Chapters The S.P.T.F (Special Pony Task Force): Apple Island
Zips hated Manehattan. There were too many building he did not know which one the meeting was being held in. Suddenly a manhole opened in the street and a yellow hoof appeared. Zips knew it was Sugar Plum.
"Common Zipster your late," she called.
"Coming" he followed her down the hole and into the sewers. The walls in the sewer were black but still light came from the small river in the middle of the tunnel. In the manky water Zips saw himself and Sugar Plum. His Purple coat could only be seen at thee rear end for he had a silk black suit covering most of it. His indigo mane was sweating from his journey to Manehattan. On his face he had black shades that made him look menacing.
Sugar Plum also had the black shades and the suit covering her yellow coat, but unlike Zips her hair was as orange and puffy as ever. Both her and Zips were Earth ponies,She led him into a wall to his left, "Shish kebab" she yelled and the wall opened up."Good evening sir"
"Ah Sugar Plum and Zips," a voice called.
Inside was a long table. In each seat a pony sat. Zips and Sugar Plum took their seats.
"Sir!" they said respectfully.
At the head of the table sat Favourite the leader of the team. He was a red Pegasus wearing the same suit and shades as the rest of the team. Beside him sat Brain Storm the Brains of the team. He also was a Pegasus and wore the suit and shades. The only difference was he is blue. Beside him sat Fire Burst who looked just like Favourite only darker and he was a unicorn. On the other side of Favourite sat Whirlpool who was like Brain Storm only lighter and also a unicorn. Beside Whirlpool sat Wormhole the brown earth pony weapons specialist. And beside him sat Sugar Plum and Zips. In front of their seats was a sign showing their name and cutie marks. These cutie marks were: Two zigzags for zips, A plum covered in sugar for Sugar Plum, A hypnosis symbol for Wormhole, A tornado of water for Whirlpool, A spark of fire for Fire Burst, A brain shooting out lightning for Brain Storm and a white star for Favourite.
"Hello team today we have three missions," started Favourite ." Are first and most important is about a boat, but not just any boat this boat is called The Ciderholic. When we were....
"You mean the actual Ciderholic. The one that the apple family are taking to Apple family." asked Whirlpool.
"Its not just for the Apple family, its just their boat. Its for every apple farmer in Equestria" corrected Brain Storm.
"Yeah The Ciderholic takes the farmers to Apple Island where they have a competition to see who has the best apple of the year." said Fire Burst.
"Yeah they have it every year" Zips said.
"Alright!" Shouted Favourite " anyway when we were checking for weapons on the boat are scanner picked up a bomb disguised as a bit of barnacle. When we tried to remove it we got electrocuted and when the machines tried they got shut down."
"And are leads?" asked Brain Storm.
"The bomb is an M3-k meaning it must be detonated within a thirty meter radius," answered Favourite," Now are second mission is that there is a rumour that paintings in the National Gallery of Equestria are missing. Me and Brain Storm will check out the bomb while the rest of you to investigate the gallery, but not you Zips you must take on the third mission which is...."
"Taking on a league of trained assassins," asked Zips excitedly
"Taking out the washing," continued Favourite."Now since all of you know your assignments we shall stop this meeting"
"Sir!" Everyone shouted
"Dismissed!"
The S.P.T.F (Special Pony Task Force): Apple Island
When Brain Storm and Favourite arrived the rest of the team were already there.
"How did your investigation go?" asked Fire Burst.
"No more clues then we already have" answered Brain Storm," And the robbery?"
"Just a bunch of history geeks trying to get their hands on expensive paintings to empress their mates," said Wormhole," Not that big a .....
Sugar Plum interrupted,"Say it!"
"No," said Whirlpool
"Say it!"
"fine," Whirlpool said annoyed, "#Sugar Plum Is Awesome!
"And Zips I trust you did a good job," said Favourite.
"Yes sir!"
"Okay then lets go to bed, I'm Exhausted."
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By the time the S.P.T.F got to the Ciderholic a queue had started. They were disguised as apple farmers and Brain Storm had printed fake tickets for the journey. Zips could just see an orange mare wearing a stetson checking a group of farmers tickets. Beside her were five other ponies and a dragon. The things you see today Zips thought.
When the team had got onto the cruise ship Favourite brought them into a corner were no one could hear.
"Okay so does everyone know who they are," asked Favourite.
The team shook their heads.
"Lets go over it again shall we?" Asked Favourite."I'm Mr Marble, Sugar Plum is Mrs Marble, Whirlpool and Brain Storm are my brothers Mr Blue and Mr Green and the rest of you are my children."
"I hate this." Said Wormhole unsatisfied.
Hours past until finally it was the evening ball. Before they starting the dancing they had had dinner which was apple sausages. Everyone that was not a parent or was pretending not to be could not go and have dinner, so the rest of the team that were not at the ball ordered room service and pretend to be teens when the waiter called.
Favourite unlike his colleagues was having a great time. He had just finished his third glass of cider and was now learning more about his suspects. How? Well by getting to know them of course. The ship sailed far away from the port of Manehattan and closer and closer to Apple Island.
"So who are you people?" Favourite asked a Farmer and his wife.
"I'm Mr Laddin and this is my lovely wife.
"And who are you?" asked Favourite to another apple farmer.
"I'm Apple Jack and yar on are here ship," answered the mare
"Oh yes I saw you earlier with your friends, where are they by the way?"
As The Ciderholic sailed closer to Apple Island the conversation went on and no one knew that the guilty party was in that room at that very moment eating a rotten apple.
#Sugar Plum Is Awesome!
The S.P.T.F (Special Pony Task Force): Apple Island
When day came Favourite thought he should ask a few of the apple farmers some questions. Starting with the Apple family and then the rest of the farmers on the Ciderholic. But when he had finally finished getting ready only four ponies were still at the breakfast table.
"Excuse me," Favourite asked,"My name is Favouri.... Mr Marble, em I was wondering what kind of apples you guys like because I am going to make everyone a special dinner. Do you like sweet, sour or rotten perhaps."
"Oh I like sour ones, do ye like sour apples Apple Bloom,"said the eldest one.
"Yep,"said the big red one.
"Er, Mr Marble sir I think I can say for all of use that we would like sour"Said the pony Favourite knew as Apple Jack.
"Okay thank you then," said Favourite sadly. He brightened up,"Say do any of you know anyone on this ship that likes rotten apples?"
"Just two, there in the ships arcade right now," answered Apple Jack.
"Okay I'll tell my fellow chefs," He took out his phone and rang Brain Storm.
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Night Terror was very satisfied. His plan had worked and now it was time for phase two, The minions. By now the S.P.T.F would have worked out the culprit.
The culprit was not actually Night Terror but just a farmer who wanted revenge.
"Send in the fighters!" He commanded.
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Brain Storm was already in the arcade gambling with a bunch of donkeys. There were two families of donkeys. The Roots family and the Rotten family. When he got the phone call he started asking them questions.
"So whats your favourite hobby?" He asked.
"Farming," both families agreed.
"Of course and do any of you own a bomb?" He handcuffed two of them." Neither of you are smart enough to know how to make a bomb. You don't even know how to make good apples! Who are you working for!
"no one," said one, "I don't even know what your talking about."
"Alright its me," Said the other one."The names Erny Roots or E.R for short. I was given the bomb by a stranger."
"Okay then I'm calling backup." He uncuffed them.
Erny ran for the exit but before Brain Storm could stop him two black ponies dressed in dark night sky colored ninja suits jumped out of nowhere. Brain Storm hit one in the ribs the took out his phone. He started calling while fighting. But the ninjas were too strong. Then Whirlpool appeared and kicked one in the face.
"Are there just two of them," yelled Brain Storm as he hit one in the guts.
"No. There everywhere," answered Whirlpool, "we have to protect the apple farmers."
And with that the battle had started between a group of seven special agents and blood thirsty highly trained ninjas.
The S.P.T.F (Special Pony Task Force): Apple Island
Favourite hit a ninja in the back leg then kicked his face.
"Brain Storm!" He shouted meeting another ninja in combat, "stop that donkey."
Brain Storm flew after Erny. But the donkey was very fast and could even have beaten Zips in a race. Meanwhile Sugar Plum was using a piece of rope as a weapon. She started catching ninjas with her lasso. But she could not catch all of them. The Pegasus ninjas could fly away and the Unicorns could just use their magic to escape the rope.
Zips on the other hand was not doing too well. He had managed to find a weapon at least, which was a chair. Zips hit another ninja with his piece of furniture. In the back round a few miles away from the ship he could see more invaders coming. Some were winged ninjas carrying bombs and some were Unicorns both most were Earth ponies. First came a wave of flying ninjas. They dropped bombs on the ship trying to gas the team. Not explode them, which was weird. Next came the Unicorns and Earth ponies trying to take control of the ship.
"Regroup!" Yelled Favourite. "Me, Brain Storm and Sugar Plum will take out the Pegasus ninjas. Whirlpool and Fire Burst can take the Unicorns and Wormhole and Zips the Earth ninjas. Now go!"
Zips followed Wormhole into battle.
"So whats the plan," he asked.
"We go in and take them out using are hoofs," Wormhole jumped at a pile of ninjas and started punching.
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"So hows does Sugar Plum take to air with us," asked Brain Storm. He looked over and saw Sugar Plum in the helicopter, "Oh." He said.
Sugar Plum leaped in and started the engine.
"Ready!" She called.
They all flew into the air and started attacking the bombers. Sugar Plum banged into ninjas whacking them away, while Favourite and Brain Storm hit them. Below Brain Storm could see Whirlpool and Fire Burst fighting the unicorns.
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Whirlpool sighed. He was fighting ten ninjas every two minutes and now he had to fight the leader. Fire Burst had already started attacking the leader who was a giant stallion holding a sword and whip. When Whirlpool had finally joined him Fire Burst had been knocked out.
"Fire Burst," Whirlpool screamed running to his side,"Oh you are going to pay for that!"
Whirlpool summoned all the water around him. Which was a lot since they were at sea. The ninja sneered.
"You think you can beat me?" He asked.
"Well yes," answered Brain Storm.
The water crashed down on the stallions head making him fly backwards and land headfirst into a wall.
"Ow," The ninja yelled.
"Who do you work for!" Whirlpool started hitting the stallion.
"Just because you hit me a bunch of times does not mean you won," He answered, "but i will tell you my name. It is Whiplash."
Whiplash lashed at Whirlpool with his sword then ht him with his whip and then repeated the process again. Whirlpool dodged most of the attacks but had got a few bruises from previous battles with other ninjas making it hard for him to move quickly. Whirlpool looked for a weapon of some sort. To his left he found a bomb that had not released its gas yet. He flung it at Whiplash.
"No!" Screamed Whiplash as it hit his face, "Fluffy onions."
He was knocked out. Whirlpool ran up to him and smacked his face.
"Oh Whiplash wake up!" He sang into Whiplash's ear, "now why don't you tell me who you work for?"
The S.P.T.F (Special Pony Task Force): Apple Island
When all the ninjas had been tied up Whiplash awoke.
"Ah. Our little ninja is awake" Said Fire Burst holding an ice pack to his head."Whirlpool?"
Whirlpool was chewing on an apple. He spat out the seeds before holding a stick of thick wood to Whiplash's neck.
"Now why don't you tell me who you're working for?" asked Whirlpool.
Than he took the stick away and broke it in two.
"I'm not scared of you." laughed the ninja.
Then Whiplash noticed Wormhole flexing his muscles.
"On second thoughts I'll tell you." said Whiplash nervously."I'll work for a stallion called Night Terror."
"Can you tell us his features?" asked Favourite.
"Yeah. He has a navy coat and a black mane. His Cutiemark Is a Cracked moon almost as if the planet has come to an end. He also has red eyes and silver plated armour like the one you see on a royal guard."
"And how much did he pay you?" asked Fire Burst.
"He payed us 300 bits each. You see Night Terror is rich, I think he might be the richest pony in Equestria."
"Okay," said Whirlpool,"we need to find out more about this guy."
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Night Terror loved his hidden cameras. They had come in really handy allowing him to see the fight going on. But when the S.P.T.F beat his ninjas Night Terror's newest smile in months disappeared. He grabbed the microphone and readied his new plan.
"Sharp Shot activate the robots."
The reason Night Terror was so rich is because has three money making jobs.
He makes robots that will do your deeds for you.
He builds houses and skyscraper.
He makes his own money with machines.
And the reason Night Terror had provided Erny Roots with a bomb was because he needed a distraction. While the S.P.T.F were away Night Terror could steal one of the most powerful weapons in Equestria from Canterlot. That weapon is called the Sea Waker. With it Night Terror could release the Sea Ponies.
The Sea Ponies were a race of sea dwellers that lived before Equestria existed. When Princess Celestia and Luna became the rulers the sea ponies turned evil. They attacked towns and monuments angry at the ponies. The princesses could not reason with the Sea Ponies and had to banish them to the depths of the ocean using powerful magic. As years passed rumour spread of the Sea Ponies and many tried to release them and conquer Equestria. But the spell that the princesses had cast was too strong.
In his darker days Star Swirl the bearded decided to unleash the Sea Ponies using a wand he had forged. This wand was called the Sea Waker. It had enough magic in it to destroy Equestria and move all the water out of the way so you could walk threw the sea. But when Celestia heard of the wand she threw it into the sea saying that only a pony that could breath for an hour could get it.
Night Terror swirled around in his chair. The S.P.T.F had fallen into his trap.
"Contact the donkey," he ordered
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"No time for that Whirlpool. We need to find Erny Roots before he blows this ship up," said Favourite.
"Okay, Whiplash can you take us to this guy," asked Brain Storm.
Whiplash nodded.
"Then its settled. Me, Brain Storm and Zips will go after this mastermind and the rest of you can find Erny Roots and try and stop the bomb from going off," said Favourite.
They moved out.
The S.P.T.F (Special Pony Task Force): Apple Island
Favourite and Brain Storm got into the helicopter and Zips followed.
"Common Whiplash," yelled Brain Storm.
As they flew threw the air Zips looked down at the Ciderholic. The team were finally fighting a real mastermind and he had been picked for the mission. He had barely passed his first exam test. And now Zips Julius Quickly was going against the biggest criminal in Equestria and he had been picked. This would require skill and speed. Zips had speed but no skill. But it was now too late to learn. They were heading to Night Terror's HQ. Whiplash had said that it was as big as two of the biggest skyscraper in Manehattan.
As they approached the building quietly until they found a place to land. Favourite scouted ahead while Brain Storm went last looking to see if Favourite missed anything. Whiplash was shuddering meaning something was up. Zips looked around.
Suddenly a metal twin headed dragon lunged down on Favourite injuring his wing. Then it unleashed its green fire on Brain Storm making him fall on his back. Only Whiplash and Zips were left now. The dragons blue eyes met Zips and it sliced at him with its talons. The robot meant business and Zips had only his hoofs. That and a cowering ninja. But Whiplash was already running back to the helicopter.
"I'll wait for you," he called slamming the door.
The dragons two heads decided to snap at Zips legs. But both heads failed. Zips ran to Brain Storm's side. He was injured but okay. Zips searched inside his suit and found an army knife. He sliced at the dragon but could not reach it. Zips would not be able to defeat this dragon. The only way they could get out of this was running. Zips ran to Favourite and Brain STorm and picked them up. He then ran to the exit with the dragon behind him.
"Ow, groaned Favourite as he tried to lift his wing.
Brain Storm took one look at the dragon and fainted. Zips as fast as he could. This was pretty fast since he had competed in the yearly cross country running competition. It was a run from Ponyville to Canterlot and back. He had come second which he was proud of. The winner was some rainbow maned Pegasus.
Zips looked around the exit seemed to lead into a hallway full of paintings. He ran into the hallway and noticed something, the paintings eyes moved. Suddenly a trapdoor opened in front of them and Zips just managed to jump over it.
"This is why we choose you," Favourite announced,"you were always the fastest. And also no one else was left."
The dragon approached quickly and took another chance of ripping them to shreds. Zips dodged most traps and talons but the fire always came so close that all the hair on his mane could feel the heat. Zips could not out run the dragon so he had to face it.
He placed Brain Storm and Favourite on the ground carefully.
"Okay snake breath lets dance," He jumped at the dragon's heads and loosened one with a kick but the other one threw him off. Suddenly Zips had a plan he jumped on the right ones head and waved at the other one. The left head screeched and shot a blast of fire at Zips. He dodged and the blast hit the other head making some of its bolts fall out. The right one looking very annoyed hit the other head and then they started fighting. Zips ran to a painting and waved. Suddenly a trap door opened under the dragon and Zips and they fell in. Well, Zips survived Favourite managed to hold on to him and haul him back up.
And then things went very bad the hole floor started disappearing. Starting with the entrance and moving along towards Zips and the others.
"Oh no," cried Zips.
"Quickly throw me a grappling hook," yelled Favorite.
Zips did as he asked and then hung onto his legs. Zips grabbed Brain Storm just in time for them to launch into the air. Below the ground disappeared. They were safe for now.
When they finally reached the end of the hallway Favourite found a door.
"This properly leads to the main control room. I bet are mastermind is in there," he said.
Brain Storm now awake opened the door.
"Ah the S.P.T.F. I was expecting you," answered a voice,"What only three. This wont be as fun as I thought."
The three agents gasped.
"Hes-hes and Alicorn," Brain Storm asked surprised.
"The rarest kind, answered the voice, "I was born an Alicorn."
Zips went in last following his seniors. They sat down in seats facing their enemy. He seemed different than Zips thought.
"Now Thunder Strike could you get these ponies a drink. Do you prefer white or red?" He asked.
"White" said Favourite surprised.
"Me too" answered Brain Storm.
"And I'll have...."
"Zips you cant have any. Your too young," said Favourite amusingly.
"Now lets chat," continued Night Terror.
And then there drinks arrived.
The S.P.T.F (Special Pony Task Force): Apple Island
Erny Roots was hiding in the kitchen. He had already eaten all the rotten apples i the bin and was now placing the seeds into the giant apple cake. To himself this was helpful, but to everyone else on the cruise ship the cake was now ruined. Apple Jack had found him and was now screaming in his face.
"Why are ya in ma kitchen and what are you doing with ma cake," she asked.
her five friends came in behind her.
"Apple Jack," said the dragon.
"I think Spike is trying to say (and i agree) Apple Jack go easy," said a purple Alicorn.
"Okay then," said Apple Jack letting Erny go.
Suddenly Whirlpool came in through the door.
"Stop right there everyone. Now hand over the Donkey," He yelled.
"Whirlpools right," agreed Fire Burst.
A bell rung in the distance.
"That means we arrived," gasped the dragon.
Erny made a break for it. He jumped over Whirlpool and ran for the door. But Wormhole was there before he could reach it.
"Okay then," said Sugar Plum," everyone can go and see the competition."
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When Thunder Strike came with the drinks Zips was worried. Night Terror's waiter was as big as a pirate ship's cannon and Zips had seen plenty of those. But the waiter did not even look at his guests as he entered the room.
Brain Storm sniffed his drink before taking a sip. Night Terror noticed and then signaled Thunder Strike to stand in the corner.
"Don't worry," said Night Terror casually,"Its not poisoned."
Favourite did not seem too sure and placed his glass on a marble table.
"So," asked Favourite,"whats your big plan then."
"I have seen enough movies to know how this works, very well my plan involves a certain wand called the Seawaker," answered Night Terror.
"I know about that wand, I read about it in the royal library a few years ago. But I thought it was just a legend."
"Oh its real. Just as real as Diablo, the lord of the underworld."
Over in the corner Thunder Strike stared at Zips menacingly. You could see by his attitude he was enjoying himself.
"Well I'm very sorry but now that I've told you this I must kill you. Nothing personal just business."
Thunder Strike stood up and then four more ponies entered the room. Two of them were waiters and the other two seemed too be fire men of some kind. Night Terror flew up into the air and laughed as he escaped unharmed. Favourite jumped at him and hung onto his legs.
"This ones mine," said Night Terror and he kicked Favourite in the face.
Brain Storm ran at Thunder Strike and landed a hoof on his leg. Zips meanwhile was against four trained killers and what seemed to be a cat that they had unleashed on him.
"Um, guys," yelled Favourite as he fought an Alicorn.
"Were busy," called Brain Storm before he got flung away by a waiter.
Zips tried to fight the warriors and their cat. But they were too strong and he was beaten and tied up in a few seconds. And with no one to help Brain Storm he was tied up as quickly as Zips was.
"Who's gonna help you now," said Night Terror amusingly.
But Favourite was already running.
"Go after him," he ordered Thunder Strike,"and someone tie these agents to the rocket."
"Rocket," asked Brain Storm scared."
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Sugar Plum and the others watched the competition happily not knowing of what the others had got themselves into.
The S.P.T.F (Special Pony Task Force): Apple Island
The symbol of the S.P.T.F was a gold V with wings on either end of it. The V was positioned in the middle of a platinum hexagon.
This symbol was placed on every suit and items the team owned, such as gadgets like the scanner Brain Storm was using.
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Brain Storm's scanner was disguised as a wrist watch. He scanned the ship and then looked at the readings on the screen placed on his watch.
"Its just like you said sir, there is defiantly a bomb on this ship. Now all we need to do is find out who placed it and why" declared Brain Storm.
"All I know is that they will be on the boat and they are a fan of apples," said Favourite.
"And how do you know that?"Asked Brain Storm
Favourite pulled out a chewed rotten apple
"This is how I know."
"Okay then, the apple farmers leave tomorrow so we should go on board while everyone is off the ship."
The Ciderholic was a view to behold. Two gold lines were painted on the sides of the ship and instead of white and silver like the other boats in the port the Ciderholic was a bright shade of green. The ship had forty life boats and one navy helicopter. Below decks there were hundreds of hammocks and seven tables for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In the kitchen you could already see all the food. there was food like apple pie, apple crumble, apple sandwiches, apple cake, apple sausages and drinks like cider and apple juice.
"This is going to take a while," stated Brain Storm.
"Yeah a really long time," said Favourite, "Common I'll check the bomb out while you look for clues".
"Okay I'll start in the kitchen, maybe there might be a clue in one of the apple crumbles" he rubbed his tummy.
"Right move out!" Shouted Favourite
The S.P.T.F (Special Pony Task Force): Apple Island
When Favourite saw the rocket he gasped. It was huge. And tied up to it were two agents, Brain Storm and Zips.
"Here little red spy," called a voice,"Thunder Strike wont hurt you."
Favourite hid on the ceiling and when Thunder Strike came in he hit him on the head. Then Favourite dressed himself in waiter clothes and then returned to the main control room.
"Ah, Thunder has returned. I trust there were no survivors."
Favourite tried to copy Thunder Strikes voice.
"Yes sir."
"Okay then, Thunder could you please show these fools how to tie a strong not."
Favourite walked over to the rocket and pretended to tighten the not. He slipped a knife into Brain Storms teeth and then turned to Night Terror.
"Sir I think I see a spot on your chin."
Favourite hit Night Terrors chin and then a fight started. Night Terror and his men lunged at Favourite but he dodged. Were Favourite had once been was now a mountain of four stallions and a demon like cat.
Zips and Brain Storm had now escaped and were coming in to help Favourite. Zips ducked and crawled towards Night Terrors leg.
Meanwhile the fight was going on. Night Terror was now using his horn to make weapons fly at Favourite. Finally one hit Favourite and he fell onto his back. Night Terror stood over him laughing. In the back round They could hear the rocket.
"Say goodbye to your friends," he laughed.
Just then Night Terror noticed the rope tied around his leg.
"Sayonara," Favourite called and he punched Night Terror in the face, hard!
The rope dragged Night Terror up into the air as he tried to loosen the not. And just like that Night Terror was gone. Of course Favourite was not heartless and the team would later find him and place him in a nice safe four cornered jail cell.
"Now," called Favourite,"we need to get back to a competition.
And they walked back to the helicopter looking like nothing had happened.