”
“Jack, how long have you spoke to her?” Twilight asked.
“Roughly three hours earlier. She didn’t know who to trust, so she came to me.”
“Makes sense to me.”
Fluttershy tried to make Chrysalis comfortable. “Is there a way to give your energy back?”
Chrysalis tried to sit upright. “Draining your love or life energy for one.”
“Why not Zecora?” Jack suggested.
“Great idea!” exclaimed Pinkie Pie. “She can cure any pony.”
4:31am
Zecora brewed a potion to help Chrysalis. She was sceptical at first, after hearing more about Sect, she agreed to help. Chrysalis drank an entire bottle. She felt every bit of energy coming back.
“Good luck with you mission. Hopefully you can put Sect out of commission.” Zecora watch Jack and Chrysalis leave.
“Now I can stop using plants to drain every ounce of life,” said Chrysalis.
The following takes place between 5:00am and 6:00am
It can be a struggle for Celestia. She slowly regained her confidence. Luna didn’t leave her side. She couldn’t leave her alone, though she does check up on her once in a while. Celestia hasn’t been able to talk to her. While she slept, Luna knew a way of contacting her.
Celestia’s reliving the event. This time Jack didn’t save her; a scenario if he didn’t arrive. Mu had her nailed down. She struggled to release herself. None of the ponies watching bothered to help.
She clashed her horn with Mu’s. A combination of both magic sources exploded. They fell on the ground hard. Mu recovered quicker than Celestia. He rushed through the carriage, leaping towards her. Celestia didn’t have to counter attack, she got up and dodged Mu. He attacked a random pony, who then turned to dust. Celestia used her horn to zap Mu. He deflected the beam of magic with his horn.
Celestia felt helpless. She launched in the air, with Mu following behind. Trying to lose him cost her energy. Gasping for air while ascending nearly cost her balance. She straightened her body just before descending. She couldn’t steer just yet. She had to make a safe landing.
“Who are you referring…?” Celestia asked.
“You’re been a ruler for a millennium and you can’t remember a figure of your past?” Mu’s surprised with Celestia’s confusion. “It’s like you either forgot or you erased him from your memory.”
It may seem implausible, which Celestia thought, a dead changeling speaking to her about her past. Memories she didn’t know she had, suddenly came back. She can’t figure them out clearly.
“What do you mean?” she asked.
“Confused already? How did you even become a ruler? It’s like your parents picked you, just for your personality rather than your determination.”
“Who are you working for?”
It’s like talking to the world’s biggest airhead. Mu became drastic. “You still…”
He watched Celestia, fire a beam of Magic into his chest, creating an exit wound. It didn’t hurt him at all. The wound healed itself quickly. “Highly doubt you’ll kill me if I’m still alive.”
Celestia didn’t bother wonder, what Mu was about to tell her, before she zapped him. She began to worry about what’s going to occur in Equestria. She’s sheltered in her own place, unable to take action. She doesn’t know how long.
Mu gave up and decided to tell her. “Our leader is said to have been around before your parents’ passing. He came from a loyal monarch. He wanted you hoof in marriage, believing Equestria needed a king. Back then, you loved him. You were a wonderful couple. The day before the wedding happened. You blew him off, you didn’t want to become queen. You cast him out and placed a magic spell over Equestria. Making them believe you’re still princess, all due to that piece of news, before the biggest day of your life.”
“I didn’t do anything.”
“That’s not what I’ve been told. Heard every word from your former lover. Unfortunately, his scheme is still going. Your “saviours” aren’t close to stopping it. He’ll reign over every equine and creature. Not even a persuasion can help.”
Celestia didn’t want to believe his words. Before she could change her mind, a gust of wind followed by a sudden change from day to night, broke the conversation. Princess Luna landed hard near Celestia and Mu.
“Luna?”
Mu didn’t react to Luna’s arrival. He stood there motionless. Slowly, he disintegrated into particles. Celestia didn’t understand her sister’s presence.
“I’ve grown worried about you. I presumed entering your dreams might reach you,” Luna explained.
“I don’t know. It could get worse with your involvement.”
“You can’t just shut every pony out. You can’t go alone. They need you right now.”
“That’s not what I’m doing.” Celestia slowly broke down. “I can’t stand seeing every pony fall under evil rule. Right now I’m powerless.”
“I found a way that can help. There’s a memory from your past that’s erased or blocked. The only way to know what it is, is to reconstruct what’s left.”
Celestia felt unsure how Luna will do that. She thought this whole idea of entering a pony’s dream was to get along with the citizens of Ponyville. “Is that possible?”
“It won’t be easy. I will require your assistance.”
“Anything I can do?”
“Close your eyes.”
Celestia lower her eyelids. Luna teleported themselves to a void of space. Celestia’s memories appeared like television screens. They’re similar to the ones Celestia used to show Twilight’s memories, after completing the unfinished spell of Starswirl the Bearded.
“Where are we?” Celestia asked.
“We’re in the deepest part of your mind.” Luna showed her shards floating around. “That’s what’s left of your forgotten past.”
Luna reconstructed the shards, more pieces came together. Celestia watched them form a screen. It showed the time, she and her sister began ruling Equestria. Celestia watched her past self using a spell on herself. Whatever happened made her erase that event.
“Recognise anything?” Luna asked.
“I think so. It’s coming back to me.”
More of her forgotten memory revealed a proposed wedding. It got cancelled just before it was even prepared. It began with an argument between her and another equine. It’s a male alicorn.
“I remember now. A wedding’s planned and I was chosen as queen. Though I didn’t think how it goes.”
“Why would a wedding come before a coronation? It doesn’t seem right.”
“After our parents let us take the throne, I didn’t think I can the responsibility of being queen. I didn’t want the marriage to commence for another reason.”
She watched as more memories come back. The male alicorn was her future husband, and Equestria’s king. She didn’t want to marry him, believing it will go against what her parents worked for. He wanted to marry her just to command everywhere. He wanted power rather than love.
“I can’t believe I forgot about that alicorn.” Celestia now fully understood what’s been going for nearly a day.
5:35am
An ESCT unicorn patrolled near the Everfree Forest. He couldn’t help noticing something near the trees. He used his horn as a light, treading each step slowly. It’s almost sunrise, he won’t be using it for long. After taking a turn near the vines, he gazed with a shocking discovery.
The following takes place between 7:00am and 8:00am
Just as Jack gave them the test results, they stood still in shock. Spike looked the paper, he wanted to check if it’s accurate. “He’s right.”
“Twilight’s still a unicorn? How?” Applejack asked.
Celestia arrived, feeling better after raising the sun. Luna shifted her head to her sister’s arrival. “You better asked her.”
Twilight rushed over with despair in her eyes. “Princess Celestia, why am I not an alicorn?”
Celestia didn’t understand. Jack showed her the results sheet. “Even though your student’s a princess, she’s still a unicorn. Not even her wings can counter that.”
Celestia struggled to explain.
“You’re saying I got these wings for nothing?” remarked Twilight.
“You’re still a princess. Nothing can change that,” reminded Rainbow Dash.
“Twilight wasn’t part of royalty. She’s born a regular unicorn. Celestia and her sister are part of the royal family. They have the same lifespan as any alicorn. A unicorn that changed to an alicorn is still a unicorn on the inside.”
“It’s like decorating an old house. Sure it looks pretty, but it’s still an old house. Spike gave his best on giving a laymen’s term.
It didn’t help Twilight much. She understood that finishing that unfinished spell wasn’t done for nothing, and she’s rewarded in the end. Being struck down by the devastating news, placed her in a secluded spot.
7:05am
Phi and Chi became consumed by the energy. They have the same eyes as the king’s. Brave Lance had to call in reinforcements. He placed the horn in a secured container.
A team of armoured equines surrounded Phi and Chi, heavily armed and not afraid to shoot. The pair’s eyes glowed exactly like Sombra’s. They believed they’re all powerful.
“We actually have the power of King Sombra.” Phi’s already filled with ecstasy.
All the ponies surrounding Chi and Phi were on the floor, injured and disarmed. Brave Lance spotted Dark Spear, he signalled him to hide. They waited for the right moment. Phi and Chi aimed their horns at each other. Both changelings fell back from each of their blasts. Two more added to the body count.
“How’s that possible?” asked Dark Spear.
“It’s like what’s left of Sombra’s power, rejected both changelings after entering their bodies.”
Dark Spear went to the injured ponies. Some were unconscious, others gratefully injured. He contacted medical services.
7:23am
The library was one of the priorities. It’s seemed unlike any resident of the Crystal Empire, will keep any record of their ruler. Finding a trace became difficult. They continued looking anything on the rise of King Sombra. All they could find was his family history, it didn’t provide useful information.
Dark Spear opened a drawer. A cloud of dust puffed in his eyes. He looked at old manuscripts. He placed each paper across the desk.
The manuscripts ended at the moment before Sombra took full reign.
“It’s this crystal that Sombra’s born from that gave him those powers. It’s likely Phi and Chi died because it rejected them, for not being born from the shadows.”
“Yet we still don’t know who the leader of Sect is.”
They’ve been searching for the leader and still haven’t been able to ID him. No matter how many times they try, he keeps evading them.Look for the red crystal outside of the Crystal Empire. Wait there so we’ll meet up.
7:36am
They searched the outskirts. The weather changed immediately after they entered. A heavy blizzard became a challenge. Snow prevented them from moving quickly. They had to shield their eyes; a single snowflake can hurt an eye. Finding the crystal couldn’t be more difficult. Not knowing the actual location made it worse. It’s like Mother Nature’s stopping them.
A wave of energy shook their spines. They turned to the direction of the source. A red irregularly-shaped object can be seen from afar. It’s the crystal they’re looking for.
Once they stopped, the energy emitting was at its strongest. Dark Spear and Brave Lance stood close together, so they can share body heat.
“Did you get the note?” one them shouted.
“Dark Spear of ESTC. This is Brave Lance.”
“Sorry we had to meet out here. We didn’t think a storm would be coming.” He handed them coats and googles. “The name’s Bright Iris.”
Bright Iris is a skilled agent of ESTC. One of the few crystal ponies to become one of the top members.
“Weren’t you that crystal pony who worked undercover as a college professor?” asked Brave Lance.
“Back during the scares.”
“Scares?” Dark Spear asked.
“Some pranksters were creating monsters at the school, scaring every pony. They didn’t cause much damage,” Brave Lance explained.
One of Bright Iris’ partners scouted behind, searching for any followers.
“What Sect are planning is using Sombra’s horn. We believe they’re going to harness that power as part of the scheme in ruling Equestria. That power’s unstable.”
He’s right. After seeing Phi and Chi’s demise, there’s nothing denying that.
A black shadow emerged from the crystal. Bright Iris pushed Brave and Dark back, to avoid getting touched. Just as they were going to retreat, the shadow slowly formed in the shape of King Sombra.
The following takes place between 8:00am and 9:00am
King Sombra appeared in his shadow form. Bright Iris stood down and his colts did the same. One of them, Tough Nut, gazed amazingly. “The actual ruler of the Crystal Empire, King Sombra!”
“You’ll face the wrath of my power. Resistance is useless to those who oppose.” Sombra gave a booming voice.
“Hear us Sombra. We came for answers,” explained Brave Lance.
Sombra wasn’t hesitant to hear Brave Lance’s words. None of them drew their weapons. He saw the honesty in them. “What is it you want to speak of?”
“We want to know why Sect are using your horn.”
“Someone’s using my horn?”
“Wait? You don’t even know?” Dark Spear asked.
Sand Graphite, one of Bright Iris’ agents, came up with a theory. “He remained in that black crystal for years. It’s probably the only one he could find after his defeat.”
“That crystal pony’s right,” confirmed Sombra. “After my defeat by that dragon, I became weak.”
“Do any of the crystal ponies know you’re alive?” Brave Lance asked.
“None have even tried to hunt me. They couldn’t risk entering the outskirts without proper gear. Whenever they do try to find me, they have a difficult time finding it during the snowstorms. I cannot receive my body unless I’m recharged. Which may take a long time.”
The crystal is Sombra’s birthplace. He was an orphan with no memory of his past. A crystal pony found him abandoned in the snow. He’s adopted by the previous rulers of the Crystal Empire, King White Arrow and Queen Plancheite. He took the throne after their passing. They didn’t know he would later become a power-hungry ruler.
Dark Spear need some clarification. “How did you King Sombra would be here anyway?”
“Being a resident of the Crystal Empire, it’s likely that his power wouldn’t be from a natural born,” explained Sand Graphite.
“Doesn’t explain how you’re the only ponies, that managed to find this crystal,” reminded Brave Lance.
“It wasn’t a simple task,” confessed Sharp Eye. “After reading up on Sombra’s life, we decided that the outskirts were the best place to start. One of our unicorns, Driftwood, used a powerful locating spell. He can glide through the storm easily.”
"Who found the horn then?"
"A pony named Curio Shopkeeper."
"Why use the postal service?"
"Cause it has less security measures," said Bright Iris.
Fillydelphia is a possible location where Sect could be. They haven’t received confirmation on the location. Sect’s incredibly good in not giving away their location.
“And my horn?” King Sombra asked.
“Locked away safely. We don’t know if Sect will return and try again. In the meantime, we’ll send someone to Fillydelphia while we go check on Princess Luna and Princess Celestia.”
Sombra heard the princess’ names mentioned. He struggled to cope with the time he got defeated by them. He couldn’t think whether he should be grateful or fuelled with vengeance.
“Not after locking themselves in.” Rarity looked at the magic glow from the door lock.
Jack tried to contact them. Knocking and calling out to them didn’t help. He couldn’t hear what they’re saying. They must have used another spell to isolate sound. He looked through the keyhole. He can see Twilight and Celestia discussing.
“Are they doing OK?” Fluttershy asked.
“They just need privacy,” said Jack.
“There must be something we can do.” Applejack wanted to help.
The others were on the same page. No matter how much they thought, the prior events kept coming up in their heads. They couldn’t think of anything.
“What we can do is try to know what Sect’s plan is,” said Rainbow Dash.
A thought lingered in Luna’s mind. Chrysalis can see it through her. She’s curious into knowing what’s going on. “Princess Luna? Are you OK? You seem more worried than the other ponies.”
“Before my sister chose Twilight to learn the magic of friendship, she had been given the opportunity in becoming queen of Equestria. As it states, the oldest sibling must be named king of queen. It wasn’t just our parents’ passing that distressed her. The planned coronation got scrapped immediately, just before it even got underway. All of her thoughts spiralled in her head. She didn’t think she had what it takes to follow in our parents hoof prints. Although she’s still a ruler, she continues to think becoming queen won’t be a substitute of what the previous rulers left us.”
“There’s no reason for her to take the pressure. She can’t just leave that opportunity on hold for a long time. It will continue to plant inside her. It’s not like me when I’m chosen as the leader of all changelings.”
The bedroom door opened. Celestia voiced called to Jack, telling him to enter. None of the Mane 6, Luna or Chrysalis were allowed to enter. The door just closed and locked from the inside.
“You need me?” Jack asked.
“When Princess Celestia becomes queen, will it all change?” worried Twilight.
“You just have to see the inevitable. You became a princess and not much has changed.”
Watching Twilight going into a state of panic made Jack worried. He attempted to calm her down.
“Listen Twilight,” interrupted Celestia. “This is something I should be thinking about. You don’t have to worry about me.”
“Why did you bring Jack in?” Twilight asked.
Celestia silenced her. She whispered to Jack, telling him there’s a pony spying on them.
A sudden noise alerted Jack. Gamma, Delta and Theta broke in launching an attack. Theta fired a blast at Celestia. Jack blocked it, injuring his chest. He fired a round at Theta’s horn. Gamma charged forward, only to get shot by Jack. He fell backwards, plummeting to the ground.
Rarity heard Twilight groan. She tried to remove the rubble with her magic. Twilight tried to push Rarity out of the way before collapsing. “You’re not going anywhere you need medical help.”
“Jack! What happened?” Fluttershy rushed over.
“An ambush from Sect. They captured Celestia.”
8:30am
Celestia found herself restrained with chains. She blacked out during her capture. Theta and Delta argued with Sigma.
“That couldn’t have gone more wrong,” exclaimed Sigma.
“She spotted us,” argued Delta. “We had to go in full force.”
“Which cost Theta’s horn and Gamma’s life.”
Celestia couldn’t stand the argument. She saw their leader coming closer to her. He greeted her like she’s a relative. “Hello, Celestia.”
“Armada?”
The following takes place between 9:00am and 10:00am
Her would-be husband watched over her. Celestia couldn’t see what expression he’s showing. Her head’s already filling up with memories of pulling off the wedding; the coronation didn’t affect her mental status.
Armada has an ash grey coat with gunmetal mane and tail. His cutie mark is a military badge. It’s over a millennium old. There’s a chance the insignia may have changed. He grew affection on her.
“It’s been a long time. I couldn’t stop thinking about you. For an entire millennium I’ve been in desperate need to reunite.”
“You’re behind it all?” Celestia tried to lash out at him, only to have a pony from her past re-emerge in front of her.
Armada didn’t answer. He continued staring at Celestia. He couldn’t remember how long he missed her. He couldn’t quit thinking about her after she cancelled the wedding and coronation. It couldn’t be possible for her to erase every ponies’ memories. She couldn’t pull off that rare magic spell.
“Can’t believe we haven’t met each other in years. You may have gotten cold hooves…”
“I didn’t. I just didn’t think I could be capable of going through with the marriage and coronation.”
“That was then. Now you have the courage…”
Celestia continued to interrupt him. She wasn’t thinking of catching up. She couldn’t forget the fact he played a part in terrorizing Equestria. She found the drawing of the two alicorns on the cave wall. She wondered who they meant to represent.
Delta, Sigma and Theta‘s argument got interrupted by a voice. It’s their leader: Stasis. A fallen alicorn like Queen Chrysalis. The three bowed once Stasis approached.
“Armada,” Stasis called. “You realise catching up with the one you love, will give Equestria a chance to counter attack.”
“They’re not capable against you or your army. They’ve encountered numerous threats unlike yours,” Armada responded.
“When are you going to learn that power alone isn’t the one thing to become a ruler?”
“I had a rightful place in that kingdom. That proposed marriage was part of my upcoming reign on Equestria.”
“You haven’t got the slightest idea how relationships work. Your family relied on arranged marriages and showing off your power. A millennium of failures.”
Armada grew frustrated on stasis’ words. He wanted Celestia by his side. He wanted to gain recognition, before that opportunity flew away. “That alicorn and her friends…”
“A unicorn-born,” Stasis corrected. “She gained her wings for completing an unfinished task. She hasn’t forgotten how she got this far. She is a worthy student of a worthy ruler. There was chance you didn’t take.”
“By learning from the power of friendship?” Armada couldn’t see the purpose of it.
“Yet you’re blinded by your need of becoming ruler.”
“I am a ruler.”
“Before your kingdom delved into nothing.”
“There was a chance of it still standing.”
“You made the decisions. Celestia left you for not being by her side. You’re consumed with power, you threw away love and put your family’s reign ahead of what matters. She knew you don’t love her, she saw what your real goals were. All equines of Equestria would rise against you after you came into power. She saw the consequences. That risk couldn’t be taken. All you have left is a fallen empire. An error that can’t be undone.”
Armada clashed his horn with Stasis. Both zapped with each other’s magic. They remained standing while catching each other’s breathe.
9:15am
Zecora treated Jack’s wounds. One of them looked like a puncture in his abdomen, only to reveal that it’s a straight cut. She patched the small scratches on his back and neck. He put up a good fight.
“How long will it take for Jack to heal?” Twilight asked.
“It’s a process that’s slow. Based on the injuries, one could not know,” Zecora answered.
“I’ve encountered injuries more painful than this,” said Jack.
“What do they want with Princess Celestia anyway?” asked Rainbow Dash.
“An alicorn from another kingdom wanted her hand in marriage,” explained Luna.
She told them about the cancelled coronation and marriage. It was a lot to take in. Chrysalis then explained more of the changelings’ role.
“There’s another changeling leader who’s also the head of Sect?” asked Rainbow Dash.
“King Stasis became the leader of Sect before Armada hired him.” Chrysalis wondered if that’s the case.
“Do you have any relation to him?” Twilight asked.
“Unlikely. He focused on his swarm after he came into existence.”
Brave Lance and Dark Spear arrived after Zecora fully treated Jack’s wounds. He slowly rose to his feet. “Any updates?”
“We encountered King Sombra.” Brave Lance just alerted every pony.
“You met King Sombra?” Luna asked.
“In his shadow form. Sect were planning to use his horn. All that changed after Jack stepped in. We believe Sect is Fillydelphia.”
A sigh of relief filled the area. There was some concern whether it’s the actual location.
“There’s a slight possibility that they might relocate,” wondered Dark Spear.
“Seems likely. Sand Graphite is on a reconnaissance mission,” replied Brave Lance.
“Did they get Sombra’s horn?” wondered Applejack.
“After seeing two of their own meeting their demise, they definitely underestimated its power,” Dark Spear answered.
Jack heard a voice on his phone. He knew it couldn’t happen due to no reception. He heard Celestia speaking after he answered. “How did you access my phone?”
“With some of my magic,” whispered Celestia.
Zecora heard Celestia’s voice. She couldn’t wait for Jack to finish talking. “I’m glad to hear you Princess Celestia. Where are you in this hysteria?”
“Don’t know where exactly. I’m in a lair.”
“He didn’t send it regularly?”
“He said it’s extremely important and hoped it will arrive safely.”
“How do you track the mail?”
“Each delivery colt and mare of the postal service has been given a serial number. When they arrive at a location, they report to the nearest office of their progress. If takes a long time to deliver, they leave their load at the nearest service where they’re stored until the next working day.”
Sand Graphite had to make a deduction. “Did any pony hire new employees?”
“Yes. They immediately started before they said a word.”
He knew it had to be Sect monitoring the horn. He knew Fillydelphia isn’t where Sect is hiding. King Sombra couldn’t make pass outside Crystal Empire. After he left, the clerk’s cutie mark changed to a Theta.
The following takes place between 10:00am and 11:00am
Jack used the loudspeaker. He whispered Twilight’s name and persuaded the others to listen in. “Princess Celestia, where are you?”
“I have no idea.” Celestia whispered so Armada and Stasis won’t hear her talking.
They can hear the voices of the remaining members of Sect. They noticed voices echoing. They already figured out Celestia’s location. The signal began to deplete. Celestia didn’t have enough strength to keep the connection stable.
“Why can’t we hear her?” Applejack asked.
“She must have drained her magic,” said Luna.
Suddenly the dial tone beeped. The phone went back to having no signal. His phone is now useless.
“If only we had more time!” said Twilight.
Dark Spear received a transmission. He’s glad that good news came around for once. “They found who’s been making the hoof canons.”
“You had a team of ponies searching for the manufacturer of the hoof canons and didn’t tell us?” Twilight asked.
“Look we can’t just tell you all the details. There’s a lot going on; it’s better to let you focus on thing while we handle our job.”
There’s almost an argument, the ponies gave it some thought. They couldn’t handle all the threats.
“We can’t wait any longer. Sect already had my sister and we aren’t close in stopping them.” Luna began to worry.
“Chrysalis, how many changelings are still serving you?” Jack asked.
“Roughly hundreds if not thousands,” she replied.
Brave Lance received a transmission from Sand Graphite. He tried to hear what he’s saying. All he heard were grunts.
“I found were Sect is hiding,” gasped Graphite. “I’m near Fillydelphia.”
He got cut off before Brave Lance could answer back. They now have a main objective: locate Sect along with rescuing Princess Celestia.
10:18am
Xi and Epsilon arrived with a captured Sand Graphite. They placed him on the cave floor near Celestia. They restrained Graphite’s body with chains. He eyed on Celestia, not bothering to struggle. He stared at her beauty, ignoring his injuries.
“It’s nice to finally meet you princess.” Sand tried to smile, even with a bruised mouth.
“Are you one of… them?”
“Of ESCT, you got it.”
“Are Twilight and…”
“They’re in good hooves. You’re lucky to have them. All we have in ESCT is our comrades. Sadly not the ones you befriend with.”
He can definitely see Celestia’s under pressure in becoming queen of Equestria. Whenever he sees her on that slab, he sees her as a savior.
He noticed Celestia watching Stasis, Armada, and the rest of Sect debating. He didn’t reveal Sect’s location before he got cut off before capture. He wanted to know what’s going through her mind.
“They’re using you to become part of a ruling scheme,” said Sand Graphite.
Celestia didn’t reply, she confirmed it with just a slight sigh.
“We’re not delaying anymore. We must complete the final step.” Sigma gave Stasis and Armada a huge reminder.
Delta came in with burn marks all over his body. He felt the pain whenever he speaks, walks and move any limb. His groaning echoed the cave. “They destroyed the last of the hoof cannons.”
“How did they know where to find the manufacturer?” Armada asked.
“Someone from ESCT found the plant and ambushed me.”
“Was any pony else was there?”
“Me, Upsilon, Tau and Omicron. They left just before ESCT tried to capture us.”
“It won’t matter. Once this final stage is set, all of Equestria will become ours.”
Stasis realised he’ll be part of Armada’s reign. “You making me part of your rule?”
“You’ll be head of my new army.”
10:22am
They have no leads on Sect’s location. ESCT tried so many times and Sect continues to slip away. A bout of worry is affecting the ponies.
“What do we do now?” Rarity asked.
Nobody answered. They were either thinking of a plan or started worrying. All Jack can do is think how Sect managed to avoid ESCT for years. He pressed a few buttons on his phone. He went to a list of received calls. When he found the more recent call, he found a number with more than eleven digits.
“I think I know where Celestia is,” Jack announced.
They rushed over with Twilight being the most excited. Jack showed them the digits on his phone. “I believe those are map coordinates.”
Dark spear inspected the phone. “He’s right.”
“When did Princess Celestia know map coordinates?” Twilight asked.
“Apparently some pony didn’t think it’s important to discuss,” said Spike.
“Spike? Where have you been?”
“In the library doing research. Dark Spear is right.”
Spike pulled out a map of Equestria and placed it on the floor. It has a grid with coordinates printed on. Jack looked at the digits. There are eighteen numbers. When he looked at the map, the coordinates are decimal numbers. They marked the locations based on the digits. The dots seemed random. They tried joining the dots together. What is left is a bunch of lines colliding with one and another.
“Well, this went nowhere,” sighed Applejack.
“We can’t stop now. We don’t know how much time we have left,” said Spike.
It looked like they ponies gave up. Dark Spear and Brave Lance radioed in a team, telling them to stand by for further notice.
Jack looked at the map. He noticed an area where all the lines connected together. “Twilight, draw a circle around that part of the map.”
“That must be where Princess Celestia is,” gasped Pinkie Pie.
The location is the ruins near Dodge Junction.
10:33am
A slab lifted from the ground, moving across the grass. Upsilon looked around before emerging. He moved the slab back in place. He transformed into a pegasus and flew away.
Jack, Dark Spear and Brave Lance made sure the changeling is long gone. They signalled Twilight and the others to come out from hiding. They pushed the slab, opening the entrance. Dark Spear told his team to wait for his command, just before the slab seal the entrance.
“Hopefully, they’ll give us answers,” said Twilight.
Jack used the light on his phone to light up the cave. Epsilon came towards them. Jack covered the light and turned left at a junction. He signalled the ponies to stop. He waited until Epsilon trotted by. Jack wrapped his arm around Epsilon’s neck, pressing his gun at his head.
“Hope what’s left of that swarm is under your command,” said Armada.
“I may not be as power hungry as Chrysalis but I can command them with just the right words,” replied Stasis. “With King Sombra’s horn out of our reach we’ll have to resort in a change in plans.”
“Stasis, we’re not done for. There’s still a use for the Elements of Harmony. Finding the bearers is a simple task.”
A rock containing the symbols of the Elements of Harmony, flew passed them, landing hard on the ground. They saw Jack coming towards Celestia and Sand Graphite.
“Your that human who’s giving us a hard time,” remarked Armada.
“It’s not like I was forced to come,” Jack answered back.
He looked at the drawings of the two alicorns. He glanced at the cutie marks. He grabbed the rock he threw earlier. He noticed it’s the same material from the cave.
“Is he?” Sand Graphite whispered to Celestia.
She didn’t answer back. She just watched.
“Do you know those alicorns?” Jack asked Stasis and Armada.
“Celestia and her sister. Who else?” Armada answered.
Jack showed him the cutie marks. They aren’t the moon and the sun. When Armada got close he couldn’t believe that he’s incorrect. Stasis came to realise who the alicorns were. they’re King Cosmos and Queen Galaxia: Celestia and Luna’s parents.
The following takes place between 11:00am and 12:00pm
It all came to a standstill after King Stasis revealed the alicorns’ identities on the wall. Celestia stared at the wall in shock and awe. Luna, who’s still hiding, glimpsed at the drawing for a brief moment.
Armada compared Celestia’s cutie mark with the one on the cave drawing. They’re definitely different. Celestia’s cutie mark is the sun, the alicorn on the cave has a galaxy cutie mark. He looked the other alicorn, it’s a male whose cutie mark is a cluster of stars. Galaxia’s wings, mane and tail have swirls. Cosmos’ wings have slight jagged edges, but more curved than a changeling’s, with waves on his mane and tail.
“Can’t believe he missed that,” remarked Pinkie Pie.
“I’m can’t believe eyes.” Armada couldn’t believe his plan’s already failing for not thinking through.
“That drawing’s by us.” Luna stepped in right before Armada could get aggressive. “We were fillies back then. We like to do activities together.”
“That’s your plan? Using both Luna and Celestia to take over Equestria?” Jack asked.
Armada remained calm after nearly going into a panic. “Arranging a marriage was to show how important it is for me in becoming a ruler. My kingdom was slowly turning to ruin. Everybody hated me, they said I’m power hungry. My family slowly conquered all the towns, cities and villages with ease. When I took the throne, they expected me set thing right for them. A secret organisation leaked my plans for domination.”
“What has got to the do with the Elements of Harmony?”
“Those six equines are apparently Celestia’s trump card. Combining both alicorn sisters magic with theirs.”
“You also hired a leader of changelings and almost retrieved the horn of a king.” Dark Spear suddenly stepped in; he couldn’t wait to bring Armada to justice.
“Finally, we meet one of the top dogs of ESCT.” Armada gave Dark Spear a smile.
Spear’s actually looking at King Stasis. He finally found the leader of Sect. There isn’t any sign that he’ll have second thoughts. Armada didn’t understand why isn’t Dark Spear assaulting or apprehending.
“Long time,” Stasis said.
“We finally meet at last,” Dark Spear replied.
Luna entered, charging passed Sigma and Pi. Celestia’s relieved in seeing her sister. Armada peer over them. “Your magic won't break those chains.”
Luna and Celestia didn’t hesitate. They shot magic at the same spot. Armada, even though he knew their magic can’t break the chains, he quickly noticed a build-up. It appears that the sisters’ magic is creating an overload. A blast blinded his eyes right before he could do anything.
Celestia and Luna opened their eyes. A mix of night and day skies combined with each other. A pair of alicorns began to shape. They couldn’t believe what they’re seeing: King Cosmos and Queen Galaxia.
They felt a blend of emotions seeing their parents again. They felt like they forgot about them. Galaxia and Cosmos gave them smiles, they know just from their eyes, they’re happy in meeting them after a long period of time.
"Mother. Father." Celestia felt her heart pound.
"Why have you arrived?" Luna asked.
Celestia cried with her eyes filling up with tears, rushing towards them.
Luna joined
The following takes place between 6:00am and 7:00am
The rising sun showed that Celestia’s doing alright. She took the time she needed. Focusing on another thing was more helpful. See Equestria brighten changed her mood. She couldn’t care what’s going on down below.
The guard outside couldn’t stand the sight of his discovery. He turned and instead of contacting ESCT, he communicated with Omega.
“What did you find Theta?” Omega didn’t sound serious.
“You have to come over. I’m near the Everfree Forest.” Theta didn’t think telling any member of Sect, will listen to his words than Omega.
He searched around, making sure there weren’t any witnesses. He retreated from the grass to conceal the discovery. He watched Celestia fly back to Canterlot. His mind’s going through the various options on what Celestia might do. He can see she’s not distressed anymore.
Omega found Theta and noticed what he found. He knew things were getting serious. “Show me.”
He pushed back the grass and tree leaves. Lying on the ground was Lambda. His body’s weak with injuries. A trail of blood led through the forest. Wounds on his back were deep. His forelegs broke in half. Omega and Theta heard Lambda’s light faint breathing. They didn’t bother help him up.
“They’re catching on to us.” Lambda struggled to speak with his injured throat.
“The ESCT or the so-called Mane 6?” Omega asked.
Lambda persuaded him to lean closer. He whispered that both of them are close to foiling their plans. Once Omega asked who injured him, Lambda took his time to explain. His painful throat probably hurt more than his wounds and legs. “I tried to intercept ESCT headquarters, to disarm their weapons and surveillance. They got the jump on me. They interrogated me for five hours. I cracked under pressure, I couldn’t bottle it up. Even though I escaped, I lost track of time. I blacked out after entering the forest.”
“Doubt you’ll be any use anymore.” Omega examined the severity of Lambda’s legs.
Lambda didn’t bother object. He knew he compromised Sect. “Theta, end my suffering.”
Theta watched Omega turn and leave. He build up magic strong enough to give a final blow. He lowered his head, aiming his horn to Lambda’s head. He looked as he placed a hole through the changeling’s skull. He noticed Omega’s long gone right before the mercy killing.
“What are you thinking Jack?” Luna made a surprise visit.
Jack thought he pieced it all together. “Honestly, I’m glad I came to this place. Every threat I faced has my life in ruins. I hadn’t taken a break from reality. When you’re part of CTU, you rarely have a rest.”
“You know how to cope with this situation.”
“They’re a lot of consequences I faced and remember the decisions made. Don’t know if you can cope as well as me.”
Luna might but Celestia may not. She can see herself cope with those issues, yet she doesn’t know if her sister can deal with the weight on her back.
“I don’t know if Celestia can recover from the trauma.”
“Give it time. Don’t forget to stand by her when she needs you. You’re family and being there helps.”
She felt moved by Jack’s encouragement. Even though Jack continues to hesitate when brining in any pony in a conflict, they will be awful results. Thankfully, he found a positive outlook for Equestria.
“You remind me when I was overshadowed by my sister. Before I became Nightmare Moon.”
“I suppose your sister’s evil self is Daydream Sun.”
Luna giggled. She thought it would be interesting to see a darker side of Celestia.
He noticed a trail of blood. It led to Chrysalis and the others. When Luna wasn’t looking, he inspected it. The blood cells struggled to remain a consistent shape. He took a sample with his fingers. The blood struggled to glow.
“Twilight, your leg.” Applejack showed her the wound.
“It must be from an arrow, that someone from Sect fired earlier,” said Twilight.
She tried to heal the wound, yet it only partially. Luna helped finish patching it up. Jack contacted Dark Spear, asking if he can take a sample.
A monitor showed Phi and Chi at the entrance. He contacted security in case they’re planning a setup. He refused to let them in; even if they persuaded him, that they know the purpose of Sombra’s horn.
“You’re better off explaining from outside,” he said cautiously.
“That horn contains what’s left of King Sombra’s power,” said Phi. “It’s the one item needed in our rule of Equestria. Our leader’s willing to use it as a way of gaining power.”
“You can’t come in now, we’ve already tightened up security.”
“That won’t be a hassle.”
Chi grew a horn, aimed at the door and unleashing a blast of energy. They ran towards the lab. Every security personnel fired at Chi and Phi. The two incapacitated them after escaping the line of fire, right before kicking and punching them.
They reached in the lab, trying to take the horn. Once they touched it, dark energy consumed their bodies.
Jack read. “There was a siege at ESCT. Phi and Chi managed to break in and stormed the building. They were going after a horn. Luckily it didn’t ruin the blood test.”
“Blood test?” Applejack asked.
“Must be from my wounded leg,” said Twilight.
“I took a sample of the blood trail and sent it to the lab,” Jack explained. “There was some abnormality the blood cells. Though it’s not an infection.”
The ponies felt relieved. Unfortunately, that’s the only good news.
“Can’t believe what it’s written. Twilight Sparkle… you’re not an alicorn.” Jack showed them the test results. It showed positive for unicorn blood.
