Paper Macintosh

In the sky, way above the clouds was Screw Ball’s destination. Princess Celestia’s Castle was on top of it. Discord’s giant fortress, which was five times bigger than her castle, was floating in the sky carrying it. The fortress had Discord’s face sculptured on it, how that was is probably because Discord used the Star Rod to wish for a fortress of his desire to take Celestia’s Castle up into the sky.

Screw Ball went in through the mouth, which was the docking bay for Discord’s followers. After going through the fortress and into Celestia’s Castle, she arrived in the room he was currently occupying.

“Um, Discord your chaoticness?” She said to the pacing beast. “I have some bad news. King Gustav has been beaten by Macintosh!”

“Tsk tsk. I knew he would fall. That griffon begged me to turn him into a king, and how does he repay me? By being defeated! What a shame.” Discord gave sighed, and began thinking about what his archenemy was going to do next. “At least Big Mac will be in for a surprise for what he has to do in order to even come CLOSE to me! And with this Star Rod, it would take a miracle for him to get within even a mile! Ha ha ha!....Right?”

“Let’s consider his next move. You’ve hidden each of the Sacred Starpony Spirit’s in different places, each being held by your most elite followers. The closest and most likely spot Big Mac will go to is the Dragon Bros. Fortress.”

Discord put his paw to hand to his chin. “Dragon Bros. Fortress? Hmmmm…If Big Mac reaches, will they be able to stop him?”

“You mustn’t worry Discord…” A voice from the shadows said. Discord and Screw Ball turned around in surprise, not expecting any visitors. From those shadows came a loud, “HI-YAA!”

“Here come the Dragon Bros.!” a red scaled dragon with wings and well-built body announced. He was accompanied by his brethren; a fat brown dragon with blue horns and a club-like tail, the third was purple with yellow like hair that went over his eyes, and the last was black and yellow with white horns. Each dragon wore a bandana with slits for their eyes, each being the color for the dragon that wore them, Red, Brown, Purple, and Black. “Uh-huh! Were the coolest of the cool!”

They all congratulated each other roughly on how awesome they thought they were. Discord’s thoughts on them had changed little, if not at all. “….Psst! Screw Ball! Are you sure these rebellious bunch of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle rip offs can get the job done?”

“Pssshaw! Get real, Lord Discord!” Red blurted out. “ We might not be as big as King Gustav, but he was a total wimp! We’re nothing like that! Cause we got the power of teamwork, and no stupid plumber can survive us! We’ll smash that Big Mac for you in eleven seconds flat!” They all gave each other high-fives and cheered.

Screw Ball giggled with delight. “Excellent! That’s the spirit Dragon Bros.! In fact….show Lord Discord that special attack combination you do so well!”

Red smiled. “Yes ma’am!” They all began doing something indescribable. It was too bright to see. It was too….too….

“OOoOooOh!! Shiny…!” was all Discord could mouth, his eyes filled with glittering stars. The Dragon Bros. ended their display of glory.

“Well? How’d you think Discord?”

“Yeah! That was sensational! I’m not easily impressed, either! With a move like that, you might just be able to beat Macintosh! Ooh, how delightful!”

“Thanks Discord!”

“But, my Dragon Bros….If you’re up here…and the Starpony you’re guarding is down there……who’s guarding it?”

The four dragons looked at each other, very confused. Only now did they realize what a mistake they made. Red tried to explain. “Well, we, uh-“

Discord lashed out, “Idiots!! Use your heads!! Get back down there and guard that Starpony Spirit!!”

With the sound of thunder, the Dragon Bros. ran out with lightning speed.

“Canterlot Town…we’ve finally arrived!” Spike let out as he sat on a bench near the entrance of the city to take a quick rest. Big Mac and Spike had finally made it to the place once home to Celestia’s Castle. No longer could it be seen from a vast distance away.

“I wonder Big Mac…” began Spike. “Discord is known for causing all sorts of chaos. Do you think the town might be in any…peril?”

“Well…” Big Mac looked at the place from what he could see. He was expecting some sort of trouble to be going on, but it didn’t appear so. No cotton candy clouds, floating pieces of land. Nothing. “It doesn’t appear to look like there’s anything odd going around. We ought to check.”

Big Mac went on in. Spike was a bit nervous, probably because he wasn’t sure if there would be a trap of any kind. Big Mac looked at him and waved to follow. Spike rushed to him as they both entered Canterlot Town.

Inside, everything looked pretty normal. There was a big change, however. That being that with the horrible incident that had occurred had caused more sad ponies and a less organized town. It was like chaos, but in a smaller, sadder form. A fellow guard who had been monitoring all who were coming into the town came up to Big Mac.

“Big Mac!? Is that really you!? Thank Celestia you’re alright!” The colt smiled and patted Big Mac on the back. “We thought you were…well, never mind about that. You’re back now, and with your help we’ll come even closer to taking down that tyrant Discord!!”

“You got it!” Big Mac replied with a smile. This made Big Mac’s heart warm, because he had given hope to his fellow guard. As a hero of Equestria, he has to be strong and give hope to others. He felt more like a hero, more ready for his trials.

The guard saluted and returned to his post. “Come on, Spike! Let’s let this town know we’re back on the job.”

“You said it! Coming!” Spike was looking at all the different things in the town. Even for a place that had suffered, it was very beautiful.

Big Mac and Spike went through town, making the faces of all who lived there happier to know he was alive. The city was slowly getting back into business, but it wasn’t going to be the same without Celestia. Spike said that they should stock on more food, so they went to the market.

“Do these look good?” Spike pointed at the red delicious, all being bright and shiny.

“Eeyup.” Big Mac got some money out for Spike to use. As Spike bagged a few of them and began giving the money to the friendly clerk, Big Mac noticed the green apples. He smiled and thought of Apple Jack’s eyes…

“……..” Big Mac slowly realized something he should have thought of a while ago.

“Here ya go little fella!” said the clerk. “Hey! Big Mac? Nice seeing ya around, eh! Thought you Apple’s were gone with Celestia, but you kids got a plan to get back at tyrant Discord, right?”

Big Mac ran out of the market with sudden determination. “Uh, Big Mac?” Spike curiously said as Big Mac ran out. He quickly followed him to where ever he was headed. That place would be a giant green pipe that Big Mac swirled down in.

On the other side, Big Mac jumped out into his home’s yard. His home looked no different than when he and Apple Jack left it. Big Mac ran up the porch and in the door.

“Apple Jack?!” he cried over and over. He looked in her room, nothing different. His room, the bathroom, every room.

He went outside to look around the house. There was nothing around the back, in the pipes, nothing. The worst part was that nothing about his home had changed.  Big Mac sat underneath his empty mailbox. He nudged it with his head in sadness and sloped to the ground.

“Apple Jack?...” Nothing. She wasn’t here. If she had ran away during the earthquake, she would have definitely come back home. With her not being here, it meant she was-

“Big Mac?” a voice said. Big Mac thought it was her, but it was only Spike. Spike was watching him wondering what was going on.

“Big Mac? Where…where IS Apple Jack?”

“She can’t be…she, she’s…” Big Mac began to look down, not wanting to show weakness to his new ally. Big Mac had a slight tear I his eye.

“….She’s………………………gone….”

A wind blew through the grass during the silence that followed. Big Mac just lied there on the ground for a little bit, not showing any sign of emotion, although a tear or two went down his face.

Spike looked around then sighed. “What are we gonna do?” he said as nicely as possible. Big Mac slowly got up, his red cap shadowing his eyes. He turned to his house and stared at it for a moment. On his door, it read “Apple’s”. His mission was far more personal now.

“…We need to get going before sundown.”

“Where?”

Big Mac turned around and headed for the pipe. “Shooting Star Summit.” He swirled down.

Spike laughed. “Right behind you!” He swirled down too.

“Big Mac? Why do you need to go through?” said one of the two guards guarding the gates to the area that Celestia’s Castle once threw parties upon.

“I need to go to Shooting Star Summit.” Big Mac answered.

“I see…Douglas? Open them!”

In no time the gates were open again. Inside was a truly eerie sight. A giant hole where Celestia’s Castle stood took up most of the area. Trees had fallen, the gardens were destroyed, and giant cracks littered the ground. The only objects that were still up were the fountain and surrounding walls.

Spike and Big Mac crossed the path to another gate while inspecting the colossal disaster. With the gate open to them, they looked beyond. The town ended here. Beyond was a small mountain perhaps a mile or two off in the distance.

“Well…we better get a move on if we want to get there by sundown.” Spike said, as the two began walking. It wasn’t the most exciting walk as it was just a straight path to Shooting Star Summit. That was until they crossed a bridge, that’s when things got funky.

It was suddenly night! Lots of shooting stars were crossing the new night sky, but it wasn’t supposed to be night yet. There was at least another three hours of sun left when they started from the edge of Canterlot Town.

“Well I’ll be!” Big Mac said walking in amazement. Spike was also enjoying the flashy night sky. “So THIS is why they call it Shooting Star Summit!”

“My thoughts exactly! But, what are these Starpony Spirits going to tell us Big Mac?”

“We’ll soon find out.”

Soon was right, for they had already made it to the base of the mountain. The mountain was made up of a more luminous rock than what you’d see on regular mountains. It was probably due to the nature of this area and how it was always night. So it was never too dark for the duo to see where they were going.

It was only a matter of time until they could see the top. Spike pointed at how close they were and Big Mac tossed him on his back so they could get there faster. One hoof, two hooves, then all hooves were planted on the flat top of Shooting Star Summit. The two were slightly tired from their trip, but that was thrown aside when they saw what was on the top; nothing.

“I thought they were supposed to meet you here…” Spike looked around and saw nothing but a flat mountain top.

“Hello?” Big Mac yelled.

“Welcome Macintosh, we’ve been waiting for you.” an old voice rang out. In the center, a transparent figure of Starswirl the Bearded appeared. He floated to one side of the top as six other spirits popped out. Fluttershy, Fancy Pants, Horse Power, Fleur, Dr. Hooves, and Cranky. All of them went to seven different sides, all of them looking at Big Mac.

“We’re the Seven Starpony Spirits. Our job is to grant the wishes of good ponies from Star Haven, our home above the clouds.” Starswirl felt his bearded and took in a breath. “What we’re about to tell you is very important. Please listen carefully.

“The other day, Discord and his followers invaded our peaceful Star Haven. They stole our prized treasure, the Star Rod, which we’ve cared for many ages.”

Fluttershy took a turn to speak. “The Star Rod…is powerful beyond belief. It can grant any wish. Discord’s been making wishes, like: ‘I’d like to rule Equistria’ or ‘I want Celestia to like me’, for instance. But we ignore them because there so atrocious…As a result his wishes are never granted…

Fancy Pant’s, the gentlecolt he is, began to talk. “Discord…that fiend…When he heard we were not granting his every wish he took the Star Rod for him self to grant his own wishes. At least he’s content with capturing Celestia and beating you, for now…Soon, I fear he will wish for more, causing terrible things to happen…”

“YEAH!” yelled Horse Power. “It’s our job to protect the Star Rod, keep it safe, and use it properly. We’ve got to get it back and return it to its rightful spot! We can’t do it without you Macintosh!”

“Sadly…” Fleur de Lis in her fancy accent began to say, “…right now you’re not capable of defeating Discord…He has made himself almighty with the Star Rod. It’s a terror to behold!”

Doctor Whooves in his british accent hopped into the conversation. “Once we Seven Starponies are freed and united, we can give you power to fight Discord, even with his new found strength! With our help you can prevail!”

Cranky’s dull voice came into motion. “…Big Mac..it’s…” They all began to fade a little. “…Pardon that. We’ve nearly used all of our remaining power to talk to you. Although you might think we’re right here, it’s only an illusion. We’re using all our strength to talk to you from far away, but even now, our strength is fading…We’re being held as prisoners by Discord in different parts of Equistria…Please, rescue us Big Mac!”

Starswirl, with what little power he had left, spoke one more time. “In order to defeat Discord… and save Celestia…We need your help….

“Please Macintosh….You are our last hope…We will……………..”

They all faded away with the last of their strength gone. Big Mac and Spike had just found out what they were truly in for. It was now up to them and who knows who else to help free these Starponies and save the world…

“This is a lot more serious than I thought!” Spike said with astonishment.

“Eeyup.” Big Mac replied, still staring off in the distance.

“It might be a while. I hope Apple Jack and Celestia will be alright…”

Still inside her castle, and locked in her room, Celestia was resting on her bed. She was lightly crying, thinking of what all had happened and not being able to do anything without her horn or wings.

“….Macintosh is probably hurt….All of my subjects are in prison….Equistria will be done for at this rate…something needs to be done…but, what can I do?” She got up and tried to think, but it did no good. She had been in her room for a while now, it was very lonely.

Celestia heard footsteps and the door opened. Discord and Screw Ball with smirks on their faces came in. Discord laughed.

“How are you today, my dear Princess Celestia?”

“You might want to stop worrying! Nopony’s ever going to save you, not even Big Mac! In fact, we’re so high up in the sky that nopony can reach us! Not even your Elite Aerial Guards!” Screw Ball laughed with delight.

“And if that were not all, I have the Star Rod! Nopony, no, no one, can stop me! Do you know how it feels to be untouchable AND know it Celestia? Well I do! Muha ha ha ha!”

“Not to mention that without it, none of your subjects wishes can be granted! All the more power to us! Tee hee hee hee! And they all deserve it for how they’ve treated us!!”

“Now, now Screw Ball, relax. But you know, Celestia, I do have the power to grant any wish. If you want one, just ask. Of course, I’ll only grant wishes I like!” He backed off after Celestia gave him an angry glare, but was still smiling as he and Screw Ball began to leave.

“You watch yourself, Celestia…We’ll be watching…” Screw Ball said, followed by a small menacing giggle.

“Enjoy your stay!”

SLAM!

Celestia quietly began wishing for someone to help her. Without the Starponies, wishes couldn’t be granted. But her wish was oddly granted as she heard a knocking from somewhere. Something was at her window. Curious, she went to open it and a small orange pegasi filly with a purple mane flew on in. She was buzzing around with only minor flying issues.

“Hi there, Princess Celestia! Pleased to meet you! I’m Scootaloo.” The filly had a slight glow to her, which indicated she was a REAL Starpony! Or at least, a small filly.

“You’re…you’re a starpony are you not? How did you find me?” Celestia said with a curious, but very happy voice. “Not even my best pegasi can reach me!”

The small starfilly landed to rest her wings. “Well, you wanted your wish granted. I just tracked where you were. It’s easy for a starfilly like me!”

“You came all the way here just to because I wished for somebody to help me?”

“Yep!”

“Thank you, Scootaloo! Can you help me with another wish? Can you take the Star Rod from Discord?”

The fillies face grew into a sad one. “Oh…I’m, sorry…I can’t do that, that’s a bit much for a novice like me. Maybe one of the Sacred Starpony Spirits could do a wish like that…try something smaller, okay?”

“Can you help me or anyone escape?”

“Gee…I’m sorry…I’m just a novice. I was just called the other day…the same day Discord attacked…I can’t even do big wishes yet…” Scootaloo sank down a little realizing maybe she can’t do anything.

“It’s alright. Don’t be sad, Scootaloo. I’m certain Big Mac…!” Celestia got an idea. She got a pendant from her dressers drawer with a star shape attached to it. Scootaloo flew up and grabbed it. “That! Can you find Big Mac and give it to him?”

The little filly smiled. “This is Lucky Star, right? Don’t worry princess! I’ll give it to him and be right back!” She began to fly out the window.

“Wait!” Celestia stopped her. “Also tell him that I’m alright and to not worry!”

“Got it!” Scootaloo tried to give a thumbs up, realized she didn’t have any and quickly put her hoof away, blushing.

“Thank you!” Celestia said as Scootaloo flew off into Equistria. With that, she had a little more hop in her heart. She only wishes that she could help a little more…

“OUCH!!!” yelled Scootaloo as she crashed into a stranger. She was between Canterlot Town and Shooting Star Summit, and she flew down to fast. She spotted the strangers hat and tried to pick it up for them.

“I’m SOOOOO sorry, mister- HEY!”

That stranger put their hat on and scratched their head.

“Gee kid, you sure know how to drop in…ow.”

“You’re Big Mac!” Her mouth and eyes became huge as she bounced all around. Spike just crossed the bridge, wanting to know what was going on.

“Big Mac- Hey! Who are you?”

“Oh, I’m so sorry! I’m Scootaloo! I’m a Starpony! I just got back from Celestia to give you this!” She got out the Star Pendent and put it around Big Mac’s neck. He was astounded by the gift. It was from Celestia! The princess was alright!

“YOU went all the way to Celestia’s Castle all the way up their?! How?!” Spike was baffled.

“I’m a Starpony! It’s what….what….uh-oh…”

“Huh?” Both Spike and Big Mac turned around to see that a pony with the same hat as that of Screw Ball’s, but of blue coat, blue mane, and goggles floating in the air. The colt had a wand in his hooves! He was one of Screw Ball’s Magi-Ponies.

“You thought no one would see you! HAH! Well I did!” the colt chuckled it a terrible voice. “I knew you’d lead me to Macintosh! I’ll defeat all of you and become famous! Screw Ball will give me praise! Then I’ll get a raise! Well…Here I COOOOoOooOOoOOooOME!!!”

Big Mac grabbed Scootaloo and they all ran. The magi-pony fired a shot out of the wand that missed his targets.

“Get back here!!” The wild colt flew at them with speed faster than Big Mac’s.

“Look out!!” Scootaloo yelled as she saw him charging in. Big Mac couldn’t react in time. The two fell to the ground as the magi-pony began to turn around for a second thwomping. Scootaloo tried to get Big Mac up, but he wasn’t able to react fast enough.

Just feet from impact, Spike rushed in with a mighty skull bash. “Take that!”

The colt wasn’t as tough as Spike’s head. As a result he flew backwards and crashed, but he was soon airborne. Anger rushed through the magi-pony.

“Stupid dragon! DANCE!!” He fired his wand several times. Spike ran around trying to avoid the attacks. Every time he thought he was safe in one direction he was fired upon there. It was a game of cat and mouse.

“Heheheheh! It’s over here! NO over there! Now here! Oh, now back over-“ A shadow climbed over the magi-pony. Stopping all action, he looked up.

“Eeyup!” Big Mac pounded the evil-doer with his hooves to the ground after using a mighty leap. The colt crashed and was twitching on the ground, eyes in a daze.

“Whew!” Spike said in relief. “Thanks Mac!”

Big Mac got out the Hammer and swung the magi-pony far into the sky. He shrieked some cliché line, and then disappeared in a small star-like twinkle.

“I’m so sorry that happened Big Mac. I should’ve been more careful, but at least you got that!” Scootaloo pointed at his Lucky Star pendent. “That might look like some ordinary necklace, but I’ve heard that Lucky Stars have some kind of mystical energy. I bet you’re stronger already!”

Big Mac didn’t say it, but he did feel a bit stronger. Maybe that was the Lucky Star or that he now knew Celestia was safe. “Thank you, Scootaloo!”

“I’m sorry I can’t stay to chat, but- OH! I just remembered! Before I leaven Celestia did have a message. She said she was fine and to not worry about her. But you know…I got the feeling she’s very lonely.”

“Well, thanks for letting us know that the princess is safe.” Spike thanked Scootaloo as she rose to the sky.

“I have to go back! Celestia might need me! Good luck!!” Scootaloo waved and left for the clouds above. Big Mac and Spike waved, then took a moment to look at the sun that was setting.

“She’s brave!” Spike exclaimed. “I couldn’t imagine doing that. I hope the princess stays safe.”

“Eeyup…Spike, we better head back to my home. It’s getting mighty late. Tomorrow we’ll try to see where to go next.”

“We don’t have a clue where any of the Starpony Spirits are at. How are we going to find them?”

Big Mac looked at his Lucky Star and the two headed off for Canterlot Town.

“With luck, I guess!”